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

[mvf-m11c]

Day 1 – May 27, 2011 – Part 9​

Now is time to get back to the TR after being sick for the last few days. Even though I have been on the threads yesterday, I just couldn't think clearly of what I did on those days.

When I was back at my hotel at BWPPI, I called my middle school group and see where they were. They were on SM in the standby line and said that it should be around 30 minutes until they got on the ride. I told them that I will meat them at the exit. So I got all my equipment again and head on over to DL.

I left my room and I only got about 30 minute rest and head straight on over to Tomorrowland. The turnstiles at DL were not that long and I thought since it was a Friday night there would have been more people, but I was wrong and glad that it wasn't crowded that night. When I got to Tomorrowland Space Mountain exit, they weren't there. I apologize to everyone that I didn't take my DSLR camera with me so I will be describing my adventures that Friday night.

So I waited until they got off the ride for about 10 minutes. It was a little bit longer then I expected, but it was nice to see them after a long day at the competition that morning. When they got off the ride, I greeted all of them and we talked about the competition. They did great during the competition and won a lot of different categories.

They wanted to get something to eat. Since they have FP for Indy, they had to get over to Adventureland and need a quick snack. I told them a good place to get a good snack is the Little Red Wagon. They have the best corn dogs in the park and they said that was fine. Very interesting that I had the samething again that day after getting a corn dog at Corn Dog Castle at DCA, but I had no problem with it and enjoyed it. We ate our corn dogs around the Little Red Wagon and talked about a lot of things during the competition and DL.

When we finished, it was time for me to get a spot right in front of SB castle for the fireworks. I told them that they can join up with me in front of the castle for the fireworks and said that would be great. The fireworks start at 9:30 and told them to show up at least 30 minutes early since the area will be crowded with a lot of regular guests.

We parted ways and I head on over to the Hub for my usual spot for the fireworks. When I got there around 7pm, there was no one on my spot so I claimed it on the right side of the castle facing forward. Then more and more people started to set up blankets around the curb side.

While I was waiting, I was just on my iPad and listening to music while killing the time until the fireworks started at 9:30pm. When it got to 8:30pm, my middle school group have shown up and were impressed that I was willing to wait that long just for the fireworks. I told them that I love the fireworks so much and videotaping it that I am willing to wait that long for it. There were about 3 people that came in my spot and said that was enough people to fit them.

When it was about 30 minutes until Magical, there were some people talking behind us and said there was Darth Vader and two stormtroopers. A lot of the people were turning over to that area and there was Vader and his stormtroopers in the VIP area. It was neat to see Vader and the stormtroopers at DL. A lot of people went to the front of the VIP area and try to get photos of Vader and the stormtroopers, but one of the people accompanying them told them there is no flash photography, but can take a picture without flash. I would have taken a flash photo, but I didn't want too. I was curious of why they had them here for the fireworks, but after seeing this commerical http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4_dZPVg8KI&feature=feedu, it did make sense to have them there at DL for ST grand opening. During the commercial when Vader and the Storm Troopers were watching the fireworks, the fireworks matched the timing when I watched it that Friday night. That should be enough of me talking about the fireworks since I have not got to that point yet.

It was time for Magical fireworks. This was the first time for me to watch Magical fireworks in front of the Hub since 2009 and it was way better then in 2009. At least they use way more then in 2009.

Do you see anything unusual in this pic?

Who is that flying in the sky? Is it a bird, is it a plane?

Magical is way better then in 2009 and it was a nice way to start off my nighttime events at DL and watching the fireworks. After the fireworks, my friend and the kids decided to go and do some ride while I am planning on going over to IASW for Memories.

That will be another time.

 

[tksbaskets]

What beautiful shots of the fireworks! What was unusual in the picture you pointed out? What was flying across the other picture?

I love the commercial you linked too. I laughed out loud when I saw it!

TK

 

[mvf-m11c]

What beautiful shots of the fireworks! What was unusual in the picture you pointed out? What was flying across the other picture?

I love the commercial you linked too. I laughed out loud when I saw it!

TK

Thank you TK. I need to remember to upload Magical these next few days. So expect it soon. I was saying on this photo below that you see someone flying in the sky. Yes, it is Tink, you can barely see her wings and shoes. But you can also see the car on the cable that is carrying her. I have never seen her that dark during the fireworks.

This one you can tell is is Dumbo.

That commercial is so great, and I keep watching back and forward everyday.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 1 – May 27, 2011 – Part 10​

After the fireworks, I head on over to IASW for Memories. When I left the Hub and head on over to the cross path right at the Matterhorn, I didn't have to go through Tomorrowland that I originally plan since the CMs let the guests through the FL side.

When I got there, I was there too early again. The last time I watch Memories back in April, I was there 20 minutes too early for the show and had to wait for awhile. I should try to take it easy and don't need to rush over there. While I was waiting, I used the bathroom right next to Princess Fantasy Fair and waited about 30 minutes until Memories. Got some pics of IASW when it reached 10pm and once again the time did not opened at IASW.

Very interesting that there weren't any people waiting for Memories about 10 minutes until the show, but when it got closer to start, more and more people started to show up. It would be nice if the guests would know about this great show at night. As always when I watch it, it was great. This time when I videotaped it I got the whole building and got everything. I just uploaded it today so you can check it out on youtube "The Magic, The Memories, and You!" at "It's a Small World" Disneyland 5/27/11

After Memories was over, I called my friend and the group if they are still in the park. They were still in the park and were in line for Indy. They asked if they want me to join them, but I said it was a long night for me, so I told them that I am calling it for the night.

On the way out of the park, I had to get some different pics on my walk.

Matterhorn Mountain

SB castle always look great at night.

While I was walking down MS and exiting the park, there were more people heading out then I expected since most of the people should have left after the fireworks and the 2nd show of F! had already started. But it was easy to navigate through MS and got out of the park around 10:40pm.

I was thinking of heading on over to DTD and stop at the WoD store, but since I got little rest, I just went back to BWPPI.

Got back to the room around 10:50pm and unload all of my stuff. Then I took a shower and went straight to bed which concludes my day at the DLR.

This was a great success for me since I got to do ST and LM during the soft openings. I once again apologize to the DISers for my comments that DCA wont be doing any soft openings on the threads. It was nice to get both of them done on the same day. It was also great to meet up with my middle school and do some activities that night. It wasn't that much since they got to the park late after doing great during the competition. Got to do Magical and Memories that night and it is just going to get better and better during the trip.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Before I start the next TR, I have just uploaded Magical fireworks Part 1, Part 2 on youtube. Now you will be able to enjoy Magical. This took awhile since I have been sick the last few days.

Day 2 – May 28, 2011 – Part 1​

After a long day yesterday from driving to Anaheim late Friday morning, a 12+ hour day at the parks and got enough hours of sleep that night, it was time to head on another adventure to DL. Since I slept a little bit longer, it was almost close to 8am, I really didn’t need to rush since Saturday was the AP Sneak Peek. I wasn’t planning on riding ST that morning. So I got dressed and left my hotel around 8:05am and head on over to DL.

When I left the hotel, it was a little cloudy during that morning. So I wasn’t surprise to see that it was cloudy that Saturday morning. During my walk on over to the crosswalk on Harbor, there were just a small amount of people heading on over to the park that morning.

I past through the security check point with no problem and there were barely anyone outside the main gate and I thought that most of the people are already in the park that morning.

I entered the park around 8:15am and right now, MS TS just had a few people out there while I would have guess that the AP people that won the contest are over at ST AP line for ST that morning. So I head on over to Tomorrowland and see the line for the AP Sneak Peek so I could see what it will be like for me tomorrow.

Over at Tomorrowland, ST CMs were not allowing any guests on board the ride, so the only way to get on ST that morning is through the AP Sneak Peek Contest. At the ST FP line, there were quite a number of AP holders in line waiting to get on the ride that morning. I went over and talk to a CM about it and said that you must have the email conformation in order to get in the FP line for ST.

Since I am doing the Music/Sound Quest, I thought it would be nice to go walk around the park and look for any of those items during my time. So I head on over towards the Matterhorn and took some pics of FNSV lagoon and the Matterhorn.

I can’t get tired of this pic all the time I walk from Tomorrowland to FL. This one is for you Sherry E which has the half heart shape where the former Skyway used to go through inside the Matterhorn.

On the next stop was over at FL.

Over at FL, I didn’t get too many pics for the quest since I wasn’t thinking about it, but the ST line and how everything would go on at DCA for the LM ride. But on the way, I did get Casey Jr which has the whistle and bells on the train.

After taking some pics of Casey Jr., I head on over to Frontierland and was planning on seeing Splash Mountain. While I past BTMRR, I had to get some pics of the mountain. Interesting to see on top of the mountain is a duck sleeping.

The ROA was nice and quiet while Frontierland and NOS was quiet. There were some people heading on over to POTC to see the new addition. I got to ride that ride, but that will be another day.

I head on over to CC to see Splash Mountain and it was really nice to see it open after a long refurbishment. It was just weird of not having this mountain opened until the summertime. But it was really nice, the drop looks all well done while the outside is just a little bit improved.

While I was in CC, I went to go and get my FP for Splash Mountain.

I decide to go back on over to Tomorrowland and see what the lines are right now for ST. Since it has already past 9am, I would assume that the line should be very short.

When I walked back to Tomorrowland, the line was two times longer and it doesn’t seem like the line wasn’t moving. I talked to a CM and asked why they haven’t let the guests get a FP for ST. He said that there is some problems with the simulators and trying to restart it. That was quite bummed for the people in line and have to wait until ST gets up and running. The wait line for ST was going in the BLAB line while the line for BLAB was close to the entrance of the ride.

So I went on BLAB and just got on instantly while it was past 9. This was one of my worst scores in awhile with only 668,900 points. I shot all of my usual targets to hit, but they weren’t lighting up. I was disappointed, but I should not let that mess me up.

When I got off the ride, the line was still not moving and looks like there were more problems then I expected.

It was close to 9:30am and it was time to head on over to DCA for the rope drop.

Since I am out of pictures, I will get back to you later.

 

[CandyMouse]

Great Pictures! Love the firework pics!

 

[tksbaskets]

Your videos of the fireworks and Memories were just great! Once again your disappointing score on BLAB would have thrilled me! I'll be anxious to see what you get when you are able to have a re-match against Zurg!

Looking forward to following your adventures over in DCA!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Great Pictures! Love the firework pics!

Thank you CandyMouse.

Your videos of the fireworks and Memories were just great! Once again your disappointing score on BLAB would have thrilled me! I'll be anxious to see what you get when you are able to have a re-match against Zurg!

Looking forward to following your adventures over in DCA!

Thank you TK. I know that you would be thrilled with that score on BLAB TK. Since I got that 2,000,000+ score last year, I am trying my best to get somewhere close to it. I have broken the 1,000,000 point mark a few times, but it is not good for me. I went back on the ride during my trip, so it shouldn't be too long until you see what my next score will be.

I am just finishing the touches on the next post so it will be up shortly.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 28 – May 2, 2011 – Part 2​

After I got off BLAB and saw the crazy long line for the AP Sneak Peek that Saturday morning, it was still not time to head on over to DCA, so I thought it would be nice to head on over to Carnation Plaza Gardens and see what school is playing over there. On the way towards CPG, I had to get some different pics on the way.

When I got over to CPG, there were some ducks down the stream so I had to get a pic.

Over at CPG, there was a High School musical group from Washington that was playing at the CPG. I forgot what High School name was playing during that morning, but they were good.

It was time to head on over to DCA and get at the rope drop. I head on out of DL and while I was walking down MS, more and more people were now entering the park on this cloudy day.

When I got out of the DL, the line was moving very quickly over at DCA and both side of the main entrance were opened. So it was easy to get on over to DCA and don’t have to wait in a long line.

On a very nice cloudy day, I got into DCA around 9:35am that morning and the first thing I did was head on over to GRR so I can get my blue FP for WoC that night especially since I am planning on watching WoC that Saturday night.

When I got over to GRR, there was quite a long line already for the WoC FP. I had to wait almost 5 minutes in line to get my blue FP that morning. Interesting is when I got my FP, it has been written on the time of the show instead of putting my FP through the FP machine. So this would make the line shorter by going through this way instead of getting a FP and put it in the machine.

Then I head on over to PP so I can get ready for the LM ride that morning. Since I got there later then yesterday, I am still in a perfect position so I can get on the ride without being in a long line. The rope drop area was not that long, but I would guess that half of the people in the line will be heading for TSMM and the other half for the LM ride if it is open that morning. But since I guess wrong on Friday when the LM ride opened at 2pm, I am hoping that the LM ride will be opened first thing in the morning. The CM around the area said that it will be a last second decision if they will open it that morning.

When the rope dropped happened at 10am, luckily TLMAUA was open for business and they were letting anyone on the ride that Saturday morning. This was way better then yesterday while I spend a lot of my time and wasted it just to get on that ride. Now that it is opened, that is the first thing I did when DCA opened. On the way through the queue, I didn’t have to go through the long way with about half or even more of the guests were heading on over to TSMM. I got on the ride and this time I videotaped it with my Sony HD camcorder. I have already uploaded the TLMAUA ride from Monday, so I am not planning on uploading it unless I have enough people on the boards that want to see another video of the LMR.

Here are some pics of TLMAUA from my video camera. SPOILER if you do not want to see the ride, I would skip this part. Thank you and hope you enjoy the ride.

After I got off the ride, I decided to head on over to TSMM and see if the line was busy.

But I will get to you another day after I am out of pics for this post.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 2 – May 28, 2011 – Part 3​

When I just finished TLMAUA ride, I was thinking of going back on it, but I needed to head on over to PP and see if I can get on TSMM. On the way, I had to get some pics of different areas around PP. Since most of the people are already over at TSMM, the walkway towards TSMM was quiet.

I got over to TSMM, the line was not that long and it was close around 15 minute wait. This was really good in the morning for people who want to go on TSMM, but I decided that I didn’t want to go on it. For me saying that sounds really crazy, but since I have done it yesterday and concentrating on TLMAUA ride, I just decided to go on over to MFW and get my usual aerial photos.

Since I am not planning on going on TSMM, I head on over to MFW and went back in the non-swinging gondola and got my usual aerial photos of DCA and the DLR. Also while I was in the non-swinging gondola, I had to get some pics for the Music/Sound Quest.

I got off MFW and I was on my way back toward TLMAUA ride.

But I will get right back to it later on.

 

[tksbaskets]

I always love to see your arial shots of DL and DCA. It is a great way to see the progress of all the changes. That and I would never pass up a 15 minute wait for TSMM so I'm glad you did and shared with us!

Looking forward to more of TLMAUA!

TK

 

[mvf-m11c]

Day 2 – May 28, 2011 – Part 4​

When I finished getting off MFW and getting my aerial photos of DCA and the DLR, I head on straight over to TLMAUA ride. I went through where the construction of Goofy’s Sky School and the restaurants is taking place. I can’t wait to see the new restaurants and GSS. This was a bummer for me since when I go back to DL in June, those two won’t be opened until July 1st so I have to wait until August during my D23 Expo trip.

Over at TLMAUA, the lines were not that long and I was kind of shock that there was no line for the ride during a soft opening. So this would be another great opportunity to go on it multiple times in a row and get some more experience into the ride.

At the main entrance of TLMAUA, I asked the CM if they are still letting people on the ride and said “go on ahead and have a great swim.” I can’t believe they there were no one in line so I head on back on the ride. This time I got on the ride immediately without waiting to get on the ride.

I’m not going to post any pics since I have already posted them just a few posts ago.

When I got off, there were some CMs right at the exit of the ride and were asking some guests some questions about the ride. One CM approached me and asked me experience of the ride and I was amazed so much about it. After that, I took a few pics of the outside of the ride.

While I was in the area, I decided to go back on the ride again while I was at the front entrance. I did hesitate to go back on it again after getting off the ride. The line this time was just another walk on. During this ride, I didn’t use my video camera or DSLR camera for this ride. I just wanted to enjoy the ride without any of my equipment. So I could enjoy the ride without anything. It was even better without holding my camera or video camera.

After the ride, I decided it was time to head on over to DL and get on some of my favorite rides like the DLRR and the Monorail. I left PP and head on straight out of the park. There were more and more people now coming into DCA. It was around 1pm when I got out of the park and headed on over to DL to do my usual rides.

When I got to DL, the first thing I did was head on the DLRR. While I was about to head on over to the station, the Fred Gurley with Holiday 4 has already left the station. So I had to wait for the next train.

Inside the MS station, I got a picture of one of my favorite posters at DL with the 5 DL steam engines. Man I wish I can get this poster for my house.

While I was waiting for the next train, I had to call my friend and told her about how many times I got on TLMAUA ride that Saturday. Then all of a sudden, the C.K. Holliday with Holiday 2 car set pulled up in the station.

I just rode the train until I got to NOS. I got off the train and want to see what it looks like right now when the ST AP Sneak Peek ended for the 9am to 1pm group and see what it looked like at that time.

On the way over there, around the Pioneer Mercantile store there was a CM with a CM with a violin playing.

I left Frontierland and was back at the Hub. It was just about average with guests.

Then I head on over to TL and see what the line for ST. There was qute a long line outside of ST. I talked to a CM at the main entrance and said that they are letting the people who won the ST AP contest to ride it even past 1pm.

When I was around Innoventions, I decided to go in it. Out of all the time I have been to DL, I can’t believe I haven’t been in Innoventions in years. This was a good opportunity to go inside the building after a long day of walking at both DL and DCA.

It has been a long time since I was at the top of Innoventions and get a great picture of the Matterhorn. When I saw the line at ST, it was kind of got a bit longer and longer. I don’t have a pic of the ST line.

I went inside Innoventions and I only just browsed at everything and went around the building. I didn’t take any pics inside, but I was amazed how much it has changed since I was in there. It looks like they covered the windows where the former Rocket Rod tracks are and has all the latest technology in games, equipment, etc.

This will be for it tonight since I am tired and I will get back to you.

 

[tksbaskets]

Loved the report. I love the poster of the trains. I've never seen it. Where is it located? It would look good in anyone's home

 

[mvf-m11c]

Loved the report. I love the poster of the trains. I've never seen it. Where is it located? It would look good in anyone's home

Thanks TK. The poster with the 5 steam engines is located at the Main Street Railroad Station on the left hand side when you enter the station.

 

[Daisybelle]

I just stumbled upon your trip report and I LOVE your pictures! You have an excellent eye! I wish my trip pictures were of such high quality.

Thank you for taking the time to share! It's helping to tide me over until my trip next month.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I just stumbled upon your trip report and I LOVE your pictures! You have an excellent eye! I wish my trip pictures were of such high quality.

Thank you for taking the time to share! It's helping to tide me over until my trip next month.

Thank you Daisybelle for checking out my trip report.

Hope you and your group have a great time next month.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I forgot to show some of the pics from my last post since I used up all my pics. So here are some more pics from the top of Innoventions.

The former Rocket Rods and Astro Blaster stations

Over at the ST line, it has gotten longer and longer during the day.

At Space, the line was really long that day and the top shows that.

Day 2 – May 28, 2011 – Part 5​

After I got off Innoventions, I decide to go back to DCA and have some lunch at Lucky Fortune Cookery. On the way out of TL, the line for ST has already gotten longer and longer during that day.

On the way out of MS, I had to get a photo of the Ragtime Piano player at the Coke Corner and the player is Alan.

When I left DCA, I decided to get some FP since it has already past my last FP. At least the park was still not that busy after a long afternoon in both parks.

I turned left over to Hollywood Backlot Pictures so I could head on over to the ToT and get a FP while I was out there.

At the ToT FP machine, I got my usual FP. Then I got another one and got lucky with a Free Flynn Arcade token FP ticket. Also when I was looking at my pics, the time was way off and it was actually 12:15pm when I got this FP at the ToT. So I still have a lot of time at DCA before I head back to the room and rest up for the parade.

After getting the FP, I head on straight towards a Bug’s Land and head on straight over to Lucky Fortune Cookery for lunch.

The lines at Lucky Fortune Cookery were way shorter then Pacific Wharf where there people on the outside of the building to get inside. I had the Asian Spicy Korean Beef Bowl during my lunch. While I was there, a Mexican band was playing right next to the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.

When I finished, I decided to head on back over to TLMAUA ride again and see what the lines are right now. Over at TLMAUA, the line was kind of long when I got to the main entrance, but when I got in the queue, one of the CM have extended the line for all these people. So this was good when we were walking out there. This was the fourth time I have ridden TLMAUA that day.

When I got off the ride, I decided to head on back to the room and rest up just a little bit before I head back to DL for Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. So I head out around 2:00pm on Saturday and back to the room.

Back at the room, I just rested up for about only 30 minutes and head on straight back to DL with my tripod for the 4pm parade. On the way to the park, it did feel kind of warm and the crowds start to pick up. I got to the park around 2:30pm and the first thing I did was head on over to MS TS and get my spot.

Since I was too early, I decided to head on over to TL and see what the lines were at ST especially since the AP Sneak Peek is over for the 9am to 1pm group. Astro Orbiter and BLAB were already at 30+ minute wait and ST were just letting some of the AP holders with tickets on the ride at the last minute.

After seeing what the lines were at ST, I decided to go back to MS TS and get my spot. When I got back over there, there was no one in at the spot that I am going to be videotaping and taking pics. So while I was waiting, I got some pics around TS and saw Chip and Dale were dancing with the DL Fire Fighters.

I’ll get to the next part of my TR since I am out of pictures for this post.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I had a bit of catching up to do! Excellent fireworks pictures, as usual. How exciting that you got to see Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers when they were filming the commercial. That commercial was so fun to see.

I can't believe you were able to walk on The Little Mermaid ride like that. Very surprising that there was no line!

I enjoyed all your pictures from Mickey's Fun Wheel. It was especially fun to see so many close ups. Cars Land is coming right along.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I had a bit of catching up to do! Excellent fireworks pictures, as usual. How exciting that you got to see Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers when they were filming the commercial. That commercial was so fun to see.

I can't believe you were able to walk on The Little Mermaid ride like that. Very surprising that there was no line!

I enjoyed all your pictures from Mickey's Fun Wheel. It was especially fun to see so many close ups. Cars Land is coming right along.

Thank you Deej. It was exciting to see Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers right behind me during the fireworks. I wish that I could get a picture that nice, but the people accompany them insist that there is no flash photography and it was dark that night.

The walk on for TLMAUA was kind of shocking after it opened late on Friday and early on Saturday. This was the best part of the day to go on the ride. Later on, it got worse. You'll find out later.

Cars Land is coming along and can't wait to see more and more work done later on.

 

[skiingfast]

That is awesome that you saw the filming for the greatest commercial ever.

I hope the next report isn't too bad.