Our 3rd Annual Holiday Trip to DL in November - November 22nd - 25th, 2013 Post #3416

[skiingfast]

Wonder if the commercial filming was for Summer Nightastic.

I'm guessing no, you didn't happen to take a peek into the Splash exit did you?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Wonder if the commercial filming was for Summer Nightastic.

I'm guessing no, you didn't happen to take a peek into the Splash exit did you?

Maybe someone went on Saturday and know what has happened, but the resort did interview guests at the park. I have seen some regular guests in the area and were talking to some CMs.

I actually did see the exit towards Splash, but it was only blocked by that fence.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Bret,
What a beautiful morning at DL. Love you pictures of the Matterhorn. Your 900,000 score on BLAB is impressive! Looking forward to what you were able to do at DCA this morning!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Hi Bret,
What a beautiful morning at DL. Love you pictures of the Matterhorn. Your 900,000 score on BLAB is impressive! Looking forward to what you were able to do at DCA this morning!

The morning on Saturday was so nice after it was raining on Saturday. I should have got over 1,000,000 points during the game. When I was in the Zurg area, the secret target did not light up when I shoot it in the middle of the chest. I don't know why it doesn't light up in the morning. When I played it in the afternoon, I had got over 1,000,000 points because of hitting that secret target. I will tell you shortly of what happen that Saturday morning at DCA.

 

[skiingfast]

The morning on Saturday was so nice after it was raining on Saturday. I should have got over 1,000,000 points during the game. When I was in the Zurg area, the secret target did not light up when I shoot it in the middle of the chest. I don't know why it doesn't light up in the morning. When I played it in the afternoon, I had got over 1,000,000 points because of hitting that secret target. I will tell you shortly of what happen that Saturday morning at DCA.

How much is that target worth? 100K?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 1 – April 9, 2011 – Part 2​

Now is the time to get back to the TR.

After being in DL for just about an hour, I am now heading on over to DCA and get my FP for WoC. I wasn't planning on seeing WoC that night, but just in case if it was raining or high winds I cannot see RDCT. It was around 9:25am and there were quite a few people waiting at the turnstile when DCA opens at 9:30.

While I was walking toward the front entrance of DCA, the Pan-Pacific gate is now taking shape as when I was there in February, it was just steel being placed. Now all of a sudden it is getting better and better.

Then I got inside DCA and was about to head on over to GRR for a FP, I had to get some pics of the Carthay Circle Theatre. It is so nice to see the theater now taking shape after clearing the whole area.

When I got to GRR and got my FP for WoC which was a blue as expected when you get to the park when it opens.

I just left the park and headed on over to the Anaheim Convention Center to play in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Tournament. I know that it was disappointing to leave the park this early in the morning, but I did commit myself to come out here in Anaheim and play in the tournament. On the way out of DCA, I did get some pics of the Carthay Circle Theatre on the way out and some usual pics that we see all the time. But I did went back in the park later during the day. That will be another time when I write this TR.

I left DCA around 9:40am and now headed on to the ACC for the tournament. On the way, there were a lot of young girls for the cheer competition also at the ACC. They were all excited to be competing in the competition and were also in the park in the morning. The cheer competition was on the first floor and the Yu-Gi-Oh tournament was on the third floor. So at least the tournament was away from the cheer competition. I just got there in time to enter the tournament.

Around three rounds, I wasn't doing so well and I decided to drop from the tournament. After that, I decided to leave the event and head on back to my room so I can go back to DL. I also got to see an old face when I went back to DCA but that will be another day.

YCS Tournament on the 3rd Floor

 

[mvf-m11c]

How much is that target worth? 100K?

You are correct.

 

[skiingfast]

Did you see any people cheating? Like at the table over looking at people's hands and signaling to the person playing that person? How about using cellphones?

I'm surpised they just lined up the tables that tight in the big room. Cool cieling though. Not like some warehouse style convention rooms.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Did you see any people cheating? Like at the table over looking at people's hands and signaling to the person playing that person? How about using cellphones?

I'm surpised they just lined up the tables that tight in the big room. Cool cieling though. Not like some warehouse style convention rooms.

Oh yeah, I have seen players cheat in this game. Like stacking, putting multiple cards that are limited in a deck, etc. Mostly it is the very experience players that do the cheating than the average or novice since they know how stack there decks with a good hand. During these tournaments, we are not allowed to use our cellphones or portable electronics except for calculators to keep track of the life points.

Everytime I go and play at one of these tournaments and make it tight in the room. The third floor of the convention center is very nice and I am looking forward to go back there during the D23 Expo in August.

 

[skiingfast]

Oh yeah, I have seen players cheat in this game. Like stacking, putting multiple cards that are limited in a deck, etc. Mostly it is the very experience players that do the cheating than the average or novice since they know how stack there decks with a good hand. During these tournaments, we are not allowed to use our cellphones or portable electronics except for calculators to keep track of the life points.

Everytime I go and play at one of these tournaments and make it tight in the room. The third floor of the convention center is very nice and I am looking forward to go back there during the D23 Expo in August.

Expo will be really interesting. I'm wondering since they have already spoken about the DCA expansion and working with the city of Anahiem on changing the parking. What big news could they deliver?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Expo will be really interesting. I'm wondering since they have already spoken about the DCA expansion and working with the city of Anahiem on changing the parking. What big news could they deliver?

I am also curious of what the Disney company will be talking about at the D23 Expo. Maybe they will talk about the princess homes at Fantasyland at the MK and maybe Shanghai Disneyland which just broke ground a few days ago. We'll just wait and see.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 1 – April 9, 2011 – Part 3​

Now is the time to get back to the TR.

When I participated at the Yu-Gi-Oh Championship Series Tournament at the Anaheim Convention Center, I didn't do well in the tournament so I decided to drop out out of the fourth round. It was disappointing to lose all three rounds, but hey what can I say when the cards don't come to me during each of these duels. It was exciting to play in these big tournament and also got to meet some nice players and some jerks too.

It was around 2pm, so I decided to head on back to the room and get something to eat before I went back to the park. I decided to get something to eat so I went down towards McDonalds on Harbor Blvd. As always, it was crowded around this time in the afternoon. No matter what it is always crowded anytime during the day in the morning or night.

When I got back to the room, I took out all of my cards and brought my usual stuff that I take with me when I go to the parks. At least the weather was really nice that day, just a little chilly in the afternoon, but not as bad as yesterday when I got there late.

I left BW Anaheim Inn around 3pm and the first thing I did was head on over to DCA. The turnstile was a little crowded when I got to the main gate, but it was no big deal. Especially since TP shows that it wold be a 10/10, but it seems like it was a 9/10 that day.

Then I head on over to the Golden Vine Winery to wait for an old friend. While I was waiting at the GVW, I was on my iPad and writing some posts about my TR. I would assume that you know tksbaskets & skiingfast that I wrote some posts about my PTR to WDW and needed some ideas. Around 3:20pm, I got to see Sara again. It was nice to see her again and it was nice to talk to someone in the park when I am mostly by myself.

The first thing we did was to head on over to PP and see the LMAUA building. I am so amazed of the little detail on the building, but we talked about that some of it was pre-made and put in like a puzzle. I believe that King Trident statue that is currently up on the building was originally at Pixie Hollow before they moved it to the LMAUA building.

On the other side of LMAUA, Disney Channel Rock was playing. It is an okay show, some people like it and some people don't like it.

We decided to head on over to PP and go on TSMM, but before we did that we had to get a picture of the flowers from the PP viewing area right across from the light tower. These flowers look very nice especially during Spring time.

After taking the pics of the flowers, we head on down to TSMM. The lines at CS was already going towards the walkway and it seemed it was like a 35+ wait time in the standard line. Sara asked me to get a picture of her facing towards TSMM. The picture shows all of you that PP was really crowded that afternoon and mostly I would never go during this time during the day to ride rides, but maybe do a lot of pictures.

The line for TSMM was already at 45+ minute wait, but luckily she has her GAC card that allows her to cut through the lines and we only had to wait to get on TSMM in 5 minutes. It was nice to cut through the lines and get on this ride in the afternoon. I believe this is the first time I am on TSMM in the afternoon in almost 3 years since it opened in 2008. Mostly I go on this ride in the morning than the afternoon or night. When we completed the ride I had the highest score at 200,000+. It was also interesting that I had the highest score in the last hour. I was kind of surprised that someone doesn't have more than 200,000+ points during that time. Even though I know the targets which gives out the most points, it is just hard to do it by myself. I am curious of how these players do it so well just by themselves.

After finishing TSMM, she wanted to go over to a Bug's Land and do some rides. On the way, we took some different pictures around PP. I also asked Sara to take some pictures of me around the area.

Then we took different pictures around the area around the Golden State. We also got to so in the Blue Sky Cellar and talk about the LMAUA ride about the design.

After finishing up in the Blue Sky Cellar, we head on over to a Bug's Land. We were about to do some rides, but she had little time and had to leave shortly so we just walked in a Bug's Land to see part of the land and didn't do any rides over there.

It was around 5:45pm and she had to go back home and I also needed to get back to the room and get my video camera equipment for the nighttime shows at DL. Before we parted way, we got a picture together right in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

We walked out of the park together and parted way. Then I headed on back to BW Anaheim Inn and get ready for the nighttime shows.

It was fun to be able to enjoy another day at the park with Sara. It was nice of her to come out of her way on a busy Saturday and enjoy a few hours at the park. Even though I was not happy of how I finished at the tournament, it was a win win during my visit. Later on during the day in the park, the park was crowded during the busy spring break time.

 

[skiingfast]

I am also curious of what the Disney company will be talking about at the D23 Expo. Maybe they will talk about the princess homes at Fantasyland at the MK and maybe Shanghai Disneyland which just broke ground a few days ago. We'll just wait and see.

This and Monster's Inc 2 would be my guess. I'd really hope DL news comes out.

 

[mvf-m11c]

This and Monster's Inc 2 would be my guess. I'd really hope DL news comes out.

Same here.

Now is time to get back to the TR.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 1 – April 9, 2011 – Part 4​

Back to the TR.

I got back to the BW Anaheim Inn around 6:00pm and got all of my camera equipment for the nighttime events at DL. I didn't leave the room until 6:30pm since I have left very early in the past and wasted half an hour sitting in my spot until some people showed up a half an hour later. The night was a little chilly, but not that bad. It is way cooler than the February trip and the weather was really nice.

I left the room and got inside DL around 6:45pm. The park was crowded, but not as bad as I have expected on a busy Saturday night. When I looked at the wait time chart right next to the Plaza Pavilion, the longest line that I have saw was Space Mountain at almost an hour wait while some of the other ride wait times were around 20+ wait time on average.

After looking at the chart, I decided to head on over to NOS and get Steak Gumbo at the RSV. I always like to eat the the RSV, especially some of you say that it looks like dog food. But I always like to eat there and eat the bread bowls.

I took my dinner over to the Hub and got my favorite spot right in front of SB castle at 7:15pm. I thought it was okay to wait that long since most of the people were sitting on the benches. When I set up my tripod, one of the people in the back asked me why I am putting the tripod so high up. I told them that the CMs will asked everyone to stand up when the fireworks start. They didn't believe me and I just ignored them. I know that they didn't like it since they think that they can sit on the benches and will have a good view of the fireworks. They think that this is F! at the ROA where you sit on the ground during the show.

The time has flown by for RDCT at 9:30pm. While more and more people showed up for the fireworks show, the area in front of SB castle for the fireworks was already filled up about an hour until it started. Talk about a lot of people already filled up the front spot for the fireworks.

RDCT started at 9:30pm and as always, it is so great to watch this amazing firework show everytime. The only down side I had for the firework show is that I put my camera on low lux. It means that I put it on low quality taping. When I found about it when I got home, I was very disappointed that I didn't tape the show on HD. But I still had a good time watching RDCT.

After RDCT, I packed all my stuff and headed on over to IASW for Memories. Since the entrance going to FL is blocked off on the left side of the Matterhorn, I had to walk on the TL side to get to IASW.

I got to IASW around 10pm and there was barely anyone there for the 2nd show of Memories. When I read the Al Lutz report that not too many guests knew about Memories and it seemed like a ghost town area until the show starts at 10:15pm. Than more and more people started to show up when it started. I am glad that I don't have to fight with a lot of people to see Memories, but I am completely disappointed of not putting my video on HD while I have it on low lux. I was also mad that I didn't bring my extended lens. I know that I disappointed some of you that I would get the whole area of IASW for Memories.

IASW should be showing 10:00pm, but the doors didn't open just like this afternoon.

After Memories ended, I decided to head on back to the hotel since I need to get a lot of rest for the 2nd day of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament which are doing side events. It is not part of the main event, but the tournament offers side events to win prizes. On the way, I took some pics towards the exit.

IASW after Memories

Matterhorn and Mark VII Orange in FL.

While I was in the Hub, I took a picture of it on the side angle.

When I left the park, a lot of the people were leaving at the same time just as I am. Looks like these people can't stay in the park this late. I needed to go back to the room and rest. I left the park around 10:45pm and got back to my room at 11pm that Saturday night. Than i called it for the night and slept immediately.

I was excited to see the nighttime events at DL, but I am really disappointed at myself for not bringing my lens and leaving my video camera at low definition. So I won't post the videos on youtube since they are not that good. I'm sorry for all the people that were looking forward to my videos. Maybe I will make it up when I go down to DL in late May. I am planning on taping the new parade at DL Soundsational, Magical fireworks and Memories again. I am also hoping that I would be selected to the ST2 sneak peak in late May. We will wait and see.

 

[tksbaskets]

Day 1 – April 9, 2011 – Part 3​

Now is the time to get back to the TR.

When I participated at the Yu-Gi-Oh Championship Series Tournament at the Anaheim Convention Center, I didn't do well in the tournament so I decided to drop out out of the fourth round. It was disappointing to lose all three rounds, but hey what can I say when the cards don't come to me during each of these duels. It was exciting to play in these big tournament and also got to meet some nice players and some jerks too.

The line for TSMM was already at 45+ minute wait, but luckily she has her GAC card that allows her to cut through the lines and we only had to wait to get on TSMM in 5 minutes. It was nice to cut through the lines and get on this ride in the afternoon. I believe this is the first time I am on TSMM in the afternoon in almost 3 years since it opened in 2008. Mostly I go on this ride in the morning than the afternoon or night. When we completed the ride I had the highest score at 200,000+. It was also interesting that I had the highest score in the last hour. I was kind of surprised that someone doesn't have more than 200,000+ points during that time. Even though I know the targets which gives out the most points, it is just hard to do it by myself. I am curious of how these players do it so well just by themselves.

After finishing TSMM, she wanted to go over to a Bug's Land and do some rides. On the way, we took some different pictures around PP. I also asked Sara to take some pictures of me around the area.

We walked out of the park together and parted way. Then I headed on back to BW Anaheim Inn and get ready for the nighttime shows.

It was fun to be able to enjoy another day at the park with Sara. It was nice of her to come out of her way on a busy Saturday and enjoy a few hours at the park. Even though I was not happy of how I finished at the tournament, it was a win win during my visit. Later on during the day in the park, the park was crowded during the busy spring break time.

Wish the cards would have been more in your favor at the tournament. You took some wonderful pictures for this installment. I love the flower ones and Sara took a great picture of you overlooking PP.

Congrats on your score on TSMM. I too wonder about the people who score more than 400,00. They have to have a savey partner with them. What is a GAC card that zipped you to the front of the line??

I appreciate you posting pictures of the construction as it progresses. We're hoping to travel to DL in late December/early January and can't wait to see all the changes!

More reading for me. Your next installment is posted!

 

[tksbaskets]

Bummer about your camera on the low lux setting. These things happen. I set my camera on 'action' when I was preparing to see my youngest son march with his HS band down Mainstreet USA at WDW. I didn't consider that he would be marching at night and that that setting would turn each picture into an artistic blur.

You've already posted some wonderful video of Memories and you describe it so well I feel like I've seen it with you!

Wondering if you won any fabulous prizes at the tournament....I'll have to wait for the next installment to see

Thank you for taking the time to post your adventures!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Wish the cards would have been more in your favor at the tournament. You took some wonderful pictures for this installment. I love the flower ones and Sara took a great picture of you overlooking PP.

Congrats on your score on TSMM. I too wonder about the people who score more than 400,00. They have to have a savey partner with them. What is a GAC card that zipped you to the front of the line??

I appreciate you posting pictures of the construction as it progresses. We're hoping to travel to DL in late December/early January and can't wait to see all the changes!

More reading for me. Your next installment is posted!

It was okay TK. The cards did not go my way at the YCS tournament, but it is always fun to play at this big tournament. The pictures of the installments were nice, I just didn't take too many pictures during this trip like the other trips. The flower and picture that Sara took from PP was really good and I'm glad that she took it. Some of you guys told me that I need to get more in the pics than just taking the pics.

The score at TSMM is good, I'm still trying to get a 300,000+ game on TSMM. The easiest stage for me is the Hamm & Eggs first scene. I always get a score of 30,000+ points on this stage. The one that is the hardest is the Buzz Lightyear's Flying Tossers scene. I know the where the secrets are for these games, but I just can't hit the targets. When I watch these videos on youtube and see these people do it with only one person. It is so amazing, but these people do this ride a lot.

GAC mean Guest Assistance Card which is used to help special needs travelers get access to attractions that they would otherwise not be able to see due to health, mobility, or major developmental and psychological issues.

I like to take pictures of the construction sites at the DLR and when it is complete, I can show people of what it was like during the ride construction. I'm hoping that you have a great trip to DL in Dec/Jan.

 

[skiingfast]

I was excited to see the nighttime events at DL, but I am really disappointed at myself for not bringing my lens and leaving my video camera at low definition. So I won't post the videos on youtube since they are not that good. I'm sorry for all the people that were looking forward to my videos. Maybe I will make it up when I go down to DL in late May. I am planning on taping the new parade at DL Soundsational, Magical fireworks and Memories again. I am also hoping that I would be selected to the ST2 sneak peak in late May. We will wait and see.

I'm not too worried I didn't get better video of the shows. It would of been nice, but I'll manage to get by without.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bummer about your camera on the low lux setting. These things happen. I set my camera on 'action' when I was preparing to see my youngest son march with his HS band down Mainstreet USA at WDW. I didn't consider that he would be marching at night and that that setting would turn each picture into an artistic blur.

You've already posted some wonderful video of Memories and you describe it so well I feel like I've seen it with you!

Wondering if you won any fabulous prizes at the tournament....I'll have to wait for the next installment to see

Thank you for taking the time to post your adventures!

It was disappointing, I do make mistakes and this is just a minor one than a big one. Its not like I have videotaped these show before, but it is always nice to have multiple videos when I do editing.

I'm glad to hear that you like the Memories show. Maybe when I go back to DL in May, I will try to get Memories again on one of the nights.

TY TK for coming along through my adventures.