The Disneyland Genie+ Manipulation

 A conversation I overheard in the Blue Bayou restaurant bathroom last September:

An older lady, with daughters who just left, was talking to a stall. "We're here for the day, but we're not doing any rides. Couldn't figure out Genie +." A second lady comes out, "Yeah, I couldn't figure out Genie + either." The first lady, referring to the app, "We finally got it open, but I didn't have my glasses on, so instead of selecting Splash Mountain I hit Space Mountain. Well, I'm not doing that! I'll be dizzy for a week!"

In the last year I've been to Disneyland quite a few times and got to experience the park before and after the introduction of Genie+. I was there the week the program rolled out, though rather haphazardly. Admittedly I never used the program once during any of the visits, though tempted a couple times just to see how well it works. Instead my experience is that of countless hours in the standby lines, and witnessing the constant manipulation Genie+.

Soarin' over the World/California in DCA is the worst. If you're in the standby line with a promised wait time of 30 or so minutes and one of two theaters go down, that line's wait time immediately jumps to 120 minutes. I've experienced this twice. The first time was the first day of Soarin' over California for the Food and Wine festival. The line was so short! Going right to the door entering the building, though the listed time was 115 minutes before shortly jumping to 120. What happens is Lightening Lane, which the previous Fastpass lines were called, get priority. It felt like 150 to 200 people would pass before 4 to 6 standby people would be allowed through to the theater ride. It's demoralizing. Dehumanizing. And I vowed in that moment to never buy Genie+. The line for the Standby was momentarily shut down to prevent people from entering, creating a pay to play atmosphere, and this is after the exuberant cost of the entrance fee. I was mad, really mad, and even mad instagrammed the experience, which I later deleted out of reckless guilt. But still! It was a horrible experience. When the second theater opened again all returned to normal. It was still horrible. (Can't believe I waited twice, though, but it was out of sure frustration, stubbornness, and a need to see what happens). 

One of the frustrating things is witnessing the manipulation of standby wait times. One time Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had a 30 minutes standby wait time, which turned out to be less then 10 minutes. I went on Indiana Jones after reopening due to technical stuff, listed wait time was 45 minutes. I got on in less then 15.  Rise of the Resistance is usually slightly inflated as well. The key for this ride is to watch the movement of the line outside, and then see how long the standby line is. There are times the listed wait time would be 70 minutes, and I'd be on the ride in 45-55 minutes. Didn't happen all the time, but it happened a few. 

There was a trip where my Mom and I were tempted to try out Genie+, and then we listed the rides we wanted to do that day: Mark Train, the Train, Rise of the Resistance, Pirates, Jungle Cruise... we realized the rides we wanted to do weren't included on the base Genie+, and the rides that are in the program we already did when the lines were good.

So I have no feedback on how the program itself works, only that I didn't want to figure it out, didn't want to stare at my phone all day, and wanted to be spontaneous. I hate being tied down. But one thing's for certain, Genie+ has ruined things. I don't like looking at wait times and wonder if the leadership is trying to manipulate me into purchasing a product. Knowing them I am being manipulated. It leaves a gross feeling. I got to experience the parks before the implementation of Genie+, and they were awesome. Without the two merging lines, the regular line would flow so smoothly, alleviating standing still for too long. Those were the good days. Unfortunately Genie+ is creating a great monetary increase, record profits despite the reservation system, so thanks to that the program is here to stay. 

It's not fun feeling like a numbered chattel instead of a valued costumer. Disney is ridiculously expensive. 

Sarah

P.S.  I've been sick this last week. Feeling a lot better. Not quite 100%, but it's so nice to be improving and out of danger. Only lost my smell for 3 hours instead of the typical 2-4 days. That was an improvement. Also, went through hot and chill without having a fever which was weird, and my sister-in-law, along with her friend, experienced the same thing. So whatever thing is going around here has some interesting symptoms.

 

Our Grasp on Reality and the Mandela Effects

The Mandela Effects is a completely new concept to me. Still wrapping my head around it, but it has to do with a group of people remembering history, songs, candies, slogans, etc one way, only to find out everyone is remembering them wrong.

I stumbled upon this concept with a debate about The Thinker statue by Rodin and the issue with his hand. The hand that the statue rests his chin on is relaxed and open. In my memory, and many remember it this way as well, his hand is closed in a fist. Others remember a fist resting on his forehead. After a quick image search it's clear his hand was always relaxed, yet my mind keeps switching images from a now realized false memory vs the truth.

There's videos on YouTube showcasing various examples of this phenomenon, comparing what people remember vs the facts. "All Tme" has really good videos, and they're a little trippy. Still tripping out about The Jungle Book reveal, and how Baloo wasn't wearing a green grass skirt with a coconut bra during I Wan'na Be Like You. Our minds are crazy!!

There's a theory how this is connected to CERN and multiple realities are merging into one another.

That I don't know, but it's crazy how our minds work in regards to memory, what's observed, and how easy it is to mis-remember and/or create false memories. Our minds are incredibly susceptible.

Awhile back I shared a childhood memory where I may have seen a UFO. I was laying on a trampoline, late at night, staring at the stars. Suddenly there was a white light coming closer and closer. I closed my eyes, then when I opened them the light was gone. One of my brothers said he saw lights circle eachother once and then shoot straight up. My Dad has seen stuff. This all happened in central California.

A few years ago I was looking up at the night sky, not seeing much thanks to light pollution, when a plane headed straight for me and passed overhead. I saw a bright white light as it came closer.

All those years ago did I see a plane and not a UFO? My childhood memory doesn't remember there being any sound, but that doesn't mean there wasn't sound, just something my mind has blocked out. It's hard to know what I actually experienced. At the time it was a UFO, as I didn't know what it was, but now I have question marks that will never be answered. Fractured memories that will never be complete, blurred by time and perspective.

Does the movie Yesterday play around with Mandela Effects? According to the internet it does. That's cool.

Some fun things to think about,

Good night,

Sarah

Blessings in Disguise: My Family's Yellowstone 1959 Earthquake Miracle

On the morning of August 17, 1959 my grandparents and great-grandparents, along with my uncle who was a toddler, were staying in a campground in Yellowstone National Park. They already spent the night there with plans to stay another night or so.

But that morning my uncle suddenly got really sick so my grandparents decided to head back to Riverside California, a long drive, leaving my Granny and Gramps to stay another night at the campground.

The 1959 Yellowstone Earthquake struck at 11:37 pm on August 17th, with a magnitude 7.2-7.5, depending on sources, striking Hebgen Lake in Southwest Montana. A huge landslide caused the fatalities of 28, a campground was covered, and a river was dammed forming Earthquake Lake. New hydrothermal structures sprung up throughout the park. Old Faithful's geyser eruptions became erratic, shifting the 61.8 minute eruption to the now 93 minutes.

Unfortunately I don't know the full details with this part of the story as my grandparents have passed, but according to my Grandma she and my Grandpa heard about the Earthquake the next morning, unsure of what had happened to my great-grandparents. With no way of contacting them, my grandparents continued driving towards Riverside, fretting all the way. My uncle wasn't sick for long and was completely well. 

A little time or so after reaching Riverside my Great-grandparents arrived, having left Yellowstone a couple or so hours after my Grandparents, not wanting to stay that night in the campground without them.

When I first heard this story my Grandma said they were staying at the campground that was covered in a mudslide. (A few years ago I found sources on this campground, but can't find it now, so this information might be wrong). A few years later, and after doing research, I asked her if she knew the name of the campground they stayed in, but she couldn't remember, so it's hard to know if that was the specific campground they stayed in, though my Mom remembers her saying that they did stay on the end of Yellowstone where the mudslide happened. (Yellowstone spans Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.) It's hard to know, but one thing is certain, regardless of where in the National park they camped, that would have been a horrible night. (I never asked my Grandpa!! How could I have forgotten to ask him??)

If they had died that night my Mom would have never been born, and I wouldn't be here now typing this blog post.

It reminds me of a camping trip I did many years ago with my brother, sister-in-law, and kids up north. My niece was supposed to join us on a canoeing adventure, but she suddenly became sick out of no where. The rest of us went, and just a few minutes canoeing with my sister-in-laws sister, myself in the back and she in the front, we hit the base post of a bridge and capsized. I lost my glasses. It would have been devastating if my niece was with us. After reaching where we were sleeping, my niece was completely well. She wasn't sick long.

Sometimes unfortunate things happen to us, out of no where, sudden, messing up plans and creating disappointments, but sometimes these unfortunate moments are protecting us from greater tragedies. They're blessings in disguise.

Sarah :0)

Sundance: Mountains in a Golden Hue

 

Last week I did the ski lift at Sundance with my parents. The colors in the mountains are so stunning right now. It's crazy how when I first moved here the Autumn colors put me off a little, looking like fruity pebble cereal, but now I love these colors.  The mountains still have a lot of green as well, which is amazing, so paired with the bright oranges and yellows the colors were even more vibrant. Sadly the daily lifts are closed for the season, but next year it would be fun to once again ride the lifts.

This Hawkeye trail sign popped up and my Mom was like, "M.A.S.H!" and I was like, "Marvel"! Heh, different generations. :P

A zoom in of Bridal Veil Falls and that other waterfall (upper or lower falls?) down Provo Canyon. It's amazing how, when looking up at the waterfalls, they look like they're coming out of the top of the mountain, yet when looking from above the waterfalls are so small, and there's so much mountain above them. Perspective.

Have a wonderful day! Love this time of year. Sarah. :0)

Personal Soft Taco Station!! :D (And other whatnot's)

 

Okay, so this is technically chicken fajita's from Chili's. The 3 for Me deal is fantastic, and getting this entree is one of my favorites. Just the smell of the onions and peppers! The sizzle. They're so addicting. But every time I get this meal it feels like a personal soft taco station. Or burrito station if that's how you roll, literally. :P Just so good.

 

 

Was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond this afternoon, and noticed the bathrooms are tornado shelters. Never noticed a sign like this in any other place, so it's pretty thoughtful. But here in a Valley, surrounded by mountains, we don't get tornado's. Though you never know!! Better safe than sorry! There was a tornado in Salt Lake City in 1999. I was living in California at the time, but family and friends still mention it now and then, as the event is quite rare and caused some damage. 

I got this 90 day pad from Amazon. It's sold by InnerGuide Planners through the shopping site. Something I struggle with is focus. Planning is easy; executing is difficult. A while back I got a Pomodoro journal, which is a method for achieving priority goals through the day with small breaks, but the problem I had was its strict day to day adherence. If I messed up a day, that day would be blank, and having blank pages proved a problem for continued motivation. With this pad I have flexibility, can still plan, and draw circles to fill in for the Pomodoro methed. The built in check lists are nice, too, with good reminders and developing a positive attitude. I'm really excited to have found this planner and to give it a try. It'll last through the end of the year.

Hope you're having a great day!!

Sarah.

In Which My Mom Stops Traffic...

It's after 2 am, so what's the best cure for insomnia? Starring at a phone. :P Heh, yeah...

Today was interesting. A good chunk of the city was without electricity. Got some fast food with my Mom, and as we approached a major intersection none of the lights were working. Several lanes in all directions doing a sort of free for all instead of treating the intersection like a four way stop. Made me super nervous, but we got through it.

After parking under a tree to eat, we observed another intersection, also not working. Not as big as the first, but still large with three lanes in each direction plus cross traffic. Soon an elderly gentleman in a nice suit approached the crosswalk pushing the button, while a young 20 something girl on the other side did the same. For several minutes we watched the chaos of cars crossing, beeping, several going each spontaneous turn, but not stopping.

The two individuals kept pushing the walk button, not realizing all the lights were blank. My Mom got out of the car, talked to the gentleman, and then put her hands up, waving while yelling "Stop!" several times, going into the crosswalk. Everyone thankfully stopped, and the two individuals were finally able to cross. That was crazy, and my Mom was so brave.

Soon after we rescued a couple family members without electricity, and it was interesting going across town, some intersections with working lights while others remained down. 

This afternoon I got to play several rounds of Long Shot the Dice Game. Really enjoying it!! Played it now with 5, 2, and 3, and the game works great regardless of the play count. Though I haven't played a full 8 player game yet, nor have I tried the solo mode. Maybe I should post about some of the games I'm enjoying. It's a winner so far! A good balance between strategy and luck with many options. 

Also, yesterday I rode the ski lift at Sundance with my parents. A little bitter sweet as the last time I did it my grandparents were alive, and they were with us. But the turning autumn colors were so gorgeous. They're still gorgeous!! The leaf change hasn't finished yet, and the daily ski lift is only running a few more days.

Anywho, it really is late.

Last weekend was General Conference for the Church of Jesus Chist of Latter-Day Saints. Oh my goodness, all the talks were wonderful. I've listened to President Nelson's talk, "Overcome the World and Find Rest" three times now. There's so many treasures in it. Did you know President Nelson is 98 years old!!!!!!? So many people are worried this was his last conference, but I'm staying hopeful. I hope he makes it to 100!! But that talk really is wonderful. Other favorite talkes were Elder Bednar's, "Put on Thy Strength, O Zion," and Elder Gong's, "Happy and Forever." All the talks are up on YouTube under the General Conference channel. So many good talks. I'm hopeful for the future. :0) Every thing is crazy, a lot of scary stuff happening, but there's still goodness in the world and miracles, too.

 

While taking my family home tonight, power restored, the person ahead of us in the drive through paid for our meal. How amazing is that? :0) So nice.

Have a good day. Hope you can see some Autumn colors this weekend!! :D Or around town, autumn is happening everywhere. Heh, it is late. :P

Sarah

Visiting Virgin Utah and Getting My Fortune from Pappy

Okay, he's kinda creepy, but not as creepy as that alien from the fortune machine in Primm Nevada.

 

"You have not been wise with your money lately. It is important to reward yourself for your hard work, but you must learn that saving your riches now will pay off in the future. 'A fool and his money will soon part.' Remember this next time you receive a sum of money and try to manage it wisely."

 

That's just really good advice. 

Also, can you imagine someone asking where you're from, and you answer, "I'm from Virgin Utah..." As of 2020 there were 707 people who had that honor. Okay, in all honesty Virgin River Gorge is absolutely gorgeous, and the Virgin River goes through Zion national park as well. It's the main river actually, and the water that's walked through while hiking The Narrows. So, so beautiful.

The Virgin Trading Post is a place I've passed several times but never stopped, so this last time it was nice to finally have my curiosity explored. Well, it's a typical tourist trap with standard souvenir offerings. The kinda place that's fun checking out at least once, and it's good enough. Though, I'm a sucker for a good ol' tourist trap. :D

The beautiful Utah desert.

C'est Fini,

Sarah :0)

Last Moments at Disneyland for a Long Time

Exactly a week ago I was at Disneyland, waiting to watch the Tiki Room show.  Such a cute little show, all animatronic with classic Sherman songs. It was the last attraction I visited before heading down Main Street USA for a little shopping and heading out of the park, catching that last view of the castle.

The Dream Key annual pass I've been enjoying for about a year expires in a few days, and my Mom and I decided not to renew.  We've been spoiled this year, and I've been to Disneyland so many times that it's a little embarrassing to admit.  Six trips in all, visiting during all the seasons and weather. All the decorations and special shows. Sometimes a break is needed so the magic remains for something so loved.

Too much of a good thing can be too much, and I want the enchantment to remain strong.  That and the fact that Disneyland is so stinkin' expensive! The extra discounts on food and merchandise, plus free parking, helped with the inflation, but overall those trips add up.

All during last week I just took everything in, as if it could be my last. Saying goodbye to each little thing I love. Okay, I plan on visiting Disneyland again in the future!!  Just don't know when, and life is unpredictable, especially these days.

It's been announced that Magic Happens, the parade that started just before the shutdowns in 2020, is coming back Spring 2023. The Disney Parks YouTube page put up a video of the parade, and I watched that thing on loop during the pandemic. The music is so good!!!! Like, I'm listening to it right now and it's just so happy.

"I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the Park. I want them to feel they're in another world." ~ Walt Disney

This quote is everything, and going to the parks this last year exemplified an escape from this world, healing from the shutdowns, revisiting loves from my childhood, and discovering new favorites.

 

I discovered that watching the fireworks from Galaxy's Edge is awesome! Loud, but really cool.

But there's so much I love about Disneyland. So much. It's everything. And I'm already missing it. Gah! Watching Disneyland YT videos isn't helping. :P

Hopefully it won't be terribly long until my next visit, but then it could easily be a year or two, or more. I'm thankful for all these trips. I'm thankful for all the magic. :0)

Sarah

 

P.S. Remember, "You don't need wings to take flight. Magic don't stop at midnight... " ~ Magic Happens

Why I Believe the Earth is Round

Heh, hmmm, so this could be a little controversial...

To put it simply, last night I went down a tiny rabbit hole on YouTube. Mainly the research revolved around earthquakes. Fun fact, both the Sept. 11 Papua New Guinea earthquake and the Sept. 19 Mexico earthquake were magnitude 7.6.  That can totally be coincidence (not being sarcastic). Also fun fact, Mexico has had earthquakes on Sept. 19 between a 7-8 magnitude not just this year but also 1985 and 2017. That can also be coincidence, but it's kinda wild.

So down the rabbit hole I went, and found a video from a couple days ago from this guy who charts earthquakes and stuff. Suddenly he was talking about recently discovered ancient Star Forts in America, lost civilizations, some kind of energy thing, and islands spaced exactly 14,000 miles from eachother with pentagon like shapes. It was passed midnight, so that's what I understood. But every now and then he would hint at questioning our earth not being round, and wondering if it might be some kind of dish shape, because, "They're not telling us everything. They're not releasing the pictures." Or something like that. Then many in the comments were wanting his calculations on a flat earth map. His name is Dutchsinse if you want to look his videos up.

It was late, I may have incorrectly heard him.

But quite a few in the comments were mentioning the flat earth, and my mind was spinning.

Here are a couple reasons I believe the earth is round: 

The first is the cruising industry. Pre-covid it was popular for some cruise lines to put out a "cruise around the world" itinerary. They'd do the Panama canal. Visit Hawaii and the Polynesian Islands. Go hang out in Asia and Russia for a bit. Head down to New Zealand and Australia, and all around the world visiting so many countries, cities, and islands. It's the sort of thing I dream about, and I went through a phase studying the different schedules, time frames, days at sea, and the crazy prices. (You can buy a house with how much these trips cost, and that's before excursions... for all those places... 0_0) Looking at the timeframes, distance, days at sea between places, and so forth... the around the world cruises couldn't keep those schedules or time frames if the world was flat or dish shaped.

And then I was thinking about the International Space Station. Pretty sure they can verify the proper shape of the Earth. Goodness, the ISS couldn't stay in orbit if the earth was flat. Not to mention videos of going over the earth. About a month or so when I was leaving one of my brothers home, we went outside right when the ISS was passing overhead. The sun had recently set, and though it was dark the curvature of the earth allowed the sun to reflect brilliant light off the Space Station. It was so cool to watch as it sped overhead. That would only work if the earth was round.

Anywho, that's what I've been thinking about all morning and what I was thinking about in-between dreams last night. All the planets in our solar system is round. The moon is round. And what about the tides?

Heh, yeah, putting this to rest and going to go think about other things. Though the idea of ancient star fort civilizations is pretty cool. And wouldn't a cruise around the world be so much fun? Well, before the pandemic when each country didn't have their own set of requirements for entering in regards to health.

So, fun times. 

Sarah

“What are men to rocks and mountains?” ~ Jane Austen

This is the last week of Summer, but the trees in the mountains are already starting to change color. Just a little bit. These next few weeks are my favorite. It's starting to cool down. Pumpkin snacks are now starting to be sold. Autumn is bliss.

Yesterday I went on a little drive up the mountains to see the start of the magic. The ocean is nice and all, but rocks and mountains hold a special charm.

Sarah :0)