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

[toocherie]

Just FYI--there is a rumor that Alladin may be going away in the future and replaced with a Toy Story show. So glad you got to see it while you can. And, a CM told us yesterday that the Genie character only has about five scripted lines. All the rest is ad libbed (for those that haven't seen it--the Genie makes the show IMHO).

 

[DVC Mike]

Just FYI--there is a rumor that Alladin may be going away in the future and replaced with a Toy Story show. So glad you got to see it while you can. And, a CM told us yesterday that the Genie character only has about five scripted lines. All the rest is ad libbed (for those that haven't seen it--the Genie makes the show IMHO).

Yes, you could tell. He even threw in a joke or two about last night's American Idol finale!

 

[DVC Mike]

I spent an hour or so on the balcony reading a book, listening to the crowds at DCA, and admiring the view. Not a bad way to spend some time.

I also looked through the Disneyland Then, Now, and Forever book I bought today. Great book!

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[stopher1]

The two main icons of Disneyland

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Fantasyland
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It's too bad you didn't capture the Queen opening the drapes and staring down over FL for our WDW friends... but still, a great shot!

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Two of my favorites in FL... Pinochhio and Alice. Alice is such an awesome adventure, and due to the space constraints of DL, while you enter on the ground level, the majority of it is located on the 2nd floor above Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Fun stuff!

 

[stopher1]

I just love the Matterhorn! To me, it is the main icon of Disneyland, rather than Sleeping Beauty Castle.
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Mike I know what you mean! As a kid going to Disneyland was always an exciting thing, especially as we drove down the 5 and the excitement level just exploded once you were able to see the Matterhorn from the freeway, still several exits from the park. As an adult it still gives a little burst of excitement when I'm out there and drive by on one of the nearby roads or freeways and see it - even when I'm not going to the park. There's just something about a snow-capped mountain rising out of a concrete jungle! As an adult when DW and I lived in the OC just minutes from the park, I got to see it daily in my commute to/from work and it always brought a smile to my face. Add to all of that the fact that it was the first ever iron tubular coaster, the very first in the Disney mountain range, and the fact that it is unique, there is no other Matterhorn Bobsleds in the Disney universe and you have very one special attraction. And then when you get to see Tinker Bell fly from the top of the mountain down over the castle to start the fireworks...just magical.

It's just too bad, IMO, that they shuttered the Skyway back in the mid-90's...that was always such a treat to ride through the middle of the mountain. And I used to love watching the climbers in the summertime as they worked their way up the mountain to the top...it was even more fun when Mickey Mouse would get out there and climb the mountain! And of course, there's the iconic announcement after the splashdown ending "Remain seated please; permanecer sentados por favor" that made its' way into the REMEMBER...DREAMS COME TRUE fireworks show.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks so much for your report. I'm gathering information about DL right now and this is really helpful. Wonderful pictures!!!!!

 

[nunzia]

Just FYI--there is a rumor that Alladin may be going away in the future and replaced with a Toy Story show. So glad you got to see it while you can. And, a CM told us yesterday that the Genie character only has about five scripted lines. All the rest is ad libbed (for those that haven't seen it--the Genie makes the show IMHO).

OH NO!! I'm glad I've seen it, but the grandkids missed it last time. Although, I bet Toy Story will be good too...

 

[Inkmahm]

It is not for me either.... been on it twice, the swinging seats and the ones that don't swing but are up higher... NO THANKS

After reading this thread I actually had a dream about being on this ride last night! I'm hoping my imagination is much worse than the reality of it.

 

[luvmk1971]

Hi Mike. Great report. I've been sharing your report with my 6 year old who has never been to DL. Ever since she's seen your pictures shes been "working" on Daddy to take us to DL. Last night at dinner we were all talking about DL and she says "Can we stay where that man on the computer is?" My DH says "who is she talking about?" and I say DVC Mike. Thanks for the great pictures and now because of them we will be heading to DL sometime in 2010.

 

[tea pot]

A BIG THANK YOU DVC MIKE
I always look forward and enjoy your TR
This report has actually made me interested in trying to work out a visit to DL
I have a friend who said that after WDW I wouldn't like it at all but this TR is definitely changing my mind...

Mike for a first time visit how long of a stay would you suggest and when would be the best time to visit? We are flexible with time and all kids are grown so DH and I usually visit the WDW twice a year.

Thanks for your Help

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Mike,

Thanks for the TR. I really appreciate your taking time to take and post your pics. They are great! I go to DL 3 or 4 times a year and love it. I am going to WDW in a couple of weeks. This will be my third trip to Orlando. I like the wide choice of dining and resort options in FL, but I still find myself preferring DL. I know that most of this is just because of growing up here and all of the memories that I have that are associated with DL, but one difference that I have noticed between DL and WDW is the quality of the CMs. Is it just me or does customer service seem better at DL to you?

 

[DVC Mike]

Mike for a first time visit how long of a stay would you suggest and when would be the best time to visit? We are flexible with time and all kids are grown so DH and I usually visit the WDW twice a year.

At a bare minimum, I would take three full days to experience the best of the Disneyland Resort. My trip was six full days, and I had plenty of time to experience attractions multiple times, have longer relaxing meals without worrying about wasting time, and generally having a very relaxing trip. When I come back in 2011, it will be for at least 5 nights.

 

[DVC Mike]

Wow, what a difference in crowds today! People are taking an extended Memorial Day weekend, and it shows. Where the wait times for the rides was 5-15 minutes Monday through Thursday, they are much, much longer today! I can't imagine how busy the parks will be Saturday through Monday. Lucky for me, since this is my last day in the parks.

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[DVC Mike]

Everything is right with the world when I see this sign

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The Opera House on Main St was the very first building constructed at Disneyland. It housed the Mill, where woodworking took place.

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[DVC Mike]

IASW

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Who's this peeking out of the window above Snow White's Scary Adventures?

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Entering Frontierland

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[DVC Mike]

Some great views are available from the Treehouse (sorry SSR owners, the THV won't have this view).

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The train station for New Orleans Square

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Rivers of America with the sailing ship Columbia

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Big Thunder Mountain (down this morning)

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Site of the Celebration Roundup & Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch

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[blackjackdelta]

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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Very nice photo's Mike, what camera did you use or did I miss that.

Jack

 

[Kauinohea]

Fantastic trip report!!! I love the pictures and detail. We will be visitng DL at the end of July. Does anyone have additional information on Disney365 - dress up for preteens? My daughter would love a pre teen dress up. She's a little too old for BB Boutique.

 

[arthur06]

While on the DLR and GCV thread, does anyone actually know how close to selling out GCV really is?

My BWV resale went to Disney for ROFR 5/12 and have heard nothing. When I do, and hopefully pass, I want to add on 50 points at GCV for a every 3 year type trip.

What are the chances that it will be sold out, before I can add on?

 

[stopher1]

Wow, what a difference in crowds today! People are taking an extended Memorial Day weekend, and it shows. Where the wait times for the rides was 5-15 minutes Monday through Thursday, they are much, much longer today! I can't imagine how busy the parks will be Saturday through Monday. Lucky for me, since this is my last day in the parks.

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Mike it's been wonderful "tagging along" with you this week! Enjoy your last evening there at DL, and your day tomorrow at the beach and with your folks. Safe travel home! Can't wait til your next TR the next time you're down in WDW, which I'm sure won't be too long. I hope that your wife has gotten the extra rest and relaxation needed while you've been gone.

You've inspired me...I leave for WDW next Friday morning with my sons for a father/son extended weekend getaway for our first time at Star Wars Weekends. Perhaps I'll follow your lead and do a live-type TR too. I'm not sure my camera is as good as yours is, but I might just have to give it a go.