Thumping Our Way Through Disneyland. The Dream Begins.

[MAGICFOR2]

Nice update! RSR does look like lots of fun. Smart move on not being cattle and just getting in line, especially since it was 45 minutes, not 80! IDK about the Cozy Cone Motel - one item per cone? Can you imagine how long it would take to get all your items for a family? I think they are missing out on sales by doing it that way - who would stand in more than one line? Unless you all split up, I guess.

Oh, and great pic of Lady H! Very Pretty!

[nebo]

Hey, how the heck is it that you and Ponzi both have over 4000 posts, and I only have 2500, not even, and I've been on the Dis longer than either of you?

Originally Posted by Thumper_Man

7:30 am. Alarm goes off. Yes, we actually got to sleep in a little bit today.

Yes, sleeping inside is always better than sleeping the hallway. Too many people walking by.



Our mission, if we so decide to choose it.. Park opens at 0900. That’s 9:00 am for all you civilians. No I wasn’t in the military, so I guess I would be counted as one of the civilians. However; my dad and grandpa were both in the Army, so when ever you asked them the time, they would tell it to you in military time. I got to be pretty good at it.

But for some reason, saying it's 15:30 sounds silly.

Sir.





8:35 and we’re making our way to the shuttle stop. Not too bad. It usually takes Lady H and I about 5 minutes at the most to get from our resort to the shuttle stop. Not today. Today we made it in outstanding 2-minutes. As we start our walk and walk towards the street corner, guess what passes by? Yup our shuttle. If we miss this one, we’ll have to wait about 20-minutes for the next one to show up. We take off running the 25 yard dash and make there in a whopping 10 seconds. “Run, Thumpers, Run.” Ok. That is actually pretty slow for 25 yards, the point is we had to run to catch the shuttle. Good thing there was a decent group of people waiting to get on the shuttle, as this allowed us a few extra seconds to make it and catch our breath. Which reminds I need to start exercising more. Once we get to the shuttle door, we realized, it wasn’t our shuttle. It was the city bus. Well at least we made it on time. About 3 minutes later, our shuttle does show up.

We just had a room really close to the bus stop at CBR, and we could see the back end of a bus when we got down the path just a little bit. I got SO tired of running to the bus stop, not knowing if it's our bus,,,,,,,


This time when we get on, it’s standing room only. Did I put deodorant on this morning? It’s already pretty warm this morning and after that brief run, I’m already starting to perspire. I recall what I did this morning and yup, I put deodorant. Everyone’s noses will be safe today.


Whew.
Or should that be Phew?













As we make make our way up Buena Vista Street, we get to Carthay Circle and come to complete stop. I tell Lady H, “Surely that can’t be the line for Radiator Spring Racers Fastpasses? WOW!” Now this is not an exaggeration. There must have been about 300+ people waiting in line. For Fastpasses. The line started where I indicated on the map and was more or less ending by Disney Junior and were still lining up.

Wow. I had no idea that those kind of crowds happened out there. When were you there again? Mid August?





We both agree it’s about a 30-40 minute wait for FP’s. We have 2 choices. A: We can wait in the FP line and hope we get one, or B: head straight to RSR and spend the time waiting in the stand-by line. Either way, we’re going to have to wait if we want to ride RSR. The way we figure it, we’ll wait 30 minutes to get a FP, then we’ll have to wait 30 minutes in the FP line once we actually get in line at the ride itself. So either, way we’re going to wait an hour. We go with plan B. Might as well spend the time waiting in line now. We know later it will be really crazy. Especially if the wait is like it was the other day.

I like your progression of logic there,. sounds like you made the right choice.

We head straight for RSR and notice the wait time already says 80 minutes.


45 minutes, later and we make it to front of the line.


Not bad considering the wait was posted as being 80 minutes. Time for us to take a cruise. We get in the car and I struggle to put my seatbelt on, because my foot is tangled in my bag. In the process I drop my camera and can’t seem to find it. I tell Lady H I just had it because I just took a pics of the cars. And we’re off. Oh well. Looks like I get to enjoy the scenery. I’ll have to find it once we get off the ride.

Yep, right choice.

Here’s the moment Nebo has been waiting for. How does RSR compare to it’s WDW counterpart Test Track?

Yeah Yeah Yeah, lay it on me. Give.


Well my friend, I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not going to compare this one.

But But But,,,,



After searching for my camera and unable to find it because the seatbelt is already locked into place, we take a nice little cruise by the mountains before entering the bat cave. Sorry, wrong theme. I guess it’s more of a tunnel we enter. In this tunnel we almost get plowed by Mac. We’re bobbing and weaving trying to avoid traffic. We must’ve been going kinda fast because the sheriff pops out from behind the sign telling us “slow down, you’re not racing yet.” Well my heart is still racing from almost getting plowed by a semi. I thought for sure we were going to land up as his hood ornament. So the sheriff calls good ole Mater over and we do a little tractor tipping with him. We were having fun until Big Red started chasing after us with his plowing blades. We hit the gas and hightail it out of there. At the rate we’re going, we might not make it to the race. This race car is a rental and I don’t think my insurance will cover any damages. Heaven knows what Disney will charge us if we wreck this thing.

Soon we meet up with Lightning McQueen and the rest of the cars. Ramone gives our car a new paint job for the race. I was actually hoping for a faster engine. I want to win this race. After our paint job, we get some last minute advice from Doc Hudson and prepare to race.

Now that must have been eerie since he's be dead for a few years now.

We pull up next to another car, Luigi waves the flag and off we go. Each car takes off at the same time and we take the lead as we come into the first turn. Coming out of the turn and over the bridge we lose our lead and the other car is now ahead of us. Coming into the final turn we take the inside lane to make up ground and pull even. Out of the final turn we hit the gas going down the final stretch. We cross the finish line and…................................. …................................................. .................................................. ...............................................

Whoo Hoo. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy. Our first race and we’re 1 & 0 baby. We pulled out the victory on the final straight away. I think I’ll retire from racing and go out a champion.

Wow. Your description made that ride sound like it's a half hour long!

After pulling back into the pit and receiving the Piston Cup (well ok we didn’t really receive the cup, would’ve been nice though), we head back down the street over to Luigi’s Tires.

Um, you hoo, the camera on the floor, remember?

45 minute wait. Not interested in waiting that long in this heat. It’s starting to get really hot outside now. I thought the average temps were in the mid 80’s. Not on this day. I have a weather app on my phone and it states it’s already 93. Being the troopers we are, we proceed on. We make a pit stop, inside Ramone’s, one of the gift shops at CL. After Ramone’s we mozy, yes we know how to mozy and stroll, to the Cozy Cone Motel.


Hold it. What's Luigi's Tires? You holdin' out on us?



See what kind of snacks and beverages they sell. There are 5 different cones and each cone sells a specific snack.




Cone 1 - Churros. Cone 2 - Ice Cream Cones. Cone 3 - Cone Queso (chili con queso I’m guessing). Cone 4 - Cone-coctions (which might have been drinks). Cone 5 - Popcone (no these are not typos, that’s the name on the cones). We thought about getting an ice-cream, but of course this was the one line that was the longest, so we just skipped the Cozy Cone Motel. Next we went into Sarge’s Surplus Hut. Your basic Disney shop selling Disney merchandise. Mostly Cars merchandise. It was pretty crowded so we just decided to see the rest of the park. We’ll come back later in the evening. We heard it’s something not to be missed at night. Speaking of night, we got to meet a real Knight. Sir Tow Mater.

Yeeah, that does sound irritating.



And with this, I will say goodnight for soon it be morrow.

Thanks Mike, great chapter!

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by smidgy

we would love to meet up with you guys! just haven't figured out the dates. sept. would be cheaper, and no worries about parks being closed with halloween parties like in oct. but maybe they have the parties in sept too? but we have 2 grandkids birthdays in sept. nov. gets too cold,. we'll have to talk.. maybe sneak in a trip between the 2 birthdays.. not sure just yet.

Just let me know. We would love to hang out with you again. And you can bring Nebo along if you like. J/K. Would like to ride California Screaming with him.

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by cp'ersmom

Looks like they moved the RSR FP location. It used to be in the building right by the entrance to the ride. Glad you got to ride it!

That's where we were more or less expecting to find it. I bet having them there was causing a traffic jam. Ha ha. Get it? Traffic Jam, Carsland. Ok, I'll stick to writing songs.

Good thing we read the map as to its location. I wonder if they'll move them back once the new wears off?

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

Nice update! RSR does look like lots of fun. Smart move on not being cattle and just getting in line, especially since it was 45 minutes, not 80!

We're lucky it turned out that way. No telling how it would've turned out if we got in line for FP's. With my luck, I would be the next in line and they would just run out. "Sorry sir. No more FP's. You should've been here at 8:30 like everyone else."

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

IDK about the Cozy Cone Motel - one item per cone? Can you imagine how long it would take to get all your items for a family? I think they are missing out on sales by doing it that way - who would stand in more than one line? Unless you all split up, I guess.

It's mostly snack items, so hard to say. If you plan on popcorn and ice cream, then yeah it would be a pain. But if you're only doing one or the other, than not so much. Personally, I would just hit up a different section of the park. No lines at those other places.

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

Oh, and great pic of Lady H! Very Pretty!

Thanks. Did I mention her hair is no longer that color and short now?

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by nebo

Hey, how the heck is it that you and Ponzi both have over 4000 posts, and I only have 2500, not even, and I've been on the Dis longer than either of you?

If you notice, when I do the call outs, I do separate posts for each person instead of one long post like you do. Helps up the post count. Not that it matters. What matters most is what you write.

Originally Posted by nebo

Yes, sleeping inside is always better than sleeping the hallway. Too many people walking by.

Depends on what time you fall asleep in the hallway and what time you wake up.

Originally Posted by nebo

But for some reason, saying it's 15:30 sounds silly.

Sir.

Only to the civilians Nebo sir.

Originally Posted by nebo

We just had a room really close to the bus stop at CBR, and we could see the back end of a bus when we got down the path just a little bit. I got SO tired of running to the bus stop, not knowing if it's our bus,,,,,,,

In our case, it was stated that the bus comes around every 20 minutes or so. So if you missed it, you would have to wait 20 minutes for it to come back around again. At least at CBR, I noticed plenty of park busses.

Originally Posted by nebo

Whew.
Or should that be Phew?

I've often wondered this myself. Either way, I remembered to put deodorant.

Originally Posted by nebo

Wow. I had no idea that those kind of crowds happened out there. When were you there again? Mid August?

We were there the last week of August actually. We picked that week because kids went back to school that week. At least from what I could tell from looking at all the local school calendars. I think because CL is still brand new, the crowds will be there for a while. Just like when WWoHP opened up. We went the year it first opened during the fall. Thinking it would have slowed down by then. Nope. FJ still had 45-60 minute wait times. Now that we went, 10-15 minute wait times. Probably because that's how long it takes you to walk through the queue.

Wait until you hear about our final day at DL.

Originally Posted by nebo

I like your progression of logic there,. sounds like you made the right choice.

As I just told Magic, who knows how it would've been had we not decided to go right away. We may never have gotten to ride it.

Originally Posted by nebo

Yeah Yeah Yeah, lay it on me. Give.

Now that Test Track has been refurbed, it is really hard to compare. I don't have a favorite. I like them both.

Originally Posted by nebo

Now that must have been eerie since he's be dead for a few years now.

He's alive and well over at DL. Unless he has twin.

Originally Posted by nebo

Wow. Your description made that ride sound like it's a half hour long!

The ride itself is about as long as TT. It really was a fun ride. Especially when you get to the race.

Originally Posted by nebo

Um, you hoo, the camera on the floor, remember?

I remembered it. Do you? It was the same one my sister couldn't figure out how to use to take our picture.

Originally Posted by nebo

Hold it. What's Luigi's Tires? You holdin' out on us?

A ride. Question answered. Next?

Ok, ok. Every played air hockey? It's like an oversized version of that. The bottom surface blows up air and you sit in a big tire that floats like the puck when the air is on. To make it move the way you want it to go, you have to lean your whole body in that direction.

Spoiler alert. We never rode it. Wait time was always hovering (see what I did there, I did it again. Ok I'll stop) around 45 minutes or so. Didn't interest us enough to wait 45 minutes to ride it. I thought I took a picture of it, but I don't see it in my uploads. I'll have to check my computer tonight when I get home.

Originally Posted by nebo

Yeeah, that does sound irritating.

Yeah, it was. In the pic I posted, you can see how long the line is for popcorn, imagine for ice cream. I never did think to get a picture of the line. At the moment all we wanted was something cold to eat or drink because it was so flipping hot.

Originally Posted by nebo

Thanks Mike, great chapter!

Thanks for coming back.

[MAGICFOR2]

Originally Posted by Thumper_Man

Thanks. Did I mention her hair is no longer that color and short now?

You did! Are you in mourning or something? I want to see a current pic now.

[Thumper_Man's Wife]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

You did! Are you in mourning or something? I want to see a current pic now.

Yes he is in mourning. Anytime i cut my hair he goes into a depression I think. And I can't be subtle when i cut my hair either. It's usually all or nothing. Poor thing. At least I warned him before hand.

I'll see if I can find a decent picture with my hair now. Nebo and Smidgy should have one from when we met up with them as well...which i'm sure will be part of their TR down the line.

[sewmess]

Originally Posted by Thumper_Man's Wife

Yes he is in mourning. Anytime i cut my hair he goes into a depression I think. And I can't be subtle when i cut my hair either. It's usually all or nothing. Poor thing. At least I warned him before hand.

I'll see if I can find a decent picture with my hair now. Nebo and Smidgy should have one from when we met up with them as well...which i'm sure will be part of their TR down the line.

My DH would be in mourning if I did a drastic cut too. I'm even a little wary about a couple of inches, but he's said that as along as it's not above shoulder length, he's okay. I don't push and try for more because then he might shave the beard and stache.


Carsland looks like great fun, but I hate the lines in the "ooh Look! new and Shiney!" period.

[Thumper_Man's Wife]

Originally Posted by sewmess

My DH would be in mourning if I did a drastic cut too. I'm even a little wary about a couple of inches, but he's said that as along as it's not above shoulder length, he's okay. I don't push and try for more because then he might shave the beard and stache.


Carsland looks like great fun, but I hate the lines in the "ooh Look! new and Shiney!" period.

T-Man would prefer if I just cut a few inches off. When I ask him his opinion, he will tell me, "You can cut this much," and usually goes just to the shoulders. But i have a tendency that when I grow my hair, I grow it really really long. Anywhere from waist length to past my GM (using Nebo's term there. I kind of like it). But I get tired of sitting on my hair or only throwing it up in buns or pony tails, so I chop it all off. The short hair helps the headaches, that's for sure.

I've tried the whole, You grow your beard, I'll grow my hair thing with T-Man...It works for a while until the beard gets annoying to him and he shaves .

Yeah, the new and shiney period was in full effect for CL. At least we got to ride it once. There was no chance I was going to try to ride it again. Even the Single Rider lines were like an hour wait at times.

[smidgy]

Nebo read where I wrote, "maybe I'll cut mine". so he says, "gee I liked Heather's hair long!" (not that he doesn't like it short, he just likes long hair). and I sia d"I thought it was really cute short, and I liked the new color" then I thought, and said"are you trying to tell me to NOT cut my hair?"
Nebo<" if it bothers you and is too much to take care of, cut it." me"no, I just thought I might look better with it short, but are trying to tell me you like it long?"
yes, he likes it long.

I can't beleive you can grow it past you waist and more!! mine has never been longer than it is now. I think it won't grow any longer!

[Backstage_Gal]

Great updates!

Sorry for be absent for so long, I promise to do better

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by Backstage_Gal

Great updates!

Sorry for be absent for so long, I promise to do better

You're not the only one absent. We were absent from our own TR. Should have another chapter up over the weekend.

[sewmess]

Originally Posted by smidgy

Nebo read where I wrote, "maybe I'll cut mine". so he says, "gee I liked Heather's hair long!" (not that he doesn't like it short, he just likes long hair). and I sia d"I thought it was really cute short, and I liked the new color" then I thought, and said"are you trying to tell me to NOT cut my hair?"
Nebo<" if it bothers you and is too much to take care of, cut it." me"no, I just thought I might look better with it short, but are trying to tell me you like it long?"
yes, he likes it long.

I can't beleive you can grow it past you waist and more!! mine has never been longer than it is now. I think it won't grow any longer!

Mine is currently at just below my waist. When I was a kid my mom always kept it really short, as in "what a cute little boy" short, until I could take care of it myself. When I could take care of it myself I was to lazy to have long hair. Then I was trying to figure out long a braid would need to be to wrap around someone's head so I thought I'd grow mine out. And it saved on the annoyance/cost of hair cuts.

I miss the convenience of the wash and go short haircut, but I'm just too lazy to get it cut.

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

You did! Are you in mourning or something? I want to see a current pic now.

Yes. I am still in mourning. Not so much with the color but with the cut. I really do like it long, but she's the one that has to deal with it on a daily basis. I will admit it's cute, but it was cuter longer.

Here's a current pic of Lady H and how her hair looks like now. Pay no attention to the man to the right. This is from our recent trip to WDW. We stopped to say hi to ourselves.