Cinderella's Royal Suite; Donald's Show Cancelled; Muppets; Titanic; Oatman Burros
Here we go again on the crazy merry-go-round that is the Weekend Update. Each week we strive to surprise!
This week, Fishbulb gives us a rare peek at the Cinderella Castle Royal Suite, also known as the Dream Suite. The furnishings in this place are over the top. Then ichigopara takes us to the Cape Cod Cook-off Restaurant in Tokyo DisneySeas to give us a final look at Donald's Boat Builders Show. Across the sea at Florida's Magic Kingdom, the Muppets have been enlisted to help with the Honorary VoluntEars Cavalcade which precedes the afternoon parade. nbodyhome shares photos and video from this pre-parade show.
SummerInFL has a bit of Oddlando for us to view this week. She visited Titanic - The Experience and documented her trip for us. Finally this week, sir clinksalot visits Oatman, Arizona to see the world famous, uh, uh, burros. You're not going to believe this, but he sent us photos of his wife and son playing with their vegetables.
Welcome to the Worldwide Weekend Update!
Fishbulb takes us on a tour of the Cinderella Castle Royal Suite
A Tour of the Cinderella Castle Royal Suite (aka Dream Suite)
The only windows in the Dream suite
The elevator in the breezeway
Flying buttresses in the breezeway
Visitors enter a small lobby where this desk is and...
ride in this elevator up to the third floor to a similar foyer where the door to the Dream suite is.
Entering the Dream suite this is your view. The place is VERY small
Directly to the left of the door is the bathroom
Starry bath
Shower stall
Going back through the bed area and around the "fireplace" we come to the Living area where the only windows in the whole suite are
The windows we saw from outside
The flat screen tv
ichigopara pays a last visit to Donald's Boat Builders
This week was the last showing of Donald's Boat Builders at TDS.
Quote:
While dining in the "Donald's Boat Builders" section of the Cape Cod Cook-Off restaurant, you may enjoy continuous shows alternating between classic Disney cartoon shorts, live performances and a character show featuring Donald Duck and friends.
Tokyo Disneyland Website
The room was packed with people who waited all day to see the last showings. We arrived around 2pm and were able to get in but not everyone was so lucky.
Goodbye Donald's Boat Builders!
They have already walled off that side of the restaurant to get ready for the new show.
Other than that the parks have been very empty because it is the slow season and very cold!
A very short wait for Duffy!
See you next time!
The Muppets invade the Magic Kingdom's 3:00 parade by Denise "nbodyhome" Preskitt
Walt Disney World now has a Muppets pre-parade before the 3:00 parade. When I first heard about it, I thought it'd be mostly Muppets. It's actually called the "Disney's Honorary VoluntEARS Calvalcade", and features performers, honorary volunteers and Kermit, Miss Piggy and Sweetums. It's a cute addition to the parade, and I love the Muppets.
In this photo taken on another day, you can see Kermits string better:
I took this video in Frontierland on opening day as well (before we raced to Main Street for the above photos):
And we had some very cold, freezing weather for the last couple of weeks. Many plants and trees at Disney were damaged:
SummerInFL visits Oddlando's Titanic – The Experience
Outside the theme parks Orlando isn't necessarily known for quality attractions. Oddlando is a favorite term used, even by us, so you can imagine my surprise when my family discovered a wonderfully professional, informative and amazingly interractive exhibit featuring the tragic and romantic story of the Titanic.
Titanic: The Experience contains full scale recreations of Titanic’s most famous rooms, including her Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers, and Promenade Deck, where you can walk out and feel the chill of the cold Atlantic air as you gaze at the stars.
Fully costumed character's lead you from room to room telling the story of the ship herself and that fateful night.
Each room is filled with different artifacts and recreations from the time period, including newspaper responses to the tragedy.
You start outside on the dock, the voices of busy travelers filling the air.
As we were of course 1st class passengers, we were allowed onto the boat through a different entryway than the 3rd class.
While everyone is getting settled the wire is busy sending messages back home to loved ones talking about the ship and the massive enormity of it.
The recreations of each room were just beautiful and really captured what it felt like to be on the Titanic herself.
This dish was actually recovered from the bottom of the ocean, you can see the photo of the piece in the above photo.
My favorite, as I'm sure it would be for most people, is the recreation of the staircase, from the floor to the ceiling.
A tour would not be complete without visiting every area of the ship. It was at this point that we were joined by a 3rd class passenger who offered to show us the 3rd class accommodations and the boiler room below.
Contrary to popular opinion while there were gates to keep the lower class passengers from venturing up to the 1st class/2nd class areas, there was a back staircase that was only closed off by a rope and a sign, giving them access to the upper areas of the ship. Unfortunately most weren't aware of that staircase.
Storage on the lower decks carried all manner of items for the 1st class passengers to be used when they reached New York City.
The boilers had to be constantly fed coal by workers who had to endure unbearable heat conditions.
Our tour progressed to captain's deck above, where the story was told that included the call to the captain, the lookout without binoculars and the hitting of the iceberg.
As passengers aboard were oblivious to the trouble brewing below, most were confused when everyone was called up on deck.
In the room above you could hear the voices of those on deck and the arctic chill in the air really put you there that fateful night as our guide tells us of the events that unfolded.
As the story came to a close he asked us all to pull out our tickets and at the bottom contained a name of someone who was aboard the ship with brief description of who they were. He then told us to find their names on the walls and those that held their name in bold survived and those with an outline of their name perished.
In the next room he called for volunteers to put their hand against the ice for 15 seconds, most of the children made it but then he said, "You've just experienced what the temperature was like the night the Titanic went down."
It was there that he concluded his portion of the ship tour but the next room contained present information regarding the shipwreck and the dives down to her.
They even had a model of what she looks like on the ocean floor currently.
As the exhibit focused mainly on the ship herself, they did include a section that covered all the movies that have been made about her. With various props and costumes, it was a really great collection of movie memorabilia.
From the ring that was given to Rose (Kate Winslet) in the most recent film.
To the costume worn by Leonardo Dicaprio.
It was there that our tour guide asked if we had any questions. One thing to mention is he didn't have to stay but given the inquisitive nature of our group he just answered question after question. He was incredibly knowledgeable and you could really tell that he loves what he does. I honestly believe that our experience was enhanced because of the way he told the story and brought us along.
I was a fan of this tragic story even before the movies made it popular, to be able to get hear the stories and see the items that the ship contained was a real pleasure for me. If you have been entranced by this tragedy like I have, this exhibit is something you shouldn't pass up on your visit to Florida.
Titanic: The Experience contains full scale recreations of Titanic’s most famous rooms, including her Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers, and Promenade Deck, where you can walk out and feel the chill of the cold Atlantic air as you gaze at the stars.
Fully costumed character's lead you from room to room telling the story of the ship herself and that fateful night.
Each room is filled with different artifacts and recreations from the time period, including newspaper responses to the tragedy.
You start outside on the dock, the voices of busy travelers filling the air.
As we were of course 1st class passengers, we were allowed onto the boat through a different entryway than the 3rd class.
While everyone is getting settled the wire is busy sending messages back home to loved ones talking about the ship and the massive enormity of it.
The recreations of each room were just beautiful and really captured what it felt like to be on the Titanic herself.
This dish was actually recovered from the bottom of the ocean, you can see the photo of the piece in the above photo.
My favorite, as I'm sure it would be for most people, is the recreation of the staircase, from the floor to the ceiling.
A tour would not be complete without visiting every area of the ship. It was at this point that we were joined by a 3rd class passenger who offered to show us the 3rd class accommodations and the boiler room below.
Contrary to popular opinion while there were gates to keep the lower class passengers from venturing up to the 1st class/2nd class areas, there was a back staircase that was only closed off by a rope and a sign, giving them access to the upper areas of the ship. Unfortunately most weren't aware of that staircase.
Storage on the lower decks carried all manner of items for the 1st class passengers to be used when they reached New York City.
The boilers had to be constantly fed coal by workers who had to endure unbearable heat conditions.
Our tour progressed to captain's deck above, where the story was told that included the call to the captain, the lookout without binoculars and the hitting of the iceberg.
As passengers aboard were oblivious to the trouble brewing below, most were confused when everyone was called up on deck.
As the story came to a close he asked us all to pull out our tickets and at the bottom contained a name of someone who was aboard the ship with brief description of who they were. He then told us to find their names on the walls and those that held their name in bold survived and those with an outline of their name perished.
In the next room he called for volunteers to put their hand against the ice for 15 seconds, most of the children made it but then he said, "You've just experienced what the temperature was like the night the Titanic went down."
It was there that he concluded his portion of the ship tour but the next room contained present information regarding the shipwreck and the dives down to her.
They even had a model of what she looks like on the ocean floor currently.
As the exhibit focused mainly on the ship herself, they did include a section that covered all the movies that have been made about her. With various props and costumes, it was a really great collection of movie memorabilia.
From the ring that was given to Rose (Kate Winslet) in the most recent film.
To the costume worn by Leonardo Dicaprio.
It was there that our tour guide asked if we had any questions. One thing to mention is he didn't have to stay but given the inquisitive nature of our group he just answered question after question. He was incredibly knowledgeable and you could really tell that he loves what he does. I honestly believe that our experience was enhanced because of the way he told the story and brought us along.
I was a fan of this tragic story even before the movies made it popular, to be able to get hear the stories and see the items that the ship contained was a real pleasure for me. If you have been entranced by this tragedy like I have, this exhibit is something you shouldn't pass up on your visit to Florida.
sir clinkaslot travels the historic Route 66 to Oatman, Arizona
Welcome to Oatman, AZ!
Quote:
Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona, United States. Located at an elevation of 2700 ft/896m, it began as a tent camp soon after two prospectors struck a $10 million gold find in 1915, though the area had been already settled for a number of years. Oatman's population grew to more than 3,500 in the course of a year.
Oatman has undergone a renaissance of sorts in recent years thanks to burgeoning worldwide interest in Route 66 and the explosive growth of the nearby gaming town of Laughlin, Nevada, which promotes visits to the town. Wild burros freely roam the town and can be hand-fed carrots and "burro chow," both readily available in practically every store in town. Though normally gentle, the burros are in fact wild and signs posted throughout Oatman advise visitors to exercise caution. The burros are descended from pack animals turned loose by early prospectors, and are protected by the US Department of the Interior. Weekends in Oatman can see anything from classic car rallies to mock "Wild West" shootouts right down the middle of old 66. Independence Day celebrations include a contest where participants attempt to cook an egg on the sidewalk with the aid of solar devices. Along with the rest of Arizona's US 66 towns, Oatman is fiercely proud of its Route 66 heritage and replicas of 66's black-on-white US highway shield are posted all over the town. Route 66 souvenirs abound and many tourists have pasted autographed one-dollar bills on the walls and ceiling of the Oatman Hotel's bar and restaurant. Estimates of the number of bills run into the thousands.
Oatman has undergone a renaissance of sorts in recent years thanks to burgeoning worldwide interest in Route 66 and the explosive growth of the nearby gaming town of Laughlin, Nevada, which promotes visits to the town. Wild burros freely roam the town and can be hand-fed carrots and "burro chow," both readily available in practically every store in town. Though normally gentle, the burros are in fact wild and signs posted throughout Oatman advise visitors to exercise caution. The burros are descended from pack animals turned loose by early prospectors, and are protected by the US Department of the Interior. Weekends in Oatman can see anything from classic car rallies to mock "Wild West" shootouts right down the middle of old 66. Independence Day celebrations include a contest where participants attempt to cook an egg on the sidewalk with the aid of solar devices. Along with the rest of Arizona's US 66 towns, Oatman is fiercely proud of its Route 66 heritage and replicas of 66's black-on-white US highway shield are posted all over the town. Route 66 souvenirs abound and many tourists have pasted autographed one-dollar bills on the walls and ceiling of the Oatman Hotel's bar and restaurant. Estimates of the number of bills run into the thousands.
Mountains surround the town on all sides
The main (okay ONLY) street in Oatman. This is actually Route 66.
The Glory Hole of Route 66
The town is quite popular with travelers and motorcyclists
You will find many interesting names for shops and restaurants, like the Classy Coyote
Yellowhammer's Place
Olive Oatman's
Jackass Junction
And of course, the Classy ***
One of the main attractions in Oatman are the burros who wander around the town. Many of the stores offer carrots to feed them for only $1.
Belle demonstrates the proper way to feed a Burro
As you can see, the Burro's don't care about you driving your car around
While Oatman was interesting, I wouldn't make any kind of special trip there. If you are in the Laughlin/Bullhead City area it's worth the 30 minute drive to see a bit of the history of Route 66.
Looking for up-to-date reports from Disneyland
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?
Visit these MiceChat columns each week:
Andy Castro's Dateline Disneyland
David DarkBeer Michael's In the Parks
And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt (mousesteps.com)
SummerInFl
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
CaptPhoebus
Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
Fishbulb
PhotoMatt
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom
Ken Eslick (DisneylandPostcards.net)
Special thanks to Ichigopara for her awesome photos.
Your Editor - Rixter
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Total Comments 17
Comments
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I was mesmerized by the Titanic Experience. I never knew it was there nor have I ever heard anyone mention it. Absolutely fascinating! It truely looks like a class effort and and a labor of love for all involvd. This is going to stick in my head as a place I must visit when I go to Orlando. Thanks a milion for bringing this to our attention! Great Weekend Update and I always love your non-park related adventures, SummerInFl. Your inquisitive nature took us on a grand journey once again. Can't wait until the next one. Thanks again!!!
Woo Hoo, first post again! Guess I'm the only one who has nothng better to do at 2:22 in the morning. Photo heavy MiceAge content loads faster at this time of night. Seems like I got the site all to myself. What's behind this curtain? Ooh, the worklights are on in here! They're steam cleaning the street over there. Were those Grim Grinning Ghosts floating through the foyer? Does the ...small world clock EVER stop ticking? Like I said, it's nice to have the place to myself. Goodnight...........Posted 01-16-2010 at 02:19 AM by Crazee4mm
Updated 01-16-2010 at 02:28 AM by Crazee4mm (addendum) -
Great update but now I really want to take a bubble bath in Cinderella's castle.Posted 01-16-2010 at 07:31 AM by pratt55 -
THis is one of the BEST updates. Very interesting. Great shots explaining the proximity of the Suite to the Castle (which windows were involved). Titanic exhibit! All very cool. I don't recognize or know who "Duffy" is. Is this an incarnation of the teddy bear that squeaks in the Jamboree????Posted 01-16-2010 at 08:03 AM by michael darling -
Great update, loved the Dream Suite pics. And really loved the Titanic report. I never heard of it but I'll definitely make a trip there on the next trip to Orlando. It'd be great to make Oddlando a regular feature of the Saturday updates. Thanks to the MC crew!Posted 01-16-2010 at 10:39 AM by indianajack -
Loved the tour of the Titanic. One note: "Enormity" means "evil."Posted 01-16-2010 at 11:00 AM by pussnboots -
Nice update!Posted 01-16-2010 at 11:31 AM by WheresMickey -
Is anyone else distracted by that thing on the ceiling in the Suite? I don't know if it's a smoke alarm or what, but they could have at least made an attempt to hide it... The rose petals are a nice touch though... so romantic!
Man, it's great to see the Muppets really being used! In case anyone is a muppet fan like I am, they've started up a YouTube channel with totally new skits on it! So far, they're excellent! Just like the old Muppet Show!
As for the Titanic, I saw that attraction on our last visit to Orlando. I thought it was just a cheapie tourist trap, but from the looks of it, it's the real thing! I commend the creators of this attraction! They did a very good job.
Also, that town in Arizona looks like a lot of fun! It's just the type of place that looks like our family would want to visit. I wonder if we'll be passing through Arizona on our next vacation... I know we're heading west.
Great update!Posted 01-16-2010 at 11:51 AM by BANANAZ - We went to the Titanic exhibit at the Luxor in Las Vegas. VERY interesting! The piece of ice they had was about 6'-7' tall and 10' long, if I remember correctly. They also had a 15-ton piece of the actual hull of the ship on display as well. It was HUGE! They also had the same stairwell recreation. Very well done!
BTW, that "string" on Kermit is actually a rod. Without it, the puppeteer would not be able to make Kermit (or Piggy) wave or gesture. So, while the rods may seem to be distracting, imagine how distracting they would be if their arms DIDN'T move. Also, the rods are quite visible in EVERY Muppet movie made. Just sayin'.Posted 01-16-2010 at 11:56 AM by disney-fan-reborn -
Not to nitpick but in the Dream Suite update, the "flying buttresses" are actually rib vaults.
Awesome, informative update though, I really enjoyed it.Posted 01-16-2010 at 12:28 PM by SunBurst -
Which to choose?
I just can't decide if we'll be remodeling our house to look like the Dream Suite or the Titanic sets. Just gorgeous.
Though, I suppose Oatman is more likely in the budget.
Great Update, All!Posted 01-16-2010 at 02:01 PM by MickeyMaxx -
There's a version of the Titanic Experience currently in NYC just outside of Times Square. It's a little pricey but certainly very interesting and worth the time if you're a fan.
(PS my passenger didn't make it... )Posted 01-16-2010 at 03:12 PM by JL Skellington -
LOL Well look at that, I've always used it in referencing size but after a quick Google search, I had no idea it also meant evil.Quote:Originally Posted by pussnboots
Loved the tour of the Titanic. One note: "Enormity" means "evil."
Enormity Definition | Definition of Enormity at Dictionary.com
Thanks for that, I learned something new.
Posted 01-16-2010 at 05:12 PM by SummerInFL -
"Is anyone else distracted by that thing on the ceiling in the Suite? I don't know if it's a smoke alarm or what, but they could have at least made an attempt to hide it..."
You just requested to hide a smoke/fire alarm from view... that's like saying get rid of this emergency exit sign, i don't like how it glows... I'm pretty sure it's a safety concern, maybe even by law, to have it visible to guests...
I'll miss Donald's Boat Builders. I don't know Japanese, but it's a great little "dinner show".
Here's part 1 of my video:
Posted 01-17-2010 at 01:37 AM by filmfreak11 -
Which to choose?
You know the old saying, if it was good enough for Clark Gable and Carole LumbardQuote:Originally Posted by MickeyMaxx Though, I suppose Oatman is more likely in the budget.
Haunted Oatman Hotel in Oatman, ArizonaPosted 01-17-2010 at 09:01 AM by pratt55 -
Thanks for the update. I was down in the area around Oatman early last summer, but didn't get a chance to see it.Posted 01-17-2010 at 07:53 PM by Barbossa -
I had stayed in the castle suite (and posted on MC about it a couple of years back), it is very small! There were 6 of us and it was cramped, but you are only in there for one night. I would have loved to stay at the one in Disneyland!Posted 01-18-2010 at 10:23 AM by nbodyhome -
what lovely suite pics!Posted 01-18-2010 at 10:50 AM by wdwnut4life
