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

[kaoden39]

I am pleased to hear that about your dad. How sad about Oscar's wife. Did you see the Disney Parks blog about Oscar getting a special award from Disney. He received the first 55 years employee trophy.

 

[Sherry E]

Which item did you need me to identify at Carnation Cafe? Was it the Meat Loaf Stack? It looks like that's what it was. I wasn't happy with my Meat Loaf Stack the last couple of times I had it because it was lukewarm and they (Oscar?) were suddenly skimping on the onions. I love onions, and the onions piled on top of the Meat Loaf Stack were what hooked me on that dish in the first place, back in 2007. Somewhere along the line they decided that the onions should go.

The cancer that Oscar's wife has was mentioned in one of the recent 'Oscar's Disneyland anniversary' pieces which has been published in the last couple of weeks. I can't recall if it was in the OC Register or another publication, but it was addressed. It seems like it was either breast cancer or lung cancer but I could be wrong.

I also hope that Carnation Cafe doesn't lose its charm, but seeing that I ate at the old version of Carnation Cafe a lot (when it had indoor seating as well as the outdoor tables) and liked it better when it was like that, I would gladly give up a little bit of the current charm to have the extra seating options, expanded dining hours (more night shifts!) and the expanded menu that it used to have, with more choices. Sure, I'd be sad to see the charm go, but as long as the outdoor portion of the seating stays put - which is exactly where it used to be in the old days - that charm should remain.

That's wonderful news about your dad - I will keep my fingers crossed for him and think good, healing, positive thoughts!

 

[deejdigsdis]

I am pleased to hear that about your dad. How sad about Oscar's wife. Did you see the Disney Parks blog about Oscar getting a special award from Disney. He received the first 55 years employee trophy.

Thanks!

I missed that about Oscar. Imagine all that he's seen in Disneyland over the years.

Which item did you need me to identify at Carnation Cafe? Was it the Meat Loaf Stack? It looks like that's what it was. I wasn't happy with my Meat Loaf Stack the last couple of times I had it because it was lukewarm and they (Oscar?) were suddenly skimping on the onions. I love onions, and the onions piled on top of the Meat Loaf Stack were what hooked me on that dish in the first place, back in 2007. Somewhere along the line they decided that the onions should go.

The cancer that Oscar's wife has was mentioned in one of the recent 'Oscar's Disneyland anniversary' pieces which has been published in the last couple of weeks. I can't recall if it was in the OC Register or another publication, but it was addressed. It seems like it was either breast cancer or lung cancer but I could be wrong.

I also hope that Carnation Cafe doesn't lose its charm, but seeing that I ate at the old version of Carnation Cafe a lot (when it had indoor seating as well as the outdoor tables) and liked it better when it was like that, I would gladly give up a little bit of the current charm to have the extra seating options, expanded dining hours (more night shifts!) and the expanded menu that it used to have, with more choices. Sure, I'd be sad to see the charm go, but as long as the outdoor portion of the seating stays put - which is exactly where it used to be in the old days - that charm should remain.

That's wonderful news about your dad - I will keep my fingers crossed for him and think good, healing, positive thoughts!

Yes, the Meatloaf Stack. I love onions too, but looking at that picture of my husband's plate...looks like I can only see 2. That would be disappointing if you were expecting a pile of onions, but he didn't know any different.

I missed reading about Oscar's anniversary. He told us about 2 types of cancer. I remember asking how old she was and I can't remember now. Somewhere in her 70s.

It was such a relief to hear the news about my dad. Thank you!

(It occurred to me that if someone was reading my last post about pooping in/popping in and hadn't read the origin of that little tidbit, I would sound really juvenile. Or maybe like I might be a mother of 3 boys. I can't tell you how many times they manage to work that word into a conversation...)

 

[kaoden39]

Thanks!

I missed that about Oscar. Imagine all that he's seen in Disneyland over the years.

Imagine the changes in clothing and hair styles over the years.

 

[Sherry E]

Here's the link to the OC Register article about Oscar from last week - with LOTS of good, interesting info and tidbits!

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/martinez-333334-disney-disneyland.html

 

[deejdigsdis]

After grabbing a couple of sets of FPs, we made our way to the Omnibus. We boarded near the hub. I just really wanted to ride it for some reason. I guess it might be because I have good memories from our Nov. 2009 trip of us riding the Omnibus and filming all the higher up decorations on Main Street. It was just fun to ride and watch with a Christmas soundtrack going in the background.

So...pictures from the top of the Omnibus:

For the next few pictures I held the camera over the railing of the top of the bus so I could get the Christmas greenery up close.

A citrus fruit-bearing tree in Tomorrowland.

 

[kaoden39]

Here's the link to the OC Register article about Oscar from last week - with LOTS of good, interesting info and tidbits!

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/martinez-333334-disney-disneyland.html

Oooh thank you!!

 

[deejdigsdis]

Imagine the changes in clothing and hair styles over the years.

Oh, I know! I remember when I was little, my mom would wear "slacks" and heels to Disneyland. Probably nylons as well.

Here's the link to the OC Register article about Oscar from last week - with LOTS of good, interesting info and tidbits!

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/martinez-333334-disney-disneyland.html

Thank you! That was a fun read. It made me smile. I'm surprised they didn't mention the soup. He has explained to me several times how to make it. He gave me a signed copy of the soup recipe a couple of years ago. I still need to frame it and somehow incorporate the pictures I had taken with him over the past couple of years.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Finishing up our Omnibus ride...

Same picture...different look.

Character sighting!

Back on the ground.

Getting a closer look (but still not all that close!) at a few characters.

Donald's in there somewhere.

Apparently I was a little off on my timing for visiting Mr. Lincoln. According to the pictures, we went after our Omnibus ride, not before lunch at C.C.

I didn't realize the theater would be so huge. And comfy. As much as I enjoyed the show, I think I might have dozed off a tiny bit.

I really liked these pictures on the walls as you exit the theater.

I took this picture for DS12. He went to Disneyland for the first time at age 9. When he saw the Walt and Mickey statue at the hub he asked, "Oh is that Martin Luther King Jr. with Mickey Mouse?" I reminded him about that today when I was loading this picture and he got embarrassed.

"I Love Lucy" is one of my all-time favorite shows, so I had to get a picture of Lucy as the Vitameatavegamin Girl.

This Mickey looks a little off.

I thought this was interesting.

I loved this 2011 Disneyland pressed penny and grabbed one on the way out.

Time to upload more pictures...

 

[CB Jamboree]

Hi Sister! I am sorry I haven't been with you as you go, but I am all caught up and can't wait to read more! I was actually reading your TR when you sent me that newspaper article about Oscar and Disneyland celebrating his 55 years with them. Amazing! I was hoping someone would mention the Christmas bulbs looking like they were about to "poop" too funny!
I agree that the bread bowls are a bit pricey, but well worth the splurge when at DL. Did J finish off both bread bowls? I'm sure with the $9.29 price and bread being involved he would hate to see either go to waste
Your pics of the castle at nighttime are just beautiful! I am sure anyone reading your TR considering going to DL during the holidays would have their answer just looking at those pics alone.
Can't wait to read more!
Miss you

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Sister! I am sorry I haven't been with you as you go, but I am all caught up and can't wait to read more! I was actually reading your TR when you sent me that newspaper article about Oscar and Disneyland celebrating his 55 years with them. Amazing! I was hoping someone would mention the Christmas bulbs looking like they were about to "poop" too funny!
I agree that the bread bowls are a bit pricey, but well worth the splurge when at DL. Did J finish off both bread bowls? I'm sure with the $9.29 price and bread being involved he would hate to see either go to waste
Your pics of the castle at nighttime are just beautiful! I am sure anyone reading your TR considering going to DL during the holidays would have their answer just looking at those pics alone.
Can't wait to read more!
Miss you

Oh, I mentioned the "poop" thing back when your sister first posted that typo - last week or the week before, or whenever it was. I was the first one to catch it and I addressed it immediately! I may not always be able to get on and actually comment on things or post things in my own TR, but not very much slips past me! And a funny typo like that surely does not escape my eagle eyes! I couldn't let it go without commentary!



deej- I'm a big "I Love Lucy" fan too. I must have seen each episode of that series at least 100 times in my life, since childhood, with my favorites being the ones in Hollywood, Europe, Florida and at the "new house" in the country. Lucy was immensely talented.

 

[kaoden39]

Whenever I watch the sitcoms on tv today I think about how much we all owe to Lucille Ball. Especially the one like Two Broke Girls. Lucille Ball was a genius.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Hi Sister! I am sorry I haven't been with you as you go, but I am all caught up and can't wait to read more! I was actually reading your TR when you sent me that newspaper article about Oscar and Disneyland celebrating his 55 years with them. Amazing! I was hoping someone would mention the Christmas bulbs looking like they were about to "poop" too funny!
I agree that the bread bowls are a bit pricey, but well worth the splurge when at DL. Did J finish off both bread bowls? I'm sure with the $9.29 price and bread being involved he would hate to see either go to waste
Your pics of the castle at nighttime are just beautiful! I am sure anyone reading your TR considering going to DL during the holidays would have their answer just looking at those pics alone.
Can't wait to read more!
Miss you

O' Der! (Remember that?!?) I knew you wouldn't be able to come around, what with the busy world of retail this time of year and all. Glad to see you here now! Thanks for the compliments on the pics. You know, I honestly can't remember if J finished both bread bowls or not. I know he finished his own. Good grief. I seem to have forgotten a lot of details from this trip. That doesn't really seem like a detail, though. It just seems like something I should remember!

Oh, I mentioned the "poop" thing back when your sister first posted that typo - last week or the week before, or whenever it was. I was the first one to catch it and I addressed it immediately! I may not always be able to get on and actually comment on things or post things in my own TR, but not very much slips past me! And a funny typo like that surely does not escape my eagle eyes! I couldn't let it go without commentary!



deej- I'm a big "I Love Lucy" fan too. I must have seen each episode of that series at least 100 times in my life, since childhood, with my favorites being the ones in Hollywood, Europe, Florida and at the "new house" in the country. Lucy was immensely talented.

I really like those episodes where she is interacting with a "star" as a regular average person. Like that whole scene with William Holden at the Brown Derby. It's just funny since she was a huge star, and here she is playing the part of a tourist. I love that one! (Does that restaurant still exist?)

Whenever I watch the sitcoms on tv today I think about how much we all owe to Lucille Ball. Especially the one like Two Broke Girls. Lucille Ball was a genius.

Sometimes I feel like TV just went downhill after "I Love Lucy." For me, it's just so much better than everything else that's been done since. I love to watch old Dick Van Dyke shows as well.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Still making our way out of the theater and back to the street...

I got one of these retro Disneyland pressed pennies as well. I can't remember which one, though. Now that I think about it...I have no idea where my pressed pennies are from this trip! I haven't seen them since we've been home.

Love this:

The style of this hat really took me back to the olden days. (My olden days!) J pointed it out to me in the hat shop by the theater.

So it's around 2:30pm by this time. My next "must do" was the Flag Retreat Ceremony, which was around 4:30 or 4:45. In the meantime I decided I wanted to ride the Matterhorn. I knew the line would be long, so I decided to go get an ice cream cone from the Cone Shop to eat while in line. This was my cone of choice that day...YUM!

OK. I feel like the Disneyland ice cream tends to melt faster than your average ice cream for some reason. It doesn't seem to matter what the weather is. And look at that chocolate scoop! If that wasn't destined to speed-melt and drip down my hand...

Of course I thought of Sherry when I was taking a picture of my ice cream cone, which included the Peppermint Stick flavor. The first thing that I thought of when I went marching off toward the Matterhorn (no short distance away) was whether or not this cone would prove to be the infamous Peppermint Cone of Death's evil twin. I made sure to grab extra napkins just in case. I then proceeded to make my way over to the Tomorrowland side of the Matterhorn where I would be meeting J. (Meeting J to get in line together, NOT meeting him somewhere in line. ) Well, it wasn't long before I had a chocolate stream running down my knuckles. I picked up the pace, licking all the while. This was not fun. Walking really fast and lapping up my ice cream cone. When I picture eating ice cream at Disneyland, it is always done in conjunction with relaxing, enjoying, and soaking up the Disneyland atmosphere. (Does anyone else actually picture eating ice cream at Disneyland? ) That was what I intended to do with this double-decker cone. Lazily enjoy it while standing in the Matterhorn line, enjoying the sounds of the waterfalls on the mountainside, catching glimpses of the Monorail as it sped by, listening to the occasional roar of the Yeti, reminiscing about the old Skyway, wishing they hadn't gotten rid of "Remain Seated Please...Permanecer Sentados Por Favor" (it was much more to the point than today's announcement at the end of the ride), and even breathing in the fumes of the Autopia cars. (OK, I don't know if you can really smell the fumes from there...I just thought of it while I was typing this. And for the record, I don't mind the fumes at all. Nostalgia, nostalgia...)

ANYWAY...the ice cream was melting fast! All of my napkins were soaked through by the time I passed the hub. Licking, spinning, licking, spinning. I was having a hard time keeping up. I decided I needed more napkins so I dashed up the stairs and got some from Tomorrowland Terrace. My hands were a mess. At least one CM got a laugh out of it. It was a friendly laugh, so I didn't mind. I laughed, too. I eventually made it over to J and we got in line. The wait wasn't nearly what I was expecting for this time of day. I finished my ice cream before we reached the "Remember what it was like to ride the Skyway through the Matterhorn..." part of our standing-in-line conversation. I had this wad of sticky ice cream-soiled napkins that I was carrying around until we passed the next "Waste Please" -- and then I remembered that I always carry Wet Ones in my purse. Now I remember! Ah, well.

I took these next 2 pictures in case this was as close as we were going to get to the Christmas parade. See that tiny glimpse of the Gingerbread House through the trees?

We're getting close! We were excited to enjoy one last time to ride together. Like, in the same seat. We never do that anymore, because it's such a tight squeeze, but knowing that this was it...never again...I wanted to ride together.

Yay! Row 1!

I'll let the pictures do the talking now...

Look at all those lucky black birds!

I took this one as we were about to unload. Don't my shoes look like they are on the wrong feet!?!

One more glimpse of the parade as we exited the ride.

 

[Sherry E]

Did you say you got the ice cream cone with the chocolate and peppermint at the Main Street Cone Shop? Not at Gibson Girl? The reason I ask is because I had no clue that DLR was selling the peppermint ice cream anywhere other than Gibson Girl - which I thought was silly, as it should be available at all the places that sell ice cream around the whole Resort.

In fact, I nearly panicked when I went into Gibson Girl last month and did not see the usual sign indicating that they had the Dreyer's Peppermint Stick in stock! Every year they have a sign up on the counter to let people know they can order Peppermint Stick. When I didn't see the sign I thought, "How could this be? Why don't they have the peppermint ice cream?!" And then I finally went up and asked the CM's behind the counter if they had any peppermint ice cream in stock and they said they had it but didn't know why there was no sign this year. Whew! What a relief! I can't have a DLR holiday trip without my Peppermint Cone of Death!

I have most definitely noticed how quickly the ice cream at DLR begins to melt - and that is whether it's in a cone or a cup, no matter what the temperature! It happens all the time. Literally, as soon as I step out of the shop...there it goes, melting away! Instantly! I am so glad someone else has noticed this strange phenomenon as well!

Anyway, yours would not have been a true Peppermint Cone of Death unless there was a calamity or near-calamity attached to it...like a wobbly trash can that nearly topples over, or a camera that nearly plummets to the ground. Or maybe something new, like you accidentally dump the Cone of Death on someone's head, or you drop the cone and someone almost slips on it and almost falls to the ground. Then you'd have a true Cone of Death on your hands...rather than just melting ice cream on your hands!!

But the chocolate scoop looks like it is trying to make a fast getaway, so I would have been worried about that one.

I love the on-ride Matterhorn photos! That is something you don't see a lot of on the DIS. I don't know if it looks like your shoes are on the wrong feet or if it looks like there are two separate legs wearing identical jeans and shoes, but it does look kind of different.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Did you say you got the ice cream cone with the chocolate and peppermint at the Main Street Cone Shop? Not at Gibson Girl? The reason I ask is because I had no clue that DLR was selling the peppermint ice cream anywhere other than Gibson Girl - which I thought was silly, as it should be available at all the places that sell ice cream around the whole Resort.

In fact, I nearly panicked when I went into Gibson Girl last month and did not see the usual sign indicating that they had the Dreyer's Peppermint Stick in stock! Every year they have a sign up on the counter to let people know they can order Peppermint Stick. When I didn't see the sign I thought, "How could this be? Why don't they have the peppermint ice cream?!" And then I finally went up and asked the CM's behind the counter if they had any peppermint ice cream in stock and they said they had it but didn't know why there was no sign this year. Whew! What a relief! I can't have a DLR holiday trip without my Peppermint Cone of Death!

I have most definitely noticed how quickly the ice cream at DLR begins to melt - and that is whether it's in a cone or a cup, no matter what the temperature! It happens all the time. Literally, as soon as I step out of the shop...there it goes, melting away! Instantly! I am so glad someone else has noticed this strange phenomenon as well!

Anyway, yours would not have been a true Peppermint Cone of Death unless there was a calamity or near-calamity attached to it...like a wobbly trash can that nearly topples over, or a camera that nearly plummets to the ground. Or maybe something new, like you accidentally dump the Cone of Death on someone's head, or you drop the cone and someone almost slips on it and almost falls to the ground. Then you'd have a true Cone of Death on your hands...rather than just melting ice cream on your hands!!

But the chocolate scoop looks like it is trying to make a fast getaway, so I would have been worried about that one.

I love the on-ride Matterhorn photos! That is something you don't see a lot of on the DIS. I don't know if it looks like your shoes are on the wrong feet or if it looks like there are two separate legs wearing identical jeans and shoes, but it does look kind of different.

Yes, I got the ice cream at the Main Street Cone Shop. I much prefer the line (or lack of line) over there. I was wondering if they'd have the Peppermint Stick, or if it was just sold at Gibson Girl, but I noticed a sign up by the window.

Thanks. I was surprised how clear (relatively) some of those Matterhorn shots came out. I take more pictures on rides if I have the front seat. Love the front seat! (Usually.)

 

[deejdigsdis]

So after a fun, squished ride on the Matterhorn, the next picture I have on my camera is this:

I would have taken that picture for the sake of comparing the set-time to other pictures I have of the clock. I have pics with the clock set at 2 different times.

An hour had passed in between the Matterhorn exit picture and the walking-through-the-castle clock picture. So I'm not sure what we did in the meantime. I would guess we probably rode IASWH before heading back through Fantasyland.

Next I have these NOS pictures. I am thinking I took these while grabbing some FPs and killing a little time before finding spots for the Flag Retreat Ceremony.

I can't believe I never noticed this creepy little guy before! I didn't notice him until I edited that last picture. "Is that a leg dangling?" I thought to myself. He freaks me out.

These next 2 pictures were taken outside of the bathrooms between Adventureland and Frontierland. These rocks looked different from trips earlier this year. I don't remember them being green before.

I had sent J ahead to Town Square to hopefully get a bench for the ceremony. When I got over there he was sitting on a bench with another couple. There was plenty of room for me to sit as well. J asked the lady if she minded if I sat on the bench. He was thinking "sat on the bench as well" -- because there might have been some slight scooting necessary on her part. She happily said, "Sure!" and stood up so I could sit down in her spot! J clarified what he meant, and she laughed and sat back down. There was plenty of room. It wasn't like we were all touching shoulders. But this lady was representative of the guests I remember this trip. Going during a higher crowd time, I expected to see more impatient and grumpy guests. This was not the truth at all. People seemed to generally be happy and friendly and helpful in spite of crowds and long waits. Another time I had been standing in line to get BTMR FPs. A lady came out after getting hers, and excitedly let me in on the "insider info" about how the BTMR FPs were disconnected from the rest of the FP system. She was just so happy to pause what she was doing and fill me in -- to make my trip nicer, really. Even though I already knew, I was happy that she shared the info with me. It sure made the trip a lot nicer to have that tidbit, by the way!

On with the Flag Retreat Ceremony...

We had some time before the ceremony actually started. I was sitting there, noticing all the reds in the decor, and decided to break out that feature on my camera that will allow you to focus on just one color. So the effect in the following pictures is from using that feature...not from editing after the fact.

That feature is fun to use once in a while. When I remember it's there.

Just a few more regular pics before the ceremony began.

 

[kaoden39]

We have never made it for the flag ceremony. This trip we will do that. I don't know why we have never made it to watch. I always intend to.


I make a point of remembering the people like that on my trips. I like to believe there are more good people than bad ones in the world or in this case the land.

 

[Sherry E]

I think there have been a couple of different variations of "the creepy little guy" in the NOS square wreath over the last several years (New Orleans Square is one area where the decorations are constantly changing for the holidays) - or maybe it's the same creepy guy who has always been there - but there's always a creepy guy in the wreath.

In fact, there are a few different kinds of creepy guys sort of hidden away on balconies or under shop signs, or hanging in trees in NOS...the types of creepy jester/doll-looking things that you wouldn't want to see sitting on a shelf in your room, in the dark, late at night, for fear that they might start blinking their creepy eyes and talking to you.

Mixed in with all the beauty of NOS during the holidays is quite a bit of the 'creep factor.'

Then again, the whole idea of putting a 'baby' in a King Cake for Mardi Gras time is creepy in and of itself, so there you have it! New Orleans is a creepy place. Lol.

We have never made it for the flag ceremony. This trip we will do that. I don't know why we have never made it to watch. I always intend to.


I make a point of remembering the people like that on my trips. I like to believe there are more good people than bad ones in the world or in this case the land.

Ditto, Michele. I've never made it to the Flag Ceremony either, though I have intended to and have even been sitting around Town Square, thinking, "Hmmm...the Flag Ceremony should be starting soon..."

Yep - there are always people who stand out on trips that we end up in conversations with. Helpful people, whether they are CM's or just 'regular ol' folks.' It's fun talking to different people who you would probably never meet or talk to any other place, and it's sweet when you meet someone who is excited to share information!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I missed a lot the last few posts that you have up Deej. I'm still here reading your adventures in November. Great pictures from the Omnibus. Boy it really looked so busy that Tuesday. Good thing thing I left on Monday instead of staying during Thanksgiving week. I always like your one touch color pictures and I tried it on my new DSLR camera during my WDW trip. I did do the one touch color during my trip because of you. You should check my WDW TR.

Got a glimpse of "A Christmas Fantasy" parade while you were in the queue for Matterhorn. Good pics pics from riding the Matterhorn.

Glad that you got do do the Flag Retreat at MS Town Square. I never do the Flag Retreat a lot since I am at the hotel resting. But I got to do the Flag Retreat on Saturday during my trip when I was right on the streets of MS Town Square for the 5:30pm "A Christmas Fantasy" parade.

Great update on your TR Deej.