DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Spirit week was always one of my favorite weeks at school!!! Especially Disney days!!!
*+*+*Dreams Can Come True*+*+* Club 33 Trip Report COMPLETED!!
- Thread starter DizNee Luver
- Start date
Spirit week was always one of my favorite weeks at school!!! Especially Disney days!!!
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Tuesday, Day 2~~Didn't start with an alarm clock.....I woke up about 8am & got myself ready to go. I hadn't slept well with hurting from my fall & then horrid leg cramps. So I was up & down most of the night. When I got done getting ready, I knocked on Ty's bedroom door to get him moving. We headed out to the ART stop after 9am. We waited & waited & waited and said forget it & started walking towards the park. We ended up walking the last part of our journey with another family from Oregon. So that was fun chatting with them....and it made the walk go quicker. We stopped and got a locker and then went into DCA. We headed towards the FP kiosks for Radiator Springs Racers. Unfortunately, the time available was during our tour, so we decided to go look at single rider and the ride was.......down! So we decided to head towards Tower of Terror, Sherry had given Tyler a FP that was good for any of the FP rides that she wasn't going to use, I didn't figure I'd be riding too many rides (especially now that I have fallen)....so we wandered thru BugsLand.....stopping long enough for Tyler to get a Churro. We got to ToT and guess what??? It was down!! So we continued into Hollywood Backlots and noticed this immediately at the end of the street! I don't remember this last year?
We went to the Animation Academy. We sat in the lobby area and watched the film clips & listened to the music. Next we watched the Toy Story Zoetrope. We left the lobby & into Off the Page. I wish I had thousands of dollars to use on art work from here.........
We decided to ride on Monster's Inc. I think this ride gets missed because it's tucked away in a back corner.
We headed back over to ToT and it was still.......down!! So we headed back out to the FP kiosks for RSR and guess what........they were gone for the day!!
At this point we decided to leave DCA.
**each time we came & left DCA thru Buena Vista Street, we wandered thru the shops hoping to see Jessica, but we never saw her.......**
We crossed the Esplanade and into Disneyland. We stopped at the Tour Office and checked in (didn't get tickets, but they gave us our buttons to wear for the tour & our receipt for payment). We went down Main Street stopping at the Red Wagon for our corn dog brunch. We both got the apples and they weren't crispy.....just kinda mush & gross but the corn dogs were DELICIOUS!! We sat on Main Street, people watching as we ate. When Ty got done, he ran down to Star Tours & got us FP's to ride before the tour.
After he got back, we wandered into Adventureland and towards Indy....but it was DOWN (still......), so we headed to Pirates for a ride. After we excited, we wanted to catch the Billy Hill & the Hillbillies show at Big Thunder Ranch. So we went there & got ourselves a seat in the front row. I'm like many others & not happy with Disney's decision to "retire" them after the holidays, so I was hoping to see what I would call the "A" team with Kirk Wall as the lead. As we sat there, Ty got these pictures.
So as we were sitting there, the other lead came out & sat his guitar on the stage and Ty & I got up and left before they started. Our time was short today & since it wasn't the group I wanted to see.....we decided not to sit thru it.
We headed thru Fantasyland and into Tomorrowland. Ty was going to try and use the FP Sherry gave him, at Space Mountain. So I went to sit on one of the benches at the exit of the ride & next thing I knew....Ty was headed my way (but not thru the exit).....the ride was down. (are you noticing a theme here?) So we wandered into the Arcade/Gift Shop and looked around. It was kinda fun seeing all those old school video games in there.
We headed back to Main Street & visited the "Attraction" board to see if Indy was still down and it was but Space was running.....so back we went & Ty got to finally use the FP and get on a ride. When he exited the ride, it was just about time for our FP time on Star Tours....so we headed there next. Love this ride......so much fun!
When we were done saving the planet (or whatever it is we do).....we wandered up Main Street and stopping in the Disney Gallery to look at the art work here & into the Great Moments with Mr Lincoln lobby to look at other things on display.
We went to the Animation Academy. We sat in the lobby area and watched the film clips & listened to the music. Next we watched the Toy Story Zoetrope. We left the lobby & into Off the Page. I wish I had thousands of dollars to use on art work from here.........
We decided to ride on Monster's Inc. I think this ride gets missed because it's tucked away in a back corner.
We headed back over to ToT and it was still.......down!! So we headed back out to the FP kiosks for RSR and guess what........they were gone for the day!!
At this point we decided to leave DCA.**each time we came & left DCA thru Buena Vista Street, we wandered thru the shops hoping to see Jessica, but we never saw her.......**
We crossed the Esplanade and into Disneyland. We stopped at the Tour Office and checked in (didn't get tickets, but they gave us our buttons to wear for the tour & our receipt for payment). We went down Main Street stopping at the Red Wagon for our corn dog brunch. We both got the apples and they weren't crispy.....just kinda mush & gross but the corn dogs were DELICIOUS!! We sat on Main Street, people watching as we ate. When Ty got done, he ran down to Star Tours & got us FP's to ride before the tour.
After he got back, we wandered into Adventureland and towards Indy....but it was DOWN (still......), so we headed to Pirates for a ride. After we excited, we wanted to catch the Billy Hill & the Hillbillies show at Big Thunder Ranch. So we went there & got ourselves a seat in the front row. I'm like many others & not happy with Disney's decision to "retire" them after the holidays, so I was hoping to see what I would call the "A" team with Kirk Wall as the lead. As we sat there, Ty got these pictures.
So as we were sitting there, the other lead came out & sat his guitar on the stage and Ty & I got up and left before they started. Our time was short today & since it wasn't the group I wanted to see.....we decided not to sit thru it.
We headed thru Fantasyland and into Tomorrowland. Ty was going to try and use the FP Sherry gave him, at Space Mountain. So I went to sit on one of the benches at the exit of the ride & next thing I knew....Ty was headed my way (but not thru the exit).....the ride was down. (are you noticing a theme here?) So we wandered into the Arcade/Gift Shop and looked around. It was kinda fun seeing all those old school video games in there.
We headed back to Main Street & visited the "Attraction" board to see if Indy was still down and it was but Space was running.....so back we went & Ty got to finally use the FP and get on a ride. When he exited the ride, it was just about time for our FP time on Star Tours....so we headed there next. Love this ride......so much fun!
When we were done saving the planet (or whatever it is we do).....we wandered up Main Street and stopping in the Disney Gallery to look at the art work here & into the Great Moments with Mr Lincoln lobby to look at other things on display.
Sherry E
Currently tag-less...
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
I love that photo of Minnie at the JJJ! So cute!
What a coincidence that you met another group from Oregon as you walked to DLR!
What a relief! I was getting worried that the FP wouldn't be used because everything was down. I'm so glad Ty was finally able to use it on something, but not without a couple of failed attempts.
I've noticed quite a few comments from folks over the last few weeks about rides being unexpectedly down or closed. People are also complaining that the last couple of weeks have been too busy/crowded.
Big crowds + many rides being down during peak season = not a good combination!
Now I definitely noticed a bit of an overall increase in crowds last week in comparison to the last few years at that same basic time, but it didn't seem to be that bad to me (except for on Candlelight night). I found lots of (what I call) 'pockets' of lower crowds, when I could get a table at a restaurant right away, or where I peeked in Main Street shops and didn't see a lot of people. It could have gotten packed 5 minutes later, but there were pockets of manageable crowds so I never felt too bothered for too long.
Now that you've visited DLR in December for these last 3 holiday seasons, did you notice the crowds to be substantially bigger last week than what you saw last year or in 2011, or was it not too bad for you?
You really DO need to follow the Superthread!
I gleefully posted (back in mid-November) that Hollywood Land finally had decorations after all these years, and I posted photos (along with the photos of the new giant gold mask above New Orleans Square that replaced the wreath with the jester in it). I was so excited to see them. Jessica even popped into the Superthread to agree with the glee about the Hollywood decor.
The Santa/Reindeer display at the end of the street is only one of the new things there. All of the other decorations on the facades and on the poles/trees -- all of the garland, the holiday window displays, the Christmas trees in front of the Hyperion -- are new!! The only thing that was not new this year was the red and white garland draped on some poles.
Santa and the Reindeer were a delightful shock to me when I spotted that display in November. As a child I used to go to the Santa Claus Lane Parade (which is now the Hollywood Christmas Parade), and I would eagerly look up above Hollywood Blvd. to see the Santa/Reindeer displays dotting the skyscape! Of course, I did not grow up in the 1930s (which is the time frame for Hollywood Land). I saw the Santa/reindeer decorations in the 1970s, but they were definitely part of what I remember of the holidays on Hollywood Blvd.
What a coincidence that you met another group from Oregon as you walked to DLR!
What a relief! I was getting worried that the FP wouldn't be used because everything was down. I'm so glad Ty was finally able to use it on something, but not without a couple of failed attempts.
I've noticed quite a few comments from folks over the last few weeks about rides being unexpectedly down or closed. People are also complaining that the last couple of weeks have been too busy/crowded.
Big crowds + many rides being down during peak season = not a good combination!
Now I definitely noticed a bit of an overall increase in crowds last week in comparison to the last few years at that same basic time, but it didn't seem to be that bad to me (except for on Candlelight night). I found lots of (what I call) 'pockets' of lower crowds, when I could get a table at a restaurant right away, or where I peeked in Main Street shops and didn't see a lot of people. It could have gotten packed 5 minutes later, but there were pockets of manageable crowds so I never felt too bothered for too long.
Now that you've visited DLR in December for these last 3 holiday seasons, did you notice the crowds to be substantially bigger last week than what you saw last year or in 2011, or was it not too bad for you?
You really DO need to follow the Superthread!
I gleefully posted (back in mid-November) that Hollywood Land finally had decorations after all these years, and I posted photos (along with the photos of the new giant gold mask above New Orleans Square that replaced the wreath with the jester in it). I was so excited to see them. Jessica even popped into the Superthread to agree with the glee about the Hollywood decor.The Santa/Reindeer display at the end of the street is only one of the new things there. All of the other decorations on the facades and on the poles/trees -- all of the garland, the holiday window displays, the Christmas trees in front of the Hyperion -- are new!! The only thing that was not new this year was the red and white garland draped on some poles.
Santa and the Reindeer were a delightful shock to me when I spotted that display in November. As a child I used to go to the Santa Claus Lane Parade (which is now the Hollywood Christmas Parade), and I would eagerly look up above Hollywood Blvd. to see the Santa/Reindeer displays dotting the skyscape! Of course, I did not grow up in the 1930s (which is the time frame for Hollywood Land). I saw the Santa/reindeer decorations in the 1970s, but they were definitely part of what I remember of the holidays on Hollywood Blvd.
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
I love that photo of Minnie at the JJJ! So cute!
What a coincidence that you met another group from Oregon as you walked to DLR!
What a relief! I was getting worried that the FP wouldn't be used because everything was down. I'm so glad Ty was finally able to use it on something, but not without a couple of failed attempts.
I've noticed quite a few comments from folks over the last few weeks about rides being unexpectedly down or closed. People are also complaining that the last couple of weeks have been too busy/crowded.
Big crowds + many rides being down during peak season = not a good combination!
Now I definitely noticed a bit of an overall increase in crowds last week in comparison to the last few years at that same basic time, but it didn't seem to be that bad to me (except for on Candlelight night). I found lots of (what I call) 'pockets' of lower crowds, when I could get a table at a restaurant right away, or where I peeked in Main Street shops and didn't see a lot of people. It could have gotten packed 5 minutes later, but there were pockets of manageable crowds so I never felt too bothered for too long.
Now that you've visited DLR in December for these last 3 holiday seasons, did you notice the crowds to be substantially bigger last week than what you saw last year or in 2011, or was it not too bad for you?
You really DO need to follow the Superthread!
The Santa/Reindeer display at the end of the street is only one of the new things there. All of the other decorations on the facades and on the poles/trees -- all of the garland, the holiday window displays, the Christmas trees in front of the Hyperion -- are new!! The only thing that was not new this year was the red and white garland draped on some poles.
Santa and the Reindeer were a delightful shock to me when I spotted that display in November. As a child I used to go to the Santa Claus Lane Parade (which is now the Hollywood Christmas Parade), and I would eagerly look up above Hollywood Blvd. to see the Santa/Reindeer displays dotting the skyscape! Of course, I did not grow up in the 1930s (which is the time frame for Hollywood Land). I saw the Santa/reindeer decorations in the 1970s, but they were definitely part of what I remember of the holidays on Hollywood Blvd.
I couldn't believe all the rides down (big rides).......I've been there when say, Indy is having issues & going down a lot.....but it seemed to be closed both days we were there....then RSR was down every time we went by it & ToT was down for a while. Luckily Space Mtn was a short closing. I did hear that Screamin' went down while we were there too. (Glad it waited to do that until.....AFTER I rode it!!)
As for the crowds......I really didn't notice I guess. I know three years ago, the crowds were pretty low and I was able to get a lot done that trip. Last year we noticed it to be much busier than I expected......but this year, maybe because we didn't spend a lot of time exploring the parks, I didn't notice crowds except at WoC and the parade. (but those are to be expected).
Hmmmm, I guess I didn't notice the rest of the new things....but the Santa & reindeer stood out to me. I think if we had "toured" like I did 3 years ago.....things like that would have caught my attention. This was such a whirlwind but very enjoyable trip.....I just wasn't tuned in (or photographing) like I usually do.
WDWJonasGirl
Mouseketeer/Directioner
- Joined
- May 1, 2011
I'm sorry to hear that many of the rides were closed 
Good report
Good report
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
I'm sorry to hear that many of the rides were closed
It's ok since we really didn't have a lot of time for rides but it would have been fun to get on Radiator Springs Racers.....such a fun ride!
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
At 2:30, we got in line to "check-in" for the tour. We were put in the Teal Group. We were the 2nd group to depart. You are given a transmitter and earpiece or headphones so you will be able to hear your tour guide over crowd noise and also listen to holiday music as you transition from one thing to the next. I have an issue with headphone and usually just turn it on high and leave then hanging around my neck. If I can't stand up by the guide, I lift one side to listen but quickly drop it back down. There's something with the frequency or something that bothers my ears. So using ear buds, blue tooth, earpieces or headphones all are uncomfortable for me.
We started between the Tour Office and City Hall with our tour. New to me this time was adding DCA Buena Vista Street to the Holiday Tour. So that was where we went. Mia, our tour guide, pointed out the old style of Christmas Decorations as we headed towards the Christmas tree.
We headed into Trolley Treats, and after saying "Happy Holidays" (which we said a lot on this tour) to the CM's, we were handed this little goodie!! It's marshmallow with caramel, dipped in chocolate and rolled in nonpareils. YUM but very colorful lips when you're done.....lol
We continued to enjoy our sweet treat as we made our way back up Buena Vista street and to the exit. We crossed the esplanade and back into Disneyland. We stopped to the right of the Fire Station (close to the Emporium) and had a clear shot of the Station and the Christmas Tree that stands to tall on Main Street. As most of you know, Walt's Apartment is located above the Fire Station and a light is left on in the window to signify Walt's presence. During the holidays, the light is replaced with a miniature Christmas tree.
The tree on Main Street.
This is Mia.
We walked up Main Street and stopping at Dr Silverstein's door. They had a Mezuzah by the door (which I didn't get a pic of this trip). The Mezuzah holds a piece of parchment with Hebrew verses from the Torah. It is usually a decorative case.
The garlands over Main Street.
Next stop was the castle.
We started between the Tour Office and City Hall with our tour. New to me this time was adding DCA Buena Vista Street to the Holiday Tour. So that was where we went. Mia, our tour guide, pointed out the old style of Christmas Decorations as we headed towards the Christmas tree.
We headed into Trolley Treats, and after saying "Happy Holidays" (which we said a lot on this tour) to the CM's, we were handed this little goodie!! It's marshmallow with caramel, dipped in chocolate and rolled in nonpareils. YUM but very colorful lips when you're done.....lol
We continued to enjoy our sweet treat as we made our way back up Buena Vista street and to the exit. We crossed the esplanade and back into Disneyland. We stopped to the right of the Fire Station (close to the Emporium) and had a clear shot of the Station and the Christmas Tree that stands to tall on Main Street. As most of you know, Walt's Apartment is located above the Fire Station and a light is left on in the window to signify Walt's presence. During the holidays, the light is replaced with a miniature Christmas tree.
The tree on Main Street.
This is Mia.
We walked up Main Street and stopping at Dr Silverstein's door. They had a Mezuzah by the door (which I didn't get a pic of this trip). The Mezuzah holds a piece of parchment with Hebrew verses from the Torah. It is usually a decorative case.
The garlands over Main Street.
Next stop was the castle.
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
We headed into Adventureland and to the new holiday overlay of the Jungle Cruise. We were hoping this was included since we hadn't gotten on it yet. (of course, I hear a lot of the theming is actually when you go upstairs while in line.....which we didn't do). The CM's had festive hats on too!!
Our boat ~ Cayali Egg Nog
Our boat Captain....he was pretty good.
Gorilla's with some holiday extras.
Elephant
Dinner time!
Hippo
The 8th Wonder of the World......the Backside of Water!!
Trader Sam
Even the rope on the boat was candy cane colors.
So there were a few things here & there but as it being what I would call a Disney holiday overlay.....this one falls very short. Definitely not worth standing in a long line to see.......luckily, we were escorted right on a boat at the exit.
Our boat ~ Cayali Egg Nog
Our boat Captain....he was pretty good.
Gorilla's with some holiday extras.
Elephant
Dinner time!
Hippo
The 8th Wonder of the World......the Backside of Water!!
Trader Sam
Even the rope on the boat was candy cane colors.
So there were a few things here & there but as it being what I would call a Disney holiday overlay.....this one falls very short. Definitely not worth standing in a long line to see.......luckily, we were escorted right on a boat at the exit.
WDWJonasGirl
Mouseketeer/Directioner
- Joined
- May 1, 2011
Love it so far!! Where does Derek work at WDW?
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Derek drives the boats in DTD but he will be done January 2nd.
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Continuing on the Holiday Tour in New Orlean's Square. To be honest, I don't recall what the guide was sharing with us......like while in school, my mind wanders....lol
Tee Hee.....we were on the other side of this balcony the day before!!!
As work is starting on Club 33, this appeared over the exit of Pirates.
The Court of Angels is another area that has been closed off for the Club 33 refurb.
From what I read, this will become the new entrance to the private club. Which is great for the part of not being on top of Blue Bayou's crowds but sad that we will no longer get to enjoy the serene peace & beauty that was back in this little nook. If you hadn't ever made it in there.....here's a couple pictures from a previous trip.
A couple more pics as we finished up in NOS.
Tee Hee.....we were on the other side of this balcony the day before!!!
As work is starting on Club 33, this appeared over the exit of Pirates.
The Court of Angels is another area that has been closed off for the Club 33 refurb.
From what I read, this will become the new entrance to the private club. Which is great for the part of not being on top of Blue Bayou's crowds but sad that we will no longer get to enjoy the serene peace & beauty that was back in this little nook. If you hadn't ever made it in there.....here's a couple pictures from a previous trip.
A couple more pics as we finished up in NOS.
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Our next stop was the Haunted Mansion Holiday. Jack Skellington and his friends take over and transport you into the Nightmare Before Christmas. I love this version....so much to see!!
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Inside the HMH.
Inside the Stretching Room.
As you exit the stretching room and into the hallway. The pictures that change from good to evil.
Getting ready to load into our Doomsbuggy.
Madame Leota
This year's Gingerbread House is an Advent "countdown" Calendar. Man oh man....did it smell good!!
As we continued on......
Jack & Zero
More HMH
Oogie Boogie
Our Doomsbuggy picked up some snakes!
Sally as you exit.
Inside the Stretching Room.
As you exit the stretching room and into the hallway. The pictures that change from good to evil.
Getting ready to load into our Doomsbuggy.
Madame Leota
This year's Gingerbread House is an Advent "countdown" Calendar. Man oh man....did it smell good!!
As we continued on......
Jack & Zero
More HMH
Oogie Boogie
Our Doomsbuggy picked up some snakes!
Sally as you exit.
WDWJonasGirl
Mouseketeer/Directioner
- Joined
- May 1, 2011
This is good so far!! Merry Christmas Eve!!
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Thanks Kaitlin!! Hope you had a good Christmas!!
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
After getting out of the Haunted Mansion, we walked past Big Thunder Mt RR.....still under refurb (this is where I cry loudly.......since this is my favorite ride) and then past Big Thunder Ranch. I thought 2 years ago we stopped here for a few minutes, but not this time. We walked thru the crowds in Fantasyland and towards It's A Small World Holiday. We got to go thru the "express" line and onto a couple boats.
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
As we continue thru IASW-Holiday.
Thank you.....thank you very much...... (imagine my lip curling as I say this.....)
Thank you.....thank you very much...... (imagine my lip curling as I say this.....)
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Let's finish up our holly jolly time thru Small World.
As we got off the boat & made it out of the gift shop exit.....they did the Small World lighting. Pretty spectacular to see!!
As we got off the boat & made it out of the gift shop exit.....they did the Small World lighting. Pretty spectacular to see!!
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
We regroup and our led thru the parade crowds and taken to actual chairs to watch the parade from. It is located across from IASW and at the beginning of the parade route. Perfect spot to be in and what a wonderful backdrop for the pictures!!
After we are seated, the Tour Guide's bring over our collectible pins. Minnie moves back & forth.
We are also given a reusable mug filled with Hot Cocoa (well lukewarm) and a Mickey Gingerbread Cookie! (these are so good, moist & flavorful)
The Christmas Fantasy Parade Begins!
The Music Box Ballerina and Teddy Bear. Last year I believe Duffy sat in this spot.
The Toy Soldiers......I just love these!!
Daisy, Donald & Duffy join Mrs Claus.
After we are seated, the Tour Guide's bring over our collectible pins. Minnie moves back & forth.
We are also given a reusable mug filled with Hot Cocoa (well lukewarm) and a Mickey Gingerbread Cookie! (these are so good, moist & flavorful)
The Christmas Fantasy Parade Begins!
The Music Box Ballerina and Teddy Bear. Last year I believe Duffy sat in this spot.
The Toy Soldiers......I just love these!!
Daisy, Donald & Duffy join Mrs Claus.
DizNee Luver
Luver of all things Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
Next was the Winter Wonderland~Snowflakes.
Pooh Bear!
Tigger!
Poor Eeyore.......
The wintery tree with the Skiers.....which was a new addition to the parade!
The cute Snowmen & Snowwomen.
Pooh Bear!
Tigger!
Poor Eeyore.......
The wintery tree with the Skiers.....which was a new addition to the parade!
The cute Snowmen & Snowwomen.
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