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

[Belle Ella]

Well, I guess I will have to add the pictures to photobucket. That's a good chore for tomorrow.

I love all of the pictures that everybody takes. It's so fun to see how everyone sees the park. And what they take pictures of.

At least it's a more enjoyable chore than some!! It's what I love about photography - getting the see the world from somebody else's perspective. It's just plain old fun. Adding DL as the subject just makes it that much better.

 

[Belle Ella]

Even more dreams
Day 2 cont.

I will always <3 Snow White the most.

See, I knew I had better quality pictures in here somwhere. Wonder where exactly I started changing the resolution ...

That's just about all of the photos that I got from this viewing of the POD, but I have plenty more to share later on down the road. Worst of all - I filled up my memory card and that was it for the pictures until I could get them downloaded. Back in the lovely days before I had my laptop that involved going to the Photo store on Main St. and paying an arm and a leg for them to do it for me. Oh well. I know better now!!

 

[Belle Ella]

Calling it a day
End of Day 2​

I believe I mentioned before how much I enjoy getting photos of everything! For most of the rest of that night in particular while I still had enough light I went around with a map in hand so I could use something to keep track of what I as doing, and started going around to get pictures of signs, rides, you name it. Unfortunately for me, however, the light didn't last very long, which meant I had to retire the camera until the morning. I was soooo not ready to attempt night shots back then.

I do believe this is now the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Right about then it was time for me to head back to the hotel. These were the days of my full on fireworks phobia so I was not planning on being in the park when they started so it was time to head back to the hotel and do some more relaxing for the day. Not to mention I am not a night person and I was ready to go to sleep. Sad, right?

Well, that's all from day 2!

 

[Belle Ella]

Guess who found Nemo?
Day 3 - June 17, 2009​

So, first, I realized I have all of these dates wrong. My sister's graduation was on a Thursday (the 14th) which means we left for San Diego on Friday after she got back from Grad Night. This is the problem with trying to remember a vacation from 2 years ago! But it makes more sense now because Day 3 (Disney day 2) was my Magic Morning! I had already decided what my goal was going to be for the morning before returning to the hotel to stow my bags and check out. I wish I could stay at the GCH again, and again, and again, but I think it's fair to say it's going to be a very long while before I can manage that again. But even for one night, it was worth it!

But back to the plan! I had been hearing all day long (as well as before leaving) just how long the lines for the new Nemo Submarine Voyage were going to be. With only 2 days I really wasn't willing to spend 4 hours in line for one ride, not that I do as much in a general day as others may. I figured that my best shot at a shorter wait was going to be making a mad dash over to Tomorrowland on a MM day. Then I took a gamble and decided to take the Monorail to the Tomorrowland station which we all know is directly above to loading area for the subs. Would it pay off, would it screw us over? It all depended on what time they loaded us into the cars and what time they left the station. We were seated and ready to go just before 7AM and were starting to get worried when the minutes passed and we weren't going anywhere figuring we would be beat by a ton of people who were already getting the go ahead at the main gates, but we were told they hadn't been admitted in either so all was good.

As it was, it turned out to be a very good mood in our situation (me & everyone else on board). By the time I got off the Monorail and made the mad dash down to get in line I was only 20-30 people back. It would have been a very perfect wait if it hadn't been for 'technical problems' that kept us waiting another 30 minutes before they loaded the first sub. It didn't matter. 30 minutes or 4 hours? 4 hours or 30 minutes? Sorry, I'll take the 30 minutes!!

BUBBLES!!

I really hope to get to go on this again when I'm in DLR this September because I really loved it! The only downside to it is that it's very tight quarters. I'm just a touch claustrophobic so it was a little unnerving for a while. But once everything starts your mind is off it and you're having fun!!

After Nemo I had to make a dash back to the hotel so I could check my luggage again and check out from the wonderful GCH. I had the rest of the day to play before making the drive back to San Diego and the beach house!

 

[Sherry E]

See, I am a huge fan of Nemo, the movie, but I found the Nemo Sub to be lackluster. I wished there had been a whole separate Nemo ride, and not just an enhancement to an existing DLR ride. I didn't feel as though the movie complemented the existing Sub ride, nor did the Sub ride complement the Nemo plot. I was underwhelmed. I would have preferred more Animatronic characters (other than Darla) and less of the 'stick-some-screens-under-the-water-and-play-the-scenes-from-the-movie' gimic. But, oh well, it's not like they are going to make a whole separate Nemo ride now. They still have a totally empty Peoplemover/Rocket Rods track that have to do something with!

That said, I LOVE your Nemo Sub pictures!! They almost make me want to ride it again! I must admit - I rarely see too many shots taken on the Nemo ride, and IF I have seen them, it is straight through the glass. I love your pictures - especially the ones with the portholes in the view, because the portholes frame each shot so nicely and make them much more interesting. Great job!! Good point and shoot you were using - what kind was it? Sony?

 

[Belle Ella]

See, I am a huge fan of Nemo, the movie, but I found the Nemo Sub to be lackluster. I wished there had been a whole separate Nemo ride, and not just an enhancement to an existing DLR ride. I didn't feel as though the movie complemented the existing Sub ride, nor did the Sub ride complement the Nemo plot. I was underwhelmed. I would have preferred more Animatronic characters (other than Darla) and less of the 'stick-some-screens-under-the-water-and-play-the-scenes-from-the-movie' gimic. But, oh well, it's not like they are going to make a whole separate Nemo ride now. They still have a totally empty Peoplemover/Rocket Rods track that have to do something with!

That said, I LOVE your Nemo Sub pictures!! They almost make me want to ride it again! I must admit - I rarely see too many shots taken on the Nemo ride, and IF I have seen them, it is straight through the glass. I love your pictures - especially the ones with the portholes in the view, because the portholes frame each shot so nicely and make them much more interesting. Great job!! Good point and shoot you were using - what kind was it? Sony?

You know, a big part of why I liked it so much may be the fact that I had never been on it when it was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I know I'd been there when it was still operating, but I just never went on it for some reason (probably my same old ride-phobias). Since it was never connected in my mind with something else it doesn't take away from the experience. I wouldn't put it in my top 3 or 4 favorites, but I definitely liked it.

As for the camera, it's not your typical p&s. It was a Sony H2, that I still have now that I thin about it. I bought it mostly for shooting at hockey games because of the 12X zoom it has on it, and the first time I took it to Disneyland in '06 it did me proud. It's a bit of a clunker though.

 

[Belle Ella]

My adventure
Day 3 cont.​

So fresh-full of bouncy happiness after the Nemo subs, and checking my bags in until I was ready to leave the next item on my agenda was to head over to Adventureland for one some of my favorite rides - Jungle Cruise.

I did end up going to go see this on when I came back for my 3rd day. It was cute, a shame it's not offered anymore. Wonder if they'll ever reopen it again.

Not my boat ...

My boat ...

At the time, she became my favorite Skipper - but has subsequently been replaced by Skipper Larry circa March '09.​

 

[Belle Ella]

We interrupt this re-broadcast of Jazz's 2007 SoCal Excursion to bring you a brand spanking new installment of the 23rd Birthday PTR​

Things are starting to fall into place for September, and I couldn't be more excited!!

It's a running joke these days between my boss and I, all of these 'vacations' I seem to be taking lately. First I take a weekend off in March to go to Disneyland, then it's a full week to fly to Texas and visit family in June, and now it's another week to go back to Disneyland in September. When will it end? And this is all coming from the girl who hasn't taken a vacation, or called off sick in 2 years (alright, so I did play hookie one day to go to the Twilight Tour in S.F., but that was the only day in 2 years I called off for). The way I see it, it's about darn time!! But I have officially been given the go ahead for that week in September - my time off request has been approved!!

​

This makes for one happy me. I will actually be celebrating my birthday at the Disneyland Resort! It will really be happening. Sure, it's still 3 months away, but there is nothing holding me back now. Actually, now that I think about it, I am 90 days out from our arrival date and 3 months exactly from my 23rd birthday (September 10).

I still have one friend unconfirmed for the trip, but I'm trying to think positive here. If I think it will happen, it will happen. I just sent her an email about the prices we're looking at so far:

• 4 nights at the HoJo at the Ent. rate = $271.40
• 3 day PH (good for 5 days) from my Credit Union = $161.10

We're also in the process of deciding which character meal we want to try. I had an absolute blast at the Minnie & Friends breakfast back in March, so that one will never be off the table but my top two choices right now would be Ariel's Grotto or Goofy's Kitchen as the big meal on my birthday. Eating at BB is a no-brainer since a trip to DL for me is not complete without it although we'll probably only do desert this time. I just can't pass it up.

Now I'm only a week and a half until my time visiting family in Texas, so I'm stocking up on things I'm going to need that will also (hopefully) do some good for DLR in a few more months. Went out and got these really cute flip flops that I love from Payless today (gotta love BOGO) and earlier this week I ordered a pair of Crocs flats. I was debating between the Olivia and the Malindi for days, but finally ordered the Malindi although I'm still pining for the Olivia as well. Gr. I can't justify buying them both right now though, such a shame.

 

[kaoden39]

Your Croc's are cute. I have the ballerina slipper ones, I wore them to Disneyland trip in 2007 and they gave me blisters. They ended up being a great purchase because after I got out of the hospital they made great shower shoes, that way I didn't slip when I was first able to stand up when I showered.

 

[Belle Ella]

Your Croc's are cute. I have the ballerina slipper ones, I wore them to Disneyland trip in 2007 and they gave me blisters. They ended up being a great purchase because after I got out of the hospital they made great shower shoes, that way I didn't slip when I was first able to stand up when I showered.

I've got a few flats that are like the ballerina slipper style - I think the shape of those shoes only hurts the prospect of blisters than helps. I'll have to see how my feet fare in these, but right now everything that I have gives me blisters at one time or another. I'm normally sitting down all day but anytime I'm up on my feet I expect them. Finally got some gel pads for the heels of my flats that have helped out a lot. Hopefully the test run in Texas doesn't disappoint!

OOH! 30 minutes until So You Think You Can Dance!!

 

[kaoden39]

I have never watched that.

 

[Belle Ella]

I'm addicted to it! It makes me wish I had been able to stick with dance when I was younger. But I had to stop because my Grandmother was the one who took me and injured her back so she couldn't drive me anymore. My mother watches Dancing with the Stars, but I think SYTYCD is soooo much better. Tonight is the first actual performance night (auditions episodes ended last week) so I'm all giddy. A lot of my favorites made it through this year so far. You should watch it if you can. You never know, you may like it (it's on FOX at 8). Just be forwarned if you do - there's a judge named Mary Murphy who shrieks a whole heck of a lot.

 

[Belle Ella]

I'm about to go log back into my Flickr to start posting more photos - YAY!! - But I'm also excited because I got the confirmation that my shoes were shipped today. Now they just need to get here before next Saturday and all will be great. Also need to remember to make an appointment with my Dr. because I'm a little nervous about some swelling in my calf I've been getting when I sit and my upcoming flight. My dad's having blood clot issues in his legs and it frekas me out a little. WORRY WART = me.

 

[kaoden39]

I am excited for you about your shoes. Try drinking more water that might help the swelling.

 

[Belle Ella]

I am excited for you about your shoes. Try drinking more water that might help the swelling.

I hope it's no more than a water thing. I've never been good with water - it tastes nasty!! Yuck. Of course my family thinks I'm crazy because water has no taste (but it does). But since I have to go get some Ativan so I don't have another full-blown panic attack anyways, why not ask about it right?

OH! And Ella gets her stitches out tomorrow. Officially. Because about 2/3 of them are gone already anyways because she got them caught on something and pulled them out.

 

[kaoden39]

I am not fond of water myself, so I get bottled water and I go to Walmart where they sell these flavor packs to put in the water. It works as water and I am more willing to drink it.

 

[Belle Ella]

The funny thing is, I have a pile of those flavor packet things that I just keep forgetting I have until I start to clean my room and find them mixed in with my clothes (of allt he places to find them). I'm going to need to put forth some effort here.

 

[kaoden39]

The funny thing is, I have a pile of those flavor packet things that I just keep forgetting I have until I start to clean my room and find them mixed in with my clothes (of allt he places to find them). I'm going to need to put forth some effort here.

Yes, do that. The reason I suggested the water packets is because my legs swell when I drink sodas and not water. So try it okay?

 

[Belle Ella]

Yes, do that. The reason I suggested the water packets is because my legs swell when I drink sodas and not water. So try it okay?

I really will. I think my problem is always that I don't have anyone keeping me honest with it. I don't always have the will power to do things on my own. Too bad I didn't do this today. It's normally days like I had today at work that I notice it the most which is why it's on my mind.

 

[Belle Ella]

Taking a Cruise
Day 3 cont.

And we're off! With a sign of things to come.

No indecency here, they all have their trunks on!

Not your ideal house guests!

Can't let anything go to waste.

How do we know these are African elephants? Well ... we were on a cruise through Africa ... duh!

Just your friendly neighborhood pride, watching over the sleeping zebra.

Ear wiggling, but no bubbles - we must be safe!

Or maybe not.

Not a great place to beheaded.

We laughed, we cried - we almost died. Now we're back to Adventureland.​