Category: Travel
Advice – Hang onto them hats and cell phones…
Back in March, I posted about the difficulties I was having in finding a new cell phone. My T-Mobile contract expired in December and I’ve passively looking for a new phone and provider since then.
Well, it looks like Universal Studios gave my cell phone hunt a boost from passive to active when I headed to Islands of Adventure on Monday. After riding the Incredible Hulk coaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, I wanted to hit Dueling Dragons once before leaving the park. After winding through the queue, I selected the “Ice” side of the coaster to ride. It was a great ride and a fun time until I began checking my pockets while walking away from the ride.
Inside the left pocket of my shorts were my car keys. Within my back pocket was my wallet. And in my right pocket were my business card holder, Canon point-and-shoot camera, and… that’s all. I always keep my cell phone in my right pocket, so that’s when I realized that Dueling Dragons had eaten my phone.
I’ve never lost anything on a roller coaster before and have ridden this particular coaster plenty of times before without anything leaving my pockets, so I’m not sure what caused my phone escape this time.
Unfortunately, despite several assurances by the staff at the Islands of Adventure Lost & Found that their night crew regularly sweeps the ground below the coaster for lost items, my phone has not been found. Calling it also results in it immediately going to voice mail, which means it is off. Perhaps only the battery fell out, but most likely the phone exploded from smashing into the ground at high speeds coming off of the coaster.
So now I’m without a cell phone and but because of this incident, I am actively on the hunt for a new one, thanks to Dueling Dragons. From now on, I will be cautiously guarding the contents of my pockets when going on roller coasters, and you should too. I know that seems like common sense, but based on the number of details I had to give Lost & Found about the phone, it sounded like they find plenty of them every day, so losing them must be rather common.
I’ll follow this post up soon, likely tomorrow, with some details on what phone and provider I decide on in my ongoing search for a cell phone that is primarily a phone, not a portable computer.
TweetD23 Expo Tickets and Schedule Now Available
Fans eager to find out what is in store for them at the D23 Expo in September need not wait any longer as Disney has finally released details and made available tickets here.
Here are some of the highlights:
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
11:00 a.m. - Bob Iger Keynote Address
Disney President and CEO Bob Iger kicks off the D23 Expo keynote speaker program with what promises to be a fascinating look at Disney that no fan will want to miss.
2:00 p.m. - Stephen McPherson Keynote Address
Stephen McPherson is president of ABC Entertainment Group, which has delivered some of the most successful, talked-about and evolutionary series on television today.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
11:00 a.m. - Dick Cook Keynote Address
Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook oversees all aspects of the development, production, distribution and marketing for all live-action and animated films released under the Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax banners worldwide.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
11:00 a.m. - Disney Legends Ceremony
Be on hand as The Walt Disney Company honors the 2009 Disney Legends — who will join a prestigious circle of luminaries who embody the Company’s unique creative spirit, as best personified by its founder. This is only the third time this hallmark event on the Disney yearly calendar has been open to the public — and the first time the ceremony has not been held on Disney property.
2:00 p.m. - Jay Rasulo and Bruce Vaughn Keynote Address
Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Bruce Vaughn, executive vice president and chief creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, share how Parks and Resorts and Imagineering dream up the magic that our guests enjoy every day at our magical destinations around the world.
5:00 p.m. - Rich Ross and Gary Marsh Keynote Address
Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide, and Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channel Worldwide, take us behind the scenes of Disney Channel, which has launched the careers of some of the world’s biggest stars!
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2009
11:00 a.m. - John Lasseter Keynote Address
You won’t want to miss a minute of this keynote event with John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios. The creative genius with a penchant for Hawaiian shirts has, after all, written and/or directed some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed movies of our time, including Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 and Cars, while helping write or executive produce much of the output of Pixar Animation Studios.
Pavilions to be featured at the D23 Expo include The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, Fan Forums, Disney Dream Store, Radio Disney, Disney Corporate Social Responsibility, and Disney Corporate New Technology.
Imagineers, cast members, and executives will be on-hand in the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion.
The Disney Dream Store will feature “products from various entities across The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Theme Parks, Disney Consumer Products, Disneystore.com, Disney Store, Disney Soda Fountain & Studio Store Hollywood, among others. Merchandise offerings will include commemorative souvenirs, Disney art and collectibles, Mickey Mouse ear hats, pins, Disney Couture fashion-forward apparel and accessories from Disney Vault 28 and Tren-D, environmentally friendly tee’s and bags, spooktacular Halloween costumes and home décor, and more.”
Tickets are on sale now here, including vacation packages. See you in September!
TweetPosts returning soon.
Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned this blog. I’ve just been too busy this week to get back into the habit of posting.
While you’re waiting for me to start posting again, check out the following things I’ve been busy with in the last week or so:
- Inside the Magic Show 217 – Includes my review of Disney/Pixar’s Up
- American Idol Kris Allen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- More of American Idol Kris Allen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars Weekends 2009 Dance-Off with the Star Wars Stars – Hilarious!
- Face and Body Art International Convention 2009 Photos and Video
THURSDAY THEME PARK: Universal Studios’ Terminator 2: 3D
I can’t think of a better way to conclude my series of posts leading up to the release of Terminator Salvation than with a look at…
Universal Studios’ Terminator 2: 3D
When I write that I want to take a “look” at Terminator 2: 3D, I mean it literally. Ever since I first saw this incredible attraction, which is essentially an extension of Terminator 2: Judgement Day (the movie), I wanted to own a copy to watch over and over at home. James Cameron (and his crew) did an incredible job bringing the world of Terminator 2 back to life in this action-packed show that’s unlike any other 3D movie anywhere, combining live character doubles and special effects in the theater with on-screen big-budget scenes starring the top actors from the film.
So I was happy to have now found a variety of good-enough-for-now versions of the attraction on YouTube. None of them are crystal clear or worth blowing up on a big screen in a home theater, but they are enough to satisfy any T2:3D craving for those of you who can’t run out to Universal Studios to see it in person. So here are the best versions I could find online:
This last video features a clip of the finale of the T2:3D attraction in anaglyph 3D, so you can enjoy the multi-dimensional fun at home with a pair of red/blue glasses. Just be sure to skip the first couple of minutes of excessively-long scrolling text:
While I never want to see Terminator 2: 3D leave Universal Studios, it’s inevitable that eventually it will no longer be relevant and be replaced by something inferior. When that time comes, I hope that they have the good sense to follow in the footsteps of Back to the Future: The Ride and release the entire T2:3D film on DVD, Blu-Ray, or whatever home video technology is popular at the time. Maybe it’ll even be in 3D by then.
TweetTHURSDAY THEME PARK: Thoughts on D23 Summer Events
When D23, the official fan club/community for Disney fans, launched in March, I wasn’t terribly excited about what was being offered. Joining D23 seemed to only offer members a membership card, certificate, subscription to Disney Twenty-Three magazine, limited exclusive merchandise availability, and a promise of future surprises. Now, Disney has announced a few of those surprises and I’m here to give some…
Thoughts on D23 Summer Events
The idea of having exclusive events for D23 members only appeals to me. I haven’t joined the club as I haven’t yet found enough value in the $75 membership cost. Unfortuantely, as exciting as some of the newly-announced events are, none of them are taking place anywhere near my home in Orlando and thus even if I were a member of D23, I couldn’t participate in them.
Make sure you read about the announced events before reading my thoughts about each below.
- May 28 D23 “Up All Night” at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre (FREE)
I think it’s a great idea to have an advance screening of the latest Disney movie, especially when it’s the latest Pixar film. However, I’d be a whole lot more tempted to join D23 if every member got a free pass good for an advance screening at a local theater of their choice rather than limiting it only to the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. The El Capitan event sounds like a lot of fun, and I’m sure some great Disney adn Pixar guests will be there to talk about the film, but I’d imagine that most D23 members won’t be able to attend it. Perhaps those who can’t make it to LA should at least be able to get a free ticket to a regular showing of the film.
- May 31 D23’s Flowers & Fireworks Celebration at Epcot (FREE with park admission)
I’m not terribly excited about the ideas of having reserved seating for seeing Tony Orlando perform at Epcot or a special section for watching the park’s nighttime fireworks show, Illuminations. I’m not a fan of Tony Orlando and there are so many great spots from which to see Illuminations, a special viewing area really isn’t needed. However, getting a free Epcot dessert party is a wonderful treat and if I were a D23 member, I’d definitely attend. I bet this gathering will be packed.
- June 24 D23’s Supercalifragilistic Night on Broadway
- June 24 D23 and Poppins Breeze into The Windy City
- June 27 D23 and The Lion King Roar in Vegas
I’m lumping these three events together as they’re all very similar, taking places in New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas. They all involve seeing a Disney stage show and going “behind-the-scenes” for each. Since I live nowhere near any of these cities, they simply wouldn’t work for me. Plus, these events are not free, so even if I did live in one of these cities, I wouldn’t attend. I’m just not much of a stage show fan. For those who happen to live in/near New York, Chicago, or Las Vegas and love theater, I suppose this is a great perk. But I wonder what percentage of D23 members this will apply to.
- June 27 & Aug. 15 D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives (FREE)
This is my favorite of the announced D23 events and I would join D23 in a second just for this event – if I lived in California. Since space is limited, I suspect that this will fill up within minutes of it becoming available. I have visited the Walt Disney Studios before, but never the Archives. It’s definitely on my Disney to-do list.
- July 17 D23 presents Disneyland, U.S.A. (FREE)
Again, if I lived in California, I’d be tempted to join D23 to attend this screening/panel discussion. I’m a sucker for panel discussions, especially when amazing people like Imagineer Tony Baxter and Archivist Dave Smith are brought in to speak. I’ve attended one of Dave Smith’s talks in the past and he certainly has plenty of great stories to tell. Another plus for D23.
- Sept TBD The Walt Disney Family Museum Preview (FREE)
Yet another must-do for D23 members who live in California. I’m really excited about the opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum and would definitely jump at a chance to attend a sneak preview of it. Unfortunately, again, I don’t live in California. Though, if they happen to schedule this event anywhere near the D23 Expo (Sept 10-13), I might have to make a special trip from Anaheim to San Francisco to make it.
D23 Scoreboard
Out of 8 announced events, my personal tally is 4 hits, 3 misses, and 1 toss-up. The 4 hits are all in California, so if I lived there, I’d be joining D23 right now, waiting for a chance to sign up for those events. The 3 misses are all theater stage show-based and regardless of the city, I wouldn’t attend. The 1 toss-up is the only event that’s here in Orlando, at Epcot, but isn’t enough of an event to get me to join. An Epcot dessert party isn’t worth $75 to me.
But D23 is looking more appealing by the month. I’m enjoying their surprisingly-regularly updated web site (which you don’t have to be a member to read) and if more Orlando-based events are announced, I may end up joining D23 by the end of the year.
Now if only they’d announce the schedule for the D23 Expo in September so I can book my plane tickets already…
What do you think of the announced D23 events? Comment!
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