Third TR's the Charm! (aka "Data goes backstage") (11-22-08)

[Mojave]

Excellent report and photos! Anything backstage is awesome and the BTMRR pics are very cool - I love the first one, sharp focus on the train with fuzzy background! Where are the Indy mine car track photos?

Chicken exit? I didn't even know chickens were allowed in DL.

[Datameister]

Haha, Izzy, I was absolutely a band geek! Percussion section leader, then drum major...the whole shebang. Heck, my parents met in their college marching band, so it's kinda genetic...

EDIT: Thanks, Mojave! Imageshack is still being stupid, so I may just have to Photobucket the mine car track photos instead, but trust me when I say I was right. And I'll get you the proof as soon as I can.

[MickeyMousePal]

Tony Baxter at Rancho Del Zocalo.
Man, I should have gone on Sat and Sun..I would have seen Tony.
I usually eat at Rancho and I never see him.

[Mojave]

I always wonder what CM's, who are working when Tony Baxter, think when they see him. Do they all know him or is it just us geeks?

Also, I assume he pulls out his Disney ID when he pays - does he get everything free or just the usual discount?

[DisneyIPresume]

Great report! And the best red pipe picture I have ever seen on Micechat. Come to think of it, that's the only red pipe picture I have ever seen on Micechat!

[SeaWolf38]

Dang! Sorry I'm so late to this party! I feel bad now.... that was an absolutely awesome TR, pics, commentary and all! I know alot about what you were talking about w/ the band, being backstage w/ them, entering Toontown through that door next to the gates, etc. I smiled when I read about your friends being amazed w/ Pirates and HMH. Great stuff. AND a Tony Baxter sighting?? That's awesome. Pure awesomeness. Once again, I'm sorry about bailing on meeting you that day... family matters arise, and you can't really ignore those. Maybe someday haha.

[IzzyInWonderland]

Originally Posted by Datameister

Haha, Izzy, I was absolutely a band geek! Percussion section leader, then drum major...the whole shebang. Heck, my parents met in their college marching band, so it's kinda genetic...

That's very cute.

[Uncle Bob]

Very cool, I can't believe you just bumped into Tony again like that. Very cool commentary and maps too, it adds a lot to the TR. I wish I had known you were going then, I would have gone to meet you. Heck, I can never find anyone to go with, I usually go with my Sis, but she's been too busy lately, and I still feel like a loser going alone, no matter how many threads say I shouldn't.

[Uncle Bob]

Band geek here too, doesn't surprise me at all, most creative people I know are musicians. Seriously it seems like about 90% of the architects I know play an instrument. Save the Music!

[Datameister]

Thanks, all! Mojave, I really don't know what kinds of deals Imagineers get with in-park food, but I'd imagine that under normal circumstances, it's just a significant discount. Could be totally wrong about that. And I highly doubt he gets a whole lot of recognition from CMs, sadly...

And I agree, Uncle Bob - music is really a lot more important than it often gets credit for. And I most deeply apologize to you and anyone else who could've met me if you'd only known I was going! Bums me out. But I swear...one of these days I'll make it to a meet...someday...

[Bruce Bergman]

Red pipes on back walls of buildings are almost always fire sprinkler risers, as that one certainly was. Nothing to write home about - Except for our Data...

Looks like you need to get on ThinkGeek (et. al.) and track down a pair of the "Special" Sunglasses, the ones with a video camera embedded in the temple, and the cable hidden in a retainer strap. Put a camcorder in your pocket, and nobody's the wiser... (No sir, my camera will stay right here in my pocket!")

At the Haunted Mansion they need to get some red or blue LED "rope lighting" to line the baseboards of "Chicken Exit" path to show the way, at least for that first part where it has to stay dark because of the lightning window. They can stick a back-lit "Return To Park -->" sign down low, or facing toward the back wall where it won't be seen in the window, modify a LED EXIT sign for that.

And I think we should start calling Tony Baxter "Cast Member Tony" - he certainly is one of those few who "get it".

--<< Bruce >>--

[Datameister]

Originally Posted by Bruce Bergman

Red pipes on back walls of buildings are almost always fire sprinkler risers, as that one certainly was. Nothing to write home about - Except for our Data...

Haha, thanks for chiming in! That's what I figured it was. Agreed that it's nothing too magical or unusual, but I've been needing a reference photo of that particular riser for my model for a long time, so I'm glad to finally have 'em.

Looks like you need to get on ThinkGeek (et. al.) and track down a pair of the "Special" Sunglasses, the ones with a video camera embedded in the temple, and the cable hidden in a retainer strap. Put a camcorder in your pocket, and nobody's the wiser... (No sir, my camera will stay right here in my pocket!")

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't considered it...but I decided against it. Like I said...fear not, for I obtained plenty of information.

At the Haunted Mansion they need to get some red or blue LED "rope lighting" to line the baseboards of "Chicken Exit" path to show the way, at least for that first part where it has to stay dark because of the lightning window. They can stick a back-lit "Return To Park -->" sign down low, or facing toward the back wall where it won't be seen in the window, modify a LED EXIT sign for that.

It really isn't bad at all these days. I wasn't at all concerned about the lighting while I was in there - never even crossed my mind, except for in the photographic sense. I could see where I was going, and the signs were clear. Just my 2 cents.

And I think we should start calling Tony Baxter "Cast Member Tony" - he certainly is one of those few who "get it".

If I had any interest in alcohol, I'd drink to that. He does indeed "get it." I don't side with everything he's ever done at WDI, but I firmly believe that Tony is capable of incredible work when management allows it and there's money behind it, and it's great to see him in the park like a normal guest nonetheless. Believe me, he wasn't pushing to the front of the line with his WDI badge or anything...he was waiting in line for his food like everyone else, mere yards from an attraction that he designed. It's very reassuring to see.

[Uncle Bob]

It is pretty cool to see that TB still enjoys the parks after all these years. It makes me feel good to think that if I ever work there, I probably won't ever lose my love for it either. I wouldn't think so, because everything I know already doesn't really destroy the magic for me, but it's still good to see. Anyone who doesn't want to spend time in the park doesn't belong in WDI.

[MonstersGoBoo!]

YEAH ANOTHER BANDO!

Great report, and that's cool that you saw/met Tony Baxter. Glad you had a good time.

[Datameister]

By the way, I forgot to mention that I finally got to see the red Mark VII for the first time in person, and it was a treat. I was grinning up at it as it passed, though I sadly didn't get a chance to ride it while I was there. Didn't see Monorail Blue, either. Next time...