A Tale of Two Trips: Disneyland and Hawaii July 2014 Long Way Home: The End 9/13 p.40

[petals]

Thanks for the tip re dole whip queue I need to try one of these beauties on this trip... I loled at the groups of girls walking in.

 

[mickeystoontown]

First off, lovin' the purple fingernail polish! I have a purple polish but it's darker than that and after seeing your's, I think that I need that shade.

It's so very interesting to read your comparisons of the rides at DL and the ones at WDW. The one glaring thing that I notice from your pictures is the lack of covering/shades in the queues. Am I seeing that correctly?

Too bad you guys didn't know about the alternate line for the Dole Whips until it was too late. At least you could take advantage of it later in the trip.

 

[KatMark]

Mega update, indeed.

You sure got a lot done.

Seems you worked on that selfie before you got to DW.

Tell me more about Matterhorn. You said it is not Everest, but fun. I cannot do Everest anymore (as I pointed out in my TR). Would I like Matterhorn?

I have to admit I do not like Dole Whips, but great tip for those going to DL for getting into a shorter line.

Congrats, I think, on Nate's driver's permit.

 

[natebenma]

Great 1st day!

Did you ever find out what the group of girls was about?

It was an awesome start!

We never did find out who the girls were and we didn't see them again.

I didn't know that the Matterhorn at DL was a bobsled ride. I always assumed it was like the Skyway at WDW.

I love the Haunted Mansion exterior at DL, although the one at WDW looks more haunted.

Yes, it's a bobsled coaster. Not a very extreme one, though.

I like the look of the HM building at DL too. Definitely a Southern vibe. The inside of the rides is pretty much the same, though. Things are just in a different order, I think.

I'm catching up and going back an update. Glad you got a seat at Blue Bayou so easily! I'm a terrible spice wimp (seriously, I don't even use pepper!) so I'm sure I would have run screaming from the spicy jambalaya.
Quinn sounds great and I'm so glad you said something to the manager about that. That waitress however, now that's a rude thing to come right out and ask, imo! Just because you complimented someone else doesn't mean you didn't also compliment her earlier, she doesn't know.

Now I'm on the most recent post.

Indiana Jones sounds so fun!! I also love Dinosaur AND The Mummy ride so that would be right up my alley.

The DL haunted mansion looks so pretty outside! More like the one in Paris. Love it!

What's with all the girls in the different coloured dresses?? Haha that's quite the sight!

What an awesome day at DL! I love reading all about Walt's first park. So similar and yet so different.

Blue Bayou would probably not be the best place for you.

The waitress certainly made what was an uncomfortable situation so much worse.

We had a really great day, and it was fun comparing the similarities and difference between WDW and DL. One of the really weird things is where certain attractions are located. Not in the same places in the two different resorts.

I couldn't believe when we saw all those girls parading by. It was like an endless stream.

Yes I absolutely agree. Indy is a cross between Dino and Mummy. And Yeah, before Manta, The Mummy was my fav Orlando ride.

Still bummed I never got to ride the Matterhorn. Not so much for the ride itself, but I remember seeing all those photos of Walt himself riding it so I really wanted to ride for just that reason.

And for what it's worth, I found the single rider function everywhere in Dland to be confusing. I seem to remember having to get some ticket from the CM or something?

Hmmmm, that Jack Sparrow ting is actually quite weird. I'm guessing it's a guest and maybe the hat/hair is sold there?

I was so happy at the similarities between IJ and Mummy.

The Matterhorn is the one thing I slightly remember from my one and only day at DL back when I was in high school. It isn't the most thrilling of rides, but it is certainly worth doing. I wish I had gone more than once.

You're right- for Grizzly River Run single rider, I got a ticket that I gave to the CMs. I don't think we needed anything for Radiator Springs Racers, though. Ben says for California Screamin' they gave him a purple ticket, he went up an elevator, across the bridge, down an elevator and then in a special queue. So, yes, Single Rider was a bit of a production.

Still don't know about Jack Sparrow. It seemed like he worked there, the way he was interacting with the CMs in different areas of the park.

 

[JanetMom]

Life got away from me this week, so I'm just getting caught up on this now.

Your Blue Bayou meal looked great. I wish WDW had a bit of a New Orleans section somewhere in the parks (not just at POFQ).

Love seeing all your DL pictures. HM is our family's favourite ride so I'd love to go to DL to see that different exterior. It looks so nice to me.

I don't think I did anything embarrassing when we were out together last week. Except maybe ordering a drink no longer on the menu. And getting two breakfast entrees. Oh, and singing my order for a Pina Colava. Other than that, though!

At least I didn't bring my own takeout containers!

Loved talking with you about things like takeout containers. During our discussions I never confessed that before we even went to WDW I had put a special Ziploc bag (just sandwich sized, not garbage bag sized) in my purse in case I needed to rescue a pretzel roll during our trip. My husband was quite wide-eyed when I pulled the bag out seriously at the Biergarten. I figure it is difficult to find the right souvenir to bring home to a 17-yr old boy. I thought he'd like the pretzel roll (which may not have been quite fresh enough by the time it made it to Canada.)

Oh, and I don't know too many people who would order two breakfast entrees, just for "research".

 

[MEK]

You are quite the boss with the pictures!

HM - LOVE!

BTMMR - Love!

Indian Jones - COOL! Great queue.

Matterhorn - LOVE!

Did I miss anything?

Oh yeah - cool for the detachable guns on Buzz and boo for the ride being down at Space.

Love your pins!

Those girls are TOO cute!

Yay for the room being ready!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Dee -
Wow, Wow & Wow. You sure did do a lot on your first day. I really love Indiana Jones ride. We haven't visited DL since summer 2000, but Connor really liked this ride (and just was tall enough above that Cobra height measurement to get on), but he is not a fan of Dinosaur. Really wish they had Indiana Jones ride in WDW.

on the canoe joke!

Nice way to spread some magic with the lanyard sharing.

Rebecca

 

[JMBB216]

Joining in. Loving all your photos.

 

[jenseib]

My first thought on the Mummy last weekend was how it reminded me of Indy and DL...I had ridden it a few years ago, but it clicked this weekend with me.

I can't even believe that waitress asked that. Nothing like putting you on the spot and kind of rude on her part.
Glad you were able to get a walk in there. I do like that part about DL....walk ups are much easier.

 

[glennbo123]

Wait...the stretching room is an elevator?!



I'd really like to try out Indiana Jones and the Matterhorn. Hafta get there someday.

Whoa, you can disconnect the laser guns on Buzz? That would be much better!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for the tip re dole whip queue I need to try one of these beauties on this trip... I loled at the groups of girls walking in.

Glad you liked the tip. One of my friends who is in DL this weekend for the half-marathon used the Tiki Room line to get a Dole Whip. Have you not tried a Dole Whip yet? So yummy and refreshing!

We couldn't believe how many girls there were. It was a never-ending line.

First off, lovin' the purple fingernail polish! I have a purple polish but it's darker than that and after seeing your's, I think that I need that shade.

It's so very interesting to read your comparisons of the rides at DL and the ones at WDW. The one glaring thing that I notice from your pictures is the lack of covering/shades in the queues. Am I seeing that correctly?

Too bad you guys didn't know about the alternate line for the Dole Whips until it was too late. At least you could take advantage of it later in the trip.

I'm glad you like the nail polish color. This was only like my third manicure ever. I don't like reds and I'm picky about pinks, so I decided to go a little bold with purple.

You are correct about the lack of coverings. I don't know if it is because the park is older, and rides Space Mountain and Pirates have been there since the beginning. Or maybe it is because the weather in Southern California is much better than Florida- not as hot/humid and definitely not as rainy.

We had Dole Whips every day, so the tip did eventually come in handy.

Mega update, indeed.

You sure got a lot done.

Seems you worked on that selfie before you got to DW.

Tell me more about Matterhorn. You said it is not Everest, but fun. I cannot do Everest anymore (as I pointed out in my TR). Would I like Matterhorn?

I have to admit I do not like Dole Whips, but great tip for those going to DL for getting into a shorter line.

Congrats, I think, on Nate's driver's permit.

Knowing Disney World so well helped us to navigate the parks at DL.

Yes, I started my selfie practice in DW. Some were more successful than others.

The Matterhorn is similar to Everest in that it is a rollercoaster type ride through a mountain haunted by a beast. It does not go backwards and it is not nearly as intense as Everest, but it is a pretty rough and bumpy ride.

I'm not sure that you would love it.

Thanks for the good wishes on Nate's permit. He went out driving with Mark for the first time this morning.

 

[natebenma]

Life got away from me this week, so I'm just getting caught up on this now.

Your Blue Bayou meal looked great. I wish WDW had a bit of a New Orleans section somewhere in the parks (not just at POFQ).

Love seeing all your DL pictures. HM is our family's favourite ride so I'd love to go to DL to see that different exterior. It looks so nice to me.



Loved talking with you about things like takeout containers. During our discussions I never confessed that before we even went to WDW I had put a special Ziploc bag (just sandwich sized, not garbage bag sized) in my purse in case I needed to rescue a pretzel roll during our trip. My husband was quite wide-eyed when I pulled the bag out seriously at the Biergarten. I figure it is difficult to find the right souvenir to bring home to a 17-yr old boy. I thought he'd like the pretzel roll (which may not have been quite fresh enough by the time it made it to Canada.)

Oh, and I don't know too many people who would order two breakfast entrees, just for "research".

A busy week, indeed!

Disneyland has a few New Orleans dining options. In addition to Blue Bayou, there is a counter service, Café Orleans right next door and the Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney.

Nice job planning ahead for your trip to Biergarten!

It's a difficult responsibility having to report back to the FAQ followers. If it means I have to order two breakfasts, then that's the way it has to be!

You are quite the boss with the pictures!

HM - LOVE!

BTMMR - Love!

Indian Jones - COOL! Great queue.

Matterhorn - LOVE!

Did I miss anything?

Oh yeah - cool for the detachable guns on Buzz and boo for the ride being down at Space.

Love your pins!

Those girls are TOO cute!

Yay for the room being ready!

Thanks so much for the comments about the rides and photos. I took just a few...

I would love to trade one more pin for another similar one in the DL series.

The detachable laser gun at Buzz is great, but I still had a crappy score!

I'll try to give as much info as I can about the rides for anyone who might be planning a trip out that way.

Dee -
Wow, Wow & Wow. You sure did do a lot on your first day. I really love Indiana Jones ride. We haven't visited DL since summer 2000, but Connor really liked this ride (and just was tall enough above that Cobra height measurement to get on), but he is not a fan of Dinosaur. Really wish they had Indiana Jones ride in WDW.

on the canoe joke!

Nice way to spread some magic with the lanyard sharing.

Rebecca

That is the way we roll at Disney- whether it is a land or world: true commando!

The IJ ride was a lot of fun- yes, it would be a nice addition somewhere in HS, especially if they close down the IJ show.

Glad you appreciated the joke- thought I would float it out there. I was shore someone would like it. Oar not.

The boys did some pin trading a few years ago, and I really don't do much. I bring along a trader or two and I have scored a Yacht Club pin by trading a couple of years ago. I was only expecting to get one set with a pin, so getting 4 was a bonus. Allowed me to trade and also to give one set away. I wanted to give away another set, on the last day of our trip, but the circumstances I was hoping for didn't happen.

Joining in. Loving all your photos.

and thanks so much!!!

More pictures coming!

My first thought on the Mummy last weekend was how it reminded me of Indy and DL...I had ridden it a few years ago, but it clicked this weekend with me.

I can't even believe that waitress asked that. Nothing like putting you on the spot and kind of rude on her part.
Glad you were able to get a walk in there. I do like that part about DL....walk ups are much easier.

I just love the Mummy ride! Indiana Jones was a nice imitation. Although I don't know which came first.

It was a really weird situation with the waitress and then it got even more uncomfortable when she asked about her service.

This was the only walk-up we tried, but it worked out.

Wait...the stretching room is an elevator?!



I'd really like to try out Indiana Jones and the Matterhorn. Hafta get there someday.

Whoa, you can disconnect the laser guns on Buzz? That would be much better!

That's what I hear.

It was fun to try some different attractions.

I hadn't thought about it before, but I guess the ability to detach the guns is just like the Men In Black ride at Universal. With cute fluorescent aliens instead of dark, scary ones.

 

[petals]

Glad you liked the tip. One of my friends who is in DL this weekend for the half-marathon used the Tiki Room line to get a Dole Whip. Have you not tried a Dole Whip yet? So yummy and refreshing!

We couldn't believe how many girls there were. It was a never-ending line.

I had the ice cream on it's own but I want the float

I was in WDW with a group of dancers before. I often wonder if people had mini heart attacks when they saw our group arriving all at once

 

[HockeyMomR]

Dee- I knew I forgot to mention something....the goat!

Rebecca

 

[natebenma]

I had the ice cream on it's own but I want the float

I was in WDW with a group of dancers before. I often wonder if people had mini heart attacks when they saw our group arriving all at once

They are both delish!

The thing that was striking to me was all of the matching costumes- similar but different patterns and colors.

I have a story about a group of students striking terror into the hearts of fellow travelers. Every year, the 8th grade in our middle school has an end of year trip to Disney World (pretty cool, huh?)

We have two different Jet Blue flights. One for the boys and one for the girls. I guess last year, when other passengers got to the gate and saw the large group of boys, they all changed to the next flight that day.

And ended up on a plane with teenaged girls!

Dee- I knew I forgot to mention something....the goat!

Rebecca

Oh, gosh! Was I telling goat stories in public again?

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

You really got a lot done on day 1
I have to confess I have never had a dole whip ever!!
I always mean to but then I get distracted by Mickey bars and well I'm a goner
Jack Sparrow person was a bit weird/strange
Would love to have known what all the girls were about-very pretty dresses. Like you I'd have been delighted to be headed in the opposite direction all the same

 

[JanetMom]

AGlad you appreciated the joke- thought I would float it out there. I was sure someone would like it. Oar not.

 

[natebenma]

You really got a lot done on day 1
I have to confess I have never had a dole whip ever!!
I always mean to but then I get distracted by Mickey bars and well I'm a goner
Jack Sparrow person was a bit weird/strange
Would love to have known what all the girls were about-very pretty dresses. Like you I'd have been delighted to be headed in the opposite direction all the same

We had an awesome day 1, and day ain't over yet- I'm working on my post for the rest of the day- pool time and a visit to California Adventure. And of course, the bleary-eyed fireworks display.



Do you like the flavor of pineapple? Dole Whips/Floats are very refreshing, but I won't turn my nose up at a Mickey Bar, either!

I still honestly don't know if Jack Sparrow was a CM or guest. Based on the behavior I observed, I would say CM, but the shopping bag he is holding throws me off.

Cute girls and they were headed in the right direction. Away from us.

Oo-Oo. I edited the post

"I can row. Canoe?"

"Glad you appreciated the joke- thought I would float it out there. I was shore someone would like it. Oar not."

 

[natebenma]

After our very busy introduction to Disneyland, we returned to the Grand Californian to check out our room. Although I have already posted all of the pictures of the room, this is actually when we checked it out for the first time and we saw what an amazing view we had.

We got settled in the room for a bit and then Ben, Mark and I went down to the pool. My family rarely takes pool breaks on vacation, so I was very surprised when they wanted to go. I think it was probably around 5 pm when we got to the pool area. We found quite a few empty loungers in the shade at the back pool (not the nearby main pool)

Again, I have posted pictures of the pool in my update about the Grand Californian resort, but here are the ones I took that afternoon




















We got out of the pool and dried off.

Before we returned to the room, we popped into White Water Snacks, which is near the pool, to pick up some breakfast foods for the next few days- we would come back daily for more bananas, parfait and cereal.

Single Serve cereal $2.49
Banana, $1.99
Half-gallon OJ, $6.49
Single Serve limeade, $4.29
Yogurt Parfait, $5.19
Package of 6 bagels, $2.69
A single bagel was about as expensive as the whole pack, so this was a great way to go. The person working the counter told us to take some cream cheese and jelly from the condiment area if we wanted it.

Total $24.26 (Disney Visa Rewards Card)

We returned to our room to put away our groceries.

Time, approx. 6:15 pm

We then made our way to the special Grand Californian entrance to California Adventure so we could check out the lay of the land there. We didn’t really plan on doing much for rides since we would be there first thing in the morning, but we wanted to get oriented to where everything was.

I forgot to mention that when we exited DL earlier in the day, we had to get our hand stamped if we were planning on returning there or going to CA. I’m still not sure I understand why that is necessary. We had park-to-park tickets, and our pictures were taken and associated with the tickets that we used every time we entered a park, so I don’t really get it.

There was not much of a line at all to get into the park- a quick bag check and there we were at Grizzly River Run.








Closeup of Grizzly Peak.
Which is a… Wolf?







Next we walked to the beautiful Paradise Pier area. This is where you find California Screamin’, Toy Story Mania, Mickey’s Fun Wheel-of-Death, a boardwalk area and a few other rides/attractions.

















Continued in Next Post

 

[natebenma]

Continued from Previous Post

Of course, one of the biggest attractions of California Adventure is Radiator Springs (Carsland).

I'm sure you have all seen the comments before.

The theming of this area is A.MAZ.ING!























After getting a quick look at Radiator Springs, we cut through Bugsland to get to Hollywoodland:























We entered the land of Condor Flats- where Soarin’ is located.






The wait time said 20 minutes, which is unheard of for us east-coasters! We jumped into line.

And almost immediately regretted it. It had been a really long day for us, and in line in front of us was a group of tweens, I think 4 or 5 of them, no adult supervision and not well-behaved. They were loud, their language was not appropriate for a family theme park and they wouldn’t stop climbing on and playing with the iron queue dividers.

We stuck it out and fortunately were separated from them when it came time to load into the preshow area.

After Soarin’ Over California (in California Adventure) (in California), we were done!

We headed back into Grizzly Peak.

Ben and I returned to the room, but Mark and Nate went across the street to Naples in Downtown Disney to get a pizza ($28.00) and a couple of drinks.



picture taken earlier in the day


Margharita, no basil


Time, approx. 8:30 pm (11:30 according to our body clocks)

We demolished the pizza, Mark and the boys went to bed and I went out on the balcony to wait to see if I could see the fireworks from Disneyland.

From this previous post: The View!





Mission Accomplished!

It was quite a day and tomorrow would be an early one- California Adventure opens at 7 am and we plan to be there for rope drop!

Next Up: RSR and Birth of Another Coaster Junkie

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