“This place better not burn down before I get my entrée!" – A DLR Feb16 TR (8/25 Wrap-up & new TR)

[skier_pete]

Big update today, because this may be the only one this week.

Start of our 6th day - our 2nd day at Disneyland - and before the day is out - you will find out where my title quote came from!

Well – it sure is nice waking up in a big hotel room like this. We got up and I made breakfast sandwiches/omelets for everyone. I wanted to get over to the Disneyland entrance for rope drop, and we decided that the easiest way to do this was to enter the park into DCA, and then exit through the front gate and across the plaza. Since DCA had early entry today, we could do this. It would save us the long security line outside the hotel.

So, we left the room this morning about 8:20 AM and was able to get into DLR before rope drop. They were letting people in Main Street and queuing up at the various spots. We had decided we would get FP for Space Mountain, and then ride Star Tours. It would be my job to go and get the FP tickets, and then move on back to Star Tours, so I pushed my way to the front of the crowds.



Here’s all my friends waiting with me.



I was good to charge right in at Space Mountain – I only waited maybe 3 minutes, but by the time I was done, the FP line was already about 200 people deep!! (Oh yes – FP+ is way better my friends.) So I swung back to Star Tours.







I like the new Force Awakens / Jakku segment, even though it makes no sense. The ride is supposed to take place between Episodes 3 and 4, yet suddenly I’m thrust 40 years into the future. That’s a nerdy nitpick though. We got off the ride and had some time before we had our Fastpass, so we decided to head for Small World. On the way, we noticed there was no wait for the Storybook Land Boat ride…so we hopped on the boat.





For those that have never ridden this – it’s one of the original rides in Fantasyland from back in 1955 – the boat rides around this set of miniature settings for Disney stories. Their always updating and of course they added Arendell since last we were here.










Riding by this you could hear Elsa singing “Let it Go”, because, you know, you can never hear that song too many times at Disney.



We ended up riding with a gay couple and their two daughters. I only mention this because they were accompanied by a “plaid”, one of the VIP cast members that are hired to escort the rich and famous around Disneyland. I talked with them a bit to try and suss out if either of them were someone famous that I should know, but I didn’t recognize them. (Thinking back I suppose if they were THAT famous they would’ve gotten their own boat.) Their daughters had these super-cute matching Disney zum zum dresses and when I asked where they got them they said “We got them at Target” I had to giggle that someone that can afford a $500 an hour tour guide is shopping at Target. Of course, maybe that’s how they can afford the tour guide.

We wanted to hit Small World next – a family favorite and it always allows my mom to tell us how she rode it at the 1964 World’s Fair. Rub it in Mom. DD also mentioned that the loading area here appears in the movie “Tomorrowland”









Next up was Toontown. There was no-one in Toon town (overall, the park was MUCH less crowded that the day before).




We were going to ride Roger Rabbit because DD had become a big fan of the movie in the last six months. While we were there, we saw Goofy standing there with NO ONE waiting for him, so we of course had to go see Goofy – except DD who refused.





We rode Roger Rabbit – and even though we had just all watched the movie, the ride was still a bit of a mess. I think the reason is they tried to tell a different story from the movie, so you are trying to learn the story from the ride, plus the car spun a lot, it was a bit confusing. DM didn’t like the ride either, as she didn’t like the spinning. I thought you could mute it, but I rode with DD and let her spin as much as she wanted. That’s why there are no pictures, we were spinning around too much!

Continued in next post.

 

[skier_pete]

It was time to use our Space Mountain FPs, but I wanted to get another FP before we rode it. DW and DM needed to find a restroom anyways, so I decided to go get a BTMRR FP. I got over there and wait, what…it was down! Worse than that, they wouldn’t even let us GET a FP for it. So I thought about what else was over there and knew that the Haunted Mansion had the FP machine’s running with so much of the park shut down, so I went over and picked out a set. When I asked where the machines were, the CM said “Oh you don’t need to get a FP for this, there’s no wait!” but I was like, I want one! So I went and got it. It was fine, because by the time we used it a little later, the wait was 30 minutes, so still worth it.

Made our way back and went on Space Mountain – or as it is for the moment “Hyperspace” Mountain with it’s Star Wars overlay.





DM wouldn’t ride, but I thought DD would since she loves Star Wars, but she didn’t like riding the one in Florida. I tried to convince her this ride was completely different, because in fact it is. Anyone that has only ridden it in Florida is in for a thrill. The ride at DLR is faster, smoother, and longer as there is only a single track. I would say in general it is better, but it really very similar, lots of turns, not really any drops.

Since we had two extra FP, we spotted a young couple walking ahead of us towards the ride. We asked them if they had FP, and they said they didn’t, so I gave them the two spares. The wait was already up to 70 minutes, so they were pretty thankful. This is actually the top thing I miss about the new FP system in Florida, the “pay it forward” moments where you can give away extra FPs and really make someone’s day.

After riding the ride, the Star Wars overlay is cool, but I would hope it won’t stay forever. I have to say I am starting to get old, because while the ride didn’t actually make me sick long-term, it gave me enough dizziness that once was enough.

So at this point it was about 11 AM, and we had done what 4 rides to now, not as good as yesterday, but a decent start.
Next up we had to head towards the other side of the park for our lunch time plans and the HM fastpasses. Look the band is still playing from yesterday!



However, we started by going on one of my all-time favorites:




For anyone that’s known me for a while on here, you probably know about my deep and abiding love for this attraction. It was my favorite thing as a child, and I was devastated when they added the “Under new Management” crap in WDW. In fact, for years the only reason I wanted to get out to DLR someday was to see this show, at least until they returned the WDW one to its former glory. But this is still Walt’s original, and while it’s smaller and cozier (like the rest of the park) I like the pre-show here better, and this version is the FULL show – the one in Florida has been slightly cut down – they removed a portion of “Let’s All Sing Like The Birdies Sing” from Florida.

Some of the Tiki Gods from the pre-show:







I really was able to get some good pictures in here with my new cameras. Without things moving around so much, I threw on the telephoto lens and took a couple of good shots I think.






Hey, there’s Collette. ‘Ello Collette!



Those flowers crooning!





With the Rivers of America, Jungle Cruise, and Splash Mountain shut down, this side of the park is really, really without many rides. Our Haunted Mansion FP were ready to roll now, so we headed over there for the next ride.







Again, I tried some indoor shots without flash on the ride. I especially wanted to see if I could get the stretch room painting.




A few other shots that came out OK




At this point it was almost noon and only had 30 minutes until lunch. DW and DM had asked for a chance to go shopping around New Orleans Square, so I suggested I take DD on Winnie the Pooh. She was getting surly again, but we stopped her favorite Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade, and while I didn’t really want her to eat something right before lunch, I knew based on history she would probably only eat a small portion of it. So, we got that, and then went on Winnie the Pooh.




It’s pretty much the same ride as in Florida, but only in a slightly scrambled order.





While on this end of the park, I tried to get a peek over the walls to see if anything was going on with the Star Wars expansion /locking off the rivers of America.




I held my phone as high as possible to snap over the wall. This was the best I got:



Basically, nothing to see, the water was not yet drained. We also got to see the Splash Mountain track without water.




Another shot of the Haunted Mansion:



So I think I count 7 rides before lunch. Not a lot, but not bad either.

Last we went to New Orleans Square for our special lunch. That’s coming up next. Here’s a hint.



Until next time...

 

[rteetz]

Awesome update!

Even when WDW had paper FP my family never did the mad rush to the FP dispensers. I do like FP+ though. I guess one downside would be not being able to give others unused FPs anymore.

I get what your saying with the star tours sequence. I liked it but I am not a star wars nerd.

The storybook boat ride seems cool.

That is kind of funny that they got that dress at Target yet had VIP tour guides. Also you said zum zum, my sister would yell at you and tell you its Tsum Tsum lol.

I have always thought Small world in DLR just looks so much better than it does in WDW.

Roger Rabbit is a childhood favorite of mine. Thats one ride I really want to get to DLR for.

Everyone seems to love the Hyperspace overlay. From what I have heard its staying until the halloween overlay then will come back for December because of Rogue One.

I'm going to be honest Pete, I have never gone into The Enchanted Tiki Room... I do like the song though.

What did you think of Hatbox ghost?

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic update. You got a fair few rides in before lunch. Seems like low crowds and you are doing great with that new camera of yours.
And I think I know what's coming up!!!!

 

[skier_pete]

Awesome update!

Even when WDW had paper FP my family never did the mad rush to the FP dispensers. I do like FP+ though. I guess one downside would be not being able to give others unused FPs anymore.

I used to run around the park like a madman gathering FP. I think my record at MK was 8 in a day, and I had 5 sets in my pocket at one time once with the fact you could use them late - I'd gather them all morning and use them all afternoon. I miss the ability to get that many of them, but really I don't mind at all them getting rid of the late FastPass rule - it was indeed devolving into chaos by the end.

That is kind of funny that they got that dress at Target yet had VIP tour guides. Also you said zum zum, my sister would yell at you and tell you its Tsum Tsum lol.

C'mon dude - I'm 46!

I have always thought Small world in DLR just looks so much better than it does in WDW.

It's not that much different. The big difference is the outdoor loading, and then the fact they added the Disney characters - which makes for a bit of a game trying to spot them.

Roger Rabbit is a childhood favorite of mine. Thats one ride I really want to get to DLR for.

I am all about Roger Rabbit! I was your age when it came out and I remember going opening weekend. (It was Bob "Back to the Future" Zemekis and Steven "everything else" Speilberg!) I was always sorry that they weren't able to do more movies. They even originally gave it a bit of a presence in DHS, but that's mostly gone. Obviously Toontown in DL is inspired by it. Too bad the ride isn't a little better.

Everyone seems to love the Hyperspace overlay. From what I have heard its staying until the halloween overlay then will come back for December because of Rogue One.

The Hyperspace overlay is very cool. Mostly it's just the music playing though. There are some lasers and the occasional tie fighter projection, but overall it makes for a fun experience. It really basically the same ride though.

I'm going to be honest Pete, I have never gone into The Enchanted Tiki Room... I do like the song though.

I get that - I realize it isn't all that popular at MK, though I was still glad they brought it back. I had the record (yes a record) of it and the Jungle Cruise on the flip side, and listened to it SOOO many times as a kid. I pretty much could perform the show from memory if necessary. Now as an adult, I think it should be among the "untouchables" at MK as Walt's original visions - along with Carousel of Progress, the Hall of Presidents, and the WDWRR. Pieces of history.

What did you think of Hatbox ghost?

Hatbox ghost is fine. To me it stand out as a little bit too modern of an effect with the rest of the stuff there - feels very digital on an analog affect ride. Really the two rides are very similar, little differences.

Fantastic update. You got a fair few rides in before lunch. Seems like low crowds and you are doing great with that new camera of yours.
And I think I know what's coming up!!!!

The crowds were definitely lower today than the day before. We ended up not getting a lot of rides in the rest of the day for various reasons - but I'll save that for later updates.

And I am sure you are right about what is coming up!!! I wonder how many people will be able to figure it out from the picture?

 

[ALEXandFAB]

Storybook Land Boat ride

One of my favorite Disneyland rides. But I always feel like a giant in those tiny boats

except DD who refused

Oh man, the tween/teen years. Really looking forward to those But I hear from other parents that it gets better...right around the time they turn 25

Since we had two extra FP, we spotted a young couple walking ahead of us towards the ride.

I'm sure you made their day!

OK, this is a GREAT pic!

So I think I count 7 rides before lunch. Not a lot, but not bad either.

Not bad at all! Very productive morning. It's all about the rope drop

Last we went to New Orleans Square for our special lunch. That’s coming up next. Here’s a hint.

I think I know...and it's one of my favorite places!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I think that is a productive morning - lots of headliners but also taking advantage of a few others with no line (and hitting the canal boats with no line is great).

After having seen Ghost Galaxy I really would like to check out Hyperspace Mountain ... it is amazing how much smoother the ride is there vs. WDW

I do love the history with both the Tiki room and It's a Small World - that's really cool your DM was able to ride it at the World's Fair!

Ooh, based on that picture I am assuming Club 33 for lunch - which is very exciting!

 

[khertz]

Aww come on, you couldn't sneak a covert pic of the guys with the VIP guide?! lol I saw a lot of those over the last couple trips we have taken to Disney. I just can't imagine dropping that much money on a few hours in Disney World!! But it seems like it's becoming more popular.

I really love the waiting area for the Tiki Room in DL! Especially compared to WDW. And I definitely like the original show way more than the updated version they had in WDW for awhile.

 

[kcpinwdw]

Catching up! Your suite at the hotel looks great, and totally awesome that you managed to get all three nights in a row--- looks like a great amount of space!

When we got back, DD hadn’t spoked to DM once, so it was also at this time that DM decided to tell me how messed up DD was because she wouldn’t talk to her and that we clearly have to do something – but what she has no idea. We have this problem all the time with DD, she is a very shy, quiet kid, and she gets around her grandparents or other adults that she rarely if ever sees, and she clams up. Well, we’ve had talks with her but I don’t know how to get her to change her personality on this, other kids will hold conversations with adults, but not DD. So we continue to get scolded by all of our parents as bad parents. We then get yelled at that we “can’t give into her” (which we don’t ever do – but she’s the type of kid that refuses to EVER learn a lesson. We punish her repeatedly over the same things, yet she refuses to change her behavior.) How do you deal with someone so stubborn? Talk or else? In this case she was also over-tired, which exacerbates her worst behaviors.

First off, I really think people have no idea how tough it is to be this age by adulthood. Not a kid, not a grown up, wanting independence but still needing supervision, not to mention how kids can treat each other. You dont need to change your daughter's personality, but you should tell her your story of being the same way at her age. Maybe she's anxious, maybe she's stubborn, maybe both--- but parenting doesnt change that, just time and confidence. She'll get there!

o wait for the Storybook Land Boat ride…so we hopped on the boat

Man, this ride was my FAV as a kid, one of the few things I have real memories of from our trips is that Whale. THanks for sharing the updated scenery, it has been a long time since i have been!

Toon town looks so empty, do they have crowd calendars for DL like they do for WDW? Are they accurate?

 

[Tinker326]

Finally caught up after my own vacation!

I love the rooms at Grand Californian. Beautiful.
(I will take this exact moment to also chime in agreement with you on the Poly DVC rooms (since we just returned) and say that I LOVE THEM- and will admit to pricing out some resale contracts for AKL for the sole purpose of possibly trying to get back into Poly DVC rooms..hahahaha- I shut it down though imagining the look of horror on Kurt's face if I brought that up!)

And mothers are always fun at trying to raise our kids, aren't they? You should hear what my mother tells me regarding Sarah. I think it's especially hard if you have a very extroverted parent (my mom is) and an introverted child (my kid is). Because they don't understand HOW stressful it is for the introvert to force themselves into conversation with someone they don't know. And they also don't understand that it takes time for a child to learn some coping skills if they do fall into this category. So try not to fret.. you are doing a good job. And (not a big surprise)- we also use the threat of taking electronics away from Sarah to motivate her to do good in school. She is a very bright girl who doesn't care.. it's what we have to work with.. so we do. If it gets her through school without her failing.. I won't feel guilty about it.

Great updates!

 

[skier_pete]

I think I know...and it's one of my favorite places!

We'll see - still trying to find the time to write the next update!

I think that is a productive morning - lots of headliners but also taking advantage of a few others with no line (and hitting the canal boats with no line is great).

After having seen Ghost Galaxy I really would like to check out Hyperspace Mountain ... it is amazing how much smoother the ride is there vs. WDW

It really is. Honestly the difference between the regular ride and Hyperspace Mountain is mostly about the music. The images are sporadic and only seen for fleeting moments.

Ooh, based on that picture I am assuming Club 33 for lunch - which is very exciting!

Could be....

Aww come on, you couldn't sneak a covert pic of the guys with the VIP guide?! lol I saw a lot of those over the last couple trips we have taken to Disney. I just can't imagine dropping that much money on a few hours in Disney World!! But it seems like it's becoming more popular.

I really love the waiting area for the Tiki Room in DL! Especially compared to WDW. And I definitely like the original show way more than the updated version they had in WDW for awhile.

I do admit that I've seen more VIP guides lately. I suppose if you have the money, do it, right? The "Under New Management" show was terrible, mostly because it spent most of it's time making FUN of the original show. I was OK with the idea of updating it versus closing it, but ugh to what they did. Glad they smoked Iago out.

Catching up! Your suite at the hotel looks great, and totally awesome that you managed to get all three nights in a row--- looks like a great amount of space!

Oh man, I can't get over when we stay in the 1-bedrooms. It won't happen often, but I'd love to be able to afford the points, they sure are luxurious!

First off, I really think people have no idea how tough it is to be this age by adulthood. Not a kid, not a grown up, wanting independence but still needing supervision, not to mention how kids can treat each other. You dont need to change your daughter's personality, but you should tell her your story of being the same way at her age. Maybe she's anxious, maybe she's stubborn, maybe both--- but parenting doesnt change that, just time and confidence. She'll get there!

I do think a part of it is just grandparents being so far removed from what it is like for kids today. It's so different from our kids...and then in addition they aren't around them all the time. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Man, this ride was my FAV as a kid, one of the few things I have real memories of from our trips is that Whale. THanks for sharing the updated scenery, it has been a long time since i have been!

Toon town looks so empty, do they have crowd calendars for DL like they do for WDW? Are they accurate?

IDK about crowd calendars. DLR is mostly crowded when locals are off work/school. This week I thought wouldn't be too bad, but didn't realize that Northern California and Seattle schools were all off as well, which added some level of crowd, but not too bad. Tuesday was far and away the worst day. Wednesday and Thursday weren't bad.

Canal Boats are a neat kids ride. I could imagine Monstro leaving a HUGE impression on young children.

Finally caught up after my own vacation!

I love the rooms at Grand Californian. Beautiful.
(I will take this exact moment to also chime in agreement with you on the Poly DVC rooms (since we just returned) and say that I LOVE THEM- and will admit to pricing out some resale contracts for AKL for the sole purpose of possibly trying to get back into Poly DVC rooms..hahahaha- I shut it down though imagining the look of horror on Kurt's face if I brought that up!)

I think it's funny that you go back year after year renting points, and he's OK with that, but NOT with buying a contract, which would save you significant money in the long run. He's probably hoping you'll stop wanting to go when the kids are older. Such a silly man.

And mothers are always fun at trying to raise our kids, aren't they? You should hear what my mother tells me regarding Sarah. I think it's especially hard if you have a very extroverted parent (my mom is) and an introverted child (my kid is). Because they don't understand HOW stressful it is for the introvert to force themselves into conversation with someone they don't know. And they also don't understand that it takes time for a child to learn some coping skills if they do fall into this category. So try not to fret.. you are doing a good job. And (not a big surprise)- we also use the threat of taking electronics away from Sarah to motivate her to do good in school. She is a very bright girl who doesn't care.. it's what we have to work with.. so we do. If it gets her through school without her failing.. I won't feel guilty about it.

Thank you for your words. One of the things I said to my mom is "I was just like her as a kid" and my mom says "You were nothing like her", but she is not remembering correctly, or maybe she remembers I was not shy around her or my grandparents, but she forgets I saw my grandparents every single day. DD sees her grandmother once or twice a year. As you say - you can't just TELL a child "be outgoing", it takes years to learn. It really took me until I was probably in my mid-twenties before I was comfortable in a group setting, and even now I really don't like being with large groups generally, much prefer small groups of friends like 2 or 3 other couples.

Sarah and DD are SOOOO much alike it is scary. Wish we didn't live 1000 miles apart because they really would be Best buds I think. Right down to the trombone playing!

 

[Tinker326]

I think it's funny that you go back year after year renting points, and he's OK with that, but NOT with buying a contract, which would save you significant money in the long run. He's probably hoping you'll stop wanting to go when the kids are older. Such a silly man.

He almost had a heart attack one night on vacation when I ran over to a DVC booth because Sarah wanted to trade pins. When I came back he said "I got so worried when I turned around and you were in that booth.. I thought for sure you were walking back with a contract" Hahahahaha!!!!

He is ABSOLUTELY hoping I stop wanting to go. The fact that I bought an annual pass and am taking two Girls trips this year (without kids) would perhaps suggest otherwise.... but he likes living in his fantasy world. I have not scared him yet by telling him that I have popped onto a few resale sites over the past few months just 'for my own information'.

Sarah and DD are SOOOO much alike it is scary. Wish we didn't live 1000 miles apart because they really would be Best buds I think. Right down to the trombone playing!

Well... the trombone. You know that point you said when you mentioned 'she doesn't like anything but electronics". Yhea, Sarah too. And the trombone was a fight EVERY WEEK to the death. She had her final concert a few weeks ago and the next day she demanded we drive her to the rental place to return the trombone. Such a shame because she is musically inclined (but shy so HATED performing and also refused to practice because it took time away from Roblox)....... I tried EVERY bribe I could.. but it didn't work. And I wasn't going to punish her by removing something because she's scared to perform in a concert. So Trombone is no more. Gone with the wind....................................

 

[skier_pete]

He almost had a heart attack one night on vacation when I ran over to a DVC booth because Sarah wanted to trade pins. When I came back he said "I got so worried when I turned around and you were in that booth.. I thought for sure you were walking back with a contract" Hahahahaha!!!!

He is ABSOLUTELY hoping I stop wanting to go. The fact that I bought an annual pass and am taking two Girls trips this year (without kids) would perhaps suggest otherwise.... but he likes living in his fantasy world. I have not scared him yet by telling him that I have popped onto a few resale sites over the past few months just 'for my own information'.

Ha ha - poor guy - I promise I won't tell him that it doesn't go away.

Well... the trombone. You know that point you said when you mentioned 'she doesn't like anything but electronics". Yhea, Sarah too. And the trombone was a fight EVERY WEEK to the death. She had her final concert a few weeks ago and the next day she demanded we drive her to the rental place to return the trombone. Such a shame because she is musically inclined (but shy so HATED performing and also refused to practice because it took time away from Roblox)....... I tried EVERY bribe I could.. but it didn't work. And I wasn't going to punish her by removing something because she's scared to perform in a concert. So Trombone is no more. Gone with the wind....................................

Oh that's too bad...DD actually really likes playing in the band. Practice is a constant battle - that's for sure, but she really likes playing in the band. She is really excited at the idea of them having a competition, and she keeps telling me she wants to keep playing in high school because "the band takes trips to Disney World". I don't think she is necessarily tired of Disney - but tired of her parents at Disney.

Still think they would get along swimmingly.

 

[skier_pete]

Been busy, but I’m back with another update. As some of you have guessed from my previous hint, we had a lunch reservation at Club 33.

In case anyone out there is unaware – Club 33 is a private “members only” club within the confines of Disneyland. The only way to get in is to either BE a member, or to KNOW a member. DW and I were fortunate enough to meet a member through various Disney interactions, and that member was kind enough to book a reservation for us, along with a few other things. This person has asked that I do not mention them by name, so just know that whether or not that person is reading along with this TR, we really and truly appreciate their generosity.

We were also able to dine at Club 33 during our ABD trip back in 2013, but this visit was truly special because I got to bring my mother and daughter and let them experience it with us. It was a true treat, and while I make a few jokes about the cost in the report below – I went in fully knowing what the cost was going to be, and I don’t regret spending the money at all.

So, on with the report – the picture I posted at the end of the previous page actually shows the old entrance to Club 33.



In 2014 they did a major refurb on the interior of the club, and in doing so, moved the entrance down the “street”



Here’s us waiting to get in.



The new entrance looks like this:




There’s a doorbell you ring, and then you have to give the secret password. Just kidding, actually we just said “We have a reservation.” They let you in to a small foyer and then lead you into the old “Court of Angels”.




They offered us a glass of cucumber water (whose idea was putting cucumber in water – not mine!) while we waited.



Truthfully we waited about 90 seconds though, and then they led us up the stairs to the Club.








Inside it was configured somewhat differently from how we had previously seen it. There was now a members-only lounge off the side of the hallway, but the hall leading to the main dining area was similar, though redesigned to be somewhat brighter and wider by my memory.



There are two pieces of movie memorabilia in the lounge – one is this table which is in the Banks’ home in “Mary Poppins”.



Lots of wonderful paintings and concept art of New Orleans Square and Disneyland are still around.



The main salon:






Our Table:



I tweeted out this picture to make my twitter/facebook friends jealous…


The menu:



Yes – you read that right – lunch was $70 for the 3-course meal, and $80 for the 4-course meal. They did have a children’s menu, and while DD was too old to order off of it, we could order food from it for her portion. So – her lunch also cost us $70. Again, we knew this going into the meal. Too me it was “the price you pay” for this experience. It’s not any different from the $69 Disney charges for a fireworks dessert party in my view – only this is 100 times more special. However, it did influence our decision to come for lunch vs dinner. Dinner is even more expensive.

The rest of the lunch menu is as follows.




To be continued in next post.

 

[skier_pete]

One of the grand parts of visiting Club 33 is it is the only way you will ever get alcohol served to you in Disneyland – so there was no way we weren’t getting a round of drinks.




While we were waiting for our meals – we decided on a little more exploring. Here’s the OTHER piece of movie memorabilia – this phone booth is used in the movie “The Happiest Millionaire”




Edit: Restrooms pictures removed at request. Apologies.



This piano is not from a movie, but is a functioning piano.



You can also walk around outside on the balcony. The thing I found interesting and noticed last time is that you can stand out there for 10 minutes and NO-ONE ever looks up. Everytime I walk by Club 33, I look up at it. Is this a general unawareness, or is it just human nature not to think 3-dimensionally. (It’s how Kirk defeated Kahn in Star Trek II.)






When we came back in from the balcony, they had changed the linens on our table. The napkins were all in the shape of roses. (Anytime you left the table, they replaced your napkin with a fresh one.



We had just come back in from outside and they were in the process of serving our starter course, when the smoke alarm went off!! I didn’t even have time to take my pictures! They required us to evacuate the premises! Apparently, this wasn’t a Club 33 thing, the kitchen facilities that are used for Club 33 also connect to Blue Bayou and (not completely sure on this) Café Orleans. So they had evacuated all 3 restaurants, and we were standing around outside with the staff.

It was kind of amazing – there clearly were at least 25-30 people that were on out there on the Club 33 staff. There weren’t 25 people dining in the restaurant at the time we were there. No one really knew exactly what the cause of the alarm was, and we were left standing outside for a good 20 minutes. Some members of the staff explained that this was a fairly frequent occurance a few years ago they were getting a lot of false alarms, but it hadn’t happened in quite a while. It was at this point that I said my title quote: “This place better not burn down before I get my entrée!”

Will we ever get our food? Will Club 33 burn to the ground? Stay tuned next time!!!

 

[rteetz]

So cool that you are fortunate to know someone that lets you into Club 33. I would be happy just to get to go to Disneyland.

I know the renovation was rather controversial but it is what it is.

I am really intrigued to see what happens next now!

 

[skier_pete]

I am really intrigued to see what happens next now!

Spoiler: Spoiler Alert!

It didn't actually burn down

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So awesome you got to go to Club 33 .. and to be honest, for the experience for (what I assume) quality of the food, the prices don't shock me ... but still a lot to pay for lunch

I would have posted all sorts of stuff on Facebook to make my friends jealous

or is it just human nature not to think 3-dimensionally. (It’s how Kirk defeated Kahn in Star Trek II.)

... though not as challenging as thinking 4th dimensionally which Marty McFly always had an issue with

 

[skier_pete]

So awesome you got to go to Club 33 .. and to be honest, for the experience for (what I assume) quality of the food, the prices don't shock me ... but still a lot to pay for lunch

I would have posted all sorts of stuff on Facebook to make my friends jealous

... though not as challenging as thinking 4th dimensionally which Marty McFly always had an issue with

I was thinking of Marty McFly when I typed that - but of course I didn't need to think fourth dimensionally...only if I wanted to ride on the train.

 

[ALEXandFAB]

Oh, I hand't guessed Club 33! I thought you'd be going to Blue Bayou. I think we can agree that Club 33 is a just a smidge more exciting than BB

What a great opportunity to experience something so special (minus the fire alarm/evacuation, although that part does adds to the story and gave you your trip report title )! I wouldn't bat an eye at the price of the meal either!

I have to say I've been to Disneyland 50+ times and I think I can count on one hand the number of times I've looked up while walking down that area of New Orleans Square, so you're absolutely right about not thinking 3-dimensionally.

Can't wait to read more about your meal.