BE's never-ending fun ** 4 completed TR's ** Thousands of Photos

[Belle Ella]

The Lilly Belle looks awesome! I want to ride in it now.....lol.

That's how I felt when I fist saw photos of the inside and I decided I had to get in for myself. Maybe you'll get a chance It's not difficult to get on for a round-trip - provided she's out and about, and they have the staff available to get you on. You just ask any of the conductors at the Main Street station and they're good about letting you know if/when they'll be able to get you on.

I love your trip report. Welcome back. I really enjoy the Lilly Belle pictures. And I am kind of jealous about your getting to ride in it.

Aw Thankies. I'm silently kicking myself for it taking me this long to get back on it. I mean, I'm not even done with day 3 of my trip in September. It's crazy. I have missed this.

I'm trying to figure out how to convert my stupid videos right now, and then I'll have another post up soon. We pretty much recorded the entire Billy Hill set. I can't believe it was the first time I've ever sat down to watch them.

And hey, maybe if you have time when you're there you'll get to go on it to??

 

[kaoden39]

That's how I felt when I fist saw photos of the inside and I decided I had to get in for myself. Maybe you'll get a chance It's not difficult to get on for a round-trip - provided she's out and about, and they have the staff available to get you on. You just ask any of the conductors at the Main Street station and they're good about letting you know if/when they'll be able to get you on.



Aw Thankies. I'm silently kicking myself for it taking me this long to get back on it. I mean, I'm not even done with day 3 of my trip in September. It's crazy. I have missed this.

I'm trying to figure out how to convert my stupid videos right now, and then I'll have another post up soon. We pretty much recorded the entire Billy Hill set. I can't believe it was the first time I've ever sat down to watch them.

And hey, maybe if you have time when you're there you'll get to go on it to??

I hope so. And this year I plan on taking the time to go to the Golden Horseshoe. I haven't gone for years and years, not since I was a teenager.

 

[Belle Ella]

Good! You should (both!!). I'm trying to talk my parents into tagging along with me in October, and I think they might be actually considering it. I was just told not to bring it up again until they get back from Colorado in April for my Grandfather's 80th birthday. If so, I'm taking my dad to the Golden Horshoe. He'd absolutely love it.

OK, I have one more post coming up tonight. Just as soon as Photobucket finished uploading the videos which may be a little while longer, lol. But it will be my last update from Day #3.

 

[Belle Ella]

Conclusion of Day 3
September 10, 2009
Happy Birthday to me!!​

By the time I had finished my trip around the Land in the Lilly Belle I got a call from Frick that she was going to be leaving the hotel pretty soon to meet back up with me at The Golden Horseshoe for a bite to eat and to catch Billy Hill & the Hillbillies - the big from our to-do list back in March that we had completely forgotten about. If we had skipped catching them again with a whole 5 days in the parks we both would have been extremely upset with ourselves which doesn't work when you're trying to ride a Disney high. But we still had a little time before we needed to meet up in Adventureland, especially since I knew it would take her a little while to walk from the hotel to the parks so I made my way to Pixie Hollow to see if I could spot a new fairy this time. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. But I did see a Tinkerbell who looks a lot like my younger cousin ... strange. Oh, and of course a few more photos of the things we pass all the time. But of course from the perspective of a Fairy.

It was only about 20 minutes and I was on my way to meet up with Dre at The Golden Horseshoe and we decided that I would go and stake us out a table if she took charge of the hunting party to bring us back some grub. And BBQ sauce. She couldn't forget the BBQ sauce or I would never forgive her. I'm a touch addicted and will put it on anything, but that's another story altogether. She met me up along the balcony at a table with perfect timing to sit back and laugh and enjoy the show. The next time I can drag my family down there (which I am hoping and praying for will be this year) I'm dragging my dad to see these guys again. I know he'd just absolutely love it, which is why we had to bust out the Flip camcorder once again. Of course I'll share a couple of the photos I took, and maybe even some video so we can all get a fix in

​

We spent the next couple of hours hoping from ride to ride, never waiting for anything more than maybe 15 minutes at max but I couldn't tell you what we did anymore. My little notes are long since gone, and unless it's documented on film (*cough*memorycard*cough) I don't remember diddly squat. I think ... But I can tell you three things we did: (1) We rode Alice in Wonderland, (2) we rode Indiana Jones, and (3) we parted ways for the night as she is the night Owl and I am not.

And what better way to finish off your actual birthday than spending a little birthday cash? I didn't go straight back to the hotel after I left the park. Not at all. I spent some time wandering around Downtown Disney because and made a stop into the World of Disney so I could start looking for what I was going to spend my Birthday Fun Card on. Well, needless to say I found more than enough. I will show you my spoils (and my awesome group of the few birthday cards that I was given before we left home).

If you look closely at the card on the far right you'll see some Mickey Mouse heads. That was given to me by fellow DIS'er Rachaface who we met up with on Day 1 and ran into a couple of times on our adventures. She made it herself

I hate to say it (or maybe I don't because it means I get to go on to even more fun things) but the story of Day #3 is officially over because it didn't take long for me to pass out and go to sleep. Not long at all!

 

[kaoden39]

I see a Precious Moments there. I love them, and everytime we are at Disneyland my hubby tries to talk me into getting one. I may this trip.

 

[Belle Ella]

I see a Precious Moments there. I love them, and everytime we are at Disneyland my hubby tries to talk me into getting one. I may this trip.

I love them too! I picked this one out when we went back in March and told myself I was bringing it home with me on my birthday trip no matter what. I ended up with 3 others by the time we got home. One was a birthday present from Frick and then another of them is a Snow Globe. Combining three of my favorite things into one! Actually, between this trip and Christmas my Snow White figurine collection kind of quadrupled. Haha.

OK, so I have the next 3 days off and today I am trying to edit as many photos as I can so I can put up a few updates tomorrow. I'm on a roll, here! I've already got 100 images from day 4 done. Go me.

But for now I am off to see a movie with the mother.

 

[kaoden39]

Ooh what movie are you going to see. I still want to see Sherlock Holmes. I figure at this point I may end up waiting to see it until it comes out on DVD.

 

[tinkslite]

I was enjoying your trip report, and getting amped because my boys (ages 14 and 11) are going this Friday; when I came to the Martinez CA nametag. I, also, grew up in that tiny little podunk! Went to Alhambra High (won't say what years) just like my parents did!
It is a small world after all.
My husband asks why I like Disney so much. Well, if you ask me, growing up in Martinez is a breeding ground for a rich fantasy life and love of escapism.

 

[Belle Ella]

Ooh what movie are you going to see. I still want to see Sherlock Holmes. I figure at this point I may end up waiting to see it until it comes out on DVD.

We went and saw It's Complicated. We're both the only people we know who would go see it, so since she had the day off it was a no-brainer. We both really liked it. She saw Sherlock Holmes with my dad a while back, but I think I'm on the wait 'till the DVD comes out route for that one.

I was enjoying your trip report, and getting amped because my boys (ages 14 and 11) are going this Friday; when I came to the Martinez CA nametag. I, also, grew up in that tiny little podunk! Went to Alhambra High (won't say what years) just like my parents did!
It is a small world after all.
My husband asks why I like Disney so much. Well, if you ask me, growing up in Martinez is a breeding ground for a rich fantasy life and love of escapism.

Well, fancy that! Dear, sweet old Martinez and Alhambra. I can't say that it's really been that long since I graduated. The things we find in common with people in the most unlikely of places sometimes. Small world it is.

And close Disney trips sound like fun! I hope everyone going has a blast

 

[kaoden39]

I thought that looked good.

 

[Belle Ella]

It was a lot funnier than I thought it would be But I would definitely watch it again when it comes out on DVD and I can add it to my Netflix queue.

I just noticed - I have over 20,000 views. Holy mackerel!

 

[kaoden39]

It was a lot funnier than I thought it would be But I would definitely watch it again when it comes out on DVD and I can add it to my Netflix queue.

I just noticed - I have over 20,000 views. Holy mackerel!

That's great. And did you notice that you are only ten posts from 1100 posts?

 

[Belle Ella]

That's great. And did you notice that you are only ten posts from 1100 posts?

Why no, no I didn't. I can do that easily, lol. Such milestones. Makes me happy.

 

[kaoden39]

Why no, no I didn't. I can do that easily, lol. Such milestones. Makes me happy.

 

[Belle Ella]

Day 4
September 11, 2009​

So, the start of a brand new day = our third and final character breakfast. So sad, right? We'd had a lot of fun between Ariel's Grotto and Goofy's Kitchen but we saved Minnie & Friends for last. Back in March it was my first character meal and we had so, so, so, so much fun that we had to add it to the 'menu' again. But let's just say the morning didn't go so smoothly when someone didn't really want to get up in the morning and I lost my cool a little bit. My co-hort and I have been best friends since we were in preschool, but not at the expense of wanting to rip each others throats out. We clash easily and one of my biggest problems is her in-abillity to manage her time and be ready when she says she will be. Without going into all the sordid details because I was at my breaking point that morning, I left for our PS all by my lonesome to get in line at the gates for Minnie & Friends. We prefer the earliest PS that we can get so it doesn't take time away from enjoying the park (besides, I still get a little satisfaction walking around the people who are waiting for the rope drop and having a clear view of areas of the park with no people in my way) and my little bad-habit is a serious need to be first for things or get there as early as possible. I wasn't in any mood to compromise this morning, so like I said, I was off on my own and she either got there in time or she didn't. I honestly didn't care, even if it would mean a lonely breakfast and possibly no photos.

The wait wasn't even that bad. I love chatting with other Disneyland-lovers while waiting to get into the Park. Sometimes you even learn something about the park that you didn't know or remember something that you always wanted to do which is never a bad thing. It made up for the fact that I was in line by myself. And did I mention how much I like unobstructed views of Disneyland? I managed to take some photos on our walk down to the China Closet where we lined up again at the little door at the end that the CM's would let us through to walk over to the Plaza Inn to check in for our meal. An empty Main Street is not something you get to see everyday.

And how about one from the other side? Everyone lined up at the rope.

After checking in for our PS I got my photo taken for the photo op and to pay for my meal. The funny thing about my table is that I was seated in the exact same spot as we were back in March, just on the opposite side. Instead of going to the left, I was on the right. At least, I found it funny. I had time to grab myself some food and get a solitary visit from Tigger and Dale and Pooh Bear too, before Frick finally showed up. I tried my best not to be in a grumpy mood, but it's still a sore spot for me now, all of 4 months after the fact.

Yes ... that's a soda with breakfast. It's an addiction I'm working on.

Unfortunately it made for a tense breakfast and as soon as I was done eating I was ready to high-tail it out of there rather than wait for any more characters, which meant we only saw Captain Hook, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Minnie Mouse. It's a far cry from the insane amount of characters that we saw back in March but I couldn't sit there much longer with Frick or I think I would have exploded. If I remember correctly she was sill eating when I left, but I do know we spent most of the day doing out own thing with plans to meet back up to save ourselves some seats for Fantasmic! which we weren't going to miss for the world, especially with the debut of the new dragon just a week or so before we arrived. But before I forget, here are the photos from our breakfast:

Coming up: Adventures with Peter Pan​

 

[Belle Ella]

Day 4 Cont.
September 11, 2009​

Now I remember. Since we planned on catching Fantasmic! later that night we were going to need a few extra things from the hotel with us for a night in the Park. Mainly, I was going to need my tripod if I expected to get any photos worth keeping. And since it is me that would be a definite yes. But I didn't want to bring everything with me into at breakfast without anywhere to put it all so when I left breakfast I made my way back to the HOJO and grabbed my tripod along with a change in clothes. The black pants were already a little too warm for my taste so I knew I wouldn't last the whole day. When I got back to the park and stowed my tripod and a sweater for later in the night in a locker I started to make my way towards Fantasyland and got side tracked by a couple of things, one proving to be a fun distraction that Frick would have killed me if I hadn't gotten her involved in. She was a little bummed about my little encounter with Peter Pan the other day and was determined to see him at some point before we left. Well, I did happen to spot him off to the side of SBC and had to give her a call.

First, there was Mickey & Friends along with the Disneyland Band heading back towards Main Street from Sleeping Beauty Castle.

What followed was probably the funnest 30 minutes I have ever spent at DLR, even if it sounds a little silly. We went on a little adventure with Pan and a little girl dressed as Wendy who were trying to set up a trap for Chi & Dale. Sitting there and watching the interaction between the two really made you want to be a kid and get to experience the magic of Disneyland like that, because I sure as heck don't have stories like that to tell when I was her age. I mean, I don't see how it can get much better than that. I'll try and give you a run-down of what happened, but it sure was an adventure.

Only the best acorns will do for the sticker trap!

Too bad they weren't good enough.

Step quietly away from the trap and let's catch something!

Too bad it didn't work. He hid and watched groups of people walk by and not touch the trap. Well, darn! A new plan was needed!

Brainstorming ...

He can fly! He can fly! He can fly!

New plan: We had to capture a Princess. With a pine cone. And what do Princesses like? Jewelry, flowers ... pretty boys? That got someone's attention.

But no Princesses to speak of so we needed another plan.

So we're off to find an evil witch to aid us in our quest.

Dear Evil Queen. Please help us and cast a spell on this acorn to make a Princess fall asleep so we may capture her and enlist her help in trapping Chip & Dale.

We should have known that she would never help us. Off to find another way.

Perhaps a Wishing Well is just what we need?

No such luck. But a new plan has been formed. We need to find Alice to help shrink us to chipmunk size!!

He got a little side-tracked though ... no new recruits!

But eventually he managed to find Alice and brought her out to say hi to the little girl. It was a fun half an hour to spend watching the interaction. You really had to have been there! And some other things we learned straight from the Pan's mouth ... He can speak Whale (he must be friends with Dory), spit isn't sticky and he has no boogers, girls aren't that smart, the best way to attract a Princess is with flowers, making traps takes too long and hunting is better, and where is the fun in capturing Hook if you don't release him in the end so you can capture him once again?

Coming Up: I wander around Main Street and Fantasyland.​

 

[Belle Ella]

Day 4 Cont.
September 11, 2009​

Frick and I kept to ourselves for much of the day after that. We had plans to meet up around 3 (if I remember correctly) in front of POTC to meet up with another DIS'er you know who you are! And if we had enough time we wanted to watch the Flag Retreat ceremony in the evening before Fantasmic! It was all play it by ear, but other than that we left each other to our own devices and I still don't know how she spent her day. As for me? I took a minute to admire some of the Halloween merchandise that they had out on the window displays and a few other sights along Main Street.

October 2010 - I will make it!!

So I guess ... I hadn't changed yet? Weird.

Did I mention I got side-tracked? I had been on my way to Fantasyland and somehow ended up back where I started, over an hour later. Silly how that works out. Actually, forget what I said earlier about going back to the HOJO, I must have done it after the escapades with Peter Pan, because I was still wearing those darn black things and sweating up a storm in them. So that's when I must have made the tripod errand and changed my clothes. But I did make it to FL, eventually, making my rounds on the rides and never waiting in any line more than 20 minutes. And that 20 minutes was the longest by a good 10 minutes. Take a guess which ride it was for. Why, Peter Pan's Flight of course! And as I was asked to do by my dad when I borrowed his Flip camcorder, I got video of each of the rides. It makes me happy to have them and watch them, even if the focus is slightly off since not to disturb anyone else I covered the LCD screen and couldn't see exactly where I was filming. It usually ended up being too low or too high. My bad!

I just love the murals!

Aha! So now I changed ...

Coming Up: More photos from Fantasyland.​

 

[kaoden39]

That sequence with Peter Pan was adorable. I got a great kick out of it. I always thought Peter was so hot when I was younger. And great fun to flirt with.

 

[Belle Ella]

That sequence with Peter Pan was adorable. I got a great kick out of it. I always thought Peter was so hot when I was younger. And great fun to flirt with.

It was definitely one of the top highlights from the trip, simply because of how adorable and funny it was. Especially after seeing him climbing all over things the day before (or was it 2 days before ... I can't remember). You don't see that with the other face characters. It's worth it to keep an eye out whenever you go if you ask me because something fun and funny is bound to happen.

And hahah I have hit 1100!

 

[kaoden39]

It was definitely one of the top highlights from the trip, simply because of how adorable and funny it was. Especially after seeing him climbing all over things the day before (or was it 2 days before ... I can't remember). You don't see that with the other face characters. It's worth it to keep an eye out whenever you go if you ask me because something fun and funny is bound to happen.

And hahah I have hit 1100!

Woo hoo!! 1100!!