Halloween Homecoming 2014 (9/25 - 10/6/2014) (update 12/01 - COMPLETE)

[Vala]

Day 1 part 1: Travel


Due to work being crazy and forcing me to book the flight way later than usual I had more or less accidentally ended up on the direct Lufthansa flight after all. The direct flights had been way over 1000 Euro for ages, but suddenly an afternoon flight that wasn't that much more expensive than the connecting ones had opened up. And due to really tight connection times I would have ended up paying for Economy Plus for the connecting ones anyway, just to get out of the plane more fast. So I ended up on the direct flight after all, albeit an afternoon one - usually we had taken the morning flight.

Still it was nice - a fairly new 747-800 with in seat entertainment. Tangled, Arrow, Sleepy Hollow, X-Men, Captain America... plenty of choices. As usual the airline food was nothing to write home about. I didn't even touch my "dinner" in the end because it looked too suspicious. But hey, I had something to look forward too... Goofy's Kitchen!


LAX. I hadn't been at the International Terminal since 2011. Meanwhile a lot of the building work seems to be finished. It actually looks quite nice now. Especially departures after bag check on the way out were nowhere like I remembered... there's shops again now.

Seeing I had a very frustrating experience with the Disneyland Express on one of our trips - how the bus managed to completely ignore a tourist that was really bouncing with excitement on the curb and drive past is still beyond me - I trek to find the Super Shuttle stop in the end. I must have walked in the wrong direction cause there were people from my flight in the same car in the end who had got on earlier... but at least I saved myself going around in circles until the car was full.

We had left LAX at about the time I had estimated. But due to a traveller going to a private residence we end up on the scenic route to Anaheim. So the arrival at my home for the next 11 nights was slightly later than I had anticipated.

Usually our chosen residence is at the Desert Inn and Suites just across the road. However, I had managed to find a really good deal at the Anaheim Plaza at the crossing of Harbor Boulevard.

I realize that place doesn't get the best reviews. But the pricing was unbelievable and some of the complaints were nothing I'd ever bat an eyelid about. No free WiFi? That's why I bought an US SIM card for my phone. Walking past trash cans? Great, I won't miss the parking lot at home too much then. I do absolutely agree that the place looks a bit dated. However, it was clean. Maybe I got the odd room, but I had no stains from the carpet on my socks. I made sure to test that just for curiosity's sake. Also the staff was exceptionally friendly. One night my friend JJ stayed with me and they simply waived the parking fee for her seeing I was staying that long. Never happened at the Desert Inn. Besides the look the only complaint I can agree on was that the plumbing was unbelievably loud. When a room close to me was having a shower you would have thought a fire alarm went off. But as I don't usually sleep in this was nothing I couldn't cope with.

Due to the scenic route it was getting really close to my reservation time at Goofy's Kitchen when I finally took off from the hotel. For a moment I had considered just eating the $ 10 cancellation fee and bail. As I mentioned in some posts here, there was a pin release at Soda Fountain the next morning. Aaron (another friend of mine) would be picking me up shortly after 2 AM. But the first meal at Goofy's is tradition and besides... as I didn't eat much on the plane and I knew I wouldn't eat much in the morning (maybe a Pin Traders Delight ice cream, if that) a good dinner seemed in order. Off to Goofy's!

 

[Vala]

Day 1 part 2: a Swan Song

On the way to Goofy's Kitchen my first task is to try and get my Photopass Voucher exchanged. No, let me rephrase that: try and get my Photopass card with lack of a voucher. I had ordered a month out (which was way more time than suggested) and the Photopass voucher didn't turn up on time. In the end it turned up at my parents' place the day before I arrived home again!

Anyway, that idea was foiled cause the crowds didn't allow to get into DLR and DCA was closed for a private event. Oh bugger. Someone had posted online that Goofy's Kitchen photographers could get you your card too... hopefully they can help with missing vouchers too.

Small surprise at the venue: a refurb is going on, the main entrance is blocked. They temporarily set up Goofy in that little room next to Steakhouse 55 that was used as a children's playground.



The first character to come to my table is Chip - as you can tell he was in really good mood.





He was really over the moon over his new drawing, and my munks camera bag too.

One of the biggest highlights of Goofy's Kitchen, the dessert area.



Some stuff with peanut butter:



Chocolate cake with a liquid inside:



Apple strudel:



Worms and dirt (chocolate pudding with Oreo crumble and gummi worms):



Creme Brulee:



Bread pudding:



And one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten there - brownie Cheesecake:



Minnie and Rafiki stop by. The place is getting pretty empty, so no shots of them with me... simply no one around to ask.





Aurora is also visiting.

That's not too bad for a selfie, isn't it?



But she kindly found us a photographer for a proper shot too.



Said photographer is also kind enough to take my confirmation email and go off trying to get my Photopass card.

While she is away Pluto arrives. Again I have a drawing and Pluto totally freaks. Keeps giving the picture and me doggy kisses. It was very amusing. I tell him: "If you like it that much please keep it." Hey, I got a lot of signed Pluto drawings and I can always do a new one. After a while he understands what I am trying to tell him which leads to even more doggy kisses, hugging and an impromptu photo session.







It's getting late, but I am still missing one munk. A munk who promptly walks past me when he finally arrives in my area. Meanwhile Photopass lady has showed up again to give me my stuff (thank you Goofy's Kitchen staff, great service), a manager with a Japan pin on their lanyard has arrived and also Chip who's wondering why I am looking so crestfallen. After some very interesting minutes trying to figure out things - me multitasking when two munks are around? So not going to happen! - I have my Japan pin. The photographer tries to get Dale to me but is unsuccessful until Chip steps in and pretty much drags over Dale by the ear.



Afterwards I quickly make my way back to the hotel. Shower, getting stuff ready for the next morning and then trying to get at least a little sleep.

 

[Vala]

Day 2 part 1: The Soda Fountain

I honestly can't say if I even slept. When waiting for Aaron in the hotel lobby I feel way more awake than I ever expected.

The hotel people are really on the ball. I'm not even sitting down for 5 minutes when someone comes out of the office, asks me if I am okay and even offers to call Aaron for me. We chat for a while until Aaron arrives.

The line at Soda Fountain is outrageous. Frozen pins = World War 3. It also doesn't really help that the main parking is closed. A fun fair has been set up there, looks like they may be filming something.

A photo from the line:



The guy with the microphone was pretty funny. He was doing live rap, hoping for tips. He even did a German part for me.

5 AM... the number drawing rolls around. 435 and 510. Aaargh!!! I think I would have lived better with higher numbers. In the end the pins sell out less than 10 people in front of me. I already saw the door.

So we leave. Empty handed. The only Pin Traders Delight pin left is Violet from the Incredibles which neither of us collect and we have no friends who collect them either.

Granted I made some nice trades when waiting and met some lovely people. But this was really not how I was hoping the morning would start.

Aaron drops me off at the hotel and tells me to take a nap. Technically I had promised JJ to take a nap too - she's coming in for the Mad T Party tonight and had already jokingly told me: "Don't yawn at Dormouse." Problem is... 1) I'm hungry. 2) I'm wide awake. Which leads to 3) I may as well go and play in the parks.

 

[Vala]

Day 2 part 2: Return to Pixie Hollow

Finally back home... almost!



I grab a coke with cherry sirup from Coke Corner and head for Pixie Hollow. Visiting Tink first is a tradition. Thankfully the line is relatively short, I was expecting worse as it's almost noon. So the idea of getting food is abandoned in favor of tradition. I have liquid, way more important with weather like that. It's already starting to heat up.



Iridessa has flown in with Tink... could have figured Team Sunshine is around with a sky that bright blue.



Tink is a character I really miss in Paris. It's always fun to banter with her.



You can't really see it that well on the picture, but I had done a group drawing of her and her pixie friends which I was getting signed. My boyfriend calls it "the miracle drawing." I don't know who on this forum follows football/soccer. In the 2012 season my team Borussia Dortmund (if you follow football you may have figured that out from my shirts) was almost out in a Champions League game in the knock out round. They were playing badly, were behind and then an offside goal too. I got my drawing pad, told my father "if anything helps now it's pixie dust" and started with this drawing. In the end Dortmund scored two last minute goals and advanced in overtime. Since then every time his team is behind my father goes: "Can't you start drawing one of these winged things again?" His team seems to be immune though.

After visiting Pixie Hollow it's definitely time to eat.





Two other things I truly missed... the Cheddar Cheese Garlic twist and a Boysen Apple Freeze from Maurice's Treats in Fantasyland.

I stroll to the Firehouse. The next performance of the Dapper Dans should be coming up soon and if memory serves me correct they're usually at the Firehouse at that time.

I did remember right, and it's even the full Halloween set.











They're always happy to pose with their fans after the set, you only have to ask.



The traditional pumpkin picture:



I know most visitors prefer the other side cause it has the castle in the background. I like this side much more - the twinkle in the pumpkin eye just has more Halloween feeling for me.

It's almost time to cross over to DCA. The Mad T Party is starting only at 7 PM today, but I'm a bit antsy. JJ likes a spot at the stage (and so do I) and seeing she's working today I'll be the one getting a spot for us. It's been way too long since I did that at a concert. ><

 

[Jennafoo]

Oh, Vala...I'm so glad to see your new trip report! I loved your last Halloween one, and you were a big inspiration for my solo trip in October! I took your advice on Goofy's and on Maurice's Treats and you were so right on both of them.

And I remember that Dortmund game! So awesome...

 

[Vala]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad to hear you liked Maurice's Treats and Goofy's too.

I had been kind of hoping for the Photopass CD to arrive before I start this. But as usual it's taking its sweet time, so I decided not to wait any longer and start puzzling when the disc is here.

 

[Vala]

Day 2 part 3: Journey to Asgard


There's two new meets which had debuted after my trip last year which I had really been dying to see... Captain America and Thor.

Unfortunately (well unfortunately for me right now) Captain America is appearing at the Halloween party too, so when I go off to check he's still making sure the world is safe before showing up. But travel to Asgard is ongoing.

The queue line for the portal is nicely done - several weapons, Loki's mask and other items are displayed. It doesn't take long until they make us gather in the little museum, the announcement comes and we're teleported to Asgard.

The throne room is really really cool. We're talking both "squee!!!" impressive and "oh my god where's Cruella when you need her?" cold. I would have happily stolen that fur coat for a moment. *shivers at thought*



*purrs*

Erm pardon me. Fangirl moment. Where was I?

Back to reality... well as much as you can say that as a tourist in Disneyland. I still have a little time before it makes sense to cross over to DCA. I decide to visit the princesses.

For the first time I can remember all three visiting princesses are named on the poster - Cinderella, Ariel and Snow White. Less than 10 minutes wait overall. All three are sweet and charming as always.









Merida is about to come out and I decide to join her line. It's getting really warm and while I am certainly not a commando planner my usual "I go where I fancy" method is beginning to take its toll. Maybe a little planning isn't that bad.

First thing Merida spots is my chipmunk camera bag. "Is that for target practice?" Honey, you go after the munks and I'll show you what you can practice targeting with! Merida immediately realizes that didn't go over so well... my face must have been a picture.



But we make peace right away. I know she didn't mean any harm. I'm just very protective of my munkies.



It's time to hop over to DCA. One of my other "must dos" on the agenda: Find Oswald! After that go and Vinyl trade at Off the Page, have a look if people are already lining up for the Mad T Party. Then maybe Toy Story Mania and after that possibly back to Captain America. The T Party is only starting at 7 PM tonight because of the Halloween party in Disneyland Park. JJ thought lining up that early wasn't necessary.... getting in like for Cap early, meet him when he comes out at 3 PM and then hurry back to the stage seemed like an idea. But like I posted before, I was slightly nervous. If I get the task to guard a spot I want to do it right.

Oswald is out near the Gas Station. Only 5 people in line, which I admit surprises me. I wasn't quite expecting Thor AP preview lines, but I was expecting more than that.

Oswald is absolutely one of the most charming and playful characters you can imagine.

Trying to get a comparison shot with his drawing.





Signing.









I get some water and walk to Off the Page. A villain in the vinyl box. Jackie will like that... I always seem to get the good stuff.

When I walk over to Monsters Inc to check on the T Party stage I'm in for a little surprise. The stage spots are pretty much taken, and it's an hour before JJ recommended I'd even check. There's barely two spots on the side I wanted to be at anyway - the sides are inofficially named by the two guitar players. The left part when you're facing the stage is the Dormouse side, the other one the March Hare side.

I guess Toy Story Mania won't run away from me. *sits down at Dormouse side and waits*

 

[Vala]

Day 2 part 4: The Mad T Party

I've already kind of introduced the Mad T Party in my last California trip report.

The set up is still the same - a more "grown up" party location inspired by Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

The Mad T Party band performs four sets of about 30 minutes, starting at either 6 PM or 7 PM.

The lead singer, the Mad Hatter.



Alice also sings.



Cheshire Cat on the drums.



On the keyboard... the Caterpillar.



And finally the two guitar players I have already mentioned

Dormouse



and the March Hare.



The general idea of the Halloween show hasn't changed from last year. Someone spiked the tea and the band members are slowly turning into zombies. The light effects and screen effects have definitely changed though and so has the order of songs. I would remember "Enter Sandman" having been played that early. Some new songs have also been added. That performance of "In the air tonight" is pretty spectacular.

So without any further ado... picture spam!

























We were pretty much on the outer Dormouse side, but I certainly didn't mind. You may have caught onto Dormouse being my favorite of the group. Dormouse even recognized me from last year and sang a few of his lines to me. JJ still regrets not having the camera ready to take a picture of my face.

I like the Mad T Party (who am I kidding... like it a lot), but I also understand everyone who says it "isn't Disney." I heard that a couple of times. It certainly doesn't help some visitors certainly don't know to behave. One night a very drunk visitor was "dancing" (and I use that term losely), holding up his cup of beer and spilling his drink on some dancing kids. Other visitors were quick to step in, but stuff like that gives the area a bad reputation I guess.

When we leave after the party Mickey is still around saying hi to his friends... what a nice closure of a very long day.

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 1: The big Frozen run


That morning I had one of my not so bright ideas. I was up early anyway... I decided to test out the Frozen ticket line.

I knew from the start this wasn't the smartest move ever. It was a Magic Morning day, so I'd have a lot of people in front of me anyway. But seeing I was meeting my friends for breakfast later a later Frozen access pass seemed pretty matching.

Let me in let me in let me in!



During a non-Magic Morning day just follow the line of lovely CM holding these:



They'll wave you in the direction of this sign:



Then the line is walked into Fantasyland.

Me that morning however... different story.

We're being let in a little early and like everyone else I try to get to the Hub as soon as possible. That part goes more well than I thought, I still managed to be in the front line for rope drop. Being first at the gate probably helped there.

When the rope drops however the real fun begins. "Don't run!"? If you're heading in the direction of the Frozen meet and want to live I can't recommend following that advice. After being hit by the third stroller I end up running too. Two CMs half heartedly yell: "don't run", but the younger female gives me an "I know, I know" look when she gets a "I'm just trying not to get killed here!" look from yours truly. Dads with strollers bigger than my car running at full speed. I even saw a heavily pregnant female running.

The line from where I started queueing, about the Village Haus bathrooms.



The line really, really exploded. I had just texted a friend and was turning around... the line was already sneaking way into the walkway to Big Thunder Mountain at that point.

CMs handing out the precious return tickets:



I still had a little time left til breakfast. Photos from wandering around:







When I reach Pixie Hollow there's basically no line. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, that Frozen line looked like half the park is in it!



After only a couple of minutes I meet Silvermist. Pixie Hollow is a pretty warm area, even warmer than the other places in the park. The heat had got to Tink a little, so she had to take an unexpected break.







Coming out I bump into Jackie, one of my friends who was coming for breakfast. She had been trying to join me for the Frozen line, but at least that was something... that ticket line moves more fast than you'd think.

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 2: Breakfast at Storyteller's


Over my years of coming to the Disneyland Resort I made friends with some really lovely people. Some pin traders, some not. For some years the tradition had been that a group of us pin traders were meeting at Surf's Up Sunday mornings. We lost some of the girls over the years due to various circumstances, but gained Jackie's husband Nick. Last year due to Jackie's wedding the meal didn't happen, but this year we were all good to go again. We did end up switching to Storyteller's though.

Jackie and I found Nick and then went off to Storytellers where our friends Mel and Doug and Jackie's mom were already waiting for us.

We were seated near one of the fireplaces. As it was a rather late seating we were all hungry and abandoned our table for a bit... until I saw Brer Fox coming close. Then of course I forgot all about food.





Unfortunately no one else had noticed him which meant no photographer. I begged him to come back, which he later did. That photo is on Jackie's camera though, I don't have it yet.

The Brother Bear bears are always great fun.



We took some really great photos like Kenai and Doug comparing muscles.

Next up was Dale. I just realized on time that I had forgotten to take out one very important prop. A friend had got me chipmunk Mickey ears from Tokyo. We're talking the usual headband, but instead of the ears there's two insanely adorable little plush munks on it. I just managed to put it on time before Dale showed up. And as it was to be expected, he loved seeing the ears. I had them on my head for like 3 minutes until they found a temporary new owner.





Finally he did realize that there was no way he could get them on his own head. As a solution he made everyone that didn't get away fast enough pose with him wearing them, including Nick.

Very happy chipmunk.



More Bear fun.





I was a little sad that Terk was not there again, but hey, we met Meeko.

Posing with his drawing:





We had pretty much all finished eating and were still waiting for Chip to show up at our table. I was almost ready to go cause I knew all others were just waiting because of me plus it was tight for the characters to go backstage because they were setting up for lunch in the restaurant. But everyone kept telling me they were waiting to see Chip's reaction to the ears. And he most certainly didn't disappoint.





When we had taken the first picture he decided that Clarice was all Dale's now cause he was in love with me. He made me hide the Dale camera bag and then very, very carefully arranged my lanyard to cover Dale on my shirt. Cause you know, I was his girl and Dale had no place near me.



After we had finished our meal we bid good bye to Jackie's mom. But Doug and Mel had some time, so we all went to California Adventure for a bit. Funny enough the tourist had been the only one to meet Oswald so far.

 

[petals]

Luvin all your character meet pics

 

[Jennafoo]

So I assume you were able to get the return tickets?

I thought about it, but I am not good with the characters. I get self-conscious. Plus, I've never seen a line that big! My first day at Disney, I was shocked how everyone seemed to be in that line and the rest of the park was empty!

 

[Vala]

Luvin all your character meet pics

Thank you.

So I assume you were able to get the return tickets?

I thought about it, but I am not good with the characters. I get self-conscious. Plus, I've never seen a line that big! My first day at Disney, I was shocked how everyone seemed to be in that line and the rest of the park was empty!

I could only get mine, I would have needed to have Jackie's ticket to get one for her too. But mine I got okay. The return time was even way earlier than I had expected from the size of the line, early afternoon.

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 3: California Adventure

We decide to just randomly take a stroll in DCA. The general direction is Off the Page. Jackie and Nick had bought Vinylmation and it turned out one was damaged and one was missing parts. Plus we want to see if World of Color fast passes are still available - which they are.

The general direction gets a little less general at the Carthay Circle Theater though... Goofy, with Chip and Dale! We immediately jump in line. There are two Japanese groups in front of us which are taking their sweet time. Not surprising when just one more family is in front of us the cast member with Chip and Dale announces: "One more family."

I don't know if she heard the sound of my heart breaking or caught sight of me in full munks outfit (or more likely the ears), but after turning her head in our direction she immediately corrects herself: "Two more families." Yay!

The munks can't get enough of the ears.







And... the whole family.

Doug is on the left, Jackie is the lady in green between me and Doug, Mel is on my other side and Nick is on the outer right.



Thankfully the exchange at Off the Page works out no problem, though we all had forgotten there was an Artist Showcase called "Maleficent and other Fairies" there. So the credit cards end up taking quite a hit for me and Mel. I love my Tink and she's a huge Maleficent fan.

Mel decides to get in line for the artist signing while Jackie and I end up seeing another young lady I hadn't met yet... Doc McStuffins!





Doug joins us to go and see Oswald. On the way there we stumble upon a show of the Newsboys.























This time Oswald has a slight line, but part of that is because he's still so playful. When Jackie tries to pin trade with one of his handlers he immediately comes over to check.





Nick got away this time.





Afterwards Doug goes back to Off the Page to join Mel. They have to leave the park for a bit, but are planning to come back for World of Color. Jackie, Nick and me leave for Fantasyland to go so I can use my Frozen pass.

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 4: The Frozen Ones


In case you wonder where that's coming from, my boyfriend started calling Anna and Elsa "the Frozen ones." I guess he stole from "the Charmed ones."

We knew there'd be a wait until I'd be seeing the girls, so I went off to Fantasyland solo. Jackie and Nick were going to do some more Vinylmation trading - not that there are many trading spots left... - and catch up with me later. Little did we know how much "later" it would be.



Even with the return ticket my wait was almost exactly an hour. Okay, that was nothing compared to the Epcot waits and the waits before the system change. But in that area with close to 35 degrees Celsius, plus unfortunately Anna and Elsa took a break while I was in that little alcove like thing... that hour felt like an eternity. An eternity in an oven set on "blazing hot." It's great that Elsa is taking the time to meet her fans, but at that point I'd kind of have preferred if she had used some of her powers outside.

Getting close...





The magical door.



Decoration inside. Those cookies sure looked tempting, but at that point I really wanted water.



I did some special drawings again - one of the two sisters together this time plus one of Anna with Kristoff and Elsa with Olaf.









I had to explain in all details how I do these, what was the hardest part etc. Anna laughed when I explained that Elsa's nose was almost as hard to draw as the one of Flynn Rider. Apparently his little issue there is making the rounds.

In the end I offered the Kristoff and Olaf drawings to them. Hey, I can always do new ones. I should have done that in WDW already, but back then I was too stunned by Elsa being so impressed about my work. Only fair to do it now. Elsa even asked if she can get a warm hug from me because I've impressed her again. Hey, you don't get Queens asking for hugs that often.

Anna also did really dig my ears, but we decided against her trying them on cause we were afraid to ruin her braids.









Off to find Jackie and Nick. Meanwhile they probably think I made a sneaky exit to Arendelle.

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 5: Coke Corner


Meanwhile every ounce of my body is screaming for liquid. Jackie, Nick and I meet at Coke Corner for a break.

We're lucky, Musical Chairs with Alice and Mad Hatter is going on.



I was kind of with Mr Hatter on his reaction there. There was a family with a little baby there. The little one was upset at something and very loudly made that known. Not constant noise level, but more out of the blue shrieks every couple of minutes. It was quite startling. I absolutely understand wanting to watch the show, but if even the characters react to the screaming it may have come to the point where you should leave and calm your child.

















Lucky moment after the show... Alice and Hatter ask if anyone wants pictures. In the last years it's always been a bit of a matter of luck to catch them afterwards.



Now it's back to DCA. In a very weak moment I had promised Jackie I'd give Radiator Springs Racers a try. I still don't know what hit me there. Maybe Zombie Dormouse ate my brain. ><

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 6: Radiator Springs Racers

This part is going to be lacking pictures a little bit until the Photopass disc arrives.

Things just about work out for us to arrive on time still for our Radiator Springs Racers slot.

The queueing area is nicely done. I also really like the first part of the ride with the garage. The actual racing part? Not so much. I know some of you were not believing me when I told you I am the world's biggest ride chicken.... what am I saying there, I am the biggest ride chicken in the universe! So... here's proof. Our on ride photo of Radiator Springs Racers.



The good thing was I got two rides in with lining up for one only. The first one and the last one EVER.

Poor Jackie was so torn between dying laughing at my reaction and trying to find me a bench where I could sit down. Though I must admit I felt less bad afterwards than I feared I really have no desire whatsoever to go back on this one.

I get us a slot for Toy Story Mania and we stroll around until we can get in line.

Flik is out in Bug's Land.





After Toy Story Mania I get a new slot for Haunted Mansion Holiday. It's also getting kind of close to dinner time and Jackie really wants to try Carnation Cafe again.

 

[Vala]

Day 3 part 7: Carnation Cafe


After riding Haunted Mansion we bump into one hell of a line in New Orleans Square. What? Is Jack Skellington out late? Nope - the line is for the popcorn cart.



Said popcorn cart is the only place where you can get the seriously adorable Zero popcorn bucket. Which happens to be the one souvenir my boyfriend asked for.



Some serious Fastplass plus potential there.

45 minutes later I have the bucket and Nick his snack. Disneyland popcorn... *does Homer Simpson impression*

Carnation Cafe is taking walk ups. We check the stores for some more pin trading until our beeper goes off.

Jackie and Nick decide on Fried Pickles and a Burger while I settle on the Bacon Cheese Melt.



Very good, but although I hadn't eaten lunch it was still almost too much at that point.

In the end Carnation Cafe is the only place where I actually wore my hoodie all trip. We were seated directly under the AC, that was a little much.

The plan had been to wait for Doug and Mel and watch World of Color. But at that point the heat had all beaten us. Jackie and Nick said good bye to go home and I went back to the hotel too. The next day would be long. JJ was coming to the parks again for the Mad T Party. My friend Stuart was coming for pin trading. And then on top of it all Sabrina and Markus were flying in from Florida and I had been assigned the task of trying to guard a spot for the second Fantasmic.

 

[Jennafoo]

Ugh. I can't believe you had to wait an hour after your return time to meet Anna and Elsa. And in that heat, too.

You're definitely a dedicated character hunter!

 

[Vala]

Yeah, I guess you can say that I am a dedicated character hunter.

I certainly didn't expect to walk straight in. Not with the number of people wanting to meet those two. But after some others had posted here they got in fairly quick I didn't quite expect an hour wait.