Back to Disneyland - Here now! (1/8/10). Any questions?

[disneyobsessed808]

Back to Disneyland once again and here are some more random thoughts about my visit today and yesterday.

- Remember Dreams Come True has returned to the "Skies above Fantasyland" and I am so happy about that. Without a doubt, it is my favorite night time show at any Disney Park I've been to. It gives me goosebumps every time. Tink was not flying tonight, but it was still amazing.

- I went to the Napa Rose yesterday and sat at the chef's counter. Last time, the chef prepared a menu for me at the waiter's suggestion. It was great. This time, Chef Sutton greeted me, since I've been there multiple times before. Unfortunately, he was in and out of the kitchen, so the Sous Chef (Frankie?) prepared the menu. Let's just say he didn't seem very happy and he was even more angry when I told him I don't eat seafood - I was kind of intimidated and regretting not just ordering off the menu myself. He may have been having an off day because he looked angry all night. The food was still fantastic, but next time I would make sure to just order off the menu for myself.

- The parks were busier than I thought they would be earlier tonight. (Or at least the lines were longer). When I went on Splash Mountain at 10:30, I was expecting to have the boat to myself and be able to ride twice in a row, especially considering the semi-chilly weather, but that wasn't the case. The last ride I went on before closing was Jungle Cruise, and the wait was about 30 minutes - it was the first time I had ever been to the upstairs part of the queue.

I can't wait to go back tomorrow! That's all for now, any questions?

 

[VallCopen]

Thanks for the info, let us know how it is tomorrow too if you get a chance. If by any chance you get over to Cali Adventure could you let me know if the water is all in yet. Thanks - have a great time...

 

[nurse.darcy]

Jungle Cruise upstairs que in January? . . .okay not kosher. . .I have never run into crowds in January so not happy at the moment. Grew up 20 minutes from these parks and spout off as an expert for a journey there. . .kinda worried I will come off as a lunatic with my friends. . .

Oh and crowds at WDW when they talk crowds are MUCH LESS than DLR crowds. . .no matter what time of year.

 

[Eeee-va]

Glad you had fun overall! How awful about the dining experience though.

As for crowds, I'll be they set in more at night? A ton of locals would have been coming in to see the fireworks for the first time in month and they likely would have hung around afterward, which would lead to increased lines. With so many locals having APs, I'm afraid weekends (maybe even ESPECIALLY Friday evenings, since they aren't blocked and people can stay out late?) are going to be fairly busy for the foreseeable future, unless it's raining.

Thanks for the info, let us know how it is tomorrow too if you get a chance. If by any chance you get over to Cali Adventure could you let me know if the water is all in yet. Thanks - have a great time...

I know a month ago, the lagoon area was considered "filled" but the World of Color equipment is still raised over the water ("maintenance mode"). I think Grizzly River Rapids is drained now, though.

 

[CrazyDuck]

You are not from the islands if you dint eat seafood . How long you been on the mainland?

 

[HappieMommie]

We visited both parks yesterday for the first time ever, and the World of Colour stuff was still visible over some sort of body of water but I saw some dry areas too. There was a lot under construction, but I noted to my hubby that even that looked "nice" with all the pretty walls and murals!

Yes!! We found DL really packed last night!!! (esp with our double stroller!) It was still a wonderful time though. I just loved it.

 

[Susie63]

How was the security? Did you fly out of Edm or Cal?

 

[disneyobsessed808]

You are not from the islands if you dint eat seafood . How long you been on the mainland?

I'd rather look at them at Hanauma bay than have them in my tummy. Eek. I've just been on the mainland for a semester now.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Thanks for the info, let us know how it is tomorrow too if you get a chance. If by any chance you get over to Cali Adventure could you let me know if the water is all in yet. Thanks - have a great time...

The apparatus for world of color is still visible, but I think the water line is pretty much filled since the water is up to the top of the wall where the queue for Mickey's Fun Wheel is.

 

[Leofoenget]

Dang. I had to go upstairs on JC once. It's one of those little indications of how busy it is: A wait for Pooh and Upstairs for JC

 

[godalejunior]

Have you seen the Dooney and Bourke purses with Mickey all over them at any of the stores in the park?

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Have you seen the Dooney and Bourke purses with Mickey all over them at any of the stores in the park?

I haven't seen them, but then again, I haven't really been looking for them.

 

[cccdisney]

Have you seen the Dooney and Bourke purses with Mickey all over them at any of the stores in the park?

I thought they were only carrying them at WDW? Did that change?

 

[CrazyDuck]

Ok now I know you not local... Locals no go Hanauma Bay how was the park today? Busy? Are you there solo?

 

[HappieMommie]

We flew out of Edmonton. The line to check into West Jet was very looong at 5am, and then security was long, but pretty speedy. My husband was a gentleman and volunteered himself and our son for the pat-down, while my daughter and I got the pocket/hand swab. It really isn't so bad, and we did NOT pack a carry on. I think if you pack a bunch of stuff it becomes problematic, and so our kids just watched TV and *gasp!* talked to one another. I saw a few people with backpacks get stopped by the American security personnel and they had to take it off and stick in their other baggage. Really, its not so bad if you follow the guidelines.

We were just excited to get out of the FREEZING SNOW!! Palm trees and sunshine are worth a little hand swabbing and groping to me!

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Ok now I know you not local... Locals no go Hanauma Bay how was the park today? Busy? Are you there solo?

Lots of locals go to Hanauma Bay! At least the last time I went, at least 75% were locals. Fish are for viewing in dentists or doctors offices, not for eating...Hahaha.

The park was less busy today, short wait for Jungle Cruise - however, the problem last night may have been due to the lack of boats operating. Not sure. Here by myself

 

[disneyobsessed808]

back to my hotel and here are some final thoughts for this trip.

- found out that the 20% holiday discount for premium passholders was extended to february 1st, so I did some shopping.

- saturday (today) was less crowded than yesterday. no waits for splash and minimal wait for jungle cruise after the fireworks.

- tinkerbell flew tonight! yay

and that's all because I am tired

 

[jilliemom]

How does the area look around the Rivers of America? We're going to DL for the first time in April and I'm totally bummed that the area will be drained and there won't be any Fantasmic!