The Moist Exhausting Free Trip Ever - Link to Part II Thread pg. 244

[englishrose47]

Good Morning Glen !!! I rode GMR 5 times with Kyle last year he loved it !!I actually like it too !!It'd cool in there I am sitting and it lasts long enuff to give me a rest!!At my age those are important things

 

[marvali]

It's probably time.

That's a nice quality to have.

I'm pretty much nostalgic too when it comes to certain rides at Disney. I told my boys they need to ride those at least once so they can say they did it, especially the "classics." Still, certain rides like GMR need at least some kind of update to include more recent movies that the younger generation is aware of to keep the ride interesting for today's audience. They can keep the same general theme/feel to the ride and still make it "newer."

It used to be great? How was it different? I would love for them to liven it up, it could be such a cool attraction!

I can't remember it being different than it is now. Not trying to speak for anyone, but I'm guessing the "used to be great" is that feeling when you first go on the ride. It IS a pretty good ride but there are only so many times you can watch that pre-show in line, and ride the two different "paths" before the new wears off, and so does the luster.

Oh, and Lauren's a little bit Country and I'm a little bit Rock and Roll. (If you understand that reference then you are in jeopardy of being called "old".)

Okay Donnie! Not that I'm old or anything, but when it comes to some parts of your Disney visit, it sounds an awful lot like puppy love!

You did take quite a few pictures during that stunt show. It was really informative in the sense that I feel ok about never having seen it so far. It looks just mildly interesting to me - quite the same as I feel about the GMR. Which I find a bit boring...

Maybe a few too many...people are saying they don't need to see it now that they've looked at my TR!

That might be me....

Actually, the Indy show is pretty good if you haven't seen it before, but after seeing it three or four times and knowing what is coming pretty much by heart, I would love to see them change some of what they do during the show just to make it attractive to those of us who have been more often. I can't remember it being any different from when we went when there were only four of us, 14 years ago. Then you add in the time the cast of Full House used it in one of their shows...........

I had not realized that you would do so much splitting up during this trip. But it seems to have worked for your family.

I think it's a sign of the times. We're growing up.

But it's great that you still have family vacations even though Lauren must be getting into the age where a lot of kids would not enjoy family vacations...

Same with us, maybe more so. DW and I hit the parks early, get done the things we really like/want to do, then head back to relax at the pool/resort while the boys continue to do the commando thing themselves.

I try to remember how it was when I was younger (well a little bit anyway) and wanted to get my fill of the thrill rides, while my parents wanted to take in all the shows (and the a/c). I was glad when I could finally head out on my own during part of the trip and have some "fun." Luckily our DSs like doing parts of the parks together AND getting their own time without Mom and Dad being a wet blanket. Maybe it's because they know they will get to "escape" the old folks soon......

 

[Underdog369]

Another happy convert.

Not really a convert, but covert. I have a mission in life........

 

[All7OfUs]

Not really a convert, but covert. I have a mission in life........

I am frightened---- at least I know that all my fountains won't be defiled before I get there...

 

[glennbo123]

Good Morning Glen !!! I rode GMR 5 times with Kyle last year he loved it !!I actually like it too !!It'd cool in there I am sitting and it lasts long enuff to give me a rest!!At my age those are important things

Morning, er Afternoon! You're right, it's great for important things such as sitting and cooling off!

I'm pretty much nostalgic too when it comes to certain rides at Disney. I told my boys they need to ride those at least once so they can say they did it, especially the "classics." Still, certain rides like GMR need at least some kind of update to include more recent movies that the younger generation is aware of to keep the ride interesting for today's audience. They can keep the same general theme/feel to the ride and still make it "newer."
I can't remember it being different than it is now. Not trying to speak for anyone, but I'm guessing the "used to be great" is that feeling when you first go on the ride. It IS a pretty good ride but there are only so many times you can watch that pre-show in line, and ride the two different "paths" before the new wears off, and so does the luster.

You wrote two paragraphs and all I can think to say in reply is, "yep".

Okay Donnie! Not that I'm old or anything, but when it comes to some parts of your Disney visit, it sounds an awful lot like puppy love!

At least we didn't run across any paper roses.

Actually, the Indy show is pretty good if you haven't seen it before, but after seeing it three or four times and knowing what is coming pretty much by heart, I would love to see them change some of what they do during the show just to make it attractive to those of us who have been more often. I can't remember it being any different from when we went when there were only four of us, 14 years ago. Then you add in the time the cast of Full House used it in one of their shows...........

I'm happy to say that I did not know that Full House used it in an episode!

Same with us, maybe more so. DW and I hit the parks early, get done the things we really like/want to do, then head back to relax at the pool/resort while the boys continue to do the commando thing themselves.

I try to remember how it was when I was younger (well a little bit anyway) and wanted to get my fill of the thrill rides, while my parents wanted to take in all the shows (and the a/c). I was glad when I could finally head out on my own during part of the trip and have some "fun." Luckily our DSs like doing parts of the parks together AND getting their own time without Mom and Dad being a wet blanket. Maybe it's because they know they will get to "escape" the old folks soon......

I'm glad we still stay together as much as we do.

Not really a convert, but covert. I have a mission in life........

The "Mission Impossible" theme is running through my head now.

I am frightened---- at least I know that all my fountains won't be defiled before I get there...

What gives you that confidence? I wouldn't go anywhere near Morocco if I were you.

 

[glennbo123]

Day 2 - Part 7

Lauren and I left the Great Movie Ride and decided it was time to use some fastpasses! First up was Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. We love this ride. The funniest thing happened just before we got on the ride. We were “on deck” to board a car, and the people just ahead of us had all piled-in. We immediately noticed that a couple of cars to the left of us, a lady had sat down in the car, but had failed to get her right foot in first. She was sitting in the car, but her right foot was sticking up and out of the car! Those seats are so deep, it must have felt like her foot was up near her ear. She was pulling and struggling to get her leg in while we all stood there and laughed. And she was probably nervous that the ride would begin. It was hilarious! Oh, I wish I had my camera out for that! Unfortunately, RnRC is one ride I where always make sure my camera is stowed away, so I had put it in my backpack long before we got to that point in the line, and it’s not a quick thing to get in or out. I said to Lauren, “that’s going into my trip report!”

Of course we enjoyed our ride, and here’s a picture of our “takeoff”.

It's a good thing there aren't bugs in there, because everybody always has their mouth open for the start of this ride. Or maybe that's why there aren't any bugs?

From there we walked over to Tower of Terror. We had a couple of minutes to wait until our fastpass window opened up, so we went to the drinking fountain that’s across from the ToT exit. It’s a nice shaded spot, but the water…bleh, warm! There’s also a coffee stand right beside the drinking fountain and we wondered who could possibly want a hot coffee on this particularly hot afternoon. I think we also wandered into the gift shop for a couple of minutes, but were soon able to use our fastpasses.

I took one picture as we entered the hotel lobby.

And one of Rod Serling, giving us the backstory.

I really like the boiler room as you make your way to the elevators. I attempted to get a shot of one of the cool creepy boilers, but it’s so dark in there.

And then we rode. There was a new effect, at least I don’t remember it before, where they took a picture of us at some point during the whole ghost part of the ride. Then they projected it in front of us as we were moving forward, shortly before the drops. In the picture I was looking down, and it caused Lauren and I to wonder when they had taken our picture. Then I remembered that she had said, “Hey look, my silly bandz are glowing!” and that’s when the picture was taken. So our spooky picture was kind of lame.

Anyway here’s redneck proof of our ride.

That picture reminds me, we were in the front yet again. It’s no big deal to me now, but the first time we rode this (Link to chapter from last year's TR), I was a little apprehensive and expressed that I preferred not to ride in the front. Then we found out that we didn’t have a choice, you just get assigned as you arrive, and of course, we got the front. I’ve ridden it a handful of times now…and I think I’ve been in the front row every single time. Bring it on, karma! Or Murphy's Law, or Captain Irony, whoever you are!

When we left the Tower of Terror I remembered that I wanted to make a trip over to the Polynesian to send a couple of coconut postcards to my Dad and Father-in-law for Father’s Day, which was a week away. I knew that it would take a week or more for them to arrive in the mail, so I wanted to get it done early in the trip. I decided that we’d do that next, and that would give us time to get back to Disney Hollywood Studios for Hyperspace Hoopla.

On our way down Sunset Boulevard, we saw a Photopass lady and thought we should commemorate our afternoon with a couple of photos.

As always, we got a couple of shots with my camera first.

Then a couple from the Photopass lady’s camera.

While editing the Photopass pictures, I thought that this one might be interesting in black-and-white, in keeping with the Twilight Zone theme.

Then, when I got my Photopass pictures I discovered that the photographer had taken one where she zoomed-in on Lauren. I thought it was kind of odd that the photographer took that without saying anything to us. Not even a “get out of the way, Daddy-o”. If she had told us I could have moved so that Lauren’s face wasn’t shaded.

Well, two can play that game. Any Photopass editor worth his salt can even the score.

I did not intentionally crop it so that it says "World's Best Kept Secret" at the bottom, but now that I see it, I like it!

On our way out, we again needed water (did I tell you that it was hot that day?) and we stopped at the water fountain that is to the left just before you reach the “Crossroads of the World” sign. Ahhh, it’s good and cold there!

On our ride over to the Polynesian, the bus was full and I stood, holding onto a rail, but I had some room around me. For some reason, I was in a “Charlie Chaplin” mood again and I entertained Lauren by doing what I imagined Charlie would do standing on a bus, with the changing inertia created by starting, stopping, and turning. For example, if we started out from a stop, I leaned back and kept my knees locked and rocked back on my heels with my toes pointing up. A stop would have me leaning forward. Lauren laughed. The other passengers didn’t really know what to think. Hey, lighten up people. You’re in Disney World!

Anyway, we got to the Poly, went to the gift shop on the lower level, asked about mailing coconuts, and were shown a few to choose from. We picked a couple of beauties, and wrote the same message to both dads.

I’ve distorted the addresses to prevent potentially unscrupulous internet readers from sending them coconuts as well. I’m sure you understand.

This picture was taken at the counter of the gift shop. After we took it, a cast member said, “Would you like me to take a picture of you with the coconuts?” Of course we agreed. Then she wondered aloud, where would be a good place to take the picture? And she exclaimed, “Oh, at the tiki!” And then she took these photos of us.

We never know what to get our dads for Father’s Day; they’re so hard to buy for. The coconuts arrived a day or two late, but our dads really appreciated them. In fact, Judy said that when her dad called to thank her for it, he got a little choked-up. Go figure. I think he was just impressed that we had made a special effort…he’d never received anything like it before. My dad was amused, but otherwise didn’t know what to make of it.

We left the Poly as soon as our mission was done and waited at the bus stop a mere 3 minutes before we caught a bus back to DHS. Judy had issues, but my bus mojo was workin’!

As we re-entered DHS, Lauren saw an army man near where we had stopped at the water fountain earlier. She said, “Ooo, I want a picture with the army man!” He was taking pictures with some people and Lauren waited, but when they left he didn’t see her and he turned and started walking away from her. She had to tap him on the shoulder to get his attention, and then he turned and tapped her shoulder back!

Then we started walking toward Star Tours to stake-out a spot for Hyperspace Hoopla. We still had plenty of time, so I wanted to look for the rope you’re not supposed to pull near the Indiana Jones theater. I had tried to look for it as we exited the show earlier, but if you remember, at that time we needed to quickly find a place to cool off. We found it without difficulty, but I could see why I missed it coming out of the theater. The exit is on the other side of that tent thing you can see in the picture. We had walked past that, and then continued on across the street. We didn’t turn right and down along the fence to this spot.

Of course Lauren pulled the rope, and we could hear someone saying something, but I don’t even remember what they said. It was cute though.

It had been a great morning and afternoon, but what would the evening hold? "Always in motion is the future", according to Yoda.


Up next: Hoopla in Hyperspace
Link to next chapter

 

[bellebookworm9]

That new, lame special effect on Tower of Terror was part of the "update" for the Summer Nightastic happenings. Jack Spence from allears wrote a blog about it. Those coconuts were such a great idea! How many dads can say they have one of those?! Isn't it great when the buses cooperate with you? We had great luck with the DHS buses, we only waited 15 minutes once, and most times it was no longer than 2 minutes.

 

[marvali]

We were “on deck” to board a car, and the people just ahead of us had all piled-in. We immediately noticed that a couple of cars to the left of us, a lady had sat down in the car, but had failed to get her right foot in first. She was sitting in the car, but her right foot was sticking up and out of the car! Those seats are so deep, it must have felt like her foot was up near her ear. She was pulling and struggling to get her leg in while we all stood there and laughed.

I'm glad that's never happened to me!!!

I said to Lauren, “that’s going into my trip report!”

Can't wait to read about it.....

Of course we enjoyed our ride, and here’s a picture of our “takeoff”.

It's a good thing there aren't bugs in there, because everybody always has their mouth open for the start of this ride. Or maybe that's why there aren't any bugs?

Woah, man, I can see why they don't need an exterminator.

I took one picture as we entered the hotel lobby.

Nice picture of the Hidden Mickey!

Bring it on, karma! Or Murphy's Law, or Captain Irony, whoever you are!

Not to mention that obscure "Axiom of Fronts and Backs!

As always, we got a couple of shots with my camera first.

Hey, I think I saw that shirt on a guy at Kidani last summer....

Well, two can play that game. Any Photopass editor worth his salt can even the score.

I did not intentionally crop it so that it says "World's Best Kept Secret" at the bottom, but now that I see it, I like it!

There I was giving you too much credit. That was the first thing that jumped out at me and I was thinking how it was!

For some reason, I was in a “Charlie Chaplin” mood again and I entertained Lauren by doing what I imagined Charlie would do standing on a bus, with the changing inertia created by starting, stopping, and turning. For example, if we started out from a stop, I leaned back and kept my knees locked and rocked back on my heels with my toes pointing up. A stop would have me leaning forward. Lauren laughed.

You do have a sort of CC aura to you!

The other passengers didn’t really know what to think. Hey, lighten up people. You’re in Disney World!

They were laughing........on the inside!!!

Anyway, we got to the Poly, went to the gift shop on the lower level, asked about mailing coconuts, and were shown a few to choose from. We picked a couple of beauties, and wrote the same message to both dads.

I’ve distorted the addresses to prevent potentially unscrupulous internet readers from sending them coconuts as well. I’m sure you understand.

That's pretty cool. Haven't heard of those, but I may have to check them out when we're there in December.

Then she wondered aloud, where would be a good place to take the picture? And she exclaimed, “Oh, at the tiki!” And then she took these photos of us.

Don't look now, but that guy behind you looks pretty hungry for some coconut.

As we re-entered DHS, Lauren saw an army man near where we had stopped at the water fountain earlier. She said, “Ooo, I want a picture with the army man!” He was taking pictures with some people and Lauren waited, but when they left he didn’t see her and he turned and started walking away from her. She had to tap him on the shoulder to get his attention, and then he turned and tapped her shoulder back!

Pretty good salute! And she even wore green for the occasion!

We still had plenty of time, so I wanted to look for the rope you’re not supposed to pull near the Indiana Jones theater. I had tried to look for it as we exited the show earlier, but if you remember, at that time we needed to quickly find a place to cool off. We found it without difficulty, but I could see why I missed it coming out of the theater. The exit is on the other side of that tent thing you can see in the picture. We had walked past that, and then continued on across the street. We didn’t turn right and down along the fence to this spot.

Dang, I've obviously been reading my insider tips somewhere else. Another "hidden" treasure I didn't know about! And they say you can't learn anything in a glennbo TR......

 

[nessz79]

I did not intentionally crop it so that it says "World's Best Kept Secret" at the bottom, but now that I see it, I like it!

That's awesome!

Great update! I loved the story about the lady on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster- I would have been freaked out if I were her, too- I'm always irrationally worried about my lap/shoulder bar not locking and the ride taking off anyway.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i knew you were getting the coconuts, because you told me about it at bob, they do look really cool

yeah i wasnt impressed with the new update on the ride, the lady told us they were doing it for the summer months only.

speaking of RNRC did you notice that they took down the song notes thingy in the air when you are walking up to the ride? i think i liked it better when that was up there before.

i bet the face area of those green army men get really really hot in there breathing into that thing.

and i looked for that rope when we went by it but couldnt find it.


also there is suppose to be a electrical box when you leave the movie room in TOT that if you pull something happens, but when i was leaving i saw like 3 boxes, and the CM was right behind me i asked him about it and he looked at me like are you on something you cant pull that...i just walked away, hemust not be in the know.

 

[Believeinfairytales]

I thoroughly enjoyed the last update. I love that take off on RnRc - you can't help but open your mouth! I always feel like it is pulling my skin away from my face!!! Your picture is great.

I have only ridden ToT once - but that was so long ago, I can hardly recall any part of the ride. There's not too many who looks too excited in that ride photo. But I'll still ride it again provided that the lines aren't over two hours long the next time I go. That's why I haven't ridden it in over two years.

Guess I should get there early enough for FP's, huh?

The PP pics are great. And I like that you can mail a coconut post card! How cool is that???

Can't wait to hear about your evening at DHS.

 

[jenbear123]

I had no idea Poly had coconuts that you could mail to people. And I stayed there in April! Was it costly to send them? I'd assume it'd be more to send up to Canada.

Remind me never to go to DHS with you... or else you'd be going solo on all those thrill rides! Great pictures in front of ToT. I like the pictures from your camera better. The flash is just too overpowering in the photopass pics.

 

[Tribilín]

I really like the boiler room as you make your way to the elevators. I attempted to get a shot of one of the cool creepy boilers, but it’s so dark in there.

Actually the picture looks great... if you want it to look a little brighter is just a matter to push the midtones up and Voilà! Creeeeeeepy

And then we rode. There was a new effect, at least I don’t remember it before, where they took a picture of us at some point during the whole ghost part of the ride. Then they projected it in front of us as we were moving forward, shortly before the drops.

Sounds a little odd Hope it doesn't break the mood of the ride.

Great update glennbo123!

 

[vamassey1]

Loved the udate.

Great RRC picture. I've ridden it twice but both times it messed with my equillibrium so now I sit it out. But Tower of Terror is my favorite trill ride at Disney! I love to loose my stomach, too bad it finds me after I get off.

Another great picture on Sunset. We stopped for some there too. I really like your black and white photo, goes great with the theming.

I remember reading about the cocunuts on Tinks report. I would like to give that a try too in the future.

I don't think I have ever found that rope at Indy, but I'm going to keep trying.

Looking forward to the Hoopla!

 

[onelilspark]

I like how the Tiki looks like he's eyeing your coconuts and about to take one!

Also: to answer your question on who would drink coffee when it's that hot? My Dad. He doesn't like heights, so he always skips out on ToT. My Mom and I ride, and he stands at the exit and gets a cup of coffee. It's almost a ritual now.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I'm glad you got to use two of your fastpasses. We LOVE Rock n Roller Coaster (of course we only rode it once, but my dh and I really enjoyed it. I am not a fan of ToT, it's the heights that do me in, but my dh really enjoyed that.
You got some really good shots there. Love the ride photo from the roller coaster.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the coconuts. I'll have to make my way over to the poly to get one or more. My 5 yo would really get a kick out of them. He wanted to drink out of a coconut because of something he saw.

The army man picture with your daughter is so cute. She looks like so much fun, and that she was having fun too, with the rope out of Indy.

Can't wait to read about the hoopla.

 

[Underdog369]

"I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts, do-do-lee-do. Here they are planted in a row." - Zazu

 

[Underdog369]

I am frightened---- at least I know that all my fountains won't be defiled before I get there...

Are you sure?

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Great update Glenn! Love the coconut idea. I may have to borrow that. I'm hoping to be able to slow down and enjoy the details a little more next time.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Wow! I had no idea you could send a coconut from the Poly! How cool is that? You learn something new here on the Dis everyday, I guess. Do you remember what it cost?

Thumbs up on the 'best kept secret' picture. You're so silly!