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Hound 109

10-07-2008, 10:48 AM

I'm aware that many who post here (particularly WDW vets) unfortunately only dedicate ONE (or two) days for Walt's park (& DCA).

In an attempt to provide info to the one day commando.....I'll attempt to summarize our 14 hour day in an easy read Recap:

- Date - Thursday 10/8/08 (spur of the moment trip)

- Stayed Wednesday night at the Paradise Pier Hotel (in order to get MM the next morning).

My DS/9 Padewan Alec & I know the park well & enjoy zigging when others are zagging & we also enjoy commando'ing DLR.

- Up at 6:15am in the Paradise Pier.

- Had a surprisingly good & convenient room service breakfast for one (that DS/9 Alec & I split)...worked out to about $8 apiece.

- Out the door at 7:16am (walked across the street, thru the GCH & thru DTD to the Security Gate at 7:25am)

- 5th or 6th in line at the Security Gate, which opened at 7:30am (for the 8am MM). 2nd in line at one of the MM turnstiles at 7:32am.

- 8am Entered for Magic Morning....a priviledge we qualified for because we stayed at a Disney hotel...even though we had only purchased a One Day Park Hopper Ticket. General Admission (for folks w/o MM) would be at 9am that day.

We did in order for MM:

- Peter Pan (always first) One of the first couple of people on. (If you're not one of the first on be prepared for a line).

- We skipped Dumbo which would have been next. (but Alec didn't want to ride it)

- So we did Alice in Wonderland next. :) (Great little dark ride, & NOT available at WDW!)

- Matterhorn first one side....then the other side.

- (skipped the Teacups for now) & rode Mr. Toad. All of the above we enjoyed with no lines...because we were first on PP.

- We skipped the Carousel & Nemo because neither Alec or I wanted to ride them & skipped Pinocchio & Snow White because they rarely have much of a line & we'd do them later in the day when it's more crowded elsewhere.

- Next was Buzz Light Year (no line)

- Then just prior to the end of MM we hopped on Space Mountain (5 min. line)

- Used the restroom next to SM ride dump. It's now 9am so we picked up our first FP of the day (here at SM).

9:05am....off to the left side of the park.

- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad aka BTMRR (not opened yet.....said it would open in 15-20 min.....rats)

- Holiday HM (not opened yet....would open in 15-20 min.....double rats) This rarely happens, but not to worry if it does.

- Indy - 20 min. wait & 10 minute ride. (I normally would NOT have ridden Indy at this time....i would have ridden the two rides above (or Splash or SOMETHING)....and then would have picked up a FP here at Indy as the SM FP window opened up (approx 10am. today). But because we WEREN'T successful at riding BTMRR & HM at this time, i made a quick change in plans, & went ahead & rode Indy now.....figuring i'd need FPs for BTMRR or Halloween HM for later.)

- Picked up a Holiday HM FP at 9:55am (not normally needed or even available except at Holiday periods)

- Splash Mtn. - 15 min. wait.

- Cookies at Pooh Corner (because we like a little snack at 10:20 am).

- Skipped Pooh because Alec didn't want to ride it. :(

- BTMRR - 6 min. line.

- Picked up a BTMRR FP at 10:45am (our third).

- Walked DOWN Main St. as the hordes were walking UP Main St. & hopped to DCA with 3 FPs in our pocket to use at DL later in the day.

DCA

- Picked up a FP at Soarin at 10:55am.

- Since we needed to check out of the Paradise Pier Hotel & were going to the hotel we elected to ride Grizzily Rapids now. NOTE: I normally like to ride Griz Rapids immediately before our "rest".....because in the event we get wet....no problem, we just change in our room 3-5 minutes away. :) If it had been hot out, we might have picked up a FP for Griz, since Griz would likely have a line. But since there was no line at Griz (& because we were going to our room), we rode it now.

- Got a little wet on Griz Rapids, but no worries because we would be in our room changing socks etc. in 5 minutes.

Check Out & Mid Day Rest

- Walked into the GCH side entrance (next to Griz), picked up a "to go" lunch (to split) at Whitewater Snacks, crossed the street into the Paradise Pier to our room.

- Ate lunch, packed, checked out & I put our luggage in our rental car in the garage while Alec relaxed for about 45 min. & watched TV.

- Out of our room at 12:25pm (only about 90 min. past checkout ;)).

Back thru the GCH into DCA. (5 min. walk)

BACK INTO DCA

- Picked up a California Screamin' FP at 12:35pm.

- Toy Story Mania - (30 min. line) but munched on a churro bought from the nearby churro stand.

- 1:20pm - Alec rode the Orange Stinger (no line), while i watched him & strategized.

- 1:30pm - Grabbed a Corny Dog & a Coke from the Corn Dog palace & sat next to the Zephyr and munched. (not sure if these are still open)

- 1:40pm - Rode the Golden Zephyr (no line).

- 1:50pm - Rode Screamin' with our FPs (no line).

- 2pm - Alec rode King Triton's Carousel (next door) while I rode Screamin' again by going thru the Single Rider line.

- 2:15pm - Grabbed a Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel, crossed over the bridge back toward the front of DCA. Glanced at the Pier Food Courts on the right..... & also the Tratoria on the left...both were fairly empty & had Mrs Hound been with us, this would have been a great time for a nice al fresco lunch, since it was a pretty & sunny day.

- Decided to pass on Bug's Life, we've done it often & we like it, but with only one day to tour, we skipped it & all the other Flik rides except:

- 2:30 - Heimlich's Choo Choo (A Guilty Pleasure ride that cracks us both up.) 10 min. wait (but we finished our Pretzel in line).

- Took a few pictures in & near Sunshine Plaza.

- Monsters Inc. (10 min. wait)

- Turtle Talk with Crush (we love it each time we see it) A 5 min. wait & 20 min. show.

- We passed on Tower of Terror (Because Alec hates drops) & the Aladdin Show (WHICH IS A MUST DO FOR ANY DISNEY VISITOR!!!!) was closed that day.

- We've done Muppets over a dozen times. We like it (alot), but would prefer something new at that location. (so we passed).

- 3:15pm ish - Used our FP for Soarin'. Once we got to boarding, we told the CM we'd like to wait one cycle so we could ride on the top row (row A). IMO....always worth it.

- Walking back toward Sunshine Plaza, we spotted an Ice Cream stand. Grabbed a Mickey Bar to share (because we can :)).

Hopped back over to DL at around 3:40pm.

- Entered DL decided to ride the Horse Drawn Carriage Taxi (with a few other people also on board)....it was fun.

- Hopped off the Carriage in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle & walked into Frontierland to Alec's favorite.... BTMRR.

- 4pm - Rode BTMRR using our FP picked up this morning. (no wait with FP.....50 min. standby line). & picked up a new BTMRR FP (for return in an hour).

- Rode Pirates of the Carribean (line was out into the street, but it moves fast & we boarded in less than 10 min.)

- 4:40pm Holiday HM (using our FPs from this morning). Over an hour standy wait, less than 10 minutes with our FPs.

- Grabbed some fries & cotton candy & sat & looked out at the island formerly known as Tom Sawyer's. We did Pirate's Island last time & decided to skip it this time. It IS a must for young ones though & is a great place to romp during the crowded afternoon.

- Back to BTMRR. Picked up a new FP (for return in an hour) & rode it again with our old FP. (50 min. standy line, but our FP line was 2-3 min.)

- Stepped into the the Golden Horseshoe & watched the Billy's Hillbilly Music show for 10 minutes.

- Strolled around the corner into Adventureland & climbed Tarzan's Tree.

- Walked by Indy (It was an hour standby line at 5:50pm....thank goodness we rode it in the morning.) & enjoyed a 5 minute wait for Jungle Cruise (a nice ride to rest on & also one of our favorites).

- Walked next door & passed by the LONG line at the Dole Whip stand & entered the Tiki Room outdoor waiting area. Alec purchased a Dole Whip Float (for us to split) in the non-existent line on the Waiting area side. We sat down & enjoyed the island tropical sights & sounds while we slurped our Dole Whip. When the Tiki doors opened & all went in, we exited back towards the HUB. The outside line for Dole Whips had hardly moved. We looked at our watch & it was time for our BTMRR FP return.

- Repeated the BTMRR drill. Picked up a FP (return in an hour). Walked by a 55 min. standby line & rode BTMRR again (2 min. FP line.) Sat in the back row, because we asked & because Alec wanted to. :)

- Took the back way around & toured for about 5 minutes the fabulous Carved Pumpkins in the Big Thunder Ranch Area. (It's now the BBQ restaurant area....but maybe they still have pumpkins in October?)

- Continued on thru Fantasyland & rode Pinocchio & Snow White (both with 5 minute or less lines). I personally think Pinocchio is a great little ride with wonderful details & the fact it's not offered at WDW should make it a Must Do for the WDW Vet.

- We continued into ToonTown to ride or pick up a FP Roger Rabbit, but both the ride & FP the machine were temporarily shut down at that time.....

- .....so we consoled ourselves with a couple of Knackwursts from the Enchanted Cottage (aka as the Sausage Joint)....it's located next to the Princess Fantasy Fair & rarely has much of a line. (& i think they've changed the name of this CS place). Good quick food for a carnivore & they have a quiet sitting area to eat & relax.

- Both Casey's Train & Storybookland had moderate (but very slow moving) lines & Alec is not a big fan of either....he also stated again that he didn't want to ride Dumbo (which had a big line), nor the Carousel (which didn't have a line)......so we headed back to our own personal "HUB" this trip.....the BTMRR. :)

- Same drill. Picked up a FP with an hour return. Strolled past the 55 min. standby line in 3 min. & rode BTMRR again with the old FP.

- 6:50pm - At this point it was getting dark...& we returned thru FL (a parade was getting ready to start) to Roger Rabbit.

- 3 min. line thru the second best queue at DL imo...& rode RR. Next we went back thru FL, we tried to Storybookland, but it was closed for the Parade.

- No line for the Madhatters Tea Cups, so I had no good reason to object (except for all the junk food that we had eaten ;)), so we rode it.

- Watched the parade for a few minutes while we waited for the Tea Cups to get started.

- On our way back to BTMRR, we stopped at Rancho del Zocolo & split a plate of beef fajita tacos & a piece of tres leches cake & relaxed.

- 8:15pm - Picked up our final BTMRR FP, walked by the 55 min. standby line & enjoyed BTMRR (again) following a 2 min. FP line.

- After BTMRR we crossed the HUB (which was getting crowded prior to the Fireworks & headed toward Space Mountain.

- Used our FP (that we picked up at 9am) & walked by the 65min. standby line & rode SM following a 7 min. FP line.

- Chose not to ride Buzz (because of the 30 min. line & because we rode it that morning) & meandered thru AdventureLand & FrontierLand on our way back to BTMRR.

- 9pm - Used our final FP at BTMRR. Walked by the 45min. standby line & had a great ride following a 2 min. FP line.

- Sat down on a curb on Main St. near the HUB. Alec wanted a corny dog, so i bought one at the nearby red Corn Dog Truck.

- At 9:15pm (waiting in anticipation for the 9:20 or 9:30pm Fireworks). Alec asked if we could skip the Fireworks (he was done....kaput).

- Instead of pushing him, we exited DL & walked back thru DTD to the Paradise Pier. He made it as far as the GCH before his zombie walk turned to actual sleep walk.....so I carried the young Padewan the final 200 yards (thru the GCH, across the street & over to the Paradise Pier parking garage) over my shoulder.

- 9:35pm - Pulled the car out of the the PP garage & onto I 5 heading north.

NUMBER OF RIDES & ATTRACTIONS WE ENJOYED THAT DAY - 38

NUMBER OF MEALS ALEC & I SPLIT - 6

NUMBER OF SNACKS ALEC & I SPLIT - 6

NUMBER OF TIMES WE RODE BTMRR - 6 :)

RIDES/ATTRACTIONS (that we skipped) THAT I WOULD HAVE MADE TIME FOR IF I WAS A WDW VET AT DLR FOR ONLY 2-3 DAYS:

STORYBOOKLAND CANAL RIDE, IT'S A SMALL WORLD (far prettier at DLR & especially the holiday version), TIKI ROOM, TOON TOWN, JEDI TRAINING ACADEMY (if you have a 4 - 11 y/o), PIRATE'S LAIR ISLAND, THE FIREWORKS, THE ALADDIN SHOW, MULLHOLLAND MADNESS. (I don't have an opinion on Princess stuff or parades).

RIDES / ATTRACTIONS (that we skipped) THAT ALEC & I WOULD HAVE DONE HAD WE HAD TWO FULL DAYS (or one & a half days) INSTEAD OF JUST ONE:

STORYBOOKLAND, PIRATES ISLAND, MULLHOLLAND MADNESS, TOWER OF TERROR, STAR TOURS, MATTERHORN (twice more), TOADIE (again), HM (again), Pirates/JungleCruise/Indy/Splash/California Screamin'/Soarin' (again).

MEALS WE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ENJOYED HAD WE BEEN THERE FOR 2-3 DAYS:

THE TRATORIA (late lunch or early dinner), A STICH OR GOOFY'S CHARACTER BRUNCH (after MM), CARNATION CAFE (brunch).

Here is some good basic info for the first time DLR visitor:

If you are a WDW veteran, then here is your primer.....a must read!!:

HydroGuy's "DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread". http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

Regarding touring DLR....the two most important things to remember is to:

- Get to the parks BEFORE opening &
- Know how to use FP at DLR.

30 minutes early is typically when security opens (so getting in THIS line 5-15 minutes prior to security opening is best). Being one of the first 8-10 families at Security will get you up front (probably first thru third family) in line at the DL turnstile. Being very near the front of the turnstiles is important (to me) so that:

- If it's an MM day, I'm first on Peter Pan...if i'm first on PP then the rest of MM flows easily. & even if i'm not doing PP, i would want to be first on Matterhorn...or SM (or whatever) during MM.

"Critique of MM/EE" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671

- Even on a non MM day, I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to the ST, SM (or Indy) FP machine first (to start the FP collection clock). Then we'll hop on our first ride a minute or two later & begin the important first 90-120 min. of the day at DLR.

KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

If you have kiddos ages 4-11, then Jedi Training is a must:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699

Regarding getting to the Security Tent 35-45 min. prior to general admission (or MM) opening.....in other words... 5-15 min before SECURITY opens:

The one time that I strolled up 5 min. before MM opening (instead of arriving 35 minutes before opening), I was way back (40-50 families back) at the turnstiles when i walked up. 2-3 rides could have been ridden by the time I've made it thru the turnstiles 10-12 min. after opening.

Plus there's lots to do while you wait the 30 min.... Pics to take, maps (& touring plans) to study, sunscreen to put on, McBreakfasts to munch on, people watching to do, talking to others in line who are as pumped up as you.

& if they "let people onto Main St." early.....the first ones thru the turnstile are also the first ones on the rope on Main St.

Some may think that this thought process is kind of anal (& they're right :))....& many will say they prefer to "go with the flow".......But I (& many others here) also like to "go with the flow".......but we will tour (& collect FPs) very scientifically the first 2-2.5 hours, & then because we are so productive those first 2 1/2 hours...... we are able to "go with the flow" the rest of the day (AND we ALWAYS are able to enjoy all of our favorites :)).

The Actual (full) Trip Report is below:

I was planning/contemplating a Dec. visit to SoCal to visit my 90 y/o mother (& to visit Walt's park for 1 or 2 days :goodvibes )......when several coincidental factors came to my attention within a 36 hour period on Sunday & Monday.

It came to my attention that:

- Padewan Alec's weekend tennis tournament (draw) had been cancelled.
- I had two SW tickets that were about to expire (one in late Oct. & one in late Nov.)
- Padewan Alec's school had a "Teacher Work Day" on Friday & he would be off.
- The Paradise Pier Hotel had the AP 7 rate available for Wed. and/or Thur.

After consultation with "the boss" aka Mrs. Hound....i was advised that she (not being a disney geek) instead of going to SoCal, wanted to visit her sisters in a nearby town & hang with the pups this weekend, but She insisted that.....

.......Padewan Alec & I go to DLR BABY!!!!! :banana: :cool1: :dance3: :yay:

SO.....flights/rental car/PP hotel were nabbed in a nanosecond yesterday & in less than 28 hours Alec & I will be winging it to DLR (on Wed. night).... up for Thurs MM..... all day Thurs. & Fri morning at DLR.....& then two days visiting with the elegant & fun loving Matriarch Hound prior to jetting it back to Austin. :goodvibes

Thought I'd share since so many here can relate to spontanious quick trips...$139 rate for the PP....Halloween (seasonal) overlays.....& the need to "ride the wave" when that perfect storm hits. :hippie:

It was only Alec & I who enjoyed this one day DLR visit, but since several have asked, I'll introduce the family Hound with a pic from DD's wedding in June....from left to right:

Mrs. Hound, DD Haley, Haley's new hubby Clint & Mr. Hound 109.....Padewan Alec (DS) is in front.

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Weddingpicwithhaleyaleccandiclin-1.jpg

& there's a reason he's known far & wide as Padewan Alec !

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Disneylandalecjeditraining-1.jpg

:)

Queenbillabong

10-07-2008, 11:17 AM

Nice! That sounds like a fun and spontaneous trip - and a sweet deal on the hotel. Are you going to try to get tickets to the Thursday MTOT party? :woohoo:

avalon451

10-07-2008, 11:24 AM

WOO HOO! :woohoo: A truly beautiful concatenation of coincidences.

That's awesome! Hope you and lil' Hound have a great trip! Say hi to Darth Maul for me, Alec.

dbanzai

10-07-2008, 11:31 AM

Nice! Don't you love it when things like that happen? Like for instance when an event gets scheduled in your destination after you've planned?

Like last year, I booked my birthday trip to the Land, only to afterwards find out my birthday was going to be one of two days around the country that they were going to have a special showing of a Star Trek episode in theaters... And the theater in DTD was showing it! ;)

Janomi

10-07-2008, 11:35 AM

Great to have you back in SoCal Hound! Have a wonderful trip and see you at the parks! :hippie:

Hound 109

10-07-2008, 11:59 AM

Great to have you back in SoCal Hound! Have a wonderful trip and see you at the parks! :hippie:

Thanks Janomi! :goodvibes

& it gets better.....check out the forecast for the next few days (particularly Thurs. & Fri. :cool2: ):

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=92801&hourly=1&yday=282&weekday=Thursday

from QueenBillabong
Are you going to try to get tickets to the Thursday MTOT party?

We'll probably do DL Thur. night....i see the fireworks will be showing....plus Alec & i are DL ride junkies. :)

from Avalon
WOO HOO! A truly beautiful concatenation of coincidences.

That's awesome! Hope you and lil' Hound have a great trip! Say hi to Darth Maul for me, Alec.

Thanks Avalon! :cool1: Alec will say "hi" to the evil doer after he drops some awesome jedi moves on his dark behind. :darth:

from Dbanzai
Nice! Don't you love it when things like that happen?

Yep....it's like finding out Toadie or the Matterhorn is opening up after being closed for repairs all day. :thumbsup2

:)

Tasscrapper

10-07-2008, 12:07 PM

Woohoo for you guys! :banana: Make sure you give Mrs. Hound an extra kiss for being so awsome. :thumbsup2

NostalgicDad

10-07-2008, 01:24 PM

Very kewl, Hound! It's great how things come together sometimes, eh? Have a terrific time! :thumbsup2

tinkermell

10-07-2008, 01:41 PM

Wow!!

Celebrate!!!

By the way..............can I trade my DH for you?:rolleyes1 I love him to pieces, and he humors me about DL, but he is not the Disney freak either. So when we go, he finds other things to keep him amused. Like car shows, and the like. Usually he will join us in the afternoon, after gallvanting around looking for other entertainment. :rotfl:

Anyways, have a great time!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

We are going next week too! Woo hoo!
First time for us to see DL in the fall. :cloud9:

DangerMouse

10-07-2008, 01:46 PM

Like I said in my other post to you. . . the "perfect storm" hit one week too early!! Hope you and your Padewan Alec have a mouserific time!

pixiewings71

10-07-2008, 01:46 PM

Ohhh, have FUN!!!!!!

bonita_babe232

10-07-2008, 03:13 PM

Lucky for u!!!!!!!!! Have a great ttrip!!!!!!!!

prettyprincessbelle

10-07-2008, 03:19 PM

Yay for the Hound family!! What a sweet Mrs. Hound!!

Hope you and little Padewan have an awesome time!!!!

mariezp

10-07-2008, 06:29 PM

KCmike

10-07-2008, 06:46 PM

Can you bring home some pictures of the Haunted Mansion Overlay? Scratch that. Bring home tons of pictures of everything. The KCmike family is having major DL withdraws right now.

Have a great time out there!!!! We loved Halloween at DL. Have safe travels as well.

DisneyMomma81

10-07-2008, 07:09 PM

How exciting ~ I'd love a storm like that to hit my house! I hope the whole family has a great time! Alec has a great dad!

Hound 109

10-08-2008, 11:10 AM

Very kewl, Hound! It's great how things come together sometimes, eh? Have a terrific time! :thumbsup2

Will do! :3dglasses

Woohoo for you guys! Make sure you give Mrs. Hound an extra kiss for being so awsome. Yep...she is awesome. :thumbsup2

Wow!!

Celebrate!!!

By the way..............can I trade my DH for you? I love him to pieces, and he humors me about DL, but he is not the Disney freak either. So when we go, he finds other things to keep him amused. Like car shows, and the like. Usually he will join us in the afternoon, after gallvanting around looking for other entertainment.

Anyways, have a great time!!!

But the morning is the BEST time for DLR!!! (Car shows & football games are better in the afternoon. ;))

& you know what they say, Tinkermel.....opposites attract. :)

Like I said in my other post to you. . . the "perfect storm" hit one week too early!! Hope you and your Padewan Alec have a mouserific time!

Thanks Dangermouse! :goodvibes We'll tell Harold & Toadie that you'll see him next week!

Hound 109

10-08-2008, 11:43 AM

How exciting ~ I'd love a storm like that to hit my house! I hope the whole family has a great time! Alec has a great dad!

Thanks DisneyMomma. :goodvibes

Ohhh, have FUN!!!!!!
We will Pixiewings. :banana:

Lucky for u!!!!!!!!! Have a great trip!!!!!!!!
Thanks Bonita Babe!! :cool1:

Yay for the Hound family!! What a sweet Mrs. Hound!!

Hope you and little Padewan have an awesome time!!!!
The little commando Padewan & i will have a great time....thanks, Pretty Princess Belle! :goodvibes

:)

Hound 109

10-08-2008, 12:02 PM

Hey, Hound, that is too cool! Yeah for Mrs. Hound! Have a great time. Of course, you know we will be expecting a full report.

I thought about asking you to swing through Decatur and let me hitch a ride with you but I guess I really wouldn't do spontaneous very well. I am a perpetual planner! Oh well, we'll be there in 33 days! Anyway, grab a churro for me!

How close is Decatur to El Paso (yeah i know about 400 miles ;))....we stop in EP & then wing it to LAX.

We'll nab some churros & corny dogs for you Marie. :cool2:

Can you bring home some pictures of the Haunted Mansion Overlay? Scratch that. Bring home tons of pictures of everything. The KCmike family is having major DL withdraws right now.

Have a great time out there!!!! We loved Halloween at DL. Have safe travels as well.

Thanks KC Mike! (I'm going to try to take pics this time & figure out how to post them). pirate:

KCmike

10-10-2008, 01:36 PM

If you have any questions about posting pics I can help you step by step.

Have a great time. Have you ever been on the HM overlay yet? It is awesome.

Hound 109

10-13-2008, 01:47 PM

If you have any questions about posting pics I can help you step by step.

Have a great time. Have you ever been on the HM overlay yet? It is awesome.

Thanks Mike. :thumbsup2

We're back & I have a dozen or so pics. Had a great time on Thursday. :cool1:

I'll bring the camera in tomorrow & will pm you.

DangerMouse

10-13-2008, 01:55 PM

Thanks Mike. :thumbsup2

We're back & I have a dozen or so pics. Had a great time on Thursday. :cool1:

I'll bring the camera in tomorrow & will pm you.

Welcome back Hound! Howz about a mini TR? Just enough to get me excited for my trip this week? Please?? :flower3: popcorn::

tinkermell

10-13-2008, 02:04 PM

Welcome back Hound! Howz about a mini TR? Just enough to get me excited for my trip this week? Please?? :flower3: popcorn::
::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

KCmike

10-13-2008, 10:16 PM

It was about two years ago at this time when we went out there for our first visit. I see the fires are back again. Hope everyone out there is ok and safe. Can't wait to see some pics and here how you liked Halloween Time at DL.

disney_love<3

10-13-2008, 11:25 PM

Wow! Don't you love it when plans just happen like that! :)

Have fun!

Hound 109

10-14-2008, 01:59 PM

Welcome back Hound! Howz about a mini TR? Just enough to get me excited for my trip this week? Please?? :flower3: popcorn::

Mini report - "Hound & Padewan Alec Invade DLR (for one day) on a 2 1/2 day visit to SoCal".

(will bring camera tomorrow & will attempt to post a couple pics)

3pm - Wed. 10/8 -

Mrs. Hound picks up Padewan Alec from his "very very challenging & very very advanced :snooty: elementary school" (or so says those snooty school web sites).... which is the reason we paid extra for our "mini-mcmansion" for him to attend.....but who's students seem just as silly/dumb/clueless/intelligent & lovable as every other school with 4th graders. Alec (of course) is heartbroken ;) that he won't be attending classes tomorrow :lmao: . Suitcases are in the car & the Mrs. drops him off at the Hound place of semi-employment at 3:20pm. We zip (itty doodah) over to the Austin Airport in our houndmobile :yay: & arrive for our 5:30pm flight with plenty of time to spare.

4:30pm - Alec (who requires a meal every 90 - 95 minutes).....states this requirement (to me) 2 minutes after taking off our shoes & stuff & strolling thru the security line. Thankfully there's an Semi-Authentic BBQ joint in the Austin airport & we snag a sliced beef sandwich & a bag of chips for the carnivore tyke....thus crisis avoided. The SW flight is on time/problem free (as usual) & we arrive in LAX at 8pm'ish.

8pm'ish - We pick up our mid sized (that they call full sized) Lumina or Impala or whatever from Alamo (cause i get a SWA "double stamp":thumbsup2 .....& cause it was 60 bucks for 3 days.....but with tax & fees & stuff turned out to be $80....but hey...it's still a deal) & I was off to DLR in the SoCal night. (Not a problem for the Hound to drive EL LAY traffic.....i LIKE Screamin & even worse coasters at parks that shall remain nameless & I HATE the putt putt cars..... & guys....traffic on the 405 are NOT putt putt cars. :laughing:

9pm'ish - Padewan Alec is sound asleep in the back seat (it's 11pm'ish Texas time) & the Hound is hauling down the 405 & has come to the realization that although he has driven FROM DLR to LAX several times.....he has NEVER driven TO DLR (from LAX). :scared1:

An aside:

The "purpose" for my every 3-4 month visits to SoCal is to visit my very cool 90 y/o mother who lives in a swinging singles.....er.....a "very nice" assisted living type place in Woodland Hills. Every other time we've visited DLR.....we tend to drive to DLR from the Matriarch Hound's swinging singles.....er...retirement apt.....or from a sibling's home in the Santa Monica Mtns (above the PCH). I normally take the 101 or the 10 into downtown LA & take a right (south) on the I 5 & on to DLR.....piece of calke. :teacher: (note- this is a particularly effective drive at 6AMish on a Sunday morning. :thumbsup2)

BUT...BUT this time I'm on the 405 heading south.....it's dark & it's bumper to bumper traffic.....except it's bumper to bumper & everyone is driving 73 MPH...... & I have NO clue when to "head east" (or go left)....I know i have to....but my normally trusty "co-pilot" is sawing logs in the back seat & at the present time is of no help to the Impala driving Hound :scared: .

I hang a left (east) on (i think) the Garden Grove freeway & pass a sign for Viet town & Korea Town (& make a mental note as I LOVE these....& i suppose all..... types of food......gonna have to plan a stop at some point for some SoCal Bulgogi :woohoo: )...... & after a few more miles I see that I'm approaching the I 5 (aka the "yellow brick road"). Confidently, I turn right (south) on the I 5 & start looking for DLR / the Matterhorn / Harbor Blvd etc.

One problem......(as you SoCal Disers probably know).....i should have taken a left (north).......instead of a right....& now I'm heading (south) toward San Diego & the very lame (for hounds & hound padewans) LegoLand. :scared1:

.....to be continued. :cool2:

.

BillyFan

10-14-2008, 02:12 PM

More, More!!!!!!!!!

bumbershoot

10-14-2008, 02:59 PM

Loving your report!!!!

Are there no signs to point the way to Disneyland on this road????

"pass a sign for Viet town & Korea Town (& make a mental note as I LOVE these....& i suppose all..... types of food......gonna have to plan a stop at some point for some SoCal Bulgogi"

Ooh. No need for bulgogi in this vegetarian household, but we do like a nice bi bim bap, and hubby loves some dish whose name I'm forgetting. Does the Padewan have an instinctive yearning for such dishes? DS, who is only a quarter Korean, had a very early love for sour and vinegar foods, with the very first food he had on his tongue being a lemon, and he had an early affinity for dill pickles (though he's still scared of kimchee b/c it looks scary to him and of course it smells a bit). :upsidedow

Hound 109

10-14-2008, 04:50 PM

Thanks BillyFan & Bumber (& hi Tinkermel, DisneyLove & KC Mike :hippie: )

Loving your report!!!!

Are there no signs to point the way to Disneyland on this road????

I DIDN'T SEE ANY. I PASSED HARBOR BLVD (WHICH REALLY CONFUSED ME) BUT IN LOOKING AT THE MAP LATER IT WAS HARBOR BLVD A FEW MILES SOUTH OF DLR.....I HAD THOUGHT I WAS NORTH OF DLR AT THAT POINT.

"pass a sign for Viet town & Korea Town (& make a mental note as I LOVE these....& i suppose all..... types of food......gonna have to plan a stop at some point for some SoCal Bulgogi"

Ooh. No need for bulgogi in this vegetarian household, but we do like a nice bi bim bap, and hubby loves some dish whose name I'm forgetting. Does the Padewan have an instinctive yearning for such dishes? DS, who is only a quarter Korean, had a very early love for sour and vinegar foods, with the very first food he had on his tongue being a lemon, and he had an early affinity for dill pickles (though he's still scared of kimchee b/c it looks scary to him and of course it smells a bit). :upsidedow

Alec loves (sweet) Bulgogi & mild kimchee.....& pickles & sour candy & stuff.

Then again he loves chicken nuggets, dole whips, churros & corny dogs....proving that food preferences are biological AND socialogical. :cool2:

:laughing:

Update 10/20 - Here's a pic to introduce Padewan Alec. He's not a meek or shy boy.....dude cuts a wide swath thru life:

Before the school play last spring. http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi053-1.jpg

:)

bumbershoot

10-14-2008, 05:00 PM

Alec loves (sweet) Bulgogi & mild kimchee.....& pickles & sour candy & stuff.

Then again he loves chicken nuggets, dole whips, churros & corny dogs....proving that food preferences are biological AND socialogical. :cool2:

:laughing:

:)

Eamon is currently eating a granola bar with a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese. So somewhere in there he got some pseudo French genes, ha ha.

Or maybe it's confused Irish genes having a version of a ploughman's lunch?

Or maybe he just likes cheese.

I can't wait to hear the rest of your story!

KCmike

10-14-2008, 06:53 PM

I will stay posted awaiting the next chapter.

Side Note. I remember our first time driving to DL from LAX. We had the handy one sheet flyer from the car rental place. Luckily we were doing it in the midday after a 3-4 hour flight from Kansas City. Our hardest part was driving on a day off from disney to Hollywood and getting caught up in the traffic home to DL. We went north on a highway and somehow got lost all the way to Pasadena and I consider myself a good navigator. It was the wall to wall evening traffic that threw me for a loop.

mariezp

10-14-2008, 09:56 PM

Very entertaining so far Hound. I am assuming since you are writing a trip report that you did eventually find your way to DLR! Can't wait for more!

DangerMouse

10-14-2008, 10:04 PM

Yeah, I was hoping that Hound would get to the actual DLR part before I leave for my trip on Thursday morning. . . HINT HINT!!!

disneegrl4eva

10-14-2008, 11:09 PM

oh that was fun....Im having a good laugh but you cut the report too short waaaaaaaaay to quick...so um er hurry the heck up:rolleyes1 .......

MickeyNikiNaka

10-14-2008, 11:35 PM

I love it! Keep the TR Coming, am I the only one who finds these to be better than TV lately? Anyone? Just me? Ok....

mariezp

10-15-2008, 12:41 AM

I love it! Keep the TR Coming, am I the only one who finds these to be better than TV lately? Anyone? Just me? Ok....

Oh no, MickeyNikiNaka, you are not the only one. I would much rather be reading on the Disboard than watching the junk they put on TV nowadays!

Hound 109

10-16-2008, 05:50 PM

Yeah, I was hoping that Hound would get to the actual DLR part before I leave for my trip on Thursday morning. . . HINT HINT!!!

CARP !

I hate it when work gets in the way of important stuff (like completing our one day TR). Have a great time DangerMouse !!

.......so where was i? Oh yeah.....heading the wrong way on the I 5 at 10pm on Wed. 10/8. Padewan Alec still sleeping in the back seat....oblivious to the fact that he might be putting Legos together in the morning :eek: instead of Commando'ing thru Fantasyland at 8:03am.

No worries....Hound immediately recognizes... that he does not recognize....any of the towns or street names on this strange patch of the I 5 (Tustin is NOT on the houndmobile's yellow brick road route).....so i hop off the freeway, confirm DL's location on the trusty free Alamo Car Rental map....& do an interstate U'y & head back north. Seeing "Katella" after 10 miles, so I know I'm in biz.

I don't know about the rest of you, but looking at DLR resort maps a few dozen times helps me instantly know that Katella is "under" DCA, thus it's easy to find our eventual destination....the cheapest of the DLR Resort hotels....the Paradise Pier!!! :dance3:

So why the Pier??? & Why on a Wednesday night??? Some would ask??

But not my fellow Diser's :cool2: !! They know that if one is planning an impromtu trip to visit "Mom" & spend one mega day at DLR.....then OBVIOUSLY one gets an AP rate at the PP ($139 Baybeee!!!) & books it so he/she can do EE.....er Magical Morning the next morning (Baybee!!! :cool1: ) & it's even better (to me) that MM starts at 8am (so we're not hanging with the newpaper delivery guys at 7am).

Alec zombie walks with me into the Pier & we're given 2 magical cards for room keys....THAT WE WILL NEED TO TAKE TO MM IN THE MORNING....(good to know ::yes:: ). We park the Impalamobile in the garage (knowing of course that we won't retrieve it till LATE the next night.....cause that's what cool dissers do. :smokin: ) & we grab our ONE suitcase (that rolls) & off to our 14th floor room with a view of the parking lot :). BTW, it's ONE suitcase because we don't have shampoo or extra underwear or really anything but the "bare necessities".....you may hum to Phil Harris/Baloo if you want to....that two DUDES would need....which isn't much.

I don't DO room service. Tax/Tip/Delivery Fee....nope, not for me....ever. But Alec looks at the room service propoganda sheet & says "Dad, the Big Breakfast looks pretty good".....& dad contemplates the fact that we need to get up at 6:15am (& who the heck knows what might be open at that hour).....& we're walking thru DTD, not by MickeyDs... so what the heck.

A quick aside......And you know what??? It's a good deal. We split 3 scrambled eggs, 4 pieces of bacon, two pastries, potato/peppers/onions mixture, juice & coffee. Worked out to 8 bucks per dude (including tip)....& it fed both of us.

So before watching the the 6 disney channels on the PP TV & falling asleep, we put the little Room Service propoganda sheet on the door knob & they delivered it at 6:20am (10 min. after we got up).....so we were fed, clean & out the door by 7:15am. Because (as you know) cool disers ALWAYS are near the front of the line for DL MM opening. :cool2:

We did the PP-DL "stroll"....walked thru the GCH..... & out into DTD & then on to DL. The best 1/2 mile stroll in the world.....thru the prettiest hotel....& thru a cool outdoor shopping mall (if you're into that sort of thing)....on a pretty & crisp morning.....& on to the most magical place on earth. :thumbsup2

But first Security. An FYI.....at 7:25am the security line had formed (but not to bad since it's Thursday & on the DTD side)....& we were 5th or 6th. Five minutes later they opened up security & we were second in line at 7:31am in front of one of the MM turnstiles. A nice family (who looked Persian or Indian but spoke with an educated English accent) were in front of us. Two kids aged about 4 & 6....& a nice mom who was trying to get the 4y/o boy from bopping his 6 y/o sister with a pirate sword & a dad who was studying the map & a ride max ride order listing. Small talk revealed that:

- this was their only day at DL (no DCA).
- They had never been.
- They REALLY want to do it all, but especially Fantasyland.
- Ridemax had them going to Nemo first.....but they were confused....was Nemo open for MM? Is Nemo the best use of MM? What should they do?? Who could possibly help them? or offer an opinion?? ;)

I told them (of course) to follow me.....that we would do (of course):

- PP (first.....ALWAYS first). & we were all first on :cool2:
- Dumbo (but it wasn't open yet ??...the CM said "another 5-10 min."...so we all quickly to walked (with a purpose) to...
- Alice (which had no line) & our Persian family LOVED it......(as does the Hound family). Then a quick hop to...
- Matterhorn - which we (& they) liked & no one was scared at all, because Harold isn't MEAN....he just "growls" hello! (cause i told them DangerMouse told me so) So we all yelled "Hi Harold!" back at em. Following the Matterhorn, i suggested to the nice Persian family (with an English accent) that they might want to head back to Dumbo before the line get's long. We waved to them good bye as Padewan Alec & I WENT TO THE OTHER SIDE of the Matterhorn & rode it again....:cool1:.....because we can. :thumbsup2 (& btw....Harold told me to say "HI" to DM on this go round.)

- Being sneaky....i avoided the dreaded tea cups by advising Alec that we had to make sure the family got to Dumbo OK. When we eyeballed them in a short line for the flying elephant, we happened to be right next to good ol' Toadie....which of course we had to ride......which of course meant I snuck by those dang teacups. Toadie is as good as ever, but we weren't very good drivers...& ended up in a very HOT part of the ride....it's funny...we never seem to avoid this. ;).

- It's 8:38am at this point, so it was off (thru the super secret route by the Snow White Statues) to ride Buzz (no line) where Alec was very mad that I scored higher than him (hey....they don't call him Padewan & me the Master Jedi for nothing. :rolleyes1 ). Note: At th :38 point of MM..... Peter Pan was PACKED.....but of course this was of no worry to us, because we did PP first (always first) :thumbsup2

- After Buzz we finished off MM with a scary dark ride thru Space (about a 5 minute wait) & after looking at our SM pics & a quick "pitstop" (which as most Disers know is right next to the SM picture viewing spot)....it was 9:00am....so naturally we picked up our first FP (at SM) at 9:02 (just as the great unwashed non-MM participants came roaring in to pick their FPs & race down the SM stand by lane).

Having successfully negotiated MM (no Dumbo, Carousel or Nemo for us....& we would save Pinnochio & SW for later).....it was time to embark on our tour of the left side of the park.....BTMRR & (Holiday) HM first. :hippie: As folks raced by us on their way thru the hub & on to PP or Nemo, Alec & I stopped at the statue to take a breath.....& glance at the castle.....& enjoy the 65 degree, sunny day......& we wondered how all of people were doing today in 4th grade ..... & at work back... in Texas. :rolleyes1

But only for about 15 seconds :).....because it was time to walk thru the fort entrance of Frontierland, & make our way to the "wildest ride in the wilderness!!!! But.......But.....it was closed for 15-30 minutes. :headache: But no worries!!!:idea: ......we merely continued on to HM (knowing that the holiday version might get crowded later on)............. where a nice CM informed us that.........that........."it was closed for the next 15 - 30 minutes." :eek: ......doesn't he know that i plan this out?? & delaying the opening of HM is NOT part of my plan!!!

What are we going to do?????

:faint:

Padewan Alec battling the "dark side" & Darth Maul (12/07).....those Darths never stood a chance!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/alecdarthmaul-1.jpg

:)

prettyprincessbelle

10-16-2008, 06:38 PM

Hound, you crack me up... :rotfl:

Keep it going!!! :thumbsup2

mariezp

10-16-2008, 06:52 PM

bumbershoot

10-17-2008, 03:20 AM

Hound 109

10-17-2008, 10:06 AM

Hound, you crack me up... :rotfl:

Keep it going!!! :thumbsup2

Thanks PPB....:goodvibes

Will do. :thumbsup2

(I probably need to ask the mod to put this in the TR section since it has morphed into one. :))

Hound 109

10-17-2008, 10:17 AM

Nice, very nice, Hound. I can just envision the Hound bachelors strolling into PPH with their one suitcase. Guys are so lucky! (I started an inventory of what all needs to go in our suitcases and let me tell you it is not easy for the girls to narrow down all the things they "need". Our guys are like you though, they would probably be fine for 2 weeks with only 2 changes of clothes!)

It was very nice of you to act as a MM touring guide with the Persian family! I am taking notes from your report to see if I can implement some of it in November. Mighty sneaky avoiding those teacups! Can't wait to see if Padewan Alec caught on and eventually got you on them.

You don't know the half of it Marie. At the airport "el cheapo" lot in Austin I had removed a half dozen articles of clothing & several dop kit items, books & other "un-necessary" items out of the big ol' suitcase (that Mrs. Hound had snuck in) & chunked them into the back cab of the houndtruck. We dude's travel light. :thumbsup2

The Persian family (with accents that sounded like the English aristocrocy) were delightful....& definitely Dis worthy. They beamed as they read Walt's words when we entered the tunnel, nodded absolutely when i mentioned that they should return thru Main St. & enjoy & also to take pics near the square / hub with the characters. They loved the fact that people propose marriage at Snowy's statue / grotto as i pointed it out to them.....& were mega pumped to be first on good ol' Peter Pan. :yay:

The Teacups might make an appearance later in this report. :scared1: . :rolleyes1

mariezp

10-17-2008, 10:25 AM

You don't know the half of it Marie. At the airport "el cheapo" lot in Austin I had removed a half dozen articles of clothing & several dop kit items, books & other "un-necessary" items out of the big ol' suitcase (that Mrs. Hound had snuck in) & chunked them into the back cab of the houndtruck. We dude's travel light. :thumbsup2

The Persian family (with accents that sounded like the English aristocrocy) were delightful....& definitely Dis worthy. They beamed as they read Walt's words when we entered the tunnel, nodded absolutely when i mentioned that they should return thru Main St. & enjoy & also to take pics near the square / hub with the characters. They loved the fact that people propose marriage at Snowy's statue / grotto as i pointed it out to them.....& were mega pumped to be first on good ol' Peter Pan. :yay:

The Teacups might make an appearance later in this report. :scared1: . :rolleyes1

Thanks for giving me a good laugh this morning!

Hound 109

10-17-2008, 10:25 AM

:banana: :banana: :banana: :woohoo: :woohoo: :yay:

Am loving this trip report! You must do it more often.

PP first, always first. :goodvibes

And you accidentally made me all teary-eyed, b/c someday Eamon is going to be Alec's age, and since he's been 4 forever and before that he was 3 forever, etc, it seems impossible that we'll ever get there, but it will be here and then hubby and E can take trips and he can make strong requests about breakfast (OK so 4 year olds do that too but not as calmly perhaps as 4th grade aged kids) too.

I know, silly! But that's why it was accidental of you. :)

I have now combined your way of writing with AA Milne, as E and I have been reading my mom's 1950s era Pooh compilation. So I shall say "Hallo, Hound!"

Thanks Bumber. :goodvibes

I'll have to break out AA Milne.....my writing style is more streaming train of thought with random twists, illogical turns & abrubt stops.....inspired more by Dan Jenkins & Dave Barry :) I'll have to check out Mr. (Mrs. ?) Milne.

Anybody have a link to the "How to post a Pic" thead?.....the luddite begginer version please? :)

.

mariezp

10-17-2008, 10:35 AM

Thanks Bumber. :goodvibes

I'll have to break out AA Milne.....my writing style is more streaming train of thought with random twists, illogical turns & abrubt stops.....inspired more by Dan Jenkins & Dave Barry :) I'll have to check out Mr. (Mrs. ?) Milne.

Anybody have a link to the "How to post a Pic" thead?.....the luddite begginer version please? :)

.

Not only are you funny but also a brilliant kindred spirit! Of course, I had to look up the word luddite to know what it means! :laughing: Thanks for a new word of the day.

mariezp

10-17-2008, 10:42 AM

Okay, now that I am through laughing, I am going to respond to your last question. Here's a link about posting photos. It's not titled "luddite beginner" but hopefully it will do the trick. Believe me, if I can figure it out ANYBODY can learn to post photos! Can's wait to see them!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1359157

KCmike

10-17-2008, 06:11 PM

Basically you go to photobucket or flickr and download the pictures you want to share.

After you set up a free account and download them you copy and paste them into your post. Photobucket is what I use and it is very easy. It has easy buttons that say upload images, choose files to download, etc... You have to first have them in your "My pictures" or somewhere on your computer where you can upload them from.

So when you post you basically can hit "control V" to paste. "Control C" is to copy. These are two shortcuts.

Not sure how much you know so just ask if you have any further questions.

perlster

10-17-2008, 06:38 PM

Janomi

10-17-2008, 06:51 PM

Great TR so far Hound! Looking forward to more Hound-esque narration :p

Hound 109

10-17-2008, 08:42 PM

bumbershoot

10-17-2008, 09:03 PM

Lovely pix!

Need MORE pix!:upsidedow :flower3:

avalon451

10-17-2008, 09:56 PM

Let's hear some more! popcorn:: Great TR. Your family is beautiful!

Hound 109

10-20-2008, 01:45 PM

As someone who has navigated these freeways for too long, I have to take issue with the route you took from LAX to DLR.

If you actually took the 405 all the way down to the 22, you have my most sincere condolences. ;)

The route that Yahoo! gives you is the one I'd go with. 105E to 605N to 5S.

I guess i need to start using the internets maps, perlster.....being old school (& being a guy who used to travel 20-25 weeks a year) I'm use to grabbing a car rental map & heading on out into the great unknown. :cool2:

hound <----refuses to follow mapquest type instructions....."drive 10 feet & take a left.....go onto to the entrance ramp....go onto the freeway....drive on the freeway.....etc. etc. :)

Hound 109

10-20-2008, 02:26 PM

Great TR so far Hound! Looking forward to more Hound-esque narration :p

Thanks Janomi! :goodvibes

& I'm sure English teachers nationwide (& home school mommies) are groaning & their heads are hurting from the hound-esque narrations. :headache:

:rotfl:

& in the spirit of the last two week's glorious football weekends.......here's a pic of hound & padewan Alec after THE university of texas defeated "the (supposed) greatest team of all time" (the USC trojans).....in the "greatest game of all time" in the Rose Bowl 3 years ago (when Vince Young gave the "greatest performance of all time").

Alec & i in front of the UT tower following the game....."hookem" !

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi021-1-1.jpg

:)

Hound 109

10-20-2008, 02:43 PM

Lovely pix!

Need MORE pix!:upsidedow :flower3:

Thanks Bumber!

Here's a couple from December 07.

DD Haley & Padewan Alec (aka DS 8) in front of a blurred castle. http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Disneylandhaleyalecxmascastle-1--1.jpg

Padewan Alec on King Triton's Carousel (while hound was single riding on screamin" next door :cool1: ).

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Disneylandalectritoncarousel-1.jpg

:)

bumbershoot

10-20-2008, 03:32 PM

hound <----refuses to follow mapquest type instructions....."drive 10 feet & take a left.....go onto to the entrance ramp....go onto the freeway....drive on the freeway.....etc. etc. :)

Oh yeah, you just have to ignore the start of mapquest instructions.

Love the pictures you just posted!!!!!

Alex2kMommy

10-20-2008, 04:21 PM

How on earth did I not see this sooner??? :rotfl2:

I took a spur of the moment trip with my youngest last February, and what a blast it was! So glad the planets aligned just right for your one day adventure! :thumbsup2

I'm getting a kick out of Hound narration. Forget the English teachers. It's all right to break the rules as long as you KNOW them in the first place. :lmao:

I teared up (just a little) at you taking the Persian family on their first DL trip under your wing (tail? paw?) I bet they are still talking about what a great trip they had, and the wonderful Jedi Tour Guide they met. ;)

More, please. :flower3:

Hound 109

10-20-2008, 05:36 PM

Let's hear some more! popcorn:: Great TR. Your family is beautiful!

Thanks Avalon! :goodvibes

I see you have a trip report up as well......i need to get over there and check it out. :thumbsup2

Alec & I are sorry that we have kept our trip report readers hanging..........

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Disneylandalectarzantreeswinging-1.jpg

:teeth:

......but i'm having fun with this photobucket site....busy cropping & stuff. :cool1:

I realize it's only 9:20am on a One Day visit & I'm already on page 4 of this report.......but i'm a rambling....& semi-employed hound....but I'll try to get with the program. :dog:

:)

Hound 109

10-20-2008, 05:45 PM

TiggerNZ

10-20-2008, 07:43 PM

disney-inspired

10-20-2008, 08:03 PM

I'm loving your mini trip report, Hound! I love the fact that you helped that family! That is so awesome that they were able to run into you and get in all the FL rides in before the crowds. What a way to spread the magic! :wizard: :thumbsup2 Oh and I also have the philosophy or manifesto of "PP first, ALWAYS first".

Can't wait for the rest!

DangerMouse

10-20-2008, 09:44 PM

Glad to see I didn't miss too much while I was gone, and that Hound is so sloooow in posting a 1 day TR. ;)

Glad to read that you spread some Disney magic by sharing your DIS knowledge with the English Persian family. Sounds like a fun morning so far, but too many ride closures for my taste. Looking forward to reading more and seeing more pics since you are now a pro at posting them.

KCmike

10-20-2008, 09:54 PM

Does Padewan always get picked at the Jedi Training Academy?

tinkermell

10-20-2008, 11:47 PM

Hound 109

10-21-2008, 12:07 PM

Hi there Hound

Just wanted to say I love your trip report, and love the way you write, it is so easy to read, and very funny.

What a nice thing to do helping the persian family, I am sure you made their day.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip.

Thanks TiggerNZ.....do you watch Amazing Race? :3dglasses

The last episode showed off your beautiful country......I think i'd rather visit NZ more than any country.

Hound 109

10-21-2008, 12:09 PM

Hound 109

10-21-2008, 12:20 PM

Glad to see I didn't miss too much while I was gone, and that Hound is so sloooow in posting a 1 day TR. ;)

I guess the more Commando the DLR visitor.....the slower he is to post. ;) :lmao:

Glad to read that you spread some Disney magic by sharing your DIS knowledge with the English Persian family.

Sounds like a fun morning so far, but too many ride closures for my taste.

Ain't that the truth!! :upsidedow

Looking forward to reading more and seeing more pics since you are now a pro at posting them.

Yeah....Yeah.....I'm a regular computer guru now. :3dglasses

Glad to have you back DangerMouse.....so where's the report?? :bored:

:teeth:

.

Hound 109

10-21-2008, 12:25 PM

Does Padewan always get picked at the Jedi Training Academy?

Man.....talk about a softball......of course Padewan Alec ALWAYS gets picked.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699

:)

Actually we/he didn't do Jedi Training this time. He's done it 3 times & he'd prefer to ride rides now. (But the first two times he LOVED it.)

Hound 109

10-21-2008, 12:30 PM

Hey Hound!!

Love your TR and pictures.

What a nice way to spread some Pixie dust around to the visitors. :grouphug:

As always, I love your sense of humor. I was laughing while reading. LOL!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: Some I can relate to!! :rolleyes1

Nice picture of your family. My DD got married last year too.

By the way, my Dad is an avid USC fan!!! He probably wore a black arm band the day that Texas won the football game!! :laughing: And that is no joke. He really does! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Thanks Tinkermell. :hippie:

So we both had a BRIDEZILLA! to deal with. :scared1:
;)

Tell your dad i wouldn't be surprised if there's a rematch between USC & UT this year (in the national title game)......both teams are playing really, really well.

.

Hound 109

10-21-2008, 01:41 PM

So where was i..... oh yeah....

.....because it was time to walk thru the fort entrance of Frontierland, & make our way to the "wildest ride in the wilderness!!!! But.......But.....it was closed for 15-30 minutes. But no worries!!! ......we merely continued on to HM (knowing that the holiday version might get crowded later on)............. where a nice CM informed us that.........that........."it was closed for the next 15 - 30 minutes." ......doesn't he know that i plan this out?? & delaying the opening of HM is NOT part of my plan!!!

What are we going to do?????

While others may panic, a diser won't.....he (she) embraces a challenge.... & in the deep dark cavity of his dis-brain pulls out a plan C & plan D.

So i glance at my watch (next FP pick-up at 9:50am & it's 9:20am now)... & i give my young padewan co-pilot a choice.....Splash or Indy.

"Dad!!! I don't want to get wet NOW"!!! Supressing my macho desire to tell the lad to "buck up".....or.. "if it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger"......I recognized that it's still in low 60s tempwise & merely replied...."OK, let's do Indy".....& as the lad jumped his approval :yay:......off we commando'd over to Indy (passing on the crosswalk over Pirate's because as any Diser knows, Pirates is the fastest loader of them all, so you don't want to blow any part of your first 90 min. in DL on Pirates....even though we ALL love the ride. :thumbsup2 )

An aside:

Padewan Alec is a great kid (he's adopted, came to our family when he was 6 mos. old, is Korean, & probably raised the average IQ of the Hound family by a good 30-40 points). Being a son of Hound 109, he was obliged to participate in sports......thankfully the dude is a wiry, half pint, dynamo. He hated soccer (which pleased his dad to no end since I'd rather watch grass grow than watch a soccer match :rolleyes1 ), but loved baseball (& was a fine player.... a great fielder/accurate thrower & a contact hitter.....even though he was a head shorter than virtually all of his teammates) & he played 3 seasons of ball.

Amazingly, he also played 2 seasons of basketball (even though he was TWO heads shorter & was a string bean compared to virtually everyone on his team)....but the dude was fearless & he could dribble & pass.....& was the annoying little guy who'd dribble in & pass to one of the "big guys".....also he'd also sneak behind and around the giants and then steal the ball from them. Think a little korean John Stockton....his opponents hated him & his teammates loved him. Yeah...Yeah....a proud dad bragging about his kid....so you don't believe he coulda been a Korean John Stockton?? Well check these out:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Basketball4-1.jpg

Point Guard Alec receiving the inbound pass.

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/AlecBasketball3-1.jpg

Sizing up the competition & getting ready to fake his opponent out of his jock strap. ;)

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/AlecBasketball1-1.jpg

Taking it to the hoop baybeee!!

Note the use of his LEFT hand....you gotta be a TWO handed ball player if you wanna be a point guard.

rats....gotta go, but i'll be back. :thumbsup2

:)

Yakety76

10-21-2008, 03:23 PM

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Disneylandalectarzantreeswinging-1.jpg

Love this picture!!
I am having fun reading your trip report. Cannot wait to hear what happens next. :goodvibes

Sleepless Knight

10-21-2008, 03:38 PM

As a fellow Jedi and a guy, I loved your description of how we guys pack and what we need (and don't need) to take on vacation. Yet another way in which we embrace the simple Jedi lifestyle.

Hound 109

10-22-2008, 10:56 AM

......So at 9:22ishAM we arrive at Indy....20 min. wait.....what the heck, not part of the original plan, but FPs will be needed on other rides so into the Temple of Doom we go. (Is it the temple of doom?).

We almost always do Indy via FP, which i prefer. The line was a legit 20 min., but the inside portion of the line seemed longer/slower....which is probably a good thing for one who's never ridden, as the many details inside can be enjoyed in a "slower" line. But we've done Indy many times, so we prefer the "later in the day using a FP strategy", where the CM lets guests inside a few families at a time.

But.....since the line was very slow, Alec used the time to read (out loud) all the signs....like the one that said "Do not pull on this pole" (on the bamboo pole)....which he read out loud & looked at me.....& we both looked at the nice family behind us.....who were smiling & scrubbed & looked like they just came in from Mayberry....or Provo....or someplace.

But....the nice smiling family were NOT smiling after the hooligan 9 y/o jedi warrior yanked hard on the pole. :rolleyes1

The family behind them laughed, padewan alec laughed.....but the nicely scrubbed family was NOT amused....they were kind of whispering amongst themselves & shaking their heads.

Next we came to the Indy Line wishing well thingy & (of course) my young padewan pulled the rope to the horror of our sweet scrubbed family behind us. I fussed at Alec.....told him to NOT pull the rope......not unless he was going to pull it the RIGHT WAY. I reached in front of the scrubbed family & gave it the hound 109 yank & yanked it hard. Giggles erupted all around as noises & shrieks came from the wishing well.....even our scrubbed friends from Mayberry caught on & were laughing. (& the little 6/7 y/o tyke from Mayberry started yanking the rope with all his might).

Indy rocked :cool1: ....of course. But unfortunately, the rats didn't drop into our jeep this time.....probably just as well, as it is far more entertaining when the friendly rodents drop into our jeep when Mrs. Hound or Princess (DD 26) Haley are in our jeep. :thumbsup2

After exiting Indy, it was FP pickup time (because cool disdudes keep up with FP return times :hippie: ), so we took a hard left (passing Pirates because people....you don't have to do Pirates this early.....it'll be there later with a fast moving line.....trust me pirate: .) & on to HM (which was now packed). So we nabbed a HM FP at 9:50am (our exact SM return time) & continued on to Splash......because we can.:thumbsup2

A fairly quick 15 min. wait & a nice ride through Brer Forest with a minor splash down found us relatively dry & found padewan Alec famished (it had been 150 min. since breakfast & as i had told you, the wiry dude eats every 90 minutes), but.....no worries...(as any knowledgabe diser knows) we happened to be at one of the BEST places to be.... especially if you are a little hungry & need a little mid-morning snack. So into The Hunny Pot we went. (I saw Avalon call it this....I always thought it was Pooh Corner?....but i definitely defer to Avalon as I'm not as detailed oriented as i should be....more of a "big picture" kind of guy....:cool2: .

BTW...Padewan Alec (being 9) told me that he was refusing to ride Pooh. :sad1: (note - being perfectly comfortable with my lack of maturity, this 51 y/o would have gladly rode it.....but watcha gonna do??) So in the Hunny Pot we both got a cookie the size of a small frisbee (Alec got a sugar cookie & I got a macadamia nut / white chocolate chip cookie.....with -0- calories ;)) & we walked out into the beautiful & sunny morning, enjoying the crowdless walkway near the Rivers of America.

People.....if you want to enjoy DL properly, get there early so you can ride rides, pick up FPs, & munch on huge cookies in uncrowded bliss as you stroll along the ROA. (to be continued.....)

I haven't taken any pics yet.....so here's a couple of pics of Alec & I:

12/07 at DL in front of a blurred (but purty) castle.

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/alecbillxmasatDLcastle-1.jpg

Alec & I at SW in San Antonio 2 years ago 10/06. (I always like this pic :))

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi008-1.jpg

:)

avalon451

10-22-2008, 11:43 AM

Great update! Love the pics. But... c'mon, Hound, an HOUR at a time? :lmao: You're just teasing us.

I *think* the candy store is called the Hunny Pot, I could be wrong. :confused3 I think the store it's connected to that has all the t-shirts and knickknacks is called Pooh Corner. Fairly interchangable if you ask me.

Alec is one cool padewan! That's awesome that he is good at sports and uses his size to his advantage. Who could help bragging a little on a kid like that? ;)

Sleepless Knight

10-22-2008, 01:00 PM

Hey, I went to school in Provo(go Cougars, even if I'm still disappointed in their AWOL performance at TCU), but rest assured that I believe wholeheartedly in pulling that particular rope. :)

bumbershoot

10-22-2008, 03:31 PM

I fussed at Alec.....told him to NOT pull the rope......not unless he was going to pull it the RIGHT WAY.

Oh that's hilarious. I am going to blatantly rip that one off, and as soon as Eamon is tall enough to go on Indy, I am SOOOOO going to say that. :goodvibes

one of the BEST places to be.... if you are a little hungry & need a little mid-morning snack. So in we went into The Hunny Pot.

Are you SURE you haven't been reading Pooh? Because we all know that midmorning, around 11ish, is time for "a little something".

TiggerNZ

10-22-2008, 06:24 PM

Thanks TiggerNZ.....do you watch Amazing Race? :3dglasses

The last episode showed off your beautiful country......I think i'd rather visit NZ more than any country.

Hi again

I do watch Amazing Race, the host is a native Kiwi :)

NZ is a beautiful country, you should definatly visit - especially if you like things like Bungy jumping, canyoning, jetboating and zorbing! Plus - not being a native kiwi - gotta love that friendliness. Padawen Alex would love a good Bungy I think :scared1:

Loving the TR still, fells like I'm watching it rather than reading it you are so descriptive. Loving it.

kellynz

10-22-2008, 08:08 PM

I'm really enjoying your trip report and all the pictures! Can't wait to see what happens next!:)

mariezp

10-23-2008, 09:20 AM

While others may panic, a diser won't.....he (she) embraces a challenge.... & in the deep dark cavity of his dis-brain pulls out a plan C & plan D.
I'm with you here! Gotta have a back up plan!

"Dad!!! I don't want to get wet NOW"!!! Supressing my macho desire to tell the lad to "buck up".....or.. "if it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger"......I recognized that it's still in low 60s tempwise & merely replied...."OK, let's do Indy".....& as the lad jumped his approval :yay:......off we commando'd over to Indy (passing on the crosswalk over Pirate's because as any Diser knows, Pirates is the fastest loader of them all, so you don't want to blow any part of your first 90 min. in DL on Pirates....even though we ALL love the ride. :thumbsup2 )

I applaud you for your wise decision to refrain from your original instinct. I hear those phrases a lot around here in our household and sometimes it is not always appropriate. :sad2: My DH could use a lesson or two from you in suppression. In his defense, I guess it's not uncommon to parent the way you were raised. Heck, I recently overheard a mother tell her 2 year old daughter to "buck up".

Padewan Alec sounds like a great kid (and athlete) and a real blessing to the Hound household. I love the fact that you took the time to do a father son trip to DL. You are truly some cool disdudes! :cool2:

I really need to work on my fastpass strategy but you sound like you have got it down! I'm taking notes from you here! Speaking of which... I gotta try me a frisbee sized, 0 calorie, macadamia nut / white chocolate chip cookie! :thumbsup2 Too bad I don't have some to munch on while I wait for the next installment of your report!

Hound 109

10-23-2008, 12:44 PM

As a fellow Jedi and a guy, I loved your description of how we guys pack and what we need (and don't need) to take on vacation. Yet another way in which we embrace the simple Jedi lifestyle.

You got that right Sleepless Knight. :thumbsup2 Gotta be lean & mean to slay the evil - doers. :yoda:

Hey, I went to school in Provo(go Cougars, even if I'm still disappointed in their AWOL performance at TCU), but rest assured that I believe wholeheartedly in pulling that particular rope.

Sorry about that. :upsidedow

I was trying to think of a descriptive way of describing a wonderfully clean cut, smiling, good looking, sweet family.....& all i could think of were the Osmonds. (& not Cougar Jim McMahon ;)). I'll repent by watching Danny Ainge (or Ty Dittmer) highlights tonite. :hippie:

:)

Hound 109

10-23-2008, 01:17 PM

Love this picture!!
I am having fun reading your trip report. Cannot wait to hear what happens next. :goodvibes

Thanks Yakety! :goodvibes

Alec is one cool padewan! That's awesome that he is good at sports and uses his size to his advantage. Who could help bragging a little on a kid like that?

Thanks Avalon! Yep, he's a little warrior.

Mrs. Hound put him in a tennis drill (he'd never played) last Christmas....& now he is a total tennis junkie. Alec hasn't wanted to do anything else since then. After getting creamed in his first little tournament in April, he's played in some kind of tournament every 2-3 weeks since then.

He qualified through the summer season (& at a season ending tournament) where two 10 & under, two 12 & under two 14 & under & two 16 & under (from each gender) were selected to represent Austin against Dallas/Houston/SA & other cities in a state tournament. Here's the Austin team at the State Tournament last month:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/Newks3-1-1.jpg

& here's 2nd place finisher (Padewan Alec).... shaking hands with the 1rst place dude after their match at a tournament last weekend. (the tournament had combined the draws & had kids from age 9 - age 13 competing against each other).

This pic cracks me up:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/AlectennisinBryan1-3.jpg

:)

Sleepless Knight

10-23-2008, 01:40 PM

You got that right Sleepless Knight. :thumbsup2 Gotta be lean & mean to slay the evil - doers. :yoda:

Sorry about that. :upsidedow

I was trying to think of a descriptive way of describing a wonderfully clean cut, smiling, good looking, sweet family.....& all i could think of were the Osmonds. (& not Cougar Jim McMahon ;)). I'll repent by watching Danny Ainge (or Ty Dittmer) highlights tonite. :hippie:

:)I was too young to see McMahon play, though my parents say I was in the room watching the Miracle Bowl with them(BYU 46-SMU 45, but BYU trailed by 20 with 4:19 in the 4th quarter), so the best college QB I ever saw was Detmer. And don't worry, I thought your comment was funny and harmless. Speaking of the Osmonds, they get their start at Disneyland of all places.

travelmel

10-23-2008, 09:42 PM

......
we both looked at the nice family behind us.....who were smiling & scrubbed & looked like they just came in from Mayberry....or Provo....or someplace.
:)

:lmao:

Same-same? :confused3

Hound 109

10-25-2008, 02:31 PM

So it's 10:20amish & Alec & I are strolling along the Rivers of America munching on our cookies (from Hunny Pot / Pooh Corner) that are the size of personal pan pizzas, & we contemplate our next move.

We had confirmed that the Canoes (around Tom Sawyer's Island) weren't running today (a Thursday). The launch is right next to the Hungry Bear Restaurant. Too bad, because we had had a blast doing these on our last visit in April, but they're normally only open on weekends or in peak season. The Pirates Lair (previously known as Tom Sawyer's Island) raft launch was in front of us, but it looked empty at that time & we didn't want to wait around for the raft to fill up...at least not during the prime early morning touring hours.

So I gave the young Padewan a choice of two attractions....both of which he could probably hit with a tennis ball......either Yo Ho Ho aka Pirates (it's been "yo ho ho" for our family ever since Alec was 4).....or the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness aka as The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. ;) Alec selected the latter....because it has evolved into his favorite ride (i kind of like it too). The timing was great, as the stand by line was 10 minutes & our latest FP return would be in 10 min. as well. BTMRR is just a great great ride. Great theming, great curves & cool adrenelline rushes, but w/o being too wild.

After getting off this most wonderful wild ride (& glancing around for those dream FP people at the exit....none around....rats!), we picked up our third FP at about 10:40am. And right next to the BTMRR FP machine is the WONDERFUL Dia de los Muertos display.

An aside: I say wonderful, because I love the way that some (many) cultures celebrate & honor loved ones in a non boring & non goulish (& kind of fun) way. Being a boring protestant raised dude..... who has buried his dad & favorite aunt (both had long & fun lives), I am envious of the latin, asian, native american, indian (& probably others) traditions of celebrating their beloved family members who have passed. (I'm also envious of much of their food, their music, their cool cars & half a dozen other culturally unique things.)

And this is Disney.....so even "the dead" are kind of fun & kind of cool. You don't believe me???

Well....not only should one ride HM to see "the dead" celebrated, .....but also.... just look at the hottie I was trying to get to join me....I figured that maybe we could slip next door & split a piece of Tres Leches cake together or sumthin. :cool2:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi059.jpg

:lmao:

So....with 3 FPs safely in our pocket for later, Alec & I then proceeded to do what we always love to do......walk down Main Street as most people are walking up Main Street. It was time to hop over to DCA bayee!!!

:)

bumbershoot

10-25-2008, 03:01 PM

chanting....DCA! DCA! DCA!

:cheer2:

travelmel

10-26-2008, 05:12 AM

And this is Disney.....so even "the dead" are kind of fun & kind of cool. You don't believe me??? Not only should one ride HM.....but also.... just look at the hottie I was trying to get to join me....I figured we could slip next door & maybe split a piece of Tres Leches cake together. :cool2:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi059.jpg

I totally agree about the celebration of lives lived. It is a tradition that I am definitely envious of. I'm glad to see DL bringing it out for the masses.

Ok, but now...you need to get this picture over to he Disneyland UNO thread STAT!

tinkermell

10-27-2008, 12:26 AM

So it's 10:20amish & Alec & I are strolling along the Rivers of America munching on our cookies (from Hunny Pot / Pooh Corner) that are the size of personal pan pizzas, we contemplate our next move.

We had confirmed that the Canoes (around Tom Sawyer's Island) weren't running today (a Thursday). The launch is right next to the Hungry Bear Restaurant. Too bad, because we had had a blast doing these on our last visit in April, but they're normally only open on weekends or in peak season. The Pirates Lair (previously known as Tom Sawyer's Island) raft launch was in front of us, but it looked empty at that time & we didn't want to wait around for the raft to fill up.

So I gave the young Padewan a choice of two attractions....both of which he could probably hit with a tennis ball......either Yo Ho Ho aka Pirates (it's been "yo ho ho" for our family ever since Alec was 4).....or the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness aka as The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. ;) Alec selected the latter....because it has evolved into his favorite ride (i kind of like it too). The timing was great, as the stand by line was 10 minutes & our latest FP return would be in 10 min. as well. BTMRR is just a great great ride. Great theming, great curves & adrenelline rushes, but w/o being too wild.

After getting off this most wonderful wild ride (& glancing around for those dream FP people....none around....rats!), we picked up our third FP at about 10:40am. And right next to the BTMRR FP machine is the WONDERFUL Dia de los Muertos display.

An aside: I say wonderful, because I love the way that some (many) cultures celebrate & honor loved ones in a non boring & non goulish (& kind of fun) way. Being a boring protestant raised dude..... who has buried his dad & favorite aunt (both had long & fun lives), I am envious of the latin (& indian) traditions of celebration for their beloved family members who have passed. (Also envious of their food, their music, their cool cars & half a dozen other neat things.)

And this is Disney.....so even "the dead" are kind of fun & kind of cool. You don't believe me??? Not only should one ride HM.....but also.... just look at the hottie I was trying to get to join me....I figured we could slip next door & maybe split a piece of Tres Leches cake together. :cool2:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi059.jpg

:lmao:

With 3 FPs safely in our pocket for later, Alec & then proceeded to do what we love to do......walk down Main Street as most people are walking up Main Street. It was time to hop over to DCA bayee!!!Better not let Mrs. Hound see you with that hottie! :lmao:

Hound 109

10-27-2008, 03:53 PM

Hi again

I do watch Amazing Race, the host is a native Kiwi :)

NZ is a beautiful country, you should definatly visit - especially if you like things like Bungy jumping, canyoning, jetboating and zorbing! Plus - not being a native kiwi - gotta love that friendliness. Padawen Alex would love a good Bungy I think :scared1:

Loving the TR still, fells like I'm watching it rather than reading it you are so descriptive. Loving it.

Young Alec would love to bungy......:yay: . (but not his dad)

Now zorbing, I'd be all over. :banana:

One of my favorite episodes of Amazing Race featured zorbing!! In fact, I think it ought to be the next E ticket ride at DLR. :thumbsup2

From KellyNZ: I'm really enjoying your trip report and all the pictures! Can't wait to see what happens next!

Thanks Kelly!! It's great having a Kiwi contingent on this ride! :)

.

Hound 109

10-27-2008, 04:02 PM

I'm with you here! Gotta have a back up plan!

I applaud you for your wise decision to refrain from your original instinct. I hear those phrases a lot around here in our household and sometimes it is not always appropriate. :sad2: My DH could use a lesson or two from you in suppression. In his defense, I guess it's not uncommon to parent the way you were raised. Heck, I recently overheard a mother tell her 2 year old daughter to "buck up".

Padewan Alec sounds like a great kid (and athlete) and a real blessing to the Hound household. I love the fact that you took the time to do a father son trip to DL. You are truly some cool disdudes! :cool2:

I really need to work on my fastpass strategy but you sound like you have got it down! I'm taking notes from you here! Speaking of which... I gotta try me a frisbee sized, 0 calorie, macadamia nut / white chocolate chip cookie! :thumbsup2 Too bad I don't have some to munch on while I wait for the next installment of your report!

Thanks Marie. :goodvibes

Alec is a good kid & I'm fairly easy going....and if i really want him to go on a ride, I just bribe him with a churro. ;)

:rolleyes1

Hound 109

10-27-2008, 04:08 PM

I totally agree about the celebration of lives lived. It is a tradition that I am definitely envious of. I'm glad to see DL bringing it out for the masses.

Ok, but now...you need to get this picture over to he Disneyland UNO thread STAT!

Is that like Pizza Uno? ;)

(is there a DL UNO thread?)

& Bumber....we're on our way over there.....but first we had to stop at the town square (on our way out) & watch my girlfriend Cruella be impatient with children & ham it up with the crowd. :snooty: (She's a trip.)

Tinkermell, Mrs. Hound doesn't have a problem with me making time with ladies in the afterlife....but she knows i have a crush on Cruella & also wants me to stay the heck away from that gal with the washboard abs...Aladdin's girlfriend. ;)

Hound 109

10-29-2008, 04:06 PM

So it's approximately 11am & we're hopping over to DCA. DL has officially been open for 2 hours (but we were there for MM) & we have 3 FPs in our pockets for evening use. :thumbsup2

I really enjoy entering the DCA at this time. There is a very small line to get in & we quickly take a right & nab a FP at one of Disney's finest rides.....Soarin' Over California.....not to be confused with Orlando's version of Soarin', which takes you over the mountains, the rivers, the rolling wine country hills & the desert landscapes of.... Florida??? ;)

And since it was already past the check out time of 11am we figured it might be a good time to head back to the Paradise Pier Hotel to check out & maybe put our feet up for a few minutes. I'm aware that most people would likelycheck out prior to the check out time.....but the hound family tends to push the envelope a little & even on a one day visit, we like to have a 30 - 45 minute rest.

But of course.....if one is going back to their hotel.....& has taken a right turn upon entering DCA.....& has the ability to change clothes in the next few minutes....then there is absolutely one ride that must be ridden prior to exiting DCA (via the super secret GCA side entrance). You got that right......Griz Rapids Baybee!!!! :cool1:

Actually we had originally planned to FP Griz & go immediately to the new Toy Story ride, but cool dis'ers here had informed us that Griz was not spitting out FPs these days, so we figured that this would be the proper time to enjoy it. So onto the round raft ride thru the Northern California wilderness we hopped. (not to be confused with the round raft ride thru the hot & steamy jungle at WDW/AK on the River Kali....a ride located in greater Orlando.....which is of course far more hot & steamy than any African rain forest jungle raft trip) :lmao: . The wait for Griz was about ten minutes & Sir Alec & I got a little wet, but really not too bad. It actually felt good, as the temps were in the high 70s at that point.

After Griz we entered the side entrance for the rich folk's choice of lodging....:snooty: .....aka the Grand Californian Hotel. Alec & I pretended to belong....even grabbed a quick hot dog & chips from Whitewater (as i mentioned, this kid gets hungry every 90 minutes) & we strolled thru the glorious GCH lobby on our way over to the hotel for Wallmart shoppers across the street.

Arriving to our (thankfully not cleaned) room..... which overlooked the parking lot, Alec hopped on his bed, munched on his dog & took his shoes off (& watched one of the 6 disney channels on TV)....as I packed up our stuff (there wasn't much ;)) & rolled our one piece of luggage out to our impalamobile in the garage. Heading back to the room, I smiled at the nice maid who was a couple of doors down from our room (& left a little tip for her in the room), hoping that good karma would outweigh the fact that we were exiting our room a good 80 min. past checkout. (The recently received credit card bill confirmed that good karma indeed won out. :thumbsup2 )

This wasn't much of a "mid day break", but it was definitely a good idea after touring DLR hard for four hours:

- 45 minutes with our feet up. check.
- fuel (aka disney dog) for our young padewan. check.
- fresh shirts. check.
- fresh & dry socks. check.
- one rolling suitcase in the impalamobile (which doesn't have to be picked up until 11:59 tonite). check.

So we said goodbye to Surfing Goofy & exited the good ol' Paradise Pier.....crossed the street, & headed back thru the hotel where the beautiful people stay. We strolled by the Napa Rose (where only the TRULY rich & famous people.....like Avalon....dine) & back thru the super secret entrance into DCA. Because young Alec & his dad are now on a mission.....we must ride Toy Story.....& we must find a churro. :hippie:

Disappointedly, we pass the empty churro stand (where we nabbed one last time) next to the Grizzily Trail romper area & plugged onward across the pier & over to Toy Story. But first (of course) we snagged a FP for Screamin' (because we can :thumbsup2 ). The wait for Toy Story was about 35 min. at 1pm (not bad) & as we were making our first pass around the line, my sleuthing padewan spotted a food cart not 30 feet away next to the water. And not just any food cart.....a churro food cart. So I asked the nice lady behind me, if my starving mal-nourished son could hop out of line, purchase an item from the churro food group, return & hop back in line? It being Disney.....she said "sure....if you get me one too" :laughing:

She was just joking & stated that young Alec should definitely have one, but should be quick about it (before the line snakes around the wrong way). So Alec snagged a five'er from Dad, hopped over the shrubs & quickly made his churro purchase & returned with the magical food item.....which we both enjoyed in the fast moving toy story line. (yum)

I know some of my favorite people here love the new Toy Story ride.....& I like it too.....but only a little more than Buzz. Alec liked it as well, but we both prefer Screamin'.....& Soarin'.....cause we both like rides that begin with an S & drop the "g"s. (Kind of like Tina Fey - or is it Sarah Palin?? - does. ;))

Alec in front of our favorite potato head (whose voice is the politically incorrect & terribly funny....Don Rickles...& if you don't believe me, you tube some of Dean Martin Roasts from the 70s :laughing: ).

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi055.jpg

Next up.....Is it better to eat a corny dog before or after riding California Screamin'??....& would the mickey's ear loop affect our decision??

:)

.

avalon451

10-29-2008, 04:20 PM

We strolled by the Napa Rose (where only the TRULY rich & famous people.....like Avalon....dine) & back thru the super secret entrance into DCA.

:lmao: I WISH!

Actually, dahling, I only managed to secure a reservation there because of who I know... dropping Cruella's name can get you a table anywhere.

And the adventure of the Jedi Hound and Padewan Alec continues! Will the corny dogs make an encore appearance on the Screamin' loop? Stay tuned....

Man, you've got this down to a science, Hound.:worship:

Tasscrapper

10-29-2008, 05:21 PM

Thanks for the update Hound. It came at a perfect time for me. :hug:

mariezp

10-29-2008, 06:54 PM

DangerMouse

10-29-2008, 07:08 PM

Talk about draggin out a trip report! This thing would be painful if it weren't so much fun. :hippie:

The real question (after the corny dog/Screamin one) is how long can Hound stretch out a 1 day TR?? :confused3 :confused: :confused3 :rotfl2:

prettyprincessbelle

10-30-2008, 12:18 AM

& in the spirit of the last two week's glorious football weekends.......here's a pic of hound & padewan Alec after THE university of texas defeated "the (supposed) greatest team of all time" (the USC trojans).....in the "greatest game of all time" in the Rose Bowl 3 years ago (when Vince Young gave the "greatest performance of all time").

Alec & i in front of the UT tower following the game....."hookem" !

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi021-1-1.jpg

:)

I'm a little on the late train commenting on this, but....

WOOOOOOOOOO! GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer2:

I'm a pretty big UT thanks to DBF who's an even BIGGER UT fan and I have to admit Vince Young does have a soft spot in my heart. :lovestruc So does Colt McCoy... I think it's QBs? QBs from UT? Anyways! I bet you're one happy camper UT is STILL at numero UNO! Yeeehhhawww!! :yay:

Speaking of that USC vs Texas BCS came in 2005. DBF and I were in Mexico City for Christmas/New Years and we drove one HOUR and a HALF. One whole hour and 30 minutes in crazy Mexican traffic to his uncle's house who had satellite because we (we meaning him) could not miss the most important game in the world. Ay. :rolleyes:

Anywho! I love the TR, you are still cracking me up and Padewan Alec is one cute boy!!!

KCmike

11-05-2008, 09:41 PM

where are you hound?

avalon451

11-05-2008, 09:55 PM

Yeah, we are not going to let sleeping Hounds lie.... we need to find out what happened with those corny dogs...

*POKE*

BillyFan

11-05-2008, 10:20 PM

I'm waiting...........................

bumbershoot

11-06-2008, 08:50 PM

I am sooooo going to be totally done with my own one-day trippie before Alec has his second (or third?) lunch. :cool2:

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 11:15 AM

Wow.....tough crowd. :scared:

;) :goodvibes

Let's see....in my last post we were trying to figure out who killed JR?......Oh wait a minute, wrong cliffhangar :)....Actually, Alec & I were exiting the Toy Story ride & we were looking down with disappointment at our Screamin' FPs, because they still had 30 min. before we could utilize them. (rats!)

So since this regular Dis contributor had never walked around the DCA lake (what's it called?...wait a minute, here it is....Paradise Bay.....what a dumb name, isn't a bay connected to an ocean??).....anyways, we decided this would be the time to walk around it. Alec (thankfully) had no interest in riding either side of the Sun Wheel (which i understand some think is EVIL & he was too short to contemplate riding the Maliboomer (great name btw :)), so we circled around the bay and found ourselves standing in front of that Big Ol' Orange....I mean the Orange Stinger. I've ridden these types of circular swing rides before & with my 200 lbs of houndness, they give me the willies, so i let our fearless Padewan ride it alone.

We decided to pass on the Jumping Jellyfish this time (had been there & had done it) & the also Mullholland Madness (too long a line for what is - in our opinion - an average ride...& besides in the late 70s i used to take unsuspecting blondes & brunettes up to the REAL Mullholland Dr. for Submarine Races & Boone's Farm consumption & I wasn't quite ready to share these or other "Hound in his Youth" stories yet with our focused padewan)......so we continued on & found ourselves in front of the Palace of the Sustenance of the Gods.

First our noses & then our eyes were drawn to this most magical of places....yep, the Corny Dog Palace. :hyper: Now I've read that some would never spend 6 bucks on a "corn dog".....but they don't get it. It's not a grocery store "corn dog". It's a Disney Corney Dog......the size of a Policeman's baton.....dipped in woundrous sweet corn muffiny batter.....& deep fried to a deep rich brown (in healthy Dis oil, natch) to perfection. It's the perfect get-n-go food & with the little snack of Dis apples that accompanies it....it constitutes a well balanced meal for Dis Commandos. :)

Alec & I are "splitters". Mrs. Hound hates to split, but the young padewan & I believe in dividing & conquerering. Besides when you're commando'ing, it's best not to bloat....it might slow you down. So we sat down & split our beloved Corny Dog & Apples & a Dis Coke & discussed the Electoral College......;).........actually we discussed what a great day it was & we reviewed our pocket full of FPs as we were taking turns munching on our Corny Dog. Admiring the attraction in front of us, we both agreed that we kind of like this rotating rocket ship ride (at least better than the similar one in DL).

We also like the fact that it had no line.....so onto the Golden Zephyr (which is actully silver) we hopped. A nice ride, a nice view of the Paradise Pier area, a nice time to inform the young Padewan that Zephyr is another word for a westerly wind.....& an especially nice ride to allow our Corny Dogs to settle in.

But of course.....it was time to Scream. :cool1:

So across the pier (again) we went. Screamin' rocks. It has FP, it is fast....& smooth, it loops, & it is the perfect ride to go on with a 9 y/o who's starting to feel his oats. Love it!!

I asked the Padewan if he wanted to do it again & he preferred a Screamin' break (he's one of those "I did it so i can tell my friends i did it, but it was kind of scary so I'll pass on it the second time" kind of kids. So we did the Screamin' two step. Alec hopped on Triton's Carousel next door, while I rode Screamin' again in the single rider line & met up with him next to where one views the photos from Screamin'. (Note: Screamin' single rider line took about 2 minutes....& of course the ride rocks. ::yes:: )

Walking back towards the front of DCA, we passed the Trat aka the Wine Country Trattoria. It was early afternoon & there were several empty tables outside. Had it not been just Alec & I we would have stopped (the temps were in the mid 70s, sunny skies, good food at a fair price, a great place to sit & watch the crowds walk by below you)....it's alfresco dining at it's best, imo.....But since it was just Alec & I......we settled for a $4 jalapeno cheese filled pretzel instead. :laughing:

Since we had only one day at DLR, we decided to pass on Bugs Life (although we love it) & walked into the Bugs area to ride a guilty pleasure ride. Alec & I often present a facade of being :cool2: , but occasionally our inner geek comes out. Bug's Land is (for the most part) a kiddie area.....but Alec & I both love Heimlich....& we wanted to ride his Chew Chew Train. :hippie: When Heimlich contemplated broccoli or candy corn........ all three of us announced in unison that we much preferred to sample the candy corn. :woohoo:

After leaving Bugs Land, we stopped briefly and enjoyed watching Goofy & Mickey getting their pictures taken with nice families & the little ones in the Sunshine Plaza area. I love (& everyone here loves) all the Autumn & Halloween theming in this area & I decided to nab a pic of our young padewan next to Heimlich's favorite food item :):

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi056.jpg

Into Hollywood Backlot our One Day commando dudes continued, because even with only one day at DLR.....we had to see our favorite very cool turtle. :cool2: We both love the Crush show, because it's always different & it's normally crazy funny. Alec always sits in front & I always sit in the first row on the left side....because Dis'ers know to sit next to the far wall when lounging in the waiting area......& upon entering the small theatre, the kiddo goes to the front on a lilly pad, as the adult takes a hard left (thus avoiding the slow moving crowd moving like a herd of cattle straight ahead) & down to the front row on the far left for a perfect view of the young Padewan & his Crushness. This show was a great 20 minutes spent, as always. :teeth:

We passed by the Muppets (I loved it the first 6-8 times we saw it, but I'd really like to see something like The Great Movie Ride put there).....& we continued on to Monsters Inc. Always a fun ride & an attraction with GREAT theming in line. Even with our 10-12 min. wait, our time was wonderfully occupied. Next, I asked the young Padewan if he wanted to do ToT (he did it two years ago & it scared the carp out of him...the dude hates drops) & he responded with a firm NO. (I didn't push it, since he's now my Screamin' wingman......which is a great start. :))....so now it was now time for us to proceed to the best ride (imo) at DLR.....Soarin'. :tongue:

FPs allowed us to avoid the 45 min. + line for Soarin'....but we elected to wait an extra 5 min. prior to boarding (after asking the CM), so we could board on the top level (first row).... which as most Dis'ers know is the BEST way to experience this very cool attraction. ::yes:: Every time I ride Soarin', i see new things & I always love it just the same. :goodvibes

Prior to departing DCA (& hopping to DL) we decided to watch some more of the going's on in Sunshine Plaza area.....& since we were going to do that.....we might as well split a Mickey Bar purchased from the cart next to the Plaza.....because we can. :thumbsup2

With chocolatey lips & DCA properly toured, it was time to head back to the one & only....to the original......to Walt's Park. :mickeyjum

Next up.....how many times does one ride the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness before the CMs start to call you by your first names??

:)

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 11:32 AM

:lmao: I WISH!

Actually, dahling, I only managed to secure a reservation there because of who I know... dropping Cruella's name can get you a table anywhere.

And the adventure of the Jedi Hound and Padewan Alec continues! Will the corny dogs make an encore appearance on the Screamin' loop? Stay tuned....

Man, you've got this down to a science, Hound.:worship:

Corny Dogs.....being one of our perfect foods.....are digested quickly & will only make an encore appearance in DL. ;)

Next time i go to DLR, i'm gonna shadow our girl Cruella for a while. She really cracks me up. :laughing:

:)

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 11:34 AM

Thanks for the update Hound. It came at a perfect time for me. :hug:

Thanks for reading Tasscrapper. :goodvibes

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 11:37 AM

Hound, you crack me up! Even with only that one lonely photo your report is still a winner! :thumbsup2

So if staying at Paradise Pier means you are at the Walmart shopper's hotel does that mean I should be a Salvation Army shopper for staying at one of the Harbor Blvd. establishments? :confused3 :rotfl2:

Glad Alec was able to sniff out that other churro cart. It would have been a real shame for him to miss his every 90 minute snack!

Can't wait for the great corny dog caper!

I've stayed on Harbor many times, Marie. Only reason I do the PP occasionally, is because I'm a MM geek (& if i can get a deal :)).....but if i win the lotto, it'll be the GCH BAYBEE!!!!! ;)

The DL grazing of Hound & Hound Jr. will continue. :banana:

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 11:39 AM

Sleepless Knight

11-07-2008, 11:58 AM

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 12:54 PM

I'm a little on the late train commenting on this, but....

WOOOOOOOOOO! GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer2:

I'm a pretty big UT thanks to DBF who's an even BIGGER UT fan and I have to admit Vince Young does have a soft spot in my heart. :lovestruc So does Colt McCoy... I think it's QBs? QBs from UT? Anyways! I bet you're one happy camper UT is STILL at numero UNO! Yeeehhhawww!! :yay:

Speaking of that USC vs Texas BCS came in 2005. DBF and I were in Mexico City for Christmas/New Years and we drove one HOUR and a HALF. One whole hour and 30 minutes in crazy Mexican traffic to his uncle's house who had satellite because we (we meaning him) could not miss the most important game in the world. Ay. :rolleyes:

Anywho! I love the TR, you are still cracking me up and Padewan Alec is one cute boy!!!

Thanks for keeping up Pretty Princess Belle (& you're right about Alec....he's a good one. :)). :goodvibes

Looks like our Longhorns took one on the chin. :(

(We could have used the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland to do some "time management" for the horns on that last drive. :rolleyes1 )
:rotfl:

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 12:59 PM

where are you hound?

Been slurping up spaghetti with Mrs. Hound. ;)

(been busy, but now I'm TGIFing on the ol' disboard today :yay: )

Good to see you Mike. :hippie:

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 01:02 PM

Yeah, we are not going to let sleeping Hounds lie.... we need to find out what happened with those corny dogs...

*POKE*

Wow....I felt that poke from Washington state.

(& I thought it was Alec poking me to split my stash of 1/2 price Reese's mini Peanut Butter Cups with him.) :rotfl:

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 01:05 PM

I'm waiting...........................

Hey....didn't I see you the afternoon of our 1 day visit to DLR???

Oh wait...that's an Avatar.....(you're the fan/stalker. ;))

:lmao:

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 01:08 PM

I am sooooo going to be totally done with my own one-day trippie before Alec has his second (or third?) lunch. :cool2:

Yeah, Yeah, Bumber.....but the food helped me keep track of what we did & when. :)

& bumber regarding speedy reports.....have you read to your little guy the story about the tortoise & the hare. ;)

:lmao:

:)

Hound 109

11-07-2008, 01:10 PM

I'm curious to find out the answer to your last question. After 42 times in a row on Gadget's Go Coaster, the CMs definitely thought we were crazy:confused3 , but were having fun with us just the same.

Holy smokes SK!! 42 times on GGC !!??

(you'll have us beat.......but not by much! :rotfl: )

Sleepless Knight

11-07-2008, 01:25 PM

I eagerly await the continuation of your adventures, though I believe it was probably tougher to ride BTMRR many, many times in a row since ToonTown was empty when stitchon and myself accomplished our feat, which is detailed in my June 2008 trip report for those who want more details about the wackiness.

bumbershoot

11-07-2008, 01:31 PM

& bumber regarding speedy reports.....have you read to your little guy the story about the tortoise & the hare. ;)

:lmao:

:)

DS continues to believe that the hare will win. If only the hare would stop taking breaks, you know, then he would win; it's his ego that gets him second place.

I'm not even going to figure out what that says about me if I'm the hare, LOL.

bumbershoot

11-07-2008, 01:33 PM

when you're commando'ing, it's best not to bloat....it might slow you down.

This is seriously the most taggable quote I've ever seen. And so true!

avalon451

11-07-2008, 06:10 PM

We decided to pass on the Jumping Jellyfish this time (had been there & had done it) & the also Mullholland Madness (too long a line for what is - in our opinion - an average ride...& besides in the late 70s i used to take unsuspecting blondes & brunettes up to the REAL Mullholland Dr. for Submarine Races & Boone's Farm consumption & I wasn't quite ready to share these or other "Hound in his Youth" stories yet with our focused padewan.)

:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

Admiring the attraction in front of us, we both agreed that we kind of like this rotating rocket ship ride (at least better than the similar one in DL).

We also like the fact that it had no line.....so onto the Golden Zephyr (which is actully silver) we hopped. A nice ride, a nice view of the Paradise Pier area, a nice time to inform the young Padewan that Zephyr is another word for a westerly wind.....& an especially nice ride to allow our Corny Dogs to settle in.

We must have sat on the same bench a few days later! We sat and watched the last flight of the zephyr as we ate our wondrous corny dogs, and the parks shut down at 6 p.m. So we didn't ride. But we did discuss the meaning of the word "zephyr" also! :hippie:

Great update, Hound! Keep them coming!

avalon451

11-07-2008, 06:12 PM

This is seriously the most taggable quote I've ever seen. And so true!

when you're commando'ing, it's best not to bloat....it might slow you down.

Heck, YEAH! :rotfl:

*waves arms and jumps up and down* TAG FAIRY! OVER HERE! *point point*

BillyFan

11-07-2008, 08:17 PM

Hey....didn't I see you the afternoon of our 1 day visit to DLR???

Oh wait...that's an Avatar.....(you're the fan/stalker. ;))

:lmao:

Callie's the stalker. I'm more of a "Band Aid" :rotfl2:

Hound 109

11-10-2008, 05:19 PM

We must have sat on the same bench a few days later! We sat and watched the last flight of the zephyr as we ate our wondrous corny dogs, and the parks shut down at 6 p.m. So we didn't ride. But we did discuss the meaning of the word "zephyr" also! :hippie:

Great update, Hound! Keep them coming!

Thanks Avalon. :goodvibes

& Sleepless Knight....I need to read your trip report. It sounds like we tour & enjoy Walt's park similarly. :thumbsup2

Bumber.....it's only tag worthy because it's true. ;)

Being bloated & riding the Mickey Ear Loop on Screamin' are NOT compatible.:sick:

:)

Hound 109

11-10-2008, 05:21 PM

Callie's the stalker. I'm more of a "Band Aid" :rotfl2:

So the Billy's have their own groupi.....er....i mean their own fan club. & DangerMouse is the leader. Now why does that not surprise me. :rolleyes1

:lmao: :rotfl:

Sleepless Knight

11-10-2008, 05:46 PM

& Sleepless Knight....I need to read your trip report. It sounds like we tour & enjoy Walt's park similarly. :thumbsup2
What can I say? Great minds think alike. :cool1:

avalon451

11-10-2008, 09:29 PM

Hoooooouuuuunnnnnnndddddd......

Where's the update???? :bored:

pixleyyy

11-10-2008, 11:34 PM

Yeah, where's the update. We don't mean go HOUND you .... :happytv:

DangerMouse

11-11-2008, 11:52 AM

Hound, you too busy scheming your next DLR visit to finish up this report? :confused3

Come'on, don't string us along . . . just finish her up already. :cheer2:

PS / Yes, I am Elvis Billy's biggest fan. Well, at least I was until Tina came along with all her screaming and hair pulling. :sad2: :rolleyes1 Now we have to share him. :love1:

Hound 109

11-12-2008, 05:21 PM

Hoooooouuuuunnnnnnndddddd......

Where's the update???? :bored:

From Pixleyyy Yeah, where's the update. We don't mean to HOUND you ....

From DangerMouse Hound, you too busy scheming your next DLR visit to finish up this report?

Come'on, don't string us along . . . just finish her up already.

(hound <------always scheming. :lmao: )

.....So our young padewan & his dad are departing the oft' maligned DCA (which imo has 4 of the top 6 attractions at DLR)....with mickey bar chocolate smeared on our lips & we are walking the 100 yards over to Walt's Park. (as opposed to having to ride on two stinkin' buses for 45 min. if you wanted to park hop at at WDW ;))

It's 3:30pmish, the temps are in the 70s & the sun is out. We walk thru the archway under everyone's favorite sign (which young Alec likes to read out loud, while other Walt lovers around him smile in agreement)....& out onto the Main Street Square (which in the little german town i used to live in, we would call the "plaza").

A glance up behind us confirmed that the train was just heading out (rats...I was hoping to hop over to the HM), but in front of us a Horse Drawn Carriage was pulling up. I've never riden in a Carriage or in a vehicle down Main Street (or if i did, it was 40+ years ago).... & decided that now would be the perfect time to start. It was great. A nice rest for the feet & there were nice (& informative) CMs.... along with nice riders (from all over the world). We were dumped off in front of the Castle & then Japanese tourists took turns getting their picture taken next to our huge & attractive horse (who had lugged us up Main Street). I can't remember the horse's name (I must ask our padewan, since he has a mind like a steel trap....except for possibly math, or social studies, or science, or maybe english or other stuff......kind of like his old man).....but we did find out that our beast of burden works 4 hours a day 3 days a week. (Not a bad gig. :thumbsup2 )

We patted our nameless horse on his head & decided that it was time to hurtle thru & around mountains in a runaway train.....because we have a FP :hippie: ....& also because it's our padewan's favorite ride. :yay: But first (of course) we picked up a BTMRR FP (because cool dis'ers alwasy pick up a FP upon re-entering DL ::yes:: ).

VERY INTERESTING.....FP return was about 1 hr....standby line was 50 min. Will someone explain to me why the sheep are in line when they could be watching the Billys....or walking thru & admiring the neatly carved pumpkins at Big Thurnder Ranch....or slurping on a Dole Whip....or something?? Anyways... we picked up a new FP for BTMRR & then rode it again using our old FP (3 min. wait & our second time on BTMRR).

Next, we headed over to to Yo Ho Ho (which if you've just started reading is what our young padewan used to call Pirates when he was 4 y/o). I love Pirates....(as does everyone reading this) ......but for me, it's a once a day ride (as opposed to SM or BTMRR or the Matterhorn or Screamin', which are attractions we could ride many times in a day). But one great thing about Pirates, is that even if the line is out near the entrance (which it was for us)....it moves crazy fast. We were on in less than 10 min.....which is the perfect number of minutes for enjoying the details of this queue...the fountains, the outside building & (when moving indoors) the overpriced Monte Christo joint...er....I mean the romantic "Blue Bayou Restaurant". :)) Alec & I looked for (& found) ol' Jack Sparrow (3 times).....we looked for (& found) the hidden mickey on the breast plate near the end of the ride.....& we both enjoyed the pigs, the dog with the keys, the healthy lady chasing the pirate in circles....& also the politically incorrect sequense of that dude (the mayor?) getting dunked in the water while his wife shouts out for him to not be a "cheeekin". It cracks me up every time. :laughing:

Next up....Holiday HM. Our second time with the holiday version (but we've ridden the regular version dozens of times)....& it was great as always. The crowds there in the late afternoon were brutal (over an hour wait). But the padewan & I had our FPs that we had picked up that morning, so our wait was about 10 minutes. At the very end of the ride (on the escalator) Alec & i both promised the sweet lady that we'd return another day after she asked very nicely for us to Come Back.... ;).

It had been over 2 hours since we had consumed (& split) a corny dog & over an hour since we had split a cheese pretzel & mickey bar.....so we decided it was time to look for a nice healthy mid-afternoon snack. We couldn't find the celery, carrots & granola cart.....so we settled on french fries & cotton candy...thus knocking out those two important food groups for the day. Washed it down with a chocolate milk. :3dglasses

Guess what???? An hour had passed so it was time to pick up a FP....so we ambled over to a very wild wilderness ride (the wildest, i'm told).....& snagged another FP.....& we looked at the return time (1 hour....again).....& we looked at the standby line (still 1 hour) :upsidedow ......so the Padewan & I (of course) rode BTMRR (for the 3rd time) using the previous FP (& using the 3 min. FP line)......probably passing 850 - 865 people slowly shuffling forward in the standby line.... many grumbling at us as we walked (with a purpose) past them. :rolleyes1

Since it was 5pmish, I asked the young Padewan if there were any other rides that he wanted to plan for (other than the FPs we already had in our pockets)....& he replied that we should just keep riding (& picking up FPs) BTMRR each hour.....while doing other stuff in between. So that's what we did. :cool2:

I heard the sounds of Mountain Music nearby, so I dragged Alec (kicking & screaming ;)) into the Golden Horseshoe since BillyFan's & DangerMouse's favorite band had just begun a show. There weren't any seats, so we went upstairs & stood behind a couple of tables. They first played a fun (silly) song & then broke into "Orange Blossom Special".....& you know what....they're pretty good. :thumbsup2

I've seen (or heard) this song performed over a dozen times & their's was dang near CharlieDanielsworthy. Unfortunately, my Padewan was pinching me (HARD) on my arm after the song.....& was giving me the stink eye & he told me he wanted to bail......the little dude obviously hasn't developed a taste for Classical music yet.

We hung a left outside the Horseshoe (& another left) & decided to climbed the tree (because it was there)....next, we passed by Indy (it had a 50 min. standby line & is another one of those "once a day is enough" rides for me) & we decided it was time for another one of our guilty pleasure rides.....because really.....you can never see the backside of water TOO often. :duck:

Alec & I both love the Jungle Cruise because we both LOVE corny jokes...(& corny dogs)....the corny'er the better. After the JC, it was time for a fruity refreshment....& we happened to be near a place that specializes in such tasty treats. So we walked around all the people (who don't read the Disboard) standing in the VERY long line outside the Tiki Room & pretended that we wanted to see the show & entered the TIKI room outdoor waiting area. I gave Alec a 5'er to buy us a Dole Whip Float (to share) & told Alec to go stand & order where there was NO line. Funny....as Alec was waiting for his Float, others in the waiting area (who apparently didn't realize they could buy one on THEIR side of the booth) hopped up & created a line behind Alec. We sat & slurped up our float while listening to the Gods of Rain, Mountains, Thunder & other stuff....doing their schtick outside. It was actually a pretty cool little audio & visual show. When it was time for everyone to go into the Tiki Room show....Alec & I instead headed toward the exit (since Alec didn't want to do this unless he was with Mrs. Hound....since it's her favorite) & as we exited we waived to the Non Dis'ers still standing in the VERY long line waiting for Dole Whips. ;)

With a few minutes left before our FP return at BTMRR, we asked a nice person to take a pic of the fearless commandos at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration area:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi058.jpg

Same BTMRR drill......pick up a FP, observe the 1 hour FP return, observe the 50 min. standby line wait, pass the 850 people in line since our FP line was 2 min., & ride the wildest ride in the wilderness (this time in the back row :yay: ). At this point it is still light out & about 6pm, and we decided to hang a right after exiting BTMRR (btw, we didn't see the dream team once all day :() & walked thru the the Big Thunder Ranch area. What a cool bunch of pumpkins (& pumpkin carvings)!!!.....whoever does that work is really talented.

As usual, Pinocchio & SW had little or no lines (even though the rest of Fantasyland was packed with people), so we rode them now. I really like Pinocchio (& also Alice)....I love the details & I see something new each time i ride it (them). After these riding these two dark rides, we continued thru FL. Both Casey's Train & Storybookland had medium (which means slow loading & long waiting) lines, so we passed them up & headed over to Toon Town.....where Roger Rabbit was not only temporarily closed.... :headache:....but it's FP machine was down as well.

I hate when that happens.....but have decided that whenever it does happen, it's always best to go eat a knackwurst. Lucky for us, we were near the almost always empty Enchanted Cottage Sweets & Treats (aka the Sausage Joint)....& the reason it's almost always empty is because Princesses (& mommies of Princesses) don't like Sausages....which is OK by us.....because we do. :thumbsup2

Alec & I each got a knackwurst & chips & split a coke & a german chocolate cake...sat down at an empty table (in an empty area) & munched on our knackwursts & fist bumped with the knowledge that all was right in the world.

With full bellys, we strolled (with a purpose) thru Fantasyland. Storybookland still had a moderate line, Alec turned down Dumbo & the Carousel, & we glanced up & saw the mean witch above Snow White...& then she disappeared. Since an hour had passed, it was time to return to our own Personal Hub....so we hung a right near the castle, made a pit stop near the secret bathroom next to Zocallo restaurant.....& then continued on to....The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.

Same drill: Pick up a FP, observe the hour return time, observe the hour standby line, stroll past 850 lemings.....er.... disney guests in the standby line as we eventually board from our 3 min. FP line.

Alec whispers to me that he could ride BTMRR all day (& all night) long. i replied......"yeah...i kind of figured that out, buddy."

With snakes, a Goat (who wanted to know where his knackwurst was), earthquakes, runnaway trains, etc.....it's a wonder we survived the night.

Next up.....If you eat 3 dinners,... would a Knackwurst sandwich consumed at 6:20pm be considered an appetizer, a late lunch, or something else??

:)

bumbershoot

11-12-2008, 05:40 PM

since Alec didn't want to do this unless he was with Mrs. Hound....since it's her favorite

Awwww, sweet boy-o.

Alec whispers to me that he could ride BTMRR all day (& all night) long......"yeah...i kind of figured that out buddy."

Awwww.

Yay for updates, especially good ones full of out of control mine trains!

Sleepless Knight

11-12-2008, 05:49 PM

Another great update. When you think about it, the Enchanted Cottage placement is a great example of counterprograming. Women can use bratwurst and german chocolate cake to entice the men in their lives to wait at the PFF. I experienced the PFF once and that was enough(of course I did not have bratwurst to munch on while waiting in line), though I did see Princess Aurora, which more than made up for the lack of bratwurst.

Somebody on another board told me that his wife and one of her friends made him practice his curtsy so he could how off his curtsy to a princess in return for a piece of German Chocolate cake. He did say it was worth it in the end only because the cake was so good.

travelmel

11-12-2008, 06:01 PM

good job ignoring that smelly stink eye long enough to hear the hillbillies!

DangerMouse

11-12-2008, 07:00 PM

I heard the sounds of Mountain Music nearby, so I dragged Alec (kicking & screaming ) into the Golden Horseshoe since BillyFan's & DangerMouse's favorite band had just begun a show. There weren't any seats, so we went upstairs & stood behind a couple of tables. They first played a fun (silly) song & then broke into "Orange Blossom Special".....& you know what....they're pretty good.

I've seen (or heard) this song performed over a dozen times & their's was dang near CharlieDanielsworthy. Unfortunately, my Padewan was pinching me (HARD) on my arm after the song.....& giving me the stink eye & told me he wanted to bail......the dude obviously hasn't developed a taste for Classical music yet

Of course Padewan Alec was bored, because you visited the Shoe on the wrong day. Y'all saw the Green Billy team, which performs on Thursdays and Fridays. Unfortunately, you weren't seeing "THE Billy" that Tina and I fight ov . . . erm, I mean share. Sometime when you visit in the future, make sure you pop into the Shoe on a Sat-Wed to experience the BEST Billy teams which include OUR boyfriend, Kirk Wall. :love: I give young Padewan Alec my DangerMouse guarantee that he'll enjoy the show. I mean, who can resist this?

http://www.members.cox.net/siraks/BillyHill.jpg

So we walked around all the non-disboard readers in the VERY long line outside the Tiki Room & pretended that we wanted to see the show & entered the TIKI room outdoor waiting area.

CLASSIC DisBoard move. :thumbsup2 :teacher:

Princesses (& mommies of Princesses) don't like Sausages....

Ain't that the truth! :lmao:

Next up.....If you eat 3 dinners,... would a Knackwurst sandwich consumed at 6:20pm be considered an appetizer, a late lunch, or something else??

I'd call it dinner #1 unless you go on BTMRR twice right after, then I call it indigestion. :sick:

Alex2kMommy

11-12-2008, 08:36 PM

Hound, I love the way you and the padewan snack your way through DL! :lmao:

I'd call it dinner #1 unless you go on BTMRR twice right after, then I call it indigestion. :sick:
Ewww. No kidding! :scared:

BillyFan

11-12-2008, 11:29 PM

I mean, who can resist this?

http://www.members.cox.net/siraks/BillyHill.jpg

:

Not me!

Hound 109

11-13-2008, 09:52 AM

Awwww, sweet boy-o.

Yeah for updates, especially good ones full of out of control mine trains!

Thanks Bumber. :goodvibes

The kid definitely had mine trains on the brain. :)

Alex2kmommy

Hound, I love the way you and the padewan snack your way through DL!

Just trying to keep all my dis nutritional fans (& anthropologists) happy, Alex2K. :thumbsup2

travelmel

good job ignoring that smelly stink eye long enough to hear the hillbillies!

travelmel.....alec can deliver a first class stink-eye.....he gets it from Mrs. Hound. :lmao:

Hound 109

11-13-2008, 09:56 AM

Hound 109

11-13-2008, 10:02 AM

Of course Padewan Alec was bored, because you visited the Shoe on the wrong day. Y'all saw the Green Billy team, which performs on Thursdays and Fridays. Unfortunately, you weren't seeing "THE Billy" that Tina and I fight ov . . . erm, I mean share. Sometime when you visit in the future, make sure you pop into the Shoe on a Sat-Wed to experience the BEST Billy teams which include OUR boyfriend, Kirk Wall. :love: I give young Padewan Alec my DangerMouse guarantee that he'll enjoy the show. I mean, who can resist this?

http://www.members.cox.net/siraks/BillyHill.jpg

CLASSIC DisBoard move. :thumbsup2 :teacher:

Ain't that the truth! :lmao:

I'd call it dinner #1 unless you go on BTMRR twice right after, then I call it indigestion. :sick:

Nope....cast iron hound stomachs. No worries. :)

DM & BF, you're right.....it was a Thursday so i guess we caught the second string Billys. We'll check them out next time (probably on a Sunday/Monday) since the Saloon is located right AT the hound hub. (a stones throw from BTMRR, Mex Food, Pirates, half a dozen food carts & other faves).

But guys.....that picture is just wrong (& i've got a brother named darrell & another brother named darrell ;))

:)

wendypooh22

11-13-2008, 11:54 AM

Hound, I am a little late reading your TR, but I am lovin' it so far!!! It sounds like you guys had a great time and I am now patiently waiting for your next installment :rolleyes1

prettyprincessbelle

11-13-2008, 12:24 PM

Princesses (& mommies of Princesses) don't like Sausages....

I'm the exception!! I :lovestruc me some sausage with lots and lots of kraut and mustard!! YUM-O! And yes, I am a princess. princess:

Wonderful update!

I agree with Pirates. pirate: I can only ride that ride maybe once a day. If I do ride it twice a day, I'm usually just not paying much attention the second time.

bumbershoot

11-13-2008, 01:20 PM

Counter programming is exactly right. ....

.....but learning a curtsy is crossing the line. :lmao:

Thing about the Disney princesses is that except for Ariel, Jasmine and Pocahontas (if you choose to think of her as a princess) is they they wouldn't BE princesses if it weren't for some dude they met! And AJP's princess'ness is still b/c of a dude called Dad. You always have to have a King/Prince to get a Princess. (funny how the reserve isn't true...Queen Elizabeth's hubby just being a paltry Duke)

I'm the exception!! I :lovestruc me some sausage with lots and lots of kraut and mustard!! YUM-O! And yes, I am a princess. princess:

Being a long-time vegetarian the knackwurst talk went over my head at first (as in "la la la I can't hear you") but back in the day (aka my childhood and teen years) I did eat knackwurst yes indeedy. Though only cut up and put into mac and cheese, so that might not count!

But on the other hand, I might not count as a princess...:upsidedow

avalon451

11-13-2008, 04:43 PM

VERY INTERESTING.....FP return was about 1 hr....standby line was 50 min. Will someone explain to me why the sheep are in line when they could be watching the Billys....or walking thru & admiring the neatly carved pumpkins at Big Thurnder Ranch....or slurping on a Dole Whip....or something??

Ain't it the truth? DD13 said the same thing to me: "WHY do they wait in line? Don't they KNOW about FPs?"

It had been over 2 hours since we had consumed our split corny dog & over an our since our split cheese pretzel & our split mickey bar.....so we decided it was time to look for a nice healthy mid-afternoon snack. We couldn't find the celery, carrots & granola cart.....so we settled on french fries & cotton candy...thus knocking out those two important food groups for the day. Washed it down with a chocolate milk. :3dglasses

:rotfl: I love it! You guys both look like beanpoles, too. Simply not fair.

With a few minutes left before our FP return at BTMRR, we asked a nice person to take a pic of the fearless commandos at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration area:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi058.jpg

Great pic of the Hounds Sr. and Jr!

I hate when that happens.....but have decided that whenever it does happen, it's always best to go eat a knackwurst.

:lmao: So very true.

With snakes, a Goat (who wanted to know where his knackwurst was), earthquakes, runnaway trains, etc.....it's a wonder we survived the night.

Well, the goat is chewing on a stick of dynamite... you were just chewing on a knackwurst, and THEN riding on the wildest ride in the wilderness... samesame? :confused3

Next up.....If you eat 3 dinners,... would a Knackwurst sandwich consumed at 6:20pm be considered an appetizer, a late lunch, or something else??

Only the Padewan knows! (cause he eats every 90 minutes!) :rotfl2:

:)

Thanks for the update! Had me guffawing out loud!

More, please! :yay:

Hound 109

11-17-2008, 04:40 PM

Hound, I am a little late reading your TR, but I am lovin' it so far!!! It sounds like you guys had a great time and I am now patiently waiting for your next installment :rolleyes1

Yay!! WendyPooh is on board....the fun ride just got funner!

prettyprincessbelle Quote:
Princesses (& mommies of Princesses) don't like Sausages....

I'm the exception!! I :love: me some sausage with lots and lots of kraut and mustard!! YUM-O! And yes, I am a princess.

Wonderful update!

I agree with Pirates. I can only ride that ride maybe once a day. If I do ride it twice a day, I'm usually just not paying much attention the second time.

PrettyPrincessBelle, any girl who has a mega-watt smile.....goes into yippee mode for Jonas Bros. tickets :dance3: (@ $100 per ticket)....& enjoys 2+ character meals per DLR trip.....is DEFINITELY a Princess. :thumbsup2

Your posts (& your trip report) always puts a smile on everyone's face. :goodvibes

& any girl who is a lover of Sausages .... is OK by me. :hippie:

:)

Hound 109

11-17-2008, 04:49 PM

From Avalon

Ain't it the truth? DD13 said the same thing to me: "WHY do they wait in line? Don't they KNOW about FPs?"

Lucky for us, they can't (or won't) figure it out. :thumbsup2

I love it! You guys both look like beanpoles, too. Simply not fair.

Alec is indeed a beanpole......I'm a good 30 lbs & 30 years past my "beanpole" days. :laughing:

Great pic of the Hounds Sr. and Jr!

Thanks Avalon. :goodvibes

Well, the goat is chewing on a stick of dynamite... you were just chewing on a knackwurst, and THEN riding on the wildest ride in the wilderness... samesame?

Not the same......now if i found a Jalapeno Knackwurst (to go with the jalapeno cheese pretzel).....now THAT would be the similar to the Goat's snack. ;)

Thanks for the update! Had me guffawing out loud!

More, please! :yay:

Thanks Avalon! :goodvibes

:)

prettyprincessbelle

11-17-2008, 04:52 PM

PrettyPrincessBelle, any girl who has a mega-watt smile.....goes into yippee mode for Jonas Bros. tickets :dance3: (@ $100 per ticket)....& enjoys 2+ character meals per DLR trip.....is DEFINITELY a Princess. :thumbsup2

Your posts (& your trip report) always puts a smile on everyone's face. :goodvibes

& any girl who is a lover of Sausages .... is OK by me. :hippie:

:)

Wooohoo! I am princess!!!! princess:

Thank you, Hound!! That was very nice!!!! :hug: :flower3:

Plus I like UT, so I know that makes me ever COOLER to you!!!!! :hippie:

:upsidedow

Alex2kMommy

11-17-2008, 09:18 PM

i've got a brother named darrell & another brother named darrell ;)
:rotfl2:

I wonder how many people got that. DH says it all the time, though in truth he has no brothers. Oh wait... unless he's referring to mine. OK, that fits. :lmao:

Hound 109

11-18-2008, 01:45 PM

In the last installment.....the Hound & the young Padewan had just exited BTMRR for the 4th time (or was it the 5th) & were in a finely tuned groove. Ride the runaway train.....do stuff for an hour.....& then back to the train......rinse & repeat.....(& eat every 88 1/2 minutes ;)).

After exiting the train, we again turned right to take the backway around to Fantasyland. I wanted to ride Storybookland & we both wanted to ride Roger Rabbit. We had thought about riding the train (hopping on next to HM) & riding it to Toon Town , but figured that hoofing it would get us there quicker & besides....we are tireless Jedi's. ;)

A few yards down on the right side of the pathway, a family was stopped & taking a picture of a cactus. I thought to myself "Good...the more folks taking pictures of cacti & stuff.....the fewer people riding rides"....:cool1:...but i was a little TOO quick with the snark & I was wrong. They were not just taking a picture of a cactus......they were taking a picture of a cactus that had.....a Mickey Head!!! Alec & I both agreed that THAT was pretty cool.....but then continued on after 2-3 seconds.....because we had rides to ride. :yay:

Storybookland was again very crowded (it looked like the parade was about to start) & i was bummed because I had ridden it twice on my very first trip to DLR (after 40 years in the wilderness).....once at night & once during the day......(I love the detail on this ride & the relaxing vibe i feel....Storybookland is a wonderful, calm place....& it's smack dab in the middle of crowded Fantasyland (Saturday night) bedlam. But i've missed it each of the past 4 times we've visited DLR....either because it was closed, or because i didn't feel like waiting in the longish line. I must do it next time in the early AM!!!

Onward to Roger Rabbit. It had a perfect 6-8 min. line....perfect because RR is one the most fun queues at DLR. In fact, i enjoy the queue almost as much as the ride....& because of this (imo), it's better to avoid FPing Roger Rabbit...especially if the line is 15 min. or less.

After successfully outsmarting those dastardly weasels & avoiding the "Dip" (which i guess is the same stuff they used on the Wicked Witch of the West")......but not spending NEARLY enough time with our sweet friend Jessica Rabbit ;).....the Hound Jedi's departed Toon Town. Alec is a year or two past the age that Toon Town has much of an interest for him (except for RR)....so it was off to conquer new frontiers.

Walking back towards Fantasyland, (& walking behind those tall shrub/trees, since the pathway in front of IASW was blocked off & had there were hundreds sitting down in anticipation for the parade),..... I couldn't believe my eyes. A group of people were boarding onto a boat on Storybookland.....AND THERE WAS NO LINE!!!:hyper: Alec & i raced over & the nice CM politely informed me that Storybookland would be closed for half an hour.... because of the parade. :headache: Rats!!! Foiled again!!!!!

Alec....being the observent Padewan that he is....& wanting to make his ol' Dad feel better......said "it's ok Dad.....there's no line for the Teacups".....and he pointed over to the 4-5 people happily waiting in line for that most evil of rides....that Mad Hatter's Tea Cups....whose line was barely 20 feet away. :crazy2: Having successfully avoided this ride on our last two visits to DLR.....I was busted. At least it was a pretty night (i figured) & the lanterns looked cool & after all....how much damage could a 60 lb padewan do to a slowly spinning cup??

After sitting down into our cup (which had virtually NO line...even though the area around it was JAMMED with people), i asked a nice lady in the cup next to our's, if she could take a pic....interestingly, the cups are so close together that I could reach out & hand her the camera. Here's Hound & the Padewan....hoping that Texas Tech & Bama losses... so the their beloved Horns can return to their rightful spot in the College Football Natl Champ Game. (hook'em):

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/hound109/candi060.jpg

Just as the spinning ride from h*ll began moving,.... a miracle occurred.....the parade (that we didn't intend to watch)...started to pass by & we (kind of) had an unblocked front row seat. The cups were moving around, but Alec & i didn't spin our little death trap cup because we were watching the cool floats go by. :dance3: But after a couple of floats, our little padewan got tired of the watching & waving & decided to start spinning, but thankfully the ride was about half over & I survived it.....knackwursts, jalapeno cheese pretzels & dole whips all intact. :thumbsup2

After exiting the tea cups, the parade was still passing, so we went back thru FantasyLand..... first we checked on Toady (the line was still pretty long, rats....) & then decided to start head back towards that wacky runaway train....aka BTMRR. BUT.....since we had survived those evil teacups....& were about to board the wildest ride in the wilderness....we figured that NOW was probably about as good a time as any ........to grab some Mexican food. :tongue:

....Lucky for us, we were walking right by the good ol' Rancho del Zocalo. Where we were able to split an order of beef soft tacos & also a slice of tres leches cake. (& for those not familiar.....Tres Leches Cake, after the fast pass machine...... is probably the greatest item EVER invented in North America). The tacos provided necessary fuel for our young padewan (with the hollow leg).... & we both enjoyed the tres leches cake (using two plastic forks, of course :)).....not quite as good as the homemade versions that i used to enjoy when people would bring them on birthdays when i worked in San Antonio......but darn good for theme park food. :thumbsup2

As everyone here knows....the Zocalo is next door to the BTMRR, so we walked a few steps......picked up a FP (of course)......observed the one hour return.....observed that there was a 45 min. standby wait......& used our old FPs to enter..... & walked by the 636 people in the standby line......who grumbled as we walked (with a purpose) by them :rolleyes1 .....& we boarded the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness for the 5th time.....or was it the 6th?..... (but the first time at night :cool2: ) following a FP wait line of about 2 minutes. :p

Just as much fun the fifth (or 6th?) time of the day as it was the first time. :banana:

Next up....will we make it to the fireworks??

& if not, is it possible to carry a 9 y/o sleeping Padewan filled with 23 lbs of Disney junk food??..... & How far??

:)

bumbershoot

11-18-2008, 05:32 PM

Your updates get better and better! :cheer2:

Hound 109

11-20-2008, 04:40 PM

Your updates get better and better! :cheer2:

Thanks Bumber! :goodvibes

Sleepless Knight

11-20-2008, 05:00 PM

I'm with you on Storybook Land. It's one of the best attractions in the park. I prefer to ride it after 11:30pm. Almost no crowd and it's really cool with all the nighttime lighting.

blue donkey

11-21-2008, 02:19 PM

they were taking a picture of a cactus that had.....a Mickey Head!!!

oooooh, I'll have to try to look for that next time.

Just as the spinning ride from h*ll began moving,.... a miracle occurred.....the parade (that we didn't intend to watch)...started to pass by & we (kind of) had an unblocked front row seat. The cups were moving around, but Alec & i didn't spin our little death trap cup because we were watching the cool floats go by. :dance3: But after a couple of floats, our little padewan got tired of the watching & waving & decided to start spinning, but thankfully the ride was about half over & I survived it.....knackwursts, jalapeno cheese pretzels & dole whips all intact. :thumbsup2

Congrats on surviving the teacups. I wouldn't have attempted to ride that thing if I'd eaten all that you guys had. Boy, you really are a brave jedi knight.

Tres Leches Cake, after the fast pass machine...... is probably the greatest item EVER invented in North America).

mmmmmm..... tasty

Next up....will we make it to the fireworks??

& if not, is it possible to carry a 9 y/o sleeping Padewan filled with 23 lbs of Disney junk food??..... & How far??
:)

:lovestruc your writing style. you've got me hooked. Can't wait for more!

prettyprincessbelle

11-21-2008, 03:36 PM

A few yards down on the right side of the pathway, a family was stopped & taking a picture of a cactus. I thought to myself "Good...the more folks taking pictures of cacti & stuff.....the fewer people riding rides".......but i was a little TOO quick with the snark & I was wrong. They were not just taking a picture of a cactus......they were taking a picture of a cactus that had.....a Mickey Head!!!

Someone just posted a picture of a Mickey head shaped cacti! It was probably them!!!

Alec & i raced over & the nice CM politely informed me that Storybookland would be closed for half an hour.... because of the parade

Whaa? What is it that the boats can't run with the parade going by? The musica? Hmmm. I never knew that!

Here's Hound & the Padewan....hoping that Texas Tech & Bama losses... so the their beloved Horns can return to their rightful spot in the College Football Natl Champ Game. (hook'em):

WOOO! Everytime we're out somewhere and I see burnt orange, I always tell DBF "Look! A Texas shirt!". "Look! That little boy is wearing a Texas hat!!" We don't see very many UT fans here in CA. More USC. Blech.

Hound 109

01-05-2009, 05:00 PM

I figured I'd end this already. (two major holidays & a month - & a new year - have passed).

Since young Alec & I had successfully done the BTMRR two step again (we would ride the wildest ride in the wilderness after picking up a FP for this attraction for an hour later)....& it was now dark & past 8pm, we decided it was time to use our Space Mountain FP that we had picked up at 9:02am.

We glanced at the Standy Sign (55 minute wait) at SM as we hustled thru the FP line in about 7 minutes. Got a front row seat :banana: & enjoyed SM for our second time of the day (12 hours apart). I was a little woosy after the very long day & after the multiple rides on Big Thurnder, but Alec had no side effects & was glad we got to ride it again.

An aside - When we visited DLR a year & a half ago (i think), SM had some ROCKIN' music & had the lights on.....i loved this diversion & wished that they would offer this option at certain times of day (or certain days).

BOT - After a pit stop & a quick glance at Buzz (30 min. standby, so we passed), I asked Alec if he wanted to join the throngs who were beginning to stake out positions around the hub & on Main St. for the fireworks that were to begin in 40 minutes (at 9:20pm i think). Alec (& his Dad) are not known for our patience (but are known for our healthy vegetarian diets ;)) & instead we decided to stroll thru Adventureland & around the Rivers of America on the way back to OUR personal "Hub".....BTMRR (so we could use our final FP). With many folks already at or heading towards the real HUB in front of the castle, we enjoyed an uncrowded night time stroll thru some of our favorite parts of Walt's park.

At 9pm we boarded BTMRR for our final ride (just as good as the other 6 times we rode it :)) & then headed back to Main St. to snag a spot for the fireworks. Sitting near the Main St. Bakery, the young Padewan asked if the bakery had any "real food" like corny dogs in there. I replied that "no, the bakery didn't have Corny Dogs.....but that the little red truck across the street might". So Alec held down our spots on Main St. & the hound headed across the street & a few extra steps on his final corny dog run of the day (to purchase the Padewan's third dinner of the day).

We took turns munching on the corny dog & sipping the water bottle that I had re-filled in Adventureland..... & I think the sitting down hit him.....hard. Alec looked up and asked "Dad....do we have to watch the fireworks?"

Translation - "Dad, I've been up since 6:15am & if i sit here much longer, I'm going to morph into a vegatative state & you're gonna have to toss me over your shoulder for that LONG walk down Main St., thru DTD, thru the GCH across the street & over to the PP parking garage."

I said "no problem buddy....we've seen them before & we'll see them again.....you ready to call it a day?".

He nodded yes, & handed me the 2/3rds eaten corny dog (which i finished) & we began the trek back to the Paradise Pier. Oddly (ironically...or luckily?) the fireworks ended up getting cancelled that night so our departure at 9:15pm from DLR ended up being a wise one.

My Padewan made it thru DTD & into the GCH before devolving from zombie state to comotose & he traveled the final couple hundred yards over the Hound's shoulder.....no complaints....the dude was a trooper & had completed all missions that were asked of him that day. :thumbsup2

So at 9:30pm, Padewan Alec was horizontal in the back seat of the impalamobile & the Hound eased the vehicle out of the PP garage & onto the I 5 heading north.... having successfully completing a fun-filled One Day (13 hour) visit to Walt's park (& DCA) with his favorite wing man (& future Jedi Warrior).

A great DLR day.... with no stinkin' buses, no shopping & no princesses.....but plenty of dis-healthy, counter-food consumption & plenty of Jedi Warrior-worthy rides enjoyed by the Hounds from Central Texas.

Time to plan another trip. :cool2:

.

DLR29

01-05-2009, 09:12 PM

Thanks for the last update Hound. We wouldn't want to be left on a cliffhanger. :scared1: :laughing:

BTW, I love this quote: "Dad, I've been up since 6:15am & if i sit here much longer, I'm going to morph into a vegatative state & you're gonna have to toss me over your shoulder for that LONG walk down Main St., thru DTD, thru the GCH across the street & over to the PP parking garage."

:rotfl2:

Hound 109

01-11-2009, 04:33 PM

Someone just posted a picture of a Mickey head shaped cacti! It was probably them!!!

Can you link that thread, I'd like to see it prettyprincessbelle.

WOOO! Everytime we're out somewhere and I see burnt orange, I always tell DBF "Look! A Texas shirt!". "Look! That little boy is wearing a Texas hat!!" We don't see very many UT fans here in CA. More USC. Blech.

Well, UT & USC (& Utah) got the scr*w job this year. I refuse to watch any college football game after Thanksgiving because it's basically an exhibition season...with American Idol type competitions & judges.

This year there is now a legit "final four" (USC, Texas, Utah & FL)....none any more a compelling # 1 than the other. But If there's no playoff, I don't care (& didn't care) about any of the games. In our state High School football is a much better form of entertainment than post season college football. :)

.

Hound 109

01-11-2009, 04:36 PM

Thanks for the last update Hound. We wouldn't want to be left on a cliffhanger. :scared1: :laughing:

:rotfl2:

Thanks DLR. :)

& to anyone interested, I compiled (on the first page) a bullet point list of the day's activities. See below:

I'm aware that many who post here (particularly WDW vets) unfortunately only dedicate ONE (or two) days for Walt's park (& DCA).

In an attempt to provide info to the one day commando.....I'll attempt to summarize our 13 hour day in an easy read Recap:

Date - Thursday 10/8/08 (spur of the moment trip)

Stayed Wednesday night at the PP (in order to get MM the next morning).

My DS/9 Padewan Alec & I know the park well & enjoy zigging when others are zagging & also enjoy commando'ing DLR.

- Up at 6:15am in the Paradise Pier.
- Had a surprisingly good & convenient room service breakfast for one (that DS/9 Alec & I split)
- Out the door at 7:16am (walked across the street, thru the GCH & thru DTD to the Security Gate at 7:25am)
- 5th or 6th in line at the Security Gate, which opened at 7:30am. 2nd in line at one of the MM turnstiles at 7:32am.
- 8am Entered for Magic Morning (a priviledge we qualified for because we stayed at a Disney hotel...even though we only had a one day ticket.) General Admission would be at 9am that day.

We did in order for MM:

- Peter Pan (always first) One of the first couple of people on.
- We skipped Dumbo which would have been next. (but kid didn't want to ride it)
- So we did Alice in Wonderland next.
- Matterhorn first one side....then the other side.
- (skipped the Teacups for now) & rode Mr. Toad. All of the above we enjoyed with no lines...because we were first on PP.
- We skipped the Carousel & Nemo because we didn't want to ride & skipped Pinocchio & Snow White because they rarely have a line & we'd do them later.
- Buzz Light Year (no line)
- Space Mountain (5 min. line)
- Pit stop next to SM. It's now 9am so we picked up our first FP of the day (here at SM).

9:05am....off to the left side of the park.

- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad aka BTMRR (not opened yet.....would open in 15-20 min.....rats)
- Holiday HM (not opened yet....would open in 15-20 min.....double rats) This rarely happens, but not to worry if it does.
- Indy - 20 min. wait & 10 minute ride. (I would have FP Indy at 10am if we had been successful at riding BTMRR & HM, but because BTMRR & HM weren't open yet, i made a quick change in plans.)
- Picked up a Holiday HM FP at 9:55am (not needed or availble except at Holiday periods)
- Splash Mtn. - 15 min. wait.
- Cookies at Pooh Corner (because we like a little snack at 10:20 am).
- Skipped Pooh because kid didn't want to ride it.
- BTMRR - 6 min. line.
- Picked up BTMRR FP at 10:45am (our third).
- Walked down Main St. & hopped to DCA with 3 FPs in our pocket to use at DL later in the day.

DCA

- Pick up a FP at Soarin at 10:55am.
- Since we needed to check out of the Paradise Pier & were going to the hotel (& also because FP wasn't available at Griz that day) we elected to ride Grizzily Rapids now. If it had been hot out, we would have picked up a FP at this time, since this ride would have had a line & because Griz is a disconnected FP ride. And then we would have ridden something else (toy story? Monsters?). But there was no line at Griz (& we were going to our room), so we rode it now.
- Got a little wet on Griz Rapids, but no worries because we would be in our room changing socks etc. in 5 minutes.

Check Out & Mid Day Rest

- Walked into the GCH side entrance, picked up a to go lunch (to split) at Whitewater Snacks, crossed the street into the Paradise Pier.
- Ate lunch, packed, checked out & I put our luggage in our rental car in the garage while Alec relaxed about 45 min. & watched TV.
- Out of our room at 12:25pm (only about 90 min. past checkout ).
- Back thru the GCH into DCA. (5 min. walk)

- Picked up a California Screamin' FP at 12:35pm.
- Toy Story Mania - (30 min. line) but munched on a churro bought from the nearby churro stand.
- 1:20pm - Alec rode the Orange Stinger (no line), while i watched & strategized.
- 1:30pm - Grabbed a Corny Dog & a Coke from the Corn Dog palace & sat next to the Zephyr and munched.
- 1:40pm - Rode the Golden Zephyr (no line).
- 1:50pm - Rode Screamin' with our FPs (no line).
- 2pm - Alec rode King Triton's Carousel (next door) while I rode Screamin' again in the Single Rider line.
- 2:15pm - Grabbed a Jalepeno Cheese Pretzel, crossed over the bridge back toward the front of DCA. Glanced at the Pier Food Courts & also the Tratoria...both were fairly empty & had we had Mrs Hound, we would have stopped at one for a nice al fresco lunch, since it was a pretty sunny day (probably the Trat).

- 2:30 - Decided to pass on Bug's Life, we've done it often & like it, but with only one day we skipped it & other Flik rides except:
- 2:40 - Heimlich's Choo Choo (Guilty Pleasure ride that cracks us both up.) 10 min. wait (but we finished our Pretzel in line).
- Took a few pictures in & near Sunshine Plaza.
- Monsters Inc. (10 min. wait)
- Turtle Talk with Crush (we love it each time) 5 min. wait & 20 min. show.
- We passed on Tower of Terror (Alec hates drops) & the Aladdin Show (WHICH IS A MUST DO!!!!) was closed that day.
- We've done Muppets over a dozen times. We like it (alot), but would prefer something new (so we passed).
- 3:15pm ish - Used our FP for Soarin'. Once at boarding, we waited one cycle so we could ride on the top row (row A). Always worth it.
- Walking back toward Sunshine Plaza, we spotted an Ice Cream stand. Grabbed a Mickey Bar to share (because we can ).

Hopped back over to DL at around 3:40pm.

- Entered DL decided to ride the Horse Drawn Carriage Taxi (with a few other people)....it was fun.
- Hopped off the Carriage in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle & walked into Frontierland & picked up a FP at BTMRR.
- 4pm - Rode BTMRR (no wait with FP.....50 min. standby line).
- Rode Pirates of the Carribean (line was out into the street, but it moves fast & we boarded in less than 10 min.)
- 4:40pm Holiday HM (using our FPs from this morning). Over an hour standy wait, less than 10 minutes with our FPs.
- Grabbed some fries & cotton candy & sat & looked out at the island formerly known as Tom Sawyer's. We did Pirate's Island last time & decided to skip it this time. It's a must for young ones though & is a great place to romp during the crowded afternoon.

- Back to BTMRR. Picked up a FP (for return in an hour) & rode it again. (50 min. standy line, but our FP line was 2-3 min.)
- Stepped into the the Golden Horseshoe & watched the Billy's Hillbilly Music show for 10 minutes.
- Strolled around the corner into Adventureland & climbed Tarzan's Tree.
- Walked by Indy (an hour standby line at 5:50pm) & enjoyed a 5 minute wait for Jungle Cruise (a nice ride to rest on & also one of our favorites).
- Walked next door & passed by the LONG line at the Dole Whip stand & entered the Tiki Room outdoor waiting area. Alec purchased a Dole Whip Float (for us to split) in the non-existent line on the Waiting area side. We sat down & enjoyed the island tropical sights & sounds while we slurped our Dole Whip. When the Tiki doors opened & all went in, we exited back towards the HUB. The outside line for Dole Whips had hardly moved. Looked at our watch & it was time for our BTMRR FP return.

- Repeated the BTMRR drill. Picked up a FP (return in an hour). Walked by a 55 min. standby line & rode BTMRR again (2 min. FP line.) Sat in the back row, because we asked & because Alec wanted to.
- Took the back way around & toured for about 5 minutes the fabulous Carved Pumpkins in the Big Thunder Ranch Area.
- Continued on thru Fantasyland & rode Pinocchio & Snow White (both with 5 minute or less lines). I personally think Pinocchio is a great little ride with wonderful details & the fact it's not offered at WDW should make it a Must Do for the WDW Vet.
- We continued into ToonTown to ride or pick up a FP Roger Rabbit, but both the ride & FP machine were temporarily shut down..
- .....so we consoled ourselves with a couple of Knackwursts from the Enchanted Cottage (aka as the Sausage Joint) next to the Princess Fantasy Fair (no line). Good quick food for a carnivore & a quiet sitting area to eat & relax.
- Both Casey's Train & Storybookland had moderate (& slow moving) lines & Alec is not a big fan....he also stated again that he didn't want to ride Dumbo (which had a big line), nor the Carousel (which didn't). So we headed back to our personal "HUB" the BTMRR.
- Same drill. Picked up a FP with an hour return. Strolled past the 55 min. standby line in 3 min. & rode BTMRR again with a FP.

- 6:50pm - At this point it was getting dark...& we returned thru FL (where the parade was getting ready to start) to Roger Rabbit.
- 3 min. line thru the second best queue at DL & rode RR. Back thru FL, we tried to Storybookland, but it was closed for the Parade.
- No line for the Madhatters Tea Cups, so I had no good reason to object (except for all the junk food we've eaten), so we rode it.
- Watched the parade for a few minutes while we waited for the Tea Cups to get started.
- On our way back to BTMRR, stopped at Rancho del Zocolo & split a plate of beef fajita tacos & a tres leches cake & relaxed.

- 8:15pm - Picked up our final BTMRR FP, walked by the 55 min. standby line & enjoyed BTMRR (again) following a 2 min. FP line.
- After BTMRR we crossed the HUB (which was getting crowded prior to the Fireworks & headed toward Space Mountain.
- Used our FP (that we picked up at 9am) & walked by the 65min. standby line & rode SM following a 7 min. FP line.
- Chose not to ride Buzz (because of the 30 min. line & because we rode it that morning) & meandered thru AdventureLand & FrontierLand on our way back to BTMRR.
- 9pm - Used our final FP at BTMRR. Walked by the 45min. standby line & had a great ride following a 2 min. FP line.
- Sat down on a curb on Main St. near the HUB. Alec wanted a corny dog, so i bought one at the nearby red Corn Dog Truck.
- At 9:15pm (waiting in anticipation for the 9:20 or 9:30pm Fireworks). Alec asked if we could skip the Fireworks (he was done).
- Instead of pushing it, we walked back towards the Paradise Pier. He made as far as the GCH & I carried the young Padewan the final 200 yards (to the Paradise Pier parking garage) over my shoulder.
- 9:35pm - Pulled the car out of the the PP garage & onto I 5 heading north.

NUMBER OF RIDES & ATTRACTIONS WE ENJOYED THAT DAY - 38

NUMBER OF MEALS ALEC & I SPLIT - 6

NUMBER OF SNACKS ALEC & I SPLIT - 6

NUMBER OF TIMES WE RODE BTMRR - 6

RIDES/ATTRACTIONS (that we skipped) THAT I WOULD HAVE MADE TIME FOR IF I WAS A WDW VET AT DLR FOR ONLY 2-3 DAYS:

STORYBOOKLAND CANAL RIDE, IT'S A SMALL WORLD (far prettier at DLR & especially the holiday version), TIKI ROOM, TOON TOWN, JEDI TRAINING ACADEMY (if you have a 4 - 11 y/o), PIRATE'S LAIR ISLAND, THE FIREWORKS, THE ALADDIN SHOW, MULLHOLLAND MADNESS. (I don't have an opinion on Princess stuff or parades).

RIDES / ATTRACTIONS (that we skipped) THAT ALEC & I WOULD HAVE DONE HAD WE HAD TWO FULL DAYS (or one & a half days) INSTEAD OF JUST ONE:

STORYBOOKLAND, PIRATES ISLAND, MULLHOLLAND MADNESS, TOWER OF TERROR, STAR TOURS, MATTERHORN (twice more), TOADIE (again), HM (again), Pirates/JungleCruise/Indy/Splash/California Screamin'/Soarin' (again).

MEALS WE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ENJOYED HAD WE BEEN THERE FOR 2-3 DAYS:

THE TRATORIA (late lunch or early dinner), A STICH OR GOOFY'S CHARACTER BRUNCH (after MM), CARNATION CAFE (brunch).

.

bumbershoot

01-13-2009, 04:40 PM

BillyFan

01-13-2009, 05:25 PM

Yay, you finished! That definitely means it's time to start planning a new trip.
I really like how you summarized the whole trip. That could be a great tool for DLR newbies.

Alex2kMommy

01-13-2009, 06:49 PM

Wow. A boy that wants to skip fireworks and the rest of his corny dog is one tired puppy! :thumbsup2

What an awesome whirlwind tour that day must have been! When's the next one? ;)

Dolce27

01-17-2009, 08:56 AM

Hey Hound! :wave: Wow! You just made my head spin in your whirl of a day! The next time I go, I know to PM you for advice for how to get things done in that park! ;)

I’m glad that you and your son had a wonderful trip. You guys made me hungry with all of the food that you ate. I’m glad that the two of you had a lot of fun. :thumbsup2

I'd like to add that you have a beautiful family. :goodvibes

DLR29

01-17-2009, 01:40 PM

38, wow. I think my record is 33. You win. :lmao: Sounds like such a fun trip.

prettyprincessbelle

01-17-2009, 03:04 PM

Well, UT & USC (& Utah) got the scr*w job this year. I refuse to watch any college football game after Thanksgiving because it's basically an exhibition season...with American Idol type competitions & judges.

This year there is now a legit "final four" (USC, Texas, Utah & FL)....none any more a compelling # 1 than the other. But If there's no playoff, I don't care (& didn't care) about any of the games. In our state High School football is a much better form of entertainment than post season college football. :)

.

I can't find that picture! It was either on the picture of the day thread or one of the sticky picture threads. Well, I'll find it for you! :thumbsup2

Jesus said the SAME thing about college football after Thanksgiving. I know he watched all the bowls though.

He's also told me what a big deal HS football is in Texas! I really enjoy our local HS football games and teams. I can imagine what it's like there!

:cheer2: For finished TR!! Do you and Alec have another trip planned?

Hound 109

01-18-2009, 02:26 PM

Oh gracious, I didn't notice you'd finished it up! I'm so sorry.

Sounded like a good ending!

38 attractions...isn't it amazing what a plan, and before that plan is made, just knowing what you want to do, can do for you?

So have you planned the next trip yet?:goodvibes

I'm thinking late Feb, bumber. :thumbsup2

& you're right Bumber.....having a plan helps. It changed (of course) often. I did "the plan" when i was flying out. Had a couple of ridemax scenarios & a DLR & DCA map & put it together. Literally wrote it down on the back of rental car confirmation page.

We rode the first 6-7 rides in order & then had to change on the fly because of temp. ride closures etc. I'd refer to it every hour or so to make sure i didn't miss any big items. But as you know....it helps having a good handle on the park, but most importantly (also as you know) it helps to get there early & have a pocket full of FPs by 1-2pm. ::yes::

Hound 109

01-18-2009, 02:32 PM

Yay, you finished! That definitely means it's time to start planning a new trip.
I really like how you summarized the whole trip. That could be a great tool for DLR newbies.

Thanks BillyFan....I summarized it because i was inspired by Hydroguy's "How to use FP at DLR on a crowded/busy day" thread. I remember reading it for the first time & going "so THATS how someone is able to work the parks". :scratchin :thumbsup2

Hound 109

01-18-2009, 02:44 PM

Wow. A boy that wants to skip fireworks and the rest of his corny dog is one tired puppy! :thumbsup2

What an awesome whirlwind tour that day must have been! When's the next one? ;)

Thanks Alex2kMommy! :)

Alec is a great kid. & a great DLR wingman. Never complains & can go non-stop.....but when he hits the wall, he'll be asleep in 5-10 min.....period.

I knew when he handed my his half eaten corny dog, it was a long shot that i'd get him to the car on his own. I felt lucky he was able to weave down main st.....thru DTD & into the GCH before i had to toss him "sack of potatoes" like over the shoulder.:earsboy:

Hound 109

01-18-2009, 02:54 PM

Hey Hound! :wave: Wow! You just made my head spin in your whirl of a day! The next time I go, I know to PM you for advice for how to get things done in that park! ;)

Hiya Dolce. :wave2:

Nice to see you (& I'm lovin' your "Spending 10 days in Luxury at WDW during the Holiday Season" report." :) ).

I’m glad that you and your son had a wonderful trip. You guys made me hungry with all of the food that you ate. I’m glad that the two of you had a lot of fun. :thumbsup2

I'd like to add that you have a beautiful family. :goodvibes

Thanks Dolce. :goodvibes

& you ought to link your DLR report for the folks here to read. One of the nicest & funnest reports I've read.

& to all who's interested in WDW....check out her WDW report (in her signature)....it's hilarious.

Hound 109

01-18-2009, 02:57 PM

38, wow. I think my record is 33. You win. :lmao: Sounds like such a fun trip.

DLR 29....i bet if you had MM & a motivated wing man, you'd bust 50.

You probably know the park better than anyone here.....& i bet you wouldn't make as many corny dog stops. :lmao:

Hound 109

01-18-2009, 02:59 PM

I can't find that picture! It was either on the picture of the day thread or one of the sticky picture threads. Well, I'll find it for you! :thumbsup2

Jesus said the SAME thing about college football after Thanksgiving. I know he watched all the bowls though.

He's also told me what a big deal HS football is in Texas! I really enjoy our local HS football games and teams. I can imagine what it's like there!

:cheer2: For finished TR!! Do you and Alec have another trip planned?

Thanks prettyprincessbelle. :goodvibes

It's definitely time to plan another visit to see the Matriarch Hound & Uncle Walt's park. :thumbsup2

Dolce27

01-21-2009, 11:16 PM

Thanks Dolce. :goodvibes

& you ought to link your DLR report for the folks here to read. One of the nicest & funnest reports I've read.

& to all who's interested in WDW....check out her WDW report (in her signature)....it's hilarious.

Wow. Thanks. :goodvibes You're making me blush.

Honestly, I don't have the links available to my DL or my 2006 WDW TR's. I went to Disneyland Nov 2007 so I probably began writing the TR at the very end of Nov or early Dec 2007 if anyone is bored and really wants to look for a TR. I'm too tired to search back for it tonight.

But, really, thank you for the compliment Hound. I’m not one of the popular TR writers on the DIS so it is nice to hear that someone really likes my reports.

mariezp

01-24-2009, 11:26 AM

Hound 109

01-27-2009, 04:44 PM

Hey Hound... sorry to get here so late for the end of your report but better late than never! I've been kinda slacking off for awhile. You know how writing those long trip reports kinda keep you otherwise occupied....thanks for stopping by.

Anyhoo.... the rest of your report was great! You and that boy of yours sure know how to do the park RIGHT! I bet you guys have a blast!

I am going to see if I can talk my DD into practicing the "split method" of eating our way through the park. Only difference might be that we could use it to our advantage to try a little of this and a little of that rather than several rounds of corn dogs.... not that there wouldn't be one of those in there too! And, we would have to substitute several selections of sweets for the jalapeno treats to go easy on my delicate stomach. The sweets would go over very well with DD and probably be the only way she could ever achieve the goal of making it in the park for 13 hours. She's not anywhere near the trooper that Alec appears to be.

I'd like to ask you a favor.... you see, my oldest son has the bright idea of thinking that we might want to check out WDW for a week but I am inclined to have my doubts as to whether we would enjoy it nearly as much as DL. The thought of trying to decide where to start is enough to give me a headache and then thinking about the hassle of trying to get around the parks are nearly enough to keep me from even considering it. Now after having read some of your comments I am thinking sticking w/DL would still be our best bet. As an obvious DL lover could you please share your impression of what you thought of WDW?

I'm a DLR lover for a number of reasons:

- The original.
- Family in LA.
- I like 1-3 days at the parks. (2-3 times a year)

& lots of other reasons.

DLR fits into the way i like to tour & the way I'm able to vacation.....BUT....

....WDW is GREAT. In a perfect world, I'd visit WDW every 3-4 disney trips. (& i know nothing about the out of country resorts....but would probably love those too.)

If i had a week for vacations....& had never been to WDW I would definitely do it. But with the following thoughts:

- Off Season....definitely off season.
- Maybe during the free food time (September?)
- NOT during the summer (it's Houston Humid AND crowded).
- NOT during spring break....crowded.

- Look at the park visits as segments as opposed to days. One or two segments per day.....& zig when others are zagging.
- Break up the segments with pool breaks & rest.
- Skip a morning or evening "segment" every 2-3 days with a water park or DTD/Boardwalk visit. WDW really does a good job with the all emcompassing immersion thing.
- If you're cool with Harbor Blvd. motels, you'll be cool with the value resorts. We liked the mods (for a few dollars more than the values) & but could never justify the price for the deluxes...but that's us.

I can see why alot of folks prefer WDW over DLR, but they're not me....but you actually may be a real good fit for WDW (given the way you all like to vacation for 7+ days).

Hope that helps. pirate:

DLR29

01-27-2009, 11:13 PM

If I may chime in as a DLR lover, WDW one-timer, and only a couple years younger than your DS...

I agree with everything Hound said, but with the ages of your kids off season might not be possible. This was the case for our family, so we went during the summer, knowing that it would be crowded, hot, blah blah... But still, we had a FANTASTIC time.

One piece of advice I have is to not go to WDW expecting DLR. It's a totally different atmosphere with different rides, resorts, transportation, dining, recreation, etc. It can seem a little overwhelming. Check out the many WDW boards on the DISboards (just be warned of the VERY different personalities of the people on "those boards" as opposed to the DLR boards) and I HIGHLY recommend buying the Unofficial Guide to WDW. It's so helpful in it's huge amount of info. WDW is definitely worth checking out because:
a) it's fun (duh)
b) it's something completely different from DLR (even though they both have the "disney parks" in common)
c) it has so many attractions, entertainment options, and dining options that DLR doesn't have

mariezp

01-28-2009, 10:19 PM

I'm a DLR lover for a number of reasons:

- The original.
- Family in LA.
- I like 1-3 days at the parks. (2-3 times a year)

& lots of other reasons.

DLR fits into the way i like to tour & the way I'm able to vacation.....BUT....

....WDW is GREAT. In a perfect world, I'd visit WDW every 3-4 disney trips. (& i know nothing about the out of country resorts....but would probably love those too.)

If i had a week for vacations....& had never been to WDW I would definitely do it. But with the following thoughts:

- Off Season....definitely off season.
- Maybe during the free food time (September?)
- NOT during the summer (it's Houston Humid AND crowded).
- NOT during spring break....crowded.

- Look at the park visits as segments as opposed to days. One or two segments per day.....& zig when others are zagging.
- Break up the segments with pool breaks & rest.
- Skip a morning or evening "segment" every 2-3 days with a water park or DTD/Boardwalk visit. WDW really does a good job with the all emcompassing immersion thing.
- If you're cool with Harbor Blvd. motels, you'll be cool with the value resorts. We liked the mods (for a few dollars more than the values) & but could never justify the price for the deluxes...but that's us.

I can see why alot of folks prefer WDW over DLR, but they're not me....but you actually may be a real good fit for WDW (given the way you all like to vacation for 7+ days).

Hope that helps. pirate:

Thanks Hound! That's the sort of inside info I am looking for! Someone who understands and loves both parks. I can tell that I am really gonna have to do some homework to avoid things like hurricane season and learn what we would like to see in which park and where to stay and if we would want to use the transportation system or bring our own. I've done a little scanning but I know I have just barely scratched the surface.

If I may chime in as a DLR lover, WDW one-timer, and only a couple years younger than your DS...

I agree with everything Hound said, but with the ages of your kids off season might not be possible. This was the case for our family, so we went during the summer, knowing that it would be crowded, hot, blah blah... But still, we had a FANTASTIC time.

One piece of advice I have is to not go to WDW expecting DLR. It's a totally different atmosphere with different rides, resorts, transportation, dining, recreation, etc. It can seem a little overwhelming. Check out the many WDW boards on the DISboards (just be warned of the VERY different personalities of the people on "those boards" as opposed to the DLR boards) and I HIGHLY recommend buying the Unofficial Guide to WDW. It's so helpful in it's huge amount of info. WDW is definitely worth checking out because:
a) it's fun (duh)
b) it's something completely different from DLR (even though they both have the "disney parks" in common)
c) it has so many attractions, entertainment options, and dining options that DLR doesn't have
Thanks for chiming in DLR29! Actually, we homeschool so traveling in the off season is not a problem. As a matter of fact we have always been fortunate that we have not ever taken a trip during peak time. Fall is our traditional family vacation time.

It is going to be a tough thing to not compare it because the family LOVES Disneyland so much! But we would be prepared so all we can do is try. I am hoping that we love all things Disney just enough to like WDW too. God help us if we fall in love with it too! Don't know how we would manage to make it both places regularly!
Yep, just perusing a few pages of WDW has already been downright overwhelming! Guess I best go find me a copy of that Unofficial Guide to WDW!

Rat-a-too-ee

06-17-2010, 06:35 PM

Thanks for sharing, I have learned some new tips and tricks from your post.

As two hurry hurry let's go-type adults, we have done DL/DCA in a single day a few times. It's really a fast-paced day, no time for real restaurants, just grab & go foods. No time to relax or sit (we rest while we are in line, we sit on attractions, lol). One time we pushed ourselves too hard and we both accidentally feel asleep during the Aladdin show because of the darkness and cushy seats.

Each and every time we do have to make some cuts because we just cannot fit it all in. We went during Xmas-time 2009 and I really wanted to see the reindeer, but we ended up missing them. And it was too cold for Splash Mtn.

It's a crazy day, but we have a tight Disney budget (we are still paying off our DVC membership), so that's the way we have to do it for now.

We are planning our next 1-day DL-DCA adventure for December 2010 :woohoo:

crarmy

06-13-2011, 01:29 PM

So good and entertaining! Thanks for taking the time to post! Fello' Texan!;)

Jennifer70

08-08-2011, 02:56 PM

You have given me hope that I can accomplish all in two days! Thanks
:cheer2:

KCmike

08-08-2011, 03:29 PM

When is Hound going back?? :confused3

Hound 109

08-11-2011, 06:02 PM

You have given me hope that I can accomplish all in two days! Thanks
:cheer2:

Oh my goodness....the one day Commando report got bumped. :scared1:

I don't know about accomplishing it ALL, Jennifer. ;)

But if one has a plan & gets to Walt's park early.....is prepared to zig when others are zagging & know that you'll have to jump off the "plan" at times.....then one can accomplish alot. :hippie:

So good and entertaining! Thanks for taking the time to post! Fello' Texan!

Thanks CRARMY! :)

Thanks for sharing, I have learned some new tips and tricks from your post......We are planning our next 1-day DL-DCA adventure for December 2010

Thanks Rat-ta-too-eee! How'd your commando trip go in December??

When is Hound going back??

I'm hoping for a November or early Dec. visit Mike. How about you all? :yay:

:)