A Once in Lifetime Adventure in Walt's Wonderful World-lots of pics-COMPLETE

[Disneygrl36]

Hi Melanie! I got all caught up last night - loved your update, and your time at CA! How fun to meet miss Lurkyloo and Patrick! I saw this link on Dawn's TR, and I couldn't help but think of you! ABD in the 1950s! sort of. It takes about 34 minutes, but I know you will love it!

http://www.archive.org/details/barstow_disneyland_dream_1956

Tammie-it was great fun meeting Carrie & Patrick!!!!
That video was so great. I loved seeing Disneyland in 1956 & that family was too fun. What a great Dad to make those films & then narrate them into a movie. Great memories for them I am sure!

 

[Disneygrl36]

We last left our travelers, all wet walking around in the rain in Fantasyland. We decided since the park seemed so empty to go over & check out the Nemo submarines since we hadn't been able to do that yet.

We only had to wait about 10 minutes to ride. I really like this attraction because it was nostalgic but with a new twist. I had ridden the subs years ago at WDW & was really sad when they decided to totally do away with the area there, so it was nice to see the attraction reimagined here in Disneyland.

Then we decided to try to help Buzz defeat Zurg again.

I didn't do much better & the funny thing was I was taking a picture when they took our picture.

Eric looks happy because he always beats me at this game.

We found a couple of hidden Mickey's on our way out.

We headed over towards Frontierland next because we did not want to be late for our lunch date at the Blue Bayou as the White Rabbit so kindly reminded us on our way across the hub.

There are some beautiful trees in this area.

We headed on over to New Orleans Square. The Christmas decorations here were amazing!!!

Here are Walt & Roy's initials in the balcony of what was supposed to be the new apartment, but is now the Dream Suite.

I had made us the earliest reservation possible hoping we would get a table by the water & it worked. So tip to those wanting to dine by the water at the Blue Bayou-take the 11:30am lunch seating! We only waited a very few minutes before we were escorted to our lovely table.

The atmosphere in the Blue Bayou is so very romantic.

The menu

We started out with some yummy bread & a cup of gumbo which was delicious.

We both had the mahi-mahi which was served over a citrusy spinach that was very good.

Then we had a cookie boat for dessert. This was amazing!!!!!!!!!

We also had some hot tea with our dessert as we were chilly from being wet.

The bill came with some candy canes.

The Royal Street Bachelors were playing Christmas music up on a balcony & this made lunch all the nicer as we were being entertained while we ate.

Lunch was really wonderful. I have read mixed reviews on the Blue Bayou for both food & service-but we had a wonderful server & the food was very tasty. It really is the quintessential Disneyland park dining experience I think.

Continued in next post.....

 

[Disneygrl36]

We spent a few minutes in the Court D'Anges

Details of the tree there

The angel

Then browsed a bit in the shops here....

Loved the theming in Le Bat En Rouge

Even the signs are cool......this one looks like a bonnet

After lunch, we took a ride with the those scurvy pirates again.

I videotaped a bit of my favorite parts of the ride. They are a little dark but you can get the idea
Davy Jones

We wants the Red Head

Captain Jack

Up next.........Hillbillies, Haunts & Houses!!!!

 

[jenny105]

Great update! Is that the restaurant that POTC goes by? It looks great!

Oh Jenny, if you are at POR make sure to see if Bob Jackson is playing in the River Roost while you are there. He is this great piano player guy that does fun sing alongs. He's awesome.

I've read about him on a couple of websites! It definitely seems worth checking out. It sounds fun!

We stayed at POR this past November/December. It was our first stay at POR. We truly enjoyed this resort. We stayed in the Alligator Bayou section. I had read numerous complaints on the lay-out of the resort (too big). Being a family of five, we couldn't stay at French Quarter. That was actually a blessing in disguise. The paths were nicely shaded and we enjoyed the little walk to the main area and pool. However, it did always freak me out that a 'gator was going to come jumping out of the water and attack us. It is VERY well themed. We ate at the food court (Riverside Mill) a few times. The chocolate cake was yummy! The muffaletta was NOT worth the $$$$$. One night we ordered a whole pizza from the food court. That was probably the most economical meal of the trip. We put the left overs in our in-room fridge. We ate dinner at Boatwright's one evening. We had a nice table near the fireplace. However, we were very underwhelmed with the food there. DH had the pork chops (dry) and I had the fried chicken and waffles (dry meat, greasy exterior and I gave the waffles to the kids. They didn't like them either. Too done.). Theme to our meal, everything was overcooked. I've read hit or miss reviews on this restaurant. I guess we caught them on an off-night. We didn't use the pool right near our building. I did use the laundry facility though. I know, doing laundry on vacation blasphemy! With a DS3 who has a hard time making ice cream into his mouth and not his shirts, I have to stain-treat most of his shirts. Tip: The dryers with a light on DON'T need money to work. A fellow resort guest was nice enough to tell me that when in the laundry room and it worked! We did walk to the main pool on 'Ol Man Island. It was nice and there is a walk-up bar. The kids loved going down the slide over and over again. What is it with kids and waterslides? Okay, and big kids like lurkyloo (I read your trip report. ).

We have stayed at CBR in the past, another Moderate, and would definitely pick POR over it in a heartbeat. We took the boat from POR down the Sassagoula River to DTD a few times. Great perk!

We're DVC Members. But, always seems to use up all our points too quickly. We need to add-on! So, we stay in the "normal" WDW resort rooms too with an AP or AAA discount. Our goal ... stay at every WDW resort.

Jennifer

Thanks for all the info! I've read the same about Boatwright's. I think we're going to skip it. I'd hate to go and have it be not-so-great when I could go to another place that I know is top notch more often than not! I'm sure I'll be getting breakfast everyday in the food court so hopefully it won't be a loooong walk from my room. How were the buses? I've heard some complaints about that!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

How were the buses? I've heard some complaints about that!

We DID have a problem one morning waiting for an Epcot bus for an EMH (AM). Every bus was full by the time it got to us. Luckily, we drove to WDW. After about the third full bus scared1: yes, third bus), we left the bus stop and headed for our minivan. However, by this time it was after the park opened. So, we decided to drive to DHS instead. We made it before the park opened. Sometimes, it pays to divert from the itinerary and go with the flow. We had a great day! Okay to answer your question, the buses DID seem to be crowded in the mornings (like most other resorts). If you plan to get to rope drop, I would recommend departing at least one hour before rope drop to ensure you are there or take your own transportation (except at DAK). I read that with all the financial cuts at WDW, the buses were included and they are running fewer buses. It shows. Just our experience.

Have a magical trip!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I had made us the earliest reservation possible hoping we would get a table by the water & it worked. So tip to those wanting to dine by the water at the Blue Bayou-take the 11:30am lunch seating! We only waited a very few minutes before we were escorted to our lovely table.

Thanks for the tip! I'm hoping to make a PS at BB for DH's actual birthday. Waterside would be ideal. I will try and make an 11:30 am reservation. Thanks again! Any other DLP or DCA restaurants as a "must" for first time DLR guests? I am going to start a pre-trip report thread for our trip soon. Like making the initial reservation, I need to light a fire under my butt to get it started. I have sooooooooo many questions that need to be answered before June.

Jennifer

 

[Jennifer48]

This is a little OT but its Disney related. I figured this was the best thread to post it with you Disney savy people!

I was sent this today from a friend. Do you think its real?

 

[dalepool]

What a wonderful gift to get from a friend. I would certainly spend some time to see if the person who wrote the letter for Disney was indeed an employee at that time. I do think that since it was stated "women were not allowed to work directly with the creative portion of Disney" That having a female respond to the writer maybe the clue this letter may not be real. Keep us informed.

 

[Jennifer48]

I guess my letter is a reproduction!

http://danturner.com/DTBlog/2008/07/disney-to-miss-ford-women-do-not-do-any-of-the-creative-work/

Found this too...

http://animationguildblog.blogspot.com/2006/06/disney-1939-girls-are-not-considered.html

 

[jenny105]

We DID have a problem one morning waiting for an Epcot bus for an EMH (AM). Every bus was full by the time it got to us. Luckily, we drove to WDW. After about the third full bus scared1: yes, third bus), we left the bus stop and headed for our minivan. However, by this time it was after the park opened. So, we decided to drive to DHS instead. We made it before the park opened. Sometimes, it pays to divert from the itinerary and go with the flow. We had a great day! Okay to answer your question, the buses DID seem to be crowded in the mornings (like most other resorts). If you plan to get to rope drop, I would recommend departing at least one hour before rope drop to ensure you are there or take your own transportation (except at DAK). I read that with all the financial cuts at WDW, the buses were included and they are running fewer buses. It shows. Just our experience.

Have a magical trip!

Jennifer

Once again, thank you for the info! We're going to have our car there so if we see that there is a huge crowd for the buses, we'll just drive over. I know that there are no structured lines there for bussing either (there are at Pop) so it's pretty much every man for him/herself!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Great update! Is that the restaurant that POTC goes by? It looks great!



I've read about him on a couple of websites! It definitely seems worth checking out. It sounds fun!

Yes Blue Bayou is the restaurant that Pirates floats by in the Louisiana bayou.
Do go check out Bob......I promise you will laugh & have fun.

Thanks for the tip! I'm hoping to make a PS at BB for DH's actual birthday. Waterside would be ideal. I will try and make an 11:30 am reservation. Thanks again! Any other DLP or DCA restaurants as a "must" for first time DLR guests? I am going to start a pre-trip report thread for our trip soon. Like making the initial reservation, I need to light a fire under my butt to get it started. I have sooooooooo many questions that need to be answered before June.

Jennifer

Make sure to put a link in your signature when you start your pre-trip report.
As far as must restaurants.....We really enjoyed Cafe Orleans for lunch. Breakfast at Plaza Inn with Minnie & Friends was great as well.

What a wonderful gift to get from a friend. I would certainly spend some time to see if the person who wrote the letter for Disney was indeed an employee at that time. I do think that since it was stated "women were not allowed to work directly with the creative portion of Disney" That having a female respond to the writer maybe the clue this letter may not be real. Keep us informed.

to the trippie dalepool.

I guess my letter is a reproduction!

http://danturner.com/DTBlog/2008/07/disney-to-miss-ford-women-do-not-do-any-of-the-creative-work/

Found this too...

http://animationguildblog.blogspot.com/2006/06/disney-1939-girls-are-not-considered.html

Jennifer, that letter & then the subsequent articles on it are fascinating. Even though it's a reproduction it's still neat to have.

 

[travelmel]

I guess my letter is a reproduction!

http://danturner.com/DTBlog/2008/07/disney-to-miss-ford-women-do-not-do-any-of-the-creative-work/

Found this too...

http://animationguildblog.blogspot.com/2006/06/disney-1939-girls-are-not-considered.html

It's a good reproduction, if it is one. Did you notice the last entry on the "TAG Blog" reply? The person claims to have been the woman's grandchild and says the original was in color.



Interesting, at ANY rate.

 

[travelmel]

Nice update.. I'm glad you got to enjoy the BB and, of course, one of my new FAVORITES, the subs.

I wish you would have had a chance to do ALICE!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Eric looks happy because he always beats me at this game.

DS3 loves Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at MK (even better than the new Toy Story Mania). I noticed in your DH's picture, he is holding the laser gun. Is the one at DLP handheld and not bolted to the ride vehicle? Not to brag but ... DS8 and I got 999,999 during our trip this past December. Pictures to prove it ...

Jennifer

 

[Disneygrl36]

Nice update.. I'm glad you got to enjoy the BB and, of course, one of my new FAVORITES, the subs.

I wish you would have had a chance to do ALICE!

Me too, but it seems like every time we went over there it was shut down.

DS3 loves Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at MK (even better than the new Toy Story Mania). I noticed in your DH's picture, he is holding the laser gun. Is the one at DLP handheld and not bolted to the ride vehicle? Not to brag but ... DS8 and I got 999,999 during our trip this past December. Pictures to prove it ...

Jennifer

Yes Jennifer at DL the gun is removeable & you are able to move it around & shoot it. Didn't help my score any, but if you guys are already that good at it then I bet it will help loads.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Melanie, I'm so glad you got to eat at BB! I love that place! We've only eaten there a couple of times, but the food was delicious. I love hearing the music and crickets and watching the boats from the restaurant side - I always wave at the boats, just seems like a "southern" thing to do I also love coasting through there on POC - it's a perfect setting!

Looks like you had a fun "buzz-off!" Keep practicing! I never know what I'm shooting at and always have the lowest score. I am very proud that I beat DH at TSM - can't wait to do it again in March!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Melanie, I'm so glad you got to eat at BB! I love that place! We've only eaten there a couple of times, but the food was delicious. I love hearing the music and crickets and watching the boats from the restaurant side - I always wave at the boats, just seems like a "southern" thing to do I also love coasting through there on POC - it's a perfect setting!

Looks like you had a fun "buzz-off!" Keep practicing! I never know what I'm shooting at and always have the lowest score. I am very proud that I beat DH at TSM - can't wait to do it again in March!

We had a couple of boats waving at us. Yes waving is a Southern thing. My DH is from a very small community & when you drive there everyone you pass will throw up their hand & wave at you.
I did much better at TSM than at Buzz. I just can't tell where I am shooting in Buzz. Oh well.......I still try & I always have fun.

 

[Disneygrl36]

After our ride with the pirates, we walked back over to Frontierland because I wanted to see Billy Hill & the Hillbillies at the Diamond Horseshoe.

Walt Disney's box at the Diamond Horseshoe--he climbed down from there to get on stage at the anniversary party that he & Lillian had there a few days before Disneyland opened.

I had heard wonderful things about them & how funny the show was. Eric wasn't as convinced, but said ok we'll go. Now we are from Tennessee so we know our Hillbillies & these guys did an awesome job.

Please excuse my hilarious laughter during these videos as I just couldn't control myself. Eric was laughing too but since the camera was in front of me you can't hear him darn it.
Billy as Elvis.

Billy & the boys as the Beatles

This video proves what great musicians these guys are.

Billy & the teeth-he said he could not play the fiddle without the teeth-hilarious.

And the big finale, complete with dancing.

This was a great show & Eric was really glad I had convinced him to go. These guys were great!!!!!!!!

We then took one last ride on Haunted Mansion Holiday-this really was a favorite for us. I think we rode it 4 or 5 times.

The theming & overlay are just awesome.

Here is a bit of video I captured in the ride.
Madame Leota

Gingerbread coffin

Jack & Zero

The pumpkins in the graveyard

Oogie Boogie & me saying Why do we always get the question mark...because we did every time we rode.


Next we took the train to Toontown so we could explore there. What a fun place!!!!!!!!

We finally got to ride Roger Rabbit & I liked it. Lots of spinning & then that silly rabbit of course.

The cue line was fun.

I think this might be the cutest ride vehicle ever.

We found Walt Disney's window here.

Getting close to my image limit.......continued in next post

 

[Disneygrl36]

The Christmas decorations here were really cute.

Have some Goofy Water because you never know what might happen. Silly sounds etc.

Hidden Mickey at Clarabelle's

Cuteness all around

I want this as my license plate

Ms Mouse's house

Where we ran into Clarabelle cow at Minnie's hosue. We saw characters & that never happens at WDW when you are roaming the houses.

Eric was a bit tired so he decided to lounge on the chaise.

Wow Minnie is up to date.....email & everything.

A cheese lovers dream

Mickey's tree

Eric thought he would answer the phone for Mickey seeing as how he wasn't there.

I thought we needed some music.

We loved the houses here......so detailed & touchable!!!!
So we wind around through the hallways after Mickey's garage & who do we meet but Pluto-we had so much fun with him that we decided we didn't need to meet the big Cheese again.

Next Goofy's house.........I loved the details of these houses. I could have stayed there for hours playing & looking at all the little details.

And Mr Goof himself was greeting kids at his house.

These pumpkins were in Goofy's garden. The one with glasses is a tribute to Jack Lundquist who was Disneylands top official when Toontown opened. Really cute.

After all that exploring I needed the facilities.

So our time at Toontown was over & we walked over to Fantasyland where Eric was scared by Monstro the Whale.

In line for Peter Pan we were serenaded by this delightful group of musicians playing Disney music & I of course was singing along. A lady said "you must know all the words-that's great." I was a bit embarrased but hey it's Disneyland if I break out into song I can't help myself.

So we sailed through the nursery.....

We caught a glimpse of the evil queen peeking out over Fantasyland too!

Then we strolled back through the castle & to Main Street. We browsed in the shops along the way but didn't buy anything.
This cute vignette was in the toy store.

We left the park, because we were going back to the room to pack & get everything settled so we could go back into the park that evening for a stroll without having to worry about packing.

We did go to World of Disney & do a bit of shopping-but we weren't in there long & all I managed to buy was a scrapbook with a kit & a Christmas ornament & a antannae topper. I don't know what was wrong with my Disney shopping gene this trip-not enough time I suppose. I had meant to buy new Potato Head parts, a Disneyland link for my Italian link bracelet (which DH found on ebay after we got home ), a new collar for the dog & a few other odds & ends, but came away with none of it. I know one person on the adventure bought so much stuff they had to ship it home.

We also went to the business center at the Grand so we could check in for our flight on-line & then only have to drop the bags off in the morning. They do not charge to print off your boarding passes & this saved us time for our very early flight the next morning. We also called the town car service to verify that they would be there at 5am to pick us up.

Up next.......our last bit of Disney magic before going home.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

ahh nuts it is almost over