Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>Community was terrific on Thursday.<<< <<One of the wittiest yet... Love that show! >> It all comes down to taste (like much of life) ... I thought Community was ho-hum and that was with the amazing (if way overexposed these days) Betty White. Thought Outsourced showed some potential.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Wow what a writer.>> If only someone would pay me ... I might be able to afford food and healthcare! <<Thanks for the smiles it brought Spirit. Enjoy your upcoming trip and come back to us safely. >> And thanks for reading and the kind words. I don't think there's going to be time for a real report thread when I get back as I'll be Asia-bound shortly.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Lost or 24 wouldn't have done that.>> Nope. Lost would have never told you the plot point throughout the entire series, including after it has ended, while simultaneously throwing out a bunch of stuff without giving any satisfying closure.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<You rode Nemo? Disappointment doesn't even cover it.....>> Group decision ... and you know that while I agree with you about the placement of toons and dumbing down an amazing pavilion, I still enjoy it for what it is ... and am thankful it isn't shuttered as two VPs ago wanted to.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Thought Outsourced showed some potential.>> I thought it was terrible, haha.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Lee, Martin, '74 - together at Epcot - and just so happen to bump into Tony Baxter. It's like fanboi nirvana.>> We probably should have all taken one photo to never release to the public! It was just one of those 'meant to be' moments of life, no doubt about it!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<While the UKers were filling up on cancersticks, I was reminded how Disney never updated the background music tracks in the Imagination restrooms -- that for some odd reason, most folks don't realize exist making them perfect places ... to conduct your business and cool, quiet conditions -- and the thought of emptying my bladder while listening to Magic Journeys was too much to resist. So ... I didn't.>> <<Count me as one of the ignorant regarding these restrooms. It will be my first order of, uh, business when I return to EPCOT next February.>> I am amazed that so many folks don't know these exist. Been there since 1982 and are listed on every park map. <<I took off with fanboi zeal for said facilities and imagine my surprise when I turned the corner and almost literally ran into Leemac's favorite celebrity Imagineer, Tony Baxter and his posse. We exchanged brief pleasantries and a few comments that won't be repeated here. It was an odd place for a conversation, so I didn't force one and Tony took off ... I assumed my group would have seen him and surrounded him in a sea of drool.>> <<You seem to have a talent for this, Spirit.>> I have many, many, many talents ... some I probably haven't even discovered yet ;-) <<Didn't you almost run over Glenn Close at the Emmys?>> Not at the Emmys, but a party beforehand, yes. A beautiful woman, but she really should watch where other Spirits may be going! <<But apparently they were so busy talking about how spectacular Harry Potter was, they never noticed Tony and were near despondent when I mentioned seeing him.>> <<True fanbois have purposefully developed their Imagineering radar (and gaydar) to avoid disappointments such as these. Rank amateurs. 8^P>> Absolutely no comment I could possibly puke forth would be able to be placed here ... but I gots plenty! ;-)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> When last we checked in with our intrepid day-tripping dudes, they were taking (naturally) a bathroom break using those amazing 'retro' 1982 facilities at the Odyssey complex. For those fanbois who were in diapers at the time, the Odyssey used to be a major (albeit seasonal) quick serve location that had tasty, but unremarkable fare. << <<A strategic location to watch ROE from while you are drinking beer.>> I don't drink beer ... but I have watched RoE from that area while imbibing other spirits! >> Since my good buddy George Kalogridis (nice new FB pic, dude!) spent the weekend taking credit for everything from pin trading (he was part of it of the team that developed it, to be fair ... like a Boy Scout!) to character dining (um ... yeah ... right) to helping Walt pick out the land for WDW, I thought I'd give him the credit he deserves for shuttering the facility and starting a trend of creating dead zones at EPCOT. << <<The guest demand that more locations that were once open to the public be set aside for use by conventions.>> Yes. That's what George said the surveys said. Same reason why WoL and World Showplace are now convention locales. Guests know that it is important to the financial health of WDW that conventions get to come to Disney and spend ridiculou sums of money on extravagant events and that it is more important than having things like attractions and dining facilities. I am sure a WDW spokesman would say the same. >> Anyway, we all took our turns relishing in the future look of 1982 ... one that apparently was largely one of white and brown tile. << <<Very utilitarian, and it serves it's purpose well.>> It has ... for me. >> At this point, it was time for a MAGICal fanboi to leave ... something about hazing at a fraternity or some such activity. We attempted to say our good-byes (all wearing magical white Mickey hands, of course) near the EPCOT fountains (where Martin was focused on the water pressure or some such detail). << <<It's hard to high five when you're wearing your Mickey gloves.>> Yeah, it's also hard to give someone the finger too! <<I wonder if Martin was measuring the circumference of the new handrails around the fountain? >> I don't want to contemplate how much he resembles that remark >> Again, I tried to not so gently tell said fanboi that I am indeed the evil, vile, repugnant (and by that time, stinky!) '74' character that had abused him mercilessly on another Disney forum. I do not know how I could have done it any more obviously without screaming at the top of my lungs that 'I AM THE FREAKING SPIRIT!' ... if I had, I still doubt he would have heard me. << <<It is obvious to me that the poor lad has suffered a sever traumatic shock at your hands, and now lives in an alternative reality.>> I have no clue, much like he did that day. Maybe I should just sit and watch Glee? >> So, off the fanboi went ... and we opted to ride Ellen's Mid-1990s Energy Adventure. Not my idea. The Brits suggested it ... and it was nice and cold ... and 37 minutes long (replay this in your head 117 times and that is approximately how long we were told this because apparently as part of our devolving back into apes -- Chuckie Heston was right -- folks now think nothing of jumping out of moving theater cars in the pitch dark for any reason). I love to 'have a little fun today' with Ellen ... she is a delightful spirit in person and very entertaining ... but this show is just so tired. And with energy so critical now ... from the cost to the worst oil spill in our history ... someone might suggest that this whole thing needs a serious relooking and rethinking and retooling ... keep the kewl dinos ... keep the kewl transport ... put glowing neon outside letting people know they will have to sit still for 37 minutes like people did in ancient times like 1989 ... but make this relevant. This is Disney just being lazy and wanting someone else's money to do so. << <<They were probably wishing they were in Anaheim, and needed to go find a Magical bathroom before they could take a nap because someone woke them up early that morning.>> Likely ... I really want to read Martin's comments on Anaheim because he was VERY honest and blunt about the differences ... as well as the UNI product too! >> After watching Ellen best Stupid Judy (I won't point out that Ellen has aged far better than Stupid Judy!), we all felt less than energized and stopped at the coffee cart that is located over by Energy and Space etc ... it wasn't Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, but it was cold and had caffiene ... or as I call it 'legal crack' << <<Funny how 6 secessions with the plastic surgeon will do that for you.>> That's why I keep my natural good looks ... you don't see this Spirit botoxing and fat sucking ... of course, since I am invisible you wouldn't anyway! <<You drinkin' that sissy boy iced downed latte stuff still? >> Absolutely. >> At some point we witnessed DVC kiosk CMs throwing buttons at the few guests who walked by ... and NO, I AM NOT KIDDING ... << <<It's a new CM game. You get more points if you hit them with the button while they are riding an ECV.>> They were trying to get folks' attention ... but still, you don't throw things at guests ... you just don't. Unless, it's pixie dust! >> Followed by a trip with Nemo with operable angler fish ... a visit to the MAGICal Seas restrooms (nice tile work) ... and then we decided to go back to the 80s (oh, how I wish that were possible) with a trip to some strange universe (no, not Texas) with Captain Eo ... but no, a smoking break had to be had (someone needs to 'splain to the folks in the 'Mother Country' that it is BAD to smoke ... at least tobacco!) << <<Was EE picketing outside with a sign that said " Remove Nemo From EPCOT Center Now! "?>> No. He was home sobbing while listening to the Wishes soundtrack! <<They should have just fired one up in the theatre. People would have just thought it was a Doobie, and that's OK to do.>> Doobie is always welcome in any theater at WDW. ... Even if I have seen him only ONE time in the time since he moved to 'paradise'. >> I don't want to say this led to a 30-minute Tony stalking search that ended fruitlessly, so I won't. << <<So how long did y'all look for him?>> Can't you read between the above lines? >> But we wound up riding Imagination and were amazed that something so wonderful had been ripped out ... and so much money spent ... not once, but twice ... for something that doesn't come close to being as good as the original, yet alone better. << <<The guest demanded it.>> Yes, one guest likely did. One guest likely requests all kinds of crazy things on a daily basis. >> Next we experienced Captain Eo ... I kinda enjoyed it, but it has no place back at EPCOT. ... The highlight for me was the new paint and carpet in the pre and post shows since it looks almost exactly like the 80s stuff. And when you're talking about things like that being a highlight then you know you have a problem. << <<The guest demanded it's return.>> Same one? >> We ran into Tony again when we got out and this time we stopped for a longer chat. To be fair, Tony didn't have a choice as Martin had one leg and Lee had the other. << <<I always love seeing a coalition that works.>> I was really worried they might not let him go. Fanbois (of all ages) want to be close to Imagineers (I'll bet even Tom Fitzgerald has groupies -- and, no, I don't mean Leemac!) >> Tony seemed relaxed and happy. And we all had a nice chat. Opinions were exchanged and as Lee has said, and I agree, it really wouldn't be fair to place them here. But, yes, he did rip what was done to Imagination among other things ... and I know that opinion isn't exactly something anyone working at WDI isn't aware of. << <<I also agree. Private conversations should remain that. If a person knows he is being interviewed that's a whole nother story.>> Yes. And while nothing he said was earthshaking (like say revealing what the mystery third gate for Tokyo is), it still wouldn't be kewl to put it here damn well knowing how Disney folks troll these boards. >> The rest of the night is a blur ... I know it included a walk-on to Soarin at 7:30 p.m. (unheard of in my experience) ... a decent, but overpriced dinner at Seasons ... a trek into the under rehab Mousegear where Lee was unable to buy his Hannah Montana tee, but did pick up a few Halloween items for his beautiful, intelligent and charming wife ... more restroom visits ... and a ROE 'kiss goodnight'. << <<I feel like I'm being cheated here. Kind of like the wrap up of Lost.>> You never even watched Lost (did you?) ... and that is basically how things wrapped up sans embellishment (I know, the best part). >> We said our goodbyes to our friends, walked to the main entrance with a stop at those MAGICal restrooms near the lockers (and by now I was really wishing I could head to a room at ANY hotel and pass out, even if I had to share the room with Pierce!), walked out past the anti-terrorist decorative fences and were on our way << <<I have to warn you I leave the TV on, and snore loudly.>> For one night, I would have managed. >> It was a truly MAGICal day, but that had everything to do with the people, not so much the place. << <<You've got to admit though, that the WS makes a great backdrop for meeting up with friends.>> It sure does. >> While I still love WDW, I'm pretty sure the group I was with would have had a great time together pretty much anywhere. MK and EPCOT were simply a backdrop. << <<Considering all of your backgrounds it was the perfect spot though.>> Yep. It was at it should have been. >> I don't know whether that says more about the high caliber of the people (even the fanboi) I was with ... or about the state WDW has fallen to where it is not the attraction, more the setting. << >> But a great time was had ... and I'm open to more daytrips in the future, so long as I am NOT driving. << <<Enjoying Pixie Dust moments is really all that matters in life.>> I sometimes think this isn't far off. >> Now ... to start getting stuff together for a bit longer trip ... starting real soon! << <<Your life seems to consist of one long vacation>> Travel can do wonders in keeping one's sanity ... you should try it! <<Great trip report my friend.>> Thanks ... for reading and bantering (as always!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Thanks. I've enjoyed this thread - the narrative as well as the comments and banter. I just hope that someday I will be enlightened as to who the oblivious fanboi was!>> Thanks for reading ... and for being here. And if you answer your email I sent a while back, I might be tempted to let ya know who said young man was. <<And please let me know if any of you characters will be present in the World at the end of Jan/beginning of Feb coming up!>> Doubtful on January, but very likely in February!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Lost or 24 wouldn't have done that.>> <<Nope. Lost would have never told you the plot point throughout the entire series, including after it has ended, while simultaneously throwing out a bunch of stuff without giving any satisfying closure.>> Lost gave a very satifying conclusion for many (most?) fans who got that the characters were the key, not all the mysteries (and plenty were answered) There were things I would have liked to have known, but they didn't change the fact the show was always true to itself. And I watched the show religiously from Day 1 to May 23rd. I respect other opinions on it, but I also hold the opinion that those opinions are much inferior to mine and are closer to say the season 3 episode where we found out how Jack got his ink.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Lost gave a very satifying conclusion for many (most?) fans who got that the characters were the key, not all the mysteries (and plenty were answered)>> Sure the characters were key, but the mystery was a close second, and basically none of the mystery was revealed by the end. <<There were things I would have liked to have known, but they didn't change the fact the show was always true to itself. >> I don't agree. The show was always about the island, and keeping 99% of the island's mysteries a secret is not staying true to itself. It really seemed like JJ and the writers got lost themselves towards the end and had no idea on how to wrap the series up successfully.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Sure the characters were key, but the mystery was a close second, and basically none of the mystery was revealed by the end.>> I'd strongly disagree that no answers were given. Plenty were and others were hinted at ... and others ... well, they weren't. And that's fine. <<There were things I would have liked to have known, but they didn't change the fact the show was always true to itself. >> <<I don't agree. The show was always about the island, and keeping 99% of the island's mysteries a secret is not staying true to itself. It really seemed like JJ and the writers got lost themselves towards the end and had no idea on how to wrap the series up successfully.>> Well, I am just going to state what I know because I do know folks who worked on the show. They have said it was about the characters. Period. It was about these lost spirits and how they redeemed themselves and grew ... or didn't. The mysteries of the island were simply the means to the end. JJ wasn't a factor in the show after the first season ... hell, he wasn't much of a factor after the show began and was successful. And the writers absolutely knew where they were going once they had an end date from ABC, whether some people liked it or didn't isn't the point. The show's final season had flaws, but was generally satisfying and, at times, absolutely great. You aren't ever gonna please all the fans all the time. I loved the M*A*S*H finale (yeah, before your time!) and so did most people. But generally that isn't the case. Dallas had one season be a dream and was ridiculed for it (although it allowed them to do so many things they wouldn't have otherwise) ... but when Newhart wrapped up by saying the whole series was a dream of Bob's alter-ego from his first show, everyone raved. People loated Seinfeld's finale ... myself included. You didn't enjoy 'The End' and that's fine ... doesn't make you wrong ... but the folks had a plan and followed it and many Spirits give them props for it!
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I enjoyed your review/story. It was very magical and fun to read.thanks
Originally Posted By Lee hisownself >>Tony had just gotten off the DVC members cruise (was headed to IOA the next day)<< Where sources report he was seen both before and after riding Forbidden Journey. Apparently there was much picture-taking and smiling on the part of Mr. Baxter.
Originally Posted By Lee hisownself >>Sure the characters were key, but the mystery was a close second, and basically none of the mystery was revealed by the end.<< I disagree. By the time the show ended, and with the addition of "New Man in Charge" I have few, if any, unanswered questions. Damn....I miss Lost already...
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >> It all comes down to taste (like much of life) ... I thought Community was ho-hum and that was with the amazing (if way overexposed these days) Betty White. Thought Outsourced showed some potential.<<< Betty White wasn't even in it as much as I thought she'd be! But I loved the angle Abhed took with the "show". >>>>Group decision ... and you know that while I agree with you about the placement of toons and dumbing down an amazing pavilion, I still enjoy it for what it is ... and am thankful it isn't shuttered as two VPs ago wanted to.<<<< Nor am I...but there's no excuse in showing support for a synergy driven, plush buying fest or a ride that is. ;-)
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>No. He was home sobbing while listening to the Wishes soundtrack!<<< Yes...that was..."Homework".
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I don't drink beer ... but I have watched RoE from that area while imbibing other spirits! ---------- for as many bathroom breaks as you took- you might as well drink beer- heck even the most ointersting manin the world does sometimes ! And the old music- I found that by accident also as during my last trip I had to take a conference call from work for an hour and it was nice and quiet back in that area..then used the facilities and was wondering if they just put on a retro soundtrack or what ?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Dallas had one season be a dream and was ridiculed for it (although it allowed them to do so many things they wouldn't have otherwise) ... but when Newhart wrapped up by saying the whole series was a dream of Bob's alter-ego from his first show, everyone raved. << I agree about Dallas. Still a great nighttime soap for that era. I don't watch TV shows on a regular bases, but I was hooked on all the evening soaps back then. I was very disappointed with the end of Newhart for several reasons. Although I do have to say it was clever. >> People loated Seinfeld's finale ... myself included. << I was in the hospital when that episode aired. It's the only time I watched a complete show. When it was over I wished I had spent my time watching something else.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I enjoyed your review/story. It was very magical and fun to read.thanks >> Thanks for reading and the kind words. It was a fun day ... glad I could share!
