My Trip to the 2011 D23 Expo - TR Complete!

[Happy 2 B Me]

I remember the skyway. It was one of my first rides the first time I visited DL.

The one picture with the strawberry field on the left side is the road we took to the Disneyland camp ground. Oh, the good old days. We rode our bikes to DL hotel and took the monorail into park. The monorail stop was at that time located at Dl hotel. There were numerous stores and a couple of places to eat on a lower level of DL hotel. They all had entrances from the out doors.

I remember my first visit to DL like it was yesteday. Even then I wanted to work there. but no -- I thought returning home after vacation was propably a better idea. I was 18 and was in first year of college--parents thought I made a good choice to. I will always wonder what if I had decided to stay-- oh well.

Enjoying your report--

[Continued from Previous Post]

The Autopia cars

The boats for the Jungle Cruise, all these vehicles were built at different Southern California manufacturing locations.

This would have been amusing to see on the Freeways in 1955. I don’t remember what was inside these crates, but I’m sure it looked funny! For anyone local that is the 101 and that's City Hall in Downtown. The other building in front of it is still there too.

Here is opening Day at Disneyland….for those who were there, kinda reminds you of the lines at the Expo, eh?

Walt preparing to board the train

Can you imagine crowds like this today?

And Frontierland looks so …..Frontierlike!

My how things have changed!

Now Walt was a great businessman. He decided having an Indian Village would be a great idea. So he made them build it!

Here is the Columbia being assembled.

Evidently this guy just loved to climb up into the rigging of the ships, his family business did all the building and maintenance for Disneyland. He had other contracts, but his favorite was when he got to climb around like this. OSHA would have had a field day!

Christening of the Columbia

I think that this is Admiral Joe Fowler who built much of DL and MK, or I could be mistaken. I think he is the one in the foreground, not sure who the military man in the left of the picture is.

And this is the (what do you call this ride? Jeez how quick the memory goes) it used to go through the Matterhorn and started over near Autopia. Both DL and WDW lost their versions of the ride. But evidently it was kept running while the construction was going on. Tony Baxter thought this was hilarious, notice no fences! Disney construction without fences!

[Continued in Next Post]

 

[dgbg100106]

Have really enjoyed your report so far, and am waiting for the additional food porn..

 

[Wonder2008]

I really appreciate the time you took to post all of those pictures from the Expo. After reading your Destination D report, I knew this report would be pretty good too! I almost felt like I was there after seeing all of your pictures, and the pictures I saw in other reports. I don't remember if you said whether you went to the first D23 Expo or not, but can you compare the two if you did?

I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to go to one of these Expos, especially after reading how much time you have to spend in lines. I'm from the east coast and I've only been to Disneyland 3 times. If I were traveling to Los Angeles, I think I'd rather be at Disneyland than be inside all day in a convention (even a Disney one!).

Robert

 

[Hawleys]

I remember the skyway. It was one of my first rides the first time I visited DL.

The one picture with the strawberry field on the left side is the road we took to the Disneyland camp ground. Oh, the good old days. We rode our bikes to DL hotel and took the monorail into park. The monorail stop was at that time located at Dl hotel. There were numerous stores and a couple of places to eat on a lower level of DL hotel. They all had entrances from the out doors.

Thanks for sharing your story about the good 'ole days. Where was the Disneyland campground?

 

[franandaj]

I remember the skyway. It was one of my first rides the first time I visited DL.

The one picture with the strawberry field on the left side is the road we took to the Disneyland camp ground. Oh, the good old days. We rode our bikes to DL hotel and took the monorail into park. The monorail stop was at that time located at Dl hotel. There were numerous stores and a couple of places to eat on a lower level of DL hotel. They all had entrances from the out doors.

I remember my first visit to DL like it was yesteday. Even then I wanted to work there. but no -- I thought returning home after vacation was propably a better idea. I was 18 and was in first year of college--parents thought I made a good choice to. I will always wonder what if I had decided to stay-- oh well.

Enjoying your report--

I never knew about the campground. How interesting!

Have really enjoyed your report so far, and am waiting for the additional food porn..

You'll have the last of it in a minute.....

I really appreciate the time you took to post all of those pictures from the Expo. After reading your Destination D report, I knew this report would be pretty good too! I almost felt like I was there after seeing all of your pictures, and the pictures I saw in other reports. I don't remember if you said whether you went to the first D23 Expo or not, but can you compare the two if you did?

I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to go to one of these Expos, especially after reading how much time you have to spend in lines. I'm from the east coast and I've only been to Disneyland 3 times. If I were traveling to Los Angeles, I think I'd rather be at Disneyland than be inside all day in a convention (even a Disney one!).

Robert

I'm lucky in that I can get out there any time I want (practically) so I don't have the burning desire to spend all the time I can in there because I know I'll get back.

Thanks for sharing your story about the good 'ole days. Where was the Disneyland campground?

Final update coming up!

 

[franandaj]

So you’re all probably wondering, what’s next? The Expo is over. You checked out of the hotel.

Well this is one of the fun things about meeting people on the DIS! We made some new friends at the Expo. Chryste is Peepster on the DIS and she and I talked a bit prior to the Expo about Disneyland and stuff and when we met her and Mary at the Expo we hit it off pretty well, and we sat with them at the Auction. They invited us to dinner with them at Napa Rose Monday night. She was able to call and add us to their reservation. I suggested the Chef’s Counter and she said she inquired about it, but it wasn’t available.

So we met them there, and as they are walking us to our seats, I notice that the Chef’s Counter is empty! I turned around to say that to Chryste and she says, “Surprise!” Sneaky this one is!

Now I started out putting this into my phone to remember what everything was, all I got in there was the Amuse Bouche. It was a lemongrass soup with peach champagne and prociutto dust. We decided to pick our order rather than let the chef choose for us. Andrew Sutton had the night off so that was a bit disappointing.

Our view

The Bread Shot

Next I got the Diver Scallops On a Sauce of Lobster and Lemon Accented with Vanilla.

Fran ordered the Smiling Tiger Salad (which for those of you who don’t know is Tempura Fried Lobster, Spicy Beef, Asian Greens and Coconut-Lime Vinaigrette.). Halfway through this course we traded plates.

Chryste also got the scallops and this must have been Mary’s plate. It’s called Tomatoes in all their Glory! Layers of Heirloom Tomatoes on a Yellow Tomato Gazpacho.

For our next course, Fran got the Signature Mushroom Soup, but I think I had some too.

I guess the main was our next course.

Here are Mary and Chryste’s plates, Herb Crusted California White Bass - In a Crazy Water of Laughing Bird Shrimp, Manila Clams and Garlic.. She didn’t care for the clams (or got too full and let me have them! ) Thanks to allears.net, I just looked up the menu and replaced all my half-a**ed descriptions.

Sustainable Fish of the Day - Poached Lobster Ravioli, English Pea Sauce and Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.

Fran and I split the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Rack Chop - Stuffed with Spanish Chorizo on Rustic Summer Garden Ragu.

I’m fuzzy on the Desserts here, but I think Fran and I both ordered them. Scharffen Berger Chocolate Bar - Peanut Butter Cake Pop. I think we ate this because I sort of remember Fran eating more of the Cake Pop than pleased me

I believe this was a Peach Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel, I remember eating this one, it was very good!

So that wraps it up here for me!

But I thought I would throw in a few links to Bret's TR, he got some great pictures and went to a few presentations that I didn't get to. I'm just including a few of his updates, but I would suggest you check out the whole thing. He visited the parks a few times and got some great shots of Carsland and other stuff. Plus he went to the making of the Little Mermaid and Buena Vista Street.

Here is the Parks and Resorts Presentation post which gives you a nice view of the Arena from the seond level.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42416416&postcount=1140

More on the Parks and Resorts
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42417065&postcount=1141

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42424980&postcount=1142

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42433437&postcount=1144

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42440232&postcount=1150

Anyways! Thanks for reading along! Now it's time to think about my trip to DL next weekend and my trip to WDW next month!

 

[dgbg100106]

Thanks for all the wonderful info and sharing your memories with all of us...

 

[Leshaface]

AWESOME REPORT!!!! I love reading your TR's. You're so informative, funny, and always remember to take pictures!

GEEZ, can't believe your WDW trip is already coming up! Time is seriously flying by!

^Not that is one TR i'm SERIOUSLY looking forward too!!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Nice food porn to end. Love the peach in a pot! sadly, I don't have enough kitchen space to have about 6 or 8 of those pots lying around!


And thanks for the informative TR. It's about the closest I'm going to get to a D23 event and seeing that kind of money being spent!


On to the next PTR/TR

 

[mvf-m11c]

A very nice way to end your TR by eating at the Napa Rose with Peepster that Monday. It was great to read your TR and hope that you and Fran have a great time next week.

 

[Hawleys]

I should know by now that it's a bad idea to look at your food porn pictures first thing in the morning. I get too hungry.

The Napa Rose, the lobster ravioli, the desserts! It all looks so good. BTW, I completely understand being upset with Fran because she ate too much of the cake pop. I get the same way about shared food. Stephanie calls it "food bowl aggression".


Stomach growling, off to eat a sad, sad, bowl of oatmeal.

 

[tksbaskets]

I enjoyed your trip report very much and agree with the PP that you made me really hungry with the wonderful pictures from your dinner at Nappa Rose.

Thank you for sharing.

TK

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

I am hoping you remember where the old monorail station was --the one actually at DL Hotel. There was a main street passing between the DLH/monorail station and a Disneyland parking area. If facing the parking area -with back to DLH you would take a left on the street that ran in front. We always took our bikes, but thinking the walk would be maybe 10 minutes or less. Going to DLH we would pass a Strawberry field to our right. ( That looks like the one I saw in the picture Ali posted). Even back then it was a bit spendy for a campground--but we were able to use the DL pool. ( We never did though). Going to try and look up the name of that road between Campground and DLH. It has been so long and my memory sems to be playing mean tricks on me . I hate not being able to remember the important stuff and Disney is important stuff .

Thanks for sharing your story about the good 'ole days. Where was the Disneyland campground?

 

[usnuzuloose]

Well I am caught up after all those errors and not getting in I made it through. I love all the old pics. And the food,looks so amazing. I may not get to eat there but at least I get to enjoy it. Thanks Alison for all your effort in the T/R. I failed miserably. Good job.

 

[tinkcollector]

It was such a pleasure meeting you and Fran at the Expo. And your right Chryste and Mary are really nice women, I enjoyed meeting them as well.
You did a fantastic job on this trip report. I am so impressed with the details you remembered. I can’t believe how tired Stephen Clark looked in your pictures. I don’t remember that he looked like that when we were there.
On page three of your TR you have a picture of the painting with Snow White in the pose of the Haunted Mansion picture of the woman on the tight rope, holding an umbrella. You say, “We really liked this one, and only a real Disney geek would understand it's meaning.” Please explain the meaning of this painting to me. I consider myself a “Geek” and I do not get the meaning.
Again I want to thank you for the great TR, and also thank you for taking your time to put this together. I truly enjoyed it.
Marla aka Tinkcollector
P.S. I found the CM name badges on E-Bay.

 

[franandaj]

Thanks for all the wonderful info and sharing your memories with all of us...

AWESOME REPORT!!!! I love reading your TR's. You're so informative, funny, and always remember to take pictures!

GEEZ, can't believe your WDW trip is already coming up! Time is seriously flying by!

^Not that is one TR i'm SERIOUSLY looking forward too!!!!

I know!!! Look at my ticker only about three weeks away!

Nice food porn to end. Love the peach in a pot! sadly, I don't have enough kitchen space to have about 6 or 8 of those pots lying around!


And thanks for the informative TR. It's about the closest I'm going to get to a D23 event and seeing that kind of money being spent!


On to the next PTR/TR

Yep! You'll even see a new PTR coming very soon!

A very nice way to end your TR by eating at the Napa Rose with Peepster that Monday. It was great to read your TR and hope that you and Fran have a great time next week.

Thanks! We're wrapping up our trip at the VGC and it has been a lot of fun!

I should know by now that it's a bad idea to look at your food porn pictures first thing in the morning. I get too hungry.

The Napa Rose, the lobster ravioli, the desserts! It all looks so good. BTW, I completely understand being upset with Fran because she ate too much of the cake pop. I get the same way about shared food. Stephanie calls it "food bowl aggression".


Stomach growling, off to eat a sad, sad, bowl of oatmeal.

At least your oatmeal is healthy!

I enjoyed your trip report very much and agree with the PP that you made me really hungry with the wonderful pictures from your dinner at Nappa Rose.

Thank you for sharing.

TK

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy your trip over NYE! We'll be staying over just for that one night.

I am hoping you remember where the old monorail station was --the one actually at DL Hotel. There was a main street passing between the DLH/monorail station and a Disneyland parking area. If facing the parking area -with back to DLH you would take a left on the street that ran in front. We always took our bikes, but thinking the walk would be maybe 10 minutes or less. Going to DLH we would pass a Strawberry field to our right. ( That looks like the one I saw in the picture Ali posted). Even back then it was a bit spendy for a campground--but we were able to use the DL pool. ( We never did though). Going to try and look up the name of that road between Campground and DLH. It has been so long and my memory sems to be playing mean tricks on me . I hate not being able to remember the important stuff and Disney is important stuff .

Thanks for the info on the campground. I must have been too young to remember, besides my parents didn't camp!

Well I am caught up after all those errors and not getting in I made it through. I love all the old pics. And the food,looks so amazing. I may not get to eat there but at least I get to enjoy it. Thanks Alison for all your effort in the T/R. I failed miserably. Good job.

You're welcome! Thanks for joining along!

It was such a pleasure meeting you and Fran at the Expo. And your right Chryste and Mary are really nice women, I enjoyed meeting them as well.
You did a fantastic job on this trip report. I am so impressed with the details you remembered. I can’t believe how tired Stephen Clark looked in your pictures. I don’t remember that he looked like that when we were there.
On page three of your TR you have a picture of the painting with Snow White in the pose of the Haunted Mansion picture of the woman on the tight rope, holding an umbrella. You say, “We really liked this one, and only a real Disney geek would understand it's meaning.” Please explain the meaning of this painting to me. I consider myself a “Geek” and I do not get the meaning.
Again I want to thank you for the great TR, and also thank you for taking your time to put this together. I truly enjoyed it.
Marla aka Tinkcollector
P.S. I found the CM name badges on E-Bay.

Glad you enjoyed it. Some of the followers explained the pictures in the TR. What it was is that they were the stretching portraits from the Haunted Mansion, but Disney characters were juxtaposed in place of the characters that are in the HM.

Glad you found those name badges!

See you all next time around!

 

[tinkcollector]

Thanks for you explanation of the HM/Snow White painting. I was reading way more into it. I thought maybe there was some kind of symbolism I was missing with the addition of the castle, two wooden crocks, and Snow White. Thanks again for the great report. I'm looking forward to your next one.

 

[jforever52]

Thanks for sharing your trip here on the Boards!!! It was chock-full of information and a great read. Reading it was just about as fun as actually being there..and I didn't have to brave the crowds!!!

Thanks again!

 

[franandaj]

OK Everyone, here it is, a new TR!!!!!

Destination D: 75 Years of Disney Animated Features

 

[franandaj]

I just realized that I never placed a link to this TR in my signature!