Travel Channel Disney Fans tidbits

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by Dave Dizney
Oh, well..., you know! Yeah, I've been blessed by three great kids, but no one can be cool all the time!

Dave, I enjoyed the show. At one point I thought, "Wow, he has a lot of kids..." And then I realized I have the same number of children Your family did seem like a great family. I'm glad you enjoyed the experience!

The one odd thingon the shw, I thouhgt, was when the LEvy's bought their tickets at the gate. I thought the "Fact" bubble should have said -- you can save $$ by purchasing these in advance. The same when the three girldfirends made the PS that day in the park. Good to show, but I thought the producers would have said, "Fact - Most PS can be booked up to 90 days in advance"

Anyhow, enjoy your upcoming vacation!

 

[castlegazer]

Erika, I definately don't want to start a PC debate because this seems to get people going worse than the Presidential debate, but I had almost a mirror experience there and I will not be back again - and to think, I wasn't even a celebrity! I threw them a loop by having my party checking in on two separate days - holy bad! I was out in left field (the nineties) after that mixup and our rooms were as far apart in the building as you could get - preventing us from having the use of Grandma to babysit one night (I was mighty ticked about this as I was sooo looking forward to that). I am very glad we only stayed for two nights as it was all a nightmare with their front desk.

OK, on with the "behind the scenes with the Travel Channel".

 

[Dave Dizney]

I'm looking at our on-screen TV guide, and now it says that the show will be on at 8:00pm and 11:00pm (central time) tonight. That's different than what the Lightship site has been saying, so those of you who haven't seen the show, take note!

Good points, SnoWhiteRabbit. Some of the "questionable" portions done in the video could have been cleared up with some of those pop-up bubbles. Others could have included early entry days, buying tickets in advance, making PS's 90-days in advance, and "the sheets aren't laminated."

More tidbits:
...We never took the bus to the parks while shooting, we carpooled in white vans with the crew. We saw the "nicest" cast members dining area at the Animal Kingdom and something I'd never heard about -- bicycles! Tons and tons of cast member, Disney provided, same color, bicycles! Evidentially that's the best way at the AK for the cast members to get from point A to point B.

...when you see my "close-up" interviews, those took place in the same location as Jocelyn's, just facing the other direction. If you've ever been at the Boardwalk resort, that little gazebo is where it was taped. It was one of the last day of this crew's long two weeks. Our family spent the morning in Epcot riding Mission Space (my boys and I were trying to get dizzy by moving your head around during the ride -- I know we're strange, but no "soda spills" occured )

When the time came to meet the crew for my interview, I exited at the International gate and went to the gazebo. I remember that location well because once our whole family rented one of those surry-bikes and took it through that gazebo! We were terror on wheels! So, as I approached, I saw them interviewing Jocelyn, and then I saw something in the grass around the gazebo. As I got closer, I saw they were people! Sure enough, there were interns and crew members stretched out trying to get in a few winks. These people got 3 hours sleep some nights during these productions -- I don't know how they survived, but at this point many were crashing and burning. These folks at Lightship entertainment were unbelievable -- I used to do video production, and if I was younger and starting out, an internship with Lightship would be a dream come true!

Hoping Jocelyn will also cave and share some tidbits about her experience!

Still waiting for a hint from Erika about her mystery "holy grail" experience. If she can't share, I'm afraid we'll have to make up some of our own theories. Here's one of mine -- did we really see her in the boat during Wishes? I think they took her to the castle and she subbed for Tinkerbell that evening. We had the best view of Tinkerbell during Wishes and thought it was unusual for them to push her out screaming the whole way down!

Watch and laugh with us tonight!

 

[frndshpcptn]

We all just loved George too Dave... he is just the nicest and sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet. At the very end of the second day I almost cried to say goodbye to him and Robin. Such good people. Also I got teased by the whole family for my schoolgirl crush on Jamie, but HELLO can we say Yum???

This I will totally agree with. Too bad Jamie is totally taken--the wedding ring was the first thing my friend Carla noticed. She thought he was such a cutie

We LOVED the people at Lightship. They are an awesome group. They ran around all day, got no sleep and were still the nicest folks ever.

I'm not going to say much about the backstage areas we saw or what goes on in them...I don't think its appropriate and neither do the CMs I know that I ran it past, but I will say that we got to explore areas of the Resort property we had never been in before. I know after talking at length with Jamie and Donny that they wouldn't want us discussing certain parts of our experience and I think I am going to respect that. I feel bad, because I really, really want to share some of the cool stuff...but I know they look at these boards so I am going to refrain...I'm not saying that Dave and Ericka shouldn't say anything...I'm just choosing to play it safe rather than sorry.

Because I work with several Disney sponsors, I have been backstage at all the parks now (and quite a few resorts too) but I did get to see new stuff this trip! I also thought it was really fun to be part of a TV shoot. That was something I had never done before. Having a crew follow us around for hours on end really did make me feel like a celebrity. I even ran into a long-lost friend from college as I was walking down Sunset Blvd with the camera and all the crew members! That was pretty cool.

Overall, one of the top 5 experiences I've ever had at Disney.

 

[Dave Dizney]

I know after talking at length with Jamie and Donny that they wouldn't want us discussing certain parts of our experience and I think I am going to respect that.

Woo-hoo! Thanks for posting!

I understand not discussing certain parts of the parks. I hope I've not told any secrets outside of how the production was shot. None of us in our family got the "keep this secret" speech from anyone, except about the backstage area of Dinosaur -- but there wasn't anything of any magnitude to talk about. So far, I think I haven't revealed anything backstage you couldn't see from your drive in. I know better than to reveal some things we saw backstage because of breaking the illusion. Like I said before, when our family was driven up to the back of Main Street, even my guys said "close your eyes -- this place does not exist!"

In our mind, behind Main Street is "Oak Street," a seldom seen secondary street that few see. Here is where they've moved the Penny Arcade into a nicer building. There's also the artist shop where they still do cutout silhouettes. Some guy with slicked back hair and a mustache tells the story of how Disney all started with a mouse. In the evenings when dusk is about to settle, you still can sit on Oak Street and hear two older gentlemen walk the cobblestone and debate if the castle should have gold gilding. "Roy" still wins the argument.

I still believe!

 

[luv2tvl]

did we really see her in the boat during Wishes? I think they took her to the castle and she subbed for Tinkerbell that evening. We had the best view of Tinkerbell during Wishes and thought it was unusual for them to push her out screaming the whole way down!

Dizney Dave - you are cracking me up! I love your sense of humor and I find myself always looking for a post from you to brighten my day!
My dad was a minister and had that same sense of humor that I just love! Thanks for making me laugh and sharing all your stories.
Keep em coming!

 

[frndshpcptn]

We saw the "nicest" cast members dining area at the Animal Kingdom and something I'd never heard about -- bicycles! Tons and tons of cast member, Disney provided, same color, bicycles! Evidentially that's the best way at the AK for the cast members to get from point A to point B.

Hi Dave,

In my opinion (and its just my opinion) its things like this that I don't think we should share. I know it seems innocent, but after working with Disney through a few of thier sponsors and having quite a few friends who are CMs there, you just get a sense for what they like to be more secretive about. To you and I, it seems like nothing, but to other folks, it could be a problem. I think its better to play it safe on that end.

I think it terms of production stuff...I think its up to you how much you want to tell! For example, someone asked on another htread if I went to the Adventurer's Club the night we were at PI. I responded by stating that we went to Mannequinns to film, but then after the crews left headed over to meet some friends at the HOB, because its Industry Night there on Sundays and usually very fun.

I don't know if there is a right or wrong...or just a comfort level in sharing. I have always been told in my field not to share too many details and I usually stick with that.

 

[Tooneric]

Dave and Erika,

Thanks for the inside scoop on "Fans"! I've enjoyed reading this post. We watched while at my sister's with quite a few people. I made everyone watch it as I am the ultimate Disney fanatic in our group, save for my kids.

Dave, my wife thought I was a little extreme in planning our days until she saw your individual schedules! But to quote Captain Barbosa from Pirates of the Carribean when speaking of "The Code", "they're more of what you might call guidelines".

I'm sure most of us here agree that a good plan makes the trip more fulfilling. She's come a long way though, and for the first time, SHE wants to make the ps for our next trip. Her parents are coming and she wants to show them the World.

"Keep to the code!"

 

[WDWalways]

Originally posted by frndshpcptn
Hi Dave,

In my opinion (and its just my opinion) its things like this that I don't think we should share. I know it seems innocent, but after working with Disney through a few of thier sponsors and having quite a few friends who are CMs there, you just get a sense for what they like to be more secretive about. To you and I, it seems like nothing, but to other folks, it could be a problem. I think its better to play it safe on that end.

I just wanted to say that the thing Dave said about the bicycles is not really anything I'm sure Disney or CM's would not want to "get out" - when I went on the Undiscovered Future World tour (which anyone can take) I saw things I did not know about & were surprised about such as the CM's coming off their own Disney tranport bus right behind Mexico - just steps away!! - & going into their building to change into costume or go to makeup or whatever - we got to go into the building too & saw the break room & lockers & costume pick up & drop off & CM bulletin board with employee only info but it was like right there for any of us to read - how secretive could they truly be on stuff like that?? The secrets that spoil the magic is one thing, but finding out they have their own company bikes to get around is no big deal IMO.

 

[frndshpcptn]

Hi WDWalways,

As I said, it is just my opinion. After spending 7 years now working in conjunction with many different areas of the Walt Disney Co, I am just more cautious about what I share.

I am aware that the "behind the scenes" tours do show you a lot. But that is still stuff that I wouldn't feel comforatable talking about on a public message board. Again, just my opinion. I'm sure I am coming from a different place than Dave, and therefore have a different view on what to share or not.

Not saying that Dave was wrong, just that we made different decisions. That's all!

 

[Slartibartfast]

It's good to know that several of the people from the Travel Channel special post here at DIS! You guys rock! I noticed you said you'll be in the World next week - we're also going next week -- to celebrate my 40th birthday!

So if someone approaches you and yells "DisneyDave!", don't be too alarmed. Of course, quite a few people may recognize you, now that you're a Disney celebrity!

Wanna go over my itinerary? Just kidding...

 

[Disney's Deluxe Princess]

Dave, Don't feel bad about posting the things you did. I find it very interesting and it in no way spoils the "magic". If anything, it makes the magic stronger. Disney has so many behind the scenes aspects, yet they manage to pull it all off effortlessly. If Travel Channel or Disney asked you to never speak specifically about something, then I'm sure you'd honor thier wishes. You are a true Disney fan and it shows.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

You're not getting anything else out of me Dave!!! I will take it to the grave.

Thanks for the reminder about the show tonight... I totally forgot!!!

I had three celebrity moments Saturday at the mall. It was pretty cool. One lady yelled out "HEY it's the Disney Girl!!" in the middle of a quiet store. (blush) But it was neat. Especially for a stay-at-home mom like me who's highlight of the day is tucking my children into bed.

 

[lenshanem]

Goodness!!! CMs have bikes? That ruins it! I will never go back now...

 

[B&WMickey]

We loved watching the show. After a break in going to WDW for a couple of years due to having our first child (boy) and cutting back to one income so my wife could stay home, seeing the show on the Travel Channel gave us the Disney bug bad and we have started saving for a trip in 2006/2007.

 

[Dave Dizney]

Erika -- you're amazing! Three "celebrity sighting?" The only recognition I get is "the Disney Store is closing sir -- you'll have to leave!" I think I know what your "magic moment" was while you were doing the production -- they must have given you the secret sauce recipe from the fry cart, didn't they! See, they made up for putting you in PC!

Jocelyn -- I'll try to be careful about what I say, hope I don't cross any lines -- but you keep me in line if I get out of it!

Tidbit: (no lines crossed here)
We were done with all our video work and ran back into Epcot. We were standing in line for Spaceship Earth in a longer than usual line (not on our schedule ) and without warning, a cast member came out a door on the side of the geosphere and said "How would your family like a 'magical moment?'" She then took us through the exit of the ride and allowed us to board immediately!!! Totally random -- and we felt guilty because of all we had already experienced that week -- but enjoyed our extra-fast-pass.

Slartibartfast -- I'd love to see SOMEONE out there recognize me! Hope I see you at the parks. I'm SO stoked, How about you? Trying...not...to...laminate...schedule!!!

We'll I'm about to see the show again. We've got brownies and coffee smoothies at our house -- anyone coming over?

 

[stina]

dizney dave! i'm watching you for the second time right now! (it's 9:53 EST)
what a great show. you all did such an amazing job. and i'm so psyched you're on a thread here at disboards.

i was psyched for your family because you got to stay at AKL - that's where i'm staying (for the first time) in 32 days!!! yippeee!

this was definitely the best travel channel/disney show ever. i really enjoyed all the commentary from your families and the other families.

stina

 

[erikthewise]

I just finished watching, for the first time as I missed the first group of shows.

You guys were great! All of you: Dave, Erika, and Jocelyn! (And the other couple, Rachel & ?). Especially Jocelyn, because she got so much air time (and she's a pro). I think this was the best Disney special yet. You're a credit to the DIS!

I have to admit, though, I nearly laughed out loud when they did they bit about arriving at Rose & Crown just before Illuminations and there just happened to be a waterside table available! (In your dreams!)

 

[Suzanne033]

To Erika & Dave & All of the other:

You guys did a great job.

Erika: You sure did put a positive light on the Pop Century after what happened to you.

You guys all made me even more excited about my December trip.

 

[frndshpcptn]

Hey Dave--no worries. I think its just when you work in public relations with giant corporations long enough you begin to fear sharing any info

I've been reminded many times that I can't say anything about who I work for and what their relationship with Disney is. Its just standard protocol...that's why I am extra-cautious about this stuff.

Its funny, what we think might be harmless and just fun sharing may be really a big no-no in the eyes of others. It sounds crazy, but the discretion at which people are expected to operate is really extensive.

I hate feeling like the downer--and I apologize to all those who think I am ruining the fun...but I'm not trying to!