A Return to the Happiest Place on Earth

[annmarieda]

Tally

One thing I liked to do in my last TR was to keep a running tally of the things I have seen/done/ate..etc. So I am going to keep a running tally for this trip too. Just as before though, I think I will leave out things the things done without me.... it just gets too "he did this and she did that" Most things are together so...

Rides/Attractions
Peter Pans Flight
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Indiana Jones Adventure
Pirates of the Caribbean
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (4)
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Winnie the Pooh
Buzzlight Year
Innoventions (2)
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Haunted Mansion
Alice in Wonderland
Matterhorn Bobsleds (2)
Star Tours
Mad Tea Party
Radiator Springs Racers (2)
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
Ariels Undersea Adventure
Goofy's Sky School
Francis's Lady Bug Boogie
Fliks Flyers
Tuk and Rolls Drive 'em Buggies
Monsters Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue
Toy Story Mania (2)
Rodger Rabbits Cartoon Spin
Gadgets Go Coaster
Minnie's House
Mickey's House
Donald's Boat
Goofy's House
Chip and Dales Tree House
Disney Animation (2)
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Fireworks/Shows/Parades etc.
Magical (from hotel roof)
Captain EO
Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party!
Aladdin A Musical Spectacular
Muppet Vision 3D
World of Color
Mad T Party

Dinned At
Goofy's Kitchen - Brunch
McD's - Snack
Dominos Pizza - Dinner
Plaza Inn - Breakfast
Hungry Bear Restaurant - Lunch
Pooh's Corner - Snack
Bengal BBQ - Snack
Tortilla Jo's - Dinner
Tiki Juice Bar - Snack
Cozy Cone Motel - Snack
Bayside Brews Snack
Flo's V8 Cafe
Rita's Baja Blenders
Lucky Fortune Cookery
Clarabelle's Ice Cream
La Brea Bakery
Paradise Garden Grill
Churro Stand
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Express
Hagen Daz Ice Cream
World Of Color Dinning Picnic packs
Edelweiss Snacks
Royal Street Veranda

Characters Seen
Goofy
Pluto
Rafiki
Alice
Pip
Dale
Chip
Aladin
Winnie the Pooh (2)
Eeyore (2)
Foulfellow (his autograph is almost impossible to read)
Minnie Mouse
The Fairy Godmother
Max
Brer Bear
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Tigger

 

[tweeter]

I'm loving your trip report.

Was that a Mary Poppin's penguin in your pics from Goofy's Kitchen. My DS is really into penguins and I'm sure he'd be beside himself if he saw one at breakfast.

I've been looking at countdown calendars and have finally found one I like. I'll start building it soon so we can count down the last 60 days.

Thomas

 

[KatMark]

You went and snuck another update in there while I was doing two of my own.

I'm glad you got photo card all straightened out. But you would THINK that more than one person would know what to do with the darn thing.

It looks as if you had no lines at all and got on everything quickly...always a good thing.

Love the photo that Steve took of Zoe outside Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (I miss that attraction too, but I do love my Pooh attraction).

 

[annmarieda]

I'm loving your trip report.

Was that a Mary Poppin's penguin in your pics from Goofy's Kitchen. My DS is really into penguins and I'm sure he'd be beside himself if he saw one at breakfast.

I've been looking at countdown calendars and have finally found one I like. I'll start building it soon so we can count down the last 60 days.

Thomas

I am glad you are enjoying it.

yes, that was Pip from Mary Poppins.

Countdowns are so fun. Did I miss a PTR? If you are not doing a PTR, I would love to see a picture of your countdown calendar. I think I have done a different design each trip. Since this trip was a surprise though... I didn't do one. I am close to deciding on a plan for the fall trip's count down though...so that will be fun.

You went and snuck another update in there while I was doing two of my own.

I'm glad you got photo card all straightened out. But you would THINK that more than one person would know what to do with the darn thing.

It looks as if you had no lines at all and got on everything quickly...always a good thing.

Love the photo that Steve took of Zoe outside Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (I miss that attraction too, but I do love my Pooh attraction).

My joints are pretty sore today from excessive swelling... (not my knees..so I dont think it is the running. It is my ankles and wrists) Anyway..so I have taken a jammie day and have been hanging out at the computer. I have been trying to get caught up on everyone's threads. I am STILL behind.

We went knowing that it may be a a challenge to get the pp + voucher exchanged. I think it only started at the beginning of July...maybe end of June. It was so new that it makes sense that not everyone has been trained.

Even though the parks were at at 10 all three days... it was pretty empty in the morning. From open until about 11am or noon we could get a lot done. It was afternoon that kinda got crazy.

 

[MEK]

Ok - weird - CA limits transfats, but has no problem with Latex balloons? Holy cow! That seems really backwards to me since a lot of people have Latex allergies. Poor Zoe. That really stinks.

Despite latex laden air and no balloon, she really looks lovely in each and every one of her photos.

Your food looks good and yeah for realy bacon. Interesting all the differences between DL and WDW. Glad you got in early and didn't have to use your early admission.

And, I'm glad you left the boys sleeping!

 

[WA Kimmi]

Thanks for sharing your trip and great pics. My DD (10) and I just returned from Disney. We had so much fun. DH and DS (17) have never been. DH said we could take a quick family trip down in September and we are surprising the kids also. So excited.

 

[annmarieda]

Ok - weird - CA limits transfats, but has no problem with Latex balloons? Holy cow! That seems really backwards to me since a lot of people have Latex allergies. Poor Zoe. That really stinks.

Despite latex laden air and no balloon, she really looks lovely in each and every one of her photos.

Your food looks good and yeah for realy bacon. Interesting all the differences between DL and WDW. Glad you got in early and didn't have to use your early admission.

And, I'm glad you left the boys sleeping!

Some differences between the parks are just odd... and the who transfats thing... I mean seriously? I will get to my favorite treat in all the parks (yes, I think including WDW)... and how they change it to meet current guidelines. It is no where near as good... and I just dont' understand. I know eating it it is not healthy... not good for me. However, I don't plan to sit down and eat a dozen either. I don't know... maybe since there are so many locals it would be possible for one of them to consume a dozen or more in a year.. The bacon was good though... really good... so there is that. We did leave the boys sleeping, but I really don't think they slept in that long.

Thanks for sharing your trip and great pics. My DD (10) and I just returned from Disney. We had so much fun. DH and DS (17) have never been. DH said we could take a quick family trip down in September and we are surprising the kids also. So excited.

Do you plan to write a TR? I would love to read it. I can't promise I wouldn't constantly fall behind and then make mad catch up posts on it, boggin the whole thing down. (sorry Mary Ellen... hit you the hardest so far...look out Sara, you are next!)

A september trip to DLR?? How fun!!!

And... you are in WA, eh? Eastern/Western?

 

[Velvetia]

Really enjoying your trip report - your daughter looks so cute in her Minnie costume. Can't wait to read more

 

[amandaw]

I just realized you had this TR up & running! I'm so sorry I'm late!

First....you have a lovely family. Zoe is adorable!

I don't know how you didn't throw those 2 obnoxious kids off the plane.

How fun that y'all were able to keep the trip a surprise! I would fail miserably if I ever tried to do that.

Looks like there were a lot of characters at Goofy's Kitchen!

That's so cool that y'all could see the fireworks from the hotel rooftop.

I can't wait to see/hear all about DLR. I've never really given much thought about taking a trip there. But, lately, I have started thinking about it. And now that Reid knows about CarsLand, he keeps asking to go.

It seems like the photopass + was quite an ordeal. Glad they got it all sorted out for you!

 

[annmarieda]

Really enjoying your trip report - your daughter looks so cute in her Minnie costume. Can't wait to read more

Thanks! I am glad you are here and not bored to death.

I have really started to like Minnie as a character. I think her colors (black red white yellow)are so fun. When I saw this dress... I knew I had to get it. It didnt matter if Zoe liked it (well, it did...but it was me who wanted it not her)

I just realized you had this TR up & running! I'm so sorry I'm late!

No worries... I have been behind on evey thread I am sub'd to... I am sure that I have missed some entirely

First....you have a lovely family. Zoe is adorable!

thank you .

I don't know how you didn't throw those 2 obnoxious kids off the plane.

I think if it had been a longer flight I might have. As it was... it was almost to long.

How fun that y'all were able to keep the trip a surprise! I would fail miserably if I ever tried to do that.

It was only because I didn't have a long time to plan. The cat was almost let out of the bag so many times. I was certain they knew.
Looks like there were a lot of characters at Goofy's Kitchen!

There really was. Minnie's breakfast did too!

That's so cool that y'all could see the fireworks from the hotel rooftop.

It was very special. I just wish that Steve and Zach could have seen it with us.
I can't wait to see/hear all about DLR. I've never really given much thought about taking a trip there. But, lately, I have started thinking about it. And now that Reid knows about CarsLand, he keeps asking to go.

Ya know... I think before the Carsland expansion I would not have been one to tell people they MUST do DLR. After all, WDW is truly home for me. However, OMG! Carsland was impressive for us non Cars loving people. I can only imagine what a little boy who is totally into it would feel like as he stepped foot into that area. Just today, Zoe was watching something on Disney channel and it had Mater and McQueen..and they were standing in front of a building with a statue and Zoe said "I stood right where they are standing" I am sure she realizes that it is a cartoon... but seriously, her statement really shows how "real" it all seems.

It seems like the photopass + was quite an ordeal. Glad they got it all sorted out for you!
Cost wise it was totally worth it. I think it needed to get some bugs out..and we were guinea pigs with it. Even though at this point I have exchanged my voucher... it is not the end of the hassles I will encounter...

 

[swwake]

Here and all caught up with you, Ann. I am hoping I can stay caught up, with our hectic lives. Loving your report and you are tempting me to plan a DLR trip. We've never done a "proper" one. I've been once as part of a Cali trip, before DCA was opened. Katie has been once without me on a day trip as part of a San Diego trip. I'd love to go and stay on property and take the time to do both parks and the surrounding areas without a rush.

 

[annmarieda]

Here and all caught up with you, Ann. I am hoping I can stay caught up, with our hectic lives. Loving your report and you are tempting me to plan a DLR trip. We've never done a "proper" one. I've been once as part of a Cali trip, before DCA was opened. Katie has been once without me on a day trip as part of a San Diego trip. I'd love to go and stay on property and take the time to do both parks and the surrounding areas without a rush.

Oh my goodness!!! I didn't expect you pop over here so soon after your trip. You are back!!! I loved all your pictures you posted on facebook. What an amazing trip! Glad you home safe and sound.

I am glad you are here! It was a short trip, so this TR should not drag on too long. Maybe easy to keep up with.

DLR was very fun. There was actually a lot more there for little ones than at WDW. Then there were some of the usual favorites that appealed to me. AND there was something we lost Zach to once he found it.

If crowd levels had been lower, I think DL and DCA can be done in just a few days. So it does make for an easier to plan a "proper" trip there.

Staying on property has always been something I wanted to do at DLR. We almost did this time..but decided the added cost just wasn't what we wanted..especially when we needed to be as close to the parks as possible in order to maximize the time we could be there.

 

[annmarieda]

7/7 - Someone Needs a Nap!

The boys were now in the park and had rode a few things. One of those was POTC right after we did. This put them slightly behind us in the touring plan. Next item on the agenda was to go over to BTMRR to get fast passes. I texted Zach to let them know to head that way once off the ride.

When Steve, Zoe and I arrived at BTMRR there was no line. We made the call to ride then and there. Only the boys had not made it to us yet. I knew they were off POTC, but the layout of the park is slightly different between POTC and BTMRR and it was throwing them. I tried to walk slowly through the queue. This had Steve frustrated with me since we were having to let other people pass us and the line was starting to really fill up.

Now it should be noted that Zach recently had his phone die and so took my old one. My old non smart phone. I completely forgot that when texting on it, if another text comes in... you lose your "place" in texting and have to start over. Well, the closer to the front of the line we got and the more he didn't respond... the more I texted. Finally, he was able to get through and was . I got a snippy little text telling me to stop texting him. At first I was so hurt and upset...

Meanwhile, we got onto the ride. Just as we did, I saw the boys were at the front of the other line. So they would be on next. Sorry, no pictures... I do LOVE that ride though. It was hard to be upset once were were off the ride. I think Zach felt the same way. We laughed about my panicked texts and his final reply back. He pointed out to me that he was unable to text back because I was not allowing him a chance. Ooops I totally forgot about his (my old) phone being that way. Once we talked about it, I totally remember my own frustration numerous times when I would be typing a response (sometimes a long one) and a new text would come in..and all I had just typed would be lost.

We were now all together though and the sun was bright. It was a beautiful day.

We decided the next thing to do would be to eat. Kira had been talking about the menu at Hungry Bear Restaurant since they changed it, so she had urged us to go there. I knew I wanted to sit by the river to eat, so as planned... we made our way there.

Let me say this was my least favorite meal the entire trip. Even the bad pictures I took made the food look better than it was.

Steve and I split a fried green tomato sandwich.

The bun was dry. Very dry. The fried green tomato was not crisp...crunchy, but rather floppy. The sweet potato fries tasted only a bit salty..and I really wonder if they were fried in an oil that I am not use to because I could pick up on the taste of the oil. Two of us sharing and we did not finish.

Zoe wanted her own meal..and not a kids. (for anyone lurking out there wondering my ethics in regards to the WDW dinning plan... see... I do on occasion still pay oop for her to eat "as an adult")

She ordered a turkey sandwich.

The bun was very dry. Very dry. (what is is with a lack of transfats causing all breads and pastries to just be gross) The inside components were good enough, and we all ended up picking out pieces of the sandwich since she too though it was all bread and couldn't eat any more.

Zach ordered a burger (why didn't I do that?)

However he didn't finish the oddly oily fries. The burger itself was just.. "meh"

Alex ordered a chicken sandwich. (Chicken sandwiches are his "burger". Zach loves burgers. Alex loves chicken sandwiches) He ordered it with onion rings.

I think the sandwich must have been a bit hit as it was gone in 2 seconds. The onion rings.. I believe were a bit oily...but he goobled them all up. (yay for a growing boys appetite)

We lingered a bit as we decided what we were going to do. It was a nice quite spot and characters from Song of the South filtered by us...occasionally stopping to pester us. (I am not sure why they walked back and forth there) Like Brer Bear at one point standing right behind me with out my knowledge...and pretending like he was going to do something to me (I don't know what..he was behind me ). My family thought it was hilarious when I was then startled by him.

All and all it was a nice place to "escape" to and had I had a nice drink to sip, it would have been perfect. We did not choose to get dessert. I just didn't want to spend the money on a cupcake that I feared would quickly make its way to the garbage.

Another set of cms that we saw go back and forth were the ones from Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes. I had that on our list, but just as in the past.. Steve was not at all into it. I think in years past he worried about the kids on it. Now though, Zoe was begging to go and while the boys had no interest, it was important to her. We decided that they guys would head back to Indiana Jones while I took Zoe to paddle a canoe.

She was so proud to pick out a paddle for each of us.

I had to get a shot of people actually paddling.. but more importantly the cm. Notice his shoulders and arms. Even the female cms who paddle these boats look like this. You can pick them out of a crowd. I am pretty sure these boats are not motor driven and that they really do have to paddle these to get the boats moving (since guests are all pretty worthless when it comes to being having the timing to paddle together. )

Zoe was super excited by this point.

I suspect that she truly thought that she was going to be a good paddler. However, I think someone needed a nap.

Paddles in the water....

And stroke...

And... big crashing wave of water over Zoe as the person behind her (I believe a child) lifted the water out of the lake and dumped it right over her.

Shock..a bit of a cry out....

AND stroke....

And...big crashing wave of water over Zoe as the person ahead of her (I believe an adult) pushed water behind and up out of the lake and right over Zoe.

Shock and now anger... Zoe began crying. She was super frustrated. Everyone was giggling (because no one could do this timed paddle..everyone was hitting eachother..splashing...at BEST clinking paddles ) This was no good for Zoe though. She assumed everyone were "not following the rules" on purpose. She assumed those near here were getting her wet on purpose. She just wanted everyone to paddle correctly...and let her do "her job" She was so mad. I felt bad for her, but I could see that there was no way this was going to be the ride she thought it would be. I had to grab her paddle and hold her.. and tell her we would just be enjoying the ride... but most importantly that she WAS NOT gong to ruin everyone else's time by yelling, screaming and crying.

Once off the ride she was wet and still pretty frustrated. The guys met up with us right near the exit. I think Zach gets a kick out of when his wee little sis is soo angry. She and he are cut from much the same cloth...and her wanting to throttle someone for what she saw as their misbehavior was hilarious to him.

It was decided that they would go on Splash Mountain now. We had 3 fast passes, and I decided I would sit out the ride.

This gave me a chance to head to Pooh's Corner. This is a candy shop tucked way back in the corner of critter country. This is where my very very favorite treat - a Tigger Tail - is served. In the past, it was the ONLY location in all of DLR (DTD included) where one could be purchased. Since the last time we went to DL though, I knew they way they made it had changed. I still had to try though.

I walked in and looked at the case. I then saw they were being made fresh.

I kinda scoffed at the orange sugar and sparked up a conversation with a cm. Now, here is another difference between WDW and DLR... the cms. In WDW, I feel they are kinda magical (usually) They don't break character much and you aren't usually given a sense that they are real people with real lives. The cms at DLR tend to talk to you just like a checker at the grocery store would. "been at work,so long... I do this for fun when not at work... I have a wedding to go to" what ever it is.. that small talk seems to be something I don't normally have happen at WDW. So I was kinda suprised to learn that the gals working there dont necessarily eat candy. One hasn't tried anything they have there. now "her husband on the other hand.... " I did get more of the "skinny" on the forbidden transfats though. Not a single item in that shop now has ANY transfats. So... my beloved Tigger Tail who was once marshmallows dipped in caramel, dipped in orange colored-orange flavored -white chocolate then drizzled with dark chocolate has been reduced to something not as good. The orange sprinkles... well, they are a tad bitter. The smooth overall melt in your mouth goodness of the previous tail has a gritty bitter sugar layer to get through before hitting the still pretty good caramel and marshmallow part.

This is what I had

I nibbled at it and never finished the entire thing. I convinced Zach to take a bite..but the bitter (food coloring taste) of the sprinkles made him scrunch up his face and about spit it out.

If you want to read more (as if my little tangent wasn't enough) about the previous tail vs. the new one... THIS is a good article and does show a picture of the one I miss.

Ok..enough lamenting over the treat.

The rest of my family still appeared to be on the ride. (hmm ) The ride broke down (OMG...the amount of down times on the rides at DLR on this trip was WEIRD. I don't remember if this is just standard for DL... but rides would go down and stay down..not for minutes..but sometimes hours) They were right at the front of the line...so they decided to wait to see if the ride started back up.

Well, with no line at the Winnie the Pooh ride...I hopped on. My, what bliss. A treat (by myself) A ride (by myself) No one fussing at me to fix something... or direct them somewhere... or any of the things that happen while we vacation. After all, I am my family's personal vacation planner/guide. There were a couple times on this trip that it because ridiculously apparent just how much they rely on me to figure things out for them. But not at this moment. At this moment I didn't have a care in the world. I didn't even worry about fixing their current situation. They made the call to stay in line. I didn't tell them to stay or go. I was not going to be accountable for their happiness in this endeavor. I was only accountable for mine...and yes, bliss...bliss it was.

Snap back to reality though when exiting the ride. There they were! (Splash mountain exit is right across from the Winnie the Pooh exit for those WDW people who are thinking fantasyland vs. frontierland... this is all in crittercountry) In the "oh..you are right there" I left the bag of photos on the ride. I immediately realized though and so turned right around to get the cm to grab it. Ooops, Pooh is now down...have to wait a few minutes while they open and close all the ride car doors.

Standing in line for the time they did only to not ride the ride only helped to make Zoe more frustrated. Add in that it was now a scheduled break in my plan.. Add in that Steve was tired... It was now time to head back to the hotel. Only, for the boys who had only rode a couple things..they did not want to leave. Zoe and Steve though needed a nap and Zoe was thrilled at the possibility that Steve would take her in the pool.

With that the two of them were off and the boys and I stayed.

Updated Running Tally HERE

Next Chapter: 7/7 - Afternoon with My Boys

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, hope I don't forget anything .......

Sorry about your meal. Now, that bread LOOKS dry to me even in a photo and I had heard good things about their menu as well.
Your character experience at the restaurant reminded me of a time at Pizzafari where we sat by a window and every so often a character would walk by, knock at the window, stop, you name it, they did it. Got a bit annoying while trying to enjoy my meal.

Poor Zoe, being "deliberately" splashed by all those people around her.

Sorry about the tiggertails too! They look yum, but I am not a huge fan of sugar crusted things, they always hurt the roof of my mouth (whatever that is called ). Why do they always have to tamper with the good things? I mean you are on vacation and eat lots of junk anyway, so why not keep a good thing good.

Don't they hand out "purple tickets" any more when a ride breaks down? I remember being handed lots of purple tickets during my visits. The Rocket Rods were down quite a bit and purple tickets were great to use at them.

Okay, hope I haven't forgotten anything. Oh, I wanted to let you know that I LOVE all the pics and Zoe looks just sooooooooooo cute in her Minnie outfit. Well done in choosing it, mom!

 

[amandaw]

Poor Zoe! I can't say I blame her for getting aggravated in the canoe. I would have been mad, too, if everyone kept dumping water on me.

That lunch definitely doesn't sound or look too appetizing.

Sorry your Tigger Tails weren't what they used to be. Sounds like I wouldn't have a problem eating too much there like I do at WDW.

Glad you got a little alone time. That sounds heavenly!

 

[annmarieda]

Okay, hope I don't forget anything .......

Sorry about your meal. Now, that bread LOOKS dry to me even in a photo and I had heard good things about their menu as well.
Your character experience at the restaurant reminded me of a time at Pizzafari where we sat by a window and every so often a character would walk by, knock at the window, stop, you name it, they did it. Got a bit annoying while trying to enjoy my meal.

That is exactly how it was!!!! Just not really stopping but injecting themselves in what we were doing for but a brief second. (except Brer Bear..he waited around to get a reaction..so I included him on the "character meets" in my tally)

Poor Zoe, being "deliberately" splashed by all those people around her.

Sorry about the tiggertails too! They look yum, but I am not a huge fan of sugar crusted things, they always hurt the roof of my mouth (whatever that is called ). Why do they always have to tamper with the good things? I mean you are on vacation and eat lots of junk anyway, so why not keep a good thing good.

I figure people realize when they eat a marshmallow covered in caramel covered in chocolate... that they are not eating healthy. I mean.. I know some wave: Tammie) have mickey bars for breakfast on vacation... but it is vacation!!! Since when does one have to eat healthy on vacation??? Whats next? Take away cotton candy, popcorn... MICKEY BARS??? just cause they are not healthy? Yes, give everyone an apple and a water bottle and tell them (by CA state law) they have to eat healthy. I am sure less out of state vacationers will come.

Don't they hand out "purple tickets" any more when a ride breaks down? I remember being handed lots of purple tickets during my visits. The Rocket Rods were down quite a bit and purple tickets were great to use at them.

I think they might have been before we even started going to the parks. Purple tickets? I know we didn't get any... but I can't even recall EVER getting any. And...what is a Rocket Rod?

Okay, hope I haven't forgotten anything. Oh, I wanted to let you know that I LOVE all the pics and Zoe looks just sooooooooooo cute in her Minnie outfit. Well done in choosing it, mom!

thanks

 

[annmarieda]

Poor Zoe! I can't say I blame her for getting aggravated in the canoe. I would have been mad, too, if everyone kept dumping water on me.

That lunch definitely doesn't sound or look too appetizing.

Sorry your Tigger Tails weren't what they used to be. Sounds like I wouldn't have a problem eating too much there like I do at WDW.

Glad you got a little alone time. That sounds heavenly!

Yup, I can't blame her either. However, it was very warm (so I knew she would dry quickly) and it was just silliness. Those people were just having a good time.

Lunch was gross I didn't find myself eating large meals, but I did still end up gaining 2 pounds. from what I am not sure. Well, I did splurge a bit on some things.. I think something I had on our departure day was probably 2000 calories all by itself.. but it was WORTH it.

As I said, alone time was wonderful...but even better is time spent all together where everyone is happy!

 

[dizneeat]

I think they might have been before we even started going to the parks. Purple tickets? I know we didn't get any... but I can't even recall EVER getting any. And...what is a Rocket Rod?

Don't tell me they don't hand out any more purple tickets?
They were the ultimate reward. Whenever a ride broke down they would hand out purple tickets to people up to a certain point in line. These were good at ANY ride, but you had to enter through the exit and tell a CM. They would then take you to the ride.
I remember in 2000 when I went with a friend we had a heck of a lot of fun, as whenever we would be handed a purple ticket (and we got more than one every day ) we knew we would spend them on the Rocket Rods.
You can google them - Disneyland Rocket Rods to see a picture. I think they ran on the old peoplemover tracks or something. They were rocket like cars, which tilted back a little when they "launched", then zipped through the tracks and broke down every 15 minutes.
They were a lot of fun! But I think because they broke down so often, they were removed after a year or so.

 

[annmarieda]

Don't tell me they don't hand out any more purple tickets?
They were the ultimate reward. Whenever a ride broke down they would hand out purple tickets to people up to a certain point in line. These were good at ANY ride, but you had to enter through the exit and tell a CM. They would then take you to the ride.
I remember in 2000 when I went with a friend we had a heck of a lot of fun, as whenever we would be handed a purple ticket (and we got more than one every day ) we knew we would spend them on the Rocket Rods.
You can google them - Disneyland Rocket Rods to see a picture. I think they ran on the old peoplemover tracks or something. They were rocket like cars, which tilted back a little when they "launched", then zipped through the tracks and broke down every 15 minutes.
They were a lot of fun! But I think because they broke down so often, they were removed after a year or so.

Ok, I googled it. I think those where gone by the time we went. It looks like they loaded where COP loaded. Was COP there then? I know it is gone now... you just walk up the ramp into the innoventions building now. Interesting ride...

I do vaguely remember some tickets though... we got them when things didn't go well. Like... losing a child (yes, our boys had a tendency to go left when the rest of us when right) Spending a day in a hospital (cause I had a boy who at 5 was a big old monkey and had to learn the hard way why the cm's always say "please do not sit on the ropes") I just don't remember a color or even using them. My mind is going though... so who knows what happened so long ago.

 

[MEK]

Those are adorable pictures of Zoe BEFORE the raft ride. Poor thing. When I was her age I would have felt the exact same way. She was so looking forward to that ride. Who wants to come off that ride covered in water?

Ugh - to BTMMR breaking down.

Ugh - to the demise of the old tiger tails. I've never had one, but I'm sure I would have liked the transfat version better. Trans fat or high fructose corn syrup. Not entirely sure I understand the rationale for the need to eliminate all transfat.

And finally - ugh - to the crappy rolls at lunch. I love fried green tomato sandwiches, especially because I can't get them where I live.