First Trip to DL - solo (COMPLETE) new link p.43

[Pinkocto]

Did the guide ride with you? It seems like you are on the Jungle Cruise in the picture (but maybe you are outside). If he does the rides with you, that is the coolest job ever!!! How cool that you get to the front of all the lines and had a private boat on PotC (which I agree is way better than WDW). Lots of cool experiences. Club 33 is stunning. The food looks amazing. Sorry you did not like the desserts except the final one, which looks divine.

He road on most of the rides with us which was pretty cool. Yes, that first picture of us was on the Jungle Cruise. Our captain was so bad. Not funny bad, lack of funny bad.

The desserts were ok, I was expecting spectacular. But that Mickey made up for all the rest, he was scrumptious!

 

[Pinkocto]

Wow Pam I'm reading from my phone and I can only see some pics, so I shall return. But wow, what a morning. And club 33 for lunch. Seriously, does it get any better than that?

I heard Pirates is super cool. Would love to see that someday!

Nope, no better than that! The whole day was above and beyond amazing!!!

Yes, you absolutely must get out to DL sometime, I loved it.

 

[Pinkocto]

That sounds like a really amazing morning. Is the macaroni cheese at Club 33 not truly amazing? What a shame that most of the deserts did not wow you. I absolutely adored the sugar cookie and Mickey macaroon and I am not normally a dessert person.

Corinna

Oh my goodness, that macaroni and cheese was out of this world delicious! I guess with the sugar cookies I was expecting shortbread and I really wanted shortbread. And the macaroons I wanted to have more coconut. I can be really picky about desserts. I'm a pretty good baker so find myself often criticizing desserts.

 

[Pinkocto]

I really hope they don't ruin Club 33 with all of the changes they're doing. Grand California really looks nicer than many DL fans seem to think. I was curious What was your favorite thing from Club 33?

They told us a little about the changes and I'm horrified they'd want to change a single thing, it's perfect just the way it is. I can't imagine taking away any of that history I couldn't pick a favorite, all of it was so cool. I did especially love that elevator though.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

That Indy ride was wild! So well done and pretty scary too. Yes, the Pirates at DL is the original, and Alison told me they really weren't planning on one at WDW so when they put it in it wasn't as well thought out as it should have been. People who went to WDW after being at DL asked where the pirate ride was so they scratched the idea they had and put in a Pirates. This day was a day to remember forever, it was beyond amazing. There's still lots more to it as well Thanks about the pictures, I tried to get everything. It is a very beautiful place.

Interesting re pirates! So it was a glue on job! I see. I like the addition of Jack now can't wait to try the original though.

Do you think you will be back? Btw booked another 'dummy' cruise on our cruise for 2015... Addicted..

 

[franandaj]

I can't believe that I haven't commented yet! I'm glad you took so many pictures! It was a lot of fun. Perfect day.

And yes Kimberly Lawrence went on just about all the rides with us. Definitely a cool job.

 

[Pinkocto]

Interesting re pirates! So it was a glue on job! I see. I like the addition of Jack now can't wait to try the original though.

Do you think you will be back? Btw booked another 'dummy' cruise on our cruise for 2015... Addicted..

How did you book for 2015, those dates aren't available yet I want to book 2015 ASAP!!! I understand, I'm addicted too!

I will definitely be back, no doubt about it. I'm thinking 2015 and will maybe catch the Expo while out there. It'll be a two week trip next time, too much to see and do for one week. The DL version has Jack too but has probably four different rooms that the WDW version doesn't have. It was very cool.

 

[Pinkocto]

I can't believe that I haven't commented yet! I'm glad you took so many pictures! It was a lot of fun. Perfect day.

And yes Kimberly Lawrence went on just about all the rides with us. Definitely a cool job.

You've been busy on vacation! I hope it was absolutely fabulous

It really was a perfect day

 

[rentayenta]

What a totally special magical lunch. Isn't Club 33 unreal? It felt like a dream to me too, still does. Isn't that Mac and cheese about the best thing ever? Im just loving reading about your day. I think we sat at the same table when we went.

Great pics of you ladies too.


Did you ever get to ride Indy?

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

How did you book for 2015, those dates aren't available yet I want to book 2015 ASAP!!! I understand, I'm addicted too! I will definitely be back, no doubt about it. I'm thinking 2015 and will maybe catch the Expo while out there. It'll be a two week trip next time, too much to see and do for one week. The DL version has Jack too but has probably four different rooms that the WDW version doesn't have. It was very cool.

actually that was slightly misleading sorry we booked a dummy cruise for late dec 2014 and Kerry the TA at dreams unlimited who I gave to DCL onboard as our TA says she should have the 2015 lists soon so as put me on the mailing list. As soon as they are out she will email me. I will let you know if you like if you aren't on the list already?

We were considering the expo in either 2015 or 2016 maybe our paths will cross!

 

[Pinkocto]

Continuation of our magnificent day:

I thought the name of this shop was too cute



Goodbye Club 33





I somehow managed to not take another picture of our journey to Fantasyland which is so unlike me. Oh my goodness, Fantasyland at DL is so cute! We did Peter Pan 1st which is quite different than the one at WDW which made it even better.





Then Toad’s Wild Ride which I absolutely loved in WDW but they took it out several years ago. I was really looking forward to this ride and it did not disappoint.







Then we went over to Pinocchio but it was down.



The Carousel was beautiful



I would be back for you Pinocchio



Then we headed over to Alice in Wonderland, of course I took pictures on the way






Monstro, you look quite frightening!







We got to ride a cute pink caterpillar







I loved this ride and would be back several times during the trip.

Then we were off to the Matterhorn Bobsleds





I wasn’t too crazy about them, but glad we did them. Earlier in the day they were down so it was nice that they were back up and running. It was 4:00 after we raced down the mountain and L asked if we’d like to do the 6:20 show of Aladdin instead of our planned time at 4:45. If we stuck with our original plan we’d have to head over to DCA right then. It was totally up to Alison and she needed to check with Fran before a decision could be made. We were having so much fun I was hoping we could continue but totally understood if we needed to head out. Thankfully Fran was fine and our adventure could continue.

We headed to the Storybook Canal Boats



Not much of a wait



Looking back at the mountain. Apparently there is a real mountain in Switzerland that Walt had loved and made this one exactly like the real one but of course much smaller.

 

[Pinkocto]

Since there was hardly anybody in line they gave us our own boat which was cool.



Sorry the sun is interfering in this shot







Basically this is a boat ride around miniature houses and buildings from many of our beloved stories.

 

[Pinkocto]

It was a cute ride and nice to have our own boat. Then we headed off to Toon Town to see Roger Rabbit.





Toon Town was absolutely adorable!!!









Oops, we just missed Daisy



The details in this ride were fantastic, I loved it. I was continuously blown away by all the details in DL. Not a surprise since Disney does things so well, but I loved seeing all the different rides and details that WDW doesn’t have.









Then we were off to Nemo. Now on my first trip to WDW when I was 6 years old I remembered going on the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride and was super upset when they took it out. I didn’t remember much, just that it was cool and scary and had a squid in it. I was very excited to ride the Nemo ride even though it wasn’t the same.



Probably not the best ride if you’re claustrophobic



Darla!











Lots more scenes but I put away the camera and just enjoyed it. It was pretty cool. Then we headed to Space Mountain and Star Tours. I don’t think I mentioned this but my feet were killing me. I thought I needed to wear closed toed shoes for Club 33 but it was just that I couldn’t wear sandals. I really should have packed a pair of sandals in my backpack to change into after lunch but I didn’t think that far ahead. I was pretty much in agony but I was trying to be a trooper. I started falling behind Alison and Lawrence though, and thought I should buy some sandals if I saw any.




The inside of Space Mountain is quite different than the one at WDW



And you sit next to each other rather than behind one another.



Loved it! I had read it was smoother than the one at WDW but it really is true. We happened to stop into a store after Space Mountain and I picked up some sandals. I put them on right away and they made all the difference in the world. It was 5:45 when we were in the store and L asked us if we’d like to go to Star Tours or head over to Aladdin to guarantee getting good seats. We all decided good seats trumped Star Tours so we headed out of DL.

On the way to the theater Alison wanted to show me something in the Animation Academy. Now this might be one of the coolest things ever! It’s called a zoetrope. It’s basically like a flip book but with figurines. When they sped up the display and turned on strobe lights it looked like the scenes were playing out.



Then onto Aladdin, it was nice that L was in charge of finding us seats because he quickly went inside and got them for us.



I didn’t get any pictures during the show but I must say that it was fabulous. Definitely take the time to see this when you’re at DCA. The Genie was so funny, and totally stole the show, but he does that in the movie too.

All too soon it was over and L walked us back to the Grand Californian. We said our goodbyes and thanked him for such an awesome day. Then I said goodbye for now to Alison, I was planning to go see her and Fran’s concert on Sunday.

Totally on cloud 9 I headed back to my room around 8:00. I considered going down to EoS for dinner but my feet hurt so bad that thought didn’t last long. I just ate some snacks I had in the room and started to journal the day, I didn’t want to forget anything! I lasted until 9:40 and fell fast asleep. I didn’t finish but I couldn’t stay up another minute. Today was above and beyond fabulous. Spending time with Alison was by far the best part, the tour and Club 33 were the icing on the cake.

 

[Pinkocto]

What a totally special magical lunch. Isn't Club 33 unreal? It felt like a dream to me too, still does.

I really couldn't believe I was there. It was totally surreal, such an awesome experience.

Isn't that Mac and cheese about the best thing ever?

It was SO GOOD!

Im just loving reading about your day. I think we sat at the same table when we went.

I didn't want to leave anything out, but I think I took too many pictures

Great pics of you ladies too.

Thanks

Did you ever get to ride Indy?

Yes, right before lunch. It was a great ride! I didn't take any pictures that time around just put a blurb that we went on it.

 

[Pinkocto]

actually that was slightly misleading sorry we booked a dummy cruise for late dec 2014 and Kerry the TA at dreams unlimited who I gave to DCL onboard as our TA says she should have the 2015 lists soon so as put me on the mailing list. As soon as they are out she will email me. I will let you know if you like if you aren't on the list already?

We were considering the expo in either 2015 or 2016 maybe our paths will cross!

Ahhh. I went right on the DCL website earlier to see if I missed them posting about 2015. Yes please, I'd love for you to let me know.

I'm sure our paths will cross one of these days. I think it would be awesome if we could all manage to go on a cruise together, but everybody's schedule is so different.

 

[kmedina]

Wow! You got a lot done. We love Storybook Canal boats and the Finding Nemo ride but do not do them often since they are slow loading and have longer lines quite often.

Lawrence seems amazing. He must have worked really hard to land that job, so I should abandon my newfound dream of moving to Anaheim to work in his department.

I love that hat Alison is wearing. Even before I read your caption stating it was her, I saw the picture and thought it was fabulous. Knowing how much she shops, I am not surprised she has great taste.

It has been a long time since we've seen Aladdin. We tried twice last trip but arrived after it started once and before starting the second time but the theatre was already full. I love musicals/plays, etc, so I hate missing them. Glad you were able to reschedule it and still enjoy many other things.

 

[Pinkocto]

Wow! You got a lot done. We love Storybook Canal boats and the Finding Nemo ride but do not do them often since they are slow loading and have longer lines quite often.

I enjoyed both of them but especially Nemo. That's exactly what Alison said, it takes a long time to load Nemo. I didn't try to ride either again later in the trip because the lines were very long.

Lawrence seems amazing. He must have worked really hard to land that job, so I should abandon my newfound dream of moving to Anaheim to work in his department.

He was awesome! He had a pretty easy day with us I think though. We chatted between ourselves most of the day so he didn't have to entertain us much except to take us to rides. He was really low key and relaxed which was perfect.

I love that hat Alison is wearing. Even before I read your caption stating it was her, I saw the picture and thought it was fabulous. Knowing how much she shops, I am not surprised she has great taste.

The sun was intense, she was smart to bring that hat.

It has been a long time since we've seen Aladdin. We tried twice last trip but arrived after it started once and before starting the second time but the theatre was already full. I love musicals/plays, etc, so I hate missing them. Glad you were able to reschedule it and still enjoy many other things.

It was pretty low on my radar, I thought it would be like Beauty and the Beast at HS which I like but don't need to see often. This just blew that one out of the water! I LOVED it!!! Bummer you missed it last trip I see in your signature you've been on the Dream, how did you enjoy those shows?

 

[kmedina]

I see in your signature you've been on the Dream, how did you enjoy those shows?

I loved them. My favorite on the Dream was The Golden Mickey's. On the Wonder, I think my favorite was called Believe. The Wonder also showed the Golden Mickey's, but it was not as good as it was on the Dream. Believe was better than both. I love plays/musicals so much. We just saw War Horse at The Smith Center yesterday. It was fantastic.

I love Beauty and the Beast at DHS too. It has been so long since I have seen Aladdin at DCA that I am not even comfortable saying which one I prefer. Funny thing is I pride myself on being the girl who can choose a favorite anything.

 

[Pinkocto]

I loved them. My favorite on the Dream was The Golden Mickey's. On the Wonder, I think my favorite was called Believe. The Wonder also showed the Golden Mickey's, but it was not as good as it was on the Dream. Believe was better than both. I love plays/musicals so much. We just saw War Horse at The Smith Center yesterday. It was fantastic.

I love Beauty and the Beast at DHS too. It has been so long since I have seen Aladdin at DCA that I am not even comfortable saying which one I prefer. Funny thing is I pride myself on being the girl who can choose a favorite anything.

Was Believe on the Wonder the one with the little girl during the night? I can't quite remember but I cried at the end when Mickey came out onstage. It was so good!

It amuses me to say this but Villains was my favorite on the Dream, it doesn't get many good reviews but I really enjoyed it.

Oh my goodness, War Horse, have you seen the movie? When the main horse stands up for the other horse, I was weeping. And of course at the end when he hears his boy... I can't ever see that again, it was too much!

 

[MEK]

Wow Pam. Just WOW!

Yesterday's pictures were great but today's were even better. Reading a DL TR is such sensory overload for me because I have never been there. Couple that all the rides you were able to do it one day. Well, I am totally speechless.

Lunch looks fab.

Space Mountain looks so cool.

Even the Nemo ride is pretty cool although I might get a little too claustrophobic for that.

Mr Toad's wild ride - Never been on it.

The New Orleans section is adorable.

I am sure there is SO much more I want to say.

Sorry about your feet and I'm so happy you could switch shoes!