The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- V is for: VERY Bad Ending to an Otherwise Very Good Day (7/12)

[Steppesister]

I'm glad to see your pictures of Tiana. My sister and I breezed through this line, and I think I missed a lot of it.

The queue is the best part, IMHO. Lots of fun theming and fun props to look at. :

It would be great if the main gate got a head start. There are too many resorts that have access to the IG.

Have you tried doing the single rider line for Remy? The four of us did it in March and we were on the ride in five minutes. They placed us two and two, so we were somewhat together.

I agree! Just like 2 minutes, then again, I do wonder if they KNOW that the IG folks are going to get there a scooch sooner and this is an intentional crowd control method.

This is very tricky. You must have carefully choreographed this one.

I was constantly checking the app and the book and was willing to back-track some to get 'er done.

I'm surprised that she was out this early. Her cave warning is cute.

I was too! Such a fun find as I'm not OPPOSED to grabbing a quick photo if there's no wait.

This story is really cute. It is one of our favorites.

I love how she was so animated! She really got into her character.

Father Christmas is very short and not as interesting as some of the other stories.

Yeah... sorta meh.

 

[Steppesister]

RD for the win.

Always.

Ah yes... only on vacation will you jump out of bed at 6:30am.
At home... it's more of a groan and a stagger.

This is so true. T-F for me.... ugh. 5:30... just yuck!

Ew... just... why? There's a plethora of food at your disposal. Yes I know you were doing this on the cheap, but... I mean... if you can afford Disney at all, surely you can spend $5 on something edible?

What universe if your Disney in? There is NOTHING for sale for $5 for breakfast. Cheapest I can find is a ham and cheese croissant at Starby's and that'll set you back almost $8. Gonna re-think my choices if I do frozen though. I think some good quality brekkie burritos might do the trick.

Interesting. I've never heard of a V8 Energy drink. Huh!

I love them! They're on the grocery list for this coming week at work now that I"ve been reminded about them.

Knowing that... I'll keep it in mind next time I'm wanting to RD it. I'll go through the IG.

That's super tough though if you're not staying at an EPCOT resort. Or expensive. IF you're coming from any OTHER resort you're going to have to Uber to the Yacht or Beach (if they let you in at all) and hike to the IG. Buses not an option as they don't start early enough for you to get to DHS for a skyliner ride. It's truly a perk for staying on the Lake or at CBR, POP, or AoA .

I've never seen that! Huh!

I think(!!) it's in the queue? I took the photo because I was hoping to find a HM. I have found one or two in random shots after I've gotten home in post-editing.

I've eaten there, and it's a wonderful experience to go along with a wonderful meal.

I love it very much. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

I had to look ridiculously long before I saw what you were talking about.

It's there. Also in the guide book.

Mine is night... after the sun goes down and the lights come up.

I do love the lights, esp at DHS, but loads of people then so hard to selfishly enjoy the atmosphere without a crowd in view.

Did you rub all of them?
Ya never know, ya know.

Well, crap, I missed my chance at retirement.

Huh. I wonder because it's too similar to what you're familiar with?

Perhaps? Maybe it was just a bit of a sedate, not-very-animated show too.

Hmmm... I don't remember the ropes... are they new?

I think put up for the Festival? they were new to me too.

(And yes, I do see them on the table behind the storyteller, but didn't recognize them as dolls at first.)

Almost terrifying in a way!

I can see that. Impressive.

Go-go-go! I'z got skilz!

Hmm... I won't get into the politics, of course... but do wonder if if it played a part in that.

Perhaps, but was glad they were represented anyways.

You're familiar with that? First I've heard of it. Interesting too.
But... if you're a kid... having to wait until January...
Unless they celebrate with gifts at Christmas too... then double gifts! Woot!

I am, and gifts on Christmas? I'm not sure on that one.

Hmmm... I wonder why not?
Could have a really good show with St. Nicholas and Ruprecht.

For sure! Not honestly sure why they don't have one there.

I dunno... think you're reaching on this one...

Nope, it's in the Official HM guide.

What did the guests do?

They clapped for most of it, but then for one dance they asked for volunteers and maybe 10 folks came up to the dancing area and did whatever dance it was. Mexican Hat Dance maybe?

Here, I wonder if it's because our traditions are pretty much identical to yours.

Maybe. Noticed that America, Canada, and Germany all only had music for the holiday stuff.

Does not look all that appetizing. Bit surprised you picked that. Was it a ginger cookie? If it was, I could understand why you'd try it.

It was coffee flavoured cookie with mocha frosting. Both had VERY little flavour at all. Kinda dry and the frosting was too whipped for my taste.

 

[Steppesister]

It does... but she always gets caught in those Florida showers and needs it re-dried every day.

LOL!!! Good theory!

I'm glad you did. I've not seen very much (if any) of it.

I hope the photos give you a good idea of what it looks like.

Really? That's what they went with?

Yeah, I thought it was kinda lame. Music is okay with a catchy tune, but it's gonna be a loooooong time before it's "iconic".

Wait... what?????

It's super bizarre.

One of the best things to do at MK.

I imagine they'll get rid of it and replace with a techno-funk DJ or something.

Sigh...

So... Is this what you meant when you said glass blower? I know they do occasionally do glass blowing there, but this ain't it.

I used the wrong word for sure. And tbh, it's been a long time since I have seen an actual blower there.

Now that is really unfortunate. I mean... Mark Twain! Does no one remember him, now??

I'd think that most anyone under 50? would not remember him or his works at all now. Very, very sad. Such an amazing author.

And Disney deliberately bought tons of land so they could expand...

I know! Sheesh... NEW PARK!

Well, that doesn't sound exactly like glowing praise.

Just wasn't my cup of tea at all.

Finally.
You've had a depressing bit, there.

A bit, yes, but the Dappers have never failed to make me smile and tap my foot a bit.

Nice!
I've grown to really enjoy Tony's.

Me too! (See below)

Looks pretty good. Is that tortellini?

It was, and pretty decent too. I'll never in my life forget the seafood pasta I had a few years back. I always hope they bring it back but so far no. Seems I go back and forth between Tony's and Skippers now- prices are about the same. I wish I'd waited and asked for the patio on this trip, but was antsy to get home as I was pretty beat, but Tony's is a solid after so many years of crap reviews.

I'm surprised that it wasn't lights out!

Was a close one!

 

[Steppesister]

Whattttt???

Oh, thank goodness! I didn't know if we could still be friends!

Buahahahaha!

I'm old enough to remember all that! Plus the famous line in the Grease song, "would you pull that crap with Annette?"

Oh wow! I'd forgotten that!

 

[Steppesister]

The gingerbread display at the Contemporary has expanded over the years. But it doesn't come close, imo, to the BC carousel or YC train. The GF display is unparalleled. Nothing comes close to that one.

I'll get to those before this TR is over... you are right.... extravagant is an understatement!

That would be embarrassing. But they are used to that kind of accident.

Oh for sure they are. My embarrassing moment was short-lived as I happily drowned in my sushi.

I remember when it was called Top of the World, and a man had to wear a suit and tie to dine there. It was more like a nightclub with entertainment than just a restaurant.

I wish Disney had more adults only, dress up, quiet places to dine. Even if they did special events like a pop-up TipTop Club at ToT for a 30's event with dancing, or an enforced dress code (which seems to encourage quiet, upscale atmospheres) areas would be nice.

 

[Steppesister]

I love the monorail resort tour at Christmas. I think I might try for the CG bar walk up with Andi! I really want to see and hear HEA without being in MK.
I will try to get a 148.00 cocktail to save a buck!

Yes, you should! It's a bit of a dice roll, but you never know, and IMHO, it beats the Wave or Steakhouse. Both of those are just too dark for my taste.

They did tell me I was eligible to come back later for the fireworks if I wanted but I was too tired. I don't think many people actually do return.

Oh, that $1 could go a LONG way.

 

[Steppesister]

When I saw you say you ordered the 149 cocktail - I was like wait a minute isn’t this Steppe’s report ?!?! Good one

I have done some pretty silly, impulsive things, but ouch!!

 

[Steppesister]

Love, love, love your eye for capturing the best details!! (and Hidden Mickeys!!!!) These are a few of my favorites.

There were so, so many fun details on the houses this year. Even though it's smaller, the gold filigree on the Contemporary's tree was so perfectly delicate and fine. It must've taken weeks to do all that piping!

Also, you definitely got me on the $149 cocktail! My mouth dropped at first then I was like, 'wait a minute...' and scrolled down to just kidding. That was a good one!

That's alike dinner for 2!!!!

HAHA!! Gotcha!

I enjoyed your monorail tree crawl. I love seeing all the resort decorations and how beautifully they fit the theme of each resort. And what an awesomely lucky moment to be able to get a seat at the California Grill!!!

Another "crawl" coming up on another day, but this one was super fun. I do love how each resort incorporates the color theming and gives another layer to the vibe. It must be so fun to be a designer for these displays. I missed my calling!

I was so stoked when they said yes!! It's a tough one to get into and I love the bar seating because at the tables I always feel obligated to order a full meal which if super beaucoup bucks!

 

[Steppesister]

So I quickly rushed off to see trees!

It was a slow kind of rush.

I'd think that would probably apply at all the resorts!

Some are far more showy than others at Christmas. ASMu was kinda meh.

Really! Had no idea.

Yep, there were other smaller trees, like the size you'd have in your own house, in the lobby but other than that, nope, the biggie is outside.

Hmmm... I'd have thought the GF one would be the fave.

Hmmm, there are others coming up, that you might find even more amazing...

Looks like a painting!

It does. It's oddly mostly 2-dimensional which makes it kinda weird, but on this one the artistry, at least for me, was in the gold filigree piping. It must've taken WEEKS to do that alone.

I'm shocked! I'm shocked!

I KNEW it'd be shocking!

What?!?!? Impossible. Are you sure you didn't black out for an hour or so?

Well, I mean, those couches are rather comfy!

I don't get it either.
It's like they're saying "I want to be with you... I just don't want to be with you."

Exactly, but maybe they'd had a tiff? Who knows.

You can't fool me! I knew there was no way.

Beautiful. And from a wonderful vantage point.

The view is almost always really lovely, but most especially at sunset. My timing, although completely un-planned was perfect.

Oh dear. Nothing like having the entire world stop and stare at you.

It was uncomfortable.

I don't think they probably much cared, TBH. It happens. I broke my favourite travel mug just the other day.

Well, poop! That sucks! I broke my Art of Animation mug a couple of months ago, and it was my every-day go-to coffee mug.

That's cool! I've never seen anything like that. And am positive that it's real wasabi and not the paste you normally get with sushi.

I adore little details like that. Totally elevates the whole experience and sets it apart from other sushi which can be just as good, but... presentation matters.

Shame on you for being happy at her breaking all those glasses.

Nah, not happy, but glad to know I wasn't the only mess maker there that night. LOL!

I'm not. I think I would've been a bit surprised if they did have one.

Why? Ginger is a tropical spice! But... here's an idea...

Why not do a big "gingerbread" SAND CASTLE? More in theme and kinda a cool idea if I do say so myself.

I'm hoping that they'll bring that net over to RnRC when they make the change. That'd be nice.

I honestly have zero idea what to expect with the re-theming there. I hope it's as zany and silly as the show.

But more importantly, I hope they upgrade or change the track. My neck has a really time with that one now.

Just stunning.

Very opulent to be sure!

 

[pkondz]

This is so true. T-F for me.... ugh. 5:30... just yuck!

Try shift work. It’s a killer. Literally.

What universe if your Disney in? There is NOTHING for sale for $5 for breakfast. Cheapest I can find is a ham and cheese croissant at Starby's and that'll set you back almost $8.

Okay… $8. But I stand by what I said.

That's super tough though if you're not staying at an EPCOT resort. Or expensive. IF you're coming from any OTHER resort you're going to have to Uber to the Yacht or Beach (if they let you in at all) and hike to the IG. Buses not an option as they don't start early enough for you to get to DHS for a skyliner ride. It's truly a perk for staying on the Lake or at CBR, POP, or AoA .

Hmmm… see your point.

I do love the lights, esp at DHS, but loads of people then so hard to selfishly enjoy the atmosphere without a crowd in view.

Unless you stay late enough for the crowds to thin out.

Well, crap, I missed my chance at retirement.

Go-go-go! I'z got skilz!

Perhaps, but was glad they were represented anyways.

Nope, it's in the Official HM guide.

Can’t argue with that.

Maybe. Noticed that America, Canada, and Germany all only had music for the holiday stuff.

Shame.

I hope the photos give you a good idea of what it looks like.

I used the wrong word for sure. And tbh, it's been a long time since I have seen an actual blower there.

I saw one on one of my last visits.

I'd think that most anyone under 50? would not remember him or his works at all now. Very, very sad. Such an amazing author.

Tragic.

A bit, yes, but the Dappers have never failed to make me smile and tap my foot a bit.

It was a slow kind of rush.

More of a sashay?

Some are far more showy than others at Christmas. ASMu was kinda meh.

Not surprised. Value.

Hmmm, there are others coming up, that you might find even more amazing...

Well, I mean, those couches are rather comfy!

Called it!!!

It was uncomfortable.

Poor li’l Stepp

Nah, not happy, but glad to know I wasn't the only mess maker there that night. LOL!

Why? Ginger is a tropical spice!

Good point!

Why not do a big "gingerbread" SAND CASTLE? More in theme and kinda a cool idea if I do say so myself.

I like it.

I honestly have zero idea what to expect with the re-theming there. I hope it's as zany and silly as the show.

Had the same thought/hope.

 

[Steppesister]

Renamed, at the suggestion of a Reader

U is for: Unfortunately ‘T’ was Taken!
Dec 20, 2024​

Keeping with my so far successful RD strategy, I was up at 6:30 and on the first bus at 7:00 sharp. Only a bus or two had beat me there, but here’s a tip… once you’ve cleared Security and get to the tapstiles, linger and lurk for a far right one that’s closed. As the lines fill, they often open another one to the side and you can slide in and be right up at the front. This worked for me both at AK and DHS this trip. This got me a first in tap again and I enjoyed a completely empty Hollywood Blvd. shot as I trotted over to RotR.

​

Sadly, I did not warm up for this jog-walk that is probably meant for Gen Z, not an OLD Gen X’er. Half way up Sunset, I pulled my hip muscle, and it ended up literally hurting for the rest of the day. But I am not a quitter and still hobbled to the ride and was not too far behind the pack. Getting old is not for the weak.

Love this ride! So much story, love they added cos-play characters, love the queue….

("Hey, Girl, let's meet up in a few minutes!"... "Okay!")



(I hate to say this, but one of you...)



(Betcha can't hit me)




(BEST type-casting I've seen in a LONG time!)




​

From there I took some time to just casually explore Galaxy’s Edge. It was super empty, and I was able to really appreciate the insane detailing here. Have you every noticed the “art” sprinkled around the market area? Super clever stuff!

​

Instead of eating a disgusting breakfast bowl at the Food Court today, I opted to bring my breakfast in and find a quiet place to enjoy it. The Docking Bay has a wonderful outdoor patio which was completely empty. Just as I entered, Rey came up the stairs and shot me a cute smile and waved as she passed by. My yogurt and granola with blueberries was a perfect meal and the view was lovely!

Looks like I ended up on MFSR. I got the stupid Engineer and wondered why I bothered to waste my time. UGH!


​

I spied the Galaxy’s Edge Easter Eggs- a hat tip to the Star Wars franchise- and then headed over to Toy Story Land to see if Slinky was running.

​

True to my luck with RD attempts for this, it was not and wouldn’t be until after 12:00 that day. Instead, I entered the 20-minute queue for Toy Story Mania and continued my lame performance record; I’ve got the Beaver level absolutely mastered.

​

\\

 

[Steppesister]

The wait for ToT would only get longer and, because it’s probably in my top 3 favorite attractions at WDW, I headed there next. The wait said 13 minutes but probably took closer to 20. It is totally worth it. Every time I ride it, I find new movie props and other cool and spooky stuff. That day’s cool-beans find was Talking Tina!! A bit of background: Every Thanksgiving growing up they aired a TZ marathon which I spent hours watching. I absolutely adore this series and will still watch an episode about once a week. Loads of A-listers you probably grew up with too got their starts on TZ and I love the creepy plotlines and twists. Talking Tina was about as terrifying as it gets.

Here are a few fun captures:

​

I also spied the trumpet from “A Passage for Trumpet” (Season 1; Episode 32) and the fortune telling machine from “Nick of Time” with William Shatner (Season 2; Episode 42), The glasses from “Time Enough at Last” and the camera from “A Most Unusual Camera” (Season 2, Episode 10).

​

They really went all out too for Halloween! Did you know that the story has the hotel going tweaky on Oct 31, 1939? In one of the exit rooms there are some trinkets “for sale” to the guests who were planning to come to the Halloween Gala and a poster advertisement for the party as well. Just so many cool details!

(Look VERY closely at this one!)

​

I always stop and pay tribute to the Victory Garden and remember my grandparents who fought in the War and give a moment of silent thanks to Veterans and the folks at home who sacrificed so much for love of country!

​

I’d read a little fan blog about the Sunset Ranch Market area and it brings back some foggy and vague memories of going to the LA Farmers Market as a kid which this takes its source of inspiration from. But I also learned something new: Let’s see if I can find it…

​

Found it!! Okay, here’s a super deep dive into the backstory of this area and a really old piece of park history that’s being swallowed up in real time.

https://www.parkeology.com/2013/11/ruins-of-the-sunset-ranch-market.html#:~:text=Behind the vegetation was a,happened to the Rainforest Cafe).

While I was there, I snapped a few photos of the orange/fruit crate labels. I grew up in Riverside County, CA where, in the 60’s and 70’s, there were still vast acres of fruit groves, especially oranges. One of my favorite “scents of childhood” was the orange blossoms on the soft Spring mornings. My folks had a few of these crate labels framed and hung in the house and they are actually collectors items now and often worth a ton of money.

​

Always on the hunt for cool hidden gems in the parks, I popped into a few of the stores on Sunset and found the most expensive shelf display in the park, probably. I found a vintage 1930’s Mickey plush. I found one on Ebay for $950 if you want one.

​

Nevr noticed the Nevrnox Oil Co. before!

​

LOVE this billboard advert for the Hotel! I tried to Google lens the car but all AI could do was "An art deco style car from the 30's, most likely concept art".

​

Just killing time and enjoying my favorite music loop in all the parks, I found myself over in the Indy Show area. I walked back into the show exit area and wondered about the props there. I noticed that the artillery and ammo and other crates are all in German in keeping with storyline here. Is it authentic? Enquiring minds need to know! A quick search pulls up these results, so…. I guess a lot of this stuff is indeed either reproduced or actual items from the late 30’s.

​

I’d never ever set foot in the Backlot Express as the food/menu just doesn’t appeal to me, but wow was I surprised at the plethora of old Hollywood Studios memorabilia and old props. Tucked into the back corner is a little room set up as a Studios Manager’s office which has TONS of cool stuff in it. Check it out! Even a list of the movie posters that were posted around the park, and which areas, in 2006- back when the park was called MGM. If you have time, seriously, go take a look. It’s a bona fide time capsule of the old park we all loved and miss. There are color palettes for design, old blueprints, timecards, business cards….

​

I was pretty hungry by 11:45 and had to finally try something I’ve been wanting to for AGES- the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from Woody’s Lunchbox. On my walk there from Echo Lake, I plugged in my mobile order and only waited a few minutes for food. I loitered for a table and a nice family waved at me to come on over as they were just finishing up. Score! Tables are super hard to get there! (I’m hoping the new BBQ place eases the clog up at Woody’s!) I had ordered a couple of tuna salad tins with my GG order and I’d brought one along to add to my little lunch. Opinion? It was a fantastic meal. I really enjoyed my kids lunch of the half sammie and cup of soup. I tossed most of the tots but did eat the Cutie and drank the water. And yes, the grilled cheese with some added tuna was great!

​

I had just about finished my lunch when I saw some activity over at Slinky so packed up and got in the very short “unofficial” line. Loads of people walked up and were asking when it’d open and the CMs told them as nauseum that it wasn’t open and they had no idea when it’d be open. But I did see some lowkey signs that it might be soon. The play stuff/games were slowly being put away, some CM’s were chattering a bit more on the walkies and they started running the trains unloaded. I was willing to give it 20 or so and because I wasn’t too far back in the line, I knew that if it did open, I’d not wait long. Sure enough, after about 10 minutes or so, it did open and by 12:30 I was riding through Andy’s backyard.

​

And with that, I was needing a change of pace and scenery. By 1:10 I was tapping into Animal Kingdom to spend some time with the critters and beasts.

**********************************​

OH and E is for ELF!!

​

 

[Wood Nymph]

(BEST type-casting I've seen in a LONG time!)

I'm glad to see that they are bringing back some of the character interactions. When the ride first opened they had the cast members who played the Empire characters act very strict and stern. I think they were actually too scary for some children and had to tone it down. Now they are starting to bring some of that back again.

The wait for ToT would only get longer and, because it’s probably in my top 3 favorite attractions at WDW, I headed there next.

It's a great ride.

Every Thanksgiving growing up they aired a TZ marathon which I spent hours watching.

I still remember some of the Twilight Zone stories. I was afraid to look under my bed for a long time, just in case I fell into another dimension.

One of my favorite “scents of childhood” was the orange blossoms on the soft Spring mornings. My folks had a few of these crate labels framed and hung in the house and they are actually collectors items now and often worth a ton of money.

My husband and his family in lived California for one year when he was 7 years old. He still talks about living next to an artichoke field. But your orange blossoms sound a lot nicer.

One of my favorite jigsaw puzzles is of different fruit labels.

I’d never ever set foot in the Backlot Express as the food/menu just doesn’t appeal to me, but wow was I surprised at the plethora of old Hollywood Studios memorabilia and old props.

They have a nice Southwest salad that we like - and tons of movie props and memorabilia.

 

[Steppesister]

I didn’t have room for the translations of the German crates and props at the exit so I’ll put them in here. I just thought it was an interesting little find…

 

[Steppesister]

I'm glad to see that they are bringing back some of the character interactions. When the ride first opened they had the cast members who played the Empire characters act very strict and stern. I think they were actually too scary for some children and had to tone it down. Now they are starting to bring some of that back again.

Yes, I remember when it first opened there was a lot more banter and cos-play. I can see the scariness of it for kids, but sure made it fun for adults and kids who've been "prepped".

I still remember some of the Twilight Zone stories. I was afraid to look under my bed for a long time, just in case I fell into another dimension.

Some are more terrifying than others, but all so good!

My husband and his family in lived California for one year when he was 7 years old. He still talks about living next to an artichoke field. But your orange blossoms sound a lot nicer.

We had a wonderful apricot orchard behind us in one of the houses I grew up in. So great to go and get a handful now and then. Olives, pomegranates.... so much wonderful fruit and now almost all gone. Artichokes are famous I think in Castroville where they have an Artichoke Festival every year. Central Valley area...

One of my favorite jigsaw puzzles is of different fruit labels.

Colorful one, I'd bet!

They have a nice Southwest salad that we like - and tons of movie props and memorabilia.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. The last really good salad I had in DHS was at the Docking Bay

Roasted Endorian Chicken Salad,- Marinated chicken, mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, green curry ranch $14.79

 

[pkondz]

T is for: Terrific Time in Tinseltown

Ummm... I thought T was for Tipping the Dishes and Trees, Trees, Trees!!!

You could rename the chapter U is for: Unfortunately T was Taken!

I was up at 6:30 and on the first bus at 7:00 sharp.

Quick!

here’s a tip… once you’ve cleared Security and get to the tapstiles, linger and lurk for a far right one that’s closed. As the lines fill, they often open another one to the side and you can slide in and be right up at the front.

There's no one there!
(I suspect there's plenty of people just to your left and way more right behind you. )

Half way up Sunset, I pulled my hip muscle, and it ended up literally hurting for the rest of the day.

Oh, no!

("Hey, Girl, let's meet up in a few minutes!"... "Okay!")

(Betcha can't hit me)

They can't.
But... it does make me wonder........ hmmmmm....

They're lack of marksmanship is legendary. Never able to hit... anything? I mean... how do you take so many shots and never hit anything??

Doesn't that seem odd? I mean... what are the chances of you taking a rifle (in lieu of a laser blaster), shooting thousands of shots at a target and never hitting it?
It implies a deliberate attempt to avoid hitting the target, does it not?

So... whose side are Stormtroopers really on?

(BEST type-casting I've seen in a LONG time!)

I love that they do that.

Run, Liesa! Runnnnn!!!!

Have you every noticed the “art” sprinkled around the market area? Super clever stuff!

(Although I don't recall that particular one.)

Great shot.

Looks like I ended up on MFSR. I got the stupid Engineer and wondered why I bothered to waste my time. UGH!

I won't ride that again unless I can be pilot. And yes... I'll ask. And be happy to wait.

So that's where that is.

I’ve got the Beaver level absolutely mastered.

The wait said 13 minutes but probably took closer to 20.

Huh. Usually when it says 13, it means it's pretty much a walk-on. Still... 20 minutes is short for that ride.

That day’s cool-beans find was Talking Tina!!

Cool!

Every Thanksgiving growing up they aired a TZ marathon which I spent hours watching.

Now isn't that interesting. I remember watching it at my aunt & uncle's place. I don't remember the occasion, but I do remember it was an occasion of some sort. Huh!

I also spied the trumpet from “A Passage for Trumpet” (Season 1; Episode 32)

Don't know that one. (Yes. I Googled.)

fortune telling machine from “Nick of Time”

The glasses from “Time Enough at Last”

Best TZ episode ever?

the camera from “A Most Unusual Camera” (Season 2, Episode 10).

Have seen that one, I think, but it's been forever. Had to Google.

Did you know that the story has the hotel going tweaky on Oct 31, 1939?

In one of the exit rooms there are some trinkets “for sale” to the guests who were planning to come to the Halloween Gala and a poster advertisement for the party as well.

Huh!

(Look VERY closely at this one!)

Not sure what you want us to see? I note the Talking Tina, glasses (found in the library. Nice touch, there), and camera.

Nice find! (I read the link you posted.)

One of my favorite “scents of childhood” was the orange blossoms on the soft Spring mornings.

You must've loved Soarin' before they changed it.

My folks had a few of these crate labels framed and hung in the house and they are actually collectors items now and often worth a ton of money.

Does your mom still have them?

I found a vintage 1930’s Mickey plush. I found one on Ebay for $950 if you want one.

Nevr noticed the Nevrnox Oil Co. before!

My Aunt Ethel has a sign like that.

I tried to Google lens the car but all AI could do was "An art deco style car from the 30's, most likely concept art".

Makes sense.

I noticed that the artillery and ammo and other crates are all in German in keeping with storyline here.

Huh! Never noticed.

I’d never ever set foot in the Backlot Express as the food/menu just doesn’t appeal to me, but wow was I surprised at the plethora of old Hollywood Studios memorabilia and old props.

I've never set foot back there either. Looking like I'm going to have to.

Tucked into the back corner is a little room set up as a Studios Manager’s office which has TONS of cool stuff in it. Check it out!

That's so cool.

the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from Woody’s Lunchbox.

One of the best meals in the park.

I loitered for a table and a nice family waved at me to come on over as they were just finishing up. Score!

Tables are super hard to get there!

I had ordered a couple of tuna salad tins

I didn't know you could get tuna, there. Huh!

I was willing to give it 20 or so and because I wasn’t too far back in the line, I knew that if it did open, I’d not wait long. Sure enough, after about 10 minutes or so, it did open and by 12:30 I was riding through Andy’s backyard.

Good timing!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I never noticed this before!! So cool!

I really appreciate all of your attention to detail. Loved all the nooks and crannies and things you captured at ToT. The themeing there is really some of my favorite! I especially like the billboard ad for the hotel. I remember our tour guide pointing it out on the VIP tour of our Epic trip! Such a cool addition.

 

[Steppesister]

Ummm... I thought T was for Tipping the Dishes and Trees, Trees, Trees!!!

You could rename the chapter U is for: Unfortunately T was Taken!

Okay, fine I will did.

There's no one there!
(I suspect there's plenty of people just to your left and way more right behind you. )

Nope. I was ahead of the pack, until.... I wasn't.

Stupid thigh muscle.

They're lack of marksmanship is legendary. Never able to hit... anything? I mean... how do you take so many shots and never hit anything??

Doesn't that seem odd? I mean... what are the chances of you taking a rifle (in lieu of a laser blaster), shooting thousands of shots at a target and never hitting it?
It implies a deliberate attempt to avoid hitting the target, does it not?

So... whose side are Stormtroopers really on?

Now that's certainly some interesting fan fiction theory!

Run, Liesa! Runnnnn!!!!

Don't worry, I had a great droid!

Great shot.

Thanks! Just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

I won't ride that again unless I can be pilot. And yes... I'll ask. And be happy to wait.

I don't know why I didn't. I had time. Won't make that mistake again.

Huh. Usually when it says 13, it means it's pretty much a walk-on. Still... 20 minutes is short for that ride.

I think I must've just missed the walk-on phase. And yes, I was happy with 20 minutes for sure.

Now isn't that interesting. I remember watching it at my aunt & uncle's place. I don't remember the occasion, but I do remember it was an occasion of some sort. Huh!

Huh! I do wonder.

Best TZ episode ever?

Hmmm, hard to choose. The one where the guy makes a deal with the Devil in which he will never die/gets immortality. He commits a bunch of crimes and murders his wife then instead of the death penalty where he could cheat death again, they give him life in prison. It ends with him telling the Devil to just take him, he's lost.

Not sure what you want us to see? I note the Talking Tina, glasses (found in the library. Nice touch, there), and camera.

The luggage too. From "Mirror Image" Season 1, Episode 21. Super creepy! But in general, I was pointing out the glasses, Tina, etc... since they were smaller and folks might not zoom in.

You must've loved Soarin' before they changed it.

Sigh... yes. I've written about that in TRs from the past when it sill was the Cali version. The flight literally went RIGHT over my old house and I could see it. Gone.

Does your mom still have them?

No, folks got rid of them at some point. But *I* have some now that I got from an antique store a few years ago to go in my RV.

My Aunt Ethel has a sign like that.

Hardee-har-har.

I've never set foot back there either. Looking like I'm going to have to.

I was really pleasantly shocked to find more cool stuff. Seriously, Disney parks are just huge museums filled with super cool stuff.

I didn't know you could get tuna, there. Huh!

No, no, you can't. I had this delivered to the resort with some other groceries by Garden Grocer on my arrival day.

 

[Steppesister]

I never noticed this before!! So cool!

I really appreciate all of your attention to detail. Loved all the nooks and crannies and things you captured at ToT. The themeing there is really some of my favorite! I especially like the billboard ad for the hotel. I remember our tour guide pointing it out on the VIP tour of our Epic trip! Such a cool addition.

They've really done a whiz bang job in there. Some serious work went into distressing the props and even finding them.

I don't remember that, but I didn't hear some of what she said since I wasn't always near her/him? That was such a fun day getting to know everyone better.

 

[pkondz]

Okay, fine I will did.

Nope. I was ahead of the pack, until.... I wasn't.

Stupid thigh muscle.

Try her solution...

Now that's certainly some interesting fan fiction theory!

I should copywrite it before someone steals the idea.

Hmmm, hard to choose. The one where the guy makes a deal with the Devil in which he will never die/gets immortality. He commits a bunch of crimes and murders his wife then instead of the death penalty where he could cheat death again, they give him life in prison. It ends with him telling the Devil to just take him, he's lost.

I know that one. Still sticking with the broken glasses.

The luggage too. From "Mirror Image" Season 1, Episode 21.

I figured the luggage would be from the show too, but didn't know. Thanks for that.
Googled the episode. Don't remember that one. Interesting.

Sigh... yes. I've written about that in TRs from the past when it sill was the Cali version. The flight literally went RIGHT over my old house and I could see it. Gone.

Hmmm... I think I remember you writing about that.

No, folks got rid of them at some point. But *I* have some now that I got from an antique store a few years ago to go in my RV.

Huh!

No, no, you can't. I had this delivered to the resort with some other groceries by Garden Grocer on my arrival day.

ohhhhh...