[MerlinMatt]

I hope this is as funny to you as it was to us when it happened.

Dad took us to WDW in 1980 during February vacation. It was an ususally cold season down there. Some parts of Orlando got over an inch of snow the second night we were there. It was actually warmer in Boston than it was in Orlando.

Back then, MK stayed open until 9pm, even in the winter.

On one particularly cold night, we decided that CP would be a great way to get warm. None of us had ever seen it before.

Well, the ride didn't like the cold either. It kept jamming. We saw the first scene twice.

But we got REALLY stuck on the scene where the uncle was cooling himself in the bathroom with the block of ice and the fan. The thing about this scene is that it's supposed to be funny. You don't see him at first and there's a small build-up to it. After having seen it three times in a row, the CM told us that they had finally gotten the kinks worked out. This would be the last time that we would see this scene.

So, the scene begins, and we're all sort of bored with it. At the same time, we're inside and we're warm, so we're happy. Then, just at the key moment, my dad yells out, "Who's in the bathroom?!!!!" ... and there's the uncle in the bathtub with the fan. The whole auditorium laughed out loud, as did the CM. Then the ride moved to the next scene and we all cheered.

When we went back in 1986, that was our favorite scene. I had just graduated from high school and we were much older. It was a fun inside family joke. Then when DW and I went on our honeymoon, I explained it to her, but she didn't find it as funny as we did.

I haven't seen CP in a number of years. I wonder if my kids will find the story funny when I tell them?

[GrumpyDad]

We actually rode CP for the first time this last trip. I have no idea how we missed it before this, but we all really enjoyed it, particularly when you realize how long ago it was created and what technology old Walt had to create just to make it happen.

-harry

[karliebug]

We once got stuck on the fall scene for about 5 rotations. My kids knew all the lines by heart. It remains one of my favorite attractions, I was sad to hear they may be closing it down permanently.

[MagicalMoments]

Closing it permanently? Where did you hear that? Please let me know.
Thanks

[karliebug]

I know that it seems to be open only sporadically and recall a website had an actual petition you could sign to try and keep it open. It was open when we were there last year, but not every day. I hear that it is open more often now while the wait for the new Stitch attraction is being built. A CM last year told me that it will be phased out as they don't think it really goes with the tommorrow land theme. It seems as if a lot of classics are being replaced with more modern thrills. This is near and dear to many hearts,however, because it was Walt's own creation. I hope the rumors are wrong and that it will be around for many years to come.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by Tom Carroll

I think it's one of those 'you had to be there' stories.

PS I LOVED Carousel of Progress, but I can't understand how you get stuck in one scene as the middle stays still and the auditorium moves around it, doesn't it?

CP has as many "auditoriums" as there are scenes (minus 1 for loading up the next group) If memory serves, there are 5 scenes, so there are 6 auditoriums. The entire carosel of auditoriums (auditorii?) rotate around the scenes.

So, the carosel got stuck, so the other auditoriums got repeats of their respective scenes as well.

Make sense?

[downsouthtigger]

I have never seen CoP, in all my years of going to wdw. I guess it never had the thrills for me as a youngin. Now with Stitch coming and CoP being seasonal, it's one of my top spots. I want to see it before it gets closed. Yes it will be getting closed, this is not from any official disney source I just know. I have never seen the timekeeper either, but I know that won't be open when I go in may.
I don't know why CoP doesn't stay open though, it only takes about 2-3 cm's to run, I think the animatronics must take a lot of electricity and maintenance though.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by downsouthtigger

I have never seen the timekeeper either, but I know that won't be open when I go in may.

Timekeeper isn't open? I've never seen that and I really was planning on it.

[downsouthtigger]

Sorry Matt, Timekeeper is only open on really busy time of the year. SO that would maybe be during the most crowded days of summer, such as 4th of july I know definately during the winter holidays, specifically the week of x-mas/new years. Lastly during THanksgiving. Other than those times it is never opened, which is going to be the same with Body wars....another fave of mine thats "seasonal"

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by downsouthtigger

Other than those times it is never opened, which is going to be the same with Body wars....another fave of mine thats "seasonal"

Ruh Roh! DW is really going to be torqued off now. Body Wars is one of her other favorites.

Maybe Star Tours will be a sufficient replacement....

[RowdyRAider]

Originally Posted by Matt McDonnell

Ruh Roh! DW is really going to be torqued off now. Body Wars is one of her other favorites.

Maybe Star Tours will be a sufficient replacement....

Well let's be honest here, anything w/ Star Wars in the title should be held in honor as is. Sufficient replacement? Can't top going down a trench of the Death Star, one of the most famous scenes in cinema history. I'm sure she'll be pleased...or is that just the fanboy geekness in me?

[downsouthtigger]

Matt,
Its the fanboy in you, me personally I love Star Tours...actually I should say I loved it. Its a great ride but it needs to be updated and the replacement voice sux. I mean please bring back Paul "pee-wee herman" Ruenens, he was such a better voice for the navigator!
I mean Star tours is better IMHO, only cause I am a fan too. Oh I am soo lucky I'm gonna be there for the first SWW this year!! Ashley, which you know doesn't much care for it, prefered body wars. She's upset that seasonal too.... Oh well, so what is a good replacement for Body wars?? Oh I know something she'll love but you're gonna hate me for it. Spiderman the ride at UF:IOA Now that was a ride that can top all other motion simulators!

[downsouthtigger]

ah it's soo easy when 2 Matt's are on the board, I hope each of you figured out who I was talking to though! lol

[RowdyRAider]

Originally Posted by downsouthtigger

Matt,
Its the fanboy in you

Oh good then it's not just me.

Originally Posted by downsouthtigger

Spiderman the ride at UF:IOA Now that was a ride that can top all other motion simulators

No lies there. I still hold it as the greatest ride there is at the moment. If WDW was to incorporate that style into an attraction, like my idea based on Nightmare before Christmas...whoa.

Originally Posted by Tom Carroll

Did you celebrate International Star Wars day in the USA this week?

May the fourth be with you!!!!!

Oh would I have Tom if I wasn't on a date that night and she was quite clear if I made so much a Yoda-type laugh or quote she'd go Darth Vader on me. Not wanting to spoil a good evening I played along. That's me for ya. I'm a sucker for respecting a lady.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by downsouthtigger

Spiderman the ride at UF:IOA Now that was a ride that can top all other motion simulators!

Isn't there a rule that you can't talk about "that other place" on this board?