What an adventure! I just returned from Disneyland, assigned to cover the Grand Opening of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I never knew the Happiest Place on Earth was also the busiest. We worked 14 hour days, shooting and writing a different story for every newscast. I didn't even have time to buy a churro or my favorite thing at Disneyland - the Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream bar. Yum! But I'm not complaining... it was an incredible assignement.
Sunday I covered the Blue Carpet Event. Dozens of stars showed up to be among the first to ride the new attrtaction. I really enjoyed talking with actor Sean Astin. He loves Utah. Recently he shot a movie here, based on Highland Rugby called Forever Strong, set to be released next year. He said Salt Lake is one of the most beautiful places he's ever been. While he was here he witnessed the most amzing lightning show over the mountains.
Geena Davis was an absolute delight, so gracious and genuine. I asked her if "Commander in Chief" (my favorite cancelled show) would ever make a comeback? With a sly smile she said, "I sure hope so." So let's all write ABC and beg them to bring it back, it's a fantastic series.
Here's a scoop for all you "Suite Life of Zack and Cody" fans. I talked to the twins about some upcoming episodes. They say they will get part-time jobs as grocery baggers. I asked them if they would be putting in the eggs on the bottom to which Dylan and Cole Sprouse replied with huge smiles, "Hey, you're good. How did you know?" (Well, it's an old gag that always works.)
After the Blue Carpet Event, I got to preview the Finding Nemo Submarine Voayge. It is delightful. The sets are brilliant and the 3-D animation is mind-boggling. You'll be asking yourself, how did they do that? And here's little secret about the ride, on it are 8 hidden Mickey Mouses. Good luck finding them, I sure didn't.
That night we attended a huge media party. The park blocked off half of Tomorrowland to other guests as we ate and danced the night away. What a blast.
After getting to sleep about midnight, Monday we got up at 3:00 a.m. for a live shot for Good Morning Utah. We took a mini-van shuttle to the park. It was a little surreal driving down Disney's Main Street at 4:00 in the morning. We certainly didn't have to worry about plowing over crowds of people. The only signs of life were a few sweepers and other employees stocking up the restaurants and stores for the day. The park had such a organized calm to it. It was really cool to be a part of it.
After the ride officially opened at noon to the public, we found a Utah couple waiting in line. They were close to the front, having arrived at 7:00 a.m. Kim and Brian of Syracuse were on their honeymoon and couldn't think of a better way to kick off their union than Finding Nemo. Brian was such a good sport, but when Kim said she was ready to get back in line and do it all again, Brian joked the Honeymoon would be over if she did. They are a great couple and it was such a pleasure for me to meet them.
It was a wonderful trip even though I only had time to ride Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Oh well... at least I got to meet the big mouse on Campus.