Live Update from Mary Jo 5/05/05 Noon

[Tink33]

I just called Mary Jo to see how things are today at Disneyland. She claimed the park was packed!!! The line to get into Disneyland went from the park gates to DCA park gates and wrapped back. She arrived at opening and has not ventured off of Main Street. The DIS group is still waiting for their table at Carnation Cafe.

She promised insider information and pictures when she gets home. I could hear in her voice how excited she was to be part of Disneyland history.

 

[missmulan]

please keep us updated! I want to hear everything!!

 

[chibichibirei]

I cant wait to hear how it was

 

[Amy&Dan]

Oh I have had Disneyland on the brain all day! One year ago today we were there and it was crowded, I can only imagine what today must be like! Can't wait to go back in September. Hope the disers got their table at Carnation Cafe eventually!

 

[poohj80]

There are some good real-time updates on www.mouseplanet.com. The description of the line waiting to buy the LE pin is just frightening!

 

[CamColt]

How cool is that! Cant wait to hear more.

 

[Stacerita]

I just got back from there. And it was packed. Most of the park didn't seem as packed to me as Main Street did. It was unbelievable. Took me and the sweetpea forever to get to the hub. First we couldn't even get to the security check it was so packed. And we were there before 8am. Main street was compeletly packed. It was crazy. We couldn't see a darn thing. I had wanted to meet up with Mary Jo and her group before they went to lunch, but I couldnt make it back down there. Way to many people. And all food lines were massive. The sweetpea and I ended up choosing to not eat because the lines were so big. Even the lines for churros and ice cream were huge, but we did manage both of those (sweetpea cant live with out her mickey bars). The food lines were as long if not longer than some of the ride lines were. No way were we gonna do that. We were able to walk on to some rides and still managed to have a lot of fun. Ended up driving through McDonalds on the way home. No shopping either, couldn't handle the crowds. And no way was i gonna convince the sweetpea that standing in line for the LE pins would be fun. Oh well. Was a bit bummed about not meeting any DISers though. I did see lots of green out there and from far away saw a few DIS shirts, but too far for me to meet though. And I did have my green on my lanyand. Next time I will find some DISers. Over all, im glad we went though.

 

[Grumpy_4_me]

The Mrs and I went right over to get inline for the Limited Eddition pins in Tomorow land and did not get out of there till after 12:00, they only let so many in at a time.

We lucked out when we got to the park, we had gotten in the lines, but they had oppened to more gates to the left that made for 4 more line, we got second in one of the lines , but was stilla nightmare.

Was hoping to see the crew @ 11:30 but was still in line like I had said, hehehe.

We bailed at about 4:00PM. my kne just gave out on me, had surgery in Jan and reinjured it last month painting the trim on th house, still have fluid on it.

Would we do it again? hmmmm, In a hart beat

We even got 2 "Golden Ears" Mickey antena balls.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

We were there too! But I didn't arrive until 2 PM as the kids had to be in school today. It was very crowded BUT not as bad as I though it would be. We basicially walked onto Small World. Took the monorail first and got in the back car and did a round trip around the park to scout things out. Saw the huge line for pins and decided to skip that. Did a few other rides, took a few photos and then headed to DCA. Almost walked onto Soaring even the posted was 25 minutes. Watched the Block Party parade - very nice then headed to Rainforest Cafe' for dinner. Home by 9 PM. A quick trip but well worth it. We just HAD to be there today.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Can't wait to see pictures

 

[iceskatejen]

Yesterday was so fun, but I agree that it was packed. I pulled into the parking garage at 8 (overslept and hit traffic) and stood waiting to go through security until about 8:40, but once through security, I was in the park quickly. I managed to get a spot on the edge of Tomorrowland for the ceremony and got glimpses of everybody. I managed to make it into the Main Street shops and first bought some scrapbooking stuff in the China Closet, then made my way down to the music store to get the LE cd set (yay, I got one!) and a new book called Disneyland: Then and Now. Took my purchases to package pick-up (boy were they heavy) and went on search of food. I guess I must have passed Mary Jo and the Carnation Cafe group on my way back up Main Street, but didn't notice any lime green.

I got food at Bengal BBQ (long line, very long line) and found a bench in Frontierland to eat it on. I was very disapointed to see that the Billys weren't performing because they were using the Golden Horshoe for the Happiest Birthday because the Plaza Inn was being used for media. But I noticed the soap box that Laughing Stock uses sitting there, so I guessed that they were performing, even though they weren't on the schedule. I made sure to get back there by 2. I rode the Jungle Cruise (the sign said 35 minute wait, it was more like 20). I loved the new water cannon effect and the piranha were too funny. I then went to NOS to the pin shop there (couldn't get anywhere near the premier shop) and got the new Chip & Dale pin, plus a new C&D trading medal. It was nearing 2, so I headed back to the Golden Horseshoe and sure enough, Laughing Stock was there. They were as funny as ever and whenever I'm there and this partcular actor is playing Sally Mae, I get picked to be the "homegirl." I took some pictures during the next 45 minutes and was back in front to the GS for the 3 o'clock show. Then I headed down Main Street and saw then new L: The First 50 Years film in the Opera House. It was wonderful. Definetely a must-see.

I headed back to see the 4:00 Laughing Stock, then tooke the train to TL to see if I could get the AP holder pins--no luck, you had to have a wristband and they gave all those out earlier. So instead I went back to FL, got some chicken at Stage Door and got a spot about 3 back in a sitting section just as Main Street curves into the hub. At 7 it started raining (uh oh), but other than making me use one of the 67 cent ponchos I got for my WDW trip that never got used, it didn't have much of an effect (might have gotten some people out of the park). It stopped about 15 minutes later and the parade got going a little after 7:45. It was wonderful. We got the Lion King float for our show stop and everyone was singing I Just Can't Wait to be King and Circle of Life. It's a good float for a show stop because there are acrobats on ropes at the back of the float.

After the parade I got between the hub and the castle and waited for the fireworks. To say this show is incredible just doesn't do it justice. Honestly, I don't think I'll be seeing Fantasmic for the next 18 months. As much as I love Fantasmic, these fireworks are amazing and have to be seen from the hub. Easily, Disney's best fireworks show ever. I didn't want to deal with the crowds exiting right then, so I hung out near a hub railing, then made my way over to Buzz, then the Autopia, then took the last train to Main Street, got my packages and left after park closing.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Yesterday was so fun, but I agree that it was packed. I pulled into the parking garage at 8 (overslept and hit traffic) and stood waiting to go through security until about 8:40, but once through security, I was in the park quickly. I managed to get a spot on the edge of Tomorrowland for the ceremony and got glimpses of everybody. I managed to make it into the Main Street shops and first bought some scrapbooking stuff in the China Closet, then made my way down to the music store to get the LE cd set (yay, I got one!) and a new book called Disneyland: Then and Now. Took my purchases to package pick-up (boy were they heavy) and went on search of food. I guess I must have passed Mary Jo and the Carnation Cafe group on my way back up Main Street, but didn't notice any lime green.

I got food at Bengal BBQ (long line, very long line) and found a bench in Frontierland to eat it on. I was very disapointed to see that the Billys weren't performing because they were using the Golden Horshoe for the Happiest Birthday because the Plaza Inn was being used for media. But I noticed the soap box that Laughing Stock uses sitting there, so I guessed that they were performing, even though they weren't on the schedule. I made sure to get back there by 2. I rode the Jungle Cruise (the sign said 35 minute wait, it was more like 20). I loved the new water cannon effect and the piranha were too funny. I then went to NOS to the pin shop there (couldn't get anywhere near the premier shop) and got the new Chip & Dale pin, plus a new C&D trading medal. It was nearing 2, so I headed back to the Golden Horseshoe and sure enough, Laughing Stock was there. They were as funny as ever and whenever I'm there and this partcular actor is playing Sally Mae, I get picked to be the "homegirl." I took some pictures during the next 45 minutes and was back in front to the GS for the 3 o'clock show. Then I headed down Main Street and saw then new L: The First 50 Years film in the Opera House. It was wonderful. Definetely a must-see.

I headed back to see the 4:00 Laughing Stock, then tooke the train to TL to see if I could get the AP holder pins--no luck, you had to have a wristband and they gave all those out earlier. So instead I went back to FL, got some chicken at Stage Door and got a spot about 3 back in a sitting section just as Main Street curves into the hub. At 7 it started raining (uh oh), but other than making me use one of the 67 cent ponchos I got for my WDW trip that never got used, it didn't have much of an effect (might have gotten some people out of the park). It stopped about 15 minutes later and the parade got going a little after 7:45. It was wonderful. We got the Lion King float for our show stop and everyone was singing I Just Can't Wait to be King and Circle of Life. It's a good float for a show stop because there are acrobats on ropes at the back of the float.

After the parade I got between the hub and the castle and waited for the fireworks. To say this show is incredible just doesn't do it justice. Honestly, I don't think I'll be seeing Fantasmic for the next 18 months. As much as I love Fantasmic, these fireworks are amazing and have to be seen from the hub. Easily, Disney's best fireworks show ever. I didn't want to deal with the crowds exiting right then, so I hung out near a hub railing, then made my way over to Buzz, then the Autopia, then took the last train to Main Street, got my packages and left after park closing.

Thanks so much for posting about your day!! It sounds like you were able to do quite a bit considering the crowds. How memorable it must've been!!

 

[tinkerbell13]

We decided to go early after all, which was not early enough. We got to Anaheim around 845 and into the park around 10:00, the parking structure was really fun at that point!
Like everyone else said, very crowded! I am so glad I did not have my 4 y/o with me. Got a buzz fastpass, & got our AP pins, yeah! and then headed out to look at mosaics.
We later found the kiosk to get a printout of which mosaic your pictures are in and after standing in line for 20 minutes, I found that mine have not been used, but my friend has her 4 pics in about 16 of them. They did tell me that they are still working on 3 or so more and maybe mine will be in one of those. I am not holding out too much hope though, if they couldn't put them in the first 30 or so, why would they make it in the last 3?? I will be so disappointed though if they don't make it in at least one. I sent in 10 pictures!
We went to DCA just to get lunch, as the line were horrible! Got a fastpass for Soarin even thought the wait was only 10 minutes. Ate lunch then rode and headed back to D. We just hung out and walked around and looked at more mosaics, rode jungle cruise and got wet! We also watched the 1st parade.
We got to the tram as the first few drops of rain started to fall, around 7:30 and by the time the tram got to the structure it was coming down really good.
All in all a fun-yet unproductive day and I am glad I got to go!

 

[disneylandmom2]

I took my 2 kids out of school for this. We arrived about 10:00 am. The front area by the train station looked really pretty the 50 and mickey done in flowers. As we headed down Main St. we heard the announcer intoducing Christina Aguilara. Well my 13 year old DD practically tried mowing down people to get closer to see. No such luck! REALLY CROWDED! Then they announced Julie Andrews!! Ok now it was my turn to start mowing down people! Not really but I wanted to! Once again no budging. So we stood there staring at the back of some white screens listening. :sad The atmosphere was very festive. Saw the 50 years show and display. That was neat. Met a very informed diser by the name of iceskatejen in there. Also saw a lot of people wearing lime green. We bought the golden ears some 50th pins sweatshirts etc..The jungle boat ride had some neat enhancements and the parade was fun. We didn't stay for fireworks we'll do that on a night we can stay the night. Some of the cast members highly recommended it! I was hoping to see something extrordinary like the peolple movers back or the walls taken down around the submarine ride. Did anyone else go expecting just a little more surprise Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining but I just thought it would be a little more spectacular. May if we stayed for the fireworks that would have done it!

 

[Stinasmom]

I was hoping to see something extrordinary like the people movers back or the walls taken down around the submarine ride. Did anyone else go expecting just a little more surprise Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining but I just thought it would be a little more spectacular. May if we stayed for the fireworks that would have done it!

I am going in June but have been glued to my computer reading everything I can find about what has been happening at DL. I, too, am surprised they didn't have something new ready to go. Painting some things gold, and adding some decoration to the castle, nice but we have come to expect the unbelievable from Disney. I am really looking forward to the new fireworks show but everyone says you need to be right in front of the castle to really see it all, that cuts down on the number of people who will be able to even enjoy it.
It is nice that they announced a new ride based on Monsters, Inc. but wouldn't acutally having it ready for unveiling been more impressive??!? And not even making an announcement about the submarines...Who is in charge over there!! (oh, yeah, a lame-duck, outgoing CEO who refused to wear his golden mickey ears for the celebration). Sure hope the old sprirt and magic return soon within that organization.
(heard they are back in talks with Pixar for a future deal...maybe someone is mending fences and reenergizing the team!)

 

[YoHo]

I pulled into Simba parkinglot aroud 10AM and Walked right in. Limited edition pin eh? So that's what that line of people was all about.

So very very very glad I couldn't care less about pins.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I've been in bed all day w/a headache, so haven't really been on the boards.

Personally, I think in the time that Matt Ouimet has been in charge of Disneyland, that there have been some real improvements in the park. There is only so much a person can do without blowing the budget. The park sparkles. The parade is outstanding. I have read criticism about the float stops -- I have no idea what people are talking about. We thought the parade moved nicely - and the floats are beautiful. The costumes are beautiful. The performers are entertaining. The guests really enjoyed the show. Disneyland hit a homerun with this parade - I'm still humming the tune. I think it needs a little fine tuning, but the show is new, and with all the tents & cameras, it threw the performers off a bit, plus they were nervous. I know a parade performer, and he was nervous all day -- he did great, though, once he was up there.

The fireworks are a grand slam. They are outstanding. People were cheering after each section. I agree that the very best place to see them is from the hub, or the north end of Main Street, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy them from any other part of the park - I don't know yet, because I haven't experience it from any other part. But I'll be checking them out.

The golden accents are great. The castle looks like a fairytale castle -- also great. The five crowns representing the five decades of Disneyland are a nice touch. I had fun explaining them to people (not everyone, cuz my kids dragged me away) - but there were sooo many people who were wowed by the castle and taking pics - when I told a few what the crowns represent they were definitely appreciative. The 50 Mickeys are fun to find, and I really like how they changed the floral Mickey. It's a real celebration of the 50 years of the park.

The collages throughout the park are really nice. They're not just pictures. For instance, Pooh is hanging from the trees near the attraction -- they are eye catching. The golden vehicles on the attractions that opened in 1955 are a really nice touch, as are the golden accents throughout.

The Jungle Cruise has been changed around, and they've added new elements without taking away the classics. I was talking to a CM skipper - David, and he told me that they now have 85 pages of script to learn because management has taken a lot of their jokes & incorporated them into the manual. The new elements were really fun, and I think almost everyone will be pleased with them.

In addition, Space Mountain and Monsters Inc., will be opening for Disneyland's official birthday - July 17th - how appropriate is that. Disney has also announced that the submarines will be redone in a Nemo theme by 2007, and that there will be a new E-ticket ride in DCA. There is also talk that Matt wants to do something about the Peoplemover track, even if it's to bring the Peoplemover back to Tomorrowland. Finally, there is hope for Tomorrowland.

I haven't had a chance to see Block Party Bash, yet. But it sounds like such a fun show, too. The music is catchy, and it's very interactive with the guests. I'm looking forward to that, and to seeing the interactive Crush in the Animation Bldg. There is a lot happening at the Disneyland Resort these days.

 

[diberry]

So sorry you've been feeling ill Mary Jo - hope you're fine again now. I always enjoy reading your posts as you know so much!! Will you be posting some photos of the 50th? I really hope so! Only 95 days until we leave for Ca!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thanks for the kind thought.

I did take a bunch of pics. I'm on hold to put them up, though. As soon as I can, I'll be posting them.

 

[hugabearjo]

mary jo- hope you are feeling better today, did you really say that monsters will be open by July??? that would be really nice.... wish they would have put all the money into the california for the 50th instead of around the world... they are starting to redeem by adding some back... great news about the people mover also. any idea of time frame for that one?

Thanks for the wealth of info you always give