mcjaco Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 As winter set in here in the Chicagoland northern suburbs, I started feeling the need. The need for speed....but alas, I'm not Goose or Maverick, so I decided it was time to head back down to Orlando for a little Disney love. Or should I say alot? I ended up flying down on Saturday night, crashing with Chuck at the Regal Sun, and running a taxi service for the rest of my family the rest of the week. You see, my parents had this evil plot to get Abra (my wife) to join us against her will. It's where my inherent need to torture grew from. So, we plotted a hatch....or is that hatched a plot, and made her visit the World against her will. She'd like whether she wanted to or not! Somehow I managed to take very few photos of people the entire trip. I came back with over 200 photos, and only seven with people. So I stole from of these from my Dad's collection. Say "Hi" Dad, I know you're lurking out there! Without further ado, here's day one. It was time to rest up, for DHS the next day. And time to get a fruity drink pool side. And headed out. It was fairly crowded, and we had a date at Buffalo Wild Wings, so I picked up a hitchhiking ghost..... After dropping the parentals off at the Grande Vista, it was time to take in some of the MK. Um really? Does anyone even remember SMRT-1? And as a mouse??? I don't get it. This just screams awesomeness! OK, I had no idea the world greatest ride, as proclaimed by the fantabulous Dave Thomas, now has it's own toy line! "Hi Kris (my sister). Did you find Dad's sunglasses?" No trip to WDW is worth a lick unless a Jacobs loses something. Like say a cellphone. After dropping Chuck off at the Magic Kingdom, I headed back to MCO and picked up the parents. We then headed straight to this sad little no man's land.
Meteornotes Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 DINOSAUR HAS ITS OWN TOY LINE?!?!?!? This is the greatest thing since the invention of the toaster. I may have to make space in my office for some new items. dt
TheRapidsNerd Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 Um really? Does anyone even remember SMRT-1? Believe it or not, I do. The little robot at either Communicore East or West near Expo Robotics came right to mind. I sense awesomeness in this thread already. Looking forward to more.
mcjaco Posted February 26, 2009 Author Posted February 26, 2009 Alrighty, on to day two. We picked up Chuck, which is something I like to do when I see a a fashionable man in a strange hotel lobby waving to me, and headed out to Disney Hollywood Studios. The past few years, I rated DHS (or MGM) as a half day park, that on some occasions *gasp* I would skip. With the addition of Mr. Potato hotness, and the Midway Mania, it's starting to squeak back up there. In fact, I skipped going to Animal Kingdom this trip in favor of DHS. Sorry, but EE with a broken Yeti is not going to win out over shooting, the best tower, and the Muppets. I could only squeeze in three of the little towers. We'd find out why that was ok later. I also love taking pictures of dude's scratching their butts. And high tailed it out of there. I'll note that the little towerish thing to the left was completely burnt out. Bad show.......more to come tomorrow. I told you this building sucks me in everytime. We had to rescue Kristen from a wolf and a rodent of unusual size. Chuck learned he was most like Clarabell Cow. But fell into this abomination of a former awesome attraction. We narrowly escaped Playhouse Disney. Even this version is better than DCA's. Sadness. Although this did make it another type of dream altogether. We decided to hit up One Man's Dream. This wasn't mine. Otherwise, it would be me, a room, and lots of beer. Dinner at the Sci Fi is great. Our waiter was kick ass, and I had me a fruity-ish milkshake. I hold no qualms against any alcohol. Or the Great Movie Ride? AT-AT porn? What could they possibly be discussing? My Father takes stalker photos. Of his son. I like beer. Down my hatch. Disney Vice. Artsy. Or Fartsy. You decide. Bryan. Where is the tryout video????? It was off to good tower. Here I told a most undignified lie. Halfway through the program I told my mother it was over. Muhahahahaha! I just love the theming along here. My photo collection of this building can prove it. The parental units gave TSMM a big thumbs up. Anyone know where this is? Chuck and Matt ponder their villianess strategy beforehand. I'm packing your angry eyes just in case. First stop was to get my parentals on to Midway Mania. HA HA! I've managed to foil that infernal hat! Crossroads, by Mickey Mouse. Although Mr. Clapton's version is OK in my book too.
cfc Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Chuck learned he was most like Clarabell Cow. Hmm--judging from my expression, someone must have just farted.
Guy T. Koepp Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Fantasmic TR! Get it! Fantasmic... ...DHS? Sorry... ...Epic fail on my part! You are wetting my appetite! I am soooooo looking forward to taking tha famliy unit there for the first time in April. My kids are gonna have an awesome time! Can't wait for the rest of this! Guy "My kids first trip to Disney World! Woo Hoo!" Koepp
silvercrew1 Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 WOOT! Awesome to sse some pics of the World during the offseason. Thanks for posting, great pics! SSE...Epcot tehe
BeemerBoy Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 This trip report lacks monorail pics. Fail...thus far. And the weird mouse-like figurines...I don't get it either. Evidently they've become quite popular, but I don't understand why.
RCFreak Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 I have two of those Vinylmation mouses. The EPCOT one (generalization from someone on the left coast) and the monorail one. They're cute but damn expensive ($10 each) and you don't know which of the 12 in the series you get until after you pay for it and can open it up. I still want the Yeti, Haunted Mansion, and Kermit ones. Awesome TR so far!
dandaman Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 My Father takes stalker photos. Of his son. No relation, I assure you. Awesome stuff so far. Even without monorail shots, AT-AT porn + SSE model + Chuck as Cogsworth/Clarabell is full of win. Also, when I saw those Vinylmations last week even I had to wonder WTF was up. The fact that you can't tell what you'll get after paying $10 is pretty much crap... hell, even Happy Meal toys come in clear plastic bags. Dan "Doesn't mean I wouldn't want the Monorail one, though..." Smith
Not For Sale Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 What a snooze. There hasn't even been one picture of me.
dandaman Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 ^ Have you tried out for Idol yet? No? Then shut the hell up!
nay Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 Also, when I saw those Vinylmations last week even I had to wonder WTF was up. The fact that you can't tell what you'll get after paying $10 is pretty much crap... hell, even Happy Meal toys come in clear plastic bags. They are pretty weird, but I actually like them! I got the Figment, Monorail and SMRT-1 at DLR, and I wasn't going to get anymore, but then the World of Disney in NYC got a shipment. So now Kermit and Yeti have joined the gang. Anyway, great TR so far, Matt!
cfc Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 What a snooze. There hasn't even been one picture of me. Yeah, it always has to be about you, doesn't it?
mcjaco Posted February 27, 2009 Author Posted February 27, 2009 I'll post a picture of Bryan when he posts his Idol tryout. So basically, never. Day two, of park visits, brought us to the most orgasmic park known to man. EPCOT Center! That's right, people, it's still the Center to me, so y'all can just deal. My parents, unbeknownst to them, created this terrible fascination I have with the park, by making sure we we're there four weeks after it opened in '82. I was obsessed from the minute I saw Spaceship Earth peeking over the evergreen trees in the parking lot. It's a sickness that really has grown over the years. My parents haven't been since 2006, so it was time to make sure we hit up Nemo, and SSE....and of course, Borin'. Or Soarin'. To which I have to admit has grown on me, but I'm not in the least bit amazed about it like the rest of the general public. It's a C ticket at best, and one that's in need of some serious ungrades. The film is really getting dirty. We pretty much just did Future World to get my parents all the new "credits," and had an awesome lunch at China with the Alveys. This would be Chuck's last day as my Chevy HHR navigator, and sadness would ensue after he left. Anyway, on to the Bryan-less pictures. With Future World conquered, Chuck leaving us (sadness), it was time to get back to the Time Share. Abra would be joining us the rest of the week! Quota filled. "Chuck, I just wanted to let you know, you're a very attractive man." This may end up in the archives of past attractions/eateries. If you haven't eaten in China, DO IT. This place has made an incredible turn around and is worth the visit! Where Chuck and I star in our own video game! http://www.thinkingofyoupostcards.com/runtime/play?Guestcode=KQ6QKRL4MAAH7Q We headed over to Innoventions. Why don't you move anymore? Chuck, however, is sucked into Soarin's mind control video screens that make you think it's better than it really is. Off to Soarin'. Which has no tie in with the pavilion in which it sits, and the theming is wacky neon! This is me and my Dad discovering Uranus. Did I mention crowds were heavier than expected this week??? Oh, it just keeps getting better. Sha. Wing.
dandaman Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 *fanboygasm* What I wouldn't give to visit Epcot 1994 again...
downunder Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 *fanboygasm* What I wouldn't give to visit Epcot 1994 again... That's funny, 1994 was the last time I went to Epcot - no Mission Sinise, no Test Crack, no nothing, it was like going on a school excursion.
dandaman Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 As much as I love Sinise, I'd rather have Horizons back... hell, I'd even have World of Motion over 50%-SBNO Test Track, but I marathoned on that thing when I was three so my bias might be showing through. (Still my favourite park regardless.) P.S. These days I ride Soarin' for two reasons: 1) Jerry Goldsmith and 2) manufactured oranges.
cfc Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 "Chuck, I just wanted to let you know, you're a very attractive man." Gee, Matt--I never knew you cared . . .
BeemerBoy Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 This trip report now features a nice monorail pic. Success! Fixed. Oh, and how was Uranus?
mcjaco Posted February 28, 2009 Author Posted February 28, 2009 Wednesday was a nice quiet day. We spent the morning at Blizzard Beach, and then headed back to the Grande Vista for some more R&R, and followed it up with dinner at Raglan Road located in Downtown Disney. It was a great way to Abra acclimated to the weather, and the Disney gloriousness that she was about to be surrounded by. On Thursday, we headed to the Magic Kingdom, while I made sure my parents headed to the Animal Kingdom to get their Yeti on. Abra and spent the morning, which was rather overcast, slowly wandering the park, and doing some of the lesser attractions that I always seem to pass over. Get ready for some Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse love! The main goal on this day was to get in as many rides on Space Mountain as possible. With it's extended refurb coming up, I wanted to pay my respects this classic. After rides B side on Sunday, and being really impressed, we rode both back to back, and felt they were both running equally as great. SM is in definite need of some serious TLC, but I'm hoping they keep it true to it's roots, and running like it was. These are wise words. More to come in a day or so. One last stop for a frosted cookie. I always forget about this statue. I liked Wishes. Not as much as Illuminations, but it was entertaining. We set up shop for Wishes, and couldn't beleive the idiots letting their kids run around on the grass behind fences and rose bushes. Then these two goofy people stepped in front of it. Hi Mom! Probably my favorite picture of the trip. Tomorrowland. Where you get to see Matt dance like a tool at MILF. BTMRR at sunset is pretty stunning. Or just pretty. I can't decide. Time for some Big Thunder love. See, here's the Mark Twain again! From my Dad's collection. And people wonder where I get it from. It's like 1PM, and people are still filing in. Did I mention it was more crowded than expected? Resting trolly. Back up on Main Street, we evaded multiple attacks by balloons. Swiss Family Treehouse = Happy Abra Because I love me some plastic fruit! Is this place for rent? I spy an off kilter hidden Mickey. Abra's favorite childhood movie was Swiss Family Robinson, so she insisted that we check it out. Water Cannons of Doom, spell no rides for Matt. Not until the sun comes out, at least. Another spot that always manages to call my name for a picture. All is right with the world. I rode Peter pan first thing in the morning. After I was stalked (), we headed up Main Street, and caught this little song and dance number. We rode the ferry over for the first time in years. It was empty, because silly people head for the monorail. Abra says enough. Let's go sit by the time share pool and enjoy some fruity concoctions! This would be called themeing. Lazy River. Finding a tube this day was a daunting task. As we found out via signage throughout the park, do not use the slides or pools if you are suffering from diaharrea. Really? We need signs for that? Wednesday morning found us at Blizzard Beach. I still perfer Typhoon Lagoon, but the slides are better here.
cfc Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 As we found out via signage throughout the park, do not use the slides or pools if you are suffering from diaharrea. Really? We need signs for that? You'd think just having diaharrea would be sign enough. Great pictures, Matt--and hi, Abra!
BeemerBoy Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 We rode the ferry over for the first time in years. It was empty, because smart, charming, and devastatingly handsome people head for the monorail. Fixed.
TheRapidsNerd Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Matt, those are some great pictures. I liked the one shot of the Mark Twain and agree on the particular castle shot. Quote: We rode the ferry over for the first time in years. It was empty, because smart, charming, humble and devastatingly handsome people head for the green or orange monorail. Fixed. Fixed.
dandaman Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 After I was stalked ()... Who the hell would want to do that?
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