RIDE MAKERZ Opens at Downtown Disney

Once again, a seemingly ordinary day turned into an adventure. That, and I always meet such interesting people.

After a restaurant review that didn't quite pan out for lunch (hey, you win some, you lose some), I took a spin through Pleasure Island and West Side. Surprisingly, RIDE MAKERZ, the new build-yer-own car store (think Build a Bear for the grease monkey and car enthusaist set) was open in the former Virgin Mega Store. Associate/Cast Member Michael S. filled me on on what the store was about and all the combos avialable to the different kinds of car buffs. Beit Tuner, DUB, Muscle Car, or whatever, you can customize several different car models down to the rims and vinyls. You can also add radio control to your creation. There's also some fun custom builds to drool over, most notably a couple Corvettes and a wicked Mini Cooper (Hi MiniJay!). What makes it so wicked? How about a custom radio control speaker box that goes 80 miles an hour on it's own and sits in the back of the Mini? I shift you not my friends. ;)

The surprise of the day came when I bumped into car designer Fireball Tim. Admittedly, I've never heard of him, however, any guy who wears bright metallic red bowling shoes with a flame bowling shirt is my kind of character. Oh, and he was the one who built the above mentioned Mini Cooper. Had a good time talking with Fireball Tim about the build and he taught me a couple things too. BOTH cars have nos systems. In Tuner speak, that means speed boost and brings back great memories of Need for Speed Underground. ;) Nice!

A quick bit of other DTD news. Construction walls are down near T-REX and the result is...wider walkways sans the old planters. Guard shack by the bridge is also gone. Curiously, there were folks out taking marketing surveys, particularly where people were going and how much they were spending. Hmmm...wonder how this figures in to future plans. Time will tell there.

As you can see, an eventful and fun day. Thanks to Michael S. at RIDE MAKERZ for the info and hospitality. Special thanks to Fireball Tim and his group (including the nice lady who took our picture). Great to meet you all and my best to you! Rock on!

For more info and artistry, check out http://www.fireballtim.com/.

Until next time...