Marlee Matlin is once again back at Disney World here in Orlando for the annual candlelight processional, being a narrator for the "Greatest Story Ever Told," with the colorful choir singing in the background, and the musicians led by a conductor. Marlee signing in ASL, was voiced by her interpreter, Jack while the songs are translated into ASL, as well as the French, German, and Spanish sign language by Angela, giving it an international flavor. The tickets for all three shows, at 5,6:45, and 8:15 were all gone by mid-afternoon. However, a couple of rows on the right side is roped off, reserved for the Deaf, the Deaf doesn't need a ticket (actually a sticker tag) anyway. I advised the Deaf to watch the 8:15 show because the Illumination, lasers and fireworks, at World Showcase starts promptly at 9:30 pm. The skies are clear, along with the quarter moon, giving us a chilly snap but the music will warmth us all as we huddled together signing along in harmony, with an occasional rounds of applause of wavering hands in the air. Even if you don't hear, you can feel the holiday spirits. These Deaf youngster look up to Marlee as a role model, realizing their dreams are within reach. Excitements builds up as the sunset in the horizon, as the spotlight set afoot on stage. Marlee Matlin is here until Friday, December 30.
Here's a few tips, best to take the boat from the BoardWalk resort to Epcot, two reasons, to avoid the crowds, and afterwards you can enjoy the various entertainment there or go over to the Disney Hollywood Studios to see the whole place lighted up.
If you are hungry, be sure to get a reservation to eat at the Italian pavilion, here is my review:Just read an article from newspaper that the Bistro de Paris at Epcot was voted the best theme park restaurant so I decided to try it out myself, first of all, it's located upstairs at the french pavilion at World Showcase, easy access using the boat from the Broadwalk resort. Got a window seat, so it would be perfect to watch Illumination, but you'll need reservation. I been seeing all these chefs on TV, but this is the real dining experience, so my advice is to give up a few McDonald's outing to be able to afford the three course menu which will setup back $49, and that's without wine. First got myself the la Villa French lemonade, Jocelyn was my waiter, took the time out to described everything on my plate, writing notes. They treat the Deaf well, so you better leave a 18% tip. Here's what I had, keeping the notes to key into this blog.
"This is compliment of the chef; cauliflower soup (ditto) cream. If there is a (ditto), it just meant that I can't read French handwriting. Oh, yes, bread is included, just watch them pour water, isn't that something.
This is your "soupe basquaise" with croutons with olive oil and pesto."
Bon appetit.
Here is the main course:
"This is your beef tenderloin, with bordelaise sauce (made with bordeaux wine), and mushrooms on the top.
On the side you have potato mousseline. On the bottom a sauce made with poto wine and balsamic, on top cocoa powder. Bon appetit"
And finally,
"This is your '(ditto) au choolat' with vanilla ice cream and praline cream."
I am giving it a thumb up, these chefs, they are artists, and I really appreciate their attention to details.
At the resort, when you check in, ask for an ASL interpreter schedule printout as they rotate, the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and Epcot on Friday. If you are staying during the weekend, the interpreters will be at the Animal Kingdom on Saturday and the Disney's Hollywood Studios on Sunday. If you can't stand in long lines, for medical reasons, obtain a disabled pass from the guest relations upon entrance to the parks.
I would recommend Marlee Matlin stay on the Club Level at the Wilderness Lodge as they got excellent food prepared there, which I enjoy accommodating a Deaf family from Kentucky, arranging them to participate in the flag raising ceremonies on the rooftop. She is more likely to stay at the Yacht & Beach Club (I'm speculating) as it's the only place where the pool is off-limit to the public, must obtain a wristband from a lifeguard, allowing privacy if Marlee needs a suntan. Also it's known for its "Kitchen Sink," all eight scoops of ice cream. The only resort inaccessible is the Treehouse Villages at the Saratoga Springs resort as there is no public spaces. Treehouse Villages once housed International staff here on a two-years work visa.
While at Epcot, you wouldn't want to miss the popular attractions such as Test Tracks, Soaring', etc.
As for myself, I'll be at the Mexican pavilion tomorrow taking in a relaxing boat ride with Donald starring in the Three Caballero, maybe meet a few Deaf snowbirds, also will be praying for a warm Gulf stream.
As for New Year's Eve, maybe a few drinks at the Turf Club at the Saratoga Springs resort, watching the ball drops in Times Square on the stroke of midnight, billiard anyone?
This is Smokey, composing this report at the Starbucks joint, I hope this new "Deaf Travelogue," is informative and entertaining, so Happy New Year, Deaf America!
Photo: Disney (c)
This is Smokey, composing this report at the Starbucks joint, I hope this new "Deaf Travelogue," is informative and entertaining, so Happy New Year, Deaf America!
Photo: Disney (c)
Updated: 12/29/11
