One again I was not able to go, so may I request some information on what I missed?

Tours?


Thank you
Michael

Hi Michael,

Sorry you couldn't make the Un-Meeting...maybe next year.

We started on Friday morning with a pre-opening performance of the "new" Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. This was good stuff and we had a Disney tour director talk with us on the background and changes to the show.

We then gathered at Disney University Friday afternoon. Michael Broggie did his presentation on Walt and trains; excellent as always. The last hour was spent with George Britton talking about his Disney experiences with the railroad.

Saturday morning was spent at the Wilderness Lodge for breakfast then networking in the Carolwood Pacific room. Turnout was somewhat light, but for those who were there, good discussions took place. Michael with Kendra and Russell inaugurated the new hanging that shows Walt in the backyard. This piece is based on a 35mm movie taken by Michael's Dad, so it has never been seen up to now. Michael chose a frame of the film and had a photograph produced. The photograph is the center of the piece.

Saturday night held a really nice wine and cheese party hosted by Kendra and Russell. The turnout was heavy and the talking and laughing were fun!

Sunday morning was breakfast at Trails End. This was followed by a tour of the Fort Wilderness roadbed for some who had never seen it.

We all missed the roundhouse tour, but all had a great time!

David

Any info out yet on a possible 2010 meeting?

I need to attempt to schedule vacation time from work which usually isn't easy.

many thanks
Michael

Okay I have read that the un meeting will be Oct 1 through 3, I just looked at eh CArolwood site and npo mention of it, maybe I have to log-in. If I find where I read about it I'll post a link

John Bailey, Un-meeting Coordinator, sent out the following schedule in an email recently. It appears to be sent to people who have previously participated. I don't know why this isn't on the Carolwood website:

Thursday, September 30
1600-???? Welcome dinner at Wolfgang Puck or Rainforest Café.

Friday, October 1
0730-???? Behind the Magic of Our Steam Trains Tour (Must have the names of all guests riding the train; please check Disney's website for rules and regulations)
1200-1330 Lunch in the Magic Kingdom
1400-1600 Michael Broggie Presentation at Disney University
Interview with a Retired Cast (Jimmy Graves) who worked on the Fort Wilderness Railroad
1800-???? Dinner at Epcot Food and Wine

Saturday, October 2
0700-0900 Breakfast at Roaring Forks at Wilderness Lodge
0900-1030 Informal talk with retired Imagineer Bob Harpur in The Carolwood Pacific Room (Tentative, depending on Bob’s willingness to travel to Florida)
Book signing by Carolwood Member, David Leaphart
1230-???? Lunch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and ride the train back to Conservation Station

Sunday, October 3
0700-1200 Fort Wilderness
Breakfast at Trail’s End
Walk the Right-of way
Lunch ???

Thanks for posting the schedule, I'm not a west coaster but I'm far enough away that I've never been to the un-meeting. one year I want to go but this will not be the year.

I hope I may impose with a few more questions. I am not in Florida and have a few logistical questions about how my time and budget should best be planned. I will preface my questions with ">>>"

-----
Friday, October 1
0730-???? Behind the Magic of Our Steam Trains Tour (Must have the names of all guests riding the train; please check Disney's website for rules and regulations)

>>> This will require one admission ticket correct? However one does not purchase the Disney offered steam train tour - this is a separate tour?

1200-1330 Lunch in the Magic Kingdom
1400-1600 Michael Broggie Presentation at Disney University
Interview with a Retired Cast (Jimmy Graves) who worked on the Fort Wilderness Railroad

>>> So how does one get from MK to DU? I presume employees can simply walk out the back gate then return the same way. I am guessing non-employees will have to leave for the parking lot or go back to their hotel, then drive to DU parking lot?? Does DU parking have limited access such as a security gate and what arrangements would be needed to gain access?

1800-???? Dinner at Epcot Food and Wine

>>>This requires an additional park admission?

Saturday, October 2
1230-???? Lunch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and ride the train back to Conservation Station

>>> This is the standard AK train ride without a special rail tour, correct? Also requires a park admission?

>>> Is there a "best way" to buy Disney tickets? So far I have used Triple-A and the hotel front desk where I stayed. I get into Sea World, Busch Gardens and Universal free, so I won't need tickets for those parks.

I appreciate your assistance with the logistics and budgeting for this meeting. I really enjoyed the three un-meetings I have attended when work did not get in the way. I am trying to get work out of the way for this one too!!

Thank you
Michael
Williamsburg VA

Hi Michael,

For your questions on the Un-Meeting:

You do need a ticket to the Magic Kingdom park for Friday. but that's it. The tour is not an extra charge; part of the Un-Meeting.

You need to drive to the DU. When you arrive in the morning for the tour, park at the Contemporary Resort. Then you can walk (or monorail) over to your car after lunch. Turn right when leaving the Contemporary, go past Space Mountain, over the train tracks. Make a right after passing over the tracks. Go past the roundhouse, DU will be on your right. There is a large parking lot there with free parking. Come into DU, there will be a bunch of us there.

If you go to Epcot, yes, you will need a park ticket for that park.

The Eastern Star (Wildlife Express) is the regular attraction ride and there is no extra charge. But, again you will need a park ticket for the AK.

There are numerous ways to buy your tickets. AAA is good way; your work may offer discounts.


For all, Bob Kelso is going to have his refurbed Fort Wilderness Car at FTW. It was one of the cars given to the Brevard Zoo back in the 80's. That will be fun for those who have never seen or "sat" in the car!

For the book signing, a number of former cast members who helped me with the book will be there. If you care for such things, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have them all autograph your book.....

At this point, we are unsure if Bob Harpur will attend. We are "working on him.."

Hope this helps!
David

David,

I appreciate the information about the Un-Meeting. This makes the logistical planning much easier. I thought it was going to be an easy one to attend this year, considering that there should be plenty of staff available, but its not looking that way any more. I still have my fingers crossed.


So if the gentleman with the FTWRR car has it on a trailer, will we get a ride around the campground in the car on the trailer??? If pulled by a 4wd, maybe the trip could run over much of the old roadbed!!! [this paragraph intended only in Humor, although it does produce an interesting mental image.]

PS: I ordered the FTWRR books mentioned in your signature. Thanks, I had not heard about them yet.

Thank you
Michael
Williamsburg VA

If you can talk Bob into that, I will take the photos and immediately issue a second edition of the book!!!!