-It Takes People To Make The Dream A Reality- DCP Summer 2018 Highlights Trip Report! (COMPLETE 6/6!)

[the2ndstar2theright]

What an amazing moment!! You can totally see the pure joy on your face in those pictures, and I know that is something you will never forget! (Also--I'm maybe just a little jealous )

 

[PlutosRHM55]

What an amazing moment!! You can totally see the pure joy on your face in those pictures, and I know that is something you will never forget! (Also--I'm maybe just a little jealous )

Haha, I would be too if the roles were reversed. Only at Disneyland though, miss it so much! Never forget moments like that.

 

[thumper*]

Wow I had a lot to catch up on

And thus our night ended.

That sounds like such a MAgical day.

I will have a lot of free time come the New Year because lmao I WILL BE GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE but we shall see. This is my plan for now.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So what have you been doing since graduation?

Sorry about your sad day so glad to see you spirits picked up.
What a special M&G with Snow.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Wow I had a lot to catch up on

Lol oops... I like to update consistently and frequently.

That sounds like such a MAgical day.

It was. So much endless fun.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So what have you been doing since graduation?

Thank you! I've been home trying to plan my next move (read: struggling). All I can say about that lol

Sorry about your sad day so glad to see you spirits picked up.
What a special M&G with Snow.

The universe balanced out perfectly all I can say. Thank goodness for that

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Keep Your Hands Up Cause The Night Is Young
Part I
6/22/18: Remember That Day I Met Three Princesses At Once?

Walking on air essentially all the way from the Disneyland Main Gate, into DCA, I sped on down towards Mission: BREAKOUT. I had made fairly good time even with a line that moved as slowly as it did and taking as much time as I did with the three princesses. Bless the Disney Gods at be for letting me have one of the most iconic moments in my life then ride one of the most iconic rides in my life and see the most iconic parade in my life all in planned timing. Life has been blessed.

Back to Guardians, my tour of the Collectors fortress was as fabulous and thrilling as always. And the Guardians broke out again! Killin' it forever Rocket. I also was SERVIN' in the ride photo. All as predicted, but you know, I like to brag sometimes.



Snow, Cindy and Ariel's impact really.

After I got off Guardians, I immediately booked it on down to Paradise Park. I neglected to mention this before but the night before was the night that the new Incredibles float that had been added to the parade for Pixar Fest premiered. Yeah, a little bitter but also not since last night was just what I needed to get me back on my feet. And I WAS SEEING IT TONIGHT! The timing of my days off was too perfect. But yeah, sis needed her prime viewing, which luckily was still available when I arrived by Silly Symphony Swings. I had my usual waiting to do, but y'know I never was bored. Instagram updates, checking my DSLR for the photos I got that day, etc. I think you understand the gig at this point. Anyways, we were painting the night in a whole new way tonight! So kick your heels up y'all and come and join the fun!









































Now for the moment we were all waiting for...

THE INCREDIBLES FLOAT!













As someone who saw Paint before the Incredibles Float, happy to see the Frozen section gone and all that, I'm sure you're wondering my opinion on this Incredibles section. Well... shocker, I wasn't crazy about it. The float is super cool, yeah. I mean, on this night, the Jack-Jacks weren't all working so I didn't get to see that in action until later. Still, it's positioning in the parade was WRONG. I understand WHY they stuck it in where they did because it was the gap left by Frozen, but Frozen was there FOR A REASON. It flowed seamlessly after a princess float. The Incredibles did not. It should've been somewhere near another one of the other Pixar films represented. Personally I thought before the Toy Story float would've been PERFECT. Think about it, IT WOULD. Whatever, I still loved Paint and thus Y'ALL GETTING MORE PAINT PICS!











It should be a known fact by now that if you are following this TR and aren't a Paint fan, this isn't a TR for you. And if you aren't a Paint fan.

I literally have re-considered friendships when it came to people who told me they couldn't stand Paint the Night. I listened to this parade and saw it most every night. If I can still love it as much as I do, you can appreciate it. Yup, I'm that protective of my baby (left on November 7th :'( )

Continue Here​

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Keep Your Hands Up Cause The Night Is Young
Part II
6/22/18: Remember That Day I Met Three Princesses At Once?

Once Paint ended, I waited out the crowds a minute to take in the area a bit. Pixar Pier was still alive with the media event and as much as it lowkey hurt to know I never got an early preview, it made me so excited to be one of the first to be in it on actual opening day tomorrow! I'd been to opening and closing days for a few things at Disney so I was excited to experience another. Most hate them for the crowds, albeit I concur, the energy of it all is what it's about and I THRIVE with that so I was PUMPED for tomorrow. SO PUMPED. Naturally I took photos to deal with the anticipation.









After that, it was back to Disneyland to close off the night. I had my DSLR so I thought I'd try my hand at photographing Fantasmic especially since I hadn't watched it since my first night in the parks. No better way to get back into it than on such a wonderful, magical, glorious night. I fought the fireworks crowds all the way through Main Street and the crowds trying to find a spot for Fant to get a decent spot. You really need to be there in that hour and a half slot prior to get good seating, but I was not about to give up Paint for Fant. Nuh-uh, even the lovely Fant couldn't compete with my love for Paint at this point. No way.

Photographing Fant as a result tonight was not as optimal as I had hoped. The only good photos I got were of the dragon and even then you could see I was far back with a not amazing view. It was still a lovely show. Nothing will beat seeing it for the first time with Raven and Kinzie from right up front or my first night with the squad on her own private steps. There are just certain memories you can't replace. Here is a photo I got of the dragon though.



After the show ended, I snuck quickly around to go ride Haunted Mansion. The lines do really drop for Gracey Manor during Fant so as a Mansion stan (mostly for the one in Florida), I'd be dumb not to take advantage and with DSLR still in hand I got some delightfully grim photos of the Louisiana manor at night.





Maybe not THAT great, but good for how fast I bursted through the standby line. Needless to say, Master Gracey was hospitable as always and Old Hattie is such a comforting presence, but I had other plans.

Unfortunately, most of which I cannot remember what I followed through on. My guess is I rode Indiana Jones then maybe the Matterhorn or the Canal Boats then ending it by FINALLY riding Dumbo. First time ever on Disneyland's Dumbo since it was under refurb for a minute, but I rode it and documented the whole occasion!

Click to watch!


I never got to ride MK's Dumbo prior to its move to Storybook Circus and I gotta say, there really is something special about riding the legendary flying elephant directly behind the Castle and Carousel. What an unforgettable image WOW.

After Dumbo, I started to make my way out, wandering through my favorite nighttime quite spots like the Wishing Well and Fantasy Faire. I also stopped by the Hollow, which I hadn't realized was open at night. I ran into some other guests having a photoshoot. I decided to have one of my own. All selfies obviously, but a photoshoot is a photoshoot.





Yup, the millennial pink jersey was making another return. It was a cold time in California. Little did I know how quickly that would change but the jersey was so effective. I definitely was on the hunt for more (stay tuned to hear how that went).

After wandering through the Hollow and watching mini-World of Color (better than real World of Color imo), I maybe grabbed a Churro and started making my way out. It was definitely one of those nights where I was just enjoying Disneyland for Disneyland, taking it all in and relishing in the magic of the day. The atmosphere is undeniably something that can't even be replicated in Florida's Magic Kingdom. So perfectly Disneyland.

On my way out, I might've stopped into Great Moments for a moment just to watch the Disneyland story and really appreciate the beautiful park that had given me so much of what I really truly needed today and most every day. Ugh, we love Walt's original.

Click to watch!


Feeling thoroughly satisfied with my stunningly magical day, I felt it was time to go. Back to Carnegie Plaza it was. The day had been a perfect continuation of the one prior, reminding me of the magic I was a part of and got to make most every day. It was truly beautiful and special. It made feel so humbled and grateful about being a Cast Member and getting to visit these parks as much as I did. Not to mention, I was about to be at the park on the day of a new land opening of sorts the next day! Oh, the excitement and magic continues.

Continue Here​

 

[missjackiemcg]

I never got to ride MK's Dumbo prior to its move to Storybook Circus and I gotta say, there really is something special about riding the legendary flying elephant directly behind the Castle and Carousel. What an unforgettable image WOW.

I loved Dumbo's original placement at MK in WDW. Best two memories are sunrise on Dumbo during EMH on my Honeymoon in 2006, and Dumbo during Wishes on a trip with my Mom.

Yup, the millennial pink jersey was making another return. It was a cold time in California. Little did I know how quickly that would change but the jersey was so effective. I definitely was on the hunt for more (stay tuned to hear how that went).

...as I sit here in my Monsters University spirit jersey

Love your LOVE of Paint! That's how I felt about Spectromagic #RIP

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I loved Dumbo's original placement at MK in WDW. Best two memories are sunrise on Dumbo during EMH on my Honeymoon in 2006, and Dumbo during Wishes on a trip with my Mom.

Omg that first one sounds so amazing! I wish I had taken the time to actually ride it back when it was there. I was such a basic fan back then (I used to refuse to go watch most parades and shows back then and never met characters lol)

...as I sit here in my Monsters University spirit jersey

As I sit here in my Ariel spirit jersey as I have for two days. Oops.

Love your LOVE of Paint! That's how I felt about Spectromagic #RIP

SPECTROOOOOOO *insert sobbing* Talk about parades who deserved better. I could go on just as much about Spectro as I do about Paint, but I do love Paint just a little bit more.

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a great night! Love the PTN pics!!

 

[Jaina]

SPECTROOOOOOO *insert sobbing* Talk about parades who deserved better. I could go on just as much about Spectro as I do about Paint, but I do love Paint just a little bit more. [/QUOTE]

UGH. I want to Paint the Night so bad. I am just praying and hoping it might be playing the end of April when we go (on weekdays, haha... maybe.). It would be the priority of my entire day at California Adventure!!

 

[thumper*]

So are you going to apply for a job with Disney? Seems to be right up your ally.

I loved your Paint the night pics.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Sounds like a great night! Love the PTN pics!!

It was and thank you!

UGH. I want to Paint the Night so bad. I am just praying and hoping it might be playing the end of April when we go (on weekdays, haha... maybe.). It would be the priority of my entire day at California Adventure!!

The parade left prior to the Christmas Festival stuff starting in DCA. Many say it was because of the booths along the parade route that they took it out. I however talked with a friend in Costuming and she said it's probably gone for good for other reasons regarding technical stuff and the performers. I hope it comes back, but I'm not getting my hopes up :/

So are you going to apply for a job with Disney? Seems to be right up your ally.

I'm applying for a few jobs actually. I really hope to be back by this summer and just stay permanently there on out. *fingers crossed*

I loved your Paint the night pics.

Thank you!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

GOOD MORNING TO PIXAR PIER AND ONLY PIXAR PIER!
6/23/18: Pixar Pier Premiere Day!

I would finally be able to enter in Pixar Pier. After months of watching it become what I had seen in the past few days, I'd finally get to experience what existed beyond all those refurb walls. Minus the Inside Out headquarters area and Jessie's Critter Carousel that is. I got up super early, early enough that I think I even beat my roommate (oh yeah btw, Maxx had arrived by now so I was no longer alone in my room). I had to work today so I pre-packed most things last night and was out the door in no time to catch the first resort 10 bus of the time to make it to Disneyland.

When I got there, the line to get into DCA was already halfway across the Esplanade. Everyone was there to see the Pier.



Boy was it going to be a day for me if I ended up assigned to Pier for the day (I was working undistributed so they could put me anywhere that day). I tried to find the shortest line as quick as possible and hopped in and waited. In front of me was a family who were obviously regulars that were trying to make the best of their time waiting calling up family members who were going to meet up with them in Pixar Pier. They had MaxPass and were betting mostly on that, which meant I would really have to book it to get a FP that was before my shift. CMs, even with our ability to get in on the daily, could not get regular MaxPass without paying for it so that was the gig I was dealing with. Summoning up all the pixie dust I could to make sure this day went well.

Eventually, we were let in and it was a mad dash to the Pier. There were two routes I could've taken. Either by way of the winery or by way of Soarin' and Grizzly Peak. I ended up going the way that "seemed" to be the one where most people were going which was by the winery. We were held up until right at the edge of Buena Vista Street and if you know anything about Disneyland that was a WAYS from the Pier, but I could see above most and I think everyone was held up until the front of Cars Land since obviously some of the crowd was heading in there. Most were going to the Pier assumedly.

Click to watch!




As I waited and tried to scooch my way in closer to the front, I ran into my roommate Maxx who had come with all his friends. We talked for a bit about our plans. His plan of attack was to hop right in line for the Incredicoaster while I said I'd probably get a FP and ride something else with a much shorter wait, most likely Pixar Pal-A-Around (aka the Fun Wheel) since I hadn't done that either and the wait would be SHORT if I got over there quick enough. We stuck together but then I said bye as I bypassed everyone to get to the front. When I got to where the Incredicoaster line was forming it was nearly up to Adorable Snowman so I said no to that (even if I found out later that the ride was 101 upon opening hence why the line got backed up nearly as far as Cars Land). So I ran over to the FP kiosk and managed to grab a FP for 12:55 in the afternoon, well before I had to go backstage for my shift that day!

I had HOURS before that would come to pass so I went on over to Pixar Pal-A-Round as the crowds had not seem to make it over there yet.





Lucky for me they hadn't and the swinging side only had a five minute wait. After I got in line, I could see the crowds filing in behind me. One of the CMs working the attraction announced over the intercom that if you were a party of one, two or three you would be paired with another party so as to get people on the ride quicker. I was obviously a party of one so I would be by myself. Yipee! Blessed be that meant I got to skip a few parties in front of me woohoo!



Click to watch!


It seemed fairly lonely on Mickey's Wheel of Death (another well known name for this attraction and aptly so), but I actually had one other individual riding with me as was expected AND HE WAS THE MOST AWKWARD HUMAN BEING EVER. Like I've never met someone awkward and I'm surrounded by awkward individuals all the time (myself included), but he takes the cake. I came to find out he was a Custodial Cast Member yet we never worked together and never did. Like we'd see each other in passing, but never worked together. I heard he was really talented at Water Art so if you saw some guy in DCA making bomb water art, there's a chance it was him. Out of that, not an exciting human being even when I'm lowkey having panic attacks when the gondola is going near perpendicular. Yup, those were MOMENTS.

Nonetheless, Mickey's Wheel of Death begins and ends eventually. You get off and get on with your life. And again I had a whole day to experience as much as I could of Pixar Pier so obviously it was time to visit some Pixar Pals. All four Incredibles characters that met (aka Frozone, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Edna Mode) were but now they were on a randomized rotation. I hadn't met ANY of them so I hopped in line. Frozone was out so I was pumped for that, but that didn't last long.

Click to watch!


Who had come in place of Frozone?

Continue Here​

 

[missangelalexis]

Yay Pixar Pier! I know this was a huge day for you!

Being paired with such an awkward person on Fun Wheel probably wasn't very fun!

OoOoO I'm going to say Mrs. Incredible came out!

 

[the2ndstar2theright]

You got such great pics of Paint the Night!! I feel like you miss Paint with the same ferocity that I miss Spectromagic....because that needs to come back and no one can tell me otherwise. Also YAY for Pixar Pier!! I know that had to be so exciting!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I'm applying for a few jobs actually. I really hope to be back by this summer and just stay permanently there on out. *fingers crossed*

Wishing lots of luck and pixie dust for you, Timmy!!!!!!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Yay Pixar Pier! I know this was a huge day for you!

It was so exciting and worth all the wait in the end tbh

Being paired with such an awkward person on Fun Wheel probably wasn't very fun!

For how terrifying the Fun Wheel is, that made it far more intense than it needed to be.

OoOoO I'm going to say Mrs. Incredible came out!

...

You got such great pics of Paint the Night!! I feel like you miss Paint with the same ferocity that I miss Spectromagic....because that needs to come back and no one can tell me otherwise. Also YAY for Pixar Pier!! I know that had to be so exciting!

My need for both of those to come back is so equalled. Unfortunately I've come to terms with Spectro since all the floats did get destroyed and they even sold pins so I doubt we'll ever get it back. I'd love a Spectro 2.0 that would be LIT

And yes, Pixar Pier was SOOOOO exciting! I could not wait!

Wishing lots of luck and pixie dust for you, Timmy!!!!!!

Thank you Jackie!

 

[Spencer Wright]

(I have not been to DLR previously) . That parade looks so cool and Pixar Pier looks amazing.

Looking forward to seeing more.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

(I have not been to DLR previously) . That parade looks so cool and Pixar Pier looks amazing.

Looking forward to seeing more.

They are. I miss it so much!

 

[sahu]

I'm going to DL for the first time this fall, so I'm really enjoying your trip report! Thank you for taking the time to write in such detail, I'm loving it!