A 35 year old dream come true

[ktulu]

You have your transportation to the hotel set up?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know... either Magical Express or a rental car...

But my car is more fun and more comfortable... unless you have five people...

I'll be in Miami on Sunday, you can come down and pick me up :D:

[kcberlin]

You have your transportation to the hotel set up?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know... either Magical Express or a rental car...

But my car is more fun and more comfortable... unless you have five people...

I do, but we are going to IOA to see Harry Potter Saturday the 5th. You offering a ride?

[kcberlin]

I'm back, and what an amazing trip. We were in a corner room in the Contemporary facing MK. I had no idea they left the castle lit all night. It was beautiful. Met and had dinner with Zazu and SWMBO. Probably the high point of the trip. Only saw a couple SG's, but they were memorable.

1. On the Magical Express a couple was seated next to us and the person behind them commented on there adorable baby. When asked how old she was, the reply: 2 1/2 months. We knew we had to take her to the park as soon as she was born.

2. At IOA, Forbidden Journey malfunctioned. We were about to board when it happened. There were 3 unsupervised kids in front of us and one was sittng on the wall. The CM's told him to get down, which he did promptly. As soon as he did the second jumped up, same results. Then the third repeated. This went on until the CM's told us it would be awhile before it started again. The three kids left. Amazingly, the ride started about five minutes later. :p:

3. My personal favorite, also at IOA. Sitting on Dr. Doom waiting for ride to start, CM says over loudspeaker, "This ride will not start until you put away your cellphone...Yes, you...I can still see it and I have all day, but your fellow guests do not...Thank You." This was not directed at me, but it was hilarious to hear.

[mapo]

3. My personal favorite, also at IOA. Sitting on Dr. Doom waiting for ride to start, CM says over loudspeaker, "This ride will not start until you put away your cellphone...Yes, you...I can still see it and I have all day, but your fellow guests do not...Thank You." This was not directed at me, but it was hilarious to hear.

Yes. Universal employees can get away with so much compared to a Disney Cast Member.

As I always tell cast members:

"You know, Universal is hiring. They pay more! AND you get to be rude!"

Of course, I save that lil ol spiel for some of our more challenged cast members that do not seem to get what IT is at Disney.

mapo

[shilohmm]

3. My personal favorite, also at IOA. Sitting on Dr. Doom waiting for ride to start, CM says over loudspeaker, "This ride will not start until you put away your cellphone...Yes, you...I can still see it and I have all day, but your fellow guests do not...Thank You." This was not directed at me, but it was hilarious to hear.

That's beautiful. :snoopy2:

Congrats on the MK view Contemporary visit! I've wanted to stay there since they built the thing. Dunno why -- normally I'm into trees and waterfalls and you'd think I'd be all about the Polynesian. Especially since the Contemporary really has that Airport Ambiance. :p: But there's the monorail. And the modular thing (even though it didn't work out as planned). The MK view (and Bay Lake isn't bad), along with the fact that you can walk there.

Plus it totally looks like somewhere from original Star Trek. Although that one probably isn't on your list. :D:

To dreams fulfilled. :toast:

[Zazu]

Congrats on the MK view Contemporary visit! I've wanted to stay there since they built the thing. ...

And the modular thing (even though it didn't work out as planned).

I'm curious to know what part of the "modular thing" didn't work out. It seems to have been quite effective.

[Cheshire Figment]

I'm curious to know what part of the "modular thing" didn't work out. It seems to have been quite effective.

According to everything, and I do remember seeing an official Disney video of this, the rooms were built about a mile from the Contemporary and slid into place by cranes. The expectation was that on an as-needed basis complete rooms would be removed and replacements put in place. However, they did not take into account the Florida humidity's effects on the concrete or the building settling.

[Cheshire Figment]

What I really miss about the Contemporary is the Christmas decorations. They used to have the most tacky aluminum Christmas Trees and Wreaths and other decorations. They went so well with the ambiance of the hotel.

[BRWombat]

According to everything, and I do remember seeing an official Disney video of this, the rooms were built about a mile from the Contemporary and slid into place by cranes. The expectation was that on an as-needed basis complete rooms would be removed and replacements put in place. However, they did not take into account the Florida humidity's effects on the concrete or the building settling.

I'd heard the same. True or just another Disney urban legend?

[Goofyernmost]

I'd heard the same. True or just another Disney urban legend?

Totally legend. The modular system was just meant as a construction method. Once in place they were attached as permanently as if built in place. The "drawer" concept is what started that legend. Take a minute and imagine what type of problems would have come up if you even tried that. Equipment, etc.

No, they never thought they could pull them out and replace them, the concept was to pre-fab so that the construction would go much faster.