Official 50th trip reports and tidbits [Archive]

DisneyDaniel

07-18-2005, 12:55 PM

HELLO?
Details people, we need detials.
Did NA get her horsey ride?
Did 80 of her close friends join in?
How were the cupcakes?
How were the crowds?
Where there in debth news reports on all the homless people in DCA?
Pictures dammit, we need pictures.
Thank you. :)

I am guessing trip reports from the July 17 weekend are slow to come at the LoT because people are 1) Still recuperating from the weekend. 2) Still at Disneyland. 3) At work and do not have the time to post. 3) Still need to download photos. 4) Any combination of the above.

As for me, I still need to download photos and would rather illustrate the text report with accompanying photos to enhance the memories and virtual experience (for anyone who could not attend). Also, I am at work right now, but will do my best to give a detailed report this evening with a lot of photos, including photo highlights of the Noon Meet, Storming the Castle, and Taking Over The Carrousel. It will be worth the wait. :)

Motorboat Cruiser

07-18-2005, 02:17 PM

Did NA get her horsey ride?

Yep, and it was awesome! Highlight of the day for us. Well, one of two. Walking in at 7am and being greeted by all of the cast members (including Matt) lining the streets was pretty damn cool. Totally took us by surprise.

Did 80 of her close friends join in?

I think there were 70 of us, singing happy birthday to disneyland, doing the wave, and other geeky things.

How were the cupcakes?

Sweet enough to kill a diabetic.

How were the crowds?

Not as bad as we expected. All rides were a walk-on for the first hour or so at least, while everyone waited for merchandise or camped out for a good spot for the birthday "festivities". Later in the day, the crowds started thinning out. Guess, a lot of people were there primarily for the merchandise and ceremony. By 1pm, it looked like any typical summer weekend day.

Eliza Hodgkins 1812

07-18-2005, 02:29 PM

I'm so glad a fun time was had by all (or at least most of all)!

Disneyphile

07-18-2005, 02:48 PM

I did a "Sally Struthers" video commentary/report on the homeless people on the streets in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Morrigoon has it, and I'll help her upload it hopefully sometime this week. We had people cracking up. ;)

Just one of the lines I used: "For cost of one churro, you can provide a Dole Whip to a homeless geek. Won't you please help?"

We also have a picture of her with a "Will Work for Dole Whip" sign, with her gold ears overturned, containing a few "donated" dollars. ;)

NirvanaMan

07-18-2005, 02:52 PM

Carrousel of Geekiness

What happens when 70+ disney geeks conquer King Arthur and his merry band of ponies?

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Nirvanaman/PICT1485.JPG

And if you have the time (12 megs), here is a video of the conquest. Mind you it is from a micro-digi camera, not an actual video camera so the quality...well it is what it is.

Geek Video (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Nirvanaman/PICT1484.MOV)

I have several more pics of this event as well as the rest of the weekend. Maybe I will try ofoto or something. Other Carrousel pics are at the same URL as the one above...if you can find em.

:D

Motorboat Cruiser

07-18-2005, 02:56 PM

El linko no worko ;)

Edit: scratch that. It's working now. Cool, NM! :)

CoasterMatt

07-18-2005, 03:23 PM

I also learned that quite a few LoT'ers like it in the caboose (of the DLRR) ;) :evil:

Hades

07-18-2005, 03:57 PM

[QUOTE=Motorboat Cruiser]
How were the cupcakes?

Sweet enough to kill a diabetic.
QUOTE]

Well, almost sweet enough to kill a diabetic. I had 2 of the ones that were in the Castmember break areas. Still alive! ;) We also had free beverages, bagles, strawberry yogurt, Coke 0, Dasani water, assorted cookies, apples and oranges. They treated us right!

Best thing was the Castmember birthday bag of goodies. We got a limited edition of the Disneyland Line (Cast newpaper), anniversary golden ears, a hard bound Castmember's only book, and the golden "I worked there, July 17, 2005" castmember pin. We get the final set of Cast exclusive trading cards on the 21st, along with the commemorative tin to put all 50 cards in. All that, and a window on Main Street! I feel so special to be a Castmember! *sniffle* :blush: :snap:

Not Afraid

07-18-2005, 11:13 PM

OK. I can barely type (even worse than usual).

I've just had the most INCREDIBLE, HAPPY, EXTATIC, and JOYOUS weekend. There were so many bright spots that I can't even BEGIN to describe them tonight. Tomorrow, after some sleep and restful dreams, I will share.

The Caroussel Story is just about as good as it gets.

But, there are more stories, highlights, crazy happenings, fun times, then I can even recall at the moment. There were a total of only 2 dark , unfortunate moments during the entire weekend. (And one of them involves ME being tired, cranky and frustrated.) I think that fact, alone, is amazing.

An entire weekend of AMAZING fun at my favorite place, with an amazing amount of both new and old friends. Remember, Dreams Come True!

€uroMeinke

07-18-2005, 11:44 PM

God what a fun and exhausting weekend. I won't even bother with trying to do a trip report right now. Rather I'll just share a favorite moment or two.

We were at DCA at 5:30, we're able to get some mochas and cinamon twists from the Bakery, while we waited for Disneyland to open. Managing the logistics was maazing - hats off to Disney on that. Our Day in the park started by being excourted past the crowds in the esplanade through to Main Street, which was lined with CMs cheering us on and welcoming us to the park. It just felt so good to be there - truely the happiest place on Earth.

Ghoulish Delight

07-19-2005, 08:12 AM

Impossible to even begin processing the entire thing into a coherent report.

Quite simply, despite Disney's best efforts to make the 50th well run but bland, I had the most incredible time in the park possible. And a huge thanks goes out to NA, €, :ism:, my lovely wife, 70+ people at the carousel, every CM, and every single other person I talked to for even a moment, or even didn't talk to and was just there. Just...wow.

MickeyLumbo

07-19-2005, 08:57 AM

as i think "they" blew their wad on May 4/5th, there wasn't much to anticipate for the 17th. i think i would have had a fairly boring time, if it weren't for finding some of the world's geekiest folks camped out in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

What a wonderful feeling to have such a warm "welcome home" from you guys.
THAT made the 50th absolutely ROCK for me...and a memory for a lifetime.

I have already put in my Authorized Day Off Request for July 17, 2030, for Disneyland's Diamond Jubilee.

The only thing that will keep me off the Carrousel that year will be my mandatory MainGate Diamond distribution duty! or Alzheimers.

:snap:

Ghoulish Delight

07-19-2005, 09:04 AM

as i think "they" blew their wad on May 4/5th, there wasn't much to anticipate for the 17th. i think i would have had a fairly boring time, if it weren't for finding some of the world's geekiest folks camped out in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.Totally agree. I found myself the very next day wishing that Sunday was the last day for the fireworks and all the decorations.

I really wish there was something unique and special for the day. Ears and cupcakes, while a nice small touch, just didn't cut it for me as making the day extraordinary. And while I didn't let that prevent me from having the most amazing time thanks to the people I spent it with, I just can't help but imagine a conversation years down the road, "Hey, you were at the 50th too? Wow, remember, ummmmmm, Arnold getting a motorcycle?!" :rolleyes:

Morrigoon

07-19-2005, 11:39 AM

http://www.livejournal.com/users/morrigoon

Not Afraid

07-19-2005, 11:49 AM

I'm double posting this on both MC and LoT because people from both were involved.

Wow!
Dreams DO come true!

I am STILL grinning from ear to ear over this AMAZING event. When I first thought of doing this, it seemed like such an impossability. First of all, just HOW do you get 70 people together? Secondly, how do you pull this off without being a large bunch of irritating AP?

Well, we did both and it was simply amazing!

We organized ourselves near the Plaza Pavillion then, holding my Dinseyland 50th Penant, led the group to the start of the drawbridge, where we all chanted in unison:

"Open the Fantasyland Castle in the name of the children of the world!"

(Which was what was said on that wonderful day 50 years ago when Fantasyland was opened for all to see.)

Then, we all ran through across the drawbridge without arms in the air, screaming with excitement.

Then we went to the Caroussel and got in line. General You and ISM stayed at the entrance to get a correct count. When we got to the CM, he looked at me and asked "How Many" I smiled by biggest smile and said "70". After a moment of shock, he said OK! I told him we would make this work. I helped "herd" people into the holding area while allowing others behind us to move ahead and board the waiting Caroussel.

The suits started to show up. There were at LEAST 4 non-costumed CMs prepared to make our dream come true. (I think the real reason they were there was to help a VIP ride the Caroussel, but poor people had to wait for us geeks to do our thank. Sorry VIPs.)

We all loaded into the Caroussel and almost everyone had a horse. I got to ride my beloved Jingles - the lead horse. We did "the wave" and sand Happy Birthday to Disneyland while riding.

I couldn't stop smiling! It was probably THE most amazing Disneyland experience I've EVER had - and I've experience some wonderful things! I'm STILL smiling!

When we stopped, the group of suits were cheering and applauding us. One guy gave me a hug and told me "You've made my day!" I told him that was a pretty big order on Disneyland's Birthday!

I was also told we would be on Cast TV, so all of you CMs out there, please report back if you see anything.

My little dream became a BIG REALITY, THANK YOU to all of you and, especially, the MOST magnificent Innerspaceman, who made it happen. I love you Mr. ISM! http://www.micechat.com/forums/images/smilies/love.gif http://www.micechat.com/forums/images/smilies/love.gif And I love all of you!http://www.micechat.com/forums/images/smilies/love.gif

Motorboat Cruiser

07-19-2005, 12:56 PM

Lisa, this event made our day as well and we are so glad that we were able to share that moment with you. The best part was seeing the huge smile on your face. :)

The other moment that stands out so clearly to us and is something that we will never forget is the cast members welcoming us into the park that morning. It truly brought tears to our eyes. Overall, the celebration may have been lacking but I must say that I've never been so overwhelmed with emotion walking into Disneyland as I was that morning. I understand that Matt Ouimet was one of the people standing on the sidewalk. I wish I could have seen him and thanked him. It was a special touch of magic that made the whole thing worthwhile.

Ghoulish Delight

07-19-2005, 01:03 PM

MbC, it was great seeing you, and riding the carrousel with you. I wish we had a chance to spen more time with you guys, I always love being in the park with you.

Even with 49 total hours at the resort across 4 days, I didn't get so spend nearly as much time with all the people I wanted to. There were people we were lucky enough to spend a good chunk of time with, some that we just saw in passing once or twice and tried to say as much as possible to in those brief encounters, and many that we never got a chance to see. It was wonderful having a near constant flow of people I know and consider friends to bump into the whole day through!

FEJ

07-19-2005, 01:09 PM

I had lots of fun.
The lining up and walking in to be greeted by the CM's made the day completly worth it.
It was nice sitting and catching up wit Alex and eventually NA, all the while just observing. The Blue Bayou was also nice, enjoying lunch wit NM, Dusty, Babette, Euro, and NA at our table.
For me, just being there as a part of the day was enough, and I didnt expect Disney to do much more than a few ceremonies. I think they knew if they tried to unveil everything on the 17th it would exclude many that have been able to experience the magic since May 4th/5th. I am not sure what else they could have done besides some additional fireworks after the planned show. Space Mountain was a new thing for most, but us locals have ridden it, so it may have lost its luster to some already. (but I know they were excited whatever day that they did get to ride it).

For me, I was there to celebrate the birthday of the park, and do my part to be a little part of the magic. I was not let down.

libraryvixen

07-19-2005, 02:04 PM

The day was abosolutely magical. I, too, cried as the CMs welcomed us home to DL. I was truly touched.

The carousel ride was awesome. I loved every minute of the ride.

Also, a big thanks to iSm and Zapp, those ticket books were a labour of love and worth the hard work. My highlight of the attraction crawl had to have been the PotC ride. It was good stuff. :)

Cadaverous Pallor

07-19-2005, 04:18 PM

ACK! I have had no time to post! Worked this morning to get pics up (which I didn't finish) and now work is actually BUSY!

I had an INCREDIBLE time. Seeing EVERYONE was amazing. We even bumped into RStar, remember him?

There are too many amazing things to list, and I had started working on a great post at home, so I'll post that tonight...for now all I can say is WOW.

:snap: :cheers: :tiki: :snap: :cheers: :tiki: :snap: :cheers: :tiki: :snap: :cheers: :tiki:

DisneyDaniel

07-19-2005, 06:13 PM

PHOTOS from the Noon Meet and Storming The Castle into Fantasyland toward the Carrousel on July 17 can be seen at:
www.disneydaniel.com
which should automatically redirect you to:
http://disneydaniel.smugmug.com

Also, please note that pictures of Taking Over the Carrousel are still being uploaded as of this post and should take about two hours. In the meanwhile, you can see some Carrousel pictures, but I recommend you wait a few hours to see ALL of the Carrousel pictures--there will be 83 photos featuring some of the Happiest Faces to ever ride it! Even better, the Cast Members there said we were the first group to ever take over King Arthur Carrousel. All our dreams came true that day!

So, I hope everyone enjoys these photos. If you were there, I hope they help you relive the past and rekindle your memories. If you missed Disneyland on its birthday, you can live vicariously through seeing these pictures and reading about what happened. :)

http://disneydaniel.smugmug.com/photos/29026284-S.jpg

http://disneydaniel.smugmug.com/photos/29038505-S.jpg

http://disneydaniel.smugmug.com/photos/29051147-S.jpg

MickeyLumbo

07-19-2005, 06:18 PM

Thank you for the pics!

SO bummed i got stuck in the office:(

€uroMeinke

07-19-2005, 06:19 PM

To add a few tidbits of my experience:

Friends everywhere - It seemed no matter where I was or where I was going I always seemed to be running into someone else I knew. My favortite moment was heading to the hub with Not Afraid - she was ahead of me by about 10 paces as I ran into Motorboat Cruiser & Mathew. Momments later, Uncle Dick & Monorail Man joined us. Not Afraid looked back to see what was keeping me and there I was with four of our friends who just materialized while she wasn't looking. A delightful moment.

NirvanaMan

07-19-2005, 06:56 PM

I went on rides...Yeayyy

€uroMeinke

07-19-2005, 07:02 PM

Not Afraid told her Carousel story - but I still want to hear from ISM and Zap about the ticket books (with pictures please). The supplemented the attraction crawl with an exquisitly themed ticket book. They must post some pics for the rest of you to truely appreciate.

I also want to hear from MousePod (Proxy for Heather) about the end of the night cupcakes. I'm sad I have no pics of that.

I'm going through my pics presently and hope to have some soon to share.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-19-2005, 07:50 PM

After this post, I'm working on pics some more.

I have so much to write. So much to post. There is no way I can do it in one day, never mind one sitting. And chronological order? Yeah, right.

So what do I want to write first?

As Steve (iSm) pointed out to us, Disney didn’t do much for this birthday. Birthdays past were much more spectacular. There were no surprises.

In a day filled with magical moments….where everything that happened seemed magical….where Greg and I kept looking at each other in absolute wonder over this amazing day….where did the magic come from, if not from Walt Disney Co?

It came from all of our amazing friends. Just being with all of you makes our time more and more special, and on this momentous weekend, everything was magnified to nth degrees.

So the first thing I want to really write is a Thank You. In no particular order:

Thanks to Steve and Isaac (zapp) for all the amazing planning and hard work. You play hard, and we all benefit from it. Ticket books, meets, party, hotel lounging, the list goes on. That extra kick on Space was icing on icing.

Steve, say thanks to Lori, Jim and the rest for letting us into their secret club…those guys are a blast.

Lisa and Chris…I feel that right now I must thank you two for something that happened 3.5 years ago….when you two made this random assortment of virtual Disney fans into a real life group of friends. I can’t imagine any of this weekend without that. We probably would have purposefully avoided going because of the crowds!

Lisa and Steve get special thanks for the Carousel event. It was a moment that we, the CMs, and even many day guests will never forget.

To Erica! For daring to call us at 5:20am to say “Get your asses down here!” Without the call we definitely would have missed being in the Esplanade during the DCA parade of mouse ears into DL, yet another treasured memory for me. You and Stephen (Tramspotter) are always such fun.

Jim (Gn2Dlnd) for dressing the part…and as always, acting the part as well. That moment when we first saw you at the hub is yet another I’ll treasure forever. You are a great emissary of the magic to all around you.

A certain Techie CM friend that I know wouldn’t want to be named! I know you probably won’t read this but just seeing you dressed to the Disney nines, being the best Cast Member you can be, especially among all the suits in the backstage area….hell, you practically ARE a suit!…makes me want to hug you and say how proud we all are of you…and how much we miss you. I swear, I’m tearing up as I write these things….

Jesse (Mousepod) and Heather – thank you so much for braving the drive to be with us. You are such a natural fit with us and we simply cannot wait to see you again.

Cindy (Morrigoon), Teresa (Disneyphile) and Ken (Frodo Potter), among others, for braving the ultimate geekiness of the night in DCA, and allowing us to live vicariously through you. Someone had to do it!

Andrew (awinner) and Janice, and little Matt….you made our wait in line extra special! I hope your day went wonderfully.

Richard (Uncle Dick), for being wonderfully easy to spot – it was great hanging in the morning hours with you. Thanks for braving the traffic!

Joe (Chernabog), I just love hanging out with you again, I missed you! Your friend Greg was fun too.

(Coaster)Matt and Rose, always great to ride coasters with you, for obvious reasons. Matt's screaming on Matterhorn was killing us!

Eric (MBC) and Matthew, who shared a Carousel row with us. Always a pleasure.

Scott (Mickey Lumbo) for being able to spend some of the day with us. A wonderful surprise!

Wendybeth, seeing you in the flesh again was great.

Hastin and Kevy and Susan and Ros and Samir and Heather (MickeyD) and Mark (Bornieo) and whoever else was on the fireworks blanket! What a magical moment that was!

Our Mouseplanet friends! Alex, Lani, Andrew, Jennifer, Shoshana, AVP….everyone! Having some moments with you guys was great. See you in October.

There are too many! Just the brief hellos added to the day!
Heidi (LSPE) and Tom
Gretchen (Bluepeople), it’s been ages!
Rena (LibraryVixen)
Claire, it’s been far too long, and it was great to see you.
All the friendly Mice Chat people
…and even RStar from Mousepad, who we simply waved to as we walked by.

I KNOW I’m missing people. If I spoke to you, if I even just saw you….thank you!

Not Afraid

07-19-2005, 08:06 PM

DisneyDaniel's pictures are
FANTASTIC!!!!!!
WOW!

Cadaverous Pallor

07-19-2005, 08:54 PM

Damn! Forgot to mention Brad (GC) and Spenser (Ralphie)! It was so great seeing you and I wish you the best in Boston!

LounginBruin

07-19-2005, 09:11 PM

Hi everyone! First of all, it was great to see (some of) you again, and terrific to meet all the rest of you. Had a fantastic time at the 50th and I really enjoyed hanging out with you all!!!

Not sure when I'll be at the part next (October, maybe?) as I've got to fly back to Chicago tomorrow (damn that work stuff!) but it was a privilege to share Disney's 50th with you all.

thanks also to Steve and Isaac for putting together the Attraction Quest and the great ticket books... and no matter what people say about Dumbo, there's NO PLACE like the front of the hub to watch the fireworks. Worth the hours and hours of waiting in the boiling sun.

looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

- Sameer

€uroMeinke

07-19-2005, 10:14 PM

Here are my photos from the 50th:

http://photos.xenarchy.com/thumbnails.php?album=16

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_5049.JPG

Cadaverous Pallor

07-19-2005, 10:16 PM

Ack, you beat me by moments!

Here are MY 50th photos, with captions.

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4229529&a=31832660&pw=

Tref

07-19-2005, 11:02 PM

I was gone for a couple of days, so what is this whole 50th thing anyway?

wendybeth

07-19-2005, 11:29 PM

Great pics, everyone- thanks! We just got home a little while ago, and I'm feeling far too lazy to load and link pics, but I'll do it in the morning. (Or early afternoon, as like most 50th revelers I am somewhat sleep deprived). We spent over 17 hours at the park on Sunday, which was no mean feat with two whiny kiddos. The fireworks were really amazing, and I truly appreciate being able to see them from such a great vantage point- thanks to iSm and all the other Swanksters who staked out and saved the spot all day!:snap::cheers::snap:

Btw, Gn2 and iSm have joined Zapp in Tori's affections- I think she has a crush on all of them. ;)

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2005, 08:20 AM

A blury shot of the fruits of Zappp and iSm's labor of love. I wish this came out better, it doesn't even begin to show the detail.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/gdiddy/LoT/ticketbook.jpg

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 09:31 AM

Bittersweet Tidbit – While it was great that throughout the weekend birthday celebrations, friends were everywhere, and there was always someone to do something with, there was so much to miss. Hearing different accounts of the day from all of you makes me feel a little bit of regret that I didn’t join you in some of your exploits, and yet I had plenty of my own.

The carousel meet was a wonderful coming together of people from multiple websites to make something happen. We did the wave, sang Happy Birthday, laughed, and had a good time. But as the ride ended, half the crew exited out one exit, and the rest left on the other side. Slowly the two groups dispersed and evaporated, like they were never together. Yet, as I view other pictures, I catch myself in the background, as part of other people’s memories, definitely bittersweet.

Ponine

07-20-2005, 10:01 AM

It's odd, as I read all these posts I want to cry. You all seemed to have such a good time I am so sorry I missed it. Know that I was there in spirit with a great many of you.
I was in LibraryVixen's pocket, the amount of times I tried to call her that day.
I was hovering in spirit with NA, honey you look so beautiful in those carousel pictures!
I thought about MickeyLumbo that day, what it would be like to be working that day, remembering the '90 birthday.

Many more of you were on my mind.
Comic-con was, well, con... it wasnt you guys. It wasnt the people that have become my family when I need them. I'm jealous, and it is bittersweet.
But I am glad you had such a good time.

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2005, 10:05 AM

Yes, impossible to be everywhere at once, and with everyone. Seeing the pictures of the Sunday morning portion of the attraction crawl, I do wish we had joined. I mean, to miss out on a good old fashioned Pirates sinking? And it meant we never got to say hi to TheaterTech since he was only there for an hour. But then I look at our pictures of a deserted Fantasyland, and remember the magical half hour in which we rode Pan, Casey, and Storybook consecutively, and know that I had an equally good time.

innerSpaceman

07-20-2005, 11:14 AM

That's why I love having friends. Since I can't be everywhere at once, and though I may have a twinge of envy over the fun they had that I did not ... I revel in their happiness and in their having the fun that I could not possibly have absent Clone Me or Evil Me in their midst with a brain-download set for later in the evening.

The other thing great about having friends, and so blessed many of them, is that - with Disneyland less crowded on the birthday than the hype would have us fear - it seemed as if we practically had the Park to ourselves - - because everywhere I turned, there were some people I knew and loved. And anytime I needed to see someone, there they freaking were ... thanks to the usual 7/17 magic. And though some plans went off as planned, so many more did not ... and yet were adapted and revised spontaneously so that everything the entire weekend worked out well and wonderfully - - again all part of the customary 7/17 magic.

Disneyland did so little to make its 50th memorable and spectacular .... but friends did so much. Together, we MADE Disneyland's Birthday. So thanks to everyone we spent time with in the Park, everyone we rode a ride with, everyone we sunk a boat with, everyone who sailed under our pirate flag, everyone who attraction quested with us, everyone who took over the caroussel with us, everyone who took it in the caboose with us, everyone who drank-up with us at the bars, everyone who got high with us on the balconies, everyone who watched fireworks with us, everyone who rode Space with us, everyone who partied with us at the best bloody suite at the Resort, and everyone who had all the fun I didn't. Believe me ... with all the fun I had, there must have been very little left over that I didn't ... but I'm so glad my friends had those bits of fun that I couldn't manage to squeeze in.

Let's do it all again for the 75th.

You can wheel me around in a wheelchair.

or a stroller.

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 11:27 AM

Fantastic post, iSm, and I love your new title! ;) (It's totally true- this man should be Disney's official Social Imagineer- his planning, enthusiasm and energy were very much appreciated by us all). It really was great finally meeting you IRL!:snap::cheers::snap:

MouseWife

07-20-2005, 12:21 PM

I love your post, iSm.

Reading all of the posts, ah. I was one of those who was chased off by the 'hype'.

What I wish I'd been a part of, not the official celebration so much, but the joining of friends and aquaintences and having such fun. At Disneyland.

Thank you so much for the reviews and the pictures, everyone. :cool:

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2005, 12:35 PM

Let's do it all again for the 75th.Who the hell can wait that long? You just know that the party for 60th will be awesome. Of course, we'll have to bring the kids...

Not Afraid

07-20-2005, 01:00 PM

If I start thanking people, I will forget hald, but I'm going to make the first pass anyways.

Chris - because you're hot, swanky and have great taste in handbags. ILY.
Julie and Erik - for having the worst night ever and still liking me. ;)
Jesse and Heather - for making the days so special for us. So great to spend time with you again.
ISM and ZAP - for going above and beyond thei already high expectations and making these days incredible and unforgetable!
Jen and Greg - for being excited the whole day long! Your enthusiasn was contagious.
Matt and Rose - nothing like riding a coaster with you and your screaming.
Erica and Steve - for flying above the fray like a pro and being just the great people you are. (One of my favorite pics from the day!)
http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_5068.JPG

DisneyDaniel - for taking so many incredible pictures of a most memorable day!
Sameer, Deaather and others who sat in the hot sun to keep the "Space Nazi" happy and make the fireworks viewing memorable for all.
The "Denton Affair" crowd for being wonderful, welcoming and just damn FUN!
Wendybeth and crew - great to see you again and meet the new victims. Sign them up!
Eric and Matthew - you guys are the best! I adore you both!
UberGeek - You're the eye of my hurricane.
Commodore Jim - wanna have a meeting?

And to all of the wonderful friends who I was blessed to see on this wonderful weekend: Heidi, Tom, Rena, Cindy, Teresa, Ken, RIchard, Hastin, Alex Stroup, Sheila, Sunnygirl, Anders, Gwyren, Crazy Legs, Andrew, Janice & Matthew, Nicki, Tina, Todd, Brad, Spencer, Joseph, Claire, Kimber, Marla, Susan, Kevy, Ros, Bruce, Scott, Danny, TicTocSteve, Henry, Aaron - and all of their family and friends.

And all of those who were there in spirit: Matterhorn Fan, Stan4dSteph, Flippyshark, HTHBellCaptain, MousyGirl, LashBear, Tracilicious, Mousewife, Szerbiac, et all.

Our lives are much enrighed by these friendships.

NirvanaMan

07-20-2005, 01:02 PM

I don't really have anywhere to post pics to....any recommendations?

Uber mad props to the MC of the weekend, funkmaster iSM. I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again. No one knows how to throw a party like the gays...except for maybe the Spanish. Whoa...what if someone where Spanish AND gay. Damn, that would be cool. Bullfighting and fancy hors d'oeuvres...that would be hard core.

The ticket books were tight and Zapp is also quite the DJ when it comes to fireworks synching (not to be confused with sinking). I was glad I was able to capture the carrousel ride on crappy video and very few babies cried. Those that did were deep fried.

Like my man Seamonkey stated, no matter what you chose to do, you were bound to miss something else.

After hearing all the grand stories of birthdays past, it was a bit disappointing that this one I was actually at and able to experience was not up to the level of the ones in the past. Especially disappointing considering that this was the 50th and should have been the best by far. I liken it a bit to our disappointment with the 50th anniversary edition of the Corvette. A historic moment in automotive history, few nameplates have ever made it that long...especially one as storied as America's sports car. To all of us fans, it was a let down. A sticker and paint package.

None the less, the weekend was quite enjoyable. I think the happiest moment was simply getting through the gates and realizing that we would not be locked out. We hadn't any sleep the night before for some odd reason...so we were cranky and exhausted to begin with. After seeing the lines wrap around the entire Harbor side lot, it seemed as if it would be a strong possibility that we would not be allowed through those glorious gates. However, as soon as I was given my golden ears, all was right with the world. A ginormous smile attacked my face and we entered into a sea of gold. It was truly spectacular. The weird old dude with the cane blocking my path did not bother me today. Even with a few dramatic (and sad) episodes that attempted to ruin the day, I think most all were in the best of spirits hopes and dreams. Art's comment that Walt DID envision the DL of today and that is why it is here was brilliant and in a hilarious bit of irony, was shortly followed by Eisner's comment that the park was more beautiful today than Walt could have dreamed. Again, those who get it...those who don't.

It was good seeing so many people I hadn't seen in so long, the Toddster, Brad, Kevy/Susan, Matt/Rose, Joe etc etc... as well as meet new people such as Mousepod and chick, WendyB (who somehow seems to notice when I disappear for months on end), and the lizard. As uber stated above, the BB was a nice reprieve from the heat and crowds and was a thoroughly enjoyable meal and conversation even though our group was split in two.

All in all..quite fun.

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 01:10 PM

I do have one observation, perhaps two, about Nirvanaman:

1). He is, despite his attempts at feigning crankiness, a very nice guy IRL.
2). He is a Geek, albeit one in denial. We're still trying to work out if he is a Total Geek- any consensus on that?;)

NA, I got your message and meant to call you back yesterday, but it was pretty hectic traveling, etc. Now that I'm home, I've hit the bricks running and have only a few moments to post, but I did get a few pics up here (http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4183488&a=31833193&f=) .

I'll write up a mini-report later, when I get back from all the running around I have to do today. Love you all, and thanks for the very great time!:snap:

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2005, 01:34 PM

I don't really have anywhere to post pics too....any recommendations?http://photo.epson.com is where I stuck mine. Free and really easy to use, you can caption and rearrange your photos. Only thing it doesn't do is hotlink.

Art's comment that Walt DID envision the DL of today and that is why it is here was brilliant and in a hilarious bit of irony, was shortly followed after by Eisner's comment that the park was more beautiful today than Walt could have dreamed. Again, those who get it...those who don't.GREAT observation. That quote by Art was fantastic. I didn't listen to Eisner and missed just how sucky he can be. ;)

Claire

07-20-2005, 02:55 PM

I had the best time all weekend!!! :snap:

I am a flipping moronic reject for not seeing you guys at the Blue Bayou. Even when Todd is squatting down next to me.....talking.....I just thought, Cool! He stopped by to say hi! Then there's Greg and Jennie saying hi, and I get to meet Erica for the first time......and I find out you all were there behind me the whole time!!! :eek: I felt like an idiot all day. :blush: I'm glad I saw most of you later on to ride the Matterhorn!

I walked up to RStar and introduced myself as I was getting FP's for Space Mtn. the morning of the 17th, and then we stood in line with him later on (just about the time of the Carousel of Dreams ride) and we got a chance to chat. He's justabout the nicest guy around!

I was hungover Sunday morning (figures...the only night my stupid ass decided to drink was Sat. night).....and was able to jump in line right before the security check with disguy and Henry and some of dsnylndmom's friends (Dave and Jeff) at about 8:30. The line was insanely long after us.....I was worried about the crowds when I saw how the line snaked.

We got our hats and cupcakes and headed up to get a spot on the left side of the hub. We got a great group photo from the official DL photographers camped out behind us, I met Al Lutz, and we all sat around and chatted for about an hour or so.

The speeches were good....I got bored and sat down though for a while in the shade of people. My neck was sore from craning to see.

I think we rode Splash, HM, Pirates and Indy, then headed to the MC meet for about a millisecond before hitting Space Mountain. Then we rode a few more rides, took a break, attempted to see fireworks, rode the Matterhorn with the LoT folks, Isaac and Steve gave me one of the gorgeous ticket books (I LOVE that thing--it's like my favorite park souvenir from that day!!!) they made, and I was planning to go on Space with the LoT group, but Brad and Spencer were leaving and I took the opportunity to stop and chat with them before they left. God, I love them.

It was the first time I'd ever had the pleasure of hugging MickeyLumbo!! And I love this: He had no clue I was stinkerbell or LushessTaffy at Fabs. None. Where the heck did he think I came from??? :D Wait. Don't answer that. I love you, Scott!!! So happy to finally meet so many people. It was the best!

:snap: You all pulled off a wonderful weekend! I had a really really great time!

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2005, 03:30 PM

Claire, amidst it all I forgot to ask...what did you think about all the golden decorations?

Isaac

07-20-2005, 04:02 PM

Uber mad props to the MC of the weekend, funkmaster iSM. I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again. No one knows how to throw a party like the gays...except for maybe the Spanish. Whoa...what if someone where Spanish AND gay. Damn, that would be cool.
Did I mention I'm part spanish ? Perhaps that's why our hotel party rocked. ;)

Claire

07-20-2005, 06:14 PM

Claire, amidst it all I forgot to ask...what did you think about all the golden decorations?

Okay, not to sound too hokey, but golly gee, it was all so swell!! :snap:

Mamabot and I had a few hours on Friday afternoon before we met Todd at our hotel to head out to Hollywood/Wicked/Sephora/to meet Brad, so she gave me the tour.....pointed out the 50th signage, explained the significance of the tiaras on the castle....it was all SO amazing!! I got some incredible close up pics of the tiaras on the castle, so I could study them at home. I'm such a dork.

On Monday night, I spent a few hours with Grumpy4/Kimber and she showed me even more of the changes.

I spent a lot of time at the Gallery on Tuesday, checking out all the artwork. Very cool display they have going right now for the 50th. Whoever Kim Irvine is, I love him/her!! I need to google that name. Also on that day, we got to ride the golden boat on the Jungle Cruise....I think Jennidisneyfer and I were the only two people on the boat to notice....we giggled and clapped like idiots the entire time.

I loved the parade.....the Pinocchio float stopped directly in front of us, and I thought it was a very cool little show with all the puppets boinging around.

But my very favoritest thing had to be Remember. Wow. I watched them on Saturday between the hub and Plaza Inn and sat there crying and clapping and oohing an aaahhhing like an idiot. And laughing during some parts, like permanacer sentados por favor (how flipping cool IS that!!?!?!). Incredible show. So much more than just fireworks. We saw them on the go on Sunday, and camped out on Monday. Beautiful show. Well done.

I thought everything was amazing. I can't wait for my husband and the kids to see it all in December!!

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 06:38 PM

Okay time to share some low point tidbits.

I had one on the 17th. Somewhere around 4:30 in the afternoon as we were setting up camp in front of the castle, in the hot sun and steaming asphault. I took on the quest to find an "I was There" T-shirt. Easy, I thought -just a hope down to the Emporeum and then I'll be back to help hold down the fort. Alas, the Emporeum only had sizes Medium and Small, no problem - the CM said they should have them at DCA or WoD. So off I went - leaving the park - and returning to DCA.

I should have known better than to leave Disneyland on it's birthday. The CMs there told me that stuff was a Disneyland exclusive, none was in DCA. Great, so off I go to Star Trader - where the CM's restocking the women's shirts tell me they have run out of the men's, but that I might want to check out the Gag Factory. Off I go to Toontown, where I find a few remaining shirts - all size small.

Defeated, I returned to our site where I was ready to lie down and melt into the pavement. I failed to get the shirt, I had left the park, and missed the Space Mountain quest. Feh.

Thankfully, I was soon joined by friends, got some ice cream, some water, and enjoyed spectacular commaraderie - and fireworks too! But man, I was miserable for a moment there.

Not Afraid

07-20-2005, 06:47 PM

There wern't many low points for me. There was one unfortunante blow up that seemed to upset people for a while on Sunday, a few people with the typical snot-action and another bout of incredible tired-induced frustration on my part on Monday. The Sunday thing blew over really fast - how could you NOT be happy in DL that day? Grumpy people be DAMNED! ;) The Monday thing was followed by being trapped in DL and not able to get out in time. It was sort of a low ending for a great weekend, but how much of that was just exhaustion, I don't know. And, I still woke up smiling on Tuesday.

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 06:55 PM

It was a little frustrating missing all the events, but I was just so grateful to be there at all that I was willing to accept what I could get. We're already plotting out next trip- seems the Girl wants to have her next b-day party at the American Girl Place that is being built right now, and since it's soooo close to DL.........:D

I'm thinking of titling my trip report "the Cutting in Line Tour"- we had so many incidents with people cutting and just being jerks that it got comical after a while. Oh, and the smell on IASW that we were wondering about when we sank the boat last fall? It was there again, and we were upwind of Tori at the time. Whatever it is, it really reeks.

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 06:56 PM

The Monday thing was followed by being trapped in DL and not able to get out in time. It was sort of a low ending for a great weekend, but how much of that was just exhaustion, I don't know. And, I still woke up smiling on Tuesday.

Yeah, being landlocked in Tomorrowland was my other low point, but it really did make me realize just how exhausted I really was. Sadly, it was time to go home - and download pictures :)

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2005, 07:31 PM

Amazing moments quick shots:

The Saturday morning attraction crawl, where our small group got things done with no problem and lots of fun.

The great JC skipper we had that morning with his almost Rodney Dangerfield persona...plus a true Disney fan at heart

The CM named Dawn at Innoventions (they have a/c in there, ok?) who nearly talked us into meeting Stitch, and fully appreciated the ticket books. I hope she shows up here

In the hotel room Monday night after fireworks sharing Disneyland stories from the past

Everyone coming and going in a river of friendly faces, small groups that kept morphing in front of you

Making decisions far easier than we do on normal days, and rolling with changes

Saying "Happy Birthday!" to each new face we saw, with real hugs all around

Bumping to Alex, Lani, Andrew and Jennifer at Space on Saturday and getting a hug from Andrew

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 07:40 PM

Another quick one:

End of the day on the 17th - at the park entrance, they are giving away crates of cupcakes. Guest (AKA Mrs. MousePod) decides to ask for a cupcake and returns with a flat of 60, holding them like a cigarette girl and passing them out to any who would take them (heh, like unaccompanied children). Somewhere, there's a picture of her holding such a pose on Harbor Boulevard.

innerSpaceman

07-20-2005, 07:48 PM

Trapped in Tomorrowland was my low-point, too. It was the final hour of my frustration of not being able to be everywhere at once.

I need my CLONE, dammit. I was having dinner at two DTD restaurants at the same time on Monday evening (Monday being, as Darkbeer will insist, Disneyland's actual birthday;).) Appetizers and drinks at Catal, dessert and drinks at Jazz Kitchen. Ugh, if only I'd remembered in my inebriated state that the two establishments are footsteps apart, I could have flipped back and forth between them most handily. :(

But after dessert at Jazz, I could not remain with my friends to be serenaded by the pianist who was a close friend of one of my dinner companions. It was, as I have since learned, a really rollicking half-hour that my Clone should have enjoyed. :D

But NO ... I had to run back to the suite to gather the "equipment" for our final Space Mountain ride of the four-day extravaganza.

Being chided by my pals to be on time, I rushed back, gathered the rainbow glasses and the Nitrous Oxide dispensers, moved the stereo nearer the balcony for optimal fireworks enjoyment, and then monorailed over to Tomorrowland. But where was everyone? Ugh, my cellphone was malfunctioning. It's a new phone, and I could not for the life of me figure out how to turn the speaker off that was annoying everyone in a twenty-yard radius and making me inaudible to the receivers of my calls! I went through every freaking menu option and pressed every damn button. No luck. 8:00 came and went, and with 8:30 fast approaching ... well, there was no way I was going to be able to do both the last Space Mountain and the final fireworks viewing from my swanky suite. I had been looking dramatically forward to both things.:mad:

I was on the verge of tears (um, well, past the verge - the fourth day of hard partying will make you quite susceptible to breakdown) when my gang finally arrived. I handed over the equipment and bid them a good time on Space, but told them I had to abort in order to view the fireworks from the suite. But being the friendly friends of friendship that these friends friendlishly are, they instantly proclaimed they would hit Space Mountain after the fireworks, and would join me in the suite to watch "Remember" for the final time that weekend. And since a great part of my desire to see the fireworks from the suite was to share that unique angle and experience with my friends, I was overjoyed and overcome with emotion. :snap:

And so, happiness and harmony were restored. There was a final, friendly, funtastic party in the suite ... and perfectly music-synched (thanks Isaac) fireworks viewing from our ultra-rare double balcony at the Disneyland Hotel. Followed by a close-the-Park, close-the-weekend ride aboard the returning Space Mountain ... with rainbow glasses for all (and nitrous oxide for a select few).:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Love love friends love friends gush love friends mush. :iSm:

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2005, 07:55 PM

The gushyness is overflowing....now I want to gush about your post.

You must spread some Mojo around before giving it to innerSpaceman again.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2005, 08:01 PM

Babette, the fun drunk
Babette and I nearly having a good ol' catfight
Tramspotter, really loopy from being tired and slightly drunk
zapp, totally smashed, but still able to synch fireworks music
NA taking off NirvanaMan's pants while he read aloud from the bible

Not Afraid

07-20-2005, 08:29 PM

I was on the verge of tears (um, well, past the verge - the fourth day of hard partying will make you quite susceptible to breakdown) when........

Really????????:(

Yeah, me having the same type of fit a three year old would have had was just normal for me. ;)

NA taking off NirvanaMan's pants while he read aloud from the bible

This is so wrong on so many levels.

Plus, then NM told me I was "very talented" since he didn't know I removed the belt as well. Silly all around.

I was going to write down all of the funny, absurd things we heard over the weekend, but all I can remember is "Has anyone turned in a potato?"

Damn, my memory is shot - and I don't even drink!

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 08:34 PM

NA doing what? Lol!

:snap:'s for iSm as well- he truly did need a clone. I wish I had one tenth his energy.

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 08:43 PM

* Everyone missing the 10:00 AM Monday Morning breakfest meet

Moonliner

07-20-2005, 08:43 PM

Hey, while we are thanking people, I think I might just have the longest list of all!

CP - For your Early reports
BarTopDancer - For the first photos I saw from the event
mhrc4 - For the first photos I should have seen.
CoasterMatt - For crying on main street.
DisneyDaniel - For some great photos
Motorboat Crusier - for the 411
Disneyphile - For humor under fire
NirvanaMan - Geek Video! Say no more nudge nudge.
Hades - My own behind the scenes reporter.
€uroMeinke - Sharing your moments
GD - For being speechless, that speaks volumes.
MickeyLumbo - True to friends.
Morigoon - For the first mega trip report, a very big nutshell indeed!
ubergeek42 - Doing his part to be the magic.
libraryvixen - For sharing "The best weekend ever!!!"
LounginBruin - For joining the thread. Welcome to the Lot
Wendybeth - For the kids view of the day.
innerSpaceman - For doing that voodoo that apparently you do so well.
Claire - For adding extra detail to the day.
Zappop - For being a definite 'E' ticket friend to everyone.

You all are the next best thing to being there!

But I'm not done yet. There is still one more person I have to say a special thanks to....

Drum roll please....

Not Afraid.

I don't know that I've ever seen anyone quite this happy. Your joy is infectious!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/Moonliner/Picture1.jpg

(Special thanks to DisneyDaniel for posting this photo!)

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2005, 08:46 PM

The thrill that went through the Esplanade crowd when Matt Ouimet made his appearance, and the rush to the gate with cameras...I had to stop myself from yelling "WE LOVE YOU MATT!!!" It was obviously a great quiet moment he was having with the CMs
Watching the first (only? Don't think I saw more afterward) Monorail (Purple) pass over the Esplanade on its way to Tomorrowland, all the passengers cheering and waving, and all of us waving and cheering back
Asking a "CM" a question and realizing that they were a phone customer service person that really didn't know anything

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 09:12 PM

Okay, I'm not going to do the usual "I rode on such and such, and ate churros until they were coming out of my ears" report, but rather a highlights, lowlights and perceptions of type of post.

First, finally getting to meet some more of the LoT and MC regulars- they were all wonderful, and it's nice to be able to put a memory of the person IRL to the person I see posting. I got to see NA, CP, GD, €uro, Zapp, Erica, KB and Gus, and most everyone I met last fall again- everyone looks great, and everyone seemed to be having a blast. I won't bitch too much about not seeing everyone long enough, because that's just the kind of event it was. There was far too much going on and waaay to many people to hang for a significant amount of time with each one. I also got to meet the dynamic iSm, and was duly charmed, as well as DisneyDaniel and Disguy. Poor DisneyDaniel got nailed by a stroller while we were heading through NOS- he was our first casualty. ;) (We did look all over for you, Daniel!) I also got to meet the Mousepods- besides being an incredibly cute couple, they couldn't have been nicer. I felt like I'd known them for years.

Lots of us were staying at the Park Inn, but it was quieter than I thought it would be. I guess we saved our rowdiness for the Park. Not a bad place to stay, but I'll admit to checking out the Grand and deciding it might be worth a closer look next time. The first LoT person I met was Gemini Cricket, along with Ralphie. He had told NA he thought he saw me, she confirmed I was there, and he was sweet enough to come up to the pool area (we were letting the kids go for a swim pre-park) and introduce himself and Ralphie. Thanks, GC- what a great welcome, and I appreciated it!:snap:

After the swim (and a few drinks) we headed over to the Park. I can't tell you what a great feeling it was to walk onto the Esplanade, listening to the sounds of Disneyland. (And yes, Mousepod- I wll break down and buy that set!) I spoke with NA and we agreed to meet up a bit later in NOS, so we decided to take the kids on ToT first. It was fun watching Barb and Kirsten (our friends) ride it for the first time. We went on it twice then went over to DL.

Okay- this is going to be in installments, because I am multi-tasking at the moment, but I wanted to get going before I forgot too much. I'll put up part two later.:D

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 09:14 PM

* Everyone missing the 10:00 AM Monday Morning breakfest meet

Heh heh...we were sleeping.... I broke out Harry Potter and stayed up until 3:00 reading.:rolleyes:

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 09:16 PM

*wondering if Tori will ever forgive me for not riding in the front of her log

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 09:17 PM

Heh heh...we were sleeping.... I broke out Harry Potter and stayed up until 3:00 reading.:rolleyes:

Heh - I think everyone was still in bed. The first call came in at 10:15 and it was MousePod heading into DTD to do some last minute shopping.

"Brunch" at White Water was nice though - and at a more agreeable time

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2005, 09:21 PM

Okay, my one bad moment came at the 4:45 rededication ceremony. It was the hottest moment of the day, and I had been on my feet for a while. So standing in Town Square, straining to see the screen just to hear the dedication speach for the zillionth thime, my knees finally decided they'd had enough and started to hurt. A lot. The one thing I needed was "somewhere air conditioned and sitty." Unfortunately, once the rededication ended, the Opera House was instantly mobbed. For some reason, Innoventions was the only place we could think of. Yes, we went into Innoventions on the 50th!

But it severd its purpose. I got to sit, and cool off, and on top of it, as CP metioned, we had a fantastic CM interaction. So, as seems to be the theme of the day, bad moments lead directly to good.

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 09:31 PM

*wondering if Tori will ever forgive me for not riding in the front of her log

Tori??? How about me? Tori got a little misted- I got utterly drenched. It was really pretty funny, but it would have been funnier if it had been you...;):p

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 09:36 PM

Tori??? How about me? Tori got a little misted- I got utterly drenched. It was really pretty funny, but it would have been funnier if it had been you...;):p

You're such a great mom ;)

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 09:40 PM

Heh heh- I was ready Monday night: Grizzly Run (http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=4183488&a=31833193&p=72323094&f=0)

I logically concluded that the purchase was worth it, as we are going to Alaska soon.

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 09:42 PM

MickeyLumbo

07-20-2005, 09:45 PM

though it truly S U C K E D to be at work knowing you all were having so much fun,-- today, it all seemed worth it.

while on a phone call and completely unaware of what was about to happen, my boss, her boss, AND HER BOSS, came up behind me to wait for my call to end.

i was given a big old-fashioned Main Street/Disneyland Lollipop to "show appreciation for all the hard work during the 50th". "There's someone here to say thank you", they said. i turned around and in their 50th Celebration Costumes stood Mickey and Minnie who quickly offered a hug and smile.

Pure Disney Magic!

it was then that i realized that i am so priveledged to have been a small part of helping others experience a wonderful birthday celebration!

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 09:51 PM

Mickey, that's awesome! :snap:

€uro, the entire line was cracking up at us, including our raftmates, a father and son from Korea. He wasn't laughing so much after the geyser soaked his khakis.:evil:

mousepod

07-20-2005, 09:51 PM

Not Afraid

07-20-2005, 10:00 PM

But I'm not done yet. There is still one more person I have to say a special thanks to....

Drum roll please....

Not Afraid.

I don't know that I've ever seen anyone quite this happy. Your joy is infectious!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/Moonliner/Picture1.jpg

(Special thanks to DisneyDaniel for posting this photo!)

Moonie! You made me cry again!

There are few occasions in my life that equal the joy I was feeling right there.

wendybeth

07-20-2005, 10:16 PM

Great story, MickeyLumbo!
I haven't been sharing in this thread because I'm waiting to explode in front of the microphone... very very soon.
Wonderful memories... great people. It was unquestionably the people here that made the weekend so wonderful for Heather and me. Thanks for being so darn swanky!

Does this pending explosion owe anything to all the cupcakes your lovely wife scored?;)

I can't wait for your next one, Mousepod. Oh, and someone tried to trade me a pin for your Mousepod pin- of course, I declined.

€uroMeinke

07-20-2005, 11:16 PM

*Feeding the Koi and watching them seeth :cool:

Not Afraid

07-20-2005, 11:23 PM

*Finding out American George Hincape won a stage of the Tour while waiting for Fireworks.

innerSpaceman

07-20-2005, 11:30 PM

* ...at the kick-off party, watching drunk Ally's even-drunker lothario eating bits of chocolate cake on crackers and exclaiming "this is delicious caviar!"

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2005, 11:54 PM

* Getting the gold Casey train and the gold Storybook boat consecutively
* Best ride on Space Mountain Ever
* Seeing an ilicit Space Moutain photo before it was lost in space forever

wendybeth

07-21-2005, 12:14 AM

An illicit Space Mountain photo? I am intrigued.....I am also intrigued by the AllyBeau caviar experience- any photos?:D

Monorail Man

07-21-2005, 04:16 AM

(and nitrous oxide for a select few)

Ha! I knew it, you and your crazy Baloons and Crackers. I'm sure it gave that extra 'launch'. (Just watch out for that Vitamin B-12 interference, folic acid anyone?). ;)

Anyway, I had a great time with all. It was a fun expreience, and the 50th will be one of my all time best DL experiences. From the Quest, to the Late Nite Rides, a fun time was had by all. The Carrousel takeover was a hoot, and I can't wait to see if we hit CastTV. You all left a lasting memory for many, and it will be interesting to see what happens to all these photos. ;)

Ghoulish Delight

07-21-2005, 08:34 AM

* Art Linkletter's Speech
* Frighteningly magical timing: We split off from the group to ride Pirates while they rode Indy. We get off Pirates between the final 2 Fantasmic! showings and walked towards Indy to meet them. I pick up my phone to call Steve on the off chance they were already off the ride. As I began to dial, we reached the Indy exit...and there was the group, exiting right then. That was followed at the end of the night by Steve's group of friends emerging from the castle at the perfect time to join him (and us) in their 25 year old closing-the-park tradition.
* Bubbles!!!!!!

Cadaverous Pallor

07-21-2005, 09:24 AM

* Bubbles!!!!!!Hell yeah! The little bottles of bubbles that the Mouseplanet staff handed out were a brilliant idea. We walked across the park and I was blowing bubbles as we went. I had a toddler in a stroller next to me reaching out for them; adorable. And there were plenty of teens and adults popping the bubbles too. I think it was Erica that quipped, "You just can't resist popping a bubble."

Cadaverous Pallor

07-21-2005, 09:28 AM

Checking out the full Main Street Olszewski set up at the Gallery and instantly knowing that I'd rather have the Hub than the Castle

MickeyD

07-21-2005, 04:28 PM

I had such an amazing weekend. I've been insanely busy this week getting ready for camps next week, so I haven't logged on to list my favorite moments and thanks for the weekend. I could probably go on and on, but I'm maniacally stressed right now, so I won't, but I did want to be sure to make two thanks.

To ISM and Zapppop and whoever else for being amazing party hosts as always, as well as for all the work put into the awesome ticket book. Thanks guys.

Also to Sameer for letting us cut in line Sunday morning at the monorail and saving us from the insane maze of a line. Tell your friends thanks too, it was cool hanging out with them while waiting forever for Monorail Red to leave the station.

Not Afraid

07-21-2005, 05:07 PM

* MickeyD Lactating. ;)

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

07-23-2005, 12:30 AM

Well, for the little time I had for the 50th, I can say that there were 2 great moments for me -

1 - Sitting within arms length of Mickey in Town Square for the 4:45. There was something special about being in that place at that moment that made all the emotions of the event come to the surface. It was the man, the words and a moment.

2- The fireworks. Not just the explosions and tink, but sitting with a group of folks that "get it." And more expecially on that perticular day than any other. There was no doubt the day was about us, the park and Walt Disney.

Thanks everyone!!

Not Afraid

07-23-2005, 11:21 AM

2- The fireworks. Not just the explosions and tink, but sitting with a group of folks that "get it." And more expecially on that perticular day than any other. There was no doubt the day was about us, the park and Walt Disney.

Thanks everyone!!

What a perfect summation of a great experience!

Thank you!

Kevy Baby

07-23-2005, 12:28 PM

Gratch enjoyed meeting everyone on Monday

Not Afraid

07-23-2005, 12:43 PM

Did you get Gratch into the park?

Kevy Baby

07-23-2005, 12:59 PM

Did you get Gratch into the park?Yes: it was surprisingly easy (well, I can be a sneaky bastard too). I had him hidden under a coat - he stayed perfectly still from before security, into the park and for about an hour inside the park. I kept him well hidden while inside the park. I gave Susan the jacket (well, she was cold) when I got on the one-rail. I tried to be low-key about it, but a couple of people saw him and wanted to check him out. More than one CM saw him, but no-one said anything (I think a couple were trying to figure out if he was real - he can hold very still when he wants to).

He was also a hit over at the Suite. A female friend of Steve's (whose name escapes me at the moment) held him a good part of the time I spent there. When I got home that night, he did not want to go back in his cage - he LOVED the attention all night!

I'm glad Tori finally relented and petted him - she was the whole reason we brought him down that night!