No way Jose! We are going to Disneyland! 3/13 - Movin' on Up!

Great updates, Brook (you and your Corn Dogs :eek:). Love how close everything is at DL.

Your plans for the cruise sound great.
 
I left off after I realized I had made a big mistake. My plan for the evening was to see World of Color, and our "back-up" day would be 16th, in case something happened tonight where we couldn't see it.

Like forget to get a FastPass. :rolleyes1

So, it's around 3 PM, Henry woke up after I opened the curtains and we gather our things to roll on over to DCA in a random hope there will be FastPasses...after all it IS the slow season...fingers crossed.

Henry had been begging to watch TV in the little TV room every time we passed it, so we let him for a few minutes. I believe I had to run to the front desk for something...can't recall what! but it worked out.

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He looks sleepy still!

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Eventually we were out the door! Going through DTD.

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Informational shot - Alamo right on property. Super easy to get to.

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Entering DTD

Despite sorta being in a hurry to get a FastPass, I truly figured they would be gone, so I didn't rush us. A gal was out with a parrot at the Rainforest Cafe and Henry was very interested, so we stopped for a bit.

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We moseyed on...at the gates

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It is sorta weird seeing the same entrance as DHS!

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This made me think of Cynthia (eandesmom)

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Grizzly River Run - a water ride.

The FastPasses are located at the same machines for Grizzly River Run, which is almost directly across from the Grand Californian entrance into the theme park.

And of course they were gone!

All well! Let's just hope the 16th works out and nothing hinders our plans there!

We decided to make our way back over to Disneyland, we hadn't made it yet to Adventureland or New Orleans Square, or Critter Country.

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I like this one with the Castle in the background!

We went straight into Adventureland and passed by the Tiki Room
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Yes! Let's ride!

Only...Henry was nervous. He could not remember the ride from WDW, but we convinced him on. We were almost to the front and he suddenly remembered the dark part of the Jungle Cruise at WDW and started to wimper. I couldn't recall, if Disneyland's had a dark part, but I prepared him. The ride was almost a walk-on, it was so nice that they were still short this late in the day!

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We were soon on our boat, and while I tried to take a few pictures, none would come out, so I just gave up and enjoyed the ride.

Oh wait! A few good ones:

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The backside of water

A few things about the ride are different -- one of them being there was no dark temple! Henry was SO GLAD! (and I was too, I would have felt awful for Henry!!) We all really enjoyed it, even though, most of it is pretty similar.

After the Jungle Cruise we grabbed one FastPass for Indiana Jones, almost right next door, and planned to Child Switch it later.

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Walking onward we approached New Orleans Square

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This area of the park is completely unique! And it's beautiful! The lagoon on the right is for Fantastmic! And Pirates loads under this bridge. There are "streets" with mardi gras beads and ornate balconies...it's really beautiful just to walk around in! I'll have more pictures of it later in the trip!

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And since the area is a bit smaller, with smaller paths, it feels MUCH more crowded as well! There are also a few popular restaurants in the area, so that adds to the crowds.

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Wandering around on the streets of New Orleans Square we had found the exit to Pirates of the Caribbean, but not the entrance. It took a CM or two, and glancing at the map, but we found it!

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And again...Henry was scared! Of Pirates! One of his FAVORITES! But, we had brought Ike. His stuffed dog. We pulled him out and Henry cuddled up with Ike and bravely marched through the line. He wanted to ride, but was scared. He chose to be brave!

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So pretty!

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During part of the queue you walk past some of the ride

Pirates is SO DIFFERENT!!!!! It's about twice as long and has several additional scenes, and instead of the queue being in the caves, you float through them. There are two drops! WDW's queue is much cooler, BUT, Disneyland's ride is notches above WDW's Pirates! All the rooms are bigger, and it just feels more immersive, like you are truly in another place and time. We noticed you could not see the ceiling on the ride, it looked like sky above you -- it was really very, very, VERY cool. We all loved it! Even Henry! (except the drops :goodvibes) If you are going to Disneyland, do NOT miss Pirates. It's a whole new ride experience.

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Back outside we were in the gift shop and, of course, had to purchase some Pirate Gear!

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Henry made his selections and while we were checking out

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Very cool counter!

we experienced another chatty Cast Member. This time it was a manager asking the CM ringing us up "How's married life?" Really??? Asking that right in front of us while she's working with us??? She; however, pretty much ignored him, and continued to focus on us. I thought she should be the manager. :rolleyes1

Once the purchases were completed we just wandering around New Orleans Square. It was stunning, even in the dark.

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The gift shop. :thumbsup2

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The purchases:

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A new gun, his previous one had broke, and a light up hook!

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Yar!

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We walked around a bit to find some dinner, we debated on doing a sit-down in New Orleans Square (walk-up! Can you imagine?! :cloud9:), but we didn't want to waste the few hours we had left by sitting and eating. So we continued on. I remembered reading about Hungry Bear, which was in Critter Country, in the back corner of the park. Really not too far though...so we went! And...it was closed! :headache: But, Winnie the Pooh is also back there, so we walked right-on.

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The ride loads outside! Loved that!

The ride is essentially the same

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But the rooms are bigger, and the sound is better. Everything seemed brighter and more realistic to me - and the giant story pages were not in the ride, I preferred that. Overall, the same, but slightly better, in my opinion.

After the ride we came across Rancho del Zocalo, it was open and I had heard it was good - so in we went! It's a really pretty restaurant!

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Bean & cheese wrap for Henry

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Beef burrito for Joe

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Beef tacos for me

There is a huge seating area outside, slightly covered

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It was tasty and hit the spot. We were all sitting back and relaxing and suddenly we saw a CAT on the roof of the seating area! We thought it was hilarious! About a dozen people ended up gathering around and watching this cat just stare back at us. Eventually he moseyed on his way. A couple CMs had spotted him and seemed like they might try to shoo him away from the restaurant. But, apparently Disneyland has a feral cat problem, I saw a few others throughout the trip too!

After the excitement of the cat wore off, we continued on to Tomorrowland.

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Joe and I decided to Child Switch Space Mountain

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We all went up and I got a large piece of red paper as my Child Switch Pass. Then Joe went onto the ride while Henry and I went off to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.

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It's pretty much the same ride...but again...BETTER! The rooms were again larger, you can hold the guns, rather than them being bolted to the ride vehicle. They light up and vibrate (like the toy you can buy). The Z's also light up when you hit them!

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Henry's score - which I was amazed at!
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Mine
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After we defeated Zurg (you can email your picture, but I missed out on this - and the gift shop does not have Zurg behind bars), we quickly glanced through the gift shop and then scurried out to find the exit of Space Mountain to meet Joe for the swap.

Once Joe met us, I took the red paper and went through the exit of Space Mountain. It was really confusing to know where to go, it just goes on and on and ON. And a few times there were turns, but nothing was labeled! I had to keep asking CMs if I was in the right area. Eventually, I found it and stepped RIGHT on. :woohoo:

Here is my pic...

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WHOA! The ride seemed faster, longer and smoother. The track seemed different, it whipped me around more -- it was a BLAST! I swear I almost wet my pants from screaming so much! It was so different...yet so familar!

I met the boys back over at Buzz Lightyear and was able to snag their picture!

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Drug the kid through the gift shop again...
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Made it without purchasing anything!

Next we headed back to Adventureland

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:lovestruc

to use the Indiana Jones FastPass. We went up to Child Switch it, and I got a big yellow paper this time and Joe went in!

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See the blur of Henry headed in? That boy loves him a gift shop!

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This is cheaper here, isn't it? $6.95 at WDW if I recall...

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Soooo soft and cuddly! Henry begged for one and at first I resisted...

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Candy is cheaper too!

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Oh ya!

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I was thinking of MeMom!

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Can you tell we were in there for a long time???

Well, that FP didn't save Joe ANY time. He was gone for well over 20 minutes and the park closed while Henry and I waited! Just before the shops closed, I let Henry pick out a toy. He had been such a trooper in waiting for so long. To my amazement he didn't select the cuddly pillow pet, he chose a Phineas & Ferb toy (pic below).

Eventually Joe got back, it was fine, I knew we'd be back in Disneyland for my chance to ride and Henry and I had a very good time at the gift shop. Joe said it was awesome, and warned me not to sit on the end seats...:confused3

We walked out of the park,

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Not Casey's Corner!

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stopped for a few minutes to admire the windows

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In 1989 a new “gold age” of Disney animation began with the premiere of The Little Mermaid. The animated windows created for The Little Mermaid included detailed figures sophisticated animation and for the first time music. Within the next few years, windows at the Emporium mesmerized viewers with miniature dimensional scenes from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin.

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In the late ‘60s, the Emporium began the tradition of creating animated windows inspired the latest Disney film release.

Many of the original figures from these beloved displays have been restored dan returned to Main Street to enchant a new generation.

And they did. Henry and I totally lost ourselves in those windows, we gazed and in pointed out details to each other, recalling the scenes from the movies. Eventually Joe pulled us away from the windows and we continued on...

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Back through DTD
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Lots of live entertainment in DTD
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This guys was really impressive!

And back through the Grand Californian
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Almost home!
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The front entrance

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Back in the hotel room we relaxed a bit and played with Henry's new "Robo Dog"
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Bill & Rupert, ready for bed.

A few more room pictures...
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Our view - the ferris wheel during World of Color

And...Henry wasn't the only one to find something at the gift shop. :rolleyes1
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I love this bag and use it all the time! It was one of those "Buy $20 and get this for $15" type of "deals".

Better picture of the gun and hook:
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I also did a room video tour, I don't believe I have posted that yet, so here it is!

Video: Paradise Pier Room Tour (7 minutes, 6 seconds)

Up Next: On-Site Resort Guest Perk!
 
Looking at your pictures makes me regret not looking into a Disneyland vacation more thoroughly. I've really enjoyed the WDW/Disneyland comparisons.
 
:laughing: I didn't like DL's Buzz ride as much as the MK! Mostly because I can max out my score at the MK and couldn't at DL. Evened the playing field...

I like the hook Henry got. Every time Geoff or I mention Pirates we make a hook with our index finger and say "arghhh." It'd be fun to have a real hook around the house!
 
What a fun update. Pirates sounds really great (I'll have to ask Andy if he was able to do it while he was there in January). I love Henry's hook. :)
 
Wowser, I cant believe you pack so much into a day! I really have got to try me a corndog when we get to Disney.
 
Your TR is really making me want to go to DL. I've always thought about it for one day... but your comparisons make it sound really cool!

I love those windows... I awwed at the computer when I saw the Beauty and the Beast one. Funny that you mentioned the price of the cars at Disney because I was just mentioning to John that we will probably be bringing back some of those cars this year. Michael has all started a hot wheels collection is constantly asking for more!
 
Holy cow, that was quite the update!

I totally agree about the Disneyland versions of Buzz Lightyear and Pirates of the Caribbean. They are by far better than WDW's. I keep saying how I wish they would refurbish the WDW Buzz to be like the one at Disneyland. I loved how you could hold them and the vibrating. :thumbsup2 The first time we went to Disneyland was right around the time of the 50th anniversary, when Space Mountain was getting the refurb but we were able to ride it on our second trip. I seem to remember it being faster but there weren't as many drops. I'm not really a fan of the new California Adventure entrance. I thought the giant letters and murals were cool.

LOL, that is so weird about the cat. I guess that's what happens when it's so close to the "real" world? :confused3
 
I have to say, you do do a wonderful TR! I can almost picture myself there!

Henry was so brave, Kadence is 8 and is still a big chicken:lmao:


I really love all the photos of the windows and the figures of the movies! I would have just stared and stared. You did a great job capturing them! They look magical!
 
Wow - It's so interesting to read about your comparison of the rides. I am shocked at how many your actually preferred in DL.

I must say I really hope I get a chance to visit DL one of these years. It really looks like a wonderful adventure.

Henry looks like he is having a blast!

Lovely, detailed pictures! :thumbsup2
 
I'm so happy to hear this!!! I hear so many negative things about Nassau, but I figure there HAS to be some good there! :goodvibes We will only be there during the day, back on the ship before the sun starts to set, so no worries there. I really want to walk around a bit and LOVE the idea of a jitney tour! I have a walking tour saved, but I know Henry wouldn't last too long...but a jitney would be perfect! Were they just waiting for you as you stepped off the ship? Perhaps we'll do some of that and a bit of the beach. Hmmm!

I definitely plan to pick up a shell, maybe a smaller sized one due to our limited space. I have started collecting shells from every beach we visit!

We had pre-booked a tour through the cruise line (though it was a local guy that was our driver/tour guide). One thing to watch for is CRAZY drivers. Not like NY crazy drivers though...like straight out of an action movie with a hint of death wish! NO one stops for pedestrians. Or they didn't while we were there. Plus it was nice to have a tour guide.

This excursion is similar to what we did http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/c...s/nassau/nassau-forts-and-junkanoo-discovery/
I remember visiting the 2 forts and the Queen's Staircase (really beautiful), but instead of the Junkanoo exhibit, our tour included the Pirate Museum.

I would 100% definitely visit the Bahamas again. Sometimes when it's cold and rainy or snowy out here, I can close my eyes and pretend that I still feel that warm island breeze! :cloud9:
 
Holy cow, that was quite the update!

I totally agree about the Disneyland versions of Buzz Lightyear and Pirates of the Caribbean. They are by far better than WDW's. I keep saying how I wish they would refurbish the WDW Buzz to be like the one at Disneyland. I loved how you could hold them and the vibrating. :thumbsup2 The first time we went to Disneyland was right around the time of the 50th anniversary, when Space Mountain was getting the refurb but we were able to ride it on our second trip. I seem to remember it being faster but there weren't as many drops. I'm not really a fan of the new California Adventure entrance. I thought the giant letters and murals were cool.

LOL, that is so weird about the cat. I guess that's what happens when it's so close to the "real" world? :confused3

Regarding the cats, it has nothing to do with outside influences. The cats at Disneyland are there for a reason. They're kept backstage, but they sometimes sneek out onstage and they're seen by the guests. Perfectly normal, just as how you'd see a duck walking around the park.
 

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