We're Doing WHAT For My Birthday??? - Final Thoughts

[mnmrmustard]

It looks bad for Eric at first but of course Ursula is finally thwarted

They couldn’t watch

Once the smoke clears dear old dad relents to Ariel’s request

And she is able to join Eric and Max

A kiss and the show was over

We left the show and took a look at the character times. I really wanted photos with The Incredibles but they weren’t going to be out anytime soon. So we decided to keep cool as much as possible, which meant a short walk to an old standard, The Great Movie Ride. It gets a lot of grief but I still find it fun.

They still had Narnia costumes out

And a carousel horse

It was a pretty quick jaunt through the first ‘movie theater’ and on to the ride boats.

The obligatory shot of the big marquee

Snowflakes to tiers of dancers

Gene was singin’

Mary and Bert were flying high

And Cagney was hiding out

We made it to the stopping point

And were taken over by a female gangster

Clint was in the shadows but I still got a couple of decent shots of him

Not much luck with getting the Alien though

Indy was going for the Arc

Then the gangster went for the jewel

Next up we find adventure on the streets of DHS

Click here for the next chapter: Day 4 Part 3 – The Ride Ends and We Find Adventure on the Streets

 

[mnmrmustard]

The next room was the Tarzan room, which I didn’t get any good shots is, but got this interesting psychedelic pic while trying to catch him swinging

Here’s lookin’ at you kid

Mickey worked his magic

And then on to Munchkin Land where we find one witch squashed

…and the other not very happy about it

She disappeared in a puff of smoke and we took a quick tour of Munchkin Land

Dorothy and the crew said farewell

We pulled in to the highlight reel room and then were on our way. We walked past the commissary and I took the opportunity for a quick pit stop while Roxy sat at one of the outdoor tables. I was also able to get an ice water refill while in there.

We walked on and passed a billboard for the show Castle, a favorite of the ladies of the household. I think it’s okay but prefer his role in the Firefly series.

By now it was around 10:45am and we didn’t have anything going on until 11:30am with a Sci-Fi Dine-In rese. So we walked on to the city street sets.

I had Roxy stand in front of the New York backdrop

Then we headed for the streets of San Francisco

We looped around and passed a fountain that I hadn’t even noticed on our last trip

We kept walking, sticking to the shade as much as possible. I walked past an Incredibles billboard and had to take a shot

Further on was TSM and the Buzz and Woody meet and greets. The lines were too long for both but I did get a chance to get my picture taken with an Army man

We decided to go into the Narnia thing since it had AC. I thought it was extremely lame, just a glorified commercial for a movie that came out a year ago. The exhibits were kind of cool though

It was such a short walk-through that we still had some time on our hands. So I walked us back this way

…and found the Singin’ in the Rain umbrella

We started back, looping around down a different street and came across Lightning and Mater

The last time we were here that spot had been taken up by Buzz and Woody. Things are always changing at the parks!
We walked past the Mama Melrose building, the Mona Lisa never looked so good.

We wandered past Pizza Planet on our way to Sci-Fi. I love the way the sun was glinting off of his helmet

Next up we take a pit stop and then I make a bid for stardom …and no, not on American Idol

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 4 Part 4 – Sci-Fi Eats and Spectacular Feats!

 

[mermaid764]

Your pictures turned out amazing from the Little Mermaid and the Great Mermaid Ride.

We were supposed to do sci fi on our last trip but ended up canceling it so i'm looking forward to hearing what you guys think of it.

I totally agree with you on the layout of pop, it was so easy to navigate.

Can't wait to hear more

 

[Trentmom]

Yay, another update!!!!


Love DHS.

Never seen the Mermaid Show. Thanks for showing all the pics and giving a play by play. I doubt I will be seeing that anytime soon. Trent says it is for girls

Great movie is my favorite ride. Never gets old

 

[mnmrmustard]

Your pictures turned out amazing from the Little Mermaid and the Great Mermaid Ride.

We were supposed to do sci fi on our last trip but ended up canceling it so i'm looking forward to hearing what you guys think of it.

I totally agree with you on the layout of pop, it was so easy to navigate.

Can't wait to hear more

Thank you, they were lots of fun to watch and go on. And I gave a small review of Sci-Fi but bottom line is that we'll do it again. Pop Rocks! ...just love saying that

Yay, another update!!!!


Love DHS.

Never seen the Mermaid Show. Thanks for showing all the pics and giving a play by play. I doubt I will be seeing that anytime soon. Trent says it is for girls

Great movie is my favorite ride. Never gets old

Yes, Mermaid is mostly for the princesses in the audience. Happy to share the story with you. It is a cute story, even cut down to 15-20 minutes.

Now here comes a big update with a good mix of pics and vids!!!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Off to Star Command!

We made it in right at 11:30am for our lunch reses at Sci-Fi Dine-In and who was sitting there? The French couple and their son …the same ones we sat next to the night before waiting for IllumiNations! “It’s a small world” started echoing through my head – lol. Their name was called and soon enough so was ours. Now this was our first time at Sci-Fi but I heard it had great 50s camp, which I love. We had been told that the food was so-so but the service and atmosphere made up for it.

We were seated in one of the cars on the right side about half way back. A couple of girls were seated behind us – the seemed pretty nice. One of them also had a b-day button on

I believe our server’s name was Brian. He was very upbeat but in a good way. He gave good suggestions and I ended up getting the Ruben with a shake and Roxy got a Smoked Turkey Sandwich with a coke. Again I say I LOVE the dining plan, just makes things so easy! Food wasn’t bad except Roxy really didn’t like the avocado mayo with her sandwich.

After getting our drinks our server was nice enough to take my camera and get a couple of shots of us

Towards the end of the meal Brian came up and said our car was chosen as a magic table and gave us and the girls behind us cool Sci-Fi cups with popcorn in them :-]

After our meal I stood up and got as far to the side as I could and got a panorama of the place

Here is the big version of the panorama

We headed back outside and knew right away we needed to stick to the shade as it had crept above 90 degrees again with high humidity and little cloud cover. We looked at the schedule and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular was going to be starting in only 10 minutes. This was a winner because it was shaded and Roxy had never seen it. We came in and got pretty decent seats about 1/3 of the way up in the center section.

Now I came into this with a goal, I was going to not just watch the show – I wanted to be IN the show! The odds are not in my favor as there are 2,000 people in the audience and I believe only 12 are chosen. But I have been told it all has to do with how much you try to get the host’s attention. The show started up and Mari-Beth the Casting Director came out. She picked the first group and didn’t even look in my direction. Then she picked the second group, still no joy. I was jumping and yelling and waving my arms but it wasn’t enough. Last round came up very quickly but my angel stepped up and when the host went to choose, Roxy stood up too and was waving and pointing at me! Sure enough, I was picked!!!

Our task was to take on poses and stay in them. I was lucky and got the “strong man” pose and didn’t have to ‘walk the runway’ or balance for an extended period.

Here is a video of that bit

Mike Gets Chosen!


After doing our bit we went up to the right rear (as you’re facing the stage) which acted as “wardrobe”. There we donned tunics which consist of a robe with a velcro front. I was also given a turban hat. They then had us quickly sit in a part of the stands set aside for us so we could see the first part of the stunt show.

I took this right after I sat down

Guess Who’s in the Stunt Show!

The Idol Awaits

Now back to Roxy, who kept up on the filming duties. Here’s that first segment of the Stunt Spectacular

Going for the Gold


Next up, Mari-Beth brings us out for some group-based silliness.

Look At our Acting Chops!


And then we were into my big scene! Well okay, it was Indy & Marian’s big scene, but I was there too!

The Cairo Crowd


Next we find out that explosives are dangerous and I get to take off my turban and loosen my tunic. Remember, it was a HOT day! We get to see the ‘knock out the extra’ bit from close range, which was a kick.

Marian Apologizes


And as you may have seen I got to high-five the 7’ tall stunt man on the way out – w00t!

They had us pull off the costumes and dump them in a bag. They then gave us a little drink of water and sent us back to our seats.

I was still buzzing from the on-stage fun but still picked up my camera for the last sequence. This one was important to me to see. As I had said, Roxy hadn’t seen the show. But I hadn’t seen this sequence when Bean and I went due to technical difficulties. We waited and waited and they shut the production down. I think the plane wouldn’t start or something.

But this time we were rolling, here comes the plane!

Here comes the pilot

The plane is parked and lucky for the good guys everyone disappears. So now we see Indy and Marian run out to make their big escape

Large Version of the Run Out

Marian quickly jumps up

Indy runs around to remove the wheel blocks

Uh oh, here comes trouble!

Marian tries to warn Indy but it’s too late

Looks like Indy is trying to hug his arm – lol

Indy takes a shot

Unfortunately it didn’t have much of an effect

He tries again

…and then gets thrown around

Here comes the pain

Boom goes the dynamite!

Down he goes

The big guy is almost hit by the rotors

Where did Indy go?

Next up, More Spectacular Stunts!

Click here for the next chapter: Day 4 Part 5 – More Spectacular Stunts!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Machine gun fire erupts as Indy tries to help Marian out of the cockpit

The big guy has other ideas

Up he goes

I think he’ll need to see a dentist after that shot

Down Indy tumbles

The big guy is right behind him

Boot to the head!

This is the fist with which I will now hit you

Indy gets tossed around like a rag doll as the fuel truck starts to spew

Marian starts to shoot again

And the flames erupt!

Indy’s on the ground again

Flames burn, Marian spins, and Indy says ‘don’t hit me!’

Large Version of that one

Indy’s on the ropes

Strangulation time

German soldiers open fire

Big shot of that scene

Marian mows them down

Large version of the shootout

He’s got Indy by the collar

…and throws him down again

Large version

The fight continues as the fire builds

Bowling for Indy!

Strike!

Both of then started going into a Saturday Night Fever stance

Burn baby burn, it’s a disco inferno!

How is he still standing?

Next up, things really start to heat up!

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 4 Part 6 – The Stunt Spectacular Reaches its Crescendo!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Things are heating up!

Heating Up Big Time!

Marian takes out the big mechanic

Luckily she missed Indy

Indy takes a moment to do the robot

He then runs in to save the day

Up the ladder for the third time

Of course it is just in time for the fuel spill to catch

Big view of Fuel Spill Light Up

He struggles with the lock as the flames approach

Large shot of that one

Time to shoot the lock

Panorama of the Lock Shot

Got it open but those flames are getting close!

Large shot of that one

Jump Marian!

Large shot of the Jump

He catches her as the flames are about to reach the truck

Large shot of that one

Run!!!

Large sized Run!!!

Kaboom!!!!

And the actors break the fourth wall as they run towards the audience

…aaaannnndddd, CUT!

The crowd started shuffling towards the exits but I wanted to stick around. I walked down to the edge of the stage as the actors milled around. I put down our Sci-Fi popcorn cups and Roxy took a pic of me.

The stage crew was putting everything back in its place for the next show

The stunt actors for Indy and Marian were still out there and I asked if I could get a quick pic with them and they said ‘yes’ – score!

We thanked them and headed out, stopping to take the obligatory shot by the old tank

We walked down the ramp and I took a shot of the boat and fountain.

Next up, Characters get Cheeky and A Girl Takes a Bath

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 4 Part 7 - Characters get Cheeky and A Girl Takes a Bath

 

[Marshay]

I am so green with jealousy over you getting to see Belle in her blue dress. That is never going to happen in Disneyland.

REally? We saw Belle twice during our trip and both times at different places, she was in the blue dress. She's in the yellow dress in the Princess "tent" (used to be in Toontown, now on Main street). I agree it is nice to see her dressed both ways.

We went in January of 2008 and it was great other than the last day, which got a little chilly. Most of our 11 days there was low to mid 80s. However, my wife's boss and his family went in January of 2010, which was unfortunately when they had that big freeze. They were pretty miserable.

But April traditionally isn't as hot as we had it, we just caught it during some uncommonly hot weather. It is a total dice roll I guess. I know that in general I would avoid it from about mid-May to mid-September due to the excessive heat and crowds. But we all do what we can for the sake of that Disney magic.

I would still go back in April again given the chance.

Thanks for the info on Jan. We are planning to go in Jan 2012. I went for like 2 days in January a few years ago when I had to go to Tampa for work. I remember it was cold in the early morning and evening but the days were nice.


Love all your pictures!!! Since we just left WDW last week, we were able to see the F&G show and I loved looking at all your pictures to be reminded of everything again.

You take amazing photos.

 

[mermaid764]

That's neat that your car was given some pixie dust at sci fi, and the food sounds pretty good

How fun that you were chosen to be in the show and your pictures turned out great!

Looking forward to more

 

[Trentmom]

Sounds like a great day

How neat you got a special treat at Sci Fi

That is so cool you got picked to be an extra in Indy Show

We have seen that show like 20 times or more as it is Trent's favorite show

Great videos

 

[mnmrmustard]

Thanks for the info on Jan. We are planning to go in Jan 2012. I went for like 2 days in January a few years ago when I had to go to Tampa for work. I remember it was cold in the early morning and evening but the days were nice.


Love all your pictures!!! Since we just left WDW last week, we were able to see the F&G show and I loved looking at all your pictures to be reminded of everything again.

You take amazing photos.

I think you'll have a good time in January, it was warm enough for us to still hit the water parks! And crowd levels were so low. Just need a light jacket for mornings/evenings.

Thank you on the pics, wasn't F&G show great? Did they have Mater back out there when you were there?

That's neat that your car was given some pixie dust at sci fi, and the food sounds pretty good

How fun that you were chosen to be in the show and your pictures turned out great!

Looking forward to more

Yes, we didn't eat the popcorn because we were too full all day, but we still have the cups and Bean like using them.

Yes, I can cross being an extra off my bucket list

Sounds like a great day

How neat you got a special treat at Sci Fi

That is so cool you got picked to be an extra in Indy Show

We have seen that show like 20 times or more as it is Trent's favorite show

Great videos

It was a great day, not too fast paced but we still saw and did plenty!

20 times to Indy? He must really love it. He's probably like Bean and is unhappy that he can't be picked as an extra

Time to post the last of the DHS day, it sure went quicker than F&G!

 

[Marshay]

I think you'll have a good time in January, it was warm enough for us to still hit the water parks! And crowd levels were so low. Just need a light jacket for mornings/evenings.

Thank you on the pics, wasn't F&G show great? Did they have Mater back out there when you were there?

I can't remember about Mater. We had 1.5 days at Epcot during the Flower and Garden Show but it was also Pixar Weekend. So we concentrated more on Pixar since that was a first ever! Also, it poured on our 1/2 day there...ugly nasty rain ...but the next day was great.

 

[mnmrmustard]

I can't remember about Mater. We had 1.5 days at Epcot during the Flower and Garden Show but it was also Pixar Weekend. So we concentrated more on Pixar since that was a first ever! Also, it poured on our 1/2 day there...ugly nasty rain ...but the next day was great.

Ahhh, gotcha. Well I have certainly leaned that spring weather at WDW is volatile! Glad the second day was so good

 

[mnmrmustard]

I looked at my watch and saw it was 1:30pm, time to meet the Incredibles!!! We worked our way past the big hat and down the secret corridors (or so it seemed) to find the character greeting area. I made a beeline for the Incredibles area and found Mr. Incredible and Frozone waiting for us.

Frozone was cool, giving us a ‘talk to the hand’ gesture - lol

The line wasn’t too long and soon enough I was there putting on my best ‘super hero’ pose with them

We looked around and they also had Sorcerer Mickey and Lotso. We had no interest in Lotso, but had to get a pic with Mickey. The line for him was of course longer, but its mickey after all.

Soon after getting in line Mickey had to take a break, so we sat down and waited. He came back out within about 5 minutes and we worked our way up to him.

Hiiii Mickey!

When we came out of the line I saw that Frozone had left and Mrs. Incredible was in his place. So I dragged Roxy back over there. The line was a bit longer, but worth it.

First the ‘strong’ pose with both of them

Then I wanted to steal a kiss from Mrs. Incredible, she was bashful

Mr. Incredible, not to be outdone, swooped in and kissed Roxy’s hand :-D

Mr. Incredible then had some explaining to do!

We thought about doing the artist thing but time was ticking and we wanted to see/do more. So we headed out through the Snow White exhibit

First, a collection of Oscars from Snow White and other Disney films

Then a mix of storyboards, paintings, and movie cells from Snow White

We headed out and I saw this cool pic from the opening of The Jungle Book

We had already decided to skip TSM and the timing wasn’t right for the LMA, so we decided to trek back across the park to The Backlot Tour. It is another that I really enjoy and also another that Roxy hadn’t been through. We made good time and after getting some more ice water we made it to the line for it. We only had to wait a few minutes before they had us file into the first area. We got to be in the first row, which was great for getting pics. When Bean and I had watched this it had been too cold to have extras up there but this time we would get the full show!

The host gets the first girl set, doesn’t she look excited?

Bucket #1 releases

Brace for impact!!!

Bucket #1 hits as Bucket #2 releases

Bucket #1 starts dying down

Where’s she go?

Here comes Bucket #2!

The first bit starts to hit her!

Next up, the crew comes under attack and we walk through the warehouse

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 4 Part 8 – Brave Sailors are Attacked and We Tour the Warehouse

 

[mnmrmustard]

The second wave starts to really pour in

Is she still there?

Ahhh, there she is!

She was very brave …hope it cooled her off

Now the crew of the PT boat gets their cues

Another day on patrol

What’s that?

Strafing run!

Torpedo hit

Nice reaction on the part of the crew

Are they sinking?

Bombs away!

And the girl in the box thought she was done getting wet

Multiple explosions, I like the way the one on the left is just coming up and looks like a mushroom

Now bring on the fire!

The crew cringes as the captain tries to get under way

More torpedoes and it looks like the crew is surrendering!

Kaboom!

The show sure ended with a nice splash :-D

The show was over and we were all lead into the prop warehouse. Look, something shiny from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Cool train, Walt would be proud

I want a Mickey Fridge!

Anyone know what movie the scroll props were from?

The horse looks like it is in the style of Mulan. The birdcage looks familiar, but I’m not sure from what.

You can never have enough ACME Eyeballs!

Next up, we hit the trams!

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 4 Part 9 – Our Backlot Tour Continues

 

[mnmrmustard]

Almost done in the warehouse. Here’s a subway car from the movie The Lottery

Lots of props including a very big basketball shoe

We watched the finished product of the naval battle and headed out to the tour tram. First shot is the skull cage from Pirates III.

I thought something looked different and had to look back to our 2008 trip. Sure enough, there was a cage missing! I wonder if it is the one that now resides at Disneyland on the Pirate Lair on Tom Sawyer Island?

And again, Hiiii MICKEY!!!

LMA wasn’t running, but we did get to see a couple of stunt guys tinkering with one of the cars

Pearl Harbor plane

Mickey Topiary

I want to work here!

Frameworks for a couple of topiaries – dragons maybe?

A shot of the water tower

Costumes

More costumes

Aaaannnddd more costumes!

Mini prince and princess outfits

Sylin’ hats

Scenes and Graphics

The two Earful Towers with smoke below from one of the LMA cars

Steam roller from Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Don’t know what movie this fire truck is from

The gondola from a movie called Casanova

Don’t know what movie the little yellow car is from, but the Beverly Hills sign was used in Beverly Hills Chihuahua

More boneyard props

I’m a big sci-fi nut but I don’t know what movie this lunar rover is from either

I did notice that the planes from Con-Air and Flightplan, along with the motor cycles from Indiana Jones III were gone or I missed them somehow.

The split Herbie was sitting in wait for LMA to start.

Next up, into Catastrophe Canyon!

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 4 Part 10 – Catastrophe Canyon!

 

[kaoden39]

Heath Ledger was in Casanova. Useless trivia I am a master at it. Sorry I haven't said anything for a while but I have been here. It all looks good.

 

[jelloarms]

Just letting you know I am in!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Heath Ledger was in Casanova. Useless trivia I am a master at it. Sorry I haven't said anything for a while but I have been here. It all looks good.

Ahhh, thank you Michele! No worries on saying anything. If you're anything like me you're trying to juggle at least a dozen threads

Just letting you know I am in!

Welcome, welcome! Hope you're enjoying it, the end of my first post has links to the relevant chapters if you want to stay on track with the story. I see that you went this spring too. I'll have to check out your TR!