On 1/20/2021 at 5:57 PM, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

my little finger that types the A is the one most involved in my problem.  I hve  to stop  nd use  nother finger to type an A. becuse I think it's working when it isn't.

Just leave the As out, we'll decipher it - LOL.

Seriously, very glad surgery went well and I hope the healing goes as well and quickly as possible also.

On 1/20/2021 at 6:56 PM, Duane said:

But then he goes on to say, and I quote "...every rate is different depending on what you're driving, so you're not paying for the site, you're paying for the vehicle that you're bringing into Disney's Fort Wilderness..."  Unbelievable!

Yikes... that is off-the-charts wrong. By that logic, if I pull up with my tent gear strapped to the back of a motorcycle I should be able to get a Premium Meadows site for next to nothing! 

A good argument for not taking the word of a self-proclaimed "expert" on YouTube as gospel.

On 1/14/2021 at 1:48 PM, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

That's a hot fudge sundae made with raspberry sorbet.  Yum!

If you're going to splurge, that's the way to do it.  🙂

19 hours ago, ependydad...Doug said:

Not the new pony, but a friend took some cute pics of one of them the other day:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKAcB08htmp/

Great photos!

From Instagram...

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_2lwrB596/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

17 hours ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

But by then you may not need a pass.

Here's hoping, but I have been seeing rumors that the whole "park scheduling" thing may stick around in some form even after all the changes due to COVID are gone.

20 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

 

 

 

 

On our way out one of my favorite characters was waving from the railroad station.

Edited 19 hours ago by CCIntrigue...aka Gwen

Oof - seeing the river empty is pretty jarring.

LOVE the Eeyore photo!!

On 1/6/2021 at 7:35 PM, Grumpy and Grandma said:

One of our favorites and you won't regret it, but it is a little noisy if crowded since the acoustics aren't the best.

I find very few Disney restaurants have great acoustics and seem noisy when they're crowded.  

On 1/6/2021 at 5:04 PM, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

  I wear my Disney ears that I've worn every year for the past 15 years or so on my birthday (even to work!)

 

 

 

Love this!!!

19 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

We found out Ken from TE is now working at Le Cellier in Canada.  

Very glad Ken was able to move elsewhere but talk about a complete change in atmosphere!


Put me in the "don't love the pink on the castle" group too.  Fresh coat of paint, maybe a little extra silvery/gold bits would have been enough in my book.

Late to the party but I'm in - thanks for writing this, Gwen!

 

19 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

So let's get this TR rolling again.

That evening we went over to Olivia's for dinner.  Dining reservations, even with lower crowds overall, were much harder for me to come by. And then the restaurants have limited menus.  Each restaurant always has a vegetarian option. And then a fish option (not a seafood option but fish, like mahi mahi or  tuna or "catch of the day").  Which only leaves 3-4 options for people like me who don't like vegetarian or fish options, and lots of times one of the remaining options is pasta, which I don't eat since I'm a low carber.  Bottom line:  we didn't have too many options to choose from.  And that was one of the reasons we chose to go Olivia's that night.  We each had a great Caesar salad, and then we split this 14 ounce serving of deliciousness:

We followed it up by splitting this little jewel:

A key lime tart.  With no artificial taste or color.  The real deal.  It was so good!

 

That all looks/sounds amazing! Olivia's has never been on my radar, but it is now.  🙂

 

19 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

 

Love that!

Could a viable fix for the Yeti be in the works?

 

Quote

Disney Files Patent on Technology to Limit Robotic Vibrations; Possible Solution for New Expedition Everest Yeti Animatronic

The enormous Expedition Everest Yeti animatronic has been motionless for 12 years. A patent filed by Disney may just bring the Yeti back to life. The patent, published December 31, 2020, details a system that suppresses vibrations caused by robotics, such as animatronics.

The Yeti’s large size and range of motion sent vibrations through the Expedition Everest structure, compromising its overall stability. As recently as Summer 2020, now-retired Imagineer Joe Rohde explained that a fix would be very complex. A system like the one detailed in the patent application could be a solution to the vibration problem, which is referenced in the patent: “For example, a robot may have an arm or leg that they move quickly from one location to a second location to provide a desired movement or move to a new pose, and the robot’s arm or leg may vibrate significantly upon stopping at the second location.” By ensuring smoother movements, this may usher in a new, next-level generation of audio-animatronics that can be anchored to a structure without affecting its structural integrity, no matter how large or unwieldy the animatronic is.

The patent details “Computational Vibration Suppression for Robotic Systems.” According to the patent abstract, a computer will analyze the intended animations, then predict vibrations. The vibrations will be minimized without sacrificing the “artistic or original intent of the provider of the animation cycle.”

In other words, the suppression system finds a better way to handle the animation. The patent also states that robot designers will be able to use “lighter and/or softer (less stiff) and, therefore, less expensive systems in new robots.”

The technology sounds similar to how noise-cancelling headphones work. Noise-cancelling headphones use microphones to pick up outside noise, then phase-invert the sound waves. In Disney’s patent, the computer, rigid components, and flexible components work to “cancel” vibrations. The optimized animations are more accurate and efficient, resulting in less vibration.

This diagram shows how rigid components and flexible components would work in conjunction.

The patent application includes drawings and data showing the vibration suppression system’s effectiveness. Two drawings (Figs. 3 and 4) show how deformable (flexible) components work.

Fig. 7 shows how the system works from start to finish. A target animation is programmed (720). When the animation runs, it does not produce the desired results (722). The computer then calculates the correction, minimizing vibration (724). The optimized fabricated mechanism performs as the target animation intended (726).

The patent application also includes practical examples of how Disney Imagineers could use the technology. One example is a robotic bartender.

The top row indicates how the robotic bartender should work (1020). Before optimization, the animatronic spills the drink (1030). Once optimized, the arm is able to move the drink without spilling it (1040).

Fig. 12 shows a boxing animatronic in non-optimized (1220) and optimized (1230) forms. The dashed lines in 1220 indicate the target animation. The optimized animation perfectly matches the target animation; no dashed lines are visible.

Lighter and less expensive animatronics with efficient movements would usher in countless possibilities for existing and future attractions. These innovations could also be used to create a new, functioning Yeti that will not jeopardize the Expedition Everest ride system.

WDWNT will continue to monitor this patent and others.

https://wdwnt.com/2021/01/disney-files-patent-on-technology-to-limit-robotic-vibrations-possible-solution-for-new-expedition-everest-yeti-animatronic/?fbclid=IwAR3iLfK49sp1HQOfMmSSLRxg-Wq8Efz_zMlOgR61m_os5o1-15bIA-Lk0is

A belated Merry Christmas all!!

There are some amazingly talented artists, crafters and bakers in that group making some fabulous stuff!

I know there has been some info shared on ways to support furloughed Disney Cast Members, and maybe they can be re-shared here so that we've got a central thread going. 

I've run across a FB group for CMs that have started (or in some cases already have) side businesses.  Loads of talented people there that make things, from bakers to craftspeople and more, as well as those providing local services like auto detailing, plumbing, tutoring, etc.  Only CMs are allowed to advertise their goods and services.

A great way to get something you need anyway, and help out some of the thousands of folks currently out of work. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/earforeachother


 

2 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

start a mini trip report.  This was a trip like no other, both good and bad.  Both disappointments and pleasant surprises along the way. 

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing your always-fabulous photos!

I wonder if more people are hanging out at the Fort vs the parks than usual and it's bogging down the WiFi?

1 hour ago, djsamuel said:

I agree with this.  Unless you have some really unusual connections, these lengths should be fine.  My sewer hose is 20' and on a couple of occasions where the hookup was more towards the front, I was glad I had the twenty feet.  The power is usually more to the rear and the water near the front; but as stated above that can vary.

Also depends on how you plan to situate your rig on the pad.  We were in a full hookup a few years ago on a super long site. We needed to leave space at the back for a tent so the camper was fairly far forward on the pad.  Water/sewer wasn't an issue, but electric was at the very back corner.  DH was glad he brought the 50' cord.

On 12/2/2020 at 7:41 AM, dblr....Rennie said:

I won't complain he gave me one for my birthday one year and was even filled with Bison meat.

Wow that's a pretty awesome gift!

On 11/30/2020 at 11:27 AM, Travisma said:

Smart thinking, there could be a light up board next to the repaired Yeti saying this fella is sponsored by Yeti Coolers!

Your photo pass could have a Yeti Cooler sitting next to you with a link to their website and a special AK discount!

And all of the ride cars could have a Yeti sponsorship decal on them like NASCAR.

Don't forget the limited edition (read "insanely overpriced") Expedition Everest branded Yeti coolers and mugs available for purchase in the gift shop.

5 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said:

Sitting in our "site" at the St. Augustine Flying J eagerly awaiting tomorrow morning when we can make the short hop on down the road to the Fort!

This morning in SC we met a new motorhome owner who is an avid Disney fan who just completed her first trip to the Fort.  I told her all about our group and also about our site app, which she promptly downloaded.  Her name is Michelle, and she and her family drive 1600 miles from Maine to the Fort.  Hopefully you will see her here soon!

 

 

Safe travels, Gwen.  Hope you have a wonderful time!

2 minutes ago, fotofx....Steve said:

Yeah I loaded it with options. Plan on this being my last one and hopefully I am not going anywhere for awhile. I wanted the bunks and the two full baths. Both baths are being done in the porcelain instead of fiberglass. Also lots of small stuff, solar, dishwasher, etc.

 

Sounds amazing!

12 hours ago, fotofx....Steve said:

Probably my last trip with this RV anyways. Have a new one on the assembly line.

Ooh, that's exciting!!

59 minutes ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Fears are YETI will never get fixed because of his retirement.

Ugh, I didn't even think of that.

2 hours ago, ependydad...Doug said:

I know this issue has been resolved, but for future reference if someone comes looking for mobile techs..

 

I've heard good things about him.

I've also used Pat Monahan (352-536-0385) in the past while staying down the road at Thousand Trails Orlando.

Good to know, thanks Doug!

1 hour ago, fotofx....Steve said:

I beat the solenoid and motor with a crescent wrench and it suddenly worked.

Glad that worked!

There was something around the house recently that wasn't working properly and I actually asked DH "did you try whacking it?" 

Hope it's a relatively painless fix when you get home.