The Wacky Hijinks of the Crazy Lady Trio at Mousefest - THREAD 2 - COMPLETE!! - UPDATED 3/28 About This Page:

[PrincessSharon]

This is Thread 2. If you need to catch up, head to Thread 1. Now, on with the show...

Day Five – Sunday, December 9
The CLT Gets Lucky in Epcot

I was the first one awake again this morning, and I again went out onto the balcony until my pals got moving. Once we were all ready we caught the bus to Epcot.

As soon as we arrived, we saw that Spaceship Earth was open!



The line was much longer than I’d normally wait in (i.e. more than 15 people in it ), but we knew we needed to take this opportunity while we had the chance. I took a shot of the CLT to commemorate our sneak peek at SE.



And I have to say, for a self-portrait, it’s a pretty dang good photo! It wasn’t more than a 5 or so minute wait before Karen and I climbed into the front and Eileen took the back seat. I really loved the new fresh look of the AA’s, and I thought that was well done. I didn’t love the Judi Dench narration. I thought it was a little too high school teacher-ish. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I just thought it lacked the impact of the previous narrators. The ending with the computer was cute, but IMO, there needs to be more to the ending than the computer game.



I’ve heard that your own photo is normally put into the scene, but it must’ve not been working when we rode, so we got the generic characters. I think they got a pretty fair cartoon likeness of me, but they were way off with Karen! I mean even at a glance, you can tell Karen’s hair is curly!

After SE, Eileen wanted some coffee, so we found a cart near the Universe of Energy. Eileen was eavesdropping on the people behind us, and then did one of the things she does that I love so much. We tease her about it, but it really is one of my favorite things about her, and it always makes me smile when I think about it. I’m usually too busy in my own thoughts to notice or actually listening to the people I’m standing with, so I find it especially fascinating. Here’s exactly how the scene went:

Sharon: This is the best trip I’ve ever had. Getting to spend time with you and Karen is like a dream come true! If I die tomorrow, it will be knowing that my life’s wish has been fulfilled.
Eileen: Mmm-hmm *actually listening to conversation of Clueless Park Guests in line behind us*
Sharon: I mean it! I’m going to ask my parents to adopt you and Karen so we can be sisters!
Eileen (to Clueless Park Guests): I wasn’t listening to your conversation, but if you want to meet Snow White, you can find her in the Germany pavilion.
Clueless Park Guests: Thanks! That’s right next to the Snow White ride, right?

If Eileen contradicts this at all, it actually proves my point, because she wasn’t listening to me! OK, OK, I may have taken a little dramatic license, but that’s my prerogative as an author. And also, I probably was staring off into space and not actually talking at the moment, which is why I was so surprised when Eileen began speaking to them. I’d say I was a Clueless Park Guest myself, but I know where to find Snow White.

So Karen and Eileen got their caffeine fix, and we were ready to move on. We hit the single riders line at Test Track (Eileen I don’t think you did, but I’m not sure?). After that, we did the orange version of Mission Space. Is it just me or do you think they chose the wrong colors for the two versions? I totally think the intense version should’ve been green, while the less intense version should’ve been yellow. I kill myself!

We ran into Lynn (OffKilter Disneymom) and Maureen (statelady01) and had a bit of a chat with them before heading to World Showcase.

We went first to Mexico



and did the new Gran Fiesta Tour. Then we went over to Canada and were able to finally see the new O Canada movie, which I thought was a welcome change. I needed to do some shopping, and Karen wanted to see the parade in Animal Kingdom, so we split up.

I walked over to the International Gateway. A boat was waiting, so I took it over to the Boardwalk and got a bus to DTD from there. I headed first to World of Disney, figuring I’d fill in what I didn’t get there at other shops. I was able to find stuff for everyone I needed to get stuff for, but I didn’t see anything for myself that I wanted. I did get a pair of sunglasses, since the ones I’d brought with me had broken days ago. I spent enough that I could get the Mickey snowman throw, which I kept for myself.

I returned to the WL and spent some more time out on the balcony. I could see a seating area right outside the lobby and I entertained myself by watching the people who sat there. One family had two spirited boys, and the parents let them burn off their energy. I think that’s fine, but they were climbing on the railing, which I didn’t think was fine, and also climbing on the rocks, directly underneath the signs that clearly stated “Do Not Climb on Rocks!!!!! ”

The fact that they ignored the sign made it more hilarious to me when the older of the two boys fell into the creek. He wasn’t hurt at all, but his pants were totally soaked. I feel pretty mean about it, but I’m still laughing. Still. Laughing.

It was right then when Karen and Eileen returned, with Dawn and Tiff. I told them what had happened, but it was one of those “you had to be there” moments, because they all kinda looked at me like this: But you know, I get that look a lot, so we’re still friends.

Up Next: “No, No. You Have to Sit Here”

[mestitch]

I could see a seating area right outside the lobby and I entertained myself by watching the people who sat there. One family had two spirited boys, and the parents let them burn off their energy. I think that’s fine, but they were climbing on the railing, which I didn’t think was fine, and also climbing on the rocks, directly underneath the signs that clearly stated “Do Not Climb on Rocks!!!!! ”

The fact that they ignored the sign made it more hilarious to me when the older of the two boys fell into the creek. He wasn’t hurt at all, but his pants were totally soaked. I feel pretty mean about it, but I’m still laughing. Still. Laughing.

I COMPLETELY understand your feelings on this!!! I always sit there and just hope with all hope that something will happen like this when something inappropriate is going on Great update!

[angiek1024]

I guess that family will learn to take the signs seriously next time! Great update!

[Colexis Mom]

Fab update Sharon I too would have been laughing at the two boys What goes around, comes around More please

[Caldercup]

Love, LOVE, LOVE the self portrait in the line for Spaceship Earth!



Although, I do seem to be invading your personal space, Sharon, while Miss Karen was polite enough to stand back. Delicious, just stinkin' delicious! (Please send me a hi-res version, Sha. That pic must become my new desktop image, replacing the one of the curly-headed ninnymugginses enjoying Fantasmic!) JoanW should be so proud -- we're all wearing lipstick or gloss AND we're doing a fine job of chins and cheese. (And Karen's little coy smile just slays me!)

I think, however, that Sharon forgot to mention that -- upon first entering the park -- Karen basically screamed and started running the moment she realized the 'wall' to SE was open and they were letting people in. Had the two of us not been quick on our toes and high-tailed it after her, she would've left us in the dust, not even mentioning to the CMs that we were with her if they'd started closing the wall again.

Seriously, why are we friends with her again?

Harrumph!

Anyway, I also liked the new changes to SE -- the whole first half was just so beautiful and much, much more evocative and visually appealing. I love Dame Judi's voice so much that I don't think I actually listened to the words she spoke. I just sat in my little backseat (all by myself because, apparently, I smell or something) and looked around like a mindless ape, enthralled by Judi's voice. It wasn't until afterwards, when Karen was quoting pieces of the ride script that I realized just how dumbed-down it was. I bet the Jewish scholars are a little miffed that their incredible work at creating a valued and comprehensive library of important scrolls was nothing more than "the first back-up system" to the smoking ruins of the Library at Alexandria.

As for the second half of SE... well... I'm seriously hoping that they see the error of their ways and DO something with it. The cartoons are cute, but... stopping the progression of technology with the TWENTIETH Century feels like computera interuptus to me. However, I'll forgive them in the short-term because the cartoon gave me a big laugh once Sharon put her considerable skills towards mocking Karen.

I also cannot add to or deny the half-listened to conversation about how much Sharon adores me -- 'cause I was wholeheartedly listening in on the ridiculously uninformed convo of the dim-witted ladies behind me. Oy, were they clueless...? And completely confusing each other with bad information. That's sets me off -- really and truly makes it totally impossible to keep my big nose to myself. My mouth opens and shuts a few times and finally the phrase "I wasn't listening in on your conversation or anything, BUT..." pops out of my mouth. This is quickly followed by the sound of self-important laughter from Karen and a couple of eye-rolling smirks from Sharon to make the moment complete.

I can't help it. It bothers me at a cellular level when people haven't a clue about the parks.

And there's no medication for this affliction -- I know, 'cause my DH asked.

BUT... I found a funny Minnie image that I have to share...



Back to the story: No, I didn't go on Test Track. Let's just say I'm not a fan. (Mary Devall might -- MIGHT -- convince me I have to try it again, but we'll have to wait for June to see how that works out.) I actually sat on a bench and listened in on three conversations and enjoyed my latte.

I think also that I let you guys head over to Mexico (or was it Canada) while I spent time in MouseGears buying stuff for the DS for Christmas. That's where I ran into Maureen and Lynn who had come looking for me after having run into you ladies on your adventures elsewhere. (Plus, I have no recollection of seeing O Canada that day and it's not in my notes.)

Great, great update. It's so good to relive all this fun!
Eileen

[RobDVC]

Nice self-portrait of the CLT!
Yeah, I think they totally missed Karen's curly hair too!
I've got the same affliction as Eileen.... I'm a terrible eavesdropper... but I size up who I'm dropping eaves on before deciding whether to help them out.... (if they are coming across as a know-it-all, I'll just let them find out for themselves that they're wrong, if they're coming across as not-so-sure-of-themselves, I'll usually chime in)

The creek incident... Karma.

[goofysdtr]

Great update!

Hopefully Mr. Wetpants will think again next time! I doubt it, though.

[DawnDenise]

Fantastic update! I the self-portrait!! It's the whole karma thing with the boys climbing on the rocks.

[Disney_Scarlett]

Yay! Y'all got to ride Spaceship Earth. I agree about the computer animation, and I'm like Eileen - I was so entranced with Dame Dench's voice, I didn't pay much attention to what she was actually saying.

I would have totally laughed at the kid falling in the creek too. In fact, I just did.

Can't wait to for more!

[wayneava81]

I'm so glad you're updating more often! I love the antics of the CLT! So funny!

[Lemap760]

I totally laughed at the story of the kid falling in the water. Classic.

[DELG8TOR]

Fantastic Update Sharon!!!
Love the pic of the CLT.

Keep the updates coming.........

[BelmontBelle]

Great update! I got a good laugh about Eileen and her Disney advice, I don't do it a lot, but have also been know to "not be listening" to people around me then give them a word or two of advice. Also got a kick out of the boy falling in the creek

[jhoshowski]

Great update, Sharon! I probably would have howled with laughter when that kid fell in the creek. I have trouble keeping it in when something that good happens.

I have literally bitten my tongue to keep from informing the uninformed masses. . .in fact, I just had to do it at DS5's preschool a week or two ago. So don't feel bad, Eileen!

[JoanW]

JoanW should be so proud -- we're all wearing lipstick or gloss AND we're doing a fine job of chins and cheese. (And Karen's little coy smile just slays me!)

I was thinking that exact thought when I saw the photo. Very good job on the Perfect Photo Factors! I'm so proud of you all I could get a little verklempt. And more so cause I wasn't at Mousefest with you all.