DVC Mike Live from Disneyland (5/17-5/22/09)

[ACDSNY]

Awesome pics Mike! Sounds like you're having a good trip.

 

[4 Little Bears]

Awesome pics! Thanks for taking time to post!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I'm very much enjoying your TR- even though I was just there on Friday! I'm sorry you'll miss Fantasmic. It's normally up and running at this time of year, but it's down I believe due to the new dragon, eels, and croc that are being installed. Fantasmic is already much better at DL- can't wait to see the new creatures for Fantasmic June 12 when it returns!

Your photos are beautiful- and do I love that theme park view at GCH! The other night we were waiting for the tram at the end of the evening, and my DD noticed -for the first time ever- a father and son standing on their GCH balcony, watching the DTD crowds. She was amazed that people could stay there. I guess she never noticed anyone out there before! (She's only stayed at DLH.) What a nice way to unwind and relax at the end of the night- watch the crowds from your balcony, instead of getting herded onto a tram.

You've certainly come at a great weather time! I look forward to tomorrow's TR!

 

[IggyLans]

Thanks so much Mike! Awesome pictures! Hope you're having a great time.

 

[nunzia]

Yep...I love the DTD view. It's become my favorite. Thanks for all the great pictures Mike..and I see you still managed to herd out all the people in a few of them!

 

[tarheel]

I love your trip report. We just planned a trip there for July--very quick notice for me since I'm used to the 11 months out for my DVC. Anyway, how did you get from the airport to your hotel? That's the last thing I have left to book. It will be my brother, and my two children and me, and I was leaning towards a car service. I really don't want to rent a car since my brother and I don't know the area. I think it might be too stressful to try to drive. Anyway, please let me know what you did for transportation. Thanks!

 

[mcrabeck]

Fabulous pictures Mike! Thanks for sharing your trip with us- can't wait to hear and see more!

 

[TINKERIFIC]

Waiting for our June trip. My priority - NEMO. When we were there in 2007, we missed it. Sorry, but nothing is worth a 120 minute wait.

 

[JasonDVC]

I really liked he picture of Cafe Orleans with the tables outside. Looks like a nice place to sit in the shade, have a drink or small meal and people watch.

 

[DVC Mike]

Anyway, how did you get from the airport to your hotel? That's the last thing I have left to book. It will be my brother, and my two children and me, and I was leaning towards a car service. I really don't want to rent a car since my brother and I don't know the area. I think it might be too stressful to try to drive. Anyway, please let me know what you did for transportation. Thanks!

Since I grew up here, and since my parents live nearby, I went with a rental car. I flew into John Wayne / Orange County and drove up the 55 to the 5.

 

[JLitfin]

Great photos, I'm now wanting to visit DL and the surrounding areas, maybe in a couple of years.

 

[SoCalKDG]

I'm sitting here at work looking at your photos thinking I should leave early(here in Garden Grove) and go to the park today. Great photos.

 

[stopher1]

Haunted Mansion

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The Mansion is my all-time favorite attraction, and New Orleans Square my all-time favorite land. Together they make such a great combo! And the facade of this mansion just screams beauty and charm. Walt knew what he was doing when he said they'd keep up the outside and let the ghosts take care of the inside... Thanks for this lovely visual.

 

[J&JAKV08]

Just got caught up on your TR. Wonderful pictures!! Seems like your having a great time!! Thanks for posting!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

 

[Oshawa]

Thank you so much for posting your great pictures. We are going the first week of September for our first Disneyland trip. Looking at your pictures I want to go now!!

 

[DVC Mike]

I went over to Disneyland Park early for the "Magic Morning". Only Fantasyland and Tommorrowland are open, and only a few rides, so
it's not as nice as Extra Magic Hours at WDW. I rode the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

When Frontierland opened up, I headed over to the River Belle Terrace and had breakfast. Walt used to eat breakfast here. While the food is nothing special, it has a great view!

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The only other place I'd consider for breakfast is the Carnation Cafe on Main St, but the view isn't as nice.

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Frontierland looks kind of empty this morning

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So does New Orleans Square

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Pirates of the Caribbean really belongs in New Orleans Square

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[DVC Mike]

Fantasyland isn't all that busy either

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I love being able to enter Fantasyland by walking through the castle!

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Mine! Mine! Mine!

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[DVC Mike]

I left Disneyland Park and headed over to grab a Peet's Coffee near the GCH. I really like the GCH!

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Here are a few pics of the GCH lobby. The whole place reminds me of the Wilderness Lodge (same designer).

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I existed the GCH right into DCA using the special entrance for Disney hotel guests.

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For those of you who haven't been, you might be surprised at how close together Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure are. Here's a look from within DCA towards the DCA entrance. Notice the entrance to Disneyland Park in the background? Sweet!

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Map of DCA

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[DVC Mike]

It's Food & Wine time!

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I head straight to Toy Story Mania, and am just the 10th person in line. No waiting!

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The Grizzly River Run is MUCH better than the similar (but wimpy) ride at DAK in Florida!

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Grizzly Peak

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[DVC Mike]

Paradise Bay is still being refurbed for the new World of Color debuting next year.

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Paradise Pier area

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