Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I did it! Round one of a Fanboi Fourth Fireworks run. Unfortunately, there likely won't be a repeat since TPFKaTD-MGMS moved its pyro to 10 tonight to match EPCOT's ... so there will, alas, be no four different shows in two nights. I could bitch and rip TDO yet again, but it shows just how fly by the seat of their pants they're running their flagship resort! Anyway ... Now, I may go see the MK's show from the Poly and then hop on the monorail to EPCOT. Why would I do so? Well, because in a word the Celebrate America show was spectacular. Absolutely the best Fourth show I have ever seen at MK. Comparibly, the show I saw in 2006 was a disjointed celebration of our armed forces. This was a much 'deeper' show about the meaning of America and not so much a Veteran's Day on the Fourth. From the superb narration, to the amazing score ... and naturally, the pyro (Disney never gets that part wrong!) I'd give it a 9.5. Just great. Now, of course, you knew there had to be a negative. Crowd control was a nightmare. Body to body, pushing, shoving, some cursing. And less crowd control CMs than I have ever seen on a similar holiday. They were using the stage left exit backstage, and have actually cleaned things up some (no, we weren't allowed near Phil's Escalade if he was even in the house). But I don't want to take anything away from the show. It was simply ... magical. I question why Disney wouldn't run it for a week and market the hell out of it in Florida and other local drive markets. It also would have been nice to have Dumbo fly at the end while hoisting the red, white and blue too! Prior to the show, MK seemed quite managable, although I didn't arrive until later afternoon. But it really only seemed packed from 8 p.m. on. Prior to that, I got to see the HoP and yet again I will give Eric and his team big time kudos. The show was clearly updated with love, care and reverance deserving of it. You've heard many reviews so I feel no need to go blow by blow thru the show. But from the VERY museum quality exhibits in the pre-show to the refreshed theater to the amazing digital sound to Morgan Freeman's narration ... well, they got this one right. This one is, thankfully, much like Mansion and not like Pirates. What I particularly love is the truly seemless way they incorporated some of the old film (cleaned up, obviously) with mostly new stuff into a totally new show experience (compare it to say O' Canada where it's plainly obvious what was filmed in 1981 and what was filmed a few years ago). Also, the shuttle launch at the end is the first flight of Challenger and is poignant because a few minutes earlier we heard Prez Reagan addressing the nation after the tragedy ... and it ends with the launch and him talking about going forth. That's what leaders do ... in tough times, they go forward. AAs were terrific. Royal Dano IS Lincoln. Overall, it gets an 8.5 from me. It could have been higher, but I don't like the Colbert Reportish flag projection and The Battle Hymn of the Republic is really a proper exclamation point that is lacking. But it sure feels good to know they still CAN do this type of show right ... IF they choose. I'd also be remiss if I didn't comment on the 'comments' in the audience. I've never seen so much hooting and hollering. Most of it was positive. Almost all, really. But it started with Reagan and then went on with every president of the last quarter century. Almost none of it (only a tiny bit for W) was negative. But I feel it was all misplaced. This isn't a popularity contest. ... What's next chants for Martin Van Buren? The boorish behavior of guests was a common theme. When I stopped at Guest Relations I witnessed three seperate groups/individuals berating (including obscenity) CMs working there. The line wasn't long (not that it would have been an excuse but ...) and one of the people seemed to have a legit beef as his wife had been told incorrect info and given the run around. But becoming abusive is never the answer. You treat people with respect and if they aren't doing likewise you take it up the chain of command. It really was the only negative of the MK visit and it again makes me think its time for every person to get a code of conduct when they walk in (which Disney won't ever do).
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 So, after somehow surviving the exit from hell, we hightailed it (no one was killed or injured in the process) over to SW for their show. First, SWO gets points immediately for the simple fact that you can sit in Bayside Stadium and view the entire performance. This was a very ... unique ... strange ... interesting ... and, in the end entertaining show. The start was largely the normal Reflections show (think water screens of sea life, preachy messages, fountains, music and pyro). I had never seen it. And would rate it about a 5. It isn't bad, but it isn't can't miss by a long run. When that concluded, things as they say, got weird. They had the amazingly talented 82nd Airborne All American Chorus (from Fort Bragg, N.C.) sing and perform with no pyro, water screens, lasers, whales or manatees behind them. This guys are very talented, especially when you realize it ain't their day job. But their choice of musical selections was in my opinion very odd for a theme park on the Fourth (or 3rd) of July. Starting out singing that country song about Osama and when the towers fell isn't 'America the Beautiful' or 'Your a Grand Old Flag' etc ... People started leaving in droves (which I found disrespectful but I also understood they maybe didn't come to a theme park for a pep rally on the current wars our nation is embroiled in). And singing about 'The VC' in a prior war sent more folks walking. The only innocous piece they did was Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless The USA' which frankly may have been where they should have started. Someone sitting near me mentioned that SW may be looking for a new head of entertainment come Monday. By that point I'd have given the show a 2. Then, when they finished. ... Well, even if a third of the audience was gone ... that's when the real show began. An explosive pyro finale that was Disney-esque and, in one respect better, because it was almost on top of you. A huge amount of pyro with score that went on a good 6-7 minutes. That part was a 9. Overall, the show gets a 6.5 from me because it was a disjointed thing. They could have had the singers open the show ... they could have had them sing less politically-tinged selections. They could have had them actually sing to pyro or projections. I dunno ... but as it was there were three shows. One a mediocre regular show. One a live performance that seemed to not understand its audience wasn't at a military rally in DC. One that was a very, very kewl Fourth pyro show. It was almost like they weren't even connected. So ... two fanboi shows in 90 minutes ... what are you gonna do now? Why EMH back at MK, of course!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Got back to MK around midnight (would have been earlier had there not been a small difficulty). By then, the park was largely devoid of folks at all. Even with no Space Mountain and no Splash Mountain (it had gone down for the night just prior to us getting there) there were NO waits. That's how I enjoy MK. Two hours, stop at bakery, look at how many wasted millions were spent on Stitch's Dance Craptacular, where no common sense whatsoever was employed (someone give me Disney's millions and I guarantee to do better) and ride Mansion, PoC, BTMRR and PP with zero wait. I don't need 14 hours there. A few nights like that will do very nicely. Some general comments ... MK was in OK shape (only BTMRR had a dirty queue), trash wasn't all over the place (but again I was in and out twice in between all the crazy crowds of the day), SW was in better shape (but again, I was only there for fireworks and a Pepsi!) I don't know if there are breathless threads about crowds, but I'd read absolutely ZERO into them if so. Last night, a Friday on a holiday summer weekend, two Disney parks were closed for the night by 8 p.m. A third at 9. If MK was packed, it was packed because everyone had no choice if they had hoppers or APs ... parking lots at all the MK resorts had lots of parking and, other than the Contemporary, they weren't caring who parked, where. (No, I am NOT staying at an MK resort!) That's about it ... I'm off for some undisclosed Disney location shortly ... if you see me, stay far, far, far away! And have a great and safe weekend! Happy B-Day USA!
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Great reading your reports, wish I was there! The place is sounding positive. Was the weather a factor on the size of the crowds?
Originally Posted By jkayjs Thanks for the report Spirit. I'm so looking forward to HoP when I get there in a couple of wks. Couldn't agree more about the behavior of too many folks these days. Enjoy your time my dear friend. BTW if I were there not only would I NOT stay far, far, far away I would take you to the R&C for a toast to you-know-who for his you-know-what.
Originally Posted By Mr X Good stuff Spirit, thanks. Any thoughts on the President Obama animatronic? I read claims that it was the most dynamic one ever or some such, did you get that impression?
Originally Posted By Indigo The dynamism is particularly apparent in the expressions on the face. In my interview with Kathy Rogers, Sr. Show Producer, I learned that WDI took a movie of President Obama saying every letter/sound in the alphabet so they could match the mouth movements on the AA. -John TheDisneyBlog
Originally Posted By MPierce >> When I stopped at Guest Relations I witnessed three seperate groups/individuals berating (including obscenity) CMs working there. << Why were you at guest relations? I know they will say they changed the time for the fireworks at the Studios to maqnage crowd distribution, but why did they announce it for 9 o'clock originally then? Don't they realize people make plans around posted times. I also know all times are subject to change. However I think it is poor planning on managements part not taking their guess into consideration.
Originally Posted By HMButler1979 Spirit i can't believe you braved to PHYSCIALLY go into MK on the 4th of July after 8pm. Went today and ONLY saw the HoP. It was grand. Amazing that when Eric and Kathy get together they make magic (IE DLs Pirates, both Mansions, Small World, SSE, and now the HoP). We saw MKs pyro from the Poly! Wonderful spot! The beaches were mobbed but we layed on the grass by Sunset Pointe. The Water Pageant floats came out and went in to patriotic finale mode the whole time and played the music. Unfortunatly, the music went out in the 2nd act. And the Epcot pyro was just as good as NYE.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Thanks for the report Spirit. I'm so looking forward to HoP when I get there in a couple of wks.>> I think you'll love it. TIP: Somehow get your butt into the third row from the stage as close to middle as possible. It is best seats in the house. That's right from someone who was on Eric and Kathy's team. <<Couldn't agree more about the behavior of too many folks these days.>> Less obnoxious tonight ... but still ... some guy at Poly yelled at some girls because they stood up 10 feet in front of him ... hey, dude, the pyro is in the sky, not 5 1/2 feet off it! I do hate so many people (no one here, of course). <<Enjoy your time my dear friend. BTW if I were there not only would I NOT stay far, far, far away I would take you to the R&C for a toast to you-know-who for his you-know-what. >> I so wish you were here this week. You really should change your plans, you know. Oh, and thanks for the note. If I weren't spending all my time running from park to park to set an all-time weekend record for Spirited pyro and then coming back and writing about it, I would have answered. But I am enjoying myself a lot. But the people do have a lot to do with that!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Good stuff Spirit, thanks.>> Thanks for reading! <<Any thoughts on the President Obama animatronic? I read claims that it was the most dynamic one ever or some such, did you get that impression?>> Lemme see it again and then I'll comment. I was so shocked that Disney still could do this type of show that I was really just taking in the whole and not focusing so much on the new Prez. But they all looked great. And they do each have more time to acknowledge their names in the roll call and nod, smile, move, etc ... very good show!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<The dynamism is particularly apparent in the expressions on the face. In my interview with Kathy Rogers, Sr. Show Producer, I learned that WDI took a movie of President Obama saying every letter/sound in the alphabet so they could match the mouth movements on the AA. -John TheDisneyBlog>> John, are you the dude that blogs for the O-Sentinel? Just curious since you apparently didn't find crowd control to be an issue on the 3rd and I absolutely thought they had about 20% of the number of CMs they needed. It was chaos. And those situations always concern me because people can push and shove and bad stuff can follow. I normally stay far away from places I can't escape from.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Why were you at guest relations?>> I was trying to pick up a present for you. HAPPY?!??! Now, you've gone and ruined the surprise!!! <<I know they will say they changed the time for the fireworks at the Studios to maqnage crowd distribution, but why did they announce it for 9 o'clock originally then?>> My gut from seeing some of the OPs things this weekend is they are flying by the seat of their pants to meet cutbacks mandated by management. <<Don't they realize people make plans around posted times. I also know all times are subject to change. However I think it is poor planning on managements part not taking their guess into consideration.>> agreed ... how was your 4th down in Texas?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit i can't believe you braved to PHYSCIALLY go into MK on the 4th of July after 8pm.>> If you knew what I go through daily, you'd know I am a brave Spirit! <<Went today and ONLY saw the HoP. It was grand. Amazing that when Eric and Kathy get together they make magic (IE DLs Pirates, both Mansions, Small World, SSE, and now the HoP). We saw MKs pyro from the Poly! Wonderful spot! The beaches were mobbed but we layed on the grass by Sunset Pointe. The Water Pageant floats came out and went in to patriotic finale mode the whole time and played the music. Unfortunatly, the music went out in the 2nd act. And the Epcot pyro was just as good as NYE. >> You shoulda said howdy. I was on the beach myself ... and then EPCOT too ... although I had a finnicky CM with me who couldn't even decide if she wanted free pins or not ... strange gal!
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Lemme see it again and then I'll comment.*** Sounds great. You know, somehow in my mind it has all seemed somewhat "unreal", having the first black President and all (not to mention a guy I'm a big fan of lol)..even seeing him in the White House and Air Force One and all that still seems somewhat surreal BUT.... Seeing him in the HOP, THAT makes it real to me somehow.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I really would love to see the HoP now. I have always been a fan, and if this version is even better, then it is a must see. hmmmm, WDW or HKDL (flights cost the same), I am having trouble deciding now thanks to HoP. Spirit, what did you think of George Washington?
Originally Posted By jkayjs <<Oh, and thanks for the note. If I weren't spending all my time running from park to park to set an all-time weekend record for Spirited pyro and then coming back and writing about it, I would have answered.>> No hurry write when you can. I wish I could change my plans but no can do. Have fun seeing all the pyros. Oh & BTW let us know if you find anything nice to buy. I haven't bought anything for a while & would like to come home with something this time. Enjoy the rest of you time I'll talk @ ya next wk.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Quickly, since there's a third day of sun and I want to bronze this temple of mine (and my body too!) ... X ... I try not to look at the man's color (I'm a very non-racial Spirit) but yeah, it is amazing to think that we've largely been led by wealthy WASPs (with few exceptions like Lincoln) for hundreds of years (regardless of political affiliation) ... but the show is just so damn great. Funny to think of it, but Liberty Square BY FAR has the best two attractions in the MK (and one of the best QS and FS locations in the park) ... bring back the keelboats and some unique shopping and this area would actually be BETTER now than ever. Think about that. It wouldn't be difficult. And it wouldn't require E-Tickets added (not that you could!) Dave, I thought Washington was great. He adds to the show tremendously, even if he has the smallest speaking role. And the AA (like all is incredible). Watching this, I couldn't help but think about the original Golden Dreams AA show for DCA ... you think if they had built that they'd be ripping it out for a Little Mermaid ride now? Me neither. And jaykjs, plans can always be changed!
Originally Posted By MPierce >>> <<Why were you at guest relations?>> I was trying to pick up a present for you. HAPPY?!??! Now, you've gone and ruined the surprise!!! <<< I hope it's that autographed picture of Jay Rasulo that I've been desperately wanting!!!!! >> My gut from seeing some of the OPs things this weekend is they are flying by the seat of their pants to meet cutbacks mandated by management. << The way they keep changing things around it would seem as such. >> agreed ... how was your 4th down in Texas? << Just the usual Texas Rednck celebration. Got drunk, and shot all my guns into the air. I hope none of the bullets came down on anybody. My Hound Dogs hate the 4th. All that noise upsets their digestive track!
Originally Posted By -em >>You shoulda said howdy. I was on the beach myself ... and then EPCOT too ... although I had a finnicky CM with me who couldn't even decide if she wanted free pins or not ... strange gal! <<
