Tag Archives: Cast Members

My Experiences with the WDW Bus System

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So I had this idea for a blog, which will come to fruition down the road, but in order to achieve it, I wanted to attend all 4 WDW Parks in one day.  As I started on my quest, I realized another idea and subject was born- the WDW Bus System.  I had to ride several that day, and I thought it would be good info for you all to know what it was like for me and how fast, or slow, they indeed, are. So get in line, watch for the White Bus with red lettering on it, because we are bussing it folks!

Again, my day was planned around another idea, but I thought, what the heck, let me also record how the system worked for me. First, I live close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With gas prices being high these days, I thought it only smart to park at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, then take the bus to the first Park of the day, which was AK.

I arrived at the Lodge at 10:35 a.m. and parked with no problem.  If you are heading to the bus stop like I was, there is no “real” walkway to the bus area from the parking lot. Makes sense, but I had to cut through the driveway area, so watch for Magical Express busses and guests driving up.  There IS a walkway to the Lodge from the Parking lot, but you have to go up, cross, and then left to the bus area, which seems silly when you could just cut left to begin with. 

The bus for Animal Kingdom arrived at 10:44 a.m.  I heard MANY people complaining to our bus driver once he walked off, because they had been waiting 45 minutes for a Studios bus to show up.  Then another person walked up and complained about the Epcot bus being just as late.  Now, I felt really bad for the driver, not his fault, but wouldn’t it be in Disney’s best interest to have a Cast Member stationed at Main Bus Stops during high traffic periods of the day to monitor these types of situations?  AKL is NOT a cheap Resort, and to wait such long times is simply not acceptable.

The bus was nice, I read all the ads about the new “Pirates League” and also about the new tv shows coming up on ABC. They have a digital sign that reports the date and current time, along with a narration over the speakers that says where you are headed and where you are leaving.  I feel this is a great thing for those who aren’t sure if they are on the right bus, plus it really puts you in the Disney mood.

I arrived at AK at 10:52 a.m. – about a 8 minute ride over.  The busses drop off at a reasonable area to walk from, but not as nice as the parking tram that practically drops you off in front of the gate.

After my business affairs at AK, I walked to find the bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The signs were marked well, so I was able to find it with no problem.  The area to wait for the bus was a bit confusing though, you couldn’t tell where the line should begin and where the end of the line was.  I simply asked someone and went to the end of the line to wait. I left the park at 11:50, arrived at the bus stop at 11:55 a.m. 

As the bus arrives, which is a story in itself, a woman walks up in front of the 30 or so waiting, and literally stands in the front with her 2 kids.  Let me reiterate this, STANDS in front of a boy in a wheelchair and his family. I WAS MORTIPHIED. As a Society, have we lost all decency to follow the rules? Is common sense just too hard for some people to “get?”  The bus just pulled up, so she quickly rushed on, and if the bus hadn’t been such a shock to me, I was ready to lay into this woman on how inappropriate her behavior was.

I get on this bus, and I swear to you, it was a coach bus, like the kind you ride for “Magical Express” from the airport to your Disney Resort. Except for the MAJOR and OBVIOUS- it was FILTHY! It smelled like someone left cheese and sausage on it and they were burning in the hot sun all day.  Noone who had a stroller or wheelchair could use the bus without having to fold them and put them under the bus. If you had an EVC, you were out of luck.  I was completely shocked at how cramped it was, and that Disney thought this was an acceptable idea. If I was a Disney guest, a NEW Disney guest, who had to ride this ugly mobile, I wouldn’t take the busses ever again.  He played normal radio music, and said nothing to anyone coming on or off the bus.  The difference was day and night from the bus I had just taken from AKL to AK. I assume they didn’t have enough busses that day, maybe something broke down, but the impression they were giving to Disney guests were of a cheap hotel bus experience.  You missed the mark on this Disney.  Bus left for Studios at 12:03.

We arrived at 12:16 to Studios, and I did meet a nice woman on the bus, from IL, who was also concerned with the odd choice of transportation for us all.  I know, I should be happy I got there at all, but again, if this was my first trip, I would not be impressed and quite disappointed.

I perused Studios for my blog idea, and just wasn’t feeling the magic there today. I decided to take a bench by the Blue Hat, and listen to the “Avatar” music playing by the Great Movie Ride.  As I was sitting there, a Disney Cast Member asked if I wanted to be a promotional Disney ad.  Sure! I had my Soarin shirt on, so I guess it made sense. LOL  We had a large group, screamed “Disney!” and I got my pic taken with one of the Producers. Whether it was real, or a set up, as I did NOT sign anything, it was still fun!

Left Studios at 1:00 p.m, got on the bus at 1:04- SCORE the bus was waiting for me!  Now, THIS bus ride was AWESOME! The driver had a personality, it was practically empty, and the Disney music was playing Epcot sounds and songs all the way there. THAT is what gets guests in the mood, not a junky bus playing Lady Gaga. (I don’t let my youngest listen to her at home, why would it be ok with Disney exposing her to it- also along the same lines- don’t like Gaga being played in Tomorrowland Dance Party either!)

Once you are close to the Disney Park on these busses, the music changes to a louder version and a happy arrival tune to welcome you to the Park you are getting close to. It was fun to hear, as I had never heard it before, and it really did get me in the mood and excited for a Park I have been to a hundred times before. I arrived at Epcot at 1:16 p.m.

After some blog business and a ride on Nemo, which by the way- there is NO cell service in the Nemo line, I was tired and headed out to find the Animal Kingdom Lodge bus. I left the park at 3:10 p.m, bus came at 3:25, and I got to AKL at 3:45 p.m.  The busses go to Kidani Village first, then Jambo House, so keep that in mind when depending on getting there for a specific time. My bus was empty.

I enjoyed the journey because I didn’t have to drive. It was nice to save the gas and people watch all at the same time. I was in no hurry, so it never mattered to me when the busses were going to show up. That said, being on vacation, especially a Disney vacation, you always have somewhere to get to, and not a whole lot of time to spare. If you plan on using the Disney Bus System, here are my tips:

  1. Allow for at least 45 minutes- to an hour, if not more, to get from your Resort to your Park destination. It takes time to walk from your room, to the bus stop, then for the bus to get to your stop, then it may stop at other Resorts or stops in your Resort, and THEN to your destination. 
  2. If you have a Disney Dining Reservation, allow for even more time because once you get off the bus, you still need to get inside the Park and find your Restaurant. If you run into a parade or show, you could get stuck, held up, etc…  Give yourself enough time.
  3. Don’t cut in line- you will just upset others and it just isn’t ok or cool. Everyone most of the time, unless it’s Park closing, will get on the first bus that arrives.
  4. Be kind to the drivers- these Cast Members I am sure have heard it all- and they have heard it ALL. DAY. LONG.  So, be nice, ask questions kindly, and thank them whenever you can.
  5. If the bus is crowded, help one another. If you see a Mom struggling with a child in her arms who has to stand because there are no seats left- OFFER HER YOUR SEAT.  If anyone else falls in that category, do the same. I realize many can’t as we all have our own kids to watch and sit with, but if you are able, please be kind and do so.
  6. Be patient for those loading on an EVC or Wheelchair.  I have heard it all – “Why do they get to go on first?”  To those I say this – you are blessed with two good legs, you do not have to sit in that all day- you have NOTHING to complain about. If they get on first, then let’s be patient, because it is a SMALL thing to wait for and let them have this without an unkind word uttered.
  7. Be ready for the unexpected when taking any Disney Transportation- vehicles break down all the time, and no one is to be blamed.  If you don’t like having to wait on Disney’s time frame, then I highly encourage you to rent a car or bring your own.
  8. If you have time, take a Disney Bus to a destination that you have never been too. Check out a Resort or the Campground, and enjoy that Disney is spending the gas so you don’t have to. Take it as a challenge and an adventure and the busses could be your best friend.

Again, you may have all had different experiences, these are my own. If you don’t like to drive on vacation and you have time, the busses will be fine.  If you have everything planned to the mili-second, I would suggest figuring out other transportation.

It’s Never Too Late to Animate

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Animation offers a medium of story telling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world. ~

~Walt Disney

 

There is a place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you can bring your favorite Characters to life with one stroke of a pencil.  Even better, you don’t have to get to rope drop to take advantage of this special entertainment.  Known as the Animation Academy, you can find this special place located inside the The Magic of Disney Animation building next to the Little Mermaid Show and Playhouse Disney. You can get to the class after the Animation tour, or go through the Gallery next to it through the back entrance.

My family and I are simply in love with this class, taking it several times a vacation.  We learned that you don’t have to be perfect to be an Artist.   First off, drawing with a eraserless pencil is almost freeing of all judgment. You can’t erase anything, so what you draw will be in its rawest of forms- and THAT is what makes it beautiful.  Your effort on paper is what makes it such a fun and crazy class.  Whether you have been fighting the heat all day in the Park, or just got in, sitting in the air-conditioned room is a welcome sight. 

The classes run about every 30 minutes, and they start usually around 10 a.m.  Seating is available in the waiting area where you can also guess which characters are being drawn on screens above you. There is usually a Cast Member standing in this area as well to answer any questions you may have, keeping the time, and making sure there is enough room for everyone getting in line.

Once the lights flash outside the doors, you may enter and take a seat.  Help everyone out and slide all the way down your row, these classes tend to fill up, so leaving a seat open is just an annoyance and leads to everyone having to move over anyways.  If you enter the room and there are no stools available, they will show you to the front row where they will provide you a lap desk to draw on instead.   If your children are to small to draw, or you have a person in your party not interested, make sure they sit behind you then, and not at a light desk spot.

Choice of the character is usually up to the Cast Member teaching the class, but I have been in most classes where they have taken a vote between 2 different characters.  If you are repeating a character you have already done, I highly encourage you to go ahead and draw anyways- it never hurts to keep practicing.  Listen closely to the teacher, and if you have little children with you, make sure to keep them under control so the Cast Member can teach everyone else.  The class moves along quickly, and is timed.  He/she won’t be able to stop and start like a normal class, they show you each circle and line to make, and you just have to, as Crush would say,  “Go with the Flow.”  Remember, it won’t be perfect, so have fun with it. Besides, look at is as a free souvenier, or one that cost you the park admission, whatever makes you feel better.

Once the class is done, there is usually time to show off your masterpiece to your neighbors and the teacher.  If you get lucky, the teacher may even sign his over to you. It never hurts to ask, as I did in 2007.  The guy was great and I love to look at his drawing. 

On one particular trip, we were fortunate enough to meet Timmy Britt, a great Cast Member who had taught one of our classes. He was friendly, smart, and just a nice guy. After one of our classes, we saw him after and stuck up a conversation.  He loved the girls drawings and encouraged both of them to pursue Art School in some fashion.  His advice and enthusiasm towards Kyra especially, would lead her to take up classes in the art field at a Charter School here in town.  So as you can see, the Animation class holds a special place in our hearts.

We framed our favorites in the living room. I hope you can check out the class yourself and enjoy it on your next vacation. If you have taken it already, we would love to see your drawings!! Post them on our “The Relocated Tourist” Facebook fan page.  We hope you enjoy checking out our art work from over the years- we have loved every single one of them.

Hooray For Hollywood

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On this night of glamour, movie stars, and shiny guys named “Oscar”, let’s talk about one of my favorite rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…”The Great Movie Ride.”

Located at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, take a left or right around the large blue hat, there stands the replicated iconic Grauman Chinese Theater.  Before entering, take the time to check out all of the hand and foot prints outside. True fact, those are the real deal. The first one honored to place her signature here first, was our favorite Mouseketeer,  Annette Funicello.   These wonderful signatures are similar to those found in the real Hollywood, CA.

Upon entering this majestic theater, greeters say hello in their burgundy outfits with matching hats- the feel of movies is in the air.  Waiting in line you will see memorabilia from movies such as “Mary Poppins” and “The Wizard of Oz” and then enter a larger room with a giant movie screen.  I have always loved this room- I like the air conditioning. I like after a long day, leaning on the railings in the cold atmosphere while watching classic movie clips is pretty darn cool.  A word to all of those newbies to this attraction, once you are in this room, it goes very quickly.

The doors open up to the right, and you head into the world of make believe.  The vehicles fit several people, and are complete with an actual live Tour Guide!  I give all the credit to those Cast Members who are Tour Guides on the GMR- it not only takes great memorization, but the tolerance to the amount of cheese they have to deal with it on it. It isn’t Jungle Cruise cheese, but it’s close.

The ride starts, we are on set, and we are embarking on a journey that will take us to meet Gene Kelly singing in the rain and Mary Poppins singing her infamous “Chiminy Chim Chim Chiree.”   Now for those of you who didn’t know, this ride contains two scenarios to it. GASP you say? It’s true! You will either experience the Old West for a shoot out, or you will go through the mob scene and for a shoot out. Either way, your Tour Guide will go to help, be kidnapped, and be replaced by either a gunslinger or a mobster.  If you want to have some fun, like we do, mess with the Gunslinger/Mobster- they usually have a great time interacting with the patrons.

As you enjoy other movie scenes, you come upon the Indiana Jones set.  I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I have to say this part always makes me giggle. Why? Well, God bless the Cast Members, they try, but it’s pretty funny when one of them just aren’t in the mood to play make believe.  In fact, it’s almost more entertaining when they don’t seem in the mood.  We all have those days.

The very best scene of the ride is entering Munchkinland from the “Wizard of Oz.” This scene is like being in the real movie…I can never get enough of it. I heard recently they had a dessert party in this room for an event-THAT is why I want to live in FL. To be able to go to things like that!  I love the Wicked Witch, I love the Munchkins singing, and I love that when you leave you see Dorothy and friends on the yellow brick road.  

Last but not least, we are treated to a montage of movie clips before leaving the land of glitz to head back into the world of imagination. I mean, come on, we are still in WDW, there is no heading back into reality until we leave the WDW property.

Since we were working on this blog while watching the Academy Awards this evening, we would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to Pete Doctor and his Pixar Team for winning the Best Animated Film and Best Score Oscars for one of THE best movies of the year “UP.”  Not only do we love WDW, but we are also huge fans of the Disney and Pixar movies-they are what keep us young.

Keeping the magic alive,

Carl and Ellie Peters