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

[WDWJonasGirl]

Your trip report is really good!! I love the Dis Diva shirt.

 

[tdashgirl]

 

[JH87]

Yay an update
How annoying a about the other person using flash on POTC!!
I havent had a Mickey pancake in ages! After reading your latest post I think I will make sure to get one next time I'm in DLR!

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Great update Jessica! Love all the light photos!

 

[Belle Ella]

Thank you Andrea! Pretty short one I know. I just realized I'm coming up on the last of the photos I took during the trip. Maybe I can even finish this TR this week, but that's so sad. I wish I had more photos. I had fun photographing the lights though. There are so stinking many! It's a task I could never finish completely.

Jillian, it figures doesn't it? And the person was at the back of the boat so I couldn't discreetly ask them to stop using flash or something. So I get looked at as the bad guy from the get-go when I'm not the little devil using flash. I was being a perfect Sigh. Just once I would love to go through POTC without a single flash going off. What do you think the chances are of that ever happening?

Hey, I think I want to make myself a Mickey pancake now.

Hi Tania!

Thank you WDWJonasGirl! I haven't been as much of a TR'er as I was in the past but I'm an addict. And the shirts that Mel (tinkermell) made were just amazing and I'm so glad I was able to sign up for the trip in time to get a shirt.

Hey there Bret! Glad you like. It was one of those moments where I couldn't stop. The Scavvy Hunt really put them in my mind. I'll still probably take more as they catch my eye on upcoming trips. But then again, I have a very specific set of things to photograph in September. Eek!

 

[sierranevada]

Aw, I see I'm getting views but no comments, lol. How did my TR get so lonely lately? I tease, I tease.

I'm reading too! Great photos - but then we knew you were a great photographer!

I am laughing at the light post pictures - recognizing a few from the Scavy Hunt!

 

[Belle Ella]

Good to know you're reading Bridget! And thank you. I have to say though, you've got a better memory than I do. I can't for the life of me remember which light posts were a part of the Scavvy Hunt. But then again, when we divvied up the work Michelle was focusing on the light posts that we didn't know off the top of our heads. I think the 3rd light photo that I posted was on the hunt but I can't remember for sure. Sheesh. How did I survive the hunt period?

Very excited right now! I've got more photos edited and uploaded to Flickr and should have another post up tonight. Gotta roll through this so I can start an official PTR for my Labor Day Weekend trip.

 

[Belle Ella]

While I did sit in for another Billy Hill show, I'll spare you any more photos. Then again, it's not really a decision that's in my hand since I decided to sit and watch the show this time without taking any photos. It's funny how I'll find moments where I like to take everything in without my camera glued to my face when it's with me, but when I leave it behind everything feels off. But it was a fun show - not that I expected anything less. I cannot say it enough: if you haven't had the chance to catch the Billies, make sure that next time you're in the area you do!!

By the time the show was over it was getting to be time to meet back up with the rest of the Divas! There was a big group lunch planned at Big Thunder Ranch that afternoon that I hadn't signed up for (again, the whole budget thing, but also because I had 'signed up' for the trip so late). There was still some time before they were supposed to meet up so I figured why not take photos in and around Big Thunder Ranch and wait for some familiar faces to show up.

Alameda Slim was featured on a question from the Scavvy Hunt.





Yes, more lights!







I was very happy to get a mine train in the background!



Sometimes I wonder if the dear old billy goat gets tired or lonely up there by himself ...



But I think I found someone up for the job if he ever gets tired of it!



​

And then the camera was shut off for a while. A long while. That was the last action my beloved DSLR would see for the remainder of the trip. It's almost sad, but I was too busy doing lots and lots of things that kept me a little preoccupied. So this can only mean that the Divas started to arrive for their meal. I did a little milling around and chatting with everyone, although I wasn't planning on staying for the actual meal. It was a pretty big group and if you've been over to Laurie's Diva TR you'll have some visual proof of the number of tables they/we overtook. I stayed to help take a few photos with everyone's camera, say goodbye to the ladies who were leaving that afternoon, and of course some general chit chat - I got better in that department (since we all know I love to talk) as the weekend went on. But eventually I was to go off on my own since I wasn't eating and I offered to grab FP's for anyone who wanted any. There were quite a few who would be leaving at some point on Sunday so didn't need FP's but they did offer up their tickets for FP's anyway and the consensus that I got was on Space Mountain so that's where I was off to! It was pretty fun grabbing those FP's, let me tell you. The stack of them was just insane! Usually when I'm the FP "runner" I only need one, not 10+ (I don't remember the actual number I grabbed though, lol).

I had pretty good timing as it turns out. Between my trek to Tomorrowland and back, taking my sweet time along the way, I got back while their meal was winding down. Actually I made it back just in time for the big family dessert - chocolate chip cookie bake - that Laurie insisted I give a taste It's hard to turn down an offer like that. All I can say is this: delicious! I couldn't do more than a small bite though, lactose intolerance and all that jazz.

The rest of the day from there is a pretty big blur to be perfectly honest! After lunch a big chunk of the group stuck together while more ladies had to leave to either pack up and head home or to go off on their own for a little bit. I decided to stick with a group instead of by myself and off we went! The only thing I can remember that we did for sure was a group ride on BTMRR and before I knew it I was all the way on the other side of the resort waiting in line for Soarin' Over California with Mel (tinkermell) waiting for Tina (BillyFan) and her mom. These three ladies were gonna get me into trouble!! There was a lot of talk about plans for the night and I was invited back up to the Villa at the Grand Californian to watch World of Color from the balcony later that night (impossible to pass up, just for the company alone) and also to room with them as well since Michelle (ZoeMakes5) had decided to pack up and head home a day early and with Laurie's (DizNee Luver) DH flying in that night and I felt just a tad bit awkward staying at the Carousel. Something would work out! But that's not the trouble - the trouble is that they somehow got me to agree to go on Tower of Terror. Me! Go on Tower of Terror? I never would have imagined agreeing to it in a thousand years but somehow I did and when I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it!! I just had to keep my mind off of it and all would be well, right? Well, that and at some point in the evening Vicki (bsblgrl23) bribed me with a churro ... And I'm a sucker for a churro.

After Soarin' we did have to split up. It was turning into a rather cold day and I had been shivering all afternoon without a sweater or anything. The rain clouds were a-coming so I knew I was going to have to make a dash back to the Carousel to at least grab something with long sleeves, and maybe change my shoes for something warmer. I grabbed Tina and Mel's phone numbers to make plans to meet back up later and was on my way!

Again, everything from this point on is a blur, but I did make it back into Disneyland after I grabbed some warmer clothes, which was funny considering how hot it was on Saturday. It had started to rain/sprinkle which had me thinking back to one of my trips in December/January when it had been raining. I had seen some people walking by in the cutest little Minnie Mouse poncho that I really wanted but never got the chance to get. Well, now was the perfect opportunity for me to hunt it down, and hunt it down I would! It took a little time and after talking with a few CM's at the Emporium one was finally able to locate one for me. Now, in truth it is meant for little kids, but I'm small enough that I can make it work! And when you have a Minnie Mouse poncho what should your first thought be? Find Minnie Mouse of course!

​

Somehow I managed to catch back up with Tina (BillyFan) and Vicki (bsblgrl23)and we made our way towards the Villas at the Grand Californian so we could all go watch WOC! If I've said it once, I'll say it again: I absolutely love the style of that hotel and it very much makes me feel at home considering it's the style of woodworking my grandfather. But this was the first time I've seen the new Villas up close and they do not disappoint! But best of all was just getting there with the large group of assembled Divas who were left. There was chit chat, there was champagne and wine (you'd better believe I had a glass if I was expected to not die of anxiety before going on Tower of Terror that night), and just all around good company. Eventually it was time for WOC to start and a few of us went out to the balcony to watch. It was a pretty interesting viewpoint and it's kind of awesome that you can see the sow from the Villas period, just another plus if you ask me. Although I suppose the sound could bother some people. There was a channel so you could pipe the music from the show on the TV but if you were out on the balcony you didn't really need it. I tried to get a little video to share (which you can find here).

After the show was over a group of us that included Mel, Tina and her mom, Vicki and myself (I honestly can't remember who else, if anyone) went straight down to DCA to get some rides in before closing. We wanted to try and squeeze in TSMM (and we were successful thanks to some passes that Mel had) before letting Tower of Terror claim me. I don't even know what to say about my very first drop on TOT. I was so nervous beforehand, my hands were shaking and I was second guessing myself the whole way through the queue (we had FP's so that went rather fast) but everyone was right there with me talking me through it. For some reason I am of the mind that I will be OK if I know exactly what to expect so they gave me a blow by blow account of what will happen on the ride. 3 drops? That's it. OK, I can do that. 3 drops, and the final 2 you almost can't tell which direction you're going they happen so fast ... Uh, sure. It was all a haze to be perfectly honest. Before I knew what was happening we were standing over our numbers waiting to enter the elevator shaft and Tina's mom became my hero for offering to let me hold her hand if I needed to - and I needed to! My stomach was already floored and we hadn't even moved yet.

Now, I have to be honest, I have never actually screamed on a ride before. I'm more of a terrified in silence kind of girl, but I'm sure it also has to do with the fact that I until recently I had never gone on an actual thrill ride. Well, I made my first exception for TOT. I don't think I stopped screaming once, I just couldn't stop it from coming out. I was sure it was never going to end and after the final drop (it couldn't have really been 3, not even possible) I thought Tina was insane for telling me it was all over and I had done it. But the enxt thing I knew we were walking down a flight of stairs, exiting the ride. Well, I don't actually think you can call what I was doing walking since my knees were wobbling so much. But she was right, I did and, and you wanna know something else?

I loved it!

​

The shaking eventually gave way to nervous laughter that was just something I'd never experienced before. Talk about an adrenaline rush though. Holy smokes. Now, I don't think my poor heart could handle doing it more than once a day but there is no way I will ever go on another Disneyland trip without stopping by California Adventure if solely for that ride.

By the time we got off TOT, DCA was closing up but I still had a few FP's of my own for Space Mountain - and Vicki owed me a churro! So at least the two of us made the trek back over to Disneyland. It was funny when we went to grab that churro though. The CM working the cart was in love with the Minnie poncho that I was still wearing and had never seen it before it - that thing was turning into a huge hit! I can't wait to break it out again one day. After getting one last ride in on Space Mountain Vicki agreed to walk back to the Carousel with me to grab some things to take back to the Villas with me for the night. It was going to be a night of little sleep and I was going to turn into the roommate Ninja but that's a story for day 4. All I knew was it had been a very long day full of new experiences and terrifyingly fun adventures and I was beat!

 

[Belle Ella]

I know it's kind of disjointed, but there's what I remember to close out Sunday!

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Yay! So glad to finally hear about your TOT experience! Such a fun ride hey? And what a great view of WOC. It would be a dream to stay in one of those rooms one day.

 

[Belle Ella]

It sure has taken me long enough to post about it huh? I'm closing in on 4 months since returning from this trip. Ack! Where has the time gone, I ask you! Man it was amazing though. One day I want to go on through the stand-by line so I can get some photos of the queue. I wanted to look at everything but with the FP's we were moving pretty quickly. Plus there was no way I could have been expected to use my camera at that moment! And the villas are crazy awesome. I'll settle for staying at the GCH period, but it's like a home away from home with a kitchen and everything.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Didn't realize you had posted some more......so glad I came over to take a peek!!!!! I was so proud of you for doing ToT (eventhough I've never done it & have no plans on doing so......lol). I absolutely loved your poncho....it was darned cute!!!!!

I'm glad you had fun at the villas but really....you didn't need to feel awkward staying with Mike & I.......we're just an old married couple.......

I'm also super happy I talked you into going on this trip!!!! I knew you'd have a blast & it was just what the doctor ordered at that time in your life!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

I decided to be sneaky, huh?! I was so excited to get the rest of Sunday's photos edited that I just had to post it. Otherwise we'd probably be waiting another month for one single update. I want to have this TR finished before I hit the 50 day countdown for September. Thankfully that's coming up! I'm going through major withdrawals right now and I don't like it one bit.

Look at it this way: I can officially say I got to "stay" at the Villas. Just one thing I can cross off my Disney bucket list, lol. It was nice to meet Mike Sunday night when I picked up my stuff (and when I dropped back in Monday morning, but that's a story for another day ).

And you are solely responsible for talking me into this trip and I don't think I could begin to thank you enough. Next year I'll just have to buy you a very nice treat, lol. It's just a shame my budget has been so tight lately. Man, I can't imagine the kind of withdrawals I would be going through right now if I hadn't gotten that trip in. That would put me at 8 months in between trips. That's the definition of torture!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I was so happy you did come......just wish I would have been feeling more like myself.....I missed out on a ton & didn't get to spend too much time with you.....so I was glad you hit it off with so many of the other gals. I promise to be in much better spirits next time!!!

We're going thru withdrawls here....but having a trip planned helps ease the pain a bit.

So you're doing the half in Sept & the Tink one in January?? Impressive!!! Then the ladies trip in Feb?? Wow to be young & single......lol

I'll be really excited to see your reports from doing those half marathons!!! I wish my knee hadn't blown out so young.....running, jogging, etc really aren't in my future but I'm always interested in hearing about them from those who can do them!! (if they'd let me walk the whole way, I might give it some serious thought....but would need to start locally)

 

[Belle Ella]

It was a shame you were having a hard time, but a least you were there! it was really great to see you again and actually have more than an hour or so to just say hi in passing and all that. We'll just have to ramp up the fun and excitement for next year's trip. And I'm so glad that it wasn't totally awkward for me and that I got along with everyone. The trip turned out way better than I had hoped going into it.

I guess we all know how the withdrawals go, huh? But you've got an awesome trip in the works. Halloween Time was awesome, and I didn't even get the experience the whole thing last year since I went in September and not October. But the planning does make it a little easier, but I'm still going crazy on my end.

A part of me is still in shock that I've signed up for these. I must be crazy! I'm only doing the 5K in September, which is just over 3 miles. That'll be easier since that's what my usual walk/jog started out as. I still have a lot to do to get ready for the Half in January though, lol. I'm so excited to report back on them. Hopefully I do us all proud!

 

[Belle Ella]

My final day with the Divas who were left had me sneaking off before dark. I became the roomie Ninja - getting to the Villas after midnight when everyone was fast asleep and waking up, showering, and heading back to the Carousel before anyone woke up! So much for my Diva slumber party, huh? It wasn't a planned thing, but Laurie and Mike (DizNee Luver and her DH) were checking out of the Carousel that morning and into PPH and since I hadn't taken all of my things with me the previous night I needed to make it back there before they left. My car was there too, which is a pretty important thing if you ask me! And there I got to say my final goodbyes (until next year) to Laurie, load everything into my car, and then make my way to the Esplanade to start my morning in the Park at rope drop. I only had a few hours since I didn't want to be doing too much driving at night on my way home, but a few hours is better than no hours! It was kind of a solo morning but I had kind of, somehow, told Tina the night before that I might consider going on California Screamin' now that I had conquered my fears on Tower of Terror. I could do it. I could do it. Maybe.

​

And so I made it there for rope drop where I managed to get myself right up to the said rope. It's become a habit to get as close to the front as I can when it comes to Disneyland, mostly for photography reasons - I like the clear space. But of course I did the unthinkable and *gasp* didn't bring my DSLR with me into the Parks. I wanted to get some final ride time in without worrying too much about the photos. And it felt weird. But never mind that!

My first stop for the morning was going to be Space Mountain. It really has become a favorite of mine. Absolutely 100% and I was not going to leave without going on it one last time. But ... as luck would have it they weren't up and running at opening which also meant no Fast Passes. Sigh. I had to decide right then and there if I was going to try and wait it out or move on the bigger and better things - so to speak. Well, like I said, I told myself I was not leaving without getting on it one last time and if I was going to spend some time in DCA with Tina that didn't really leave me an open window for later. And so I waited. And waited. And had some chats with the different CM's that were out letting people know the ride was not open just yet. I don't think I want to tell you how long I waited for, but it was my final day, I wanted to go on it, and it wasn't going to kill me to wait. But guess what? I got to be the first guest on. So that brings my 'opening' ride count to ... 3? Space Mountain, Snow White's Scary Adventure, and Peter Pan! Just a fun little factoid. I didn't hit up too many other rides at Disneyland for the morning. Just BTMRR, I think. At that point, I was ready to say goodbye to my new boyfriend, Billy Hill in front of the Pioneer Mercantile shop! It would also be the perfect place to run into Tina again (and I believe we saw a couple of other Divas in passing who were leaving on Monday as well). The best part? My Billy was there. And they were joined by Farley. It brought back memories.

Eye Spy with my little eye ...​

So I lied. The best part was getting a photo at the end, and another packet of Kraft Parmesean Cheese - this time signed. And as sad as it is to say, that was the end of my time in Disneyland until the next time, lol. We did take a peak through Pioneer Mercantile where I made a mental note of all the Disney kitchen stuff I need to get some day, lol. But then we were off to California Adventure because I was going to go on California Screamin' for the first time ever, plus my second ride on Tower of Terror! We grabbed FP's for Screamin' and then made our way back to Tower of Terror to wait standby and I, of course, was wishing that I had my DSLR so I could get photos of the queue. Yeah, it was just as fun as it was the first time and I was still just as terrified all at the same time. I have to say that my favorite part was watching (more like feeling) my necklace 'flying' up near my face. It was totally floating in midair. It was also interesting to be on it in daytime and actually being able to see when you reach the top before you drop. I think it made the ride a little more intense for me, but I can't say for sure. Ask me again after ride #3!

​

Then came the moment of truth. California Screamin'. A roller coaster with a loop. Oh no, oh no, oh no. What on earth possessed me to agree to this one? How on earth did Tina talk me into it? But just as it was with Tower of Terror, once I verbally said I would do it there was no going back. I honestly can't remember everything that led up to getting on but there was definitely encouragement. But, hey, I did it! And I officially found the second ride that you couldn't stop me from screaming on, so the name was definitely suitable. Once again ...

I loved it!

​

I suppose I really am going to be spending more time in DCA in the future!

I hate to say it, but that ended up being my final ride for the day. It was closing in on 2p or later and I needed to hit the road. After saying my goodbyes to Tina and her mom, who I absolutely loved meeting, I had to make my way back to the Carousel to collect my car and the officially hit the road for home! I didn't want to but at least I was leaving with the knowledge that I had just had one of the best times there ever with a pretty awesome group of women. And I would officially be leaving as a conqueror of the big girl rides and a DIS Diva!

.stop.​

 

[DizNee Luver]

You got so brave this trip.....sniff sniff, you're growing up before my eyes......

California Screamin kinda grows on ya....the boys talked me into doing it on our 2005 trip....after watching all thru dinner at Ariel's (this was back when it was Captain Mickey's meal).....I actually did it...not sure what I was thinking, but I really did have fun & do it at least once a trip now.

Glad you had a good time on your last half day there......Mike & I never really did see anyone that day.....but we also didn't get to the park until close to noon (I think....I remember it being pretty late).

 

[BillyFan]

I was so proud of you for going on TOT and Screaming! But you know you really wanted to ride them. It didn't take much arm-twisting from me to get you on either of them!

And I'm glad you took such a liking to the Billys. I was sad my boyfriend wasn't there all weekend, but at least you got to meet your Billy boyfriend ;-)

 

[Belle Ella]

Laurie - I suppose that means this trip was like ... a right of passage for me, huh? I don't think I'll be able to handle TOT or CS multiple times a day, or even every day just yet, but they will be definite staples for upcoming trips. Now that I know for myself that they wont kill me from fear I suppose I don't have any other reason not to. Sometimes I think the myself "what was going through my head when I agreed to that, because I always swore up and down it would never happen". But it's totally different now that I have.

It was a good last day and I was glad I took it as a 'lazy' day and not trying to cram as much as I possibly could in before I had to leave. I love my "commando" days, but I also love my "low key lazy AP holder days" as I like to call them. I think mostly everyone had left come Monday morning and those that were still there outside of you me, Tina and her mom were leaving pretty early in the morning. I think that we saw Steph when we were in Frontierland. But she's the only one coming to mind.

I really need to do something to combat these mental reporting lapses! Wait, that's what my new toy - er, iPhone - is for!

Tina - I know, I know! There was no real arm-twisting or deceiving involved in getting me on either, I freely complied! But I was still terrified. Actually, I had pretty much already decided before leaving that I was going to give them a try if I found anyone to go on them with. They are not the kinds of things I can bring myself to try by myself for the first time. Andrea/DisneyStitch626 and a few others were slowly talking me into them after they slowly talked me into Space Mountain.

I've been fan of the Billys for a while, but this trip took that to a while new level, haha! It would have been nice to see you Billy there! But it all worked out for me, lol. Aw, don't I sound like a spoiled brat. Next year Tina, next year!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Yay!!! I'm so glad you were able to get on Screamin and Tower!! That's awesome