stopher1
DIS Legend
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- Feb 26, 2008
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stopher1's SOLO Trip - Part 1 of 2
I have been enjoying trips to DL and WDW on a solo basis – in conjunction with work trips, for many years, but I have never written a trip report – so bear with me as I share some experiences from last week… JUST A WARNING THOUGH>>> It's LONG. I've chronicled a lot of what I experienced, and then put together a photo log as well. THIS POST IS DAY 2 OF MY TRIP... the first day is found via the link above.
Day 2 Photos - DCA & DL
Monday, May 19
I awoke early, yet again, and got up to get ready for my day. It was a hazy morning – almost like the mornings of June when the typical June Gloom rolls in. I could not see the water as I looked out the condo windows, until I picked up the binoculars that are kept there to watch the surfers, dolphins and boats close up. San Clemente is normally a very beautiful area – but like so many other vistas covered in haze – it was just boring and dull that morning. Good thing, since I wanted to get on the road to get back to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Being in the southernmost city of Orange County on a Monday morning, and knowing that the 5 would be crazy, I decided to wait a little bit before departing. I’d rather sit there in the condo than on the 5 in traffic. Morning commuting in Southern California is no fun. The parks opened at 9 and 10 respectively – so it was at that time that I decided DCA would be first up for me. I’d leave San Clemente around 8:30, and be in the parking garage by 9:30-9:45, and stepping through the turnstiles of DCA right at or just after opening. I walked through the gates at exactly 10:02…it could have been sooner though, if only they would have a GUESTS WITHOUT BAGS line at the security tent!! Today I was parked on level 2 of the parking garage – Daisy, and low and behold, I was again in section F – but this time it was row 3 instead of row 2 – so I had the long walk over to the escalator, yet again.
Most of the turnstiles had a line 5 or 6 people deep, but that’s just because most people stop at the first one they see… I walked over closer to the C and A letters, and there were 2 gates with no one in line… so that’s where I went in. After entering the park, I had my picture taken by a PhotoPass lady with the mini-Golden Gate monorail bridge in the background, and was off to get on Soarin’ Over California. I was amazed to see as many bodies in the park that day as I did. It wasn’t spring break, and schools in the area weren’t out for summer yet – so I was a bit surprised – but I figured it was still early in DCA, and of course Soarin’ is the most popular attraction there… so I’d wait to see how it really was later on in the day. I jumped into the Single Rider line, and was in my seat in less than 5 minutes. Hurray. I truly love Soarin’ – and was so happy when they opened it at Epcot as well ( I just wish they’d have a Single Rider line there, too, but alas, no – they don’t!).
After Soarin’, I turned right and headed up into the “sierra” to get on the raft ride – I never can remember the name they’ve given it – but it doesn’t really matter. I know the acronym is GRR, and that’s good enough for me. It’s so much like Kali River Rapids or KRR – but this one is decidedly better. Both have minimalistic thematic elements – but both are just plain good fun. I always get soaked on it – and this time was no different. I always chuckle at fellow riders who somehow are “surprised” when they get wet…hello, it’s a river rapids ride – you’re supposed to get wet! There’s a reason there are signs posted throughout the queue telling you you’re going to get wet!
Next I left the mountain regions of this sanitized version of my native state, and headed off to the old time pier tribute section – Paradise Pier. California Screamin’ and checking out the new Toy Story Midway Mania were on my agenda. The line for CS was less than 10 minutes (though too bad I didn’t realize there was in fact a Single Rider line until I was ready to board the train – oh well). That’s just a fun ride. Nothing too exhilarating, but good old fashioned roller coaster fun. I never really have examined it very closely, but I think they did a really good job making a steel coaster appear to be wooden. I know it’s had a fair share of online critics through the past 7 years, but I think Disney did pretty well with this one. AND – I think they’ve done an incredible job of building the TSMM ride and queue in, around, under and behind the CS track! I have watched this one online for so long now (TSMM) – it was exciting to finally be able to see it up close and in person. It’s supposed to open June 17, I believe – so that’s cool since it will definitely be open when we’re there for our family trip in July. (We got our DL Hotel ressie made last week for those nights, so now we’re all set – yay!) DLR resort in July, will, of course, be very crowded and HOT – but we’re all excited to check it out in person. We saw the Mr. Potato Head figure on YouTube a few weeks back, and that looks pretty darn cool. We’re excited too that it’s opening at WDW – so we’ll get to experience it again in just a few months when we head south in October. I enjoyed being able to see the new Midway Mercantile, and the extreme level of theming to the structure – it really looked like it belonged on Main Street – such a difference from the “on the cheap” version that was originally built to be Paradise Pier.
Upon finishing my exploration of the new TSMM area, I was off to board the Sun Wheel, since I wanted to get a bird’s eye view of the new DVC villas being added to the Grand Californian Hotel. This is one resort that we are anxious to add to our DVC membership. Having a home resort advantage on both coasts is important to us, and so we’re really excited that construction is moving along. When I was at DL in March, I climbed the exterior exit stairs at the GC, and got a great close-up view – but this time I wanted to get a larger, higher-up perspective of it. It was awesome to see that an entire level had been added in just about 8 weeks time. Now I’m anxious to see it again in July to see what’s different yet again.
I decided this time I didn’t want to even enter the Backlot Studios section – so no riding Tower of Terror, Monsters Inc, or seeing the Muppets in 3D – but that’s okay, after all, we’ll be back in just a few weeks! So after departing the Sun Wheel, I continued on around the lagoon, passing the Orange Stinger (man that thing is ugly), the lovely jacaranda trees by Pizza Oom Mow Mow, and then on around back to the front of the lagoon. I stopped by the bridge back over to the pier area, and was just so enraptured by a small little landscaping area full of beautiful poppies. I have always loved CA’s state flower, and was just taken back by such a beautiful little patch, and then I turned around and saw the Palace of Fine Arts recreation through them – it was beautiful. I knew I’d be turning back through the San Francisco section, with the decision to cut through the Grand Californian for lunch in Downtown Disney. It was then that I started to really focus in on some of the details within the park. It’s been 7 years since DCA opened, and though it’s had a lot of bad press through those years, and Disney is pumping a LOT of money into it now to try and “fix” a lot of the mistakes made when they first built the place – some of it has truly gotten so much better through those few years – but I’m not talking about rides, attractions or anything like that – specifically I was looking at the landscaping. The Grizzly Peak area of the park really received the majority of the landscaping originally – and it has really gotten lush in those few years. I was really enjoying how lush the trees have gotten, and how beautiful it is when walk down and around the GRR ride. I remembered how back in that first fall, many times my son and I would head over to the park for the afternoon/evening – and would station ourselves out on the platform around the base of that last drop and revel in seeing so many people get soaked – and how much they would get soaked! It was such a blast. I continued around to that same platform, wanting to see some more people get wet before leaving DCA…but sadly the rafts were empty. Something had happened, and they were simply cycling empty rafts through. Three, four, five rafts went by with no people – then as I passed the queue entrance and no line – sure enough, a problem. I was very glad I’d been able to get on it earlier. With that, I left the park through the special GCH entrance.
I meandered through the hotel grounds and lobby, and then out into Downtown Disney. I was headed for Rainforest Café for lunch. Someday it would be nice if Landry’s would open a RC in Indy – but until then, I’ll enjoy it each time I get to Disney. Once again my lunch was yummy – and I always love that “rain storm”.
I decided I’d hop on the monorail in DTD – but sadly when I got to the gate, the CM told me it was not operational right then and I’d have to walk. Oh well – back through the security tent and having to get in line again behind the strollers and people with their backpacks needing to be checked…they REALLY need a line for guests with NO BAGS (broken record? Yes…but it’s true! WDW has such an edge on DL in this area).
Oh how I love Disneyland. Going through those turnstiles is always such a great feeling. I was not accosted today by one of those pesky survey takers, so that was a nice relief. Back through the tunnels and into the park I went – this time through the right hand tunnel, coming out next to the Opera House. I didn’t really dawdle on Main Street this time, but did enjoy looking at a few of the tribute windows again. At the hub I turned right and headed straight into Tomorowland. My goal was to see if Monorail Red would be out and about for testing today – and I was happy to see it sitting in the station upon my arrival into the heart of the land. Wow, what a beautiful, sleek, retro-looking train. So many car ads claim that cars can be sexy – well I say that this train is sleek and sexy. How neat it will be when the entire new fleet will be operational! The CM at this station told me that the monorail would be up and running soon, since they had just pulled RED out of the roundhouse and were about to start circulating both the passenger-friendly existing train and the passenger-excluded red train.
I wanted to see if I could get a better shot of the train in motion when it left the station, so I took the opportunity to climb the ramp of the Innoventions building ( I sure do wish it were still America Sings or Carousel of Progress…but I digress). A moment or two after getting to the top, Monorail Red took off on its’ first test run of the afternoon. I took a few more pictures from the upper deck, and then on my way down noticed a film shoot taking place at the base of the ramp, and a DVC labeled cooler sitting there. Casey was there, and they were filming some new segments for the DVC promo DVDs. I stood around and watched for a while – but knew I didn’t want to waste my whole afternoon standing there, so I moved on.
I moved around through TL when I saw the new monorail coming back through TL and snapped some pictures, including my desire to get some pictures of it passing the front of the Matterhorn. Another PhotoPass picture opportunity – and then here came the train. I wanted to ride the monorail myself, but had to wait at least an hour the CM had said. Since I couldn’t get on that train, I decided to do the next best thing, and go ride the Disneyland Railroad. The TL station is not far from the monorail station, so I quickly made my way over to the station and got in line. There was a full waiting area, but it didn’t look too bad. A train arrived in about 5 minutes – so I thought, “cool”… sadly, despite having plenty of open seats to fill, the platform was emptied out up until the lady in front of me and then conductor decided to close the gate. UGGHHH! Needless to say, both of us, the lady in front and I were ticked. We each counted at least 12 open seats, and one entire bench left unfilled in the last car as the train pulled out. Go figure – a quality guest experience it was not. Being a Monday in the not-quite summer season, the trains were not running at capacity, so not all of the engines were on the track. We had to then wait 18 minutes before the next train arrived. I was NOT a happy camper. I certainly could have made it to the front of Main Street and back again in the time I’d now waited once the second engine pulled into the station – but the point was to ride the rails and sit down for a while, so walking was not something I wanted to do. Thankfully there was plenty of room for the 60 or so passengers in line with me by this time, and the entire platform was 100% empty when we pulled out this time.
As we entered the tunnel into the Grand Canyon diorama, my heart was glad to hear that little western ditty that has always played in the background. Many of those stuffed animal figures sure need replacing, and I saw that the background mural sure has faded with time – but like so many other parts of DL – it just felt like home again. Crossing through the transition tunnel from Grand Canyon “today” to the Grand Canyon “millions of years ago” in the age of the dinosaurs is always such a fun experience for me, simply because I used to walk underneath this very same tunnel every day to report to work – when I was a Cast Member. I don’t know how it all is today, and whether or not it’s changed or remains similar – but back in the day, you’d clock in at Harbor House (outside the berm), and then walk down the ramp going underneath the train track coming up on the backstage side of the berm behind both Main Street and TL (always shown as trees or landscaping on those old DL wall maps!). The Men’s Locker Room was located underneath the dinosaur section of the diorama. Many’s a time that I changed out of my street clothes into my costume hearing the roars and sounds of the dinos above, and the rumbling of the trains passing through the diorama.
Leaving the age of the dinosaurs, and returning to turn of the century Main Street was a happy thing – I had one thing on my mind, and one thing only – I wanted some ice cream. I was headed for the Gibson Girl with happy thoughts of the sundae I’d had the day before. Sad to say my experience in line on Monday was much worse than it was on Sunday. Again, this was NOT a pleasant guest experience. The line today was moving at a snail’s pace, because there was only one register open, and none of the happy behind the cashier helpers to make the line go quickly. (There was a 2nd cashier there – but she was being trained, so in one respect, thankfully she wasn’t actually helping guests yet). I waited for 20 minutes and moved all of 4 feet. Finally, I’d had enough. I got out of line, and figured I’d go find something else. When I had passed Center Street from the train station I’d made a point of looking to see if the Cone Shop was open (it wasn’t) – but while I was in line at GG, some cones and waffle bowls were being sent over to the Cone Shop, so I thought I’d check… YAY, it was open now. There was NO line, and I had my cone in less than 3 minutes. I was again a happy camper.
I found a nice bench to sit on near the Adventureland entry way, and enjoyed people watching for a while. The ice cream was quite refreshing, and the view quite entertaining. People really are funny, when you stop and watch them for a while. I always thought it was interesting that my grandfather enjoyed people watching so much – the entertainment you can get sometimes is definitely worth much more than the price!!! I found myself chucking at the antics of various aged people, and some of the strange things overheard as they’d pass by. One lady was quite irate that she couldn’t ride the stage coach anymore – it was there the last time she was at DL (more than 45 yrs ago!!)… and another dude was upset that Bugs Bunny was nowhere to be found… hello, this DISNEYland… not Six Flags.
Upon finishing my cone, it was time for the wonderful, exciting, thrilling (my wife would say nauseating) – one, and only one with Walt’s version still playing – Enchanted Tiki Room (yes, I know, again)… but it was MY day, and I wanted to enjoy it once more. I passed through the turnstile as the first of the tiki gods began to speak there on the lanai. I quickly got in line for a Dole Whip (I know – I’d just had an ice cream cone – but hey, that’s one of the beauties of being on a SOLO trip…you can have what you want, and not have to worry about what your family members will think or say!!!). I had just gotten my dish from the CM when the entrance doors opened, and I quickly made my way into the theatre. Ahh, it was almost time for Jose, Micheal, Pierre and Fritz to once again entertain me… did I mention that I like this show?!?! Oh, and yay – the tiki torches above the entry turnstiles were burning today!!! A big improvement in show over the day before.
Normally in Disney parks, I prefer to move about in circular fashion and not criss-cross the park, but on this particular day that philosophy was just thrown out the window. I headed back over to TL to see if the monorail was operational once again, but as I passed the entrance to the land, both Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear’s AstroBlasters had a less than 10 minute wait, so I decided to jump on both. Star Tours was up first, and so here I was once again headed off to Endor…too bad I still haven’t been able to arrive at the stated destination. It’s been 21 years now, and I still have never been able to get to Endor – come on, Captain Rex, what’s up?
As I stood there in the short line, my mind wandered back in time and was wishing I could somehow be shrunk down to the size of an atom once again in the classic ADVENTURES THRU INNER SPACE, but of course I can’t. That old omnimover ride was cool – if nothing else, for the massive microscope that you got to ride through. It IS nice to see that awesome microscope prop in the ST film. I love seeing it – every time I try to get to Endor…both in DL and WDW! Too funny that Imagineering’s tribute to the former DL occupant of the ST site also pays tribute in Orlando, even though ATIS was never there! They were able to edit out our “Chief Flight Attendant Patrick’s” statement… “Over California” from the Soarin’ queue film when they brought that DCA attraction to Epcot, but for whatever reason they never edited it out of the Star Tours film.
After Star Tours, I hopped right over to Buzz, and had a great time shooting those Z’s. I ended up as a “Space Scout”, landing in the mid-range of the scoring, with a score just over 200,000. That sure is a fun little attraction. I like it on both coasts. I quickly jumped over to Space Mountain to get a FastPass, and then it was finally Monorail, or OBA (Old Band-Aid) time. I worked my way up to the top of the station platform, and was about to ride in the front car (not the absolute front, it was already taken), but that was okay with me today. I should, in retrospect, probably have ridden up there, but it’s okay. After a few moments the doors were closed – they aren’t automatic as at WDW – rather they are shut individually by CM’s – and we were off. The train leaves the station, and then almost immediately leaves the park on its’ way over to the Downtown Disney / Disneyland Hotel area. As soon as the train leaves the park, you are traveling south along Harbor Blvd, and soon turning westward passing in and over California Adventure.
Disneyland’s monorail was the original daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere when it opened in 1959. I cannot remember the year, but soon the beamway was extended out from the park and over to the Hotel, crossing over what was then the parking lot back – and having to cross the old West Street (now Disneyland Drive) to get to the hotel. Now the parking lot is gone, having been replaced by DCA – and the station is located within Downtown Disney vs. actually on hotel property. Things definitely change – but the experience of the monorail certainly hasn’t! I loved it. My pal was so anxious to hear whether or not DL’s monorail smells like an Old Band-Aid like they do in WDW…and I will say that no, they don’t. I couldn’t put my finger on it at first, but then it struck me – duh, of course they don’t – the windows are open at DL, whereas WDW’s have enclosed windows with constant a/c running. There is no a/c on the DL monorails, and there won’t be on the beautiful new ones either. That fresh air through the years has definitely helped keep that musty, used old band-aid aroma at bay in Anaheim. Sorry chill – even without the smell, though – the ride is smooth, and the feeling is practically the same.
We passed over the fake Golden Gate bridge at the entrance to DCA, and then passed through the Grand Californian, but of course there’s no stop until you get to DTD a couple of moments later. Passing over Disneyland Drive, and then coming round that circular Lego store you slow for the approach into the giant leaf covered DTD station. We hung for a few minutes while some guests disembarked, and then others came aboard – and soon enough, we were off again. I kept sticking my hand outside the window to take some photos, despite the admonishment to keep hands & arms inside the car. Back over Disneyland Drive we went, rounding around the entrance promenade, and back north along Harbor Blvd we approached the beam’s entrance back into Tomorrowland. Winding down and around over the sub lagoon is always such a fun experience. I love the fact that the subs are operational again, and TL is a very kinetic place once again…if only they’d reopen the Peoplemover!!! THAT would be really cool. Finally we passed along the Small World promenade, passing over Storybook Land, The Tea Cups and Alice in Wonderland to the right, as we rounded the Matterhorn on the left and slid back into the TL station. It was another wonderful experience on the Monorail – which at DL really is more of an experience than transportation – but it is an experience definitely well worth having every so often.
After leaving the OBA station I was getting hungry – it was just about time for my Space Mountain FP window to open up, so I wandered around TL deciding what would be for dinner tonight. I mentally ran through the list of options once again. Pasta? No. Mexican? No. Burger? No. Hot Dog? No. Fried Chicken? Sure! Never mind that I had it the night before – I would be headed back to the French Market in just a little bit. As always, Space Mountain was such an incredible experience. I felt like such a kid again, racing through the cosmos. The complete rebuild that they did for the 50th was very, very worth it IMO.
On my way there, I went through Adventureland. I decided to get on Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye – I love that attraction. It has just about the best queue in the entire Disney universe. The line was short (only about a 15 minute wait) – and I knew I wouldn’t want to bounce around in those transports AFTER eating! A short detour, but well worth it. After Indy it was time to eat. Once again the food was delicious. Again I didn’t eat the entire plate full of food – but it didn’t disappoint the 2nd time around, either. There was a jazz band playing on the FM Stage, which just added to the ambiance. It was extremely enjoyable.
When I had finished my dinner, I realized it was time to call home to say good night to the kids. I wanted to be able to sit down, be in some a/c, and have a quiet place – where to go… The Opera House was a perfect solution. As I worked my way back through NOS and Adventureland, then the hub and down Main Street to Town Square – I kept enjoying watching the people. I was missing my family certainly, that is undeniable. Solo trips can be a blast, BUT, at the same time, lonely too. As I turned the corner at the beginning of Main Street into Town Square, headed for the Opera House – who did I see, but my “best girl”…Minnie Mouse just coming out from backstage to greet her fans. Sadly there was no one there to greet her, (that is, no one under their late 30’s, almost 40’s that is…) so I quickly went over to greet her – and get ANOTHER picture with her.
After my encounter with Minnie, I entered the Opera House. The show was just about to begin – so I quickly went past all of the displays, and enjoyed watching Steve Martin and Donald Duck duel once again over who would make a better host for “The First 50 Magical Years” movie (it’s been running so long now, it should now be the first 53 years!) It’s a nice film, but I do miss old Honest Abe. I wish they’d bring back the original Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show (not that awful “upgrade” they did back in the Paul Pressler/Cynthia Harris years – ugh, that was just bad).
The show exits out into what now is a gallery of sorts, since the old Disney Gallery over POTC was given the boot to make way for the Disney Dream Suite in what was originally to be Walt’s apartment above NOS. I enjoyed looking at some of the artwork on display – since I do still have quite a bit at home decorating our walls. I’ve been a Disney aficionado for so many years now. There was a lovely painting of Sleeping Beauty Castle by Jane Seymour, and the Kinkade one too, plus a Kinkade of Cinderella Castle at WDW (though it did seem out of place here). Various abstract pieces celebrating POTC’s 40th anniversary did not appeal to me, and the requisite princess stuff didn’t either… but this area definitely was the perfect choice for calling home. There had only been about 12 other people in the 50 years movie with me, and there as a good 20 minutes before the next one would get out – so I called home right there in the cool, refreshing, air conditioned comfort of the gallery.
After speaking with my family, I wanted to get a good look once again (and some pictures) of the display pieces in the lobby of the Opera House, prior to the 50 years film. I love those displays, and every other time never really thought to take a picture of them. I didn’t want to miss my shot, in case the powers that be were to decide to shutter the film and do something different in the Opera House before I got back – so I quickly went back inside. My favorite display is the model of Disneyland on Opening Day – July 17, 1955. It certainly does look different from today – but what a wonderful piece to be able to experience it vicariously. There are some inaccuracies in this model made specifically for the 50th anniversary celebration back in ’05 – but the average DL visitor wouldn’t know it. I also especially love the Space Mountain track model. I’ve loved that ride since it opened in ’77 – and honestly have always preferred the DL version to the WDW version. What an awesome attraction.
Upon leaving the Opera House, streams of people were now entering DL – DCA had just closed, and folks were hopping over to DL for the last couple of hours of the day. I thought about getting on the train to head over to the west side, but quickly joined them proceeding up Main Street knowing that I’d get there faster if I walked. My DW has always said that I walk too fast when we are out places, but honestly it goes back to my days at DL as a CM. In those days I learned how to easily dodge through great crowds and get to where I was going in just a few moments. You had to. There are no Utilidors at DL to be able to get from one place to another quickly and easily, sight unseen. That was an improvement over DL when MK was being designed. At DL, CM’s have to get from the east side to other parts of the park quickly and efficiently- no lolly-gagging! Being on the clock, you learn quickly how to maneuver the crowds. And that “skill” has stuck with me through the years. I can still get from one side of the park to another, with a parade going on, or Fantasmic, with relative ease and speed (by myself mind you, not with wife and/or kids in tow) – and it was no different that Monday evening. LOTS of people were now on Main Street headed up into the various lands to try and take in a few more attractions. I weaved in and out of people and strollers moving in both directions (since there were some trying to leave the park and go home, too) and quickly found myself entering the queue for Pirates. Another sailing on the Spanish Main was called for. Again tonight the line was just about a 5 minute wait, and again I loved every moment of that classic attraction. I got to sit in the very back row, and just reveled in so many rich, beautiful details built into this adventure.
From there I exited into NOS, and to wind my way back through the Royal Courtyard, Thieves Market and in and out of the lovely little shops that are a part of this land. I wish they’d never closed the One of a Kind store, but again, it is what it is, isn’t it? For that matter I wish they’d never closed The Silversmith in Liberty Square at WDW, too… all for the sake of selling more plush and Christmas tree ornaments… those classic shops just aided in the illusion and atmosphere of their respective lands – so much more than Christmas ornaments and ride specific plush do. Sigh.
Again I was getting tired, and again I realized it was probably time to call it a day. But since I was so close, I couldn’t leave before visiting my 999 dear friends over in the house on the hill – so I was off for the Haunted Mansion once again. By this time of day, they were only operating one elevator, but the line was not long so it was not a problem. The foyer was emptying into the Portrait Gallery as I entered, but I didn’t want to go in just yet – so I stayed behind as the gallery doors slid shut. I wanted to hear the Ghost Host’s opening spiel, and was not going to be denied it. There’s just something about that funeral dirge version of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” playing as the opening spiel begins, accompanied by those awesome flickering chandelier and candelabra candles on the walls… “When hinges creak in doorless chambers; and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls; whenever candle lights flicker; where air is deathly still; that is the time that ghosts are present practicing their terror with ghoulish delight…” Such an awesome attraction!!!!
After bidding adieu to Little Leota, who kept imploring me to “Hurry Back, hurry baaaaack” - I left NOS square and went into Critter Country. I wanted to see B’rer Rabbit outwit B’rer Bear and B’rer Fox once again and find my laughing place. Splash Mountain. While I was sad to see America Sings close, I was very happy that the AS AA figures got a new lease on life here in B’rer Rabbit’s world. I’ve liked Splash Mtn since it first opened in ’89 (I’ve got a friend who was on the opening crew) – but I will say that I enjoy parts of WDW’s version more than DL’s. I prefer the double wide seating at WDW, and their version is just much brighter inside – but I like the flume layout of the original here at DL much better – plus the dancing fountains cavern at the bottom before climbing Chickapin Hill is just plain awesome.
I began my departure walk through the park – happy in the knowledge that we’d be back as a family in July, but still sad to be leaving. As I’ve aged, and moved away from being so close to a Disney park – it’s just always been that much easier knowing there’s another trip on the horizon…so we’ve gotten to the point that we are always in a perpetual state of planning another visit, either east or west. DVC membership certainly is helping with that now!!! I can’t wait to go back in about 6 weeks now….
I have been enjoying trips to DL and WDW on a solo basis – in conjunction with work trips, for many years, but I have never written a trip report – so bear with me as I share some experiences from last week… JUST A WARNING THOUGH>>> It's LONG. I've chronicled a lot of what I experienced, and then put together a photo log as well. THIS POST IS DAY 2 OF MY TRIP... the first day is found via the link above.
Day 2 Photos - DCA & DL
Monday, May 19
I awoke early, yet again, and got up to get ready for my day. It was a hazy morning – almost like the mornings of June when the typical June Gloom rolls in. I could not see the water as I looked out the condo windows, until I picked up the binoculars that are kept there to watch the surfers, dolphins and boats close up. San Clemente is normally a very beautiful area – but like so many other vistas covered in haze – it was just boring and dull that morning. Good thing, since I wanted to get on the road to get back to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Being in the southernmost city of Orange County on a Monday morning, and knowing that the 5 would be crazy, I decided to wait a little bit before departing. I’d rather sit there in the condo than on the 5 in traffic. Morning commuting in Southern California is no fun. The parks opened at 9 and 10 respectively – so it was at that time that I decided DCA would be first up for me. I’d leave San Clemente around 8:30, and be in the parking garage by 9:30-9:45, and stepping through the turnstiles of DCA right at or just after opening. I walked through the gates at exactly 10:02…it could have been sooner though, if only they would have a GUESTS WITHOUT BAGS line at the security tent!! Today I was parked on level 2 of the parking garage – Daisy, and low and behold, I was again in section F – but this time it was row 3 instead of row 2 – so I had the long walk over to the escalator, yet again.
Most of the turnstiles had a line 5 or 6 people deep, but that’s just because most people stop at the first one they see… I walked over closer to the C and A letters, and there were 2 gates with no one in line… so that’s where I went in. After entering the park, I had my picture taken by a PhotoPass lady with the mini-Golden Gate monorail bridge in the background, and was off to get on Soarin’ Over California. I was amazed to see as many bodies in the park that day as I did. It wasn’t spring break, and schools in the area weren’t out for summer yet – so I was a bit surprised – but I figured it was still early in DCA, and of course Soarin’ is the most popular attraction there… so I’d wait to see how it really was later on in the day. I jumped into the Single Rider line, and was in my seat in less than 5 minutes. Hurray. I truly love Soarin’ – and was so happy when they opened it at Epcot as well ( I just wish they’d have a Single Rider line there, too, but alas, no – they don’t!).
After Soarin’, I turned right and headed up into the “sierra” to get on the raft ride – I never can remember the name they’ve given it – but it doesn’t really matter. I know the acronym is GRR, and that’s good enough for me. It’s so much like Kali River Rapids or KRR – but this one is decidedly better. Both have minimalistic thematic elements – but both are just plain good fun. I always get soaked on it – and this time was no different. I always chuckle at fellow riders who somehow are “surprised” when they get wet…hello, it’s a river rapids ride – you’re supposed to get wet! There’s a reason there are signs posted throughout the queue telling you you’re going to get wet!
Next I left the mountain regions of this sanitized version of my native state, and headed off to the old time pier tribute section – Paradise Pier. California Screamin’ and checking out the new Toy Story Midway Mania were on my agenda. The line for CS was less than 10 minutes (though too bad I didn’t realize there was in fact a Single Rider line until I was ready to board the train – oh well). That’s just a fun ride. Nothing too exhilarating, but good old fashioned roller coaster fun. I never really have examined it very closely, but I think they did a really good job making a steel coaster appear to be wooden. I know it’s had a fair share of online critics through the past 7 years, but I think Disney did pretty well with this one. AND – I think they’ve done an incredible job of building the TSMM ride and queue in, around, under and behind the CS track! I have watched this one online for so long now (TSMM) – it was exciting to finally be able to see it up close and in person. It’s supposed to open June 17, I believe – so that’s cool since it will definitely be open when we’re there for our family trip in July. (We got our DL Hotel ressie made last week for those nights, so now we’re all set – yay!) DLR resort in July, will, of course, be very crowded and HOT – but we’re all excited to check it out in person. We saw the Mr. Potato Head figure on YouTube a few weeks back, and that looks pretty darn cool. We’re excited too that it’s opening at WDW – so we’ll get to experience it again in just a few months when we head south in October. I enjoyed being able to see the new Midway Mercantile, and the extreme level of theming to the structure – it really looked like it belonged on Main Street – such a difference from the “on the cheap” version that was originally built to be Paradise Pier.
Upon finishing my exploration of the new TSMM area, I was off to board the Sun Wheel, since I wanted to get a bird’s eye view of the new DVC villas being added to the Grand Californian Hotel. This is one resort that we are anxious to add to our DVC membership. Having a home resort advantage on both coasts is important to us, and so we’re really excited that construction is moving along. When I was at DL in March, I climbed the exterior exit stairs at the GC, and got a great close-up view – but this time I wanted to get a larger, higher-up perspective of it. It was awesome to see that an entire level had been added in just about 8 weeks time. Now I’m anxious to see it again in July to see what’s different yet again.
I decided this time I didn’t want to even enter the Backlot Studios section – so no riding Tower of Terror, Monsters Inc, or seeing the Muppets in 3D – but that’s okay, after all, we’ll be back in just a few weeks! So after departing the Sun Wheel, I continued on around the lagoon, passing the Orange Stinger (man that thing is ugly), the lovely jacaranda trees by Pizza Oom Mow Mow, and then on around back to the front of the lagoon. I stopped by the bridge back over to the pier area, and was just so enraptured by a small little landscaping area full of beautiful poppies. I have always loved CA’s state flower, and was just taken back by such a beautiful little patch, and then I turned around and saw the Palace of Fine Arts recreation through them – it was beautiful. I knew I’d be turning back through the San Francisco section, with the decision to cut through the Grand Californian for lunch in Downtown Disney. It was then that I started to really focus in on some of the details within the park. It’s been 7 years since DCA opened, and though it’s had a lot of bad press through those years, and Disney is pumping a LOT of money into it now to try and “fix” a lot of the mistakes made when they first built the place – some of it has truly gotten so much better through those few years – but I’m not talking about rides, attractions or anything like that – specifically I was looking at the landscaping. The Grizzly Peak area of the park really received the majority of the landscaping originally – and it has really gotten lush in those few years. I was really enjoying how lush the trees have gotten, and how beautiful it is when walk down and around the GRR ride. I remembered how back in that first fall, many times my son and I would head over to the park for the afternoon/evening – and would station ourselves out on the platform around the base of that last drop and revel in seeing so many people get soaked – and how much they would get soaked! It was such a blast. I continued around to that same platform, wanting to see some more people get wet before leaving DCA…but sadly the rafts were empty. Something had happened, and they were simply cycling empty rafts through. Three, four, five rafts went by with no people – then as I passed the queue entrance and no line – sure enough, a problem. I was very glad I’d been able to get on it earlier. With that, I left the park through the special GCH entrance.
I meandered through the hotel grounds and lobby, and then out into Downtown Disney. I was headed for Rainforest Café for lunch. Someday it would be nice if Landry’s would open a RC in Indy – but until then, I’ll enjoy it each time I get to Disney. Once again my lunch was yummy – and I always love that “rain storm”.
I decided I’d hop on the monorail in DTD – but sadly when I got to the gate, the CM told me it was not operational right then and I’d have to walk. Oh well – back through the security tent and having to get in line again behind the strollers and people with their backpacks needing to be checked…they REALLY need a line for guests with NO BAGS (broken record? Yes…but it’s true! WDW has such an edge on DL in this area).
Oh how I love Disneyland. Going through those turnstiles is always such a great feeling. I was not accosted today by one of those pesky survey takers, so that was a nice relief. Back through the tunnels and into the park I went – this time through the right hand tunnel, coming out next to the Opera House. I didn’t really dawdle on Main Street this time, but did enjoy looking at a few of the tribute windows again. At the hub I turned right and headed straight into Tomorowland. My goal was to see if Monorail Red would be out and about for testing today – and I was happy to see it sitting in the station upon my arrival into the heart of the land. Wow, what a beautiful, sleek, retro-looking train. So many car ads claim that cars can be sexy – well I say that this train is sleek and sexy. How neat it will be when the entire new fleet will be operational! The CM at this station told me that the monorail would be up and running soon, since they had just pulled RED out of the roundhouse and were about to start circulating both the passenger-friendly existing train and the passenger-excluded red train.
I wanted to see if I could get a better shot of the train in motion when it left the station, so I took the opportunity to climb the ramp of the Innoventions building ( I sure do wish it were still America Sings or Carousel of Progress…but I digress). A moment or two after getting to the top, Monorail Red took off on its’ first test run of the afternoon. I took a few more pictures from the upper deck, and then on my way down noticed a film shoot taking place at the base of the ramp, and a DVC labeled cooler sitting there. Casey was there, and they were filming some new segments for the DVC promo DVDs. I stood around and watched for a while – but knew I didn’t want to waste my whole afternoon standing there, so I moved on.
I moved around through TL when I saw the new monorail coming back through TL and snapped some pictures, including my desire to get some pictures of it passing the front of the Matterhorn. Another PhotoPass picture opportunity – and then here came the train. I wanted to ride the monorail myself, but had to wait at least an hour the CM had said. Since I couldn’t get on that train, I decided to do the next best thing, and go ride the Disneyland Railroad. The TL station is not far from the monorail station, so I quickly made my way over to the station and got in line. There was a full waiting area, but it didn’t look too bad. A train arrived in about 5 minutes – so I thought, “cool”… sadly, despite having plenty of open seats to fill, the platform was emptied out up until the lady in front of me and then conductor decided to close the gate. UGGHHH! Needless to say, both of us, the lady in front and I were ticked. We each counted at least 12 open seats, and one entire bench left unfilled in the last car as the train pulled out. Go figure – a quality guest experience it was not. Being a Monday in the not-quite summer season, the trains were not running at capacity, so not all of the engines were on the track. We had to then wait 18 minutes before the next train arrived. I was NOT a happy camper. I certainly could have made it to the front of Main Street and back again in the time I’d now waited once the second engine pulled into the station – but the point was to ride the rails and sit down for a while, so walking was not something I wanted to do. Thankfully there was plenty of room for the 60 or so passengers in line with me by this time, and the entire platform was 100% empty when we pulled out this time.
As we entered the tunnel into the Grand Canyon diorama, my heart was glad to hear that little western ditty that has always played in the background. Many of those stuffed animal figures sure need replacing, and I saw that the background mural sure has faded with time – but like so many other parts of DL – it just felt like home again. Crossing through the transition tunnel from Grand Canyon “today” to the Grand Canyon “millions of years ago” in the age of the dinosaurs is always such a fun experience for me, simply because I used to walk underneath this very same tunnel every day to report to work – when I was a Cast Member. I don’t know how it all is today, and whether or not it’s changed or remains similar – but back in the day, you’d clock in at Harbor House (outside the berm), and then walk down the ramp going underneath the train track coming up on the backstage side of the berm behind both Main Street and TL (always shown as trees or landscaping on those old DL wall maps!). The Men’s Locker Room was located underneath the dinosaur section of the diorama. Many’s a time that I changed out of my street clothes into my costume hearing the roars and sounds of the dinos above, and the rumbling of the trains passing through the diorama.
Leaving the age of the dinosaurs, and returning to turn of the century Main Street was a happy thing – I had one thing on my mind, and one thing only – I wanted some ice cream. I was headed for the Gibson Girl with happy thoughts of the sundae I’d had the day before. Sad to say my experience in line on Monday was much worse than it was on Sunday. Again, this was NOT a pleasant guest experience. The line today was moving at a snail’s pace, because there was only one register open, and none of the happy behind the cashier helpers to make the line go quickly. (There was a 2nd cashier there – but she was being trained, so in one respect, thankfully she wasn’t actually helping guests yet). I waited for 20 minutes and moved all of 4 feet. Finally, I’d had enough. I got out of line, and figured I’d go find something else. When I had passed Center Street from the train station I’d made a point of looking to see if the Cone Shop was open (it wasn’t) – but while I was in line at GG, some cones and waffle bowls were being sent over to the Cone Shop, so I thought I’d check… YAY, it was open now. There was NO line, and I had my cone in less than 3 minutes. I was again a happy camper.
I found a nice bench to sit on near the Adventureland entry way, and enjoyed people watching for a while. The ice cream was quite refreshing, and the view quite entertaining. People really are funny, when you stop and watch them for a while. I always thought it was interesting that my grandfather enjoyed people watching so much – the entertainment you can get sometimes is definitely worth much more than the price!!! I found myself chucking at the antics of various aged people, and some of the strange things overheard as they’d pass by. One lady was quite irate that she couldn’t ride the stage coach anymore – it was there the last time she was at DL (more than 45 yrs ago!!)… and another dude was upset that Bugs Bunny was nowhere to be found… hello, this DISNEYland… not Six Flags.
Upon finishing my cone, it was time for the wonderful, exciting, thrilling (my wife would say nauseating) – one, and only one with Walt’s version still playing – Enchanted Tiki Room (yes, I know, again)… but it was MY day, and I wanted to enjoy it once more. I passed through the turnstile as the first of the tiki gods began to speak there on the lanai. I quickly got in line for a Dole Whip (I know – I’d just had an ice cream cone – but hey, that’s one of the beauties of being on a SOLO trip…you can have what you want, and not have to worry about what your family members will think or say!!!). I had just gotten my dish from the CM when the entrance doors opened, and I quickly made my way into the theatre. Ahh, it was almost time for Jose, Micheal, Pierre and Fritz to once again entertain me… did I mention that I like this show?!?! Oh, and yay – the tiki torches above the entry turnstiles were burning today!!! A big improvement in show over the day before.
Normally in Disney parks, I prefer to move about in circular fashion and not criss-cross the park, but on this particular day that philosophy was just thrown out the window. I headed back over to TL to see if the monorail was operational once again, but as I passed the entrance to the land, both Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear’s AstroBlasters had a less than 10 minute wait, so I decided to jump on both. Star Tours was up first, and so here I was once again headed off to Endor…too bad I still haven’t been able to arrive at the stated destination. It’s been 21 years now, and I still have never been able to get to Endor – come on, Captain Rex, what’s up?
As I stood there in the short line, my mind wandered back in time and was wishing I could somehow be shrunk down to the size of an atom once again in the classic ADVENTURES THRU INNER SPACE, but of course I can’t. That old omnimover ride was cool – if nothing else, for the massive microscope that you got to ride through. It IS nice to see that awesome microscope prop in the ST film. I love seeing it – every time I try to get to Endor…both in DL and WDW! Too funny that Imagineering’s tribute to the former DL occupant of the ST site also pays tribute in Orlando, even though ATIS was never there! They were able to edit out our “Chief Flight Attendant Patrick’s” statement… “Over California” from the Soarin’ queue film when they brought that DCA attraction to Epcot, but for whatever reason they never edited it out of the Star Tours film.After Star Tours, I hopped right over to Buzz, and had a great time shooting those Z’s. I ended up as a “Space Scout”, landing in the mid-range of the scoring, with a score just over 200,000. That sure is a fun little attraction. I like it on both coasts. I quickly jumped over to Space Mountain to get a FastPass, and then it was finally Monorail, or OBA (Old Band-Aid) time. I worked my way up to the top of the station platform, and was about to ride in the front car (not the absolute front, it was already taken), but that was okay with me today. I should, in retrospect, probably have ridden up there, but it’s okay. After a few moments the doors were closed – they aren’t automatic as at WDW – rather they are shut individually by CM’s – and we were off. The train leaves the station, and then almost immediately leaves the park on its’ way over to the Downtown Disney / Disneyland Hotel area. As soon as the train leaves the park, you are traveling south along Harbor Blvd, and soon turning westward passing in and over California Adventure.
Disneyland’s monorail was the original daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere when it opened in 1959. I cannot remember the year, but soon the beamway was extended out from the park and over to the Hotel, crossing over what was then the parking lot back – and having to cross the old West Street (now Disneyland Drive) to get to the hotel. Now the parking lot is gone, having been replaced by DCA – and the station is located within Downtown Disney vs. actually on hotel property. Things definitely change – but the experience of the monorail certainly hasn’t! I loved it. My pal was so anxious to hear whether or not DL’s monorail smells like an Old Band-Aid like they do in WDW…and I will say that no, they don’t. I couldn’t put my finger on it at first, but then it struck me – duh, of course they don’t – the windows are open at DL, whereas WDW’s have enclosed windows with constant a/c running. There is no a/c on the DL monorails, and there won’t be on the beautiful new ones either. That fresh air through the years has definitely helped keep that musty, used old band-aid aroma at bay in Anaheim. Sorry chill – even without the smell, though – the ride is smooth, and the feeling is practically the same.
We passed over the fake Golden Gate bridge at the entrance to DCA, and then passed through the Grand Californian, but of course there’s no stop until you get to DTD a couple of moments later. Passing over Disneyland Drive, and then coming round that circular Lego store you slow for the approach into the giant leaf covered DTD station. We hung for a few minutes while some guests disembarked, and then others came aboard – and soon enough, we were off again. I kept sticking my hand outside the window to take some photos, despite the admonishment to keep hands & arms inside the car. Back over Disneyland Drive we went, rounding around the entrance promenade, and back north along Harbor Blvd we approached the beam’s entrance back into Tomorrowland. Winding down and around over the sub lagoon is always such a fun experience. I love the fact that the subs are operational again, and TL is a very kinetic place once again…if only they’d reopen the Peoplemover!!! THAT would be really cool. Finally we passed along the Small World promenade, passing over Storybook Land, The Tea Cups and Alice in Wonderland to the right, as we rounded the Matterhorn on the left and slid back into the TL station. It was another wonderful experience on the Monorail – which at DL really is more of an experience than transportation – but it is an experience definitely well worth having every so often.
After leaving the OBA station I was getting hungry – it was just about time for my Space Mountain FP window to open up, so I wandered around TL deciding what would be for dinner tonight. I mentally ran through the list of options once again. Pasta? No. Mexican? No. Burger? No. Hot Dog? No. Fried Chicken? Sure! Never mind that I had it the night before – I would be headed back to the French Market in just a little bit. As always, Space Mountain was such an incredible experience. I felt like such a kid again, racing through the cosmos. The complete rebuild that they did for the 50th was very, very worth it IMO.
On my way there, I went through Adventureland. I decided to get on Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye – I love that attraction. It has just about the best queue in the entire Disney universe. The line was short (only about a 15 minute wait) – and I knew I wouldn’t want to bounce around in those transports AFTER eating! A short detour, but well worth it. After Indy it was time to eat. Once again the food was delicious. Again I didn’t eat the entire plate full of food – but it didn’t disappoint the 2nd time around, either. There was a jazz band playing on the FM Stage, which just added to the ambiance. It was extremely enjoyable.
When I had finished my dinner, I realized it was time to call home to say good night to the kids. I wanted to be able to sit down, be in some a/c, and have a quiet place – where to go… The Opera House was a perfect solution. As I worked my way back through NOS and Adventureland, then the hub and down Main Street to Town Square – I kept enjoying watching the people. I was missing my family certainly, that is undeniable. Solo trips can be a blast, BUT, at the same time, lonely too. As I turned the corner at the beginning of Main Street into Town Square, headed for the Opera House – who did I see, but my “best girl”…Minnie Mouse just coming out from backstage to greet her fans. Sadly there was no one there to greet her, (that is, no one under their late 30’s, almost 40’s that is…) so I quickly went over to greet her – and get ANOTHER picture with her.
After my encounter with Minnie, I entered the Opera House. The show was just about to begin – so I quickly went past all of the displays, and enjoyed watching Steve Martin and Donald Duck duel once again over who would make a better host for “The First 50 Magical Years” movie (it’s been running so long now, it should now be the first 53 years!) It’s a nice film, but I do miss old Honest Abe. I wish they’d bring back the original Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show (not that awful “upgrade” they did back in the Paul Pressler/Cynthia Harris years – ugh, that was just bad).
The show exits out into what now is a gallery of sorts, since the old Disney Gallery over POTC was given the boot to make way for the Disney Dream Suite in what was originally to be Walt’s apartment above NOS. I enjoyed looking at some of the artwork on display – since I do still have quite a bit at home decorating our walls. I’ve been a Disney aficionado for so many years now. There was a lovely painting of Sleeping Beauty Castle by Jane Seymour, and the Kinkade one too, plus a Kinkade of Cinderella Castle at WDW (though it did seem out of place here). Various abstract pieces celebrating POTC’s 40th anniversary did not appeal to me, and the requisite princess stuff didn’t either… but this area definitely was the perfect choice for calling home. There had only been about 12 other people in the 50 years movie with me, and there as a good 20 minutes before the next one would get out – so I called home right there in the cool, refreshing, air conditioned comfort of the gallery.
After speaking with my family, I wanted to get a good look once again (and some pictures) of the display pieces in the lobby of the Opera House, prior to the 50 years film. I love those displays, and every other time never really thought to take a picture of them. I didn’t want to miss my shot, in case the powers that be were to decide to shutter the film and do something different in the Opera House before I got back – so I quickly went back inside. My favorite display is the model of Disneyland on Opening Day – July 17, 1955. It certainly does look different from today – but what a wonderful piece to be able to experience it vicariously. There are some inaccuracies in this model made specifically for the 50th anniversary celebration back in ’05 – but the average DL visitor wouldn’t know it. I also especially love the Space Mountain track model. I’ve loved that ride since it opened in ’77 – and honestly have always preferred the DL version to the WDW version. What an awesome attraction.
Upon leaving the Opera House, streams of people were now entering DL – DCA had just closed, and folks were hopping over to DL for the last couple of hours of the day. I thought about getting on the train to head over to the west side, but quickly joined them proceeding up Main Street knowing that I’d get there faster if I walked. My DW has always said that I walk too fast when we are out places, but honestly it goes back to my days at DL as a CM. In those days I learned how to easily dodge through great crowds and get to where I was going in just a few moments. You had to. There are no Utilidors at DL to be able to get from one place to another quickly and easily, sight unseen. That was an improvement over DL when MK was being designed. At DL, CM’s have to get from the east side to other parts of the park quickly and efficiently- no lolly-gagging! Being on the clock, you learn quickly how to maneuver the crowds. And that “skill” has stuck with me through the years. I can still get from one side of the park to another, with a parade going on, or Fantasmic, with relative ease and speed (by myself mind you, not with wife and/or kids in tow) – and it was no different that Monday evening. LOTS of people were now on Main Street headed up into the various lands to try and take in a few more attractions. I weaved in and out of people and strollers moving in both directions (since there were some trying to leave the park and go home, too) and quickly found myself entering the queue for Pirates. Another sailing on the Spanish Main was called for. Again tonight the line was just about a 5 minute wait, and again I loved every moment of that classic attraction. I got to sit in the very back row, and just reveled in so many rich, beautiful details built into this adventure.
From there I exited into NOS, and to wind my way back through the Royal Courtyard, Thieves Market and in and out of the lovely little shops that are a part of this land. I wish they’d never closed the One of a Kind store, but again, it is what it is, isn’t it? For that matter I wish they’d never closed The Silversmith in Liberty Square at WDW, too… all for the sake of selling more plush and Christmas tree ornaments… those classic shops just aided in the illusion and atmosphere of their respective lands – so much more than Christmas ornaments and ride specific plush do. Sigh.
Again I was getting tired, and again I realized it was probably time to call it a day. But since I was so close, I couldn’t leave before visiting my 999 dear friends over in the house on the hill – so I was off for the Haunted Mansion once again. By this time of day, they were only operating one elevator, but the line was not long so it was not a problem. The foyer was emptying into the Portrait Gallery as I entered, but I didn’t want to go in just yet – so I stayed behind as the gallery doors slid shut. I wanted to hear the Ghost Host’s opening spiel, and was not going to be denied it. There’s just something about that funeral dirge version of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” playing as the opening spiel begins, accompanied by those awesome flickering chandelier and candelabra candles on the walls… “When hinges creak in doorless chambers; and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls; whenever candle lights flicker; where air is deathly still; that is the time that ghosts are present practicing their terror with ghoulish delight…” Such an awesome attraction!!!!
After bidding adieu to Little Leota, who kept imploring me to “Hurry Back, hurry baaaaack” - I left NOS square and went into Critter Country. I wanted to see B’rer Rabbit outwit B’rer Bear and B’rer Fox once again and find my laughing place. Splash Mountain. While I was sad to see America Sings close, I was very happy that the AS AA figures got a new lease on life here in B’rer Rabbit’s world. I’ve liked Splash Mtn since it first opened in ’89 (I’ve got a friend who was on the opening crew) – but I will say that I enjoy parts of WDW’s version more than DL’s. I prefer the double wide seating at WDW, and their version is just much brighter inside – but I like the flume layout of the original here at DL much better – plus the dancing fountains cavern at the bottom before climbing Chickapin Hill is just plain awesome.
I began my departure walk through the park – happy in the knowledge that we’d be back as a family in July, but still sad to be leaving. As I’ve aged, and moved away from being so close to a Disney park – it’s just always been that much easier knowing there’s another trip on the horizon…so we’ve gotten to the point that we are always in a perpetual state of planning another visit, either east or west. DVC membership certainly is helping with that now!!! I can’t wait to go back in about 6 weeks now….
