The Spirit Takes the Fifth ...

[WDW1974]

Well Spirit, hopefully your faux one percenter vacation will recharge those MAGICal batteries of yours. Seriously though, those of us out here in the trenches at WDW look forward to your return. I will continue taking trips into the Jungle and look forward to any news of some SPIRITed change. Thanks again for what you do here, and please continue on. There are still a lot of CM's, like myself, who want things to be as they SHOULD be and not as they are. There are times I think that there may not be hope, but there are glimmers of change here and there and having someone like yourself keep pushing the buttons of those in the way of the change is keeping me going until someday the Disney company returns to what some of us know it can be.

Thanks for the kind words.

And you can be sure that a day doesn't go by without me pushing someone's buttons. (Ursula voice for the fanbois) It's what I liiive for!

 

[danlb_2000]

Spirited Thursday Musings:

Walking Dead spoilers near the end!

Please tell me that WDW did NOT Tweet out the incorrect year of Walt Disney's birth this morning!

Also, please lie to me and tell me that our military's sonar tests isn't responsible for the mass whale beaching in SoFla.

So, is Theme Park Connection the same company (or run by the same folks) who used to be near MCO like a decade ago and took poor care of everything they had and literally destroyed stuff when their lease ended instead of giving it away?

I'd like to tell you that my in box is full of notes talking about great experiences from guests and cast with MM+, but then I'd be lying to you.

So, it would appear that WDW's answer to Potter 2.0 (and Cabana Bay and additions to City Walk ...oh, and a little something at IOA) is to market New Fantasyland as a complete entity and act like it's all new in 2014 even if portions have been open for years. You gotta admire that ballsy style.

Have I said how much I dislike the Twitverse?

So, I am headed to DLP in mere weeks yet I haven't gotten my MAGIC Bands yet. Should I be worried? Call anyone?

Speaking of DLP, check out the pics on Disney and More of the new Ratatouille ride. Looks great and just what the weakest Disney park internationally needs.

Didn't realize until a while ago just how far along the FW/RC DVC resort came to being before Disney realized how costly it would have been and went the cheap monorail route instead.

BTW, Disney seems to be synonymous with cheapness these days. For all you fanbois who never visit any other Florida theme parks, that isn't how they are run.

I know Tommy Boi took shots at me on his podcast, but I just can't bring myself to even bother listening.

No, I don't think fast food workers should all be making $15 an hour, but I'd be willing to pay higher prices for them all to make at least $10-11. Besides, we all pay for their government benefits when they make $7.50 an hour.

Just a feeling, but if we hear any substantial theme park news this month I think it will be bad.

So, last week was all Thanksgiving specials and episodes and this week is all Christmas. I'm guessing they couldn't wait another week or two.

Finola Hughes is still one fine looking lady ... as nice as when I shared an elevator with her at the BW 15 years ago.

Anyone here take a flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner yet?

OK, been long enough. Walking Dead was very weak in its mid-season finale. Killing both the Governor and Herschel and making folks think that Baby Judith was also consumed was just weak all around by Kirkman and Company. If the show is going to just turn into a giant gorefest where characters are slaughtered weekly for shock value, then many people are going to turn their backs on it. Sorry, but I didn't even get a chance to decide whether I liked the Gov's new family before they were part of the bloodbath. There is no shock value when that is all you do. It's weak writing. I don't see myself sticking with it to find out in five years that Carl restarts the human race on Hilton Head Island. ... I do like the implicit threat that Norman Reedus has given the showrunners about killing his character off.

So, The Millers isn't all that good even if I personally like Beau Bridges (yes, I know him too!), but it's actually the funniest comedy that Will Arnett has been in in 2014 (yes, that means I think the reboot of Arrested Development was damn near unwatchable!)

OK, now I know why we're talking about grocery stores in Buffalo. It is a very slow, very quiet time in the business except when Miceage puts out a poorly thought out and sourced column!

Walking dead spoiler....










Walking dead has never been shy about showing people killed, look at what they did to Herschel, but yet they don't show the governor actually die. Just sayin'.

 

[WDW1974]

How did Bob stray so much from Michael's philosophies? Why does everyone hate Michael so much? He saught fiscal constraint but still demanded and achieved the highest quality. Take this next quote on Disneyland... I think you'll all like it:



He wrote this in his book and to put them in context this is referring to his time before Disney and with Paramount. The man is a creative and Frank Wells was the business mind, though Michael learned to become a great business mind as well. When I finish his book, I want to write him a letter.

Fun fact: before coming to Disney, a few years earlier Eisner sought and almost got the job as head of the parks and studios. The parks fascinated him, as did Disney's family value movies.

I had to type those quotes from the book... I literally marked the pages when I saw things worth posting here. There are more but I will share them from time to time.

Michael was always more interested in the creative side of the business than in the financial. The problems began when Euro Disney opened in a European recession, Disney's America became a battlefield, every animated film wasn't The Lion King and Frank Wells died.

Michael cared. All the way to the bitter end. Sure, lots of mistakes and misfires and miscalculations in his final 6-7 years. But he cared.

I don't get the idea that Bob Iger has ever cared about anything other than himself and the price of DIS at closing as it relates to his own bottom line.

 

[WDW1974]

Never had eggnog? I've been drinking half a cup of eggnog every night for the past three weeks. As princess, @WDW1974 I command you to have at least one taste of Target-brand eggnog before the holiday season ends.

Enjoy your vacation! I'm sure it will be amazing, and I'm praying someone treats you to dinner, or drinks, or, if Santa is really happy, both!

I'm (hopefully) heading east to the Empire State this winter. Right now, I'm complaining about the freezing fifty-five degree weather here in Los Angeles, and I'm about to go to New York for Christmas, with California winter clothes. Pray for me. Hopefully I'll get to see my buddy, @Cosmic Commando!

OK, I shall have eggnog before I leave. And I KNOW already that I'll be treated in a manner that I've become accustomed to!

NYC at Christmas is beautiful. And I can't imagine you'll be colder there than I will be across the pond ... but we can compare notes when we return!

 

[JenniferS]

Spirited Thursday Musings:

Walking Dead spoilers near the end!

Please tell me that WDW did NOT Tweet out the incorrect year of Walt Disney's birth this morning!

Also, please lie to me and tell me that our military's sonar tests isn't responsible for the mass whale beaching in SoFla.

So, is Theme Park Connection the same company (or run by the same folks) who used to be near MCO like a decade ago and took poor care of everything they had and literally destroyed stuff when their lease ended instead of giving it away?

I'd like to tell you that my in box is full of notes talking about great experiences from guests and cast with MM+, but then I'd be lying to you.

So, it would appear that WDW's answer to Potter 2.0 (and Cabana Bay and additions to City Walk ...oh, and a little something at IOA) is to market New Fantasyland as a complete entity and act like it's all new in 2014 even if portions have been open for years. You gotta admire that ballsy style.

Have I said how much I dislike the Twitverse?

So, I am headed to DLP in mere weeks yet I haven't gotten my MAGIC Bands yet. Should I be worried? Call anyone?

Speaking of DLP, check out the pics on Disney and More of the new Ratatouille ride. Looks great and just what the weakest Disney park internationally needs.

Didn't realize until a while ago just how far along the FW/RC DVC resort came to being before Disney realized how costly it would have been and went the cheap monorail route instead.

BTW, Disney seems to be synonymous with cheapness these days. For all you fanbois who never visit any other Florida theme parks, that isn't how they are run.

I know Tommy Boi took shots at me on his podcast, but I just can't bring myself to even bother listening.

No, I don't think fast food workers should all be making $15 an hour, but I'd be willing to pay higher prices for them all to make at least $10-11. Besides, we all pay for their government benefits when they make $7.50 an hour.

Just a feeling, but if we hear any substantial theme park news this month I think it will be bad.

So, last week was all Thanksgiving specials and episodes and this week is all Christmas. I'm guessing they couldn't wait another week or two.

Finola Hughes is still one fine looking lady ... as nice as when I shared an elevator with her at the BW 15 years ago.

Anyone here take a flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner yet?

OK, been long enough. Walking Dead was very weak in its mid-season finale. Killing both the Governor and Herschel and making folks think that Baby Judith was also consumed was just weak all around by Kirkman and Company. If the show is going to just turn into a giant gorefest where characters are slaughtered weekly for shock value, then many people are going to turn their backs on it. Sorry, but I didn't even get a chance to decide whether I liked the Gov's new family before they were part of the bloodbath. There is no shock value when that is all you do. It's weak writing. I don't see myself sticking with it to find out in five years that Carl restarts the human race on Hilton Head Island. ... I do like the implicit threat that Norman Reedus has given the showrunners about killing his character off.

So, The Millers isn't all that good even if I personally like Beau Bridges (yes, I know him too!), but it's actually the funniest comedy that Will Arnett has been in in 2014 (yes, that means I think the reboot of Arrested Development was damn near unwatchable!)

OK, now I know why we're talking about grocery stores in Buffalo. It is a very slow, very quiet time in the business except when Miceage puts out a poorly thought out and sourced column!

My bad about the Buffalo grocery store diversion; but there seriously is nothing else to talk about until @Soarin' Over Pgh gets out to see Frozen.

I cannot stop singing "Let it Go", but for the life of me cannot figure out why they had Demi sing the reprise (well actually I can), when the song seems tailor-made for Idina. There is no comparison (IMO) between the two versions. It's like DL is trying on her mommy's dress and pearls and make-up, and just pretending to be "all growed up".

 

[WDW1974]

Universal needed a decent podcast.

I am not convinced that there needs to be ANY podcasts at all. Seems like society did just fine before them. But maybe I'll give a listen one of these days.

 

[WDW1974]

Hey Spirit, you, -em and I should have cheese board and a bottle at the Thirsty Fish next time you are in the area. I'm buying.
Have a wonderful EuroMagical Christmas time in the land of real
culture.

Your faithful minion,
Disneyhead'71

Absolutely. Probably mid-February!

Have a great Christmas and New Year's and best to your wonderful girls!

 

[danlb_2000]

I am not convinced that there needs to be ANY podcasts at all. Seems like society did just fine before them. But maybe I'll give a listen one of these days.

How can anyone dislike podcasts as a whole? Yes, there are some bad podcasts out there, but there are also some great ones. Not to mention the fact that podcasts have been around for a LONG time, it's just that before the internet they were called talk radio.

 

[WDW1974]

If u want Whole Foods without the prices, shop at Trader Joes!

I like Trader Joe's and drop in when I am near one, but I tend to think like some SoCal things (say In N Out) they are overrated and not quite as good as folks say.

They are now coming to Florida and popping up around Central and South.

BTW, speaking of overrated because people think it's cool: Disney fanbois and Saving Mr. Banks, which is not, I repeat IS NOT historically accurate.

 

[WDW1974]

You should add Palm Springs to your list of non O-Town getaways, and it's only 2 hours drive to DLR.

I've spent many days there. Had family there. Love staying at the J.W. Marriott ... big fan of the Coachella Valley!

 

[WDW1974]

We NYers love hearing people from SoCal and Florida call 60 degrees cold! Haha I remember I was in Florida a few years ago and it was 60 all week. People had their giant winter coats on! Haha today in NYC it's 50 and I considered that too warm for a jacket lol. Though I envy the fact that 60 degrees is considered cold lol

It all depends on what you are used to.

I think Florida when it drops below 55 is brutal while in California the same temp is light jacket weather and driving with the windows down.

Humidity plays a big factor and having buildings that are built for subtropical weather and don't insulate well when it gets cold play a big factor. I was at the Orange Bowl game a few years ago in Miami and it was in the upper 40s with a strong NW wind and was brutal, felt much worse than upper 20s out in the desert.

 

[Sped2424]

Spirited Thursday Musings:

Walking Dead spoilers near the end!

Please tell me that WDW did NOT Tweet out the incorrect year of Walt Disney's birth this morning!

Also, please lie to me and tell me that our military's sonar tests isn't responsible for the mass whale beaching in SoFla.

So, is Theme Park Connection the same company (or run by the same folks) who used to be near MCO like a decade ago and took poor care of everything they had and literally destroyed stuff when their lease ended instead of giving it away?

I'd like to tell you that my in box is full of notes talking about great experiences from guests and cast with MM+, but then I'd be lying to you.

So, it would appear that WDW's answer to Potter 2.0 (and Cabana Bay and additions to City Walk ...oh, and a little something at IOA) is to market New Fantasyland as a complete entity and act like it's all new in 2014 even if portions have been open for years. You gotta admire that ballsy style.

Have I said how much I dislike the Twitverse?

So, I am headed to DLP in mere weeks yet I haven't gotten my MAGIC Bands yet. Should I be worried? Call anyone?

Speaking of DLP, check out the pics on Disney and More of the new Ratatouille ride. Looks great and just what the weakest Disney park internationally needs.

Didn't realize until a while ago just how far along the FW/RC DVC resort came to being before Disney realized how costly it would have been and went the cheap monorail route instead.

BTW, Disney seems to be synonymous with cheapness these days. For all you fanbois who never visit any other Florida theme parks, that isn't how they are run.

I know Tommy Boi took shots at me on his podcast, but I just can't bring myself to even bother listening.

No, I don't think fast food workers should all be making $15 an hour, but I'd be willing to pay higher prices for them all to make at least $10-11. Besides, we all pay for their government benefits when they make $7.50 an hour.

Just a feeling, but if we hear any substantial theme park news this month I think it will be bad.

So, last week was all Thanksgiving specials and episodes and this week is all Christmas. I'm guessing they couldn't wait another week or two.

Finola Hughes is still one fine looking lady ... as nice as when I shared an elevator with her at the BW 15 years ago.

Anyone here take a flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner yet?

OK, been long enough. Walking Dead was very weak in its mid-season finale. Killing both the Governor and Herschel and making folks think that Baby Judith was also consumed was just weak all around by Kirkman and Company. If the show is going to just turn into a giant gorefest where characters are slaughtered weekly for shock value, then many people are going to turn their backs on it. Sorry, but I didn't even get a chance to decide whether I liked the Gov's new family before they were part of the bloodbath. There is no shock value when that is all you do. It's weak writing. I don't see myself sticking with it to find out in five years that Carl restarts the human race on Hilton Head Island. ... I do like the implicit threat that Norman Reedus has given the showrunners about killing his character off.

So, The Millers isn't all that good even if I personally like Beau Bridges (yes, I know him too!), but it's actually the funniest comedy that Will Arnett has been in in 2014 (yes, that means I think the reboot of Arrested Development was damn near unwatchable!)

OK, now I know why we're talking about grocery stores in Buffalo. It is a very slow, very quiet time in the business except when Miceage puts out a poorly thought out and sourced column!

Gosh you summed up my feeling for the walking dead, why bring us all the way back to the same plot point as the last season finale governor vs rick? I understand this world we are supposed to realize that people drop all the time, but at this point it was dumb. Don't even get me started on ricks decision to kick carol out, when he killed shane under shadier circumstances.

 

[WDW1974]

Frozen? I'll pass. I'll care about Frozen if it ever becomes a ride.
I did go to the movies yesterday. Saw Oldboy. It was quite good, and much more to my taste than a snow queen and a "hilarious" snowman.

Yeah, I forgot. You aren't into animation. I still find that strange ... but you are a strange guy to begin with. And a snow queen and ''hilarious' snowman sounds like a little holiday passion play at Vista Lay.

Mailing it today. The Mrs. chose the cards, so you can probably guess the theme...

You too? I was referring to a card from your 'mortal enemy' ... and, now I'm feeling guilty because I don't have cards for anyone (maybe I should drop by the local Dollar Tree this weekend?) ...I can't wait to see what DD picked out!

 

[WDWFigment]

...

@WDWFigment, you are not heading to DLR this weekend as someone said in the Twitverse are you? If so, you absolutely are gonna get the crown (or tiaras) as the real Power Couple of Disney Lifestylers whether you live in the middle of nowhere or not!

...

Who mentioned it? I don't recall saying anything. Regardless, yes, we're heading to DLR for the weekend. Then NYC for next weekend. Both trips were booked via the method I mentioned recently. $140 RT for NYC and $110(!) for DLR. And, since we have a Companion Pass on Southwest, the fare is effectively $70 RT for NYC and $55 for DLR. We thought about canceling one or both trips after booking the Asia one...but it's tough to pass on that cheap of airfare.

As for the "power couple" thing, I think we'll pass. It sounds like a title devoid of any real power, and not an "honor" we actually want.

Have fun in Europe. I obviously can't complain about our travels, but I think this season would be a very good time to visit DLRP. Have a drink for me in the Redwood Bar!

 

[WDW1974]

Walking dead spoiler....










Walking dead has never been shy about showing people killed, look at what they did to Herschel, but yet they don't show the governor actually die. Just sayin'.

He's dead. Not coming back. Lily shot him in the head after he got the sword through the chest treatment.

 

[WDW1974]

How can anyone dislike podcasts as a whole? Yes, there are some bad podcasts out there, but there are also some great ones. Not to mention the fact that podcasts have been around for a LONG time, it's just that before the internet they were called talk radio.

I guess I don't like them because today any/every one has one and 99% of the folks think they're doing Top 40 morning drive routines and they don't even have that 'talent' (yes, I don't think those people are generally talented at all).

Almost everyone can put words together to form sentences, yet that in no way makes everyone writers.

Just because someone has opinions and can talk into a mic doesn't mean they should!

 

[WDW1974]

Gosh you summed up my feeling for the walking dead, why bring us all the way back to the same plot point as the last season finale governor vs rick? I understand this world we are supposed to realize that people drop all the time, but at this point it was dumb. Don't even get me started on ricks decision to kick carol out, when he killed shane under shadier circumstances.

True.

It would have been much more powerful to see the Gov's good side play out for a season or two and then maybe lose Megan and go over to the dark side again. It just reeked of lazy writing.

There is no shock value when you slaughter characters weekly.

 

[Nubs70]

Spirited Thursday Musings:

Walking Dead spoilers near the end!

Please tell me that WDW did NOT Tweet out the incorrect year of Walt Disney's birth this morning!

Also, please lie to me and tell me that our military's sonar tests isn't responsible for the mass whale beaching in SoFla.

So, is Theme Park Connection the same company (or run by the same folks) that used to be near MCO like a decade ago and took poor care of everything they had and literally destroyed stuff when their lease ended instead of giving it away?

I'd like to tell you that my in box is full of notes talking about great experiences from guests and cast with MM+, but then I'd be lying to you.

So, it would appear that WDW's answer to Potter 2.0 (and Cabana Bay and additions to City Walk ...oh, and a little something at IOA) is to market New Fantasyland as a complete entity and act like it's all new in 2014 even if portions have been open for years. You gotta admire that ballsy style.

Have I said how much I dislike the Twitverse?

So, I am headed to DLP in mere weeks yet I haven't gotten my MAGIC Bands yet. Should I be worried? Call anyone?

Speaking of DLP, check out the pics on Disney and More of the new Ratatouille ride. Looks great and just what the weakest Disney park internationally needs.

Didn't realize until a while ago just how far along the FW/RC DVC resort came to being before Disney realized how costly it would have been and went the cheap monorail route instead.

BTW, Disney seems to be synonymous with cheapness these days. For all you fanbois who never visit any other Florida theme parks, that isn't how they are run.

I know Tommy Boi took shots at me on his podcast, but I just can't bring myself to even bother listening.

No, I don't think fast food workers should all be making $15 an hour, but I'd be willing to pay higher prices for them all to make at least $10-11. Besides, we all pay for their government benefits when they make $7.50 an hour.

Just a feeling, but if we hear any substantial theme park news this month I think it will be bad.

So, last week was all Thanksgiving specials and episodes and this week is all Christmas. I'm guessing they couldn't wait another week or two.

Finola Hughes is still one fine looking lady ... as nice as when I shared an elevator with her at the BW 15 years ago.

Anyone here take a flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner yet?

OK, been long enough. Walking Dead was very weak in its mid-season finale. Killing both the Governor and Herschel and making folks think that Baby Judith was also consumed was just weak all around by Kirkman and Company. If the show is going to just turn into a giant gorefest where characters are slaughtered weekly for shock value, then many people are going to turn their backs on it. Sorry, but I didn't even get a chance to decide whether I liked the Gov's new family before they were part of the bloodbath. There is no shock value when that is all you do. It's weak writing. I don't see myself sticking with it to find out in five years that Carl restarts the human race on Hilton Head Island. ... I do like the implicit threat that Norman Reedus has given the showrunners about killing his character off.

So, The Millers isn't all that good even if I personally like Beau Bridges (yes, I know him too!), but it's actually the funniest comedy that Will Arnett has been in in 2014 (yes, that means I think the reboot of Arrested Development was damn near unwatchable!)

OK, now I know why we're talking about grocery stores in Buffalo. It is a very slow, very quiet time in the business except when Miceage puts out a poorly thought out and sourced column!

When at DLP, watch out for self immolating CM's.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Gosh you summed up my feeling for the walking dead, why bring us all the way back to the same plot point as the last season finale governor vs rick? I understand this world we are supposed to realize that people drop all the time, but at this point it was dumb. Don't even get me started on ricks decision to kick carol out, when he killed shane under shadier circumstances.

Carol didn't want Ricks wife........

 

[WDWFigment]

...

BTW, speaking of overrated because people think it's cool: Disney fanbois and Saving Mr. Banks, which is not, I repeat IS NOT historically accurate.

Maybe I follow the wrong (or right, I guess?) people on Twitter, but I've seen a lot of this sentiment regarding Saving Mr. Banks, and not much of the 'it's cool' sentiment.

I haven't seen Saving Mr. Banks, but I suspect it'll be a divisive movie among fans and wildly popular with the general public (the early critical consensus is that it's award season fodder).

I think a lot of hardcore Disney fans are going to dislike it because it's not historically accurate. I buy that it's not--I've heard enough from people I trust to believe that it substantially deviates from history. Doesn't almost every "inspired by true events" film? I've seen plenty of criticism towards recent films in this regard, and I enjoyed them anyway. The only difference in those cases were the topics weren't those with which I was intimately familiar, so I couldn't easily spot the inaccuracies. Or, I could spot them but knew the film was dramatized, so it didn't matter. That's what movies do.

I may very well dislike Saving Mr. Banks (I'm still not sold on Tom Hanks as Walt Disney...I think a no-name actor would've been easier to swallow as Walt, rather than an iconic one), but it won't be on the basis of historical accuracy.

I'm much more bothered by the way TWDC has been marketing Walt Disney as a caricature rather than an actual person.