Disneyland or Bust: A Mother-Daughter Coastal Road Trip

[afwdwfan]

Unfortunately, when the gates opened, the folks in front of us apparently had no idea what to do - you know, use your ticket or card to get into the park....

We ran into this situation a lot! We got stuck one day behind someone at the next turnstile over who couldn't get in but had their stroller parked in the middle so we couldn't get through even though our tickets were scanned. The CM helping us apologized several times, but they essentially shut down 2 whole turnstiles.

Nonetheless, we persevered and stayed to the right in hopes of getting on RSR relatively quickly. The masses, including us, were moving into CarsLand and back towards RSR when we heard the CMs telling everyone that RSR was down. Wah-wah-wah.

Can I just copy and paste this into my TR? Because 2 out of 3 ropedrops for us, this is exactly what happened. You'd think maybe if they have this much trouble getting it running in the morning they might eventually start working on getting it up and running a little bit earlier?????

All the way through the queue, the teens were in front of us and constantly craning their necks to see over me to the parent. Finally, as we were getting close to the last part of the queue, the older teen said something to me like, "Um, my dad's back there, can he ....." at which point I kind of interrupted and gave him a big warm smile and said, "SURE! You can absolutely go back and join him!" And he stood still with a stunned look on his face, so we walked around him and made our way to the ride. Maybe I'm not the nicest person, but I don't like this kind of stuff - if you "get separated" (or separate yourself in an attempt to get ahead of people who were in front of you) and you want to ride with someone behind you, step aside and wait for the person or persons behind you.

As you can see here, we got the new-tire room this time (as we usually do).

I really think the paint shop thing is a myth.

And then we hit up Mater's ride, which almost never has any kind of wait and looks kind of boring. However, we think it is REALLY fun!

Totally agree! And the soundtrack is interesting as well.

Oh! It's that storefront that we have passed a million times during our hundreds of visits to CarsLand and never realized that it was actually an attraction!

No? Just us? Okay…. Let’s go in then.

Yep... just you.

After admiring the queue we had never seen before, we noticed that there were a lot of instructions for riding this ride.

After the first ride, I kind of hated the fact that they stop you at the one point in the queue to explain it to you. I've got it... don't step on the sidewall, lean, but not too far. It ain't that complicated.

We had fun, but it was definitely weird. (The last rumor I read indicated that the expectation is that this attraction will be replaced this year.)

We really thought this one was a lot of fun. The kids loved it and we rode it multiple times. According to some info I saw before our trip, I thought it was to have already been closed down, but we were glad it was still running. Quite frankly, I hope it doesn't go away, because it really is a fun ride. I think the biggest problem with it is that they have too many tires out there. It isn't much fun if you get stuck in the middle with nowhere to go, but if you can stay along the fringes and out of traffic you can really get some speed going around there.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ugh. I know it's not a huge deal, but that is frustrating to end up behind people who arrived later.

"SURE! You can absolutely go back and join him!" Roni, you are my hero!!!!! That is seriously one of the best things I've ever read on here.

I so agree Roni. I love being in a position where I don't feel the need to do everything and can just go with the flow.

Hahaha, another tradition the next Generation will maintain... NO DANCING!!

I find the tire ride so funny. Apparently they had a similar ride in Disneyland way back in the early days, except Spaceships or something. But they often couldn't get it to work so they took it out. It sounds like history is going to repeat itself.

 

[STLMickeyMom]

love that you used the HOW RUDE pic! loved that show and my friends and I used to say that all the time! and those teens.....how rude! totally agree with you. if you're waiting for someone behind, you let people pass you until your party catches up with you. you definitely DON'T expect people to let then cut the line!

carsland looks so pretty in the morning! someday we will see it!!! glad you got an early morning RSR ride in!

the tire ride.....too many directions for first thing in the morning....

 

[KatMark]

I'm in tears sitting at my desk at work after reading the end of the tour you took. If I do NOTHING else at DL in three years when we go for my big birthday, I want to do that tour.

I can imagine you and Willow had to be exhausted after 12 hours. Okay, did I miss which pillow pet she got?

And you were right at it again the next morning...impressive.

I am glad you did what you did with those boys. Some people just have to learn common courtesey!

Sorry the ride had issues, but glad you enjoyed it once again.

That last ride you were on does sound a bit weird.

 

[pkondz]

We were up bright and early yet again and out of the room before 6:30.

Yeah, but do that at home?
Because of work or school????


5 more minutes!!!

We headed out through our "secret path" (seriously - we only saw maybe 2 or 3 other people use this walkway during the entire time we were at the Disneyland Hotel) to DTD.

That qualifies.
Secret path it is.

We got lined up at a turnstile.
And then were told that they were only going to open one turnstile per gate, so we had to get in line behind people who arrived after us - always a bummer, but not really a big deal.

Bummer.

Unfortunately, when the gates opened, the folks in front of us apparently had no idea what to do - you know, use your ticket or card to get into the park....

I would make a snarky comment.... except that'll probably be me in a couple of weeks.

(Less!)

The masses, including us, were moving into CarsLand and back towards RSR when we heard the CMs telling everyone that RSR was down.

I bet they did that on purpose, just to mess with you guys.

Then there were the folks who would kind of wander outside the RSR pack and then surreptitiously wander back into it but several groups of people in front of where they had wandered out.

But there were snipers in the trees who took care of them!

No?

Finally, as we were getting close to the last part of the queue, the older teen said something to me like, "Um, my dad's back there, can he ....." at which point I kind of interrupted and gave him a big warm smile and said, "SURE! You can absolutely go back and join him!" And he stood still with a stunned look on his face, so we walked around him and made our way to the ride.

Way to go!!!

I am so using that if it happens to me.

Maybe I'm not the nicest person, but I don't like this kind of stuff - if you "get separated" (or separate yourself in an attempt to get ahead of people who were in front of you) and you want to ride with someone behind you, step aside and wait for the person or persons behind you.

I guess I'm not nice either then.

Of course I already knew that.

And, of course, we were excited because, as you may have heard, we love this attraction!

Whaaaat?????
No!

Oh, here are the shoes that Willow picked out the day before prior to the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour.

Good choice Willow. Those are very nice.
Do you think I should get a pair for myself?

The waterfall had no water.

Doesn't that make it just a fall?

We got stuck for a while after tipping the tractors.

Well that's what you get!
Next time, leave those poor tractors alone!

Well, in a complete detour from our normal Disney reality, we decided that we would just take it easy and not worry about trying to do anything else "big" during EMH.

Is that even possible?
How do you do that???

And then we hit up Mater's ride, which almost never has any kind of wait and looks kind of boring. However, we think it is REALLY fun!

Does it go in a circle?
Or is there a more complex pattern?

And I believe it was here that I first pointed out the Disney "No Dancing" sign to Willow. To say that she found this hilarious would be quite the understatement. It became our new favorite Disney game.


And then something like this would happen:

​

Followed by peals of laughter and "I disobeyed you!!!!"

OMG! That's hysterical!

As you can see, this attraction is not exactly in high demand. Perhaps because, although people can view the ride, which is OUTSIDE, they can't figure out how to get to it!

It's only for those few who are persistent enough to find it.
Kind of like being in an exclusive club.

No? Just us?

Apparently not!

This is definitely a weird attraction. You basically get in a tire, which then inflates and is propelled by air vents in the floor and steered by guests leaning in the direction they wish to go.

Did you have the feeling that at any time, a giant arm was going to come down and smack you? ala air hockey?

(The last rumor I read indicated that the expectation is that this attraction will be replaced this year.)

Well, I suppose if you hide the entrance really well, the attraction won't do so great.

When we disembarked, it was about 8:00, park opening. Where should we go?????

I don't know!!!
But I can't wait to find out! Thanks for the update!

 

[shan23877]

All caught up! The tour sounds amazing, and I am totally jealous. Love that pin! So what pillow pet did she get? I assume that she already had a Pluto..

Yay for getting your RSR ride in! And for taking it easy. Good job!

Will you please like my comment? I think I need likes.

 

[dizneeat]

There has so much been added to CA since we last visited in 2006 How funny is it that you had to hunt for the entrance of that ride.

 

[disneyhopeful4]

Really enjoying your trip report... I love how much fun you guys have

 

[jedijill]

Making sure I'm still subscribed.

Jill in CO

 

[petals]

Did anyone answer that last quote yet??? It's Anna from Frozen
Anyway trying to find everyones trip report and catch up. Was very sick in January so the only trip report I was watching was my own
I love Willow's BBB photoshoot and the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour sounds great.
I agree with Willow on the wishing Walt wasn't a smoker either.
I also love what you did in the cars ride line with the teen saving a spot. That was one thing that annoyed me so much in Disneyland one person waiting in line and then just as they got near the top like 6 or more family members arriving to join them!

 

[RGirl]

Anna from Frozen.

Going back to read.


Your response back to that teen is PRICELESS! Yay for standing up for yourself and not rewarding bad behavior. Glad you got on RSR...It's one of my favorites. Love Willow's shoes!

Jill in CO

Two points for Jill!

I didn't want to be mean to the teen, but I get sick of all the line-cutting at DLR. I couldn't help myself. I think I did it in a relatively nice way.

Oh no, that's a rough start to the morning. There were so many times in July when we got stuck behind people who couldn't use the MagicBands--just put the Mickey to the Mickey!!

It is hard when you're rarin' to go - it makes a few minutes of nonsense feel like hours!

And such a bummer that RSR was down, but I love that gif of Bonnie from Toy Story. I laughed OUT LOUD at what you said to that boy, you go, Roni!!! Tell them how it is!!!

I just couldn't help myself! Line-cutting is rampant at DLR, and this RSR situation with everyone kind of milling out of line and then conveniently milling back in ahead of where they were? I just couldn't take it anymore!

I love Willow's flip flops! Excellent choice!

Willow: Thank you! You know, if I hadn't seen those, I bet you wouldn't have said "excellent choice."

Mater's ride looks so cute, and the new No Dancing game KILLS ME. I'm glad Willow is one of us DISers!!

We really enjoy Mater's silly little ride. The song that plays during it is so funny and fast-paced, and it really swings you around pretty wildly.

I'm glad you like the No Dancing game - you will be seeing a lot of it......

Whoops, interrupted your updates!!

No problem - there were quite a few installments that time!

I think between finding the entrance and following all the instructions, Luigi's is just too complicated for tourists!! It does look like it would be fun, but I imagine something really cool will replace it.

Well, it was certainly difficult for US to find!!!

I think I read this week that they have closed it up and that it will be replaced by something completely new. I bet whatever it is will be pretty cool. Wish I had a trip planned......

Excited to see what happens next!!

Sorry for the long delay (again) - coming soon!

I rode Luigi's solo...that was an interesting experience!

Jill in CO

I bet!!! I can't even really imagine!

Okay, first, I LOVE what you said to the teen!!! When you first said that he cut in line, I wondered if you were just going to let him. Perfect response!

I kind of couldn't believe that I did it - I usually just get all huffy and do nothing. I thought it was a pretty decent way to handle the situation though - the least mean approach that still didn't just let everyone cut in front of us.

I want to ride RSR so badly!!! It sounds so fun. I love Test Track and I love Cars theming, so it seems awesome. Really hoping we can get out there soon for DL. The rest of Cars Land looks fun too!

You would absolutely love it!!! We are not even big fans of the Cars movies, but CarsLand and RSR especially are some of our favorite things in any Disney park. I hope you can make it there sometime soon!

 

[RGirl]

We ran into this situation a lot! We got stuck one day behind someone at the next turnstile over who couldn't get in but had their stroller parked in the middle so we couldn't get through even though our tickets were scanned. The CM helping us apologized several times, but they essentially shut down 2 whole turnstiles.

GAH! That kind of stuff just drives me crazy. I know I should just chill out and not let it bother me, but I'm a go-go-go! kind of person!

Can I just copy and paste this into my TR? Because 2 out of 3 ropedrops for us, this is exactly what happened. You'd think maybe if they have this much trouble getting it running in the morning they might eventually start working on getting it up and running a little bit earlier?????

You bet! Actually, of all of our DCA rope drops over the last year or so, this is (I think) the first time that this has happened to us!

I really think the paint shop thing is a myth.

We had much better luck with it this last month, but we have gotten the tire side probably 90% of our rides. So strange!

Totally agree! And the soundtrack is interesting as well.

I love that soundtrack - it cracks me the heck up!

Yep... just you.

Really???? You just walked right up and knew where to go? I am dying - we had NEVER noticed that that weird tire-shop building was actually the ride entrance. I can't begin to tell you how many times we have walked past that place!

After the first ride, I kind of hated the fact that they stop you at the one point in the queue to explain it to you. I've got it... don't step on the sidewall, lean, but not too far. It ain't that complicated.

Thankfully, we didn't feel the need to do it more than once!

We really thought this one was a lot of fun. The kids loved it and we rode it multiple times. According to some info I saw before our trip, I thought it was to have already been closed down, but we were glad it was still running. Quite frankly, I hope it doesn't go away, because it really is a fun ride. I think the biggest problem with it is that they have too many tires out there. It isn't much fun if you get stuck in the middle with nowhere to go, but if you can stay along the fringes and out of traffic you can really get some speed going around there.

Hmm, maybe we would have enjoyed it more if we had taken the time to figure out the best way to do it by riding more than once.

I'm sorry to report that I read this week that it has closed and will be replaced by something completely new.

 

[pkondz]

Loved that movie.

 

[RGirl]

Loved that movie.

Oh, me too! I haven't seen it in years. I may have to check Netflix tonight and see if they have it!

 

[RGirl]

Ugh. I know it's not a huge deal, but that is frustrating to end up behind people who arrived later.

It IS frustrating. I really wish I was a more easy-going person and didn't let stuff like this bother me at all, but I admit, I was a little perturbed. It didn't ruin my morning or anything, but I am so GO-GO-GO that these little hiccups get to me for a few seconds.

"SURE! You can absolutely go back and join him!" Roni, you are my hero!!!!! That is seriously one of the best things I've ever read on here.

Why, thank you! Looking back on it, I'm kind of surprised that I did it. But honestly, I just wasn't going to let someone from behind me walk past me to join people who were also BEHIND me except that they got out of line and decided to shove their way back in ahead of where they were. It just didn't work for me at all!

I so agree Roni. I love being in a position where I don't feel the need to do everything and can just go with the flow.

It was a very different experience for us - we are always rushed and trying to do EVERYTHING. I really enjoyed just taking our time at least for a little while. So pleasant!

Hahaha, another tradition the next Generation will maintain... NO DANCING!!

She LOVES it - believe me, you will be seeing quite a few more references to this.....

I find the tire ride so funny. Apparently they had a similar ride in Disneyland way back in the early days, except Spaceships or something. But they often couldn't get it to work so they took it out. It sounds like history is going to repeat itself.

Is that right? I had no idea! It really wasn't my favorite - I just didn't "get" it. I did read this week that they have closed it and it will be completely replaced.

love that you used the HOW RUDE pic! loved that show and my friends and I used to say that all the time! and those teens.....how rude! totally agree with you. if you're waiting for someone behind, you let people pass you until your party catches up with you. you definitely DON'T expect people to let then cut the line!

Uncle Jessie!!!! That show was fantastic!

DLR has a lot of line-cutters - way more than I have ever seen at WDW. I suppose people are just a bit more laid-back there or something? But this was my chance to do something about one of them without ending up in a fistfight or something, so I took it!

carsland looks so pretty in the morning! someday we will see it!!! glad you got an early morning RSR ride in!

I hope you get to - it really is one of our favorite places from all the Disney parks we have visited.

the tire ride.....too many directions for first thing in the morning....

Right???? A ride that requires you to get a degree in its operation is just not my thing!

I'm in tears sitting at my desk at work after reading the end of the tour you took. If I do NOTHING else at DL in three years when we go for my big birthday, I want to do that tour.

Oh, Kathy, you will enjoy it so much. It really was the highlight of our vacation. I'm so excited that you'll be going to DLR in three years!!!!!!

I can imagine you and Willow had to be exhausted after 12 hours. Okay, did I miss which pillow pet she got?

Somehow, and seriously, I think she may be stalking us or something , Courtney actually guessed correctly. She picked Sully! And there is no reasonable way to have guessed that - she likes Monsters Inc. and all and Sully, but he is hardly a character that she freaks out over. I will say though, it is a particularly nice pillow pet. I am certain that pictures of it will surface in the TR soon.

And you were right at it again the next morning...impressive.

We take our Disney time very seriously! Honestly, I hope that we learn how to slow down someday - I really think we would enjoy it more. But we just get into this crazy GO-GO-GO zone. It's exhausting!

I am glad you did what you did with those boys. Some people just have to learn common courtesey!

I just couldn't get okay with the idea of letting their party catch up with them - I mean, I have many times had people shove by me in lines with the excuse that they are catching up with their party, and I have always wanted to tell them that their party can wait for them to catch up by standing to the side and letting people pass. But I'm usually afraid the people will knock my block off or something since they tend to be SUPER-aggressive people. This situation was perfect for teaching line etiquette in what I thought was a very polite way!

Sorry the ride had issues, but glad you enjoyed it once again.

Yeah, it was weird, but it didn't ruin it for us or anything. It's such a great ride!

That last ride you were on does sound a bit weird.

It was SO WEIRD!

 

[RGirl]

Yeah, but do that at home?
Because of work or school????


5 more minutes!!!

Not in this house - we are out the door by 6:20 every morning, and I'm at work by 6:30.

I would make a snarky comment.... except that'll probably be me in a couple of weeks.

(Less!)

Holy cow! You leave in two days!!!!!

I bet they did that on purpose, just to mess with you guys.

It was definitely one of those road-block mornings.

Way to go!!!

I am so using that if it happens to me.

You should! It was thrilling to actually do something about a line-cutter.

I guess I'm not nice either then.

Of course I already knew that.

Yeah, the jury wasn't out long on me either - nice has never been my thing in situations like this.

Good choice Willow. Those are very nice.
Do you think I should get a pair for myself?

Oh man, I wish she was up right now - she would LOVE this one!

Is that even possible?
How do you do that???

I'm not sure - it was the first and, to date, only time we have managed it. It was very pleasant though!

Does it go in a circle?
Or is there a more complex pattern?

Hmm, I'd say it's more of a figure eight. It really does fling you around though, and Miss Willow thinks that is just awesome.

OMG! That's hysterical!

She just thought that "no dancing" thing was the best thing ever. It kind of became the theme of this trip.

It's only for those few who are persistent enough to find it.
Kind of like being in an exclusive club.

Seriously! Maybe we're just clueless, but we NEVER noticed that that building was the entrance to the ride way around on the other side and outside.

Did you have the feeling that at any time, a giant arm was going to come down and smack you? ala air hockey?

This is perfect! It's the best way to describe the ride I've seen - it's like sitting on a giant air hockey puck except that the puck has to try to move itself!

Well, I suppose if you hide the entrance really well, the attraction won't do so great.

I don't think giant neon arrows could have saved this one....

I don't know!!!
But I can't wait to find out! Thanks for the update!

Thanks! Sorry for the long delay - I've been sick for ages. And you'll probably be enjoying WDW during the next update! Thanks for reading along.

 

[pkondz]

Holy cow! You leave in two days!!!!!

Tomorrow, now! (Just slightly excited.)

You should! It was thrilling to actually do something about a line-cutter.

I've told a few people about it already. And I'm ready to use it!

Hmm, I'd say it's more of a figure eight. It really does fling you around though, and Miss Willow thinks that is just awesome.

 

[RGirl]

All caught up! The tour sounds amazing, and I am totally jealous. Love that pin! So what pillow pet did she get? I assume that she already had a Pluto..

Hello! Yes - Pluto was her first-ever pillow pet. Courtney guessed correctly - she chose Sully! Unfortunately, she seems to be collecting pillow pets now and getting one on every trip - soon there will be no room in our house for anything OTHER than pillow pets. Those things are not small!!!

Yay for getting your RSR ride in! And for taking it easy. Good job!

It was a good morning despite the minor hiccups. Lots of fun!

Will you please like my comment? I think I need likes.

You know, I cannot get used to the fact that there is a "like" button now - I never remember to use it!

There has so much been added to CA since we last visited in 2006 How funny is it that you had to hunt for the entrance of that ride.

You need to come back to DLR!!!

Oh, we were laughing so hard at ourselves over not being able to find the ride entrance!

Really enjoying your trip report... I love how much fun you guys have

Thanks so much! It's great to have you posting!

Making sure I'm still subscribed.

Jill in CO

Did anyone answer that last quote yet??? It's Anna from Frozen

Sorry - Jill got it.

Anyway trying to find everyones trip report and catch up. Was very sick in January so the only trip report I was watching was my own

I totally understand - I have been sick for over a month. It's hard to keep up with everything. I sure hope you're feeling better. I still need to catch up on your TR too - I'm so far behind!

I love Willow's BBB photoshoot and the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour sounds great.

Thanks! The tour was just amazing.

I agree with Willow on the wishing Walt wasn't a smoker either.

I also love what you did in the cars ride line with the teen saving a spot. That was one thing that annoyed me so much in Disneyland one person waiting in line and then just as they got near the top like 6 or more family members arriving to join them!

Yeah - it seems to be very common at DLR, even accepted, I guess. I usually let it go and try not to let it bother me, but this particular incident just presented the perfect opportunity to do something about it.

 

[RGirl]

Tomorrow, now! (Just slightly excited.)

I've told a few people about it already. And I'm ready to use it!

Have a great trip!!! I can't wait to read about it!

Is it wrong that I'm now hoping you run into a line-cutter so you can respond accordingly???

 

[petals]

Sorry - Jill got it.

I didn't see that but wasn't really looking at the other comments lol

I totally understand - I have been sick for over a month. It's hard to keep up with everything. I sure hope you're feeling better. I still need to catch up on your TR too - I'm so far behind!

I'm alot better now finally. Was sick when I was in California and think it didn't really clear up properly so ended up on 2 inhalers, 2 antibiotics one of which was for bronchitis/pnuemonia, pain killers and steroids all over the course of about 3 weeks in January but it's finally cleared up and I've stopped coughing alot as well.

Yeah - it seems to be very common at DLR, even accepted, I guess. I usually let it go and try not to let it bother me, but this particular incident just presented the perfect opportunity to do something about it.

It bugged me a bit but they were alot friendlier in Disneyland than they are in Paris so I kind of tried to ignore it.