Discovering Another Mad Dash (Oct 14): Heading Home and Finally finishing this TR #1523 (05/03)

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Next Post)


The Only Way to Close out the Night


Discovery #39. I had researched everything for this trip EXCEPT for Disneyland. (*hangs head in shame*)



By now, we were all pretty tired and turning into pumpkin heads.






We figured it was time to exit out of the park and head back to our respective hotels.






I stopped to take a shot of the Main Street Station....






....when....






It was obvious that I had done little to no research on the Disneyland Halloween Party.


Ironic, isn't it?


I had researched the heck out of every spot we were likely to go to in SoCal but I was completely clueless about some of the Halloween Party events.






I think I might have read about the Villains Goodbye but I hadn't taken any notice about when or what or who. In any event, it really hadn't stuck in my memory banks so this show was almost a complete surprise to me.
There were people sitting on the kerbside and I guess they might have been waiting a while. We were lucky enough to find just enough space for us to squeeze in for prime viewing.






I know we found a spot in front of a couple of strollers; so we weren't blocking anyone behind us or grabbing a prime spot from someone else. For those people that might have been there that night, I thank you for your understanding and moving the strollers millimetres to the back so that the 3 of us could sit down.






Everyone has their own favourite Disney characters but where would a Disney story be without a GREAT villain?







This was a cute show and the accompanying song was pretty catchy.







I was thrilled to see so many Villains in one spot.












As a final kick of the heels, the Villain's Goodbye was a great way to say goodnight to the park.







Contrary to appearances, everyone was happy to see the Villains. Even DS.







So was it worth it?







Let's take a closer look.






First, by the numbers. Tickets for the party range from $56 to $70 for the night we visited. Through the graciousness of Bret, sharing the bounty of his AP, I purchased my tickets at the bottom of that range. The tickets allowed us entry from 3 pm and we didn't leave till the park closed at 11 pm. That's pretty decent park time for the price of the ticket.






During that time, I got in 1 ride (my boys got in 3 or 4). That was by choice. We experienced 1.5 parades....actually let's call that the total sum of 2 parades if we include the Villain's Goodbye....and got to catch fireworks in front of a Disney castle.

We also got in a few more meet and greets, which we don't normally do. And it was lovely to see the pumpkins and the Halloween decorations.











The intangible benefits. I thought that the LAND managed the candy run in a much more organised fashion. The pre-party areas were great and provided the guests with a way to collect candy and get some character Meet and Greets done early. I think my family and Bret’s definitely maximised our experience by heading to the pre-party areas early. Trick or Treating is getting bigger in Australia; but this is not something that we would normally do. We did end up with a bit of candy at the end of the night.

We had the misfortune of attending on a sell-out night so the wait times on some of the rides were like being in the park on a fairly busy day. As a consequence, we decided to stake-out our spot early for the fireworks, which is what we traded off for ride time. In retrospect, it was a choice between queueing in a ride line or queueing for the fireworks and people-watching. Wouldn't you have loved to have been a spider on the wall for that discussion with Bret and DH and myself?






I guess I was pretty happy about how the night turned out. Afterall, one of the things on my Disneyland to-do list was to play with the Firework Gods in front of the Sleeping Beauty castle. And I definitely ticked that one off the list.

The one sub-par note for me for the night was the Cavalcade. But that's because I am doing the comparison against the offering at WDW. Still, I hope that Disney does promote that Cavalcade to full parade status in the near future.




All in all, it was a good night.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Your Halloween Screams fireworks pictures turned out really nice that night. I'm glad that you were happy with your firework trail shots that night. That will be one cross off your bucket list. I still have to do more firework trail shots at WDW since I have started it a few years ago and still have a lot to learn. Just like you PiO, since DAF and I are AP holders we spent $56 for candy and the firework trail shots. DAF would not spend that money on the party since she has done the one in 2010 but the party was well more organized than in 2010. But it was well worth the money to spend the day with you, DH and DS during MHP.

It would have been nice to go around the park that night getting photos and going to other trick-or-treat stations around the park like in Frontierland, NOS, Critter Country, etc. You got a great spot for Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade that night where the cavalcade was coming from MS Town Square to IASW Plaza.

The Villain show at Main Street Railroad station was very nice to end the night. It was my pleasure to help you out with the MHP tickets. We had a great time even though we went on one ride the whole day but we were able to do a lot of different things from the shows and trick-or treat stations.

It is nice to compare Mickey's Halloween Party to WDW Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. You have now experienced both parties just like I have and there are some great things about each party where they are different. I like DL HS fireworks over HalloWishes fireworks. MNSSHP has a real parade while DL is a cavalcade. The treat stations at WDW can be very crowded while DL is not that bad thanks to the pre trick-or-treat stations as well.

Looking forward to reading your next day.

 

[ACDSNY]

Your pics are making me want to go next year, we haven't been to the Halloween Party at DL since they moved it from DCA to DL.

I'd says the Fireworks Gods were smiling, the pics are amazing and I don't think I could pick just one as my favorite, I loved them all.

 

[dolphingirl47]

The fireworks shots and the photos of Rivers of America came out really well. I did not manage to watch the cavalcade during either of the two Halloween parties that I attended and it looks like I did not miss anything. Then again, I am not really a parade person at the best of times. I loved the photos of the Villains Goodbye. They did not do this in 2011. All the more reason to go back to Disneyland during the Halloween season.

Corinna

 

[EJ4Disney]

Your firework shots are amazing. I am totally loving this trip report.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Your firework trail pics are amazing. I love them. I would have one of those blown up and printed on my wall. I think I need to learn how to use DH camera and tripod and start taking pics since he is so slack these days to bother. Now a single trip would work since he hates to wait for firework shows or parades as well......

I also think I will have to go to a DL Halloween as a lot of the decorations looked better (rather they appealed to me more) than WDW, there are the two overlays at SM and HM and it sounds much better set up with the early trail openings etc. The Villains Goodbye looks like a great show too. WDW just has the excellent Parade. Wow you certainly have done Halloween this year!!

 

[franandaj]

Those were some great fireworks shots. I understand you wanting to get them from closer to the castle to where we were last year. That is why I was so bummed when they canceled the fireworks that we were supposed to see from the hub with Jenny last week.

That Cavalcade has nothing on WDW's parade. In fact the Grave Diggers and all the other ghastly folks in the parade are what make it. I can't believe that they can't find extras from Hollywood to fill that parade!

I did like the idea of the Villans deal, that was cool. I'm not sure that I will be taking advantage of the Halloween Party here. We didn't think that the WDW was all that great and probably won't be all that hip to see the CA version.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Those were some great fireworks shots. I understand you wanting to get them from closer to the castle to where we were last year. That is why I was so bummed when they canceled the fireworks that we were supposed to see from the hub with Jenny last week.

It is nice to see the fireworks from the castle where it also has the projections and also see Tink, Zero, Dumbo fly as well. We did spent some time staking out a spot that night and luckily it wasn't that windy that night. Where did you and Jenny see BIHM fireworks from the Hub area last week?

 

[scottny]

The french breakfast sounds good.

Shopping is always fun and especially at the Outlets.

Comfortable is always good, especially at a wedding.

Nice view on the deck.

Looked like a very nice wedding.

60 minute wait I would have gone to a drive thru. LOL.

The tour at the zoo sounded nice.

Looks like the need a “no fly zone” like Disney. LOL

Lovely animal pics.

Sorry the food was not good.

I am shocked at the white lie. LOL. You were having a good time, it is acceptable.

If we ever meet I will never make you angry. LOL. Nice shots.

The sculpture park is gorgeous.

Sounds like it was a good day with family at home.

Yeah Disney! That burger looks good.

Great parade pics. I cannot wait to see it next year.

I almost bought one of the those sticks in Italy to take selfies. They are actually cheaper there than on Amazon. LOL. Love photobombers.

Lovely head shots of BTMRR. LOL.

Now I want a GoPro.

Love the pre-party area.
.
Nice amount of candy you got.

Amazing fireworks pics.

I am all caught up again.

 

[Jade+3]

Phew! Just caught up. I love the way your pictures tell the story.

 

[jedijill]

Yay, I can finally see your pictures. They turned out awesome! The Halloween party at DL looks interesting compared to WDW. The "calvacade" was a little odd.

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

It is nice to see the fireworks from the castle where it also has the projections and also see Tink, Zero, Dumbo fly as well. We did spent some time staking out a spot that night and luckily it wasn't that windy that night. Where did you and Jenny see BIHM fireworks from the Hub area last week?

They canceled them. We never got to see them.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Your Halloween Screams fireworks pictures turned out really nice that night. I'm glad that you were happy with your firework trail shots that night. That will be one cross off your bucket list. I still have to do more firework trail shots at WDW since I have started it a few years ago and still have a lot to learn. Just like you PiO, since DAF and I are AP holders we spent $56 for candy and the firework trail shots. DAF would not spend that money on the party since she has done the one in 2010 but the party was well more organized than in 2010. But it was well worth the money to spend the day with you, DH and DS during MHP.

I really enjoyed spending time with you and DAF as well.

It would have been nice to go around the park that night getting photos and going to other trick-or-treat stations around the park like in Frontierland, NOS, Critter Country, etc. You got a great spot for Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade that night where the cavalcade was coming from MS Town Square to IASW Plaza.

It would have been great to do that; but I think we did the right thing staying where we were. I would have liked to have gotten some shots in Fantasyland but I guess that gives me something to come back for.

I was very happy to get that spot for the cavalcade. And I think we were lucky that the CM didn't tell us to move!

The Villain show at Main Street Railroad station was very nice to end the night. It was my pleasure to help you out with the MHP tickets. We had a great time even though we went on one ride the whole day but we were able to do a lot of different things from the shows and trick-or treat stations.

I really appreciated the help with the tickets.

It is nice to compare Mickey's Halloween Party to WDW Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. You have now experienced both parties just like I have and there are some great things about each party where they are different. I like DL HS fireworks over HalloWishes fireworks. MNSSHP has a real parade while DL is a cavalcade. The treat stations at WDW can be very crowded while DL is not that bad thanks to the pre trick-or-treat stations as well.

Looking forward to reading your next day.

I have to say that I prefer HalloWishes.

Both experiences are different and I'm pleased to have done both. Not sure if I would do another Halloween party at WDW or DLR in the future. We'll just have to see what the future holds.

Your pics are making me want to go next year, we haven't been to the Halloween Party at DL since they moved it from DCA to DL.

I'd says the Fireworks Gods were smiling, the pics are amazing and I don't think I could pick just one as my favorite, I loved them all.

Thanks Angela. I was really happy with the colour in the firework shots. This was one show where even the smoke for the fireworks worked in with the colours and ambience.

The fireworks shots and the photos of Rivers of America came out really well. I did not manage to watch the cavalcade during either of the two Halloween parties that I attended and it looks like I did not miss anything. Then again, I am not really a parade person at the best of times. I loved the photos of the Villains Goodbye. They did not do this in 2011. All the more reason to go back to Disneyland during the Halloween season.

Corinna

I always like seeing Villains so I would agree with you. That Villains Goodbye is a good reason to go back to Disneyland.

Your firework shots are amazing. I am totally loving this trip report.

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the TR. Thanks for popping in.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Your firework trail pics are amazing. I love them. I would have one of those blown up and printed on my wall. I think I need to learn how to use DH camera and tripod and start taking pics since he is so slack these days to bother. Now a single trip would work since he hates to wait for firework shows or parades as well......

Well....I think you were considering coming down to Melbourne in September or October to tiptoe through the tulips with me and Zanzibar. If you are, bring your tripod. Maybe we'll have time to go out shooting.

I also think I will have to go to a DL Halloween as a lot of the decorations looked better (rather they appealed to me more) than WDW, there are the two overlays at SM and HM and it sounds much better set up with the early trail openings etc. The Villains Goodbye looks like a great show too. WDW just has the excellent Parade. Wow you certainly have done Halloween this year!!

Wendy - DLR does Halloween with enough difference to WDW that it is worth going to see it for yourself at least once.
I think I'm just about done with Halloween.

Those were some great fireworks shots. I understand you wanting to get them from closer to the castle to where we were last year. That is why I was so bummed when they canceled the fireworks that we were supposed to see from the hub with Jenny last week.

That's a shame that the fireworks were cancelled.

That Cavalcade has nothing on WDW's parade. In fact the Grave Diggers and all the other ghastly folks in the parade are what make it. I can't believe that they can't find extras from Hollywood to fill that parade!

I couldn't believe that they couldn't find extras either.

I did like the idea of the Villans deal, that was cool. I'm not sure that I will be taking advantage of the Halloween Party here. We didn't think that the WDW was all that great and probably won't be all that hip to see the CA version.

Thanks for sharing!

Maybe you'll have the opportunity in the future. It is a bit of cash for the party; and if you didn't think the WDW version was all that great, then it probably is best that you skip the DLR verison.

The french breakfast sounds good.

Shopping is always fun and especially at the Outlets.

Comfortable is always good, especially at a wedding.

Nice view on the deck.

Looked like a very nice wedding.

60 minute wait I would have gone to a drive thru. LOL.

The tour at the zoo sounded nice.

Looks like the need a “no fly zone” like Disney. LOL

Lovely animal pics.

Sorry the food was not good.

I am shocked at the white lie. LOL. You were having a good time, it is acceptable.

If we ever meet I will never make you angry. LOL. Nice shots.

The sculpture park is gorgeous.

Sounds like it was a good day with family at home.

Yeah Disney! That burger looks good.

Great parade pics. I cannot wait to see it next year.

I almost bought one of the those sticks in Italy to take selfies. They are actually cheaper there than on Amazon. LOL. Love photobombers.

Lovely head shots of BTMRR. LOL.

Now I want a GoPro.

Love the pre-party area.
.
Nice amount of candy you got.

Amazing fireworks pics.

I am all caught up again.

WOW! Scott!! You are all caught up.

I will only say that as someone with an Asian family, little white lies are sometimes better than telling it as it is. Especially where feelings and emotions are concerned. Sometimes, we don't ever talk about how we feel.

Phew! Just caught up. I love the way your pictures tell the story.

Thanks Jade! Glad to see that you're lurking around the Dis.

Yay, I can finally see your pictures. They turned out awesome! The Halloween party at DL looks interesting compared to WDW. The "calvacade" was a little odd.

Jill in CO

Thanks! Yes. Interesting is the right word for it.

 

[mvf-m11c]

They canceled them. We never got to see them.

I'm sorry that you didn't get to see BIHM fireworks during your day with Jenny and her family. Hopefully in the future that you will have the chance to see the fireworks in front of SB Castle.

I really enjoyed spending time with you and DAF as well.

It would have been great to do that; but I think we did the right thing staying where we were. I would have liked to have gotten some shots in Fantasyland but I guess that gives me something to come back for.

I was very happy to get that spot for the cavalcade. And I think we were lucky that the CM didn't tell us to move!

I really appreciated the help with the tickets.

I have to say that I prefer HalloWishes.

Both experiences are different and I'm pleased to have done both. Not sure if I would do another Halloween party at WDW or DLR in the future. We'll just have to see what the future holds.

It will be nice to hang out with you, DH and DS again in the near future.

It was our pleasure to help you out during your trip.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Day 6: Park Hopping At Disneyland and California Adventure....It's All About the Rides Today


Candy Cane Breakfast


Discovery #40. I remember why I picked the Candy Cane Inn. It's pretty around the pool.



Our room rate at the Candy Cane Inn included a continental breakfast. The area where the food is found inside is normally full of kids coming and going getting their breakfast so I didn't grab a picture. There were also no tables inside so we were obliged to head outside. It was then that I remembered what I had liked about the Candy Cane Inn.






Breakfast by the pool is the BEST way to enjoy this property.






And despite the standard fare, we did enjoy the Candy Cane breakfast.







(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Next Post)

Strolling Into the Park


Discovery #41. I like being able to take my tourist picture without having a ton of people around me.




There were quite a few people waiting to catch the complimentary shuttle and after a quick discussion, DH and I decided that we would be better walking to the park. It turned out to be a good decision. We beat the bus to the entry.






Judging from the lines outside the gates, the Carsland factor was still a major factor in plenty of guest's park strategy. Gone are the days when California Adventure was the poor cousin to Disneyland.






There were definitely more people at the DCA side waiting to go in compared to the DL side.






We had arranged to meet Bret and DAF inside the park at 9 am. That left us with enough time to get our obligatory tourist shots in.












For the record, the Photopass photographers had not yet set up in front of Main Street Station. I didn't understand why but most of the other guests chose to head in to the park rather than taking their own pictures in front of the Station. We made the most of the opportunity to get pictures taken with the morning light.






I really liked being able to get my tourist shot in without tons of people around.





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Next Post)


It's all about Rides Today....Lightspeed in Space


Discovery #42. The meaning to Disney Life, the Universe and Everything is Discover #42. It's all about the Space Rides at Disney and what great rides they are.




You may have remembered that we didn't get a lot of rides done yesterday. In fact, whilst we got in less rides than expected, it had been one of those things that I had always factored into the plans. Today was a day to address that imbalance.


We met up with Bret and DAF at the appointed place and time. And then we hit light speed!






We had every expectation of a golden day ahead of us.






We were hitting the day with a fully loaded plan in place.






You might even say it was one of those automatic guided plans.






We really had looked at this day from all angles.






After our jump to lightspeed....






....we stayed in Space.






There were a number of other people waiting to float through Space.






Thankfully, the loading dock was very efficient this morning.







It didn't take us long to get on our craft....





.....and blast off.






It sure was fun hitting LightSpeed in Space!


Postscript. We did try to stay in Space and went to check out Buzz Lightyear. But the ride was down and we decided we needed to move on. It was a shame really. I would have liked to have gone to Infinity and Beyond as well in order to complete the Space Trifecta. Next time!






(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Next Post)

It's all about Rides Today....We All Live in a Yellow Submarine


Discovery #43. When riding the Submarines, if you want a better view of the reef and fishes, board from the aft.



In the town where I was born
Lived a man who sailed to sea






And he told us of his life
In the land of submarines











So we sailed up to the sun
Till we found the sea of green






And we lived beneath the waves






In our yellow submarine






We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine






We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine






And our friends are all on board

(This is one of Bret’s pictures. Thanks, Bret!)







Many more of them live next door







And the band begins to play






We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine








We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine








I learnt something that day. We had boarded the submarine from the prow and at the start, we got a view of the reef and the reef wall. There was nothing wrong with our position but if you want a view of the fish and the wider reef, board from the aft.

 

[mvf-m11c]

The continental breakfast location at CCI looks very nice especially right next to the pool.

Very nice pictures of you, DH and DS in front of MS RR station until we got there that morning.

It was nice to go on a lot of rides that day and we were lucky to get on those rides that morning from Star Tours, Space Mountain and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I was surprised that DAF rode Star Tours with us that morning since she hasn't rode the new version of Star Tours until that trip. It was nice to ride the FNSV after it's long refurbishment. It was down for over 9 months since early January and the lagoon looks so nice and clean. Nice to see the pic of DH and DS inside Neptune 707. I was hoping that we got the starboard side since it is mostly open while the port side has that wall side when riding the FNSV. But it was nice to ride it that morning.

Great updates.