The Pirates and the Frog (7/17 Welcome to the Next Adventure!)

[WrightFamily06]

Thanks! We were having fun!

Okay, okay - you talked me into it.
I'll do a "flashback" when this one is complete.
Now it's off to sort out all the Day 2 Pics!
And no, FOTLK at AK isn't even close!!

Yay !!! 1993 TR !!!

Darn ! I'm always pretty good at guessing where your going

 

[dawnbu40]

After reading the incorrect guesses I'll throw one out there...how about the Hollywood Play and Dine breakfast? I don't know too much about the characters, we haven't had little ones around in a long time, but I know there was a lion and some kids at that breakfast

 

[thecapells]

Loved the pix of the Seas !!!This time next month I will be haeded to Disney

Aye lass - rub it in why don't ye...

Awww, the pictures of you & your "maiden" are lovely. You both look so sweet together

Hmmm, an overgrown lion & some brats?

My first thought was FOTLK - you ruled that out.

Next I thought maybe Simba who appears in Mickey's Philharmagic? There are a few brats that show up in that picture!

Only Simba isn't an overgrown lion.

Tigger isn't a lion. He's a tigger

oh, I give up Looking forward to the answer!

Yay !!! 1993 TR !!!

Darn ! I'm always pretty good at guessing where your going

Well, shiver me timbers.
It seems I have stumped the readers.
I was hoping this task might be too hard for the lot of ye!

After reading the incorrect guesses I'll throw one out there...how about the Hollywood Play and Dine breakfast? I don't know too much about the characters, we haven't had little ones around in a long time, but I know there was a lion and some kids at that breakfast

ARRRGH! I've met me match.
Someone knows her characters more than she lets on, savvy?

 

[boxmaster]

Thanks! We were having fun!





Okay, okay - you talked me into it.
I'll do a "flashback" when this one is complete.
Now it's off to sort out all the Day 2 Pics!
And no, FOTLK at AK isn't even close!!

I'm not sure I've actually seen the pictures before of what I missed. Just that horrendous video -- no spoilers, no worries. (Planning on uploading it, at least in part?)

And no more grief about the fact that I couldn't join in on the trip. (Yeah, right. I'll be hearing about that until 2093, I think. ) I couldn't escape from Winter Study!

As you crank up the wayback machine, how's about speeding time up in the present so we can get to November (for my trip Down Under) and then January already?

 

[thecapells]

I'm not sure I've actually seen the pictures before of what I missed. Just that horrendous video -- no spoilers, no worries. (Planning on uploading it, at least in part?)

And no more grief about the fact that I couldn't join in on the trip. (Yeah, right. I'll be hearing about that until 2093, I think. ) I couldn't escape from Winter Study!

As you crank up the wayback machine, how's about speeding time up in the present so we can get to November (for my trip Down Under) and then January already?

Just think!
We can revisit the whole story of why you bailed on our awesome trip at the last minute!
ALL OVER AGAIN!

 

[thecapells]

I'm still sorting through Day 2 pictures.
So, instead of another installment, I've decided to announce the Disney Countdown 2011 Celebration for our upcoming January trip!
As of the beginning of September, we had 21 weekends to go until our Disney trip (by my calculations).

To me, that meant 21 golden opportunities for Disney movies!!
The goal would be to introduce the kids to films they have not seen (that may tie in to upcoming park adventures) as well as refresh with family favorites.
Then there's the holiday masterpieces and classics that little X either never saw or doesn't remember.

The Rules

• The movies shall include DVD's as well as trips to the local cinema and special events.
• Each movie (or movie event) shall directly relate to something we have planned for our upcoming trip.
• Each weekend is not limited to one movie as there are some double features in our future.

The Movies Thus Far
We opened the 21 Disney Movie Salute with a Disney Channel Premiere on September 3rd.
Our Princess was excited as we all sat down and watched Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.

The soundtrack wasn't too bad and it felt like High School Musical Lite.
There were some catchy tunes and some that just seemed too repetitive.
The First Mate wasn't too impressed but the Princess was ecstatic.

Which brings us to last weekend.
For September 10th, we all agreed on a Double Feature Event.
Friday night we watched the original Alice in Wonderland so we could re-introduce the kids to all the characters.
The kids didn't remember all of it so this was a nice refresher.
They had forgotten just how "mad" this movie really was.

We followed up the event with Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland on Saturday night!
The 1st Mate and I had seen the sequel in the theatres in 3-D.
But this was brand new for the rest of the family.
Even Boxmaster joined us!!

I really enjoyed the new version and think Johnny Depp did a great job.
Despite many things I've read, I don't think he was Jack Sparrow-like at all.
Willy Wonka, maybe, but not Jack Sparrow.
We even pointed out to the kids that this was indeed Cap'n Jack and they were in awe.
But it was all the little details in this film that entertained me - either nods to the original or just little excerpts like Hatter reciting "Jabberwocky."

Two Down, Nineteen to Go!
The kids are now very excited as we've mentioned several of the titles that are coming.
Then again, several they are not sure they want to see so the countdown should be interesting.
I plan to announce the movies (with a review) as we progress and it will act as a mini pre-trip report inside the current trip report.
And each movie should reveal a clue to what we have planned in January.
We wanted these selections to be fresh in the kids' minds before we descend on Mickey's Wonderland once again!
So stay tuned for more Pirate Adventures and be on the lookout for special Weekend Updates along the way!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Gee, I keep saying it but your family sounds like a lot of fun. You all watch movies together & get into the theme of what you're doing. I feel like Jane living with 2 apes that grunt & go do their own thing - DH with the TV & DS (teen) with the electronic games

Ah, Alice in Wonderland. Now that sounds like a good double. I'm partial to that movie you know, my annoying namesakes being the stars of that show, right? TweedleDee TweedleDum, yep, they be the stars all right

 

[englishrose47]

Good job with the movies !! Sounds like a great way to pass the weeks !!

 

[dtr_angel]

what an excellent idea! That should make the countdown fly by (hopefully). I can't wait to hear what you have chosen to watch.

I'm excited for your next trip to get here because that means I have survived another semester of school and that my next Disney vacation is only one year away.

 

[thecapells]

Gee, I keep saying it but your family sounds like a lot of fun. You all watch movies together & get into the theme of what you're doing. I feel like Jane living with 2 apes that grunt & go do their own thing - DH with the TV & DS (teen) with the electronic games

Ah, Alice in Wonderland. Now that sounds like a good double. I'm partial to that movie you know, my annoying namesakes being the stars of that show, right? TweedleDee TweedleDum, yep, they be the stars all right

Well, I'm not sure they'll be still up for family movie nights when the kids are in their teens but I can hope!
The Alice Double Feature was a blast.
And each week our titles are becoming more and more diverse so it makes things interesting.

what an excellent idea! That should make the countdown fly by (hopefully). I can't wait to hear what you have chosen to watch.

Good job with the movies !! Sounds like a great way to pass the weeks !!

We thought it would be a great way to get the kids back into the Disney spirit!
They are even trying to guess the corresponding attractions for each movie!
And since we're having so much fun with the movie interlude, let's do this week's addition!
(And I promise to post the start of Day 2 this weekend)

 

[All7OfUs]

Awesome idea, Mike!! I have yet to take in Alice, but am very excited to do so. THanks for your great review!!!

 

[thecapells]

With our ADR's to La Hacienda de San Angel on the books as of this week, we decided to have fun with the recent Grand Opening.
To start off our Friday Fiesta, our Fair Maiden made steak fajitas for the adults and cheesey nachos for the kids.
And then we headed to the Family Room and popped in the next edition of our 2011 Disney Movie Weekend Countdown!
I'm sure you guessed it by now... The Three Caballeros!

We figured that was the most appropriate way to celebrate the new restaurant and reminisce about the Gran Fiesta Tour.
I have the 2-Disc Edition that also includes Saludos Amigos but the crew asked to skip directly to the sequel.
The movie was a hit and everyone (especially little X) liked crazy Donald
If that isn't enough, once Jose Carioca and Panchito join the festivities, insanity ensues.
It does get a little slow here and there during some of the longer songs but everyone enjoyed it.
The kids especially like the "crazy bird" that storms across the screen every once in a while.
We even watched the Bonus Donald short, Don Donald, afterwards.
All in all, a nice tribute to the Mexico Pavillion and a nice addition to our 2011 Disney Movie Weekend Countdown.

But enough about movies.
It's finally time to get back to our Pirate Adventure.
Join me this weekend for Lions, Clowns, Einsteins, and a dance-off!

 

[thecapells]

Awesome idea, Mike!! I have yet to take in Alice, but am very excited to do so. THanks for your great review!!!

Welcome back! How was your trip?
As for Alice, we really enjoyed it and found it a nice tribute as well as sequel to the Disney original.

 

[dawnbu40]

Your Mexican tribute sounds fun and yummy

 

[praisehisname]

Hey Mike! Sorry I was MIA for a bit, but I'm all caught up now! Your movie countdown sounds like a great idea!

Well, I'm not sure they'll be still up for family movie nights when the kids are in their teens but I can hope!

Don't worry--my kids still look forward to and love family movie nights!

 

[boxmaster]

We followed up the event with Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland on Saturday night!
The 1st Mate and I had seen the sequel in the theatres in 3-D.
But this was brand new for the rest of the family.
Even Boxmaster joined us!!

I really enjoyed the new version and think Johnny Depp did a great job.
Despite many things I've read, I don't think he was Jack Sparrow-like at all.
Willy Wonka, maybe, but not Jack Sparrow.
We even pointed out to the kids that this was indeed Cap'n Jack and they were in awe.
But it was all the little details in this film that entertained me - either nods to the original or just little excerpts like Hatter reciting "Jabberwocky."

I hadn't heard terribly good things about the movie, so I was wary of what is was going to be like.

I was quite pleasantly surprised that the movie was actually pretty good. Some fun bits in there. And I was surprised when Mike mentioned that people had commented on Depp acting like Cap'n Jack . I can't fathom (pun intended) how anyone could possibly have seen that comparison. I don't remember his Wonka well enough to agree or disagree on that score.

I'm definitely looking forward to some of the movies, as there are at least one or two that I've never seen, either. No spoilers on the TR, though.

 

[thecapells]

Your Mexican tribute sounds fun and yummy

Mmmm - it definitely was...

Hey Mike! Sorry I was MIA for a bit, but I'm all caught up now! Your movie countdown sounds like a great idea!

Don't worry--my kids still look forward to and love family movie nights!

Glad to have you back!
Stay tuned for some more fun!

I hadn't heard terribly good things about the movie, so I was wary of what is was going to be like.

I was quite pleasantly surprised that the movie was actually pretty good. Some fun bits in there. And I was surprised when Mike mentioned that people had commented on Depp acting like Cap'n Jack . I can't fathom (pun intended) how anyone could possibly have seen that comparison. I don't remember his Wonka well enough to agree or disagree on that score.

I'm definitely looking forward to some of the movies, as there are at least one or two that I've never seen, either. No spoilers on the TR, though.

I'll try to make sure there are no spoilers although I can't imagine the DIS members haven't seen all the Disney movies yet...

 

[thecapells]

AHOY ME HEARTIES!
'Tis the official Talk Like A Pirate Day today.
And no better day be made for telling me tale than this one, savvy?
So show your colors mateys and come aboard.
There be more Pirate Adventures awaitin!

 

[thecapells]

Me and me crew awoke for our first full day at the House of Mouse.
The sleeping quarters on the Dark Destroyer were pleasant and we all had a good night’s rest.
However, we were a little groggy and the crew was running late.
As such, we arrived at the transport platform just as our iron horse was departing.
Someone will be walking the plank for that one!

The Fair Maiden had provided another set of matching uniforms for the crew.
While we waited for the next transport, I took a portrait:

About 15 minutes later, a second transport arrived and we were off on another adventure!
We arrived at our destination at about 45 past seven.
Today we had intended to pillage and plunder the stars and famous landlubbers of this here Rodent World – some place called Hollywood Studios.
We were first at the turnstiles and found Lady and the Tramp also waiting.
At about five minutes to eight, the gates were opened and a swarm of landlubbers charged up the street.
These were my kind of scallywags.
However, we were kept at bay by a rope hung across the street.
I, being the mighty Cap’n I am, was in the first brigade at the rope.
However, I sent the Fair Maiden to lead my crew towards the flank.
Their mission was to find the local galley and “acquire” a table for the lot of us.
I was meant to brave the swell of these vermin and beat them to the loot – something called a Pass of Fast.
I would require six of these items to allow us safe passage through this horde later in the day.

From my vantage point, I gathered the lay of the land.
To the fore of my position lay a monstrous hat.
I don’t envy the swashbucklers that dare take on the owner of that giant.

Starboard was a place of rest for those adventurers not fit to sail with us!
As you can see, this sanctuary was empty – if any of me crew were stalling for time over yonder, they would get a solid flogging!

Off to port was a large fortress designed for sutlers to trade their booty.
We may visit those merchants later on but, for now, me crew had its orders.

And just to show you the hordes that the good Cap’n be up against, take a look.
Blimey! This wretched lot would make my mission tougher but I would hold no quarter to obtain me prize!

The crowd was growing restless as the masters of this domain began appearing.
Me deadlights were focused on the rope key I spied earlier.
Once this was removed, the stampede would commence and you’d see all of these pirates’ real mettle for “Dead Men Tell No Tales!”

And with that, the rope was dropped and madness ensued.
Fair winds be with me as I stayed at the head of the pack following close behind the masters of the realm.
Closing in on me target I pulled me papers from me pocket and prepared to engage.
Upon arrival, I fed the iron monster my papers and it shot out these famed Passes of Fast.
I stowed me prizes and raced back to the galley at full sail!
Stay tuned me hearties...

 

[thecapells]

I finally arrived and joined me crew as they were settling in to “Play N Dine at Hollywood N Vine”

The way this here galley operates is heaven for us pirates.
We were invited to pillage the grub at will and eat as much as our bellies can hold.
In fact, the crew was presented with a special honor for being the first to enter this galley.
ARGH! Let it beknownst that the Capells staked their claim to this bounty on the 31st day of October, 2009.

However, as we indulge ourselves, friends of that Rodent make the rounds.
The first scout sent by the mouse was the Cap’n of the Little Einsteins.
Cap’n Leo with sea-colored glasses made his appearance and headed towards Little X.
Of course, the Fair Maiden had dressed X in a tribute to this band of brats.
But Little X was busy gobbling his grub.
He spied the Cap’n but refused to relinquish his bacon – that’s me boy!

On deck were the Pirate Princess and me First Mate.
They proudly posed with this scallywag

Before Cap’n Leo turned on me First Mate and attacked

I quickly fought him off with threats of keelhaul’n and the Cap’n was on his way.
However, close behind Cap’n Leo, a mime was tracking his movement.
The Pirate Princess jumped up and threw her arms around the intruder.

This was JoJo who apparently was looking for her… lion?
Shiver me timbers!?!?
There’s a lion loose in the galley?
Hoist the sails! Scouts take to the Crow’s Nest!
We must be on the lookout for the savage creature.
The First Mate went to interrogate the clown as we prepared to fend off the big cat.

Little did we know that this cat was bigger than we could’ve dreamed.
“Goliath” they called him and now we knows why.
The golden beast was the size of a kraken as he descended on our crew.

The First Mate engaged the beast first with a smile as he grabbed his sword.

But the Pirate Princess jumped in and was trying to save the big cat.

In the end, the lion escaped but our crew was spared injury.
We continued our feast until some minstrels appeared and lured the crew to the center of the galley.
What be these scallywags up to, I wonder?
The music started and I could not believe me eyes.
The minstrels had trained the lion to sing and dance!
Well, this was all little X had to see and he jumped away from the table and joined the minstrels in their celebration of the Mouse’s Lair.
Here’s a video of the goings on - just click for a closer look.


After the festivities, little X returned to the table just in time for another of those Little Smartypants to arrive.
This time ‘twas a lass – June I believe they called her.
She started her siren song at the head of the table entrancing both the Tramp and our First Mate.

Next, she danced over to our Fair Maiden and X.
As you can see, X was in much better spirits after some grub and frollocking!

At that point, the rest of the crew gobbled down our grub.
‘Twas a basic fare served at this galley – scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausages, pastries, potatoes (tater tots for the crew), and fruit.
We ate speedily but had our fill just in time for the Friends of the Mouse to return.
The brigade was once again let by their Captain.
This time, the lot of us were up in a flash to greet him with parlay.

But he insisted upon a portrait with the Pirate Princess herself.

Once again, Captain Leo was followed closely by the mute clown who danced her way over to the table.
But the crew, now stuffed, was in good spirits and posed with this odd wench.

She even got down to Little X’s level as he got in on the portraits!

As the feast drew to a close, X had finally warmed up to the newcomers.
He wouldn’t let Wench Jojo leave without a big hug:

Nor would he allow the Siren June when she reappeared.

Alas, we had drained this galley dry of grub and spirits.
It was time to move on.
And what be next for our band of brigands?
Sing a sing shanty and join us again as our tale continues...