VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge, a lot!!

[jimmytammy]

A few shots at The Living Seas

 

[jimmytammy]

Illuminations

 

[sleepydog25]

Great shots, JT! I especially like the peek of one of my top three favorite rides.

As I'm sitting here watching the wind gust up to 35-40 mph and temps in the 50s (at least it's sunny), I thought to relate my biggest celeb sighting: I spent all day with Harrison Ford once back in 1994. And Anne Archer. Now, the question is, can anyone tell me what the occasion would be?

 

[jimmytammy]

Hope yall are are enjoying the pics, sorta random shots, but Im sorta a random guy

Yesterday, we headed to Epcot, got FPS for Soarin and Test Track, ate lunch at San Angel Inn, then Casey and I headed to meet wfc4life and sechem32 for our Exp. Everest challenge, trying to ride 7 times in a row. Didnt work so well, one ride after 30 min wait then a FP.

Before leaving Epcot, Casey challenged me to a Beverly faceoff at Club Cool, you know the drink that makes your face squirm. He says if he drinks a whole cup, then I have too. I knew when he was pouring it out of the machine, something didnt look right, usually it has a darker look to it if I remember, anyway he swallows it and really squirms. Now its my turn, Beverly is bad mixed right, but its really nasty not mixed right. Imagine if you can this drink without the sugar, ewwwwww!!!

Went back to OKW for a few mins then back to Epcot, we all grabbed something to eat, Casey and Kristian got a Frozen Cappuchino, Kristian got a Ham and Apple sandwich from Norway, I ran and got Casey a pretzel from Germany and I ate Orange Chicken from China and Tammy shared with us all

Today, we are headed to HS, eating at 50s PTC with wfc4life and sechem32 then try to grab a FP to RNRRC, Star Tours and ride ToT, maybe see Indiana Jones, try to see some Star Wars weekend stuff, and whatever else happens. Then its off to visit with friends who are moving into their brand new home in Clermont. Their daughter is flying in from Mich. later and we will meet them at the new house, then off to eat at Rocos Tacos in Orlando. This is a hope chest that Casey and I built that has been in the back of our van for a week now. Tradition in their family is every girl gets one at 18, she is 16 so it will be a big surprise, not expected so soon.
It looks a lot better finished, this was without any polyurethane on it, but gives a general idea how it looks.

Looking forward to her seeing it!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Great shots, JT! I especially like the peek of one of my top three favorite rides.

As I'm sitting here watching the wind gust up to 35-40 mph and temps in the 50s (at least it's sunny), I thought to relate my biggest celeb sighting: I spent all day with Harrison Ford once back in 1994. And Anne Archer. Now, the question is, can anyone tell me what the occasion would be?

Do tell Patrick!! Does it have something to do with Clear And Present Danger?
DS and me are huge Indy fans, so our interest is peaking right now
This is a guy who saw every Indy film, on screen in original release, bigger than Star Wars to us, more relatable I guess.

 

[Muushka]

As you know Sleepydog got it right. (Alias Smith and Jones was a favorite of mine! Ben Murphy was such a cutie - and Pete Duel. As you said - another sad story).

Ben Johnson was in many western movies as well as others. In fact he had his own horses he brought to use in the Bonanza movies and was very much the "cowboy" he portrayed. He also was in the Red Dawn version with Patrick Swayze if you ever saw that. "The Undefeated" with Rock Hudson and John Wayne was one role where he stood out for me if you ever wanted to try and see a movie with him.

I'm also sorry to hear about your friend. It's taken a few members of our family including my dad.

Thanks Kat, I'll plan on seeing The Undefeated. In fact, I just added it to our Netflix queue!

Hope yall are are enjoying the pics, sorta random shots, but Im sorta a random guy

Yesterday, we headed to Epcot, got FPS for Soarin and Test Track, ate lunch at San Angel Inn, then Casey and I headed to meet wfc4life and sechem32 for our Exp. Everest challenge, trying to ride 7 times in a row. Didnt work so well, one ride after 30 min wait then a FP.

Before leaving Epcot, Casey challenged me to a Beverly faceoff at Club Cool, you know the drink that makes your face squirm. He says if he drinks a whole cup, then I have too. I knew when he was pouring it out of the machine, something didnt look right, usually it has a darker look to it if I remember, anyway he swallows it and really squirms. Now its my turn, Beverly is bad mixed right, but its really nasty not mixed right. Imagine if you can this drink without the sugar, ewwwwww!!!

Went back to OKW for a few mins then back to Epcot, we all grabbed something to eat, Casey and Kristian got a Frozen Cappuchino, Kristian got a Ham and Apple sandwich from Norway, I ran and got Casey a pretzel from Germany and I ate Orange Chicken from China and Tammy shared with us all

Today, we are headed to HS, eating at 50s PTC with wfc4life and sechem32 then try to grab a FP to RNRRC, Star Tours and ride ToT, maybe see Indiana Jones, try to see some Star Wars weekend stuff, and whatever else happens. Then its off to visit with friends who are moving into their brand new home in Clermont. Their daughter is flying in from Mich. later and we will meet them at the new house, then off to eat at Rocos Tacos in Orlando. This is a hope chest that Casey and I built that has been in the back of our van for a week now. Tradition in their family is every girl gets one at 18, she is 16 so it will be a big surprise, not expected so soon.
It looks a lot better finished, this was without any polyurethane on it, but gives a general idea how it looks.

Looking forward to her seeing it!!

Beautiful hope chest Jimmy and Casey. So kind of you.

I am enjoying your pictures. I feel like we are with you.

You have some great challenges going on! I will challenge Mr Muush at Club Cool! Sounds like fun.

Do tell Patrick!! Does it have something to do with Clear And Present Danger?
DS and me are huge Indy fans, so our interest is peaking right now
This is a guy who saw every Indy film, on screen in original release, bigger than Star Wars to us, more relatable I guess.

I had it wrong again! I (mentally) guessed Patriot Games.

 

[sleepydog25]

Do tell Patrick!! Does it have something to do with Clear And Present Danger?
DS and me are huge Indy fans, so our interest is peaking right now
This is a guy who saw every Indy film, on screen in original release, bigger than Star Wars to us, more relatable I guess.

Bravo, JT! You are correct (sorry, Muush)!

SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE WHO SOMEHOW HASN'T SEEN THIS MOVIE!

I was stationed at Andrews AFB, working as Chief, Flightline Protocol (never knew there was such a thing, huh?), and the majority of the flightline had been "reserved" for filming of Clear and Present Danger as the federal government had decided that it showed the military in a good light and because no AF 1 missions (or other major flights) were scheduled that day. Part of my duties involved running the VIP lounge where dignitaries await their aircraft's arrival. It was swarming with extras that day, and as I was talking on a hand-held radio with one of my junior officers while looking out the main picture window, I suddenly notice Harrison Ford is standing right next to me! I ask if he would like some coffee, that we had a special Kona blend which was a favorite of mine, and he replied that he preferred French Vanilla. A personal assistant (who also had a minor role as one of the ill-fated agents in the ambush), then came up and asked if there was a quiet room away from all the activity where "Harrison could relax." I offered my office at the back of the building. As I dealt with high-ranking officials and heads of state every day, I was like this on the outside but given it was Harrison freaking Ford, I was like this on the inside.

As the day progressed, I would go back to my office to shuffle papers and the like just to say "hi." I never did ask for an autograph as I'm just not the type normally, plus he had specifically wanted this quiet place to get away from the throngs (word had gotten out on base that he was there, so all the higher ranking officers' and NCOs' wives were hanging out nearby, as well). Anne Archer only came into the VIP lounge once, so my encounter was her was only short-lived and nothing more than a cursory "if I can do anything for you, please let me know." She must have used a trailer to get away from the crowds.

The scenes filmed there were the ones where the remains of the dead agents come back to the U.S. The usual policy when government officials or high-profile U.S. servicemen and women have died overseas is to return their remains to our country via Andrews AFB. Such was the case in the script. The Pentagon backed this portrayal so provided actual military personnel to re-enact what they would do in this situation; therefore, the soldiers carrying the caskets were actual members of that special unit; the hearses came from the company contracted out by the government to provide transportation of the remains; and the aircraft (a C-141 transport) was real (though it was incapable of flight as repairs were being done to its engines--the cowlings were replaced and the plane towed to the spot you see in the film). In fact, shortly before filming began but after I met Harrison Ford and ushered him to my office, I received a call on my radio that the chief of protocol (me) was needed on the flightline immediately. I rushed out expecting to find some crisis only to be met by a production assistant who escorted me to meet Philip Noyce--the director. Gulp!

Mr Noyce introduced himself, shook my hand (he's a big guy), and asked what my title was. When he seemed satisfied that I was the appropriate person to speak with, he proceeded to detail the scenes they were about to film, and then he asked what my duties would be during such an event. I truthfully told him that as Mr. Ford's character would merit an official greeter, someone from my office would act as his escort.
"Who would that person normally be?" he asked.
"The highest ranking protocol officer available," I replied.
"And who would that be?" Noyce continued.
"Me." I smiled. Again, true.

And that's how I came to be in the movie. . .and spent much of the rest of my day doing take after take after take, primarily of the scene where Harrison Ford is walking from the plane to meet Anne Archer. I'm the tall major in the overcoat with gloves and a radio in one hand. It was cold and dreary that day, perfect for such a somber scene. I'm onscreen for all of about five seconds. lol Harrison gave us tips (there was another military person in the shot who was not in my squadron), such as how the suitcase the other person was carrying was heavy on purpose: "If it didn't have anything in it, you would be able to tell on camera that there was no weight in it." Somewhere, I have a few photos of the day. I have another brief appearance when they're showing an overhead dolly shot of the honor guard playing solemn music, though it's from behind and shows me with one of the worst salutes of my career. It had been a long, tiring day. Tough way to make a living that day, huh?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Fun stuff SleepyDog!! I would have been doing this - and then probably this !

Thanks for all the great pictures Jimmy! I wish we were still there.

 

[Muushka]

Whoa Sleepy! You are practically a movie star!!! That is a most awesome story.
Mr Muush was home while I was reading it, so he is equally impressed!

Now we need to dig out that movie and look for Sleepy

 

[blossomz]

Sleepy..you've been holding out on us! What a great story!

Love the pics JT!!

 

[horselover]

Great story SD! That must have been one of those on unforgettable lifetime experiences.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks for the bday wishes again all !!!

JT....beautiful hope chest !!! So nice of you.

Sleepydog.....REALLY cool story !!!! love it ! My husband is an xtra along with my youngest daughter in Transformers 2. He met and spoke with the director Michael Bay and the lead actor Shia LeBeouf. Both very nice. But they are barely noticeable in the movie--mostly ended up on the cutting room floor I guess. But the experience was worth it's weight in gold my hubby and daughter said

 

[MiaSRN62]

Just had to post this---saw it on Facebook and felt it was relevant in that the moose is our VWL Groupie mascot :

 

[jimmytammy]

Sleepy
I was reading this as Casey and me are watching the Indiana Jones Show at HS earlier today. Really cool story, going to get out my copy to see Patrick in his role, you were holding back on us at McCouls, werent you, instead of calling you sleepydog, you will now been known from this day forward as slydog25

 

[jimmytammy]

Just had to post this---saw it on Facebook and felt it was relevant in that the moose is our VWL Groupie mascot :

Love it!!

 

[bagsmom]

The picture of Roosevelt on the moose is very funny!

JT -- gorgeous hope chest! If you think of it, send a photo with the poly on it. I know the wood grain will just glow!

Sleepy -- VERY cool story!

Well, two weeks from today, we will be checking out of the Contemporary and walking over to MK for a while, waiting for our check in time at the villas!

We are getting sooooooo excited! Today, we are helping an aunt and uncle move. Next Saturday is a yard sale to help fund our eating out budget while at Disney! After that, I can focus on packing in earnest!!!!!!!

Our last few weeks of school were a real roller coaster. Wonderful awards ceremonies where both my kids got very high honors -- so proud of all their hard work! We had lots of fun parties and special things for our graduating 5th grader. We'll be leaving our very special little school -- a little bubble of rainbows and innocence. Now both kids will be in the middle school world. Lots more kids -- older -- from different parts of town and different life situations. A little more stressful, but they have to learn about the real world out there sooner or later. All in all, a bittersweet week.

I REALLY need to go to Disney! I want a little bit of La-La land!

 

[Muushka]

Sleepy
I was reading this as Casey and me are watching the Indiana Jones Show at HS earlier today. Really cool story, going to get out my copy to see Patrick in his role, you were holding back on us at McCouls, werent you, instead of calling you sleepydog, you will now been known from this day forward as slydog25

All those in favor of calling Sleepydog 'Slydog' say YEA

Maria, great Moose find!

 

[Granny]

I'm am quite late, but wanted to make sure I offer Maria my heartfelt best birthday wishes. And since I can't compete with Maria on awesome graphics, I'll just take this moment to recognize her artful contributions to our daily lives here on the Groupies thread!

​

 

[Granny]

Jimmy...looks like you've been enjoying a wonderful trip to WDW. Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures, especially of WL. I love the view of the Lodge as you approach from the parking lot, looming so majestically on top of the hill. Thanks for sharing.

Also, that's a beautiful hope chest you and Casey made. What a kind gesture on your part.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I'm am quite late, but wanted to make sure I offer Maria my heartfelt best birthday wishes. And since I can't compete with Maria on awesome graphics, I'll just take this moment to recognize her artful contributions to our daily lives here on the Groupies thread!

​

Thank you Tom !!!!