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- Aug 7, 2000
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- 24,364
FRIDAY 2/24
This morning we were up, ready and out the door in enough time to make it to the Jazz Kitchen Express by 7:55. They opened at 8:00 and we wanted to eat there before going to the park which opened at 9:00. By the time we ordered, ate, and made a bathroom break, we were in line for the park by about 8:45.
Again today there was a very long line forming and thankfully they started letting people in at about 7:50. We were let in up to the top of Main St(at least thats where I think the front of the line was) and at 9:00 they made an announcement, and let us go.
Our first stop this morning was to get FPs for Indiana Jones. Next it was on to Thunder Mt which we walked on. After that it was Splash Mt. which was another walk on. Cam has ridden this before in WDW, but he did not want to do it today. All our convincing wasnt working so we asked the CM at the entrance about the child swap. He told us he could just wait at the unloading area while we ride. Since this had worked well on TOT, we felt better about doing it here. When we returned from the ride, there was a girl about Cams age waiting there too. I guess it is a common practice.
Next it was on to Winnie The Pooh, another walk on, before we made it back to IJ for our FP. This is one ride we can actually get Cam on, but we had to do the child swap since Colton is about ½ inch under the height requirement of 46 in. So close!
If you read my previous days report this is what I was referring to about the child swap when you have to come back out and use the FP line. It took us close to hour to ride this ride with FPs & using the child swap option. DH & Cam went first while Colt and I waited. We were going to do Tarzans Tree House but that was closed. Even using the FPs, they had quite a wait once inside. It took them at least ½ hour to get through the ride. Then Cam and I went again through the FP line and it took us almost as long, maybe more like 20 minutes to wait inside and ride. For using FP and child swap, close to an hour seemed like it took way too long. I guesss the bottom line is using the Child Swap with FPs isnt as productive as using it without FPs.
I think it was now (or before we rode IJ) DH ventured over to Space MT to get FPs. It was almost 11:00 and I wanted to catch Billy Hill and the Hill Billies at the Golden Horseshoe at 11:15(something we have never seen) Upon arriving in front we saw the Mayor setting up a box and he was calling people to gather around. We figured we had a few minutes so we went and watched. Before long a few actors were putting on a show that was absolutely hysterical. They picked people from the audience to participate and it was really good. Im glad we caught it. The plot of the show is too long to get into, but lets just say it ended with a man dressed as a woman saying he wanted DH as his/her husband and he told my kids he was their new mommy.
Judging from the Times Guide, that must have been Laughing Stock, Co. The show went from 10:55-11:10 then we went right into the Golden Horseshoe. The show in here was pretty good. There was some music with some humor thrown in. I wouldnt make it a must do on future trips, but glad I caught it at least once.
We didnt stay too long as we wanted to catch the next showing of the Tiki Birds. DH has never seen this original one we wanted to be sure to catch it. I have to admit, I like the Under New Management version in WDW better, but this is still really cute and classic, of course. On our cruise this summer we were able to meet Disney Legend, Richard Sherman who wrote the Tiki Bird song (along with many many other classic Disney songs), so it sort of gave a new perspective to seeing attractions such as this one.
After this we stopped for a rest and got a couple Dole Whips to share between us. After our break it was time for our Space Mt FPs. Colton had ridden this over the summer but didnt want to ride it now. These kids not agreeing on any rides was starting to drive us nuts, LOL!
But Cam went with DH first, while I waited with Colt
.and waited
and waited
. 
It took them well over a half an hour. Finally they came out and said the ride had broken down while they were on it. UGH! Cam said he didnt want to go again with me, and at that point the waiting had gotten to me so it wasnt worth wasting time for just me to ride it. We ended up giving away our 2 FPs to people in the area. We did get FPs for Buzz Lightyear before we left the park since we would be back.
By now it was a little after 1:00 and time to hop to California Adventure. Today there was a very long line to get in.
DH has never ridden California Screamin, so today it was straight there.
Here we both rode, using the Singles Line. While DH was on it I took the kids on Tritons Carousel twice. When the ride ended, they announced if you wanted to stay on you could, so we did. Then DH did the same with the kids while I rode CS.
Next it was on to the Sun Wheel. The kids again chose the stationary carts which is probably best since the line was shorter for that, about 15 minutes.
After that we did the Orange Stinger. This, I got Cam to ride, but Colt is too short. We went on it first, only having to wait 1 ride cycle to get on. Then DH rode afterwards, again waiting 1 ride cycle.
Sometime earlier, I cant remember when, we had gotten FPs for Mulholland Madness and it was now time for that. Here, Colton didnt want to go on at first, but we convinced him since he rode it over the summer, and he was glad he did. We all had fun. It was nice to do a ride together.
By now it was about 4:00 and I went to ride the Maliboomer in the singles line (Colts too short, and no way is Cam getting on this one, LOL). While I did this, DH took the kids to play a basket ball game, they had seen earlier and wanted to play. Then when we met up, DH rode MB and I took the kids to the SS Rustworthy, the little McDonalds Playground area. I thought they were a bit old for that, but Colton really wanted to play there, so I figured it was a good way for them to let loose for a bit.
By now we were ready for dinner. Cam wanted something at Taste Pilots Grill, and Colt wouldnt eat anything they have there so we compromised. We went to TPG where Cam & DH got their meals. We then brought them to Pizza Ooo Mow Mow (one of my favorites from over the summer) and Colt and I got our dinner there. We arent an easy family, are we?
We finished eating by about 5:15 and wanted to catch the Block Party Bash. This started at 5:15, but wasnt making the second(and final) stop until 5:35. In trying to find a spot to watch it at a CM was directing us of the way to walk if you dont want to see the Block Party Bash. DH asked if we do, is this a viewing area? And she said yes. We had a perfect front row seat (on the ground) by arriving 15 minutes in advance. It worked out perfect. We were right across the street from the Golden Zephyr. As always, this is a fun high energy show. Cam even got up and danced which is unlike him.
It was now about 6:00 and with the sun going down it was getting cold. We decided to go back to our room to get the kids jackets and dress a little warmer ourselves. By the time we got going again, and back into Disneyland it was about 7:00. We now tried to see The First 50 Magical Years show, playing at the Opera House. We entered the exhibit and the CM told us the show would be in 20 minutes. So we looked around a bit and in 10 minutes she announced they were having technical difficulties and had to shut down.
We decided to go back to Buzz. We obviously hadnt made it back in time for our FPs, but I often hear people say you can use them any time after the time window. I figured we could test this theory out and try to use our expired passes. They worked, no problem.
It was now coming up on 8:00, time to start scoping out a spot for Fantasmic. While this show is amazing the waiting can be difficult, especially with little ones. We made sure to make a potty break beforehand and we made our way to the Rivers of America. Upon arriving DH remembered a CM we had seen while we waited for this show over the summer. He was an older gentleman and up until right before the show he kept walking by announcing to people that there were still good spots left for the show, just follow him. DH said jokingly he wanted to find him to see where these spots are. Wouldnt you know all of sudden there he was.
We later found out his name is Bob. He told us to wait where we were and in classic fun Disney fashion, he went and rounded up other people. He asked Who wants a good seat for Fantasmic, raise your hand? and he had us all follow him. Where he took us was the area across from the Haunted Mansion, right next to the smoking area that is like a dock on the water. He stayed there a while playing trivia games and singing happy birthdays, then he left to get more recruits. Surprisingly this area was not too crowded, even at show time. If you ever dont want to wait too long, I would think you could get decent seats there most nights up until 30 minutes before the show. The view isn't perfect, but to avoid an extra long wait, it may be worth the sacrafice. Of course, look for Bob. 
After Fantasmic, we stayed for Remember Dreams Come True. I have seen this show from the Rivers of America area twice and once from the top of Main. While the view from ROA is pretty decent, nothing can compare to Main St. The show is amazing from there.
By now it was about 9:45 and we were more than ready to call it a night. We made our way back to our hotel only to find a long line for the elevators that was something I hadnt seen before. While in the lobby DH went to the desk to ask a question. Ive often heard that unofficially as long as you are staying on site you can do EE, even if you dont have it with your park admission. Since we had already used our 1 EE with our hoppers, we still wanted to do it again tomorrow. The CM at the desk told us yes, all we will need is our Resort IDs in order to get in for EE.
So due to that answer when we arrived in our room, we set the alarm for 5:15 (for me to get up first) and went to sleep quickly.
Edited to add, I'm realizing now I didnt take very many pictures today(or yesterday) and the ones I took arent good enough to post here. There should be more tomorrow.
This morning we were up, ready and out the door in enough time to make it to the Jazz Kitchen Express by 7:55. They opened at 8:00 and we wanted to eat there before going to the park which opened at 9:00. By the time we ordered, ate, and made a bathroom break, we were in line for the park by about 8:45.
Again today there was a very long line forming and thankfully they started letting people in at about 7:50. We were let in up to the top of Main St(at least thats where I think the front of the line was) and at 9:00 they made an announcement, and let us go.
Our first stop this morning was to get FPs for Indiana Jones. Next it was on to Thunder Mt which we walked on. After that it was Splash Mt. which was another walk on. Cam has ridden this before in WDW, but he did not want to do it today. All our convincing wasnt working so we asked the CM at the entrance about the child swap. He told us he could just wait at the unloading area while we ride. Since this had worked well on TOT, we felt better about doing it here. When we returned from the ride, there was a girl about Cams age waiting there too. I guess it is a common practice.
Next it was on to Winnie The Pooh, another walk on, before we made it back to IJ for our FP. This is one ride we can actually get Cam on, but we had to do the child swap since Colton is about ½ inch under the height requirement of 46 in. So close!
If you read my previous days report this is what I was referring to about the child swap when you have to come back out and use the FP line. It took us close to hour to ride this ride with FPs & using the child swap option. DH & Cam went first while Colt and I waited. We were going to do Tarzans Tree House but that was closed. Even using the FPs, they had quite a wait once inside. It took them at least ½ hour to get through the ride. Then Cam and I went again through the FP line and it took us almost as long, maybe more like 20 minutes to wait inside and ride. For using FP and child swap, close to an hour seemed like it took way too long. I guesss the bottom line is using the Child Swap with FPs isnt as productive as using it without FPs. I think it was now (or before we rode IJ) DH ventured over to Space MT to get FPs. It was almost 11:00 and I wanted to catch Billy Hill and the Hill Billies at the Golden Horseshoe at 11:15(something we have never seen) Upon arriving in front we saw the Mayor setting up a box and he was calling people to gather around. We figured we had a few minutes so we went and watched. Before long a few actors were putting on a show that was absolutely hysterical. They picked people from the audience to participate and it was really good. Im glad we caught it. The plot of the show is too long to get into, but lets just say it ended with a man dressed as a woman saying he wanted DH as his/her husband and he told my kids he was their new mommy.
Judging from the Times Guide, that must have been Laughing Stock, Co. The show went from 10:55-11:10 then we went right into the Golden Horseshoe. The show in here was pretty good. There was some music with some humor thrown in. I wouldnt make it a must do on future trips, but glad I caught it at least once. We didnt stay too long as we wanted to catch the next showing of the Tiki Birds. DH has never seen this original one we wanted to be sure to catch it. I have to admit, I like the Under New Management version in WDW better, but this is still really cute and classic, of course. On our cruise this summer we were able to meet Disney Legend, Richard Sherman who wrote the Tiki Bird song (along with many many other classic Disney songs), so it sort of gave a new perspective to seeing attractions such as this one.
After this we stopped for a rest and got a couple Dole Whips to share between us. After our break it was time for our Space Mt FPs. Colton had ridden this over the summer but didnt want to ride it now. These kids not agreeing on any rides was starting to drive us nuts, LOL!
But Cam went with DH first, while I waited with Colt
.and waited
and waited
. It took them well over a half an hour. Finally they came out and said the ride had broken down while they were on it. UGH! Cam said he didnt want to go again with me, and at that point the waiting had gotten to me so it wasnt worth wasting time for just me to ride it. We ended up giving away our 2 FPs to people in the area. We did get FPs for Buzz Lightyear before we left the park since we would be back. By now it was a little after 1:00 and time to hop to California Adventure. Today there was a very long line to get in.
DH has never ridden California Screamin, so today it was straight there.
Here we both rode, using the Singles Line. While DH was on it I took the kids on Tritons Carousel twice. When the ride ended, they announced if you wanted to stay on you could, so we did. Then DH did the same with the kids while I rode CS.
Next it was on to the Sun Wheel. The kids again chose the stationary carts which is probably best since the line was shorter for that, about 15 minutes.
After that we did the Orange Stinger. This, I got Cam to ride, but Colt is too short. We went on it first, only having to wait 1 ride cycle to get on. Then DH rode afterwards, again waiting 1 ride cycle.
Sometime earlier, I cant remember when, we had gotten FPs for Mulholland Madness and it was now time for that. Here, Colton didnt want to go on at first, but we convinced him since he rode it over the summer, and he was glad he did. We all had fun. It was nice to do a ride together.
By now it was about 4:00 and I went to ride the Maliboomer in the singles line (Colts too short, and no way is Cam getting on this one, LOL). While I did this, DH took the kids to play a basket ball game, they had seen earlier and wanted to play. Then when we met up, DH rode MB and I took the kids to the SS Rustworthy, the little McDonalds Playground area. I thought they were a bit old for that, but Colton really wanted to play there, so I figured it was a good way for them to let loose for a bit.
By now we were ready for dinner. Cam wanted something at Taste Pilots Grill, and Colt wouldnt eat anything they have there so we compromised. We went to TPG where Cam & DH got their meals. We then brought them to Pizza Ooo Mow Mow (one of my favorites from over the summer) and Colt and I got our dinner there. We arent an easy family, are we?
We finished eating by about 5:15 and wanted to catch the Block Party Bash. This started at 5:15, but wasnt making the second(and final) stop until 5:35. In trying to find a spot to watch it at a CM was directing us of the way to walk if you dont want to see the Block Party Bash. DH asked if we do, is this a viewing area? And she said yes. We had a perfect front row seat (on the ground) by arriving 15 minutes in advance. It worked out perfect. We were right across the street from the Golden Zephyr. As always, this is a fun high energy show. Cam even got up and danced which is unlike him.
It was now about 6:00 and with the sun going down it was getting cold. We decided to go back to our room to get the kids jackets and dress a little warmer ourselves. By the time we got going again, and back into Disneyland it was about 7:00. We now tried to see The First 50 Magical Years show, playing at the Opera House. We entered the exhibit and the CM told us the show would be in 20 minutes. So we looked around a bit and in 10 minutes she announced they were having technical difficulties and had to shut down.
We decided to go back to Buzz. We obviously hadnt made it back in time for our FPs, but I often hear people say you can use them any time after the time window. I figured we could test this theory out and try to use our expired passes. They worked, no problem.
It was now coming up on 8:00, time to start scoping out a spot for Fantasmic. While this show is amazing the waiting can be difficult, especially with little ones. We made sure to make a potty break beforehand and we made our way to the Rivers of America. Upon arriving DH remembered a CM we had seen while we waited for this show over the summer. He was an older gentleman and up until right before the show he kept walking by announcing to people that there were still good spots left for the show, just follow him. DH said jokingly he wanted to find him to see where these spots are. Wouldnt you know all of sudden there he was.
We later found out his name is Bob. He told us to wait where we were and in classic fun Disney fashion, he went and rounded up other people. He asked Who wants a good seat for Fantasmic, raise your hand? and he had us all follow him. Where he took us was the area across from the Haunted Mansion, right next to the smoking area that is like a dock on the water. He stayed there a while playing trivia games and singing happy birthdays, then he left to get more recruits. Surprisingly this area was not too crowded, even at show time. If you ever dont want to wait too long, I would think you could get decent seats there most nights up until 30 minutes before the show. The view isn't perfect, but to avoid an extra long wait, it may be worth the sacrafice. Of course, look for Bob. After Fantasmic, we stayed for Remember Dreams Come True. I have seen this show from the Rivers of America area twice and once from the top of Main. While the view from ROA is pretty decent, nothing can compare to Main St. The show is amazing from there.
By now it was about 9:45 and we were more than ready to call it a night. We made our way back to our hotel only to find a long line for the elevators that was something I hadnt seen before. While in the lobby DH went to the desk to ask a question. Ive often heard that unofficially as long as you are staying on site you can do EE, even if you dont have it with your park admission. Since we had already used our 1 EE with our hoppers, we still wanted to do it again tomorrow. The CM at the desk told us yes, all we will need is our Resort IDs in order to get in for EE.
So due to that answer when we arrived in our room, we set the alarm for 5:15 (for me to get up first) and went to sleep quickly.
Edited to add, I'm realizing now I didnt take very many pictures today(or yesterday) and the ones I took arent good enough to post here. There should be more tomorrow.
