BE's Never Ending TR -- That kind of ... Ended? Or did it?

[klexen]

I am glad to hear that.

Did you like the DLH?

It wasn't the hotel I would have picked, but it was definitely really nice! I'm glad we got one of the new rooms. All the fixtures were really awesome, and totally something I'd love myself. I think Jessica really liked them too! Also, the headboard thing behind the bed was really cool.

It was nicer than Paradise Pier, if I remember correctly. But no GCH.

 

[kaoden39]

It wasn't the hotel I would have picked, but it was definitely really nice! I'm glad we got one of the new rooms. All the fixtures were really awesome, and totally something I'd love myself. I think Jessica really liked them too! Also, the headboard thing behind the bed was really cool.

It was nicer than Paradise Pier, if I remember correctly. But no GCH.

We stayed at the DLH in 2007, and yes it is truly due for a remodel. But, honestly even if we get one of the non remodeled rooms when we go next month I will be thrilled. I love the whole lay out of the DLH. I just would feel guilty if I stayed at the GCH without WBG.

 

[Belle Ella]

Hey, hey, hey -- It's time to start another day! Day 4, coinciding with January 4 which makes counting so much easier, was set to be a solo day for me as the BF had to go back to work and what else would I do with myself for the day but go to Disneyland?! Well, there was one other thing I had to do -- say hi to a pretty awesome DIS'er that we all love. For anyone who has been following along for some time now may remember that I was hoping to go mid-December during the time Sherry was visiting DLR with her PPH stay but plans had to be switched around. I was really bummed about not meeting her. She's such a huge part of what makes the DIS so super-special and well, I wanted to be able to say hi in person!! It was great to get to meet her and we spent a good 20, maybe even 30, minutes chit chatting about everything. Here's to hoping that someday in the future we can meet up in Disneyland where we might actually remember to get a photo together!! You think with the sheer number of photographs we can take between the two of us and how we both have a habit of photographing everything that one of us would have thought about but. But of course we were too busy chatting for it to even be considered!

Eventually we did have to say goodbye and I was back on the road and on my way to Disneyland with an ETA of 10:30 once traffic and parking time was taken into consideration. And I got to park on the Mickey level, which was a first for me. Exciting times! For some reason I like getting to experience each level for myself, just to say that I did.

As I was exiting the parking structure on my way to wait for the Trams I was greeted by my first sign that the Holiday season at Disneyland was truly at an end and the shift was being made back to the regular, good old Disneyland. The banners welcoming you had been switched to the Go Wild theme!

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But the Holiday decorations hadn't disappeared from every nook and cranny of the Park yet. I hopped on the first available tram by finding a single seat for me to squeeze into since I wasn't traveling with a big group and made my way to the front gates where I was still greeted by those awful (to me) snowflakes!

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Once I got to Main Street it was kind of a mix and match of the Holiday and non-Holiday times. All of the garlands that had decorated Main Street had been removed, the same with those on the store fronts and building facades, but the giant Christmas Tree near the flag pole still towered above everyone, standing tall.

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So I had a couple of small things to get out of the way before I got to go get my Disney-fix in for the day. For starters, there was coffee. I wanted -- no, I needed -- some coffee and I figured I might as well stop by the Market House and grab my coffee now and then get my free refill later in the day before I left for the drive back to Santa Monica. I was exhausted as I once again had a very hard time sleeping. I'm not all that skilled in the department no matter where I am. Not to mention, I'm getting a little hooked on coffee again. Not to the point where I need it every day, but I don't hate it anymore. And of course I snapped a couple of photos. Then there was the little errand of getting a locker. I didn't want to carry everything around with me for the day and this was the easiest solution. I have also discovered that one great thing to do so you don't forget which locker number you have is to take a photo of it! Then it's an easy thing to refresh your memory. And seeing as you longer are force-fed a combination and get to pick your own, I didn't need to be so paranoid about leaving my little receipt in the locker and possibly not being able to open it. Talk about a win-win situation! I am so glad they were updated.

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At this point I was going to go grab my first FP of the morning (BTMRR since it's the only FP ride that I would go on for the duration of this trip -- I don't count IJ since I use the SRL) and while walking towards Frontierland I caught a flash of bright yellow to the left of Sleeping Beauty Castle and my heart just about stopped. The Princesses were out by the castle!! Three of them, to be exact: Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella!! How perfect was this? I've said it time and time again, as much as I love PFF and your guarantee to see a couple of Princess I am not a fan of the painted backgrounds they stand in front of. I miss seeing the Princesses in a real setting by the Castle. Those were always my favorite photos and you hardly ever find them out like that anymore. So how perfect was this? Needless to say my FP plans went on the back burner for a moment and I crossed my fingers that I would make it to the Princesses in time for photos. Knowing my luck, I would get there just as they were about to leave for tea or something seeing as this happens to me rather frequently. I just have horrible timing, I suppose. But not today! Today, not only did I get photos with all 3 of them, but I was the cutoff for my photo with Ariel so she could ... go have some tea!

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With 3 Princess photos down for the day I mad a mental note to keep checking near the Castle to see if Snow White or Aurora ever popped up. I wanted to get photos with everyone, and I would stop by PFF if I still needed to to try and find them as well as Tiana and then stop by the Rapunzel meet and greet as well. Then it was back to my previously scheduled programming: Thunder FP's! I kept my fingers crossed seeing as the FP machines had been down the day before and I was absolutely delighted to see that the machines were uncovered and the entrance wasn't blocked this time. Perfect!

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With my new FP in hand I decided I wanted to ride BTMRR right then and there so I hiked up by girl britches and hoped in the stand-by line, which was only 15 minutes. Easy-peasy. And of course I experimented more with my camera although they didn't all turn out quite the way I had hoped. This is why you have to take as many as I do!

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After BTMRR my ride of choice was IJ which had a 30 minute wait posted. I keep telling myself that I'm going to do stand by again so I can take more photos of the indoor queue area (although FP's would work for this purpose as well I suppose) but I set the thought aside once again in favor of the SRL. It's just a nice experience when you're by yourself and I really like using the elevator. It was a short wait once again (9 minutes including the walk in) and I got to sit in the back row, all by myself! This is my favorite place to sit, on the ends, because it just feels faster back there. Love it.

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I really wanted to go back on BTMRR right then and there so I started to make my way over to Frontierland with a stop in through the shops along the way to keep my eye out for any pin trading CM's. I'm always on the lookout for Snow White pins of any kind. But on my way out of Pioneer Mercantile I had to stop and enjoy some live entertainment courtesy of Farley the Fiddler! I've seen him there as long as I can remember but so rarely do I actually stop for a listen. And I loved every second of it. We even learned how to yodel courtesy of a knock-knock joke that even I can tell.

Knock, knock
Who's there?
Little old lady
Little old lady, who?​

Did I mention it was just fun? I really wish I would spend a little more time watching all of the little bits on live entertainment here and here. There is so much more than what is actually listed on the Times Guide.

Afterward I did remember that I was supposed to be heading back to BTMRR. Somehow, I didn't make it on though. There was a huge group of people huddled around the entrance talking with the CM's so I decided rather than try to make my way through them I would grab a 2nd FP to use before I left and then went on my merry little way, once again.

... to be continued ...​

 

[Belle Ella]

It wasn't the hotel I would have picked, but it was definitely really nice! I'm glad we got one of the new rooms. All the fixtures were really awesome, and totally something I'd love myself. I think Jessica really liked them too! Also, the headboard thing behind the bed was really cool.

It was nicer than Paradise Pier, if I remember correctly. But no GCH.

I wanted to wrap the whole room up and bring it home. No joke. I love the DLH. But I also love staying on-site, period. As for the GCH ... It's one of a kind. Nothing will come close to touching how special that place is to me. Someday, someday.

Oh and I am bummed about Pooh Corner too. I was bringing Tigger Tails home and that is the only place you can get them. Anywhere.

Maybe I'll have to bring one back for you at another date, lol.

No, really it was pretty epic! I had a great time. The company wasn't so bad either.

Wasn't so bad, huh?

Screamin' is definitely worth giving a try. It's a lot calmer than it looks. It's such a smooth ride.

If drops are not your thing, then ToT is probably not either. But you're right Michelle, the gift shop is pretty cool. I got a pressed penny in there and it's one of my favourites.

I just feel white knuckle about Screamin' I am not sure I could enjoy it. Tot, forget it. But, I do love the gift shop.

I love Screamin' but I am not a fan of ToT. I like the theming and I think the way they set up the ride is super cool, but when it drops, it just makes my stomach hurt and it's not that fun for me. Screamin' doesn't make my tummy hurt so therefore it's fun

She's not a big fan of ToT. She will go on it, but she would prefer not to. I think you will LOVE Screamin'.

Alrighty. I will take everything into consideration! So far you all haven't let me down. I'll have to stew on this one a while longer, lol.

 

[kaoden39]

I love the fact that Princesses were out by the castle. I like them there so much more. Did you see Rapunzel?

 

[Belle Ella]

I love the fact that Princesses were out by the castle. I like them there so much more. Did you see Rapunzel?

I was so excited!! I've wanted to see them around the Castle for a while now. Lately, I've only been seeing Snow White out with the Queen but never getting there in time for a photo. It was nice to see some of the others out.

As for Rapunzel, I did, I did. Eventually, lol.

 

[kaoden39]

I was so excited!! I've wanted to see them around the Castle for a while now. Lately, I've only been seeing Snow White out with the Queen but never getting there in time for a photo. It was nice to see some of the others out.

As for Rapunzel, I did, I did. Eventually, lol.

Ooh, sounds promising.

 

[Belle Ella]

I sure think so. There's still plenty to come. Whenever I get around to editing the rest of these darn photos!

 

[DisneyStitch626]

How cool to be able to see the Princesses in front of the castle! I am not a princess lover, but if we had seen some there, we might have stopped to get a pic or two. I don't actually remember seeing any princesses while we were there. I guess we did see Cinderella in the Hollywood Backlot studios when they were doing a quick performance thing, but that's it.

How come you're not a big fan of the snowflakes? I think they look kinda pretty, but I guess they don't really have a Disney feel to them.

 

[tdashgirl]

I agree with you - seeing the princesses by the castle -

 

[Belle Ella]

How come you're not a big fan of the snowflakes? I think they look kinda pretty, but I guess they don't really have a Disney feel to them.

They just didn't fit for me. I mentioned it a while back in one of my TR updates. But there's just some disconnect for me between those decorations and the decorations everywhere else. Everything ties into the area where it was found and then those snowflakes just pop up out of nowhere.

I agree with you - seeing the princesses by the castle -

Gotta catch them in their natural setting! One reason why I'm still sad they turned the Ariel (mermaid) meet and greet into Pixie Hollow, lol.

 

[Belle Ella]

With 2 BTMRR FP's in my hand and deciding to hold off on using either of them (as in the one that was now active) I took a walk along Big Thunder Trail on my way to Fantasyland where I had been noticing that Big Thunder Ranch was still closed, assuming it was while they took down their holiday decorations. Knowing what I know now about the Family Fun Weekends at Disneyland I have a feeling that these plans could have also played a part in keeping Big Thunder Ranch closed, as it would remain for the rest of this particular trip to Disneyland.

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But my main goal this time was Fantasyland, and I wanted to hit up the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough since I haven't done that in a while and certainly don't have any photos of it. Of course, I can't have that! Photos of every aspect of Disneyland are a huge must in my life. I never got to see the original walkthrough before it was closed down, but I really love this. Maybe it's just because you actually get to walk throughthe Castle itself. I mean, how cool is that? The dioramas are very similar to the style of the movie which I love, and it's just fun to pretend like you're walking through a real Castle. I wish I hadn't been keeping this off my list lately.

So, I present to you my photos from the Castle walkthrough! This update will mostly be photos, lol.

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When I left the walkthrough I made my way back toward the hub thinking about where I wanted to go next and what I wanted to when I just happened to turn around and see Snow White walking right toward me. Once again, I missed her taking photos by the Wishing Well! She was slowing down, trying to find the other Princesses on their way out for tea and was happy to stop for a quick photo (no me in this one, but it's better than nothing). And just then Ariel and Aurora popped up on their way out as well so all 3 of them went off on their way. It goes to figure that the two princesses I still wanted to see would walk right past me, right?

... to be continued ...​

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Well at least you got to see her even if she didn't have time to include you in the photo. It must be exciting to turn around and see your favourite character walking towards you. I would love to see Stitch out and about like that.

Love the pictures of the Castle. The colours are so bright. Just like you're there. I wish I could get pictures to look like that!

 

[tdashgirl]

I never got to see the Pre 9/11 walkthrough either! I love it now. So cool. One of those "only in Disney" attractions.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Did they change it because of 9/11? If so, why?

 

[Belle Ella]

Well at least you got to see her even if she didn't have time to include you in the photo. It must be exciting to turn around and see your favourite character walking towards you. I would love to see Stitch out and about like that.

Love the pictures of the Castle. The colours are so bright. Just like you're there. I wish I could get pictures to look like that!

I was excited! I still had a few days to search her out though And I have to say a lot of the colors in the photos are me trying to edit them. Maybe I should post a before (RAW) and after (edited) photos.

I never got to see the Pre 9/11 walkthrough either! I love it now. So cool. One of those "only in Disney" attractions.

I did search out some photos of it. I definitely prefer what they've done now. It's so much closer to the original artwork!

Did they change it because of 9/11? If so, why?

My understanding is that it wasn't because 9/11 as far as the attacks that happened, but because people stopped traveling as much and attendance dropped dramatically and some things had to be closed down due to cost, and the walkthrough being one of those things that suffered because of it.

ETA: But also because it was just completely outdated. The dolls were definitely 'ancient' by 2005. You can see some of the photos here.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Oh okay! That makes sense. I was trying to figure out what on earth the Sleeping Beauty story had in it that would cause them to shut it down. Or what the Castle might have had to do with it. But that I understand.

 

[Belle Ella]

Yeah, it was definitely for the better! I just wish it hadn't taken them so long to get it open again. But the newer, updated version is just perfect.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

I am not really sure what is different from the older version, but it had been 13 years, so I guess that's to be expected. But other than colours being brighter, it seemed like it was before.

 

[Belle Ella]

I am not really sure what is different from the older version, but it had been 13 years, so I guess that's to be expected. But other than colours being brighter, it seemed like it was before.

Did you see the link that I posted in an edit? Dolls were used and had a very strong disconnect from the style of the movies compared to what there is now.

http://www.yesterland.com/sbwalkthru.html