Oct 14-17:A Solo Trip to Disneyland! Day3: Single Rider Shuffle [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

SurfinTX

07-18-2010, 12:07 AM

Hello everyone and :welcome: to my Solo? DIS trip report to Disneyland!

This will be my first trip to Disneyland as well as anywhere in California.

The Cast:

That's me on the right, Tom. I'm 39 and have just came back from Disneyworld June 11th. This is me baking in the hot Florida sun at EPCOT.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Tuesday/Picture427.jpg

Now the reason I have a question mark after Solo is that there is a chance that I can bring along Dianna (on the left), my wife and my love, over that weekend if everything works out. It's a longshot but I am putting forth a big effort to see if I can get this done.

I am currently in the early stages of planning due to my workplace not being clear on how many days I will have to enjoy myself after my training is done. So hang in there and find out with me how fun a Solo? trip can be!

LINKS:
7/20: Preliminary Itinerary (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37460463&postcount=4)
7/20: Hotel Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37474193&postcount=5)
8/2: Still Waiting on Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37639878&postcount=12)
9/21: Summer Updates (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38318668&postcount=16)
10/6: One Week to Go! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38501640&postcount=20)

Trip Report

Day 1
Part 1: Have Gun. Will Travel. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38652707&postcount=24)
Part 2: A Lot Happened on a Work Trip but must be Skipped for the Readers Sakes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38670117&postcount=31)
Part 3: Who Needs a Cantina Band Anyway? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38701410&postcount=42)
Part 4: You will sense Disney Magic when you are Calm and at Peace. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38738970&postcount=51)
Part 5: So We Meet Again Dr. Jones. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38749958&postcount=54)
Part 6: Riding that Attraction is not my idea of courage. It's more like, suicide. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38762643&postcount=61)
Part 7: A Twisted Holiday (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38790285&postcount=66)
Day 2
Part 1: Not So Sunny California (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38835938&postcount=71)
Part 2: It's Not My Fault! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38860913&postcount=78)
Part 3: This is Actually Kinda Like Cropdusting Kid. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38871723&postcount=82)
Part 4: What an Incredible Smell You've Discovered!
(http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38896876&postcount=86)
Part 5: So This is What Being Inside a Two Meter Exhaust Port Feels Like! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38917534&postcount=91)
Part 6: I Really Didn't Want This Much Attention! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38954420&postcount=94)
Part 7: Yo! Ho! Yo! Ho! A Pirate's Life for Me! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38992760&postcount=104)
Part 8: This is Halloween! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39001082&postcount=111)
Part 9: Getting Buzzed at MHP! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39086200&postcount=116)
Day 3
Part 1: Saturday Magic Morning (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39697168&postcount=124)
Part 2: Curiouser and Curiouser. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39779083&postcount=133)
Part 3: Oh Alice! You Tease! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39861113&postcount=143)
Part 4: My (Magic) Kingdom for a Cup of Coffee! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39943635&postcount=149)
Part 5: The DCA Marathon. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39969511&postcount=155)
Part 6: Single Rider Shuffle (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40056955&postcount=166)

WheresTheLove

07-18-2010, 02:38 AM

Hope your wife is able to join you! I look forward to reading more! You'll LOVE Disneyland! :thumbsup2

SurfinTX

07-20-2010, 05:00 AM

Hope your wife is able to join you! I look forward to reading more! You'll LOVE Disneyland! :thumbsup2

I'm glad you made it over to my Pre-TR! I'm hoping Dianna will be able to enjoy this with me as well. I'm keeping my options open and flexible right now. :teacher:

SurfinTX

07-20-2010, 06:55 AM

Itenerary

Where? Anaheim International Inn Travelodge
When? Oct. 14th-18th

How? Every so often my work sends a few people to train with the vendors of the tools we use. This time I was selected and now have a free roundtrip flight to LAX. I have already worked it out with our travel company to extend the duration of my stay so I can enjoy a few sights of Los Angeles. Specificaly Disneyland and Universal Studios. :thumbsup2

Preliminary Itenerary: Assuming I'm Solo.

3 Day Disney Bonus Parkhopper
1 Day Universal Studios

Thursday - Depart work training Thursday at 1:30 pm.
Check-in at 2:30-3:00 pm.
Grab early dinner (Mimi's?) and then head for Disneyland.
Catch a few rides and then watch either Fantasmic or Fireworks.
Sleep.

Friday - Take Gray Line to Universal Studios - Pickup 9:30
Arrive at Universal Studios 10:15
Ride! Ride! Ride! but Simpsons first.
Park Closes at 7:00 pm. Head back.

Saturday - Bonus Hour Morning. Get there early!
Catch Fantasmic or World of Color...or something like that.

Sunday - Keep riding and parkhopping! See, pretty flexible, eh?

At this time I have no plans as far as dining. If I am solo then I will probably be eating counter service but maybe something nice one night.

If Dianna is coming then the plan will be totaly different (and far more expensive).

SurfinTX

07-20-2010, 10:32 PM

Hotel Update

So how did I end up in the Anahiem International Inn Travelodge?

Over my last few vacations I have used Priceline to make my hotel reservations. Usualy I do very well bidding on rooms and have had several fantastic deals on 3 and 4 star hotels. This time I was looking to save a bit of money and try a two star hotel since they seem to have the most free starter breakfasts in the morning.

Checking the maps I see several hotels that fit the bill all within a block of Disneyland including a Super 8 and Holiday Inn Express. I placed a bid of $47 which was right above half the average rate. Crossing my fingers I submit...and find them selecting a hotel that was only $2 over my bid and considerably farther away. :headache:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/walkmap.jpg

Just about a mile. Oh well! I'm a grown man and I can make the hike. What was grinding on me, however, was the price I paid. Well, the good news is that Priceline has a guarantee that if you find a better rate on your room than you bid they will match it and give you back $25.

Well today I logged in and searched my hotels rates and they have dropped to $34 a day (if you stay 4 or more days)! I'm calling them first thing in the morning. I'll update on how it went afterwards.

<Keeping my fingers crossed>

UPDATE: After calling Priceline they agreed to the lower price plus an extra $25 off so I am perfectly pleased with the rate I got! pixiedust:

DizNee Luver

07-20-2010, 11:25 PM

SurfinTX

07-21-2010, 08:25 AM

I'm afraid of using those travel sites to book motels!! We looked at a few motels when we had to do a last minute trip last April (09). We found a place, close & cheap....great reviews (not sure from who). We arrived to find the most disgusting place EVER!! Ick....from now on....I'll pay the extra & go with Disney Travel.

Well I'm sure your wife is hoping it's not a solo trip!! :rotfl: Hopefully things will work out & you both can enjoy the parks during Halloween-time!!

Look forward to seeing how this all goes!! (I will miss a couple weeks, as I'm leaving this Saturday for 12 days!!) :cool1:

Welcome Diznee Luver! :welcome:

You really have to do your homework with bidding, no doubt. Even after all the studying I still missed that Travelodge as an option for a two star hotel. I had great luck in New Orleans and other trips around the U.S. but this time just wasn't optimal.

No worries though since I just finished my call with Priceline and they agreed to match the price as well as the bonus $25 bringing my average daily rate down to $36 after taxes! That's a big chunk of change for spending inside Disney!

DizNee Luver

07-21-2010, 11:51 AM

:thumbsup2 That's great!!:woohoo:

TinksThree

07-22-2010, 10:13 PM

A new PTR!! I know nothing at all about Disneyland! :sad2: So...looking forward to hearing all about your plans! I hope it works out to be a duo trip and not solo!!!

glennbo123

07-25-2010, 11:25 AM

Joining in! I don't know very much about Disneyland, so I'm sure I'll learn a lot.

SurfinTX

07-27-2010, 07:03 AM

A new PTR!! I know nothing at all about Disneyland! :sad2: So...looking forward to hearing all about your plans! I hope it works out to be a duo trip and not solo!!!

Joining in! I don't know very much about Disneyland, so I'm sure I'll learn a lot.

I'm so glad both of you are joining me on this Trip Report. There will only be a few updates until I get a little closer to departure time so hang in there!

This is a first for for me as well so I'm in the middle of a big learning curve. There are two big differences in DL when compared to DW.

1. Disneyland is much smaller than DW. It is completely ringed by other hotels and restaraunts. This gives you many options as far as budget and conveneince.

2. There is no dining plan per se at Disneyland and only 3 hotels on-site. A lot of WDW visitors have to adjust for this and the boards are full of topics on that subject.

At this point I'm calculating the odds right at 40% that Dianna will be able to join me after my training is finished. The problem is money and time as usual. Me alone will cost about $400 if I keep myself under control in the parks. With Dianna I estimate the cost at about $1200 - $1400 depending. Still far cheaper than having to pay for it all so it's budget crunching time and keeping the fingers crossed.

SurfinTX

08-02-2010, 02:32 AM

Still Waiting on Disney.

Here it is. August has arrived in north Texas and with it the sweltering days of summer. Yesterday it hit 104 deg. and more of the same is expected for today. Oh how I am California Dreamin':cool2:

The biggest question mark for the trip is what are the park hours and event times for Disneyland in October. At WDW, due to the ADR system, hours for the parks are posted six months in advance so that the 180 day planners can get an idea what park they will want to visit and eat at.

For this trip though it's not such a big deal not having those hours. Since I will be Solo or with Dianna we can be pretty loose with the schedule and plan on eating a lot of quick meals both inside and outside of the parks.

Here is what I do know. Disney will be having Mickey's Halloween Party on Friday the 15th from 7:00-12:00 pm at a cost of $54 inside Magic Kingdom. Also from Thur-Sun Universal Studios Hollywood will have it's Halloween Horror Nights running as well but times and prices are unknown at this time.

As a solo traveler I do not think I would want to attend these events without anyone I know. I'd love to do certain meet and greets as well as see the fireworks show but that alone is not worth the added cost I think. If Dianna can get there early enough on Friday then the Mickey's Halloween Party is a no-brainer.

The biggest hurdle for Dianna to go are the kids. School will be in session and we will need someone to care for them if we are both gone for an extended period of time. My parents live just over an hour away so it would be possible for them to come down to get the kids from school Friday. Dianna would need to get back Sunday to pick them up so they can get to school the next day. That means we will be flying and transferring seperately both coming and going.

None of those issues are a deal breaker on their own but put them all together as well as tacking on about $700 in cost and you can seew hy we are leaning towards her not going. I am not giving up hope because there is a lot of time left. You never know if a sweet deal on tickets for the parks or airlines may pop up just like my room rate did!

tinksdreamwishes

08-02-2010, 04:14 AM

hopefully you will get a great deal! :cool1:

TinksThree

08-20-2010, 08:57 AM

SurfinTX

08-25-2010, 08:20 AM

So how is the planning going? Maybe it will work out and Dianna will be able to go.... pixiedust: for a good deal! Solo is fine, but it is so much better with one you love!! Last year's trip with just the kids and I was wonderful! But, I like having Keith along with us so much better...hurt foot and all!!

Sorry that it's been a while since I posted. There were a few other events that happened over the last few weeks that have limited my time on my own TR. Still plenty of time for everyone elses though. :laughing: There is no doubt that going with Dianna will make this a memorable vacation but it's starting to look more and more like she will not be able to go. I'm preparing an update pretty soon so stay tuned!

SurfinTX

09-21-2010, 11:31 PM

After WDW Summer Events

Now that summer is officialy over and school has started things have calmed down enough that I can now focus on my upcoming trip to Disneyland. (which you all were waiting so eagerly for my next installment. Right?) <crickets chirping>

Before I go any farther I would first like to announce that this in fact will be a Solo trip. Over the last few months we have had a series of events that have forced me and Dianna into this decision. The TV going out was the coup de grace. :headache:

Now that we have made the commitment to a Solo trip I can now firm up many of the plans I had been working on for the last week so hopefully I can post an update about the trip soon.

Now without any further ado here are a few pictures of me and my family over this summer after we had returned from Disney World.

This year the Dallas Zoo has opened a new exhibit called the Giants of the Savannah, a major expansion that allows the animals to roam about instead of being penned in much smaller enclosures as it was in previous years.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture006.jpg

The kids were very excited to see all of the new african theming.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture007.jpg

Soon we are greeted by a wonderful view.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture017.jpg

To say that this was a huge improvement to the Zoo would be a gross understatement!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture014.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture019.jpg

Nearby we found a giraffe feeding station. The kids went wild over this!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture022.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture023.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture025.jpg

A bit further on there was a Lion and Cheetah viewing area that had zoo keepers on hand to answer questions about the big cats.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture031.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture034.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture035.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture037.jpg

There are only a few feet separating us from these predators. Is she looking at me as the next possible snack?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture039.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture041.jpg

The zoo had set up a cute display where you can sit in the cab of a Land Rover and the big cats could jump on the back for photo ops if they were in a mind to do. Unfortunately, no kitties took us up on our offer that day.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture042.jpg

The kids loved the whole experience and I promised them we would return another day.

In August we took off for a camping trip to a small place called Lake Meridian State Park. It's about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth and even though it is so close it is relatively unknown to everyone in Dallas. It's right on the northern edge of the Hill Country with plenty of rolling terrain, streams and small lakes scattered about the area. When we arrived there was no one at any of the other sites.

Here we are strolling out to our own private lake.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture072.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture075.jpg

There are plenty of facilities inside the park including showers, fishing and boat ramps. This facility was built by the CCC back in the 30's.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture076.jpg

The fishing was amazing! I think we will come back next time prepared to cook them. As it was we just caught and released but the kids were never bored.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture080.jpg

The small town of Meridian is about two miles away.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture092.jpg

At one time it was a bustling boomtown after several sizeable oil fields were discovered nearby in the 50's but is now on the decline. Still, for the curious there is plenty to see if you just spend some time looking.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture093.jpg

If your looking to get away from it all and really decompress I would have to recommend taking a short drive and spending a few nights at Meridian State Park.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Summer%2010/Picture098.jpg

TinksThree

09-23-2010, 08:22 AM

Yea! I was wondering just the other day if your trip was still on! Sorry Dianna cannot go :sad2: but maybe it will give you a chance to "scope it all out" and then you will know the ins and outs for another trip! :cool1:

The Dallas zoo pics are so cool! Question: would an adult running over children to get to the giraffe feeding area look bad?? :lmao: I love giraffes and as soon as I saw that picture I thought "I want to do that!!"

We just bought a camper and have been looking for places to go within 5-6 hour drives from home. This may be slightly further but I think I may have to look into that state park! The fishing will be a definite plus for Keith and Chris!

SurfinTX

09-24-2010, 11:53 AM

The Dallas zoo pics are so cool! Question: would an adult running over children to get to the giraffe feeding area look bad?? :lmao: I love giraffes and as soon as I saw that picture I thought "I want to do that!!"

We just bought a camper and have been looking for places to go within 5-6 hour drives from home. This may be slightly further but I think I may have to look into that state park! The fishing will be a definite plus for Keith and Chris!

Lol! I wonder what your reaction would be if I told you Snow White was handing out the lettuce? :lmao:

About Lake Meridian, there are plenty of pads and spots with water/elec. I always have wanted a camper but never had the right vehicle to tow one. The screened shelters are very nice since 8 of them are right on the lake with an amazing view in the morning as you rise. We are lucky to have several state parks within 1-3 hours to choose from.

TinksThree

10-02-2010, 07:34 PM

Lol! I wonder what your reaction would be if I told you Snow White was handing out the lettuce? :lmao:

About Lake Meridian, there are plenty of pads and spots with water/elec. I always have wanted a camper but never had the right vehicle to tow one. The screened shelters are very nice since 8 of them are right on the lake with an amazing view in the morning as you rise. We are lucky to have several state parks within 1-3 hours to choose from.

I think you know what I would do if it were Snow White!! :rotfl: Too funny!!

We have a pop-up that we just got but we are hoping to use it often! I am definitely going to check into this park!

You only have about 2 weeks left!!:woohoo:

SurfinTX

10-07-2010, 11:25 AM

Well we are down to 7 days!

Just because I haven't been posting many updates here doesn't mean I'm not working on the details for the trip.

As of now all tickets have been purchased.
I have a rough plan on touring the parks.
I have my only dining reservation set plus a special meal booked as well.

Why no details? Well I have a few plans for this trip report but I would like to hold back any details until after I get back. Needless to say it will be in a completely different style from the Disneyworld report I did this last summer.

Well, I guess I can give away one bit of information for all of you.

I managed to convince Han Solo to accompany me on my trip!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/hankidding.jpg

As you can see he is really excited to be hanging out with a man of adventure like me!

So stay tuned and find out what crazy situations we will find ourselves getting into next week!

glennbo123

10-07-2010, 11:56 AM

A SOLO trip! I get it! This is gonna be good. :thumbsup2

7 days away, huh? It'll be here soon!

SurfinTX

10-07-2010, 12:04 PM

Hey Glennbo! I knew you would get a kick out of that!

I think this next week will be one of the most hectic in my life with work plans and Disney right after...all in a city I have never been to before. :scared:

Gotta keep researching. :surfweb:

SurfinTX

10-19-2010, 08:53 PM

I'm baaaack!

First of all I want to say I am exhausted. There were thrills and spills and enough excitement to keep me going most of the trip. As I said before, this will be an unusual trip report since Han Solo tagged along and he can be such a pain in the neck when he wants to be. A few things I would like to point out.

1. Since I am a WDW vet I'll be comparing rides from both parks and try to convey the differences.

2. There will be food porn!

3. I'll try to be clear what parts of the trip are fictional.

Now with that out of the way lets dive on in with part 1.

SurfinTX

10-19-2010, 09:45 PM

Part 1: Have Gun. Will Travel.

It's Tuesday the 12th of October and the day starts very early. Me and Dianna wake up before sunrise and get the kids ready and off to school. Dianna drives me off to work and we say our goodbyes. :sad1: After sitting in a few meetings at work and gathering all of our documents we made our way via DART to the airport. Han casually joined us at the station keeping a low profile.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2484.jpg

Connecting with the TRE rail we make our way to the south entrance of DFW airport.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2485.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2488.jpg

From that station we have to make two bus hops to arrive at our terminal. I mention this to highlight how ineffecient Dallas' mass transit is at this time. Hopefully this will be corrected when they complete a line directly to the airport in two years.

Check-in and security was a breeze. At least until Han stepped up and realized he had left his blaster strapped to his hip. This did not go over well with TSA and that was the last I saw poor Han for a while.

I hopped aboard the Skylink and checked out the sites around the airport.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2491.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2493.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2496.jpg

Those Koreans and their video games.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2497.jpg

About this time Han comes sliding to a stop in my car and then tries to look casually around. A few beads of sweat are dripping from his face as he turns to me and says, "No problem!"

Figuring it was better to not ask any questions the cars round a bend and I see...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2502.jpg

Turning to Han I ask why we are not taking the Falcon. Shrugging sheepishly he mumbled something about import licenses and being impounded.

Leaving the Skylink I am getting a bit hungry and head over to a Chili's Too for lunch. I order the Tripple Dipper with Southwest Eggrolls, Spinich Artichoke Dip and Chicken Tenders.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2503.jpg

The service was quick and the food was pretty good. Nothing outstanding but it beats the heck out of having to purchase food on the plane itself. Soon we are boarding the plane on time and get situated.

Our fearless hero.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2504.jpg

We are off on a three hour flight to sunny California where our adventure really begins!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2506.jpg

Part 2: A Lot Happened During a Work Trip and Must Be Skipped for the Sake of the Readers!

glennbo123

10-20-2010, 10:20 AM

Part 1: Have Gun. Will Travel.

Good title = good start!

Han casually joined us at the station keeping a low profile.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2484.jpg

Love it! (The higher the profile Han keeps the better, TR-wise, as far as I'm concerned. This is great!)

Figuring it was better to not ask any questions the cars round a bend and I see...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2502.jpg

Turning to Han I ask why we are not taking the Falcon. Shrugging sheepishly he mumbled something about import licenses and being impounded.

Awesome!!! :worship:

Our fearless hero.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2504.jpg

This turned out pretty good. I'm sure if I tried it, I'd get too much of an up-nostril shot.

Part 2: A Lot Happened During a Work Trip and Must Be Skipped for the Sake of the Readers!

You are sooo kind! :rotfl2:

mrp4352

10-20-2010, 12:49 PM

I'm here and so glad Glenbo sent me your way! Much fun!

(And because I'm from N. Tx, too: Go Rangers!) :cheer2:

Flossbolna

10-20-2010, 02:05 PM

Glenn said we should come over here, so here I am! And very much enjoyed your first TR installment! You have interesting travel companions I must say!

Sorry that your transit system is not really working as it should... But I can assure you that even European cities sometimes struggle. Berlin, here in Germany, closed the only airport with an underground station, now has two which can only reached by bus and now is building a brand new one, which will have a high speed train link, but won't be connected to the underground system which ends only 3 miles from the new airport. :confused3 Oh, and in Munich they only have slow local trains (well, at least there is a train every 15 minutes) which take 50 minutes to get into the city (car isn't faster, the airport is that far away) and then they nearly burnt a lot of money when they thought that a highspeed magnetic train would be the solution... Ok, now you rather wish that I would not have followed Glenn's recommendation, but you appeared to have an interest in transit systems.... :rolleyes1

I promise better Disney related comments next time! :goodvibes

JH87

10-20-2010, 03:40 PM

I was there the same time as you, 10/16-10/17!!!
Excited to read more!

SurfinTX

10-20-2010, 09:52 PM

Good title = good start!

I figured a good Paladin reference would get things moving in the right direction.

Love it! (The higher the profile Han keeps the better, TR-wise, as far as I'm concerned. This is great!)

Awesome!!! :worship:

Han will come and go as he pleases. You never know when he will turn up!

This turned out pretty good. I'm sure if I tried it, I'd get too much of an up-nostril shot.

I was doing a lot of reviewing of these self-pics checking how I posed. Sometimes I would get a half smile that looked very bad.

You are sooo kind! :rotfl2:

I have so few readers as it is...wait. What? Where are all these people coming from? Aaaaaaaggghhhh!

I'm here and so glad Glenbo sent me your way! Much fun!

(And because I'm from N. Tx, too: Go Rangers!) :cheer2:

Glad you joined in! The Rangers are back in town tonight. Hopefully we can finish off the hated Yankees in Game 6.

Glenn said we should come over here, so here I am! And very much enjoyed your first TR installment! You have interesting travel companions I must say!

Sorry that your transit system is not really working as it should... But I can assure you that even European cities sometimes struggle. Berlin, here in Germany, closed the only airport with an underground station, now has two which can only reached by bus and now is building a brand new one, which will have a high speed train link, but won't be connected to the underground system which ends only 3 miles from the new airport. :confused3 Oh, and in Munich they only have slow local trains (well, at least there is a train every 15 minutes) which take 50 minutes to get into the city (car isn't faster, the airport is that far away) and then they nearly burnt a lot of money when they thought that a highspeed magnetic train would be the solution... Ok, now you rather wish that I would not have followed Glenn's recommendation, but you appeared to have an interest in transit systems.... :rolleyes1

I promise better Disney related comments next time! :goodvibes

No worries! I actually am a big proponent of high speed rail. Airlines have become a big hassle for family travel and with all of the fees they are cost prohibitive compared to driving. Rail links from one metropolitan area to the next is really the only other option and the U.S. is woefully behind. Intracity the regular trains should be fine...but right now Dallas has two light rail and one medium lines that connect only a few corridors. I'm sure my work would not have used it if they didn't already have an agreement for free transit for it's employees.

I was there the same time as you, 10/16-10/17!!!
Excited to read more!

I'm glad you joined in as well! Do you have a trip report going?

marvali

10-21-2010, 05:20 AM

SurfinTX

10-21-2010, 09:45 AM

Part 2: A Lot Happened During a Work Trip and Must Be Skipped for the Sake of the Readers!

I know everyone was looking forward to my twenty page report :eek: on my training courses but we will have to skip ahead due to time constraints.

Thursday rolls around and the weather is wonderfull that afternoon. Temperatures in the low 80's and partly cloudy skies. When traveling to Disneyland and the Anahiem area the first thing I have to warn WDW travelers about is that Disneyland does not have a Magical Express service from the airports. There are many options to get there and depending on family size and schedule you will need to research which option is best for you.

Since my stay up to this point was near LAX I decided to use Disneyland Resort Express with a discount from Mousesavers for $29 roundtrip. There are other options such as public transport, various van services to limos if your looking to splurge.

This is how DRE works. After picking you up at whichever airport you land at they will drive you to the Disneyland Hotel. At that stop they will collect your fare and then start going from hotel to hotel dropping people off. Today the order was

Disneyland Hotel
Grand Californian
Paradise Pier
Anabella
Travelodge International

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2508.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2516.jpg

Total transit time was about 1 hour was dropped off at 3:00 pm.. Check in was quick with no problems and I had a choice of floors. I picked the 3rd floor to make sure I would not hear any giant steps above me. Entering my room I quickly take a few pictures before Han has a chance to toss his stuff around.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2509.jpg

A quick check of my gear then me and Han were off to really start our vacation. From the Travelodge to the gate at Disneyland is a solid mile. If you are not in good shape that is beyond walking distance for most children and some adults after a long day at the park. Right outside of the travelodge is an OCTA bus stop that is also used by Anahiem Resort Transit. You can buy a 3 day pass for $10 per person if you wish to use that option. Feeling pretty good today we decide to walk.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2517.jpg

We arrive at the bag check at 4:00 pm and notice fairly light crowds in the area between the two parks.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2518.jpg

A bit further on we see our first signs of Halloween.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2519.jpg

Another difference you find at Disneyland is your tickets. In my case I printed a paper copy I recieved by E-Mail after purchasing a 4 day Parkhopper. Three or more days entitles you to one Magic Morning early admission to Disneyland. I take advantage of this later in my stay so more on that later. After handing the gate attendant my paper copy they print out my cardboard ticket I'll be using on the rest of the trip. Make sure you do not lose this since it's a bit of a pain to replace.

Making our way through the turnstile which gives off a Tinkerbell like chime, I finally reach the Most Magical Place on Earth and I feel my vacation has officially started. :cloud9:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2520.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2521.jpg

Han turns towards me and asks, "So what do we do now?"
I say, "Let's start slow and check a few sites before diving in."

I had a plan for every day printed out to help me remember things like when shows and parades were going on. Referring to it I see we have entered the park 20 minutes ahead of schedule which gives me some time to slowly check things out and do a few extra things before heading deeper into the park.

The first attraction we see is Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to our right. The building is divided into two parts; with artwork and models of characters and rides inside the park and then Great Moments towards the back.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2524.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2525.jpg

I saw Han eyeing these Haunted Mansion prints and I told him don't even think about it.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2523.jpg

Eventually we make our way over to the Great Moments room.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2527.jpg

Inside they are playing a short film about the presidency and some background information about Lincoln himself. Here you will also find a large model of the Capitol Building.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2528.jpg

After a bit the doors to the left open to a theater (not Ford's Theatre nor were they showing Our American Cousin.) and sit for a 15 minute show. I have to say that the animatronic lincoln is very convincing if you sit a few rows back. About the show itself...it's very patriotic and if you have a bit of spare time it's worth it. If you have kids clamoring to see the park then you can pass it over.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2529.jpg

As we exit the theater you pass by this example of Disney history.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2531.jpg

A picture of Walt Disney just before opening day in 1955. The bench is from a park near Glendale, CA where Disney thought of the idea of Disneyland.

After exiting and still way ahead of schedule I notice that the Disneyland Railroad Train had just pulled in above the main entrance. Running up the steps I just get on in time for a roundtrip tour of the park!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2533.jpg

It's a Small World from the train.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2536.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2537.jpg

I have to say that the DL Railroad is far superior to DW's. There are many more sights to see and after you pass Tomorrowland you pass through a Grand Canyon and Primeval World diorama as well. I consider this a legitimate attraction and if you have time or need to relax your feet for twenty minutes then hop on!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2539.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2544.jpg

Stepping off the train back at the Main Entrance me and Han walk over to where Main Street U.S.A starts and find this.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2549.jpg

This was a fabulous photo opportunity so I hand my camera off to a helpful CM so me and Han can show off our Disney lanyards!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2550.jpg

With 5:00 approaching it is now time to start looking at my plans and get something to eat.

Up Next: Who Needs a Cantina Band Anyway?

SurfinTX

10-21-2010, 10:11 AM

Okay, since Glenn asked so nicely, I decided to head on over and see what is going on! Have been to DL a couple of times, but it has been a few years since my last trip. Can't wait to see how your trip went and what you thought about the park.

Welcome aboard! This trip was definantly different from my WDW vacations. Anaheim is a world apart from Orlando.

marvali

10-21-2010, 10:17 AM

Welcome aboard! This trip was definantly different from my WDW vacations. Anaheim is a world apart from Orlando.So true, but two of my favorite rides are at DL........the Matterhorn, and the Indiana Jones ride that is similar to Dinosaur at AK.

glennbo123

10-21-2010, 11:49 AM

This was a fabulous photo opportunity so I hand my camera off to a helpful CM so me and Han can show off our Disney lanyards!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2550.jpg

Ah yes, I remember when Princess Leia presented Han, Luke, and Chewie with thier Disney lanyards after successfully destroying the Death Star. And C3PO was the shiniest he's ever been. That was quite a moment.

I see that you're a little taller than Han -- I wouldn't have guessed that. He's probably not so tough without that blaster.

mom3sonstt

10-21-2010, 12:05 PM

Loving your report. I've never been to Disneyland but it's on my "someday" list. I'm guessing since Han is not carrying a bag he didn't have to go through bag check, and therefore the blaster went unnoticed??

TinksThree

10-21-2010, 12:11 PM

I am here!!! :banana: It seems I missed a lot but all caught up! I am really disappointed in not hearing the notes from the training....I was looking most forward to that!! :rotfl:

It sounds like you have started off well! Can't wait to hear more! I am so glad Han got to tag along to keep you company!! :thumbsup2

SurfinTX

10-21-2010, 05:34 PM

Ah yes, I remember when Princess Leia presented Han, Luke, and Chewie with thier Disney lanyards after successfully destroying the Death Star. And C3PO was the shiniest he's ever been. That was quite a moment.

I see that you're a little taller than Han -- I wouldn't have guessed that. He's probably not so tough without that blaster.

Harrison Ford - 6' 1" He's just leaning a bit more than me at that moment.

Loving your report. I've never been to Disneyland but it's on my "someday" list. I'm guessing since Han is not carrying a bag he didn't have to go through bag check, and therefore the blaster went unnoticed??

Han- "Hey, don't worry. Chewie and me got into a
lot of places more heavily guarded than this."

I am here!!! :banana: It seems I missed a lot but all caught up! I am really disappointed in not hearing the notes from the training....I was looking most forward to that!! :rotfl:

It sounds like you have started off well! Can't wait to hear more! I am so glad Han got to tag along to keep you company!! :thumbsup2

Welcome back! I think Han joining in will add some spice to what would have been otherwise a very bland trip report. I'll get another update up sometime tomorrow hopefully. Mikey is a bit under the weather so my time is getting split up at the moment. :sad2:

Flossbolna

10-22-2010, 03:36 AM

Captain_Oblivious

10-22-2010, 07:56 AM

Hi Tom! Followed the link over here from Glenn's TR, and I've seen you hanging around the caption contest thread before. I've never been to Disneyland and am a sucker for movies in general (and Star Wars in particular) as noted in my TR, and figured I'd come along for the ride! Looking forward to more! :thumbsup2

popcorn::

SurfinTX

10-22-2010, 08:09 AM

Even though I think those dioramas are really boring, I agree with your general assessment, how much nicer the train ride is at DL! I loved your pictures of It's A Small World from the train. DL IASW is so much prettier than WDW! :goodvibes I have been to DL only twice (1992 and 2005), but I still remember how beautiful the park is. :goodvibes

Yeah. I was pretty much making a generalization. I had an extra 30 minutes when I arrived so I got to get two unplanned attractions out of the way that I normaly would not have done. I have to agree that the stops at IASW and New Orleans really stand out above the WDW version.

Hi Tom! Followed the link over here from Glenn's TR, and I've seen you hanging around the caption contest thread before. I've never been to Disneyland and am a sucker for movies in general (and Star Wars in particular) as noted in my TR, and figured I'd come along for the ride! Looking forward to more! :thumbsup2

popcorn::

Hey! Yeah I remember voting for a few of your more memorable quotes. If your a Star Wars fan there will be plenty of references along the way. Keep your popcorn ready!

brookelizabeth

10-22-2010, 02:30 PM

Glenn pimped you out, so I'm here! Still gotta get caught up, but will ASAP. Looking forward to DL since I don't know much about it at all! :banana:

SurfinTX

10-24-2010, 04:18 AM

Day 1: Part 3 - Who Needs a Cantina Band Anyway?

After getting our picture taken, me and Han continued down Main Street noticing all of the seasonal decorations that were put up.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2551.jpg

Reaching the Hub I see the Partners statue and get my first good look at Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2552.jpg

Now it's 5:00 and our tummies are growling so we quickly make a left turn and enter...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2553.jpg

A short walk later we check Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and notice a 40 minute standby time. According to plan I grab a fastpass. Taking a cue from Glennbo's trip report I decided to take pictures of my fastpasses and destinations as much as possible to remind me where I was and how I was doing plan wise.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2554.jpg

Just across the way is our dining destination, The Golden Horseshoe. Han didn't know what to make of the place but quickly found a table with his back to a wall. I got in line...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2555.jpg

As you can see they have a variety of selections to order. Service is pretty standard but you typicaly find a lot of chidren making messes due to the popularity of the Ice Cream Sundaes. The decor is a mixture of an opry house and saloon with tables on a balcony and near the stage.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2556.jpg

I had the Crispy Chicken Salad which I found to be tasty with plenty of chicken.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2557.jpg

As we were eating the lights dimmed and Billy Hill and the Hillbillies made their way on stage and started playing some foot stomping bluegrass.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2559.jpg

Han said that they were no Modal Nodes but they certainly can get you toe-tappin.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2561.jpg

Out come the infamous teeth.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2562.jpg

Right now Billy is staring down some exciteable young children near the stage. At one point he starts framming his violin and charges them. The high-pitched screams filled the restaraunt with laughter.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2563.jpg

I really enjoyed this meal and the entertainment is a great bonus. I give The Golden Horseshoe a big thumbs up! :thumbsup2

glennbo123

10-24-2010, 04:32 PM

A short walk later we check Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and notice a 40 minute standby time. According to plan I grab a fastpass. Taking a cue from Glennbo's trip report I decided to take pictures of my fastpasses and destinations as much as possible to remind me where I was and how I was doing plan wise.

Hey, that looks like something I would've done. :thumbsup2

Just across the way is our dining destination, The Golden Horseshoe. Han didn't know what to make of the place but quickly found a table with his back to a wall. I got in line...

I hope nobody flames you for having fictional characters save seats while you stand in line.

The decor is a mixture of an opry house and saloon with tables on a balcony and near the stage.

I was just about to ask if that stage was just for decoration and then you answered it before I could even ask.

Han said that they were no Modal Nodes but they certainly can get you toe-tappin.

I agree with Han -- the Modal Nodes are out of this world.

I really enjoyed this meal and the entertainment is a great bonus. I give The Golden Horseshoe a big thumbs up! :thumbsup2

The Golden Horseshoe a counter service restaurant, right? I don't think I've ever seen one before that had entertainment...that's pretty impressive. Wait, I guess Sonny Eclipse would be another one, at Cosmic Ray's.

SurfinTX

10-24-2010, 05:40 PM

I hope nobody flames you for having fictional characters save seats while you stand in line.

Now that would be something! :laughing: Actually, service was fast enough that it was no problem hanging near the counter waiting.

The Golden Horseshoe a counter service restaurant, right? I don't think I've ever seen one before that had entertainment...that's pretty impressive. Wait, I guess Sonny Eclipse would be another one, at Cosmic Ray's.

So far I would have to say this was the best counter experience I have had at either DL or WDW so far. Just to let you know the typical daily schedule for Billy Hill is a 15 minute show and then 30 minutes off. If you want a front seat then you will need to get in there just as one of the shows end. Seats downstairs fill up ten minutes before the next show.

marvali

10-25-2010, 05:21 AM

Captain_Oblivious

10-25-2010, 08:50 AM

Looks like a great place to grab a bite! Love the little shows going on in every corner of the park, even the ones you never hear about. Was Han approached by any rogue bounty hunters looking to settle a score in the corner of the bar? Anyone tap you on the shoulder and tell you they don't like you? Just curious.

I'm guessing that if Han did run into any trouble, he would shoot first. :thumbsup2

GreatBiscuit

10-25-2010, 04:29 PM

I followed you over from Glenn's TR and have enjoyed reading along immensely.

We about 3 hours south of you guys and I had idea the Dallas Zoo had received such a nifty makeover.

Looking forward to more!

SurfinTX

10-26-2010, 03:46 AM

Love the updates and seeing the DL park again! I remember when the Golden Horseshoe had a show like this in MK. Seems I remember Can Can girls. No pictures of Can Can girls??? :confused3

Not a big Travelodge fan, but that room looks pretty good. :)

Looking at Wikipedia I see that at one time they had a different show with girls on stage. Billy has been at DL for a number of years now, however.

I'm not a big Travelodge fan either. The location is a bit far away but I can't complain about the price. The room and bathroom were in pretty good shape.

Looks like a great place to grab a bite! Love the little shows going on in every corner of the park, even the ones you never hear about. Was Han approached by any rogue bounty hunters looking to settle a score in the corner of the bar? Anyone tap you on the shoulder and tell you they don't like you? Just curious.

I'm guessing that if Han did run into any trouble, he would shoot first. :thumbsup2

Luckily I didn't bump into Greedo or any other bounty hunters while eating there. Han was on the lookout of course with his blaster hand under the table.

I followed you over from Glenn's TR and have enjoyed reading along immensely.

We about 3 hours south of you guys and I had idea the Dallas Zoo had received such a nifty makeover.

Looking forward to more!

Welcome and thanks! The Dallas Zoo really upgraded itself this last year. It may not be Animal Kingdom but it now brings a real entertainment factor for kids.

Update: I have had a computer snafu that has forced me to have to reinstall the operating system so there will be a bit of a delay in my next installment. All of my pictures and notes are safe...it's just an inconvenience. Hopefully Wedensday I'll be able to post my next update.

Sorry!

Flossbolna

10-26-2010, 08:11 AM

WE had lunch at the Golden Horseshoe when I was in DL in 1992! You had to get a ticket for the show which had to be acquired in the morning of the day. Which was also necessary for any dinig reservations, so the first half hour in the park was spent running around getting dining reservations. :confused3 I remember that the show was a bit interactive and I was scared to death that they would pick me! My English wasn't that good at that time and I had really trouble understanding them. But I thought it was really spectacular. :goodvibes

Update: I have had a computer snafu that has forced me to have to reinstall the operating system so there will be a bit of a delay in my next installment. All of my pictures and notes are safe...it's just an inconvenience. Hopefully Wedensday I'll be able to post my next update.

Sorry!

How inconvenient! Even though no data is lost, who wants to have all this work... :scared1: Hope everythingcan be reinstalled without any problems!

SurfinTX

10-26-2010, 05:15 PM

WE had lunch at the Golden Horseshoe when I was in DL in 1992! You had to get a ticket for the show which had to be acquired in the morning of the day. Which was also necessary for any dinig reservations, so the first half hour in the park was spent running around getting dining reservations. :confused3 I remember that the show was a bit interactive and I was scared to death that they would pick me! My English wasn't that good at that time and I had really trouble understanding them. But I thought it was really spectacular. :goodvibes

How inconvenient! Even though no data is lost, who wants to have all this work... :scared1: Hope everythingcan be reinstalled without any problems!

From what I have read the show and service have changed over the years. Since this is my first trip I am pretty much a blank slate. You still need to get there a bit early for good seats but nothing like you described in your trip.

The computer is back up now. I had some bad sectors on my hard drive causing some lockups but luckily it would still reboot so I could back everything up. My pictures are still in the camera just in case. :)

SurfinTX

10-27-2010, 08:36 AM

Day 1: Part 4 - You will sense Disney Magic when you are Calm and at Peace.

Having watched Billy Hill and the Hillbillies finish up their show, I walk out of the Golden Horseshoe with Han at my side. It’s starting to get darker outside and it’s high time we saw some attractions.

Heading back towards the Hub we take a right through an alley to reach…

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2567.jpg

Right next to the entrance is the Enchanted Tiki Room.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2568.jpg

Han asked me why I wanted to go in there. To explain I have to go back to my trip that I took to Disneyworld this summer. After having read the DisBoards all last year there were certain treats I had promised myself I would try. There were three, actually. Since we were staying at the Polynesian the Lapu Lapu was obvious.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Monday/Picture216.jpg

Next up was the Grey Goose Slushie which I picked up in France.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Tuesday/Picture438.jpg

Through incredibly bad luck, however, I did not get to try the Dole Whip Float. The line was very long at Magic Kingdom and when we were on our way out of the Poly the machine was out of service. So this time I was taking no chances! The Enchanted Tiki Room has an outside waiting area where you can be served.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2570.jpg

Little girl couldn’t stop staring at Han in disbelief.

Soon I had my prize!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2572.jpg

So how was it? The pineapple soft serve was excellent and would be great on a hot day. The mixture of the not as sweet pineapple juice was not appealing to me. I ended up eating most of the soft serve and tossing the juice afterwards. Next time I think I’ll just get the ice cream alone.

Sitting down to enjoy my tasty treat I notice that the waiting area is coming alive with various tiki representations of Polynesian gods. It was right then it had hit me. The lighting was just coming up around the park and in this little spot away from the hustle and bustle I’m experiencing a bit of Walt’s magic. I’m really here. It’s the Magic Hour.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2571.jpg

Soon the doors open and the crowd that has gathered is escorted into what will soon become a madhouse of animatronic wizardry. Can you all sing with me? Tiki Tiki Tiki…

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2575.jpg

Han found it to be worse than a family of drunk Ewoks at a Coming of Age party. I, having done some research, understood that this attraction really knocked the socks off the crowds when it was introduced.

Sorry about the short update. I'm still getting things together after the crash. I promise another update in the evening.

Up Next: So We Meet Again Dr. Jones.

glennbo123

10-27-2010, 11:41 AM

I love the Dole Whip Float, but I've seen other reports similar to yours. It might be one of those "you either love it or hate it" kind of things.

marvali

10-27-2010, 12:07 PM

So cool they still have the original Tiki Room show! :cool1: I know it probably needs an update by now, but I really didn't like they one they did at the MK! :sad1:

Whoever came up with the Under New Management idea, needs to be put UNDER new management!!! :rolleyes1

Edited to add...........now I've got that song stuck in my head!!! In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.........

SurfinTX

10-28-2010, 01:54 AM

Day 1: Part 5 - So We Meet Again Dr. Jones.

Finishing up with the host of birds we exited the enchanted building to find that night had fallen. Tempuratures were still in the 70's and quite comfy so far tonight. Next up on our tour was just around the corner, The Jungle Cruise.

The line moved quickly and few of my pictures turned out.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2577.jpg

In ten minutes I was seated in our river boat. This is the first time I had ridden this attraction at night and found the atmosphere superior to that of the day time cruises. The captain has to be very interactive with the riders as they point things out with their lights. There are a few differences to the WDW version but most of the jokes are the same.

All too soon our trip was over. Right next door was our next destination. The Indiana Jones Adventure! Now this is something I was really looking forward to. Our luck was holding out as well as wait times were only at 15 minutes.

The ceiling in the line queue.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2578.jpg

Loading into our cars.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2579a.jpg

Now this ride is based on the same technology as Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom in Florida. Without giving too much away the story is about a series of expeditions that have been lost in a temple. Indiana is the latest to disappear and it is our job to find him as well as the secrets inside the temple.

I have to say the ride is pretty fun and just as rough as Dinosaur. The ending has a funny twist that I won't give away here. I did hear a few people repeating the line nearby afterwards. Han had a pretty confused expression through most of the ride. I asked him about it afterwards and he said "What kind of name is Indiana anyway?" Shrugging we continued into the dark.

Leaving Adventureland we enter New Orleans Square and find our next attraction just a few steps away near the Rivers of America.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2580.jpg

The queue is completely different from the WDW version and there are a few differences on the ride itself. First of all is this.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2581.jpg

There is a restaraunt in the attraction! This is The Blue Bayou which has a railing and tables right next to the water. After that it's all Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirates life for me!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2583.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2588.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2589.jpg

After getting out of our boats the exit empties directly inside New Orleans Square. Many shops line the walkway here and I spent a moment looking for pins. Not finding anything I exit a shop and find a nice empty courtyard.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2591.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2592.jpg

Taking advantage of the quietness I picked up my phone and called home. It was nice to hear Dianna and the kids' voices and I tried not to brag too much about the fun I was having. Saying our goodbyes and goodnights it was time again to move on.

Up next: Riding that Attraction is not my idea of courage. It's more like, suicide.

SurfinTX

10-28-2010, 02:09 AM

I love the Dole Whip Float, but I've seen other reports similar to yours. It might be one of those "you either love it or hate it" kind of things.

If it was the ice cream alone or just the juice I think it would have been better for me. Then again, if it was 90 degrees then I bet it would been a lot tastier.

So cool they still have the original Tiki Room show! :cool1: I know it probably needs an update by now, but I really didn't like they one they did at the MK! :sad1:

Whoever came up with the Under New Management idea, needs to be put UNDER new management!!! :rolleyes1

Edited to add...........now I've got that song stuck in my head!!! In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.........

It was so nice to see the original. It looks perfectly preserved and is a testament to early 60's technology. I look at what they did at WDW and wonder what Walt would have thought about that.

Flossbolna

10-28-2010, 02:49 AM

marvali

10-28-2010, 05:15 AM

I can imagine some of those rides at night would give a much different experience. I absolutely loved the Indiana Jones ride when I was at DL! We had the park pretty much to ourselves it seemed, and as soon as we got off that ride, we walked right back in line and never slowed down until we got on it again.:banana: Now that is definitely the way to enjoy the park! :thumbsup2

Like Magdelene, I don't remember that final ride either, but it was around 1995 when I was there, and I've slept since then!

glennbo123

10-28-2010, 07:27 AM

Good job capturing Han getting into the Jungle Cruise boat.

Did Han get to "see" Indiana on that ride? I'm wondering what his impression was? Did he say, that guy's face rings a bell....

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww63/surfinamma/smiliehunchback.gif

or what?

I'm picturing the Blue Bayou to be setup kind of like the restaurant in the Mexico pavilion, I guess?

I'm enjoying your pictures....I know almost nothing about this park. I visited when I was about 5 years old. I imagine a lot has changed since then (even if I remembered it).

SurfinTX

10-28-2010, 08:29 AM

I love the original Tiki room! I think that waiting area where you can buy the Dole products is such a great idea - and you are allowed to take the stuff into the show! The show is cheesy but also very cute - and thanks to Marvin I now have that song stuck in my head as well... (btw such a song is called an "ear worm" in German).

Oh, and the Indiana Jones ride! :cloud9: I hate Dinosaur, it is way too scary for me (even though I can appreciate that it is very well themed). But when I was at DL in 2005 with a friend we were so lucky to be there on an evening when it seemed that everyone was busy lining up for parade and Fantasmic and fireworks that we just hopped back on that ride again and again, even got our own jeep to ourselves once (that was a bit frightening!). I don't remember that line you mentioned, just that I was thinking how can this be the same as Dinosaur! I think this shows how little the technical side of those attractions matters and how important story line and theming is.

Oh so true about that stand at the Tiki Room. There was a steady stream of customers every time I passed by it. The wait is a bit shorter inside the ride which is a bonus as well.

The Indiana Jones ride has a superior story no doubt. Dinosaur goes a long way in the themeing department but I'll take Indiana Jones for the actual ride enjoyment.

I can imagine some of those rides at night would give a much different experience. I absolutely loved the Indiana Jones ride when I was at DL! We had the park pretty much to ourselves it seemed, and as soon as we got off that ride, we walked right back in line and never slowed down until we got on it again.:banana: Now that is definitely the way to enjoy the park! :thumbsup2

Like Magdelene, I don't remember that final ride either, but it was around 1995 when I was there, and I've slept since then!

The lines were not bad compared to some I had seen at WDW. 10-15 minute waits were pretty typical most of the night. I had nothing to complain about on that front. I did have a strategy to avoid the longer lines as you will see later in the report.

Good job capturing Han getting into the Jungle Cruise boat.

Thanks! However, that is the Indiana Jones ride. :p

Did Han get to "see" Indiana on that ride? I'm wondering what his impression was? Did he say, that guy's face rings a bell....

There was a resemblance but we turned to each other and said...Naaaah! :rotfl2:

I'm picturing the Blue Bayou to be setup kind of like the restaurant in the Mexico pavilion, I guess?

Very similar now that you mention it. The boats cruise by the railing about 15 feet away.

I'm enjoying your pictures....I know almost nothing about this park. I visited when I was about 5 years old. I imagine a lot has changed since then (even if I remembered it).

I took a LOT of pictures that night but I would say only 30% of them turned out decent. I'm not sure if I'm conveying to well how close theses rides are to each other. The longest walk I have had so far is down Main Street to BTMRR. Since then it's been less than 100 steps from one stop to the next.

Captain_Oblivious

10-29-2010, 07:40 AM

So how was it? The pineapple soft serve was excellent and would be great on a hot day. The mixture of the not as sweet pineapple juice was not appealing to me. I ended up eating most of the soft serve and tossing the juice afterwards. Next time I think I’ll just get the ice cream alone.

I agree! My wife liked the float better, but I thought the ice cream was better without the juice. You obviously have excellent taste. :laughing:

Han found it to be worse than a family of drunk Ewoks at a Coming of Age party. I, having done some research, understood that this attraction really knocked the socks off the crowds when it was introduced.

I, uh, agree with Han. :thumbsup2

In ten minutes I was seated in our river boat. This is the first time I had ridden this attraction at night and found the atmosphere superior to that of the day time cruises. The captain has to be very interactive with the riders as they point things out with their lights. There are a few differences to the WDW version but most of the jokes are the same.

That's a cool idea. Usually we're trying to get the kids back to bed, so I haven't had the chance to try any rides at night. Sounds like fun!

I asked him about it afterwards and he said "What kind of name is Indiana anyway?" Shrugging we continued into the dark.

Seems a little jealous to me... :rotfl2:

There is a restaraunt in the attraction! This is The Blue Bayou which has a railing and tables right next to the water. After that it's all Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirates life for me!

Cool! I now have a new restaurant I have to try! That must be a great spot for a meal.

Thanks for the pictures! It's great to get an idea of the "other" Disney park.

SurfinTX

10-29-2010, 08:20 AM

Day 1: Part 6 -Riding that Attraction is not my idea of courage. It's more like, suicide.

Leaving New Orleans Square, me and Han see a long line for the Haunted Mansion. Since it was the Halloween Season Disneyland had a special overlay called Huanted Mansion Holiday.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2611.jpg

I took a picture of the entrance but it didn't turn out well. In fact, after checking all of my pictures I didn't get any of the entrance I liked. :headache: Also, while the overlay is in place they add a fastpass option for the attraction. Unfortunately those had all run out by this time. Looking at the line I decide that it would be better to try later on and continue into Critter Country.

Around the bend we see this...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2593.jpg

Han immediatly said: "Uh Uh! Nooo Way are you getting me on this ride!"
Me: "Why not?"
Han: "Do you know what would happen to my rougish reputation if anyone saw me here?"

Well, I wasn't going to try to force him since he had the gun so I let him go on his way. We agreed to meet back at the room later on. Now I decided to plow on since I wasn't worried about my manly reputation at all.

The ride was a walk on.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2596.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2600.jpg

I would have to say that this was the first ride so far that was not as good as the WDW version. No hopping and the honey smell was nearly non-existant. Exiting the ride there is a shop called Pooh Corner. I'm not too sure if there is a quick service spot inside there but I picked up these pictures sometime between Pooh and my next ride.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2603.jpg

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http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2605.jpg

Many of the bakeries and candy stores had selections of Halloween treats just for the season if you are looking for them. Since the Pooh corner is as far as you can go in this direction I backtracked to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2607.jpg

The line here wasn't so bad at about 10 minutes and I was loaded with a bunch of silly teenagers. Again, my personal opinion is that the WDW is better but not by much. There are a few things missing but the view of the park is just as dramatic at night as you sit above the Rivers of America for a moment.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2606.jpg

Only a bit wet it was now time to use that Fastpass I had picked up earlier. Circling around the Rivers of America I find that Big Thunder was still at about a 30 minute standby. Happily jumping into the FP line I was loaded within 5 minutes! :woohoo:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2612.jpg

After missing out on this ride during our summer WDW trip I don't have a recent memory but going from my '07 trip the rides are very similar. Also, a mist had started to fall which made the ride very fun as your view became partially obstructed and very few parts are lit at night. All in all a great ride that night!

By now it was approaching 9:00 p.m. and at this point I had covered everything I had planned (plus a bit more) except the Haunted Mansion. Now was a good time for some shopping for the family and get a few pins I had seen online.

D23 Trick or Treat Pin
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1593/pin79670

Jack Skellington with Stained Glass
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1593/pin79675

These first two I really wanted but everywhere I went there were none to be found. I kept seeing other pins in the series but I didn't really like those. The search for these two pins would tie me up for hours in the coming days. The next three I eventually picked up.

Jack and Zero Haunted Mansion Holiday
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1595/pin79770

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1595/pin79762

Halloween Screams Disneyland
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1595/pin79764

While hunting I did pick up a Bolt plush for Madison
and a Princess pin.
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1392/pin69644

A Jedi Micky plush for Michael.
This pin for Kyler.
http://www.pinpics.com/img/p1388/pin69449

At this point I still hadn't made up my mind on what to get Dianna so I'd let that be for a while. All told I had shopped nearly every store from Tomorrowland to New Orleans Square and everything in between. :laundy: It was now time for the highlight of the night.

Up Next: One Twisted Holiday

TinksThree

10-29-2010, 08:39 AM

TinksThree

10-29-2010, 08:47 AM

And then you posted BTMRR while I was posting! So glad to hear that both Splash and BTMRR are pretty similar! Those are two of my faves and I just think it would eb wrong to deviate much! And great pins!! Good job!! :thumbsup2

wdwfan22

10-31-2010, 11:15 PM

I am so loving this trip report. You are a great writer!!! So much fun! I love Han Solo. So he didn't like the name Indiana, huh?...

Can't wait for more :cool1:

SurfinTX

11-01-2010, 05:09 AM

Been MIA....Grand Jury Duty called again and let me just say that in the midst of hearing all about the crime and grime I turned to a co-juror and said "I think I want to go back to Disney World!" :banana:

So, I missed lots, meaning a lot of catching up!! First The Golden Horseshoe looked so cool for a counter service! Keith would LOVE that one! I may need to show him your TR and try to talk him into a trip to DL because Second...I really, really love New Orleans Square and I kept wanting to jump into the pics for POTC!! Third....the Indiana Jones ride sounds very cool and I love the irony of Han loading up for an Indiana Jones ride.....:laughing: Fourth, I had the Dole Whip (ice cream only due to Chris not ordering correctly) and loved the ice cream only version and, hence, I am a little nervous about trying it float style! Okay I think that is all of my commentary for now~but I can't wait to hear how BTMRR compares to the one in WDW!!

I think I spent most of my time in and around New Orleans Square this trip. The Haunted Mansion, a train stop, POTC and several restaraunts kept me coming back. :love: Next time it will be the ice cream only. Maybe if they serve it with a pineapple wedge?

And then you posted BTMRR while I was posting! So glad to hear that both Splash and BTMRR are pretty similar! Those are two of my faves and I just think it would eb wrong to deviate much! And great pins!! Good job!! :thumbsup2

:tiptoe: I'm sneaky like that. I really wanted those other two pins but they were already gone it seems. :sad2:

I am so loving this trip report. You are a great writer!!! So much fun! I love Han Solo. So he didn't like the name Indiana, huh?...

Can't wait for more :cool1:

:welcome: I'm glad you're enjoying the trip report. In this trip report Han can be a lot of fun...but then he can be a pain in the butt...for a fictional companion. :laughing:

SurfinTX

11-01-2010, 06:14 AM

Day 1: Part 7 - One Twisted Holiday

Having finished up shopping for now I check the time and see that it's 10:30 and getting pretty close to the 11:00 pm park closing. I quickly made my way back to New Orleans to check on the Haunted Mansion one more time.

On the way I see the Ray Bradbury Halloween Tree lit up.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2615.jpg

and a few glowing balloons...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2618.jpg

My good luck this day was holding on as I see only a small line to go into the mansion. As I walk through the queue I take a few pictures when I can. Spoilers are everywhere from here on in so if you want to experience the Haunted Mansion Holiday for yourself then stop now. You have been warned!

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http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2621.jpg

Just outside the stretching room...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2622.jpg

and inside the stretching room.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2623.jpg

Jack looking down at us!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2626.jpg

After leaving the stretching room you proceed to the loading area with this new background.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2627.jpg

On the ride itself you will find many changes along the way.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2631.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2633.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2634.jpg

and near the end Oogie selects a "fun" holiday treat for you in your Doombuggy.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2635.jpg

Spoiler ends. What can I say? The Haunted Mansion at WDW is one of my favorite attractions and has a lot of sentemental value to me. Seeing it with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay is like nirvana itself.

Now it was closing time and the remaining crowds were all moving thier way towards the exit. Since I was walking back to the room it would be another 20 minutes to get there. My legs were tiring but it wasn't too bad. I have to say if you have a Hotel on Harbor St. walking is pretty safe with crowds coming and going most of the day. The mist was really settling in by the time I reached my room and it was nice to take a hot shower and finally settle in at midnight. Han was already passed out with a glass of blue milk on the table next to him.

Next up: Not So Sunny California

TinksThree

11-01-2010, 01:10 PM

Well, I say you had a pretty successful 1st day at DL! :cool1: That Haunted Mansion looks so awesome!! I love that attraction!!!!

marvali

11-01-2010, 03:40 PM

Great update! Awesome pictures of all of the decorations. Haunted mansion looks super, and I love those glowing balloons!!! :banana:

merrrydeath

11-01-2010, 04:39 PM

I am loving your report! And Han in the pictures is just cracking me up! Him loading into an Indiana Jones ride vehicle...:lmao:

SurfinTX

11-01-2010, 09:55 PM

Well, I say you had a pretty successful 1st day at DL! :cool1: That Haunted Mansion looks so awesome!! I love that attraction!!!!

Looking back at that day I almost have to say it was as close to perfect as a half day at Disneyland could be. The crowds were reasonable and the weather went from perfect to a bothersome drizzle right at the end. Something I just discovered - The Nightmare Before christmas Blu-ray has a tour of the Haunted Mansion Holiday on it. I pulled out for the kids' party this week and was surprised to see it as a bonus feature!

Great update! Awesome pictures of all of the decorations. Haunted mansion looks super, and I love those glowing balloons!!! :banana:

Thanks! Nighttime shots can be tough without a nice SLR but I tried to hold as steady as I could.

I am loving your report! And Han in the pictures is just cracking me up! Him loading into an Indiana Jones ride vehicle...:lmao:

Thanks Merrydeath! Han just didn't know what he was getting into when he was "volunteered" to accompany me! :laughing:

I'm preparing the next update now. This one will take a bit of time and as you see them you will understand why. Stay tuned!

SurfinTX

11-04-2010, 06:40 PM

Day 2: Part 1 - Not So Sunny California

...flying back home it seemed nothing was going right. Now on top of everything I was landing in Washington D.C. Wandering around the airport I wonder what I'm going to do next?...

Jerking a bit I wake up. It's dark. This is not my bed. Looking over at the end table I see the glowing numbers of my alarm clock. 6:30 a.m. My brain begins to catch up. I'm in California...not in Washington D.C. I struggle upright but I feel that I didn't get a good nights sleep. Maybe 5 hours tops. Still, I'm now on vacation and there is a lot to do today. I shrug off my weariness and get dressed.

I notice Han is not around. Looking outside I see that the drizzle hasn't let up and there is a low layer of clouds hanging over us. Wonderful. It's not all that cool outside so I pick my Jack Skellington T-shirt and a pair of jeans and hope that it warms up. Ready to go I head down to the office area to check out the continental breakfast at 6:45. Suprisingly it hasn't opened yet. Hmmm. I would have thought that it would be open earlier than this. This would be a problem tomorrow. Hanging out a bit I am surprised by a Tram pulling into the entryway.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/BTSempirecatbig.jpg

Han: Hey buddy!
Me: What in the world are you doing in that thing?!
Han: I found it over in the Toy Story parking lot. Figured we would arrive in style!
Me: No way! You gotta take that thing back before we both get in trouble. You will stick out like a sore thumb! Speaking of which...aren't you a bit overdressed?
Han: It's the only coat I have. Don't worry...I'll have all of this sorted out.

Driving off I looked at my watch and noticed that it was 7:00 already and the breakfast had been made available. What can I say? It is very basic at the travelodge with donuts, cereal, croissants and toast. Drinks are orange, cranberry, and apple juice with coffee. Might I suggest the apple or cranberry since the orange tastes like Tang or Sunny D. Still, it's complementary and fast so I'm not complaining.

Not seeing Han anywhere I head off on Harbor St. at 7:15 for my misty walk to Disneyland. Twenty minutes later I'm swinging into the bus area and notice a small crowd had formed by now at bag check. By coincidence Han strolls up nonchalantly.

Me: So. I don't see your, um, transport anywhere.
Han: I had, uhhh, run into some old friends.

Not getting any more explanation than that I saw that he had got rid of the coat somewhere at least. Bag check opens at 7:45 and from there it's a quick walk over to the front gate.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2636.jpg

The line forms and I find myself about 10 back.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2637.jpg

Behind me the lines build and just before opening there is quite a crowd waiting.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2638.jpg

A big difference I found at DL is that they do not let you into the courtyard area in fron of the station to do a rope drop. They select a family of the day who will get to help with the countdown and get a few pictures. The turnstiles are booted up which sing "Whistle While You Work" when ready. At 8:00 a.m. the gates are opened and you're off! Well, you hope so and pray that the people in front of you don't have ticket problems. Or have strollers. My line seems to be a bit slow but not too bad. A minute later I quickly walk around the station tunnel and stop dead in my tracks to see...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2639.jpg

Alice, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit! All together. I was sorely tempted to get a picture with them but the line had several groups in it and was growing by the second. Having to be satisfied with just taking a quick picture it's off to the races to get to our first destination.

The crowd ahead of me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2640.jpg

The plan this morning was a bit counter-intuitive. The crowds were dividing pretty evenly for Fantasyland and Tomorowland. Turning into Tomorrowland almost the entire crowd went for the Space Mountain line to get FP or ride immediatly. A good strategy for those near the front but not so good if you are a hundred or so behind them. I take a left turn and head over to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2641.jpg

You can see Han is proud to be first in line. Notice the Monorail happening by at that moment.

Finding Nemo, formerly 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, had an equivalent at WDW but is now cemented over and will not be included in the Fantasyland makeover. I have only a faint memory of it from 1983 so I made it a point to ride this once during this trip. This is a slow loading/unloading ride so it is critical to get on the first few subs or you will end up spending a lot of time waiting here.

Our sub driver.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2642.jpg

A steep entrance into the sub. I would think it would be difficult for those who are handicapped.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2644.jpg

Inside and about ready to go. Hope you are not claustrophobic!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2645.jpg

A few pictures underwater.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2647.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2648.jpg

Then the ride proceeds underground and none of those pictures turn out. The total ride time is about 7 minutes and I have to say it was fun to see the Nemo changes. Once was enough for this adult rider and taking one last look back I take a picture of some familiar seagulls.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2652.jpg

Next up was to backtrack a bit and head into Space Mountain. Now it was time to grab a fastpass which I failed to take a picture of. Return time was 10:45-11:45. With Fastpass in hand it was again just a short walk over to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2658.jpg

This ride is exactly the same as the WDW version. You sit down and try to shoot as many targets as you can.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2653.jpg

I had a bit of luck this ride and the ride stopped for brief moments. Taking advantage of that I manage to rack up a score of

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2657.jpg

Not too shabby for me! Just a quick mention of the gift shop for Buzz. Here you can find many of the rarer collectible pins behind a glass display case. It's here I pick up most of the pins I had shown earlier.

With that out of the way now it was time to swing over to the edge of Fantasyland to ride another first for me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2659.jpg

Yes, the Matterhorn!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2660.jpg

The wait here had built up to 10 minutes but wasn't too bad. The cars are similar to the ones at Space Mountain in WDW. The ride winds both inside and outside the mountain as you descend and can whip you around a bit. The overall thrill factor is near WDW Space Mountain for me with maybe a nod to Matterhorn for having a few nice elements along the way including encountering an Abominable Snowman and splashing through some water.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2661.jpg

It was now past 9:00 am and time now to get a move on for the next part of my plan. Walking back to the castle I notice an old classic car parked waiting for someone to hop on. Looking over at Han he shrugged and we took a ride in style as he would say.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2663.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2665.jpg

Relaxing and thouroghly enjoying myself I can only imagine what will come next.

Up next: It's Not my Fault!

glennbo123

11-04-2010, 07:15 PM

Great updates Tom. I'm enjoying seeing these Disneyland rides that I'm not familiar with -- the DL Haunted Mansion, the Nemo sub, the Matterhorn.

Flossbolna

11-05-2010, 03:34 AM

SurfinTX

11-05-2010, 07:08 AM

Great updates Tom. I'm enjoying seeing these Disneyland rides that I'm not familiar with -- the DL Haunted Mansion, the Nemo sub, the Matterhorn.

Thanks Glennbo! I'm trying to detail the differences between the parks as much as I can. Also, I swear I'll comment on your TR soon. The last 3 times I tried the boards went down for maint. :(

Oh, the Matterhorn! This was the first roller coaster I really loved! :love: My sister and I were highly amused by the CM costumes there which are modelled after Bavarian traditional clothes and we are from Bavaria. :goodvibes

I noticed that! I read about the history of the ride and didn't know they had a break area built into the mountain that holds a basketball half-court! I'm such a DL noob!

TinksThree

11-05-2010, 12:17 PM

SurfinTX

11-07-2010, 05:25 AM

I love the opening ceremony at MK. It is a must every trip....DL's opening is a little disappointing!

I remember 20,000 Leagues...vaguely! Cool that they transformed the one at DL for Nemo....we love Nemo in our house. Dory is my inspiration at work..."Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!" :lmao:

I have heard so much about the Matterhorn....I want to go!! :goodvibes

DL opening is nothing special...other than it's a must if you want to catch a few rides before the lines build.

Dory was a favorite for my niece when the Finding Nemo Teaser Trailer was running. She was three and kept repeating... "Nothin' in my noggin!"

We have about the same memory probably. I can remember waiting in line at WDW and then a bit of the ride.

The Matterhorn is good fun and won't freak out older kids. It's close to BTMRR for thrills.

ExpatDisneyLover

11-07-2010, 05:48 AM

Thanks for the TR! popcorn:: Gave me a good belly ache!:rotfl: Looking forward to the rest!

SurfinTX

11-07-2010, 06:59 AM

Day2: Part 2 - It's Not My Fault!

Last you saw us we were heading out of Disneyland barely an hour after arriving. Why would we do that you might ask?

Well, an interesting thing about the layout of the Disneyland Resort in California is that the entrances to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure are so close together. They are litteraly less than one minutes walk from gate to gate. Today DCA is opening at 10:00 am and I want to take advantage of rope drop at this park to get on some very popular rides.

That begs another question. Why am I leaving DL an hour before DCA opens? That has a more complex answer. The long answer can be found in Hydroguy's Tips About Disneyland which can be found here.

HydroGuy's Tips Compilation (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19810752&postcount=1)

The shorter answer is that DCA opens in stages. First of all if DCA opens at 10:00 a.m. then the turnstiles open at 9:30. Why? Well there are several reasons. First of all the most popular ride in the park currently is Toy Story Mania. It's location is at Paradise Pier all the way at the back of the park. Disney has decided to prevent huge crowd management problems and what would likely be a stream of people running all the way. They created interior rope drops to slow people down and get the crowds closer to their destination.

DCA also opens Soarin' over California at this time. You can collect Fastpasses or hop on directly after the CMs open the gate.

Finally, DCA opened a new show this summer called World of Color. The popularity of this show is tremendous and large crowds head for Fastpasses for that show as well. More on that later.

Here is a pic as I was leaving DL heading towards DCA.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2666.jpg

Notice a good size line has formed even though it's 45 minutes before the 10:00 "opening" time.

If you have a map of DCA handy...

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/maps/

after getting your parkhopper scanned you will enter the front of the park facing the Golden Gate bridge...which is a bridge for the monorail to cross over this area!

The crowd splits into two groups. One goes straight ahead to line up at a rope halfway to the Pier. The second group heads right and most pass by Soarin' (I can hear you WDW vets disbelief but that is just how popular World of Color is right now) and proceeds all the way over to Grizzly River Run's Fastpass stations. That is where the Fastpasses for World of Color are being distributed at this time. More on that later.

I, having decided not to watch World of Color today, did stop at Soarin' to collect my Fastpass.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2683.jpg

With that in hand I follow the big crowd around Grizzly River Run. Along the way you will pass the entrance that the Grand Californian has to this park. Soon I see the huge lines for World of Color but I pass them by. Eventualy I get all the way around this side of the park and reach what shows on the map as two buildings where the yellow and turquoise paths meet.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2667.jpg

Here you find a mini rope drop area that is much closer than the other rope drop location I mentioned earlier. I was all set to start my race to Toy Story Mania when the CMs announce that the ride was having technical difficultiies and would not be operating at opening.

You could tell that this entire group was attempting to go on that ride by the moans and groans. Han said, "It's not my fault!" since we all knew his luck with the Falcon. A nice lady struck up a conversation with me as we waited. Her family was somewhere behind her and you could tell she was a Disney fanatic. She recomended various attractions and sights which mostly agreed with my current plan.

Soon the rope doeas drop and the crowd presses forward. Here is where going without children is a huge advantage. Zipping through strollers and people half my height I was powerwalking my way to my new goal.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2668.jpg

Notice the CMs lining the way reminding people to walk. Kids can rush ahead if they run but they are at a decided disadvantage if they are forced to walk. Soon only adults are in the front group. Rounding the Pier my destination is in sight. Han points it out.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2669.jpg

Notice more CMs along the way? They are everywhere and will stop you if you are running. Well at least today they were since it was so slick.

Arriving at our destination...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2670.jpg

Only a few people arrived ahead of me as a good portion of the crowd continued on to TSM. Even knowing it was closed people were going to stake a place in line just in case. Walking all the way to the loading area I found that we were going to be the first riders of the day!

With almost no wait we were off to the launch point. Many aspects of this coaster is similar to RocknRollercoaster including the launch. There is only one inversion, a loop, but the music goes well with the pier theme in this part of the park. Afterwards, though, I had to give the nod to RnRR due to better music, indoors and more inversions. For a budding thrillseeker this coaster is plenty of fun, however!

Walking along the pier I take a picture of TSM and it's location near the coaster.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2671.jpg

At this time TSM was still down but a sizable crowd was still waiting. My plan for the day made it tough to wait for this so I continued on to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2676.jpg

This is a 160 foot tall ferris wheel that has both swinging and stationary gondolas. Loading for this ride can be lengthy so try to ride as early as you can. From here you can get some amazing views of the park!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2673.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2675.jpg

Notice the barf bags if you ride on the swinging gondolas.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2672.jpg

After about 15 minutes you will go through a cycle of loading, spinning and then unloading. Avoid if you are afraid of heights or you are suceptible to motion sickness.

A view from across the lake.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2677.jpg

With that it was time to leave Paradise Pier. I was short of my primary goal of riding Toy Story Mania but I knew there was much more to see.

Next Up: This is Actually Kinda Like Cropdusting Kid.

Dizzy4DL

11-07-2010, 08:54 AM

:surfweb: ....... Update! .......popcorn::

(too early for witty feedback, thanks for the wonderful update) ::MinnieMo

TinksThree

11-07-2010, 11:24 PM

Paradise Pier looks like so much fun! Maybe it is just the theming? :confused3I don't know, but the ferris wheel with the big Mickey head definitely won me over!!:yay:

I am so glad Han was able to point the way...you may have never found your destination otherwise!! He is cracking me up!!!:rotfl2:

SurfinTX

11-08-2010, 04:28 AM

Thanks for the TR! popcorn:: Gave me a good belly ache!:rotfl: Looking forward to the rest!

Glad you joined in! I'll try to keep the laughs coming.

:surfweb: ....... Update! .......popcorn::

(too early for witty feedback, thanks for the wonderful update) ::MinnieMo

For me it was quite late and I had to cut it off earlier than I wanted. The next part should have been included in yesterdays update.

Paradise Pier looks like so much fun! Maybe it is just the theming? :confused3I don't know, but the ferris wheel with the big Mickey head definitely won me over!!:yay:

I am so glad Han was able to point the way...you may have never found your destination otherwise!! He is cracking me up!!!:rotfl2:

Paradise Pier is a lot of fun these days. When the park opened the locals didn't like it very much. Many of the rides seemed to be non-Disney oriented. Now with TSM opened up the park is starting to come around. Disney is making a major investment in this park to add more attractions and I'll be covering that soon.

Han was a big help today. ;)

SurfinTX

11-08-2010, 05:20 AM

Day 2: Part 3 - This is Actually Kinda Like Cropdusting Kid.

At the end of the last update, if you remember, I was leaving the Paradise Pier area. There were a few things I would like to mention before carrying on.

Currently Disney's California Adventure is in the middle of a major makeover. The company has commited a tremendous amount of money starting a few years ago to transform the park into something with more Disney atmosphere. Signs of construction are everywhere right now. You can see a bit of it in the edges of my pictures. There are a lot of cranes and fences up but I'm trying to keep a lot of those out of the pictures I'm showing.

The first ride that has been shut down that directly impacted my plans was Maliboomer. It was a vertical launch ride set between California Screamin' and Mickey's Fun Wheel. Currently all that is left of it is a few support structures as plans are to change it into a seating area in the midst of California Screamin'.

Ok. Now that I reminded myself about that particular part of Paradise Pier...lets move on.

Just as I walked by Ariel's Grotto and turned towards A Bug's Land I ran into these guys.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2678.jpg

They had set up a percussion performance that had a lot of Sir! Yes Sir's! included. There was some crowd interaction as well as the Army Men tried to find out how motivated the kids were in the crowd.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2679.jpg

After 10 minutes they moved on to other parts of the park and I turned into A Bug's Land but not before noticing a sign which is not pictured. It warned guests that currently the connection between The Tower of Terror and The Hollywood Pictures Back lot was currently blocked. In my planning I hadn't heard about this and needless to say it would be an inconvenience.

In a rush (and not taking any pictures) I make my way all the way through A Bug's Land and head straight for Tower of Terror and it's Fastpass machines.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2681.jpg

If you look at the map now I was forced to backtrack all the way through A Bug's Land if I wanted to see more of the park. Han at this point looked ready to charge through the foliage but I talked him out of it. After returning to the front of the park it was now time (10:45) to use my first Fastpass and jump on Soarin' Over California.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2684.jpg

After presenting my ticket the CM hands me one of these.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2687.jpg

I'm not sure but I think solo riders might get these more often than others might since it was the third time in my three visits to get the wait time card.

With the Fastpass I had to wait about 10 minutes. It would have been faster but the CM held me up to be first on the next trip. This would turn out to be a nice thing since he led me to the first row of the middle bay.

Yep. That's where I'm at.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2688.jpg

Front row top!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2689.jpg

Not having people's feet dangling in front of you really does make this ride better. I have rode this a number of times at WDW but near the middle bottom and the perspective is just not as good as being on the top.

Of course Han had to make a snide comment as we flew over the orange groves that it's exactly like cropdusting. :rolleyes1

Okay. I know it's a short update but it really should have been included in the last bit. Hopefully the next bit will not be long in coming. :hippie:

glennbo123

11-08-2010, 08:10 AM

Nice updates! If I ever go to DL I'm going to have to have you give me the lowdown on what order to hit the rides. It sounds like you know all of the ins and outs.

TinksThree

11-09-2010, 03:19 PM

I totally agree! First row on Soarin makes the ride feel so surreal!! It also made Keith get motion sick! :sick:

SurfinTX

11-09-2010, 07:31 PM

Nice updates! If I ever go to DL I'm going to have to have you give me the lowdown on what order to hit the rides. It sounds like you know all of the ins and outs.

HydroGuy's tips really helped a lot as well as looking over the boards for months with all the changes that have happened recently...like World of Color. Still, with the major makeover of DCA in a year everything will be totally different.

I totally agree! First row on Soarin makes the ride feel so surreal!! It also made Keith get motion sick! :sick:

I remember that in your trip report. You had all kinds of problems with Keith's foot as well that day. :(

SurfinTX

11-10-2010, 05:31 AM

Day 2: Part 4 - What an Incredible Smell You've Discovered!

After having a thouroghly enjoyable trip on Soarin' we exit the ride and come back outside. Almost immediatly a strong smell overcame us. No. It wasn't the garbage masher or anything like that. It was hot popcorn and it reminded my tummy that I haven't had anything since 7:00 am. One thing I can say about Disneyland...good smells travel far. In Disneyworld I found that there was always a background "swampy" or decaying smell. The sheer amount of rain and water everywhere kinda wipes out everything else. Not here. It was free advertising to everyone within 200 feet. POPCORN!

Drawn more strongly than the Dark Side ever could we get in line. While waiting a character greeting spot was right next to us.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2690.jpg

This kid was having nothing to do with Goofy this day.

The line was only 4 deep when I arrived but as soon as one was served more would be drawn to the enticing smell...and this bad boy...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2691.jpg

Here may I present to you the Mickey Halloween Popcorn Bucket. At $8.50 I think it's a steal. Not only do you get a nice bucket of popcorn it can be easily cleaned and used to hold things or display...which I'll show later. Also let me tell you that they are a hot item and any stand that had them on display quickly formed a line until they were sold out. There are a lot of reports that they were gone from the parks for days until they were restocked.

Looking at the clock I was still doing pretty good as far as my plans were concerned and had enough time to fit in...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2692.jpg

Monsters Inc. is one of my favorite Pixar films and was the first I had seen with my niece when she was three. This ride takes you through a quick retelling of the story.

The queue is full of funny tidbits about the city of Monstropolis.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2694.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2695.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2696.jpg

After boarding our cars we get to see some of my favorite characters.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2699.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2700.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2701.jpg

At the end Roz has her eye on you and makes random comments about the riders. When we came by I was sitting in the third row.

"You in the third row. Nice hair! Ha! Ha! Haaaa!"
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2705.jpg

Gee thanks Roz!

With that out of the way the next item on the list was one I was looking forward to for several weeks before the trip. Aladdin! This is a live stage show that many people have raved about on the DisBoards. Unfortunately, Disney had discontinued the show and was planning on changing it into a new presentation once the construction in the park had started winding down. Then, just a few weeks prior to when I was leaving, they announced that the show would be on for a bit longer!

Normaly Monsters Inc. is within a few steps of Aladin's theater. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, that path blocked off at the moment. Han was not in the mood to make that long walk again and so we parted ways. I then had to hoof it all the way back around through A Bugs Land again to get to the theater.

I arrived 45 minutes before the show but since this was the first showing in over a month the line was already quite long.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2706.jpg

The lower section lines were already full. Still, I had arrived just as the balcony seating line was opened and I got in right near the front. Time passes. Standing around 45 minutes alone is never fun. The time finally arrived right before 1 pm and the CMs escort us inside.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2707.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2709.jpg

My seat wasn't all that bad on the front row center of the balcony. As the audience settled in announcements were made about smoking and flash photography. Interestingly, the repeated announcement was done in Japanese...not Spanish which I commented to myself. In the seat next to me a lady turned to me and asked if I knew Japanese. Come to find out she had traveled from Okinawa to Los Angeles and had ancestors from both the U.S. and Japan.

After a nice conversation which was 95% English luckily (I can read and hear much more than I can speak) the show starts. Spoilers follow.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2712.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2716.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2722.jpg

The Genie was a hoot and kept making very current jokes...such as Lindsey Lohan's recent run ins. About midway through the show an amazing prop elephant moves through the aisles as he transports Aladin to the stage.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2723.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2724.jpg

Aladdin getting dissed.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2725.jpg

I tried to get pictures of the flying carpet. It was just too dark.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2729.jpg

Luckily my 10x optical zoom didn't fail me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2731.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2732.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2734.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2736.jpg

The cast.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2737.jpg

What can I say? The acting was great! The music performed nearly perfectly and there are nice surprises with the sets throughout. The show lasts one hour and doesn't cut much out. Nearly every song from the film is included and it doesn't feel rushed at all. Talking with other people, including that lady I mentioned at rope drop earlier, it is pretty much the best show Disney puts on at any of the parks. If you are going to Disneyland and Aladdin is showing...free up some time to see it. You won't regret it.

glennbo123

11-10-2010, 11:42 AM

marvali

11-10-2010, 11:45 AM

Really cool updates and a lot of good info! Hard to believe how much has changed since the last time I was there. Got a really good laugh out of the instructions for the bus riders for Monsters Inc. The Alladin show sounds like great fun!!! Love to see that one!

Dizzy4DL

11-10-2010, 12:31 PM

Wow! Thank you for taking pictures of the theater! Many people post pictures of the actors, but I had no idea what the theater looked like inside. :thumbsup2
We may have to make the time to see it if it's still going in Jan/Feb. We aren't "show" kind of people, but you made it sound like a lot of fun. :goodvibes

SurfinTX

11-11-2010, 03:44 PM

This was an awesome update Surfin! Great chapter title. :thumbsup2

That popcorn bucket looks great, I'd definitely have to pick up one of those if I happened up on one.

And wow, "Aladdin" looks really good. Not frequenting the DL boards, I didn't even know about it. My daughter Marlene's school is going to put on "Aladdin" also, and she is planning on trying out for a role. She wasn't going to go for Jasmine, but I think we talked her into it. We'll see if she gets it.

I love my Mickey Popcorn bucket! Not that many could be found so if you go in October look early...or look for big lines at popcorn stands. popcorn::

As far as Aladdin the show was really great. Unfortunately, there is no telling how much longer it will be on. They only extended it's run due to delays in the planning of what would be the replacement show (which I don't know).

Wow! I wish we had some decent choices like Aladdin for musicals in my day. All I got to do was Pipin :sad2: and a 1940's Radio Show. Tell Marlene to break a leg.

Really cool updates and a lot of good info! Hard to believe how much has changed since the last time I was there. Got a really good laugh out of the instructions for the bus riders for Monsters Inc. The Alladin show sounds like great fun!!! Love to see that one!

As I said earlier, if you blink it will change again. All I have talked about so far is Maliboomer being shut down and the construction block near Monsters Inc. and Tower of Terror. I'll have more info on some of the construction later. If you can catch Aladdin do so as soon as you can!

Wow! Thank you for taking pictures of the theater! Many people post pictures of the actors, but I had no idea what the theater looked like inside. :thumbsup2
We may have to make the time to see it if it's still going in Jan/Feb. We aren't "show" kind of people, but you made it sound like a lot of fun. :goodvibes

Check it out if you can. There are no guarantees Aladdin will still be running by that date. Also check into some dining options as I beleive there is some reserve seating near the stage. I didn't use that and figured I would just get there early.

SurfinTX

11-11-2010, 06:29 PM

Day2: Part 5 - So This is What Being Inside a Two Meter Exhaust Port Feels Like.

After enjoying the wonderful show Aladdin I exited the theater around 2:00 p.m. The next item on the plan was pretty obvious since it was just across the street.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2753.jpg

With Fastpass ready I bypassed what looked like a 30 minute standby line and entered the lobby immediatly.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2739.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2740.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2742.jpg

After the pre-show everything up to this point is pretty much the same as the WDW version. The line in the furnace room.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2746.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2748.jpg

Spoilers Begin.

After another ten minutes I was seated in the elevator car in the back row. Our female CM was pretty funny as soon as everyone was seated she proceeded to act like an airline attendant. Pointing out the large holes in the cage near the front she told us...

"In case of elevator malfunction, those in the front row will be ejected automaticaly through these. As for the rest of you...<shrug>."

There was general laughter but you could tell there were a few nervous passengers aboard. The doors are closed and we moved back into the shaft. We move up smoothly for a bit and the doors open to a similar scene as the WDW ride looking into a hallway. Now if you remember, I'm still carrying my Mickey popcorn bucket with me and I had a sudden idea. In the WDW version of the ride you get an effect showing an image of the riders getting shocked before moving into the main elevator shaft. To be funny I pick up my mostly empty bucket to get it in the picture.

Well, needless to say I was a bit surprised...lets say massivly surprised, when the effect showed the actors at the end of the hallway standing in an elevator suddenly drop. One second later we drop...hard! We are already in the shaft! When I say hard I mean it exceeded free fall. We were lifted out of our seats and pressed hard into the seatbelts.

I had just enough wit at the moment to hang on the bucket but was dismayed to see the lid fly off nearly verticaly and was out of sight in an instant. Placing my hand on the top to keep the remaining popcorn from flying all over my companions I knew I was in for quite the ride. After that we were lifted to the top of the shaft from the very bottom. Every lift and drop was stronger than what you experience at WDW.

After all the screaming and lauging it was over and we moved back forward to an unloading area. The nice lady two seats down from me had found my lid and gave it back to me. I'm not sure if it had hit her or not so I apologized just in case.

Spoilers End.

So how does it match up with the WDW version? For ride special effects and theming the WDW version is better. As far as ride mechanics the DL version edges it out for thrill factor. So let's look at the ride photo hall we?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2752.jpg

By this time I must have gotten over the shock of that first drop and had the popcorn covered with my hand. On this ride we have some zen masters and...what the duece? On the second row in front of me. Glennbo?! :scared1:

Exiting the gift shop I had a long walk again to look forward to but I have one last fastpass to use before heading back to my hotel room. A picture on my way out of DCA. Han had waited near the entrance for me and we hooked back up for the walk over to the DL turnstiles.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2754.jpg

Re-entering Disneyland I notice a show going on right in front of the firehouse on Main Street.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2755.jpg

The firemen were playing some ragtime as Goofy grabbed kids to dance with him.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2757.jpg

I only spent a moment here since the afternoon was wearing away and I really needed to get back to my room.

Taking a right turn at the hub it was finally time to ride...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2758.jpg

That's right! Space Mountain with the Ghost Galaxy holiday overlay. Again the Fastpasses came through and I got to bypass at least an hour standby and walk right into a ten minute wait inside.

Spoilers Begin.

Having never rode the DL version of Space Mountain I will only have the Ghost Galaxy version to compare it with the WDW version.

The first major difference is the loading area. While walking through the corridors there are all kinds of spooky futuristic sound effects.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2761.jpg

Here are the cars from above.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2762.jpg

Already you can tell there is a major difference in the ride by the side by side seating in the cars. A few minutes after this picture me and Han were loaded aboard.

There are speakers aboard so you get nice music and sound effects as you are chased by Cosmic Spirits through the ride. There are all kinds of video effects as well where it looks like hands jump out at you as well. The coaster itself is faster and is much more thrilling than the WDW version. Proof of this can be seen in the ride photo.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2764.jpg

Typical ride photos of the WDW version have maybe a few grins but not much in the way of screaming or scared people. At DL the ride just reaches an intensity to really make you yell out. It easily matches BTMRR without all the extra chain lifts.

Spoiler Ends.

With big grins on our faces and promises to ride Space Mountain again, Han and I proceeded out of the park to make our long walk back to the room. So far it had been an excellent day with only the hiccup at Toy Story Mania keeping it from being exactly as I planned. Yet it's only 3 p.m. What will the night have in store for us?

Stay tuned to find out!

glennbo123

11-12-2010, 11:13 AM

So how does it match up with the WDW version? For ride special effects and theming the WDW version is better. As far as ride mechanics the DL version edges it out for thrill factor. So let's look at the ride photo hall we?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2752.jpg

By this time I must have gotten over the shock of that first drop and had the popcorn covered with my hand. On this ride we have some zen masters and...what the duece? On the second row in front of me. Glennbo?! :scared1:

Now, that guy may have my moustache, but that's certainly waaay different hair! Oh wait, that's a lady. Well, the same can be said about the guy near the aisle.

Proof of this can be seen in the ride photo.http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2764.jpg

I love how you (successfully) held up your popcorn bucket for this ride photo! And it looks like Han is enjoying himself too.

SurfinTX

11-15-2010, 03:12 AM

Now, that guy may have my moustache, but that's certainly waaay different hair! Oh wait, that's a lady. Well, the same can be said about the guy near the aisle.

:laughing::confused3 It wouldn't be a good ToT ride photo without something strange or unexpected in it.

I love how you (successfully) held up your popcorn bucket for this ride photo! And it looks like Han is enjoying himself too.

By this time the bucket was empty and I had figured out how to secure the top. I tried to find a good video of the Ghost Galaxy version of Space Mountian but most do not turn out. it is verrrrry dark with great special effects as you travel through it.

Han had been through asteroid fields and inside space worms so I'm guessing this didn't quite reach that excitement level for him.

SurfinTX

11-15-2010, 09:53 AM

Day 2: Part 6 - I Really Didn't Want This Much Attention!

It was time again to get my twenty minute walk out of the way and get back to my room. It was closing in on 3:00 p.m. and after only having some popcorn I really needed to find something to eat. Luckily there are many options along Harbor St. for just about any taste.
Needing a quick spot to eat that was close by I picked Carl's Jr. There are a few around Dallas and typically they have a very good selection of sandwiches. Also I saw a sign for $1 drinks of any size and that clinched the deal. I ordered a BBQ chicken sandwich and 44 oz. Dr. Pepper and quickly walked back to my room.

How was the sandwich? Let's take a look at the pictures.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2765.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2766.jpg

As you can see they did provide a tasty wheat bun. However, the chicken was way overdone and had probably sat under a heater for way too long. Not a typical Carl's Jr. sandwich for me at all. I couldn't complain too much at a total cost of $3.50 with the drink.

My plan at this point was to get back earlier in the day so I could rest. With it now getting past 3:30 that wasn't going to happen. Still, I was pretty excited about the evenings plans so I started putting on my evening attire.
Which took about 45 minutes.

Han, after taking a look at me just smirked and said, "I've seen a lot of crazy things in my time."

Bidding him farewell it was time to turn around and head right back to Disneyland. My feet were getting quite the workout today and it was nowhere near over yet!

On the way over I got a lot of reactions. A few smiles. Honking of horns and shouting. Never before did a mile long trek feel so long. I bet you're wondering why this was happening. Continue on dear reader for tonight is Mickey's Halloween Party in Disneyland!

This is the first year (at least in quite some time) the Disneyland has hosted the Halloween Party. DCA had the event that included all of the trick or treating and several decorated areas. This year DCA was completely devoid of most Halloween theming. To make up for this Disneyland had added some special decorations for us party goers.

Next to the gate.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2767.jpg

Disney also allows adults to get in costume during party nights. Usually this is not allowed due to the possibilty of children approaching guests thinking that it's a possible character greeting. Pulling out my ticket I recieve a wristband and map for the night. Also I am handed a small trick or treat bag with a few Cars and Toy Story characters on it. Heading in I notice that there are not many costumed people here yet as it was still 5:00 p.m.

As I approach the castle I find a few more decorations put up.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2768.jpg

The crowds at this time are surging. Large groups of people are arriving for the party at this time. Meanwhile, the other guests do not have to leave until 7:00 pm. During the next two hours this was the busiest I had seen Disneyland for the entire trip. Stepping up to the castle I get my first good shot of it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2769.jpg

I seem to be attracting a few stares. The helpful Photopass photographer (who breaks out in a big grin a second after this picture) volunteered to take a picture of me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2772.jpg

Johnny Depp eat your heart out!

Ok, maybe not. However I need to say that for the rest of this installment assume, if I'm not taking a picture or doing something a normal guest would do, then I'm being approached by someone to either get an autograph or a picture. This happened over a dozen times while it was still light out and there were not many people in costumes wandering around yet. As it got closer to 7:00 p.m. that pretty much stopped.

Walking through the castle I enter Fantasyland for the first time. Immediatly to my left is the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2779.jpg

Inside there is a winding corridore displaying scenes from the movie Sleeping Beauty.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2773.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2775.jpg

A short video showing an effect right before you exit.

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/1bGTsaFwz-o/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bGTsaFwz-o[/)

A close look at Sleeping Beauty's Castle from the back.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2778.jpg

Continuing farther back into the park I happen to notice this stand.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2780.jpg

This will become one of the treat hand out locations after the party starts.

Heading all the way to the back of the park I enter...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2781.jpg

It was at this point I encountered a lot of Jack Sparrow fans as I crossed into Toontown and had several pictures taken. Just a bit later I was aproached by young boy who wanted an autograph. I had to tell him that I wasn't actually Jack Sparrow but was just here to trick or treat.

Looking around I had to admit the Disneyland's Toontown is more immersive than the Disneworld version. The buildings surround you and there are many places for children to explore.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2782.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2783.jpg

After checking out the sights I finally made it over to my goal before the party started.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2785.jpg

Mickey's House! Now I have to admit that DL has WDW beat hands down! The house portion is very similar. What sets it appart is the character greeting afterwards. At WDW you have to enter the Judge's Tent and typically wait in one hour or longer lines to meet Mickey and company. At DL you get to walk into a building that has a lot of posters and "props" from early Mickey films. The line then holds at a small film room showing previews of these movies. The wait is not bad at all at 15 minutes. A side door is opened and you are led into a room.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2786.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2787.jpg

It's Mickey's dressing room. Everything is set up to look like Mickey is preparing for his next shoot...The Band Concert. Groups are led in about ten at a time and you get to joke around with the CMs as Mickey greets the children. One at a time or in groups you get your big chance with the mouse himself!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2788.jpg

One of the CMs commented that this the best costume he had seen so far. I smiled and thanked him but I still walked out with a bit of an ego boost anyway.

Turning towards the Toontown exit I pause a moment to make sure I have everything in my bag still. While looking down I hear some squeals of excitement. Looking up I'm sure with a funny look of surprise on my face, several teenage girls come up and want their picture taken with me. I begin my speil that I'm not a Disney employee but they are not deterred. Posing quickly, we then move on our separate ways.

Shaking my head but with an ever growing grin on my face I leave the zany population of Toontown and re-enter Fantasyland. My timing couldn't have been better since I arrive just as Celebrate! A Street Party! arrives just in front of It's a Small World.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2791.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2800.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2801.jpg

This location was a Celebration Zone where the floats stop and some of the particapants come forward to dance with the crowd. Standing well back I was safe from being selected to dance but I still didn't escape attention. A CM walks over to me and comments on my coat and asks what materials it's made out of. She turned out to be one of the people who handle the cleaning and repair of the costumes you see in the parks. I think I said something about how big of a job it was. She assured me that it takes a lot of man hours to stay ahead of the wear and tear.

The parade had moved along and we said our farewells. Looking at the pavement I did notice that the Celebration had left a considerable amount of confetti behind.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2803.jpg

I was beginning to wonder what Disney does with all of this when the question was quickly answered.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2804.jpg

With night settling in and the crowds heading out it was about time for the party to really begin!

Next Up: Yo! Ho! Yo! Ho! A Pirate's Life For Me!

glennbo123

11-15-2010, 10:42 AM

Dizzy4DL

11-15-2010, 11:12 AM

pirate: Arghhhhh! :thumbsup2 Awesome costume! I would have assumed you were a CM myself.

By the way, did you know the Jack Sparrow CM's get handed room key cards and phone numbers?! :eek:

glennbo123

11-15-2010, 11:28 AM

By the way, did you know the Jack Sparrow CM's get handed room key cards and phone numbers?! :eek:

Yeah, what about that Tom? Did you give full disclosure in this chapter?

Dizzy4DL

11-15-2010, 02:09 PM

Yeah, what about that Tom? Did you give full disclosure in this chapter?

:lmao:

:rolleyes1

SurfinTX

11-15-2010, 08:02 PM

Great costume Tom! It's hard to believe it's you in there. I'll bet you did get a lot of attention. That must have been interesting getting asked to pose for pictures and being requested for autographs.

Thanks Glennbo! Not too shabby for having to pack it all in a carry-on with three days worth of clothes as well! Yeah. I was feeling a bit self conscious after arriving at Disneyland and not seeing many costumed adults yet. Don't get me wrong because I was flattered at all of the attention but it just felt a bit wierd at the same time. pirate:

pirate: Arghhhhh! :thumbsup2 Awesome costume! I would have assumed you were a CM myself.

By the way, did you know the Jack Sparrow CM's get handed room key cards and phone numbers?! :eek:

Thanks but I tried to not act like Jack Sparrow when I was walking from place to place. I would pose or wave if a kid was yelling at me but that was about it. No. I didn't know about that but I should have known better. :lmao:

Yeah, what about that Tom? Did you give full disclosure in this chapter?

Yeah. I could see how if I was really turning on the charm I could have had all the ladies chasing after me. Oh! Hi Dianna! :duck: Looking at my trip report, when I have been waiting in lines it seems that moms with children in other locations have been striking up conversations with me so far. :scratchin

Flossbolna

11-16-2010, 03:51 AM

marvali

11-16-2010, 06:33 AM

Oh, the Matterhorn! This was the first roller coaster I really loved! :love: My sister and I were highly amused by the CM costumes there which are modelled after Bavarian traditional clothes and we are from Bavaria. :goodvibesThe Matterhorn is one of my all time favorites at any of the US parks. I was so disappointed the last time I got to visit DL and it was closed for refurb!!! :sad1:
Stepping up to the castle I get my first good shot of it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2769.jpgCool, a PP of a PPP! She didn't look happy. I'm assuming you had just informed her the cost if she wanted a DVD of your work as a keepsake of her day at DL....... :rolleyes1

I seem to be attracting a few stares. The helpful Photopass photographer (who breaks out in a big grin a second after this picture) volunteered to take a picture of me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2772.jpgVery nice costume!!! :thumbsup2
I need to say that for the rest of this installment assume, if I'm not taking a picture or doing something a normal guest would do, then I'm being approached by someone to either get an autograph or a picture. This happened over a dozen times while it was still light out and there were not many people in costumes wandering around yet.I probably would have just gone with the flow and acted the part and let people have their pictures and autograph. Would have been much easier than trying to explain over and over...... :confused3 I don't think I would have had to worry though. I would have been trying to explain why Capt. Jack had gained so much weight since the last movie.......... :rotfl2:
Looking around I had to admit the Disneyland's Toontown is more immersive than the Disneworld version. The buildings surround you and there are many places for children to explore.To be honest, I'm not sure I ever went in Toontown at DL. :confused: The first trip it was DW and I, and the second time was solo so no kids to entertain.
Mickey's House! Now I have to admit that DL has WDW beat hands down! The house portion is very similar. What sets it appart is the character greeting afterwards. At WDW you have to enter the Judge's Tent and typically wait in one hour or longer lines to meet Mickey and company. At DL you get to walk into a building that has a lot of posters and "props" from early Mickey films. The line then holds at a small film room showing previews of these movies. The wait is not bad at all at 15 minutes. A side door is opened and you are led into a room. It's Mickey's dressing room. Everything is set up to look like Mickey is preparing for his next shoot...The Band Concert. Groups are led in about ten at a time and you get to joke around with the CMs as Mickey greets the children. One at a time or in groups you get your big chance with the mouse himself!Actually, it used to be very similar at MK until they added the Judge's Tent.
The parade had moved along and we said our farewells. Looking at the pavement I did notice that the Celebration had left a considerable amount of confetti behind.I think I would have had to snag some of that as a souvie!
Thanks for the Toontown tour! I now understand why I am always wondering at WDW about Mickey's House. I always seem to miss something without really knowing what. I guess I got DL and WDW mixed up in my head... Actually, you aren't confusing it at all. When we took oldest DS for the first time in 1992, you did pretty much the same thing at MK. Instead of watching films, there was a stage show that had the Rescue Rangers and other characters, including of course MM. After the show, you exited out and stood in a line to be led into Mickey's dressing room in small groups for the same greet and meet/photo op. You learned very quickly to pick a row and sit as far to the left of the stage as possible for the quick exit ahead of the crowd to shorten your wait! :banana:

SurfinTX

11-16-2010, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the Toontown tour! I now understand why I am always wondering at WDW about Mickey's House. I always seem to miss something without really knowing what. I guess I got DL and WDW mixed up in my head... Same happens with park layouts. It is still a Magic Kingdon type park, but it is different as well. Disneyland Paris is even more confusing because they switched Adventureland and Frontierland...

Your costume is great! At first I thought that there was some photoshopping going on in the picture, but then realized that this is really you! Wow! :thumbsup2

Yeah, DL and DW are similar but there are key differences. When walking around you find a similar landmark but right next to it is something completely different. Toontown being all the way in the back instead of off to the right side being one of them.

No photoshop this time. I'm letting the inner pirate in me out.

The Matterhorn is one of my all time favorites at any of the US parks. I was so disappointed the last time I got to visit DL and it was closed for refurb!!! :sad1:

Yeah. This time it was Star Tours down for the rehab. I can't complain since Toy Story Mania and Aladin had just come back while I was there so a pretty good trade-off.

Cool, a PP of a PPP! She didn't look happy. I'm assuming you had just informed her the cost if she wanted a DVD of your work as a keepsake of her day at DL....... :rolleyes1

:rotfl: When I took the picture she had just turned around and was getting a look at me. You might notice I had several glances at me in that picture as well.

Very nice costume!!! :thumbsup2

Why thanks!

I probably would have just gone with the flow and acted the part and let people have their pictures and autograph. Would have been much easier than trying to explain over and over...... :confused3 I don't think I would have had to worry though. I would have been trying to explain why Capt. Jack had gained so much weight since the last movie.......... :rotfl2:

I just felt cautious around kids. I knew about the rule to not act like your a CM if your in a costume and I didn't feel like taking a risk before the party started. If the kids didn't care then I was fine with it as well.

To be honest, I'm not sure I ever went in Toontown at DL. :confused: The first trip it was DW and I, and the second time was solo so no kids to entertain.

It was worth checking out, at least for me. I didn't ride anything back there but it was pretty cool seeing the differences.

Actually, it used to be very similar at MK until they added the Judge's Tent.
I think I would have had to snag some of that as a souvie!
Actually, you aren't confusing it at all. When we took oldest DS for the first time in 1992, you did pretty much the same thing at MK. Instead of watching films, there was a stage show that had the Rescue Rangers and other characters, including of course MM. After the show, you exited out and stood in a line to be led into Mickey's dressing room in small groups for the same greet and meet/photo op. You learned very quickly to pick a row and sit as far to the left of the stage as possible for the quick exit ahead of the crowd to shorten your wait! :banana:

I have a big Disney Park gap from the 1989 to 2007. Things like Toontown and Indiana Jones are all new to me. Still, the internet is always great to find out the history of all of these parks. I purposefully went in with as little information as possible to prevent spoiling myself for this trip.

TinksThree

11-16-2010, 12:45 PM

I remember that in your trip report. You had all kinds of problems with Keith's foot as well that day. :(

Yes, he had lots and lots of issues with his foot. It just made the Epcot day not the great day I had planned!

Tower of Terror looks like so much fun! It is one of my top 3 at WDW!

The Aladdin show pictures were great! That looks like a wonderful show! Aladdin is one of my favorites too! :goodvibes

Toontown was so cool! I want to go there!! I love Toontown in WDW and will be sad to see it go....it would be cool if they could redo it somewhere else and follow DL's lead! :cool1:

And finally....GREAT costume!! You had me laughing out loud at the teen girls! I could see Madison doing that!

SurfinTX

11-18-2010, 11:46 AM

Day 2: Part 7 - Yo! Ho! Yo! Ho! A Pirate's Life for Me!

A Little Mood Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8YHUD_uD5U)

Last time I left you night was beginning to fall and I had just finished watching the Celebrate! A Dance Party! wrap up in Fanatasyland. Walking back towards the hub I noticed all of the decorative lights come on. More party guests had arrived in costume and I started become less of the center of attention I had been earlier. Arriving back at the front of the castle I came upon this group.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2805.jpg

I bet it was like hearding cats, er...dogs getting all of that set up!

Occasional reminders were announced that the party was about to begin and several groups began to gather and mingle in the hub area. There was an amazing group of Ghostbusters that I didn't get a good picture of until later. During this time there are a lot of photos taken and people greeting each other. 7:00 p.m. rolls around and the area in front of the castle is roped off for it's use by some VIPs and Photopass photography.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2806.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2812.jpg

A picture of me taken by a very friendly Belle and Beast (I'll have a picture of them later).

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2820.jpg

Soon all eyes are drawn to the castle as music and lighting effects make the area a bit spookier. On top of that a slight mist had started again with a nearly full moon just peeping out from time to time to complete the effect.

Here is a video of the castle just after it started.

Note: Stop the background music before loading. Also, if you don't want to be spoiled and be surprised about events at the party like I was then I really don't recommend opening any of the videos.

Extra screaming effects brought to you by unhappy party attendee.

http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/P7N-lx7qRO8/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7N-lx7qRO8)

After filming that for a minute I was feeling pretty hungry. That BBQ sandwhich I had earlier just wasn't satisfying enough. Thinking about my options I head back over to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2824.jpg

and find Bengal BBQ.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2825.jpg

With almost no wait I pick up the

Chieftain Chicken Skewer - In a Polynesian Sauce $3.79

After picking up my order i look around and find a couple of tables where people can stand together and eat. Seeing no one in costumes I sidle up to one of the tables and ask all of the adults in my most winning Johnny Depp if I could join them. A few double takes and guffaws later we get introduced. I discover that they had traveled from Washington state and had come just for the party.

Hitting it off we find out that we have the same destination next so we walk together to Pirates of the Carribean. On the way I see that the Treat Stations had opened up so in New Orleans Square I pick up some candy. The selection they were handing out was quite nice. Twix, Snickers, Butterfinger, Blow Pops and other kid favorites were in abundance.

Reaching POTC we find that it is a walk on. Nearly all of the crowd seems to be doing something else at the moment which didn't bother me a bit.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2829.jpg

Stepping aboard our ship we notice that there was no one in front or behind us. One look at each other and immediatly the flashes came on.

Blue Bayou

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2830.jpg

Aaaaargh?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2831.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2833.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2834.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2835.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2837.jpg

Ooof! Sometimes you don't want to have the flash on. Jack Sparrow is really sweating? and hispanic?

Unloading me and my new acquaintances talk a bit more and go on our seperate ways. They were heading back to the hub to catch the parade. Moving through New Orleans Square near the Rivers of America I find a few more treat stations and increase my booty. I find a few good spots to grab some pictures of the lighting and fog effects in the area.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2826.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2828.jpg

A quick video of the fog.

http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/KAMCze-2zV4/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAMCze-2zV4)

The fog effect was very nice! It also helped that the night was already foggy and misty anyway.

That loud music you here was coming from here.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2840.jpg

Club Skellington! This place is a mix of character interaction and dance club in the theme of Nightmare Before Christmas. At the moment Jack was doing some photos and his line was increadibly long. Skipping that I went directly inside.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2841.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2842.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2843.jpg

It looked like great fun if you had a partner but being a solo traveler there really wasn't much for me to do here. I really started to miss Dianna at this point and wished she was around with me to enjoy this.

Still, do not feel too sorry for me. I'm in the middle of Disneyland with a huge array of party opportunities available. Hang in there to see where I go next!

Next Up: This is Halloween!

glennbo123

11-18-2010, 12:15 PM

That group of Dalmatians looks awesome! I'll bet they had fun.

How cool that you had made friends with your PotC companions and could take some flash pictures. Sounds like that was just a non-verbal communication, or did you say, "Mind if I flash?"

Also, I thought the "eye in the sky" would yell at you if you took flash pictures...that's not the case?

SurfinTX

11-18-2010, 01:24 PM

Yes, he had lots and lots of issues with his foot. It just made the Epcot day not the great day I had planned!

Tower of Terror looks like so much fun! It is one of my top 3 at WDW!

The Aladdin show pictures were great! That looks like a wonderful show! Aladdin is one of my favorites too! :goodvibes

Toontown was so cool! I want to go there!! I love Toontown in WDW and will be sad to see it go....it would be cool if they could redo it somewhere else and follow DL's lead! :cool1:

And finally....GREAT costume!! You had me laughing out loud at the teen girls! I could see Madison doing that!

You would have loved the look I gave the teens. I was really startled but after I got over that I changed it into a "Do I know you ladies from somewhere?" expression.

That group of Dalmatians looks awesome! I'll bet they had fun.

How cool that you had made friends with your PotC companions and could take some flash pictures. Sounds like that was just a non-verbal communication, or did you say, "Mind if I flash?"

Also, I thought the "eye in the sky" would yell at you if you took flash pictures...that's not the case?

My conversation with them established that they were DL vets and as soon as we were off it was flashes on. I think all we did was look at each other and flipped the flashes up or on. They wanted pictures of me and I'll take any shot at getting good pics of a ride. Several pics of me are floating around since I was a pirate on the PotC.

As for the "eye in the sky" it just seemed that once the party started and if it was just adults in an area the CMs pretty much let you do what you want as long as it was safe. The attitude of the ride operators seemed to become very relaxed during the party and I'll have an example of that later in my report.

Captain_Oblivious

11-18-2010, 02:12 PM

Hey Tom,

Just checking in and catching up. You're really whetted my appetite for seeing DL someday!

Dizzy4DL

11-18-2010, 04:57 PM

[http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2837.jpg
[/SIZE][/COLOR]
:scared1: No wonder they don't want flash photography! This is not what I remember at all! pirate:

SurfinTX

11-18-2010, 07:26 PM

Hey Tom,

Just checking in and catching up. You're really whetted my appetite for seeing DL someday!

I'm making it a goal to get the whole family out there eventually. Since Dianna's family lives in Utah I think I'll work in the extra 400 miles and extend a trip into California at some point. :thumbsup2

:scared1: No wonder they don't want flash photography! This is not what I remember at all! pirate:

No kidding! After reviewing my pics at home this pic was a standout. :laughing:

TinksThree

11-19-2010, 06:06 AM

SurfinTX

11-19-2010, 08:06 AM

Day 2: Part 8 - This is Halloween!

It's Update Time! This part is heavily video oriented just so you are warned.

Walking out of Club Skelington I find that the most appropriate ride to do next was Haunted Mansion Holiday again. With most of the crowds still trick or treating or moving to the Hub area the line wasn't too bad at 20 minutes. Last night at this time it was about an hour.

Getting in line I see this interesting sight.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2844.jpg

This time I was going to video parts of the ride since it is so difficult to get stills in the dark.

A clip from the stretching room. Again extra screaming effects from excitable little girls.

http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/KSFIWGd5-PM/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSFIWGd5-PM&feature=player_profilepage)

One of the pictures as you move towards the loading area. If you listen closely you will hear another pirate fan near me.

http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/GBgkn5dd4tQ/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBgkn5dd4tQ&feature=player_profilepage)

The Doom Buggy loading area.

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/9kJcUFkpqTI/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kJcUFkpqTI&feature=player_profilepage)

The ride stopped several times while I was on it. Here is one of those times.

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/uUfb9oSYB14/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUfb9oSYB14&feature=player_profilepage)

My favorite part of the ride.

http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/NEGRhH39GiM/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEGRhH39GiM&feature=player_profilepage)

Oogie Boogie's Holiday Tricks and Treats. I think I got some dynamite wrapped in ribbon. :rotfl:

http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/7pMovAGmfHE/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pMovAGmfHE&feature=player_profilepage)

Sally telling us...or is it Jack? to hurry back.

http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/846bnVyExtw/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=846bnVyExtw&feature=player_profilepage)

Back outside it was time for me to head back towards the Hub myself since I needed to find a good spot for the fireworks. I traced a path through Frontierland to see the decorations in that area.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2857.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2858.jpg

Reaching the point Frontierland meets the Hub I discover this guy hung on a pole.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2859.jpg

He was heckling or complementing various guests costumes. Occasionaly he would provide a joke or two if a crowd had gathered around.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2860.jpg

A pose for me.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2861.jpg

Turning towards the castle I notice on the other side of the Hub the end of the parade which is called Disney's Halloween Cavalcade. I wasn't too disapointed to miss it at this time since the crowds had been drawn to it and I had heard from Dis'ers that it really didn't compare to WDW night parades.

What was more important that those crowds were not over by the castle yet and I start looking for a prime spot. Eventually I find an area just big enough for one to sit down near the fence at the closest point to the castle. This is where solo traveling gets a big advantage. Resting my poor legs and trying to avoid people trying to walk over me I wait for the show to begin.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2868.jpg

After a minute or two I hear a yell. "Mr. Depp!" Turning I see my PotC acquaintences nearby waving me over. Gladly joining them to have someone to talk with and pass the time. From them I find out that there were several guests included in the parade...including the Ghostbusters and Belle/Beast groups I had been hanging around with earlier. It made me wonder if I had hung around maybe I could have been included.

Still, I'm glad I didn't have to hang around the front of the castle for that long.

Now for you're viewing pleasure, Disney's Halloween Screams. There are far better versions online if you want to look. Same warning about Spoilers to those who want to experience it themselves someday.

http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/7RuhCvdUoW0/default.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RuhCvdUoW0&feature=player_profilepage)

This is the fourth Magic Kingdom/Disneyland version of fireworks I have seen and it was the most amazing. To me it beat Summer Nightastic hands down. I have to say I have not seen the Christmas or New Years version yet so I can't say that Halloween Screams is the best ever. I kept running into people the next day talking about it.

One thing I did notice was I found a video from Oct. 1st that shows a lot more fire effects than what I saw on the 15th. Also, if you are very close to the front of the castle as I was you notice some of the firework embers land pretty close to you if the wind is wrong. It was thrilling certainly but you can hear people saying Wow! as the effects got a little too close for comfort.

With the crowd beginning to disperse I once again bid my temporary companions goodbye. Where to go next? Where to go next? went through my mind. Where did I decide to go? Check in later to find out!

Up Next: Getting Buzzed at MHP.

SurfinTX

11-19-2010, 08:28 AM

That Dalmation picture was too funny! I would NEVER get any of themen in our family to do that! I especiall like the one of what could be a teen (??) with the "paw" over the face!! Embarressed?? Maybe or maybe not but funny all the same!! :lmao:

The video was very cool of the opening! Seems like a good start to the party!!

I'm thinking that she had some hair fall out is all. Still, I could imagine trying to keep all of those little kids from falling out must have been a tall order.

Now check out my newest update you ninja poster! :goodvibes

TinksThree

11-20-2010, 09:13 AM

Now check out my newest update you ninja poster! :goodvibes

I am sneaky like that...:rotfl:........Bwa-HA-Ha-Ha-Haaa (my "evil" laugh!!) :lmao:

Great videos!! Haunted Mansion looks very, very awesome!! The fireworks show was pretty spectacular also!

magichusky

11-20-2010, 06:58 PM

What a fabulous costume!!! :cool1: I don't recall seeing any Jack Sparrows at my party, although I did see 3 ghostbusters and fifty million Mario and Luigi duos for some reason. The popcorn bucket TOT disaster really had me laughing out loud!!! What a surprise to be innocently riding the tower and then you're torpedoed by airborne plastic lids and such! :rotfl2: And thanks for that great video of the fireworks; I had a horrendous view when I saw it so I could barely even see Zero flying past the castle. :sad2:

SurfinTX

11-21-2010, 05:19 AM

I am sneaky like that...:rotfl:........Bwa-HA-Ha-Ha-Haaa (my "evil" laugh!!) :lmao:

Great videos!! Haunted Mansion looks very, very awesome!! The fireworks show was pretty spectacular also!

Why thank you. The video is the best I could do with my 480p camera at night. Next vacation I'll have a better toy to play with! :yay: If your a Halloween fan at all you must try either DL or WDW in the fall.

What a fabulous costume!!! :cool1: I don't recall seeing any Jack Sparrows at my party, although I did see 3 ghostbusters and fifty million Mario and Luigi duos for some reason. The popcorn bucket TOT disaster really had me laughing out loud!!! What a surprise to be innocently riding the tower and then you're torpedoed by airborne plastic lids and such! :rotfl2: And thanks for that great video of the fireworks; I had a horrendous view when I saw it so I could barely even see Zero flying past the castle. :sad2:

I have browsed your trip report a few times and I'll post on there soon. There were a few Mario Bros. hanging around the 15th as well. Me and my know it all butt messing around with my popcorn bucket...I was asking for trouble. Luckily it didn't land on the nice lady down from me but I was still mortified. :scared1:

Again I'll check out your report about the fireworks and such as soon as I can. :goodvibes

SurfinTX

11-29-2010, 03:54 AM

Day 2: Part 9 - Getting Buzzed at MHP

After finishing up with Disney's Halloween Screams the crowd was dispersing into the various paths around the Hub. Turning towards Tomorrowland it was time to check out what was going on over there and maybe ride Space Mountain again.

More lighting effects.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2874.jpg

Passing Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters I began to hear dance music getting coming from the direction I was headed. Soon I found another dance party going on near the open area between Finding Nemo, Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain. Now this place was more crowded than Club Skellington and the kids seemed to be really enjoying themselves more as well.

I took a bit of video as I arrived and just as Buzz Lightyear joined the crowd.

Buzz Lightyear's Intergalactic Space Jam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQFPD9V1R1I&feature=player_profilepage)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2876.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2877.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2878.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2880.jpg

The music and interaction here is upbeat and high energy. Think Radio Disney dance music and you pretty much got it. Again, being the solo traveler tonight, it was fun to check it out but I have to move on.

Threading my way through the Trick or Treaters I reach the front entrance to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Thursday/IMG_2619.jpg

The sound and lighting effects just had to be experienced at night.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2881.jpg

Oh! One thing I had forgotten to tell you faithful readers was that once the party started the Fastpass lines are shut down in the park. This had the effect of a much faster loading time from the standby lines now that a few tens of thousands are spread out all over the park. Twenty minutes later I reach...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2882.jpg

which becomes my view for the next 20 minutes due to an announcement that they were having difficulties with the attraction. Aaarghhh! Figuring that I was this far along I might as well wait here. Actually it wasn't so bad due to my proximity to several CMs who did not have a lot to do at the moment but prevent us from going through that gate. Time flew by as the CMs talked with us, joked around and even let a few kids "operate" thier panels. In reality it was just a camera that was viewing the loading area that could change from color to B/W. Then they would psyche the kids out by telling them they could board if they did a dance for us. Needless to say no kids volunteered that night. :laughing:

Eventually the ride was fixed and we all tore off down the tunnel for our encounter with the Cosmic Spirits. I really liked my Space Pirate photo this time.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2884.jpg

Having eaten a lot of party time up I move quickly to the main area of Tomorrowland and see that Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is nearly a walk on. Feeling lucky I jump aboard in no time to test my shooting skills. Sadly no pictures this time and just as sad I had a mis-aligned gun. Still, I manage well over 100,000 and vow to do better next time.

Speaking of time it was starting to get close to 11:00 p.m. and I needed to make a decision on how to spend it. If I was lucky I might hit two more rides. Walking out of Tomorrowland I swing on over to the Matterhorn to check out it's line. Unfortunately, the line was very long and I did not feel like waiting too long on what could be my last ride of the night. Turning around I do see a line had formed closer to It's a Small World. Walking that way I discover it's the line to see the Disney Villians! The line looked long but looking at the characters available I figured this would be worth it.

Getting in line I proceed to wait as each group greets the characters one at a time and has their pictures taken. Inevitably I strike up some small talk with my fellow line crawlers and "shockingly" they are more Disney Moms with kids running amok. Some of them eventually get in line and are not sure about mom talking with Jack Sparrow behind their backs.

While waiting I take some pictures of other guests I had talked with earlier.

Belle and Beast who had been in the parade earlier.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2886.jpg

Hades playing up to the crowd.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2887.jpg

The Ghostbusters.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2888.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2889.jpg

Governor Ratcliffe.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2890.jpg

Almost there. A tat on Princess Jasmine? Really?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2892.jpg

So, first up for me is Lady Tremaine and the evil stepsisters. As I walked up to them Drizella yells out "Ah! An eligible bachelor!" and runs over to me and begins to drag me to Lady Tremaine. This gets a big laugh from everyone in the area and I play my best confused but winning Sparrow.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2893.jpg

Next up was Governor Ratcliffe. Not much interaction here.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2894.jpg

It's so hard to really act out when all you can do is mime...or so I thought. Next up was Hades. He was huge!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2895.jpg

I look up and realize he had a hold of my hair! The photographer started laughing. Then the people behind him started to as well when Hades pulled both of them over my head like Pippi Longstocking. So now I take it back. Evil villians in full costume can interact when they have some imagination and spontaneity.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Friday/IMG_2896.jpg

With my close encounter with the Disney Villians over with it was finally time to wrap up the day. I march my way back to the hotel in costume a bit after midnight...exhausted. I had been running on less than five hours sleep the last few days and it was starting to catch up with me. There would be no rest for the wicked, however, as you will see in my next installment. TTFN!

Captain_Oblivious

11-30-2010, 09:30 AM

glennbo123

11-30-2010, 09:57 AM

I'm surprised the stepsisters didn't make some uglier smiles. They actually look halfway refined.

That's great that Hades pulled one over on you.

TinksThree

11-30-2010, 04:57 PM

I am glad to see my hiatus this past week did not put me too far behind!! I love the picture with Lady Tremaine and the step-sisters! That was a great picture with the different expressions! Sometimes I get the best interaction with non-face characters. I think those are the most talented!

SurfinTX

12-01-2010, 02:23 AM

Man, you really got around in one day! I'll have to check out the videos at home--I don't think I can view them here.

So is Space Mountain at DL way, way better than WDW, or just slightly better? I'm sure the onboard audio makes a difference.

And nice work getting a prime viewing location for the fireworks! :thumbsup2

The synchronized audio, video really makes the ride mich better. I would say without that then DL Space Mountain is only slightly better.

I'm surprised the stepsisters didn't make some uglier smiles. They actually look halfway refined.

That's great that Hades pulled one over on you.

Looking at the Ugly Stepsisters picture again I see what you mean. It's like I've come along to steal the good looking daughters from the wicked mom!

The CM in Hades really did well with the crowd the whole time. He had everyone looking forward to getting a picture with him.

I am glad to see my hiatus this past week did not put me too far behind!! I love the picture with Lady Tremaine and the step-sisters! That was a great picture with the different expressions! Sometimes I get the best interaction with non-face characters. I think those are the most talented!

I think we all took a week off from the boards. I had two dinners and a party to go to this last weekend. :laundy: I'll get back into the swing of things this next week.

becstr

12-01-2010, 02:53 PM

Great trip report! Love your costume!
I really want to make a halloween trip next year. I hope they have the Buzz Lightyear dance party again. My kids love Buzz!

brookelizabeth

12-04-2010, 10:55 PM

Back in October I joined your TR (pimped from Glenn), but real life took over the month of November, so I just finally read the whole thing - WONDERFUL! Loving every single bit! And oh man...you have me wanting a DL trip! We have one in mind for 2013 after the re-furb/Cars Land...but I don't want to wait that long! :laughing:

GREAT costume!!! The party looks like a lot of fun, love all the neat little affects they have with the lighting, fog and sound too.

SurfinTX

12-08-2010, 01:28 AM

Great trip report! Love your costume!
I really want to make a halloween trip next year. I hope they have the Buzz Lightyear dance party again. My kids love Buzz!

From what I have read the number of dance party areas had been cut back a lot this year. Club Skellington and Buzz Lightyear's Intergalactic Space Jam were kept since the party moved to DL. I'm sure they will be back again next year and here's to hoping they include more as well!

Back in October I joined your TR (pimped from Glenn), but real life took over the month of November, so I just finally read the whole thing - WONDERFUL! Loving every single bit! And oh man...you have me wanting a DL trip! We have one in mind for 2013 after the re-furb/Cars Land...but I don't want to wait that long! :laughing:

GREAT costume!!! The party looks like a lot of fun, love all the neat little affects they have with the lighting, fog and sound too.

RL can be tough as it has hit me pretty hard as well. I am already trying to plan out my future trips as well. With the trips we take to Utah I don't think it will be too hard to get out to California again but we have tenatively decided that after the new Fantasyland makeover has completed we will go to WDW as well as Universal Orlando.

Thanks about the costume. The park really did transform in a few places...others not so much. Rivers of America and the Hub seemed to be the best touring spots.

SurfinTX

01-26-2011, 05:17 AM

Saturday Magic Morning

OMG! So where does the time go? Real life and the holidays have trounced this trip report big-time!

Never fear! Things have settled down some and now I have some time to post more than a few blurbs.

To my faithful TR followers my most humble apologies.

With that...let us continue on.

I believe, before RL stepped in so abruptly, that we left myself heading back to my room very tired and footsore. There was a light mist falling that night and I knew I was not going to be feeling up for an early start the next day as I had planned. Cleaning the eyeliner off and stumbling into bed around 1 a.m. I do not set the alarm fully expecting to sleep well into the next day.

This was not to be.

My eyes open. I am still really sore. Looking over at the clock it is 6:10 a.m. Lying there a moment I assess the situation. This is now the third night in a row of poor sleep. At the moment it didn't seem likely I would be able to get back to sleep anytime soon. Looking at the clock again I decided I would still be able to make the early opening of Disneyland today.

Once again I struggle out of bed and throw on a few things before heading out the door at 6:20 a.m...and again I am greeted by some fabulous southern California weather. You guessed it. Drizzle and Fog. :upsidedow A drawback to leaving so early was that the breakfast was not available yet. I knew it wouldn't be open until 7 but still it would have been nice to grab a donut or something on the way out.

Marching and at times jogging I make the mile trek in record time (for me on this trip :rolleyes:) and arrive at the bag check at 6:40 a.m.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2903.jpg

At 6:45 bag check opens up and allows us to make our way over to the Disneyland entrance where we all wait until the 7:00 am opening.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2905.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2906.jpg

Let me take a moment here and describe Magic Mornings for our Disneyworld readers. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday if you have a 3 day or greater or stay at an onsite resort you can go to one of these early openings. Once your ticket is scanned it will not let you into an early morning hour after that. A bit different from WDW since non-resort guests can attend but only one time per ticket.

This Saturday it seems the crowds are slow to arrive at the gate and I am only one person away from the front. :woohoo: 7:00 a.m. arrives and the procedure is the same as Friday's opening. The gates open and the crowd is off! I have a very specific plan (Thanks Hydroguy!) and I am am very nearly in the front of the crowd. Making a beeline for the Castle I pause for a moment to take a few shots.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2909.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2910.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2912.jpg

Following Hydroguy's (plus many other poster's) advice I head through the Castle and walk directly to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2914.jpg

No wait at all and no one even in line! Looking around I pull my flash up for this ride over London.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2915.jpg

Staying with the British theme I walk directly across the street to

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2916.jpg

For my WDW readers think of it as a faster version of Snow White in a car. The humor and scenes are distinctly British. A Wild Ride would not be complete without a picture of Mr. Toad.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2917.jpg

Stepping off mere minutes later I see the crowds are arriving and they have predictably swarmed Peter Pan.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2918.jpg

With a grin on my face I step over to Snow White's Scary Adventures.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2919.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2921.jpg

No wait again and I was zipped through a classic ride. There is very little difference to the WDW version.

Hopping off it was again only a few more steps over to...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2922.jpg

One step ahead of the crowd there was, again, no wait. In fact there was no one in the cars around me at all so I did get a few decent pictures.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2923.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2924.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2925.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2927.jpg

After a whirlwind tour of these four classic rides I gather myself for a moment and check my watch. 7:15 a.m. Wow! I am way ahead of schedule with 45 more minutes of Magic Morning left! Check in next time to see how I use it!

Next Up: Curiouser and curiouser.

glennbo123

01-26-2011, 08:24 AM

Hey Tom! Good to see another chapter...I was just thinking that I haven't seen you around lately. I'll have to come back later to read it though.

Dizzy4DL

01-26-2011, 10:51 AM

marvali

01-26-2011, 11:37 AM

Wait a minute, I thought Disney WAS real life????? :confused3

Glad to see you got back around to posting updates! Super (fast) morning so far, and lots of great pictures! :banana: I love the way you walk right up to and through the castle at DL! :goodvibes I miss having Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at MK, and I can't remember if I ever did the Pinochio ride or not when I was there! Can't beat doing some of the biggies in Fantasyland as walk-ons, :thumbsup2 and great picture of the crowds who weren't quite as well prepared as you now having to wait at Peter Pan!!! All I can say for them is :rotfl2:

BTW, I have my TR up for our trip to WDW over New Year's! Love to have you check in sometime when RL isn't getting back in your way!!! :)

glennbo123

01-26-2011, 11:43 AM

My eyes open. I am still really sore. Looking over at the clock it is 6:10 a.m. Lying there a moment I assess the situation. This is now the third night in a row of poor sleep. At the moment it didn't seem likely I would be able to get back to sleep anytime soon. Looking at the clock again I decided I would still be able to make the early opening of Disneyland today.

Wow, I can't believe you did that. Disney really messes with your sleep patterns, doesn't it?

Making a beeline for the Castle I pause for a moment to take a few shots.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2909.jpg

Is there a reason why Sleeping Beauty's castle is so short? Were there building height restrictions that Disney couldn't get around? Just curious.

No wait at all and no one even in line! Looking around I pull my flash up for this ride over London.

Ahhh, impressive!

Stepping off mere minutes later I see the crowds are arriving and they have predictably swarmed Peter Pan.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2918.jpg

Holy smokes!

No wait again and I was zipped through a classic ride.

One step ahead of the crowd there was, again, no wait. In fact there was no one in the cars around me at all so I did get a few decent pictures.

Are you kidding? The crowd must be as predictable as cattle.

After a whirlwind tour of these four classic rides I gather myself for a moment and check my watch. 7:15 a.m. Wow! I am way ahead of schedule with 45 more minutes of Magic Morning left! Check in next time to see how I use it!

Oh my gosh! 4 rides, with pictures, in 15 minutes? That must be a record.

SurfinTX

01-27-2011, 09:58 AM

Great to see you back! :thumbsup2
I'm leaving for DL in a few days and it's a treat to see more of your fantastic photos before my trip.

The Peter Pan line difference...Wow. :eek: I'll show those pictures to my trip mates and maybe
they'll better understand why I'm "gently" nudging them along on our Magic Morning. ;)

Hey! Have a great trip to DL and I hope to see a trip report. If you are going for Fantasyland on Majic Morning then you will need to be very dedicated to getting there early and move out immediatly for the rides. Even one minute later and I would have had to wait 5 minutes for Peter Pan. Then the waits for the other rides will progressivley get worse after that.

Wait a minute, I thought Disney WAS real life????? :confused3

Glad to see you got back around to posting updates! Super (fast) morning so far, and lots of great pictures! :banana: I love the way you walk right up to and through the castle at DL! :goodvibes I miss having Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at MK, and I can't remember if I ever did the Pinochio ride or not when I was there! Can't beat doing some of the biggies in Fantasyland as walk-ons, :thumbsup2 and great picture of the crowds who weren't quite as well prepared as you now having to wait at Peter Pan!!! All I can say for them is :rotfl2:

BTW, I have my TR up for our trip to WDW over New Year's! Love to have you check in sometime when RL isn't getting back in your way!!! :)

Thanks for rejoining me here! Fantasyland at DL is so much better laid out and themed than at WDW. If WDW had Pinochio and Mr. Toad as well then it would match pretty well with DL.

I would have never been able to do what I did with my kids along. Five hours of sleep, throwing on clothes, no breakfast and then power walking all the way there. No way! :sad2:

Wow, I can't believe you did that. Disney really messes with your sleep patterns, doesn't it?

There will be ramifications later.

Is there a reason why Sleeping Beauty's castle is so short? Were there building height restrictions that Disney couldn't get around? Just curious.

I can't find anything that says that there were plans to have it made larger than it is now. At 77' it looks pretty impressive and I'm sure it wowed the crowds in 1955. Remember that the Matterhorn wasn't built yet so there were no close by references other than Main Street. Once the 60's rolled around and Walt had even more resources for WDW he planned a much larger Cinderella's Castle.

Holy smokes!

Took the words right out of my mouth. 8 minutes after opening and there is a 15 minute wait...and building.

Are you kidding? The crowd must be as predictable as cattle.

Too true. Many read the same guides I guess or consider Peter Pan a must ride. It's the slowest of the loaders in this area. Problem is if you are not right at the front of the crowd you are better served to bypass it and come back later. Moooo!

Oh my gosh! 4 rides, with pictures, in 15 minutes? That must be a record.

It has to be close. Walked on all four with no wait. The rides themselves operated perfectly. I had to say I was pretty pleased with myself at that moment.

TinksThree

01-27-2011, 08:13 PM

What a great update! A pretty successful start to your day! That is really, really early to get into the park!

brookelizabeth

01-31-2011, 08:16 PM

Yay! An update! I know all about real life interrupting. Glad to see you back on.

Nice job avoiding those crowds! Where did they all go first instead???

SurfinTX

02-01-2011, 12:14 AM

What a great update! A pretty successful start to your day! That is really, really early to get into the park!

It WAS early! Somehow I made it and stayed ahead of the crowd.

Yay! An update! I know all about real life interrupting. Glad to see you back on.

Nice job avoiding those crowds! Where did they all go first instead???

The crowds split at Tomorrowland and the Castle. Nearly everyone went for Peter Pan or Dumbo. I just managed to stay one step ahead of them. :yay:

SurfinTX

02-01-2011, 01:05 AM

Day 3: Part 2 - Curiouser and Curiouser.

After my whirlwind trip of the classic rides behind the Castle it was time to move further back into the park. Passing the Carrousel and Dumbo by due to the crowds I continue on to the Wonderously themed Alice in Wonderland. The Tea Party as well as Alice's Ride are right next to each other. At this time Alice in Wonderland was not opened due to technical difficulties but the CM standing out front promised that it would open soon.

Turning back a bit I headed into the Mad Tea Party.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2928.jpg

As you can see there was little wait again as most of the crowd was still queueing up for the slow loaders. Personally I like the DL version better than WDW. The line queue is well decorated and the whole ride feels very open with no roof. The drawback is that on rainy days you will get a very wet rump as you sit down. Might explain the lack of line, eh?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2930.jpg

The Matterhorn right across the way as I sit down for my whirly-hurly ride. That out of the way I checked Alice and saw that it still wasn't open yet. No matter since The Matterhorn was so close by. The wait was about 10 minutes with no issues and this time I had my camera ready as I sat in the front seat.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2932.jpg

The two tracks run parallel for about half of the ride as you race each other down.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2933.jpg

Splashdown near the end of the coaster.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2934.jpg

After getting off I notice that all of my front had gotten a bit wet due to the mist including my camera. :scared1: No worse for wear I take a moment to towel off and make sure everything is OK before moving on.

During early morning hours whole parts of the park are blocked off as they only operate a limited number of rides during this time. Leaving the Matterhorn I take a picture down the deserted walkway heading to It's a Small World.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2935.jpg

Quickly turning back I see that Alice has opened!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2950.jpg

A line has formed but since there is no version of this at WDW it was a must ride for me. Coincidentaly, today is the day of the Alice in Wonderland Blu-Ray release. (Disney, you can send my check via Paypal. ;)) About ten minutes pass and I get halfway through when the CMs come back and say that they had to shut the ride down. :headache: A bit dissapointed I turn around and make my way back towards Dumbo taking a few pictures along the way.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2939.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2940.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2941.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2942.jpg

The line for Dumbo wasn't too bad (15 minutes) so I jumped in line and hped to get a few good pictures of Fantasyland from here. This picture of me might indicate how tired I was getting.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2944.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2948.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2949.jpg

and with that the Magic Morning Hour had ended. Even with the aborted attempt at Alice I was still way ahead of schedule as the opening for Cali Adventure was still 2 hours away. There was plenty of time to do more than I could ever hope for this morning!

Next Up!: Oh Alice! You Tease!

Flossbolna

02-01-2011, 02:07 AM

glennbo123

02-01-2011, 09:31 AM

Yay, you're still ahead of schedule. Hey, what was Han up to?

I didn't realize that the cars "race" on the Matterhorn, that looks like a great ride!

SurfinTX

02-01-2011, 05:49 PM

Thanks for all the beautiful DL Fantasyland pictures! I love the original Small World facade, it is so pretty and stylish. I still remember that the Birnbaum Guide which I had for my first visit in 1992 pointed out that the gold is actuall real gold, not just some paint because it keeps much better than paint.

Did you ride both sides of the Matterhorn? I think it is a wonderful coaster, even though compared to EE it lacks theming. But it is fun with the two different tracks and the very low seats.

And when I saw your Tea Party pictures, I thought just the same as you: it looks much more festive without the roof. However, in Florida weather they would have to close down the ride way too often, not only because of the wet seats. I guess the platform could also become very slippery...

I did not know that they actually used real gold for the decorations on the facade of IASM. That whole area between IASM, Matterhorn and Alice looks soooo much better than the equivalent between Snow White, Mad Hatter and Toon Town at WDW.

I did get both sides done on Matterhorn with that last ride. It's so fun with the open cars and the scenery all around you.

No doubt the Tea Party would be shut down a fair amount in Florida...but you can't beat those lanterns floating above you at night as well as the landscaping during the day time.

Yay, you're still ahead of schedule. Hey, what was Han up to?

I didn't realize that the cars "race" on the Matterhorn, that looks like a great ride!

Oh yeah. When I woke up I turned to the other bed and found this.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2509.jpg

and I thought I was having a bad morning.

If you have a group you can time it right you can both ride each side down at the same time. As it was on this day I was just happy I hadn't damaged my camera after all of the water getting on everything.

glennbo123

02-01-2011, 05:59 PM

zimaaaaah

02-01-2011, 09:09 PM

:thumbsup2Enjoying your trip report!

marvali

02-03-2011, 08:03 AM

Nice update! Have I said before I love the Matterhorn??? :laughing:

Nice that you kept staying ahead of the crowds and got so much done early. :thumbsup2 Too bad about Alice though. :sad2:

I was wondering when I was looking at all the pictures in the update where Han was. Looks like you really wore him out, or he just can't hang any more and run on 5 hours sleep! Man, he is sleeping like a........uh......block??? :rotfl2:

TinksThree

02-04-2011, 07:48 AM

What a successful morning! :thumbsup2 I agree with you totally on the Tea Cups! Those lanterns are very cool! Your trip almost has me ready to book a flight to Cali!!:goodvibes

wdwfan22

02-04-2011, 05:29 PM

I have enjoyed your trip report so much. You are a very funny writer with an amazing imagination! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Can't wait to try DL at Halloween time!

SurfinTX

02-05-2011, 09:37 AM

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I saw your post and started laughing and my daughter Lauren wondered what was so funny. So, after I explained your "Solo" trip and all, I showed her your post and she about died laughing. Excellent picture!

Thanks! Han got tired of me waking him up on his vacation so he just locked himself up overnight.

Nice update! Have I said before I love the Matterhorn??? :laughing:

Nice that you kept staying ahead of the crowds and got so much done early. :thumbsup2 Too bad about Alice though. :sad2:

I was wondering when I was looking at all the pictures in the update where Han was. Looks like you really wore him out, or he just can't hang any more and run on 5 hours sleep! Man, he is sleeping like a........uh......block??? :rotfl2:

He is such a lightweight when commando touring. My adventures with Alice will continue this morning.

What a successful morning! :thumbsup2 I agree with you totally on the Tea Cups! Those lanterns are very cool! Your trip almost has me ready to book a flight to Cali!!:goodvibes

Disneyland is definantly worth the trip. There is enough of a difference that a WDW vet can feel like it's a whole new experience. The differences really jump out at you and can be pleasantly surprising.

I have enjoyed your trip report so much. You are a very funny writer with an amazing imagination! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Can't wait to try DL at Halloween time!

Thank you! I try to keep things light and not dwell on the negatives. A vacation experience is what you make of it. Short of not being able to get there I believe you can leave your troubles behind at the parks.

SurfinTX

02-07-2011, 02:56 AM

Day 3: Part 3 - Oh Alice! You Tease.

Now that Magic Morning had finished and the park was now open to everyone it still looked like the crowds were not that bad yet. Walking back towards Alice in Wonderland I see that the ride was open again! Quickly getting in line I make the slow winding way towards the loading area.

Then after ten minutes or so, just as I made the last turn towards the end of the wait...they announce that the ride had to be closed again. Turned away again I walk back to the formerly closed off area around It's a Small World.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2951.jpg

With the tag line of The Happiest Cruise that ever Sailed I thought it had set the bar pretty high considering that the Disney Dream was about to set sail. Still, having never experienced this in my adult life I figured for completeness sake I should go ahead and do this. After less than five minutes I stepped aboard my boat and began my journey down repetitive lyrics lane.

You start outside and cruise through a well landscaped entry area surrounded by topiaries.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2952.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2953.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2954.jpg

I have a lot of pictures I took from inside but I found few that I really liked afterwards. You travel through many themes representing both real cultures as well as a few fantasy representations found in Disney movies.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2958.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2968.jpg

Not too many turned out due to the people nearby this time. This is one of the few rides I have been on that I wished was a bit shorter than five minutes long. Eventually we make the final turn and go back outside into the lovely garden.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2973.jpg

Unloading and walking over a bridge with a strategic gift shop at the end I walk back into Fantasyland once again. Looking across the way there seems to be activity at Alice. Getting my hopes up I close in and confirm that the line was open and cars were rolling by. Congratulating myself for my persistence I happily step back in line and start making my way to the front. An elderly man behind me was mentioning to someone behind them that they hoped that this time they would get on. I turned to them and mentioned this was my third attempt. All I got from them were raised eyebrows. Wondering if what I said shocked them into silence I turned and noticed a CM walking back through the line announcing that yet again the ride was shutting down.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_le7e96dwMx1qfcj8to1_500.jpg

Having been turned away by the fickle young lady named Alice I finally throw in my cards. Having rode everything else that I had wanted to this morning it was time to check out a few locations I haven't been to yet.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2975.jpg

Big Thunder Ranch, settled between BTMRR and Fantasyland is a mixture of buffet food service, character greeting spot and activity center. At this time it was all decked out in fall colors. There are opportunities here to watch pumpkin carvers but since it was not quite lunch yet the place was deserted when I walked by.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2974.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2976.jpg

Circling around to the front of BTMRR I see that since Frontierland had only opened up a short while ago that the wait was only around 15 minutes. Grabbing a fastpass I then head into standby to wait for another thrilling ride through the old west.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2978.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2977.jpg

Invigorated by the misty and cool rollercoaster ride I check my watch. 8:40 a.m. My tummy is really starting to remind me that I have been neglecting it all morning and that I must do something about it soon.

Up Next: My (Magic) Kingdom for a Cup of Coffee!

glennbo123

02-07-2011, 07:58 AM

This is one of the few rides I have been on that I wished was a bit shorter than five minutes long.

That doesn't sound like high praise.

I turned to them and mentioned this was my third attempt. All I got from them were raised eyebrows. Wondering if what I said shocked them into silence I turned and noticed a CM walking back through the line announcing that yet again the ride was shutting down.

Maybe their shocked silence was from the fact that they realized they had come face-to-face with "the jinx"!

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_le7e96dwMx1qfcj8to1_500.jpg

Love it!

Invigorated by the misty and cool rollercoaster ride I check my watch. 8:40 a.m.

Wow, I'm not sure where you're going, but you're making great time.

brookelizabeth

02-07-2011, 09:47 PM

Dumbo has water under it? Very cool!

I love the Matterhorn shot, I look forward to riding that someday--I had no idea it was a "race" type ride, which just makes me want to ride it even more!

The pic of Han made me laugh out loud!!!! :lmao: Poor dude. Maybe he can join ya later in the day after he gets his rest...:laughing:

You are making fantastic time, wow! I sure hope you are able to visit Alice at some point this day though...but, with all that work, will the ride even be worth it?

DizNee Luver

02-07-2011, 11:01 PM

Well I finally got back to your report.....last time I read & posted was prior to you going.......lol Glad I found it again!!! L:love:VING your report & you have some awesome pictures!!!! I'm also enjoying the Hans Solo portions.....he's just dreamy & I would love for him to accompany me to the parks.......wonder if he's available next month?! :rotfl2: Can't wait to see more.....thanx for an entertaining trip report!!

TinksThree

02-09-2011, 12:05 PM

Hmm...IASW looks interesting. I do like how they have the boat ride through the outside and the topiaries.

Alice is being a tease! How frustrating to get in line and wait 3 times only to be denied!! :headache:

SurfinTX

02-12-2011, 10:06 PM

That doesn't sound like high praise.

I dunno. Since I have no real attachment or good memory of the ride it just isn't very magical to me. If I had been alive and went to the World's Fair or if my grandparents had taken me on it when I was younger then I'm sure my opinion would have been more positive.

Maybe their shocked silence was from the fact that they realized they had come face-to-face with "the jinx"!

:laughing: I probabaly did just ruin it for everone in the line, didn't I?

Wow, I'm not sure where you're going, but you're making great time.

Amazing time! My plan had me riding only Peter Pan, Snow White, Mr. Toad, Pinnochio and either Alice or Matterhorn at this point. I was really pleased to also pick up Dumbo, IASW and BTMRR as well.

Dumbo has water under it? Very cool!

It sure does. It also has the train stop behind it and other landscaping to the right of it as well. A much prettier spot than at WDW surrounded by pavement and a fence at the moment.

I love the Matterhorn shot, I look forward to riding that someday--I had no idea it was a "race" type ride, which just makes me want to ride it even more!

It really is a unique ride. Not too much speed but the open cars and closeness to the track give an illusion of higher speed. You can also see the abominable snowman on the way unlike some other Disney mountain rollercoaster. :rolleyes1

The pic of Han made me laugh out loud!!!! :lmao: Poor dude. Maybe he can join ya later in the day after he gets his rest...:laughing:

Glad you liked it! Most of my pictures I took this morning didn't really give me a chance to put him in so I figured he was due a long rest.

You are making fantastic time, wow! I sure hope you are able to visit Alice at some point this day though...but, with all that work, will the ride even be worth it?

No. I never did get back to Alice. You will see that my day is packed full and I...well, I don't want to give too much away. You will just have to see.

Well I finally got back to your report.....last time I read & posted was prior to you going.......lol Glad I found it again!!! L:love:VING your report & you have some awesome pictures!!!! I'm also enjoying the Hans Solo portions.....he's just dreamy & I would love for him to accompany me to the parks.......wonder if he's available next month?! :rotfl2: Can't wait to see more.....thanx for an entertaining trip report!!

I'm glad you made it back! Han said that he was going to take a break after this trip. Maybe if you invite Chewie along he'll be convinced? :thumbsup2

Hmm...IASW looks interesting. I do like how they have the boat ride through the outside and the topiaries.

Alice is being a tease! How frustrating to get in line and wait 3 times only to be denied!! :headache:

IASW is really better than the WDW version by far. I just have an aversion to hearing that song a few dozen times in a row is all. :laughing:

Yes, Alice teased me and I fell for it! I really wanted to see this ride since it was another example of one without an equivalent in WDW. Well, maybe next time.

SurfinTX

02-14-2011, 05:06 AM

Day 3: Part 4 - My (Magic) Kingdom for a Cup of Coffee!

Last week I left you just I as I had finished my whirlwind tour of Fantasyland and parts of Frontierland. So far everything has gone well and I have accomplished far more than I originally thought I could.

My plan at this point for the rest of the morning was to head over to DCA and enter at 9:30 a.m. Today would be the day I would see World of Color and I needed to do the early show. With the crowds I figure would be over there I needed to get in line over at the DCA entrance as early as possible.

It was approaching 9:00 a.m. and I had to admit to myself that it was high time to satisfy the growing hunger in my tummy. There was a lot left to do today and this was a good point to head back to the front of the park.

On my way back to Main Street I see the Horse Drawn Streetcar.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2980.jpg

Figuring I'll do better time walking I skip this ride. As you can see in the next photo the crowds are still filtering into the park. Also note all of the pumpkins on the ledges and windows.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2981.jpg

I read in a Halloween thread that there are over 300 carved pumpkins scattered throughout the park! Halfway down Main Street I arrive at my destination.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2982.jpg

The Blue Ribbon Bakery! Mmmmm... The smell was wafting right out the open front doors. I look in and find this however.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2983.jpg

Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The line was quite long and there were only a few servers. Trying to estimate how long it would take I step in line to see if it was moving at all. After a bit I realized I would be sitting here a very long time. Luckily, being a DisBoard reader I had a backup plan.

Continuing down Main Street I head out the front gate passing many poor unfortunate souls who were looking forward to long lines ahead them. Skipping by them (not really) I make a right turn towards the entrance to Downtown Disney.

From there it's a short walk to La Brea Bakery.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2984.jpg

Uh! Oh! Is that a line I see spilling out the front door? It looks like my cunning plan for a quick bite has been thwarted! Or has it? Looking at the other side of the walkway I notice this little stand.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2985.jpg

:woohoo: Quickly walking up to it there is hardly any wait. True it doesn't serve hot egg croissants but they do have a variety of yogurts, muffins and pastries as well as juice, coffee and milk...if at a stiff premium. Well it wouldn't be Disney if there wasn't a 200% upcharge you know. I picked up a nice sized rasberry scone and cafe americano.

It's now 9:10 and with my goodies in hand I turn around and head back to bag check. Let's see if my luck holds out as I take on DHS opening again...with much higher stakes this time.

Sorry about the short update but I figure that the next one will be chock full of info and this was a nice stopping point. TTFN!

Up Next: The DCA Marathon.

TheColtonsMom

02-14-2011, 09:06 AM

SurfinTX

02-14-2011, 07:23 PM

Just found your trip trport and have been laughing at the antics of your traveling companion.

BTW Disneyland normally does let you in early and do a rope drop at the end of main st so there must have been something unusual going on the day you went.

:welcome:

Well that would explain some things. I just found it very underwhelming compared to how WDW Magic Kingdom does their openings.

Glad to have you aboard!

glennbo123

02-14-2011, 07:42 PM

Wow, it's hard to believe all of the stuff you'd already accomplished on that day and people are just arriving. You've gotta love that!

brookelizabeth

02-15-2011, 06:18 AM

A raspberry scone sounds delicious right about now! Glad you had a backup plan to your backup plan. I couldn't have lasted as long as you with no breakfast, I would have been a cranky mess. :laughing:

SurfinTX

02-15-2011, 11:21 PM

Wow, it's hard to believe all of the stuff you'd already accomplished on that day and people are just arriving. You've gotta love that!

I was feeling pretty good at that moment. Nearly everything had worked out better than planned and I was exactly where I needed to be at this point.

A raspberry scone sounds delicious right about now! Glad you had a backup plan to your backup plan. I couldn't have lasted as long as you with no breakfast, I would have been a cranky mess. :laughing:

The outdoor stand wasn't in the plan. Lol! I didn't see anything like that in the maps and FAQ threads on the boards at all. When I saw the big line at La Brea and then turned to the cart I was like :worship:.

SurfinTX

02-16-2011, 06:17 AM

Day 3: Part 5 - The DCA Marathon.

With coffee and pastry in hand I re-enter through bag check and then get in line at the Disney's California Adventure gate. With it approaching 9:15 a good sized crowd had built up so I was looking at a decent sized line in front of me. Sitting down I pull out my Toy Story Mania notes and enjoy my well earned goodies.

While doing this I couldn't help but overhear :listen: a man with his two twentysomething sons in front of me talking about their plans. After a minute or two I could tell they were really confused by how DCA does it's opening and how they were going to see World of Color. Well, you know me. Mr. Know-it-all to the rescue. :laughing: I really did try to restrain myself but after they started talking about showing up right before WOC started I had to say something. This lead to about a ten minute conversation about what WOC is and how you can go see it.

He and his sons did seem really appreciative and it certainly helped pass the time. I could tell that others around me were listening in as well and I'm just sitting there telling all of these people how it's done never actually having done it myself! Thank you DisBoards! Still, I could have made a total **** of myself if anything were to go wrong. It had to be better than what they were planning, anyway.

Well, 9:30 rolls around and it's crunch time. The gates open and there is a fair sized crowd in front of me moving out to get WOC passes. Just like Friday morning I make a right turn in front of Baker's Field Bakery and pass Soarin'. Moving as fast as safely possible I make the trek with the hundreds of powerwalkers all the way around to Grizzly River Rapids' Fastpass machines. A line had formed already and several CMs were there to keep everything organized.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2987.jpg

The line was long but moved pretty quickly and there is plenty of good scenery to see.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2986.jpg

When you arrive at the front a CM will tell you which machine to go to and a sign is posted indicating which show and what color is currently being given out. Here is my WOC pass as well as my earlier BTMRR fastpass I snagged.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2989.jpg

As you can see my pass is for the first showing at 9:00 p.m. in the Yellow Section. The show itself is held out in Paradise Bay and the viewing areas are located inside Paradise Park on the opposite side of where Mickey's Fun Wheel sits. The park is divided into color sections which have a set entry time to keep crowds manageable. Here is a map provided by Disneyland 1951 of the park area and the color coded areas.

http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo219/Jack_Gesler/WOCJuly2010B.jpg

All of this took about 15 minutes. Just enough time left for me to book on over to the alternate rope drop area before 10:00 a.m. Arriving I see a bit of a crowd but I'm just happy to have made it.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2988.jpg

Rope drop time arrives and it's time for the second part of the marathon. Cruising over the bridge next to Ariel's Grotto I pass many kids who just can't match my powerwalking prowess. :laughing:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2990.jpg

If you couldn't guess by that picture I was heading to Toy Story Midway Mania and it looks like it's open this morning! Swinging into line with only a few dozen in front of me I quickly pick up my 3-D glasses and have only a brief wait to get on.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2991.jpg

Two minutes later this was the line waiting to get in.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2992.jpg

Just so you know, DCA does not have fastpasses for TSMM here. The lines may look huge but standby loading is about 40-50 minutes if the line is full. Nowhere near as long at DHS where we experienced a 100+ minute wait there.

It looks like I'll be riding with Mr. Potato Head today.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2993.jpg

Me and my stylish glasses getting ready to go.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2995.jpg

This was only the second time I had ever rode this and this time would be a solo experience. Trying to remember all of the little tricks I start plunking away at targets. How did I do?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2996.jpg

Not too shabby for a beginner but I knew others had done much better. Still it was a big improvement from my attempt in Florida and now I had at least recognized what I should have been shooting at. Maybe tomorrow I'll do better.

Next Up: Single Rider Shuffle

marvali

02-16-2011, 06:34 AM

Maybe their shocked silence was from the fact that they realized they had come face-to-face with "the jinx"!:rotfl:
Wow, I'm not sure where you're going, but you're making great time.I've been on that road a few times myself...... :rolleyes1
IASW is really better than the WDW version by far. I just have an aversion to hearing that song a few dozen times in a row is all. :laughing:Repetitive lyrics lane...... :lmao: I like that!!!

The outdoor start to IASW looks really cool, and I love that topiary of the bear!

I'm gonna have to look up this World of Color thing. Haven't heard about it but it looks really interesting! Looks like some great planning had you really making great time and getting so much done!

I can't believe so many people pour into the parks with huge crowds, and their first choice is to stand in a long line at the bakery on Main Street!!! :eek: I really doubt any of them have a chance of doing even half of what you already got done on this day, and I'm sure they will be back home complaining to everyone about long lines and not getting to do anything........ :sad2: They are probably the same ones who look at the FP return times, shake their head and doom themselves by hopping in SB for a 90 minute wait because "5 hours from now" is ridiculous!!! :confused3

So glad the DISboards came through for you so you could sound like an expert in line when you hadn't ever done it yourself. I love those moments! :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

02-16-2011, 09:56 PM

The outdoor stand wasn't in the plan. Lol! I didn't see anything like that in the maps and FAQ threads on the boards at all. When I saw the big line at La Brea and then turned to the cart I was like :worship:.

It was Disney magic! ;)

I'm so looking forward to your World of Color update! It sounds like an amazing show.

Why is it the like for TSM stays under an hour there in DCL? Is it just not as popular for some reason?

TheColtonsMom

02-16-2011, 10:58 PM

It was Disney magic! ;)

I'm so looking forward to your World of Color update! It sounds like an amazing show.

Why is it the like for TSM stays under an hour there in DCL? Is it just not as popular for some reason?

It is super popular at DLR but really the only thing that gets over an hour in Stand-by is Space on a visit timed in off season. TSMM is the one ride that people complain about waiting in line the most as far as non FP rides. I have heard of the TSMM being well in excess of an hour during high season but nothing like the 200+ wait times I have heard you guys get at WDW.

blabbermouth

02-16-2011, 11:30 PM

Finally got through this whole report after a few days... not bad for a WDW guy ;)

Really enjoying your report, reminding me why I want to go back!

Great costume, good for you dressing up all by yourself.

I knew you were cool when you got my favourite breakfast by default, americano and raspberry scone, yum! But I would never be able to make it on so few hours of sleep.

SurfinTX

02-17-2011, 03:35 AM

The outdoor start to IASW looks really cool, and I love that topiary of the bear!

The exterior and all of the landscaping are the highlights. The ride itself is just not my cup of tea.

I'm gonna have to look up this World of Color thing. Haven't heard about it but it looks really interesting! Looks like some great planning had you really making great time and getting so much done!

I can't believe so many people pour into the parks with huge crowds, and their first choice is to stand in a long line at the bakery on Main Street!!! :eek: I really doubt any of them have a chance of doing even half of what you already got done on this day, and I'm sure they will be back home complaining to everyone about long lines and not getting to do anything........ :sad2: They are probably the same ones who look at the FP return times, shake their head and doom themselves by hopping in SB for a 90 minute wait because "5 hours from now" is ridiculous!!! :confused3

You will have to wait for my World of Color portion. I have a big event that you will not want to miss. popcorn::

So glad the DISboards came through for you so you could sound like an expert in line when you hadn't ever done it yourself. I love those moments! :thumbsup2

:disrocks:

It was Disney magic! ;)

I'm so looking forward to your World of Color update! It sounds like an amazing show.

Pixie dust to the rescue! WOC just a few more installments away. popcorn::

Why is it the like for TSM stays under an hour there in DCL? Is it just not as popular for some reason?

It is super popular at DLR but really the only thing that gets over an hour in Stand-by is Space on a visit timed in off season. TSMM is the one ride that people complain about waiting in line the most as far as non FP rides. I have heard of the TSMM being well in excess of an hour during high season but nothing like the 200+ wait times I have heard you guys get at WDW.

If you check the ride strategies forum you see this topic brought up a lot. During my June trip I noticed that WDW were letting in the FP line at about a 3 to 1 ratio to standby. That I think is why the WDW standby times can be so rediculous.

Finally got through this whole report after a few days... not bad for a WDW guy ;)

Really enjoying your report, reminding me why I want to go back!

Great costume, good for you dressing up all by yourself.

I knew you were cool when you got my favourite breakfast by default, americano and raspberry scone, yum! But I would never be able to make it on so few hours of sleep.

Hey! :welcome: aboard Blabbermouth! Glad you think I did OK for a first timer. The Disney magic/Force/Karma/Luck was with me so far.

Flossbolna

02-17-2011, 06:27 AM

Well done with getting your FP and on to TSM! I know what you mean about listening to others around you discussing their strategy which you know won't work. I usually can't keep myself from saying something either... I always try to offer just the most vital information because I am afraid of being too intrusive. But most times people are very eager to know more and keep asking questions and are really glad to have someone who can offer some insight...

If you check the ride strategies forum you see this topic brought up a lot. During my June trip I noticed that WDW were letting in the FP line at about a 3 to 1 ratio to standby. That I think is why the WDW standby times can be so rediculous.

Yes, FP really inflates wait times for many attractions. And it also depends on at what wait time people aren't willing to get in line any more. I think this might also be a difference between DCA and DHS. The DCA guests are made up much more of locals who are not willing to wait for ages to get on the ride because they know that they will be back soom. I am sure DHS has a much higher percentage of guests who think they won't be back for at least a few years, so they are much more willing to suffer very long waits.

marvali

02-17-2011, 06:31 AM

The exterior and all of the landscaping are the highlights. The ride itself is just not my cup of tea.Try the Tea Cups.....maybe you will like THOSE better!!! ;)
You will have to wait for my World of Color portion. I have a big event that you will not want to miss. popcorn::And the suspense builds........... :surfweb: :rolleyes1

glennbo123

02-17-2011, 11:54 AM

Well, you know me. Mr. Know-it-all to the rescue. :laughing: I really did try to restrain myself but after they started talking about showing up right before WOC started I had to say something.

I know the feeling.

Still, I could have made a total **** of myself if anything were to go wrong.

I think you only needed 3 *'s to cover this. :rotfl:

Two minutes later this was the line waiting to get in.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2992.jpg

Ay carumba! Wow, you have still maintained your ability to stay just ahead of the crowds. :thumbsup2

Looking forward to learning a little more about World of Color.

brookelizabeth

02-17-2011, 12:41 PM

It is super popular at DLR but really the only thing that gets over an hour in Stand-by is Space on a visit timed in off season. TSMM is the one ride that people complain about waiting in line the most as far as non FP rides. I have heard of the TSMM being well in excess of an hour during high season but nothing like the 200+ wait times I have heard you guys get at WDW.

If you check the ride strategies forum you see this topic brought up a lot. During my June trip I noticed that WDW were letting in the FP line at about a 3 to 1 ratio to standby. That I think is why the WDW standby times can be so rediculous.

Yes, FP really inflates wait times for many attractions. And it also depends on at what wait time people aren't willing to get in line any more. I think this might also be a difference between DCA and DHS. The DCA guests are made up much more of locals who are not willing to wait for ages to get on the ride because they know that they will be back soom. I am sure DHS has a much higher percentage of guests who think they won't be back for at least a few years, so they are much more willing to suffer very long waits.

Ahhhh! Makes total sense! Thanks for the input/info everyone.

I've seen over 100 minutes for TSM in the off-season at WDW, but once you get inside the line is MUCH shorter. I think part of it is a trick to filter guests to over areas!

SurfinTX

02-23-2011, 12:53 AM

I think you only needed 3 *'s to cover this. :rotfl:

In this case I was using the British spelling of my backside.

Ay carumba! Wow, you have still maintained your ability to stay just ahead of the crowds. :thumbsup2

With how tired I was feeling any long line probably would have shut me down.

Looking forward to learning a little more about World of Color.

Just a few updates away! :thumbsup2

SurfinTX

02-23-2011, 02:36 AM

Day 3: Part 6 - Single Rider Shuffle

With my arm a bit numb I exit Toy Story Mania to face the huge crowds that had gathered in this area along the boardwalk. I still had one more trick up my sleeve since I was a Solo traveler at Disneyland.

The Single Rider Pass.

Conveniently the ride ride next to me, California Screamin', has a single rider line available. To use it is not exactly intuitive however. Walking over I do not see a seperate entryway or any signage. There was a helpful CM standing at the entrance who pointed me to a case of cards hanging nearby. Grabbing one the CM tells me to go to the ride exit and go all the way back to where the rollercoaster unloads.

Feeling a little wierd I head back and discover this sign.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2998.jpg

You wait here at a gate until a CM tells you its OK to go. You then cross through the coaster unloading area and get on an elevator going up to an overhead crosswalk. Then you get on a second elevator that puts you in the coaster loading area where you wait. Got all that?

Now a CM will allow people to load from the standby line. If there are openings then they will tell you which row to go to. It may seem like a lot of hassle but it really isn't once you know the process. At the time standby was approaching 30 minutes and I managed to be loaded in less than 5.

Once again I loved the launch right next to the lake and the cool air with a bit of mist perked me right up.

With all of my tricks used up this morning let's see how I did...

At 6:40 a.m. I arrived at the park.
From 7:00 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. I managed to do the following:
Peter Pan
Snow White
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Pinnochio
Tea Cups
Matterhorn
Dumbo
Its a Small World
Fastpass BTMRR and then ride it.
Toy Story Midway Mania
California Screamin'

Toss in that 45 minutes of those three hours were waiting for DCA to open and getting a pass for World of Color. :cool2:

With my touring plan completed it was now time to ease up a bit. Strolling out of the boardwalk area I see this near Ariel's Grotto.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_2999.jpg

What in the world? I decide to follow the signs.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3000.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3001.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3002.jpg

I have to admit I did hear something about Duffy the Teddybear on the DisBoards right before my trip but I really didn't know anything about the backstory. You really have to admire the Disney advertisers on this one. Promoting the cruise line as well as a comforter for little children away from home...genious! At the end of the line you can meet Duffy himself.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3012.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3013.jpg

I did not get in line to meet him myself but a nice CM gave me a couple of stickers to bring home to my kids.

Moving along I had an idea that it would be nice to pick up a fastpass for Tower of Terror. It's a few minutes walk through a Bug's Land to reach the ride when I see that the line wasn't all that bad. TSMM and WOC passes must have still been keeping large numbers of people in those parts of the park. Grabbing my pass first I get in line.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3008.jpg

10:15. Man I'm on a roll! Fifteen minutes later I enter the dark basement and get ready for another thrilling ride. Looking up I see a hidden Mickey made by the spotlights on the ceiling.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3005.jpg

Waiting at the elevator door.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3006.jpg

The slow shutter speed helps make my fellow riders look a bit "otherworldly" as well. Now the CM joins us and there is the usual banter between nervous riders and us veterans. One standout was a lady in a black shirt who kept murmuring to her companions that she was freaking out. This little girl turns to her and says in a loud high pitched voice - "It's my fayvowit!" This started all of the Vets laughing and the newbies looked a bit chagrined after that.

Here is the low cost ride photo afterwards.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3007.jpg

With another sucessful thrill out of the way I backtracked through Bug's Land so I could get back around into the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Just as I pass It's Tough to be a Bug what do my eyes behold? Just two of my favorite Donald Duck antagonists Chip n' Dale!

Quickly jumping in line, which again wasn't all that long, in minutes it's my turn. The CMs had a bit of difficulty using my camera and I have several pictures of me looking at Chip (maybe Dale?) or very jittery images of the ground. Eventually everything comes together.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disneyland%2010/Saturday/IMG_3009.jpg

That's a lot done, right? Still it's not even lunch time yet and there are more parts of the park yet to be seen.

Next Up: Helloooo! Is this mike on?