Mission: Characters - TR 10/27 - 11/11 (updated 1/13: all photos added, TR finished)

[Vala]

It feels really weird to get this started now... fairykin has been so much involved with planning this trip, and now she’s gone. But I figured the least I can do is to try and write a trip report that would have made her proud.

This was my fourth trip to Disneyland overall and the second for Halloween. But it is my first attempt to write a real trip report. So please bear with me there. Also I apologize for the lack of photos. Usually I take a lot, but I found it kind of difficult this time because I had to use a scooter. I did bring back food porn though.

Pre-Trip stuff summed up:

We flew in on October 27 from Frankfurt, Germany.

We means my friend and room mate Andrea and I. Andrea is really camera shy, so you might see her on the occassional photo in the background. But she really doesn't like me posting photos of her with the characters, so I am not going to do it. I'm happy enough when she actually agrees to posed with a character. Her mom always says I am the only person in the world who can get her on pictures at all.

Lufthansa is the only company offering direct flights to Los Angeles from Frankfurt, and after the return trip from hell in 2007 I refuse to make that long trips with stopovers. In 2007 I had gone with American Airlines and a stop over in Dallas… which led to me being stranded in Dallas for a day, and AA only paid for my hotel after quite a discussion. That taught me one lesson: No matter what the airline tells you: 45 minutes are not enough for switching planes! If they refuse to rebook you, look for another carrier.

Anyway, the flight was quite uneventful. They were even nice enough to overlook that I was over the baggage limit when checking in… I do have the habit of suddenly coming back with more bags than I left with, but being over the baggage allowance on the way in was completely new to me.
I did have my first (and only) celebrity sighting of the trip though… a German actor was sitting three rows in front of me. At first we were not sure if it was him, but then we noticed he had no less than 4 flight attendants frequently coming back to him to ask if he was doing okay, and then he was even served food from Business Class. So the secret was out.

The only negative thing about the flight was that the only snack they offered during the trip was some kind of peanut cookie. I always had been under the impression that peanut allergies were not that rare. The flight attendant looked at me like I had two heads when I asked about an alternative. Nothing major, but it did seem very odd to me.

We did leave a little late, but made good that time until we arrived at LAX.
I know that airport does have quite a bad reputation, but it never seemed that bad to me. First time I encountered that airport was in 2006 when a friend dropped me off there to catch Supershuttle. I had wanted to get a rental car, and she told me no, traffic was “too horrendous.” When I finally saw it I was wondering what she was on about… Frankfurt Airport is *way* worse.

Due to me breaking my foot some weeks before the trip rental car was out because Andrea doesn’t drive, and I was kind of scared about using Supershuttle too. But I had tried hopping on a bus before we left, and that went quite well. So we settled on trying the Disneyland Express on the way in, and than for the way back we had booked a towncar service.

It will sound odd to some, but I developed the habit to write my reports in present tense while typing my sci-fi convention reports. I decided to give it a try for Disneyland too... we'll see how this ends up.

So coming tomorrow (Hopefully... it's past midnight here and I should really be in bed) there's chapter one coming up: Day One, also known as "37 minutes?!"

 

[Vala]

October 27 - arrival day - Day 1
37 minutes?!

We touch down in LAX almost on time. Being on crutches I wait patiently until the plane has emptied because supposedly a wheelchair has been ordered for me. Suddenly a flight attendant comes up to me and asks why I am still around. Umm... wheelchair? I find out that despite the armada of wheelchairs waiting outside they forgot to book one for me! They ask if I want to try and hop around, or wait. "Can't be more than 30 minutes." Half an hour?! When I am on my way to Disneyland?! *censored* no. I decide to be brave and hop off.

Bad mistake. Either we are at the gate at the end of the world this time, or my brain is having foggy memories from last year. The way seems way longer than I remembered. Think happy thoughs... I am on my way to Disneyland!

Of course the immigration officers do send me to the furthest open booth too. *sighs* I must look less wobbly than I think.

The immigration officer at the booth takes a look at my passport and asks the usual question when seeing my travel dates: "Why are you always coming to the United States at the end of October?" Because Halloween is always on the same date? I smile sweetly and tell him I am meeting my friends for Halloween at Disneyland. Only to have him go off in a long rant how much better the Knotts Berry Farm park is. Erm... thanks for the recommendation, I guess? Thankfully he lets me through anyway.

The only thing I really hate about LAX are the long lines for customs. Our bags arrive reasonably fast, but now the customs lines... that's what I call horrendous. Four booths open when three large international flights come in, that's a recipe for disaster. The lines are stretching through the whole baggage hall. Not even crew can go through a separate line.

We spend way longer in line there than at baggage claim and immigration combined, but eventually make our way in the Arrivals Hall, off to find the Disneyland Express.

We position ourselves at the green bay and wait. The bus shows up after barely 15 minutes. Yay! Andrea grabs my shoulder because she’s afraid I might bounce off the curb in my excitement. The excitement is quickly gone when the bus parks in an extremely odd ankle to the curb. Uhm… okay, I did not train hopping over a 10 inch gap.

The driver gets out, realizes that his way of parking won’t work for me and gets the bus closer to the curb. First crisis avoided.

We breeze through the terminals with only 2 more people getting on and make it to Anaheim surprisingly fast. At DLH the money collector gets in, and I am prepared to get off the bus to get to Paradise Pier, our home for the next 11 nights. Nope, no bus change. And no credit cards accepted for that matter either… thankfully I did not let the driver put my backpack in the storage and I can dig out change.

Drop off at Paradise Pier. We decide to get help from the bell desk so Andrea doesn’t have to haul around all bags on her own and make our way to the Front Desk. I give my name and offer the confirmation numbers from Expedia – we did get in with the awesome $ 100 deal they had a couple of months ago. The cast member tells me the name is alright and starts typing. And types some more. Until she says. “I can’t find your reservation, do you have any confirmation numbers?” Of course I have… I just offered them. I hand over the papers.

5 minutes pass. “I am sorry, I can’t find your reservation.” Erm… what? I was charged, I do have two booking numbers… what’s the deal? I offer to call Expedia if they can provide a phone to use. The Cast Member doesn’t answer, but resumes typing. 5 more minutes of agony. “Oh, there you are… Someone entered your last name with a V by mistake.” A "V". Not even in my crappy handwriting any letter in my last name is close to a ... Think happy thoughts… I am at Disneyland. Well, almost at Disneyland.

Cast Member gets my credit card info, issues keycards, hands over paperwork… but doesn’t mention charge to the room privileges, Magic Morning access or anything else. Okay, I know my stuff, but what about people who haven’t stayed at Disney hotels before?

We go upstairs and find ourselves in a Lower Level Resort View Room… not sure if this is officially offered, but this is what we got. A lovely view right past GC on the Paradise Pier. Sorry, no pictures – we couldn’t open the windows and any attempts to take pictures with the closed window were thwarted by dirty glass.

We call Bell Desk to deliver the bags and also ask for mail. I had some pins and my Halloween costume mailed to Paradise Pier to make the bags lighter. “Oh yes, we do have mail for you. Come down with a photo ID and bring it up.” Good, I guess I have to go down anyway to pick up the scooter.

Andrea waits for the bags, I hop down. The scooter is there, and so is one package… the smallest package with a couple of pins that was mailed last. Hmm? I ask about the other items. “No, that’s all we have.” Okay, maybe inner-resort mail takes a while… I remember the central mail room is at DLH. Doesn’t have to mean anything that the Delivery Confirmation says the packages were received on Friday.

When I get back Andrea holds up my cell phone. “It’s not charging.” Oh…. *censored*. Great. I gave that number as a contact to everyone I wanted to meet. I check my German cell phone. Battery empty. Camera battery? Empty! I don’t know which cosmic rays hit my bag on the trip, but each and every rechargeable battery in my luggage is completely fried. Bummer. I plug in the camera battery and the German phone… whatever we do, the US phone does not show any life signs anymore. Not that it would helped much… we try to put the SIM card in Andrea’s phone (which is unlocked and has worked with AT&T cards before) and it’s not recognizing the card! Argh!!

I decide to buy normal batteries at the hotel store and check out DTD until it’s time to meet up with CINDERAllie (we met on the October topic here and did hang out together for a while during our trips) for our Goofy’s Kitchen dinner. I need distraction and I need it fast.

At DTD we hit the DTD Pin traders first… did I mention yet that I am a pin trader? Well if I did not, you know now. The October pin series features villains again, and I really, really want to try and complete it during our trip.

There’s a cast member outside of the store with a hip lanyard. She has two villains pins! I make sure to give her nice Limited Edition pins in return… I’m just happy I got a good start.

While I am selecting pins another cast member appears from backstage. He’s wearing a hip lanyard too, and has two more of my villains!

After a while Andrea reminds me we are running close to our PS at Goofys, I should better go and pay. She found two Chip and Dale pins too, so we both get in line. The CM cashiering also has a lanyard… two of the three missing villains! Score!

TBC in part 2

 

[Vala]

Part 2 of Day 1: "37 minutes?!"

Off to Goofys we go. We make it there faster than expected, so we peak in the Fantasia Store at DLH to check on pins. One of the CMs has a lanyard, and…. He has my missing Ursula pin from the series. If I hadn’t been on the scooter I probably would have hugged him.

Total time to score a 7 pin series: 37 minutes out of a 14 day vacation.

Our PS at Goofy’s is at 6.30 PM. We wait for Allie in the lobby until the CM tells us we have to go in now. *censored*, I hope she’s not trying to call the non-working phone number.

Pluto is at the photo place. Andrea’s jokingly shaking her head at me when I still want to do the photo package. Yes, I do have maybe 6 photos with Pluto. But they’re all from last year.

The buffet is delicious as always. Sorry, no food porn there. I tried hobbling with one crutch to get my food myself, and carrying the camera around in addition was way too risky.

In short order we see Chip, Dale and Alice.

A Cast Member shows up and places a third chair on our table. She’s gone before I can ask why. Oh well, maybe a larger party stole a chair prior to our arrival.

Please excuse the photo quality here, Andrea accidentally turned off the flash and I didn’t question why the flash was not going off until the meal was almost over.

After Minnie visited our table

I go to get more food, when a girl approaches me near the buffet and asks: “Are you Petra?” Erm… yes. It’s Allie. They just sent her in, got us a third chair for her and didn’t tell her where we were. Nice tactic there. Of course poor Allie tried texting the non-working phone number. *sighs* But at least we found each other.

We get some more food and see Goofy and Jasmine.

Minnie comes back eventually, so Allie gets to meet her too, and also Alice shows up again. It’s almost closing time until Chip & Dale arrive, but they made it in to our area in the end as well. Dale decides to hug me that intense that he makes me lose my cap:

So we're running a little late, but met everybody who was around.

The PP doesn’t have a laundry, so Allie has dropped her things off at DLH. We go with her to pick everything up.

Back at DLH our Von’s grocery delivery has arrived and has been stored by Bell Desk again, so we go and retrieve it. You would be surprised how many plastic bags you can get for $ 75.

Somehow we also get turndown service in our room... I can't remember that from DLH last year. I know GC has it, but I wasn't aware the PP is doing the same thing. Also somehow a plate with two rice krispie treats appears in our room while we are away. Not that I'd complain, but that was definitely nothing I expected.

To be continued in Day 2 - "Eeyore kissed me, we can go home now."

 

[Vala]

October 28 - day 2 - part 1
“Eeyore kissed me, we can go home now.”

We arrive at the park bright and early… sometimes jetlag is good for something. It’s a non Magic-Morning-Day, so we want to make the best of it.

We first bump into Goofy in his Halloween costume.

He signs my picture, I ask for a photo…. And the point and shoot camera is not working either. Empty batteries – and they were not even rechargeable! What on earth happened on this flight? We put the remaining ones from last night in and all is okay. Thankfully Goofy has the patience of a saint when I get in line again for my picture.

Of course our favorite ride is on the way to pretty much anything else on our list, so we ride Buzz a couple of times. Seems I got the hang out of it now, I score more than 100,000 usually.

When our hands hurt we check Little Green Men Store, and I score a gorgeous Haunted Mansion jumbo pin from the summer pin event which they “just got in again.” What, you mean the famous “we found another box” doesn’t happen online only?

After shopping we stroll in the direction of the Villains photo area near IASW and take some of the traditional castle shots.

We notice how short the line for Pixie Hollow is. Way shorter than last year. Okay, change of plans: Pixie Hollow it is.

Everything is decked out for fall - looks really nice:

After less than 20 minutes we first meet Fawn

then Tinker Bell. Who ruins the only silver sharpie I brought for autographs. Pixies.

At the Villains photo stop we first meet Hook –

who notices my “Evil Queen fan club” shirt, takes off and drags the Queen back to me. At least someone is impressed. And that someone has good eyesight too. I really thought you wouldn’t see the print with me wearing the lanyard. I have to show off my t-shirt and get royal approval.

Next up is her majesty the Queen of Hearts

before I finally get to meet my favorite from last year, the Evil Queen. Unfortunately her majesty isn’t herself anymore… too bad. When we met her last year, that Queen was downright scary and I was very impressed. This year she's trying, but it's just not the same. Maybe at the party.

After that we meet Allie at Princess Fantasy Faire before lunch at Café Orleans. Andrea decides to stroll around Toontown while Allie and I battle the line. Turns out we’re in for a 45 minute wait, which isn’t even that bad.

Belle’s at the first photo stop. Allie gets her photo taken with her while I get off the scooter. After Allie got her photo Belle comes up to me after seeing me fiddle with a picture and my autograph book and asks: “Do you want me to sign anything?” I find it a bit odd because last year at PFF it had been photo first, then autograph, but okay… whatever she wants. Maybe they changed the rules.

I give her my photo (taken at last year’s parade) and she starts complimenting me on it, even showing the picture to her Photopass lady who’s admiring it too.

Thank you, I am rather proud of that one myself.

I'm running out of room for pictures, so off to part 2 of day 2: The Battle of Monte Cristo.

 

[Vala]

October 28 - part 2
"The Battle of Monte Cristo"

Belle signs, then tells me: “I have to go now, how would you like to meet my friend Ariel?” And indeed Ariel is approaching. Erm… I guess I would like to meet her, yes. I mean, I knew that the princesses take turns, but a switch mid-group?

Mulan is next,

Followed by Jasmine.

We get a little time to chat with both because the family after us is busy with Ariel, but get through just in time for our PS at Café Orleans.

When we arrive that area is a zoo. Check in lines for Café Orleans and Blue Bayou are starting to get intertwined, and then mix the POTC exit in… I am beginning to have LAX déjà vus.

After a minimal wait we get seated, inside. We share Pommes Frites among the three of us as starters.

I know many people love them, but I will admit I wasn’t very fond of them. I can’t even say why.

Andrea and Allie order the Monte Cristo as entrée,

and I go for the 3 cheese version.

After reading on here I was fully prepared that I’d maybe make it through half of it… I don’t do greasy food too well normally, but I really wanted to try.

Contrary to the Pommes Frites the Monte Cristo is way more tasty than I thought, and this is how my plate looks in the end…

I know, I am shocked myself!

Allie decides to have the beignets and lets us try.

Again I am not that impressed. This time I know why though. In the region where I live they do a similar thing to the beignets too. It’s called Berliner. It’s made with the same dough as beignets and filled with strawberry or raspberry marmalade. I am guessing I most likely missed the marmalade.

I want to check if Eeyore is around, so we head for Critter Country. New Orleans Square is still packed, so we chose the back route near the train station. When we want to go back to the main route to Critter Country we bump into the end of a large line. Right… Jack Skellington and Sally are out. I almost forgot. Allie and Andrea get in line to wait while I track back to Critter Country to check on Eeyore. Everyone's on a break, so we have lots of time anyway.

When I return Jack and Sally have not arrived yet, but Allie and Andrea are now in the first quarter of a line stretching almost around the square. Wow. Good thing we took the scenic route.

After a while Jack and Sally appear. This time there’s a semi-formal Meet and Greet area set up, handled by some CMs in Haunted Mansion clothing.

Allie and I get our pictures and I have Jack and Sally sign my photos. Spot on characters and a very nice experience.

In Critter Country we encounter something which I rarely saw before… three characters from Pooh out at the Meet and Greet. Allie and I get in line and meet. Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger.

Pooh and Eeyore both give me hugs, and Eeyore even pretends to kiss me on the head. That's it, I am happy now... ready to go home.

Afterwards we say good bye to Allie, and Andrea and I go to Toontown where we find Donald hanging out in a quiet corner. He is just about to leave, but thankfully his character assistant makes him walk down the line and I get a photo with him too.

To be continued in October 28 - day 2 - part 3 "Trick or Treat on the street"

 

[Vala]

October 28 - day 2 - part 3
"Trick or Treat on the street"

We get back to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz again, and then on our way to Jungle Cruise we spot Alice and the Mad Hatter skipping in the direction at the castle. We decide to follow them.

At Snow White’s Wishing Well they stop to fool around with a tour group and sign autographs and take pictures with me and a couple of kids.

I’m not really sure about the scooter battery – I was told it lasts a full day, but it definitely looks like it could use recharging. Plus I am still not feeling the least bit sick from the Monte Cristo... something's off here. We decide to go back to the hotel for an afternoon break. I’m meeting Allie there in a couple of hours anyway.

Back at the hotel the Bell Desk has found a letter for me… which in the end is waiting at Front Desk. After a very stern request to please look again they find two more of my packages… but still not the one with the costume parts. Fantastic.

Last year Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters had really grown on me. So I had a t-shirt printed saying “Team Tremaine” (yes, someone has had waaaaaaaaaaay too much contact with Twilight fans ) and was going to wear a special lanyard all with Tremaine related pins. And those pins were gone. That meant change of plans… no Tremaine shirt today. Which turned out to be a quite smart decision as it was really cold, and I will fully admit that I did totally underestimate how cold you get when sitting on a scooter.

So around 6 PM I meet up with Allie in the lobby and we make our way to DCA. Six hours after eating a full serving of the Monte Cristo and I am still not sick.

As usual they have opened the park earlier. Allie wanted to do Pirates Wharf first, so we find ourselves in the front row at rope drop near PTA Flea Market.

When the rope is dropped Allie takes off for the Pirates line right away. I’m a bit more slow in the scooter… plus there’s this little sign saying “Ghiradelli” at one Trick or Treat stop which does distract me from the straight path for a bit. Sue me, I am a chocaholic.

Turns out the rush was not needed anyway… it’s not Captain Jack at the photo stop, it’s Peter Pan and his gang. We have our photos taken anyway

and walk over to Ariel’s Grotto to meet Cinderella

and Sleeping Beauty. The lights at her background were not really good, and all photos taken with my camera are blurry. At least I have one series of Photopass shots:

Back at Pirates Wharf Captain Jack has meanwhile made his entrance. Allie meets him first, then it’s my turn.

When she comes back to help me with the crutches and give me my Photopass back I joke with Jack: “See, she’ll do everything to get close to you again.”

Jack grins, puts his arms around us, declares: “Family photo!” and we get another picture taken.

You were warned Allie – when you’re travelling with me stuff like that happens sooner or later.

There’s a special Snow White photo opportunity set up at the Animation Academy. Snow White is Allie’s favorite, so we are heading down there next.

The Villains are hidden away in kind of a barn near Bug’s Land this time. We stop there to check who’s out… the Evil Queen is at the Snow White stop this time, so they need another villain besides Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters. It’s the terrible trio out though, and I am actually quite happy about that. We get in line, and of course Lady Tremaine tells me off when she spots a pin of Tinker Bell dressed as Cinderella on my lanyard.

I apologize, mention my missing costume and swear that I will come back tomorrow in a more pleasing costume. I’m being granted temporary pardon.

Searching for a way through the maze… I mean, Bug’s Land… we bump into an old acquaintance from last year, Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas.

Seriously, that area needs some more light during the Halloween parties. Half of the time we didn’t see where we are going.

To be continued: October 29 - Day 3 - I thought that was a prop door!

 

[letthembelittle]

I am loving your TR, I am so impressed how you remember everything!!

 

[goofycathy]

I'm having a great time reading your TR, good job on scoring your pin so fast!
thats just awesome!

 

[Vala]

I am loving your TR, I am so impressed how you remember everything!!

Thank you. I tried taking notes because I really wanted to try and write something, but somehow I stopped writing down things after the third day. Guess my mind was elsewhere. I'm surprised myself that I remember that much.

I'm having a great time reading your TR, good job on scoring your pin so fast!
thats just awesome!

Thank you too.

I guess I must have hit Pin Traders after someone refreshed the lanyards. This was most likely a one off find, but I was extremely happy about it.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Great pictures!! I love all the characters!!

Dawn would have just loved this TR! Keep it up!!

 

[Vala]

October 28 continued:

When we make it down Hollywood Boulevard Snow White’s line is quite busy. We patiently wait, and just when it’s our turn she and Dopey leave and the Evil Queen comes out. Allie is not happy, and I am neither… still not "my" Queen. Not a happy camper.

We have our photo taken anyway

I guess that pose was my way of rebellion.

and get back right in line to meet Snow White and Dopey.

Last on our list are Mickey and Minnie. I know recommendations here have been to get in that line first, and trust me, I wish we had listened to that… we spend almost an hour in line.

This is the one try that comes out from my pictures of the cat on TOT:

Granted there is a nice family we chat with before us in line, but it is freezing cold and it isn’t really fun. Lesson 2 learned: No matter how much your companion begs to go elsewhere, next time do the logical thing.

October 29 - day 3
“I thought this was a prop door!”

I wake up sick. No, not what you think. I have a sore throat. Splendid, just what I needed.

I get cough drops and other stuff from Treasures in Paradise again, suck it up and after checking with Bell Desk – still no more packages!! - we trek for Magic Morning.

I just love the pumpkin decorations:

Maybe I hadn’t been paying attention last year, but I don’t remember characters being out for Magic Morning that often last year. So at least the promise “more characters than ever” seems to be true.

The first one we bump into is Donald, in his Halloween costume. I am very happy, he was the only character we didn’t meet in costume last year.

Andrea claims I even squealed "The Duck!" in German all over town square when I saw him.

Goofy’s around as well, but we skip that line because I already have pictures with him.

But Mickey and Minnie are out in their Halloween costumes taking pictures too. I’m too concerned that yesterday’s shots didn’t turn out, or they made me look like a ghost. White sweater and that strong lights which they used… not really a good combination. Of course that means I get in line again.

Next up is our usual stopover at Buzz. I make it up to 460,000 points when the ride stops. Of course at a point where I have no target to shoot at… still, should be a nice record. The ride continues, and not only do our scores reset suddenly, but the phasers are not working anymore either! I’m fuming.

Andrea decides it is distraction time again and talks me into lining up for Pixie Hollow once more.

Again the line is surprisingly short. We meet Silvermist

(actually the Photopass lady took that shot with my camera… I have no clue what she was thinking there. It’s kind of a search picture, isn’t it? “Where’s the pixie?”)

Thank heavens at least the Photopass shot is okay:

before we continue around the corner to see Tink.

Tink is fascinated by my pins, especially by one of her dressed up as Frankenstein’s Bride. In the end I offer it to her. “You can keep it if this won’t get you in trouble with Fairy Mary or someone else higher up.”

We joke around for a bit when suddenly the door of Tink’s house (which is used at a backdrop) opens. You know, the very door that we always thought was pretty much just part of a wall.

Out stumbles Terence, the boy pixie (is this the right word?) from the new movie.

I am not sure which look I gave him, but Andrea chortles. “I have never seen you looking that dumbstruck before.” Serves me right for not looking in the flyer I guess. I did not have any idea we might even get to meet Terence.

Tink asks me: “Have you met my friend Terence before?”
Honey, do I really look this way? I’m pretty much standing next to you with my jaw dropped to the floor!
I pull myself together and tell her: “No, I don’t think so!”
Terence is properly introduced, we shake hands

and Tink shows off the pin I gave her.

And I am out of picture space again... so off to part 2.

 

[Vala]

October 29 - part 2: Halloween fun continues.

Terence gets to sign my book and we take a picture. I'm surprised that this photo is not blurry, Andrea is shaking with suppressed laughter.

After reading here on the forum I had one mission: Meet Jafar. The Villains photo stop would be opening soon, so we were heading there next to set up camp.

When we arrive Cruella, the Old Hag, the Evil Queen and Hook are out.

Wait a moment… someone needs to read up a few stories here!
Thankfully someone notices and the Evil Queen is replaced with the Queen of Hearts.

Cruella really likes the idea of me getting pictures signed and even personalizes my autograph.

Then I spot a black cloak in the distance… Jafar!

No, don’t turn around… you got someone waiting for you! My pleading doesn’t help, he turns around and is gone.

The Evil Queen comes back. Still not "my" Queen! I almost stomp my foot in frustration, but realize last minute there's a reason why I am holding crutches in my hands.

Hook is back as well:

After 15 more minutes Hook disappears. I spot the black cloak again, and this time Jafar is here to stay.

I’m off the scooter and in line so fast that Andrea can’t follow. Hey, I may be Pooh sized and on crutches… but if I really want something I can be very competitive.

Cruella is surprised to see me in line again. I grin, curtsy and tell her “one can never have enough pictures with you, Madame.” I’m not only fast, I am good at sweet talking too.

Next it’s finally my turn to meet Jafar. Andrea decides it is smarter to ask the CM to take the picture… she’s aware I am not going to be happy if that picture doesn’t turn out.

The Hag was really trying to be nice to me as you see on the photos, but I have to admit that I was really a lost cause at that time because I finally had my picture with Jafar! To make sure everything is okay I take another picture with her too – I just hate it when I had the chance to take more pictures, skip it and the only one I have doesn’t turn out:

Andrea is getting hungry. Our usual place to eat the year before had been Stagedoor Café, so I suggest we eat there again and she agrees. We take Big Thunder Trail to see if Woody or Jesse are hanging out at the Halloween Roundup. Woody’s there, watching a card player. We hang out for a bit watching the tricks too, but Woody disappears in a CM only area. The card player John George is very happy to have his picture taken with me though…

Someone doesn't like me... out of picture space again. LOL

 

[Vala]

October 29 part 3: The calm before the storm... erm, Party.

Some impressions from the Halloween Roundup:

We have lunch at Stagedoor Café, Mozzarella Sticks and the ever delicious Funnel Cake:

I would really like Andrea to ride TSMM, plus she hasn’t even been close to DCA yet. Also she wants to see Chip & Dale and they have not been around at DLR. Who knows, maybe they’re at DCA. So we switch parks. On our way out we bump into Mickey again:

At Sunshine Plaza I want to go in the direction of PT Flea to pick up a pin for a friend. That is until I spot something looking suspiciously like brown fur near the sun logo. I tell Andrea: “I think I saw a ‘munk.” She goes “Where?” and for once follows me when I make my way to a character line.

Turns out I am wrong… I didn’t see a chipmunk – it is both Chipmunks, in their Candy Corn farmer attire and as you can see from the pictures very willing to play.

After that I pick up the pin and we head for TSMM – 40 minute wait. I look at Andrea and she tells me no, she doesn’t want to do it. Instead she rides King Triton’s Carousel while I play a couple of the Midway Games.

After that we check out some of the stores and have some photos taken (again Photopass pictures coming soon) until it is time for Kenai and Koda’s photo opportunity near Redwood Creek. (If you have neurodermatitis I can only recommend the fluffy soft striped socks they sell in the store across Ariel’s Grotto. I had a really bad bout while we are travelling and those socks were a gift from heaven. )

We’re first at the picture spot, but the bears walking around of course draw some attention, so I end up being third to have my picture taken with them. But that’s okay, they are fluffy and cute.

We walk back to Disneyland.

Tower of Terror, taken from across Taste Pilot's Grill:

At PT Fleas a CM had recommended a book about the Evil Queen to us called "Fairest of all", supposedly available at the Emporium. On the way out I have my pictures taken with Mater and Lightning McQueen...

and at Grizzly River Run:

When we arrive at the Emporium unfortunately nobody there knows what we are talking about… finally we find someone who tells us the book has been out of print for years. Oh.

On the way out we bump into a new group of characters though:

Minnie

Mary Poppins

(As you can probably guess from my grin, she had kept evading me so far, and I was really, really happy to get a hold of her.)

and Pluto are out.

We take another break at the hotel to check for mail… still no package. Guess my “Team Tremaine” shirt will have to do for the Halloween Party. Hopefully the Lady will forgive me.

To be continued in October 29 - day 3 - part 4: Less tricks, more treats!

 

[Vala]

Great pictures!! I love all the characters!!

Dawn would have just loved this TR! Keep it up!!

Thanks - you really made me blush now.

I still got way over a week to go, so there'll be lots of posts following.

 

[Vala]

October 29 - part 4: Less tricks, more treats!

Andrea agrees with me to let the logic rule this evening. We start off to see Mickey and Minnie.

The idea to use the waiting area of the Hyperion Theatre is great in my eyes. But the lights that were missing in Bug’s Land apparently had been stationed here… the lights in the photo area are so bright, I can barely open my eyes. It’s a complete mystery to me how Mickey and Minnie are coping with it. Plus unless you’re wearing a colorful costume this really does show on the photos.

And even the point and shoot camera we used there isn't exactly the cheapest model available. The Photopass shoot isn't much better either, no idea what the problem was that night.

Snow White’s line is incredibly long, although it does get significantly shorter when the CMs announce that she’s leaving and the Evil Queen will be coming out. I hang around for a moment to check if she’s “my” scary Queen, but she isn’t. So we wander off to the Animation Academy and plunder the Trick or Treat Trails there.

When we arrive at the Villains Photo Stop we find out who the second villain is… Cruella. Again a choice I can live with seeing she’s not strolling around in the parks this year.

Also the Ghiradelli station is still in the same place as yesterday… more yummy chocolate.

When we arrive at Pirates Wharf Jack Sparrow is just about to leave. Oh well… guess I’ll be meeting Hook and the gang again.

Sitting around and waiting for Jack is not an option – my sore throat is going along with an occasional cough now, and I really, really don’t want to catch anything.

So it’s Ariel’s Grotto for us to see more Princesses, again Cinderella and Aurora.

Cinderella remembers me. Now is this good or bad? LOL

Aurora doesn’t have a Photopass person with her, and due to the bad lights in the area the picture again turns out blurry. It doesn’t look that bad the smaller it is, so I’ll post it anyway:

Getting in line again makes me the very first person to meet Belle and Ariel. They are running late, so the CMs are walking down the line asking if anyone wants to meet Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella because we all tell them we're waiting for the other pair.

I really understand why they changed things to two stops with one princess each, makes the line move a lot faster. Still it was nice to have two princesses on one photo with you.

Back at Pirates Lair – you guessed it… I miss Captain Jack again, by 4 people this time. Hey wait, that means Lady Tremaine should be around for the Villains now! We fight our way to Bug’s Land, hitting the Ghiradelli booth on the way. Now that’s what I call foresight placing that station between those two points.

Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters are indeed out. Their line is one of the shortest and moves relatively fast. There’s still two groups in front of me when Druzilla spots me. “Look mother, our little friend from yesterday.”

Did she just call me little?!?

Apparently she did because I hear weird noises behind my back. Andrea’s trying her best not to laugh.

I’m not little. I’m vertically challenged.

While the kids in front of my try different pose Andrea helps me to get rid of my sweater and jacket. There’s a significant chance I will regret those 5 minutes of wearing just a t-shirt, but I promised. And I had been looking forward to Lady Tremaine’s reaction for weeks.

That’s the design of my shirt:

Simple but elegant, isn’t it?

It’s my turn. I hop over, try to curtesy before mylady and for a moment she almost seems scared I’d fall… cause let me tell you, curtesying on crutches is not easy.

I make a big show of apologizing that the Postal Service seems to have lost part of my costume and roll my eyes at them. The lady agrees, waves her hand and stops my rant… “Good servants are hard to find nowadays.”

I tell her I still have one part of the costume show and point to the t-shirt. Lady Tremaine is impressed and tells me how pleased she is. Anastasia is stunned: “We have a team???”

After signing my picture the Lady tells me to pose in a way to make sure the shirt is visible on the picture, and the trio poses giving me the “thumbs up”.

Now where is Andrea? Turns out she got herself out of harm’s way and is hiding around the corner where we parked the scooter, giggling like a maniac.

We fight our way through the maze to Pirates Wharf for a third try for Captain Jack. I spot Bowler Hat Guy and the Queen of Hearts around in Bug's Land, but in the dark I really can't figure out a way to get to them.

At least the Captain is finally around. I’ve huddled up in my sweater and the jacket again… makes me look like a furball on legs, but hey… better that than freezing to death. Again waiting for the Photopass photos here. Andrea was still giggling and useless for picture taking.

We hit some more Trick or Treat stations, then walk back to the hotel. The scooter charge is really getting too close to red for my liking.

To be continued in day 3: A second chance for Minnie's

 

[Vala]

October 30 – day 3: A second chance for Minnie’s

I never wrote a formal trip report for last year, but some of you may have seen my posts how much I disliked Minnie’s Breakfast in some character meal discussions.

Anyway, I am all for giving second chances, and Andrea did like the omelets… so we do have a PS for that breakfast again today. Our friend Rafael is coming in too… the original plan had been to go to the Halloween party together later that day, but something came up. So he’s coming in for breakfast now and Andrea and I are going on the Happiest Haunts Tour later.

When we arrive at the entrance we start looking for the “Minnie’s Breakfast” sign or at least a CM in the Minnie’s attire… nothing to be found. Huh?

There is a separate line at the entrance to the very left though, so I ask the last family in line there: “Excuse me, is this the line for Minnie’s?” The father tells me it is, and we’re not being let in because “They’re running late.” So I noticed. It still would be nice if there was a sign out!

The regular entrances open, we’re still in line, entrance closed. Fabulous. That means we have to somehow cross the Nemo stampede now to get to Plaza Inn. Also it’s getting kind of close to our 8.10 AM PS now, and the family in front of us has a PS for 7.50!

Finally our door is opened too and we rush to Plaza Inn. On the way I encounter again what should be written on the very first page of every flyer in existence relating to Disneyland: If you have a stroller this does not automatically give you right of way. I stop counting after the tenth time a parent rushing somewhere hits the scooter and/or my leg. Yes, I realize you’re in a rush, but watch where you are going, or at least listen! Not even using the horn or yelling helps. I am really trying not to run over your kid that’s bouncing around in front of the empty stroller you’re pushing, could you please give the same courtesy to me and not hit me with your double stroller that’s bigger than my scooter? I love kids, I really do. It’s just some of the parents that I can’t stand.

Finally we make it to Minnie’s, just on time.
Does anybody have an idea why they have you pose with the logo at this Photo Station and there’s no character out? I usually buy all packages, but I skipped this one again.

The CM seating us is really courteous this time and gives us a table very close to the buffet. No characters are out yet, so Andrea and Rafael take off to get food.

I’m not sure if this has triggered a switch somewhere, but suddenly characters are coming up to my table from everywhere. Erm… help? Andrea? Rafael? CM? Anyone to take pictures? I’m being rescued by someone I didn’t exactly have on the list… The Fairy Godmother appears, grabs the next CM and tells her to help me.

Before Rafael and Andrea get back I meet

Geppetto, Max, Pooh and Pinnochio.

Don’t ask me where this “go away, I’m scared” look on my face comes from… he was really nice.

As soon as they are back Minnie appears.

Not that I’m complaining… I’m here 10 minutes and have met more characters than during 2 hours last year. But you know, eventually I’d like to eat something. Most certainly not now though because Dale is getting close to our table.

Rafael grins. “You and the chipmunks.”, asks me what I want to eat and goes off to grab my food. My angel.

Just when Dale gets to our table Hook approaches from the other side. He’s pleased I have a photo for him to sign, but not exactly happy about my attention being more with Dale than him.

Tigger

and Chip come over too, Chip greeting me with a hug.

before the Fairy Godmother has finished her round and comes back for a longer visit.

In this very moment the character entrance door opens and out comes Foulfellow. Whoa. He makes a beeline for our table to greet Andrea and me with a kiss on our hands. I compliment him on being a gentleman, what makes the Fairy Godmother warn me: “Don’t let him fool you!” She really wasn’t happy with him.

When finally Rafiki shows up as well I have actually eaten something. He had been around pretty constantly, but always made his rounds around our table because other characters had been there.

I wouldn’t say Minnie’s totally redeemed itself because I still don’t like the food. But the character interaction really was a lot better than last year.

to be continued in part 2: the fireworks that almost did not happen.

 

[Vala]

October 30 part 2: The fireworks that almost didn't happen.


When we leave I am really glad I have Andrea and Rafael with me. My scooter is surrounded by strollers – we counted 12 which they had to move out of the way so that I could leave. Some courtesy, please? I would have been screwed if I had been on my own.

After another spin on Buzz

we aim for Haunted Mansion Holiday, but Rafael has to leave. We say good bye and Andrea and I head to Toontown where we meet Goofy again.

Afterwards we hang around at Town Square for a while and just people watch. I really hope Chip & Dale come out in Halloween costumes again, I’d love to have new pictures. After a while they really do show up, but not in costume.

Again I am not really sure about the look on my face on this picture:

Rafael suggested “where were the Chipmunks’ paws?”, but I see all paws accounted for.

They are sweet enough to pose for a picture though – no idea why they are black and white, I guess I activated that function by mistake.

Our Fast Pass Return for Haunted Mansion is up, so we head over to New Orleans Square and stop on the way to take some more photos with the Photopass photographers. (I did not see many photographers we saw last year, no one near the Rivers of America for example and no one in Tomorrowland. Plenty around at the Hub though, and we also saw them at places where we hadn’t seen them before, like Big Thunder Mountain Trail.)

While I am having my castle pictures taken Andrea peeks at the Pixie Hollow line – very short again. “You still need to meet Rosetta, right?” Indeed I do, so we get in line again. We end up meeting Iridessa though. Who asks me “which team are you?” Erm… I guess you won’t like it if I answer “Team Tremaine”, right? I can tell you I am most certainly neither “Team Jacob” nor “Team Edward.”

She realizes I am at a loss and asks “Are you Team Sunshine?” Well, it’s you and not Fawn, so I guess I am.

Terence isn’t around this time, but that may be better for my sanity.

On our way to Critter Country I order a parasol at New Orleans Square. This is the third year I am eyeing one, now I finally will give in to temptation.

Pirates has a short line, so I brace myself and climb on board. I am happy to report that I didn’t fall in the water like I feared.

The Haunted Mansion line is pretty long, but we have Fastpasses from earlier. I’m kind of surprised when the CM shakes his head at me. He points to my crutches. “You don’t need Fast Passes.” Cool, I didn’t know that.

We take another short stroll through DCA hunting for pins until it’s time to meet Allie for the Happiest Haunts Tour.

I won’t be reporting on the tour that much. Much of it’s effect is due to some surprises, and I don’t want to spoil it for anybody doing it next year.

Personally I am a bit torn about it. I like the idea, and our tour guide Tyler was fantastic.

What I don’t like was they have us running all over DCA to get to TOT – I set the scooter on the fastest speed twice the whole trip, and that was during the tour both times. With DCA closing early for the party this was probably unavoidable though. Also, lots of the tour consisted of walking/borderline running. I would have liked some more stories, or at least music through the headphones.

Unfortunately the tour is cut short for us when we’re getting close to the third ride, Space Mountain. The scooter’s battery suddenly drops from full to ¼ and in the red area. Not good.

Andrea says: “Tell the guide we’re leaving, I don’t want this thing to break down. God knows where we’ll be stuck then.” So I approach Tyler and tell him sorry, we have to go to the hotel due to technical problems. He says we’re welcome to come back for the fireworks, they’ve reserved seating for us at the Plaza area – so obstructed view it is. He’ll let them know we’re coming.

On the way to the hotel the scooter pretty much comes to standstill and Andrea ends up pushing it for part of the way. So much for a full day charge. We call the company and they tell me it probably wasn’t charged long enough. Okay, that’s a point… we came back from the party rather late at 11 PM and left early at 7.30 AM for our PS. They said “charge overnight” and 8 hours is usually as long as my night, but maybe the scooter sleeps longer than me. So I hook up the scooter to charge it while Andrea orders room service. She gets the Cheddar Fries while I order the Big Kahuna – sorry, no pictures, we were too hungry.

I do have a picture of Andrea’s dessert though, Kilauea Molten Apple Pie.

She loved it. I did not like it at all when she allowed me to taste. I guess it was the maple syrup that’s mentioned.

8.20 PM rolls around and we should leave for the fireworks soon. Andrea says she’s done for the day, she will not be moving anymore. I check the battery and it hasn’t reached a level yet where I’d take off on my own. I remember that someone on here mentioned that there is a fireworks view at the swimming pool area of PP. I decide it’s better than nothing, wrap myself up like the furball again and hop off.

I must say the view is surprisingly good from there. Of course you don’t see the castle show, but the music is played and from the comments of other tour guests that we met again later I saw more than they did see from their reserved area. I had to stand near the railing because there were so many smokers around, but it was still okay.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

When we arrive Cruella, the Old Hag, the Evil Queen and Hook are out.

Wait a moment… someone needs to read up a few stories here!
Thankfully someone notices and the Evil Queen is replaced with the Queen of Hearts.

I laughed when I read that....I am kind of surprised they made that mistake! Great trip report, love the pictures!

 

[Vala]

I laughed when I read that....I am kind of surprised they made that mistake! Great trip report, love the pictures!

Thank you.

Yeah, I was very surprised about that mistake too. It happened really fast. They were only out for two or three minutes at the same time before the Queen was hustled off. It was just long enough to make both Andrea and me go: "Wait a moment, this isn't right!"

 

[Vala]

October 31 – day 4 - part 1: It’s Halloween!

I wake up and my cough is back – so it’s some more cough drops for breakfast.

Andrea has decided to sleep in, so after another ride on Buzz

I meet up with Allie for Toontown Morning Madness.

Most characters are out already, we meet

Minnie, Chip, Goofy (who somehow likes hugging me) and Pluto.

Also Dale is making an appearance:

Wonder if this is where they store my pin money?

The little show they do is kind of cute, but really not worth the crazy extra money some people are paying for tickets on Ebay.

After the show Allie lines up to meet Mickey in his house, so I bid good bye to her. On my way out I meet Donald again.

Andrea’s waiting for me at Pixie Hollow. I still haven’t met Rosetta, so we join the line once more. I leave the scooter outside this time and hop around… it’s beginning to make odd noises which really make me lose trust in it.

No luck, it’s Silvermist. At least this time I get a picture where you don’t have to search for the Pixie.

TBC in part 2: Fun at Pixie Hollow.