Travel Channel Disney Fans tidbits

[n2mm]

Dave, glad you're here on the disboards and bet you're having fun answering everyone's questions.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Originally posted by Dave Dizney
theSurlyMermaid -- that Popeye ride scared the pee out of me (though it was so wet none would know). There was one guy who rode with us (didn't speak English, so I don't know if he read the signs), and at that last big rough-water part STOOD UP THE WHOLE TIME!!! I was sure he was going to fall off. We also had useless poncho's on that ride, and it was in December -- so we rode it last and got in the towncar soaked.

Perhaps he thought he was surfing?

How jealous am I that you will be in Disney soon?

Hey, question about the schedules...(when I have kids one day, you better believe I'll be doing something like them!)...how detailed do you go? You must go by ride....time has to be more flexible due to the waits and stuff, right?

 

[NotUrsula]

While the etiquette of hat-wearing has loosened up a lot on the "indoors" rule, even modern guidelines still agree that there are 3 kinds of situations where a gentleman's hat needs to come off indoors: while eating meals, in a theatre audience, and in the presence of the dead. For Christians, there is a fourth: church (or while praying anywhere, unless you are a member of the clergy wearing a ceremonial hat.) An exception is that performers who are wearing a hat as part of a costume may keep it on.

As I see it, even with this liberal interpretation, the Hoop-De-Do situation triggers the rule on 2 counts; as it is a meal served in a theatre.

Hat-wearing while at table is simply not good manners, even on vacation; it's equivalent to tucking one's napkin into one's shirt collar. (BTW, when the hat is taken off, it should not be placed on the table; that is poor manners, too. If the hat makes it all the way to the table, as opposed to being hung up or checked at the entrance, it should be held in the gentleman's lap until he gets up.)

 

[iceskatejen]

In the case of the playing or singing of the National Anthem it's customary that people remove their hats along with standing. Go to a sporting event and they'll ask you to stand and remove your hats for the anthem. Every baseball player does it--even if they're not from this country. Should you be seeing a Canadian team and American team playing (where I believe it's customary to play both the US and Canadian anthems) you'll see them keep they're caps off for both. It's just plain good manners to do so. I'm only 33, but I've often wondered where manners have gone in the country. But that's a whole different discussion.

 

[Dave Dizney]

N2MM -- Yeah, sure, U betcha -- this is quite a fun ride. We'll see how long it my 15-minutes of fame holds out (still waiting for Hollywood to call).

theSurlyMermaid -- O, maaaan! You're gonna make me reveal more for the flamers! OK -- here goes. I first take the ride, the average load time, the time of day, the newness of the ride, the popularity of the ride, and my preferred seating arangements. I use a top-secreat government Bill Gates formula (OK a little overboard), and then spit out a schedule. It fits in the palm of my hand (big hands, though). We look at it when we have the question "what do we do next?" I was sold on this way back in 1991 on Easter weekend we used a version of this and got through EVERY ride at the Magic Kindom, took a couple of hours off at our resort in the afternoon, and rode the kids favorite rides one extra time. Ever since then, I've been in my secret laboritory attempting to perfect the "formula." ...and again, I have never laminated!

(Taking off my hat in reverence to ya'all)

 

[lisajl]

Ok Dave Dizney

The first time I saw this show I thought, "Man, I thought I was the only one that plans like this." Then I made my DH watch it last night...well...he said, "a schedule?" That kind of sent him over the edge. Please don't make schedules for us, is the kind of look I got from across the room.

I enjoyed watching the show cause I just love all things Disney.
It is even more fun, like someone else said, when you find out you are on the Disboard!

Looks like you all had a great time!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I just had to post and say hi to our local celebrity. We really liked the show except for those few canned moments like happening upon a water side table for Illuminations. I really hate that they show misleading things like that to newbies who will most likely be disappointed that they can't get that awesome view for Illuminations 5 min. before the show. I can't wait for the follow up special... WDW "real" fans guide. No offense to you and your family, just the goobs who made ya'll do that unrealistic,misleading stuff.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Dave, Dave, DAVE!!!!! I thought we weren't supposed to talk about the filming process and things like that? I remember back in the spring I posted something here on the DIS about how we were chosen for the show and it got erased just moments later. Ever since then I've been very careful about what I say on the DIS.

 

[Dave Dizney]

Originally posted by TigrLvsPooh
Dave, Dave, DAVE!!!!! I thought we weren't supposed to talk about the filming process and things like that? I remember back in the spring I posted something here on the DIS about how we were chosen for the show and it got erased just moments later. Ever since then I've been very careful about what I say on the DIS.

I remember getting a call asking me to stay off the boards until everyone had been chosen -- and I thought I'd take it one further to stay off until after it aired. I remember being told to stay quiet because "someone" had been posting (I wonder who that was, lol). I don't remember signing anything that said we'd stay quiet about the production. I've been careful not to mention anything backstage that would destroy any illusions (in fact at times we put our hands around our eyes so we'd not loose the illusion).

Do remember any agreements made that I don't?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Yes, I was the one who posted here on the DIS when we got our call. (oops!) I was then informed through email and over the phone what was not to be discussed. I just assumed the instructions I was given applied for after the show aired as well. But maybe now it's OK?? And as for things that happened during the filming, certain stuff I was told not to talk about. Did you guys not run into things like that?? It's sort of hard to know what category certain things fall into. You mentioned "faking" and that was one of the things I was told not to mention.

 

[lenshanem]

Erika and Dave, maybe ya'll should be PMing each other instead to be safe?!?

 

[Pig Pen]

I thought the show was great. I must say that you Dis families were very brave to allow your trip to be taped. I cringe to think how the show would have turned out if my family had be chosen! Ha.

In fact, the show was so good that DH and I are reconsidering our plan to make a side trip to the Keys in January. Now we want to stay at WDW the entire vacation!

Okay by me.

 

[goofy4tink]

Now I know why it looked so bright on the Sunrise Safari!! But, on another note Dave...

Are you doing as much planning for next week? I know that I'm not doing nearly as much as I have in the past. For some reason I'm getting the feeling that it just isn't going to be as crowded as it was last year. Even here on the boards it doesn't feel as frenetic as last year. I guess we'll know this time next week won't we??!!! Have fun planning; I am!

 

[beattyfamily]

The show is over, it's aired. I really cannot imagine that you are completely tied to never talk about it forever. What can they do to you? Did you sign a confidentiality agreement mentioning what you cannot talk about?

I don't believe Dave has mentioned any 'secrets' that take away the magic for us all.

I cannot believe someone had the power to erase your post, TigrLvsPooh. That's scary. But it was way back in the beginning of the process.

I sure hope you continue to post, Dave (and the others that were on the show). This has been so much fun to read.

Thanks!

 

[Dave Dizney]

From all of my recollections, the only thing we signed were background checks (to insure none of us ever robbed a bank or hopped a cue). I don't ever remember any caution with the exception of staying off the boards before the production. I don't see this kind of discussion doing anything but promoting the show (look how many DIS'ers have watched because of our posts!). But if there was hope of a sequel, I'd shut up quick!

Goofy4tink -- You bet I'm planning for next week! I've got most of it mapped out already, but I'm saving the final printout until later in the week. I've got a couple of free hopper passes thanks to my Disney Visa, a discount coupon from my Hertz gold card (this is the FIRST TIME I've rented a car in Orlando -- I've either had my own car or use Tiffany/Happy Limo -- I'm NOT happy about renting a car, but we're staying off site -- something else I'm NOT happy about, but it is a time-share and was a graduation gift for my son from his uncle). Besides the trip last April, this will be the cheapest trip I've ever done!

I've only once gone in August, and I'm hoping for cooler weather than usual. We usually go in the spring or winter or fall and avoid summer.

Feel safe enough to share any "behind the scenes" info yet, Erika? Come on, EVERYBODY'S doing it (nothing like peer pressure)!

 

[Mermaid02]

I'm definately looking forward to watching the show again- I'm going to have to tape it!

Makes me even more excited for our next trip!

Nice to meet ya Dave!

 

[sarahsmom73]

You guys Kill me!!!

Come on tell us more!

 

[lenshanem]

I cannot believe someone had the power to erase your post, TigrLvsPooh.

HA! Come over to the DVC board. We get posts that "mysteriously" disappear all the time!


MAN!!! My six year old who was obsessing over the show and who has probably watched it about six times now accidentally deleted it off of TIVO along with some Reno 911 episodes I had yet to watch.

Erika, another little tid bit - Didn't you only have seven in your party? The Magical Fireworks Voyage takes eight people to book. They don't mention that! Actually we hooked up with another DISer pooh.kim to be able to go and it was a BLAST. Erika, did you get the full experience of this event, or no?
I have a trip report that includes a review of it. Click on my link in my sig for new July trip. It was our fav part of the trip.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Peer pressure!!! So if I get in trouble Dave, it will be all your fault.


Ok.... let's see..... our day began at 4:30 am, which by the way is the only time I've ever gotten a Mickey wakeup call and wanted to strangle him! But we were excited so we all hopped in the shower, got the kids up and dressed, and then packed up all our stuff, made our beds, cleaned our room, etc, because the crew was coming at 5:00 am. When they arrived I think they were disappointed we were ready to go... I think they wanted us all in our pj's to film some wakeup scenes, but we didn't know. Oops! So they had us undress the kids, which by the way made them both cry because they were all ready to go to the park and then we did some filming of them in their beds. Can you imagine about 12 crew people trying to squeeze into one of those Pop Century rooms?? Not to mention we were on the third floor and they had to carry all their equipment up to our room. But, that was the resort they wanted so I kept my mouth shut.

After that they filmed us going to the bus stop... but we didn't take the bus, we drove to MK in several cars and vans. We drove to a backstage area (and I'm not saying where ) and entered MK through a secret entrance... which I thoughts was totally cool. The park was obviously not open yet... I guess it must have been about 6:30 am... and we headed to the castle for breakfast. Talk about an early PS!! ha ha Our breakfast was filmed with extras so it looked like it was open... betcha didn't know that!! We had to hurry like mad and stuff the food in our mouths so we could get out of there before the restaurant really opened. I don't even remember if it was good or not... but it was cool to have so much time with Cinderella and Snow White. They just hung with us the whole time. (too bad we didn't have a daughter, huh?)

After breakfast we went back to the park entrance to film our arrival to the park, coming through the gate, walking down Main St, stopping by the bakery for coffee, and checking the ride board. We already knew we were skipping Fantasyland because it was EE day and it was packed. Also we really couldn't film anything in that area because of lighting, so we went to Adventureland. (which wasn't open yet) They had a private showing of the Tiki Room for us, with extras, but it was so funny because the camera lights were so bright we couldn't even see the birds or anything.

After that we headed to the Jungle Cruise which was our first long wait of the day. I don't know how long it was, maybe 45 minutes to an hour? I don't know, but it took forever to get the ride stopped and all of us loaded up with the crew and everything. There were a few other people on the boat with us... I think they were just regular park guests, or they could have been extras, I can't remember. After that we headed to Pirates, which we didn't really ride, they just filmed us walking out of it. (same as they did with Mickey's Philharmagic) Once again, lighting issues I think. Then we hit the McDonald's fry cart for a snack... followed by our lunch break. All the crew members have to be given certain hours and certain amounts of breaks and lunch... probably some type of Union I would guess... so we all headed into Pecos Bill's. I never counted, but I would guess we had about 20 or so people with us. They did some filming of us sitting down to eat, but after that we all just sat and talked for a good hour or so. That was really fun because we got to relax and get to know everyone. 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??? And then my stalker obsession with Howard, who was probably getting a kick out of how ga-ga I was over Great Hotels and of course I had to suggest myself as the perfect replacement for Samantha Brown! ha ha He had so many interesting stories to tell about WDW and the things he has seen! We also talked about traveling and other places outside of Florida.

Ok... so after lunch it was time to hit Splash Mountain... which is where we would spend most of the rest of our day. I don't know how long we waited, probably an hour, but they had to stop the ride which is not an easy thing to do. Not to get into too much detail, but let's just say we had several "attempts" at getting this part right. By this time we were way, way, way off schedule. We had to skip ahead on the list and hurry over to Fantasyland to film Dumbo. (the only Fantasyland ride we could film for the show because everything was indoors) I was really suprised to see that cut out of the show because we spent quite a bit of time doing it, but oh well, no biggie. That was all we had time for in Fantasyland because we had to squeeze in Buzz Lightyear before the Hoop Dee Doo. Buzz was cool because they actually filmed us inside the ride. I instantly understood why they can't do a lot of this type of indoor filming... it's not easy and takes a ton of time.

After that we left the park through our secret exit again. And drove to Fort Wilderness. (no we didn't take the boat) This is when I was feeling the pain. We'd been going strong for about 12-14 hours with no sign of stopping. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the whole Lightship crew. They are unbelievable people to be able to film for days and days without sleep or time off. They seriously probably only sleep like 2 hours at night before they are back at it again the next morning. I really don't know how they stay sane... and so nice!

We had a great table in Pioneer Hall... the food and show were great, we hadn't done it in probably 4-5 years so it was a treat for us. They filmed us for a little bit and then took a dinner break. It was nice to sit back and know the camera wasn't on us. We got to relax and stuff our faces like we normally do. After dinner we headed by car to the Contemporary. I was amazed that the kids were being so good. I don't know how they had the stamina... normally we would get up around 8:00 am and nap all afternoon... so I was expecting major breakdowns. But somehow they kept it together. We had to wait for the cruise and it was sooooooooo cold. We didn't have the chance to go back to our resort at all during the day, so we couldn't change clothes. Luckily we had brought some sweatshirts... it was a very cold night. I would like to do the Fireworks Cruise again sometime when I'm mentally alert and not freezing. The pirate we had on our boat... "Patchy"... was a total riot! That guy needs his own TV show!! If you have the chance to experience his comic genius I highly recommend it.

Ok... so we do the cruise, see Wishes, head back through the Contemporary lobby, and then it's time to say goodbye to the kids and the grandparents. It was close to 10:30 pm and they were all dead. Don't even get me started on their trip back to the resort... they encountered some big problems at Pop Century and let's just say I had a LONG talk with the manager the next morning. I was so mad that it was dangerous. I doubt I'll ever stay at PC again after all the trouble we had. (and don't get me started on that either)

We did some filming at Pleasure Island and that was it for us. We were exhausted and ready to collapse. Again, I don't know how these guys do this day after day. I am amazed. I think we finally got to bed around 1:00 am.

The next morning the kids didn't even wake up until almost lunch time! Our bodies were actually sore, it was like a hangover I swear. Luckily the next day I was the only one who had to do anything. I did my interview section over at the Grand Floridian from about Noon til 5:00 pm. I think it was my favorite part of the whole experience. I finally got to talk and give my tips! I would guess they got about 3 hours of me talking... so it's amazing they could pull out what they wanted and keep the show an hour. I spilled the beans on everything I could think of. After my interview I got to see some special areas... but I'm not saying a word about who, what, where, etc, because I swore I wouldn't. But it was soooooooo awesome words cannot describe. It was like a religious experience for me... probably similar to the way a Christian person would feel traveling to the Holy Land. I will relish the memories of it forever.

Ok... so that's it from me. At least that's all I can think of right now as I sit here at my computer with my jammies on. Feel free to ask questions if I didn't explain something well.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Yep, we had 8 people. And no, we didn't really have the actual cruise. No food, autographs, treats, etc.