Lots of Completed Trip Reports....Nov 2009 - April 2014

[deejdigsdis]

Sherry, I have been told that popcorn is the big seller there. I don't understand that at all.

That sounds weird to me too. For me, popcorn is popcorn. You can get that anywhere. But I'm not a big popcorn person, so it's not surprising I don't get it.

Oh, I almost forgot to comment - I totally remember the days when the POTC line was enormous and slow, back in the '80s and early '90s. These days the line can get hideously long on a super busy day, but it moves fast. Most of the lines move at a pretty decent clip now - even the TSMM line when it's 30 or 45 minutes long. This was not the case at all back in the old days - all of the lines back then were horribly long, and they moved at a snail's pace. You could be standing out in the hot sun for ages, waiting to get on POTC. The original Star Tours line was CRRRRRRAAAAZZZZY! The only thing that was ever a walk-on was the People Mover, really.

Disneyland has made gigantic strides in managing lines and moving them along faster as the number of visitors climbs, and loading more people on and off each hour. Just imagine the nightmare it would be now if all of the lines were still just as long and slow as they were back then.

So do you think they added more boats? Put the ride on a higher speed? When I was growing up we only went in July and August. Then I had my 13 year drought. Since I've gone back I haven't been in July or August, so I wasn't sure if the POTC line is still regularly 1 hour long during those time periods or not. When we return in 2012 with lots of family it will be hard to go back in the summer if that is the consensus. First of all there is the heat, then there's the longer lines than what I've grown accustomed to during my post-drought visits in Jan, April (x2), Oct, and Nov. We shall see. I'm pulling for an October visit for the sake of the kids. They've already gone during the Christmas season.

What a treat! I post my reply about fruit and am rewarded by another trip update

LOVE your pictures from the top of the omnibus. That's a perspective you don't get all the time. Did you enhance the sky to look extra blue?

It is a bit sad that Buddy didn't want pictures with the characters. He's too busy riding the manly rides now!

Riding the Omnibus is so fun. I didn't ride it during my recent adult-only trips (with my husband, then with my mom/sisters) but after this last trip I realized how fun it is. I want to make it a priority from here on out. I love hanging out on Main Street anyway and riding the Main Street vehicles gives you a new perspective. Nope, I didn't enhance the sky in any way.

I don't think I have gone on the Omnibus since I was a kid! That's one I will have to do again for old time's sake.

It's odd to see Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore hangin' with Pluto and whichever chipmunk that is (can't tell if it's Chip or Dale from the back). I guess they must have all emerged from a mysterious character break room somewhere and decided to hit the streets together.

That CM with boogie fever is so cute! How fun. But, hey, might as well dance if you are waiting for customers - perhaps it will attract some business!

Actually both Chip and Dale are in that first picture, and Mickey is in the second picture. So many characters and not a child who wants to pose with them.

Ask my family, I was on the look out for any GBC sightings...not even a crumb to be had...inquired in every bakery...If I had seen one in any stage of consumption I would have found out where it was purchased.

NO hand made candy canes at WDW either...

I can see it now...Sherry's 2012 'Quest for the Cookie' at WDW~ I'm in for following the trip report!

About the "in any stage of consumption"... I had this vision of you running in slow motion trying to reach the person as they were just about to eat the last bite of the gingerbread cookie.

You know I'll make a quest out of anything, so why not cookies?

Even if the bakery folks didn't sell the cookies (I know they're sold in some of the candy stores in DLR), I'm sure the CM's in the bakeries would have known about the cookies and guided you on where to find them...so it is sounding more and more like they just don't sell them at WDW!

And no fresh, handmade candy canes either! Wow! Gee, as much as everyone says that WDW is so much better than DLR because it has so much more 'stuff,' I'm thinking that, even though DLR is not as big and doesn't have as much stuff, some of the things we DO have at DLR are pretty special and unique!

That's odd about no handmade candy canes at WDW. It seems like with all they have going on there, they would be all over the handmade candy canes.

Great pictures from the Omnibus. It is always fun to go on top of the bus everytime I ride it and see everything from the top.

Thanks Bret. It is fun, isn't it? The Main Street vehicles are another thing I would have completely skipped as a teenager. But as an adult I really enjoy them.

How in the world did I miss that you had posted an update?!? Love the pics from the Omnibus. I haven't taken a ride on ANY of the main street vehicles. I guess another thing to do in June!!

I also love the site of those Pinapple spears. They look so delicious! The only problem is I sometimes have a bad reaction to pineapple even though I love it! Sometimes it makes my mouth all raw and sore

I can't believe its your last day. I think you need to plan another trip soon so the TR keeps going!

Yes, ride the Main Street vehicles! That would be a great thing to do with your friend or by yourself. It's fun to actually notice each shop as you ride by...things you might miss when you are walking with purpose down Main Street.

I know that raw and sore pineapple mouth feeling. I only get it with fresh pineapple, and it isn't all the time.

Yes, this is the last day. I only went for 3 days. Just think how much you will be able to report back on/how many pictures you will have to share after 10 DAYS!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks Bret. It is fun, isn't it? The Main Street vehicles are another thing I would have completely skipped as a teenager. But as an adult I really enjoy them.

Riding the Omnibus on the top is really fun. I like to see everything from the top of the bus and get different pictures that you can't get. When I was a young kid, I like riding the bus. But I have barely rode it since I been on so many of these solo trips.

 

[deejdigsdis]

After our ride down Main Street on the Omnibus, we decided it was time to head over to DCA. I always have to begin/end trips in Disneyland, so if we wanted to spend any more time in DCA this was our chance. Our DCA plan included rides on GRR, Soarin' and TSMM. It was a little after 11:30am and we had 1:00 reservations at Carnation Cafe for lunch. Do you think we had enough time to conquer those 3 rides -- with no FPs in hand, mind you -- in less than 1 1/2 hours??? Yeah, we didn't think there would be enough time either. So...I called Disneyland Dining and pushed our reservation back to 2:00.

Our first stop in DCA was to pick up Soarin' FPs. Things were not looking good. The ride was only operating at half capacity due to a breakdown. The standby time was 65 minutes. Anyway, we grabbed our FPs and headed to GRR. Hmmm. Something didn't sound right. The thing that didn't sound right was that there were no water sounds whatsoever as we neared GRR. Yep, it was down. They didn't have a guesstimate for when it would be back up and running. I really wanted to take Buddy on this. He wasn't a fan when he was 3, but I was sure he would be a fan now at age 5.

Moving on...we made our way to TSMM. I was expecting a massive wait at noon, taking into account that GRR was down and that Soarin' was having its own issues. Nope. Just the usual 35 minutes. TSMM picture overload ahead! (So maybe I should dedicate this post to TK. )

One of the things that Buddy was looking forward to about this trip -- (Well, once he actually STARTED looking forward to it, that is. Remember he was near to tears when I told him about the trip because he didn't want to go?) -- was eating popcorn while we waited in line for TSMM. (Since that's what his big bro did with me during our trip in January.) "When are we going to eat popcorn and stand in line for Toy Story, Mom?" Well, the time has come my son.

Love watching the Screamers go by while standing in line for TSMM.

Can you find the Hidden Mickey?

I think I thought of a new Quest for next time. I noticed this trip that I enjoy noticing the numbers on the ground. I just didn't notice in time to really do anything about it.

After our spin on TSMM we went back to GRR. We were hopeful as we heard the rushing water...but it was a no go. The rafts were running but they still weren't letting anyone on. Big disappointment!

The only thing left to do was head over to Soarin' and use our FPs. I know we had about 15-ish minutes to kill, but I can't remember what we did. Thankfully it was running at full capacity once again, so the wait wasn't long at all.

Loved the ride as usual. Buddy was watching Sesame Street recently and Patrick Warburton (better known to me as "Puddy" ) was on. It was fun to point out that this was the same guy that called him a little aviator in the pre-Soarin' video.

Leaving DCA for the last time this trip.

I really got attached to this sign. I'm going to miss it.

And back into Disneyland we go...

 

[tksbaskets]

GRIN.....That's what I was doing the minute I saw Mr. Potato Head. Then to have a shout out at the beginning of the wonderful assortment of pictures leading to our most happiest of places.

I notice YOU were the blue score. Very respectable. With a little practice at home pulling those big purple rubber bands that come on broccoli you'll be over 100K no problem! Sir, yes sir (think green army men).

Bummer that GRR was down. My family has an aversion to water so we've never been on that or Splash Mountain.

Carnation Cafe at 2 you say? Is there some Loaded BP soup in your future?? A chat with Chef Oscar?? The suspense is killing me.... (emoticon for Buddy)

I can't wait to see the entrance of DCA when it's all finished!!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Another good post during your trip. To get TSMM, Soarin, and GRR done in 1 1/2 hours during that time is really hard, but it is possible first thing in the morning.

When I first read that Soarin was over 65 minutes long I gasped. How can that ride be that long during the day, but after reading the rest it did make sense. I just can't see Soarin line so long like WDW Soarin where it is over 2+ hour wait. Sorry to hear that GRR was down when u and Buddy were there.

You had a very good score on TSMM.

The hidden mickey picture that you were talking about is where Jessie, Bullseye and Rex are together.

Great picture at the end when you exited DCA.

 

[kaoden39]

You know I only live about 45 miles from the Golden Gate bridge but I will always miss the GGB from DCA.

 

[smile4stamps]

So sad that GRR was down

10 days is going to mean a TON of pictures... my last trip report took me almost 6 months to finish. That was covering 2 trips equaling 7 full days, 2 half days and a Halloween party. Hopefully this one won't take me quite so long! I know you try and get yours done within a month of being home but unfortunately mine never goes that fast. It didn't help that I got sick, worked tons of hours and my laptop died.... this time I need to send my laptop in repair before my trip so hopefully it is good to go for after!

 

[skiingfast]

Hmmm. That is strange. I wonder why.

For TSMM I think my hardest game is the ring toss as well.

Another update coming right up...

I have the most trouble on TSMM unlocking the easter eggs. On Buzz I'm pitiful because it's different than in WDW, I can get 800-900K there. Fortunately TSM is the same as TSMM.

I think to get into the high numbers you need someone to help unlock things and then not hit any of the high point targets.

 

[deejdigsdis]

GRIN.....That's what I was doing the minute I saw Mr. Potato Head. Then to have a shout out at the beginning of the wonderful assortment of pictures leading to our most happiest of places.

I notice YOU were the blue score. Very respectable. With a little practice at home pulling those big purple rubber bands that come on broccoli you'll be over 100K no problem! Sir, yes sir (think green army men).

Bummer that GRR was down. My family has an aversion to water so we've never been on that or Splash Mountain.

Carnation Cafe at 2 you say? Is there some Loaded BP soup in your future?? A chat with Chef Oscar?? The suspense is killing me.... (emoticon for Buddy)

I can't wait to see the entrance of DCA when it's all finished!!

Your family is really missing out on some fun rides. Then again...there is so much to do and see, it really wouldn't feel like you were missing out.

Hmmm...soup and Chef Oscar? We shall see. Lunch at CC is coming up next.

Another good post during your trip. To get TSMM, Soarin, and GRR done in 1 1/2 hours during that time is really hard, but it is possible first thing in the morning.

When I first read that Soarin was over 65 minutes long I gasped. How can that ride be that long during the day, but after reading the rest it did make sense. I just can't see Soarin line so long like WDW Soarin where it is over 2+ hour wait. Sorry to hear that GRR was down when u and Buddy were there.

You had a very good score on TSMM.

The hidden mickey picture that you were talking about is where Jessie, Bullseye and Rex are together.

Great picture at the end when you exited DCA.

Wow, a 2+ hour wait for Soarin' at WDW? I remember TK had a pic in her TR that showed the standby time for Toy Story as 3 hours. I just can't see standing in lines like that. Especially with kids.

Great job finding the Hidden Mickey. It took my sister a while to find it. Once you know it's there, it really stands out.

You know I only live about 45 miles from the Golden Gate bridge but I will always miss the GGB from DCA.

That reminds me of how I feel about the snow on Main Street at Christmas time. It is so magical to me. And I'm no stranger to real snow. I just much prefer the snow on Main Street with "White Christmas" playing. More magical than real snow in some ways.

So sad that GRR was down

10 days is going to mean a TON of pictures... my last trip report took me almost 6 months to finish. That was covering 2 trips equaling 7 full days, 2 half days and a Halloween party. Hopefully this one won't take me quite so long! I know you try and get yours done within a month of being home but unfortunately mine never goes that fast. It didn't help that I got sick, worked tons of hours and my laptop died.... this time I need to send my laptop in repair before my trip so hopefully it is good to go for after!

Yes, I'm sad about GRR being down too. This was my first trip in recent months when it was actually HOT, so walking around wet wouldn't be so bad.

Looking forward to your report! I'll need that little pick-me-up once I wrap up this TR.

I have the most trouble on TSMM unlocking the easter eggs. On Buzz I'm pitiful because it's different than in WDW, I can get 800-900K there. Fortunately TSM is the same as TSMM.

I think to get into the high numbers you need someone to help unlock things and then not hit any of the high point targets.

Hmmm. Not much unlocking going on when my partner is a 5 year old, I guess. He just shoots for the sake of shooting. How is Buzz different?

 

[deejdigsdis]

We just said goodbye to DCA and are now re-entering Disneyland.

I forgot to mention one little tidbit of DCA info. Buddy requested a ride on Screamin'. He's come so far in a year and a half! Anyway, given that whether or not he was tall enough for Indy might be up for debate...I knew Screamin' would have to wait. He still needed to stand next to the measuring sign to see for himself. Now that we are home he talks about it often. "How many more days until I'm tall enough for the biggest roller coaster? When I turn 6 will I be tall enough?" So we're hoping he puts on 2 more inches before our next trip in 2012.

So we're back in Disneyland with plenty-o-time before lunch. 20 minutes to spare. We headed down Main Street to see if the Front Porch might be available for a quick rest.

Hi Mickey!

By the way, that facade-like tarp covering the Emporium was down today. The walls (as seen behind Mickey) were still up.

Yay for the Front Porch being available! Very surprising considering it was almost 2:00pm on a hot afternoon. Prime ice cream eating/people watching time on Main Street. Buddy and I took a load off while D went over to grab FPs for BTMRR.

At last we headed across the street for lunch. We were seated quickly and Buddy got right to work on his kid's page from the menu as D looked on longingly. (When we went in January, D enjoyed doing all the kid's pages from DS11's menu.)

The pomegranate lemonade is my "must have" drink here. So cool and refreshing on this hot day!

Even though it was hot, I ordered my usual lunch. Half turkey sandwich with a cup of Loaded Baked Potato Soup, upgraded to a bowl.

With going a bit later in the day, I was worried we might miss out on a chance to visit with Chef Oscar. I had heard that he leaves after the lunch rush. We scanned the restaurant area and were pleased to see that Chef Oscar was in the house! He came over and visited for a bit. I asked him if he had any plans to retire yet. He said he'd probably be retiring later this year. He said that Carnation Cafe will be closing down for an extended period of time while they re-do the floor and expand into Blue Ribbon Bakery. The bakery would then be shifted further down Main Street. He thought this might be a good time to say goodby to his days at Carnation Cafe. I told him that he was the reason that many people come to Carnation Cafe. Oh, and his Loaded Baked Potato Soup. That's when he said "they" would like him to come back part-time after the remodel. He said he still needs to "have some talks" with them about that. He left to visit with other guests, but when he was checking out for the day he stopped by our table to shake our hands and say goodbye. So...this very well could have been my last Chef Oscar meet-n-greet. I hope not. If it is, this is my last Chef Oscar picture.

And just to give it a more nostalgic feeling...

 

[kaoden39]

I love the beautiful color of your pictures today. That is sad about Oscar but you know I understand the desire to retire. I wish him well no matter what he decides. How wonderful that they are expanding the Carnation Cafe, they have needed to do that for a while as popular as it is.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Wow, a 2+ hour wait for Soarin' at WDW? I remember TK had a pic in her TR that showed the standby time for Toy Story as 3 hours. I just can't see standing in lines like that. Especially with kids.

Great job finding the Hidden Mickey. It took my sister a while to find it. Once you know it's there, it really stands out.

That is really crazy to see Soarin have that long of a wait time. I have seen Soarin over 3 hours on one of my trips. When EPCOT has the rope drop, everyone is heading on over to the Land and go on that ride. Luckily WDW Soarin is the same as DLR Soarin, so if u want to see the queue that is the only reason to ride the ride. It's just the same. TSMM is even worse then Soarin. Because TSMM has the FP system at DHS, the lines go really slow and it could take up to 3+ hours in the standby line.

I had a hard time when the ride first open for the hidden mickey, but after seeing the TS characters, it was obvious with the blue circles together.


Another good update on your TR. The food at CC looks very good and interesting to hear that CC will be expanding into the Blue Ribbon Bakery. Got to visit Chef Oscar that day. The pictures of him are very nice and I like the last one where you black and white it.

 

[Sherry E]

Wait a second here! I don't think you all realize the significance of what deej is telling us about Carnation Cafe! They are not simply expanding. They are going to be RE-claiming their old territory! This is big news!

Maybe I am the only one here who is old enough to remember but the old version of Carnation Cafe actually had indoor and outdoor seating, and the indoor seating section was where Blue Ribbon Bakery is now. At some point they had the bright idea (not really) to lop off the whole entire indoor part of the restaurant and make it outdoor only, which then cut down tremendously on the number of available tables. I always thought it was a bad idea to do that.

The current seating set-up is very limited at Carnation Cafe, and the line of people waiting for tables can get very long, very fast, especially during peak times! Considering that they are expanding the Resort and developing as much as they can, which will attract more guests, and the table service dining options in the whole Resort are limited anyway, it makes no sense to have so few tables at Carnation Cafe. They can seat more people at one time if...well, if they have more seating!!

So, from what Oscar told deej, it sounds like DLR finally realized its mistake - years and years later - and has come to its senses. They are taking back their original turf and once again making Carnation an indoor/outdoor restaurant!!

I hope that with this re-claiming of the old turf they also RE-expand their menu options at Carnation. The old version had a lot more choices on the menu for both lunch and dinner, and there were more dessert selections as well...more sundaes and different kinds of shakes. When the restaurant was majorly downsized, the menu was also majorly downsized.

So the question is...when will this closing down of Carnation happen, I wonder? With so few table service places to eat, it will make a big impact in dining when they close, I think. And where will Blue Ribbon Bakery end up? Which current place on Main Street will close and then be taken over by Blue Ribbon? Any guesses as to what might become the new location of Blue Ribbon?

 

[Sherry E]

So do you think they added more boats? Put the ride on a higher speed? When I was growing up we only went in July and August. Then I had my 13 year drought. Since I've gone back I haven't been in July or August, so I wasn't sure if the POTC line is still regularly 1 hour long during those time periods or not. When we return in 2012 with lots of family it will be hard to go back in the summer if that is the consensus. First of all there is the heat, then there's the longer lines than what I've grown accustomed to during my post-drought visits in Jan, April (x2), Oct, and Nov. We shall see. I'm pulling for an October visit for the sake of the kids. They've already gone during the Christmas season.

In the old, old days I used to only make summer trips to DL, too (usually July)...then realized it was too darn hot and switched to Christmas trips! Anyway, the POTC lines were hideously long in the old days and moved very slowly, as you recall. The lines wound around into all kinds of lesser-seen areas in serpentine-like fashion. Even though I don't go to DLR in the summer now, people still say that the POTC line moves fast when it is extremely long. It's been a very long line for the last couple of trips during the holiday season and it still moved fast.

So, yes, I think they definitely added in at least a few more boats over the years. I think they may have sped them up just a wee bit too, in certain places. Also, one thing I have definitely noticed is the much faster loading/unloading process. Notice how, when the boats are approaching the loading dock at the end of the ride, they often zoom ahead and bounce jarringly to a stop. My friends and I were saying that we remember it was not always like that. The boats did not zoom 'n' bounce in the old days! So even that little extra couple of seconds they are saving in zooming the boats up to the dock so we can disembark makes a difference over the course of the day, I suppose.

 

[smile4stamps]

I've decided I am definitly going to have to find your porch and have a seat and people watch!

I can't wait to try that soup either!! Yummo!!!

You mentioned in one of your other TR's the hidden Mickey at TSMM and I couldn't see it! It took Bret pointing it out for me to see! I am so not good at puzzles lol.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I love the beautiful color of your pictures today. That is sad about Oscar but you know I understand the desire to retire. I wish him well no matter what he decides. How wonderful that they are expanding the Carnation Cafe, they have needed to do that for a while as popular as it is.

Thanks Michele. Yeah, I understand the desire to retire as well. He's been there so long. I wonder how old he is.

That is really crazy to see Soarin have that long of a wait time. I have seen Soarin over 3 hours on one of my trips. When EPCOT has the rope drop, everyone is heading on over to the Land and go on that ride. Luckily WDW Soarin is the same as DLR Soarin, so if u want to see the queue that is the only reason to ride the ride. It's just the same. TSMM is even worse then Soarin. Because TSMM has the FP system at DHS, the lines go really slow and it could take up to 3+ hours in the standby line.

I had a hard time when the ride first open for the hidden mickey, but after seeing the TS characters, it was obvious with the blue circles together.


Another good update on your TR. The food at CC looks very good and interesting to hear that CC will be expanding into the Blue Ribbon Bakery. Got to visit Chef Oscar that day. The pictures of him are very nice and I like the last one where you black and white it.

Thanks Bret. Have you ever done a Hidden Mickey Quest?

Wait a second here! I don't think you all realize the significance of what deej is telling us about Carnation Cafe! They are not simply expanding. They are going to be RE-claiming their old territory! This is big news!

Maybe I am the only one here who is old enough to remember but the old version of Carnation Cafe actually had indoor and outdoor seating, and the indoor seating section was where Blue Ribbon Bakery is now. At some point they had the bright idea (not really) to lop off the whole entire indoor part of the restaurant and make it outdoor only, which then cut down tremendously on the number of available tables. I always thought it was a bad idea to do that.

The current seating set-up is very limited at Carnation Cafe, and the line of people waiting for tables can get very long, very fast, especially during peak times! Considering that they are expanding the Resort and developing as much as they can, which will attract more guests, and the table service dining options in the whole Resort are limited anyway, it makes no sense to have so few tables at Carnation Cafe. They can seat more people at one time if...well, if they have more seating!!

So, from what Oscar told deej, it sounds like DLR finally realized its mistake - years and years later - and has come to its senses. They are taking back their original turf and once again making Carnation an indoor/outdoor restaurant!!

I hope that with this re-claiming of the old turf they also RE-expand their menu options at Carnation. The old version had a lot more choices on the menu for both lunch and dinner, and there were more dessert selections as well...more sundaes and different kinds of shakes. When the restaurant was majorly downsized, the menu was also majorly downsized.

So the question is...when will this closing down of Carnation happen, I wonder? With so few table service places to eat, it will make a big impact in dining when they close, I think. And where will Blue Ribbon Bakery end up? Which current place on Main Street will close and then be taken over by Blue Ribbon? Any guesses as to what might become the new location of Blue Ribbon?

I don't remember the old Carnation Cafe set-up that you are describing. I actually never ate there growing up. My first visit to C.C. was the trip that ended my 13 year drought, and I've eaten there every trip since. I figured this would be interesting news to you, and now that you've explained it as a reclaiming of territory I think that is especially good news. I thought it sounded like a nice thing to do when he told me, but the idea of returning something to its roots in some way...I just love that. I wish it had occurred to me to ask about the new location for the bakery.

In the old, old days I used to only make summer trips to DL, too (usually July)...then realized it was too darn hot and switched to Christmas trips! Anyway, the POTC lines were hideously long in the old days and moved very slowly, as you recall. The lines wound around into all kinds of lesser-seen areas in serpentine-like fashion. Even though I don't go to DLR in the summer now, people still say that the POTC line moves fast when it is extremely long. It's been a very long line for the last couple of trips during the holiday season and it still moved fast.

So, yes, I think they definitely added in at least a few more boats over the years. I think they may have sped them up just a wee bit too, in certain places. Also, one thing I have definitely noticed is the much faster loading/unloading process. Notice how, when the boats are approaching the loading dock at the end of the ride, they often zoom ahead and bounce jarringly to a stop. My friends and I were saying that we remember it was not always like that. The boats did not zoom 'n' bounce in the old days! So even that little extra couple of seconds they are saving in zooming the boats up to the dock so we can disembark makes a difference over the course of the day, I suppose.

The first sentence I put in bold took me back to the 1980s. The second sentence I put in bold was a perfect description for today. I really felt like I could feel/hear the ride's end with your description.

I've decided I am definitly going to have to find your porch and have a seat and people watch!

I can't wait to try that soup either!! Yummo!!!

You mentioned in one of your other TR's the hidden Mickey at TSMM and I couldn't see it! It took Bret pointing it out for me to see! I am so not good at puzzles lol.

Take a picture! I miss my Front Porch.

The soup is just as good as it looks. A cup just won't do.

Now that you see that Hidden Mickey, doesn't it just really stand out in a "how could I have missed it" sort of way?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks Bret. Have you ever done a Hidden Mickey Quest?

I have never done a Hidden Mickey Quest and this is like the most common Quest that all the people would do when they go to DL. I think it is a fun Quest to do, but I'm trying these other Quest that no one else would do on there trips. I believe there is a book that has all the hidden mickeys locations at the resort. I'm tell you that I didn't buy the book and just go by instinct when I walk around.

Can't wait to leave in two days.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I have never done a Hidden Mickey Quest and this is like the most common Quest that all the people would do when they go to DL. I think it is a fun Quest to do, but I'm trying these other Quest that no one else would do on there trips. I believe there is a book that has all the hidden mickeys locations at the resort. I'm tell you that I didn't buy the book and just go by instinct when I walk around.

Can't wait to leave in two days.

Yep, I see your point. It's fun to do something different.

1 more day.

 

[deejdigsdis]

OK, my third and final DL day was 4 weeks ago today. Let's get crackin' on this thing.

After our ever-so-delicious lunch at Carnation Cafe, I had to address that looming question of whether or not to leave the park for an afternoon break. I was still feeling torn between my own selfishness of wanting to stay, and doing what would be best for Buddy, which would probably be to take him back to the hotel for a nap. It was about 3:00pm by now -- so I would have to leave very soon if that was the plan. The decision process went something like this:

"Let's just go grab some more FPs for BTMRR first, then I'll decide what to do break-wise..."

BTMRR FPs were secured.

"We're so close to Pirates...let's just go ride that first. It doesn't look very busy over there..."

As we went through the "zoom 'n' bounce" (copyright Sherry) portion of the ride at the end, Buddy asked if we could ride again. So...seeing as how this trip was largely guided by him, I agreed. And how could I say no to a POTC walk-on twice in a row, anyway.

After our second sail through Pirates...

"We are so close to The Haunted Mansion. Let's just go ride that first, then we'll figure things out from there..."

After HM we realized we hadn't had our ice cream yet this trip. I've had too many trips lately when the time for ice cream wasn't quite right so it never happened. If I left for an afternoon-break-which-was-quickly-turning-into-a-possible-evening-break, the ice cream-eating weather would be gone and I wouldn't enjoy it as much.

"Let's go get ice cream now, because it will be too cold later to enjoy it. THEN we'll decide about our break..."

As we strolled from HM to Main Street, Buddy got awfully quiet. We stopped at Coke Corner and I peeked in the stroller. Yep, Buddy was fast asleep. So, it was decided. No way was I going to wake him up, hop on the shuttle, go back to Candy Cane Inn, and put him in bed. There would be no more sleeping if I did that. The 10 minute catnap would have kept him from falling back to sleep. (Well, in normal circumstances that would be the case. But in this case he was Disneyland-tired, so he might have gone back to sleep.) Anyway, it was settled. We would not be leaving the park for a hotel-rest. D and I would get our ice cream and find a nice place to park on Main Street and just enjoy.

Hold on. I'm getting WAY ahead of myself. Pictures...

The Ride Board around 3:00pm.

After picking up BTMRR FPs we headed to POTC. Preparations were under way for the POTC Premiere.

The longest line I've stood in recently for HM. It wasn't long, but it gave me a chance to wind around where I hadn't been recently.

I tried to get a picture of my favorite Hidden Mickey in Disneyland. I think I'll need to attempt this one again sometime.

And that brings us to noticing that Buddy had fallen asleep by the time we reached Coke Corner on our way to get ice cream...

Taking in the sights as we decided on our exact plan.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Wow, look at me. 2 updates in a row.

Here we are, heading down Main Street to get ice cream at Gibson Girl.

We reach Gibson Girl and . That is one long line! At least 30 minutes. So we mosey on down to the off-the-beaten-path Main Street Cone Shop. (Oh yay...a light! It's been a while.)

That's more like it...only 1 person in line. Seriously, that is the place to go. All I wanted was a plane old single scoop of chocolate ice cream in a sugar cone, so the Cone Shop would do just fine.

D got her cone first, and then went on ahead to find a place to sit where we could enjoy Main Street comfortably. She found a prime spot at Coke Corner in the shade, as close to Main Street as you could get. Perfect!

I have no words for this moment of the trip. It was so relaxing. Sitting there in the shade on Main Street, listening to Robert play the piano, listening to the Main Street music when Robert wasn't playing the piano, people watching, thinking about how fun this trip with D and Buddy had been, eating chocolate ice cream... one of my Top 5 moments this trip, for sure.

When I finished my ice cream I left D with a sleeping Buddy and I went to the First Aid building to refill our water bottles.

Flowers in the First Aid area.

I went back over to our table to drop off our water bottles, and then left again to take care of a very important errand. One of the things at the top of my To Do List for this trip was to take a picture of the sewing machine window display by the Main Street Cone Shop/Lockers. It's fun to see how they change it for the different seasons. Well, here it is, my last hours in the park and I finally remember to go get that picture. But...it didn't turn out great. It's better to take pictures here in the morning when there's no glare.

Here they are Sherry. (Try to ignore that person walking into the display. )

After I took my pictures, I glanced over at the Cone Shop. No line. Hmmm. Should I or shouldn't I? Yes, I should. And with that brief pondering I went and grabbed myself Single Scoop of Chocolate on a Sugar Cone #2!

I quickly pushed aside the thought "I could have spent $3.99 and gotten a double scoop to begin with instead of getting 2 single scoops for $3.49 each..."

Here it is, my second ice cream cone in less than an hour. (Will there be a 3rd? )

I sauntered on down Main Street to our table at Coke Corner, where D was still waiting with a sleeping Buddy. I really wish I would have gotten a picture of D's face when I came into view with Ice Cream Cone #2.

I did happen to get a picture of Robert, though. "Hey, didn't you just eat one of those?"

D decided she would go get another treat as well. She popped into the Candy Palace and came back with these...

Robert didn't give her the look of "Wait a minute...didn't you just eat ice cream???" I guess he was a bit distracted as he played the piano with a guest.

We continued to sit, eat and enjoy. Yes, this is my kind of afternoon break. Buddy getting a nap in AND me not having to leave the park.