Oct 14-17:A Solo Trip to Disneyland! Day3: Single Rider Shuffle

[brookelizabeth]

Glenn pimped you out, so I'm here! Still gotta get caught up, but will ASAP. Looking forward to DL since I don't know much about it at all!

 

[SurfinTX]

Day 1: Part 3 - Who Needs a Cantina Band Anyway?

After getting our picture taken, me and Han continued down Main Street noticing all of the seasonal decorations that were put up.

Reaching the Hub I see the Partners statue and get my first good look at Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Now it's 5:00 and our tummies are growling so we quickly make a left turn and enter...

A short walk later we check Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and notice a 40 minute standby time. According to plan I grab a fastpass. Taking a cue from Glennbo's trip report I decided to take pictures of my fastpasses and destinations as much as possible to remind me where I was and how I was doing plan wise.

Just across the way is our dining destination, The Golden Horseshoe. Han didn't know what to make of the place but quickly found a table with his back to a wall. I got in line...

As you can see they have a variety of selections to order. Service is pretty standard but you typicaly find a lot of chidren making messes due to the popularity of the Ice Cream Sundaes. The decor is a mixture of an opry house and saloon with tables on a balcony and near the stage.

I had the Crispy Chicken Salad which I found to be tasty with plenty of chicken.

As we were eating the lights dimmed and Billy Hill and the Hillbillies made their way on stage and started playing some foot stomping bluegrass.

Han said that they were no Modal Nodes but they certainly can get you toe-tappin.

Out come the infamous teeth.

Right now Billy is staring down some exciteable young children near the stage. At one point he starts framming his violin and charges them. The high-pitched screams filled the restaraunt with laughter.

I really enjoyed this meal and the entertainment is a great bonus. I give The Golden Horseshoe a big thumbs up!

 

[glennbo123]

A short walk later we check Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and notice a 40 minute standby time. According to plan I grab a fastpass. Taking a cue from Glennbo's trip report I decided to take pictures of my fastpasses and destinations as much as possible to remind me where I was and how I was doing plan wise.

Hey, that looks like something I would've done.

Just across the way is our dining destination, The Golden Horseshoe. Han didn't know what to make of the place but quickly found a table with his back to a wall. I got in line...

I hope nobody flames you for having fictional characters save seats while you stand in line.

The decor is a mixture of an opry house and saloon with tables on a balcony and near the stage.

I was just about to ask if that stage was just for decoration and then you answered it before I could even ask.

Han said that they were no Modal Nodes but they certainly can get you toe-tappin.

I agree with Han -- the Modal Nodes are out of this world.

I really enjoyed this meal and the entertainment is a great bonus. I give The Golden Horseshoe a big thumbs up!

The Golden Horseshoe a counter service restaurant, right? I don't think I've ever seen one before that had entertainment...that's pretty impressive. Wait, I guess Sonny Eclipse would be another one, at Cosmic Ray's.

 

[SurfinTX]

I hope nobody flames you for having fictional characters save seats while you stand in line.

Now that would be something! Actually, service was fast enough that it was no problem hanging near the counter waiting.

The Golden Horseshoe a counter service restaurant, right? I don't think I've ever seen one before that had entertainment...that's pretty impressive. Wait, I guess Sonny Eclipse would be another one, at Cosmic Ray's.

So far I would have to say this was the best counter experience I have had at either DL or WDW so far. Just to let you know the typical daily schedule for Billy Hill is a 15 minute show and then 30 minutes off. If you want a front seat then you will need to get in there just as one of the shows end. Seats downstairs fill up ten minutes before the next show.

 

[marvali]

Love the updates and seeing the DL park again! I remember when the Golden Horseshoe had a show like this in MK. Seems I remember Can Can girls. No pictures of Can Can girls???

Not a big Travelodge fan, but that room looks pretty good.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Looks like a great place to grab a bite! Love the little shows going on in every corner of the park, even the ones you never hear about. Was Han approached by any rogue bounty hunters looking to settle a score in the corner of the bar? Anyone tap you on the shoulder and tell you they don't like you? Just curious.

I'm guessing that if Han did run into any trouble, he would shoot first.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

I followed you over from Glenn's TR and have enjoyed reading along immensely.

We about 3 hours south of you guys and I had idea the Dallas Zoo had received such a nifty makeover.

Looking forward to more!

 

[SurfinTX]

Love the updates and seeing the DL park again! I remember when the Golden Horseshoe had a show like this in MK. Seems I remember Can Can girls. No pictures of Can Can girls???

Not a big Travelodge fan, but that room looks pretty good.

Looking at Wikipedia I see that at one time they had a different show with girls on stage. Billy has been at DL for a number of years now, however.

I'm not a big Travelodge fan either. The location is a bit far away but I can't complain about the price. The room and bathroom were in pretty good shape.

Looks like a great place to grab a bite! Love the little shows going on in every corner of the park, even the ones you never hear about. Was Han approached by any rogue bounty hunters looking to settle a score in the corner of the bar? Anyone tap you on the shoulder and tell you they don't like you? Just curious.

I'm guessing that if Han did run into any trouble, he would shoot first.

Luckily I didn't bump into Greedo or any other bounty hunters while eating there. Han was on the lookout of course with his blaster hand under the table.

I followed you over from Glenn's TR and have enjoyed reading along immensely.

We about 3 hours south of you guys and I had idea the Dallas Zoo had received such a nifty makeover.

Looking forward to more!

Welcome and thanks! The Dallas Zoo really upgraded itself this last year. It may not be Animal Kingdom but it now brings a real entertainment factor for kids.

Update: I have had a computer snafu that has forced me to have to reinstall the operating system so there will be a bit of a delay in my next installment. All of my pictures and notes are safe...it's just an inconvenience. Hopefully Wedensday I'll be able to post my next update.

Sorry!

 

[Flossbolna]

WE had lunch at the Golden Horseshoe when I was in DL in 1992! You had to get a ticket for the show which had to be acquired in the morning of the day. Which was also necessary for any dinig reservations, so the first half hour in the park was spent running around getting dining reservations. I remember that the show was a bit interactive and I was scared to death that they would pick me! My English wasn't that good at that time and I had really trouble understanding them. But I thought it was really spectacular.

Update: I have had a computer snafu that has forced me to have to reinstall the operating system so there will be a bit of a delay in my next installment. All of my pictures and notes are safe...it's just an inconvenience. Hopefully Wedensday I'll be able to post my next update.

Sorry!

How inconvenient! Even though no data is lost, who wants to have all this work... Hope everythingcan be reinstalled without any problems!

 

[SurfinTX]

WE had lunch at the Golden Horseshoe when I was in DL in 1992! You had to get a ticket for the show which had to be acquired in the morning of the day. Which was also necessary for any dinig reservations, so the first half hour in the park was spent running around getting dining reservations. I remember that the show was a bit interactive and I was scared to death that they would pick me! My English wasn't that good at that time and I had really trouble understanding them. But I thought it was really spectacular.



How inconvenient! Even though no data is lost, who wants to have all this work... Hope everythingcan be reinstalled without any problems!

From what I have read the show and service have changed over the years. Since this is my first trip I am pretty much a blank slate. You still need to get there a bit early for good seats but nothing like you described in your trip.

The computer is back up now. I had some bad sectors on my hard drive causing some lockups but luckily it would still reboot so I could back everything up. My pictures are still in the camera just in case.

 

[SurfinTX]

Day 1: Part 4 - You will sense Disney Magic when you are Calm and at Peace.

Having watched Billy Hill and the Hillbillies finish up their show, I walk out of the Golden Horseshoe with Han at my side. It’s starting to get darker outside and it’s high time we saw some attractions.

Heading back towards the Hub we take a right through an alley to reach…

Right next to the entrance is the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Han asked me why I wanted to go in there. To explain I have to go back to my trip that I took to Disneyworld this summer. After having read the DisBoards all last year there were certain treats I had promised myself I would try. There were three, actually. Since we were staying at the Polynesian the Lapu Lapu was obvious.

Next up was the Grey Goose Slushie which I picked up in France.

Through incredibly bad luck, however, I did not get to try the Dole Whip Float. The line was very long at Magic Kingdom and when we were on our way out of the Poly the machine was out of service. So this time I was taking no chances! The Enchanted Tiki Room has an outside waiting area where you can be served.

Little girl couldn’t stop staring at Han in disbelief.

Soon I had my prize!

So how was it? The pineapple soft serve was excellent and would be great on a hot day. The mixture of the not as sweet pineapple juice was not appealing to me. I ended up eating most of the soft serve and tossing the juice afterwards. Next time I think I’ll just get the ice cream alone.

Sitting down to enjoy my tasty treat I notice that the waiting area is coming alive with various tiki representations of Polynesian gods. It was right then it had hit me. The lighting was just coming up around the park and in this little spot away from the hustle and bustle I’m experiencing a bit of Walt’s magic. I’m really here. It’s the Magic Hour.

Soon the doors open and the crowd that has gathered is escorted into what will soon become a madhouse of animatronic wizardry. Can you all sing with me? Tiki Tiki Tiki…

Han found it to be worse than a family of drunk Ewoks at a Coming of Age party. I, having done some research, understood that this attraction really knocked the socks off the crowds when it was introduced.

Sorry about the short update. I'm still getting things together after the crash. I promise another update in the evening.

Up Next: So We Meet Again Dr. Jones.

 

[glennbo123]

I love the Dole Whip Float, but I've seen other reports similar to yours. It might be one of those "you either love it or hate it" kind of things.

 

[marvali]

So cool they still have the original Tiki Room show! I know it probably needs an update by now, but I really didn't like they one they did at the MK!

Whoever came up with the Under New Management idea, needs to be put UNDER new management!!!


Edited to add...........now I've got that song stuck in my head!!! In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.........

 

[SurfinTX]

Day 1: Part 5 - So We Meet Again Dr. Jones.

Finishing up with the host of birds we exited the enchanted building to find that night had fallen. Tempuratures were still in the 70's and quite comfy so far tonight. Next up on our tour was just around the corner, The Jungle Cruise.

The line moved quickly and few of my pictures turned out.

In ten minutes I was seated in our river boat. This is the first time I had ridden this attraction at night and found the atmosphere superior to that of the day time cruises. The captain has to be very interactive with the riders as they point things out with their lights. There are a few differences to the WDW version but most of the jokes are the same.

All too soon our trip was over. Right next door was our next destination. The Indiana Jones Adventure! Now this is something I was really looking forward to. Our luck was holding out as well as wait times were only at 15 minutes.

The ceiling in the line queue.

Loading into our cars.

Now this ride is based on the same technology as Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom in Florida. Without giving too much away the story is about a series of expeditions that have been lost in a temple. Indiana is the latest to disappear and it is our job to find him as well as the secrets inside the temple.

I have to say the ride is pretty fun and just as rough as Dinosaur. The ending has a funny twist that I won't give away here. I did hear a few people repeating the line nearby afterwards. Han had a pretty confused expression through most of the ride. I asked him about it afterwards and he said "What kind of name is Indiana anyway?" Shrugging we continued into the dark.

Leaving Adventureland we enter New Orleans Square and find our next attraction just a few steps away near the Rivers of America.

The queue is completely different from the WDW version and there are a few differences on the ride itself. First of all is this.

There is a restaraunt in the attraction! This is The Blue Bayou which has a railing and tables right next to the water. After that it's all Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirates life for me!

After getting out of our boats the exit empties directly inside New Orleans Square. Many shops line the walkway here and I spent a moment looking for pins. Not finding anything I exit a shop and find a nice empty courtyard.

Taking advantage of the quietness I picked up my phone and called home. It was nice to hear Dianna and the kids' voices and I tried not to brag too much about the fun I was having. Saying our goodbyes and goodnights it was time again to move on.

Up next: Riding that Attraction is not my idea of courage. It's more like, suicide.

 

[SurfinTX]

I love the Dole Whip Float, but I've seen other reports similar to yours. It might be one of those "you either love it or hate it" kind of things.

If it was the ice cream alone or just the juice I think it would have been better for me. Then again, if it was 90 degrees then I bet it would been a lot tastier.

So cool they still have the original Tiki Room show! I know it probably needs an update by now, but I really didn't like they one they did at the MK!

Whoever came up with the Under New Management idea, needs to be put UNDER new management!!!


Edited to add...........now I've got that song stuck in my head!!! In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.........

It was so nice to see the original. It looks perfectly preserved and is a testament to early 60's technology. I look at what they did at WDW and wonder what Walt would have thought about that.

 

[Flossbolna]

I love the original Tiki room! I think that waiting area where you can buy the Dole products is such a great idea - and you are allowed to take the stuff into the show! The show is cheesy but also very cute - and thanks to Marvin I now have that song stuck in my head as well... (btw such a song is called an "ear worm" in German).

Oh, and the Indiana Jones ride! I hate Dinosaur, it is way too scary for me (even though I can appreciate that it is very well themed). But when I was at DL in 2005 with a friend we were so lucky to be there on an evening when it seemed that everyone was busy lining up for parade and Fantasmic and fireworks that we just hopped back on that ride again and again, even got our own jeep to ourselves once (that was a bit frightening!). I don't remember that line you mentioned, just that I was thinking how can this be the same as Dinosaur! I think this shows how little the technical side of those attractions matters and how important story line and theming is.

 

[marvali]

I can imagine some of those rides at night would give a much different experience. I absolutely loved the Indiana Jones ride when I was at DL! We had the park pretty much to ourselves it seemed, and as soon as we got off that ride, we walked right back in line and never slowed down until we got on it again. Now that is definitely the way to enjoy the park!

Like Magdelene, I don't remember that final ride either, but it was around 1995 when I was there, and I've slept since then!

 

[glennbo123]

Good job capturing Han getting into the Jungle Cruise boat.

Did Han get to "see" Indiana on that ride? I'm wondering what his impression was? Did he say, that guy's face rings a bell....

or what?


I'm picturing the Blue Bayou to be setup kind of like the restaurant in the Mexico pavilion, I guess?

I'm enjoying your pictures....I know almost nothing about this park. I visited when I was about 5 years old. I imagine a lot has changed since then (even if I remembered it).

 

[SurfinTX]

I love the original Tiki room! I think that waiting area where you can buy the Dole products is such a great idea - and you are allowed to take the stuff into the show! The show is cheesy but also very cute - and thanks to Marvin I now have that song stuck in my head as well... (btw such a song is called an "ear worm" in German).

Oh, and the Indiana Jones ride! I hate Dinosaur, it is way too scary for me (even though I can appreciate that it is very well themed). But when I was at DL in 2005 with a friend we were so lucky to be there on an evening when it seemed that everyone was busy lining up for parade and Fantasmic and fireworks that we just hopped back on that ride again and again, even got our own jeep to ourselves once (that was a bit frightening!). I don't remember that line you mentioned, just that I was thinking how can this be the same as Dinosaur! I think this shows how little the technical side of those attractions matters and how important story line and theming is.

Oh so true about that stand at the Tiki Room. There was a steady stream of customers every time I passed by it. The wait is a bit shorter inside the ride which is a bonus as well.

The Indiana Jones ride has a superior story no doubt. Dinosaur goes a long way in the themeing department but I'll take Indiana Jones for the actual ride enjoyment.

I can imagine some of those rides at night would give a much different experience. I absolutely loved the Indiana Jones ride when I was at DL! We had the park pretty much to ourselves it seemed, and as soon as we got off that ride, we walked right back in line and never slowed down until we got on it again. Now that is definitely the way to enjoy the park!

Like Magdelene, I don't remember that final ride either, but it was around 1995 when I was there, and I've slept since then!

The lines were not bad compared to some I had seen at WDW. 10-15 minute waits were pretty typical most of the night. I had nothing to complain about on that front. I did have a strategy to avoid the longer lines as you will see later in the report.

Good job capturing Han getting into the Jungle Cruise boat.

Thanks! However, that is the Indiana Jones ride.

Did Han get to "see" Indiana on that ride? I'm wondering what his impression was? Did he say, that guy's face rings a bell....

There was a resemblance but we turned to each other and said...Naaaah!

I'm picturing the Blue Bayou to be setup kind of like the restaurant in the Mexico pavilion, I guess?

Very similar now that you mention it. The boats cruise by the railing about 15 feet away.

I'm enjoying your pictures....I know almost nothing about this park. I visited when I was about 5 years old. I imagine a lot has changed since then (even if I remembered it).

I took a LOT of pictures that night but I would say only 30% of them turned out decent. I'm not sure if I'm conveying to well how close theses rides are to each other. The longest walk I have had so far is down Main Street to BTMRR. Since then it's been less than 100 steps from one stop to the next.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So how was it? The pineapple soft serve was excellent and would be great on a hot day. The mixture of the not as sweet pineapple juice was not appealing to me. I ended up eating most of the soft serve and tossing the juice afterwards. Next time I think I’ll just get the ice cream alone.

I agree! My wife liked the float better, but I thought the ice cream was better without the juice. You obviously have excellent taste.

Han found it to be worse than a family of drunk Ewoks at a Coming of Age party. I, having done some research, understood that this attraction really knocked the socks off the crowds when it was introduced.

I, uh, agree with Han.

In ten minutes I was seated in our river boat. This is the first time I had ridden this attraction at night and found the atmosphere superior to that of the day time cruises. The captain has to be very interactive with the riders as they point things out with their lights. There are a few differences to the WDW version but most of the jokes are the same.

That's a cool idea. Usually we're trying to get the kids back to bed, so I haven't had the chance to try any rides at night. Sounds like fun!

I asked him about it afterwards and he said "What kind of name is Indiana anyway?" Shrugging we continued into the dark.

Seems a little jealous to me...

There is a restaraunt in the attraction! This is The Blue Bayou which has a railing and tables right next to the water. After that it's all Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirates life for me!

Cool! I now have a new restaurant I have to try! That must be a great spot for a meal.

Thanks for the pictures! It's great to get an idea of the "other" Disney park.