Somebody's Gonna Pee in a Cup, West Coast - Link to new TR 1/21

[MEK]

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For those of you who haven’t been to Disneyland and aren’t familiar with the layout, this is one of my favorite things about the parks there. You are literally only steps away from the other park once you walk out the front gates. We exited DCA through the main entrance and walked a few hundred feet to Disneyland.

That must be so cool! Brings park hopping to a whole new level. Literally.

Rope Drop isn’t the only thing that happens late at Disneyland. Even the 3 o’clock parade is late there. It doesn’t start until 4.

Why am I not surprised?

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Oh yeah… looks like I forgot to mention that we grabbed some popcorn at the Cozy Cone when we met Lightning.

Somebody is totally LOVING their popcorn!

I borrowed a picture from @Captain_Oblivious ‘ TR from his family’s whirlwind 1 day Disneyland Marathon. If you haven’t read his TR’s in the past, I highly recommend you do. And if you want to see how to tour the southwest with a 2 park/1 day, borderline suicidal touring plan for Disneyland, he’s got you covered.

I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

If you notice in that top window, there is a light that is on. I’m sure many of you know the story, but the light used to indicate that Walt was in the park, and since his death, it has been left on in his memory. I was familiar with this story and it kind of struck me as a special moment to actually be standing there, in front of that building and seeing that light.

I made a point of looking up there and acknowledging it every time I entered or exited the park through Town Square.

That to me, was the big difference between WDW and DL. This was Walt’s park. You really could feel his presence.

Very cool! It must be so neat to get that sense of Walt in his original park. I can't wait to experience that.

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It was too crowded as we were fighting our way down Main Street and moving slightly faster than the parade, so I hadn’t really looked ahead to take in the castle yet. But once we got to the hub and looked up on the beauty and grandeur of… well a castle that might just be smaller than some of the toy castles at your local Toys R Us.

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I’d how small the castle is there. But I’m telling you, pictures and stories don’t quite tell the tale until you see it yourself. I don’t want to knock it, because it is certainly a beautiful structure and a wonderful gateway to Fantasyland, but it just doesn’t command your attention as you walk down Main Street the way Cinderella Castle does.

I just had to grab this picture on the way in to give you an idea of how small it actually looks once you’re in the park with the Matterhorn towering above it.

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Everyone says the castle is so much smaller, but its just impossible to tell that from looking at the pictures.

The queue winds deep into this subterranean temple. It is one of the few well themed queues you’ll find in Disneyland. You walk past all sorts of booby traps that will be familiar from the cinematic exploits of Dr. Jones.

Once you arrive and board your ride vehicle, as many of you know, it is very similar to the Dinosaur ride at AK.

Only way better.

Way better!

This is definitely a MUST DO! Sounds so fun!

I love Italian food and I was kind of dead set on eating some lasagna by that point, so in a moment of stupidity, I told them to bring me the vegetarian lasagna.

Ok, it wasn’t that bad. But it wasn’t great either. They did bring me an Olaf cupcake as a peace offering for not having what I wanted, so that was at least nice. DS ordered the kids macaroni and cheese and seemed to have his appetite back. My lasagna came with salad, so I scooped it into the lid of my plate and gave it to DD to eat along with a little bit of DS’s mac & cheese..

So this sounds like the equivalent of a veggie burger versus the real thing. I'm surprised you didn't know better. Amateur mover!

That was literally the longest hour of our time in Disneyland.

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COOL! I can't wait to see this. It really looks amazing! Thanks for all the pics!

 

[natebenma]

We entered the park right at 4 pm. And how do I know that?

Super cute picture!

So glad you got the Indiana Jones Fast Passes and that both you and DW were able to ride! Such a fun attraction.

We never did see Fantasmic! on our 4 day trip, and I am seriously regretting that decision. The one night we were going to go, we heard it was a zoo from friends we were going meet up with, they bailed too. Do you think part of the issue you encountered with the crowds had anything to do with World of Color being closed? Less night time shows to choose from.

Loved your descriptions of how being in Walt's park made you feel.

:

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

For those of you who haven’t been to Disneyland and aren’t familiar with the layout, this is one of my favorite things about the parks there. You are literally only steps away from the other park once you walk out the front gates. We exited DCA through the main entrance and walked a few hundred feet to Disneyland.

You can’t park hop like that at WDW.

Absolutely! I'm not sure the park hopper is a great deal at WDW especially if you have small children. But it seems essential at DL.

Rope Drop isn’t the only thing that happens late at Disneyland. Even the 3 o’clock parade is late there. It doesn’t start until 4.

You would think the Be Happy For Vague Reasons Parade wouldn't keep people waiting for their vague happiness.

I borrowed a picture from @Captain_Oblivious ‘ TR from his family’s whirlwind 1 day Disneyland Marathon. If you haven’t read his TR’s in the past, I highly recommend you do. And if you want to see how to tour the southwest with a 2 park/1 day, borderline suicidal touring plan for Disneyland, he’s got you covered.

Thanks for the shout-out! But you really need to warn your readers about what they would be getting themselves into.

I made a point of looking up there and acknowledging it every time I entered or exited the park through Town Square.

Well, at least somebody remembered to do that.

We’ve got ‘em… although they’re crappy cell phone pictures so the focus and quality leaves something to be desired.

So crappy. Better get rid of that cell phone.

Man, those DL sidewalks are tight.

But once we got to the hub and looked up on the beauty and grandeur of… well a castle that might just be smaller than some of the toy castles at your local Toys R Us.

But Indy was a priority for me and I was able to grab FP so I figured I’d grab them and then see what happened.

Good thinking. That was my thinking as well. You need to make sure you get those FP's for the rides you really want.

Yeah, selfish move on my part.

I wasn’t going to miss out on this one.

No way.

The queue winds deep into this subterranean temple. It is one of the few well themed queues you’ll find in Disneyland. You walk past all sorts of booby traps that will be familiar from the cinematic exploits of Dr. Jones.

So you're saying I should have been more of a jerk?

Once you arrive and board your ride vehicle, as many of you know, it is very similar to the Dinosaur ride at AK.

Only way better.

Way better!

It’s just a really cool ride. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan it is certainly not one to be missed.

You're just killing me here. Killing me.

They came out a few minutes after we got our drinks to inform me that they were out of the lasagna with meat, but I could pick either of the other 2 dishes. I love Italian food and I was kind of dead set on eating some lasagna by that point, so in a moment of stupidity, I told them to bring me the vegetarian lasagna.

I’m not used to eating lasagna without meat in it.

Why would you be? Why would anyone?

We had plenty of time to make our way over by 6:30. We rounded the corner and saw the line… So much for “arriving after 6:30.” Not only was there a line, they had already been letting people in.

Sounds familiar somehow...

Here, you’re stuck in a pen. There really wasn’t enough room to even sit down while we waited for the show either. I was glad that we were in the front so that I could kind of lean/sit on the fence. The kids sat on the bottom rail of the fence and we put my phone in the stroller where they could see it and turned on Frozen.

That was literally the longest hour of our time in Disneyland.

Sounds familiar somehow...

’ve always enjoyed Fantasmic! but questioned whether it was worth fighting the crowds and the wait to watch it in DHS.

I thought about it and came down on the side of "not worth the effort" in DHS. I still think I'm right on this.

My favorite part was definitely the use of the Columbia serving as the stage of a fight between Captain Hook and Peter Pan. They were swinging on ropes and just all over the ship. It was incredible!

That sounds awesome! I can see where just that part would instantly make it much better.

 

[shan23877]

Argh! I'm behind! Need to get over to Ponzi's TR too.

That's too bad that RSR wasn't open. I've heard great things (from Roni obviously) about that ride. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy a few attractions, but I'd have been annoyed as well. Is CarsLand as amazing as it seems?

Yay! Princess meal! For the record, we don't travel with bags of glitter, just 47 dresses. The glitter is a by product.

so glad you made it to DL! I think it being Walt's park is one of the main reasons I'd visit. I know everyone says the rides and shows are better, but I like the ones at WDW fine.

Is it wrong that I was shaking my head "no" when you said you got the vegetarian lasagne? Maybe I'm just too Midwestern, but I prefer meat thank you very much.

Too bad you were stuck standing. I'd have been very disappointed in that as my "reserved seating". I'm glad that you enjoyed the show though! Again, I've heard good things (Roni)

 

[ashw100]

What an awesome spot for the parade. I don't think it is corny at all. As a true Disney fan it is exciting to be where he was and feel his presence. I haven't been since I was 8 and I wasn't the fan I am now so I can't wait to go back and experience that too. I get what you are saying about the F! package. You did get some good shots of the show. I am glad you got a ride on Indiana Jones. Its not selfish, this might your only trip there, you should get to do things you want too. Sounds like a great first day.

 

[afwdwfan]

Seriously ... how do you go that long on your first trip west without heading to the original park??

I... I don't know.

I guess EMH and RSR were just in the wrong park.

This.
We don't even bother with park hopping at WDW, but I couldn't imagine doing DL without park hoppers. We've almost always done both parks in one day.
One day we had been in both parks by 20 mins after opening. Try doing that at WDW (although really, all we did at DCA was grab World of Color FP, and then we headed over to DL for the morning).

I still like park hopping at WDW but it really is so much better at DL.

Just wait till you see the next morning... and my 2 or 3 hours of solo time later on.

They look very excited about the parade!

Well, they were happy to see the characters! DS looks half asleep in that picture though. And rightfully so after his rough day, but he was a trooper and hung tough in the parks!

I may be crazy, but ... I kinda like that it's not as big as Cinderella Castle. It seems more in scale with the rest of the park, as opposed to Cinderella Castle, which kind of takes over the park.

I can't disagree with that. I like both castles in their own ways. But from a WDW veteran's perspective, it is a HUGE difference and something that I just wanted to try to point out and give some perspective on.

When I did Fantasmic it was pre-FP/Dining Package (and I don't even really remember it much), but I had a similar thought from my World of Color experience. At Fantasmic at DHS you have to get there an hour before the show (less with FP+/Dining Package), but as long as someone is there to save your seat, you can go get food, go to the bathroom, etc. At WoC (and I guess also F! in DL) you're there for over an hour twiddling your thumbs and you can't really go anywhere. It gets a little boring.

Yeah, it really wasn't a fun way to spend an our of our DL time. I was absolutely not thrilled. The way the show is set up there, I don't feel like you need to be front and center to enjoy the show anyway. I'd have preferred to show up later and stand farther back if we couldn't sit anyway.

I love your Fantasmic pictures!

Thanks!

OK, so you had me in tears about the Disneyland Fire Station and standing near the trolley tracks. That solidifies it for me. I have to go to Disneyland. Not maybe, just have to!

Yeah. That's kind of how I felt about it before I went. I've always been a big fan of the Disney parks and Walt Disney himself. It was great to finally visit his park and walk through what really is, in my opinion, a significant piece of American history.

I have heard the Disneyland's Fantasmic is AMAZING compared to the WDW version. I am not a HUGE fan of Fantasmic--every few trips we see it but I absolutely loathe waiting in line and being herded into the amphitheater. The ship battle alone makes it seem worth being herded!

It really is. The wait for DL's makes the wait for the DHS version look easy, but the show at DL is incredible. Definitely worth making time to see it whenever you get out there!

Now now, don't start fights with the nice DL folks.

I would do no such thing! I'm just stating facts.

And if the fact is that they can't tell time, then so be it!

THis is why its on my bucket list to get over there eventually.

And it is a huge part of why it was on mine! I'm glad to have finally visited!

We do have the better castle over hear on the East coast don't we? I guess what they lack in castle grandeur they gain in that special walt stood here magic. At least from what I keep hearing.

I don't know that I'd say better. Yes, I prefer Cinderella Castle, personally. It is more majestic and iconic to me. But both really are amazing structures and there's a lot of detail and beauty in Sleeping Beauty Castle. It just isn't big.

This is something I still have yet to ever do. We'll see if I pull off seeing it this upcoming trip.

Good luck! I hope you can. It's a good show.

 

[afwdwfan]

If someone came along and read only this chapter, they would've thought you were nuts!

Only this chapter, huh? I think you're giving me too much credit.

Well.... You can.
You just need a portal gun.
Or a portable worm-hole.

Ok, in 2015, you can't park hop at WDW like you can at DL!

Watch? Clock? Phone?

Or that.
Maybe they just got their time zone mixed up.
Or daylight savings.

Or maybe I'm just off since everything seems to be running later.

DD looks like she's having a completely chillaxing moment.

Popcorn and a parade. She's good to go.

That's cool.
I've been to (other) places where I've had similar experiences.
"This is where ____ stood or where _____ happened."
It's always a humbling yet gratifying experience.

Awesome.

It was very surreal thinking that I was standing where Walt had stood.

I dunno, I thought the pictures were pretty good!

Thanks. Even though you really can't even see the characters in hardly any of them.

I would think that they were never designed for the amount of people that visit now.

Very good point.

I can picture the scene.
"Oh, Phillip! I'm so happy! Where is our new home?"
"It's right there, Aurora. I hope you'll be happy there."
"Umm... Where, Phillip?"
"Right there, my darling.... look down... lower.... lower... there!"
"Is it behind that cottage?"
"It is the cottage!!"
"Oh... Phillip... it's.... umm..... wonderful?"

That really puts it into perspective.

That's what I was hoping for. I mean you just don't see many trees around MK that block the view of Cinderella Castle, unless you're standing right under them.

Interesting.
But of course there'd be different scenes.
Animals are unpredictable ya know.

Yeah. Like on Kilimanjaro Safari. Sometimes the lion is asleep. Sometimes its eyes are open.

Nope.

We do so much for our kids.
Sometimes you just have to take care of yourselves for a second.

Thanks. I didn't really need the justification for doing it, but I appreciate the help.

I've heard nothing but great things about this ride.

Well, it does break down a lot. So there's that. But otherwise it is an incredible ride.

They say that the vast majority of Disney guests don't preplan like we do.

I can't even imagine what that must be like.
"We're going to Disneyland kids!"
"Yay!"
followed by...
"We're going to eat down the street at McDonalds kids!"
"Yay?"

Ok, well, DL is a bit different. It is mostly locals and you really don't need ADR's. But by a couple of hours before show time, they were taking ADR's only for the Fantasmic! dining package.

If it was any other restaurant and not part of the Fantasmic! package, ADR's likely wouldn't be absolutely necessary.

Bet you were a little worried, though.

Meh... not really. We had an ADR. It isn't like we were an hour late. I figured they'd take care of us.

Now had I known they didn't have meat for my lasagna by that point...

That's it? Just three options?
Seems odd.

Yeah. But it was decent food. Really table service quality meals. And I assumed the simple menu was to make for faster service. And maybe it is normally faster than we experienced if they don't run out of what somebody orders.

You WHAT????
And you want me to join the DISDads thread?

To paraphrase Groucho: I don't want to belong to any club that will accept people like you as a member!

I just wasn't feeling the roasted chicken. I wanted lasagna. Preferably with meat. I was in a lasagna mood and my thought was "how bad can it be?"

Real men get something else.

Probably a cigar.

Or a beer. But I guess we won't be finding either one in DL these days.

That's good.
And Momma Bear and Poppa Bear looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.

And you believed her.

I should have known better by this point than to think a DL CM knows anything.

Yes! Uh... oh... shoot.

Money maybe not so well spent.
That really sucks.

I still don't think it is a total waste. If you can get what you order, that is. It was like $20 per adult and maybe $12 or $15 for DS. Not too bad when you consider the overall quality of the meal and the fact that you're in Disneyland and still getting an FP with it.

Wasn't it literally exactly as long as any other hour... ever?

It sure didn't feel like it.

I'd heard that too.
I don't anticipate ever going there, but Indy and Fantasmic would be reasons to.

and RSR and World of Color.

Thanks for taking the pics, too!

No problem. I wanted them for myself anyway!

You stuffed them all under the stroller?
Weren't they uncomfortable squeezed in like that?

You do what you gotta do.

Well, okay. So they were comfortable under there.

Nice and cozy.

What kind of options are there?

Well, there is a regular FP that you can grab when you enter the park. It might be the better option for a similar type of viewing area experience that we had. And I believe that FP is disconnected from the system so you can get others.

Got her out from underneath, huh?

Well, eventually...

The shirt is always keener on the other side.

Maybe keener on the "dark side"

I don't care for cold pizza, but it does speak well for it if you still enjoyed it 24 hours later.

Thanks for the update!

It was still pretty good. I prefer it at least reheated, but it was definitely not a bad bedtime snack.

 

[afwdwfan]

Completely agree with you! The park has a different feel than any other park. Knowing that Walt literally walked around the park and hung out there is just too amazing.

It really does give a special feel to it.

I would be disappointed at the size of the castle if I was a WDW vet coming to DLR for the first time. Luckily for me, it was opposite! Cinderella's castle is just massive! Sleeping Beauty's is small but has tons of character.

I won't say I was disappointed. It was still a beautiful castle and it was great to see it. But let's be honest here. It is a lot smaller! I knew that going in, but it really isn't something that you can really grasp until you see it in person.

It's also one of the longest queues in Disney history! It takes forever to get to the loading area! Did you ever get to ride Roger Rabbit? That queue feels just about as long as Indy.

It is LOOOOONG! We did ride Roger Rabbit, but did so with FP.

The best ride! The boulder at the end still gives me chills, they did a fabulous job.

Good info to know thanks

I'm sure there's plenty of info about it around now, but it was still fairly new when we went. I hadn't seen a whole lot of information about it.

Oh my gosh.

I wasn't very impressed.

Yes! A thousand times yes. I'm always the odd man out whenever discussing DHS's F! and DLR's. I'm just not a fan of DLR's, because of the viewing area. That alone ruins it for me. It's so unorganized and tight in that area. It's been at least 6 years since i've seen it though. Now with the FP dining implementation, I may just give it a chance and try it out.

It is a great show, but yeah, the whole crowd control/viewing system could really use some help.

This is definitely the best part of F!

Looking at your view, I'd be so irritated. So this is the first row of that section right? How many seated rows are behind you?

Well, it wasn't seated. Everyone was standing. Part of the reason I didn't even try to sit down to wait was because I saw our view and had every intention of standing during the show and I didn't want to give anyone a false sense that they were behind someone who would be sitting. I didn't pay attention to how deep it was, but based on the size of the corral we were in I'd say it was maybe 8 or 10 people deep.

 

[afwdwfan]

That must be so cool! Brings park hopping to a whole new level. Literally.

I love it! I mean I've always liked being able to walk from one park to the other at Universal, but those parks are miles apart compared to Disneyland.

Why am I not surprised?

Those Californians. They just don't get in a hurry for anything.

Somebody is totally LOVING their popcorn!

She was pretty content.

I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

I have to say, I was all the more impressed by everything they managed to pack into that day after being there myself.

Very cool! It must be so neat to get that sense of Walt in his original park. I can't wait to experience that.

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It really is an incredible feeling. Plenty of history to be found around the parks and resorts there to remind you of his presence.

Everyone says the castle is so much smaller, but its just impossible to tell that from looking at the pictures.

I've always thought that. You could tell it was smaller, but it is just hard to put it in perspective until you're standing in front of it.

This is definitely a MUST DO! Sounds so fun!

It was awesome!

So this sounds like the equivalent of a veggie burger versus the real thing. I'm surprised you didn't know better. Amateur mover!

Yeah. Big time screw up on my part. But, in my defense, the burger is what you're tasting when you order a burger. If it isn't meat, you've lost your flavor. In this case though, I looked at meat as being a complementary ingredient to the pasta and tomato sauce on lasagna. I thought all the flavors might keep me from missing it. I was wrong.

I mean it wasn't bad, but I'd prefer to have some beef in there.

COOL! I can't wait to see this. It really looks amazing! Thanks for all the pics!

It is a great show. Once it finally starts.

Super cute picture!

Thanks. They enjoyed it. They might not look terribly excited, but they did.

So glad you got the Indiana Jones Fast Passes and that both you and DW were able to ride! Such a fun attraction.

It really is. I'd heard good things about it, but it was really still better than I expected.

We never did see Fantasmic! on our 4 day trip, and I am seriously regretting that decision. The one night we were going to go, we heard it was a zoo from friends we were going meet up with, they bailed too. Do you think part of the issue you encountered with the crowds had anything to do with World of Color being closed? Less night time shows to choose from.

No, I just think it is always a zoo. The way it is set up for Fantasmic! there, I don't see how it could possibly NOT be a zoo. Lack of WoC could have been a contributing factor, but being that we had FP, I don't really think that should have affected our situation. I did notice on the next couple of days that they still had FP available from the machines relatively late in the afternoon, so I'm not sure that a lack of WoC would really be to blame entirely for the complete chaos that invades Frontierland for Fantasmic!

Loved your descriptions of how being in Walt's park made you feel.

Thanks. To me, that is really the most important thing about visiting that park as a life long Disney fan.

 

[SarahDisney]

I guess EMH and RSR were just in the wrong park.

See, here's my problem: in what universe does an effective park touring plan negate the need to walk into DL the second you land in California? History is more important than EMH or RSR. Seriously.

I still like park hopping at WDW but it really is so much better at DL.

I think park hopping at WDW makes the most sense if you have your own transportation and/or are going back to the hotel for breaks during the day. If you're going to go morning 'till night like I do, waiting for a bus to get to another park is just a waste of perfectly good park time!

Just wait till you see the next morning... and my 2 or 3 hours of solo time later on.

This is exciting for me. I'm hoping to get back to DL for my 30th birthday and do a lot of park hopping ... so I'm looking for ideas of how to really make park hopping work well!

I can't disagree with that. I like both castles in their own ways. But from a WDW veteran's perspective, it is a HUGE difference and something that I just wanted to try to point out and give some perspective on.

I get that. I think that because I've always alternated parks (until recently at least), I don't really consider myself a WDW person over a DL person (I consider myself both), so I don't really see a need to compare the two. But if you're used to WDW, it's definitely a different castle experience, and I can see why you'd want to point that out.

 

[afwdwfan]

Absolutely! I'm not sure the park hopper is a great deal at WDW especially if you have small children. But it seems essential at DL.

We still use it at WDW. We usually like to get extra evenings in certain parks and it isn't a big deal to hop after a break, but it definitely makes sense to not get them there as well.

You would think the Be Happy For Vague Reasons Parade wouldn't keep people waiting for their vague happiness.

Those Californians just don't get in a hurry about anything. Even vague happiness.

Thanks for the shout-out! But you really need to warn your readers about what they would be getting themselves into.

Thanks for letting me borrow the picture. And I'm sure if anyone can tolerate my TR's they'd thoroughly enjoy yours. I mean, you've got Scotty.

Well, at least somebody remembered to do that.

So crappy. Better get rid of that cell phone.

Yeah! Good point! We should just be thankful for the automatic backups it performs every night!

Good thinking. That was my thinking as well. You need to make sure you get those FP's for the rides you really want.

Yeah. And don't let them expire.

So you're saying I should have been more of a jerk?

In a nutshell. Yes!

You're just killing me here. Killing me.

I'm sorry. I feel bad. Really I do. Maybe I should have said it was a horrible ride and a complete letdown and then made a spoiler for everyone not named Mark.

Why would you be? Why would anyone?

I... I don't know. It goes against all logic.

Sounds familiar somehow...

Sounds familiar somehow...

I know, right. Seems like I've read that somewhere.

I thought about it and came down on the side of "not worth the effort" in DHS. I still think I'm right on this.

I enjoy seeing it there. But as for getting there 2 hours before show time to line up on Sunset Blvd... no thanks. I enjoy doing the dining package and walking up half an hour before show time if we really want to see it, or maybe waiting for the second show and walking up right before show time and getting in if we can or being ok with not seeing it if we can't.

That sounds awesome! I can see where just that part would instantly make it much better.

Those few minutes alone put the DHS version to shame. Pocahontas isn't exactly my favorite Disney movie ever, while Peter Pan... well it is my favorite Disney movie ever. So that might play a small role in my strong preference for the DL version.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

A Codfish on a Hook.

“I'll get you for this, Pan, if it's the last thing I do!”

We’d been on property for over 24 hours and had yet to step foot inside Walt’s original park.

“Odd's fish!”

I don’t know how we managed to hold out for that long, but it was time to correct that situation!

Well I should say…

We exited DCA through the main entrance and walked a few hundred feet to Disneyland.

Sort’a like being over at Universal…
Well, from a proximity point of view, other then that it nothing like being at Universal.

We entered the park right at 4 pm. And how do I know that?
Because once we got into Town Square we found a spot to stop and watch the 4 o’clock parade.

West coast time…
Everything is just a bit more laid back.

Oh driver…
I need you to get me closer to the show, and then after that we’ll be returning to the castle, oh but make sure to stop at the boutique first and I simply must be there before the first guests arrive…
Are you even listening to me? I mean seriously, how can I even be expected to function when my chauffeur can’t be counted on to even pay attention…

Anyway, by the time we stopped and took in our surroundings, it was a surreal moment. We were in Walt’s park. As many times as I’ve been to Disney World, something just felt different being there.

“I've waited years for this.”
“That's not countin' the holidays, either.”

I was too dumb to even think to take a picture, but we were standing right in front of the firehouse and Walt’s personal apartment.

Overcome by the moment?
(a better explanation than “too dumb”, but hay, it’s your story, you tell it your way.)

I borrowed a picture from @Captain_Oblivious ‘ TR from his family’s whirlwind 1 day Disneyland Marathon. If you haven’t read his TR’s in the past, I highly recommend you do. And if you want to see how to tour the southwest with a 2 park/1 day, borderline suicidal touring plan for Disneyland, he’s got you covered.

He most certainly does…

That to me, was the big difference between WDW and DL. This was Walt’s park. You really could feel his presence.

Dang, it’s getting dusty in here…
Starting to mess with my eyes a mite.

You really should clean this place up.

But enough of that, you want parade pictures? We’ve got ‘em… although they’re crappy cell phone pictures so the focus and quality leaves something to be desired.

Still better than my vast collection of no-pictures of anything at DL.

But once we got to the hub and looked up on the beauty and grandeur of… well a castle that might just be smaller than some of the toy castles at your local Toys R Us.

No wait… that’s not funn…

My number one priority once we entered Adventureland was to head on down to Indiana Jones and check the FP situation. I was able to secure FP for 4:55.

My but this sounds somewhat familiar…

Which may work…

May?
Now it’s sounding very familiar…

Since we had time to kill, we decided to go take a look at the backside of water.

Ahhhh yes… Schwitzer Falls: named after the famous explorer Albert Falls

A few minutes before the FP was good, we found a spot for DW and the kids to wait and I headed off to ride.

Yeah, selfish move on my part.

Shocked… SHOCKED I tell you…

I wasn’t going to miss out on this one.

Well, it’s not like you had only ten minutes to attempt to run from one park to another is a desperate attempt to make that window or anything like that…

Once you arrive and board your ride vehicle, as many of you know, it is very similar to the Dinosaur ride at AK.

Only way better.

Way better!

And I will keep this in mind.

Thankfully, we didn’t have far to go. Our ADR was for Aladdin’s Oasis.

So was it an oasis, or more of a mirage

Part of that might be due to the fact that they ran out of the dish that I’d ordered.

Mirage seems to be winning at the moment.

They only had 3 options to choose from.

Now wait…
Only three to choose from and they ran out of one?

so in a moment of stupidity…

Moment…
Just this one moment?

We rounded the corner and saw the line… So much for “arriving after 6:30.”

And another body blow…
Y’all are just taking a pounding this trip.

This is where I appreciate the DHS amphitheater. At least you’re seated, can go to the restroom, grab a snack. Here, you’re stuck in a pen.

But does the show make up for all that?

Once the show fiiiiiinally started though, all else was forgotten.

I’ll take that as a yes.

We loved the DL version of Fantasmic! My favorite part was definitely the use of the Columbia serving as the stage of a fight between Captain Hook and Peter Pan.

“Ha-ha-ha! You wouldn't dare fight old Hook man-to-man. You'd fly away like a cowardly sparrow!”

“Nobody calls Pan a coward and lives! I'll fight you man-to-man, with one hand behind my back.”

They were swinging on ropes and just all over the ship. It was incredible!

I bet it was…
Will just have to go find out for myself at some point.

The park closed at 8

8:00!!!!
It is like Universal!!!!

“This ain't no place for a respectable pirate.”

We exited the park and made a quick stop at La Brea Bakery to get some…

Tar?

cinnamon rolls…

Oh… much better choice.

We headed back to the room and put the kids to bed and then sat and ate the last couple of cold pieces of Naples pizza

Mmmmmmm…
Cold pizza

No really. It’s like cold fried chicken…
It may be the same thing, but it’s not the same dish, and you have them at different times and for different reasons.

And yes, after 24 hours, still awesome.

And that means it was some high quality cold pizza.
Score another one for Napoli

 

[afwdwfan]

Argh! I'm behind! Need to get over to Ponzi's TR too.

You need to work on yours too...

That's too bad that RSR wasn't open. I've heard great things (from Roni obviously) about that ride. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy a few attractions, but I'd have been annoyed as well. Is CarsLand as amazing as it seems?

It was a disappointment, but it worked out fine. And yes, Carsland is as amazing as it seems... and then some!

Yay! Princess meal! For the record, we don't travel with bags of glitter, just 47 dresses. The glitter is a by product.

I knew you'd approve.

But you do travel with bags of glitter once you pack those princess dresses. Don't try to trick me, I've seen how it works!

And I know someone who is getting an Anna dress and an Elsa dress for her birthday. Just what we needed.

so glad you made it to DL! I think it being Walt's park is one of the main reasons I'd visit. I know everyone says the rides and shows are better, but I like the ones at WDW fine.

I'm with you on the rides and shows. The ones at WDW are just fine, and I'll go back to WDW without that experience being a letdown. But that said, there are a lot of differences even in "the same" ride at DL, so it is totally worth checking them all out. But while a few rides are better at DL (Pirates and Space Mountain, first and foremost) WDW has some better versions too (ToT, Star Tours, BTMRR, TSMM). But yes, being in Walt's park trumps everything. If we would have had more time there, I'd have loved to have taken the tour that Roni and Willow did that took them into Walt's apartment.

Is it wrong that I was shaking my head "no" when you said you got the vegetarian lasagne? Maybe I'm just too Midwestern, but I prefer meat thank you very much.

Not at all. I was shaking my head no, but my mouth said yes. I really felt like with lasagna, there's enough going on there that I wouldn't miss the meat with all the other flavors. I was wrong.

It wasn't awful, but not what I originally ordered and not what I'd ideally have to eat.

Too bad you were stuck standing. I'd have been very disappointed in that as my "reserved seating". I'm glad that you enjoyed the show though! Again, I've heard good things (Roni)

The location they had for us was a big disappointment, but the show made up for it to an extent.

What an awesome spot for the parade.

It was! I liked the fact that we managed to slip right inside the rope and get a spot up on the curb. It really helped us see over the top of the first few rows in the street along the rope.

I don't think it is corny at all. As a true Disney fan it is exciting to be where he was and feel his presence. I haven't been since I was 8 and I wasn't the fan I am now so I can't wait to go back and experience that too.

It is just incredible to think about the magnitude of everything when you're standing in his park. Standing in front of the Fire Station and seeing his apartment really set a strong emotional tone for being there.

I get what you are saying about the F! package. You did get some good shots of the show.

It was chaotic seeing the show, but the itself was great. Thanks!

I am glad you got a ride on Indiana Jones. Its not selfish, this might your only trip there, you should get to do things you want too. Sounds like a great first day.

Well, thanks. That was definitely one of the things I most wanted to do. It was great to have it done and crossed off the list on that first evening. We didn't really expect to do any rides so it was a nice bonus.

 

[pkondz]

I'm on my iPod today so multi quoting is out. But.
How bad could the lasagne be???

So you're the guy who wants steak but says "How bad could a tofu steak be?"

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I'm on my iPod today so multi quoting is out. But.
How bad could the lasagne be???

So you're the guy who wants steak but says "How bad could a tofu steak be?"

"Tofu" - The opposite of Bacon
(and a recognized cuss word within the DDC)

 

[franandaj]

I made a point of looking up there and acknowledging it every time I entered or exited the park through Town Square.

I do this every time I leave the park! Especially late at night when it's empty and almost everything is closed up. Love that!

I’ve always enjoyed Fantasmic! but questioned whether it was worth fighting the crowds and the wait to watch it in DHS. Now I seem to think they do a phenomenal job of handling the crowd and the wait there. But compared to the DL version, the show isn’t even in the same league.

I've always thought that DL's version was much much better! I just hate it that there is no where to sit and you usually have to get there really early. If they have two shows (usually in summer), it's best to see the second show.

The way it works is you order at the greeter podium, they give you a number and you go inside the seating area and sit down and place the number on the table. A server comes around and brings your drinks, and then when the food is ready, they’ll bring it to your table. The food is served in covered, disposable plastic trays so you technically can take it on the go.

I had no idea that they did this!

It’s just a really cool ride. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan it is certainly not one to be missed.

I think it's one of the best rides in DL park, right up there with Space Mountain, Star Tours and BTMRR and HM and Pirates.....

They say that the vast majority of Disney guests don't preplan like we do.

My sister and her family are coming down for three days prior to my birthday weekend (which they can't afford). And I told her that I would help her out with any information she needed or planning, and I haven't heard a peep out of them. I wonder how productive their days will be. I'm not even sure they know the concept of "rope drop" and how important it is.

Those Californians. They just don't get in a hurry for anything.

Yeah, but we'll line up for hours beforehand and wait forever for something if we need to!

I did notice on the next couple of days that they still had FP available from the machines relatively late in the afternoon, so I'm not sure that a lack of WoC would really be to blame entirely for the complete chaos that invades Frontierland for Fantasmic!

No F! has been chaotic like that ever since it opened. In spring and summer families will come out specifically to catch F! for the night bring a blanket and picnic and just wait all afternoon, and then pack it up, and stand up about an hour before the show starts. During really busy times, the crowd flow and control procedures are crazy and they route you all the way over to the HM even if your destination is the Gumbo shop or the NBC shop.

Those few minutes alone put the DHS version to shame. Pocahontas isn't exactly my favorite Disney movie ever, while Peter Pan... well it is my favorite Disney movie ever. So that might play a small role in my strong preference for the DL version.

Last time I saw F! at DHS I was like when the whole Pocohontas scene came up. It made zero sense to me, but then I have seen DL's F! so many times that I almost know it from top to bottom. It flows and makes total sense and don't even get me started about the Mark Twain vs the bare bones Steamboat Willie boat!

I really felt like with lasagna, there's enough going on there that I wouldn't miss the meat with all the other flavors. I was wrong.

Most of the time when they make a "vegetarian" lasagna, they fill it with all sorts of extra nonsense. I don't mind some onions, mushrooms, peppers even a little spinach in my meat lasagna, but they start putting crud like carrots, squash, sprouts and all kinds of weird stuff in food out here. I tell ya, the health nuts out here are going crazy, they put kale in everything these days, I mean what happened to good old food fried in lard?

OK sorry. Rant over. Carry on.

 

[afwdwfan]

See, here's my problem: in what universe does an effective park touring plan negate the need to walk into DL the second you land in California? History is more important than EMH or RSR. Seriously.

I guess in the universe where "I've waited 33 years to get there, so what's a few more hours?"

I think park hopping at WDW makes the most sense if you have your own transportation and/or are going back to the hotel for breaks during the day. If you're going to go morning 'till night like I do, waiting for a bus to get to another park is just a waste of perfectly good park time!

Agreed

This is exciting for me. I'm hoping to get back to DL for my 30th birthday and do a lot of park hopping ... so I'm looking for ideas of how to really make park hopping work well!

I love the fact that you can get FP in both parks at the same time.

“I'll get you for this, Pan, if it's the last thing I do!”

Have you ever seen Jake and the Neverland Pirates? Likely not, but Hook on that show makes Hook in Peter Pan look like a highly intelligent evil mastermind.

Well I should say…

Nothing like building the suspense for a few more hours.

Sort’a like being over at Universal…
Well, from a proximity point of view, other then that it nothing like being at Universal.

No. Nothing like being at Universal. At Universal you make a left or right hand turn and walk what is a comparable marathon to get to the next park.

At DL, you walk straight ahead a few hundred feet to the other park's gate.

Sorta like Universal in concept, nothing like Universal in execution.

West coast time…
Everything is just a bit more laid back.

Apparently so.

Oh driver…
I need you to get me closer to the show, and then after that we’ll be returning to the castle, oh but make sure to stop at the boutique first and I simply must be there before the first guests arrive…
Are you even listening to me? I mean seriously, how can I even be expected to function when my chauffeur can’t be counted on to even pay attention…

“I've waited years for this.”
“That's not countin' the holidays, either.”

Wow, you really dug deep for that one. I had to check with Google.

Overcome by the moment?
(a better explanation than “too dumb”, but hay, it’s your story, you tell it your way.)

Well, a little bit from column A, a little bit from column B.

He most certainly does…

And he's got Scotty. Which automatically makes his TR's more entertaining than most.

Dang, it’s getting dusty in here…
Starting to mess with my eyes a mite.

You really should clean this place up.

Sorry. But there's an abundance of pixie dust.

Still better than my vast collection of no-pictures of anything at DL.

Well, yeah, there's that too.

No wait… that’s not funn…

Funny. And true.

My but this sounds somewhat familiar…

Yeah, I think I read a similar TR somewhere.

May?
Now it’s sounding very familiar…

I hope mine at least gets used!

Ahhhh yes… Schwitzer Falls: named after the famous explorer Albert Falls

There's old Trader Sam, head salesman of the area. Business has been shrinking lately, so this week only, Sam's offering a two-for-one special: two of his, for one of yours!

Shocked… SHOCKED I tell you…

You knew it was coming...

Well, it’s not like you had only ten minutes to attempt to run from one park to another is a desperate attempt to make that window or anything like that…

But if so... I so would have tried it.

And I will keep this in mind.

So was it an oasis, or more of a mirage

Mirage seems to be winning at the moment.

Um... yeah, seems about right.

Now wait…
Only three to choose from and they ran out of one?

Yeah. Slim pickings to begin with and then I lost my first choice.

Moment…
Just this one moment?

Yes. I may do a lot of stupid things, but this is near the top of the list!

And another body blow…
Y’all are just taking a pounding this trip.

But does the show make up for all that?

I’ll take that as a yes.

Yeah. The show was good. I guess good enough to make up for it, but I'm not sure it is a repeatable experience for multiple trips if I were in a position to go back there on a semi-frequent basis is we do at WDW.

“Ha-ha-ha! You wouldn't dare fight old Hook man-to-man. You'd fly away like a cowardly sparrow!”

“Nobody calls Pan a coward and lives! I'll fight you man-to-man, with one hand behind my back.”

Oh... if only they had the audio.

I bet it was…
Will just have to go find out for myself at some point.

Absolutely! I hope you do!

8:00!!!!
It is like Universal!!!!

“This ain't no place for a respectable pirate.”

In this case, yes. Just like Universal.

Tar?

Well it was sticky...

Oh… much better choice.

But much sweeter. And a much better choice.

Mmmmmmm…
Cold pizza

No really. It’s like cold fried chicken…
It may be the same thing, but it’s not the same dish, and you have them at different times and for different reasons.

I've had both. Both are good.

And that means it was some high quality cold pizza.
Score another one for Napoli

 

[pkondz]

(and a recognized cuss word within the DDC)

Yes, I know. (Read the first few pages.)

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Yes, I know. (Read the first few pages.)

Ha! That'll learn ya'.
There's several minutes of life you won't be getting back.

 

[pkondz]

Ha! That'll learn ya'.
There's several minutes of life you won't be getting back.

No one warned me it would be so... so.... Well, you know.
"Come on over to the DDC! It'll be fun!"