Tim(minus)Lesley's Guy's Only Trip to Disapalooza Day 3! DISAPALOOZA! pg.9 2/6

[Sooze]

The Green Army Men led us all the way down Hollywood Boulevard and through arch into Animation Courtyard. The entire time down the street they had us reciting chants and walking in step like a soldier, it was so much fun.

Wow.. when the Dis team does something, they do it RIGHT!!

When we came around the corner we saw the entire Podcast team waiting there to welcome us.

What a neat sight. And you and Bryan were smack dab in the front row to get the BEST view of it. How did you manage that one?!

By that time Bryan was way ahead of me going into TSM and I had to sprint to catch up. We were the second people going through the line; it was so cool to see empty turnstiles.

Thanks for taking a picture of that.. I was really having a hard time even imagining what that would look like!

Outside in Pixar Place they had tables setup, free food laid out for all the Disers, two bars on either end of Pixar Place, and all the Podcast crew waiting to get acquainted with 700 of their closest friends.

This does sound amazing. I'm sure Lesley would've LOVED to have been there with you, too! ('specially since she's all "podcast famous" and all...)

They were all so nice, warm and friendly. It was great putting a face and with all the podcasts that I have heard. I will never be able to thank them for everything they do for all of us.

Thanks for posting those pictures so WE could put a face with the voice, too!

I was player 1 and Bryan was player 2……

Sorry you guys didn't win... but that is STILL pretty darn impressive!

 

[Sooze]

Ok... I know Tim was just waiting for ME to reply to his last update. Now that I've done so... I'm SURE he'll be back real soon to continue this Trip Report!!


But seriously... hoping to hear more soon!

 

[sharonW]

Tim, Come back, come back wherever you are

 

[sharonW]

Ok... I know Tim was just waiting for ME to reply to his last update. Now that I've done so... I'm SURE he'll be back real soon to continue this Trip Report!!


But seriously... hoping to hear more soon!

HOPE YA WOKE TIM UP!!!!!

 

[timandlesley]

This is so much fun, I'm having a blast reading.

The osborne lites are beautiful! Everyone must
see the World at christmas, its pure magic

Thanks, we had a great time!

what a fun night!!! and your lovely couples moments were very sweet!!!

We are just so in sync...he completes me..

GREAT update...thanks for the laughs! I am so happy that Bryan could drown his lonliness at osborne lights with an embrace from you! I knew he came home a changed man! I STILL cannot believe neither one of you bozo's were good enough to win the cruise though! At least you had each other for comfort!

Thanks D! Bryan and I have secrets no one will EVER know!

Great update Tim,

Osborne lights are incredible.

TSM over and over - incredible

Night of your life- you guessed it, incredible

Glad you had a good time.

Thanks so much!!! I loved it!!!

Yay another update!!!

Love all the moments you shared with your man crush


Your night sounds awesome and so much fun

Way to go getting over 200,000

Bromance all the way.....we had an amazing time!

Love It! Thanks so much for all those great pictures. We were at DAP too but we entered towards the back. We could hear the green army men but not see what they were doing. It was great to see the video from that perspective. I can't believe how you and Brian were right up front. Good for you both!

It was also great to match faces with names. We did not meet each podcast member. I was especially disapointed I never figured out who Julie and Corey were. Aren't they cute? Julie is just adorable with her baby bump.

We only rode TSM about 4-5 times but I was impressed with how well we'd all improved by the end. Even my DD5 was impressing me by the end. We did get a tip from a CM that it really is a team effort. For that reason DH and I teamed up and put the girls together. We did great but I think my DH could have done better if he was teamed up with someone a more ambitious than I. Thanks for writing a TR for your solo trip. Enjoying it!

Sounds like you had a great time, glad we all shared it together!

WOW!! What an incredible night!! The lights are beautiful!! I cannot wait to see this when we go in December!! And the DIS night looks like soooo much fun! How cool that you got to meet all of the Podcast team including the FOUNDER of the DIS--awesome!!

Thanks!!! Meeting Pete was amazing!!

Wow! Looks like a fun night and a really cool event to be a part of! Those are some awesome scores!!!

What was the winning score?

Thanks! We worked really hard on our score!

Such a funny and fun update.

What was the winner's score?

Thanks for following along!

Tim, Hi! Thank you for posting your pictures. It looked like a great time. I just hope that we can do the next one.:

If you can make it, it is a must do.

Great update, looks like antoher fun night!

It was a great night!!! Loved it!!

Great trip report Tim!

Thanks so much!!!

What fun you both are having! So glad you got to share that "embrace" while experiencing the Osbourne Lights The atmosphere is purely magical and I loved seeing it for the first time in Dec 2008.

It was great putting a face to Pete (founder of Dis)! Thank you, Pete and all the gang here on the Dis for giving us a place to meet new friends and share our love of Disney!!

It was magical, The DIS rocks!!!!!

Great report Tim!

Sorry I am late!

Better late than never.....thanks for stopping by!!

loving the report and pics! wow on the scores. i had my 2yo with me on TSM that night and he of course interfered with my score all night- darn it! great on getting over 200k!!

Glad that you had fun that night, stinks that your partner wasn't as "focused" as you were... LOL!!!

I'm not up on all of this Podcast stuff but it was still really, really cool to see the founder of the Dis!! It looks like you guys has a really fun night and did a great job at TSM!

Yeah, it was a blast to meet Pete and the gang.

Great update Tim Looks like you had a blast!! It is so cool actually seeing the founder of the Dis!! The lights look beautiful (even with the crowds)!!
And your special embrace

We had such fun and we got to do such fun things at the TSM party.

If I remember correctly the high score was 309,xxx scored by KennythePirate. It was a great time and the time flew by quickly.

I didn't know about the you tube tips!! It was the first time I ever rode TSM since I haven't been to WDW since Y2K. My high was 174,xxx on the last run.

You had a great score as well!! Good job!!

This is a scream and I can't believe that you guys flew solo for this event!! So fun! Two married men alone at Disney... good grief, the stuff movies are made of. I have to say that you managed to get through 72 hours of time at Disney with more efficiency than all of us women put together when it comes to this TR... That is definitely a "guy" thing!!!!

Looking forward to the ending.

Thanks for listening and reading along. TBC

Wow, a picture with Pete, a real celeb. Better put that in the signature.......

Nah, that cute picture of Lauren should stay.

Pete would shoot me if I posted a pic of him in my signature.

Great TR!!!! I think there are a lot of us that couldn’t make it to the big event that are living vicariously through you.

I better step it up then, I do not want disapoint.

Great recap of the Party!

And congrats on that high score! I will have to go looking for that youtube video before our next trip!

Thanks so much! The youtube video is a must see!!

Hi Tim!
Loving your report! Just have to say that I've read yours and Lesley's reports in the past but I spread myself so thin nowadays and now usually lurk more than post, however at DAP I thought I saw you . Only it was fleating, I think it was on the ride and then i thought, nahhhh...! I hadn't read that you were going to be there Makes you a bit famous I reckon

Thanks for your take on that special night. It was so cool to be a part of and with all the lovely people we met and the podcast crew being so darn cool, I'll never forget it .

I agree, it was a special night full of memories.

Looks like an awesome night! The Osborne lights are beautiful but I agreee the crowds get to you after a short time. Love the TSM scores. I need to find that video on you tube so I can finally beat my hubby at this on our June trip .

Find that video......but you must have a good partner to get a high score!!

Great update! We love the lights, we were lucky enough to record them dancing 2 different times and it is a much watch for us during the holidays. We can't wait to go back when our kids are older to experience it again. Those were some pretty good scores on your final round, good job.

Thanks!!! The lights were so cool!

What a great night ! Riding TSM all night without a wait ... that is awesome. I love the part about Lesley calling to threaten you about winning the cruise ... too funny.

It was all fun until Les called and and threatened me!!

Did I miss something or did you not tell us if you won the cruise!!!?????

It wasn't us.....I wish though!!!

Great update!! Love the Osbourne lights. How fun to get to ride TSM over and over, sorry that you did not win the cruise. Can't wait to read more of your adventure!
Melissa

Thanks so much!!

The DIS party looked like so much fun!! What a great time - I have yet to ride TSM....on our last trip in December, there was always a crazy wait (one time it went up to 4 HOURS) so I'll just have to put that on my list for next time!
Love your TR, great job!

Wow!!! What a line.....next time!!

Great update! Love all the hard work on the ride! Great job over 200,000! The Xmas lights are awesome! Been to WDW for Xmas but didn't have time to hit the DS park.

Love that you have your arm around Brian in the pic! So sweet! LOL

Bryan was lonely and needed a hug!!

Great trip report Tim. I am sad I didnt get to run into you. I have been reading your trip reports for years. I had a blast at TSM party too. I agree all the podcasters are so nice!!

Sorry I missed you as well, Podcast was great !!

Hi Tim! I'm enjoying your TR I somehow missed the end of Lesley's TR in my Nov/Dec busyness - I just started thinking about you guys yesterday and wondered what you were up to - I knew there had to be another trip in the works, but 2! Plus this one of yours I'm excited about your Dream cruise! You will love it!

The CRUISE couldn't be here soon enough!!

HEY! Come back soon, dying to hear more!

Sorry, real life has got in the way of on the DIS, so sorry!!!

Oh my GOSH!! TOTALLY! Wasn't it ReDONKulous?! Honestly, I took away from the beauty of the lights for me. Like you say below, the initial shock of the lights took my breath away. But as soon as we tried to move around and see all of them.. I just wanted to get out! It was mob scary crowded!
Aw... so glad you could remember your poor family back home, and share the moment with your man.

This is amazing... who knew?!:Only the TRUEST of Disney fans would take the time to figure this stuff out!

SWEEEEEEET!!

Oh SOOZE, thanks for all your fun comments. I love them!!!

 

[CW4DW]

It has been so hectic at work I haven't even had time to read the disboards - that does something to me and makes me grumpy!!! I'm hoping that I can be back all the time and can't wait for more updates. We were there at that time but didn't know anything about the special event for the dis folks... I'll have to do some research and find out how we can get invited to that kind of fun stuff...Waiting for more!

 

[natale1980]

Tim - Great Report! Funny as always

CW4DW - Start listening to the DisUnplugged Podcast. That's were all the cool stuff is announced.

Keep up the good work!
-nat

 

[Sooze]

Don't you worry, Tim! We all understand! You're just too much fun to pick on!!

We will be waiting for you!

 

[LauraAnn630]

Can anyone go to Disapalooza or is it invitation only?

 

[timandlesley]

Hi Guys!!

I WILL be finishing the TR this weekend, I have been so busy with my business and other things that I haven't had a chance to finish everything up.

I appreciate your patience, and I hope I haven't ruined Lesley's good reputation.

Have a great day!!
Tim

 

[LauraAnn630]

Totally understandable. We wont hold this against Lesley! LOL

 

[BilltM]

Can anyone go to Disapalooza or is it invitation only?

Anyone and the boards was eligible to participate, there were a couple options for attending. One option was booking at least 2 nights through Dreams Unlimited Travel and the admission to the TSM party was covered.

After DU took care of those booking through Dreams they opened it up to others interested in attending for a nominal fee (I think it was $25 per person). Not sure what the total capacity was set at but my understanding is DU was able to accommodate anybody interested.

Check the DIS Unplugged board for the sticky thread from the DISapalooza event. The DIS Unplugged group is planning a podcast cruise on the Wonder this coming December if folks are interested. I think last count was ~700 people going on the cruise (from the DIS Unplugged board).

Along with the TSM party Saturday night, there was a seminar Friday morning with Marty Sklar & Lee Cockerell at the Dolphin (cost was ~$60). Sunday was a live podcast taping at the Dolphin (no cost). Beyond those events, people on the DIS Unplugged planned other meets like Drink Around the World at EPCOT.

 

[timandlesley]

The Final Day

After a great night’s rest we got up, packed our bags, and headed out to the Artist’s Palette for breakfast. On the way there I stopped by the front desk to check out, and pay my room charges. The only room charge I made was for a cup of coffee at Tutu Italia, but they looked it up and it wasn’t there.

Now if you remember correctly, Tutu Italia had problems with their entire computer system that day, so in a turn of Disney luck we caught a big break. Not only did I avoid a room charge, they did not charge us for 2 sit down credits on the dining plan. WOO HOO!! I just about fainted, now we could have a great sit down lunch rather than counter service that day.

I caught up with Bryan and told him the great news; he was less than excited and very wary of the whole thing. He felt that if we used these extra credits that Disney would somehow track us down and extract the extra money from us. More on this later….

After breakfast we headed to the bus stop at the Springs to wait for our bus to the MK. Here is Bryan enjoying a cup of Joe…..

After a brief bus ride, we had arrived.

A nice self portrait of the best looking guys on property:

A few more pics of the Magic Kingdom:

UP, UP, and Away…..

Our goal was to go right to Space Mountain and walk on or get a FP for later. The stand by line was way too long so we grabbed a FP to return later on.

In the mean while we thought it would be fun to ride the new and improved TTA. It was beautiful outside, and the view was great!

Some pics from the ride:

Once it got dark on the ride I had to stop taking pictures because Bryan got scared of the dark and I had to console him with a hug. Poor guy!

A nice self pic of me on TTA:

Once getting off the TTA, Bryan decided that we “risk” using our 2 dining credits that were given back to us in error. So I decided that I would call Disney Dining and try to find somewhere to eat in the next hour or so for lunch. The only place left was Tony’s Town Square, so I grabbed it and was booked.

Bryan asked if we could actually do some things that his family never wants to do. I figured no problem at all; it was Disney…..who cares what we do.
First we did the Carousel of Progress:

Once we were seated for the show,
the CM got on the mic and said that we were lucky guests today. He explained we were part of the Carousel of Progress give away and that they were giving away an exclusive lanyard full of pins to the person who had the gold sticker of Tinker bell under their seat. So everyone quickly gets up and starts crawling around looking under seats, then he says “gotcha!” He was just trying to break the ice and get everyone in a good mood for the ride. It was actually pretty funny…….

Next we hit the one and only Stitch’s Great Escape:

It was fun not having to do this with the kids being dragged behind us. Bryan loved it and giggled like a school girl the entire time. Now it was time for lunch, so we made our way back down Main Street.

I had Chicken Parm:

And Tiramisu for desert.

Their food to me is just ok, but hey it was “free” right?

We now had a chance to cash in our FP for Space Mountain; here are some pics of things we saw on the way there:

 

[timandlesley]

These guys are so much fun to watch and listen to:

The queue walking into Space Mountain really cool, but it only really affects you if you are in the stand by line.

Here is what I saw:

Bryan had already ridden the ride, so it was time for me to experience this for the first time. I got off the ride and realized NOTHING had changed at all!! It was still fun, but it was exactly the same. Oh well.

We both had Magical Express buses to catch, my was at 4:00 pm and Bryan’s was at 7:00 pm. So we thought that we would walk around the park a little bit and then head back to SSR and chill before our rides arrived.

Here are some great pics of us hanging by Donald’s tree lot:

Chicks dig the bell:

More pics from Main Street as we were leaving:

Such a sad thing to see:

We sadly hopped on our bus back to SSR knowing that that was our last trip to the Magic Kingdom this decade.

Bryan had fallen asleep on the bus, so I had to carry him back into the lounge. After he woke up we grabbed a couple of beers and grabbed a seat to watch football until the bus arrived.

Well the time came, my bus arrived and it was time to go. Bryan and I shared a big hug goodbye and I was off.

I made it to the airport and after many delays getting to Atlanta, and delays getting from Atlanta to Dayton, I landed safely. After driving home I was snug in my bed by 3:30 am.

Thanks for following along on my great “guy only” weekend, I appreciate your support!!!

See Ya Real Soon!!!!

Actually you can keep following us by clicking on our BRAND NEW Pre Trip Report here:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2391144

 

[LauraAnn630]

Love the report!
Before you know it you'll be getting ready for your NEXT trip!

 

[timandlesley]

Love the report!
Before you know it you'll be getting ready for your NEXT trip!

We already are, several upcoming trips are planned, the soonest one is in June, I'll be starting the pre trip report this weekend so STAY TUNED!!!!
-Lesley

 

[cdotla]

Great final installment!

That last day is always so bitter-sweet, isn't it?

So....did Disney catch up with you on the Dining Credits? If so, I am sure you were wishing you went to Pecos Bills instead of Tony's. Heck, even if you weren't paying, from the look of that food I think you probably would have preferred Pecos Bills!

 

[sharonW]

I second that...really enjoyed your TR.
Now, you must get Lesley, Luke and Lauren
there for a christmas trip Bet you'll
agree its the most magical time to visit!

 

[Trentmom]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

It was a lot of fun to read and awesome pics

Where is that Donald's Tree Lot? I was there December and dont't remember seeing it.


Can't wait to hear about your next adventure

 

[shannon47142]

sounds like a fun trip for you two dads!!!
looking forward to hearing about your plans for the next trip