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

[mvf-m11c]

Hey Bret,

I'm finally all caught up on your ongoing TR. When I was in DL last week the clock on IASW wasn't working then either. Everything seemed to be working except the doors with the time coming out. I wonder what's going on.

You mentioned the Steak Gumbo at RSV. I had wanted to try that last week but it was closed when we went by.

Your Sunday morning in the park looked so quiet! I couldn't believe the lack of lines at the turnstiles.

It was nice that you were able to spend some time with Sara and get a picture together. It's great to be able to wander the parks alone and do your own thing, but it's also nice to have someone to talk to.

I hope you have a good trip at the end of this month. I'm anxious to see your Soundsational pictures.

Hey Deej.

That was kind of weird to see the clock on IASW not working during my trip and to hear that it wasn't working during your trip a few weeks ago seems really weird. It would be nice to see it working, but we'll wait and see.

I think the Steak Gumbo at RSV is nice, some people say it looks like dog food. I love the bread bowl at DL and also Boudin Bakery at DCA. I also could have ate at Harbour Galley which has some nice bread bowls, but I just love eating there. This is my tradition where I eat there first.

On Sunday, the turnstile at DL was quiet, but most of the people were already in the park when I got there on a MM. Even though it was during a busy weekend with the Cheer competition, it was nice that Sunday morning and clear skies.

I enjoyed my time with Sara on Saturday. She went out of her way to come to DL and spend some time with me that Saturday. The photograph with the Golden Gate Bridge turn out so well. It is fun to go solo at the park since you can do whatever you want and don't have to hear someone else say that they want to do this or that. It is also not that fun when you are by yourself and have no one to talk to. It was nice of Sara to join me on Saturday and hope to meet her again later this month.

TY for following my TR and I am looking forward to watching my school play at the DL, Soundsational and possibly a sneak peek of ST2.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I am getting excited since I am only less than 3 weeks away till my trip to DL.

It is kind of disappointing that I can't plan my whole schedule until I know what time my middle school is playing at DL. Right now, I know that the band will be playing on Friday and Saturday. I'm trying to figure out how to manage my schedule, but right now I will do a pre-plan right now and hope that this will be a good manage schedule. Not only my middle school, but I also have to incorporate Soundsational on Friday and Saturday, I also might get selected for the ST2 sneak peek and possibly spending sometime with Sara on Saturday. Also with the ST2 sneak peek, if I get selected my whole schedule will be all changed big time. Also while I am down there, I will be doing another photo quest again. For all the DISers that have followed my past TR, I have done the ride vehicle, tree/wreath, sign and heart quests. This time I will be doing a music/sound quest. This quest is to look for musical instruments, horns, whistles, etc. that produces sound. For example, I am looking for

Here is my plan for all the days during my trip. This is not the whole plan since I am waiting. Right now if I don't get selected for the ST2 sneak peek, this will be my plan for the weekend.

Friday:

I plan on getting to DL around 10am-11am since I will be leaving around 5am in the morning at my grandmothers house in Livingston. Check-in at the hotel when I get to Anaheim. Possibly I won't be able to check-in to my room at 3pm, but I have check-in the room when I got there way early before 3pm. But since it is during Memorial Day weekend, I might have to wait until 3pm.

I can't plan the rest of the schedule on Friday since I don't know what time my middle school is playing at the Carnation Plaza Gardens. I am planning on seeing them play at the CPG at DL. But my whole schedule will determine the time they play at DL.

I possibly will be in the park around 12-1pm that day and I will use that time to do my music quest for the first two hours. Than I will get ready for Soundsational parade at 3pm and wait at least over an hour or longer. It will depend on what it will be like. I am planning on getting a spot right around IASW or by the corner of the Coke Corner. I will assume that the parade will come from IASW first and then the later parade from MS TS. I am planning on videotaping the parade as well as take some pictures. Since I am by myself I must be crazy to do both at once. I am planning on bringing my tripod in the park with me while I am in the park. I might get a locker to put the tripod in during the first part of the day and put it in later for the nighttime.

After the parade, I will head on back to the room for a little break and put all of my stuff in the room. Maybe I don't have to put my stuff later in the afternoon since I might get to check-in early.

For dinner, I will be planning on getting steak gumbo at RSV. This is a tradition for me everytime I go to DL. This is always the first meal I always get at DL. At nighttime, I will get a spot right in front of the Hub so I can watch Magical fireworks. My plan is to get a spot right in front of SB castle is around 6-6:30. That is really early for just a firework show, but I always like to have the best spot for videotaping the fireworks. I plan on videotaping it and post it on youtube after I get back home. I got to remember this time to put the video on HD than low lux like the last time. After the fireworks, I will head on over to IASW and videotape Magical. Then call it for the night.

Saturday

This is the uncertain day during my visit. Since I am waiting for the ST2 sneak peek contest to be completed. I can't plan my Saturday schedule until I know if I am selected for Saturday evening or night. Right now, I know that I am planning on seeing WoC that night and get in line early Saturday morning and get a blue FP for the 9pm WoC show. For the rest of the day, I will be in both parks doing my music quest. I plan on doing my favorite rides since the last trip I didn't do everything with less time. I plan on riding the monorail, DLRR, and MFW. I got to get some pics of DCA that has been updated since early April. This will be a good opportunity to try out the new menu at Hungry Bear restaurant. I also plan to meet up with Sara again at the park and have some fun with each other. I am also planning on seeing Soundsational again that day and right now I am leaning towards the first show again.

The rest of the Saturday will be determine by my middle school playing at the CPG and the ST2 Sneak Peak.

Sunday

Sunday is also an uncertainty since I might get selected for the ST2 sneak peek. But right now, I plan on going to DL early in the morning and go on some rides and do the music quest. When DCA opens at 9:30am, I will head on over there to get a WoC FP and then go on MFW. I will just go back and forward to DL and DCA that day. I am planning on leaving LA around 3-4pm on Sunday and head on over to my grandmothers house in Livingston.

This is my pre-plan for the memorial day weekend trip. I will update it more when I get more info.

Please feel free to talk about it. TY

 

[TheColtonsMom]

I am getting excited since I am only less than 3 weeks away till my trip to DL.

It is kind of disappointing that I can't plan my whole schedule until I know what time my middle school is playing at DL. Right now, I know that the band will be playing on Friday and Saturday. I'm trying to figure out how to manage my schedule, but right now I will do a pre-plan right now and hope that this will be a good manage schedule. Not only my middle school, but I also have to incorporate Soundsational on Friday and Saturday, I also might get selected for the ST2 sneak peek and possibly spending sometime with Sara on Saturday. Also with the ST2 sneak peek, if I get selected my whole schedule will be all changed big time. Also while I am down there, I will be doing another photo quest again. For all the DISers that have followed my past TR, I have done the ride vehicle, tree/wreath, sign and heart quests. This time I will be doing a music/sound quest. This quest is to look for musical instruments, horns, whistles, etc. that produces sound. For example, I am looking for

Here is my plan for all the days during my trip. This is not the whole plan since I am waiting. Right now if I don't get selected for the ST2 sneak peek, this will be my plan for the weekend.

Friday:

I plan on getting to DL around 10am-11am since I will be leaving around 5am in the morning at my grandmothers house in Livingston. Check-in at the hotel when I get to Anaheim. Possibly I won't be able to check-in to my room at 3pm, but I have check-in the room when I got there way early before 3pm. But since it is during Memorial Day weekend, I might have to wait until 3pm.

I can't plan the rest of the schedule on Friday since I don't know what time my middle school is playing at the Carnation Plaza Gardens. I am planning on seeing them play at the CPG at DL. But my whole schedule will determine the time they play at DL.

I possibly will be in the park around 12-1pm that day and I will use that time to do my music quest for the first two hours. Than I will get ready for Soundsational parade at 3pm and wait at least over an hour or longer. It will depend on what it will be like. I am planning on getting a spot right around IASW or by the corner of the Coke Corner. I will assume that the parade will come from IASW first and then the later parade from MS TS. I am planning on videotaping the parade as well as take some pictures. Since I am by myself I must be crazy to do both at once. I am planning on bringing my tripod in the park with me while I am in the park. I might get a locker to put the tripod in during the first part of the day and put it in later for the nighttime.

After the parade, I will head on back to the room for a little break and put all of my stuff in the room. Maybe I don't have to put my stuff later in the afternoon since I might get to check-in early.

For dinner, I will be planning on getting steak gumbo at RSV. This is a tradition for me everytime I go to DL. This is always the first meal I always get at DL. At nighttime, I will get a spot right in front of the Hub so I can watch Magical fireworks. My plan is to get a spot right in front of SB castle is around 6-6:30. That is really early for just a firework show, but I always like to have the best spot for videotaping the fireworks. I plan on videotaping it and post it on youtube after I get back home. I got to remember this time to put the video on HD than low lux like the last time. After the fireworks, I will head on over to IASW and videotape Magical. Then call it for the night.

Saturday

This is the uncertain day during my visit. Since I am waiting for the ST2 sneak peek contest to be completed. I can't plan my Saturday schedule until I know if I am selected for Saturday evening or night. Right now, I know that I am planning on seeing WoC that night and get in line early Saturday morning and get a blue FP for the 9pm WoC show. For the rest of the day, I will be in both parks doing my music quest. I plan on doing my favorite rides since the last trip I didn't do everything with less time. I plan on riding the monorail, DLRR, and MFW. I got to get some pics of DCA that has been updated since early April. This will be a good opportunity to try out the new menu at Hungry Bear restaurant. I also plan to meet up with Sara again at the park and have some fun with each other. I am also planning on seeing Soundsational again that day and right now I am leaning towards the first show again.

The rest of the Saturday will be determine by my middle school playing at the CPG and the ST2 Sneak Peak.

Sunday

Sunday is also an uncertainty since I might get selected for the ST2 sneak peek. But right now, I plan on going to DL early in the morning and go on some rides and do the music quest. When DCA opens at 9:30am, I will head on over there to get a WoC FP and then go on MFW. I will just go back and forward to DL and DCA that day. I am planning on leaving LA around 3-4pm on Sunday and head on over to my grandmothers house in Livingston.

This is my pre-plan for the memorial day weekend trip. I will update it more when I get more info.

Please feel free to talk about it. TY

Sounds like a good partial plan given all the variables. I am glad you liked the music quest idea..it just seemed a natural that since you were going to see you school play and going to videotape Soundsational it was a pretty musical weekend already. I look forward to seeing your quest pics as always. If you get to see Sara tell her I said Hi.

 

[skiingfast]

Bret did you see RSV is closed? Don't worry it just to free up some space for the POTC premier.


Are you going to film the parade twice? Talked to Sara I think she could make it for the late parade. But if she is next to you when filming don't let her talk the whole time.

 

[Sherry E]

Bret -

I just posted a comment to you over in the Chat thread, too, but I wanted to pop in here and tell you that I think the new Quest idea sounds very intriguing! You did a phenomenal job with Heart Quest and Sign Quest, etc., and I think this will be no different.

I just thought of a new Quest idea for you the other day and was going to mention it the next time I posted here (I was trying to envision all of the 'things' - the specific quest subject I had in mind - that are scattered around DLR and establish how interesting it may or may not be to find them), but I think Sherri's music idea is a more interesting one for the time being. I can always suggest the other Quest idea I had for one of your future trips.

I think that there are really almost unlimited Quests at DLR - some of them are bigger tasks and harder to accomplish than others, but when you think about it, you could really make a Quest out of all sorts of things at DLR, and each one is interesting because it draws out attention to things we might not have otherwise seen. The Quests are a way to breathe new life into Disneyland trips.

I know that as long as you still have fun doing the Quests and enjoy them, we certainly enjoy seeing the photos that you take!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Sounds like a good partial plan given all the variables. I am glad you liked the music quest idea..it just seemed a natural that since you were going to see you school play and going to videotape Soundsational it was a pretty musical weekend already. I look forward to seeing your quest pics as always. If you get to see Sara tell her I said Hi.

As you have said it before Sherri, this Quest does match what I am doing that weekend. With my school playing and Soundsational parade. I will try to get the music pics as I can during my visit. I will tell Sara that you said Hi to her.

Bret did you see RSV is closed? Don't worry it just to free up some space for the POTC premier.

Are you going to film the parade twice? Talked to Sara I think she could make it for the late parade. But if she is next to you when filming don't let her talk the whole time.

I know that the ROA and around the area is closed during the POTC premier. I thought when I read on micechat that the ROA attractions will be reopen on May 12 and F! will resume on May 14. I would assume that RSV will be opened by the time I get to DL during Memorial Day weekend.

I am planning on seeing the Friday parade at 4pm. I put it on my pre-plan that I am planning on seeing the first parade and get a spot right by IASW or the Coke Corner for the first show. On Saturday, it will depend on what time Sara wants to see the parade at 4pm or 6pm. We will wait and see if she can see the parade or not. She might not like it if I tell her not to talk the whole time, but that is her decision. I have two opportunities to tape the parade.

Bret -

I just posted a comment to you over in the Chat thread, too, but I wanted to pop in here and tell you that I think the new Quest idea sounds very intriguing! You did a phenomenal job with Heart Quest and Sign Quest, etc., and I think this will be no different.

I just thought of a new Quest idea for you the other day and was going to mention it the next time I posted here (I was trying to envision all of the 'things' - the specific quest subject I had in mind - that are scattered around DLR and establish how interesting it may or may not be to find them), but I think Sherri's music idea is a more interesting one for the time being. I can always suggest the other Quest idea I had for one of your future trips.

I think that there are really almost unlimited Quests at DLR - some of them are bigger tasks and harder to accomplish than others, but when you think about it, you could really make a Quest out of all sorts of things at DLR, and each one is interesting because it draws out attention to things we might not have otherwise seen. The Quests are a way to breathe new life into Disneyland trips.

I know that as long as you still have fun doing the Quests and enjoy them, we certainly enjoy seeing the photos that you take!

Thank you Sherry. I got to thank Sherri for giving out the idea of the Music Quest.

You can suggest the other Quest idea when I go to DL in mid June.

There are a lot of Quests ideas to do at the DLR. It is not only about the rides and shows at the DLR. The good thing about the DLR they do a good job on the details of the rides, shows, buildings, etc on each part of the lands and that makes it very interesting.

I got to thank you a lot since the Tree/Wreath Quest back in November and since then it has been fun taking pictures of the littlest details of the park.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I can't believe I am only less then two weeks away till a Soundsational weekend at DL.

I am so stoked and kind of worried for my trip. The great part is that it will be during the debut of Soundsational parade and I should know that it will be really busy on those days during the parade. So I have to get there at least two hours to get a good street spot. I'm hoping that I don't have to wait that long for a parade, but I don't want to be behind anyone during the parade. I have to videotape the parade and take pictures for you DISers. I am also hoping that I will get selected for the ST2 AP Sneak Peek during my visit. It is a long shot, but I am hoping that I can see it before my June trip. Now the only thing I am worried during my visit is that I still don't know what time my middle school is playing at DL. They are suppose to be playing on Friday and Saturday, but I just don't know what time they are playing at Carnation Plaza Gardens. This could affect my schedule for both the parade on Saturday and ST2 on Saturday possibly. So I am just going to go by instincts and see the schedule at CPG when I get to DL on Friday morning.

I am also planning on doing another quest that I have mentioned on my PTR. This Quest will be a Music/Sound Quest during my visit this May. I am still trying to figure out what rides has musical instruments or a sound device on the ride. Maybe u DISers can tell me what rides that have musical instruments or sound devices on the rides. This Quest will be very interesting to see if you can find a music/sound item at DL. Here is a good example of the Quest that I will be doing. Here is the DL Marching Band heading on over to TS for the Flag Retreat.

To finish off this post, I am still waiting for my dad to set up his dates for our June trip. Right now, he is leaning towards June 20 to 21. Since his friend is going to the park on those two days, it does make sense to go on those days. Also, I might have another trip in plan in just a few weeks since my friend wants me to go down to DL during 4th of July weekend. His plan dates are July 1 to 3. This is a good opportunity to see the 4th of July fireworks, but I might skip since I am doing my annual 4th of July alley BBQ. We will wait and see if it goes down or not.

 

[kaoden39]

Your next quest is close. And there is so much music in Disney. When you think about how big a part of all things Disney music is in all of their movies and properties.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Your next quest is close. And there is so much music in Disney. When you think about how big a part of all things Disney music is in all of their movies and properties.

2 weeks will go by very quickly Michele and I can't wait to try this quest. The music is very important to Disney for all of there movies and properties. If they didn't take the music seriously, the Disney company wouldn't be where it is today. I hope to find as much music/sound equipment at the park. But that should be no problem when you see so much out there. TY for following along on my PTR.

 

[kaoden39]

2 weeks will go by very quickly Michele and I can't wait to try this quest. The music is very important to Disney for all of there movies and properties. If they didn't take the music seriously, the Disney company wouldn't be where it is today. I hope to find as much music/sound equipment at the park. But that should be no problem when you see so much out there. TY for following along on my PTR.

Even if I don't comment chances are I am following along. You're welcome Bret.

 

[skiingfast]

I'm thinking you will need a picture of every speaker in the resort. There's probably about 12,000 of them. Better bring a big memory card.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Even if I don't comment chances are I am following along. You're welcome Bret.

TY Michele. Hope you get the cruise trip all set.

I'm thinking you will need a picture of every speaker in the resort. There's probably about 12,000 of them. Better bring a big memory card.

This is going to be a real challenge of looking for speakers around the whole resort. U almost see the speakers everywhere you walk around the resort. U r right bout that i need to bring a big SD memory card. On all of my trips that I took a lot of pictures like my WDW trip in December, Sign Quest in January, I use the 16 GB SD card. You can take over 2,000 pics on this card with high picture quality.

I can't believe you are still up at this time Matt. I don't know why I am up this late either. Even though it is only 12:45am here in Sac.

 

[skiingfast]

TYI can't believe you are still up at this time Matt. I don't know why I am up this late either. Even though it is only 12:45am here in Sac.

I was up late waiting to talk to someone after the parks closed.

Curious, do you know how many pictures you take on an average trip?

 

[mvf-m11c]

I was up late waiting to talk to someone after the parks closed.

Curious, do you know how many pictures you take on an average trip?

I see.

The last few years since I got my DSLR camera, I have been taking on average of 400 pictures. The last trip, I only took less then 100 pics. But the Sign Quest and WDW trip in December, I must have took over 3,000 pics combine during those two trips.

 

[kaoden39]

TY Michele. Hope you get the cruise trip all set.





This is going to be a real challenge of looking for speakers around the whole resort. U almost see the speakers everywhere you walk around the resort. U r right bout that i need to bring a big SD memory card. On all of my trips that I took a lot of pictures like my WDW trip in December, Sign Quest in January, I use the 16 GB SD card. You can take over 2,000 pics on this card with high picture quality.

I can't believe you are still up at this time Matt. I don't know why I am up this late either. Even though it is only 12:45am here in Sac.

Oh I will. Thank you.

 

[tksbaskets]

Two weeks will fly right by! The music quest sounds really fun. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you get the sneak peek of ST2. I read an article about it and I'm really excited to see it (or have you see it and tell me how you like it!)

Standing by for your trip!!
TK

 

[deejdigsdis]

You are getting so close now! I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing what you have to share when you get back.

 

[skiingfast]

I suspect this will have a lot of picture too with the music quest. It should be interesting.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Two weeks will fly right by! The music quest sounds really fun. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you get the sneak peek of ST2. I read an article about it and I'm really excited to see it (or have you see it and tell me how you like it!)

Standing by for your trip!!
TK

TY TK. The music quest will be really fun and I will tell you shortly of what has happen today.

You are getting so close now! I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing what you have to share when you get back.

TY Deej for following along. I will try to get a lot of pictures like you did on your TR that is still going on.

I suspect this will have a lot of picture too with the music quest. It should be interesting.

No question Matt, I am planning on taking as many pics for the music/sound quest.


I am also happy to say that I got selected for the ST2 Sneak Peek. My date is on Sunday May 29 from 9am to 1pm. I am so stoked that I got selected and I was hoping to get this time instead of Saturday since it will affect me with Soundsational and the nighttime shows.

 

[tksbaskets]

TY TK. The music quest will be really fun and I will tell you shortly of what has happen today.



TY Deej for following along. I will try to get a lot of pictures like you did on your TR that is still going on.



No question Matt, I am planning on taking as many pics for the music/sound quest.


I am also happy to say that I got selected for the ST2 Sneak Peek. My date is on Sunday May 29 from 9am to 1pm. I am so stoked that I got selected and I was hoping to get this time instead of Saturday since it will affect me with Soundsational and the nighttime shows.

YEAH!!! I'm so excited for you that you were selected for the ST2 Sneak Peek!!