What a blur. The last 2 days have been so chaotic, but it's finally over. Last night was a blast. We started off with our annual staff dinner which is a great chance for all of our in country markets to hang out together. We even managed to find the one classy joint in Orlando to have it in - a place called Vines. Great food and great laughs with good friends.
I realized that on this trip - that we are all really good friends. There's something about traveling with people, being away from home together that brings you closer. It's nice to know that you can be anywhere in the world and know someone. This show is great for that. I've run into a ton of people that I've met on fams, at other trade shows, and while traveling, and everyone is usually genuinely happy to see you again. It makes being away a little easier. Just a tad.
The party last night was epic. There's nothing like watching all the same people that you were just talking business with earlier in the day completely break down under the influence of alcohol and lose their damn mind on the dance floor. Open bars are always dangerous, and last night was no exception. Over imbibed just a bit, but survived. Took it WAY easy tonight.
And tonight...was held at Sea World. I have to say, maybe I'm just a little burnt out, but I wasn't totally impressed. In Sea Worlds defense, it could very well have been that they only serve Bud and Bud Light, therefore ensuring my sobriety for the evening. Maybe I owe them a thank you come to think of it. And here's a thought - Is it weird to eat sea food at a sea life park? I couldn't help but feeling that the fish may have been just a bit fresher than I'd like. Either way, they put on a fine party. Maybe I'm just a snob.
Well, travel day tomorrow. I have a late flight so a bit more pool time is in order. There's only a few weeks before my next trip so I need to get prepped ASAP. Can't wait. More to come...
B
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 4 - 2 words - Harry Potter
Much to my delight, Universal did indeed open the new Harry Potter attraction for us tonight, despite the torrential downpour that hit in the afternoon. I must admit, I panicked a bit when I heard that Uni was considering a plan B if the rain didn't subside, but luckily Merlin smiled upon us and all went according to schedule.
And now, about the attraction...
GTFO! This was, hands down, the most impressive thing I have EVER seen in a theme park! Something that all HP fans should see. They had a very strict "no photography" rule, but I still managed to get a few shots off (hey, had to prove I'd been there right?). I'll post them as soon as I get back. Listen folks, this is it. I felt like a little kid rolling through there. The castle has EVERYTHING from the story. The talking portraits, Dumbledore's office, you name it and it's in there. I was so giddy seeing it - what a great feeling. Oh yeah, the drinks were free again as well.
The main roller coaster is a challenge between two dragons and it's a great ride. I even did the kiddie ride which was the "Flight of the Hippogrif" or something, just to say I did. I drank Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, tried out a few wands (no magic in me - straight muggle), and really just took it all in. Amazing doesn't begin to explain what Uni has here. Brilliant is a better fit.
Anyway, private performance from Blue Man Group after the park (bzzzz), and then off to the bars. What a great night.
And now, about the attraction...
GTFO! This was, hands down, the most impressive thing I have EVER seen in a theme park! Something that all HP fans should see. They had a very strict "no photography" rule, but I still managed to get a few shots off (hey, had to prove I'd been there right?). I'll post them as soon as I get back. Listen folks, this is it. I felt like a little kid rolling through there. The castle has EVERYTHING from the story. The talking portraits, Dumbledore's office, you name it and it's in there. I was so giddy seeing it - what a great feeling. Oh yeah, the drinks were free again as well.
The main roller coaster is a challenge between two dragons and it's a great ride. I even did the kiddie ride which was the "Flight of the Hippogrif" or something, just to say I did. I drank Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, tried out a few wands (no magic in me - straight muggle), and really just took it all in. Amazing doesn't begin to explain what Uni has here. Brilliant is a better fit.
Anyway, private performance from Blue Man Group after the park (bzzzz), and then off to the bars. What a great night.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Day 3 - Zippity Do D'oh!
OK, there are quite a few things that I've done in life that I thought were pretty cool, but tonight was a new high. Tonight, I got to go on rides at Disneyland with a drink in hand!! Yes, my friends, you read that right - full, open bar in the Magic Kingdom, all you can eat unreal food, and drinks on the rides. Tonight...was...special.
Of course, I did have a 2 hour prep meeting, followed by a 5 hour real meeting, but that's beside the point. Disney put on quite a show for us, closing down the park for a private event with the most unimaginable food and drinks! How can I describe the huge ice structure with girls dancing inside the ice while a bartender pours a drink from the top that swirls it's ways through the ice, past the girl, into your cup. Well, I guess like that. This ain't yo' mommas Disney!
Here's how the night went:
Started off with a quick run on Space Mountain - stop at bar - see friends - hugs - move to Peter Pan - stop at bar - see friends - back to bar (long chat) - off to Haunted Mansion (break "no flash photography" rule) - back to bar (oh ya, bars were closed, talked them into opening) - high 5 employees on the way out while my mate from Australia square dances with 3 or 4 of them (true), and cap it all off with a cast member pretending to throw this same Aussie out of the park while he's yelling "but Goofy was looking at me funny!". Maybe you had to be there. Glad I was.
And now, the bad news... Voice is about 85% GONE. No joke. Combo of allergies and airplane air has me broke down. The show hasn't even started!...
Gargling with salt water and going to bed. This ought to be interesting. Universal tomorrow!
B
Of course, I did have a 2 hour prep meeting, followed by a 5 hour real meeting, but that's beside the point. Disney put on quite a show for us, closing down the park for a private event with the most unimaginable food and drinks! How can I describe the huge ice structure with girls dancing inside the ice while a bartender pours a drink from the top that swirls it's ways through the ice, past the girl, into your cup. Well, I guess like that. This ain't yo' mommas Disney!
Here's how the night went:
Started off with a quick run on Space Mountain - stop at bar - see friends - hugs - move to Peter Pan - stop at bar - see friends - back to bar (long chat) - off to Haunted Mansion (break "no flash photography" rule) - back to bar (oh ya, bars were closed, talked them into opening) - high 5 employees on the way out while my mate from Australia square dances with 3 or 4 of them (true), and cap it all off with a cast member pretending to throw this same Aussie out of the park while he's yelling "but Goofy was looking at me funny!". Maybe you had to be there. Glad I was.
And now, the bad news... Voice is about 85% GONE. No joke. Combo of allergies and airplane air has me broke down. The show hasn't even started!...
Gargling with salt water and going to bed. This ought to be interesting. Universal tomorrow!
B
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Day 2 - Pool Dayz
OK, I have to admit. Sometimes things go your way when they get sideways. My plan for today was to supervise the booth build. Well, surprise! Booth build really didn't happen yet. Turns out most of it will go up tomorrow. So instead I went to the pool.
The pool here is off the hook! 3 of them I think AND a lazy river ride where you can just float along in an inner tube - just like cruising the river. Water was perfect, plenty of friends showing up to crash out pool because theirs sucks. My CEO said it best when she said, "Some days I feel like I make way too little, some days I feel like a make way to much." Poetry. Of course, she makes like a bajillion bucks. I had a blast - but I'm still under-paid!
Tonight's plans are uncertain. It looks like I'll be cruising with the Brits and the Irish though so I'm not worried about being bored. Of course, there is still work to be done. My company will get all their money's worth by the end of the week. And on that note, I'm off to meet the boss for a quick catch-up. More tomorrow!
B
The pool here is off the hook! 3 of them I think AND a lazy river ride where you can just float along in an inner tube - just like cruising the river. Water was perfect, plenty of friends showing up to crash out pool because theirs sucks. My CEO said it best when she said, "Some days I feel like I make way too little, some days I feel like a make way to much." Poetry. Of course, she makes like a bajillion bucks. I had a blast - but I'm still under-paid!
Tonight's plans are uncertain. It looks like I'll be cruising with the Brits and the Irish though so I'm not worried about being bored. Of course, there is still work to be done. My company will get all their money's worth by the end of the week. And on that note, I'm off to meet the boss for a quick catch-up. More tomorrow!
B
Friday, May 14, 2010
Day 1 - The air out here
Is thick! Like, breathing through a hot, wet sock thick. I remember this from the last time I was here. Not so bad this time, I mean, New Orleans? That's insanity. Today was actually pretty nice. I never knew how much water was out here. Probably because I flew in at night last time. It's crazy! From the air you see nothing but little (and some large) bodies of water everywhere.
I have to say, all-in-all today was a pretty good travel day. Had my customary lunch at Mile High in Denver with my boss and the Greek guy that I sat next to from Sac. What a cool dude. We talked so much about Greek food that we decided that we should grab lunch. The next leg was easy (despite the sappy romantic comedy they played). Why can't I just once look up and see boobs on the screen?!! Just once? They probably do it in Europe!
And now, the hotel.
The new Hilton Orlando is a very nice property. Brand new (opened last fall), and very well done. The rooms are like any other recently remodeled Hilton, which is to say that you can expect a very cozy bed, a flat screen, and a nice little work station. The pools are beautiful, with slides and a lazy river. The only thing that ticked me off was that they charge for the gym. Every other Hilton I've stayed at comp't that for their guests. Oh well, maybe resort pricing.
Had an amazing steak at the Capitol Grill at Point Orlando with 3 lovely industry colleagues. Lot's of laughs and great service from Joe the waiter. They over-cooked my Porterhouse, but immediately swapped it out and made good with extra sides. No harm, no foul. Pedi-cabs back. What a kick! More like a kick and a push, but we got it going. Our Puerto Rican driver (peddler?) smoked the other bike, and the other guy was pulling 2 girls that weighed about the same as my left leg.
Tomorrow I hit the pool for some down time before the madness begins. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the new Harry Potter attraction.
Powering down,
B
I have to say, all-in-all today was a pretty good travel day. Had my customary lunch at Mile High in Denver with my boss and the Greek guy that I sat next to from Sac. What a cool dude. We talked so much about Greek food that we decided that we should grab lunch. The next leg was easy (despite the sappy romantic comedy they played). Why can't I just once look up and see boobs on the screen?!! Just once? They probably do it in Europe!
And now, the hotel.
The new Hilton Orlando is a very nice property. Brand new (opened last fall), and very well done. The rooms are like any other recently remodeled Hilton, which is to say that you can expect a very cozy bed, a flat screen, and a nice little work station. The pools are beautiful, with slides and a lazy river. The only thing that ticked me off was that they charge for the gym. Every other Hilton I've stayed at comp't that for their guests. Oh well, maybe resort pricing.
Had an amazing steak at the Capitol Grill at Point Orlando with 3 lovely industry colleagues. Lot's of laughs and great service from Joe the waiter. They over-cooked my Porterhouse, but immediately swapped it out and made good with extra sides. No harm, no foul. Pedi-cabs back. What a kick! More like a kick and a push, but we got it going. Our Puerto Rican driver (peddler?) smoked the other bike, and the other guy was pulling 2 girls that weighed about the same as my left leg.
Tomorrow I hit the pool for some down time before the madness begins. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the new Harry Potter attraction.
Powering down,
B
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