#maestroinwdw. - The Good, The Great and the What the HECK Was That??

Today was an EPCOT day, and you can guess that I was up and out of bed on time and out the door on time to get to EPCOT because I really wanted an iced coffee.  Well, the bus was fine, but the security line and the line to get in the park was not.  I'm not complaining because that's not what I'm doing this week, but it was a set back.  However, the line for Starbucks was the quickest line of the morning. When I walked in, I expected it to take forever, but they have the system down.  I met Amy and we high tailed it over to the Imagination pavilion and went on the attraction.  It's still a cute attraction featuring "Figment" a classic EPCOT character.  After, we went into the Magic Eye theatre and saw a few 3-D shorts.  That was a lot of fun as well.  There's a cute one called "Feast" and it's about a dog.  It was really good.

We all went on Test Track, the car that Sena and I designed did ok, considering neither of us knew what wUIKeyInputDownArrowe were doing when we were designing the thing.  We then started a slow work around WOrld Showcase to get to Germany where we had a lunch reservation.  We stopped in Mexico and wandered around and went on the ride again.  We finally made it to Germany and had a delicious buffet lunch, heard a terrific band, and sent texts to the wrong people.  Man, I look good in red.  There are pictures on the Facebook and the Insta of this great experience.

After lunch, our group got a little smaller and some of us went on Mission Space - the GREEN side.  I normally do the ORANGE more instense side, but I'm here to go with the flow this week, so I went on the GREEN side, and it really was fun!  I didn't miss the intensity of the ORANGE side at all.  We then hit up the movie in Canada, which is one my favorites, and moms as well.  I think that was out of order, but whatever.

It was then time for "Frozen Ever After".  Basically, before this attraction, there was a ride in place that took you through the fables of Norway, and then you sat through a movie at the end, etc etc.  So, when Frozen became a big hit, they decided to take the ride and make it over into "Frozen Ever After". The track layout is the same as well as the boat vehicles, but everything else is different.   It's really great.  Disney did a great job here.  They created a story - basically you're going to the first ball that will be held in Elsa's ice castle.  Olaf is the storyteller, and that, of course was my favorite part.  I was even wearing my Olaf sleeveless shirt that my pal Matthew painted for me.  It was a great experience.  Except the part where I left my hat on the attraction - but I went back an hour later and they had it!!   Disney magic again!

I wandered around World Showcase solo for a while, but it was hot, and I didn't have a hat (yet) etc etc so I retrieved my hat and grabbed a margarita in Mexico to celebrate the finding of said hat and headed out back to my resort.  On the way back, I made a decision to head to Animal Kingdom this evening for a quick bite to eat and a viewing of their new show on the river "Rivers of Light" or something like that, and i reserved a fast pass for the 9:35 seating.  So, I got back to my resort, uploaded all my pics and changed my clothes and out the door I went.

When I got to Animal Kingdom, I located the fast pass line and then went off to get some dinner.  Typical Disney dinner, burger, etc.   I then got in line for the show.  We were seated, and it started to rain, but that wasn't stopping the prep for this show, it kept going.  Unlike the rain, which of course eventually stopped, like it does here in Florida.  The wind picks up, it rains a little, the wind goes away as does the rain.

This show "Rivers of Light" - or something like that, and I can't remember the title because the show was very forgettable.  With the technology of World of Color, you'd think they could come up with something a little more exciting?  There were fountains, boats, projections, water screens for the projections, etc... all a hot mess.  No real organization at all.  I'm pretty sure there wasn't a story.  Just how land and see and fire can all meet and live happily ever after.

Was is worth the wait?  Sure - once.  Was the amphitheater full?  More for the the early show and more than half empty for the later show which I attended. I wonder if this well go the way of "Light Magic" - even after Disney built a beautiful amphitheater for this show.

The bus ride home was quick, the driver knew where the gas pedal was and used it!

Congratulations to "The Band's Visit" for practically sweeping the new musical category at the TOny Awards!  Well deserved - fantastic show

Tomorrow, Blizard Beach!

#maestroinwdw - Bus, Banshees, and a Dynamic Uber Driver

Ok, I think I figured out how to get to the closest bus stop to my resort room.  However, I think the closest may be off the lobby which is not that far a walk from my room.  It looks like I'm between 2 of the stops at the back of the resort.  Both are a walk, which I don't really care about, and I don't know why I'm insisting on using the stop at the back of the resort, when the front is the SAME bus that picks up the back first.  However, I'd probably be guaranteed a seat if I used the second stop at the back of the resort.  I'm sure all of this is moot when I tell you that I have my own personal avatar and banshee ready to take me wherever I need to go.

Well... not really... let me explain.

Today began at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  I do love the Animal Kingdom, expect  by 1:00pm, it did feel like we were on the African Savannah.  It was a very warm day today - no rain.   We began with a walk though the Gorilla area where where more than gorillas, there were birds and fish as well.  It was a nice walk.  Check the Facebook or the Insta(gram) in for pics forthcoming.  After that was the Safari trip.  There were a lot of animals out this morning, which made the trip exciting, as well as our driver, who was quite candid and very thorough.  Then it was a trip down Kali River Rapids, where the adults decided to wear a poncho, and the men decided to rough it.  A poncho?  Really?  It's Florida, you'll dry in minutes, which we did.  Lunch at the Yak and Yetti counter service where food was consumed and sparkling conversation took place.

Then it  was off to "Flights Of Passage" in the new land modeled after the movie "Avatar". Remember that?  It's suppose to have had a few sequels by now.  <cue crickets>. Anyhow, they'll some pics from the area posted in the usual places, but the ride... OMG the ride.... It was like "Soarin" but you're on a bike, which is basically your banshee, this is after of course, you've been "scanned" and assigned an "Avatar".  The ride itself is a technological feat in itself.  It's really amazing.  Hopefully, we'lol get back before the end of our stay.

After that was "Expedition Everest" which is probably the best roller coaster ever.  Today did not dissapoint.

I headed back to the room for some quiet time and a short snooze, and set off to meet everyone else at the Boardwalk for dinner.  I took the bus to EPCOT, walked through Future World and part of World Showcase and exited the park near France and took the path to the Boardwalk resort and met everyone for dinner.  After a great meatball sub and a cucumber salad, we walked along the Boardwalk and around to the Yacht Club resort and dropped off Mason and Joe, and the rest of us headed back to EPCOT for a ride on "Test Track" and "The Grand Fiesta Tour - Featuring the 3 Cabilleros" and walked around back to France and walked back to the Yacht Club, stopped for a drink and some more sparkling conversation and I said my goodbyes, got a time to meet up tomorrow and called for an Uber to get back to my resort.

Uber really was the best wat to get back to my resort.  Otherwise, I'd have to walk through EPCOT again to get the bus, or take a bus from the Yacht Club to a theme park and then a bus back to my resort.  Well, it was kinda fate that I took an Uber back, because that was the best Uber ride I've ever taken.  My driver proceeded to test my knowledge of Disney by playing clips of theme park music and I had to guess what attractions they were from.  Needless to say, I did great, 10/10 - a Disney fanatic as he put it.  You can check out this dude at his Facebook page "The Dynamic Disney Fan" HERE.

What a way to end the day!

Tomorrow, EPCOT!!   I know, I know, I've been there twice already!!!UIKeyInputUpArrow

#maestroinwdw - Getting to Know You

Just when you think you know something, time comes along and changes things.  I was here for 2/12 days in January 2016, but before that was June 2013 - about the same time as now.  Man, things have changed.  More about that later.

First off - this resort is a maze.   Something like THIS

I can't seem to find my room at times, or the bus stop.  I know it's only day 1, but I feel like it should be easier!

What isn't easy is getting up at 7:30am on the first day of vacation with a 3 hour time difference.  When Amy said 8:00 - she meant 8:00.  I missed "It's a Small World"!!  I'll be making that up soon.  The day was fantastic.  We started with Splash Moutain, which is my FAVORITE attraction ever, so it was a great way to start.  We went on the Tomorrowland Speedway - new to me!  Carousel of Progress - always a classic and hasn't changed a bit - Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters are a dud here at WDW, totally improved for Disneyland!  Speaking of improvement - I guess there was a major refurb  on Space Mountain here at WDW, and it was fantastic!   They really cleaned it up, etc.  I'd go again given the chance!

Went back to the room (which I never do - another first!) and watched some tv while dozing on and off.  Then decided to get ahead of the game and get to EPCOT before I get the text from Amy saying they were there.  Incidentally, their resort is in walking distance to EPCOT, it's a great walk as well!  So, I walked out the door, and saw that it was indeed raining.  I didn't have a jacket, I do have a poncho, and I do have an umbrella.  I decided to try and find a windbreaker or something at the gift shop - which of course was a dead end.  So, off I went to EPCOT with my umbrella, hoping that later I'd find a windbreaker.  Took me FOREVER to find the bus stop and when I did, it wasn't the bus stop closest to my room.  I'm going to need to get on this tomorrow.  I can't spend my time trying to find the bus stop.

I ended up at EPCOT.

And all was well with the world.  Besides Venice or London, EPCOT is my favorite place on earth.

I met up with the group and we had dinner in China and went on a few rides - one being Living With the Land, one of my favorites.  We finished up with Spaceship Earth, and we walked back to the Yacht Club resort - said our goodbyes and made a time to meet at Disny's Animal Kingdom tomorrow morning.  

I caught a bus to Disney Springs to try and find that windbreaker,  Well, Disney Springs (formally Downtown Disney) is all re-done and quite overwhelming, especially in the dark.  So many new things, new stores, a new bus stop, etc.  I didn't find what I needed, so I hopped the boat and headed back to my resort, and here I am.

Tomorrow, Animal Kingdom and whatever else comes my way.

#maestroinwdw - Getting Here!

Thursday, June 7, 2018 1:05pm

I'm starting today's blog on the plane.  Mostly because I'm distracting by the constant popping on my ears.  Luckily, there is no pain.  They say you shouldn't fly with a congested head, and they are right.  Sometimes, you just have to.   My head has been congested for a week now.  Probably a combination of allergies and a cold.  I've gone through several different methods of treatment from Advil Cold and Sinus, Allegra-D, Zycam Nasal Spray, Flonaise and today, Afrin.  I bagged Allegra-D and went back to Advil Cold and Sinus after a few days, nothing was happening and I was missing the little "jolt" I would get from Advil Cold and Sinus.   I think the Zycam was working but my Dr. Recommended floniase so I switched to that.  I guess that's been working ok.  Haven't had a runny nose in a while, all the blockage seems to be in my head.  So, when I talk, it sounds like I'm in a tunnel, and I can't hear anyone most of the time.  I'm hoping the change in weather in Orlando will help my sinuses.  My ears are still popping like popcorn, and so far there has been no pain, just annoyance.  I can handle annoyance.

The day started out with Kindergarten graduation at 9:00am, and then the UBER pick up at 10:20 - yes it all happened as planned.  Not my plan, but I trusted Amy, who planned the pick up and the flight that everything would go as planned.  And, as usual, it did.   

Friday- June 8 - 12:27am, EST

I'm safely esconsced at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort here at Walt Disney World waiting patiently for my bag to arrive from Disney's Magical Express.  (Cue the opening number from "The Bands Visit")

https://youtu.be/XgICDG1vOz0

Man, I hate Blogger on an iPad.  So many glitches.  There's gotta be a better way to do this.  If you can see how much it bounces when you are typing when you add a picture of link.  They stopped supporting the app, so you're stuck with the web version which has never worked well on the iPad to begin with.  

The flight was fine.  A little reading, some music, some cocktails and we were in Orlando.  

As I fight with Blogger, my luggage still hasn't arrived.  But I can't deal with this anymore tonight.  

Until tomororw!

#maestroinwdw - Ready....Set.... GO!

Tuesday, June 5

I'm sitting at my desk, probably should be cleaning up my desk, but instead, I'm writing this.

Yesterday was our first Spring Concert we've ever had at OLA.  Kind of a last minute decision, so I went with the best idea I could.. a Broadway revue.  It was a great success and a good time was had by all.  I liked the fact that everyone participated.  Unlike the talent show where only the talented (and not so talented) get to perform.  There are some plans for next year in the works.  We'll see how that goes.

Last night, I finally got to use my Kitchen Aide mixer that I got from my sister for Christmas. I made some chocolate chip cookies to bring to the faculty for their help with the Spring Concert.

Two more sleeps until I leave for Walt Disney World.  As predicted, this week is flying by.  I'm almost done catching up on ALL my laundry (It's been a busy winter/spring) and the suitcase is out and is slowly being filled.  I'll leave at 7:00am on Thursday morning, and not return until next Friday.  I'll miss the boys, but they will be in Aya's care.  Aya loves the boys and I love that she loves the boys as well.

Ben and Leo are quite a pair now.  Pretty soon, Leo will have been with us for 2 years.  Leo has such the adorable personality, he does realize that he is the "third"in command - Me being first, then Ben - and plays his part well.  I often think Ben rolls his eyes at Leo.  However, they do play sometimes rough, but its Ben who always dominates, even when Leo is the instigator.  They are good kids.

I'm excited about my upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.  I'm going with little to no expectations for the week.  I'm looking forward to some down time, some quiet time at the resort - Port Orleans Riverside is on a river, and is very peaceful - and some slow times enjoying the theme parks and water parks.  While I know it's going to be crazy busy, and I'll get tired of the busses after the first time I have to use them, but I'm going with the mantra so slow down and enjoy.

Wednesday - June 6 - 11:30pm

Well, the time has come. I'm all packed, electronics are charging, books have been selected for the plane ride, and I'm all checked into both the flight and my resort at Walt Disney World.  Evidently, with these new-fangled Magic Bands, which I have mine in my possession already - I can walk right to my room when I arrive at the resort.  I should get a text message with my room info on it.  It's quite amazing, so we'll see if it works.  The Magic Band has all my info I'll need for my stay at WDW and it acts as your room key, park ticket, and you can even charge to your room on it.  Personally, I avoid charging anything to my room anywhere I go.  It's all very exciting. 

There is two hours of school tomorrow morning.  9:00am is Kindergarten graduation and at 10:15am or so, the UBER will be arriving at Amy's to pick us up at the airport.  It's going to be a fast morning.  The plane leaves at 12:40pm and arrives in Orlando at 8:46pm or so.  It's a direct flight, and it's United. Hopefully we won't be delayed. If we arrive by 10:00pm, Disney's Magical Express will deliver your luggage to your room - a few hours later, but at least you don't have to worry about it.  If we get in after 10:00pm, we are on our own for our luggage.  I like the Disney's Magical Express service.  You don't have to worry about a thing.  Same thing with going home.  You check your baggage at your resort and you never see it again until your final destination. 

I should go to bed, but it's kinda like Christmas eve and it's very exciting.  As long as I get to school by 7:40am, I'm good for the day.  Hopefully I'll relax and maybe sleep on the flight.

I'll be blogging from Walt Disney World, either video or written. 

18 Years of 8th Grade Plays

Recently, a good bud of mine said it was healthy to blog.  I decided to take him up on that and try to blog more often. So, here you go.

It certainly has been a week.

Tonight is the opening and closing of "Willy Wonka Jr" at school.  My 18th 8th grade play I have musical directed.  Interesting fact, we did an adaptation of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" in 2008.  I didn't realize that until I sat down to write this blog. I could document the last 18 years of shows, but I won't. This years 8th grade play is one of the best.  This class has worked hard with their acting, music and choreo.  Hardly any complaints and the production team has had little to no issues with the production.  It's kinda been a breeze. Might as well enjoy it while we can as each year brings its own challenges and experiences.

Speaking of closing shows, we closed The Full Monty at the Hillbarn Theatre on Sunday.  Little did we know, that this closing would be one we would never forget.  One of our reed players didn't show up for the matinee, and was MIA all day - until we found out that on Saturday night on the way home from the show, Keith's car ended up in a pond in Castro Valley and was found late Sunday night and was pronounced dead at the scene on Monday morning.  It had been a very sad week for the Bay Area Theatre Pit Musician community.

Last night (Wednesday)  I saw the National Tour of The Color Purple.  I wrote about it on the Facebook to the fact that I didn't really like it - again - I saw a production at Hillbarn a few years ago that I didn't "get" either.  So we leave it at that.

In 13 days, I'm on my way to Walt Disney World with the Costa's.  I'm looking forward to hanging out at one of my favorite places on earth for 8 days or so.  Relaxing, not running from place to place, enjoying the humidity - LOL - and just chilling the best way possible. 

The boys are asleep, and I should be as well.  Today was a good day.  Tomorrow, the push begins to the last days of school.

MaestroM

Tony Award Nominations.....

I hate new "shortened" words.  I blame text messaging, which I am a fan of and totes use shortened words while texting.  However,  to see a shortened word outside of the realm of your small screen of a phone baffles me.  In reading recent posts about the Tony Award "noms" - it gets me a little irritated.  Or when you're referring to someone's credits and use the shortened word "cred".  Have rewritten the dictionary?  Actually, we have, it's called the Urban Dictionary now - and constantly, I'm referrting to it.  As well as any site that can decipher an acronym for me.  Shortening "President of the United States" into POTUS - I had to actually look that up.  When have we been reduced to shortened words and the over use of the acronym.

This morning were the 2017 Tony Award Nominations.  Having seen 2 of the musicals nominated for best new musical - Come from Away  and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 , I wish them the best of luck.  Since I haven't seen the other two - Dear Evan Hanson and Groundhog Day, I can't really weigh in on these.  However, I have listened to 3 tracks of the cast recording of Dear Evan Hanson, and I can tell you I was bored by the end of those 3 tracks.  I'm just tired of teen musicals.  Yes, it brings teens into the theatre, and yes it touches people and people are "moved" by it, blah blah blah,   I guess it's not a good musical unless you are emotionally moved by the content.  It's a wonder shows like My Fair Lady, or Oklahoma ever succeeded in their time.  Just entertain me with a good story, good music and good content and I'm happy.  Oh, and Hello, Dolly!, Falsetto's, and Miss Saigon were nominated for best Musical Revival.  Saigon wasn't fun for me, and I'm sorry to have missed Falsetto's (which was an important musical for me in 1993)  - but I'm sorry, Dolly will win, as will Bette for best featured actress in a musical.  It's definitely not a year for Lord Andrew, not even a mention for Sunset Boulevard or Cats - which was amazing.  Never expecting any production to outshine the original at the Winter Garden Theatre, this came close.  But it's Cats, and it's Andrew Lloyd Webber, so there you have it.

I recently saw The Bodyguard tour in San Jose.   Now, it wasn't a perfect musical, I didn't cry or become emotionally involved, but it was a good show with the great Whitney Houston songbook.  As far as a screen to stage adaptation goes, this was one of the better ones, considering it wasn't a bio-jukebox musical like Beautiful or Jersey Boys, but it was a long the same lines as Footloose menaing re-telling a story using a songbook of songs.   It was a hit in London, which is no surprise because the brits love a good show.  They love to be entertained, that's all - they don't need to feel the feels and connect emotionally, they just want a good show.   That's my theory as to why Sondheim shows don't always prosper well in London, too much thinking and too much going on.   I'm curious to know how Hamilton will do when it opens in London in October.  After all, it's definitely an American story.

In other news, Leo turned 1 yesterday.

He's cute, isn't he?   Well, what you don't know is that he peed on the bed in the morning yesterday.  I guess I can take responsibility for not taking him out right after he got his "Good morning Tunny Rub" and then last night, he ticked me off when we wasn't going to do anything but pull poor Ben around the complex.  Ben got so mad that he sat on the ground and refused to move.  Today started out much better.  Both dogs are off from camp today as the camp people are on vacation.  

And THAT, as they say, is all I have to say about THAT.