Our Disneyland New Year's Park-Hopping Half-Marathon! 12/31/11-1/7/12 Complete!

[deejdigsdis]

I am absolutely stunned at the lack of crowds during your Magic Morning! I am one of those people who have found Magic Mornings to be not so magical because of the crowds. It seems like I only got in something like 3 rides when I did MM all by myself one time. All of your people-free pics are great. It really looks like you had the park to yourself.

That light picture outside of HMH...I don't remember the ribbon off to the side, poking through the shutters like that.

Love the picture of you and Sarge, and the picture of Sarge enjoying the sights on the bench in Town Square. Also love the picture of your reflection in the ornament. So fun!

You've done so much already and it's still early. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the day went.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Just like Deej I was also surprise to see DL so empty during MM and you and your whole family got to do a lot that morning. It has been awhile since I have done MM but hey when you have an AP, you can only do a MM when you are staying on-site.

Very nice update on your TR and got to do a lot of different rides that morning at FL.

The breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace looks very good.

Those photos from the photopass are so nice.

Can't wait to read more from that day.

 

[IndayMichelle]

I've only done MM a few times. It was always fairly empty when we went. I'm glad you took advantage. Even if it were a little busier, it's still couldn't be as bad as it is at night.

I love River Belle Terrace! I went there for the first time on our last trip too. It's nice to have a hot breakfast after scrambling around trying to get a lot in that first hour.

Was the fruit plate worth the $8? Those little red grapes! I'm craving them!

 

[tksbaskets]

I am absolutely stunned at the lack of crowds during your Magic Morning! I am one of those people who have found Magic Mornings to be not so magical because of the crowds. It seems like I only got in something like 3 rides when I did MM all by myself one time. All of your people-free pics are great. It really looks like you had the park to yourself.

That light picture outside of HMH...I don't remember the ribbon off to the side, poking through the shutters like that.

Love the picture of you and Sarge, and the picture of Sarge enjoying the sights on the bench in Town Square. Also love the picture of your reflection in the ornament. So fun!

You've done so much already and it's still early. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the day went.

It was one of the best mms that we've ever had at a Disney park. We all agreed that doing our own thing was really fun but we were happy to head to FL together.

Don't you just love how the ribbon is woven through the shutter Deej? Yes, Sarge was in his glory sitting on a sunny bench while I snapped refelective photos around the hub. Did you notice I was waving at you?

Very few opportunities to get people free pics at DL!

Just like Deej I was also surprise to see DL so empty during MM and you and your whole family got to do a lot that morning. It has been awhile since I have done MM but hey when you have an AP, you can only do a MM when you are staying on-site.

Very nice update on your TR and got to do a lot of different rides that morning at FL.

The breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace looks very good.

Those photos from the photopass are so nice.

Can't wait to read more from that day.

Thanks Bret! We had a great morning.

I've only done MM a few times. It was always fairly empty when we went. I'm glad you took advantage. Even if it were a little busier, it's still couldn't be as bad as it is at night.

I love River Belle Terrace! I went there for the first time on our last trip too. It's nice to have a hot breakfast after scrambling around trying to get a lot in that first hour.

Was the fruit plate worth the $8? Those little red grapes! I'm craving them!

Surprisingly the fruit plate was worth it (at inflated park prices). All the fruit was fresh and flavorful. The four of us ended up splitting one each morning we went there for breakfast.

Is is strange that I'm craving grapes now too??

Thanks for following along.

 

[tksbaskets]

We were booked on the noon Holiday Tour which culminates with the 2:30 pm parade. We had done the tour December 2009 and thought the VIP parade seats were worth the price of admission and we really enjoyed the tour.

Eddie was our tour guide:

Besides our family there were three other guests. A father and teenaged son and another gentleman. The single gentleman was very quiet and seemed to enjoy the tour. We never did figure out if he was with the man-son combo.

Our radios worked nicely as we strolled down Mainstreet. Eddie pointed out different decorations along the way. We stopped at the candy shop (good thing our tour was 1/2/12, later in the week that whole side of Mainstreet from Carnation Cafe past the candy shop/bakery were closed for refurbishing) and had fudge. Last tour we had peppermint or pumpkin. I don't know if it was after the holiday but we had good 'ol chocolate. Not that it wasn't yummy...it just didn't say 'holiday' to me. Being troopers we all ate our fudge.

I found Eddie very polite and friendly but somewhat less engaging than Kristen in 2009. Perhaps because we had taken to tour before? We got a pretty good walking tour in and found ourselves at the front of the line for HMH (also worth the price of the tour at 1 pm!). We boarded the train and went to Toontown and IASWH. For me the ONLY way my family would ride that ride!

The ride is really cute with the holiday overlay! I love that there are references to the animated classics in the different countries.

Back to Toontown to receive our hot chocolate and our gingerbread cookie. The mug was not a holiday mug but Mickey was!

Our seats were PRIMO and padded! Eddie took our family pic and must have thought that Grumpy belonged to someone else So warm and sunny this day!

Eddie passed out our special pins and we hunkered down for the parade. Ah, no curb sitting or standing for us!

Next up: A Christmas Fantasy Parade

 

[tksbaskets]

I don't know what it is about a Disney Parade that captures your attention and holds it no matter what your age. The first parade starts by IASWH and ends up at the end of Mainstreet. I had never noticed that then the second parade starts at Mainstreet and ends back at IASWH. It makes sense and it also puts the sun behind those taking pictures which is perfect. OK, nice if you aren't taking pictures too because you aren't squinting.

I took WAY too many pics because I was so comfy in my VIP viewing seat Here we go!

The cast members are perky the WHOLE parade~

Yes Mrs. Clause we were good boys and girl this year! She kept up quite the string of chatter.

One of my favorite parade pictures:

If I was in the parade I'd want to be one of these three:

I couldn't be one of these snowflakes. Unless they wanted one that looked like it had splatted on the sidewalk.

Such attention to detail!

Mikey and Minnie can skate too!

These have got to be the funnies three ladies in the parade.

Poor sisters, they were followed by these beautiful princesses that took turns riding and walking.

My favorite princess.

Chip and Dale were quite entertaining with their hop-on hop-off schtick. Gotta love the ear muffs!

We'll be seeing Woody again soon at TSMM. I'm sure he was pointing to us because of our high scores!

Hi Ho...Hi Ho....

Look like anyone we know?

Photo limit reached...continued next post.

 

[tksbaskets]

Yes, a few more parade pictures. I swear I'm almost done. Kind of reminds me of travel slide shows from my youth....

Who doesn't love a reindeer doing the Can-can??

Santa getting a little work after the 25th.

My guys liked the rope carriers. Probably for their nice....hats....

I DID whittle these pictures down from the bazllion I took, really

Now it's 2:55 pm and the little nibblette of fudge and the cookie isn't doing the trick for us. You'd think this would be a good time to find somewhere to eat. We had a hearty FP stash and decided we'd eat near Indy.

We settled on counter service at the French Market Restaurant. Donald and Grumpy went to find seats after telling us what they wanted to eat. The line inside was LONG to select your food. The line to check out even longer as your hot food became...not so hot. I think this will be our first and last time at this restaurant. We sat on the patio which was crowded but nice atmosphere.

Donald and Grumpy had the jambalaya and said it was good.

Sarge selected the citrus chicken which was a safe choice and he said it was good as well.

I chose the Roast Beef Royal ( Slow Roasted, generously sliced, and served with Cognac Peppercorn Jus.) which I may admit is probably why we won't be back. On a positive the mashed potatoes were yummy. A bit chilled, but good. The beef - well I think my father was served similar beef in the Air Force in Korea. I see the reason for the Jus....and a large glass or three of water.

After a large meal is the ideal time to take two FP rides on Indy! Here is the FP distribution and wait time for Indy at 4:30 pm.

It wasn't time for the Star Tours FPs yet so back we went to DCA. For those counting our 4th turnstyle of the day.

The CM looking at our daily collection of handstamps said "You've been busy today" to me as I went through.

We took our time working our way to Paradise Pier saying how our timing was great to ride CS before the WOC shows started. Happily we crossed the bridge around 6 pm and took a right past the gazebo.

....whru whro....We don't hear any screaming from CS....even closer we go to see we don't see any LINE at CS....Sigh...CS was down, the cast member said it would not be up before the WOC show. Day #2 of not using a set of prime CS FPs.

We worked our way to the front of the park and rode Soarin'. Hard to be grumpy when you get to finish your night gliding over California

Donald and Grumpy took our 4 Star Tours FPs and headed for turnstyle trip #5 and Tomorrowland. Sarge and I went shopping at DTD at World of Disney to buy post cards. We were back the villa by 8:15 after a stop at WWS for sandwiches for a late supper. Sarge watched ESPN on his 'own' TV and I wrote out post cards. Donald and Grumpy stopped by the concierge to pick out a couple of DVD and we had an early evening watching National Treasure.

Next up: See if we can make Magic Morning when 'we' forget to turn on our alarm.

 

[mvf-m11c]

You had a nice busy day doing the Holiday tour. I was kind of surprised to hear that there was only 7 people in your group during the tour. You got a lot of very nice photos from "A Christmas Fantasy" parade from the VIP seating right across from IASWH.

That is a lot of FPs that you have collected that day.

Great update TK.

 

[IndayMichelle]

I love the tour! I love cutting in line, reserved seating for the parade, and the power of the plaid!

I also do not like French Market. I had the "roast beef" when I went. I've had it a few times. I should know better. They should call it "really dead beef."

It is a good place to get hot chocolate before F! They're usually the only one without much of a line before the show starts.

This is fun! It's like Christmas in February..I should post mine too.

 

[CB Jamboree]

The parade looks like it was a good one. I love all of the pretty colors and attention to detail! That was so funny about your family picture with one missing son! How did the tour guide make that mistake with only seven of you in the group!! I'm sure that pic will always bring a chuckle to you and your family

 

[tksbaskets]

You had a nice busy day doing the Holiday tour. I was kind of surprised to hear that there was only 7 people in your group during the tour. You got a lot of very nice photos from "A Christmas Fantasy" parade from the VIP seating right across from IASWH.

That is a lot of FPs that you have collected that day.

Great update TK.

Thanks Bret. Some trip I want to sit in one of your favorite spots (with the big tree to your back looking down mainstreet at the castle) for the early parade.

I love the tour! I love cutting in line, reserved seating for the parade, and the power of the plaid!

I also do not like French Market. I had the "roast beef" when I went. I've had it a few times. I should know better. They should call it "really dead beef."

It is a good place to get hot chocolate before F! They're usually the only one without much of a line before the show starts.

This is fun! It's like Christmas in February..I should post mine too.

Yes you should post to your trip report! Actually someone did as I'm off to see what updates are there next

TOO funny about the 'really dead beef'. Seriously have you ever tasted anything THAT dry at DL?

The parade looks like it was a good one. I love all of the pretty colors and attention to detail! That was so funny about your family picture with one missing son! How did the tour guide make that mistake with only seven of you in the group!! I'm sure that pic will always bring a chuckle to you and your family

I told my son I'd crop him in if I put that one in a scrapbook.

The parade was so fun. The tour is about the only way my family would take the time to get a good spot and sit for the entire parade. Seats and snacks are an excellent incentive!

 

[tksbaskets]

Tuesday January 3, 2012

Extra magic morning at DL this morning. The plan was to be at the turnstyles by 6:45 am.

Queue the Jimmy Dean Breakfast sausage music as I woke up rested and refreshed to find that it was already 6:30 am . Guess Sarge woke up around 6 am, rolled over and thought "gee we must have changed our plans".

With visions of no line on Star Tours dancing in our heads we did a "Home Alone" style dash through DTD towards DL.

Here we are at the gates at 7 am. What a difference 15 minutes makes.

Sarge went off to ride Buzz while Grumpy, Donald, and I rode Star Tours twice. Hello my friend C3-PO!

We all ended our extra magic hour in TL riding Buzz and then grabbed our first set of FPs for Star Tours.

We went to the hub and stopped for a PP picture.

As we were waiting for our PP card from the photographer a woman dressed in all white capri pants and shirt and her daughter with a stroller were rushing to go through the hub to FL. There is a ramp that flares to a curb and this lady at full speed caught the little lip and went flat on her front like she was diving in a lake arms stretched out towards the castle. Thank goodness she was not seriously hurt - Disney security swarmed out of no where and in very short order at least 3 cast members were assisting. Note: WATCH YOUR STEP.

We continued on to our new favorite breakfast spot - River Bell Terrace. You all can tell we are creatures of habit. Our routine after breakfast was to ride Indy. OH NO, Indy was down which also means no FP distribution. Not to worry - plenty fun to do in AL early in the morning. Come along Hard to resist either of these rides with no line.

Well it's 9:25 am so the boys head to get another set of FPs for Star Tours and Sarge and I waited on Mainstreet enjoying the morning rush.

Next up: Our morning at DCA, a visit with a mouse, and lunch at Carnation Cafe.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks Bret. Some trip I want to sit in one of your favorite spots (with the big tree to your back looking down mainstreet at the castle) for the early parade.

Oh yeah. I remember what spot you are talking about. That was a nice spot to watch the parade when it was coming from FL. I believe that was when Soundsational parade debut last summer. If you see the parade come down MS TS then it is not that good, but another spot to see the parade come from MS TS is right by the Hub looking down MS USA which is another nice spot. I believe Sherry E got a spot when the parade was coming from MS TS.

Looked a little busy that MM at DL. Sarge got to do his favorite ride while you and your sons got to do ST that morning.

Nice update to your TR and can't wait from that morning.

 

[tksbaskets]

Oh yeah. I remember what spot you are talking about. That was a nice spot to watch the parade when it was coming from FL. I believe that was when Soundsational parade debut last summer. If you see the parade come down MS TS then it is not that good, but another spot to see the parade come from MS TS is right by the Hub looking down MS USA which is another nice spot. I believe Sherry E got a spot when the parade was coming from MS TS.

Looked a little busy that MM at DL. Sarge got to do his favorite ride while you and your sons got to do ST that morning.

Nice update to your TR and can't wait from that morning.

DL was quite crowded this morning. Not at all like the previous MM. Glad you are following along Bret.

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

All caught up and looking forward to more!

 

[tksbaskets]

We dashed off to DCA to make the rope drop. As you recall we learned going around to the GCH entrance gained nothing but a few more steps on the pedometer.

Sarge and Donald stopped for a picture while Grumpy got our Soarin' FPs.

Here is proof that all the visitors were NOT over at DL enjoying MM.

Of course we went right to TSMM which had a 20 minute line already and rode. Grumpy's gun didn't work so the CM told us to go around and we got to ride again.

We all did pretty well

The line was now well over an hour so we decided to ride California Screamin'!

We had lunch reservations for noon at the Carnation Cafe so after grabbing a set of FPs for CS for later we headed back towards DL. What's this? A non-existent line by the gazebo with just a rope and a cast member? I enquirer and indeed Santa Mickey was going to be out in five minutes. Worth the wait

We are not complaining about all this wonderful sun in our faces!

Park Hop #3 for the day. Lunch at Carnation Cafe

BOY we were glad to have reservations. There was a line of people who were stand-by. They had to wait while several parties were seated who had reservations. I wonder with all the counter service places around why any family with little children would wait in line for an hour

We checked in an I found a nice curb to sit and people watch.

We were seated after about a 20 minute wait. Of course I ordered the baked potato soup which can't be beat!

Two of my men opted for the chicken noodle soup which was proclaimed 'good' but not spectacular like my bowl-lickin' delish soup.

Three pot pies and one meat loaf.

This must be mine because I got grapes with everything!

I love the atmosphere at the Carnation Cafe. It will be interesting to see what happens with the remodeling. Is it going away?

Holy Toledo it was crowded at DL this afternoon. We made our way back to TL to use our 8 Star Tours FPs.

I rode once with the boys, then the boys rode twice more. The extra FP was Donald's to use. Sarge and I became quite attached to the bench beside the DVC kiosk that is right across from the gift shop where Star Tours exits. If you visit, look at that bench and think of us.

One of my favorite DISers Sherry had me dreaming of peppermint stick ice cream. The line at the stand across from Carnation Cafe was not TOO long so we stayed there and enjoyed a scoop. It was very tasty I liked how when we sat in this side 'alley' there were voices that came out of the upstairs windows. Nice touch.

We went back to our room to relax and write out postcards that doubled as Christmas Thank-you notes. I enjoyed reading on the balcony overlooking DCA's Paradise Pier (the far end of it anyway).

Back at DCA at 5:40 pm (hop #4) and headed directly to California Screamin'. We weren't going to eat these fast passes! I rode with Grumpy and Donald and then Grumpy used the extra FP to ride again.

Continued next post

 

[tksbaskets]

We headed down the pier and had dinner at both Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill.

Donald had yummy spaghetti, we all split a pizza, and the rest of us as Mediterranean Skewers.

I'm warning you that Moroccan Chili is burn your lips off hot! We got a couple of the veggie tofu skewers on the side to share. They were very well prepared with a bit of crunch and plenty of flavor.

What a wonderful place to have a break and relax over dinner. Plenty of seating and some great jazzy entertainment!

Off we went to shop for a few pins and then end our evening at the park on Soarin'. Back at our villa we watched National Treasure 2 and watched the second half of the Sugar Bowl where our Wolverines were victorious! What a nice day

Next up: DCA and only DCA

 

[IndayMichelle]

This must be mine because I got grapes with everything!

We headed down the pier and had dinner at both Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill.

I'm warning you that Moroccan Chili is burn your lips off hot! We got a couple of the veggie tofu skewers on the side to share. They were very well prepared with a bit of crunch and plenty of flavor.

What a wonderful place to have a break and relax over dinner. Plenty of seating and some great jazzy entertainment!

I LOVE that place! It's the only place in DCA that I LOVE!

 

[tksbaskets]

All caught up and looking forward to more!

Thanks for following along

I LOVE that place! It's the only place in DCA that I LOVE!

It is a really nice addition to DCA. A very nice place to sit a spell and relax. Next time no M. Chili for me though

 

[mvf-m11c]

DL was quite crowded this morning. Not at all like the previous MM. Glad you are following along Bret.

You know that I will follow your TR. I barely have anytime right now looking at other DISers TRs. I am also looking forward to Michele (Kaoden39) TR when she goes these next few days.

As expected again that your first ride at DCA was TSMM. Those scores are still good and they could easily beat me every time unless I hit those secret targets on TSMM. I like all your group pictures at DCA.

CC always get long lines and the good thing about it that you didn't have to wait that long. But 20 minutes is still a long wait. The food looks so good. I really need to eat at CC when the renovations is completed in the summertime.

TL looked so crowded that afternoon.

I'm glad that you got to eat at the Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill that night. Great photos of the food.

Nice update.