Kabbie walks in Walt's footsteps

[kabbie]

Background I am a WDW vet and a lover of all things Disney. I came back from our Sept trip and like a lot of Disney fans immediately wanted to plan the next trip. My family likes WDW and tolerates it, but didn't want to go again anytime soon. I knew my next trip would be a solo adventure. One of my good friends who also loves Disney had made the pilgrimage to Disneyland and inspired me to try something new while feeding my Disney fix. Let the planning begin!

Planning How many days and when to leave? Originally, I was going to do a package through Costco and stay on property at Disneyland Hotel. I thought about last week of January, but the trip would have to paid off Christmas day. Ouch. Moved to February...settled on the week before Presidents week. I knew I needed to tour as much as I could during the week and avoid the weekends. I debated between getting an AP and scoring a good rate at DLH, but it was not to be. I switched to Fairfield Inn Anaheim at 1460 S. Harbor Blvd a week before leaving. I work for Marriott and received a great associate rate of $39. More $ for souvneirs. YEA!

Arrival Day: Tuesday, Feb 6th I left DFW at 12:05 and had an easy flight landing at John Wayne at 1:25pm. Snapped this picture of its namesake for my dad who is a big fan of his movies.

I had prepaid for Supershuttle instead of Disneyland Resort Express because it had less people meaning less stops. I still snapped a picture of the adorable bus from my Supershuttle. Sorry about the pole.

Made it to the Fairfield by 2pm and had no problem checking in. My room was #308 on the same floor of the Pizza Hut/Coffee shop. Here is my room and the view. My room was very clean and had a lot of space. I checked the a/c, lights, and plumbing before unpacking. I work at a hotel and know all too well about maintenance problems plaguing guests.

I unpacked and got my gear ready for Disneyland. I had bought a baggalini and paired with my Crocs was the epitome of a DISer. I liked my baggalini because of the handy dandy cell phone holder on the strap. The only thing was the bottle holder on the side didn't fit an average drink bottle. Ready to go and test the walk.

 

[kabbie]

I made it to Disneyland at 3pm and went to Adventureland. I got a FASTPASS for Indiana Jones and went on Jungle Cruise.

The waits were non existent and walked on Pirates and Winnie the Pooh. The only wait was the walk through the queue. I had eyed Haunted Mansion, but the line looked too long. As it turns out, the line was only long until people were let into the stretching room.

Walking back to Indiana Jones, I noticed the Mardi Gras celebration. Stupid me didn't even know it was Fat Tuesday!

I loved Indiana Jones....I was the driver and there a family on my row and were pleased to be going on the leftside track. They said they were used to the right. They were from Washington state. I met a lot of people from Washington actually. They should have a Washington resident annual pass. Back to the ride...I have been on Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom, but never really cared for the jerkiness. Indiana Jones was jerky as well, but I loved the theme and the story. The length of time it takes to get the loading area and out is unreal. What's with the stairs in the middle of the queue? And if you're in a wheelchair, you have to take an elevator to go up one level then take the elevator back to the level you were just on? What gives?

After Indiana Jones, I grabbed a Dole Whip and walked to the hub and sat down to enjoy the pineapple soft serve. My last 2 trips to WDW I have not gotten one so I have been missing them.

I walked across the hub to Tomorrowland to ride Space Mountain. I was really looking forward to this since the relaunch then the addition of the Rockit. I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers song! It adds so much to the experience. I rode Space over and over during my trip. Everytime, requesting front row. CMs happily obiliged.

Check out the moon!

I also played on Buzz Lightyear's Blasters which I still suck at. 2,000 pts. I can't aim at all!

I decided to grab dinner at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port. I got the chicken fusili with marniara sauce. YEAH!

It was getting late and almost time for the Parade of Dreams at 7. I rode It's a Small World and found it to be the same as WDW version.

I like the Hawaii scene because Maui is one of my fave vacation spots.

I missed the opportunity to watch the parade from the start because the closed of the streets. I walked through Fantasyland to Frontierland and rode Big Thunder. I thought that I would catch the Parade another night. I made my way to Main Street and picked up some breakfast goodies.

I was about to leave when I noticed a free spot outside the Main St Fire Station. I would get to see the parade after all and it was just starting. Didn't even have to wait! I liked the parade, but found it awkward when the float stopped for a long time while the dancers performed.

Lantern always burns for Walt! Love that!

Really wish I could meet Jiminy Cricket. I collect autographs and his would the ultimate!

This is the parade float that stopped by me. I got very bored of these dancers.

My camera and the operator are really good at capturing characters when their backs are turned. Really slow response time!

SEE!

My favorite couple!

I headed back to my hotel to sleep my weary body.

I hope ya'll enjoy!

 

[staley7580]

Sounds like youre having fun so far!

 

[kabbie]

After going to Disneyland on my first day/arrival day and getting most of the attractions out of the way, I decided to go to California Adventure. The park was opening at 10am that day and I lined up at the entrance at 9:15 or so. They let everyone in at 9:30 and Soarin' was the only thing open. I rode that with no wait. I have been Soarin' several times at Epcot and it's one of my favorites. I wish I could pipe the smell into my home. Walked back across Sunshine Plaza and into Hollywood. Had to wait for the rope drop, which with my family you never experience. Not exactly early risers.

Tower of Terror CMs walked us all the way to the attraction. Here's my picture, a trick I learned from DIS. Why buy the picture if you can snap it with ur camera. Not illegal is it?

After TnT, I walked over to Monsters, Inc which was basically a slow recap of the movie.

I stopped by the Animation attraction and participated in the Animation Academy (drew a good Donald Duck, stayed for the 2nd session and drew a horrible Goofy). I also went over to Sorcerer's Workshop to add my voice to Beauty and the Beast and took the quiz to see what character I'm most like. See below...

I went into the Paradise Pier section and loved the posters by Ariel's Grotto. How many people have also gotten these pictures.

I went on the Sunwheel in one of the swinging gondolas which is scary for someone who is a little scared of heights. No restraints is new as well. Made me laugh out loud.

You could get good overview shots of the park if it wasn't for the pesky bars.

Lucky for me I didn't need this:

I also went on the following in a row with no waits. Mulholland Madness, Zephyr, and Mailboomer. One of the Mailboomer noticed my 1st visit pins and asked me several times if I was really alone or if my family/friends just sat this one out. I told him yes it's just me. He said that most of the rides had single riders line. I didn't find it necessary until Friday when California Screamin' opened.

After Paradise Pier, I went back to Hollywood for the 1st showing of Aladdin at 12:25. That is an incredible show not to be missed. Couldn't get good pictures without a flash. But here are some.

In this scene with Jasmine, her pants actually fell down and revealed her "under-garments of a scandulous nature". I thought it was part of the show especially when the Genie made a crack about it later. But I spoke to someone later on and she said it didn't happen during her showing.

After Aladdin, it was about 1:30 and it was lunch time. I partaked in the Mission Tortilla Factory tour and the Boudin Bakery tour. I loved this mural inside Mission.

Can't help but love a Mickey head made from bread.

For lunch, I ate chicken salad in a bread bowl from Pacific Wharf. It was very yummy. Not a whole lot of salad. But bread was filling.

I explored Bug's Land briefing as most of it is geared toward kids. I've seen It's Tough to be a Bug a million times at Animal Kingdom so I passed. Very intriguing benches.

The bug on the lamp seems to be x-rated for Disney standards or it just me?

Had my picture taken by the waterfall on my way to Grizzly Peak.

I liked the path to Grizzly Run...similar to a highway and here's Grand Californian.

I decided to ride Grizzly River Run and of course got drenched. It was about time to leave anyway. I headed back to my hotel and stopped by Baker's Field Bakery and got a German chocolate brownie to enjoy later.

I rested for a little bit then headed out to Downtown Disney. I went in and out Dept 56, Anne Geddes and Island Charters. I ended up at Disneyland Hotel. I spotted these elevators which I liked.

I took the obilgatory shot of the entry.

I got a Mexicone from Tortilla Jo's Taqeria which was pretty good. Alot of rice.

There was some excitement during dinner when some kids were roughhousing by the railing and one of the girls fell over. Security was called because the parents couldn't get to her. Hopefully she ended up okay. Security cleared the area. I was wiped out and walked back to the Fairfield.

Day 3: Early Entry at Disneyland!

 

[kabbie]

This morning I was doing early entry at Disneyland to cover Fantasyland. That is the only section of the park that is congested all day long. I lined up at the gates at 8:30 to be let in at 9am.

This is what the line looked like when I joined it.

After opening, I walked briskly through the castle to get on Peter Pan's Flight. I haven't been this in years at WDW b/c of the crowds. I have to say that it's one of my favorites in Fantasyland. After Peter Pan, I went on Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland. Both of those were traditional dark rides that I would never have wanted to wait in line for. I also ventured over to Matterhorn which was beginning to get busy. They only had the the Tomorrowland side open which doesn't have the Abd. Snowman.
After Matterhorn, I went back to Fantasyland to ride Storybook Canal boats. It wasn't open yet so I walked around and got someone to take my picture at Dumbo.

Time for Storybook!

Monstro is going to eat us!

No Kabbie

Kabbie! (just so you know my nickname came about because my initials are KAB and one of my coworkers started to call me kabbie)

I stopped by the Mad hatter to buy some mouse ears my beloved nieces and get them engraved. My nieces are 3 and 7 months. My 3 yr old has been to Disney 3x so far and 7 mth old went when she was almost 2 months. Good times.

It was breakfast time for me so I headed to River Belle Terrace for some Mickey Mouse Pancakes Goodness.

Yummy!

Here's Tom Sawyer Island which was closed and alas no Fantasmic for me. Fantasmic is one of my favorite nighttime show. I have the CD in my car and listen to it daily. Originally Fantasmic was being refurbished, but then postponed it and held it on Sat. I had already purchased my airline ticket and didn't want to pay the change fee just to see Fantasmic. I can watch it on Google Video whenever I want.

After breakfast, I went on Pirates again. Next time, I will have to eat at Blue Bayou.

Went to Critter Country and visited with Pooh.

On my way back to the hub, I got one of the Year of Million Dreams pin starter lanyard. There was 2 Dream CMs standing by the closure signs for Splash Mountain just giving them out. I also heard from others that they received Dream Fast Passes there.

I went over to Main St and saw Disneyland 50 years. Very funny film with Steve Martin.

While on Main St, I met Mary Poppins & Bert and Max.

I then went back to ride Rock-it Space Mountain. See my picture.

I walked back to Princess Fantasy Faire to check it out. I had gotten a autograph book and was determined to fill it up. Chance to get autographs from 3 princesses. Score. The line moved an inch every 15 minutes. Took forever, but here's who I met.

Fuzzy Picture taken from CM

All of the princesses asked a variation of the same question: "Where are visting from? Why, that's a long carpet ride (Jasmine), carriage ride (Cinderella) and canoe ride (Pochantas). I guess it's part of princess training.

I left Disneyland shortly thereafter and stopped by California Adventure. Met Vacation Mickey and Minnie in Sunshine Plaza.

Very bright sun where Mickey where standing.

I don't get to see the big cheese in different clothes!

I think at California Adventure I walked around Redwood Creek and went on Soarin' then left.

I stopped by Downtown Disney to pick up dinner at Naploni. I got a pizza roll which was horrible! But I did like this strawberry lemonade. I tucked in early and watched Grey's Anatomy.

Coming up...kabbie takes the walk in walt's footsteps tour!

 

[kabbie]

Sounds like youre having fun so far!

My audience on 1! Thanks for reading. I like to post pictures, can you tell?

 

[AJA55]

Sorry Kabbie but your audience is at least two. I started reading your trip report yesterday. I loooove trip reports. I’ve gone solo before. Many moons ago. Don’t you think that people tend to talk to you more. Or is it that you talk to other people because you don’t have anyone to talk to. (you meaning me) Hmmmmm. Sounds like you had a great time.

 

[kabbie]

Sorry Kabbie but your audience is at least two. I started reading your trip report yesterday. I loooove trip reports. I’ve gone solo before. Many moons ago. Don’t you think that people tend to talk to you more. Or is it that you talk to other people because you don’t have anyone to talk to. (you meaning me) Hmmmmm. Sounds like you had a great time.

Yeah! Thanks for joining the party. I did have a good time. Hating coming home. I will have to alternate trips to WDW w/trips to Disneyland from now on. Next time, I do want to get out and see more of SoCal especially San Diego.

In preparation for my 1st Disneyland trip, I read every post on the Disneyland forum and wished for more pictures. I really wanted to share my trip with everyone who is like me and loves reports with pictures.

In traveling solo, you have to be pretty comfortable with yourself. I talked to people while waiting in line for attractions/fireworks/meals. I did get a few of the pity comments. I would quickly tell those that I was at Disneyland. Who cares if I'm by myself. I had freedom to come and go as I please. I didn't have to consult anyone and I rarely felt lonely. When I did, my loved ones were a call away.

I will post Day 4 when I get off work tonight.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Sorry Kabbie but your audience is at least two. I started reading your trip report yesterday. I loooove trip reports. I’ve gone solo before. Many moons ago. Don’t you think that people tend to talk to you more. Or is it that you talk to other people because you don’t have anyone to talk to. (you meaning me) Hmmmmm. Sounds like you had a great time.

Make that audience of THREE! I love trip reports too And am reading intently!

 

[Poohbear85]

Ooh Ooh, actually it's 4! lol i'm loving all the pictures and so jealous that i didnt' get to see half the chars u saw! I'm eagerly awaiting more!

 

[kabbie]

but still due to today I get to take the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour and watch fireworks!!

Friday felt like a completely different day because of the start of the weekend. Many, many more people were waiting for the park to open at 9. Got on the Main St at 8:30 and stopped by Blue Ribbon to get a choc crossiant. I also got my picture with Dream Mickey & Pluto.

I made my way over to the Guided Tours office next to City Hall to check in and choose my lunch. I went for the Roast Beef sandwich which came with Walt's fave dessert (cheesecake---huge portion!). Our tour guide was Betsy dressed with her navy vest, plaid skirt and whip. She seemed very nervous at first. Hands looked like they were shaking. The Mad Hatter and Alice stopped by and I got a great picture, but no autograph.

The Mad Hatter is a very funny character. He came up and asked " And what are we doing?" after that he told Betsy, "We have to get going...We have rides to ride and stuff to buy..." Along those lines. Trust me it was funny!

Betsy walked over to the train station, fire house, cinema and finally castle along the way telling us stories with Walt.

From a distance, I swear this looks like a real person.

I like this picture. The perennial perfect photo op.

These original Snow White statues showed up at the Walt Disney Studios mysteriously. Walt decided to place them in the park. These are very good fakes after the original cracked and fell apart.

Look! The dead center of the park!!!

Disney family creast.

Construction going at the castle. Also the princess shop is covered in wood, but open.

Walt gave this tree that held jewels to his wife. She decided that she didn't need the tree at home and donated it the park.

The headline attraction of the tour...the lobby of Club 33. Me in the elevator. You mean I don't get to go up?!

We met one of the oldest cast members at the Enchanted Tiki Room. The flower! Don't you know I thought it would be a person!

Final Destination: Disney Gallery for lunch. Then tour was over and I headed to see Jedi Training.

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You will join the dark side.

I walked through Mickey's Toontown and toured Mickey and Minnie's homes. Toontown was packed uncomfortably so I left and jetted to Frontierland. Waited for next showing of Billy and the Hillbillies. Very funny show.

When I visit WDW, I don't get a lot of opportunity to stop and see some shows. I'm planning my next trip to be able to stop and smell the roses. And I definitely want to do some more tours.

After Billy, Billy, Billy and Billy, I hopped to DCA to see Block Party Bash. Luckily California Screamin' was open now after being closed all week so I checked that one off. Didn't like it as much as Space Mtn. Felt like a good ole 6 Flags roller coaster. Not much theming.

Before the parade, I wanted to ride Tower of Terror and on the way met Mrs. Incredible.

I grabbed my spot for Block Party Bash, which is not my favorite parade. Maybe if you're into Playhouse/Toon Disney, but didn't seem like a Disney Magic Parade. But I'm glad to have witnessed it so I know.

I did keep my tradition of my camera being slow to capture the parade floats. Canon has the slowest response time.

After Block Party, I hopped back to Disneyland and rode Space for the upteenth time. There were 2 high school girls in front, but they had about 10of their friends jump in line with them. I said something to them, but they weren't detered. Karma baby though...I'm sure one day it will come back to haunt them. The wait was posted as 45 minutes, but it was more like 30 minutes. After the ride, I ate dinner at Club Buzz. A simple Disney burger so I didn't take a picture of it. I walked back to the hub and noticed a lot of people grabbing all of the benches. It was only 7:30 and the fireworks started at 9:25! The fireworks were important to me and I didn't want a bad seat so I bit the bullet and grabbed a seat. First, I did get popcorn, bottled water and frozen banana to tide me over. I was right by the castle and loved my view.

Amazingly enough, the area filled up at least 30 minutes before the show so obviously you don't show up late. Plus everyone stays seated so you don't have to stand and further hurt your legs/feet. I was sitting next to a very nice woman travelling on business and visiting Disneyland on her day off. We talked the whole time and made the time fly before the start of the fireworks.

Did my best with capturing the amazing sight. LOVE FIREWORKS! The music, lights, everything. I always cry at Wishes. Tinkerbell flew a lot more here than at WDW.

After the cattle walked down Main St, I limped back to the Fairfield to pack and get some slumber for the next day. AHH! Worst part is going home!

 

[Poohbear85]

I'd just like to comment on your camera's slow response time, with this. One day, people will look through their pictures and try to remember what the back of the characters look like and no one will remember but you. YOU will have documented proof that the caterpillar has 5 yellow blobs on his back and no one else will. And try as they might, no one will ever be able to copy those pictures that you've taken.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I'd just like to comment on your camera's slow response time, with this. One day, people will look through their pictures and try to remember what the back of the characters look like and no one will remember but you. YOU will have documented proof that the caterpillar has 5 yellow blobs on his back and no one else will. And try as they might, no one will ever be able to copy those pictures that you've taken.

I love how you look on the bright side of life

Kabbie, I am glad you enjoyed your solo trip. And thank you again for your pics! You really kept track of your trip quite well!

 

[AJA55]

Hey Kabbie…did you like the tour? We’re thinking this would be a good idea for when we go on July 4th. Sort of a way to have fun and try to ignore the crowds. What time did the tour start? Why did you have to go to Guest Services before the tour? Couldn’t you pre-order your lunch choice? Thanks for the help !

 

[kabbie]

I liked the tour, but I have to confess...a lot of the information I already knew from seeing Disneyland: Behind the Scenes on the travel channel.

The tour starts at 9am or 2:30pm. In hindsight, the 2:30 would have been better since the crowds are lighter in the morning.

In regards to lunch, I'm not sure if you can preorder it. When I checked-in, they gave me the menu to choose. I don't remember all of the choices, sorry

I had to go to Guest Services 1st to be able to check-in and get my ticket. I reserved and prepaid over the phone in advance. Funny enough, no cancellation policy. Then on the day of the tour, I reported to the guided tour office to meet the tour guide and other guests.

 

[kabbie]

I'd just like to comment on your camera's slow response time, with this. One day, people will look through their pictures and try to remember what the back of the characters look like and no one will remember but you. YOU will have documented proof that the caterpillar has 5 yellow blobs on his back and no one else will. And try as they might, no one will ever be able to copy those pictures that you've taken.

Poohbear, that's very cute! Thanks!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Loving your report! I really need to make the pilgramige to DL someday!

I work in a hotel, too! It's funny how you look at the room you get differently as a result!

Reading your report made me realize I need to read more DL reports- Everything is so foreign to me!

 

[kabbie]

Loving your report! I really need to make the pilgramige to DL someday!

I work in a hotel, too! It's funny how you look at the room you get differently as a result!

Reading your report made me realize I need to read more DL reports- Everything is so foreign to me!

I am so honored! I have read most of your trip reports on the DIS and your website. You have a great natural style of writing that is so engaging. As a reader, I almost feel like I know you.

I loved Disneyland! I highly recommend the experience! First of all, it's Disney park so it's comforting. But it is different so you feel like you're broading your horizons. Disneyland is basically Magic Kingdom with sudden differences. California Adventure was awesome! Especially the Grizzly Peak area and the Pacific Wharf/Golden State area. Paradise Pier is similar to that Dinorama area of AK. Kinda commercialized area with carnival like rides.

You can't believe how much I agonized over my hotel choice. I had 3 reservations: Disneyland with a price of over $700; Candy Cane (equivilent to Mod): $400 and 1 at Fairfield: $190. Seems like a no brainer, but I really wanted Disneyland Hotel. I'm glad with my decision though. Fairfield was very close to the parks---you do walk everywhere since there is no Disney transportation.

Thanks for reading!

 

[UtahMama]

Kabbie!!!!
This TR is so awesome! We're about to depart on a road trip to California next week. So I'm in the DIS-Disneyland threads doing "research" for endless hours everyday

OH! My Goodness! I love all the food...figures! Disney has snacks mastered!
TELL me you had a funnel cake along the way??? If not, I'll eat one for ya!

Nice to meetcha Kabbie!

 

[kabbie]

Kabbie!!!!
This TR is so awesome! We're about to depart on a road trip to California next week. So I'm in the DIS-Disneyland threads doing "research" for endless hours everyday

OH! My Goodness! I love all the food...figures! Disney has snacks mastered!
TELL me you had a funnel cake along the way??? If not, I'll eat one for ya!

Nice to meetcha Kabbie!

UtahMama! Your trip reports are legendary! So you're driving to Disneyland? With kids? Brave woman! I have many memories of road trips from North Carolina to WDW. Imagine driving in a 4 car sedan with my parents and 4 kids. Scary times.

Have you been to Disneyland before? Where are you staying?

Thank you for reading!