Episode 55 - And We're Out Of Ideas

[John]

Show notes coming soon! Wanted to get it up and online quickly.



>>Listen, Download, Love, Suggest Topics.... Please...

[Quadstriker]

Bleh! Didn't have time to make theme music for TIOLI. Maybe for the next one.

That's right, I just made a comment about a podcast coming out too quickly.

The Twilight Zone

[Mommy2allgirls]

I wish I could say I would leave Holidays in the parks but we typically travel during Thanksgiving week or Christmas week because we don't like pulling our kids out of school because we live in a state that makes that hard. So now I say take it

[Quadstriker]

If Halloween is included in "The Holidays" it's a huge take it. Late October and early November are great! We timed a trip once to hit Not So Scary and Very Merry. Was a great way to "kick off" our Holiday season.

There's zero chance of us ever being able to travel during Thanksgiving or Christmas week, so those are a non-issue for us. I'd probably take that too just for the novelty, but as others said, wouldn't plan on being all gung-ho on the parks.


Would definitely go see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy live. Now that's a show.

[BrerGnat]

I've only listened to about half so far, but I will say:

Disney Infinity is AWESOME! Seriously. It's so fun. And, the sets are not nearly as expensive as you guys mentioned. Toys R Us had a great "buy one get one 50% off" on all things Infinity on the launch date and regular price for the individual figures is $12.99 or $34.99 for a 3 pack. Someone mentioned they are similar in size/style to Vinylmation and priced similarly as well, but they actually serve a purpose as well. To be honest, the figures are very nicely done. They can stand on their own as collectibles. I'm not going to lie, we spent some money, but we got a LOT of stuff. We even had a 20% coupon for the game itself, bringing it down to $50 (which included three figures). Hours of fun. Truly.

Also, we saw Planes on the Disney Dream. My little guy (7) LOVED it. He is now trying to "collect them all". So, yeah...it was a hit. Actually, my husband and I thought it was not bad at all. WORLDS better than Cars 2. Definitely a decent movie and it looked great visually.

Okay, off to finish listening.

[AgentC]

I've only listened to about half so far, but I will say:

Disney Infinity is AWESOME! Seriously. It's so fun. And, the sets are not nearly as expensive as you guys mentioned. Toys R Us had a great "buy one get one 50% off" on all things Infinity on the launch date and regular price for the individual figures is $12.99 or $34.99 for a 3 pack. Someone mentioned they are similar in size/style to Vinylmation and priced similarly as well, but they actually serve a purpose as well. To be honest, the figures are very nicely done. They can stand on their own as collectibles. I'm not going to lie, we spent some money, but we got a LOT of stuff. We even had a 20% coupon for the game itself, bringing it down to $50 (which included three figures). Hours of fun. Truly.

. . .
Okay, off to finish listening.

Nat, what platform are you playing Infinity on? My son is is crazy about Skylanders and can't wait for the new fall release but was lukewarm on Infinity so I haven't bought it yet. I've heard that the multi player doesn't work as well on the Wii as it does on other platforms.

[BrerGnat]

The Wii version is "watered down" from what I've heard. We got it for Xbox 360. The Wii U version is identical to the Xbox and PS3 versions. Don't buy it for Wii. Not the same game.

[dpamac]

Here's where I'm always lost in the Cars (and now Planes) world. Why does it exist? All of the characters are made for the use of people (cars, planes, forklifts, etc). The main character in Planes is a cropduster. So he's dusting crops for...who exactly? Machines populate the world, there's no evidence of humans except all the structures built for humans that are either sentient or used by the machines. If Skynet has become aware and the machines have taken over, what are the crops for? And what's he dusting for? Are the bugs machines too or are they actually organic? I don't understand the world.

And, yes, I want the worlds in which my cartoons exist to make sense. It all made sense in the other Pixar movies, where they looked beneath the surface of our world to reveal something we wouldn't normally see.

[BrerGnat]

Here's where I'm always lost in the Cars (and now Planes) world. Why does it exist? All of the characters are made for the use of people (cars, planes, forklifts, etc). The main character in Planes is a cropduster. So he's dusting crops for...who exactly? Machines populate the world, there's no evidence of humans except all the structures built for humans that are either sentient or used by the machines. If Skynet has become aware and the machines have taken over, what are the crops for? And what's he dusting for? Are the bugs machines too or are they actually organic? I don't understand the world.

And, yes, I want the worlds in which my cartoons exist to make sense. It all made sense in the other Pixar movies, where they looked beneath the surface of our world to reveal something we wouldn't normally see.

Uhhhh...my kid liked it. He thinks the cars/planes ARE "people." And he thinks they are cool.

You need a beer.

[Dulcee]

Here's where I'm always lost in the Cars (and now Planes) world. Why does it exist? All of the characters are made for the use of people (cars, planes, forklifts, etc). The main character in Planes is a cropduster. So he's dusting crops for...who exactly? Machines populate the world, there's no evidence of humans except all the structures built for humans that are either sentient or used by the machines. If Skynet has become aware and the machines have taken over, what are the crops for? And what's he dusting for? Are the bugs machines too or are they actually organic? I don't understand the world.

And, yes, I want the worlds in which my cartoons exist to make sense. It all made sense in the other Pixar movies, where they looked beneath the surface of our world to reveal something we wouldn't normally see.

Did you also wonder why Nemo had to go to school or how the Monsters invented the door to the human world? And maybe they all survive on corn based fuels now...

You would probably find the "pixar theory" intriguing, google it!

As far the question, we went a week before Christmas last year and loved it. There was something really phenomenal about getting away from the normal holiday chaos and being there. We'd totally do it again.

[dpamac]

Did you also wonder why Nemo had to go to school or how the Monsters invented the door to the human world? And maybe they all survive on corn based fuels now...

You would probably find the "pixar theory" intriguing, google it!

Don't need a beer. I just want narrative cohesion within a rational world.

I didn't have to wonder why in the other films because it all made sense within the context of the film. Nemo went to school for two reasons: 1. It's a pun on the idea of a school of fish. 2. The anthropomorphic world was establishing a story of a parent learning to let go of his son. Meanwhile all of that happened within a small corner of our world that we don't see. Just like the toys existed when we weren't looking and the monsters interacted with our world, using a natural fear as the construct. Pixar has always done a good job in lifting up a veil and showing you a secret world right under our nose. Cars doesn't match up to that.

I'm not asking for scientific realism. Otherwise after his wife died Marlin would have simply changed to a female clown fish.

I just don't feel like Cars/Planes has the natural feeling that the world makes sense. I'm not saying it makes the movies bad. I'm just saying it doesn't make sense. It doesn't have to make sense for people to enjoy it. I didn't even say I didn't like the movies. Just that the world didn't make sense to me.

[GMRO]

Ummm you guys struggled huh?

I made it thru the cast... ouch.

D23 stuff was ok. Neat to hear about the tear jerking points that Michael reviewed. I'm sure it was good in person. Meeting Joe R. musta been super kewl!

I don't really understand the new gaming system. Does anyone have a link that may explain it? We do have the Wii so maybe a waste of time since comments reflect it's not the same game as the higher end systems show/run.

Take it - for the holidays as long as it's not on the actual day of the holiday. That is unless you have a high tolerance of pain. Went for Christmas in 08' and we were there for 6 days leaving on 12/24. 12/23 and 12/22 it was at capacity at MK. GRID LOCK and not a stroller could move up mainstreet. Before that it was fine and we really enjoyed the parks and decorations and hot chocolate. The music at the resort was great too as we spent time at the pool. Almost didn't feel like Christmas but we still loved it.

And we do want to go back. BUT I'd not be there any closer to 12/25 than we were. It was really uncomfortable.

PS> Hope the icot gals are back for the next podcast!!! LOL

[JMTStone]

Agree: You need estrogen on the podcast to counter the testosterone.

I *loved* having Michael back and loved his update. I will be happy to stand next to you with a box of Kleenex next D23. But I'm sorry, I can't get you into the Charter Member club.

Take it or Leave it: LEAVE IT. I would go to every Halloween party I can but I would NEVER go during a big holiday week. I went Thanksgiving week once. I couldn't do it again. Too crowded. People can't see my "no touchie" sign. I take my kids out of school rather than do that again.

Now I'm worried about #runICOT week being so busy..

City of Angels was the movie with Meg Ryan you guys didn't like.

[PirateLover]

Ian, I think you mentioned something early on about wishing Virgin America flew out of Philly~They do. And they are awesome. We flew non-stop PHL to LAX last summer.

Take it or leave it- Take it for the holiday atmosphere, leave it for being in the parks ON the actual holiday.

As for running out of ideas, I know it's been mentioned before, but I think a good segment could be addressing hot topics on the boards. Pick a forum or two and pick a subject/question to respond to. Just a thought.

[wildernesslady]

Great job guys, but please bring back the ladies.

We take it for the most part. We will be there for Halloween this year. So excited. My very first trip was over Christmas and there was only a MK. I'll never forget watching the fireworks from the tomorrow land terrace on NYE. Lots of fun.

[BrerGnat]

Okay, done listening now.

I say "leave it", after having "taken it" several times.

We went to WDW in 2010 the week before Easter and it was seriously our best trip ever. Crowds were really, truly, not that bad. Weather was phenomenal. But, I won't press my luck again and now that week is always blacked out from most discounts and I will NEVER pay peak holiday rack rate. Ever.

We also did a December trip in 2011, leaving WDW on the 22nd. Honestly, I was severely underwhelmed by the Holiday decorations to the point that I don't ever need to do that again. We prefer DisneyLAND for their Holiday goings on. WDW pales in comparison.

And 4th of July? Well, I would LOVE to see those holiday 360 degree fireworks one day so I won't rule it out entirely, but I'm not dying to try that time period either.

[GMRO]

Okay, done listening now.

I say "leave it", after having "taken it" several times.

We also did a December trip in 2011, leaving WDW on the 22nd. Honestly, I was severely underwhelmed by the Holiday decorations to the point that I don't ever need to do that again.

Our trip in Dec08' - I think - was the last year for Epcot's Winter Light thingy they had up. Each night they did some big production with characters trying to make enough power to light up the display. And the trees were super in the parks as well. But again that was 08'. Have only heard complaints since then about the LED technology lights they use and how most are not working on some of the trees. Tell the truth the older lights we liked. And we didn't have issues with trees only partially illuminated, none were dark all were very nice. Least that was our experience.

Shame - it's a great place and you'd think they'd do more to keep the level of decorations UP!

[mickeyman42]

If travelling during the holiday season runs from say Sept through Dec/Jan, and not just the week that includes said "holiday" I say Take it! We have gone in Nov, and are going next week, and we love seeing the holiday decor around the park(s).
I would never want to go the week between Christmas and New Years (can't even imagine what those crowds look like) but I do love experiencing the holidays disney-style.

[mjm]

intercot insider #55

Gary - Cars
My kids didn't like it either, although my wife and I thought it was great. My feeling is just because it's Disney...Pixar...Disney...Pixar... doesn't mean you *have* to like it.

Gary - pieced together Walt voice for Mickey
I see where Gary's coming from. This could be the worst idea ever. I'll just take Michael's word for the short and reserve judgement until I see it for myself.

John - hand drawn animation
I agree with John. I wish they would bring back hand drawn animation in a full-length movie.

Take it or leave it suggestion.
Why not get more detailed. For instance, you could do Take it or leave it for each hotel or you could do each ride, each restaurant.

Holidays at the World and Samantha Brown.
My only view of the holidays at the World has been through Samantha Brown's shows. So, has Disney cut back on what they used to do? Were the specials never completely true to the way Disney decorated?

When the girls aren't there...
Yeah, you guys need the girls around to help balance things out.

Oh, and thanks for the date mention!

-- Remember 9/11 --
http://911digitalarchive.org/

[Yungbuck73]

We did a trip to DLR 12/1/11- 12/7/11 and it was great. Not too crowded except for the weekend when they did the Candlelight Processional. If you didn't get a spot at rope drop and wait all day, you did not have a good spot. We watched the Processional but not the narration by Gary Sinise. It was WAY too crowded. But on a side note, the rest of the park was empty. It's a Small World Holiday edition is awesome and also the Haunted Mansion Nightmare before Xmas overlay is not to be missed, in my opinion.