Senorita Gimpy and Crew Take on Disneyland

[travelmel]

wonderful pictures, AGAIN!

I love the pic of your friend being hugged by Brer Bear... SO cute

 

[ReAnSt]

wonderful pictures, AGAIN!

I love the pic of your friend being hugged by Brer Bear... SO cute

She is actually my second cousin, I think. If I figured correctly as she is my Dad's Cousin's daughter.

Thanks!

 

[ReAnSt]

Saturday, August 16th

So today we slept in as we were going to Disney's California Adventure and it only opened at 10am. We got up and grabbed breakfast at the hotel.

The patio to eat breakfast on at Park Vue Inn. You can see fireworks from here, or so I am told.

A Little visitor

Then we headed to California Adventure. We missed park opening by a few minutes. First we headed to Soarin' to pick up fast passes. Well the Machine was messed up and we did not get a fast pass. We used another machine and could get one pass. There was no cast member nearby, we went and hunted one down, they helped us out.

We headed to Toy Story Mania, as we knew lines would get longer during the day.

At Toy Story Mania we had to wait in the normal line for wheelchair access. I think we waited about an hour.

Some of the game ads

Having a bit of trouble with the 3-d glasses

Since wheelchair loaders go in the regular line, they are given the option of getting on a car at the regular loading dock. It is right there, to get to the wheelchair loading area you go by the regular area. The issue is not loading, it is getting back out of the attraction, as there are 18 steps to exit. They ask if you can handle the steps. We opted to not take the steps. I probably could have handled them though. We ended up waiting longer since we did not get on at the regular section. They have a section that pulls out and the track switches to put the wheelchair accessible car on the ride track.

This car also had a button in addition to the normal pull string trigger

Notice I have no button on top

I enjoyed this ride. I am sure it is the very similar to the one at WDW. You wear 3-d glasses and move around a track stop at screens and play games, shooting objects at different things.

 

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After Toy Story Mania we headed to California Screamin'. I am a roller coaster lover. However I was leery of this ride with my foot after my experience with the Matterhorn. I think we got in the normal line and then got pulled aside at some point. As I know we boarded from the opposite side of the track. There may have been an elevator as well but I can not recall.

My fears were totally unfounded, it did not jerk around at all. Going upside down did not bother my foot either. I loved it.

From here we headed back to Soarin' as we knew we would soon be getting a call from our parents telling us that they were near our hotel. We told them that we would meet them at the hotel.

We made it to Soarin' and got in the fast pass line. We got on the ride, we were not on long and the phone rang. We called our parents back and told them that we were on our way.

They unloaded their stuff, we took a break. Then we headed to Disneyland. We decided they would accomplish more there then at DCA. I definitely want to return to DCA as there are some things I definitely still wanted to do.

 

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Once in the park we headed to Adventureland and hit the Jungle Cruise. Today we entered through the exit.

The bamboo is huge

After this we were going to head to Indiana Jones. My Dad was hungry so we went to find food. This was easier said then done. He was on a restricted diet and we really did not know what was where. So we walked and walked some more. This really did him in. Between the heat, it was not really hot but he had been inside for several days, plus not walking around much. It was more then he should have done.

We ended up finding food. My Mom waited in line here and Stephen went over to Rancho de Zocalo. He ended up coming back with food faster then she got food at the place my Dad and I sat down.

My food it was yummy. It was the chicken tacos

My Dad on the other hand ate a few bites and was done. He was not feeling better. He ended up walking back to the hotel and heading to bed. Now I had thought when he got there that was what he was going to do, but he did not.

The rest of us rode Indiana Jones. Then Pirates.

 

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Then to Haunted Mansion, the moving angled walkway was still broken.

We headed to Tomorrowland

We rode Buzz Lightyear again. Then the Monorail

 

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The we rode Finding Nemo Subs

Spiral Staircase

Don't shake the bag

Mine Mine

Then we got on the train and took it to Toon town

Minnie's House

Toon Town at DL has everything from a bank, to city hall, to food places in cartoon style it is way more detailed then at WDW.

We got a snack and checked out the shop.

We rode Roger Rabbit's Cartoon spin

 

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More Toon Town

Hello is anyone there??

The we headed back to Fantasyland

We got dinner at Pinocchio Village Haus

We called our Dad he was still sleeping and had no clue what time it was. We asked him if he was coming to the park he said no. So we told him to get food to eat. There was some in the room or he could go to a nearby restaurant.

Hamburger

Pizza

 

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Wishing Well

Buzz Lightyear- I do not think we had rode it earlier as we only rode it once this day

We staked out our spot in front of the castle, for Remember Dreams come true. We went further right. Since I had more people to surround me I did not get knocked around as much, but people were still walking through.

After the fireworks we joined the crowd to Fantasmic. We got in the handicap section again, there were more people and it took longer since we were over further.

Waiting for the show

The show was once again really good

We headed back to the hotel. Dad was still sleeping. To his knowledge he had not eaten anything. We made sure he ate some food. We all headed to bed.

Tomorrow is cruise day.

 

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Sunday, August 17th

So today was embarkation day. I got up uber excited. We needed to be at the bus pick up location at 8:30am. Then Dad started talking about how he was still not feeling well and was not going. We tried to tell him he could get on the ship and sleep for the first few days till he felt better. It did not work. He was not going which meant my Mom was not going either. As she would not leave him. She tried to convince Stephen and I to not go either. We decided we were going anyways.

So we frantically threw our stuff that we needed for the cruise in our suitcases. Then we tried to find airfare for our parents, as once we left they would have no computer. My Dad wanted to leave this day. Well the only flight had a layover and it would have taken about 18-20 hours to get home.

I do not think so. I was not sending him through that many hours of travel when he did not feel well.

So we knew they would need someplace to stay overnight, so we checked with the hotel. They had a room, it was a different room but they had space. We found them a flight Monday morning. They would need to leave for the airport around 4am. We needed to find them transportation to the airport. We found the shuttle that would take them to the airport and it ran early enough.

So we booked the airfare. We booked the hotel and arranged the shuttle. It was now about 8:20am. 10 minutes to bus time. We ran and grabbed breakfast. Then we grabbed all of our bags, our Mom helped us to the bus stop. The bus had not arrived yet. We had arranged with a group of DISers bus transportation to the port. The group had booked 4 buses.

This was all of our luggage plus one 21 inch upright rolling suitcase. We did laundry once. Sunday, August 17th

So today was embarkation day. I got up uber excited. We needed to be at the bus pick up location at 8:30am. Then Dad started talking about how he was still not feeling well and was not going. We tried to tell him he could get on the ship and sleep for the first few days till he felt better. It did not work. He was not going which meant my Mom was not going either. As she would not leave him. She tried to convince Stephen and I to not go either. We decided we were going anyways.

So we frantically threw our stuff that we needed for the cruise in our suitcases. Then we tried to find airfare for our parents, as once we left they would have no computer. My Dad wanted to leave this day. Well the only flight had a layover and it would have taken about 18-20 hours to get home.

I do not think so. I was not sending him through that many hours of travel when he did not feel well.

So we knew they would need someplace to stay overnight, so we checked with the hotel. They had a room, it was a different room but they had space. We found them a flight Monday morning. They would need to leave for the airport around 4am. We needed to find them transportation to the airport. We found the shuttle that would take them to the airport and it ran early enough.

So we booked the airfare. We booked the hotel and arranged the shuttle. It was now about 8:20am. 10 minutes to bus time. We ran and grabbed breakfast. Then we grabbed all of our bags, our Mom helped us to the bus stop. The bus had not arrived yet. We had arranged with a group of DISers bus transportation to the port. The group had booked 4 buses.

This was all of our luggage plus one 21 inch upright rolling suitcase. We did laundry once. We refused to pay all the crazy fees for lots of luggage.

We told our Mom she could go to Downtown Disney and told her food places nearby so they could eat. She gets stressed in situations that are unknown. We told her she could call us until about 6pm. After that they could email us. She needed to pack everything up so they could move rooms.

They hotel allowed them to stay in their room after check out, until their new room was ready. They also helped them with lots of questions and information. To ensure they got what they needed as they knew Dad was not feeling well.

We saw a bus stop in front of Park Vue Inn. So Stephen ran over to see if it was one of our busses. It was the bus for the 4 of us. Although it was only 2 of us. The rest of the people at the stop were getting on a different bus. It just happened this way due to numbers. Let's just say I do not know if all of our luggage plus the 4 of us would have fit. Good thing that they did not plan on filling the busses with more people.

We told our Mom she could go to Downtown Disney and told her food places nearby so they could eat. She gets stressed in situations that are unknown. We told her she could call us until about 6pm. After that they could email us. She needed to pack everything up so they could move rooms.

They hotel allowed them to stay in their room after check out, until their new room was ready. They also helped them with lots of questions and information. To ensure they got what they needed as they knew Dad was not feeling well.

We saw a bus stop in front of Park Vue Inn. So Stephen ran over to see if it was one of our busses. It was the bus for the 4 of us. Although it was only 2 of us. The rest of the people at the stop were getting on a different bus. It just happened this way due to numbers. Let's just say I do not know if all of our luggage plus the 4 of us would have fit. Good thing that they did not plan on filling the busses with more people.

 

[travelmel]

Great pictures... AWESOME composition! I especially loved the chandallier in the restaraunt and your fantastic catch of the monorail/sub/matterhorn! Good job!

Wow, your dad sounds really sick. I'm sorry to hear he could not get through it and make it to the cruise Was it anything serious?

 

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So we are on the bus. First we are supposed to make a grocery store run. We drive around and do not find the store, turn around and drive some more. Turns out we had the wrong address. We had 915 and the address was 9150. Or a similar number. The address had us way far away from where we were supposed to be. We ended up finding the store. After a quick stop, we hit the road again to the port. After about 45 minutes we arrive. I think it was about 10:15am.

Now I was not smart enough to keep a camera out with me on the bus. I should have known better. So my pictures start again once we are at the port.

We later find out that we were one of the first busses to arrive. Some of the others did not stop at a store. Or their was confusion about if the bus was for them. Even the others that were left at the stop we got on at. Got there awhile after we did.

So we unloaded the bus. Told the porters to take our bags and then headed inside.

A touch of Disney decoration

We rode the elevator upstairs with a port employee as our escort.

We got in line to check in at the Port

Before long we were checked in. They forgot to give us our Castaway Club lanyards, so Stephen ran back for some.

We were number 13, I was hoping that it was not bad like as so many are superstitious of the number. I am not. Although I could not believe how high the number was. It appeared that as we waited they were putting smaller amounts of people in each group then at Port Canaveral

The port at Los Angeles was divided into two sections, you had to go into the second section to board the ship. But people could sit over on the 2nd side. We tried to get over to the other side. But it was full, so we had to sit on side the elevator and escalators unload to. So we sat on that side for a period of time.

We found out that some bags were just left on the curb, from our bus if a porter was not told to claim them. Although everyone did get their bags.

Eventually we moved to the other side of the building. They had a few activities going on this side. There was a band, kids activities, and characters.

We got in line for Mickey as the line was short. I am not one to spend time in character lines. But while waiting in the port I have nothing else really to do.

At this port you board on deck 4

Before long we were on the ship and they announced our names. We were finally on the Magic despite all the craziness. It was odd getting on the 4th deck instead of the third.

 

[ReAnSt]

Great pictures... AWESOME composition! I especially loved the chandallier in the restaraunt and your fantastic catch of the monorail/sub/matterhorn! Good job!

Wow, your dad sounds really sick. I'm sorry to hear he could not get through it and make it to the cruise Was it anything serious?

He had Diverticulitis. It is when small pouches develop in the intestine and they end up infected. It can cause bleeding, severe pain, chills, and also blockage in the intestine that can require surgery.

He was in lots of pain and pretty miserable. He just decided did not want to be out in the ocean and have something happen, like getting worse.

He is fine now.

 

[travelmel]

Glad to hear he's ok. BUmmer to miss the cruise though

My first cruise pics! Thanks for sharing... keep 'em comin!

 

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So we headed to get food. We wanted to go to Parrot Cay as it would be much easier for me to handle since we can put bags down and then go to the buffet and get food. Much easier with a wheelchair or crutches. However it was full and would be a wait so we headed up to Beach Blanket Buffet. A nice cast member helped us with our trays to a table.

It was pretty empty when we got there

After lunch we wandered around the ship for awhile. Taking in the sites of the Port of Los Angeles.

Beverage Package Anyone???

Before long it was time to head to our room

Castaway Club Gift

 

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We then headed up to deck 10 for a Disboard meet. It ended up that this was one of the few things we ended up doing with the Pirates as the disboarders nicknamed themselves. There was a small turnout, considering there were actually over 500 members and associated people on this cruise. Although most things that happened on the ship, Disboarders were definitely involved. We were from all over the world including the UK, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, etc just to name a few places.

Helicopters like this kept flying overhead, as their tours left not too far from the port

Pirate wristbands, waiting to be picked up. Thank you Tina

Before long it was time for Orange people to take over the ship. AKA lifeboat drills. So we headed back to our room and grabbed our lifevests.

Don't we look so thrilled

We were in the WD Theater which is a first for us, normally we end up outside

We got to ride up in the elevator and then stay in the back of the theater

The drill was soon over, we went back to the room. Ditched the vests and headed to deck 10 for the Sail away party. We wanted to get there so that I would have a spot to see from, although we later found out they have a wheelchair viewing area on deck 9.

 

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Port of Los Angeles is definitely a shipping port

They gave us these fun spinners for sail away, they said Panama Canal on the and August 17, 2008, our sailaway day.

Even the Goodyear blimp was out flying around

Kids club staff

Bobby Bananna

Blimp overhead

On the Dumbotron,

 

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The Leonard Brothers; these guys were awesome, they helped make my cruise great and I really hope that DCL brings them back for awhile. They used to play at the Rock and Roll club at Pleasure Island. I think I saw them perform there at least once.

We headed away from the sail away party to watch ourselves leave, although it was awhile before we actually left

The tall ships festival was this weekend in the Port, so some cool ships were around

Where we are heading

Their life boat drill went on forever, they are finally leaving so hopefully we can leave after the do

buh bye Port of Los Angeles- It was fun and I hope to return to CA some time

Sailing away

Coast Guard

 

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I was hoping that the fire boat would be out and would squirt water in the air before we left, like I saw in videos of the Magic leaving this port previously, alas it was not.

More tall ships

This restaurant, used their PA system to give the Disney Magic a send off and wish it well on its journey and hoped it returns soon.

Heliopad the helicopters that were flying overhead kept leaving from

Pelican

They had a banner wishing the Magic a good trip, I could not see good enough through the camera to take a full picture though

We saw some sea turtles, dolphins and seal lions heading out to sea, but I did not get any pics.

 

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We eventually headed to our room. Our luggage had arrived so we started to unpack. We discovered two stowaways in our luggage.

We headed to the show. It was All Aboard. We met Ponz and he took us through Sessions to the lower level, so we could sit closer to the stage, and so I did not have to go down a bunch of steps. He was a great Cast member and tons of fun. More about him later.

Jeremy- this CM was on the initial Magic sailing

Christiaan our Cruise director, he is lots of fun, his wife is expecting a baby in January.

Cap't Tom

I like this Lilo painting

We stopped in Shutters to find ourselves, even though we did not buy any pictures there the entire cruise

We headed outside on deck 4, it was a bit chilly we had been warned that the Mexican Riveria cruises are not always warm.

We headed inside and checked out the Panama Canal merchandise