So I went to the Laird Lewis Invitational last weekend and I ended up semifinaling in Humorous Interpretation, or HI. I also did really well in Impromptu Speaking, or IMP.
If you don't understand what that means, I would look it up.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I'm Back
So I figured I would actually start using this now. Expect randomness from now on.
Yay, randomness!
Yay, randomness!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Finally, The Album
I finally got to uploading all of my pictures. They aren't in any particular order, but they should follow the tour for the most part.
I've posted them all here.
Hopefully I'll actually use this blog to talk about stuff soon.
But until then,
Max
I've posted them all here.
Hopefully I'll actually use this blog to talk about stuff soon.
But until then,
Max
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Fifth Installment of My Backstage Magic Tour
Are you ready for DCA? Because I sure am!
Saturday
After meeting in the hotel lobby very early in the morning, we headed over to Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Breakfast was served buffet-style and was very good. Me and some of the other teenagers had a trial with Alice. Ask your Adventure Guide for more details.
So, after breakfast we headed back to the Grand Californian to take the side entrance into Disney's California Adventure. The park was still closed off to the public, so walking over to Condor Flats was cool and creepy in its own way. So, if we're heading to Condor Flats to our first attraction of the day, where are we going? If you said, "A private Soarin' Over California experience and behind-the-scenes look," you'd be right. Once we finished walking the queue and were once again separated into our two teams, we were all shown the preflight briefing and then sent our separate ways.
Team Mickey boarded our hang gliders and were sent Soarin' Over California. I always enjoyed Soarin', and this time was no different, but what was really cool was what happened after our ride. You see, while we were riding, Team Minnie was watching us, from behind the screen. So we switched places, with Team Minnie riding and us seeing how it all worked from behind the screen.
Once we exited Soarin', we met up with one of the CMs from the attraction who brought us some coffee, or so we thought. It was actually the crystals they use for the scents. They passed all of the cups around for all of us to smell.
We then were brought over to The Animation Building. Outside of the building is a giant marquee which read "Welcome Advenures By Disney!" We took some pictures outside and then we went in for a personal Turtle Talk With Crush experience. Turtle Talk was very fun, especially since we all had a chance to ask him anything.
After Turtle Talk we went over to the Animation Academy where we all learned to draw Mickey Mouse. They then gave us cardboard tubes to put our artwork in. They would later be delivered to our room. We then proceeded to the zoatrobe exhibit where they gave us some refreshments, our pin for the day, and our FastPasses.
After my jaunt in the park I showered and changed for the Farewell Dinner. The dinner was held at Stage 7, which is now used as a changing room for Magic Music Days. Dinner was very good, but the highlight was the artist they brought in. She would do any Disney character you would ask her to do. She did Figment for me and even Sam the Eagle from America Sings for Quinn. (Ask him about it. It was really well done.)
After we finished eating we were shown a slide show of the pictures of our trip taken by the Adventure Guides. After the slide show ended we had some very special guests come to meet us. If you said Mickey and Minnie Mouse, then you'd be right! Mickey and Minnie were all decked out in their adventure gear ready for an expedition. They posed for pictures with all of us individually and for many group shots as well.
After we said goodbye to Mickey and Minnie we received our final pins as well as some light up necklaces for the teenagers. Us teenagers then proceeded to ride Buzz Lightyear so many times they eventually stopped asking us for our FastPasses. (We used The Max Ackerman Technique.)
But that's for another day.
I hope you enjoyed my review of Backstage Magic. But soon I'll be posting pictures of the pins, merchandise, and what-not, so stay tuned!
Until next time,
Max Ackerman
Saturday
After meeting in the hotel lobby very early in the morning, we headed over to Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Breakfast was served buffet-style and was very good. Me and some of the other teenagers had a trial with Alice. Ask your Adventure Guide for more details.
So, after breakfast we headed back to the Grand Californian to take the side entrance into Disney's California Adventure. The park was still closed off to the public, so walking over to Condor Flats was cool and creepy in its own way. So, if we're heading to Condor Flats to our first attraction of the day, where are we going? If you said, "A private Soarin' Over California experience and behind-the-scenes look," you'd be right. Once we finished walking the queue and were once again separated into our two teams, we were all shown the preflight briefing and then sent our separate ways.
Team Mickey boarded our hang gliders and were sent Soarin' Over California. I always enjoyed Soarin', and this time was no different, but what was really cool was what happened after our ride. You see, while we were riding, Team Minnie was watching us, from behind the screen. So we switched places, with Team Minnie riding and us seeing how it all worked from behind the screen.
Once we exited Soarin', we met up with one of the CMs from the attraction who brought us some coffee, or so we thought. It was actually the crystals they use for the scents. They passed all of the cups around for all of us to smell.
We then were brought over to The Animation Building. Outside of the building is a giant marquee which read "Welcome Advenures By Disney!" We took some pictures outside and then we went in for a personal Turtle Talk With Crush experience. Turtle Talk was very fun, especially since we all had a chance to ask him anything.
After Turtle Talk we went over to the Animation Academy where we all learned to draw Mickey Mouse. They then gave us cardboard tubes to put our artwork in. They would later be delivered to our room. We then proceeded to the zoatrobe exhibit where they gave us some refreshments, our pin for the day, and our FastPasses.
After my jaunt in the park I showered and changed for the Farewell Dinner. The dinner was held at Stage 7, which is now used as a changing room for Magic Music Days. Dinner was very good, but the highlight was the artist they brought in. She would do any Disney character you would ask her to do. She did Figment for me and even Sam the Eagle from America Sings for Quinn. (Ask him about it. It was really well done.)
After we finished eating we were shown a slide show of the pictures of our trip taken by the Adventure Guides. After the slide show ended we had some very special guests come to meet us. If you said Mickey and Minnie Mouse, then you'd be right! Mickey and Minnie were all decked out in their adventure gear ready for an expedition. They posed for pictures with all of us individually and for many group shots as well.
After we said goodbye to Mickey and Minnie we received our final pins as well as some light up necklaces for the teenagers. Us teenagers then proceeded to ride Buzz Lightyear so many times they eventually stopped asking us for our FastPasses. (We used The Max Ackerman Technique.)
But that's for another day.
I hope you enjoyed my review of Backstage Magic. But soon I'll be posting pictures of the pins, merchandise, and what-not, so stay tuned!
Until next time,
Max Ackerman
The Max Ackerman VIP FastPass Technique
I know I've been talking about my technique for a while now, so I've decided to share it with all of you today. The technique has worked for me 90% of the time, so if it doesn't work for you, then I'm not responsible, and you obviously didn't follow it right.
So, let's begin, shall we?
The Max Ackerman Technique
1. As you're approaching the merge point, begin to look important and cool.
2. When asked by the CM for your FP while keeping it in your hand, show it to them.
3. Never let your FP go! Ever! If they ask you for it, then almost all hope is lost.
4. If they give it back to you, then congratulations! You've mastered The Max Ackerman Technique! If not, then wait for a shift change before you try it again at the same attraction, if you dare.
The main factor is how nice the CM is. The ones at Buzz Lighteyear were really nice. They let us ride close to 50 times! All in one night, if I might add. Thus, the Great American Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Churro Challenge was born. But that's another story.
Enjoy!
Max
So, let's begin, shall we?
The Max Ackerman Technique
1. As you're approaching the merge point, begin to look important and cool.
2. When asked by the CM for your FP while keeping it in your hand, show it to them.
3. Never let your FP go! Ever! If they ask you for it, then almost all hope is lost.
4. If they give it back to you, then congratulations! You've mastered The Max Ackerman Technique! If not, then wait for a shift change before you try it again at the same attraction, if you dare.
The main factor is how nice the CM is. The ones at Buzz Lighteyear were really nice. They let us ride close to 50 times! All in one night, if I might add. Thus, the Great American Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Churro Challenge was born. But that's another story.
Enjoy!
Max
Friday, April 18, 2008
Backstage Magic: Episode IV, Walt's World
Welcome to Part IV of the best (And as of today, only!) Backstage Magic trip report.
Let's get down to it, shall we?
Friday
After meeting very early in the lobby, we headed over to Disneyland, where we walked through the gates and went down Mainstreet U.S.A. Oh, did I mention that the park was closed and we were the only guests there? Well, we were the only guests there. We had pictures taken in front of the castle before we headed over to the Plaza Inn for breakfast. There we were welcomed and shown to our private dining area where Walt ate. Breakfast was served as a buffet and had a wide variety of choices, all which were delicious.
By the time we finished breakfast, the park was open and swingin', so we made our way to the Indiana Jones Adventure, where we were met at the entrance and taken backstage. Once backstage, we were taken to the maintenance bay where two cast members who worked in the bay were waiting for us... With one of the ride vehicles right next to them. They then explained the mechanics of the ride as well as the vehicle, and then ran a test which let us see how the car worked. After that, they called me up because someone told them I wanted ti be an Imagineer, and they let me control the motion base of the car. The experience was incredible, and after that they let everybody have a turn if they wanted one.
After we finished messing with the motion base and lesarning what it takes to run an attraction on the scale of The Indiana Jones Adventure, they put us on the ride and boy is that back row fun. It really is. After we regrouped outside the temple we headed over to the Big Thunder Ranch where we had the ranch to ourselves for about 20 minutes. It was so cool to meet the CMs working there and to see how much they care for the animals. The animals were pretty cool too.
Now comes the moment you've all been waiting for... backstage at Disneyland!!!! We started our tour right outside of It's a Small World and walked over to the roundhouse where two of the CMs there brought out one of the steam trains, showed us how it worked, and answered all of our questions.
After the roundhouse we walked over to where they launch all of the fireworks. There to meet us was the manager of the Pyrotechnics, and he explained to us all about the air-launch system they use, how long it takes them to set it up, and they even brought fireworks shells for us to look at and touch. They then proceeded to run a test of the air-launch system, something they do every day.
After that, we headed over to the storage facility they use to store the Christmas parade floats. They had one waiting for us, and they turned it on, and explained how the parades were run, how many people operate a float, and some other cool stuff about parades.
Finally we headed to the Pope House and horse barn where got to see where Owen Pope's family lived in Disneyland and where to horses were. They then gave us some refreshments in the backyard of the house.
We then left the Pope House and magically (through a tunnel) came back on stage at Frontierland. We then made our way to Cafe Orleans where we had a delectable lunch outside. (The weather was magnificent.) We also had a surprise visitor that came to eat with us. It was a pirate. He entertained us all throughout the meal and after we were all done he took us through the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean and straight to the loading dock. The ride was great (I mean it is Pirates.) and after we finished we were taken back over to Mainstreet U.S.A. for the final part of the tour.
Once we were in front of the Fire Station, we once again broke up into our 2 groups. Team Mickey first went to Walt's apartment where were met by a CM who toured us around and explained the history of his home-away-from-home.
After some pictures taken by the Guides we were on our way to the Mainstreet Station where we boarded the Lilly Belle (where Team Minnie was) for a tour around the tracks. Once seated, (Very comfortably, if I might add.) we were given a history of the train car and learned a little about Walt's family. We also learned about both the Grand Canyon and the Prehistoric dioramas.
Once we got off of the train we met up with Team Minnie and were given two pins. One for the day, and one commemorating our visit to Walt's Apartment. After recieving the pins, we received our FastPasses and off we went into the park. My day in the park was amazing, especially because I had never been to the Disneyland Resort before in my life, and being there with people my age made the trip that much better.
I hope you've enjoyed the review thus far, and I'm sorry it took me so long to put today up. Be on the lookout for Parts V and VI of this extravagant saga!
Until then,
Max
Let's get down to it, shall we?
Friday
After meeting very early in the lobby, we headed over to Disneyland, where we walked through the gates and went down Mainstreet U.S.A. Oh, did I mention that the park was closed and we were the only guests there? Well, we were the only guests there. We had pictures taken in front of the castle before we headed over to the Plaza Inn for breakfast. There we were welcomed and shown to our private dining area where Walt ate. Breakfast was served as a buffet and had a wide variety of choices, all which were delicious.
By the time we finished breakfast, the park was open and swingin', so we made our way to the Indiana Jones Adventure, where we were met at the entrance and taken backstage. Once backstage, we were taken to the maintenance bay where two cast members who worked in the bay were waiting for us... With one of the ride vehicles right next to them. They then explained the mechanics of the ride as well as the vehicle, and then ran a test which let us see how the car worked. After that, they called me up because someone told them I wanted ti be an Imagineer, and they let me control the motion base of the car. The experience was incredible, and after that they let everybody have a turn if they wanted one.
After we finished messing with the motion base and lesarning what it takes to run an attraction on the scale of The Indiana Jones Adventure, they put us on the ride and boy is that back row fun. It really is. After we regrouped outside the temple we headed over to the Big Thunder Ranch where we had the ranch to ourselves for about 20 minutes. It was so cool to meet the CMs working there and to see how much they care for the animals. The animals were pretty cool too.
Now comes the moment you've all been waiting for... backstage at Disneyland!!!! We started our tour right outside of It's a Small World and walked over to the roundhouse where two of the CMs there brought out one of the steam trains, showed us how it worked, and answered all of our questions.
After the roundhouse we walked over to where they launch all of the fireworks. There to meet us was the manager of the Pyrotechnics, and he explained to us all about the air-launch system they use, how long it takes them to set it up, and they even brought fireworks shells for us to look at and touch. They then proceeded to run a test of the air-launch system, something they do every day.
After that, we headed over to the storage facility they use to store the Christmas parade floats. They had one waiting for us, and they turned it on, and explained how the parades were run, how many people operate a float, and some other cool stuff about parades.
Finally we headed to the Pope House and horse barn where got to see where Owen Pope's family lived in Disneyland and where to horses were. They then gave us some refreshments in the backyard of the house.
We then left the Pope House and magically (through a tunnel) came back on stage at Frontierland. We then made our way to Cafe Orleans where we had a delectable lunch outside. (The weather was magnificent.) We also had a surprise visitor that came to eat with us. It was a pirate. He entertained us all throughout the meal and after we were all done he took us through the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean and straight to the loading dock. The ride was great (I mean it is Pirates.) and after we finished we were taken back over to Mainstreet U.S.A. for the final part of the tour.
Once we were in front of the Fire Station, we once again broke up into our 2 groups. Team Mickey first went to Walt's apartment where were met by a CM who toured us around and explained the history of his home-away-from-home.
After some pictures taken by the Guides we were on our way to the Mainstreet Station where we boarded the Lilly Belle (where Team Minnie was) for a tour around the tracks. Once seated, (Very comfortably, if I might add.) we were given a history of the train car and learned a little about Walt's family. We also learned about both the Grand Canyon and the Prehistoric dioramas.
Once we got off of the train we met up with Team Minnie and were given two pins. One for the day, and one commemorating our visit to Walt's Apartment. After recieving the pins, we received our FastPasses and off we went into the park. My day in the park was amazing, especially because I had never been to the Disneyland Resort before in my life, and being there with people my age made the trip that much better.
I hope you've enjoyed the review thus far, and I'm sorry it took me so long to put today up. Be on the lookout for Parts V and VI of this extravagant saga!
Until then,
Max
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Part Three of The Backstage Magic Review
Welcome back! Today We're going to finish Thursday, and hopefully get up the pics of what I bought at Mickeys of Glendale.
So... After leaving Imagineering, we headed out for The Walt Disney Studios. Once we got there we were taken to their lunchroom where we were given a meal ticket and a time to be done by. The selection at the cafeteria is HUGE. If you can't find something to eat there, then there is something wrong with you, and I mean that in the nicest way. Really, I do. Anyway, after loading my tray with so much food I thought I was going to puke (The meal ticket payed for ALL of it. And no, I didn't puke.) I sat down with some of the group and ate.
After eating our table we went to the only Disney Store owned by The Walt Disney Company (World of Disney stores don't count.), which was located on the lot. I would have bought more stuff, but I was out of money from Mickeys of Glendale. Whoops.
Anyway, after everyone was done eating and shopping, we were toured around the Studios. The tour itself was very nice and very interesting from a Disney history standpoint. We finally ended our tour in Legends Plaza. Seeing the plaza and being able to take pictures with the Partners statue, the Friends statue, the Legacy statue, and the countless Legacy plaques, was absolutely incredible.
After getting to see where the magic is made both on the screen and in the parks (Nice tie-in, right?) we boarded our coach for the final ride to Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort. On the bus, they played High School Musical 2. Make of that what you will.
Once we arrived at The Grand Californian, we made our way into the lobby, and were met by a cast member from the hotel and the newest Disney Ambassador. They both welcomed us to The Grand Californian, gave us our rooms, and handed us the pins for the day. Our luggage was delivered to our rooms and we showered and changed for dinner.
After meeting in the lobby, we headed out to a wine tasting (or grape juice tasting for those under 21) and appitizers at the Wine Cellar at Hook's Pointe. After the very nice reception (Including a guitarist!) we were taken up to the main restaurant. The food and service was exceptionally good, as per Disney standards.
After the meal, we were escorted to Disneyland, through the gates, and to the side entrance of The Haunted Mansion. We were given our own stretching room, and by the time we were down in the loading area, it was deserted and it really felt like a haunted mansion. After the ride, we met up at the exit and were given our 3 VIP Fastpasses for the night and had the option of either using them or going with them to the showing of Fantasmic! I chose to go with some of the other teenagers on the trip. (We mooched some more FPs off of our parents, or my aunt.) Everyone else watched Fantasmic! I heard the seats were incredible and the show was, well, Fantasmic!
But I really don't mind. I was too busy riding Space Mountain with my friends to care.
Until tomorrow,
Max
So... After leaving Imagineering, we headed out for The Walt Disney Studios. Once we got there we were taken to their lunchroom where we were given a meal ticket and a time to be done by. The selection at the cafeteria is HUGE. If you can't find something to eat there, then there is something wrong with you, and I mean that in the nicest way. Really, I do. Anyway, after loading my tray with so much food I thought I was going to puke (The meal ticket payed for ALL of it. And no, I didn't puke.) I sat down with some of the group and ate.
After eating our table we went to the only Disney Store owned by The Walt Disney Company (World of Disney stores don't count.), which was located on the lot. I would have bought more stuff, but I was out of money from Mickeys of Glendale. Whoops.
Anyway, after everyone was done eating and shopping, we were toured around the Studios. The tour itself was very nice and very interesting from a Disney history standpoint. We finally ended our tour in Legends Plaza. Seeing the plaza and being able to take pictures with the Partners statue, the Friends statue, the Legacy statue, and the countless Legacy plaques, was absolutely incredible.
After getting to see where the magic is made both on the screen and in the parks (Nice tie-in, right?) we boarded our coach for the final ride to Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort. On the bus, they played High School Musical 2. Make of that what you will.
Once we arrived at The Grand Californian, we made our way into the lobby, and were met by a cast member from the hotel and the newest Disney Ambassador. They both welcomed us to The Grand Californian, gave us our rooms, and handed us the pins for the day. Our luggage was delivered to our rooms and we showered and changed for dinner.
After meeting in the lobby, we headed out to a wine tasting (or grape juice tasting for those under 21) and appitizers at the Wine Cellar at Hook's Pointe. After the very nice reception (Including a guitarist!) we were taken up to the main restaurant. The food and service was exceptionally good, as per Disney standards.
After the meal, we were escorted to Disneyland, through the gates, and to the side entrance of The Haunted Mansion. We were given our own stretching room, and by the time we were down in the loading area, it was deserted and it really felt like a haunted mansion. After the ride, we met up at the exit and were given our 3 VIP Fastpasses for the night and had the option of either using them or going with them to the showing of Fantasmic! I chose to go with some of the other teenagers on the trip. (We mooched some more FPs off of our parents, or my aunt.) Everyone else watched Fantasmic! I heard the seats were incredible and the show was, well, Fantasmic!
But I really don't mind. I was too busy riding Space Mountain with my friends to care.
Until tomorrow,
Max
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