Pirates Meet, before the changes!
 

The big news is that Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland is about to be altered. The rumors say that it will be a major change. They will add elements from the recent and upcoming movies, and Johnny Depp will feature prominently in the story of the ride. You can read Al's report on that here, if you want spoilers. He has not backed down from any of the assertions he's made here.

I hate rumors. I did not read the whole report and don't want details. There's already a lot of outrage going on but I refuse to be angry until I see it for myself, and I don't want my impressions colored.

IN ANY CASE - we have got to get our collective asses over to Pirates before it's changed forever! It closes on March 6th (Mouseplanet says the same) so how about a meet on Saturday March 4th*?

Pirate garb is welcomed. Fly those colors with us for multiple journeys into the depths of NOS. It may not be Talk Like a Pirate Day but that won't stop us!

You know, I don't think I have a single pirate accessory...

* Moderator Note: Date changed as per the thread below. This is the correct date

Oh, thank God I wil get there just in time! March 4th for me, by the hair of my chinny chin chin!

Alas, I'll miss the meet as I'll be back in VA that morning (red-eye the night before).

Donna

Arrgh matey, sounds like a great plan. Now if you could just figure out the perfect place to have dinner after such a swashbuckling meet. Some place special, perhaps with a bit of a pirate theme... Ohh if only there was such a place near POC

Alas I will also miss this event, but only by a month this time.

...getting calendar out...

I feel like I have something on that day already, but who cares... Count me in! (and the kid)

Hmm.. i dont have pirate garb either.... what to do.

Hey, you can all celebrate my birthday a few days early, too :D

Did someone say they needed pirate garb?

:argghh: < Arrr, can't make it, says I. But take photos aplenty.
:decap:

Aaargh! I needs to man ye olde cheez stand on Sundays, mayhaps we might consider Saturday?

Ooh I wish. I would LOVE to do a full-on Anne Bonny outfit. Manly yet sexy.

Of course they'd never let me in the park...

Two Disneyland visits in ONE weekend! Inconceivable!

Anything for the Pirates Last Stand of course. :arrgg:

Make it one trip! Saturday!

(I'm lobbying hard, here)

Sunday is the default mainly because of blockout dates...in this case also because it really is the last day to ride Pirates...but I'd love to accomodate the Commodore....hmm.

Anyone else have an opinion on this?

Well, Snowflake will be in town until Saturday evening. I guess it depends on if she wants to do 2 days at Disneyland before hoping on a plane. Are there 2-day Park Hoppers available?

oooooooh................ thats what is that weekend... hmm... I can do that.
now which day..

Arrrrrrrr!!! Sounds like fun!!!! :snap:

Yes, there are 2 day park hoppers, I was surfing the Disney site yesterday pricing things. I would not mind going again on Saturday, but does this mean no heroin chicken? :(

I will have to be back in Long Beach in time for my 9:30 pm flight.

Donna

It looks like it will be re-opening the week we'll be down there; in fact, the schedule says 6/22, which is Tori's birthday. We will definitely have to have a meet then!!!!!

What's Heroin Chicken? If you're going to miss it because of me, perhaps Crack Krisps will take the sting off...

Hey Commodore - Heroin Chicken is both yummy and low-carb. mmmmmmmm parmesan...

and it looks like the calendar is free that weekend!

Yay, Mouspoo's comin' to town!

Tell me of this chicken.

And I DO have the option of changing my flight from Saturday night to Sunday if EM and NA can stand having me flopping in the spare room for one more night.

I'm dying to try heroin chicken...mmmmmmmm garlic:p

Donna

I will be passing through LAX on my way to NZ that day. Don't think I could swing a trip to DL though, unless I got a ride. I will toast Pirates from Encounter for you all. :)

Okay, now I have visions of NA and the Birthday Boy running a Disney-themed flop house. The Broadway musical variety, with plenty of fishnets and moonshine.

Wait, what was the topic of this thread again? Oh! :argghh:

Heroin chicken running pirates.

1. Mousepoo????

2. Yes, please, explain the heroin chicken.

Heroin chicken - there's a middle eastern (Lebanese?) restaurant near NA and €'s place that makes this chicken that is totally addicting. Like heroin. I've had it, yes, it is awesome.

I'm really excited that Mouseypoo will be able to make it! Woohoo! :cheers: <--grog

Hmm, looks like things are leaning towards Saturday, with Snowflake and Gn2 needing it to be then...Mousepod, which day works for you?

It's on my calendar!!

We're down for either day (or both). I say, the more the merrier...

(That's going to be the Saludos Amigos MousePod weekend. I wonder how I can tie that one in to Disneyland...)

Lunch at Zocalo.

And a churro.

You could record some of the pre-ride spanish spiels; maybe have a contest to see who can correctly identify which one goes to what ride.

Well, we won't be making Saturday, being that we are blocked. We will try to hook up on Friday though.

I KNEW somebody would be blocked. :(

Could we actually pull off both days?? :confused:

I was supposed to be down there that weekend but then we realized that is two days before we leave for Japan so now I won't be down there that weekend.

Well, we'll be there on Friday and Saturday (my brother's in town) but the Oscars are on Sunday.

I can only do Saturday ... so, um .... I hereby hopefully declare that Saturday it is.


(If the ride is reported to be closing on Monday ... it's really bad luck to wait until Sunday - - just in case, ya know.)

there is just no way i can predict my schedule at this time as we are CRAZY busy and i am working 6 days a week (days vary) and they are BEGGING us to do overtime and we even have mandatory 1/2 hr lunches!



obviously, i can't "call-in" sick (nor would i).

i can't even say which day is better, 'cuz the schedule is so eradic right now.

i would love to go, schedule permitting.





^^^ if i am off work, i can fix this.

Friggin Arrrr, I will try to be there....

Hmmm. Seems like most people are asking for Saturday.

I'll be there both days, but it seems obvious that the main meet should be Saturday, yes? Sorry MBC! :(

Anyway, we'll be there both days, and see who shows when, and what insanity ensues.

I think I can make it; either day would be fine for me.

Too bad I can't don on my costume like I did for Halloween. :D

No worries! Upon looking at our schedules, Matthew is working on Saturday and I am playing Saturday night. (btw, thanks for the offer, ML:))

We will most likely be at the park on Friday though so I'm sure we'll at least get to see some of y'all. :)

Oh! Must rush home from the cheez mines and wedge myself into the couch for 2 1/2 hours of adorable Jon Stewart goodness!

Maybe I'll order Chinese. It'll be Jewisher that way.

Well, Snowflake, you are MORE than welcome to crash another night at the flophouse. ;) If you can change your flight, that means 2 days of Disneyland AND heroin chicken.

But, MousePoo and your Sweet Smelling Minnie will have to come over and meet the boys (and girl).

(Actually, while the chicken is tasty on its own, the garlic sauce they serve with it is what makes it so addicting. I SWEAR I eat it for dinner and wake up craving it the next morning. The restaurant is calle Open Sesame and it is on 2nd St in Belmont.)

And, um, the Oscars being on Sunday makes it a super-awful day for a meet.

So, acknowledging that there may be play afoot at the Park on Friday and Sunday, indeed all piratey weekend long .... let's plan for primary pillaging and plundering on Saturday .... as Pirates of the Caribbean as we (and Walt Disney) knew it Goes Down With the Tides!

Right! On to more finite planning -

Instead of another breakfast meet and another hub at noon meet, how about a lunch meet?
12:30pm at French Market sound good?

Blue Bayou is not in the budget. Once a year is plenty for us. So you won't catch me making any reservations. If others want to, please do! (And if you want to pay for us, we'll be there ;) )

After lunch it's all about a raucous Pirates ride.

Dinner meet - 7:30pm at...Zocolo, perhaps? Then some nighttime raping and pillaging (or chasing food and pillaging, as you prefer).

Sound good? I'm up for suggestions.

I won't know until this weekend if we'll be able to attend Saturday. We'll just have to see what the planning gods have in store for us. ;)

What about a Boston meet?





:D

Pffft, the closest thing Boston's ever had to "piracy" is throwing a bunch of tea in the water. Poofters.

Sorry, can't make that ;)

You can make it! Everyone loves Boston! C'mon over, we'll make s'mores.
:D

What are you doing around the end of March?

Not a dang thing. Our Orlando trip has been moved to May.
:)

:D
I now have to wash my monitor, starbucks passion iced tea is dripping all over it!
Donna

Well stay tuned, I may be tagged to do some work for our Boston subsidiary around that time

Excellent! If you need a place to crash, (did I just type 'crash'?) you're welcome to stay with us. Our place is snug, but you're always welcome here.
(But I'm thinking your company is going to house you in a swanky hotel...)
:)

ahem. Orlando - last week of August/first week of Sept. MousePod turns 40.

...now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

Oh sure, have the raping and pillaging after I leave. Someone had better take lots of pictures!

Actually, Boston may be possible for more than one of us is I have my way.. :)

Hooray! The Freedom Trail can be our raping and pillaging course! :D

LAX is on my way to DL....

I'll be in Boston for a day during our cruise this fall- any chance of a R&P Course Part Deaux then? I'll even be on a ship!:argghh:

:argghh: < Of course, wenchybeth! We didn't get ta talkin' nearly enough during DL's 50th!
:decap:

LOL!!!!

I love that: 'Wenchybeth'.

:D

Hey.. are we at all official like on this being Saturday?

NA, have you heard yet?

I thought it was official, but I dont see it on the calendar.... please inform. :(

"Please inform"? Somebody must be at work...

Yes, Saturday's a go. I'll add it to the calander.

Snowflake could not change her flight plans, so we may not be able to attend. We still have to work out logistics.

:p
Should have seen what it said on the first pass.

Well heck.

Hi ya,

First post here. Mousepod sent me. This pirates meet up sounds like fun, but I'm blocked on Saturdays. So I'll be there on Sunday as usual (allergic to Saturday mobs) shooting it up in pirates and paying my last respects to the Wicked Wench.

Hey, welcome, Orbital!

Since I live in the wastelands of Eastern Washington, I obviously won't be there, but I hope you go and have a great time! I'll be down there just in time for the Captain to appear in June.:argghh:

http://www.tellnotales.com/multimedia/deadmen2.wma



arrrrre you ready?

arrrrre you willing?

arrrrre you able?




to set sail on the Spanish Main


9 times?

Pirates 5K Event

A swashbuckling evening awaits! On February 23, from 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., a one-of-a-kind nighttime adventure will allow Cast Members and up to three Guests (16 and older) to experience the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Pirates can sail up to nine voyages during the 2006 Pirates of the Caribbean 5K event. Registration is going on now through February 21 at all TEAM Centers and the cost is $25 per person. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cast Community Fund. Other events include:

• Leadership Karaoke
• Opportunity Drawings
• Non-Profit Organization Fair
• Food & Beverage available for purchase

To rock and roll all night?

and party every day!

Oh wow................... I'm ready....
How cool is that?

only 9 times? :D

dibs!!

Boo hoo... this means I've had my LAST ride on the trad POTC already ! :(

I just heard on the Kingdom Herald that Mouse Planet reports WDW POTC closes March 1st. I hope you guys don’t meet up on Saturday and its closed. Has anyone found an official statement for Disneyland so the March 4th or 5th meet up is a safe bet?

But Cindy told Mike that Alice told Jan that Peter heard from Marcia that Greg was overherd telling Bobbie that POTC would be open.. ;)

And then their card house fell over because of Tiger.
:D

I just checked Disneyland's website calendar. If you pull up March 6th it says PotC is closed for refurbishment. If you pull up the 5th, it doesn't say that.

http://mouseplanet.com/articles.php?...60206xx#Rehabs

Mickey says:

Please be advised that refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting the Park.
ATTRACTIONS
01/03/2006 - 03/02/200601/18/2006 - 03/10/200603/06/2006 - 06/21/200603/06/2006 - 06/21/2006

They're finally gonna scrub off all those dried boogers in Goofy's Bounce House, eh?

I thought Goofy's Bounce House is bouncing away for ever.

They are going to bulldoze the boogers, on lawyers' orders. No more bouncing or boogering.

Yup, Bounce House is history. They're putting in a toddler play area.

My attendance is now up in the air. I'm being sent up to NorCal for two weeks of training, starting the 27th. Right now, I'm trying to talk them into flying me back for the weekend in between, so we'll see...

likewise, i may have a new set of ducklings.

:eek:

Oh for crickie's sake, let's just play it safe (keeping "subject to change" in mind) and have the LoT Pirate Meet on an earlier date ... when, ya know, the founders of LoT can attend.

I didn't know Fej was running into a scheduling conflict.

LOL! Goof.

Well, there is a doubt that Chris and I will be able to attend on Saturday as well. So, there's three.

I don't mind doing it the Sunday before. Sunday 2/26. Anybody else?

Well...it's looking like I will be coming back down for the weekend between. And on top of that, I'm kinda considering going up early so I can spend the weekend of the 25th/26th in SF.

LOL. this is just like when we stand around in the Park for two hours deciding what to do next.

:)

ETA - I worked on this post for far too long and GD beat me to it.

GD is now saying that he will probably be able to fly back and attend. Plus, the current plan is that we'll both be in San Francisco on the prior weekend (2/25 - 26).

I'm for keeping it the last weekend before the closure because then we really are among the last to ride. The original thing was Sunday simply because it IS the last day to ride it, but moved to Saturday to accommodate the largest group. I'd be bummed if Lisa and Chris can't make it, that's for sure :( but but but but....

Anyway, If people want to do things the weekend before that, go for it.

What do you wanna do? I don't know. What do you wanna do?

Keep in mind that the SNowflake Meet is the Day Before - Friday. We'll be riding Pirates on that day and night as well.

Yeah. Depending on my return flight time, I may miss the Snowflake meet :(

I'll be there for the Snowflake meet, but the rest of the weekend is the build up for my birthday week of debauchery.

Geeze, don't you do anything special for your birthday?

I think he usually goes in for a full salon treatment (mani, pedi, bikini wax, etc.) and then enjoys an afternoon tea with his book club.

I'm still in for the weekend in March, CP. So you wont be there alone.
I wanted to keep some distance between the whale watching and the pirates meet so I wasnt neglecting my home life. :)

Since I can't seem to change my flight (at least in such a way that I get home before having to go to work on Monday am) :(

I'll only be around for the whirlwind DL day on Friday. Anyone meeting then, day or evening? I know NA has pretty much plotted a full day of fun for this long time absentee from the Magic Kingdom.

Donna

If Matthew (bf) has Friday off, we will most likely be attending that day.

Excellent! :cool:
Donna

Well, here's hoping Matthew can get off!

I'll be there that day, but I don't think I'll be getting off...

Hey, Matt.....wanna ride the Matterhorn with me? :evil:

Baby, I AM the Matterhorn! :evil:

Yeah!!!

I keep reading the title and thinking, "Is the Matterhorn going through menopause?"

I'll be there on Friday afternoon/evening with the broheim, his wife, and their three adorable bumpkins. And on Saturday with those same people plus Tom. So we were always able to come to that Saturday meet, anyway. The only day we can't do is Sunday. Sorry, the Oscars are our Super Bowl.

Matterhorn?!? Where the hell did THAT come from?

I MEANT to say "Is PIRATES going through menopause?"

:rolleyes:

Just popping in this thread to bring you all a hearty NW "AAAARRGHH!!!! Me Heartys'!! Let's go and find us some....BOOTYY!!! ARRRGGHH!!!!!"

Thank you

Somebody's been drinking...

Hi all..Sorry its been so long since I have popped in. I have missed you all a lot. I had planned to be at the park friday and maybe on saturday. So if I can make it I would love to see you all.

as an FYI. I, the infamous Capt Jack, will be attending said swanktacular gathering.
I look very much forward to meeting you all.

Woot!

Awwww, and I won't be there on Saturday. :(

fear not. I am assuming there will be a similar meet when they reopen? (barring, of course, those boycotting for principle)

si?

:argghh: <Can't make it, says I. Pillage and plunder for me, will ye?
:decap:

Oh hell yes. We'll see if THAT meet ends up being a day to remember or a day that will live in infamy....and whether we end up celebrating with a sing-along or a visit to City Hall ;)

The meet is on April 4th?

It is a compelling reason to renew my AP.

le sigh.

It's March 4th.

Nickolas and I may be wandering around that day...not sure about David...

OOO Even better! It's before my AP expires! YAY!

A true Disney geek wouldn't allow their pass to expire!

Well, guess what? I now have two performances of "The Sound of Music" on Saturdays until mid-April. All day Friday is free, until I have to be at the theatre at 7, and Sunday is out because of my market and the Oscars.

Yar, I be a sad pirate. :(

Then my dear Commodore, you should join the Friday group! Dont be sad, though I will miss meeting you with the Saturday group, but at least you could meet Snowflake!

Who am I to get in the way of your theatrical career?

We'll probably see you at the Snowflake meet, if you can make that :)

Ya, ya, ya. :P We'll see. I recently found out I'm being expected to play tour guide to out of town family the week after my pass expires so it may be renwed after all.

I'm planning on being there for the ride part of it. I'm trying to drag TT with me. If the shiny objects stop SHINY?! WHERE?

Umm.. distracting him that is.

I might be there on the 5th if I am not in Carlsbad for work or in Tahoe for fun.

How's that for certainty?

That would be swell, but, um ... well, the LoT meets are on the 3rd and 4th.

But, hey, if you can't make it to the Snowflake Meet on Friday or the Pirates meet on Saturday ... well, have a great time at the Park on Sunday!

Snowflake??? Anyway, I read CP's original post and it said it was Sunday the 5th. Perhaps it changed. Oh well. I won't be here then, so I will go on Sunday if able to make it at all.

I still want to ride Monsters Inc one of these days.

Can CPs OP be edited to reflect the 4th (if she doesn't mind)?

Though knowing the group of Disney geeks that will be there one can come and hang outside of pirates and run into many people s/he knows.

Has any of this changed?

Check Hot Topic, they had some stuff last time I was in there. Just don't get distracted by all the NBC stuff they have.

I'll be coming as the red-head. With more clothing ;)

Thems what don't read the thread don't have the knowledge, savvy? I had GD edit the OP per BTD's suggestion, so that won't happen again.
All of that stuff is the same, since we haven't had any objections. I'll add in this - get yourselves a Space Mountain fastpass. We're going to do a Pirates in Space ride at night, after our nighttime PotC ride. Those FPs go fast, so get them early!

No need to expose your superstructure!

:snicker: If only my hair were a little bit longer I could come as the red-head in the painting. hummm... :wheels spinning:

Get ourselves a Space fastpass? What happened to our fastpass runner? :evil:

Ahh....if only I had the time to read 8 pages of threads, but alas, those days are gone.

I mostly mentioned that for the benefit of those that won't be able to join up until the evening. We'll probably have people come and go, per usual.

Thank goodness. That walk is sooooo far. :p

Heh. I also meant it as a warning to those that show up at 7pm and are bummed that we're doing a fastpass ride. Fair warning and all.

Well...Nickolas and I won't be there on March 4th. We are going this Saturday instead. This is the one time I an not really looking forward to going to DLR. If you see a group of people with 2 young readheads RUN do not walk to the closest exit. I will be the person trying not to look like I am there with them.

Ya, I figured that as well. Take note everyone, if you come unprepared you can't say CP wasn't lookin out for you and stuff.

Now at risk of Kevy giving me flack again I am having the worst brain fart and cannot picture where the French Market is. I've got Cafe Orleans, the Riverbelle, and the Mint Julip bar. Yes, I know, I bring disgrace to the Disney geek.

If your standing at the Mint Julep bar, turn 90 degrees left, hop the gate in front of you and tada! French Market eating area.

Yup. It's also the one with the small band stage in the eating area.

R we meeting at French Market? (I'm too lazy to go back and read this thread).

Wow. :rolleyes: It's only a few posts up, where BTD quoted me. I guess I'll consolidate stuff, and if no one objects to any of it, I'll have GD put the details in the calendar info.

Saturday, March 4th

Lunch meet at French Market at 12:30pm

Ride on Pirates afterwards (with a Pirate surprise)

Dinner meet at Rancho Del Zocolo at 7:30pm for the evening people

A nighttime Pirate ride afterwards

Nighttime Space Mountain ride after that (get your fastpasses as early as you can, they run out quick)

Everything in between is up to the whim of the group.

If you're new to us and would like my cell number, PM me.

I hope that's good enough for iSm :p did you want me to call you and read it to you, sweetie?

Hmm.. you could call and read it to me.
I couldnt find it either. :p
You're in the phone... and I will find you. Pirate garb still eludes me.

Well, I couldn't find it either.....so there. :p

Here is the direct link to where I quoted CP.

Pirate suprise. Sounds intriguing.

Ack! Fine, I take it back! All those kitty tongues wagging at me make me very contrite.

:p :p :p

Pirate garb that is sufficiently subtle to prevent being kicked out of the Park is encouraged, but certainly not required:argghh:

And this is a very whimy group!

It looks like I won't be able to be there on friday the 3rd. And I was so looking forward in seeinig you all. And I am not sure what time I will get to the park on the 4th. But if I do run into everyone on Saturday, I will most defently stop and say hi.

We went last weekend and are going again on the 11th. I have decided this is David's way of keeping me from going to any meets.

I'm going to try and make it, my munchkin has a cold so depends on if she feels better.

I'll be there the 3rd, I need some more Disneyland thought time...

I hope to be there in the afternoon. It looks as if I am working at 5am on a special project at work. but a nap may be needed before the park.

I hope you'll bring the flag!

Weather report says the rain should be gone by tomorrow. I'll be there regardless!

Those in the know...is tomorrow a blackout day for lowest level pass holders?

Those in the know say it's the perfect opportunity to upgrade to the next level and be assured of never again missing such mega events as Goodbye to Pirates Day!



(As for whether it's a low-level blackout day, I'm am in no way in the know.)

I don't visit the park nearly enough to justify an upgrade, my friend. Sad, but true.

It's a blockout day.

We'll take plenty of photos for you.

Well I *think* I found reportedly finalized plans for this meet way the heck back in this thread.. and if I should be there at 12:30 at the French Market (which I should).... you should not be surprised! Herrow!

Yo ho Yo ho see everyone tomorrow.

We'll be there - hitting the park close to rope drop - but sadly, we're cutting out at around 6pm to catch the last flight to SF (damn you Jet Blue!).

Eliza,
I'll cover you if it'll make the difference in you attending.

Mousepod...
do you have my cell #? I know NA does. Will you be at the FM arket part of the meet?

Well I'll be...

It looks like I WILL be able make the Pirates meet tomorrow!!! Not the whole thing but at least a few hours around noon. That is assuming my flight is on time..

If anyone could snag a poor weary traveller a Potc fastpass I would be forever grateful. :)

PotC Fastpass went to Yesterland.

have a safe flight!

Bleh.


Well in that case just smoke me a kipper and I'll see thems of you that's coming on the morrow...

I may possibly be in attendance, briefly, but in attendance....

Would be nice to see some folks before the ol' AP expires!

Will Turner:confused: ;)

Damn, I never did get the info into the Calendar. I have to get used to using that.

Saturday, March 4th

Lunch meet at French Market at 12:30pm

Ride on Pirates afterwards (with a Pirate surprise)

Dinner meet at Rancho Del Zocolo at 7:30pm for the evening people

A nighttime Pirate ride afterwards

Nighttime Space Mountain ride after that (get your fastpasses as early as you can, they run out quick)

Everything in between is up to the whim of the group.

We're off in a few minutes for a full day, see you there!

Wish we could make it. DD's cold is worse and now she's given it to me. I was looking forward to meeting all of you. Oh well, we'll make it next time.

I'm still trying to figure out how PotC is going through menopause...

There IS a chance we will be making it as well. Maybe.

And so we did - shutting down the ride twice (complete sotry to follow later I'm sure)

Cool observation for me - the many "jet setters" who appeared to spend a few before catching flights to destinations elsewhere - Tres Swank

I didn't make it to today's fun, but I had a great time on Friday...

:D

Did you guys break Pirates? (sigh)

Twice.


Just at the top of the first drop is a brake zone (where you are under the mounted pirate). We got stuck there. They had to shut the whole ride down and have us disembark. They then marched us around (you come out right by the men's room nearest the NOS Train Station) to come in through the exit to reload. The funny thing is that the told us to GET IN EXACTLY HOW WE WERE BEFORE (there were 18 or so LoTers on this boat).



Now, if there was a problem with this arrangement that caused a system shutdown, wouldn't it make sense to CHANGE IT?!? No, they insisted that we get back on the boat the exact same way. And guess what?



We got stuck again in the exact same place!

So off we go on our march around again. As we were arriving into the exit area, we heard people getting OFF the attraction complaining about how LONG they were on PotC as it shut down TWICE (we apologized). This time as we loaded, they wised up and split us into two separate boats (well, duh!).

As we sailed off on our cruise, we were greated along the way with the CM's congratulating us (on the PA system) as we made it past each step. I have to say that, all things considered, this was one of the BEST Pirates rides ever.

There are many other fun details about the experience and the day, but I will let others share as well.

Awww, thanks KB! I am sitting here with a big ol' smile on my face, looking at all of you so very happily disrupting the time/space continuum of the DLR, and wishing with all my heart that I was there. Can we do something equally disruptive during my visit? Please? The Swamping and Stenching of IASW was good, but it must be surpassed. I think we need to put Coastermatt on this one.

PS- Tori says hi to 'Lizard Boy'. :D

PPS- That's just a bit disturbing, but she did say it.:rolleyes:

Love it..

Awwww, it's Kyle! He made lead just before I left. Kyle is the funniest there, I bet he made it very humorous for all!

FF

Hi all..I am sorry I didn't make it to meet up with you all. But it was nice getting to see you Zapppop and interSpaceman. The person who I was with I was letting her decided on when and what she wanted to ride on. And at least when we went over to POC there was no line for the wheelchairs. So we got right on. Although it sounded like and by the pic you had a lot more fun. And at least I got to see you all by the pic. Maybe I can see you all sometime in the near future.
I don't know if you noticed that the pirates at the end pulling their tresure, they were already gone. I don't know when they took them out. Because last weekend they were there.
Anyway you all have a great week ahead. And hope to see you soon.

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Stopping Pirates was SO much the icing on the cake of my trip. Stopping once was hysterical and great, stopping twice was embarassing and I have to THANK from the BOTTOM of MY HEART a certain someone who got me in to the park for free so I could join in on the fun!

Donna

Congrats on sinking Pirates TWICE, everyone! What a great story and wonderful photo of everyone on the boat--the big smiles in the happy photo is a perfect juxtaposition to the pic of the concerned CM on the phone. :D

Pilates is SO yesterday.

today's new exercise rage is PIRATES (pie-raw-tease)!



Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right

Forward, Back, Forward, Back, Forward, Back

ok, now get out and follow the PIRATE and walk around the building.

and again (remember do it EXACTLY the same):

Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right

Forward, Back, Forward, Back, Forward, Back

ok, now get out and follow the PIRATE and walk around the building.

:cheers: oy, i think i have a brokeback now.

He and the whole pirate crew were brilliant I'm sure this caused a lot of frustration for them, but the kept a good attitude and had fun with us the whole time. definately one of those Disney magic momments.

I think we did a great service to the folks who got to enjoy being stick on Pirates for 45 minutes :evil:

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

Yesterday was so much fun

Man, I hate that we missed all of this fun. It's been a while since I've been involved in a good boat sinking. Glad you all had a great time though. :)

Many Kudos to CP for organizing such a great meet! I was very happy we were able to join in the incredible fun! (And it was nice to be a passenger for once ;))

I am dying here. I can not believe they put all of you in one boat!!! That was definitely full! When we ride there are about, oh, 10 at the most. And that is when they pile 'em in!

Yes, in the photo you all look so freakin' happy! I am green right now with envy. :p

Wait, that is the guac I spewed laughing... Anywho...

:snap: :snap: To y'all and who took that picture, by the way?

CM kyle, (who couldn't have been more pleasant and courteous) took the group photo moments after the phone call informing the tower that the "left, right, front,back" method was useless.

:D

Aw, how cool of him. :snap:

Are you kidding? There were 2 empty seats!

I kid you not!!! Wow, I can not believe that!!!

*sigh* I think this just means I do not get there enough, eh? Or that I don't ride it when the line is long so they don't put too many people on the boat?

Wow. Wow wow wow! :cheers:

This was truly a meet for the ages. I was delighted to see so many people show up! After a slight snafu at the French Market (I thought we should grab tables, others thought we'd meet out front, sorry!) I was so happy to see so many swankers make it, especially those from out of town. We haven't had a meet this big in a long time.

I may have started the thread but it's those that showed up that really made the day special. Big thanks to EVERYONE! You are the coolest people on earth. People came and went and it was amazing seeing everyone.

Right click and save as HERE for a movie of the French Market meet. Once you download it, you have to change it from .htm to .mov in order for it to work.

Right click and save as HERE for a quick movie of the boat sinking. Once you download it, you have to change it from .htm to .mov in order for it to work.

We didn't take a ton of pictures (there were so many cameras that I'm sure it was covered). I did document us in line for Pirates, and got everyone to say "Arrr" instead of "cheese". The results had me in hysterics. If you want to take bad pictures, just get people to say "Arrr". ;)

Check out my early pictures here. Our camera never made it out at night, for some reason.

No one's mentioned this yet, but my main objective of this meet was to get everyone to sing the Pirates song. I printed up copies of the lyrics for everyone. Since it's so dark in the ride we sang it while in line, outside. I was so happy that my dream came true! Thank you! :cheers:

Then when we sank the boat, they turned the lights on, and we sang it again! :D I offered Kyle a copy and he said "no, this is enough for me."

I think the best part of our third-time's-the-charm ride was that each time we floated past the Blue Bayou, iSm pulled out the full size pirate flag and flashlight while we yelled piratey things. First time around, the BB patrons clapped and waved. Second and third times seemed to puzzle them. iSm yelled "they're giving these flags out to everyone who rides!" Too funny.

After our hour-long Pirates of the Caribbean sillyness (I'm glad others got pics!) We went to the Treehouse and reclaimed it for the Swiss Family Robinson. Next we commandeered the Columbia. Perfect. At this point my cold caught up with me and my throat was giving way, so iSm shone as our true Pirate cap'n. Who could deny him, with the flag and attitude to match?

I believe we hit Jungle Cruise next. In true pirate fashion we demanded to have Christina as our skipper. We'd had her the night before and she was a rather good one. Yeah, take that sentence out of context. ;) NA, as always, made a great CM wrangler, and we got what we wanted. You'd best fear the Pirate APers!

After that it was time for weary pirates to visit the rum runners at the AP Lounge. A sit and sip and I was rarin' to go again. We hit Zocolo right on time. An ambient dinner later (I love that patio) and we were off to rape and pillage again. Didn't get stuck this time, but flew the flag again and took in this amazing attraction one last time before the changes.

Fireworks by Small World, then Space Mountain, and then I felt like a skeletal pirate looking for an ornate bed...so off we went.

Love this group and love what we do. :cool:

That's why I said "I believe", I was sure I'd forgotten something. Thanks. :)

I'm freakin' tired.

One of the best meets ever!!!!!!!! The CMs were amazing. I did feel bad for the other guests but hey, they told us "3 in rows 1 and 6.. fill the boat" then they told us "load the boat in your original assigned seats". We were just following instructions.

I also had my first Columbia ride ever. That was fun!

It was so good to see everyone old and new friends alike.

I had to leave as everyone was going to the AP Lounge.. I mean.. AP Lounge... I mean... AP Lounge ;)

Left. Right. Left. Right. Forward. Back. Forward. Back.

Thanks CP for organizing such an amazing meet! You rock!

my first experience in the park with so many folks who have every inside scoop one could ever imagine. I cant remember ever enjoying DL as much as I did this time. my endless thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome from the very first second and for reintroducing me to the happiest place on earth in style. (I think it calculated out Id not be there in 8 or more years and never EVER had it been so much fun)

truly, the definition of a-swankin-good-time in every sense of the word. the people, places, things and events will live forever in my memory and I have each and every one of you to thank for it.

one massive :snap: mojo wish for you all.

bravo

Aha, Matey. the surprise was indeed on us!:snap: :snap: :snap:

My personal favorite bit of piratin' was when we commondeered the Tarzan Treehouse, hung the skull & crossbones flag from the rope bridge for all of Adventureland to see, and then proceeded to all "sing" Swisska Polka at the top of our lungs, jumping up and down on that bridge like it was some rumored closing on Tom Sawyer Island, and re-claimed the Treehouse in the name of the neutral Swiss.


zappop and I were the stragglers of the meet who actually closed the Park. One more ride on Pirates, and one more ride on Space. Ya know, we had enough fast passes for everyone to take a second spin thru Space Mountain...

Ordinarily, this many fast passes left in our hot little hands would have been a golden bonanza to zap and me ... but after some pirate rum at the AP lounge, a few stops at various "smoking sections," fireworks filling the entire sky at Small World, and a sledfull of Rainbow Glasses riders on Space Mountain ... and we were feeling a little wobbly.

One more time was enough for us.

And one final Pirates ride that was so bitter sweet. But I sure am glad we had an amazing Pirates send off earlier in the day that will go down as one of our best Pirates of the Caribbean adventures ever.

A Great and Spectacular Meet.

Yay Swiss! I'm so jealous! It sounds like you all had a blast!

It's so cool that our own Swanky Pirate Crew were able to give the ol' POTC such a fun sendoff. Many thanks to all who so bravely risked ....whatever, and threw themselves into this great and momentous adventure with such ....


Screw it. Trying real hard to be noble here, and all I can think is "I missed it!! Merde!!!!:argghh:


Great pics and vids. CP- many thanks!:snap:

Neener, neener, neener.

I was there and you weren't

Neener, neener, neener.

Or the sequel, Merde Aussi!

(This is much funnier if you took high school French.)

Oh, be quiet, Lizard Boy.:p

Wow, thanks for sharing your adventure! Unbelieveable. I'm amazed and excited for you all that this happened on the last day before the changes. Great job on the sinking!!

Tic Toc, you really must join one of our adventures one day.

That all sounds so awesome! Reclaiming the treehouse...classic! I wish I could have been there!

Now I'm really bummed that we missed it.

We claim this treehouse in the name of the Swiss!

Just LOOK at those scary pirate faces!

Were there Swiss pirates?

Great picture!!!!!:cheers:

So fearsome are the Swiss Pirates, they had to relocated them to a landlocked country in order to preserve the safety of the seven seas

The Vatican?

Switzerland - thought the vatican is also acceptable

The really, really bad ones got sent to the Vatican.

Mmmm, Pope likes pirates. :)

:snap: :snap:

ok, Swiss pic was, I hope, just a teaser.

Where are pics? Zillions of pics were taken, I saw it happen. Where be they?

Try here (finally)

I didn't take too many - but here are a few more:

Cannot view them without registering with the site.

:(

So give them a spam-trap email address.

Well that sucks... sorry :(

Is this viewable?

Great pics, Kevy!

Very soon, very soon.:cool: Thanks for sharing your adventure plundering Disneyland Arrr!

Some of us are slow... I have them. I'll post by end of day..
Hey Mousepod.. where are your pics???

While 99% of the day was amazing, I have to say I found it hard to enjoy the parting ride on Space Mountain. A loading snafu lead to one swanker being left to ride alone, and unaccomodating CMs forced another to not ride at all. Bleh, I was most unhappy for that ride.

Great pictures! Glad it was fun fun fun.
:)

I love love love this picture. :) See below to find out what they were saying at the time:


Zapppop: "Aaaaarrrrrrr!"

innerSpaceman: "You people down there should ride Pirates while you still can. Take it from me, it's going to be altered forever and will never be the same again. Just like when Tarzan evicted the Swiss family. Consider yourselves warned. You snooze, you lose, people."

Not Afraid: "My cat shaped cellpohne is ringing."

:D

I wonder if those CMs normally work the Matterhorn?

I feel I must defend the cast members on one count. We never intended to leave Borneio behind to ride alone.
I did not understand that we were to wait for a cycle of cars to go through before loading, which woudl have let him ride with us. Being as I was , I think , the first one to load, I felt very responsible.
I was however fairly secure that he knew it wasnt intentional. I personally, never heard the direction to hold back.

The other... well, that was just dumb. He's rode before.. why kick him off now?

Interesting adventure. I chose to go to the far more exclusive, and therefore more illustrious, Sunday pirates meet. So exclusive in fact, that the only other attendee was a cute blond chick.

It was about an 8.5 hour drive to DL that day. The windshield wipers broke on my Land Rover during the trip down, which coupled with the rain/snow and intense wind, proved to make for an interesting drive down. 2 pairs of skis and all of my gear still in the back of the car, I pulled into Mickey and freinds about 7:30 or so. It was odd approaching the park from the Southbound lane on the 5, but I was able to figure my way there with the help of two GPS systems.

After meeting the aforementioned lady-friend, we both decided to ride Monsters Inc. for the first time before we rode pirates. After enjoying ourselves despite the long line and creepy geeky AP in front of us who would not shut up the entire time in line, I realized I was a bit famished from the long drive. I stopped at what I believe is a newly placed cart and enjoyed a ginormous Turkey leg. We then decided to go check the line for Monsters again. Not being too long, we hopped on for another fun spin.

Finally, we ended up in DL and caught the Fireworks from the train station. Not a bad spot. We then slalomed through the crowds and eventually ended up at Pirates for our Final ride. We needn't be concerned with sinking any vessles, and were rewarded with a smooth ride through. Upon exit, we noticed a large group of CM's, in varied costumes, running gayilly towards the pirates exit, no doubt going for their last ride before shut down.

We then exited and returned to my home where I unloaded the ski equipment from my car and went to bed. Does anyone know if cherry pie needs to be refrigerated?

Refrigerate the pie. Then microwave it later. Cold cherry pie isn't good.

Love the report, NM. You guys were really among the last to ride. :snap:

There was no getting me to the park on Sunday, I was toast.

From now on, LoT MUST have a No Man Left Behind policy.

If we know how to load an attraction more professionally than the CMs do, then we must stand up for our rights. Since when does a party of six get split up into 5 and 1?

From now on, we will - if necessary - disregard the loading CM's instructions. We will adhere to our own rules.


Rule 1. Very Large Swankers will be seated in the front of any particular Matterhorn Bobsled or Space Mountain Rocket. The front rows have far more leg room.

Rule 2. Swankers Know Best. Despite all the hustle and bustle of the fast-load procedures on these two attractions - - WE must confirm that we are being loaded in the manner we requested, which the vehicles will accommodate. We will devise a Confirmation Cry ... and if our boarding criteria is not met, we WILL NOT board the ride vehicles. (After the Pirates Adventure, it's not like we will hesitate to E-stop any attraction.)


Two Rules. Plain and Simple. No Man Left Behind.


:iSm:

I don't fault anyone for that bit. What happened was, we were pulled aside so they could finish loading the first rocket. Unfortunately, the group right behind us was also a large group and so the CM pulled them aside too. In that confusion, we all lost sight of the fact that that first rocket hadn't left yet. A big snafu, no one's fault, really.

The unaccomodating CM I was referring to was later when SM was not allowed to ride because he was not allowed to sit the only way that's comfortable for him (which he's done in the past).

Well, in the CMs defense ... that may have been SM's preferred seating method, but it was clearly in violation of the saftey rules. The simple solution is front seat of either the front or rear bobsled or rocket.

Actually, as the CM pointed out to him, it's rows 2 and 3 that have more room.

Then the CM was a (yet another) dolt. Go see for yourselves ... the nose cone has extra leg room.


* * * * *

On a more Piratey note...

I was just reminded of how, just after cruising past the Blue Bayou, we all sang "Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me" in the classic song stylings of William Shatner!

Hahahahahahaha!

For Space Mountain, the term "leg room" has more than one meaning.

The "nose cone" on row one appears to have more space (I have not measured the cubic feet, so I cant say for sure) because there is no seat in front of it. However, the fact that the floor slopes upward means one's knees must ride higher. In addition to this, there is the padded "lip" on the upper part of the nose cone. Even if the floor of the nose cone didn't rise up, the lip has the net effect of reducing the vertical space in which one can put one's legs.

So the overall effect is that if you have short legs (especially from ankle to knee), row one may indeed afford you more room to stretch your legs forward. However, if you have long legs, rows two and three are probably a better choice because they afford more vertical knee clearance.

And yes, I have ridden Space Mountain many times in the past where I had my legs restrained under two different lap bars. Believe me, I'm not going anywhere! That said, I don't fault the CMs for enforcing the safety regulations given to them. It's a crappy situation for me, but until the day comes when I decide to get special permission to ride the attraction, I'll just live with it.

And I think someone did some Ethel Merman yo-hoing as well... ;)

I didn't know Prudence was coming?!?!?!?!

She was talking about the Matterhorn ride back in January.

Allright... my pictures are online now...
Mousepod.. get yours online already.... :P

Pirate Swank

Ok, ok... here's my favorite "postcard"

and the rest:

You know, where do I get these ideas anyways? Then, why do people listen to me?

BTW, it was a blast - Ethyl included. :)

Heheh - push that button. Go ahead, push it.

LOL! What a pair of troublemakers!

She wasn't. She was just breathing hard.

Boy, Kyle sure did get his picture taken several times!

Aww..the benefits of being a Socaler! Good times had by all in these pics.:)
:cool:

I watched Pirates of the Caribbean loud enough that day that the neighbors came over and asked me to turn it down... then they ended up staying and watching the rest of the movie.

Kyle is a doll and a cutie. He tried to let us overload the boat one previous time on Pirates, and some bitch Pirate loader girl made some of us get out of the boat before we left the dock.

Ok, sure ... maybe recent events proved the cold bitch right and happy-go-lucky Kyle wrong. But I'll take Kyle's Pirate-fun attitude any day, thank you very much. (And completely unfounded rumours that he's gay have nothing to do with it ... though it does make him somehow even cuter imo.)

Let's think about this... work lights on, stuck boat, cast member with a sense of humor, who was cute.... and a phone that no one ever sees...
Yeah, I'm not surprised everyone took his picture. If only to prove we were there.

The question is, why didnt I give him a WWWD pin??? shoot.

is there still a way we can heap all these kudos on him in the eyes of his employers? he really does deserve recognition for such 'courage under fire' (or would that be 'courage under water'?)

Courage for listening to two boatloads of drunken pirates singing that song, woefully out of sync and out of tune is more like it. :evil:

I do agree, he behaved in exemplary fashion and they were remarkably fast in getting us on the ride and loaded all three times. And this was the day I chose not to bring my camera! :-(

Donna

I just got off the phone with Guest Communications. I know a City Hall letter is ideal but this is something. Their number is 714-781-4669 if anyone else wants to call.

I went to City Hall that evening and filed a Compliment for him.

these "kudos" have a great influence on a CM's annual review and pay increase. additionally, they become a permanent part of the personnel file. i encourage all who would like to give kyle or any CM that you think is deserving a formal compliment at Guest Relations.

management recognizes those who exceed expectations in Guest Service.

way to go, kyle:snap:

I'm pretty sure that in one of those pictures, Kevin and Jesse and I are having the strangest conversation about the alphabet to which I've ever been privvy.

I'm finally back home after taking the red-eye last night. I had a great time at the meet. I think watching the crowd reaction as we belted out the pirate song was my favorite part. Big thanks to CP for arranging that. :snap: :snap:

I'm working on a full trip report including my most embarrassing meet moment and some notes from my secret Tuesday hit-and-run before my flight.

Thanks to everyone who took photos, especially the group photo Kevy had Kyle take. Truly a ride that will live in infamy. I'd bet we could go back there in five years and the ride personal would either remember it first hand or know the story. ;)

and a new legend is born.

read it in LoTales: AP's gone wild


looking forward to the trip report and embarrasing meet moment:)

On a personal note, the Von Trapps still had to leave Austria. Twice.

Once at 3, and again at 8.

Sorry I missed the meet, sounds like it was a good one!

Ah. . that must be one of my pics... the big gap in the pirates line? I wondered what you three were up to! :P