A quick note of thanks and a few questions..

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

Just wanted to give a big Thank You to all the CM's that I encountered on my recent trip (April 15-20). This was the second trip my family has made as a big group and there were a couple of things that stand out in my mind. I'm not sure if any of the following are on this board, but if you know any of them please make sure to pass on my thanks.

-To Raub aka "Rob" at the Cali. Grill on the 17th, You handled a table of 13 with the ease of a table of two. You were especially great with the 4 kids, giving them chopsticks with cheaters and "sushi" (goldfish crackers) ,that just blew their parents away. I really hope that on future trips we are fortunate enough to have you as a server again.

- To Tigger at the CP breakfast on the 18th, you made a 30 y/o (me) feel like a kid again by taking the time to pose for a picture with me. The pose you came up with was Fantastic! I hope that putting my arm around you for the original picture didn't offend / cause you to become concerned, I just got lost in the moment.

- To Eeyore, Piglet, and Pooh, I didn't forget you. You made my nephews, sisters and wife very happy. We got some really cute pix I am sure we will all treasure for years to come.

- To the juggeling CM at Pin Traders in DTD, your impromtu triva challenge made me feel like an ass. I should have listened to my elementary school teachers advice, listen to the entire question before you decide on an answer. I didn't feel so bad because you stumped my wife as well. Thanks, it's that kind of interaction that keeps people coming for more.

There are so many others but I just can't remember all of the specifics. Thank you all for doing such a wonderful job.

Now here are the questions.

On the night of the 16th there was a roadblock set up on Seven Seas Drive just before the intersection at World Drive. It was almost like a DWI checkpoint. I stopped and the Security Guard asked me my destination, it was almost comical because his tone of voice was overly authoritative and those uniforms don't necesarily scream out RESPECT MY AUTHORITY! No offense to security personnel, I have seen your K-9 unit and that screams YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITY!!! Anyway my question is, what was that, does Disney conduct DWI checkpoints?

Secondly I noticed an increase in FDOT presence on the night of Grad Night. Who could of missed it with the caravans of marked cars and the mobile command unit. My wife seems to think that they were there for a convention. I on the other hand think they were there to do "surprise" inspections on buses that transported the students to property that night. Does anyone have an answer / insight?

Thanks.

Sean

[Shorty82]

On the night of the 16th there was a roadblock set up on Seven Seas Drive just before the intersection at World Drive. It was almost like a DWI checkpoint. I stopped and the Security Guard asked me my destination, it was almost comical because his tone of voice was overly authoritative and those uniforms don't necesarily scream out RESPECT MY AUTHORITY! No offense to security personnel, I have seen your K-9 unit and that screams YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITY!!! Anyway my question is, what was that, does Disney conduct DWI checkpoints?

It wasn't a DWI checkpoint. That night was a Pirates and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom. The party has perimeter fireworks and there are launchers set up just past the Contemporary and Grand Floridian right by the road so the roads are closed past the resorts for safety. If you are trying to go beyond the resorts they will make you turn around and find an alternate route. It has happened to me one time trying to get home from Studios in the evening.

Secondly I noticed an increase in FDOT presence on the night of Grad Night. Who could of missed it with the caravans of marked cars and the mobile command unit. My wife seems to think that they were there for a convention. I on the other hand think they were there to do "surprise" inspections on buses that transported the students to property that night. Does anyone have an answer / insight?

No idea about the high FDOT presence but I do know that security on Grad Nights is VERY tight. The grads are allowed to bring in only small bags, have their bags checked throughly, have a metal detector wand passed over them, and a few other things. In addition security has a very high and visible presence throughout the park. Yet grads still cause problems sometimes for some reason.

[Cranbiz]

The high DOT presence is normal for Grad Night. If you look at some of the buses coming in, you know why. When I worked last year, DOT red tagged 52 buses the first night. Unsafe equipment, unlicensed of improperly licensed drivers, etc.

You will see the same thing for NoJoy.

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

The high DOT presence is normal for Grad Night. If you look at some of the buses coming in, you know why. When I worked last year, DOT red tagged 52 buses the first night. Unsafe equipment, unlicensed of improperly licensed drivers, etc.

You will see the same thing for NoJoy.

That is what I thought. All in all I have to say the setup that was in place seemed to look pretty efficient. I only drove through the area once during the event and the traffic holdup was not that bad.

Sean