A Return to the Happiest Place on Earth

[annmarieda]

7/8 - CARSLAND! Part Two

Once we were off the ride and had claimed our photo, we made our way to the Cozy Cone Motel. Along the way I took some pictures.

There were several cones that we could choose from, but settled on a simple cone of churros.

At this point, Steve and Zach were up and we on their way. It was also heating up. Knowing that it would take all of 5 minutes for them to get to us we sat on a picnic bench and waited.

While we waited, I tried to snap some shots of Mater and Lightning McQueen. Both of these cars drove up (and I believe talked) Kinda cool, but neither Zoe or Alex were interested in getting any closer and I was too hot.

Once Steve and Zach arrived we headed to Luigis Flying tires. With over an hour wait we decided to skip it. (and the wait was never less so we missed it)

We went over to Maters Junkyard Jamboree. The line wasn't horrible, so Zoe and Alex and I got in line. At this point, Zach went off somewhere (I can't remember why or where) and Steve went to get a coffee at Starbucks. (yes, a Starbucks in the park) The line moved slow so... more pictures.

This was a fun ride. More inline with any outside carnival ride, but with better theming... especially the queue.

Once we were done, both Steve and Zach were waiting. We decided to head out of Carsland and toward the Paradise Pier area.

Running Tally HERE

Next Chapter: 7/8 - Paradise Pier in the Heat

 

[chunkymonkey]

For this TR! DH and I will be in California for the holidays visiting his family. sooo...we're planning a quick trip to DLR! Of course...it's during the most crowded time of year (week after x-mas and before new years). but hopefully we'll get to see at least some of carsland. I'll be re-reading your TR to get an idea of everything. It's been 4 years since we've been to DLR and DCA so pretty exciting!

 

[KatMark]

This is the first I've seen an update of Carsland anywhere, and it was fun reading (especially since there is rumor it will be added to the Studios, replacing LMA).

Love that Steve went to get a Starbucks...in the park.

 

[momabaarjo]

OH MY...you missed out on being family of the day!

Carsland is looking so cool....we have to go! Just when I was thinking of tabling the idea again! I wish we could just escape for a long weekend, but I know that will not fly with this house (cause Ab only wants to go if we take her to the beach too).

 

[annmarieda]

For this TR! DH and I will be in California for the holidays visiting his family. sooo...we're planning a quick trip to DLR! Of course...it's during the most crowded time of year (week after x-mas and before new years). but hopefully we'll get to see at least some of carsland. I'll be re-reading your TR to get an idea of everything. It's been 4 years since we've been to DLR and DCA so pretty exciting!

Well, if it helps.. TP rated each day 10s during our trip and we made it work. I think even more so than maybe WDW, early morning are definitely necessary. The parks fill with locals... and night time... definitely even more so. But... going during the holidays will be well worth it!!!

This is the first I've seen an update of Carsland anywhere, and it was fun reading (especially since there is rumor it will be added to the Studios, replacing LMA).

Love that Steve went to get a Starbucks...in the park.

I saw that it was rumored to be going into DHS! It would be super cool. DCA though really needed a bit of a face lift and carsland definitely does that!!!

OH MY...you missed out on being family of the day!

Carsland is looking so cool....we have to go! Just when I was thinking of tabling the idea again! I wish we could just escape for a long weekend, but I know that will not fly with this house (cause Ab only wants to go if we take her to the beach too).

I really hope you are able to go. We considered a beach day, but opted just to take advantage of being right there at the parks and not go anywhere else.

As for missing out. Seriously, I imagine it would have happened to anyone who was wanting to head straight to cars land. I think it had only been open a couple weeks...so really the excitement to get there was noticeable in everyone. All I could think when the ToT cm was talking to me was.. I didn't want to ride his silly ride... please stop promoting it. I have to get my kids to RSR. Oh well, I am sure that the family that opened it was thrilled. They seemed to want to be there. I would have been feeling like I needed to be somewhere else. Course... the ride breaking down wasn't ideal... but at least I was in the queue.

 

[bakerudall]

Hello annmarieda. I recognized you from my SIL thread (oboedm). Great TR from CL! I love how Alex looks in that RSR ride pic. So cool and unimpressed. My oldest is almost 12, and she is starting the grumpy years already.

 

[annmarieda]

Hello annmarieda. I recognized you from my SIL thread (oboedm). Great TR from CL! I love how Alex looks in that RSR ride pic. So cool and unimpressed. My oldest is almost 12, and she is starting the grumpy years already.

I am glad you are here!

Yes, Alex is often unimpressed. I think to a fault he is. Grumpy teen years...I think with girls (at least with my oldest) it was the worst during those young ones. By the time she hit 16 or so it was much better. 12 was hard. I hope yours is not nearly as challenging.

 

[annmarieda]

7/8 - Paradise Pier in the Heat

Once we were all together we decided it was time to head out of Carsland and into a less crowded area of the park. We decided to go to Paradise Pier. First up was The Little Mermaid - Ariels Undersea Adventure. This was new to us. It was not there the last time we went to DCA. In fact, the building it is house in I think use to offer movies about California. I could be wrong though.

As we approached the entry, a cm told Steve he would not be able to take his drink on the ride. The venti..bla bla bla Starbucks drink that he just paid a small fortune for. Normally I am not a sneaky sort of person, but since the drink was barely touched and it cost way too much to just toss... I put in inside my purse/bag. I made sure It was secured in an upright fashion..and paid special attention to it while we were on the ride... but I was afraid the entire thing was going to spill inside of my bag. It didn't though.

So on to the pics...

Once off the ride we decided to head over the bridge where a pp photographer just happened to be. I swear that it wasn't an easy task to find them, but I tried to get them where I could.

Next the kids went on California Screaming. I have never been nor to I have any intention of EVER going. I suspect it is much like Rockin RollerCoaster in WDW..what with the 0 to WAY TOO FAST in WAY TOO little time start.

I love this pic of Alex. He obviously enjoyed himself.

While they went on this ride, Steve and I walked around on the pier. We were starting to get pretty hungry so we tried to decide where to get a snack.

Once the kids got off the ride we decided a pretzel (and beer) was in order. I had downloaded the BEST ap for my phone prior to the trip, so it was easy to see just where we could get one. Problem was it was not quite open. It was suppose to open at noon so we waited. After waiting a bit, we decided that the kids should go on something instead of just stand around with me.

Steve in the mean time was starting to feel ill...so he went off to find a rest room.

The ride the kids went on was Silly Symphony Swings. This too had changed as last time we were there it was a giant orange.

I actually managed to get a shot of Zach on the swing.

And our favorite mouse on top.

As I waited I saw one of the parade/street performances.

For what ever reason, the stand was STILL not open. We were determined though so now Zach stood in line while I took Zoe to the Jumpin Jellyfish.

Once that ride was over (thank goodness... I hate rides that drop) it was my turn to go back to the stand to wait for a darn pretzel.

Another parade/street performance

FINALLY the long awaited

We sat a moment to enjoy our pretzels and beer. (for those who could drink it)

Then we split up. Steve and Zach went to get fast passes for ToT. They also hopped on the Monsters Inc ride.

Meanwhile Zoe, Alex and I went on Goofy's Sky School. It was so hot by this time. It was crazy. As we waited getting more and more uncomfortably hot, I soon realized I would be even less comfortable on the ride. The ride had two seats in a row which meant that one of us would sit alone. Well, Zoe can sit with a stranger and for what ever reason Alex was insisting to ride with Zoe. So I had to ride with the stranger. Now, I scream on roller coasters some times. Ok, most times. BTMRR... I don't... but EVERY OTHER rollercoaster I do. Sitting next to a stranger meant I would have to mind my manners a bit. I did pretty well until a big drop. As I tried to stifle the scream I made the most horrific gulping/gaggin noise. It must have sounded as though i was about to be . The guy sitting with me found it funny and started laughing. I started laughing and apologizing...saying "I was just trying to not scream and it came out like that" How embarrassing!!!

Since Steve and Zach were not back yet, I decided Alex and Zoe should go on the Golden Zephyr. I am not a fan..it goes up high and moves fast. So Alex got to be the good big brother and take Zoe on it.

When Steve and Zach made it back we were all hungry. Luckily it was time for the only other ADR I had made for the trip.

Running Tally HERE


Next Chapter: 7/8 - A Unexpected Yummy Meal

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Great updates! (I completely understand about trying to stay on top of the updating.)

Cars land looks awesome. I can't wait for it to come to HS (if the rumors are true. I don't know if it's been confirmed.) I am so glad your plan worked. Sorry that you were the family of the day!

DCA is so different to me. It seems that the rides are more like a Great Adventure or Hersey Park than a Disney Park...

Love the Mickey pretzel!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Cars land looks awesome. I can't wait for it to come to HS (if the rumors are true. I don't know if it's been confirmed.) I am so glad your plan worked. Sorry that you were the family of the day!

I know! If Carsland came to DHS, I would love it!

DCA is so different to me. It seems that the rides are more like a Great Adventure or Hersey Park than a Disney Park...

DCA is different. I think the need for the refurbishment was definitely in order. Last time we were there... it seemed so undisney. The sunwheel was there instead of it being "mickey's" There was the maliboomer (no longer there I dont' think) Goofy's sky school was mulhuland madness. So... lots of "california" but not specifically disney. It seemed a bit more cohesive this time. Still.. some things like the jumpin jelly fish are just odd rides... seems like they could have made that into a little mermaid theme.... or the golden zephyr? How does that relate to disney at ALL? Oh well... I guess even WDW has "non disney rides" Like Test track is cool... but disney? Ellen's universe? Disney? Even Mission space isn't specifically disney.

Love the Mickey pretzel!!!

The Mickey pretzel was yummy! Just not sure if it was worth the wait.

 

[amandaw]

I love your updates! CarsLand looks absolutely amazing!!!

I can't get over the lines though. But, I'm glad your plan worked....even if it meant y'all missing out on being family of the day. And I can't believe the ride broke down for so long first thing in the morning. But, I would have stayed put, too.

It really looks like Radiator Springs! Reid would freak out! I do hope all the rumors are true & that they will be putting CarsLand in DHS. I just don't know when/if we'd make it out to DisneyLand.

Sounds like y'all were having fun & getting lots of rides done. I can't wait for the Little Mermaid ride to open at WDW. Not that I'll get to see it anytime soon.

 

[annmarieda]

7/8 - A Unexpected Yummy Meal

It was time for lunch. However, Steve was not feeling well and wanted to go back to the hotel. Problem was that I had made and ADR at Carthay Circle. Other problem was that while this restaurant was new and exciting in that regard, the menu wasn't that appealing to any of us.

Steve walked up with us to the restaurant on his way out of the park. He too looked at the menu and confirmed he would not be interested.

It was EXTREMELY warm and I think we were having a hard time thinking/deciding because of the heat and also because we were hungry. I decided we should go inside to decide.

It was a very beautiful restaurant inside and the ac was definitely on. We paused only for a moment though when we realized that we truly did not want to eat here.

I had Zoe and Alex sit while I went up to cancel our reservation.

Once this was done, we decided to go to Flo's V8 Cafe. This as it would turn out would be one of my favorite meals of the trip. The boys ordered the pork loin with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce with different sides.

I ordered the NY Strip Loin.

Zoe ordered the kids roast beef sandwich.

I ordered Mater's Tulsa Tea to drink. Very interesting beverage. Green iced tea with fruit foam on top. The kids couldn't handle the foam on top... reminded them of something gross Gee, thanks kids for ruining my enjoyment of my drink.

Zach was kind enough to buy Zoe and I a pie to share and then he and Alex souvenier shakes with "gravel".

The restaurant is very nice inside. Like everything else in Carsland it is well themed.

As we were nearing the end of our yummy meal, a group of soda jerk dressed cm's stood next to us doing a bit of a round of rock paper scissors in order to determine who would have to do something. I am terribly embarrassed to write about this, but.. I have been bearing my soul in one way or another for a few years now here on dis... why stop now? What the cm's were fighting over was to see who would have to approach our table. Why? Well, while Zoe and I were sitting along the bench seat of our table along the wall... and Zach was sitting in a chair along the corner of the table... ALEX was seated with his back (or rather backside if you know where I am going with this) to the rest of the restaurant. Now, being a 16 year old boy and being one who is quite often oblivious (almost in a clinical sort of way - honestly - even the school district thought so) Alex often wears his pants a bit low. Well, apparently too low for Disney standards. He was told he could not allow his "bender" to show. Horrified, Zach immediately took charge of his little brother and told him to rectify this situation since Alex had no clue what the cm was referring to. I was to shocked to stay anything. OMG! It was but a brief moment (sans some briefs ) but it was VERY embarrassing!!! Sometimes, I truly think I dropped my boys on their heads one too many times. Course.. Zach is definitely coming out of that and is turning into quite the adult so maybe there is hope for Alex.

Running Tally HERE

Next Chapter: How Much Can be done While the Boys Wait for RSR?

 

[MEK]

I caught up on your updates before I left for work this morning. I thought I read the CArsland update before, but I never commented. Sorry. I think that's the afternoon I feel asleep with my computer on my lap. Don't think it was because your update was boring, I was just so darn tired I just crashed.

Anyway - I agree that Carsland looks amazing! I would really love to see that. The scenery is so cool. Do you think they will ever do something like that at WDW? I finally learned all the names of the CARs this weekend when I was at the beach with my nephew's 3 year old. OMG, he was adorable pushing those little cars around.

So, no roller coaster for you? Zoe looks almost stunned in her picture. I hope she was actually enjoying the ride?

The Floe's cafe looks so cool. Sounds like you had a great meal there and your ice tea drink looks yummy. I don't care what the kids say.

 

[tweeter]

So sorry Steve couldn't join you for lunch; it looks delish!!

Flo's is definately on my to do list now. That NY Strip Loin with a chocolate shake. Mmmmmmmmmm.......

Thanks for the food porn update.

 

[annmarieda]

I caught up on your updates before I left for work this morning. I thought I read the CArsland update before, but I never commented. Sorry. I think that's the afternoon I feel asleep with my computer on my lap. Don't think it was because your update was boring, I was just so darn tired I just crashed.

Anyway - I agree that Carsland looks amazing! I would really love to see that. The scenery is so cool. Do you think they will ever do something like that at WDW? I finally learned all the names of the CARs this weekend when I was at the beach with my nephew's 3 year old. OMG, he was adorable pushing those little cars around.

So, no roller coaster for you? Zoe looks almost stunned in her picture. I hope she was actually enjoying the ride?

The Floe's cafe looks so cool. Sounds like you had a great meal there and your ice tea drink looks yummy. I don't care what the kids say.

I know how that goes... you try and get caught up on dis and then you are so tired that it is all you can do to read... but not comment. I just am glad I didnt bore you to sleep.

The rumors are that WDW will have a carsland in an expansion of sorts next to be done in DHS. How cool, eh?

I like roller coasters, just not really speady ones with loops. California Screaming counts down and then GOOOOOES. It also does loops inside of a mickey head. I am not a fan..no. Now.. BTMRR... I love that type. I stayed away from EE until December, but I am anxious to go on it again. It seems like just a bigger version of BTMRR.

Flo's was very neat. I think DLR does have some good theming when it comes to some of their restaurants. Blue Bayou use to be a must do for us since it is INSIDE POTC! Such a cool place.

So sorry Steve couldn't join you for lunch; it looks delish!!

Flo's is definately on my to do list now. That NY Strip Loin with a chocolate shake. Mmmmmmmmmm.......

Thanks for the food porn update.

For Steve, I wish he had not missed it. I am use to him not being involved... but for him, I wish he didn't spend as much time in the hotel bed. I am of the mind that.. well, on vacation I want to do things I can't do at home. Sleep in bed is definitely something I can do at home. (and usually in a more comfortable one)

All of the food at Flo's was good. I would definitely go there again!

 

[KatMark]

Ann, I don't remember if I commented on the Cars update (sorry...just so much going on), but I loved it. I hope they add it at DHS.

Your lunch looks absolutely yummy.

I'm sorry...I don't mean to , but that is kind of funny. I have to tell you, my husband will walk by someone whose pants are hanging down and loudly tell them to pull them up (I keep telling him to stop before someone comes after him with a knife). I'm sure Alex's were not that bad and he was just oblivious to the whole situation.

 

[annmarieda]

I'm sorry...I don't mean to , but that is kind of funny. I have to tell you, my husband will walk by someone whose pants are hanging down and loudly tell them to pull them up (I keep telling him to stop before someone comes after him with a knife). I'm sure Alex's were not that bad and he was just oblivious to the whole situation.

Oh.. it was that bad!! He is always struggling with his pants.

 

[amandaw]

Looks like y'all made a good choice of switching to Flo's! The food sounds great!

And that is too funny about the CM's & Alex!

 

[annmarieda]

Looks like y'all made a good choice of switching to Flo's! The food sounds great!

And that is too funny about the CM's & Alex!

Flo's was awesome. I don't think we would have enjoyed Carthay Circle near as much. And... Alex and his pants would have fit in even less at Carthay Circle.

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

All I can say is about Alex's pants!!! My brother doesn't sag is at all, but when he is sitting somewhere we always have to remind this that he needs to pull them up!