1194 – Cool It Down with Ray | Magic Kingdom & Hollywood Studios

Episode 1194 – Cool It Down with Ray | Magic Kingdom & Hollywood Studios

 

[START OF RECORDING]

 

SCOOTER: Friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time for the podcaster that is here to keep you company, to keep you cool, or to warm you up. You know, once upon a time somebody said, warm it up, Chris, and Chris said, I’m about to. There was two Chrises, though, I believe. Or was there two Chrises in Kris Kross? Kris Kross; they were gonna warm it up. Also, I think one of the Chrises had a crush on Iesha, but that’s all I know for now. You say, I have no…oh, this is a ninetie’s child hip-hop group or whatever. Adolescent? I don't know what the right terminology is 'cause my brain is…my vocabulary’s…whatever comes…pre-teen vocabulary. Now, if you’re wondering what I’m talk…you said, I thought this was a sleep podcast, a well-regarded one. I say, well, yeah, it is. It’s a bit different; it’s a bit strange.

 

To be honest, I’m really here to keep you company in the deep, dark night, to cut through that loneliness or to cut through your thoughts, to distract you from whatever’s keeping you awake. It could be those thoughts, feelings, physical sensations. I’m just here to be your friend in the deep, dark night while you fall asleep, because you deserve a good night’s sleep. You deserve a friend in the deep, dark night. So, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m here, and I’m glad you’re here. I hope this show works…it helps you. It does take a couple tries to get used to. That’s what’s…just most regular listeners said…say. They say it again and again and again. They usually only say it once, so that’s why I mean ‘said’.

 

Here’s another nineties or eighties band; there was a band called Right Said Fred. Don’t know anything about…other than that was…I said…I wonder if there’s ever been a festival where Kris Kross and Right Said Fred appeared on the same…not the same stage, maybe, but maybe. Then they…you know, some festivals…and they have the supergroup. I don't know. If you’re confused, you’re in the right place. What we got coming up is support so the show could be free or paying for it could be optional. So, only if you’re a rebel with a cause would you want to pay for the show. Then there’s a long, meandering intro. Don’t miss out on the long, meandering intro if you’re new. Or, I mean, regular listeners mostly just listen to intros.

 

Or, I shouldn’t say all; some regular listeners. But that’s meant to ease you into bedtime, introduce you to the show, and then eventually we’ll have…I think it will be our friend Ray. At least, the plan is for Ray to come on and talk about how to stay cool and live entertainment at some theme parks. But Ray has probably thirty episodes worth of material, so I don't know if this will be the first in a series or not, but we’ll see. So, that’s that. Yeah, what else? What else do you…? That’s it. I guess that’s it. I’m glad you’re here, and I really hope we can help you fall asleep or keep you company and make you feel a little bit better in the deep, dark night. Thanks for making it possible, my patron peeps.

 

INTRO: [INTRO MUSIC] Hey, are you up all night tossing, turning, mind racing? Trouble getting to sleep? Trouble staying asleep? Well, welcome. This is Sleep With Me, the podcast that puts you to sleep. We do it with a bedtime story. Alls you need to do is get in bed, turn out the lights, and press Play. I’m gonna do the rest. What I’m going to attempt to do is create a safe place where you could set aside whatever’s keeping you awake, whether it’s thoughts, things you’re thinking about about the past, the present, the future, recent…or thoughts that are just there, reoccuring thoughts or newly-occurring thoughts or just…I’m not kidding; that’s a time I do a lot of thinking, unfortunately when I’m trying to meditate. Just doing it last night…I’m doing that noting thing.

 

But I’ll get so caught up in thoughts that I’ll forget I’m…and then I say, oh, think…thoughts; there, I’m thinking. Okay. Then maybe try to get a little feeling to…okay, well, that was a neutral thought. So, could be thoughts, it could be feelings, anything you’re feeling emotionally about the thoughts or the feelings that are there. Physical sensations is something else you could be feeling or experiencing. It could be changes in time, temperature, routine, you could be anticipating something, you could be going through something, you could be going somewhere, you could have someone coming to you, your work shift or schedule could have changed or it could just be a little bit different, and…whatever it is, the reason I go through all that is to let you know you’re really not alone.

 

Again, I know this is whatever they call it; pseudo-something. I’m here to put my best foot forward for you, and that’s a little bit different, but that’s really what this show is about, is nobody’s perfect, but this is a reminder that you’re not alone, either. I know it’s in a digital way, but when…and you say, what do you mean? I say, well, I could tell you a couple things what I mean. One is I’ve been there in a house full of people growing up, with roommates, with other people I’m sharing my space with, and when I can’t sleep, I feel all alone. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. So, I could tell you that. I can tell you that I know how that feels or I know how it feels just not to be able to fall asleep or not being able to fall asleep from thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations. I know how that feels.

 

I might not know exactly what you’re going through, but I may be able to relate to how it feels, and I can tell you what; if I can’t, there’s someone listening right now who can. There’s probably…there’s a decent amount of people that listen to this show, so there’s probably something that’s been through what you’re going through, and even if they haven’t, they could say, yeah, that’s tough. I know…I can imagine that’s tough, even if I haven’t been there. So, that’s what I mean when I’m here to keep you company, and the other side of it’s true…or important, too, is that you deserve a good night’s sleep. Part of us gets used to this stuff or you kind of, whatever, I don’t know what sort of…does a bunch of mental gymnastics or stuff to say, hey…but you still deserve a good night’s sleep even if you’ve gotten used to not having one.

 

You still deserve a bedtime you could feel good about or at least feel neutral about and not have to dread, and you deserve the rest you need for your life to be more manageable tomorrow and the next day and the day after that, or most of the time. That’s what I’ve found, and where hopefully you could be out there flourishing down the road, and that means our world’s gonna be a better place if your world’s a better place. That’s true. That’s the truth, even if I’m just a imperfect person just putting my best foot forward who’s been through something similar. That’s why I do it. What else could I say is…what I’ll do is I’ll send my voice across the deep, dark night. I’m gonna use lulling, soothing, creaky, dulcet tones, pointless meanders, superfluous tangents.

 

So, I’m gonna go off-topic, I’m gonna get mixed up, then I’ll double back, then I’ll say, whatever…I don't even remember what I was thinking…oh, talk about eighties or nineties music, then I’ll try to explain to the…'cause that’s just a very specific generational reference, the generations before me and after me. Say, oh, by the way, Kris Kross…I think they wore their clothes inside-out, too, and…I really liked Kris Kross. I don't know if I ever bought one of their tapes. I would have bought a tape or a CD. Yeah, so you can laugh. It’s funny; I know. But I’m pretty sure…oh, maybe ABC sang…you know what? I think ABC sang Iesha, but Kris Kross wanted you to jump. I know I’m not supposed to look stuff up in…during an intro, but this one’s so distracting. Yeah…oh, it was two Chrises. Good. So, at least I was right about that.

 

They were in their teens, or twelve…twelve and thirteen, and their song was Jump. They had some other hits. They’re also relatable to me in other ways, but I remember from the…I just remember Kris Kross fondly, so fondly I get an AB…I also attributed a song by ABC. Another Bad Creation was ABC with Kris Kross, but that’s me. That’s my issue, other than getting mixed up. Oh, so that’s…those are pointless meanders. There’s a few other things I’ll let you know about the podcast to kinda put you at ease. If you’re new, you probably won't like this show at first and you’ll probably be skeptical or doubtful or irritated. One, because you’ve tried so much other stuff to fall asleep. Two, this podcast isn’t for everybody, but almost nobody gets it on the first try because it is so different.

 

So, if that’s the case, it’s a very natural way to come to the show. You say, yeah, I don't get this. So, that’s normal. If you’re already 100% sure…I would still say give it two or three tries, but if you’re already 100% sure you didn’t…you don’t like me but you’re still listening, we do have a website, sleepwithmepodcast.com/nothankyou, that has other sleepy stuff on there that you could check out. So, please check that out. It’s got other sleep podcasts and other stuff 'cause you…I still want you to get some rest and the sleep you need and deserve. Why is this show so different and hard to get used to? Well, one, it’s a podcast you don’t really listen to. Even a lot of sleep stuff, you’re supposed to listen to it. That was one of the things that never worked for me. Back when there was meditation audio or hypnosis or stuff like that.

 

This was before I started making Sleep With Me. I was like, that stuff’s too…it’s too active, man. I don't want to listen and I don't want to be led on a journey. I don't want to be interacting or picturing or opening glowing chests full of my spiritual being in plush form or whatever, because that’s too much work, too much…so, Sleep With Me is a podcast you just…you could go along for the ride or…and you could pretend like you’re…but you’re a passenger so you just say, uh-huh, uh-huh. Yeah, okay. Scoots, I’m gonna change the radio station to something more relevant. Okay, go ahead. That’s fine. You say, uh-huh. So, it’s kind of just out of focus, but some people listen to me at a mumble and some people just kinda barely listen. So, see how it goes. This is also a podcast that doesn’t put you to sleep.

 

There’s no pressure to fall asleep with this podcast, no expectation that you fall asleep. I’m here to keep you company and then you fall asleep. That’s the trick of the show and that’s really the thing that we’ve tried so hard…when people say, well, you’re not trying hard enough. You gotta go on the quest for your spiritual plush. You say, no thank you. I’d prefer not to encounter any spiritual essences. I’m trying to go to sleep. So, with this podcast, the reason the shows are an…over an hour; plenty of time to fall asleep. The reason there’s over 600 free ad-supported shows? So you got plenty to choose from. The reason there’s no pressure to fall asleep?

 

One, there’s people listening who can’t sleep, so I’m here for them and I’m here for you whether you’re awake and listening, whether you need a break during the day tomorrow and you want to listen, whether you’re taking a nap, whether you’re waking up in the middle of the night, or whether you’re sound asleep. I’m here to keep you company, to be your bore-friend, your bore-bae, your bore-sib, your bore-bud, your bore-bestie, your neigh-bore, your bore-bor, your Borbie, your bores. Whatever it is, I’m here to keep you company and take your mind off of stuff. So, I’m over here, and you say, okay, let me look over there and pay attention to Scoots for a little while and just get comfortable. The structure of the show also can throw people off, so I’ll kinda explain it to you.

 

The show’s structured in a very deliberate way just so it can benefit the most amount of people possible, but then you could adjust how you listen. But most people listen in this very similar way. So, the show starts off with a greeting; friends beyond the binary, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, and then I say something silly so you get the tone of the show and you feel seen and welcomed in and you say, hey, I might check that out. I might be comfortable with this. I don't know. That’s a win for us. You say, huh, okay, I might check this out. Then there’s support so the show could be free or paying for it could be optional, then there’s a long, meandering intro which is separate from the support, and the long, meandering intro is meant to ease you into bedtime.

 

For some people…sometimes people lump it in with the support, but it’s really a show within a show meant to be a buffer between being awake and asleep. So, you could listen to it in bed, you could listen to it while getting ready for bed, you could listen to it while you’re doing some sort of other chill activity, you could fall asleep to it, you could skip it, but for most people it’s part of that transition time, and that’s what the intro does, is it eases you into bedtime. Take your mind off of stuff, get to know me…and you say, okay, I’ve gotten to know you enough. I don't need to listen to you anymore. I say, perfect. Then again there’s support so the show can be free, and then it’ll have a bedtime story.

 

It’ll be read by my neighbor Ray who is the most well-adjusted person I’ve ever met, and he likes to talk about theme parks and things he’s enthusiastic about. So, we’ll have that and then there’s some thank-yous at the end. So, that’s the structure of the show. That’s why I make the show. I’m really glad you’re here. I work really hard. I yearn and I strive. I really hope I can help you fall asleep, and these sponsors are what enable me to do it for free twice a week.

 

Hello, hello, hello everybody. This is your friend Ray, your neighbor Ray. Well, Scooter’s neighbor Ray. Now, this may be the first time you’re hearing me in your ears. So good to be here in your ears. It has been a long time since I’ve been in the studio here. I don't think I’ve been in the studio for six months. I’ve recorded shows. If you’re a patron you heard me walking on-location. I’ve recorded maybe…Scooter, how many shows do you think you’ve recorded, eight? But I haven’t recorded a proper podcast episode in a while, though I’ve been doing research and the research, like most of the Sleep With Me stuff, evolves. We’ve been holding off but it seems like things are changing with my fandom, my heart…it’s hard. I’m a fan of theme parks, right? And nobody’s perfect.

 

But so, I’ve had some forlorn feelings about some of my favorite theme parks and things, but then Scooter told me about the Orlando Park Stop fundraiser for the Trevor Project. We got involved in that, and thank you to all the listeners that took the time to support that. But I’ve had a couple ideas. So, this is for Disney parks. Oh, I’m Scooter’s neighbor Ray, Ray Perkins. Maybe from Park Chester originally, but now I live by Scooter. I’ve put a lot of work into becoming his friend because he’s not a easy person to get his attention. I come out…I originally started coming on the show giving trip reports from my trips to Disney parks, and then Scooter and I started vacationing together and it’s been…since then, it’s been a real boring history. But so, I had a few ideas.

 

Well, I had an idea, then Scooter gave me an idea, and I would like to combine them. This may be a series, and I don't know if…I think it’ll be a series. Scooter, what do you think? Scooter shrugged. Now, you could be listening to this and it might not be the right season, but…so, the Disney parks; Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has four theme parks there and waterparks and other stuff. I’ve been curious on a couple of things. One, I really love the live entertainment. I love seeing performers, people performing, and the joy of performance. Originally I wanted to do a episode about that, and we talked to the patrons and the patrons said, hey, what about this? That’s a good idea, but what about adding this?

 

We kinda took that idea and started to research it, but then Scooter also came up with an idea that we also researched about staying cool. Like, how do…what do you do when you’re at these parks? Okay, 'cause here’s the situation; nobody’s parents went away on a week’s vacation, Scooter, no. But we were on a vacation. Well, we were working, actually. So, we weren’t staying at a Disney hotel; we were staying off-property, they say. The thing about staying off-property is that it’s a little bit more work to get back to your hotel to take a break. So, Scooter and I would only go to the park and then we’d make other…we wouldn’t be able to take a break, and if it got warm…it was kind of forced where we tried it one time. We were recording, then we were doing research, and then it was just so warm.

 

Scooter said, I think this could be…we could do research in all the parks. Now, this isn’t about…this is before you get too warm, but you need a break and you want to take a break where it’s cool. Now, you could follow this advice even if you just want a break. So, we’ve tried to research some places. So, there’s two things; one, watching a live performance is a nice, little break. Now, but if it’s warm, it’s not gonna cool you down 'cause most of the performances we’re talking about are outdoors. But so, it’s a combination. So, I don't know if this will be a series 'cause I don't know how long it will take to talk about one or two parks.

 

We’re gonna start off with Disney Hollywood Studios, and that’s where we did our first round of research there because we were…we did the Orlando Park Stop fundraiser, we went to PizzeRizzo, we got some pressed pennies for the people that supported the fundraiser. By the way, not that many people supported it, so if you do or you did, let me know, your friend Ray, so I could send you a pressed penny. But so, the Disney Hollywood Studios…what I got here is a map of Disney Hollywood Studios, and I have two different apps. So, I’m gonna prepare you for this because it is a bit of work nowadays going to these Disney parks. I’m trying to…I guess I’m trying to point you in the way to make it less work.

 

But so, unfortunately…and I don't understand this, so if anybody…I know nobody’s listening to Ray, but you can’t…with…so, Disney has an app that you gotta use to order your food, to make ride reservations if you’re paying for that, to find out wait times, and to find out when these live performances are. But not every live performance was on the app or easy to find. So, what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna use the…Scooter, it’s not coming up on my phone. Okay, he’s helping me. Thank you, Scooter. Okay, so there it is. Okay, so we’re gonna use the official Walt Disney World app, and then we’re also gonna be using…Scooter, it wants me to log in and I don't have a password. Oh, boy. Now, this is one of these things. It’s like, why are we logged out of the app? We never logged out of there.

 

So, that’s just a thing. Okay, then there’s an ad there. Okay, so we’re in the Magic Kingdom Park right now. Okay. So, then we’re gonna use the Lines app from Touring Plans, from Len Testa. We’re also logged of there, Scooter. Scooter, you’re logged out of all your things. What we found is if you use both these apps, you could find the live performances. So, let’s just do a overview right now. So, I have the lines app open and we’re looking through here, and this is just a regular day. We have the Dapper Dans…they’re done performing 'cause it’s after 5:00 PM in Disney World, but let’s see what they performed at today. So, they started performing 9:00 AM, 9:50, 10:40, 11:25, 1:15, 2:00 PM, and 3:40. Okay, so that’s the Dapper Dans.

 

Now, there’s other ones that we haven’t gone to; Enchanted Tales with Belle, Happily Ever After…oh, that’s the fireworks show. We’re not doing that. There’s a stage show; Let the Magic Begin. We’ve never seen that, Scooter. Meeting people…we don’t consider that a show. This is not indoor shows; this is outdoor shows. Scooter, is that the only one? We’re still scrolling. It’s the only one listed on the Lines app, but there is the other one. So, why is it not in there, Scoot? Okay, so we’ll check the other one. Okay. Don't worry, Ray, he said. Okay, now I’m checking the Disney Genie Tip Board. The Dapper Dans; okay, they’re on there. Scooter, do you know what it’s called? He doesn’t know. He said he can’t talk on the mic because the mic is on. Okay, so, I’m scrolling through this app.

 

There’s a lot of meeting Ariel, meeting Cinderella, meeting Tiana, meeting Disney Pals, meeting Pete, meet Mickey. Friendship Fair…Scooter, is that one of the shows on the stage? Okay. Oh boy, Scooter, I don't see it on here, either. So, maybe there was no performance today, he’s saying. So, okay. Okay, don't worry; he’ll figure it out. Okay, but this, Scooter, is my first problem. Now, I’m not…I am comparing apples to apples in a sense, of Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, and I will say out loud. So, there’s the Dapper Dans and then there’s Casey Corner piano player, or Casey’s Corner piano player. I probably gotta find my notes to talk about these shows, but I would…don’t even…I would say…Scooter, I’m not seeing our…oh, is…are these the notes? No, Scooter.

 

Okay, but I would strongly recommend…we’re still looking. Scooter, did we take notes? Oh, maybe you took voice…a voice memo, huh. Is that what happened? ‘Cause this is notes from an…in other parks. Okay, but so, we…when we did the research, was his name…? His name was Grayson, the piano player we saw. So, I highly recommend…I cannot…now, here’s Ray’s tip…here’s what I would say; do yourself a favor. Now, this isn’t gonna cool you down, and…oh, then I’ll go on my umbridge or whatever. Scooter, was I supposed to be talking about Hollywood Studios? Oh, boy. I guess…well, now I’m talking about the Magic Kingdom. Is that okay? It’s fine. Okay, good. So, we’ll talk about Magic Kingdom and not…eventually we’ll talk about Hollywood Studios. I got off-track already.

 

But this is what it’s about, having fun. Remember that. I would say there’s Main Street vehicles. Do yourself a favor; have some fun. Take a Main Street vehicle. It’s very relaxing. It may not be cooling but it will give you some shade. But it’s not on my tips for cooling down. We’ll get to those 'cause we created a tour, Scooter, and I thought we had notes about it, but I guess…Scooter’s shrugging. So, okay…so, do yourself a favor; take a Main Street vehicle before or after you see the Dapper Dans, then watch the Dapper Dans. Very, very entertaining…and check your times and say…set aside time. Get there about five minutes early. You could either sit on the curb or maybe you could even find a bench, and you’ll be in for a great show. Then…and this way, you could do a slight cool-down.

 

What you do is you go through all the Main Street shops, starting with the Emporium. You could stay inside all the way to go see Grayson or whoever’s playing the piano at Casey’s Corner. I was shocked at how…there was…now, Grayson did have a few superfans there that were regulars, and this is another beautiful thing you’re actually gonna see at some of the other performers. There’s something about the piano that creates the opportunity for regulars. I don't know. Now, the Casey’s Corner…now, that’s a restaurant. Now, what you could do is plan a meal around…in a break. Like, if you do it a little bit in the afternoon. Like, anytime after 11:30, maybe plan out seeing the Dapper Dans, getting your lunch on Main Street 'cause then you could get a table if you’re planning ahead of time, and eat your lunch and sit down and watch Grayson.

 

But you will have to do some planning and mobile ordering and taking turns. But Scooter and I found a standing table right by Grayson where we’re able to interact with him. He even asked us a request and we said, no, that’s okay. Just play whatever you wish, Grayson. You’re doing a beautiful job. But this was…now, we’ve seen it before and it’s something that’s very easy to walk by, but this is the thing you need to stop and soak it in. Holy cow. Yeah, Grayson would take requests but play a lot of different songs, but in a ragtime piano-playing style along with…oh, the Dapper Dans are…what do you call that, Scooter? Like, a barber-shop-type quartet singing a capella and cracking jokes. Now, they do what you would say are dad jokes.

 

So, if you like dad jokes and…but even if you don’t, it’s fun, and sometimes they interact with little kids and they play some sort of handheld…I don't know what those things are called; bells or something. So, that’s very good, and then you see Grayson and have a snack, have lunch, or like Scooter and I, just stop and stand. We did find a standing spot in the shade. But here’s the thing; this is not enough live performances. Now, there were other parks where I found…one other park, Animal Kingdom, where I said, holy cow, there’s a lot more live performances that I knew about, and that ended up being a feast for the senses. But this is not enough. We need one or two bands…they used to have…and they have at Disneyland a marching band, but they also have a band in Tomorrow…they have a jazz band.

 

I don't understand why this isn’t happening, because…now, one time at Disneyland we were able to see Dapper Dans and the marching band in the same span. So, I just feel like those are the things that make it magical, 'cause you can stop and…and that’s not something…even though they perform multiple times a day, it is a bit of a fleeting thing where if you really stop and enjoy it, you’re experiencing something that’s only going to exist in that moment. The other thing is from a personal perspective from Scooter and I, these are performers getting to perform. They’re being compensated. I don't know how they’re being compensated, but…so, they’re getting to improve the craft, play for an audience, have fun, and we just think that’s great. So, we need more. Now, what else do we got here?

 

I’ve got the map of the park. Yeah, they have entertainment listed as Happily Ever After, Festival of Fantasy Parade, Friendship Fair…that’s a stage show. Shopping and dining, and that’s it, Scooter. So, should we go to the…? Do you remember what our plan was? Now, this wasn’t our first attempt at staying cool, but it was where…or was it? So, this…so, if it’s really hot…okay, let’s go over some parameters of staying cool, taking breaks if you can’t go back to your hotel…but you’re in a smaller group. If you have to please kids and stuff — now, this could be difficult — and you don’t want to spend a ton of money or you’re…so…but this one will…now, the Magic Kingdom does offer a pretty good opportunity of spending money, maybe even being able to doze off, and…yeah.

 

So, this took place only in one little part of the park. We did try over in Tomorrowland first and what we found is yes, you could take a nice break at the…at…what do you call that? Scooter, what’s the name of the show? Circle of Tomorrow? Carousel of Progress. So, you could take a break. There’s never a line for the Carousel of Progress. It’s a nice little show. You get to sit down, the seats are comfortable, and there’s air conditioning. We recommend it 'cause…but it’s a nice show. You could doze off — I think it’s maybe a twenty-minute show or something — and enjoy it. But that’s a little break and that’s really the only place in this corner of the park for free. Now, we will recommend…but it’s not quiet, but there’s…Scooter, what’s the name of the restaurant?

 

Oh, 78. Is that correct, Scooter? Yeah, 78 Cosmic Rays. Now, you could take the People Mover. That’s relaxing, too. Not air-conditioned, but it has a breeze. But there’s normally a pretty decent line, though the line does move. Some of the other rides usually have a line, and we’re trying not to wait in line for rides when we’re hot. But so, you could go over to the Cosmic Ray Starlight Cafe. Now, this will be very busy, but we do recommend watching that show. It’s a animatronic show. Those are pretty rare nowadays, even though we’ve suggested, why don’t you do these animatronic shows like Food Rocks? Put it in a place in Epcot like this where you could sit there and watch the show. So, Cosmic Ray we’ll put on a animatronic music show. He’s a lounge singer; they’re a lounge singer.

 

It’s cool, but then you’d probably have to eat or at least get a beverage, 'cause you can’t really take a table from people that are paying money for the food. I’d say that’s not a great idea. But it’s okay, I guess. You paid a lot of money to go to the park. If you’re gonna be eating or something…but you could get a beverage and a snack or you could have…again, you could eat one of your meals and relax there in the air conditioning, and you could combine that with the Carousel of Progress before or after, and then you’ve got maybe…you’re looking at maybe an hour break. Now, we did not test anything out in Fantasyland, and alls I could tell you is you’re probably outta luck there.

 

I mean, you could go to the Mickey’s PhilharMagic, but that…the last couple times we’ve gone there with the waiting in line hasn’t gone to plan, so…and then also the same for Little Mermaid; if there’s no line for Little Mermaid…but again, that’s not…we’re looking for a little bit more rest and not waiting in line. The same goes for Tomorrow…what is that called? Tomorrow the kids will be full of joy…It’s A Small World. Now, as you exit Fantasyland, though, this is what we would call…this is what we would recommend. Now, let’s say you find yourself anywhere in the Magic Kingdom; you’re out of gas. The lines are really long for all the rides. This is what we’re gonna walk you through and this is what we actually practiced.

 

You’re gonna…what you wanna do…now, you could do this in any order, I guess, so I guess you don’t have to follow our order, but you’re gonna want to go…Scooter, what’s the place called that we’re going to? Oh, okay. I’ll look it up. It’s in Liberty Square? Liberty Square…oh, Columbia Harbor House. So, you’re gonna go into Columbia Harbor House. Now, every once in a while they’ll have bouncers at the door. They’ll say, did you place your mobile order already? So, if they have that, try to just stay calm and say, okay, and then order a soda. Or if you want a snack or something, you could order a snack. Or…and this is maybe the last…if it’s only one or two people, pretend like you’re already…somebody’s already in there.

 

If you don’t want to spend any money…this place has plenty of seating, but go up to the counter, get a couple cups of water, ice water, free…now, we recommend going upstairs. Now, if the park is very slow, they’ll close the upstairs, but most of the time now the parks are busy. So, you could go upstairs and you find yourself a nice place to sit there. If you pay for a beverage or food…and then you can eat that, but it’s like…now, it’s wooden seating but it’s still comfortable. It’s a pretty spacious place, so you may not find a quiet corner but you could probably find a chill place, and probably a place where you could at least feel spread out a little bit. Depending on your ability to sleep in situations, this is the kinda place where you can put your head on the table and go to sleep.

 

It’s not gonna be comfortable but it’s gonna be very shaded and very air-conditioned, and that’s where we recommend, is starting…this is gonna be one of your serious break chunks and cool-downs. So, we started there. Now, again, if you want…we’re talking that outside, even in the shade, it’s warm in this situation. But if it’s in the shade it’s not warm…you could take the Liberty River Boat. But your next stop…or, again, this is somewhat modular, is the Hall of Presidents. I know you say, whoa, whoa, whoa, Ray, presidential whatever. We say, okay, okay, we get…this is not about the content, okay? This is about a couple of things. Now, you’re gonna want to go into the lobby of the Hall of Presidents. That’s the waiting area, and maybe there’ll be a greeter there and they’ll tell you when the next show is.

 

Now, the good news is if you get there really early, you’ll be able to get a bench and you’ll be able to sit down in air conditioning right away. If it’s closer to show time, you may have to sit on the floor. Here’s the thing I would say; if it’s closer to show time, find out what your limit is and if you don’t want to sit on the floor or even the floor doesn’t have any openings, say, okay, do I want to stand here for five minutes? It’s air-conditioned…and then go into the show and sit down? Or do I want to move on to another part of this modular plan? But these are close together 'cause we’re trying to keep you cool. So, those are options. But then you could sit through the show, and again, you could take a short nap during the show if you so choose. Again, that’s not right or wrong. This plan is about resting and relaxing.

 

Okay, now our plan moves on to another show with another waiting area, and that’s the Country Bear Jamboree. You’re gonna go in there, and again you’re gonna do a similar method to the Hall of Presidents. Now, the only downside to this method is this floor is hard. It doesn’t have a carpet. The Hall of Presidents’ waiting room has a carpet. But this place is air-conditioned and it does have a lot of benches; it’s just not…so, if you can go in there and get a bench, then you could sit on the bench and relax in the air conditioning. Again, maybe you read a book, maybe you close your eyes. I mean, it’s not a napping situation. It’s a sitting-down-and-resting-in-the-air-conditioning situation, and yeah, maybe talk…I mean, it just depends on your energy level or if you wanted to be distracted.

 

But this is…again, you already paid to be in the park, so you don’t have to buy a beverage or anything. Okay, then you’re gonna go to the show. Now, we recommend going to the show again for a couple of reasons. Well, one, it’s air-conditioned and you’re sitting down. Now, you’re sitting on benches at this show, so you’re not gonna be able to fall asleep. If you want to sleep, to be honest, so far…I don't know, the Disney shows…the timing is not great for napping. Maybe nodding off, but you want…the other theatre shows…but again, the Hall of Presidents or Circle of…the History of the…Carousel of Progress; thank you, Scooter. You could nap…they’re a little bit more comfortable, but again, you may find yourself just nodding off when it ends.

 

Okay, so sit through the Country Bear Jamboree Show, 'cause again, it’s animatronic performance show, and I don't know, there may be a time when these don’t exist anymore, like Sunny Delight…Sunny Eclipse at Anti-Gravity…oh no, the gravity’s…whatever that place is I said to go eat in Future World. Okay, so you’ll sit through the Country Bear show. Now, you want to keep an eye on your app, 'cause after this we are gonna get a treat. Now, when we were there, they weren’t doing mobile ordering, but…now, if you wanted a meal after this, you could go to Pecos Bill’s, which is right next door. Again, that’s in air conditioning and you could get a meal or a beverage and sit down and stay in the AC or out of the rain. This is also a rain…if it’s raining.

 

But again, if it’s raining, even if it’s very hot, you may find a large amount of competition for the seating. Also, I’m under the impression that this may be re-themed for Tiana, and maybe Tiana’s gonna open a restaurant there. That would be awesome. But for the time being, if you come out of Country Bear, you could go into that restaurant. But what we did and what I recommend is you go to the Dole Whip stand and you get yourself a Dole Whip. Aloha Aisle I think is what it’s called. Maybe that’s in Disneyland. I don't know. But so, you go there, you get a Dole Whip. Now, Scooter got a coconut…Scooter, do you know…? It was just coconut and…oh, it was coconut in a float in juice, but you could get your typical pineapple…and they change it around.

 

They have the original Dole Whip which is pineapple soft-serve, then you could get pineapple and vanilla twist, I think. You could get it in a float; that’s a Dole Whip float, and usually they have the…something else. Now, they also have another place called Sunshine Tree Terrace, I think. That was mobile order, and that, sometimes, also has other flavors, but Scooter doesn’t want to go there because they have orange and cream and he doesn’t…he can’t be near orange creamsicle flavors. I have to maintain a respect for Scooter. Now, in this situation, what you could do is take your Dole Whip and immediately get in line for the Tiki Bird…Enchanted Tiki Room is what it’s called, or you could not. But we ended up eating ours right away because it was…we were saying, holy cow, I didn’t know how much I needed this.

 

So, we had ours just at a little table stand, but that was also in the shade. Then we went into the Tiki Room. Now, here’s the thing; for the Tiki Room, the waiting room is outdoors. It is very shaded and I think it has fans, but it’s standing or leaning only. So, I would keep an eye on the time. Then you’ll go into the Tiki Bird Show. Again, this seating is not nappable and it is dark, so we did get into a territory where it was like, oh boy, I don't know if I’m gonna be able to stay awake for this, Ray. But the show was pretty fast and maybe you could zone out. But it’s air-conditioned, it’s nice, and again, who knows? The show’s dated but it’s something…it’s like time travel to us. Then you could see that show…and Scooter, that’s it, right?

 

Then you check the line for Pirates of the Caribbean, right, to see how long the line is, because you could wait inside in that one. If you’re not tired of standing up, most of that weight is gonna be in air conditioning and then the ride will be in air conditioning. But is there anything else I’m missing, Scooter? That was our tour. A couple other tips I would say is if it’s not super warm, you could go to Tom Sawyer Island and there’s rocking chairs near Aunt Polly’s, I think, which is very rarely open. I think even one time Scooter planned a lunch there. I think they used to serve sandwiches and ice cream bars and drinks. But again, if this…that’s outdoor seating and there’s a limited amount of seating. There’s soda machines 'cause Scooter’s bought a…I was with Scooter when he bought a soda machine.

 

But so, you could go to Tom Sawyer Island, but we’re talking…we’re looking at indoor options. But really, that’s it as far as…I mean, that’s what our tips are. Yeah, I don't see anything else, Scooter. Do you off the top of your head? No? Okay, so let’s move on to Disney Hollywood Studios and the guide map here. Now…oh no, let’s check the apps. Right, Scooter; you’re right. Now, oh boy, this is a little bit of a letdown. No offence, but they used to have the Streetmosphere characters, and they still haven’t brought them back, and I’m sure all the people that used to perform there had to move on to other…if it was part of the part-time job or full-time job, unfortunately they…so…but it’d be nice if they had those back because that was multiple performances, and this is something they used to even have in a different version in Epcot.

 

Now, Epcot has a ton of performances, but they used to have…Scooter, World Showcase Players, Scooter told me, where they would put on shows. So, these Streetmosphere characters would be from the Hollywood golden age and playing characters that supposedly lived on Sunset Boulevard or Hollywood Boulevard. Is there any other live shows, Scooter? Let’s look through here. Oh, Beauty and the Beast. Okay, so that’s a really good show and you sit down, but it is outdoors. But it’s long enough that that’s a nice little break. Let’s just check the show times. Can we…? Oh, that doesn’t work on the Disney app. Disney Junior…no. Fantasmic…that one’s at night. The Frozen Show we don’t recommend for this purpose only because…we recommend…the Frozen Show’s very good, but only if…that’s something you’re gonna have to wait in…you have to get there early and be in line for.

 

Again, the Indiana Jones Stunt Show for the same thing; we don’t not recommend. We love the Beauty and the Beast show. We love the Frozen show, and the Indiana Jones show’s pretty decent. You all get to sit down in them and you’re in shade with a little bit of breeze, but it’s not cooling. Now, Frozen’s indoors, but the problem is when it’s busy, the Frozen show you gotta be there…the last time we went, they didn’t even let…they had so many people with the Fast…or the Genie Pass that only a small portion of people from the stand-by line even got into the show, and we waited…now, we didn’t get there early, so I’m not pointing any fingers, but I can’t imagine getting there thirty minutes early when it’s warm.

 

We’re saying, it defeats the purpose that Ray is talking about of trying to cool it down. Okay, and what are…live shows are there? I don't see any…there’s meeting characters which is great for younger kids. There should be a outdoor…is there any live…street performances? Not in the Disney app. Okay, Scooter, so what, am I gonna check this other app here? Okay…Hollywood Studios. Okay, so yeah, the Beauty and the Beast show; 5:00 PM. There’s Disney Junior; that one you get to sit down for. Frozen show…oh, there it is. See? It wasn’t even on the…this is too bad. Holy cow. So, the Disney app doesn’t even have this. This is a good show. It’s the Toy…the Green Action Figure Toys’ Drum Core. They play…today in Toy Story Land, they played at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30. I mean, that’s a nice show.

 

It really is, and I think they come marching in. The last time we saw them was not in…was in California, a similar show, and they played a Hollywood…a holiday show. Okay, and then one place that usually there’s gonna be no wait is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. So, if you’re on…but that’s on a far corner of the park. So, if you have a Lightning McQueen fan in your family…but that’s also bench seating. So, you could do that if you’re over there to cool down, but I don't know what…we didn’t research it, so I don't know what the outdoor…the waiting room’s like. Again, meet Olaf and then…not a lot of stuff. Now, this park does not have a lot of indoor places to lay low, but here we go…that…we did try to find something, of course, for all of you, and…but yeah, so that drummer show.

 

So, there’s really only one show outdoors, and then you could go see those other shows, but that’s more of your park touring where this is rest and recovery or chilling. So, we discovered this 'cause we were desperate; we said, what are some places…? Now, unfortunately most of the things you’re gonna do here are involving paying for food. That’s just the reality. But we would say to start with this original…now, currently it’s a short from…with Mickey and Minnie called Vacation Fun, and that was our first piece of research. Now, it’s standing only for the waiting room and it’s only covered; it’s not air-conditioned, so that’s one thing. So, just double-check how long you’re gonna have to wait. But then you go in and it’s in a theatre, and it’s nice, comfortable seating and it’s air-conditioned in there.

 

Usually it’s not busy, so you’re not gonna have to wait with another group of people or anything like that. Then from over there you’re gonna go…now, you got a couple options. We’re gonna run through them all. You could go to PizzeRizzo…now, the downside of…the upside of PizzeRizzo; plenty of seating. We didn’t have the pizza there. We’ve had cannoli and a drink. Now, they don’t have free refill stations there, so that’s the only thing Scooter and I just don’t recommend. But for entertainment and doing a crossover episode and buying pressed pennies, we recommend it. So, if you leave the Vacation Fun, you have a couple options. You could to straight to Muppet Vision. Again, that’s gonna be a process, and this is a process you could repeat over and over again.

 

But Muppet Vision, sometimes they’ll have a outdoor queue, but most of the time it’s indoors. You go in and you’re…the room you’re in, it’s standing only, but it is a carpeted floor. You could sit on the floor, and it’s air-conditioned and it’s entertaining. They have a nice little pre-show. Then it’s theatre seating for the show. You could watch the show or if you decide to nod off…it’s a short show but you probably might be able to get ten minutes in. From there…Scooter, what’s it called? Hollywood Backlot Express? Backlot Express. Okay. So, we recommend two eateries in this general vicinity, and both of them fit Scooter’s thing of free refills, or you get to refill your own soda. That’s important to Scooter, but both have indoor seating. Now, the only thing about the Hollywood Backlot is it also has outdoor seating.

 

So, you want to make sure you’re getting the indoor seating so you could sit down indoors in the AC. Now, the other place is called the ABC Commissary. Now, that has indoor seating, but that place usually has a bouncer, so you do have to order before they’ll let you in. I’ve noticed that sometimes that’s also the case with the Backlot. Or you might even have to have your food before they’ll seat you, depending on how busy it is. Now, the ABC Commissary…Scooter, is this our first food review? Oh, where that’s gonna be another thing. But the food there is pretty good. They have tacos…and it’s been a while since we’ve eaten a meal at Backlot Express. We got the Wookie Cookie the last two times we went there — and that’s been over a three or four-year period —and usually a drink; a soda and a Wookie Cookie.

 

But is that it for this park? Yeah, Star Wars has nowhere…I mean, they do have the Docking Bay, but there’s not a lot of air conditioning, and Toy Story Land, the same thing. They have a BBQ restaurant now, but I think you have to have a reservation. They do have a couple other shows that we haven’t been to. 48 is…Scooter, what’s 48 and 49? 48’s a store. Yeah, so, they have Walt Disney Presents, but it says it’s in a multi-media gallery. Star Wars Launch Bay, that’s standing up to meet characters. It does say sneak peek of Disney films, so they may have seating in there, but we don’t know. We didn’t try that out. Then Disney Junior…that’s where the Sound Stage Restaurant used to be, huh, Scooter? Do you know? He doesn’t know. But yeah, so that’s it for that one, I think.

 

So, let me just see…let me look around here at this map. Scooter, I can’t find my notebook, so that’s the strangest thing, ladies and gentlemen. My notebook is missing. I came into the climb-in closet with my notebook and I left without my notebook. Let’s just look up here a little bit about Streetmosphere performers and talk about that just a little bit more. Oh, here’s a article. Okay…oh, Citizens of Hollywood. Oh, there’s a Streetmosphere in every park. Huh. Best Streetmosphere in each Disney World park, Streetmosphere characters, Citizens of Hollywood; that’s the one we’re talking about. I’m trying to find the article that’s not made to make you click on it, though. Streetmosphere…oh, here’s street perform…this is from 2014, so this will be a jump back into the past. This is on Touring Plans.

 

2014…and this article was by Amy Farkas. Street performers at Disney Hollywood Studios. So, we’ll just look through this article. There’s…so, this is almost…what year is it? Yeah, it’s like nine years old. So, there’s the Citizens of Hollywood, right? They performed every day at Disney Hollywood Studios on Hollywood Boulevard or Sunset Boulevard. They’re aspiring actors, directors, people checking out everybody…make sure everybody’s doing well. Family-friendly, a variety of skits, and they’re always slightly different because they’re interacting with the clown…crowd. Oh, this is history…it’s been there since the opening day on May, 1989. C. McNair Wilson was the director of a stage…street theatre company, SAK Theatre, which performed at Renaissance festivals.

 

Oh, here we go; ‘82, they asked the group to perform in Italy, and then the UK. So, those were the Disney World Players. By ‘85 they were doing forty-five shows a day in four different locations. That year they were brought back into the plans for the upcoming Hollywood Studios Backstage Tour. Then they went in another direction, then they said, hey, let us be part of this expansion. Wilson presented a collection of forty characters that would make guests feel like they were actually in Hollywood. They gave Wilson a budget for twenty-three characters. Now, in the beginning, according to this touringplans.com article, it was twenty characters with thirty-two performers commissioned to become Citizens from Holly…Citizens of Hollywood from 1947.

 

Wilson urged them to never break character, and guests loved the Streetmosphere characters. The popularity kept them constant over the years. Then there was Mulch, Sweat, and Tears. This is another one that people really didn’t want to see go. I think maybe sometimes they perform at Epcot? I don't know, or maybe they’re gone. This was a five-member band. Mulch was the family landscapers that are a cover band; Morris Mulch, band manager, Mia Mulch, Axe Mulch, Sticks Mulch, and Buzz Sweat…Buzz Sweat on keyboards and Hedge Shears on bass. They said, hey, we just showed up here and we’re gonna perform. They were…I’ve never seen…we’ve never seen this, right Scooter? Wow, and they covered songs, rock anthems, and pulled crowd members…this sounds really good.

 

They started in 2004 in the tenth anniversary…oh, they just celebrated their tenth anniversary. Thirty-minute show seven days a week. They were originally on the Streets of America which was closed for Star Wars Land, then they were on the stage in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat, which is now gone, and special shows on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve with fireworks. They’ve also performed at other events. So, yeah, that’s too bad. That sounds really cool. But this is also some really good information about the…so, Scooter…so, there is a white whale, and this is Scooter’s white whale, which we’ll be investigating now because now we have a new piece of information, because Scooter has…we’ve searched the internet for this? To go back to this SAK, a brief history…1982, there was four…at one point they were doing forty-five shows a day in Epcot in four different locations.

 

Now, Scooter swears to me that he saw a show like this in Canada and it was a specific style of show…'cause Scooter was in love with this stuff since the first time…he said, the rides are cool and the animatronics, but these live shows and particularly shows that are both improved and written…who would have thought it, right? He loves them, and so, he loved these…the World Showcase Players. He said, I think the World Showcase Players did a show in Epcot in Canada, and he’s never been able to find it. So, he’s close…one step closer now. This will come up more when we cover Epcot. But yeah, there’s some live performances and ways to stay cool from your friend Ray. I’ll be back with one more episode covering this and maybe a holiday episode, or maybe you heard one of the other episodes first. I don't know. But goodnight, everybody.

 

[END OF RECORDING]

(Transcribed by Leah Hervoly)

Ray

 

Kriss Kross

https://www.buzzfeed.com/mbvd/the-ups-and-downs-of-kris-kross-musical-career

https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/jermaine-dupri-recalls-how-discovered-kris-kross-greenbriar-mall/8MW5Ut1RhJXHCAsoFVwceI/

https://www.grunge.com/654505/the-untold-truth-of-kris-kross/

 

Disney App

https://debugger.medium.com/app-review-my-disney-experience-disney-genie-and-disney-genie-f3a0af215957

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022/05/05/one-big-thing-you-shouldnt-trust-in-disney-world/

https://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-world/my-disney-experience.htm

 

Ragtime 

https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200035811/

https://www.jazzhistorytree.com/ragtime/

https://www.pianistmagazine.com/blogs/scott-joplin-and-the-history-of-ragtime/

 

Dole Whip

https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/Disney-Dole-Whip-origin-not-Hawaii-17233525.php

https://laist.com/news/food/the-history-of-dole-whip

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/14/everything-youve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-the-history-of-disneys-dole-whip/

 

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Warm it up, Chris

Oh, I’m just talking about a 90s Child Hip Hop Group

I don’t know anything actual about Right Said Fred

 

Deep Dark Night United

Neil K & Family (Polysleep)

 

PLUGS

WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike Support; Orlando Park Stop / Trevor Project; Patreon; SleepPhones; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline; Annual Survey; The Midnight Mission

 

SPONSORS

Odoo; Polysleep; Helix Sleep; Progressive; Zoc Doc

 

INTRO

Newly Occurring Thoughts

Doing that Noting Thing

I know I’m just a pseudo-something, but you are not alone

Someone else who’s listening right now can definitely relate to what you’re dealing with

No matter what, you deserve a good night’s sleep

I’ll try to explain my references to Kriss Kross

Generationally Specific Reference (GSR)

Maybe ABC sang “Ayesha”?

I just love Kriss Kross so much that I’m willing to attribute other things to them

You don’t have to listen to this like other sleep stuff

I don’t want to open a glowing chest of my plushy being

You’ve got to go on the quest for your spiritual plush!

I’m here for you whether you’re awake or asleep, any time

A bedtime story read by Neighbor Ray

 

STORY

It’s been a long time since Ray’s been in the studio

Ray’s recorded a lot of on location episodes for patrons

Some forlorn feelings about some of my favorite theme parks

This is for Disney parks

I love the live entertainment at Disney parks

The Joy of Performance

Staying Cool at Disney Parks

We were staying off-property, which was not as convenient

Where to take a break where it’s cool

A live performance is a nice break, but not necessarily cool

I’m not sure if this will be a series or not

Starting with Disney Hollywood Studios

A map of Hollywood studios

A trip to Disney requires a lot of prep now

The app is helpful but it’s incomplete

Oh boy, how do we log into this app?

Why are we logged out of this app?

The Lines App, from Len Testa

Scooter, why are you logged out of all your apps?

The Dapper Dans are done performing for the day

Between the Walt Disney World app and the Lines app, you can cover everything

I don’t consider meeting characters to be real events

I’m comparing Disneyland to Magic Kingdom

Dapper Dans vs Casey’s Corner Piano Player

Scooter, did we even take notes on this part?

Grayson, the piano player, was a high recommend

Well, I guess I’m actually going to talk about Magic Kingdom first …

Take a Main Street vehicle to relax, but not necessarily cool

Set up for the DDs 5 minutes early

You can walk all through the main street shops to keep cool

Grayson had some superfans

Grayson would play in a Ragtime Piano Style (RPS)

Dapper Dans do dad jokes

We did find a standing spot in the shade

They used to have more bands, and I don’t know why they’re gone

I want to support these great performers

You can take a break the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland

78 is air conditioned but it’s not tranquil

Don’t wait in line when you’re hot

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

One of the few remaining animatronic shows

There’s probably nothing good in Fantasyland

Reliably restful places

Go to Columbia Harbor House

Get some ice water for free

Go upstairs and find a nice place to sit

It may not be quiet, but it will be chill

You might be able to sleep in these wooden chairs

A Serious Break Chunk

Hall of Presidents

This is not about content, this is about ambience

Get there early to sit on a bench in the AC

Determine your threshold for sitting on the floor or not

I won’t judge you if you sleep

Country Bear Jamboree

CBJ does not have carpeted floors

These shows are more for resting than for napping

Keep an eye on your app

Pecos Bill’s is next door for an AC meal

Or this might’ve been rethemed for Tiana

Get a Dole Whip 

Dole Whip Deep Dive

Scooter refuses to go near Creamsicle flavors

Get the dole whip and get in line for the Tiki Room

Standing or Leaning only

The Tiki Bird Show

It’s a nap-inducing room

Sure it’s dated, but it’s also like time travel

And see if you can go to Pirates

There’s rocking chairs near Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer Island, but it’s rarely open

Let’s now move on to Disney Hollywood Studios

Let’s check the apps first

The Streetmosphere Characters are gone, and that’s a letdown

The Indiana Jones stunt show is pretty cooling

The Frozen show is cooling, but that line is interminable

No live performances listed in the Disney app

You can sit at Disney junior

The Green Action Figure Toys Drum Corps – that’s a great show!

Why is that only in the Lines app??

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – there will never be a line

But that’s just bench seating

HS doesn’t have a lot of indoor places to lay low

This is more chilling

Most places here will involve paying for food

The “Vacation Fun” short movie

Standing Only waiting room, AC seating theatre

Pizzerizzo Upside – a lot of seating

Downside – no free refills

Muppetvision – a carpeted floor in the waiting room, theatre seating for the show

Backlot Express has 2 good eateries with free refills

ABC Commissary – indoor seating, but you need to get past the reservation bouncer

Is this our first food review?

ABC Commissary food is pretty good

Star Wars doesn’t have much AC

Ray’s lost his notebook

Let’s do some research on Streetmosphere characters

Citizens of Hollywood research

Always slightly different because they’re interacting with the crowd

Disney co-opted a Street Theatre company (SAK Theatre Company)

The Mulch Family Band – I’ve never seen them before

Scooter’s White Whale

Scooter saw something like an SAK show in Canada one time

Scooter thinks he saw SAK perform in Canada at EPCOT once upon a time

One step closer to an answer

 

PATREON THANKS

Devon, Phoenix, Mari, Kimberly, Bastian, SDS, Julianne, Martha, Connie, Peachy, Joshua, Jessica, Aaron, Karthink, Adam, Patrick, Ben, Mandy

 

SUMMARY:

Episode: 1,194

Title: Cool It Down with Ray | Magic Kingdom & Hollywood Studios

Deep Dark Night United: Neil K & Family (Polysleep)

Plugs: WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike Support; Orlando Park Stop / Trevor Project; Patreon; SleepPhones; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline; Annual Survey; The Midnight Mission

Sponsors: Odoo; Polysleep; Helix Sleep; Progressive; Zoc Doc

Patreon Thanks: Devon, Phoenix, Mari, Kimberly, Bastian, SDS, Julianne, Martha, Connie, Peachy, Joshua, Jessica, Aaron, Karthink, Adam, Patrick, Ben, Mandy

Notable Language:

• 90s Child Hip Hop Group
• Teen Vocabulary
• Generationally Specific Reference (GSR)
• Spiritual Plush
• Umbrage
• Ragtime Piano Style (RPS)
• Streetmosphere
• Wookie Cookie

 

Notable Culture:

• • Kriss Kross
  • Right Said Fred
  • Another Bad Creation 
  • Disney 
  • Orlando Park Stop Fundraiser
  • Len Testa
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • Sunny D
  • Creamsicle

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• • EPCOT
  • Indiana Jones

• Frozen

• Cars

• SAK Theatre Company

 

Notable Talking Points:

• Newly Occurring Thoughts
• Doing that Noting Thing
• I know I’m just a pseudo-something, but you are not alone
• Someone else who’s listening right now can definitely relate to what you’re dealing with
• No matter what, you deserve a good night’s sleep
• I’ll try to explain my references to Kriss Kross
• Generationally Specific Reference (GSR)
• Maybe ABC sang “Ayesha”?
• I just love Kriss Kross so much that I’m willing to attribute other things to them
• You don’t have to listen to this like other sleep stuff
• I don’t want to open a glowing chest of my plushy being
• You’ve got to go on the quest for your spiritual plush!
• I’m here for you whether you’re awake or asleep, any time
• A bedtime story read by Neighbor Ray
• It’s been a long time since Ray’s been in the studio
• Ray’s recorded a lot of on location episodes for patrons
• Some forlorn feelings about some of my favorite theme parks
• This is for Disney parks
• I love the live entertainment at Disney parks
• The Joy of Performance
• Staying Cool at Disney Parks
• We were staying off-property, which was not as convenient
• Where to take a break where it’s cool
• A live performance is a nice break, but not necessarily cool
• I’m not sure if this will be a series or not
• Starting with Disney Hollywood Studios
• A map of Hollywood studios
• A trip to Disney requires a lot of prep now
• The app is helpful but it’s incomplete
• Oh boy, how do we log into this app?
• Why are we logged out of this app?
• The Lines App, from Len Testa
• Scooter, why are you logged out of all your apps?
• The Dapper Dans are done performing for the day
• Between the Walt Disney World app and the Lines app, you can cover everything
• I don’t consider meeting characters to be real events
• I’m comparing Disneyland to Magic Kingdom
• Dapper Dans vs Casey’s Corner Piano Player
• Scooter, did we even take notes on this part?
• Grayson, the piano player, was a high recommend
• Well, I guess I’m actually going to talk about Magic Kingdom first …
• Take a Main Street vehicle to relax, but not necessarily cool
• Set up for the DDs 5 minutes early
• You can walk all through the main street shops to keep cool
• Grayson had some superfans
• Grayson would play in a Ragtime Piano Style (RPS)
• Dapper Dans do dad jokes
• We did find a standing spot in the shade
• They used to have more bands, and I don’t know why they’re gone
• I want to support these great performers
• You can take a break the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland
• 78 is air conditioned but it’s not tranquil
• Don’t wait in line when you’re hot
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• One of the few remaining animatronic shows
• There’s probably nothing good in Fantasyland
• Reliably restful places
• Go to Columbia Harbor House
• Get some ice water for free
• Go upstairs and find a nice place to sit
• It may not be quiet, but it will be chill
• You might be able to sleep in these wooden chairs
• A Serious Break Chunk
• Hall of Presidents
• This is not about content, this is about ambience
• Get there early to sit on a bench in the AC
• Determine your threshold for sitting on the floor or not
• I won’t judge you if you sleep
• Country Bear Jamboree
• CBJ does not have carpeted floors
• These shows are more for resting than for napping
• Keep an eye on your app
• Pecos Bill’s is next door for an AC meal
• Or this might’ve been rethemed for Tiana
• Get a Dole Whip 
• Dole Whip Deep Dive
• Scooter refuses to go near Creamsicle flavors
• Get the dole whip and get in line for the Tiki Room
• Standing or Leaning only
• The Tiki Bird Show
• It’s a nap-inducing room
• Sure it’s dated, but it’s also like time travel
• And see if you can go to Pirates
• There’s rocking chairs near Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer Island, but it’s rarely open
• Let’s now move on to Disney Hollywood Studios
• Let’s check the apps first
• The Streetmosphere Characters are gone, and that’s a letdown
• The Indiana Jones stunt show is pretty cooling
• The Frozen show is cooling, but that line is interminable
• No live performances listed in the Disney app
• You can sit at Disney junior
• The Green Action Figure Toys Drum Corps – that’s a great show!
• Why is that only in the Lines app??
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – there will never be a line
• But that’s just bench seating
• HS doesn’t have a lot of indoor places to lay low
• This is more chilling
• Most places here will involve paying for food
• The “Vacation Fun” short movie
• Standing Only waiting room, AC seating theatre
• Pizzerizzo Upside – a lot of seating
• Downside – no free refills
• Muppetvision – a carpeted floor in the waiting room, theatre seating for the show
• Backlot Express has 2 good eateries with free refills
• ABC Commissary – indoor seating, but you need to get past the reservation bouncer
• Is this our first food review?
• ABC Commissary food is pretty good
• Star Wars doesn’t have much AC
• Ray’s lost his notebook
• Let’s do some research on Streetmosphere characters
• Citizens of Hollywood research
• Always slightly different because they’re interacting with the crowd
• Disney co-opted a Street Theatre company (SAK Theatre Company)
• The Mulch Family Band – I’ve never seen them before
• Scooter’s White Whale
• Scooter saw something like an SAK show in Canada one time
• Scooter thinks he saw SAK perform in Canada at EPCOT once upon a time
• One step closer to an answer