Saturday, May 30, 2009

Disney Journal for 5/29/09

Disney Journal

8:53 AM - mypalal: @disneyd23 Thanks for a fantastic event. - (Twitter)

Friday, May 29, 2009

D23 Screening Event: Disney Pixar Up

How I Got My Tickets

I signed up for my D23 membership about a month ago. The $75 price tag was a little high, but now I’m starting to enjoy my membership. I feel bad for members who do not live in Southern California, Orlando or New York, because these events are off-the-hook.

About 3 weeks ago I got my e-mail regarding the D23 member-exclusive event for a screening of Disney/Pixar Up. The e-mail came on a Thursday and I didn’t have my D23 membership card; I didn’t think my wife would want to see this movie; and I didn’t think I could find a baby-sitter for the night. So I said to myself, forget it. Not worth the hassle.

That night, my wife and I went to see Star Trek’s midnight showing. They showed the trailer to up and my wife said that she really wanted to see this movie. This caught me by surprise because she had zero interest in Ratatouille and Wall-E. I told her about the D23 event and got the go ahead to pursue.

On Monday, I called the hotline thinking that I ran out of chances but they had plenty of seats and I got my reservation. I was promised free admission, free popcorn and a free drink. This was going to be a great night.

The Theater

Zoom to last night. I have my tickets in tow and I’m heading to Hollywood and Highland to park. With validation, I paid $2 for parking. Awesome.

We show up at the El Capitan, wander through the soda shop and see a lot of Disney Theme Park products being sold. We were immediately drawn to the Dug plush and I believe we’ll be purchasing it the next time we’re at Disneyland.

So we were told the festivities start at 11:00 pm. Doors open at 10:00 pm and we should arrive a little early. I love the El Capitan. There’s a lot of nostalgia here. This is not a multi-plex. You can show only one movie here. This is a restored movie theater from the past and all of the ornate detail was restored and maintained. Disney has been using this theater for almost 2 decades, and they are keeping it clean.

Everything went off as scheduled. We arrive about 9:30 and we are given our 3-D glasses. These are really nice because they feel like sun glasses and are really well built. They let us in and we sit in the one of the box seats. This is nice because there’s no one in front of us, but the leg room is a little sparse.

We get our seats and now I’m off to snack. We had vouchers on our tickets and I got my popcorn in the commemorative Up popcorn bucket. This bucket became useful that night (I can not elaborate any more than this).

The Pre-Show

Everyone pretty much showed up at 10:00 pm. Everyone was seated by 10:15. Fortunately we had the El Capitan house organist playing for the full hour. He gave us a nice Disney music retrospective from Snow White to Lion King. At times, it dragged, but he was incredibly entertaining. I admired his endurance. He had a lot going on unfortunately he only had two hands and two feet. Imagine what he could have done with an extra arm?

At 11:00, our organist received roaring applause and then the Director of D23 came to address us. He welcomed up to the very first D23 member event. He talked a little bit about the film and told us that we would receive a special gift at the end of the night. He then introduced John Ratzenburger.

John came up and talked about how lucky he’s been that Pixar continues to want to use him in their movies. He was very appreciative of us fans. He then asked if he should introduce the pre-show and he did. He mentioned that there would be dancing and that he was on Dancing With The Stars. He would do the samba but he forgot his shoes. Then the show begins.

The El Capitan has a brief pre-show with the curtains and lights. Nice, you don’t see this at any other theater. The sign comes up telling us to put on our 3-D glasses and we get trailers for Toy Story 3 (funny, even though it was a teaser with no actual scenes) coming out in June of 2010, G-Force (this movie will really exploit 3-D technology. Then a sign comes up telling us to remove our 3-D glasses and we are treated to the trailer for the Princess and the Frog. This was deliberate to highlight the fact that Disney is moving back to 2-D animation. I was a little underwhelmed by the trailer. So far, I’m just not impressed with the voice actor of both leads. I really hope this is a good movie. Disney has not done a princess movie in a long time.

Now the stage show. It was basically Mickey and the gang performing Caribbean music. There are two lead singers, dancers and Mickey and Gang. It was fun, but I thought the performances were lacking in energy and I had a problem with the costumed characters. I felt like I was watching dancers with costumes on. I never felt like I was watching Mickey Mouse, the character, dancing or Goofy, the character, dancing. Fun but not worth the extra money to see it.

Now another invitation to put on our 3-D glasses and Up begins.

The Review

I’m gong to start with the negatives. Do not spend extra money to see this in 3-D. There are no 3-D effects at all in the movie. Just because you can show it in 3-D, this does not mean you have to see it in 3-D. You’ll find the same thing as true when Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are released in 3-D. There no value added and you forget that you’re watching a 3-D movie except when the glasses feel heavy on your face. Also, you lose clarity with 3-D. The screen in bright but when the glasses you are essentially looking through sun glasses so the brightness of the movie is diminished.

That’s the only real negative, because Up is an awesome movie. It’s not my favorite of the Pixar films. Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo are on top, but this is an amazing movie.

I’m not going to get into plot details because you can read this in any review. I just want to tell you how I felt. Cartoons are often adventure films. While that’s true with Up, the movie is more about emotions. After the first 10 minutes I’m fighting tears (a battle that my wife lost many times), then there’s two or three other occasions where I’m doing the same thing.

Also, who would have thought that an old man, boy scout and a floating house would be such a good movie? I give credit to the writers because this is one of the most original stories I’ve ever seen. Throughout most of the movie, I had no idea where the movie was headed next. It moves forward with originality and wraps up perfectly. Kudos to the writers.

In improv comedy, I always tell people to stay away from wacky situations (like a house floating in the air by balloons and talking dogs), because you can only take the premise so far. This movie is about wacky situations, but what makes it work is that the characters and interactions with the characters are real, even though they are in a floating house. This movie is really about connections, especially the way it connects with us the audience on an emotional level. That’s good story telling.

Go see UP!!!

Leaving the Show

Oh yeah, my gift. On the way out of the theater, the lobby in filled with balloons. Each one of us is given a helium-filled balloon to take home with a commemorative D23 Up Pin.

It’s 2:00 a.m. and I’m finally home.

What a wonderful night. I love the perks of being D23.

Disney Journal for 5/28/09

Disney Journal

1:39 PM - mypalal: Did I mention that I'm going to see the Disney/Pixar movie Up tonight. Did mention I'm seeing it for free with free popcorn and free drink? - (Twitter)

4:15 PM - mypalal: Can't forget my D23 card or my movie tickets. I know I will forget one of the two. disney - (Twitter)

6:08 PM - mypalal: Sitting around waiting for 8:30 to roll around so I can leave. disney - (Twitter)

8:30 PM - mypalal: Just arrived in Hollywood - (Twitter)

8:33 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Hollywood & Highland
MyPalAl checked in @ Hollywood & Highland - (Brightkite)

8:37 PM - mypalal: At the Chinese Theater - (Twitter)

8:42 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre
MyPalAl checked in @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre - (Brightkite)

8:51 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre

El Capitan Box Office. disney - (Brightkite)

8:52 PM - mypalal: is at the El Capitan to see the midnight showing of Up. disney - (Twitter)

8:54 PM - mypalal: We have our 3-d glasses. - (Twitter)

8:59 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre

We are in. - (Brightkite)

9:00 PM - mypalal: We have some nice box seats. - (Twitter)

9:00 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre

El Capitan Organist - (Brightkite)

9:11 PM - mypalal: Tonight I'm happy to be #D23. - (Twitter)

9:15 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre

My free stuff - (Brightkite)

9:18 PM - mypalal: The El Capitan is a beautiful theater. - (Twitter)

9:20 PM - mypalal: The organist has been playing since the top of the hour. Will he run out of Disney tunes? - (Twitter)

9:20 PM - mypalal: He's been playing classic Disney tunes only. - (Twitter)

9:26 PM - mypalal: is listening the the El Capitan House Organ play Classic Disney Tunes. Perks of being D23. - (Twitter)

9:48 PM - mypalal: Done with popcorn. Almost done with drink. - (Twitter)

9:59 PM - mypalal: They are welcoming D23 members. this is the first D23 events. - (Twitter)

10:00 PM - mypalal: We're gonna get a special gift afterwards. disney - (Twitter)

10:00 PM - mypalal: Hey, John Ratzenberger is here. - (Twitter)

10:05 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre

John Ratzenberger. disney - (Brightkite)

10:25 PM - mypalal: Stage Show Pretty Lame. disney - (Twitter)

10:25 PM - mypalal: Saw Toy Story 3 trailer. disney - (Twitter)

12:29 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Pacific El Capitan Theatre

Awesome Movie - (Brightkite)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Disney Journal for 5/26/09

Disney Journal

8:57 AM - mypalal: I'm very excited to see Up on Thursday. I'm more excited that I'm going to see it for free! disney - (Twitter)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Disney Journal for 5/25/09

Disney Journal

7:03 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Disneyland
MyPalAl checked in @ Disneyland - (Brightkite)

7:04 AM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Disneyland
It's early and I'm on a shopping trip only - (Brightkite)

7:05 AM - mypalal: Parking Plaza is practically empty. disneyland - (Twitter)

7:11 AM - mypalal: on Main Street now.. disney - (Twitter)

7:14 AM - mypalal: gonna give Space Mountain a try. - (Twitter)

7:15 AM - mypalal: 20 minute wait - (Twitter)

7:19 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

In line for Space Mountain - (Brightkite)

7:42 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Space mountain - (Brightkite)

7:42 AM - mypalal: just cuzz I'm bored Space Mountain. 10 cars 4 minutes long - (Twitter)

8:02 AM - mypalal: Quote of the day Indiana Jones is not Indian okay, Disney. http://tinyurl.com/o2mk9n - (Twitter)

8:22 AM - mypalal: I'm at Toontown. Taking the train to Main Street. disney - (Twitter)

8:23 AM - mypalal: iit's coming. only 10 at train station - (Twitter)

8:26 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

I own the front car. - (Brightkite)

8:28 AM - mypalal: Just saw Monorail Blue load on to track. Awesome. - (Twitter)

8:32 AM - mypalal: The grand canyon is so beautiful . - (Twitter)

8:33 AM - mypalal: Ho did I get sent back in time on the train. disney - (Twitter)

8:35 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Dinosaur Fight - (Brightkite)

8:39 AM - mypalal: Very light in the park today. You should come now. - (Twitter)

8:50 AM - mypalal: Finished trip 1 to car. Ready for final shop. - (Twitter)

8:51 AM - mypalal: Parking Plaza is short. Walk directly on to tram. - (Twitter)

9:05 AM - mypalal: Love the Grand Californian bathroom. very private. disney - (Twitter)

9:07 AM - mypalal: Overheard kid ask elderly gentleman if he's here to have fun at Disneyland - (Twitter)

9:08 AM - mypalal: fun haning out in a bathroom stall. - (Twitter)

9:11 AM - mypalal: is hanging out in the Grand Californian bathroom stall. - (Twitter)

9:27 AM - mypalal: On my final shopping trip. disney - (Twitter)

9:39 AM - mypalal: so ready to go home - (Twitter)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Disney Journal for 5/24/09

Disney Journal

8:07 AM - mypalal: @MPMark Have a great time, Mark. I wish I was there. disney - (Twitter)

9:18 AM - mypalal: We're getting ready for today's Sunday-Holiday Weekend Outing. Can anyone guess where we're going? - (Twitter)

9:39 AM - mypalal: just about out the door. - (Twitter)

11:08 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Disney's California Adventure Park
MyPalAl checked in @ Disney's California Adventure Park - (Brightkite)

11:12 AM - mypalal: Just made first drop off at the car here at Disney. http://tinyurl.com/onmt8q - (Twitter)

11:20 AM - mypalal: Waiting for Laurie to get a temporary pass at Disneyland - (Twitter)

11:43 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disney's California Adventure Park

Making Cajun Doughnuts - (Brightkite)

11:47 AM - mypalal: At the Jazz Kitchen Lecture. - (Twitter)

11:54 AM - mypalal: rbjazzkitchen.com - (Twitter)

12:15 PM - mypalal: getting a cheeseburger at Great White Snacks. disney - (Twitter)

12:38 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disney's California Adventure Park

Me and the Grand Californian - (Brightkite)

12:39 PM - mypalal: Heading back to Disney's California Adventure - (Twitter)

12:54 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disney's California Adventure Park

Hard to believe this will be filled with water. - (Brightkite)

1:07 PM - mypalal: Almost got on the Golden Zephyr before it closed to technical difficulties. - (Twitter)

1:14 PM - mypalal: On the new Sun Wheel. - (Twitter)

1:27 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disney's California Adventure Park

View from the - (Brightkite)

1:30 PM - mypalal: only a 40 minute wait on Mania. - (Twitter)

1:31 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disney's California Adventure Park

Guess what's next - (Brightkite)

1:42 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disney's California Adventure Park

New non-cheating high score - (Brightkite)

1:48 PM - mypalal: unlock another Easter Egg on Midway Mania. ask me how. - (Twitter)

2:38 PM - mypalal: Heading home after a great day at Disney. - (Twitter)

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Disney Journal for 5/22/09

Disney Journal

5:35 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Disneyland
MyPalAl checked in @ Disneyland - (Brightkite)

6:10 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Goofy's Kitchen
in Line to Check-in. - (Brightkite)

6:12 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Goofy's Kitchen Check-In - (Brightkite)

6:15 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Goofy's Kitchen
MyPalAl checked in @ Goofy's Kitchen - (Brightkite)

6:17 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Goofy's Kitchen
There is a long line just to check into this place. You definitely need to show up early. - (Brightkite)

6:20 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Goofy's Kitchen

The sign says it all - (Brightkite)