California Backstage Magic DISUnplugged Podcast Tour: 04/13/10 Trip Report w/Pics

[TheTXTaylors5]

My husband I were lucky enough to experience our very first Adventures by Disney Tour with the Podcast Crew (Pete, Walter, Kevin and John) and 44 DISers.

DISCLAIMER: Your CA Backstage Magic Tours may or may not include everything we did.
SPOILER ALERT: This Trip Report goes into detail about the Tour.

Here's our Trip Report ...

Sunday - April 11, 2010

This is the first and only trip we have taken on our own since our first child was born almost ten years ago. So, it took a lot of pre-trip preparation not only to make sure DH (Bill) and I had all our bags packed. But, I had to make sure the pantry was stocked and my Mom and the Nanny had all the information and tools they needed to care for our children for a week. My Mom watched the kids during the evenings and on the weekends. The Nanny was hired to watch DS4 during the daytime and take DS9 and DD7 to school and pick them up in the afternoon and entertain them until my Mom got home from work. I was exhausted before this trip even began. I didn't get any sleep on Saturday night. I was busy doing laundry and making sure Bill didn't oversleep. We planned to depart around midnight. I am better off not sleeping at all than trying to sleep for 2/3 hours and try to wake-up. I usually feel more tired. I reluctantly woke Bill up out of a deep sleep around 11:45. The bags were all packed and just needed to be loaded into his car.

Believe it or not, even though Southwest is based in Dallas (Love Field Airport), we found cheaper non-stop flights on Southwest out of Austin to LAX.

We left our home north of Dallas around midnight to make the four hour drive to Austin. Our flight wasn't until 9 am. Meaning, we needed to be at the airport around 7 am. We were parking the car at an off-site lot and taking the shuttle to our terminal. So, we factored in that time and stopping once for gas and leaving time for any unexpected stops. We arrived near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport around 5 am. We found the off-site parking. But, it was way too early to just sit at the airport. We passed a Waffle House on our way into the Airport. So, Bill made a u-turn and we decided to start the trip off with a nice breakfast. Since having kids, we haven't been to Waffle House that much. I got the cheese omelet and hashbrowns. The omelet was light, fluffy and oozing with cheese. It was yummy! Bill got the same with a waffle added. Of course, we both downed a couple cups of coffee. The caffeine was well needed! We slowly ate breakfast and still had over an hour before most people for our flight would arrive.

We decided to head back to the off-site parking. So, we could get our bags checked and just relax for a bit at the airport. I had two new books to read this trip and I couldn't wait to get started. Bill bought me Spinning Disney's World and Designing Disney right before the trip. Checking our bags was a breeze and at this time of the morning, security should have been quick. But, we encountered the Kansas State gymnastics team entering security at the same time as us. So, the line went from zero people to over sixty people in a matter of minutes. We had the time. So, this was only a minor inconvenience. I was getting a kick out of the students. More than half had on cowboy hats. I know I have nothing on me, but I always breathe a sigh of relief when I get through the metal detector without making it go off. However, it did go off. I took off all my jewelry and watch. The TSA Agent just did the wand and let me go on my way. I still don't know what made it go off because coming back home, I had on almost the same outfit and the metal detector didn't go off at LAX. Go figure.

Bill overheard a Southwest employee tell someone that our flight was overbooked and was telling me when the announcement came over the PA. They were "begging" for six people to fly out later. They offered all kinds of incentives (free flight later, $200 AND a free voucher for a one-way flight within the next 12 months.) It was very tempting. But, we had ABD waiting for us at LAX (or at least we thought). So, we stayed put. The flight was uneventful, which is always good.

This is what two adult looks like on their first trip without the children ...
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happy!

We landed at LAX on time. What a chaotic airport! Bill and I made our way down the escalator to the exit expecting to see a smiling driver holding an ABD sign. However, we only saw RCI and Carnival cruise signs. Maybe, they were over by the baggage carousel. So, we headed over there to get our baggage and still no ABD driver. We got our luggage and decided to check outside. Maybe, they were waiting for us outside. No such luck. We waited more than 45 minutes before Bill finally called ABD. He got hold of a person that had no idea about our reservation and what he was talking about. Yes, very frustrating. It was a Sunday. So, we obviously got the low man on the totem pole. But, they took Bill's mobile number and said she'd call him back. Thirty minutes later, still no call. So, Bill called ABD back again. The person told him they hire out the drivers. It is a third party. She could see our reservation and arrival information in the system. But, didn't see where there was a confirmation on who was picking us up. So, she said she would call the shuttle service and call us back. Fifteen minutes later, she called back and told us our best option was to just take a cab to the hotel and they would reimburse us. It was a minor hiccup in the trip. So, we went back outside again and found the taxi stand. Our bags were loaded and we were on our way to Hollywood!

Photo teaser ...
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[TheTXTaylors5]

Sunday - April 11, 2010 (Continued)

I have never been to LA. So, I was stretching my neck in the taxi trying to soak in the sites. The hotel, Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, seemed so far from the airport. Once the driver exited the highway, I got even more excited. I would finally get to see the infamous Hollywood. Like any major city, it has it's good and bad areas. My first sites of Hollywood were spray-painted buildings and people hanging out on the sidewalks. Yes, I made sure the taxi door was locked. The area got nicer and nicer the closer we got to the hotel. Phew! I was scared for a minute. But, I knew ABD was a class act and the hotel would be nothing but fantastic and I was right. I could see the high-rise hotel in the distance. When the driver pulled up out front, I honestly couldn't believe we were finally here and ready to start our California Adventure. It was surreal!

The Hollywood Renaissance Hotel
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We entered the Art Deco looking lobby and found the registration desk. Bill nicely asked upon check-in if we could get a room with a view of the Hollywood sign. However, she said that was not part of the ABD standard room price. She must have seen the disappointment on our faces because she said, "Hold on. Let me see what I have." Still thinking we didn't get a room with a view, Bill accepted the room keys and off we went to find our room. We entered the room and it was really nice with a HUGE king bed.

Our room.
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Of course the first thing I did upon entering the room was check the view. This is what I saw ...
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(this is super zoomed in.)

This is what it looked like without a zoom lense. Not a bad view!
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Thank you to the woman at the check-in counter and to Bill for asking! Free upgrade. Yay!!!!!!!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Sunday - April 11, 2010 (Continued)

After taking a little nap, we were famished for lunch. It was around 1 PM by this time. So, we exited the hotel right into the Highland Shopping Center. This hotel is in a prime location!!!!!

Me at the Highland Shopping Center. You can see the Hollywood sign faintly in the background.
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Before getting lunch, we had to peek over the side of the shopping center onto Hollywood Blvd. This is the home to the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, El Capitan Theatre, Masonic Temple (Jimmy Kimmel Live) and The Disney Soda Fountain and Store. We could see all of these from the shopping center!

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That's Bill above.

The shopping center and hotel are on the same side of the street as the Kodak Theatre and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. We'll see them later after lunch. After taking a couple of pictures, we decided to finally get some lunch. We found a Johnny Rockets in the shopping center. Burgers and shakes sounded good. They were busy. But, we still found a cozy booth in the back. Both Bill and I got a cheeseburger and vanilla shake. Yummy as expected! Bill had been posting our adventures on Facebook. I caught him in the act during lunch.

Bill making a Facebook and DIS post.
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After lunch, we walked around upstairs for a bit and decided to venture down to Hollywood Blvd. It was VERY crowded! You step right onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stars left and right as far as I could see. It was neat to actually see them in person. I am one of those people that spent more time looking down than up. Sorry to the people behind me, I was walking like a drunk woman. We found some familiar names ...

Hollywood Walk of Fame
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We decided to stop along the way for some photo ops along Hollyood Blvd ...

A crowded Sunday on Hollywood Blvd.
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We are going to take a walking tour of Hollywood Blvd. with the ABD Tour on Wednesday on our way to breakfast at the Disney Soda Fountain. Today, we wanted to take our time to soak in the atmosphere and characters. There were people dressed up and down the street in costume. It was a site!!!!

The Kodak Theatre. Home to the Academy Awards.
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Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
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My kids (and Bill and I) like the Harry Potter movies. So, I couldn't resist taking a picture of their handprints and footprints. They even dipped their wands in the cement. Also, the other one below is such an old classic. Gone with the Wind is one of my all-time favorite movies.
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We weeded our way through the crowds for about an hour and then decided to head back up to the safety of our room. On our way up we ran into a couple of DISers from the ABD Tour. We had all posted our pictures on the thread. So, we could put faces to names. It really helped out when meeting them in person.

Once in the room, Bill started not feeling too well. It may have been lunch at Johnny Rockets because I started feeling ill too. Not as bad as Bill luckily. It felt like food poisoning. Which was good and bad because we knew the sickness was only temporary and it would soon pass. (no pun intended). Bill went out to find some Tums while I relaxed for a bit. When he came back, we fell asleep for a few hours. The whole being up more than 24 hours was taking a toll on me too. Tomorrow, we planned to drive the Pacific Coast Highway. I wanted to be 100% to enjoy the experience. So, being the party animals we are, I ran downstairs to the Highland Shopping Center to grab some pretzels for dinner and we called it an early night.

Tomorrow, we would be cruising in a convertible on the PCH! Yahooooooooooooooo!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Monday - April 12, 2010

We awoke this morning to an overcast sky. The view was still spectacular.

Sunrise in Hollywood.
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Our Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic Tour didn't officially start until tomorrow evening for a Welcome Dinner. So, we had all of today and tomorrow to play tourist. Bill rented a car online prior to our arrival. There is a Hertz right inside the hotel. So, we quickly got ready and hopped into our silver Chrysler Sebring convertible that was waiting for us downstairs.

Bill enjoying the convertible.
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Bill and I were both feeling much better today. Bill was still not 100%. But, being a trooper. The plan for today was to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Monterey and maybe Pebble Beach.

First, we had to make a pitstop for coffee and a light breakfast. Bill travels to Seattle often on business and has come to really enjoy the coffee chain Tully's. We don't have them in Texas. He did a search online and found that there is only one in the LA area. Believe it or not, it is located inside Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. So, we typed the address into our trusty GPS. (We brought our GPS from home to help navigate the CA roads.) We were on a mission to find Tully's. On our way to Cedars-Sinai, it started to lightly drizzle. The weather forecast for today was scattered showers. This would be a battle we would fight for most of the day. It's no fun to be in a convertible, when you can't put the top down!

We had no problem finding Cedars-Sinai. I was going to run in and get our drinks while Bill waited. But, there was absolutely no curbside parking. So, he parked in the parking garage and we ventured inside to find caffeine. The smell of coffee was calling us. I am not a big coffee drinker. I usually get tea or hot chocolate when we visit Starbucks. The only time I drink hot coffee in the morning is if I am really really tired. On this morning, hot chocolate sounded good. To have a double dose of chocolate this morning, I got a chocolate croissant too. Yummy! Bill has a favorite cold frozen coffee drink he likes from Tully's. I had to look it up. It's called a Mocha Bellachino. He had a cinnamon roll to eat. We grabbed our goodies and headed back to the car. We planned to have breakfast in the car to make up some time.

Our Tully's breakfast.
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Bill savoring his drink.
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Traffic in LA is horrendous! We entered the highway to an already slow-moving traffic jam. Once, we got further from downtown LA, the traffic thinned out and I finally saw this sign ...

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Bill and I both love the ocean and mountains. Why aren't we living in California?!?!?!? Oh yeah, the housing prices!!!! We had always dreamed of this moment, driving the PCH in a convertible with the ocean crashing. Pure heaven! The journey of a lifetime was about to begin.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Monday - April 12, 2010 (Continued)

Here are my first views of the Pacific Ocean from the PCH ...

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The sun was trying to peer out from behind the clouds. This may be a great day afterall.

The view was great. But, where are the cliffs I see in all the movies? As I learned from this trip, patience is a virtue and will be rewarded later on. :thumbsup2

The PCH 1/101 winds near the ocean on 1 and then takes you onto 101 away from the water for a bit. We were a little worried because we hadn't seen the ocean for awhile. I didn't read about all the hills and non-beach roads in any of the guidebooks. They only show you the cliffs with the ocean crashing in the background. That's what I think of when someone says "Pacific Coast Highway". Again, be patient a little birdy tells me ...

On one of the roads, it looked like they cut right into the rock to make the road. I saw this road/rock on a car commercial last night!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP66571.jpg

We headed further north through avocado farms and luscious hills. But, where was the ocean????? We actually started to think we took a wrong turn. But, the woman on the GPS kept urging us on.

An avocado farm.
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The hills. (It's okay to break out into the Sound of Music at this point. ;))
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We were taken back onto the highway and decided at this point to take a break and get a cold drink. We saw the familiar golden arches in the distance and decided it would make the perfect stop. By this time, the sun was really shining. It was time to put the top down on the convertible!!!

We drove on 101 for about 40 minutes when Bill said it looks like clouds ahead. Should he pull over and put the top up? I told him to go with his instinct. So, he pulled over to the side of the highway. He hit the button to close the top (it looked very easy) and he pulled back onto the highway. Not five minutes later, the pitter patter of rain started to fall on the windshield. From then on, I let him dictate when the roof came on and off. He had a knack at it. The rain didn't last. Like the weatherman stated, it really was scattered showers that day. Maybe, they should have called it sporadic showers.

During our travels north, we went through a tunnel. It looked very familiar like it had been in some movies.

The tunnel.
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On the other side of the tunnel were more hills. After about another 30 minutes, we could see the ocean to our left again. In my mind, I knew I wanted to stop at the next major town. I wanted to stop and smell the ocean air and get some beach pictures. I don't have the greatest camera for taking action shots from the car.

If you've seen the movie Clueless with Alicia Silverstone, you might remember during the movie she is raising money and goods for the "Pismo Beach Disaster". We saw a sign coming up for Pismo Beach. It was a familiar name. So, we decided to stop there for lunch and to relax. It is a cute little seaside down where all roads leads to the coast. We parked the car at a town lot right on the beach. We did zero pre-trip planning on lunch for today. We decided to go with the flow. I stopped a group of twentysomethings and asked where they recommend we eat lunch. All three at the same time said The Splash Cafe. That was a good sign. They were all in agreeance. It is known for it's clam chowder. Growing up in Massachusetts, I was born eating clam chowder. I am always up to try a new recipe. So, off we went to find The Splash Cafe. By this time, we were hungry.

It didn't take us long to find the restaurant. The town only consists of a few blocks. Bill still was not 100% better. He had the after food poisoning sour stomach. So, he decided to skip the milky clam chowder. He ordered the fish and chips. One thing to note when orderding fried fish on the west coast, it is going to be frozen and can sometimes taste frozen. Bill didn't like his fish at all. He ended up sending it back and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. I did order the infamous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. OMG! This was so good. Pictures can't do it justice because you can't smell the yumminess. The bread was toasted and buttery, the clam chowder was tasty, thick and full of clams. Sometimes, I am leary when a place prides themselves on a certain dish. However, here it was well warranted. If you are ever in the area, make sure to pop in for some clam chowder (just stay away from the fried fish!).

Check out The Splash Cafe website HERE (http://splashcafe.com/).

The Splash Cafe - Pismo Beach, CA
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My bread bowl clam chowder.
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Bill's fish and chips.
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[TheTXTaylors5]

Monday - April 12, 2010 (Continued)

Stopping off at Pismo Beach was our first taste of getting out of the car and experiencing the ocean. So, I went a little picture happy here. Here are some pictures from Pismo Beach ...

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The sun was brightly shining. Time to put the top down again! Here are some car shots in Pismo Beach ...

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I was only "posing". Bill did all the driving this trip.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP66653.jpg

It was time to bid Pismo Beach a farewell. There was more to see ...

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Somehow leaving Pismo Beach, we didn't hear the GPS woman when she told us to turn. It must have been all the wind ripping through our hair with the convertible down. We ended up at a dead end. This is when the term "it's the journey, not the destination" came into my mind. We never would have found this little gem, if we hadn't gotten lost. Someone how we ended up at Harford Pier. The only way I remember the name is because I took a picture of the sign. It looked like whale watching and fishing tours leave from the dock here. It was very picturesque. When I stepped out of the car to take some pictures, I was almost attacked by squirrels. They were everywhere! There was even a sign warning not to feed them. I had never seen so many squirrels hanging out at the beach. They surely were lost. After a quick stop to take some pictures, we make a u-turn to head back the way we came to find the road we missed.

Pictures from Harford Pier ...
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(not a bad place to get lost to!)

Beware of the attack squirrels!
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[TheTXTaylors5]

Monday - April 12, 2010 (Continued)

Once we made the stops in Pismo Beach and Harford Pier, I wanted to see more than just the roads along the PCH. So, when we came upon Morro Bay, Bill made me happy and pulled into town so we could explore more. Who knows when we will get back to these parts again. I wanted to savor the experience of traveling the PCH. What caught my eye at Morro Bay was this HUGE rock sticking out of the water. You couldn't miss it. We could see it from miles away. As we got closer, we had to check it out.

Pictures from Morro Bay.
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Morro Rock.
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We drove to get a little closer to Morro Rock.
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I honestly knew nothing about Morro Rock until I came home and did a search online.

From wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morro_Rock):
Morro Rock is a 581-foot volcanic plug located just off-shore of Morro Bay, California at the entrance to the Morro Bay Harbor and a causeway connects it with the shore, effectively making it a tied island. The area around the base of Morro Rock can be visited. The rock is protected as the Morro Rock State Preserve. Climbing on the rock or disturbing the bird life is forbidden by law.

Morro Rock was first charted in 1542 by the Portuguese explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who called it El Morro which is the spanish geographical term for a crown-shaped rock or hill. Since then, it has become an important landmark to sailors and travelers.

You learn something new everyday.

After admiring the view, we headed north once again. We were driving up 1 when we saw a sign for an overlook to view Elephant Seals. Up for more nature, we stopped to check out the view. We could see the seals napping on the rocks. My camera is not the best to zoom and get a crisp picture.

Here are some pictures of the seals on the rocks.
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[TheTXTaylors5]

Monday - April 12, 2010 (continued - this was a long, long day ... )

"On the road again" - Willie Nelson
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We got back on 1 heading north when we spotted hundreds of elephant seals on the side of the road. Bill braked and made a u-turn back. When we got out of the car it was kind of eerie. They weren't moving. Were they dead????? Once we got closer, one of them poked his head up and let out what sounded like a loud burp. They were alive alright. Just napping in the sun.

We got within a few feet of them, with a fence between us. They weren't afraid of us at all. It was really cool to see them this close in their natural habitat. It was moments like this, I wish the kids were here. They would have loved it!

Elephant Seals along the PCH.
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(Looking at this picture, you can see now why we thought they were dead! No movement.)
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(This little guy kept coming closer and closer. He was not shy!)

After visiting for a bit, we headed back north on a mission to find the section of the PCH we had been dreaming of.

We drove through a little more of this scenery ...
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Then, we finally came to this ...
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It was breathtaking. Pictures cannot do it justice. We stopped for a few pictures ...

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This trip up the PCH was taking longer than anticipated. As you can tell from the pictures, it was getting dark and cloudy. On with the top again. At first our goal was to be in Monterey for lunch, now we were "hoping" for sunset.

Bill drove the little car through the twists and turns of the PCH. I wasn't even driving and it was making me nervous. Thank goodness we were heading north. We had the protection of the rocks on the right of us. However, the rocks can be deadly too. We saw a few rocks slides while making our way north. There was even one section with a road crew clearing the road. You could still see the mud on the road from the rockslide. It was scary!

The further north we went, the more beautiful the scenery got. It was amazing! Of course we had to stop for some more photo ops ...

More beautiful Pacific Ocean photos.
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The sun was starting to set. We hurried off to Monterey.
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After driving for another 30 minutes, we knew there was no way we were going to make it to Monterey before sunset. So, Bill pulled off the side of the road and we watched the sunset on the PCH. It was so peaceful and romantic.

Sunset on the PCH.
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After we watched the sun disappear for the evening, we hopped back into the car. By this time, we were famished. We hadn't eaten since lunch. So, it was Monterey or bust for dinner.

We pulled into Monterey in pitch dark and a sprinkling of rain.
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This is where our GPS came in handy once again. Bill made reservations in Monterey for lunch, which we missed. He really wanted to have dinner at the restaurant. He had already pre-typed in the address before our trip. So, we followed the GPS to the Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. I am sure during the daytime it is beautiful and bustling with activity. At night, it was romantic with only a handful of patrons. We parked the car and made our way to the Old Fisherman's Grotto Restaurant on the Old Fisherman's Wharf. (That sounds like a tongue-twister!)

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We found the restaurant without any problem. It was the only place on the wharf showing signs of life. We were seated right away to a table right on the water. Again, I am sure it is beautiful during the daytime. At night, we really only saw hints of water and docked boats lit from the moonlight and the candles on the table. It was a very romantic restaurant. The servers were very attentive.

Old Fisherman's Grotto Restaurant.
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You'll never guess what I got for an appetizer?????? If you guessed clam chowder, you are correct! Bill was feeling better by this time. So, we shared a bowl of clam chowder. Which turned out to be this big shell of never-ending clam chowder. We ate and ate and the bowl never seemed to get lower. For our main course, I got scallops and Bill got coconut shrimp. Both were just "okay". But, the clam chowder stole the meal. It was delicious!!!!

The clam chowder.
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After dinner, we walked around the deserted wharf for a few minutes and then hopped back into the car.

Old Fisherman's Wharf Statue.
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The plan was to drive back to Hollywood. However, it was around 9 PM and we had been going all day and poor Bill had been driving all day. So, after he almost nodded off on the highway. We pulled off around 10:30 PM and found a Holiday Inn Express for the night "somewhere" along 101. We still had a room back at the Hollywood Renaissance. But, there was no way we were making it back there tonight. We both took showers and in no time were catching some zzzzzzzzzzz's.

Tomorrow, we would make the drive back to Hollywood and start our Adventures by Disney Tour with fellow DISers!!!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Tuesday - April 13, 2010

We woke up around 7:30 am and slowly made our way down to the continental breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we were back in the car on our way back to Hollywood.

We took the "speedy" way back, no PCH today. However, we found a different kind of beauty today. We traveled along miles and miles of vineyards and mountains. California has it all, the ocean and mountains. Y'all are lucky!

Some beautiful vineyards along the highway.
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After the rolling hills of the vineyards, we started to see more mountains to our left and higher hills on our right.

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We made a pit stop to stretch our legs and admire the beauty around us.

Pictures from our pit stop.
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Today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. It was time to put the top down on that convertible!
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We were getting closer and closer to LA. How could we tell?????

Traffic ...
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Los Angeles is notorious for traffic. We found this to be true on our way out and into LA. We were starting to see familiar street names and soon it was time to exit at Highland Avenue for the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel.

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We pulled into the hotel around 1:00 PM. The Hertz rental desk is right inside the parking lot entrance. So, I ran in quickly while Bill waited with the car. Within a minute the Hertz Agent was taking the car and we were off into the hotel.

We noticed an Adventures by Disney table set up in the lobby. So, we went over to check-in. This was our first encounter with our Adventure Guides Michael and Jaime. They were very friendly and handed us our Adventure Guide for the week. It gave a detailed itinerary of the week. At this time, we gave them our lunch order for the next day at The Jim Henson Company. We ran into some fellow travelers while at check-in, including Kevin and John from the DIS-Unplugged Podcast. Everyone was friendly. You could see the look of anticipation on everyone's faces. We have waited almost a year for this Tour to finally start. It was surreal that our Welcome Dinner was that evening. Bill and I visited for a little and then excused ourselves. We needed to head up to our un-used room to get refreshed for dinner that evening.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY ONE (April 13, 2010)
Welcome Reception and Dinner

When Bill and I entered our room, I noticed the light was flashing on our phone. I had the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. So, I assumed it was housekeeping wanting to know if we needed service. To my surprise, it was someone wanting to deliver something to us. A few minutes later there was a knock at our door. A man delivered us a little package from ABD.

Here are our ABD "goodies".
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Included in the package was an ABD duffle bag, (2) pens, (2) wipes, (2) binoculars & cleaner cloths.

Yay! We were starting to get ABD presents. There were more to come!

Upon check-in earlier, we were instructed to meet outside The Twist Restaurant and Lounge, located inside the hotel, later that evening. After a much needed nap and shower, Bill and I headed down to finally meet our fellow Adventurers. We had been chatting online and on a thread for almost a year. We felt like we knew everyone already. Also, Bill and I attended DAP this past December at WDW. So, we got to meet some fellow Adventurers in person. It was going to be fun to see some familiar faces and make some new friends.

When the elevator door opened, we could hear the chatter of people. It was time to get this party started! We made the rounds introducing ourselves and giving hugs to old friends. It was funny, when making introductions, our first name was followed by "my screen name is ... " If you were an outsider walking by, it may have sounded odd. Kevin from the Podcast handed a little gift to everyone from the DISUnplugged Podcast crew. He gave us a sun visor with DISUnplugged ABD 2010 on them. It is a great hat and very appreciated! We’ll definitely be wearing them in the parks. Bill was glad because he now has a hat to go with his DISUnplugged t-shirt. He’s coordinated.

DISers mingling.
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After a little mingling, we were led into a conference room where drinks and finger food was waiting. This is where our Adventure Guides (Michael and Jaime) made their official introductions and gave us an outline of what was in store for us this week.

Our Adventure Guides Michael and Jaime with Bill and I.
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The ABD DISer Mixer.
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After a little more mingling, we filed out of the conference room on our way to dinner. This is the first time the Adventures by Disney sign came out. We would follow it for the next five days. The group of 40+ took over the Hollywood and Highland Center on our way to dinner located at Trastevere Ristorante. We were escorted to the back of the restaurant where a whole room was set up just for us. You couldn't help but notice four podiums in the front of the room. I assume those were for the game show I had heard so much about at the Welcome Dinner. The doors to the patio were open to show a spectacular view of LA.

The view from our private dining room. You can see the Capitol Records Building.
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Waiting on the tables were breads, bruchetta, antipasto and salads. So, as soon as we sat people started munching and socializing. We had a limited menu to order our main course.

The Menu
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(Thanks Tonya!)

Bill and I ordered the Penne al Pomodoro e Basilico. Nothing else on the menu sounded appetizing. When our main course arrived, I was a little underwhelmed. The past was very bland. It was so bland, I tried to spruce up the dish by adding some eggplant and peppers from the antipasto plate. Nothing helped the poor pitiful pasta dish.

Dinner at Trastevere Ristorante.
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Before we knew it, it was time to play Disney trivia. The host needed four players. To get his players, he asked a question and the first person with the correct answer won a spot at a podium. I'll be honest, the questions were VERY easy. My children probably could have answered them. I did get picked to answer a question. I remember the question, "Which Disneyland attraction has a basketball court in it?". I've watched enough Disneyland travel shows to know the answer is ... "The Matterhorn Bobsleds". Yay! I won a spot at a podium. However, I decided to pass the baton to my husband Bill. He is a very shy person in group situations. I knew this would be a great ice breaker for him, and it was! He was great and a real sport when one of his questions had to be sung. Where's the video camera when you need it?!?!?!

Bill making his way to the podium.
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For the evening, Bill's name was "sucker". Those on the trip know why ...

Bill and the other contestants for Disney Trivia.
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When looking at this picture, have the song "We are the World" in your mind ...
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(Thanks Heather!)

All of the contestants were funny and knowledgeable of Disney trivia. In the end, Kim won "big cheese" Mickey ears ...

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(Thanks Anna!)

Bill got a consolation prize of a Donald Duck Kooky pen. It is really cute.

Bill's winnings.
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After the game, it was time for dessert. A tiramasu was placed before me. Again, it was "okay". I'm not a big tiramasu person. I like my cake and pudding as two separate desserts.

During dessert, one of our fellow Adventurers (Matthew) announced that he made everyone a special t-shirt for the trip. There were 44 of us. That was VERY generous of him. Also during dessert, Bill and I passed out Texas pralines to the group. We couldn't come empty-handed meeting our new friends. Throughout the trip, other fellow DISers gave out little gifts too.

Before we knew it, dinner was coming to an end. We were on our own for the remainder of the evening. Upon exiting the restaurant, the Guides were waiting with our official ABD lanyard or pin pouch and "pin for the day". Each day of the Adventure you are given a different pin to represent that day. Also, each day has a "theme" and "word of the day" to represent the day's activities.

Today's Theme: It All Started With A Mouse
Word of the Day: Mickey
Pin of the Day:
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(Thanks Tonya!)

After leaving the restaurant, Bill and I wanted to call it an early night. We had to be downstairs bright and early to meet for our breakfast at the Disney Soda Fountain and Store. So, Bill and I went up to our room. However, after being in the room for less than an hour we both were still hungry. Neither of us ate that much at dinner. So, I pulled out the room service menu and we both agreed pizza sounded good. We ordered two sodas and a margherita pizza. To our surprise when the tray arrived, the chef included two complimentary cookies. Both the pizza and cookies were yummy! We fell asleep with full bellies and dreams of what tomorrow would bring.

Pictures of our real dinner for the evening.
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[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY TWO (April 14, 2010)
Breakfast at Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store
El Capitan Theatre
Jimmy Kimmel Live

Today's Theme: Lights, Camera, Adventure!
Word of the Day: Hollywood
Pin of the Day:
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It felt as if I had just fallen asleep, when the phone rang with our 6 am wake-up call. Normally, I lay around a little longer after the alarm goes off to truly wake-up. I couldn‘t wait to get out of bed this morning. Today was our first full day on the Tour. I have to tell you, if you plan on going on this tour, get some rest BEFORE the trip. You are going to need it!!!! We had to be downstairs around 7:30 am to meet our Guides and fellow Adventurers. Today was a packed day from beginning to end. Knowing of the fun ahead, Bill and I hopped out of bed with a little pep in our step and full of anticipation. I can’t believe how quickly I can get ready without three children to help. Bill and I were ready in record time! We actually sat down and relaxed before heading out the door. Soon, we were on our way down to meet the others in front of Twist (our meeting location).

We made our way down to the lobby in front of Twist with DISers chatting away about what they did last night. It was funny. We were on the elevator = silence . As soon as the elevator door opened, we could hear the DISers before we saw them. This was a rowdy bunch! We jumped into the group. Once all the Adventurers arrived, our herd followed the Guides through Hollywood and Highland Center to the Kodak Theatre. Here we took our first official group picture.

"The Group"
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The Guides made the mistake of asking for those that want them to take a picture with their own camera to leave it with the Guides. Before they knew what hit them, the Guides had 20 cameras laid before them. It was a site that would be repeated a few times this trip. We all now know what it feels like to be a celebrity. We stood and smiled for over 20 pictures to be taken. It was like the Oscars! We were certainly in the right place for it. After our “photo session”, we made our way down the stairs to street level where the Guides gave us a little history of the Kodak Theatre. They pointed out where they have rods to drape curtains during the Academy Awards to cover the storefronts. It looks totally different in person than on tv. I will definitely be looking more closely next year at the red carpet and it’s surroundings.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
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The group moved next door to the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Again, the Guides gave a little history and pointed out some of the more notable handprints and footprints cemented in front of the theatre. We didn’t dilly dally around here too much. We had a schedule to keep. Breakfast was waiting for us across the street at Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store. For some of this Tour, I personally felt it was rushed. But, I know it was because we had a larger group and it took longer than anticipated to get us from point A to point B. We quickly made our way across Hollywood Blvd to Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store.

Our Guide Michael giving the history of the theatre and the infamous handprints our front.
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You will notice that Marilyn Monroe's slab has a jewel for the "i" in Marilyn. We were told that initially she wanted it to be a diamond. But, she was talked out of it due to obvious theft of the stone.
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Hi ho hi ho it's off to breakfast we go ...
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The restaurant was open special this morning for our ABD breakfast. When we walked in, the place was already set for our group with fresh fruit waiting on the table and a menu just for us. I’m not a big waffle or pancakes person. However, whenever we visit a Disney property, I always have to have a Mickey waffle. They just taste so much better than a “normal” waffle. When I saw Mickey waffle as an option for breakfast, I knew exactly what I was getting. I got the Mickey waffle with a side of bacon. When my plate was placed before me, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The Mickey waffle was HUGE compared to the ones you get on Disney property. I want that waffle iron! Breakfast was warm and yummy.

A special Menu just for us ...
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(Thanks Tonya!)

Breakfast with our new friends.
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My Disneyfied breakfast.
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We found the Disney vault!
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Our table companions were great and the conversation flowed through breakfast. During breakfast, the Manager asked some Disney trivia which was fun. Also during breakfast, Kevin from the Podcast came around and gave everyone a paper towel from Club 33 as a teaser to our breakfast in a few days. After breakfast, we were given the opportunity to shop at the Studio Store inside the restaurant. I browsed, but didn’t find anything I couldn’t get at Disneyland. So, I didn’t buy anything to Bill’s relief.

Bill and I hanging out at the counter.
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After breakfast, we were ushered next store to El Capitan Theatre. Waiting in the lobby were ushers with cups of popcorn for everyone. I followed the trail of popcorn into the theatre. The theatre is beautiful. The first thing I noticed was the Wurlitzer organ center stage. I don’t know that much about organs. But, I could tell it was something special. The craftsmanship was amazing. Standing next to the organ was Rob Richards, the House Organist. We were told to sit in the first two rows. After everyone was seated, we were given a private concert by Mr. Richards.

Rob Richards and the mighty Wurlitzer.
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Wow! That organ is amazing with the sounds it can produce. When Mr. Richards was done playing, he gave us a little history of the organ and demonstrated some of it’s unusual sounds. Then, he opened up the floor for questions. Also, during our time seated, the Manager gave us some history of the theatre and it’s extended renovation/rebuild. Our time with Mr. Richards came to a musical end when he started playing the pre-show music for Alice in Wonderland and we got to experience a real pre-show at El Capitan. It was truly magical. It made me want to come back and see a movie here. Also, the theatre and organ were all decorated for the movie Alice in Wonderland. You were surrounded by the theming for the current playing film. Very neat!

The theatre decorated for Alice in Wonderland.
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(Thanks Lynne!)

We were invited backstage of the theatre and then onto the stage by the Stage Manager. The Stage Manager gave us a little more history of the theatre and told us about live theatre productions put on there. Everyone we encountered at El Capitan had such passion in their voices when they talked about the theatre. When I saw the theatre tour on the itinerary, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I enjoyed the experience more than I thought I would. It was very interesting.

Backstage at El Capitan.
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A nice thing about Disney having their own theatre is that they can showcase current releases and display props and costumes from the movie. We headed downstairs where they had props and costumes on display from the movie Alice in Wonderland. The costumes looked so small. Johnny Depp must be tiny!

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(Thanks Lynne and Heather!)

Bill and I enjoying El Capitan.
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After a quick break, we followed the crowd out of the theatre next door to the Masonic Temple, home to Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel Live!
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At this point, we had to put our cameras away. So, I will have to post the pictures from the Guides when I get my disc. We all huddled into the lobby area and were met by two Jimmy Kimmel Live! Staffers.

Bill and I have seen Jimmy Kimmel Live! on tv. So, we were familiar with the show. It was neat to see the “infamous” Green Room with the pool table and bar. We also, got to see the control room with it’s millions of little buttons. I had to contain myself to not push a button. They use every inch of that building for the production of the show. Some rooms were smaller than a closet! While touring the building, one of the JKL Staffers told us that when Toy Story came out, they turned the building into an interactive set for people to come and experience. It sounded neat. As we were in a room, he would tell us what it was used for during the Toy Story experience. As we toured the building, you couldn’t help but notice little carvings and granite work. It was initially a Masonic Temple afterall. The craftsmanship was still evident and preserved. It was nice to see they didn’t change everything inside the building. Having never seen a show studio, I was anxious to go down the stairs into the studio. It was much smaller than I thought it would be. Everything was so close. TV really does make things look bigger. Our Guides took a group picture in the studio.

Onstage at JKL.
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Then, we were led outside where they shoot outside concerts. They had a full concert stage. A JKL Staffer told us it was chaos when they had the Jonas Brothers perform outside. Little girls were hanging from the fence. Before I knew it, we were heading outside the gate and onto a waiting motor coach to whisk us to The Jim Henson Company.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY TWO (April 14, 2010)
Los Angeles Tour
The Jim Henson Company and Lunch

On our way to The Jim Henson Company, our driver pointed out some buildings of interest along the way ...

The Comedy Store (Owned by comedian Pauly Shore's Mom)
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Chateau Marmont (Where Lindsay Lohan lived for awhile)
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Laugh Factory
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Kat Von D's Tattoo Shop (High Voltage Tattoo A.K.A. LA Ink)
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The Viper Room (Where River Phoenix died.)
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Carney's Restaurant
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After our two cents tour of Hollywood, we finally arrived here ...

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Kermit had his hat tipped and waving us onto the lot.
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There was even a welcome sign to greet us ...
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We were finally at The Jim Henson Company lot!
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Once inside, we took a group photo in front of the company sign. This is where 20 cameras were turned over to the Guides like at the Kodak Theatre. Even people from The Jim Henson Company were helping to take the pictures. We were quite the spectacle and not too be missed on the lot that day.

A group photo at The Jim Henson Company.
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After the picture, we were split up into two smaller groups. We were in Michael's Group. However, before entering the building, we had to put our cameras and phones in a box. They were serious about no photopraphy in this building because their software is proprietary. Once all cameras were safely locked away, we crammed into the front room where Grant (our Studio Guide) had a computer set-up to show us how the puppeteers can use these hands to create movement on the screen. They are currently working on Sid the Science Kid. The show is created with live humans and a computer program. It looked like a science experiment. We got to peek into some work room and even saw some past puppets used in tv and movies. Then, it was time to head out and retrieve our cameras.

Next, our group headed to a soundstage to see where they film the human portion of Sid the Science Kid. They have also used the sound studio for movies. It was huge! After that, we were led into a screening room, where I made the mistake of choosing a bean bag instead of a chair. I almost fell asleep during the presentation. I honestly, don't remember what the movie was about. When we exited the screening room, it was time for lunch.

There were tables and a tent set-up on the lot for us. Lunch was catered-in. We ordered our lunch the day before during check-in. I ordered a cheeseburger and salad. Let me say, this has been a great experience and I can eat when I get home. My burger was burnt, dry and not very good. While eating, Grant brought out a real puppet for us to take pictures with.

DISers devoured the lunch table. This is what was left ...
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My Rating: ::MickeyMo

Bill and I with our new fuzzy friend (and Grant).
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After lunch, we were free to roam and take pictures. Also, one of the Guides mentioned that we could go into the Reception Office in groups to see the Company's awards, Chaplin safe and more puppets.

Inside the Reception Office ...
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We even got to touch an Emmy!
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A visit from a familiar friend.
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The Jim Henson Company lot used to be home to Charlie Chaplan Studios. His presence is still there in pictures and the infamous safe. He used to keep his shoes from The Tramp in the safe. At one point A&M owned the lot and kept master recordings in the safe. We are the World (both versions) were recorded here. The day we were touring the facility, I could hear music coming from the studio. I'm curious who was in there recording that day. The property was declared a Historical Landmark in 1969.

Here's the plaque in front of the building.
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Charlie Chaplin's presence is still on the lot.
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Bill trying to break into the safe from outside.
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I think I am lost. How'd I get to England?
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The lot was full of all kinds of photo ops. Before the trip, I tried to do a little research on each location. Since this was once Charlie Chaplin Studios as previously mentioned, Charlie left his footprints in the once wet cement outside of the studio's Sound Stage 3. It was rumored this is what inspired Sid Grauman to create his famed Chinese Theatre forecourt. The original prints were taken by Red Skelton for his home, but there is now a replica in it's place.

I was so happy to see this ...
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This is a working lot and not open for public tours. They didn't have a gift shop or commissary. That may have been a blessing in disguise. Our group loves to shop!!!!! You CAN get Muppets items on Disney property.

Too soon, it was time to leave this quaint lot. This property is very peaceful in the middle of the chaos of Hollywood. Back on the motor coach we went.

COMING UP: We get to revert to our youth! All Aboard!

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY TWO (April 14, 2010)
Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn - Griffith Park

We took a little drive from The Jim Henson Company to Griffith Park, home to Walt's Barn.

Walt Disney's dreams for Disneyland began when he watched his daughters ride on the carousel in Griffith Park. He wanted to create a place where parents and children could have fun "together". Thanks Uncle Walt!

Walt Disney's Barn
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Anyone familiar with Walt Disney, knows he had a passion for trains. He had a train 1/8th scale track on his property in Holmby Hills, California. He named the railroad Carolwood Pacific Railroad after the street he lived on (Carolwood Drive). Also, on his property he had a barn where he monitored the trains and brainstormed on future projects. The new owners of Walt's property were going to tear down the barn. Luckily, Walt's daughter Diane saved the barn and had it disassembled and then reassembled at it's current home in Griffith Park. The barn opened on July 19, 1999 to the public for tours and train rides. The barn is normally only open the 3rd Sunday of each month (free to guests). They open it special for the ABD Tours.

Knowing the history of the barn, I couldn't wait to get off the bus and see Walt's Barn in person. It was just as I had pictured it.

"The Gang" hanging out at Walt's Barn.
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(Thanks Anna for this one!)

Bill and I in front of Walt's Barn.
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Again, we split up into two groups. One group was to ride the train, while the others got some history of the Barn and an opportunity to purchase some items. We got to venture inside Walt's Barn first. All of the workers at The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society are volunteers and have a passion for trains and keeping Walt's legacy alive.

The plaque outside the barn.
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It was surreal being inside Walt's Barn with his tools and knowing, Walt stood here.

Inside the barn.
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This is actual track from Walt's home.
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(Thanks Lynne!)

Jennifer taking one of a thousand pictures this trip.
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After our tour, we did a little shopping while the others finished up their train ride.
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Then, it was our turn. It was time to ride the 1/8th scale train. It was fun to watch all these adults getting excited about a train ride. We straddled the train and were ready to go. At first, I was a little nervous all these adults would tip the poor train. But, she was strong and chugged along. It was fun to be out in the open enjoying the sites atop this train. Now, I know why Walt liked it so much. You couldn't help but have a smile on your face when getting off. The train track went pretty far into the property. It was a nice day for a train ride.

Big kids having fun.
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It seemed like the time just flew by and before I knew it, we were heading back to the motor coach. It was finally time to head back to the hotel and have the evening to ourselves.

While on the motor coach, our Guides said that the people from Jimmy Kimmel Live! gave them 12 tickets for tonight's taping. Since, there were 44 of us, they did a lottery on the bus for the tickets. They used our lunch order tickets and put them in a hat. Bill and I were really interested in seeing a live taping. So, we kept our fingers crossed when they were calling out the winners. After they called out a few names, I heard a familiar name "Bill Taylor". Yay!!!!! Bill won us tickets!!!! Our evening was now spoken for.

Once back at the hotel, the Guides handed out our pin for the day as we were getting off the motor coach.

COMING UP: Taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and an "Adventure" to find IN-N-OUT for dinner.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY TWO (April 14, 2010)
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Taping
Dinner at IN-N-OUT

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We were told to be in front of the Masonic Temple at 5:30 PM to get in line for Jimmy Kimmel Live! That was less than an hour away. We rushed upstairs to get refreshed. Rushed is a very good word. Because before we knew it, it was time to head across the street to meet the others.

DISers waiting in line for the Jimmy Kimmel Live! taping.
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Waiting outside the studio were our Guides and some of the other Adventurers. There were two lines forming. One line had stand-by people trying to get into the taping. The other line had us and some other already ticketed guests. While waiting in line, some JKL Staffers came out and offered us energy drinks. I guess they wanted the crowd loud and hyper for the taping. Once all of the Adventurers attending the taping arrived, our Guides left us with a JKL Staffer. While waiting in line, we noticed Eric Estrada (from Chips) come out of the building. This was our first celebrity sighting this trip!

Patiently waiting outside Jimmy Kimmel Live!
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We waited about 30 minutes, then we were led into the building. Before gaining access to the entryway, we had to go through a metal detector and check any big bags and cameras. No cameras allowed! Once through security, we were held in the front hall before the stairs going down to the studio. We were shown some clips of the show (we had already seen the clips during our tour earlier that day). Then, we were led into the theatre by groups. We had prime seats on the upper level with a clear view of the stage/desk and band. This was exciting! Once everyone was seated, a comedian came out to warm up the audience. He was funny and had the crowd practice cheer numerous times. While waiting for the show to start, Huey Lewis (singer) popped out to say "Hi". He wasn't on the show that evening. I have no clue why he was there. Before it was time for taping, the audience was allowed to use the restroom in sections. When it came to our section, it was funny, our whole section got up. Before I knew it, Jimmy Kimmel came out and we cheered long and loud. We were a rowdy bunch! It was fun. The guests that evening were actress Alyssa Milano and producer/author Jerry Weintraub. I knew who Alyssa was from Who's the Boss. Bill and I recognized Jerry from the movie Vegas Vacation. I guess he's a big producer too. The band we saw play, The Specials, was not the one they showed on the program, Gloriana. I seem to remember during our tour earlier, one of the JKL Staffers mentioned Gloriana played the night before. So, they must piece shows together sometimes.

Here's a link to the show we saw ... Jimmy Kimmel Live! (http://abc.go.com/watch/jimmy-kimmel-live/93521/259156/jimmy-kimmel-live-423)

We couldn't take pictures. Bill was able to screen shot some from the show.

Us in the audience at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bill is in the striped shirt and I am next to him.
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After the taping, we flowed out onto the sidewalk of Hollywood Blvd. We all looked at each other and were HUNGRY! So, we were on our way to find an IN-N-OUT.

A California Institution ...
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It was not too far. I haven't a clue why they call it IN-N-OUT, because they are always busy and it is NOT quick. We had them on our trip to California last year. It should be called IN-N-WAIT. As expected, it was crowded. We all placed our orders and luckily found enough tables to fit us all. It was a Wednesday night and we were out. This felt odd. We hardly every go out on "school nights". It was fun! Our number was called and Bill went and got our burgers and fries. I was so hungry at this point, a shoe would have tasted good. The cheeseburger was hot and good. I could have done without the fries. They were just "okay".

Bill and I at IN-N-OUT.
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My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

After we all finished our meals, we headed back to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel for the night. We had to be up bright and early for breakfast at Twist.

It was a very full day. I had no problem falling asleep this evening. I was off to never never land and dreaming tomorrow's purchases at Mickey's of Glendale.

COMING UP TOMORROW: Disney Imagineering, Disney Studios and we make the move to Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY THREE (April 15, 2010)
Walt Disney Imagineering

Today's Theme: Making the Magic
Word of the Day: WED Enterprises
Pin of the Day:
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(Thanks Tonya!)

Looking at the tour itinerary prior to the trip, I knew we had a lot of ground to cover today. Bill and I hopped out of bed with no hesitation this morning. I had every intention of packing our bags last night. We move to Disney’s Grand Californian today. But, I fell asleep while “relaxing”. So, after getting ready, I hastily packed. We had to be downstairs for a buffet breakfast at Twist. We were instructed to leave our bags in the room and they would pick them up and transport them to our new home.

We entered Twist and found a table with others to dine at. Once seated, we hopped right back up and hit the buffet. There were lots of fresh fruits and the normal breakfast buffet items (bacon, sausage, biscuits, hashbrown potatoes, etc …). I piled up on cantaloupe, watermelon and pineapple. I can’t get enough of fresh pineapple. I’m not for pre-cooked eggs on a buffet. So, I was delighted to see an omelet station. I ordered a ham, cheese, spinach and peppers omelet. It was hot and yummy. The fruit was juicy and very refreshing. During breakfast, Kevin came around and handed everyone a swizzle stick and chocolate from Club 33. Another teaser for our upcoming breakfast at Club 33 TOMORROW!!!! Thank you Kevin!

My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

After breakfast, we were instructed to meet in the lobby. Some people went up to their room to finish packing. We were done. So, we hung out in the lobby a bit socializing with the others. We had to wait longer than anticipated because another group was boarding their motor coach. Finally, we had the green light and we were boarding our motor coach on our way to Walt Disney Imagineering!

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A little background on Walt Disney Imagineering …

Walt Disney Imagineering (also known as WDI or Imagineering) is the design and development branch of The Walt Disney Company. They are responsible for the creation and construction of Disney theme parks worldwide. It was founded by Walt Disney in 1952 to oversee the production of Disneyland Park. It was originally known as WED Enterprises, from the initials Walter Elias Disney.

The term Imagineering comes from Walt Disney’s blending of the words imagination and engineering. The name represents the skill set embodied by the employees of WDI. These employees, known as Imagineers, are renowned for their ability to blend creativity, expertise, and technological advancements like Audio-Animatronics to create “distinctive experiential storytelling”.
(I obtained the above info from wikipedia.com I knew the history of WDI. But, I couldn’t word it so eloquently as above.)

There was a lot of chatter on the bus this morning. There was a lot of anticipation for our next stop. This is where the magic is created. We pulled up to a very non-descript office building. The only way you could tell it was a Disney property was that the building number was in what looked like a Cast Member name badge.

Walt Disney Imagineering Building
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As expected, we had to leave our camera on the bus during our tour here. Our ABD Guides did take some pictures here. So, I will insert their pictures in this section of the Trip Report when I get them.

Everyone was handed a visitor pass with their name on it. I proudly wore mine on my ABD lanyard. Then, we entered the building and were ushered into a room set up with chairs and a screen. We were shown a movie about Disney, Imagineering and what they are currently working on and the future. It was interesting and a film every Disney buff should be able to experience.

Waiting for the movie to start.
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When the movie ended, Imagineer David Fisher talked a little more about the Company and upcoming projects. While he was talking, a curtain behind him opened up. To our surprise, Lucky the Dinosaur appeared.

Lucky the Dinosaur in action.
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Bill and I with Lucky.
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Lucky is the first free-roving audio-animatronic figure ever created by Disney's Imagineers. The flower cart he pulls conceals the computer and power source. Lucky is capable of moving, vocalizing, and responding to guests.

Everyone, including myself, was excited to see Lucky. He is in semi-retirement now. So, the only place you can see him is at Disney Imagineering. Mr. Fisher didn’t sound too confident that Lucky would get back out into the parks. Our ABD Guides offered to take a picture of each couple with Lucky. I can’t wait to see our picture!!! He was so cute and cuddling his head up to people making noises.

After everyone had their picture taken, we were split up into our two groups. Our group first went to the room that houses the models made to help in the creation of Audio-Animatronics and statues. The first thing I noticed when walking into this room were the original Italian marble statues of Snow White and Seven Dwarfs. The ones currently in Snow White’s Grotto in the Disneyland California Park are replicas to preserve the originals from the elements. If you are a Disney fan, I am sure you know the story behind the size issue of the statues. In error, the Snow White statue is the same size as the dwarves. Using forced perspective, the Snow White statue was placed at the top of the grotto, to make it appear as if she is taller than her dwarf friends.

Snow White's Grotto at Disneyland California.
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Our group with the statues at WDI.
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Snow White
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It was neat to look at the different models and know that they played a part in a theme park attraction somewhere on this globe. While in the room, we were introduced to Joe Cocker, or at least the robot version of Joe Cocker. The Imagineers created an Audio-Animatronic figure that sings and makes movement like the singer. We were given our own little concert. It was kind of creepy though because we saw the inside of the figure with no covering (skin). Before I knew it, the other group was in the doorway waiting to come in. So, we took a quick group picture in front of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs statues before exiting the room on our way to an audio room where they record sound effects for attractions.

Some models you may recognize.
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In the audio recording room, we were told to take a seat and put on headphones. Then, the room went dark and we listened to a recording of sound effects with doors opening and closing, people walking, etc… The room had a 360 degree range of recording and sound. It was very interesting. I am sure Bill would love to play the audio to The Matrix in there.

After our short time there, we were led back into the models room to continue the presentation. Then, our large group was led into a huge room next door where they create the models and life-size sculptures of everything for the parks, resorts and cruise ships. When first walking in, the most notable thing was the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion model. Our Imagineering Guide admitted that some of the things in the first released sketch of the expansion have been scrapped and that it is still a work in progress. The major thing I noticed that was scrapped was a meet and greet home for Cinderella was no longer on the model. We stopped and admired the Fantasyland expansion model for a bit and then we moved on to where we saw HUGE statues in the making. The ones that stood out the most to me were these big brooms with buckets (like the ones from The Sorcerer's Apprentice in Fantasia), which I later learned are for the new DCL Disney Dream presently being built in Germany. We sail on her in 2011. It will be fun to see those huge brooms painting the ship in person, knowing we saw them at Imagineering first.

DCL Disney Dream
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(The above pictures are from disneyparks.com)

Also, in the way back, I could see the sculpted seats for the Enchanted Garden dining room for the new ship. The room was full of all kinds of random pieces. There were some animals that we were told are for the new kid areas on the ship. Then, there were semi-constructed items I couldn’t identify. I was stretching my neck all around to take in the sites and creations being made before us. This is where the ideas come to life. It was magical to be in that room. Too soon, we were being moved out of the room. But, no one lingered because our next stop was Mickey’s of Glendale.

Mickey's of Glendale is the Disney Imagineering onsite shop where you can get Disney Imagineering merchandise. Our massive group moved through the campus pretty quickly. Soon, we were standing in front of the store. We had one and a half hours to shop, pay and get back on the bus. Before entering the store, we were each given at 40% off coupon for one item. That would come in handy! It was finally time to shop. Ready, set, shop! It was like Black Friday. Disers running left and right into the store. I has a list in my mind of what I wanted to get here because you can only get Disney Imagineering items like pins and clothing here.

DISers take over Mickey's of Glendale.
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Some exclusive Disney Imagineering Merchandise.
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Here’s the run down on what we got at Mickey’s of Glendale:
(7) t-shirts
(3) collared shirts
(5) pens
(1) notebook
(2) note cubes
(1) mousepad
(15) pins

and a partridge in a pear tree. (Bill – Did I miss anything?????)

I was told they open the campus one day a year for “outside” people to shop at the store. I might have to look that date up the year we plan to come back to California. After seeing all the goodies, I wouldn’t mind shopping here again! Besides the Disney Imagineering items, there were park items too like stuffed animals and t-shirt and generic Disney clothing. We knew we could get them at DL or WDW. So, we stuck to Walt Disney Imagineering items only.

We finished up pretty quickly compared to others and sat outside under a shaded table. It was a gorgeous California day. After about 1 hour and 45 minutes, the group made it’s way onto the bus with “armfuls” of bags. We only had one large bag. But, we did see some people with four and five large bags.

The bus driver had cold water waiting in a cooler and the ABD Guides handed out snacks on the bus. Both were well needed at this time. We were on the road once again.

Next stop ... Walt Disney Studios

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY THREE (April 15, 2010)
The Walt Disney Studios

The Walt Disney Studios
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Walt Disney Studios is a working studio and not open for public tours like the others (Warner Bros & Universal). Once past the security shack, the bus dropped us off and we followed our ABD Guides to the Frank G. Wells Building.

Frank G. Wells Building
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This building is home to the Disney Archives. When entering the lobby, you are greeted with large display cases filled with Disney “stuff”. One case displayed hats worn in Disney movies. Another had Disney memorabilia. There were also some with costumes from some recent movie like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Hannah Montana Movie. These were nice teasers to what was inside the Disney Archives room.

The display cases in the foyer of the building.
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My favorite hat on display.
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Soon the doors opened to the Walt Disney Archives and we all squeezed into the room ...

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There were items in display cases from the first Mickey watch to orange juice cans. The bookshelves were filled with hundreds of books. The room was shock full of items.

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(Thanks Lynne!)

We were suppose to meet with Disney Legend Dave Smith. He created the Disney Archives. But, we took too long at Mickeys of Glendale. He left about ten minutes before we arrived. That was a shame because we really wanted to meet him.

Check out Dave Smith's Disney Legends statue on the shelf.
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A curator brought out this Audio Animatronic bird in a cage that inspired Walt Disney to create Audio Animatronic figures like the ones in Pirates of the Caribbean and the Enchanted Tiki Room.

The bird that inspired Walt.
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We were lucky enough to see the first Disneyland ticket and parking pass.

First Disneyland park ticket.
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A highlight for me is when we got to hold an Oscar and take a picture. I know why people on the Academy Awards are shocked when they hold it for the first time. It was heavy!

Bill and I accepting our award. (in our dreams!!!!)
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Academy Awards
Walt Disney holds the records for number of Academy Award nominations (with fifty-nine) and number of awarded Oscars (twenty-six, below). Four of his Oscars were special awards, and one, his last, was granted posthumously.
• 1932: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Flowers and Trees (1932)
• 1932: Honorary Award for: creation of Mickey Mouse.
• 1934: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Three Little Pigs (1933)
• 1935: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: The Tortoise and the Hare (1934)
• 1936: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Three Orphan Kittens (1935)
• 1937: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: The Country Cousin (1936)
• 1938: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: The Old Mill (1937)
• 1939: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Ferdinand the Bull (1938)
• 1939: Honorary Award for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) The citation read: "For Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, recognized as a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field" (the award was one statuette and seven miniature statuettes)[2]
• 1940: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Ugly Duckling (1939)
• 1941: Honorary Award for: Fantasia (1940), shared with: William E. Garity and J.N.A. Hawkins. The citation for the certificate of merit read: "For their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of Fantasia"[2]
• 1942: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Lend a Paw (1941)
• 1943: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Der Fuehrer's Face (1942)
• 1949: Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: Seal Island (1948)
• 1949: Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award
• 1951: Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: Beaver Valley (1950)
• 1952: Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: Nature's Half Acre (1951)
• 1953: Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: Water Birds (1952)
• 1954: Best Documentary, Features for: The Living Desert (1953)
• 1954: Best Documentary, Short Subjects for: The Alaskan Eskimo (1953)
• 1954: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Toot Whistle Plunk and Boom (1953)
• 1954: Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: Bear Country (1953)
• 1955: Best Documentary, Features for: The Vanishing Prairie (1954)
• 1956: Best Documentary, Short Subjects for: Men Against the Arctic
• 1959: Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects for: Grand Canyon
• 1969: Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day
(The above information was obtained from wikipedia.com)

In the hallway, was the multiplane camera used to create Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and many other Disney Classics. I had seen a special when I was younger on how they layered the images to create a cartoon. I was shocked at the size of the multiplane camera.

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(Bill is 6'5". This picture can give you an idea of how tall the multiplane camera is.)

After the group browsed and everyone got their picture with the Oscar, we made our way to the Walt Disney Studios Grille for lunch. We were each given a voucher for a drink, appetizer, main course and dessert. The commissary was set up like a food court at the mall. They had a pizza/pasta station, fresh sandwiches/paninis and burgers to order, Chinese take-out and pre-packaged sandwiches and salads. Bill headed towards the pizza area and I headed for the Chinese take-out. I got orange chicken with steamed white rice and Dibs (ice cream) for dessert. The food was edible. It was on par with a mall's food court Chinese food (Panda Express). Bill and I had a nice quiet lunch together.

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Bill enjoying his lunch.
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There were five clocks in the dining area for all the Disney parks around the world.
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My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

After lunch, we met back outside. We followed the familiar ABD sign to the corner of Mickey Avenue and Dopey Drive. This corner is also known as Pluto’s Corner. Notice the paw prints in the cement. There are only three!

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A.K.A. Pluto's Corner
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Continued ...

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY THREE (April 15, 2010)
The Walt Disney Studios - Part 2

The Walt Disney Studios
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After a brief history of the lot and the outside of the different buildings, our Guides stopped in front of the Animation Building.

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We got to go inside. In the hallways of this building are some one of a kind cels, sketches, paintings and storyboards used to create some Disney masterpieces. I couldn’t wait to get inside. When you first enter, you are met with a picture of Walt Disney. His presence is everywhere on this lot.

Walt greeting us at the door.
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Wandering the hallway was like being in a museum. I am very lucky to have seen this amazing artwork.

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This was on the floor midway down the hall.
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(Bill can say he's touched some magic. He flipped through this animation draft. Oops!)

When we got to the exit, we were led into Legends Plaza. This is where Disney Legends are recognized for their contribution to the Company. Each legend has their handprint bronzed and placed on the wall. Inside the plaza are two familiar statues. One is the Partners statue with Walt and Mickey. The other is the bench with Roy and Minnie. Also, in the plaza is a replica of the award given to the Disney Legends. I have seen this plaza in pictures with the Seven Dwarfs looking down. It was surreal to be standing in the plaza looking up at the huge statues. Most of this trip was surreal. Don’t pinch me, I don’t want to wake up from this dream!

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Partners Statue
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Our group with the Partners Statue.
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Bill and I with Roy and Minnie.
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Disney Legends Statue
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Some Disney Legends.
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(The last words Walt ever wrote "Kurt Russell").

We couldn’t stay here forever. We needed to start our trip to Anaheim soon or we would be caught in rush hour traffic. But, we couldn’t leave without a quick stop into The Walt Disney Studio Store. This was a very small store. I found three pins for the kids and let Bill go pay while I went outside to wait. I was only in the way inside the store.

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While waiting for Bill outside, I noticed a hospital across the street from the studio lot. It towered over the buildings and couldn’t be missed. After looking at it for a few moments, it donned on me what it was … Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. That is the hospital where Walt passed on December 15, 1966.

Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
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All good things must come to an end, and soon we were heading toward the exit. If the trip had ended at that moment, I would have been a happy camper. The Hollywood portion of this Tour far exceeded my expectations. I can’t believe we have more magic coming our way!

We didn't venture too close to the sound studios and where the action is taped. So, I took some pictures from the parking lot and along the way around the lot.

Soundstage 2 is where Mary Poppins was filmed.
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We loaded the bus for the last time on our way to Disneyland and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

Our chariot awaits ...
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COMING UP: We arrive at Disneyland and a change of plans for dinner.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY THREE (April 15, 2010)
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Dinner at Steakhouse 55

While on the bus on our way to Disneyland, we were informed that instead of our welcome dinner and reception at Hook's Point, we were having it at Steakhouse 55. There was a loud cheer on the bus, as this obviously was an upgrade. Bill had made us a Priority Seating there for dinner the following night, our "free night". So, we were excited to get a preview dinner.

As expected, we ran into some LA traffic. So, the ride took longer than expected. I tried to take a nap. But, I just couldn't. With all the fun we had today, my adrenaline just wouldn't let me sleep. So, I watched the tv screen on the bus that was showing old Disneyland parades. They've come along way!

Finally, we exited the highway and were on Disney property. It was so nice to be back on familiar ground. We were here last year with the kids and just loved the Disneyland resort. Last time, we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel (I highly recommend it). This trip, we are staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
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The outside of the hotel.
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The front door to the hotel.
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The bus pulled into the resort and we all made our way into the lobby to pick-up our room key. The lobby is amazing. I was looking up more than forward. The style is classified as “craftsman”. It reminded me of the Wilderness Lodge at WDW resort.

The atrium area.
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There was a special check-in desk open for our ABD group. Since, we were in the back of the bus, we ended up in the back of the check-in line. So, once Bill got to the front, he was informed that we were on a separate floor than everyone else in our Tour. Normally this wouldn’t haven bothered us, except we were THE only ones on a separate floor. Who did we upset???? We thought it was odd being excluded from the group. Even so, Bill reluctantly accepted the room cards and we made our way to our room. Once in our room, I do what I normally do … I went out on the balcony to check out our view. That is when I saw other DISers poking their heads out like prairie dogs. It was funny. That is also, when I realized being on a separate floor from everyone else was a bummer. So, Bill called downstairs to see if they could find us another room. I have to say, listening to him on the phone was painful. The Cast Member didn’t have a clue and they were talking in circles, getting nowhere. How hard was it to find us another room? Harder than I thought. Finally, a Manager called back and said they could try and get us another room later when someone checks out. Bill had spent so much time on the phone, it was already time to meet back up with the group for dinner. We had zero time to refresh. Very frustrating to say the least. We headed back down to the lobby as instructed earlier to meet for dinner. Our ABD Guides were at check-in. So, they knew we were not happy about being on a separate floor. When they saw us in the lobby, they asked if we were happy with the room. We were honest. But, told them it was being worked on.

Finally, our group was all there and we made our way out of the hotel into Downtown Disney. This hotel is in a great location, it connects to Downtown Disney and Disney’s California Adventure park. We were headed for the Disneyland Hotel, the location of Steakhouse 55. Downtown Disney was crowded for a Thursday night. We had to weave our way through the crowds always keeping our eye on the ABD sign ahead.

Entrance to GC from DTD.
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Our destination ... The Disneyland Hotel.
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Steakhouse 55
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(photo from wdwinfo.com)

Our group arrived and we were greeted by friendly CMs pointing us towards the bar area. They had it roped off just for our group. Appetizers were waiting on a table. There were breads and an assortment of cheeses.

Appetizers waiting for some hungry Adventurers ...
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(Thanks Lynne!)

A server came around taking drink orders. Bill and I both ordered wine, as this was suppose to be a wine tasting.

Wine Tasting Menu
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(Thanks Tonya!)

A server came around with a mini menu for our main course that we needed to choose from.

Steakhouse 55 "Special" ABD Menu
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(Thanks Tonya!)

Soon, it was time to head into the main dining area for dinner. We found a table with others and sat down to our first dinner at Disneyland. We had a salad appetizer and then our main course arrived. Bill and I ordered the New York steak, as did most people. We both like our steak cooked medium. However, something in the back of my mind told me to order it medium well. Bill ordered his medium. When our steaks arrive, mine was perfectly cooked medium. Bill’s however was still mooing. So, he politely asked them to cook it a little longer. When they brought it back out, the plate was scalding hot. However the meat was still undercooked as they only seared it on the outside under the broiler. Bill took a poll around the table to make sure it was not just him and we all agreed it was way undercooked for medium. So, the server came back over to ask how he liked it and he told him it was still undercooked. By this time, everyone at the table was done eating and waiting on dessert. However, the server insisted on taking the plate back and refiring the steak. At this time, Bill and I both decided NOT to eat at Steakhouse 55 the next evening. So while still at dinner, he called the Disneyland Dining number and made us a PS for dinner at Napa Rose the next evening. The server came back and proudly placed the steak in front of Bill standing there waiting to see if he was satisfied. I don’t know how, unless they recooked him a steak, it was MORE rare than before. That chef back there was a magician. At this point, Bill told the server forget it, please don’t bring me any more steak, I’ll just have dessert. It was the most bizarre thing I have ever seen at an upscale restaurant. If you are a steak restaurant, you should know how to properly cook a steak. With that said, we probably will give the restaurant another try on a future trip. Maybe, they were overwhelmed with 44 people ordering steak at the same time. Dessert was a yummy apple tart with vanilla ice cream.

Dinner at Steakhouse 55 ...

Salad
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Main Course
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Dessert
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(Thanks Heather!)

My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

After dinner, our ABD Guides informed us we were all heading over to Disneyland Park for a night of fun. On our way out of the restaurant, our Guide Michael told Bill he found us another room and that we could check it out after our evening at Disneyland Park. That was a relief. Now, we can enjoy the evening.

COMING UP: An evening at Disneyland Park!

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY THREE (April 15, 2010)
Evening at Disneyland Park


We followed the group back through Downtown Disney to the main gate of Disneyland Park. Here our Guides gave everyone their Park Hopper ticket to be used the next three days. We were responsible for our park ticket. “No Tickey, No Mickey” was our ABD Guides slogan for keep track of your ticket!

Who wants a ticket?!?!?!?!
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(Thanks Heather!)

Once everyone made it through the turnstile into the park, we made a sprint to The Haunted Mansion. We have been to Disneyland. So, we have made that first walk down Main Street to Sleeping Beauty Castle. I felt bad for those that this was their first taste of Disneyland because we honestly were running and weaving through the crowds. We got into the park right before the fireworks started.

The Haunted Mansion
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We all made it to The Haunted Mansion and waited by a side entrance with our Guides for further instruction. While waiting, the fireworks started. We could “kind of” see them from our location, but it was not an ideal viewing spot.

Waiting outside The Haunted Mansion.
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Before the fireworks were done, we were ushered in our own entrance to the ride. We really didn’t need a backstage entry into the ride because there was no one in the standby line. Everyone was watching the fireworks.

On our way in for some creepy fun ...
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But, we were back-doored into the ride anyway. Our whole group took up one stretching room. We were cozy. I really like The Haunted Mansion at WDW. I was really disappointed by the Disneyland version. It seems shorter and different. I do like the exterior though. We want to come back one year and see the Nightmare Before Christmas version. We’ve seen it on youtube and it looks really cool. After our frightful journey with 999 ghosts, our Guides had a surprise for us … we had our own sub for the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage waiting for us. Our group made the trek through the hub over to Tomorrowland.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
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Waiting in line to ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage .
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While waiting for our sub’s hatch to open, our ABD Guides give everyone their pin for the day. I'm not big into Disney pins or pin trading. But, it has been fun getting these special ABD pins to fill up my ABD lanyard. This is such a great keepsake from the trip.

Our ABD Guides bid us good evening, they weren’t riding with us. But not before handing everyone five FPs to use on their own that evening. We had about two hours before the park closed. Those FPs will be handy!

Once we were all loaded into the sub, it slowly moved along. We were packed in like sardines. Before we knew it, the bottom of the sub scraped the bottom of the lagoon. No joke! Yes, it actually was bottoming out due to the weight. We were 44 ADULTS on the ride. Normally, there are children and adults to balance out the sub. We could hear our skipper talking with the control center. They did not think this was a problem and we continued on our voyage. This is a really cute ride. I remember going on the subs back in the early 80’s during my first trip to Disneyland. I will warn you, this ride is NOT for claustrophobic people. With all the people, it was getting hot in there and I honestly couldn’t wait to get out!

44 DISers almost sunk a sub.
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(Thanks Anna!)

Once back on dry land, Bill and I found a group that was going on Space Mountain. We wanted to ride it too. So, off we went. This is one ride I like ten times better at Disneyland than at The Magic Kingdom. The ride is smooth and it feels like you’re going faster.

Space Mountain
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Having fun with fellow DISers.
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After Space Mountain, we decided to head back to the hotel and check-out our new room. We went to the check-in desk where two CMs were working and both occupied with people. So, we waited and waited and waited. Finally, I went and had a seat in the atrium while Bill waited in line some more. It was honestly ridiculous. I could see the CMs go behind this door at least ten times. What the heck were they doing back there? Finally after about thirty minutes, one of the CMs was done with their guest and it was our turn. We were told by our ABD Guide that there would be two new room keys WAITING for us at the front desk. So, all we had to do was pick them up and our other room keys would be void after midnight. That would give us time to move our things into the new room. The CM at the front desk had no idea what we were talking about. She typed a million keys on her keyboard and then disappeared behind that magic door. She came back out and said her Manager was busy and that she didn’t know anything about our new room keys. Then, she disappeared again for about then minutes. When she came back, she typed some more on her computer and then finally handed us two room keys. No apology for the wait or anything. Bill and I both agreed, we won‘t be staying at this hotel again. The architecture is nice. But, for the price you pay there needs to be competent people running it. We had no problems with the CMs when staying at the Disneyland Hotel. For some reason, the CMs at The Grand Californian were not trained properly. Thankfully, this was the last of negative experiences this trip. Everything after this was smooth sailing ...

After an exhausting day and evening, we went to check-out the new room before moving any bags. We were on the same floor as everyone else. Yay!!!! We were right around the corner. Bill flung open the door and I was pleasantly surprised. We had a Disney’s California Adventure park view!!!! Before the hotel changed their mind on giving us this “upgrade”, we went and got our bags and moved in. After unpacking, we fell asleep. We had to be up bright and early to meet for our Club 33 breakfast before the park opens.

Our "New" Room
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Snow White is my favorite Disney Princess. So, I was very fond of this picture in the room.
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It was dark. So, I didn't take any pictures of the view. I'll do that tomorrow morning ...

COMING UP TOMORROW: Breakfast at the infamous Club 33 and our Backstage Tour of Disneyland Park.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Disneyland Park

Today's Theme: Walt’s World
Word of the Day: Attraction
Pin of the Day:
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(Thanks Tonya!)

Ever since we were told the news that we would be having breakfast at Club 33, I have been dreaming of what it would be like to enter that coveted door. Bill and I both know the significance and exclusivity of Club 33. If it wasn’t for this trip, we never would have had the opportunity to step foot inside the building. Dreams Unlimited (John and Kevin) played a major role in getting us this breakfast. Thank you!!!! ABD later told them, they were planning on surprising us with breakfast at Club 33 anyway. I think they wanted to try it out, like dinner at Steakhouse 55, for future Tours. We get to benefit from all this “research”. I’m not complaining!

We had to be downstairs at 7 am sharp. Yes, you read that correctly, we had to be downstairs at 7 AM!!! Who gets up at 6 am while on vacation???? We do. That’s who. I would have gotten up at 5 am, if it meant Club 33 was waiting with a cup of coffee for me. We got to bed at a decent hour last night. So, we hopped out of bed without any hesitation.

The sun was shining. It was going to be another gorgeous California day. I finally got my first peak of our view in the daytime.

Sunrise over Disney's California Adventure.
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The view from our room.
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Bill and Jennifer enjoying the balcony.
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Our group anxiously waited in the hotel lobby until we were signaled by the Guides that it was time to move on out. We made the group walk over to the entrance of Disneyland Park. The park didn’t open for more than an hour and a half. But, there were guests (just a few) already in line. We made our way to the turnstile open just for us. Besides the CMs, we were the only guests in the park that morning.

Bill patiently waiting outside Disneyland Park.
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We stopped in the entrance area and were allowed to take some pictures in front of the train station. There was a train already there waiting for the park to open. This is where we met Julie. She worked at Disneyland and was going to be our third Guide for the day where needed.

The front of Disneyland.
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This plaque greets you as you enter the park.
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Not a creature was stirring not even a guest. (Okay, maybe a few DISers.)
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This year's Disney parks theme is "What will you celebrate?" (again).

This was located at the front of the park to greet guests.
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We walked as a group down the deserted Main Street toward Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was so quiet and peaceful. I wanted to cherish every moment of this. Never will I see Main Street this empty again. The park was all ours. That in itself, was a dream come true.

Bill and Jennifer hand in hand walking down Main Street.
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(Thanks Lynne!)

We made our way to the hub right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Guides took a group picture. Then, we were given time to take some pictures of our own in front of the castle.

Sleeping Beauty Castle
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(Lauren's photo)

Our group picture.
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Bill and Jennifer in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
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A view through the drawbridge.
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Before I knew it, we were being ushered through Frontierland towards New Orleans Square.

Follow that sign!
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COMING UP: Breakfast at Club 33

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Breakfast at Club 33

The History of Club 33 (from wikipedia):
When Walt Disney was working with various corporate promoters for his attractions at the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, he noted the various "VIP Lounges" provided as an accommodation for the corporate elite. This gave him the idea that culminated in Club 33. When New Orleans Square was planned, this special area for corporate sponsors and VIPs was included. Disney asked artist Dorothea Redmond to paint renderings and hired Hollywood set director Emil Kuri to decorate the facility. While originally intended for exclusive use by Disneyland's Corporate sponsors and other industry VIPs, when Club 33 opened in May 1967—five months after Disney's death—individual memberships were also offered.

Club 33 is a private club located in the heart of the New Orleans Square section of Disneyland. Officially maintained as a secret feature of the theme park, the entrance of the club is located next to the Blue Bayou Restaurant at "33 Royal Street" with the entrance recognizable by an ornate address plate with the number 33 engraved on it. When riding Pirates of the Caribbean, just as the ride departs, the Blue Bayou restaurant is visible, but the balconies above it are actually a part of Club 33.

Club 33 members and their guests have exclusive access to the club's restaurant, and the premises are not open to the public at large. It is the only location within Disneyland to offer alcoholic beverages, though Disneyland has a park-wide liquor license and has set up bars throughout the park for private events. Club 33's wine list includes vintages priced at $200. In addition to beer and wine, Club 33 has a full bar, though patrons may not order directly from the bar and must place orders through their server.

We were on a mission to find 33 Rue Royale, the secret address of Club 33.

Bill and I had been down this road before and even took our pictures in front of the Club 33 sign last year. So, we knew exactly where the “secret” door was located. It’s honestly not very hidden. It had a BIG 33 on the outside.

Outside Club 33
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We waited outside for a few minutes and then the door opened. A nice CM named Dan greeted us and waved us in. He didn’t have to ask us twice. Everyone headed through the door without hesitation.

DISers charging into Club 33.
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I have seen Club 33 on a couple of travel shows. So, I was excited to see the elevator, trophy room and of course the “throne”. We were escorted past the breakfast buffet into the main dining room. A server came around taking drink orders. Bill and I just sat for a minute to soak in the atmosphere.

Bill and I enjoying Club 33.
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We waited for the buffet line to die down a bit and then went to get some food. It was the normal breakfast buffet items with a few extras like steak and potatoes.

The buffet.
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My plate of yummy Club 33 food.
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That steak was yummy!!!! I even went back to get seconds later on. After I took a few bites, I couldn’t sit any longer. I can eat anytime. I wanted to explore Club 33. We had the run of the place. We were the only ones in the restaurant. I was snapping pictures left and right.

Bill and I in front of the elevator.
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Bill and I in front of the fireplace in the main dining room.
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The ladies room.
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"The Throne"
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The Trophy Room
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Walt had microphones installed in the chandeliers to spy on his guests.
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I noticed a line forming in the hallway. The line was to purchase exclusive Club 33 merchandise. After I took all the pictures I wanted, I hopped into the still long line to place our order. There was a display cabinet in the hallway. A CM was taking people’s order and then having to run out back and gather the items. I don’t think they were prepared for this shopping bunch. Bill came and joined me in line. Once our order was placed, we were told to wait at our table and someone would come around to get our payment and give us our goods. That was fine with me, because it gave me time to get that second piece of steak. Initially, we were supposed to be out of Club 33 already by this time. But, I heard an announcement that our time there was extended. A loud cheer was heard around the restaurant.

The display cabinet of Club 33 merchandise.
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Bill and I purchased:
(3) keychains
(5) pins
(2) Mickey ears
(1) collared shirt

We relaxed for a bit around the restaurant, soaking in our last few moments there.

Bill getting comfy on a couch.
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The view from Club 33 looking down onto New Orleans Square.
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Our time at Club 33 flew by and sadly we all made our way down the stairs back out into New Orleans Square. The whole experience was surreal. Did we really just have breakfast at Club 33???? It honestly lived up to the hype. What a great experience!

Bill and I on the staircase on our way out of Club 33.
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COMING UP: Time to explore Disneyland Park and some Backstage peaks.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Disneyland Park Backstage Tour

By the time we exited Club 33, the park had been open for about an hour. The park was already crowded!!! We followed our Guides into Adventureland where they stopped in front of Indiana Jones Adventure.

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We followed our Guides into the exit and made our way to a backstage door. No cameras allowed!

DISers heading backstage.
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We were met by two CMs that work on the ride vehicles for Indy. We were led into a work room, where they test and do maintenance on the Enhanced Motion Vehicles (EMV). We got an up close look at one of the EMVs. Then, one of our travel mates got to control an EMV with a control panel. When our time with the ride technicians ended, our Guides wanted to know if anyone wanted to ride Indiana Jones Adventure. Bill and I did. So, we followed one Guide through a back entrance to the ride loading area. Those that didn’t want to ride followed the other Guide to wait outside. It was times like this, I felt like a VIP. We bypassed the long line and were escorted to a waiting EMV.

Indiana Jones Adventure
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This is a bumpy ride! The last time I was on it was pre-lasik surgery. Because it was so bumpy, I took my glasses off last time. This time, I could see everything. It made the experience so much more enjoyable. I’d definitely ride it again! After our ride, we met back up with the rest of the group outside.

We heard the Guides say we were heading towards It’s A Small World. Once entering Fantasyland, the Guides stopped for a potty break. Then, we continued on to It’s A Small World. I guess I misunderstood, because I thought we were riding the attraction. But, we entered a backstage door to the right and before I knew it, we were officially backstage at Disneyland Park. Being backstage meant, put your cameras away. So, I don’t have any personal pictures from backstage. Just the wonderful memories.

This was exciting! A train was going by and our third Guide Julie told us to wave because they’re always onstage for the guests. We crossed under a bridge to a waiting engine on display. This is also where they have a roundhouse for locomotive storage (the other one is behind the Indy ride). Waiting for us were two CMs that take care of the trains.

A Disneyland steam engine waiting for guests.
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We were given the ins and outs of the engines and how they work. Each steam engine modeled after antique ones. There are five engines currently used at Disneyland park (E.P. Ripley, Fred Gurley, C.K. Holliday, Ernest S. Marsh and the Ward Kimball). As of 2007, all of the Disneyland Railroad locomotives have been converted to burn biodiesel. Disneyland recycled its own cooking oil into biodiesel. Each engine must stop several times a day to take on water. I was surprised that to be a train engineer at Disneyland, you have to be a fireman with all the proper training and certifications.

Our very knowledgeable Disneyland locomotive Guides.
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(The above pictures were taken by our ABD Guides.)

Too soon, we were being whisked off to our next backstage location. Along the way, we saw some ride vehicles and props just sitting on the side of the road. The one that stood out to me the most was a set of bobsled cars. It was so hard to not take pictures back there. I contained myself. We were led to an area outside the parade float storage hanger. I put hanger, because it was as big as an airplane hanger. They can keep two full parades worth of floats in there. We didn’t get to go inside. But, there was a Christmas float waiting outside for us to look at.

Also, while still standing outside the float storage building, our Guides pointed to a little building no bigger than two guard shacks put together. That was the command center for the fireworks each evening. Also, behind us was where they shoot the fireworks off. Our Guides told us that each evening a test balloon (just a normal white balloon) is sent up to see which direction the wind is blowing. Since Disneyland is located in a residential area, if the wind is blowing towards the houses behind the property, the fireworks are cancelled for the evening. Also, the Guides joked that the CM parking garage is right next to the fireworks launch area and that they have been warned NOT to park on the top level in the evenings due to ash and sparks falling and damaging cars. If cars are left up there, they are towed now. So, there is usually a mad dash of CMs rushing in the evenings to get to their car before the fireworks start. Once the fireworks start, no one is allowed outside the backstage area. I found all of this very interesting.

It was now time to mosey on over to the Circle D Corral (A.K.A. The Pony Farm) backstage. This is where Disneyland keeps the animals that are used in the park including the horses used to pull the trolley cars and the animals for the petting zoo at Big Thunder Ranch. For the holiday season, they care for reindeer here too. There was also a very talkative bird taunting us while a CM (Stable Attendant) gave us some history on the corral and the house that still sits there, The Pope House. It is named after horse trainer Owen Pope and his wife Dolly. They were hired by Walt Disney in 1952 to train the animals for the soon to be opened Disneyland. They lived on the property to take care and train the animals. The Popes are the only people to actually ever live at Disneyland.

The Pope House.
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A sign hanging from the porch of the Pope House.
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A 1953 photo of Walt Disney with a new pony is on display.
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(Since we couldn't take pictures backstage. I found the above pictures on a Disneyland website.)

COMING UP: A change of plans for lunch.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Lunch at Celebration Roundup
The Disneyland Story, Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

By this time, we had worked up an appetite from all the backstage super-speed walking. We had spent more time than expected at Club 33 this morning. So, the rest of the day was kind of hectic. We had a schedule to keep! We were led out of the backstage area under a tunnel. We came out right next to Big Thunder Ranch. CMs were waiting at the entrance to Celebration Roundup and herd our group in for some vittles. On the trip itinerary, we were suppose to have lunch at Café Orleans today. With our large group, this actually worked out better. We sat at picnic tables and enjoyed an all-you-can eat family-style lunch. There was chicken, ribs, corn bread, beans and coleslaw. Our drinks were served in mason jars. The food was tasty and there was plenty of it. While eating, a stage show started and the entertainers were singing old country songs like “Deep in the Heart of Texas”.

Lunch at Celebration Roundup.
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The Entertainment
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(Thanks Heather!)

My plate of yummy vittles.
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My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

After lunch, we walked as a group back down Main Street toward the flag pole hub. This is where our Guide Michael pointed out the plaque with Walt’s opening day speech engraved on it.

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Our Guide Michael going behind the rope. Shhhhhh!
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The plaque with Walt’s Opening Day Speech.
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By this time, the park was bustling with people. Main Street and the hubs were like Grand Central Station. The streets were filled with horseless carriages, horse-drawn trolleys and an omnibus. We had to look out to make sure we didn’t get hit. There were way too may vehicles in my opinion.

This is when we split up into three groups. Our Disneyland Guide Julie took the third group. We were to rotate between The Disneyland Story, Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, riding on the Lilly Belle and touring Walt’s Apartment above the fire station.

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Our group was first to watch Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. We walked into the building and had some time before the next showing. So, we browsed the Disneyland memorabilia on display and the many pictures on the walls.

Waiting in the lobby ...
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This plaque was on display inside the building.
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Prior to the trip, I read about the history of this attraction … Back in 1964, Walt Disney presented Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the New York World's Fair. This was the debut of the first animatronic human figure, Mr. Lincoln. I didn’t realize it until we got home, we were treated to an enhanced version of the attraction. It was refurbished and returned to the Opera House late last year.

COMING UP: Riding the Lilly Belle and a tour of Walt's Apartment.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Riding the Lilly Belle
Touring Walt's Aparment

After our time with Mr. Lincoln, or should we call him Mr. President, it was our group’s turn to ride the Lilly Belle.

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A view out the window of the Main Street station.
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Jennifer looking out the Main Street Station window.
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Bill relaxing before boarding the Lilly Belle.
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Our Guide Jaime waving us aboard.
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The Lilly Belle is a caboose car that is lavishly decorated in Victorian furniture and tapestry. Walt had the idea for a VIP car to transport Walt’s Family and VIP Guests through the park. Walt named it after his wife Lillian. Sadly, Walt never saw the renovation of the train car complete. After Walt’s death, the idea was scrapped due to the decay of the antique train car. Someone found the plans in the 70’s and made Walt’s dream a reality.

DISers take over the Lilly Belle.
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Our group onboard.
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It was fun boarding the Lilly Belle knowing we were now part of an exclusive group to ride on her. She has transported presidents, celebrities and even the Disney family around the loop of Disneyland. She is very posh. It was a very comfortable ride.

Bill and I enjoying the Lilly Belle.
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(Thanks Tonya!)

The interior of the lavish caboose.
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Someone asked what on the caboose was original ...
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That's it!

While on the train, our Guide gave us the history of the train car and a little audio tour of the sites we passed. Along the train route Between Tomorrowland and the Main Street Station is a Grand Canyon and Primeval World Diorama. It was really neat to see the detail and forward thinking of the Imagineers because it was created under Walt’s supervision. Too soon, the train chugged it’s way back to the Main Street Station and we had to hop off the beautiful caboose.

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We were told that our Guides were able to talk Disneyland into giving us each a special keepsake train ticket for the Lilly Belle. They don’t give them out anymore. Somehow, our Guides were able to pull some strings. Yea Guides!!!

Our Lilly Belle Ticket
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(Thanks Tonya!)

They saved the best for last with our group. It was finally time to step foot inside Walt’s Apartment above the Fire Station.

Bill in front of the Fire Station.
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We made our way backstage and up the staircase to the infamous apartment where we were met with a Disneyland Ambassador. I had seen photos prior to the trip. However, it looked much smaller and quaint in person. There were two couches in the parlor. One was Walt’s bed the other was Lillian’s bed. They use to have a picture of their parents above their bed. Now, there is a picture of Walt and Lillian above each couch. We got to relax in the parlor for a bit, even sitting on the couches and chair. I can say, I sat on Walt’s bed/couch! The apartment is like being in a time warp with the old furnishings and appliances. I was shocked at how “modern” the bathroom was for it’s time. We got to go out onto the patio area where Walt used to look out at the guests below. This was definitely a highlight of the trip for me. Bill and I appreciate Walt’s vision. We get “it”. I am always sad to know I was never alive when Walt was alive. I could never personally give him a proper “Thank You” for creating such an amazing place for us to take our children and create lasting memories. Being in the apartment was emotional for all of us. I still can’t believe we got to see the infamous lamp from the inside. There is a lamp that is kept burning in the front window as a tribute to Walt’s memory, except at Christmas where a Christmas tree replaces the lamp. Our Disneyland Ambassador told us the apartment is decked out during the holidays.

The Lamp.
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We got to take a group picture in front of the lamp and window.
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During our trip to Disneyland last year, Bill and I stood outside the Fire Station on our last night staring at the lit lamp in the window. We know Walt’s presence will always be there and within our hearts. He is forever our Uncle Walt.

We didn’t want to leave the apartment. But, the rest of the group was waiting outside for us to continue our touring day. We reluctantly climbed down the stairs and back out into the hub in front of the Fire Station. We were greeted by a Firemen band playing.

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Our group outside Walt's Apartment with our Disneyland Embassador
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COMING UP: A ride on Pirates of the Caribbean, The Enchanted Tiki Room and a tour of the Disneyland Dream Suite.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Riding Pirates of the Caribbean
Touring the Disneyland Dream Suite
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

We stayed in our three groups for our next set of Disneyland fun. We were to rotate between a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean, a tour of the Disneyland Dream Suite (above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction) and a viewing at the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Our group was first to ride the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Pirates of the Caribbean
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Again, we were given the VIP treatment with no wait. We were led into the exit of the attraction in New Orleans Square and waited for the next boat. Our group took up the whole boat. Bill and I had ridden this attraction last year. We both agreed that it is better than it’s WDW counterpart. It is longer with some extra scenes.

The extra scenes ...
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(Thanks Lynne!)

Also, the history knowing it was Walt’s last project makes it a true Disneyland gem. Once again, a great ride. I could have gone around again. But, our Guide Jaime was waiting at the dock to whisk us to the entrance of the Disneyland Dream Suite, located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

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A little about the history of the Disneyland Dream Suite …
On October 1, 2007 the Walt Disney Company announced that the recently closed Disney Gallery would be remodeled and turned into the Disneyland Dream Suite. The remodeled suite would be the realization of Walt's dream to have a larger private apartment built at Disneyland, and would be made available to randomly selected guests of the park. This was made a reality during the Disney Parks “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion back in 2006-2008. Mickey's Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel was used in 2006 and 2007 for the Dream Giveaways until the Disneyland Dream Suite was completed in 2008. In remodeling the space into the “Disneyland Dream Suite”, the Imagineers used the original 1960s designs created by designer Dorothea Redmond and set decorator Emile Kuri in consultation with Walt Disney. The Disneyland Dream Suite includes a living room, open-air patio, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The Disneyland Dream Suite.
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We were led to the left of the POTC attraction to a waiting elevator. The front stairs of the Disneyland Dream Suite are not used. Guests are taken to the second floor by a private elevator. Our group was too big for the elevator. So, we went up in two groups. Once upstairs, we were greeted at the door by a Disneyland Ambassador. She was to give us a tour of the suite, pointing out articles of interest and creating some magic along the way. We were allowed to take as pictures as we wanted in here. The place was one big photo op.

Our group inside the Disneyland Dream Suite.
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Bill on his way into the Disneyland Dream Suite.
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Jennifer with our Disneyland Ambassador/Dream Suite Host.
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As mentioned above, the suite was modeled after plans drawn up while Walt was still alive. So, the plans were in a frame and then our Guide would show us how close the room of today was in comparison to the plans. They were all spot on and kept with how Walt and Lilly truly wanted to furnish and decorate the space for their personal use.

The hallway with the plans.
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Each bedroom had a special good night kiss element that was truly amazing. The master bedroom had a light show on the ceiling and walls. The second bedroom had a train that went around the room. Also, a park map picture lit up. I know the Disney Imagineers had fun creating this Suite.

Click the switch for some Disney magic ...
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Main Bedroom
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Second Bedroom
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The living room had a special feature too. The grandfather clock lit up. The wall in the living room had a painted mural of the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle (Neuschwanstein Castle built by King Ludwig II).

The Living Room.
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As expected, the main bathroom had some pixie dust. When you turn off the lights, the back wall and ceiling above the tub lights up like a thousand stars. Someone could have a very relaxing bubble bath in there.

The Bathroom
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Our Guide had to move us from room to room to get the tour rolling because we had another group coming in after us. Otherwise, we probably would have hung out up there all day.

After we toured every inch of the Suite, we were ushered out and back to a waiting elevator to take us back down to “reality”. The Suite is still used for Disneyland Guest. I assume celebrities and those with money have the option to stay here. Surprisingly, it is also still used in sweepstakes and to surprise random guests to spend a night in the lap of luxury. Who knows … you could be next!!!!

We were off to our next destination ...

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We were heading back through Adventureland to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Our Guide Michael ushered us into a back row just as the show was about to start. What timing! We have seen the WDW version and honestly can’t stand it. However, we actually liked the Disneyland version. It was cute! For some reason the normally annoying tune "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" didn’t bother me quite so much today.

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After the show, we were told to wait and let the rest of the guests exit. Then, the lights came on and we were the only ones in the theatre. We were given a little history on the Enchanted Tiki Room. The bird in the cage we saw at the Disney Archives is what inspired Walt/WED Enterprises to create the Audio-Animatronic birds for the Tiki Room. The show was originally going to be a restaurant featuring Audio-Animatronic birds serenading guests as they ate and drank. When that idea was scrapped, it was turned into a show. Our Guide pointed out that the seats along the back walls are actually the booths intended for use in the restaurant. Also, the fountain in the center of the room was originally planned as a coffee station for the restaurant. Our Guide opened the doors to show us that it is currently used for storage. Then our Guide said he wanted us to meet a little friend. That is when he went behind a door and came out with one of the singing orchids from the show. It was neat to see it up close and personal. It was very delicate. So, Michael had to wear gloves while holding it.

Michael with the singing orchid.
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We were done with our “official” touring for the day. Our ABD Guides gave everyone five FPs and our pin for the day. We were on our own for the evening. By this time, Bill and I were so tired and in need of a nap if we were going to make our dinner that evening at Napa Rose. So, we left the park without using a single FP. We went back to our room to take a nap and refresh before dinner.

COMING UP: Dinner at Napa Rose. One word teaser ... YUMMY!

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FOUR (April 16, 2010)
Dinner at Napa Rose (On our own.)

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Prior to our Adventure, Bill made a Priority Seating at Steakhouse 55 for this evening. We looked at the menu for Steakhouse 55 and Napa Rose and thought Steakhouse 55 fit our tastes better. However, after our first night dinner fiasco, Bill changed the PS to Napa Rose. I believe, sometimes things happen for a reason. If we didn't eat at Steakhouse 55 that first night, we may never have eaten at Napa Rose this trip.

Napa Rose was just an elevator ride away from our room. It was conveniently located inside the Grand Californian Hotel. We arrived about ten minutes before our PS and were told they were running behind and that we could wait in the bar area. We made no other plans for the evening. So, we were fine and appreciated the slow-dining experience here. We sat in some comfy chairs near the bar and a waitress came over and took our cocktail orders. It was a nice relaxing way to start dinner after our hectic and fast-paced day at Disneyland Park. Before I could finish my cocktail, our table was ready. The Maitre’ D carried our drinks to the table. Now, that’s service! We were seated at a prime table near the kitchen.

Bill and Jennifer at Napa Rose.
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We could see the hustle and bustle behind the line. Chef Andrew Sutton was there that evening overseeing the kitchen and I actually saw him cooking a bit. He’s from Dallas. So, we knew of him.

Chef Sutton in action.
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To be honest, the reason this wasn’t our first choice this trip was because I wanted a casual non-stuffy meal. I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it is a four star restaurant with a price tag to prove it. But, I never felt uncomfortable. We even saw a couple of children enjoying dinner with their parents when we first arrived. By the time we left later in the evening, it was strictly adults. The staff was very friendly unlike some upscale restaurants we’ve dined at. I think sometimes, servers forget WE control their tip. Luckily, this was nothing but a positive experience.

Bill and I are not big wine drinkers. But, we do appreciate a good wine when we find one. Bill had a Riesling at our Steakhouse 55 dinner and really liked it. So, he was looking to try one here. Every server at Napa Rose is a sommelier. That really helped with wine novices like us. Our server was great. She picked us out two wines she thought would compliment our entrees. Bill had two glasses of his Riesling this meal. He really must have liked his wine! I had one glass of a red wine. I honestly can’t remember the name. But, it was good.

Bill enjoying the evening (and wine).
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Jennifer showing off the menu and enjoying the evening.
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We weren't at the table for more than a minute when our water glasses were filled and an assortment of breads were offered. We're in California. So of course, we both went for a piece of sourdough bread. It was hard on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. However, we didn't want to fill up on the bread. We wanted "real" food. So, we only ate one piece.

Our bread assortment.
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It was time to order ...

The Menu
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Appetizer

Signature Pizzetta - smoked American Prosciutto, red flame grapes, caramelized onions and cambozola cheese.
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At first, I was going to ask them to hold the grapes. However, I didn’t and am glad. The pizzetta was so good and the grapes added a little sweetness to it that complimented the onions. It was light and not too bready (I like thin crust pizza). The pizzetta was a great appetizer to start the meal. We had more food to come …

Entrée/Main Course

Jennifer ordered …

Zinfandel Braised Angus Beef Short Rib - risotto of wild rice, pine nut and dried cranberries with winter squash sauce
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Bill ordered …

Grilled Petit Filet of Angus Beef - Crispy Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi, Grilled Onions, Green Beans and Merlot Jus.
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Instead of the potato, Bill asked for onion rings. He saw some on another dish and our server was happy to make the substitution.

The rib was so tender, the meat fell right off the bone. My mouth is watering right now remembering this meal. It was so good! Bill gave me a bite of his steak. It was perfectly cooked and had great flavor. If you have a high quality steak, you don’t need to fuss with it too much. The meat will speak for itself. Now, this is what a steak is supposed to taste like! Yum! We also ordered some side dishes to accompany our entrees. We’ve been to enough upscale restaurants to know, the side dish for the entrée listed on the menu is just garnish. If you want a “real” side dish, you need to order one. We decided to order two side dishes.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussells Sprouts - with parsnips and hazelnut brown butter
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Truffled Mac and Cheese - orecchiette pasta with parmigiano-reggiano and infused with truffle oil.
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Growing up, my two favorite veggies were brussels sprouts and parsnip. Yes, I grew up a weird child. They are still my favs to this day. I was in heaven with this dish! The brussels sprouts were cooked perfectly and the parsnips still had a little snap to them.

The mac and cheese was served piping hot in a copper kettle with what looked like panko breadcrumbs on top to make a nice crisp layer. Bill took a couple heaps of the mac and cheese and then concentrated more on his steak. He didn’t care for the “upscale” mac & cheese version too much. He said it tasted “fishy”. So, of course I tried it. Why is that? Someone says something tastes bad and you have to try it too. To me, it was creamy and a spoonful of goodness. I think what he tasted and didn’t like was the truffles. I give it a thumbs up on the decadence factor. It was very rich and filling to be a side dish! Sadly, we only ate about half the dish. Such a waste.

We cleaned our plates of our main entrée though. Both were delicious. Normally, we don’t have dessert. But, we’d come this far on our Napa Rose food journey. So, we opted to look at a dessert menu.

Dessert

Flourless Scharffen Berger Chocolate Cake - with double chocolate chunk ice cream
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Freshly made mango sorbet
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I like anything chocolate and recognized the name Scharffen Berger. They make the best baking chocolate. However, I was stuffed at this point. So, I asked if I could eat the ice cream now and take the cake to go. Our server was fine with that and had the cake put into a box for me. Bill’s favorite fruit is mango. So, a mango sorbet was a perfect choice for him. Bill said it was very refreshing and the perfect way to end this excellent meal.

We were in the restaurant over two hours. However, the time went by quickly. With great company and fantastic food, this experience was well worth the sticker shock of our bill. You don’t want to know how much this meal cost. But to me, it was well worth it. A great evening with my husband is priceless.

When exiting, I noticed some wine bottles on display with Pixar characters on them. I thought they were cute. So, I took a picture. Little did I know, I would learn more about these tomorrow.

The Pixar wine bottles.
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When outside the restaurant, I asked Bill to take a picture of me in front of the sign. Some passerbyers asked if we wanted one together. So, they took a picture of us ...

After a wonderful evening at Napa Rose.
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My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

After dinner, we headed up to our room. We had to meet the group downstairs tomorrow morning at 7 am. That wake-up call comes all too soon. We've been having so much fun though. We can sleep when we get home. Tomorrow morning, we head over to Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel for a breakfast buffet with some Disney characters before our touring day at Disney's California Adventure. It should be an entertaining breakfast with our bunch.

TOMORROW: Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen and our DCA Tour. Also, we had a surprise celebrity siting at DCA. Hint: My "Pixar" Idol

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FIVE (April 17, 2010)
Breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen

Today's Theme: Behind the Orange Grove
Word of the Day: Forced Perspective
Pin of the Day:
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(Thanks Tonya!)

We were getting use to this getting only ourselves ready in the mornings. I felt pampered as I could actually properly brush my hair and apply make-up. However, today I felt casual and threw my hair into a baseball cap. We made the usual trek down to the lobby to meet our fellow Adventurers for breakfast. Once all the gang arrived, we headed over to Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel for our breakfast buffet.

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We had no wait. We were escorted right into a back room. It was about 7:30 am and the place was half empty. Yea! More character interaction. After the server took our drink orders, we followed the herd to the buffet to scout out it’s offering. Again, the normal breakfast buffet items including an omelet station and pancakes station. I chose to get a made to order omelet and some other yummy items. Since we were at Goofy’s Kitchen, I felt the need to revert to my childhood and I grabbed worms in dirt for breakfast too. Nothing says breakfast like gummy worms in the morning. Yum! Yum!

There was a variety of characters here. I honestly didn’t see any rhyme or reason to the characters. We encountered Goofy, Chip, Dale, Balou, Snow White and Mulan. I saw Pluto on the way out waiting for guests.

Goofing around ...
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Bill is as tall as Goofy! (Do I see a future profession in his future?!?!?!)
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It was fun watching all these adults interacting with the characters. Snow White is my all-time favorite princess. So, I had to have a picture taken with her. However, she came by while I was up at the buffet. When our Guides heard she was my favorite, they went and got her for me. She even showed me how to do “princess hands”. It was cute. She was a really good Snow White.

Jennifer and Snow White.
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Then, Goofy had to get into the picture too.
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Pluto bidding us an Adieu ...
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After our bellies couldn’t eat one more Mickey waffle, we exited the restaurant and back out to Downtown Disney. We headed back to the Grand Californian to pass thru on our way to Disney’s California Adventure. The Grand Californian has its own entrance into Disney’s California Adventure park.

My Rating: ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

COMING UP: Ever wonder what is behind the Soarin’ screen? 44 DISers know …

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FIVE (April 17, 2010)
Disney’s California Adventure Tour:
Soarin' over California
Turtle Talk with Crush
Animation Academy
Tower of Terror

Disney's California Adventure park.
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The next time we visit DCA, the CALIFORNIA letters will be gone. I know the renovations to the park entrance will be amazing and very fitting for the park. It’s still sad to know that there will be no more pictures of the kids in the letters.

We entered Disney’s California Adventure park thru the guest entrance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

DCA entrance at GC.
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It was still before park opening. So, we entered an empty park. We headed towards Condor Flats. We passed by Goofy. He gave us all a salute as we were on our way to “soar”.

Pilot Goofy
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Our Guides stopped in front of Soarin’. I was excited that this was our first stop. This is one of our favorite attractions at Epcot (WDW).

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Bill waiting to enter Soarin'
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The group made its way into the empty hangar. We split into two groups at this point. It wasn’t the same groups from before. They just split the line in half.

Waiting for our flight instructions.
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For those that haven’t ridden Soarin’, you want the front row. That way, you are the highest without feet dangling above you. We got the front row!!!! It was such a relaxing ride. I didn’t want to get off. As the other group exited the room, our Guide Michael asked if we wanted to ride again. Of course we all said “YES!!!!” So, our group hopped back on for another soar over California.

Up, Up and Away!
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After our second ride, we were led out of the theatre and then through a restricted door. Where were we going??????

What is behind this door?!?!?!
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The other group passed us as we went down the stairs. They all had BIG smiles on their faces. Whatever was ahead must be good. Then, we were led into a room where I felt like I was under the bleachers at a football game. That is when a CM came out and told us that we were behind the Soarin’ screen! It is HUGE. Then, we hear the other group enter the theatre for their second ride on Soarin’. We got to experience the ride from a different perspective. It was neat seeing the lights reflect off the screen. I never knew the screen was made of metal. I thought it was like a big movie theatre screen. We were so close to the screen, we could see all the holes in the screen. Pretty cool! I will never look at Soarin’ the same way again. If we had more time, the CM said she would have shown us the big pellets they use for the different smells on the attraction. Again, our group was very large. So, sometimes it took double the time to do things like this. After the ride ended for the other group, we met at the front of the building.

I didn’t hear what we were doing next. I just followed the ABD sign. We entered the Hollywood Pictures Backlot section of the park.

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Our Guides led us into the Disney Animation building.

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This is home to Turtle Talk with Crush, Animation Academy and the Toy Story Zoetrope. We missed this building during our last trip. So, this was all new to us or at least for this park. We’ve been to Turtle Talk at Epcot and the Animation Academy at DHS. Our first stop was a private viewing of Turtle Talk with Crush.

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This technology amazes me. Luckily, neither Bill or I got called upon to speak. Always when we do the one at Epcot with the kids, our kids get chosen to speak and somehow we get roped into it too. It was nice to sit back and watch others interact with Crush for a change.

Turtle Talk with Crush
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(Thanks Lynne!)

After our meeting with Crush, we headed over to the Animation Academy where a Disney Imagineer was waiting for us.

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I will be the first to admit, I don’t draw Disney characters very well. However, I did pretty well at our DHS lesson. So, I was looking forward to this. The Imagineer announced that we would be drawing the big cheese himself. Everyone let out a big cheer. I have the experience at DHS to compare this one to and THIS was a crash course on how to draw Mickey Mouse. I don’t know if the Imagineer had a lunch date or what, but he was going way too quickly for me and the others.

So, this is how you quiet a group of DISers ...
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I know I could have done better with more time. But, here’s my masterpiece …
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Bill and others with their Mickey Mouse artwork.
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The group showing off their artwork.
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Our Guides gave every couple a tube to put their artwork in. The Guides would take the tubes and give it to us at dinner this evening. That way, we didn’t have to lug them around the park. We all met back in the lobby of the Animation building. Bill and I went over to check out the Toy Story Zoetrope.

Toy Story Zoetrope
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It went on while we were standing there. It is amazing! It really looks like Jessie is swinging the rope and Woody is riding Bulleseye. I'm glad we got to see it.

In the lobby area, our Guides gave everyone their pin for the day and five FPs. This was the end of our tour for the day. We had the rest of the day to do as we wish. We just had to be down in the lobby at 5:30 pm to meet for our Farewell Dinner. While in the Animation lobby, our Guide Jaime asked that if anyone wanted to ride Tower of Terror to follow him. We were game! So, we followed the group to Tower of Terror.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
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We went right through with no waiting . Our whole car was nothing but DISers. It was a hoot!

DISers on Tower of Terror. The hotel will never be the same again!
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COMING UP: DCA on our own. What will we do?!?!?!?!

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FIVE (April 17, 2010)
Touring Disney’s California Adventure with some new DIS Friends
Lunch at Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival

After riding Tower of Terror, we met up with a group of DISers that were heading towards California Screamin’. We had Fastpasses in our pocket and we were ready to use them.

Follow that Mickeysaber (Tonya our fearless leader)
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We made our way through A Bug’s Land towards Pacific Wharf (This was a new pathway since our last trip.). I have to say, A Bug's Land is very cute. We spent some time there on our last trip. However, we had no kids with us this trip. So, we rushed through there as quickly as possible. There was a parade or something about to happen (I think it was the High School Musical 3 party thing), so we had to make a detour through the Pacific Wharf area and then made our way over the bridge to the Paradise Pier area.

When were here last year, this is what Paradise Pier looked like …
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It’s had a few changes since last year. It looks like this now …
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Since we had our trusty ABD FPs, we could get into the FP line immediately. We waited maybe five minutes and then were boarding the cars. Bill and I both went on this last year. However, we rode it separately because we have two children that don’t meet the height requirement. We still have to do the Rider Switch thing. Only for a couple more years and then we can tour the parks like “normal” families. So, this was our first time riding together! It is fun sitting at the beginning right before you go up the hill because you know that fast start is going to happen. You just don’t know when you’re going to be slingshot into space.

A few people in our group didn't ride and took this picture.
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(Thanks Dodie!)

I love, love, love this ride! It is so much fun. I kept my hands up the whole ride. It’s times like this, I am so glad I have a big kid for a DH. He was next to me laughing and screaming with the rest of us.

Having fun on California Screamin'
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We survived!
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Our group decided to go on Toy Story Mania next. However, the line was pretty long and they don’t offer FP (like at DHS). So, we couldn’t just whip on in like at California Screamin’. Someone in our group was looking at their park map and time guide and noticed the next showing of Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular started in about 30 minutes. We had wanted to see it during our last trip. But, it was never playing because we were there during the week. Since they are removing Aladdin from the park, we wanted to see it before it was too late. So, we made our way back over to the Hyperion Theatre in the Hollywood section of the park.

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There was already a crowd waiting to enter the theatre. We got into line and waited about 20 minutes before the doors to the theatre opened and we were ushered in. I don’t know how, but we got amazing seats. We were in the second section on the ground level center stage. These seats gave a full view of the stage and were perfect when Aladdin came in on the elephant because he passed right in front of us. This show needs to be brought to Broadway. It was spectacular. For the time in the theatre, I forgot we were inside a theme park. I’d highly recommend it, but it is leaving DCA. I hope you can see it before August 15, 2010.

Bill and Jennifer waiting for the show to start.
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Some pictures from the musical ...
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(Thanks Lynne!)

You’re probably wondering what will take its place. I found out that Toy Story – The Musical that is currently playing on the Disney Cruise Lines will take over the Hyperion Theatre in early 2011. We’ve seen Toy Story – The Musical on the Disney Wonder. It was cute. But, Aladdin was better in my opinion. I haven’t heard where Aladdin will make a new home? The new Disney ships might be a nice place …

Our little group exited the theatre. We were all starving by this time. By luck, we were visiting during Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival. By chance, we found the entrance to the Taste of California Marketplace. If we hadn’t been following our group leader, Bill and I definitely would have been having Award Wieners for lunch. The entrance was hidden without any arrows or major signage pointing people in the right direction.

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The venue was set-up with one section roped off for the wine seminars and the other side had a bar area with tables. We got into line and ordered some tastings for lunch.

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Jennifer ordered …

White Cheddar Soup featuring Karl Strauss Pale Ale with smoky bacon served in a Boudin’s sourdough bread boule.
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The soup in a boule of sourdough was quite good. Okay, it was better than good. Normally, I use the top and dip it in the soup or chowder and leave the boule. I ate all the soup and all the bread. I didn’t want to leave any to waste. I wanted to savor every morsel of the soup.

Bill ordered …

Beer Battered Halibut featuring Karl Strauss Woodie Gold beer battered halibut with traditional malt vinegar.
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Bill liked his fish. He said it was crispy and hot. Since all the entrées were a sampling, the piece of fish was pretty small. I asked him if he wanted another piece. But, he was fine.

Dessert …

Ghirardelli Chocolate Profiterole - A cream puff filled with vanilla pastry-cream topped with chocolate ganache.
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Bill and I split the profiterole. It can best be described as an éclair. It was delicious.

Bill and I both ordered soda as our drink. I was really thirsty and wine just didn’t sound very refreshing. Instead of a regular soda fountain, they had a Coca-Cola freestyle machine. The touch-screen gives you the option from 106 varieties of drinks. You could have a cherry coke or a peach Sprite. You got to add flavorings to the basic Coca Cola products. Since this was such a new concept not just to us, but to most visitors, there was a CM nearby to answer questions. It was a neat concept. However, it kept breaking down. We eventually just got whatever soda was currently working. Our group found some tables near the bar and we started munching on our lunch.

Bill trying to figure out the Coca Cola freestyle machine.
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We were sitting at the table relaxing for a bit after our meal, when I hear the announcer at the wine seminar introduce a familiar name ... Mr. John Lasseter and his wife Nancy. I hopped out of my seat and had to see with my own two eyes if it was really him. I had two people on my “Disney Dream Wish” of people to meet. The first was Marty Sklar. Bill and I got to meet him at DISapalooza this past December. He was the nicest man.

Bill with Marty Sklar.
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Jennifer with Marty (I had such a cheesy grin because I was sooooo happy to meet him.)
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The other man was John Lasseter. We just love the Disney/Pixar movies. The man is a genius! Come to find out, The Lasseters own vineyards in Sonoma Valley. I never knew there was a Lasseter Family Winery. They make and sell their own label of wine. Now, I’m really glad I took a picture of those wine bottles at Napa Rose. I want one! We weren’t part of the seminar. But, a nice man let me and some others just stand there for a few moments to listen and take some pictures.

John Lasseter at the wine seminar.
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(Thanks Lynne)

We were now fed and ready for more park action ...

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FIVE (April 17, 2010)
Disney’s California Adventure on our own.

Our group was moving on. We made our way over to the attraction Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue.

Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
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We rode this last year and like it. So, we were happy to ride it again. The queue area is cute with all the pictures, phone booth and vending machine. Soon, we were boarding a car on our way to Monstropolis. Very cute!

The queue ...
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I really liked the vending machine.
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She is such a ray of sunshine. Love it!
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(Thanks Heather!)

This is where we left the group and went on our own, just the two of us. On our way through Sunshine Plaza I had to stop and take an obligatory "balloons shot" ...

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Since we were there during the California Food and Wine Festival, there was a huge tent set up in front of the sun for the cooking demonstrations. Guy Fieri was going to be cooking today. We only watched one Next Food Network Star show and it was the year he won. Since then, we've followed his career. He did a really good Disneyland Christmas special this past winter. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Of course we watch Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. That show always makes me HUNGRY. So, it really would have been nice to see him cook in person. However, his presentation wasn't for another few hours. We would've had to wait in line for an hour pre-show too. That would have been cutting it too close to get back and change for dinner. So, we kept on and started heading back towards the GC entrance inside the park.

The tent set-up for the cooking demonstrations.
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On our last trip, Grizzly River Run was down for most of our trip. So, we never got to ride it. We planned on heading back to the resort to relax. But, this was the perfect time to ride GRR. I knew we were going to get wet and were heading straight to our room at the Grand Californian afterwards. So, we got into line using our ABD FPs.

Grizzly River Run
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Waiting in line.
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This ride looks so innocent. I will tell you now, you don’t get wet on this ride … you get SOAKED!!!!!! There wasn’t a dry person in our raft. Even if you don’t get soaked on the falls, you get soaked by sprayers.

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(Thanks Lynne!)

Bill and I both came off the raft soaked with our clothing stuck to us. But, you know what … it was fun!!!!!!

Post Grizzly River Run ... Bill and Jennifer are soaked!
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We were heading to the GC entrance from the park when I spotted an ice cream cart. I could not believe that we leave tomorrow and I haven’t had a Mickey bar. That would be blasphemy to come all this way and not have my “must have” park treat. So, Bill and I grabbed a Mickey bar and sat outside the entrance to GC eating our treats.

Enjoying our Mickey bars.
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While sitting there, some DISers/travel mates were coming in for more park fun. They sat and chatted with us for a bit. Bill and I finished the heaven on a stick and we exited the park. We were semi-dry by this time. So, we popped into the resort gift shop to pick-up some souvenirs for the kids, my Mom and the Nanny. Initially, I wanted to visit World of Disney in Downtown Disney to do some souvenir shopping. But, this store had everything I needed. It was a quick shopping trip and then we were on our way to our room. We had about two hours before we had to be back downstairs to meet for our Farewell Dinner. That gave us enough time to shower, change and relax a bit.

COMING UP: Our Farewell Dinner.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FIVE (April 17, 2010)
Farewell Dinner

Now it's time to say good-bye to all our company,
M-I-C ... See you real soon.
K-E-Y... Why? Because we like you!
M-O-U-S-E!

We made our way down to the lobby to meet the group for the last time. Familiar faces were waiting. This dinner was a mystery. So, we put our faith in our Guides and followed them through the hotel towards the conference center section of the hotel.

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We were led into a conference room that was set up with round tables set for dinner. It reminded me of a wedding reception. It was very nice. Also in the room was a tv set-up, an easel and dessert was on display. The dinner buffet was waiting for us outside on the patio. There was a nice spread of meats, pasta and salads.

Dinner Buffet
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My very full plate.
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I sampled a little of everything. Everything I ate was delicious.

Dessert Buffet
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I chose a trio of desserts. All were yummy and devoured.

My plateful of goodness.
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Since, we took this trip for Bill's Birthday, he was presented a birthday card and specially decorated dessert plate.

Bill and his Birthday dessert.
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While eating, our ABD Guides introduced us to Disney Artist and Historian, Stacia Martin. She has been with Disney for over 30 years. This evening, she was there to be our Character Sketch Artist. We got to pick which Disney character we wanted her to draw just for us. Bill and I agreed on Mickey Mouse. Then, we would get to take it home. With 22 couples, this would take awhile. So, we were called up by couple. Our Guides had our earlier Animation Academy sketches waiting in their tubes. The sketch by Mrs. Martin would fit safely in the tube for our trip home.

Stacia Martin working on our sketch.
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While she was sketching, we had dessert and then our ABD Guides pointed our attention to the tv. They compiled all the pictures they took all week into a highlights video. We laughed as a group on some pictures. It was fun reliving the trip with our fellow Adventurers.

Once the highlights movie finished, Pete from the DISUnplugged Podcast stood up to address the crowd and our Guides. He thanked our Guides for such an amazing Adventure. At this time, he told everyone that we would be getting a disc of all the pictures from the Adventure compliments of Dreams Unlimited. Normally, ABD charges for the disc. Everyone was excited.

We knew it was Walter’s (from the Podcast) birthday this evening. One of our fellow travelers took the initiative in getting the group to contribute for a special birthday present for Walter. Karen found out the exact tribe Walter is from and had this amazing artwork created just for him. He was speechless and very thankful.

Walter's Birthday Surprise.
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Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, we had surprise guests. Mickey and Minnie made a grand entrance. They waved to everyone and then waited in the hallway to have a meet and greet with all the Adventurers.

Mickey and Minnie making an entrance.
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Hurry Minnie! Let's get away from these crazy DISers ...
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Bill and Jennifer with Mickey and Minnie.
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The dinner was winding down and our Guides made their last announcement, they arranged a special viewing area for the fireworks that evening. What a way to end the evening. We also, still had FPs left from that day. They were good at both parks. So, we were off for an evening at Disneyland Park.

COMING UP: Our last evening with our fellow Adventurers.

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY FIVE (April 17, 2010)
Last Evening at Disneyland Park and Fireworks

The fireworks were scheduled for 9:30 that evening. We were told to be at our designated area at least 20 minutes before the fireworks. So, we had time to run up to our room and drop off the tube with our sketches and some little gifts from fellow travelers. While up there, we grabbed jackets. It was supposed to get a little chilly that evening. It was quick in and out trip.

Bill and I casually walked through Downtown Disney to Disneyland. It was nice to walk at a slower pace to take in the sites and soak in the atmosphere. Being a Saturday night, the park was busy as expected. People were already lining Main Street to watch the fireworks. We made our way over to our specially roped off area near The Plaza. When we arrived there weren’t any seats. Over time, the men of our group went and swiped chairs from the Plaza to let the ladies sit. Who says chivalry is dead.

Our VIP Area ...
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(Thanks Heather!)

Our Guides arrived and kept non ABD Adventurers out of our VIP area. Watching our Guide Jaime keeping the traffic moving in front of our area was entertaining. He was stern, but polite. Saying things like. “You don’t really want to stand there. You’d be better over there.” There was even one instance when this older woman bent under the rope and proceeded to join our group. Jaime politely helped her back under the rope. We all had a good laugh.

Sleeping Beauty Castle
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The view of the fireworks was spectacular. We had a clear view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and could see Tinker Bell flying all around. We’re used to the Magic Kingdom fireworks where Tinker Bell just flies down once. The Tinker Bell here was flying all around. It was neat. I honestly can say, these were the best fireworks I have ever seen and experienced. The fireworks coordinated with the sound track from all the different attractions made this a very unique experience.

Tinker Bell
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The Fireworks
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(Thanks Lynne!)

After the fireworks, we were free for the evening. When someone says “Disneyland”, what is the first attraction you think of?????? The Matterhorn Bobsleds. During our trip to Disneyland last year, I never got a chance to ride The Matterhorn. That is the only ride I wanted to ride this trip. Due to annual maintenance, The Matterhorn was only open on Saturdays and Sundays in April. So, this was going to be my one chance to ride it this trip. I asked if anyone wanted to ride The Matterhorn with us. A few said yes. So, we headed that way. I would finally get to ride the first tubular steel track roller coaster!

The Matterhorn Bobsleds
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Since this attraction doesn’t have the Fastpass option, we headed for the standby line. The line was around the mountain. The wait time was posted as 40 minutes. Some were hesitant due to the wait time. But, we got in line anyways. After about five minutes, the line moved forward pretty quickly. That is when some guests walking toward us said that the ride is broken and it probably won’t be fixed for at least 45 minutes if at all. NOOOOOOOOOO! The others in our group didn’t want to wait. I really wanted to ride. So, we parted ways. Bill and I waited in line. We could hear a cover band playing in Tomorrowland. So, we had entertainment while in line. Over time, other guests gave up and got out of line. Before we knew it, we were close to the entrance of the attraction. I believe patience is a virtue and will be rewarded. After about 35 minutes, we could hear them doing safety checks on the attraction in each zone. That was good sign. After about 40 minutes from when we first got into line, the wonderful sight of a bobsled came down the mountain. We were clear to ride. Yahooooo! I couldn’t wait!!!!!

Jennifer patiently waiting in line.
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I felt like a kid hopping into the sled. I barely had my seatbelt on when we were whisked into the darkness of the mountain. This is a really cool ride at night. When going in and out of the mountain we could see the park all lit up. Having never been on it before, it was a cross between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Expedition Everest (DAK). It was fast and jerky. But, it was lots and lots of fun. I will definitely ride it next time. It’s now a “must” for every Disneyland trip.

Bill on the Matterhorn.
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After our trip around the mountain, we wondered into Tomorrowland. We rode Space Mountain the other day and didn’t feel like making the mile walk through the queue to the ride. So, we decided to ride Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. This is our DS4’s favorite ride at Disneyland and at the Magic Kingdom (Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin). Bill and I both like the Disneyland version better because you can take the laser out of the holster. It was a lot easier to aim and shoot.

Bill and Jennifer defeating the Evil Emperor Zurg.
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It was getting late and we wanted to be at the farewell breakfast in the morning early enough to see everyone before we parted ways. So, we headed back down Main Street towards the exit. That is when we decided to pop into the Emporium to pick-up some last minute souvenirs.

Main Street Emporium
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Bill got some souvenirs for co-workers while I got another plush Mickey to add to my collection. I got a Mickey with ’55 on him celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland.

When coming out of the store, we were right in front of the Fire Station. It was very fitting to end our evening here. We paid our respects to Walt and the lit lamp in the window.

Bill in front of the Fire Station.
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Jennifer in front of the Fire Station.
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We slowly made our way out of the park back through Downtown Disney to the hotel. We both just fell onto the bed of exhaustion. I had no problems falling asleep this evening. I can’t believe we leave tomorrow. I didn’t mess with packing this evening. We’d have plenty of time after breakfast to get everything zipped up and ready to go.

TOMORROW: Farewell Breakfast at Storytellers Café

[TheTXTaylors5]

ABD California Backstage Magic Tour - DAY SIX (April 18, 2010)
Farewell Breakfast at Storytellers Café
Today’s Theme: Now It's Time To Say Goodbye
Word of the Day: Imagination
Pin of the Day:
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(Thanks Tonya!)

Breakfast this morning was at the Storytellers Café in the Grand Californian Hotel. This is a character breakfast with Chip, Dale, Brer Bear and characters from the movie Brother Bear.

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The breakfast was scheduled from 7am – 9am. It was a come and go breakfast. We knew some ABD Adventurers had early flights. So, we wanted to be down as early as possible to say our goodbyes. We walked into Storytellers Café at about 7:30 am. There were already two large tables full of people eating and socializing.

The Last Breakfast
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This breakfast buffet is small, but good. There was an omelet station for made-to-order omelets. So, I grabbed some fresh fruit and then placed my omelet order. While visiting the buffet, my well-needed coffee arrived. I normally only drink coffee if I am really tired. I think the past week was catching up to me. I was exhausted this morning. We had fun meeting with the characters in between bites of food.

Breakfast with some characters ...
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Everyone was in good spirits until the first few people had to leave. Then, I could see the waterworks start to form in some eyes. Even though I have tried with this Trip Report, words cannot express what we experienced this past week with our fellow Adventurers. Through the many meals together, bus rides and amazing experiences, we built a camaraderie with these 42 other people. It was sad to see it end.

After I couldn’t drink one more sip of coffee, we hesitantly gave our last hugs and headed for the exit. We headed straight upstairs to start packing. We were heading home with more than what we came with. We thought ahead and packed a smaller suitcase inside a larger one. So, we had one extra suitcase to bring back home. Since we flew Southwest, we could bring the extra bag at no charge. So, it was actually pretty easy to pack. After the room was checked and double checked, we had some time to relax before we had to meet the car service downstairs. Sitting in the room was making me stir crazy. So, we lugged our bags downstairs, checked-out and waited in the atrium. While waiting, we saw some fellow travelers. It gave us more time to socialize before departing for the airport.

About 15 minutes before our car was to arrive, we headed outside to wait. Our ABD Guides knew of our departure time and were suppose to be waiting to see us off. They weren’t there yet. After about five minutes, another couple from the Tour arrived. We were going to share the car to the airport with them. They were a nice couple that we had chatted a bit during the Tour. So, it would nice to share the car and chat on the way to the airport. About five minutes later, we see our Guides with another couple heading towards us. I guess all of us were supposed to share the car. However, there wasn’t enough room for everyone’s bags. The Guides called another car for the last couple. So, we said our goodbye and thank you to the Guides and were off to LAX. Soon, I saw the familiar LAX sign and we arrived at our terminal.

Sad sign to see ...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP67752.jpg

It felt like we just got here. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Since this was a Sunday, the airport was crowded!!! We waited in line to get our boarding pass and to check our bags. The man at check-in only weighed one of our smaller bags and then tagged the rest. I wasn’t complaining because the largest one “might” have been a little heavy. After checking-in, we were told to bring our bags to the security area where they screen the bags before sending them down to baggage. There were piles and piles of bags waiting to be scanned. I was a little worried our bags would get lost in there and miss our flight. We headed towards security check and waited in an even longer line to be screened. Once again, I held my breath as I passed under the metal detector. It didn’t go off. Yea!

By this time, we were hungry for lunch. So, we scouted out the terminal. What first caught my eye when we passed the security check point was a little food court that had California Pizza Kitchen in it. I’ve had their frozen pizza before (four cheese) and it was really good for frozen pizza. So, I wanted to try it fresh. So, we both agreed it sounded good for lunch.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/capizzakitchen.gif

Bill ordered pepperoni and Jennifer ordered The Original BBQ Chicken (Barbecue sauce, smoked Gouda and Mozzarella cheeses, BBQ Chicken, sliced red onions and cilantro.) The BBQ chicken pizza was really good! Yummy!

While sitting eating lunch, I noticed a place called Pinkberry. I had heard of it. So for dessert, we got Pinkberry frozen yogurt. Bill got mango and Jennifer got chocolate.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/pinkberry.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Pinkkberry2.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/pinkberry3.jpg

It was “okay”. I’m not sure what all the hype is about? People in California rave about this stuff. I did see a lot of people pile tons of toppings onto their frozen yogurt. Which to me, defeats the purpose of having frozen yogurt as opposed to ice cream. Oh well. To each their own. We had two really California things for lunch before heading back to Texas.

The flight was once again sold out. But, it was the last flight to Austin that night. So, there was no way we were giving up our seats. The flight and drive home were very uneventful. We pulled into our driveway at 12:14 am. What a long day and night. It was good to be home and plop into our own bed for the night. However, I would be somewhat lost the next day without an itinerary planned for me.

UPDATE:
We made some great new friends on this trip. During the trip, we heard the question … “Are you going on the Podcast cruise?” numerous times. It made us feel like people actually wanted to travel with us again. That was a good feeling. When we got home, Bill booked us on the Podcast Cruise 2.0 for this upcoming December. We would get to see many of our ABD Adventurers again. I can’t wait to take this adventure on the high seas!

[Miss SD]

Thanks so much for posting your trip report! Your descriptions of the tour activities and meals were outstanding! My DD (then 10) and I took this last August and we're going again on July 18 with my husband. You definitely captured the excitement and flavor of Backstage Magic!

It must have been exciting to eat at Club 33 and visit the Dream Suite, which we didn't see last year. I did cringe, though, when you talked about a day trip up Highway 1 to Monterey. You guys must have been exhausted that night!

[2GirlsMama]

THANK YOU, JENNIFER!!! What a great trip report. This is my dream trip. Some day... Thanks for sharing your insights and wonderful pictures. I am glad you had such a great adventure!

[Bobo912]

Thanks for the awesome trip report! I keep thinking we shouldn't take this trip because we've already been to DL and there are so many other places we want to visit and then I read a great trip report like this and I think, weeelllll, maybe....

Michael was our guide in Costa Rica. He's great!

[adambomb85]

Wow Jennifer! This was an incredible trip report! I am going on this ABD in June 2010 (34 days to be exact). Even though we won't get all the surprises you did, your amazing trip report made me even more excited to go! Thanks for taking the time to share all this :)

[Dodie]

I loved reading your report Jennifer! It's so much fun to see things from someone else's perspective (event though Phillip and I were usually in the same small group as you and Bill whenever we split up)! Thanks for writing it. I feel like I just relived our adventure.

But where's the picture of Bill with "his" poster? ;)

:goodvibes

[nmoore14]

Thanks for the great trip report. I loved all of the pics. I am glad everyone had a great time! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

But where's the picture of Bill with "his" poster? ;)

:goodvibes

I think that will be making an appearance on our stateroom door ... :rotfl:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

FYI: I exceeded my bandwith on photobucket. Oooops! :scared1: The pictures will be back up on Friday. Bear with me!!!! Thanks! :flower3:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

The pictures are back. Enjoy ...

:goodvibes Jennifer

[PrincessBelle39]

I loved your review. I'm thinking of doing the July 25th trip and loved looking at your photos and reading your comments about what I can expect.

[KittyKitty]

What a wonderful report. This ABD trip is not in my budget, so your report was the next best thing!

Thanks

[murcotipton]

Wow. That was one of the best trip reports I have EVER read!:dance3:

Glad you had a great time, hope I can make this trip with the family one day:thumbsup2

[sayhello]

Wow! Great Trip Report! Your pre-trip adventures really made me feel homesick for California. I know I'm going to do this trip at *some* point! It's only just a matter of when!

Sayhello

[TheTXTaylors5]

:grouphug: I'm glad you liked the Trip Report. I hope it gave you a sense of what an amazing trip this was for both DH and I. :wizard:

:cloud9: Traveling the PCH was a dream come true. My camera couldn't capture the true beauty we saw in person. I was in awe. I HIGHLY recommend a drive on the PCH. It is good for the soul. :flower3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

What a wonderful report. This ABD trip is not in my budget, so your report was the next best thing!

Thanks

:scared1: DH and I were a little (okay, a lot) sticker shocked with the pricing of the ABD trips. However, after experiencing the top knotch tours and visiting places only ABD could take us (ie: Imagineering, WD Studios and Jim Henson Company), I honestly felt it was well worth the $$$$$. :worship: It was priceless. Now, we didn't just take this trip on a whim. This was DH's 40th Birthday present and I booked it almost a year before the actual trip. That gave us time to save up for the trip. So, a trip like this may be more feasible than you think! ;)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[peloha86]

What an excellent trip report! The world around me just dissapeared while I was reading your TR :cloud9: I actually lived in Monterey(for a short while) and worked as a waitress at the Old Fisherman's Grotto. The statue was the former founder/owner Shabu Shake, (RIP), he was an amazing man with the biggest heart. He would visit the staff and treat us to lunch, whatever we wanted on the menu (his sons would get so mad, hehe!). He also would walk around the dining area to make sure the patrons were well taken care of, and if he knew you or were a regular customer he would order complimentary calamari for the table. As for the clam chowder...;)
We used to watch the cooks make the clam chowder each morning from scratch. So if that was it for the day, that was it. Yes, it was that good, esp when it it was just made. We knew because we used to sample it, we knew the taste and the cooks would ask us how was it? Clam chowder sounds good now, oh! It's friday! Guess I'll have some...:rotfl:

Growing up in California, born and raised San Franciscan, have been to Disneyland numerous times and sold my diesel truck/5th wheel for DVC @ Villas at the Grand Californian :cool1:, (because my daughters,DD13, DD19, and DH, had a hard time with camping....and with a 5th wheel, how hard can that be???:sad2:)my family LOVES Disneyland, so as a family we chose Disney over camping. Reading your report just solidified it...:goodvibes

Have a wonderful cruise, maybe someday we can go on one too:)
Have a Disney Day :wave2::disrocks:

[TheTXTaylors5]

What an excellent trip report! The world around me just dissapeared while I was reading your TR :cloud9: I actually lived in Monterey(for a short while) and worked as a waitress at the Old Fisherman's Grotto. The statue was the former founder/owner Shabu Shake, (RIP), he was an amazing man with the biggest heart. He would visit the staff and treat us to lunch, whatever we wanted on the menu (his sons would get so mad, hehe!). He also would walk around the dining area to make sure the patrons were well taken care of, and if he knew you or were a regular customer he would order complimentary calamari for the table. As for the clam chowder...;)
We used to watch the cooks make the clam chowder each morning from scratch. So if that was it for the day, that was it. Yes, it was that good, esp when it it was just made. We knew because we used to sample it, we knew the taste and the cooks would ask us how was it? Clam chowder sounds good now, oh! It's friday! Guess I'll have some...:rotfl:

Growing up in California, born and raised San Franciscan, have been to Disneyland numerous times and sold my diesel truck/5th wheel for DVC @ Villas at the Grand Californian :cool1:, (because my daughters,DD13, DD19, and DH, had a hard time with camping....and with a 5th wheel, how hard can that be???:sad2:)my family LOVES Disneyland, so as a family we chose Disney over camping. Reading your report just solidified it...:goodvibes

Have a wonderful cruise, maybe someday we can go on one too:)
Have a Disney Day :wave2::disrocks:

:flower3: Thank you for the praise on the trip report. Yes, clam chowder sounds good right now. We never did finish that bowl at Old Fisherman's Grotto. Such a shame! :scared1:

:thumbsup2 We use to have a pop-up camper. After our first trip to WDW, we sold it. We are also now DVC owners (home at Animal Kingdom Villas). Being in Texas, we are almost equal to both WDW and DLR. However, we've been going to WDW more often. That may change. California has so much to see and do that isn't "touristy". It's just a beach way of life. We already have plans to return in 2012. I don't want to wish time away. But, I can't wait! :banana:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

There are a group of DISers on this trip right now. I know they are having an amazing time! :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:thumbsup2 DH and I enjoyed our ABD experience so much, we are "seriously" considering the London and Paris DIS Unplugged Tour next year (September or October). Now, I just need to ... donate blood, give my first born, an arm and a leg ... :rotfl: I know it won't be cheap! Let the saving begin ... Oh wait! We have a Disney cruise and over two weeks at WDW in December. This saving $$$$$ might be more difficult than I thought. ;)

Keeping my fingers tightly crossed for an ABD trip next year. :rolleyes1

:goodvibes Jennifer

[sayhello]

:thumbsup2 DH and I enjoyed our ABD experience so much, we are "seriously" considering the London and Paris DIS Unplugged Tour next year (September or October). Now, I just need to ... donate blood, give my first born, an arm and a leg ... :rotfl: I know it won't be cheap! Let the saving begin ... Oh wait! We have a Disney cruise and over two weeks at WDW in December. This saving $$$$$ might be more difficult than I thought. ;)

Keeping my fingers tightly crossed for an ABD trip next year. :rolleyes1

:goodvibes JenniferI wish they'd make a formal decision about that. I'm seriously considering that trip, also! But I assume they won't at least until after Pete returns from LA.

Sayhello

[DisneyKevin]

I wish they'd make a formal decision about that. I'm seriously considering that trip, also! But I assume they won't at least until after Pete returns from LA.

Sayhello

We are waiting for ABd to provide details, pricing etc.

As soon as we know anything, we will let everyone know.

[sayhello]

We are waiting for ABd to provide details, pricing etc.

As soon as we know anything, we will let everyone know.Cool! Thanks. :thumbsup2

Sayhello

[tksbaskets]

Your trip report ROCKS! I feel like I'm on the trip with you. I take it this trip was Adult Only? Our preference for our next ABD will be AO. Thank you for taking the time to report.! :goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

Your trip report ROCKS! I feel like I'm on the trip with you. I take it this trip was Adult Only? Our preference for our next ABD will be AO. Thank you for taking the time to report.! :goodvibes

Yes, there were only adults (or rather BIG kids in our case) on our Tour. I would guess the age range was 27-57. I am glad it was only adults because we left our children at home. It was a nice childless getaway. I got to eat hot food and be the first one in the shower each day. Sometimes being a Mommy, the little things give you pleasure. :rotfl: There were parts of the tour I know our children would not have enjoyed or had the patience to tour (ie: Jimmy Kimmel Live Studio and the Backstage Tour at Disneyland Park). Maybe, they do different things or liven things up when there are children on the tour too. :confused3

I'm glad you enjoyed the trip report. Hopefully, we get to do another ABD trip next year and I can report more great memories. :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer