Day 102 - April 20: On the Set

My cousin, Tom is the Props Master for the Disney television show, "A.N.T. Farm".  He is also the World's Best Host, so if you ever find yourself in LA, be sure to track him down.  Our kids are huge fans of his show, so when Tom offered tickets and tours, we planned our LA vacation.  On Wednesday, Tom arranged for us to tour the set, off hours, so we could wander around - sit in the director's chairs (yes, they really have those on the set!), check out the cameras - even peer into the on set "school" (since the actors - all kids - are required to attend classes 3 hours per day) and their dressing ("hang out") rooms.  Tom took us to his props warehouse, where the kids had a blast pulling things off the shelves and remembering the episode in which every prop (all made by Tom) was used.  Tom generously gave the kids many of the props - now treasured souvenirs.  He then showed us the sets for several other Disney shows, as well as the "I Love Lucy" set, now preserved and used for employee dining.  Today, Tom arranged for us to be seated front and center for a live taping of the show.  Meeting the cast, watching the process (yes, the Director really does yell "Action!"), or being Tom's VIP guests - it's really hard to name the coolest part of a really cool day.  (Because cameras weren't allowed during the taping, today's picture is from our visit on Wednesday.)