Robin
Cast Member
Posts: 940
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 01-05-03 09:04 PM
Every year Disney hosts a craft fair at the Disney Studios in Burbank. I always hear about this 'after' it takes place...until this year.
The Faire opens and 9:30AM for CMs, and at 11AM for the general public. Commorative t-shirts and pins are sold for the event, and I had my heart set on the pin or two.
I got about 10:30 and began looking for the entrance to the event. The main gate was locked and blocked off by security vehicles, so I drove around to the Buena Vista side (name sound familiar?). There was the line of people waiting to get in, but no sign of parking. Grrrr. I finally parked a block (long block) from the main gate, and proceeded to walk around the studio to the entrance. (pant...pant....pant...) We waited about 20 minutes before the let us in a few minutes early.
The craft fair was set up in the parking lot to the right of the gate, so I headed left with map in hand, on a quest for the elusive Pin.
Off I went down Mickey Avenue, but could find no sign of the pin booth. I passed a small 'house' where kids were lined up to having their picture taken with Santa. A few of his reindeer were napping in the yard.
I decided to stop into the Disney Store and see if the had anything unique. I found a magnet I liked, and there were some decent sales on stuff for kids, but nothing I 'needed' or was willing to shlep around the fair and then back to the car. Looking at the magnet in my hand, and the line that went all the way around the store, I put the magnet down and left. I didnt' want to waste half my day on line of a magnet. I went to take a quick look in the Disney University shop, which shares a building with the store, but it closed during the short time I was in the store. (Note to self...next year go to the University Store first.) My guess is it was opened for the CM's who came early, not really for the general public.
As I left the store I noticed a long line on the other side of the building. Oops...I'd gone in the exit. (sheepish grin)
Continuing my quest for The Pin, I wandered around following my map taking pictures of everything. After passing areas where kids could have their picture taken with Thanksgiving Mickey and Minnie (free Polaroid photo) I finally found a CM that said the Pins had sold out early. The sweatshirt was white, and which means I'd probably ruin it after wearing it about 15 minutes, not finding anything interesting in the DS, I was disappointed I hadn't found anything Studio specific to buy. Sniff.
Part of the grounds were blocked off, but I had fun exploring the area we were free to roam. Took pictures of the Theatre, and handprints out front. A plaque on a soundstage proclaiming Mary Poppins was filmed there. Even an ornate park bench. You can see how the theming of the parks was 'born' at the Studio itself.
I spent the most time trying to get an unobstructed
view of 'Pluto's Corner'. Very cute. It's the corner
of Mickey Avenue and Dopey Drive, with a bright red
fire hydrant to make Pluto happy. 
There was a children't activity area (which I didn't visit) and the Theatre was having all day screening of 'Nightmare Before Christmas'. Winter Goofy was wandering around, as were a group of Carollers in Victorian dress.
Instead of one of the food booths, I went into the Commissary for lunch. It took me for ever to decide what to get, after taking a few pictures. The hot food assortment was your usual fare, except for a Panda Express concession. I decided to try the fish and chips. I've had better, it wasn't even as good as Columbia Harbor House at WDW. Oh well. I will say they also had a nice assortment of sandwiches, salads, drinks and deserts. The soft chocolate ice cream I got for dessert made up for the disappointing meal.
I did find my unique DS purchase at the Commissary of all places. Refillable mugs! (Like I need more of those...lol) They are much nicer the the ones at the resorts. The are like the tall Starbucks mugs with handles, and have pictures of Walt on them. And the best part, they were 2.50 each! Woo hoo. I bought two. I half expected them to tell me at the cashier they were for CM's only, but no one said a word to me about purchasing two sealed mugs, while I got my soda in a regular paper cup. (Hey, I had to carry them around, didn't want them all wet or sticky.)
I better make this part one...because for someone who hates to write a trip report, this has gotten longer than I expected.
I toss my cookies for Disney.
I wonder what inspired this new Disney T-shirt? "I'm right. You're wrong. Any Questions?"
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