The 'other' Pete's random thought and rants

[Aerin75]

I miss the Maelstrom. It was never a great ride, But for my first four trips it was either broken or had too long of a line. Therefore I fely compelled to finally get to ride it every chance I got.

Maelstrom was my first ride; happy for my daughter that there is a Frozen ride, and you're right that Maelstrom wasn't the greatest, but it's got that nostalgia for me.
And I'm really not sure how I feel about movie-izing World Showcase. I am late to the parks (but have loved Disney forever), so I just don't know how to feel.

 

[Princess Jes]

Maelstrom was my first ride; happy for my daughter that there is a Frozen ride, and you're right that Maelstrom wasn't the greatest, but it's got that nostalgia for me.
And I'm really not sure how I feel about movie-izing World Showcase. I am late to the parks (but have loved Disney forever), so I just don't know how to feel.

Personally, I'm all for it!
As long as the pavilions also keep the "real" part of the country too, I think adding the relevant Disney characters is a good thing

 

[pjweaver]

I'm listening to all these 'best of' lists and have come to a scary conclusion.

I am starting to think I am not a good Disney fan. I don't like Dole whip, I avoid Main Street during Wishes, I can't stand CoP, and I don't remember ever having a Mickey premium bar. The only time I tried a turkey leg I didn't care for it, and I have made it clear I don't care for DS at all (at least since Adventurers Club went away). It's now an outdoor shopping mall.

I now look at Epcot as the worlds largest bar with a $90 cover charge. HS is three rides and one nice place to eat. I like AK for all the smaller things they offer, but it is difficult to experience the park when the ambient temp is 130 degrees.

So why do I not only keep going, but watch and read about all things WDW when I can't be there? We have a house at the Jersey shore to use anytime and Dorney, Six Flags, Hershey Park all one or two hours away, so why scrimp and save to always vacation at the World?

It's that feeling. We walk off the Magical Express and feel like we are home from a 51 week prison stint. The real world stops being and work no longer exists. It amuses me how people can argue and fight at WDW, no matter how tired or hungry I am I can't really be in a bad mood there. Prices go up, food quality drops, but I need my Disney trip.

Where else can I wear the shirts that normally get me odd looks? Where else can I just not care? I can geek out and still not stand out in the least bit. The only way I feel out of place is if I don't wear something over the top.

 

[Aerin75]

It's that feeling. We walk off the Magical Express and feel like we are home from a 51 week prison stint. The real world stops being and work no longer exists. It amuses me how people can argue and fight at WDW, no matter how tired or hungry I am I can't really be in a bad mood there. Prices go up, food quality drops, but I need my Disney trip.

Where else can I wear the shirts that normally get me odd looks? Where else can I just not care? I can geek out and still not stand out in the least bit. The only way I feel out of place is if I don't wear something over the top.

I can only heartily relate to the "feeling." I don't like shelling out the admission price - I don't like doing it at King's Island which is only two hours away. I don't like crowds. I don't like heights, so I thought some of the rides would be out. I didn't go to Disney until an adult, and my husband had to drag me. I agreed to a short trip because I didn't think I'd like it. It took me about an hour to become obsessed. It is definitely that "feeling!"

I hate having my picture taken - our photo album is filled with pictures of me that I voluntarily stood for. I hate heights and get sickish on roller coasters, but I gladly go on Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster with my daughter. I seriously become a different person once I get there. And I've only been twice and keep plotting to get back!!

 

[KingLlama]

@Aerin75 I'm only 90 minutes from KI and haven't been in probably 15 years. How is that park holding up? I've heard that it's been on an upswing since being bought by Cedar Fair. Thinking of going LATE this season(once the crowds and temps go down), and just didn't know what to expect.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Personally, I'm all for it!
As long as the pavilions also keep the "real" part of the country too, I think adding the relevant Disney characters is a good thing

I'm all for adding in element of the Characters and trying to make the areas more interesting to kids, etc. - though the original plans for EPCOT specifically avoiding having existing characters in it, but times change, I get it

The issue I have with Frozen in Norway is that Frozen did not take place in Norway - it took place in Arendale which doesn't exist. yeah, it's an approximation or sort of related to Norway/Scandinavia ... but that would be like going to Sante Fe to learn about Mexico - it's sort of similar, but not really the same thing

Maybe it is just semantics, but if Frozen actually took place in Norway i think I would have less of an issue with it

that being said, I am a totally hypocrite and will look to get FP+ for the Froway ride as soon as my window opens

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Maelstrom was my first ride; happy for my daughter that there is a Frozen ride, and you're right that Maelstrom wasn't the greatest, but it's got that nostalgia for me.
And I'm really not sure how I feel about movie-izing World Showcase. I am late to the parks (but have loved Disney forever), so I just don't know how to feel.

Personally, I'm all for it!
As long as the pavilions also keep the "real" part of the country too, I think adding the relevant Disney characters is a good thing

Side note, I just read an article cover the proposed Project Gemini that was planned for EPCOT but never happened and would have been a major overhaul for the park. Maybe this was common knowledge for everyone else here but I had never heard about it:
- Future World would be re-named Discovery World
- Spaceship Earth would be re-clad in a Gold color
- Spaceship Earth would have a totally new ride called Time Racers which would have been a roller coaster type ride with elements inside and outside of the dome
- The seas would become Under the Seas and be themed to Little Mermaid
- The Land would have a ton more trees put in around it and a suspended roller coaster that would take you through the Rainforest created
- Switzerland pavilion added with a Matterhorn ride like Disneyland
- A Mt Fuji Added to the Japan pavilion with an indoor rolle coaster

Tons of more changes but I found it pretty fascinating, and I actually liked a lot of the plans, though not sure about changing up Spaceship Earth

 

[pjweaver]

I'm all for adding in element of the Characters and trying to make the areas more interesting to kids, etc. - though the original plans for EPCOT specifically avoiding having existing characters in it, but times change, I get it

The issue I have with Frozen in Norway is that Frozen did not take place in Norway - it took place in Arendale which doesn't exist. yeah, it's an approximation or sort of related to Norway/Scandinavia ... but that would be like going to Sante Fe to learn about Mexico - it's sort of similar, but not really the same thing

I didn't like it when they changed the Stave Church to include Frozen. How do you think the ICMs felt? I know each country is a Cliff's Notes version, but how would it be if they changed the American Pavilion to squeeze in Fievel Goes West?

I like to talk to the ICMs (especially Carl in R&C) but I have the feeling they clock in, put on a smile, and when they clock out slap their forehead mumbling 'this is nothing like home'. I spent 30 minutes talking to a young woman from the Medoc region of France who eventually gave me a glass of a Haut Medoc and informed me that THAT was real French Wine.

It is often difficult to converse with the ICMs since they are very busy and English is their second or third language, but if you get the chance I highly recommend it. Ask what they think of Disney's version of their home.

 

[Aerin75]

@Aerin75 I'm only 90 minutes from KI and haven't been in probably 15 years. How is that park holding up? I've heard that it's been on an upswing since being bought by Cedar Fair. Thinking of going LATE this season(once the crowds and temps go down), and just didn't know what to expect.

Honestly I have no idea. Driving by, it looks good, but we've ended up going to Holiday World instead because it was cheaper. Now that my daughter is older, I'm planning to go to KI...but only with a coupon!
(Hashtag CouponQueen )

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I didn't like it when they changed the Stave Church to include Frozen. How do you think the ICMs felt? I know each country is a Cliff's Notes version, but how would it be if they changed the American Pavilion to squeeze in Fievel Goes West?

I like to talk to the ICMs (especially Carl in R&C) but I have the feeling they clock in, put on a smile, and when they clock out slap their forehead mumbling 'this is nothing like home'. I spent 30 minutes talking to a young woman from the Medoc region of France who eventually gave me a glass of a Haut Medoc and informed me that THAT was real French Wine.

It is often difficult to converse with the ICMs since they are very busy and English is their second or third language, but if you get the chance I highly recommend it. Ask what they think of Disney's version of their home.

Well, if you ever see images of what other countries do when they trow "American parties" you can probably get a sense for how they feel about the pavilions in EPCOT (though, to be fair for all/most the countries were involved in the creation of the pavilions, at least the original versions)

 

[pjweaver]

Now I want Epcot to open the Australia pavilion. I bet Jes would drop everything to apply.

I have no doubt she will give up her job and life to spend a year living in a dorm room with 5 others and working 45 hours a week for a $110 pay check. The perks include getting into the park whenever you aren't working or too tired, getting to smell all the food you can't afford, and dealing with college aged roommates who have no idea who the Beatles are.

Should would make more if she landed that job at one of the 4 bars they would put in the pavilion, but she got stuck selling didgeridoo's and hats with crocodile teeth in it.

I guess the Australia pavilion will never happen. All I can think to put there is four or five bars, a lamb shop, and a gift shop selling Duffy being eaten by a croc. Maybe they could do a 360 movie that shows two hours flying across a giant salt flat with a big rock in the middle

Heck, that guy that played Wolverine could do the voice over explaining how every animal can kill you.
Such highlights as "Here we see the platypus, also known as Gods leftover parts, who can kill you in mere minutes because it is the only poisonous mammal" and "Here is our most famous crocodile hunter. He would have been here in person, but..."

I will put in a call to Outback Steakhouse's headquarters in Texas and Fosters beer in Canada to see if they want to sponsor.

 

[Princess Jes]

Now I want Epcot to open the Australia pavilion. I bet Jes would drop everything to apply.

I have no doubt she will give up her job and life to spend a year living in a dorm room with 5 others and working 45 hours a week for a $110 pay check. The perks include getting into the park whenever you aren't working or too tired, getting to smell all the food you can't afford, and dealing with college aged roommates who have no idea who the Beatles are.

Should would make more if she landed that job at one of the 4 bars they would put in the pavilion, but she got stuck selling didgeridoo's and hats with crocodile teeth in it.

I guess the Australia pavilion will never happen. All I can think to put there is four or five bars, a lamb shop, and a gift shop selling Duffy being eaten by a croc. Maybe they could do a 360 movie that shows two hours flying across a giant salt flat with a big rock in the middle

Heck, that guy that played Wolverine could do the voice over explaining how every animal can kill you.
Such highlights as "Here we see the platypus, also known as Gods leftover parts, who can kill you in mere minutes because it is the only poisonous mammal" and "Here is our most famous crocodile hunter. He would have been here in person, but..."

I will put in a call to Outback Steakhouse's headquarters in Texas and Fosters beer in Canada to see if they want to sponsor.

Ok so, I know who the Beatles are, but couldn't tell you a single song they sing other than Yellow Submarine....
Other than that, you're pretty spot on, except I have multiple visible tattoos, I believe Disney discriminates... I mean, has a rule that you can't have those if you want to work for the mouse.

Also, fosters?! Ergh! And when I looked at the menu for the Outback Steakhouse, I laughed and promptly walked away.
If they wanted to be even remotely genuine, they'd call the "shrimp" prawns.

 

[Aerin75]

Also, fosters?! Ergh! And when I looked at the menu for the Outback Steakhouse, I laughed and promptly walked away.
If they wanted to be even remotely genuine, they'd call the "shrimp" prawns.

I did learn recently that Foster's is not drunk in Australia!

 

[disneysteve]

I know who the Beatles are, but couldn't tell you a single song they sing other than Yellow Submarine

I'm seriously reconsidering this friendship.

 

[pjweaver]

Also, fosters?! Ergh! And when I looked at the menu for the Outback Steakhouse, I laughed and promptly walked away.
If they wanted to be even remotely genuine, they'd call the "shrimp" prawns.

As I mentioned Outback is from Texas.

Now, understand that shrimp and prawns are not the same critter. Shrimp have two pair of claws on their front legs, while prawns have three pair (though they both have 10 legs). Shrimp are also much smaller. As a result they cook and over cook much more easily and often become rubbery.

It isn't likely you've ever had shrimp in fresh Australia since the breeds there are too small to bother eating. There is also several other differences, but the main being size and preparation. A prawn is big enough to cook on a grill, while a shrimp is half the size and would dry out so is usually boiled, pan seared, or flash fried. My recipes for shrimp would not work well for prawns.

I don't eat fish, but I like to cook.

 

[Princess Jes]

I did learn recently that Foster's is not drunk in Australia!

My granny did drink it, but that was years and years ago. I think my dad has kept her last can she left in our fridge. She passed away 20 years ago, so I think it's safe to say, that beer is no good.

I'm seriously reconsidering this friendship.

Haha.
Again, I'm 20 years younger than you, the Beatles aren't the icons they were to you to kids of the 80's like me

 

[Princess Jes]

As I mentioned Outback is from Texas.

Now, understand that shrimp and prawns are not the same critter. Shrimp have two pair of claws on their front legs, while prawns have three pair (though they both have 10 legs). Shrimp are also much smaller. As a result they cook and over cook much more easily and often become rubbery.

It isn't likely you've ever had shrimp in fresh Australia since the breeds there are too small to bother eating. There is also several other differences, but the main being size and preparation. A prawn is big enough to cook on a grill, while a shrimp is half the size and would dry out so is usually boiled, pan seared, or flash fried. My recipes for shrimp would not work well for prawns.

I don't eat fish, but I like to cook.

Well that's my point then: shrimp are so often referred to when imitating Australians, yet, we don't have them.
Also, we do have those tiny little prawns, they come in fried rice from the Chinese restaurants/take away.

 

[pjweaver]

Those are pink or tiger shrimp canned and flown in from Asia

 

[pjweaver]

Oh, the 'shrimp on the barbie' can be blamed on Paul Hogan when his Crocodile Dundee was huge in the US

 

[pjweaver]

I watched Deadpool tonight, and while it is not my top Marvel movie, the one liners and breaking the fourth wall make it high on my list. It is not for young or innocent virgin ears and eyes, but it is my type of humor.

Shifting gears a bit, I got my colleges newsletter and something very controversial came up. It seems they have done away with a class called 'trolling'. I couldn't even get PE credit for marching band back in the 90's (archery and bowling counted for physical education, but for those who have never tried it, competitive marching band is akin to cheerleading or basic training in the CHairforce) but it seems for the past two years there was a class on trolling. Naturally this newsletter came with adverts for donations to the university, but now that I know they teach these rodents how to troll I am so glad I stopped giving them money a long time ago.

On a positive note, there was a show today to some peoples surprise since it took a while to show up. If you pay close attention to the nook you will see what I was raving about in chat.
Watch Craig and Ryno in the nook. Oliver is running the switcher, but those two seem to be doing eight jobs and still holding their own in the conversation. Al three did a stellar job and Pete should take them out to Cici's Pizza.