ThemeParkCommando
-
Content Count
294 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
18
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Calendar
Fort Fiends
Media Demo
Store
Posts posted by ThemeParkCommando
-
-
28 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
Thanks for checking on us! We've had a very long day today. Still no power for us, and Duke Energy is saying it could be a week before it's restored. AT&T was blocking service all day today, so no texting or phone service after about 9 am, which was very frustrating with family all over the affected area.
I still maintain that the governor botched this whole thing, and the recovery is going to take much longer because resources were wasted where they were not needed.
But, the TCD gang has weathered another hurricane. My heart goes out to those whose homes were destroyed and who got it much worse than we did.
The good news for me is that the twins and I are heading to Disneyland on Wednesday, and it looks like MCO will be open just in time for that!
TCD
Where were the resources wasted, considering that the entire state, except maybe the far panhandle, was hit?
-
4 hours ago, keith_h said:
Hoping for the best for everyone living in Florida. Based on the numbers and track I'm seeing it isn't really going to weaken and most of the state will see the N.E. quadrant.
It seems strange to me that they don't have sites in multiple locations to handle reservations. I don't know of any company the size of Disney that wouldn't. In fact it was events like this that would have many large customers I knew to already be running on backup computer systems and ensuring workload was shifted to available call and computer centers.
Disney definitely does it's reservations centers differently. They use direct numbers for Disneyland and WDW. The cruise line appears to have an 800 number. Each reservation center only handles reservations for it's specialty area. Disneyland can't book for WDW, for instance. It is less expensive to do it this way, for sure.
-
51 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
Uh, you are his target voter (if you lived here)
He hasn't done squat.
The gas stations all around me are out of gas.
There isn't a bottle of water to be had in any of the stores.
Where are these supplies?
Where are there shelters?
He's a liar (just like his idol in Washington)
But mostly he's an idiot.
TCD
The gas stations are out of gas because there is no way to resupply all of the stations simultaneously, and as soon as one station gets gas, the populace swarm descends on it and empties it within an hour. Trust me, I've been living with this all last week here in San Antonio. There is PLENTY of gas after Harvey, the problem is that there is no magical way to distribute it. Texas government is doing it's best, diverting multiple gas hauler trucks in this area trying to allay the issue, but it still took a full week for the panic to stop, and we didn't even get hit by the storm. Houston actually had more open fuel stations than San Antonio last week. No politician or government agency can adequately maintain infrastructure, once the populace panics.
I'm certain that Florida is now in the same boat. The gas is sitting in large silo's in refinery yards, waiting for the distribution trucks to fill and go. Those trucks have to sit in line to get their gas loaded, just like the population does at the gas stations. People are unreasonable when it comes to buying , and many will take more than their fair share. Some gas is almost certainly earmarked for hurricane relief efforts, AFTER the hurricane passes through, so that gas will not be available for sale to the general public.
I'm positive the state of Florida has stockpiled huge amounts of bottled water in warehouses all through the state, but these stockpiles are not for sale, they are for use during and after the storm by shelters, emergency relief agencies and first responders.
Broward county shelters are opening today, according to CNN. But getting people to the shelters is still a logistical nightmare. Especially low income elderly ( which I know you have many of in FL), and the truly poor who have no transportation.
I'm sure your politician is a liar and an idiot, but I'm also sure he isn't the only one responsible for hurricane preparedness in the state. I believe Florida has a LOT of prepared shelters and infrastructure. (ETA: Just not enough to handle the entire population that needs it. That is a given, even with the best prepared plans, there is never enough.)
-
8 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
I may be mistaken, but you don't live in Florida, do you?
Where do you propose that all of the South Florida people evacuate to? East coast of Florida? West coast? Disney World? What if the storm turns and other people really need to evacuate. Where do they go? It's too early to tell.
I worked for many years with a large hotel chain. I've handled the toll free number for reservations. and dealt with the room inventory in affected areas, for a number of Florida hurricanes. I've watched the population of Florida get on the move a number of times. I know that the people who can afford it, need to get on the move 3 or 4 days ahead of the storm. I've seen the state evacuate to Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. For those with less money, they need to get up to Orlando / Ocala / Jacksonville and into a rated storm shelter or well built hotel, or if they cannot afford to move, they need to find a place further in from the coast to evacuate to, to not get caught in the storm surge, or to get to a higher rated building for shelter.
You have to scare the crap out of people to get them to move in time. Every person they can get to move today is one less on the road tomorrow. Tourists need to be scared off or stopped from coming in. While Disney may be a great place to shelter from the storms, anyone staying off property, or visiting another city, is just another problem to deal with if the hurricane does hit that spot.
At some point, waiting will get you killed. If you do the 'wait and see' approach, you may not be able to get out at all. Again, if you can afford it, it's best to just get the hell out now.
-
I don't think they are calling for evacuations too early. If they wait until they know for sure where the storm will go, highways will get clogged with people trying to leave. You just cannot evacuate a huge population in 2 days. Trying to get as many people in south Florida OUT of there now, is the right way to go. It's why they did not call for the evacuation of Houston before Harvey. It was too late. You can't move 6.5 million people over the existing roadways in 48 hours.
The gas situation is very telling. If stations are already running out of gas, the government at least has a chance to get more gas in now to get more people out in the next few days, than if there was less time. The gas would have run out, no matter what. Better that there is time for some resupply.
The weather men can only offer suggestions of their best guess. That they get it wrong is undeniable, but it's better if everyone gets out of ANY path, than to scoff at the weather men and then be in the thick of the storm.
-
I was able to pair 3 Disney trips with shuttle launches. We drove out to the coast to watch them, each time. The last one, I managed to get a pass to park on the lake at Kennedy Space Center, where we could watch the countdown clock. It was a night launch. It was absolutely jaw dropping, how much power is in those launch engines. The night sky was eradicate, it was as bright as day. Poor folks looking through their video camera viewfinders were blinded.
All of the launches were awesome to see, though. I'm just a space nerd at heart.
If you have a few minutes, here's one of my favorite 'filk' songs about the space program. This artist puts a slower paced verse in the middle that I've never heard before.. but make it past that.. the whole song is worth listening to, really.
-
21 hours ago, K4DCF said:
It can be tough to resist. I stopped to get new wiper blades for may Class A and This followed us home. Can't wait to bring it to the Fort this Fall.
Hey, Whippets! I'm a whippet person too. Do you show / trial / course/ race any? Also, do you leave them loose in the camper when you go out, or do you have crates for them?
I love traveling with my dogs (but I am down to just one right now).
-
Vet first, to look for a UTI or other problems. If nothing physical is found, a 3 week 'retraining' course should help.
First of all, they should go back to a puppy style housebreaking system. The dog must not be allowed free run of the house any more until he is re-potty trained. He should always be on leash, or crated. The next step is to make going outside fun again. Regularly scheduled outside visits, every 3 to 4 hours, where the human goes with the dog, and every stop to pee or poo is rewarded with great praise and a few REALLY GOOD treats. Like Turkey, Cheese or Bacon. Stop giving the dog any other treats not related to eliminating outside, during this time.
do that for 5 days at least, a week is better. Then, if the dog is doing well, change to a more normal schedule of going out, whatever that time frame might be. The dog should still not be allowed free run of the house. If the dog shows a willingness to go outside at any point, the humans should be observant and encourage any movement toward the doggy door. They can also change the treating to more praise outside, and a treat when the dog comes inside. Do this for another week.
On the third week, take the dog off leash when the humans can watch him. Block the area so the dog is confined to the room where the dog door is, or maybe one room beyond. Humans need to pay attention to when the dog chooses to go out, and if he eliminates outside, praise and treat when the dog comes back inside.
If all goes well, the humans can give full run of the house on the 4th week, but they should pay attention to when the dog goes in and out, and remember to praise and treat at least every other time for this week.. then they can move away from such frequent treats and move just to praising the dog when he comes in. Treats can be given randomly, and can be regular dog treats or kibble.
If possible, they should make sure they have regular play times set up where they go out to play with the dog, or play with him inside. The entire problem could be being caused by the dog wanting more attention, and not getting it.
-
I only had about 100 pics on photobucket, but it took me almost 30 minutes to download them last night. I am not a paying member, so I was getting bombarded with popups and adds that blocked access to the site. Plus, ever 5 minutes the site would grey out and try to get me to go to the new TOS page. So frustrating.
I wonder if their developers got the idea from the recent ransomware virus attacks? I suppose paying $400 will be worth it to someone who's livelihood depends on their website, and all their pictures are hosted on photobucket. It certainly feels like extortion, to me.
-
Well, 7 and 11 are both prime numbers, so that explains Prime day.
Not sure about Chick-Fil-A
-
I'll also suggest a few hours be spent at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. They have some seriously historic rides there, that are hard to find still running in this country.
This is the boardwalk featured in the movie "The Lost Boys". They have a 1911 Louff Carousel, and it still has the brass ring machine for you to pluck a ring, and try to throw it into the clown's mouth as you go round and round. I don't think there are more than 3 of the 'brass ring' carousels still running in the country. They also have the 'Giant Dipper' roller coaster, built in 1924.
Another old time ride is their haunted house. It rivals Disney's haunted mansion for history. It's tradition for everyone to yell at the top of their lungs as they go through the first door. The ride is built under the boardwalk, so is nice and dark. It's a cheesy old carnival haunted house, so no dancing ghosts or hitchhikers, but it's still a very memorable ride.
And, their metal coaster ( not the newest one, but it's like a mouse coaster), has a surprise in it that made even a jaded coaster junkie like me squeak when I saw it.
-
If the non-coaster riders go into the park, check out the racing carousel! This is a carousel about twice the size of any you are used to. You can fit a smaller carousel into the middle of this thing. The horses hold 2 riders each, and they go back and forth in about a 4 foot long track, as well as up and down. No slacking on this ride, you have to hang on or you'll be flung off due to centripetal force. I love coasters.. but I am a carousel junkie, they hold a special place in my heart. I rode this carousel 4 times the first day and 6 times the second.
-
5 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:
I just meant that they are working to close FP+ loopholes in general with the steps reported above, not with this particular item. Again, I'm no expert on the system. It's too complex and makes my head hurt....one of many reason's the parks have lost their magic with me. But I just don't understand why they would be trying go close loopholes, but allow something like this. And to be clear, I'm not criticizing anyone on here who uses that tactic....it certainly seems that Disney allows and provides for it. I just don't understand it.
Disney still has to make allowances and concessions for minor emergencies that may arise. If a family of 4 books their FP+ at the 60 day mark, but the day of their visit, one of the kids gets sick, and one of the parents stay behind to care for the child, this allows the parent with the well child to move the FP+'s over for their use, instead of losing them entirely. I think that is a good thing,
-
1 hour ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
Ever? I guess I'll need to try and watch it.
OK, I will put the Princess Bride on my to do list. But, it's going to be a while before I can get the whole family together long enough to watch a movie.
TCD
I'd like to suggest that you watch it first with Mrs. TCD as a date night. Get some popcorn and your favorite drink(s), snuggle up on the couch and enjoy.
-
37 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
We all wondered if they will have Christmas decorations in Pandora. I say they will- we are supposed to be on and Eco-Tour operated by an Earth corporation. My girls say they won't decorate for Christmas, as the land is too new and the earth decorations would clash with what they're trying to do here. They could be right- I think they skipped Christmas decorations for the first Christmas in New Fantasyland.
TCD
Now, if you go with their theory that this is an Eco-tour operated by an Earth organization, then there could (should) be hidden mickey's around, too. Anywhere an earthling goes, there goes Disney. You know someone would have scrawled a mickey head graffiti thing somewhere.
-
2 hours ago, shoreline99 said:
Not that I am aware of. You could hear Wishes start pretty clearly, but when the fireworks started it was hard to hear anything.
On a positive/bonus note, you could hear multiple performances of the Electrical Water Pageant every night!
I don't think the view would have been at all the same with the existing trees still there. You would have seen the fireworks and probably the tops of space mountain and maybe the castle. Maybe part of the Astro Orbiter.
On a different board, a poster send an awesome picture from his standard room, 5056, at WL. Due to the trees being gone, this standard room is now an MK with fireworks view, too. I'm wondering if all the higher storied rooms on that wing will lose their 'standard room' rating, soon?
-
My brothers and I used to 'lasso' each other with hula hoops. Kids running by, kid with hula hoop drops it over the running kids head, and he's clotheslined. We had fun doing this, but I'm sure when a strangers kid does it to your kid, it's not the same feeling.
If you don't use the hula hoop as intended, then it does become dangerous. Sad to hear they are gone. Society is just too 'safety focused' these days.
Ruin hundreds of fun interactions because of the possibility of one bad one. Just like with the alligators and the brain eating amoeba's.
-
I'm a little confused about how they are selling enough to turn a profit? Even with the paper fastpass system, you had to slide your ticket and you could only get one per guest in your party. Don't they just do the same thing there?
-
Woot! They are coming to San Antonio. Seven miles from my house. I may try to fight the crowds to get a dose of Disney! Odd that they chose a shopping center with no Disney store, but they did choose the current, most busy shopping center in the city, which also happens to be across the street from our Six Flags amusement park.
-
20 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
Thanks for that information.
I am surprised that the sales go that quickly. No wonder they're building DVC units as fast as they can!
I went digging around and found a floor plan for the bungalows at the Polynesian Village Resort. They sure look similar to the Copper Creek Cabins, and they show that the front doors house the pool equipment. It looks like these cabins will have a plunge pool too:
Polynesian:
Copper Creek:
TCD
Looking at the WL cabin blueprint, can anyone see the entrance to the main bathroom? I'm going to assume it has the same hallway as the Poly.. but the blueprint seems to show no entrance to the bathroom at all.
-
7 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
OK.
But is that Kosher in light of this language on the official Disney website?:
Q.How can I ensure a pet-friendly loop for my campsite at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort?
A.When booking your campsite, you may request a pet-friendly loop for an additional $5.00 per night.
If you make your reservations online, select the “Add” button in the “Room and Amenity Requests” section. You will then be able to request a pet-friendly loop.
Please note: Pets are not allowed in pop-up trailers or tents.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/rooms-packages/camping-pet-friendly/
The expanded language on the reservation page says:
Pet-Friendly Policy
Furry friends are welcome to join your family’s camping adventure as long as the following conditions are met. Read More
Furry friends are welcome to join your family’s camping adventure as long as the following conditions are met.
- All pets must be kept on a handheld leash that is 8 feet or shorter or confined in the interior of the owner’s climate-controlled personal recreational vehicle. Pets are not permitted in tents and pop-up campers.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/
The Disney site doesn't say pets are not allowed to spend the night in pop-up trailers or tents. It says Pets are not allowed in either of those. Period.
TCD
I think the spirit of the rule is that dogs cannot be left unaccompanied in tents or pop-up campers. They should have worded it differently, though. I'd think that an accompanied dog is perfectly fine with their owner, at their tent site, during the day or sleeping with them at night. But, an unaccompanied dog in a tent or pop-up that decides to leave, is going to get out because they can tear the fabric wide open. Also, the heat of the summer is dangerous for a dog in a closed up tent or pop-up. This may be another discussion like what does a 'no swimming' sign actually mean.
-
43 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:
For once, the Disney Parks Blog actually answered some questions about the new fireworks show.
1. Tinkerbill will still fly in this new show:
Yes, I can confirm that Tinker Bell still flies in the new show.
Jennifer Fickley-Baker on February 9, 2017 at 7:18 pm
2. The fireworks portion of the new show will still be substantial:
The team designed the show so it could be enjoyed from everywhere “Wishes” is currently seen today. While projections and other special effects will make the in-park experience unique, guests watching from Magic Kingdom resorts, watercraft on Seven Seas Lagoon, etc., will still see a full show of fireworks accompanied by a musical score. Jennifer Fickley-Baker on February 10, 2017 at 9:52 am
TCD
An ex-CM who works here in the office with me, and still has friends at WDW, confirms that the full show of fireworks will go on, because of Disney promises to guest experiences for "the Abomination" ( aka The Four Seasons), and Golden Oaks, and other 'out of park' experiences that Disney provides.
I never thought about the Four Seasons or even the Swolphin angles.. but there may be promises out there in writing concerning the fireworks. Interesting.
-
Quote
I was able to purchase these mugs off the DisneyParks App yesterday! Thanks for posting them, they are going to be our Valentines day presents.
-
I'm most impressed that park admission is actually included in the price. I didn't think they ever included park admission in any of the special events. /s
IRMA
in General Camping Discussion and Questions
Posted
Disney is taking care of the many international guests that don't have a way to get home yet, due to the airports being down. Disney opened their resorts to their CM's families, including their pets ( and all of WDW resorts are NO pet zones, except for the fort), so that they could continue to work and get paid during this storm. Many people who evacuated or who are sitting in shelters had to do so with no pay from their employers, and some may even lose their jobs over this. By concentrating on getting everything running again, Disney starts up the economy of their area, which is substantial. If they are giving visitors a place to spend their money, instead of leaving the state to go home, Disney can pay their employees, who then will go out and purchase goods and services to rebuild their homes, and maybe even donate to others less fortunate. Disney is the juggernaut of that area. Orlando runs on tourism quite a bit. By getting back to normal as quickly as possible, Disney helps Orlando, and the ripples flow outward from there.