We Be Trippin': The Great DIS-nee Road Trip

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I know one of you stayed in the Shelby Room, named after Julia Robert's Character in the movie. Can't you just picture her in this room? I sure can!!!

I'm sure y'all remember she loved pink!!! There are lots of other lovely rooms here and I am sure you've all seen them and stayed in them last night so we'll just move on.

I admit it, it was me! I just couldn't help it...it's such a pretty room!

Well..... I almost stayed there. Somehow, though, the drama of two grown women squabbling over who should get the pretty pink room started to create a bit of an embarrassing spectacle. Sooooo.... I finally caved and told Tooth she could have it!

(Kidding! 'Just kidding...)

 

[DSNY4ever]

Great job madbrad, I like you new avatar too. And Disneymommom, I am loving Louisiana, the food is especially interesting to me, we don't have anything like that in California- it is making me hungry! And the state bird..

Looking forward to seeing more from everyone!

 

[Disneymommom]

Oh, and I forgot to add: I really like your pretty, new Marie avatar, too! Quite appropriate! (It compliments your pink print very nicely! )

Thanks a bunch, I'm glad you are enjoying the tour and all the good food!!! I think I gained ten pounds since we started this tour!!!

Glad you like my new Avatar, it does work well with my hot pink print now, does't it?

Well..... I almost stayed there. Somehow, though, the drama of two grown women squabbling over who should get the pretty pink room started to create a bit of an embarrassing spectacle. Sooooo.... I finally caved and told Tooth she could have it!

(Kidding! 'Just kidding...)

I know what you mean. I think Tooth wanted it really bad and it wasn't worth fighting over. You were a good person to give the room up to her!!!

 

[Disneymommom]

Great job madbrad, I like you new avatar too. And Disneymommom, I am loving Louisiana, the food is especially interesting to me, we don't have anything like that in California- it is making me hungry! And the state bird..

Looking forward to seeing more from everyone!

I'm so glad you are enjoying my tour! OUr state bird well that's another story, but one of those stinkers got in my room last night, it took a beebe gun to take him down!

Even though I am conducting a tour somehow my boss expects me to work in the office or they don't want to pay me. what's up with that? So, you'll all have to wander around a bit on your own this afternoon and then we'll get busy again tonight!!!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Great job madbrad, I like you new avatar too.

YES! I meant to compliment madbrad on his excellent, new cat-o-tar! (Great job on Grumpy, Cat! )

Oh, and way to represent your state, madbrad!! (I have to say, before this Road Trip started, I didn't realize that Alabama had so much to offer...)

I especially appreciated the Disney tie-ins:

One of the things the Alabama was known for in its early days was its Mickey Mouse Club, which was formed in 1933. Meetings were held every Saturday, where the children would perform for each other, watch Mickey Mouse cartoons, and participate in other activities. The Club also sponsored food and toy drives for the underprivileged. By 1935, the Club had over 7000 members, making it the biggest Mickey Mouse Club in the world. Membership eventually peaked at over 18,000 before the Club closed almost ten years after it was formed.

Wernher von Braun and Walt Disney

In the hope that its involvement would bring about greater public interest in the future of the space program, von Braun also began working with Walt Disney and the Disney studios as a technical director, initially for three television films about space exploration. The initial broadcast devoted to space exploration was Man in Space, which first went on air on March 9, 1955.

Man In Space aired on March 9, 1955 and directed by legendary Disney animator Ward Kimball. Later, it was edited into a featurette to play in theaters, accompanying Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. This Disneyland episode (set in Tomorrowland), narrated partly by Kimball and by such famed scientists as Dr. Willy Ley, Dr. Heinz Haber and Dr. Wernher Von Braun, and also by Dick Tufeld of Lost in Space fame, talks briefly about the lighthearted history of rockets and is followed by discussions of satellites, a practical look (through humorous animation) at what spacemen will have to face in a rocket (both physically and psychologically, such as momentum, weightlessness, radiation, even space sickness) and a rocket takeoff into space.

Man and the Moon, originally aired on December 28, 1955 and directed by Ward Kimball, depicts all about the Moon. It begins with a humorous look with Man's fascination with the Moon through animation. This segment features the Moon's usage in everything from William Shakespeare and children's nursery rhymes to lunar superstitions and scientific research. Then Kimball comes on with some information on the moon, supplemented by graphics. Kimball then introduces Dr. Wernher Von Braun, who discusses plans for a trip around the moon.

Finally, a live action simulation from inside and outside the manned Lunar Reconn Ship RM-1 dramatizes what such an expedition might be like, including an almost-disastrous hit by a very small meteor. This episode later reaired in 1959 under a new title: Tomorrow the Moon.

Mars and Beyond is an episode of Disneyland which aired on December 4, 1957. It was directed by Ward Kimball and narrated by Paul Frees. This episode discusses the possibility of life on other planets, especially Mars. It begins with an introduction of Walt Disney and his robot friend Garco, who provide a brief overview. It continues with an animated presentation about mankind seeking to understand the world in which he lives, first noticing patterns in the stars, and developing certain beliefs regarding the celestial bodies. Theories from scientists and philosophers are discussed, including Ptolemy's inaccurate, but formerly-accepted theories, as well as those of Copernicus. Life on other planets is considered, soon focusing on Mars. Ideas from science-fiction authors H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughs are brought to life with more colorful animation. Pulp science fiction comics of the time are parodied in the same straightforward tone as everything else (this segment features Kimball's comic tone and there's even a cameo appearance by Donald Duck).

After this, the program adopts a serious tone as it profiles each of the planets in the solar system, from the perspective of what would happen to a man on them. The program claims that whereas most of the planets are either too cold or too hot for life as we know it, life on Mars could almost be normal, something that is of increasing importance for the future. Dr. E.C. Slipher then discusses the Red Planet and the possibility that life is already there. More animation speculates what the conditions on Mars might be like. This section is filled with striking, inventive and decidedly atypical Disney animation.

The program wraps up with what a trip to Mars would entail for a space crew and its vessels. Contributor/spacecraft designer Ernst Stuhlinger presents his design and details regarding a unique umbrella-shaped MarsShip: The top portion would be a revolving outer quarters ring providing artificial gravity for the crew of 20, under 'parasol' coolant tubes. At the other end would be a sodium-potassium reactor to provide power to the midsection electric/ion drive. Attached upright would be a chemically-fueled winged tail-lander. The mission shown involves six MarsShips, ultimately reaching 100,000 mph, taking a 400 day, spiral course to Mars. There, they would spend 412 days on the surface before returning.




For more info:
"The Disney-Von Braun Collaboration and Its Influence on Space Exploration"



All of these Disneyland episodes can be found on a Walt Disney's Treasures DVD set titled Tomorrwland: Disney in Space and Beyond. Here's some info on this DVD.

Walt Disney was a true visionary, and his most far-reaching vision examined the future. During the 1950s, his investigation into space exploration and the wondrous opportunities and challenges of space travel not only came alive in several Disneyland TV shows, but helped create strong public support for The United States space program. Go back in time to the beginning of the future and enjoy four episodes and a theatrical short that delve into the mysteries of the universe and space travel -- "Man In Space," "Man And The Moon," "Mars And Beyond," "Eyes In Outer Space," and "Our Friend The Atom." You'll also get a rare look at Walt's last film, "EPCOT," in which he reveals his concepts and plans for the Disney World and EPCOT projects. Other not-to-be-missed features include a special interview with noted futurist and author Ray Bradbury. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I know what you mean. I think Tooth wanted it really bad and it wasn't worth fighting over. You were a good person to give the room up to her!!!

Thanks for those kind words of affirmation, Disneymommom. Of course -- at the time -- I cried myself to sleep!

 

[Disneymommom]

Well everyone, whose up for a trip to an amusement park??? We're heading to Baton Rouge to Blue Bayou.

For those of you who feel it's a little hot and humid for an amusement park, bring your suits and take a leisurely float around the lazy river.

How about Azuka - The World's Largest Tornado Slide - Hop on a four person cloverleaf raft for a ride you will never forget.

The Conja' is the world's largest inline water slide...

Pirate's Cove is the ultimate interactive water play area. With giant water cannons blasting and ropes to climb you enjoy a true adventure. It is a hit with kids of all ages.
http://www.bluebayou.com/images/piratescove.jpg

Hurricane Bay is the center of the wave action with 3-4 foot waves rolling out every 10 minutes. You will be in for a heart-pounding good time.

 

[Disneymommom]

Those of you who are a little more daring, they have some great rides.

Extrem - This spinning coaster is our newest addition. Enjoyed by all ages, this roller coaster is like nothing you have ever ridden.

The Ragin Cajun is a giant steel looping roller coaster that drops from 14 stories up.
14 Stories tall
Most popular coaster ever built
7 cars, holding a total of 28 people
Runs 1/2 frontward, and 1/2 backward at speeds of 75-80kph
Inverted loops throw 3.8 G's, forward and backward

Hot Shot - 200 Foot Combo Drop Tower. Blast straight to the top for a different ride every time.
http://www.bluebayou.com/images/07/hotshot.jpg

Gilbeau's Galaxi is our family roller coaster
http://www.bluebayou.com/images/gilgalaxy.jpg

Other rides and attractions include:

Zydeco Express
Flyin' Tigers
Cajun Collision
Grand Carousel
Gasoline Alley
Jambalaya
Over the Rainbow
Black Widow
Barataria Pirate
Tilt-A-Whirl
Fouchon Flyer
Manchac Railroad
Gumbo Yo-Yo

 

[Disneymommom]

Where would we all be without a little snacky poo. Anyone hungry yet????
JUST A SAMPLING OF OUR MENU ITEMS
T-JOE'S BEER & SEAFOOD
Pizza
Ham and Cheese PoBoy
Cajun Roast Beef PoBoy
Caesar Salad
Chef Salad
Beer DIXIEDILLY
Hamburgers
Cheeseburgers
Hot Dogs
Chili Dogs
Corn Dogs
Pizza
French Fries
Chicken Sandwich

TECHE GENERAL STORE
Cotton Candy
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Popcorn
Nachos
Cookies
Drinks
SWEET MAGNOLIA
Cotton Candy
Ice Cream
Popcorn
Caramel Corn
Funnel Cakes
Nachos
Cookies
Sundaes
Candy Apples
ICE HOUSE CANTINA
Nachos
Tacos
Drinks
KLEINPETER STORE
Ham and Cheese PoBoy
Cajun Roast Beef PoBoy
Caesar Salad
Chef Salad
FUEL DOCK
Hamburgers
Cheeseburgers
Chicken Sandwich
Hot Dogs
Chili Dogs
Pizza
French Fries CARTS
Lemonade
Bottled Water
Dippin' Dots
Frozen Coke
Sno Balls
KRISPY KRUNCHY CHICKEN COOP
Chicken Tenders
White Meat Combo
Dark Meat Combo
Fries

T-JOE'S To Go
Quesadillas
Buffalo Wings

I think you can pretty much find anything you want here, they have a little of everything!!!!

I hope you all enjoyed our little day at the amusement park! I had a great time and hope y'all did too!!!!

 

[Disneymommom]

Tomorrow we're going to head on down to New Orleans, a little pre-Katrina trip with a touch of Mardi Gra.

Remember everyone, what happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans,

 

[Circusgirl]

Disneymommom - This has been a fantastic extravaganza, with incredible hospitality, great food and way lots of fun at the amusement park. Loved the historical tour - I can hardly believe there's more! I really enjoyed visiting Dry Prong and now am all excited about New Orleans. I only got to go to New Orleans after Katrina (went down to do relief work and shows for relief workers and the little towns along the coast of Mississippi) so look forward to seeing a happier time.

Sorry about the little altercation between tooth and DISgeeks. They are so much alike they often want the very same thing.

Your Marie avatar is delightful!

 

[Disneymommom]

Disneymommom - This has been a fantastic extravaganza, with incredible hospitality, great food and way lots of fun at the amusement park. Loved the historical tour - I can hardly believe there's more! I really enjoyed visiting Dry Prong and now am all excited about New Orleans. I only got to go to New Orleans after Katrina (went down to do relief work and shows for relief workers and the little towns along the coast of Mississippi) so look forward to seeing a happier time.

Sorry about the little altercation between tooth and DISgeeks. They are so much alike they often want the very same thing.

Your Marie avatar is delightful!

Thanks Circusgirl, I'm so glad you like the tour so far and are looking forward to more. I am looking forward to sharing more of Louisiana with you. We have a few more stops and then will turn it over to the next person on the list.

Wow you went down and helped at New Orleans relief, that is wonderful What kind of shows did you do? Did you have a Circus? Hmmm? Well that is something to be very proud of!!!

Oh that's okay about Tooth and DISgeek, they settled it like ladies so all is good, lol. Thanks!

Glad you like my Marie avatar, my daughter set it up for me, she loves to go in and change my avatars when I am not on so I am surprised when I get on later, lol. She's a sweetheart!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I am looking forward to sharing more of Louisiana with you. We have a few more stops and then will turn it over to the next person on the list.

Speaking of which, it appears that Tooth (tothesea) will be next, since Suz D is swamped with relocating and family matters. car: We'll simply wave from the Party Bus windows as we pass through Bloomington, IN. )

Meanwhile, I believe that waaaaay back in this thread, spreadingpixiedust (Tyler, TX) stated she could no longer participate in our Virtual Road Trip, because she was unexpectedly whisked away on business. I'm thinking it's a pretty safe bet that she's home by now, so....

spreadingpixiedust: If you're still out there, please let us know if you're interested in hosting a virtual tour through your hometown. Otherwise, it's on to Cat in Bryan, TX, after tothesea!

A long-overdue review of our itinerary...

VIRTUAL ROAD-TRIP ITINERARY:

1 (a.) – DISgeeksfromDC (Gaithersburg, MD)
1 (b.) – Mr. DISgeeksfromDC (Gaithersburg, MD)
2 – HaunteMansionFan (Taunton, MA)
3 – 3guysandagal (Richmond Hill, Ontario, CA)
4 – Marshay (Ashburn, Virginia)
5 (a.) – Mrs. fleagle (Yorktown, VA)
5 (b.) – fleagle (Yorktown, VA)
6 – AnnDisneyFan (Charlotte, NC)
7 - BigThunderMtn (Atlanta, GA)
8 – JenniferAtl (Atlanta, GA)
9 – KigerKat (Atlanta, GA)
10 – madbrad76 (Florence, AL)
11 - Disneymommom (Dry Prong, LA) <----- We are here!
12 – Suz D (Bloomington, IN) <----- (Quick drive-by)
13 – tothesea (Oklahoma City, OK)
14 – spreadingpixiedust (Tyler, TX) <----- (???)
15 – catotigger (Bryan, TX)
16 – swwaake (Austin, TX)
17 – calliaz (Tempe, AZ)
18 – Disneyfalcon (Colorado Springs, CO)
19 – FirstTimeCaller (Freeland, WA)
20 – circusgirl (Seattle, WA)
21 (a.) - mrs autopia driver (Bremerton, WA)
21 (b.) - wotruba-disney/Mr. Autotopia (Bremerton, WA)
22 - DSNY4ever (Folsom, CA)
23 – CalDisneyFamily (California)
24 - Disneyland (Anaheim, CA)
25 - Miss Stitch (Leeds, England)
26 - disneyhockeymad (Kent, England)
27 - Disneyland Resort Paris

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Oh that's okay about Tooth and DISgeek, they settled it like ladies so all is good, lol. Thanks!

Yeah! When it really matters, we can handle ourselves like civilized folk!

 

[3guysandagal]

Having a great time in LA Disneymommom!!
You make a great tour guide!

DisGeeks...I have reprogrammed the GPS and changed my maps so as not to get lost!

 

[Circusgirl]

Thanks Circusgirl, I'm so glad you like the tour so far and are looking forward to more. I am looking forward to sharing more of Louisiana with you. We have a few more stops and then will turn it over to the next person on the list.

Wow you went down and helped at New Orleans relief, that is wonderful What kind of shows did you do? Did you have a Circus? Hmmm? Well that is something to be very proud of!!!

Oh that's okay about Tooth and DISgeek, they settled it like ladies so all is good, lol. Thanks!

Glad you like my Marie avatar, my daughter set it up for me, she loves to go in and change my avatars when I am not on so I am surprised when I get on later, lol. She's a sweetheart!

I work with an organization that brings a big vaudeville show, fun parade and delightful workshops to people and places in need of some fun and laughter. It's a very cool thing and going down to Louisiana and Mississippi was one of the most amazing experiences we've ever had. We have mostly worked in the Northwest, California and Alaska so it was a special thing to expand our horizons. I write trip reports of our journeys and my Jambalaya Journal is on our web site along with photos of the tour.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I work with an organization that brings a big vaudeville show, fun parade and delightful workshops to people and places in need of some fun and laughter. It's a very cool thing and going down to Louisiana and Mississippi was one of the most amazing experiences we've ever had. We have mostly worked in the Northwest, California and Alaska so it was a special thing to expand our horizons. I write trip reports of our journeys and my Jambalaya Journal is on our web site along with photos of the tour.

Hey, Circusgirl: Could you provide us with a link to your site? Also, do you have any video footage available? (I bet it would be a lot of fun to watch! )

I remember waaaaaaay back in one of our earlier threads -- possibly the first one -- you mentioned parading through the grocery store with your band and how silly it seemed that folks sometimes didn't even stop and stare. Sort of a "ho-hum ... doesn't this always happen?" mentality!?!

*****​

Oh, wait! I did a little digging, and I think I've managed to unearth some of the stuff myself. (I hope you don't mind... )


*New Old Time Chautauqua - Strengthening Communities with Education, Entertainment and Laughter

*Jambalaya Tour Journal

*The story behind Circusgirl's CMO video application:
(I managed to find her earlier post, and I've cut-and-pasted the text below. )

To film the monkey/giant banana scene in mine I wanted a jungle-y setting with lots of plants so decided to use the Fred Meyer garden department. Unfortunately because it was winter there were no plants in the big outdoor area I hoped to unobtrusively use. So I went to the flower department inside the store and set up with giant banana, ballgown, tiara and all while people shopped around me for palm trees. The fellow working in the shop was sweet and totally into it. My circus band will often march through grocery stores and coffee shops when we're in small towns and it reminded me of that. Some people just act like nothing unusual is happening even though there is a fairly raucous marching band playing through the aisles.

Source: "Diser's for CMO!" thread, page #133, post #1987

*I also wanted to include a link to Circusgirl's CMO video application on the Dream CMO site, but -- sadly -- it appears folks' entries are no longer accessible. Bummer!!


Hey, Circusgirl: 'Think you can include a stop at one of your recent/upcoming performances during your portion of the Virtual Road Trip?? Fascinating stuff! You must have a blast!!

 

[Disneymommom]

Having a great time in LA Disneymommom!!
You make a great tour guide!

DisGeeks...I have reprogrammed the GPS and changed my maps so as not to get lost!

Thanks 3 Guys!!! I am so glad you are having a good time!!! Thanks for reading!

I work with an organization that brings a big vaudeville show, fun parade and delightful workshops to people and places in need of some fun and laughter. It's a very cool thing and going down to Louisiana and Mississippi was one of the most amazing experiences we've ever had. We have mostly worked in the Northwest, California and Alaska so it was a special thing to expand our horizons. I write trip reports of our journeys and my Jambalaya Journal is on our web site along with photos of the tour.

That sounds awesome Circusgirl, you are one special lady!!!

 

[Disneymommom]

Hey Everyone, thanks for finding ways to amuse yourself yesterday and last night. I was just totally out of commission. I haven't slept well since my eye surgery and I literally fell asleep yesterday afternoon at my desk, lol , how that was embarassing I just couldn't continue with the tour last night. I hope y'all will forgive me.

We have a few more stops to make in Louisiana and off we go to see more of our great country. I promise to try to be awake and moving tonight, lol, and continue with the tour!!!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

DisGeeks...I have reprogrammed the GPS and changed my maps so as not to get lost!

Excellent work, 3guys!

Yep, looks like madbrad picked a reliable Director of Transportation! Go team!