Second All in One Disneyland TR Thread - Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout Review 5/30-6/2

[kylie71]

All caught up Brett, looks like a Fun trip! Looking forward to the rest.

--Lori

 

[mvf-m11c]

Looks like a very fun, packed morning!

We had a fun morning at DL.

Nice pictures, Bret.

Sorry I'm late to the party; but we've had internet connection issues since we returned.

Looks like you had a great DisMeet.

The pictures from MHP are lovely. Looking back at it, I do wish we had spent more time getting around to the other bits of the party; but given how many people there were, I suspect we would have been trading waiting in one queue for the wait in another queue.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of your pictures.

Thanks PiO.

We had a great DISMeet on those two days and were able to do a lot of different rides.

It has been a long time since we attended MHP and glad that were able to do the party with you and your family. Thanks for a great time at MHP. I know what you mean that it would have been great to spend more time at the party since we spent part of it while waiting for HS fireworks. But we were able to get great photos that night.

Thank you PiO and you know I am looking forward to your trip report as well.

All caught up Brett, looks like a Fun trip! Looking forward to the rest.

--Lori

Thank you Lori. We had a fun trip.


The next posts will be up shortly.

 

[mvf-m11c]

[post=52514888]Last Installment on the Trip Report[/post]

Day 2 – October 15th, 2014 – Part 3

DISMeet #2 franandaj & Lunch at the Market ​

Just when we finished riding Pirates of the Caribbean, we head straight on over to the Haunted Mansion Holiday where Alison (franandaj) was waiting for us.

She was across from the other side of the HMH and it was nice to see Alison. After we talked for a while outside, we head on over to ride the HMH that afternoon.




Just before we head on in the mansion, PiO wanted to get a picture of all three of us. I didn’t get the picture that afternoon but I know that PiO and her DH took a picture of the three of us that afternoon. So you will have to see from PiO trip report.

I have ridden the HMH a lot of times since it is open during the Halloween and Christmas season. I was able to ride it a couple of times during the September trip with DAW and now get to ride it again.




We got on the Doombuggies and going through the HMH.


Madame Leota


A look at this year’s gingerbread house in the dining room.


Attic


Jack and Zero






Just when we got off riding the HMH, we were close to Splash Mountain and DS wanted to go on that ride that afternoon since he likes Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run. Alison and DAF decided not to ride Splash but I did went on it with PiO, DH and DS.

DS was sitting up front, than PiO, DH and me. I knew not to go up close since if you are up front or close to that you will likely get wet. PiO & DH decided not to bring their DSLR’s on the ride since they could get wet but I did brought it on the ride since I was using my rain bag so it won’t get wet. I barely used the rain bag on the wet rides but for days when it is raining at the park.








Our picture on Splash Mountain. DS, PiO and DH got wet on Splash while I did get wet on my pants.


After we met back up with Alison and DAF, we were all getting a little hungry that afternoon and Alison suggested that we should eat at the French Market. I haven’t ate at the French Market in years and it was perfect to eat some place that I haven’t ate in years.

Lately, I have been trying all different restaurants that I haven’t ate or haven’t in years and this is one as an example of why I haven’t.

When we got up to the entrance of the French Market, it was also during lunchtime and it was busy and we waited a while going through the queue.


One of the Halloween Time specials was the traditional shrimp po’boy.


There were also other special Halloween desserts that were available at the French Market.


DS got the Creamy Corn Chowder


DS got the Na Awlin’s Salad


Alison and DAF shared the French Quarter Chicken


PiO had the Jambalaya


Along with New Orleans Mint Julep


I had the Market French Dip


I was hungry just like everyone else that afternoon since DAF and I didn’t eat that morning. We cleaned out plates and from everyone else plates we all enjoyed our meals that afternoon.

[post=52549933]Continue to the Next Post[/post]​

 

[mvf-m11c]

[post=52549930]Last Installment on the Trip Report[/post]

Day 2 – October 15th, 2014 – Part 4

More rides at DL and now DCA​

After we finished our lunch at the French Market, we started to go on to our next ride that afternoon. We head on over to Frontierland to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Alison, DAF and I have rode the new version of BTMRR when it reopened in March. But it was PiO, DH and DS first time riding the new version.




We all rode BTMRR that afternoon where DAF and I were in the way back while everyone else was up front.


You can tell that PiO, Alison and DH were taking pictures on the ride as well as me.


Dynamite eating got during the second chain lift






After we rode BTMRR, it was time that we head on over and hop over to the other park that afternoon since we were at DL for most of the day. This time, we are heading on over to Disney California Adventure to go on a few rides that afternoon.

So we head on out of DL that afternoon and over to DCA.


That afternoon, we waited until Alison arrived so we can ride Radiator Springs Racers. This is the one ride that everyone wants to ride that afternoon.

The wait time was at 80 minutes. Just before we were about to enter the queue, the CM’s at the entrance told us that the line to go through RSR was going to be long since RSR was down for most of the other day. That was during MHP where we were at DL that night. So they gave out FP’s to the guests who were at DCA on Tuesday so it was going to be a long wait time to go through RSR. But we had no problem waiting a while in the queue to go on the ride that afternoon.




During our ride experience, I didn’t use my DSLR where everyone was using there. I used my GoPro with the pole to videotape us in the back. I should have asked PiO or Alison if they could hold it up but they were taking pictures so I just got DAF, DH and me in the back.

Our photo during our ride.


After getting off RSR, we ehad on over to our next ride that afternoon which was Toy Story Midway Mania. It is fun to ride TSMM every time I am at DCA and this was a nice opportunity to ride with everyone else.




Alison and PiO went together while DH and DS rode together. DAF and I rode together. During our ride and on the fourth scene which is the ring toss with the little green aliens, we were able to ring all the green aliens and open the secret target which the mouths open. Unfortunately, we didn’t score a lot during the ride in which I got 202,200 points while DAF got 97,200.


After we rode TSMM, we asked what we were planning on doing next and DS wanted to ride Grizzly River Run. So we head on over in that direction.

Just when we got up to GRR, DAF, Alison and I decided not to go on the ride. This is one of the few rides at the DLR that I will not go on. After getting a little wet on Splash Mountain earlier that day, I had to skip this time. Also, I lend my rain cover to PiO so she will be able to get some pictures on the ride. I did encourage her to use it while they were on the ride and you won’t get too many opportunities to take pictures on GRR.

While the three of us were waiting for PiO, DH and DS, I waited at a few spots around GRR to get a picture of them.


You can see from the picture that they were soaked.


When they got off PiO, DH and DS were all soaked and DS was happy that he was able to ride GRR that afternoon.

After GRR, we head on over to Condor Flats to ride Soarin over California. Since we were close in that area, it made sense to ride Soarin. Also this was great to be able to ride Soarin until it will be closed in January 2015 when Disney updates Soarin in time for Disneyland Resort 60th Anniversary. During this time of the day, DAF and I mostly go back to our hotel room to call it for the afternoon and come back to the DLR later that night. But since PiO, DH, DS and Alison were at the parks, we decided to stay with them for the whole entire day. We were tired that afternoon but it was well worth it.

Walking in the queue of Soarin. There is no photography or videotaping when riding Soarin.


It was nice to ride Soarin that afternoon of the original version until Disney updates it early next year.

That will be it for this post and stay tune what happened later that afternoon.

[post=52570270]Continue to the Next Post[/post]​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Nice pictures, Bret. I like the ones on Splash. Glad you decided to take your camera in on that ride.

Seems like you had a great time on this day.

 

[franandaj]

Boy did I get behind over here!

The pumpkin carvings are very nice. I seem to only get to see them in your TRs!

Great pictures on POTC and HM. I'm glad you got your gingerbread house.

Carthay Circle looks like a great place to dine and your food looks quite yummy!

Nice pictures from the train. I need to get on that. It has been forever since I've seen the Primeval world.

Sometime, I will have enough oomph to stay and see WoC again!

Nice picture of the band.

I'm glad you finally got on the Monorail!

I love the Aladdin show! Such a great production value. OK that's it for now. I will be back to catch up on the part of your TR with PIO!

 

[franandaj]

Mickey's Halloween Party looks like a blast!

You guys sure got a lot done before I joined you that day!

Nice pictures of everyone from GRR! That was when I was feeling queasy. Soarin was fun!

 

[tksbaskets]

Bret,
Looks like a great day. We haven't eaten at the Market in quite some time. Would you recommend the French dip?

We went on Splash in July and got DRENCHED. Looks like PiO was a tad wet too.

Pretty good score on TSMM Of course that is because I'm delighted when I get over 200,000.

TK

 

[PrincessInOz]

Bret,
Looks like a great day. We haven't eaten at the Market in quite some time. Would you recommend the French dip?

We went on Splash in July and got DRENCHED. Looks like PiO was a tad wet too.

Pretty good score on TSMM Of course that is because I'm delighted when I get over 200,000.

TK

I was DRENCHED!

 

[ACDSNY]

My DGS and I have been looking through your pictures and he's getting excited about his trip in a couple of weeks.

He loved the train and dinosaurs.

 

[tksbaskets]

I was DRENCHED!

I know the feeling. I got my family on Splash for the first time in July and I think they had to bail out the log after we got out. We were wet up to our ankles because we had taken on considerable water.

My DS still laughs about the owl (I think) talking to us about how excited we looked in 'this here PhO Toe'. We could literally wring our shirts out.

Zipitty do dah....

It was one of the highlights of our trip as a good story always is.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Nice pictures, Bret. I like the ones on Splash. Glad you decided to take your camera in on that ride.

Seems like you had a great time on this day.

Thank you PiO. The Splash picture was great and was glad to bring it on the ride since I used the rain cover to protect my DSLR.

It was a great day where we got to do a lot of different activities at the DLR.

Boy did I get behind over here!

The pumpkin carvings are very nice. I seem to only get to see them in your TRs!

Great pictures on POTC and HM. I'm glad you got your gingerbread house.

Carthay Circle looks like a great place to dine and your food looks quite yummy!

Nice pictures from the train. I need to get on that. It has been forever since I've seen the Primeval world.

Sometime, I will have enough oomph to stay and see WoC again!

Nice picture of the band.

I'm glad you finally got on the Monorail!

I love the Aladdin show! Such a great production value. OK that's it for now. I will be back to catch up on the part of your TR with PIO!

One day you should stop at the Festival Arena during the Halloween season or Christmas season since they do interesting activities.

The pictures from PotC and HMH were not that bad with the Sigma lens but I only got the good ones where there are some that weren’t that good.

The Carthay Circle Restaurant is a very nice place to dine. When was the last time you ate at that restaurant? I know that you have ate at the Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55 but I don’t think I have ever read on one of your trip reports that you ate at the CCR unless I miss a quick one.

I always enjoy riding the DLRR every time I am at DL. This is one of the two rides that I must go on every time I come to DL. The Grand Canyon and Primeval World never gets old when riding the DLRR.

We were able to ride the DL Monorail during the September trip and the October trip which I haven’t posted yet since we weren’t able to ride it the first two days of the October trip.

The Aladdin show is great and never gets old.

Mickey's Halloween Party looks like a blast!

You guys sure got a lot done before I joined you that day!

Nice pictures of everyone from GRR! That was when I was feeling queasy. Soarin was fun!

MHP at DL is very nice. I try to compare both parties of MHP at DL and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the MK and see which is better. Since I have experience both parties, I would say my favorite is MHP over MNSSHP. The treat stations at DL were not that long when compare to MK where it took a while and since the MK is twice the size of DL, it does take a while to get from one location to another. I don’t know if MNSSHP does a pre-party like MHP at DL where we were able to enjoy getting candy and meeting characters at the Halloween Carnival and Mickey’s Toontown.

We were able to do a lot that morning until you arrived that afternoon.

Thank you. It was a good thing that we decided to take a break while PiO, DH and DS were on GRR.

Bret,
Looks like a great day. We haven't eaten at the Market in quite some time. Would you recommend the French dip?

We went on Splash in July and got DRENCHED. Looks like PiO was a tad wet too.

Pretty good score on TSMM Of course that is because I'm delighted when I get over 200,000.

TK

We had a great time at DL during that whole day. I would recommend the Market French Dip since it was good along with the chips. PiO enjoyed the Jambalaya which is another good option.

PiO did got drenched when they met back up with us.

The score on TSMM was okay.

My DGS and I have been looking through your pictures and he's getting excited about his trip in a couple of weeks.

He loved the train and dinosaurs.

Nice to see you here Angela. Glad that you and DGS are enjoying my pictures since you are a couple of weeks away till your trip. It would have been nice if our trips cross paths which each other but I know that you will have a great time.

Looks like I know what ride he will want to do.


The next update will be up shortly.

 

[mvf-m11c]

[post=52549933]Last Installment on the Trip Report[/post]

Day 2 – October 15th, 2014 – Part 5

Nighttime Photography and late Night Snack​

After we rode Soarin that afternoon, we head on back over to Disneyland that day just to relax until Alison had to leave that night. She wasn’t able to be with us all day today since she has some other things to do that night. So we were able to get out picture together until she went back home.


After our little relaxation time at DL, Alison parted ways and we continued our night at the DLR.

Before we head on over to DCA that night, we had to get my favorite treat at DL which is the Dole Whip. We actually got four Dole Whip floats that night. I shared with DAF while PiO, DH and DS each got one.


I always enjoy having a Dole Whip every time I am at the DLR. Everyone else enjoyed the Dole Whip that night as well.

We head on out of DL and back on over to DCA that night and there were people waiting to see Mickey’s Soundsational Parade that night.


Just a while ago we were in DCA and now we are back there during the nighttime and it is nice seeing all the buildings light up at night.


We all head on over to DCA to get some nighttime pictures where we brought our tripods to get long exposure shots that night.




Seeing Radiator Springs Racers at night is always fun and great to get photos.




After getting some pictures around Cars Land, we head on over to Paradise Pier viewing area to see the 8:15pm World of Color show. Since the park closes at 9pm that night, we were able to see the show. Last time when I went to the DLR in September when the park closes at 8pm, WoC played at 8:15pm just like the last time. But since this day was inside the park hours, we can still go on rides that night but we decided to see WoC.


We watched the show from a different spot than our normal spot for WoC which was close to the middle of the viewing area. It is always nice to try different spots to see the show where DAF and I are usually right next to the green fire hydrant in the blue section.

World of Color that night. I know that PiO and DH took a lot of photos while I didn’t take as many photos like I usually do.




















After the show was over and it was almost at 9pm which the park closes, so we decided to leave that night. We didn’t eat dinner that night since we were full from lunch at the French Market. So we had to find someplace at night to have a late dinner which I normally don’t do. We looked on our phones to see what place is still open that night which is not a sit down restaurant like Denny’s, Tony Roma’s, etc. There was one place that I almost ate at one night but decided not to eat. The place was called Pizza Press which was on Harbor Blvd and close to our hotel that my DAF and I was staying. It was open that late at night so we decided to head over there to have late night pizza.

When we got on over to Pizza Press, there were a lot of other people at the restaurant that night having a late night dinner or snack. It was a good choice to have dinner at Pizza Press that night. It did took a while to get our food since there were a lot of people in the queue.

We all had pizzas while DH got a salad.


We got one “The Tribune”.


And two “The Press” Cheese


They were really good and for $8 & $10 is a fair price. This will be a nice place to get a late night snack or dinner after a long day at the parks.

When we finished, DAF and I went back to Best Western Anaheim Inn while PiO, DH and DS went back to Candy Cane Inn. They weren’t staying at CCI that night since they only stayed just for that one night. They were heading on over to Alison Casa Nueva that night. It was nice of CCI to let them leave their car at the hotel until they pick it up that night.

We parted ways when we were right by BWAI and we will be able to see them again the next day. We parted ways and DAF and I got back to our rooms late that night. And we called it for the night.

It was another great day with PiO, DH and DS along with Alison later that afternoon where we were able to go on a lot of different rides and World of Color that day. It was also great to eat at the French Market and Pizza Press later that night.

This concludes Wednesday during the trip and stay tune for the least part of the trip which is on Thursday.

[post=52597999]Continue to the Next Post[/post]​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Lovely pictures, Bret.

I can still taste those pizzas! They were pretty good, weren't they?
You probably weren't aware of what we did on the night but we got the $28 pizza deal. For that price, we got two pizzas, a salad (the one that DH ate) and two sodas (one for you; and one for me/DS). I think we probably saved about $3 - $4 compared to buying the items individually. I thought I'd mention it in case anyone else reading was thinking of heading across to the Pizza Press as well. It'll be a few weeks or so before I get up to this point in my TR.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Bret,
Your night pictures were wonderful! (Your day ones always are) Especially at RSR.

Is the pizza place anywhere close to where we are staying? We are at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Anaheim Inn in December.

Thanks for sharing your adventures!
TK

 

[mvf-m11c]

Lovely pictures, Bret.

I can still taste those pizzas! They were pretty good, weren't they?
You probably weren't aware of what we did on the night but we got the $28 pizza deal. For that price, we got two pizzas, a salad (the one that DH ate) and two sodas (one for you; and one for me/DS). I think we probably saved about $3 - $4 compared to buying the items individually. I thought I'd mention it in case anyone else reading was thinking of heading across to the Pizza Press as well. It'll be a few weeks or so before I get up to this point in my TR.

Thanks PiO.

The pizzas at Pizza Press was very good. I was unaware of what we had paid that night for the food. That was great that DH was able to save some money that night. I don't think I ever asked you or DH about the price. you might have told DAF about it since you, DS and I were at the table while we were waiting for DH and DAF. I will look forward to your tales and pics of our days at the parks.

Hi Bret,
Your night pictures were wonderful! (Your day ones always are) Especially at RSR.

Is the pizza place anywhere close to where we are staying? We are at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Anaheim Inn in December.

Thanks for sharing your adventures!
TK

Hi TK,

PiO, DH and I brought out our tripods and took long exposure shots around Cars Land that night.

The restaurant is called "Pizza Press" and it is close to where DAF and I were staying at BWAI. It is right next to the Carousel Inn and Suites Hotel and by the Tropicana Hotel. It is on Harbor Blvd which is a few building down from Best Western Park Place Inn up north. This is a great place to get a late snack after a long day at the parks. We thought about eating somewhere after the park closes at 9pm but most of the restaurants were closed at that time so this one was a nice place to have a late dinner or snack.

Thank you TK for following along on my trip reports.


The next one will be up shortly.

 

[mvf-m11c]

[post=52570270]Last Installment on the Trip Report[/post]

Day 3 – October 16th, 2014 – Part 1

Last Second Stop at DL & Casa Nueva​

Now the next day which is always the saddest part of the trip which is the last day. But it is also a day that we are looking forward to since we will be going to Casa Nueva and see PiO and Alison that afternoon and have lunch with them. This was very nice of Alison and PiO to let us stop by on the way before we head on home to Sacramento that Thursday afternoon. But first we had something to do at the DLR before we head on over to Casa Nueva.

We got up around 7am that morning and started to pack all of our bags in the car since we plan on going to the DLR to do some last minute rides and shopping that we have missed on the first two days of the trip. We also had breakfast at BWAI upstairs that morning around 8am.

Just when we finished breakfast, we loaded the last of our bags from our room and were in the car. Now we got our bags and it was time to make a quick stop at the DLR until we left that afternoon.

The park opened at 9am which was nice that it opened earlier instead of later that morning.

When we walked from BWAI to the DLR, we head on over to DL since we had to do some last minute stuff. Luckily it wasn’t that bad that morning to enter DL so this was going to be a very nice morning.


The park was a little busy around Main Street where the guests were getting pictures with the characters and the giant Mickey pumpkin at Town Square. But we head on in the park that morning.


When we were in DL, we head on over to Tomorrowland first and head on in the Star Trader store. On Wednesday night when DAF and I had dinner with PiO, DH and DS, DH told if we could get the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy robe. That is one of the reasons why we went to the park that morning so we could get that robe for DH. Since I had an AP, we were able to save some money on the robe.

After buying the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy Robe for DH, since we were in TL, I had to go on my favorite ride at DL which is the Disneyland Monorail. It was also the first time riding the Monorail with the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage lagoon all filled up after it’s long refurbishment. We weren’t able to ride the Monorail during the first two days and glad that we were in the park that morning to get the robe for DH. So we were off riding the Monorail.




We decided to wait for the next Monorail so we could ride up front. I always enjoy riding up front on the DL Monorail including the back. But lately, the DLR stop letting the guests ride the back. Recently on this trip, we did see some guests riding the back on the Monorails and it was nice to be able to see the guests riding in the back.

Monorail Mark VII Orange approached the TL Monorail station and we got to ride up front during our round trip.






Just about to enter the GCH.

Entering TL and passing over the FNSV lagoon which is nice to see it up and running.








After riding the DL Monorail roundtrip around the DLR, we had to go on one more ride that day at DL until we head on out of Anaheim and on over to Casa Nueva. Since we wer ein TL, we head on over to the TL Railroad station to ride the Disneyland Railroad. I do enjoy riding the DLRR at DL and this was another ride that we didn’t do during the trip which is something we do all the time.

The E.P. Ripley Engine #2 with Holiday 2 car set pulling in the station.


As always when you ride the DLRR and passing by the TL station, you enter the Grand Canyon.


And Primeval World






We got to Main Street Railroad station and this is where we departed from the train since we are now about to leave DL and head on over back to the room so we can leave that morning.

After leaving DL, we head on back to BWAI to check-out of the hotel and on our journey to Casa Nueva.

It didn’t took us too long to get to Alison Casa Nueva. We got there a little early since they went grocery shopping for the ingredients for lunch. When they got back, PiO started cooking in the kitchen.


The first dish is char kaoy teow which was my favorite dish during lunch.


The second dish is tom yum noodles.


All the food that PiO made that afternoon was great and we were both full. We were at Casa Nueva for a while until it was time for DAF and I to head on home to Sacramento and back to the real world.

We left around 2pm and a 7 hour drive back up north to Sacramento. Mostly when I am with DAF, we stop at Little Tokyo in Los Angeles on the way back home to Sacramento. But since we stopped at Casa Nueva, we didn’t have time to make a stop so we just head straight on back.

On the way back, we stopped at my grandmother’s house in Livingston to see how she was doing.

It was around 10pm that night when we got back to Sacramento. This concludes our Halloween Party & Two DISMeets in October.

This was a great trip for the both of us since we were able to see PiO, DH, DS, & Alison. It was a last minute trip in which PiO and her family were in SoCal during a family wedding. We were able to do quite a lot of different activities at the DLR and at Casa Nueva that morning to afternoon. Instead of going on a lot of rides, both DAF and I had a great time to hang out with them and talk about each other. We were able to go to Mickey’s Halloween Party on our first day and from what I have experienced from the 2010 MHP, it is way more organized where 2010 was a little disorganized. It was nice that they had the pre-party at Mickey’s Toontown and the Halloween Carnival which saves us time at the treat stations before the party.

It was also nice to try out the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens during the trip. There were some times when I was using the lens that it wasn’t focusing correctly just like when I used this lens during the September trip when I rented it. I thought that it was the rented lens but there were sometimes when this lens didn’t focus correctly and out of focus. I will try it again during my upcoming trip next week to see if it is worth keeping.

This concludes the October trip and stay tune for my upcoming trip which is about less than 5 days away till the holiday season at the DLR. This is our (DAF) annual trip to the holiday season at the DLR which we always come all the time when the DLR is all decorated for the Christmas season. This will be our fourth year in a row to enjoy the holiday season in November. I will try to posts pictures from the trip and get as many pictures as I can during the trip.

 

[tksbaskets]

Safe travels Bret!

 

[ACDSNY]

Looks like you had a great time with Alison and PIO. Have a safe trip down this weekend.

 

[franandaj]

Yay! I'm caught up again! I'll be home late tomorrow night and then we'll say hello again later this week! Good times!