If You See It: Eat It! Via Panama to Disneyland - Completed and Link to New Trip Report 2/24

[Flossbolna]

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Exactly!!!

 

[Flossbolna]

I promise that I will catch up on replies, but it is getting late and I wanted to make sure that the next update is posted tonight...

 

[Flossbolna]

Today was going to be our Disneyland day. Since it was not summer yet, the park was not open late in the evenings during the week. Also, the only evening entertainment offered was World of Color at DCA, no Fireworks or Fantasmic at DL. But we had already seen the fireworks twice, so we were fine with that. And week crowds turned out to be fare more manageable than weekend crowds. But the parks were far from empty.

We once again had a leisurely start to the morning. Our two big must dos for the day were to get to ride Space Mountain and Indiana Jones (which is a ride that is technically the same as Dinosaur, but themed totally differently).

Approching the park we saw the first preparations for the 24-hour day that would happen on Friday (today was Wednesday).

This would be turned into a big sand sculpture. But we did not linger to watch it being built, instead we headed into DL:

Here you get a sense of that the castle it not very tall – the Matterhorn looks bigger. But I think that is good so, it would be odd if the castle were bigger than a mountain!

We went over to Space Mountain to pick up a FP there:

A view of Tomorrowland:

I have to say that I did not like Tomorrowland at all. It was chaotic, far too crowded and just not very pretty at all. By far the weakest part of DL. But Space Mountain is a valid reason to go there!

Back to the hub, to your left where the car is heading is Main Street and the building with the patriotic bunting is where Casey’s is at the MK in WDW.

To the right of it you can see the Jolly Holiday Bakery, here is a better picture:

We headed into Adventureland thinking that we would check out the line for Indiana Jones.

But it was longer than we would have wanted to wait for. So we decided to hang out in the area to wait until we could get another fastpass.

We walked past the Tiki Room:

And then headed through Adventureland:

And through New Orleans Square:

To the HM:

And from there to Splash Mountain:

We once again used the single rider line and I think this was the ride when Michael had someone on the ride in front of him who was filming the whole ride with his iPad that he held high over his head, blocking Michael’s view.

And since we were in the area and since it did not have any lines we went on another ride on Pooh:

Looking back:

Continued in Part 2

 

[Flossbolna]

We slowly made our way over to BTMRR.

When we got there, BTMRR was down – again! So we decided to have lunch at the restaurant that is right next to it, the Rancho del Zocalo. It is a Mexican counter service place and has a lovely seating area:

I found it difficult to chose, there were many things that sounded delicious. You might have guessed from the name that there is Mexican food. My problem is that I am not that familiar with Mexican food, so I was not really sure what to order.

I went with the Soft Tacos Monterrey: Marinated Beef, Chicken, Carnitas or Vegetables served in Flour Tortillas with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans. I think I chose chicken as my filling:

It was good. But I think Michael made the better choice:

He got the Burrito Sonora: Marinated Beef, Chicken or Vegetables with Refried Beans, Rice and Cheese wrapped in a Flour Tortilla and topped with a traditional Guajillo Sauce served with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans

From the description it sounded not so different, but his was far less dry than mine.

The seating area has a view of Big Thunder Mountain and while we were eating we saw that they started having empty trains going around. So, we thought that they would open up soon and prepared that as soon as they would open the line, we would head over there. It was perfect timing as we were done with our food and could just jump from lunch directly on the ride!

From there we headed back to Adventureland and on the way Michael saw a Fastpass on the ground and picked it up. It was a FP for BTMRR for exactly right now. We got in a bit of a disagreement of what to do with it as Michael said that finding a FP means that you have to use it and I was thinking that it is only for one person and we had just been on the ride, so we should just either pass it on or toss it.

Well – Michael would not hear of that, so he went off to ride BTMRR and I ventured out to explore.

I looked at the petrified tree that Walt gave his wife as a birthday present:

And then I thought I might want to get a treat from the Jolly Holiday Bakery, but nothing really was what I wanted. They have neat decorations there though:

And then I remembered people talking about Mint Juleps and Beignets in New Orleans Square – so I went back there through Adventureland where I took a picture of the Jungle Cruise:

Of the Indiana Jones wait time (I might have gotten us FPs there).

Walked past the closed Pirates in the Caribbean entrance:

It was closed for refurbishment.

And then with the help of my park map found the place that sells Mint Juleps and Beignets in the far far corner of New Orleans Square. It was kind of hidden behind all kind of construction tarps at that point because they were refurbishing that area.

I did not take a picture of the beignets. They were served in a white paper bag and were covered with powdered sugar – it was white on white and there was nothing to see besides a mountain of sugar. But once I had dug them out, they were delicious!!

But here is a picture of the Mint Julep:

I had not high hope for this and thought it was just going to be one of the things that everyone talks about, but really is not that special. But I guess I have found my personal theme park must have food/drink item!

It looks scary and it definitely has nothing to do with the real cocktail. After all, Disneyland is a dry park, so no alcohol in there. But it was sweet without being too sweet, minty and refreshing. SO GOOD!! By then I also had forgiven Michael for abandoning me and made sure to enjoy my drink slowly so that he could get a taste as well. And he really loved it, too!

And then it was time for the Tiki Room! This has a lovely little pre show here that we only caught the end of. The waiting area is much nicer in my opinion here than in WDW. They even have a Dole Whip window selling you Dole Whips in the waiting area. This tree is featured in the pre-show:

More pre-show area:

The show was very nice. I was amused as their were two mothers with a bunch of little kids and one boy was getting a bit scared. By the way they talked to him about how it would not be scary, it became obvious that those were families who went to DL on a Wednesday like some of my friends here go to the local zoo on a Wednesday afternoon with their kids… Must be nice to live so close that your local zoo is Disneyland (oh, and to be able to afford the annual passes for your family, I am pretty sure it is far far more expensive than my local zoo!).

After the Tiki Room it was time for our Space Mountain FP. I really love that ride at DL. It has great music effect and is a fun coaster. It is less rough than at WDW. There is a tunnel effect with lights that totally confused my brain and that’s a lot of fun!

Heading back over to Main Street:

And then our next stop was Fantasy Faire which is a newish area with Princess Meet & Greets and a little theatre for shows. We just wandered through and admired the theming, especially animated Figaro:

From there we walked into Fantasyland.

The castle is currently being refurbished for the 60th anniversary. The rumours say that the castle will get rid of all the gold (which was put there for the 50th) and instead it will get a more classical grey/blue look with diamond decorations.

Up next: Drinking with Trader Sam

 

[dolphingirl47]

I enjoyed all your photos. That was a stroke of luck that you were in the right place at the right time for Big Thunder Mountain reopening. I love the Mint Juleps they do at Disneyland. I can't believe that I never got around to having one on our recent trip. The Matterhorn Macaroons at the Jolly Holiday Bakery are delicious. I love all the details from Fantasy Faire.

Corinna

 

[wilma-bride]

I can't wait to try a Mint Julep and those Mickey beignets in May

 

[Poolrat]

I get myself a bit turned around in DL. Just odd for me to find some similar rides in very different places.

You are right that I have never experienced Space Mountain in it's regular form, I have only been there around Halloween so I have gotten the Ghost Galaxy version. Same for Haunted Mansion, only the Nightmare before Christmas version.

I am glad you were able to explore while Michael took advantage of the FP.
It was tough finding the beignet stand. It really is tucked in there. I think we walked around New Orleans Square twice before spotting it.

 

[lisah0711]

I've caught up on your TR and am loving all the DL and CA things that you were able to do. I really like your comparisons to DLP of things. I loved the cruise part of the TR, too.

 

[franandaj]

Another jam packed day! I've never been to Rancho Zocalo. I guess because there are so many great Mexican restaurants in So Cal, I've never thought of eating Mexican while at DL.

That's great you finally tried the mint julep and liked it. The beneits and really good! I could go for some now.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

When we got there, BTMRR was down – again!

NOOOO!!!!

The seating area has a view of Big Thunder Mountain and while we were eating we saw that they started having empty trains going around. So, we thought that they would open up soon and prepared that as soon as they would open the line, we would head over there. It was perfect timing as we were done with our food and could just jump from lunch directly on the ride!

Excellent strategy! That's a true Disney Parks Professional in action.

It was a FP for BTMRR for exactly right now. We got in a bit of a disagreement of what to do with it as Michael said that finding a FP means that you have to use it and I was thinking that it is only for one person and we had just been on the ride, so we should just either pass it on or toss it.

Well – Michael would not hear of that, so he went off to ride BTMRR and I ventured out to explore.

Hmmm...I could get on board with giving it to someone, but tossing it??

I did not take a picture of the beignets. They were served in a white paper bag and were covered with powdered sugar – it was white on white and there was nothing to see besides a mountain of sugar. But once I had dug them out, they were delicious!!

I love beignets! So glad you enjoyed them.

The waiting area is much nicer in my opinion here than in WDW. They even have a Dole Whip window selling you Dole Whips in the waiting area.

I agree! Dole Whips make it much, much better.

Must be nice to live so close that your local zoo is Disneyland (oh, and to be able to afford the annual passes for your family, I am pretty sure it is far far more expensive than my local zoo!).

If only...Still, we have Washington D.C. within 2 hours' drive, and most of the museums and zoo there are free.

After the Tiki Room it was time for our Space Mountain FP. I really love that ride at DL. It has great music effect and is a fun coaster. It is less rough than at WDW. There is a tunnel effect with lights that totally confused my brain and that’s a lot of fun!

I really liked the music on Space Mountain too. It seemed a lot faster there than at WDW.

 

[chirurgeon]

I have a question. Did they have any nights where they sht down the lights for stargazing on deck?

 

[Steppesister]

YOU DID IT! You took my advice and had a nomilicious beignet and MINT JULEP!! I told you you wouldn't regret it! (Real ones ARE better- and dangerous. Remember my story about having one at Mt. Vernon a few days before my WDW portion? and leaving my camera in the bathroom... and having to drive an hour back there to get it. Yeah, that story.) I confess, it brought a small tear to my eye being that that is one of the last few memories that truly stands out on that trip with my aunt. It was a small slice of Heaven being together listening to the Jazz and sharing a snack.

Yes, Michael got the better meal. Although if you'd put some salsa fresca or sour cream on those tacos, they'd have been amazing too, I'm sure.

Sorry, I"ve been so scarce. Only 6 weeks left until Spring BREAK!! WOOT!

 

[Flossbolna]

Fantastic! Being an Imagineer is still my dream job. Please promise me you'll shop for me if you ever get the chance to go back! I'm good for the money, I promise.


Yeah, I'm thinking someone needs to give that Castaway Cay sign a spin. I love the little Disney reminders, though.



Even better! I'm about ready to mail you my credit card for the next visit.



I still think all cake tastes relatively the same. Which is why I love pies!



I think I heard about that somewhere...



I'm glad you were able to get to the Pacific coast. You're a long way from home!



Looks good. I'd be happy if they served cake instead of salad.

Mark, I am sorry, I am on my Ipad and just cannot get your post splitted up for proper replying. And my keyboard is set to QWERTY instead of QWERTZ, so I am having trouble finding the right keys...

Anyway, I better get this trip report moving again!

I promise you that I will let you know when the next shopping opportunity arises. If all goes well, this should not be too far away as Michael and I would love to be at DL for the 60th anniversary celebrations which start at the end of May and will go on for at least 12 months.

I like the signpost, it seems that a lot of Disney destinations have them. There is something on the ground at DLP, I think Vero Beach has one as well. It is always neat to see that there are so many Disney destinations scattered around.

I love pies and cakes, but I can see why pies would be prefferable. The filling definitely gives it more of a distinct taste. That|s why I like cakes with a flavour, like my favourite, lemon pound cake.

 

[Flossbolna]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading your trip report. You do a great job of including helpful information, some of which I'm logging for our upcoming cruise. I've been reading your TR over the past couple days so pardon me if I ask something you've already discussed -- or since I'm only midway through, maybe it's yet to come.

First, your English is excellent. (So if you've already said you're either a Boston native or German born I missed it.)

Easiest question, what does "All Fast" mean?

Second question, how did you like having an inside stateroom for two weeks? Sometimes I wonder if I would feel claustrophobic and then I remind myself that my son went from the US to France in a submarine and he survived. I am ready to do more cruising and know that more would fit in the budget if we gave up the verandah.

Finally, you were out and about by yourself a lot on the cruise. I know it's a subjective question, but how solo friendly do you think cruising is? I went to Disneyland Paris solo (and hadn't even gotten out of the airport when I realized my high school French was very rusty) and I've done Disneyland solo and LOVE Disney World solo, but I'm not sure about a cruise. I can't see paying for two if my husband isn't really interested. I'm starting to think I want to do the Panama Canal solo.

I know you're busy, but if you have time I'm interested in your thoughts.

Sorry that I did not get around to answer your questions any earlier! And thanks for the compliment on my English! I am indeed German but spent some time living in England, had a British boyfriend for some time and now have an American one. I use English quite a lot regularly and not only just on the DIS.

All Fast was a term that was used on the leaflet that we got at the end of the cruise. I understood it to mean the time when the ship was all tied up to the pier at the respective port.

We did not stay in the inside stateroom for two weeks. The one that we were moved to did have a window, but with an obstructed view. While this was a nice bonus, I did not at all feel uncomfortable in the inside stateroom and would not hesitate to book one for a longer cruise again. I think it has a lot to do with personal preference. On our last cruise we got a verandah because of a discount and in the end we did not really use it at all. I made the point a few times to go and sit there, but I really would have been equally happy sitting on deck 4. I even kind of missed being able to sit and people watch a little when I was on the balcony. So for me, I now know that paying any extra for a balcony is just not worth it. A porthole, yes that is a nice added, but not necessary, bonus.

Michael and I discussed solo cruising during the Panama Canal cruise quite a bit and we disagree on it. I think I would enjoy it a lot. Michael thinks for him it would make no sense. So, I think there is no right or wrong answer. You seem to do well travelling on your own, so I guess you would like it. One of the things I liked about cruising is that it is so easy to start chatting with fellow travelers. I never felt odd when I walked around the ship on my own and there were plenty of people doing stuff on their own. Forexample the morning show I often went to had mainly people visiting there on their own, just a few tables had more than one person.

Hope this helps! If you have any more questions, just ask ahead, I am happy to help!

 

[Flossbolna]

I somehow fell very much behind. Too much stuff going on right now... So I'll take it step by step to comment, as I'm not sure how many updates I'll manage before I should do some real work...



I'm much more intrigued by the candied pansy than by the ise sphere... Did you eat it?



It looks like a great place! How lucky for you to have such friends!



I totally agree with you, it is mysbe the only attraction at DLP that ist not original to the park where I don't mind the French narator. I guess, not understanding everything you're told makes it a little more creepy



Okay, I really have to go to Disneyland! We were so dissapointed the last time by the dirt.



No wonder, you were exhausted, you did lots of stuff, even though you had your headache and rest! But I guess you relaxed long enough on the ship...

And just as I told Mark: with using the QWERTY layout on mz QWERTZ keyboard on the ipad, you get the easy reply...

Seems like you are still busy since you did not get very far at all with your comments... Maybe you will find some time tomorrow. I will try to get you some birthday cake if you stop in.

I ate the candied pansy and it was mainly just sweet. Like candied rose petals.

Yes, we were lucky to get some special treatment on that trip!

I think we never spoke about ToT, but it is funny that you agree with me. And I think it might be the language factor that adds the extra level of creepiness. The drop sequence is still better at WDW though.

Well, if you go to DL, you will not only see less dust, but soon enough you will be able to see it in upgraded digital projection, i.e. no dust and sharper image. I wonder whether one will be able to spot even more things. Remember the hidden Mickey that @GoofyFan1515 tried to point out to us on the golf course that we neve could see?

We did not spend that many hours in the parks, but we managed to pack in quite a lot!

 

[Flossbolna]

All caught up again.

This sounds like a wonderful trip and a good reason for getting behind on this trip report. I can't wait to read all about it.

I am so glad that we decided to skip breakfast and asked for early debarkation. At least we avoided the bulk of this craziness. By the time you cleared the car hire place, I was already at Seaworld.

I think we had that same studio during our very first stay at the Grand Californian. I think I would have had a field day at that Cast Member shop.

No, I have not started the trip report for our most recent trip yet. I actually have not been on here for over a month. Somehow reality got the better of me. I have not even started to download the photos. I am now off work until Wednesday though. The plan is to get caught up on the threads I am following today and tomorrow, start downloading the photos on Monday and Tuesday and then hopefully post the first day of the trip report on Thursday.

How nice that you got a bonus day at Disneyland. I had no idea that Matterhorn had a single rider line. I usually head to the parks by myself and could make good use of this. That was a bit of luck that you were right there when Big Thunder Mountain reopened. Like you, I still think the one in Paris has the edge, but I also love this one. I am amazed how much you got done, especially considering that it was a busy day and you got there relatively late.

I love the Pacific Wharf Café. Unfortunately they no longer do my favourite, which was the corn chowder and I agree about the size of the bread bowls.

What a shame that Radiator Springs Racers had broken down. I usually walk down the street of Radiator Springs and then leave by the back entrance.

How lucky that you got to visit the 1901 lounge. I had that pleasure in 2013, but on my recent trip I got to go somewhere that is even nicer.

What a shame that you felt unwell. The special seating for the fireworks sounds amazing. I have yet to see Carsland all lit up. This has to go on the to do list for next time.

I am glad that you finally got to ride Radiator Springs Racers. Lunch looked delicious. The parade looks really cute. I have yet to see that. I am glad that you enjoyed World of Color. This is my favourite Disney show.

I have never tried In n Out Burger, but I am a huge fun of Five Guys and fortunately we now have one of those in Manchester.

How nice that you got to visit a second special shop. Did you know that Walt Disney's final resting place is also in Glendale? We paid our respects in 2011.

We made the same mistake and went to Griffith Park on a Monday and found everything closed.

Corinna

Corinna, great to see you back!! And thanks for making such a big effort to comment on days and days of trip report! I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Seems like we share a lot of favourites at Disneyland. And if you are there on your own, the Matterhorn single rider line would be a great bonus!

You really need to see RS during night time. The neon is so cute! Just like in the film.

Seems like you did a lot of exploring in LA, if you went to Glendale to visit Walt Disney's grave. I had no idea it was there. But I guess the family lived in that area as that is where the studio was.

 

[Flossbolna]

I'm still here! But several (okay, many) chapters behind. I just got through your Panama Canal crossing chapters. Very cool! I didn't know that it wasn't narrow the whole way through either. Good to know!

Hi Glenn! Great to see you around!! I was wondering whether the Glennbo family was planning any Disney trips this year. Is Marlene a senior already? I guess your last chance for a family trip with her is coming up soon...

 

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna, great to see you back!! And thanks for making such a big effort to comment on days and days of trip report! I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Seems like we share a lot of favourites at Disneyland. And if you are there on your own, the Matterhorn single rider line would be a great bonus!

You really need to see RS during night time. The neon is so cute! Just like in the film.

Seems like you did a lot of exploring in LA, if you went to Glendale to visit Walt Disney's grave. I had no idea it was there. But I guess the family lived in that area as that is where the studio was.

I am thoroughly enjoying your trip report and would not miss it for the world.

Disneyland on the whole has a special little place in my heart. This was supposed to be a no Disneyland year, but I am blotting a sneaky little trip for later in the year before my annual pass expires. This is likely to be a solo trip and that should give me plenty of opportunity to experience Radiator Springs at night.

We have had quite a few trips to Southern California so we have got around a bit. The visit to Walt Disney's grave happened when good friends of ours that live about 30 minutes from Disneyland took us sightseeing. We went to the La Brea Tar Pits in the morning and then the idea was we would spent the afternoon at Griffith Park. Unfortunately it was a Monday and everything was closed. I had read that Walt Disney is burried in Glendale and I asked how far Glendale was away. Our friends were curious why I wanted to know and the next thing I knew they asked me if I wanted to go right now. Graham just shook his head. He still refers to this as 'The Hunt for the Dead Disney". Still, I am glad that I had the opportunity to pay my respects.

Corinna

 

[dizneeat]

Love, love, love seeing all your photos of DL. (Even though it makes me quite "homesick".)

 

[schmass]

I loved looking at all the pictures in this update - you really caught alot of the amazing details of the park.

That mint julep sounds so good. I don't think I'd like the alcoholic version, but the DL versions sounds great!