The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[Steppesister]

I usually went there because I wanted to ride RnRC or ToT (usually both). If I could manage to grab a FP for SDD or TSMM, I'd do that as well. With EVERYTHING being tier 1 now, not sure this park will get my attention much. Much more I like at the other 3 parks.

Me too. Exactly because of that.

Relative or subjective?

Depends on who's on the other end of the joystick.

 

[Steppesister]

Hi joining in. Just got caught up.. 22 pages in...great report ...I always collect Christmas ornaments..then each year I have a nice reminder of our trips..
now I do the same for my grandkids. Anywhere we go. I get them an ornament. And when they get there own place someday they will each have at least 20+ornaments to start their tree. And hopefully remember to visit us in the nursing home ..lol

OH YAY!!! So happy to have you here joining in! to the fun we have here! Usually, there is some sort of silliness, BSing, or friendly chiding, always (mostly) truthful trip reporting, and sometimes a few decent photos.

I think the Christmas ornaments is a collection quite a few folks do and a nice one at that. I love a little something to remind from each trip and your plan to help your grandkids have a starter collection is really awesome. As for visiting you in the nursing home, tell them you have a FB account and aren't afraid to use it posting pix of them as awkward pre-pubescent teens.

 

[Steppesister]

Oh, you poor thing! You had to work 3 days while you had your month off!!! How did you survive????????????????

It was very, very difficult.


Not buying it?

I get that. I don't (usually) have to get up at 4:30, but I do get up at 5am after working 'til 11pm the night before every week.
And add in getting up at 5am 2 days in a row before staying up on the second one for 27 hours or so...

Gross. You win.

Not quite yet.

I was thinking of the Seattle one. I was there! And now remembered you'd done that twice.

Yep!! That was fun!

I'm not a shopper either. I did get a couple things... one pricey the other not... but that's an anomaly for me.

OH? I hope you will report on those!

I'll gladly pay $20/episode as long as I can project it to about 30 people or more at $5 a head.


But for myself? No way in hell.

I wonder if I could find them on VHS at the Goodwill and buy a $20 VCR machine. I guess I'd have to buy a TV or monitor though. Hmmm....

 

[pkondz]

It was very, very difficult.


Not buying it?

Nope!

Gross. You win.

I think you mean I lose.

OH? I hope you will report on those!

Eventually!

I wonder if I could find them on VHS at the Goodwill and buy a $20 VCR machine. I guess I'd have to buy a TV or monitor though. Hmmm....

Hmm... Watching Star Wars is starting to get more and more expensive. Now you have to buy a TV and VCR too?

 

[sheri18]

OH YAY!!! So happy to have you here joining in! to the fun we have here! Usually, there is some sort of silliness, BSing, or friendly chiding, always (mostly) truthful trip reporting, and sometimes a few decent photos.

I think the Christmas ornaments is a collection quite a few folks do and a nice one at that. I love a little something to remind from each trip and your plan to help your grandkids have a starter collection is really awesome. As for visiting you in the nursing home, tell them you have a FB account and aren't afraid to use it posting pix of them as awkward pre-pubescent teens.

Ha...great idea...will have to use that on my kids too..

 

[Steppesister]

Q is for: Quite the Quantina​

Did you know Quantina is a girl’s name meaning Original and Popular? Seems fitting for quite an original and very popular Cantina spelled and pronounced nearly identically, no? It’s quirky, qualitatively better than other bars, and it’s profits outstrip most other places quantitatively by a long shot. Let’s take a quick dip into Oga’s- the upbeat, loud, raucous watering hole of Batuu.

Kari and I had gotten a reservation late in game, so for those of you who want one, don’t despair; SW:GE isn’t quite the go-to hub all the hype led you to believe. I think it was less than a month out that we got one. I honestly have no idea what time exactly our time slot was for, but it was before noon that we checked in. The line led to some confusion and we were asked to stand off to the side and wait. Rude. Our species has a hard time with standing in front of a dark slab of alien planet rock and our human sweat glands started to take a real beating. Luckily, it wasn’t more than 15 minutes later when I asked a hostess if we were in the right place and she said our table was ready. Ok… ??? Also, fortunately, Oga’s is cave-like and cool, giving our retinas and skin a break from the Batuu sun. It also has a funky, but limited, selection of cocktails to help you cool off and celebrate the thinning of any wallet bulk you might have.

Oga’s has a few precious table spots, but Imbiber beware! You WILL be seated with other travelers which could make for an awkward situation if you accidentally reach for your lightsaber at the wrong time... or, if you have a hard time blending into conversation with complete strangers. If so, ask to stand. I love meeting new people and love the tables, but know they are definitely not for everyone. If that’s you, ask to stand at the bar or other standing tables. In which case, you’ll still be packed in with complete strangers, but it’s easier to mind your own business, lending an authentic air to an outpost bar which specializes in catering to shady dealers who want to be left alone or have a discreet meeting.

Kari and I were escorted to the VERY far end of the bar, and as I took my place, I was scolded by the bar tender that I had to stay to the right of a black strip of rubber towards the end. That was space for the servers, not weary travelers. Which made me ask the question to my fellow traveler, “Why would they bring us in if there wasn’t enough room for us to stand here without having to smell each other’s breath?”

See the two paper water cups there and the space at the bar between those and that guy in the black tank. Yeah, that's where they thought two MORE people could stand and have a drink.



Anyway, we squeezed in as best we could and started to peruse the menu. One side is drinks with alcohol, the other is drinks without, and the few “food” options are listed as well. Choosing was SUPER hard! But I wanted a souvenir mug for $4,000 or close to it. As long as the mug didn’t come with a drink that had gin in it I’d drink it and probably like it.

***Begin rant***

Disney puts about 2 tsp. of actual liquor in their drinks. The rest is ice and syrup. Okay, hear me out: I don’t mind that Disney makes their drinks weak; it keeps the riff-raff behaved and profits up. I get that. I DO have a problem paying $15-$18 for something advertised as A COCKTAIL which typically (and should) have a standard pour of at least one SHOT of each alcohol they advertise. In a lot of ways, I feel that it is false advertising. The work around if you truly want your money’s worth in booze at Disney is to simply order wine which is MUCH harder to water down. I guess when they serve something with little more alcohol content than a mousse with a tablespoon of vanilla in it and call it a cocktail and costs twice what any other cocktail on the planet does, I have issues. Yes, I know it's Disney and they are KNOWN to charge more for everything, but this alone will keep me out of Oga's in the future. For those of you who love it there, enjoy the shorter wait time and extra space. You're welcome.

***Rant over***

Then again, I suppose it is DisneyWORLD- the happiest and most expensive place on Earth.

***Rant really over now***

Anyway, I chose the Yub Nub with the souvenir cup for $35. Mind you, Dear Reader, the price has now increased to $45; not a bad return on my money and yes, I may sell it at some point. (They are going for about $80 right now on EBay.)




While I do like it, it doesn’t Marie Kondo me like my other more Tikiesque mugs from Trader Sam’s. I am, however, nearly shooting myself for having NOT bought the Rancor Teeth Flight set that I instantly fell in love with. It would be PERFECT on my coffee table with little succulents planted in it. I just had no way to pack it and bring it home. Or so I thought. At the end of the trip, Fran and Alison offered to pack up my mugs and other things that didn’t fit into my carryon bag and ship it. Which they did with my Yub Nub and TS's mug I bought later. DANG IT!!!!! Sorry for the spoiler for my SW:GE Florida portion, but by the time I got to Oga’s there, they were sold out of it. I am hoping that Fran can pick me up one (she has offered) but they are popular and I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up.



Anywho, Kari went with the non-alcoholic drink option with a Porg Mug. It’s super cute, and I think she is pretty happy with it.



The Cliff Dweller is $32 so not much difference there in price alcohol vs. non… so there’s that. Oga’s has no real food options except some glorified jello with boba balls and some pub mix with slightly cooler shapes than what you’d find in any typical Winco bulk bin. We’d stuffed our faces with overly expensive hot dogs earlier, so didn’t need overly expensive bar snacks (that I get for free at my local taphouse) to boot. Sorry, if the cynicism is dripping with this update. While I did enjoy the music and watching Rex spin the tunes, I found it to be very spendy, crowded, and with the slowest service in the galaxy. Yes, the bar is amazingly detailed and super fun to see. Yes, if you get a table and like to hang with new folks, it’s fun. Yes, it was fun to take my kids to, but…. once. I’d just rather spend my money on a souvenir pin next time unless another mug comes out that I just love.

The only 2 photos I took of Oga's Cali. Sorry for the lame Trip Reporting! More to come from the Florida portion.





After we were done at Oga’s it was time to hit hyperdrive (in as sauntering a way as possible) and move on to other un-earthly realms. I had completely forgotten that the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was all done up in it’s Halloween overlay glory. I had JUST watched Nightmare Before Christmas for the very first time so it was all so fresh and relevant, and I confess I was WAY more geeked out and excited about this than SW:GE.

I just had no idea….

As I mentioned, neither of us wanted to race from ride to ride, so we ambled slowly and found a 45-minute wait posted when we got there. We decided to do it as this is unique to Cali and something that was a must-do for us. It was SO FUN looking at all the amazing details they added to the exterior, both Nightmare Before Christmas-related and simply HM-themed.




















Jack and Sally were out saying hi to guests about halfway through the queue which made the time pass a little quicker as well. They are so gosh darned cute, even if Jack looked like he belonged at Oga’s more than he did at HM. Someone get that guy a saucer!




Disney does such a bang up job with this!! And if you think the outside is amazing, the inside is simply over-the-top. Every inch of the attraction is transformed and so, so fun. I LOVED the stretching portraits, but couldn’t get a photo of them. All of the changing pictures at the beginning of the ride change as well. I won’t go into all the amazing detailing found throughout the ride, but um… it also happened to be the 50th anniversary of the HM so a giant gingerbread house (HM- inspired, of course) was placed on the table as per tradition. How did I not know about this?! Here is an article about this year’s special creation:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...versary-gingerbread-house-at-disneyland-park/

My lame photos:





All the usual characters make an appearance, including Jack (ad nauseum) and Oogie Boogie, and the ever-sweet Sally asking you to please hurry back. But what made this a hit for me was they did not lose sight that this is still the Haunted Mansion and kept Madame Leota, the Hatbox Ghost, and the Singing Busts. Would I go back to Disneyland to visit SW:GE again? No. Would I go back to California to ride HM at Halloweentime again? 100% yes.

Picture Palooza:

































A morning of other-worldly excursions behind us, it was time to hit up a few other unique-to-Disneyland attractions before calling it a day. But I’ll save that for another chapter another time. Enjoy your weekend, Everyone!!

 

[Steppesister]

I think you mean I lose.

But... but snow IS pretty.

Hmm... Watching Star Wars is starting to get more and more expensive. Now you have to buy a TV and VCR too?

Yeah, not going to happen.

Ha...great idea...will have to use that on my kids too..

Yes! Yes, you should!

 

[disneyAndi14]

First, I totally agree on your SW review. I do like all the details and I love SW but the land left me a little flat. I hope I can ride the new attraction in January to see what that one is all about.

I have a reservation for Oga’s in January, mainly to get into the land itself. The drinks are crazy expensive and Andi isn’t a fan of sharing a table or standing area with strangers.

Now the HM at DL with the Nightmare overlay, oh my, I would love to see that. This looks amazing. I watched a you tube video of it on Tim Tracker and it is so cool! I’m glad you all were able to experience this and get some fun pictures, I so enjoy your photos!

 

[MeghanEmily]

That was space for the servers, not weary travelers. Which made me ask the question to my fellow traveler, “Why would they bring us in if there wasn’t enough room for us to stand here without having to smell each other’s breath?”

This is exactly how we felt as well. I understand trying to squeeze as much of a profit out of people as they're willing to pay. I mean, it's kinda greedy, but it makes sense. But this is just a little over the top.

See the two paper water cups there and the space at the bar between those and that guy in the black tank. Yeah, that's where they thought two MORE people could stand and have a drink.

This is ridiculous, and yet doesn't surprise me at all. We had a similar amount of space for the two of us at the bar. It was a lot of sweaty skin of strangers' arms brushing against your own, knocking elbows, and trying to "think thin!" lol

Then again, I suppose it is DisneyWORLD- the happiest and most expensive place on Earth.

***Rant really over now***

Amen.

I chose the Yub Nub with the souvenir cup for $35. Mind you, Dear Reader, the price has now increased to $45; not a bad return on my money and yes, I may sell it at some point. (They are going for about $80 right now on EBay.)

Woah! I think $35 is pricey enough...but $45...I don't think I could justify it unless it was my absolute holy grail of mugs. But you definitely came out ahead! Especially with the resale value!

I am, however, nearly shooting myself for having NOT bought the Rancor Teeth Flight set that I instantly fell in love with. It would be PERFECT on my coffee table with little succulents planted in it.

This is such a cute idea! I hadn't thought of this before. Now I'm getting all kinds of ideas...tiki mugs with spiky aloe vera plants for hair...the possibilities are endless!

I found it to be very spendy, crowded, and with the slowest service in the galaxy. Yes, the bar is amazingly detailed and super fun to see. Yes, if you get a table and like to hang with new folks, it’s fun. Yes, it was fun to take my kids to, but…. once.

I agree. We're booked to go back there in December for Nathan's benefit, but otherwise once was good for me. It was neat to see it, but I don't have any desire to go again for the reasons you mention.

Would I go back to California to ride HM at Halloweentime again? 100% yes.

This looks so awesome!! I'd heard of this overlay before and would love to see it. Your review and pictures have reinforced that!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Then again, I suppose it is DisneyWORLD- the happiest and most expensive place on Earth.

Ain't that the truth!!!!! I think the only place that serves good, not watered down drinks is Jock Lindseys. Mizners was usually good, but my hopes and dreams have been shattered now that it's transforming to a Beauty and the Beast lounge. There are going to be so many kids in there. Ugh!!!!

 

[pkondz]

Did you know Quantina is a girl’s name meaning Original and Popular?

No! I'd never even heard of that name before. Where did you hear that?

It’s quirky, qualitatively better than other bars, and it’s profits outstrip most other places quantitatively by a long shot

The line led to some confusion and we were asked to stand off to the side and wait. Rude.

How dare they! Did they not know that a queen was gracing their presence?!?!?!

Our species has a hard time with standing in front of a dark slab of alien planet rock and our human sweat glands started to take a real beating.

Oh dear...

Luckily, it wasn’t more than 15 minutes later when I asked a hostess if we were in the right place and she said our table was ready. Ok… ???

Um... okay.
Well, as they say, don't look a gift tauntaun in the mouth.

It also has a funky, but limited, selection of cocktails to help you cool off and celebrate the thinning of any wallet bulk you might have.

Oh yay!!!

Wait...

You WILL be seated with other travelers which could make for an awkward situation if you accidentally reach for your lightsaber at the wrong time...

Han shot first!!!!

If that’s you, ask to stand at the bar or other standing tables. In which case, you’ll still be packed in with complete strangers, but it’s easier to mind your own business,

Standing = minding own business. Got it.
So many rules!!!

“Why would they bring us in if there wasn’t enough room for us to stand here without having to smell each other’s breath?”

And Disney doesn't provide breath freshening gum!

But I wanted a souvenir mug for $4,000 or close to it.

A steal at half the price!

***Begin rant***

Not being much of a drinker, I actually am happy with a small amount of alcohol. I always look for a drink with a good taste, and for me that means less alcohol flavour.
But I can understand you're not being thrilled to pay more for what is essentially just a non-alcoholic concoction.

Then again, I suppose it is DisneyWORLD- the happiest and most expensive place on Earth.

Um... weren't you in DisneyLAND?

***Rant really over now***

Are you sure?

Anyway, I chose the Yub Nub with the souvenir cup for $35. Mind you, Dear Reader, the price has now increased to $45; not a bad return on my money and yes, I may sell it at some point. (They are going for about $80 right now on EBay.)

SELL IT NOW!!!!

the Rancor Teeth Flight set that I instantly fell in love with. It would be PERFECT on my coffee table with little succulents planted in it.

Oh! What a great idea!

I am hoping that Fran can pick me up one (she has offered) but they are popular and I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up.

Any luck so far?

Anywho, Kari went with the non-alcoholic drink option with a Porg Mug. It’s super cute, and I think she is pretty happy with it.

That is cute.

didn’t need overly expensive bar snacks (that I get for free at my local taphouse)

I thought you said the rant was over?

Sorry, if the cynicism is dripping with this update.

Oh? Hadn't noticed.

the slowest service in the galaxy.

Oh really? I didn't experience that in WDW.

After we were done at Oga’s it was time to hit hyperdrive (in as sauntering a way as possible)

I had JUST watched Nightmare Before Christmas for the very first time

And? Did you like it?

Jack looked like he belonged at Oga’s more than he did at HM. Someone get that guy a saucer!

Good point!

And if you think the outside is amazing, the inside is simply over-the-top. Every inch of the attraction is transformed and so, so fun.

Wow! Now I'm thinking I need to see this.
I am overdue for my annual visit to see Alison...

My lame photos

Not lame at all! Thanks!

the ever-sweet Sally asking you to please hurry back.

I love that!

Would I go back to Disneyland to visit SW:GE again? No. Would I go back to California to ride HM at Halloweentime again? 100% yes.

High praise indeed! I need to see this!

Picture Palooza:

Thanks! You got some good ones!

But... but snow IS pretty.

Unless it weighs a ton (literally) and snaps branches and splits trees in half.

 

[buzzrelly]

I was so jealous of your trip to DL! It looks like you gushed an amazing time!

I LOVE the Autumn decorations at Disney parks more than any other time of year!

So pretty! I was going to say, I agree, but then if you had just said to me that the Christmas decorations were the best, I would have agreed with that too! Or EPCOT during F & G…I just love it all of the time

My take on SW:GE? I am going to have to be brutally honest here…. Disney did a whiz-bang job on theming and Imagineering of details, but after spending 3 or 4 visits there now (including the Florida portions of my trip) I’m in no hurry to go back. The ride is fun, but nowhere near worth more than a 45ish-minute wait. The Play App stuff IS fun, building a droid IS fun (I’ll go into detail on this in a much later update) and photographing is nice, but after you’ve done it a few times, it is simply a gigantic money-grabbing blackhole. Oga’s is astronomically expensive, the merchandise likewise. It really feels like a giant, over-priced gift shop with cool theming. I am not a Star Wars hyper-fan, so perhaps it would be more enjoyable for those folks. I enjoy the movies okay and was excited about seeing what Disney did with it, but even after experiencing it myself, I am not rabid. I’ll certainly share more (a lot more) in upcoming TR chapters about the various things to do there, but I have no need to hurry back anytime soon.

That's kind of disappointing, especially since I've yet to see it myself.

Anyway, I chose the Yub Nub with the souvenir cup for $35. Mind you, Dear Reader, the price has now increased to $45; not a bad return on my money and yes, I may sell it at some point. (They are going for about $80 right now on EBay.)

Yikes! And if they keep selling like hotcakes on eBay, the prices will continue to increase

 

[Steppesister]

R is for: Rounding out the Day with Rides​

The 999 Happy Haunts sent us on our way with wishes of short lines and conciliatory park guests. For the remainder of our short day in Disneyland, we focused on attractions that are unique to California or simply better in California… namely Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White, Mr. Toad and It’s a Small World.

What makes POTC better? It’s WAY longer with additional scenes. My nostalgic favorite is the set up where you are taken through a dusky twilight bayou scene complete with a lone old codger playing a lazy tune on his banjo. Fireflies twinkle as you are sent off to the tropical pirate-infested locales in a splashy fashion. Marc Davis’ signature chess theme makes an appearance as well as a pirate on his haul- a scene not seen in Florida. (How’s that for top notch writing?)

​

The Blue Bayou, where I worked for about a year! Such a great job!

​

While I got zero photos that turned out from Snow White, I did enjoy her Majesty’s creepiness and her eventual demise at her own doing at the end of the ride. (Sorry for the sucky photos!)

​

Mr. Toad is always a favorite of mine and one of my longest standing attraction memories of my childhood. I love the zaniness of his antics and love the books even more. If you’ve never read the Wind in the Willows, it’s well worth it! Did you know A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh, also wrote a play adapted from the characters seen in this attraction as well? I’ve not seen it, but sure would like to!

​

While we spent time in Fantasyland we saw something that was an extraordinary treat; something I'd never seen before. The Pearly Band that usually hangs out around New Orleans Square came over and got onto the Caroussel and provided LIVE MUSIC for a couple of cycles! How cool is that?! I tried very hard to get a good photo, but failed in the end, but it was very neat to see.

​

Snow White was making the moves on a handsome young princely type, much to the mocking and scolding of her stepmom. It was full-on hilarious!

"It'll only work out if you pick up your socks and do the dishes once in a while!"

​

I'm sure QueeniePoo was having apoplexy when this happened:

​

Lastly, we headed to the veeeeeeeeery back of the park for a spin on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed. If you don’t believe me, take a peek!

​

I know that opinions of this attraction wildly vary, but it’s a classic, I never tired of the artistry and creativity found both inside and out, and it’s got a lot of memory and meaning for me personally.

​

It was getting on to late afternoon and we were both beat from our middle-of-the-night departure and lack of sleep, so decided to call it a day. Under the amply warm Southern California sun, we headed towards our lockers to retrieve our bags and head to Trader Sam’s for a peek. Kari had never seen the DLR version and I’m always on the hunt for a fun new Tiki Cup. Bags in hand, we began what felt like a death march allllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way through the entire length of Downtown Disney towards the Disneyland Hotel where Trader Sam’s is. To put it in base terms, the walk sucked. It was hot, our bags were too heavy to carry that far, and we were both getting a little cranky. Not with each other, but with our situation in general. As a side note, DTD is WAY more done up for Fall than Disney Springs. There were super cool deconstructed characters, landscaping true to Autumn colors, hardscaping fun and other cool touches throughout.

​

We did finally arrive only to find that the Tiki Gods were not looking out for us. There were NO open tables which is not uncommon for this place. Kari wasn’t feeling well, so I stood inside lurking while she went to find a place to sit outside. Nearly 30 minutes later, 2 places at the bar opened up, I quickly snatched them up and texted Kari to come on in and join me. In that 30 -minutes or so, many folks came and left noting the crappy seating situation. It’s a super fun place to hang out, but be forewarned, the wait is often quite long to get a seat of any kind.

​

Love the hat tip to Paradise Falls!

​

I ordered the Piranha Pool which was tasty enough, but the mug!!!! Be still my heart! I adore my new mug and have it proudly sitting on a windowsill along with the other green souvie cup I got at Jock Lindsay’s this year.

​

I honestly don’t remember what Kari got for a drink, but do remember she got the dumplings with dipping sauce to nibble on. I tried one and it was quite tasty. I opted to save my tummy room for the dinner we planned with Fran and Alison later that night. At one point, I found my chin nearly resting ON, no really, ON the bar. What in the actual heck?! I was so confused!!! How does this happen? Kari busted out laughing, as did the folks to my right. I had NO idea it was a thing at Trader Sam's to have the trick bar stool catch one unawares. I about died laughing, rolling with knowing the joke was on me. I confess, it was wonderfully hilarious.

After our little snack and some silly shenanigans in Trader Sam's we found the cushy little seating area on the Tiki Patio complete with couches and a fireplace. During the short hour or so we waited for Alison and Fran to pick us up, I will neither confirm nor deny a legit nap was taken. How could you not in an area such as this:

​

Since I have NO photos of that dinner, I’ll just say that we all went out for Shabu Shabu in a nearby city. Shabu is a Japanese-style meal in which a pot of simmering broth is kept hot at your table while you cook a variety of meats, noodles, and veggies at your own pace- much like fondue but Asian. Sadly, I ordered my cooking broth MUCH too spicy and didn’t enjoy as much as I’d have liked. But the company was enjoyable and that’s what counts when you have dinner with friends!

And now, it’s YOUR turn! What ride or show or attraction holds the most nostalgic significance for you and why?

Meantime... off to start another work week... Until next time

​

 

[missjackiemcg]

I seem to have been reading several Oga's experiences that call it a one and done! I'm interested to see how it goes for us with Jimmy in December....

Love the pictures of HM with the Nightmare overlay. It looks just incredible, and I selfishly wish they would bring it to WDW someday (or less likely, that I get to DL to see it!!!)

It's a Small World is one of the most memory-inducing attractions. It's Jimmy's very favorite, and he makes us go on it several times every trip! I love hearing his narration as he spots the dolls and details that are his favorites. When he was about 4 years old, he decided we could all move to Disney World and work on It's a Small World. I thought he meant as CMs....he meant that he would be the boy who plays the guitar, Rob would be the bagpiper and I would be one of the girls on the carousel at the end. LOL Every time we have gone on IASM since then, I just smile and imagine us doing our doll jobs!

 

[MeghanEmily]

It's a Small World really is a beautiful attraction. I'd like to see the DLR version someday, especially the gorgeous facade. On my first trip to WDW as a four year old, it was one of the only attractions that I loved and that didn't scare me.

I couldn't believe your story/photos of the band playing on the carousel! How wonderful!

Your souvenir piranha mug is fantastic

 

[disneyAndi14]

Peter Pan and Mr. Toad are very nostalgic! I also loved the GMR, it brings back such wonderful memories of our mother and daughter trips! We loved this ride and rode it so much! And I dreamed of being a CM on this ride, she had the whole spiel memorized!

It looks like you had a nice afternoon and I love your souvenir mug, very cool!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

I so miss Snow White's Scary Adventures and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at WDW!!!

 

[pkondz]

For the remainder of our short day in Disneyland, we focused on attractions that are unique to California or simply better in California… namely Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White, Mr. Toad and It’s a Small World.

That sounds like a really good idea. Focus on what's different/better.
But what about Indiana Jones, Finding Nemo or Storybook Land Canal Boats?

What makes POTC better? It’s WAY longer with additional scenes.

I remember being told about this (And I'm almost possible it was you), and finding it out when I went a couple years ago.

a scene not seen in Florida. (How’s that for top notch writing?)

I seen what you did there.

The Blue Bayou, where I worked for about a year! Such a great job!

Would you go back?

Mr. Toad is always a favorite of mine and one of my longest standing attraction memories of my childhood.

Awww...

and love the books even more.

Um...

If you’ve never read the Wind in the Willows, it’s well worth it!

I may have read that once? If I did... it was years ago.

Did you know A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh, also wrote a play adapted from the characters seen in this attraction as well?

Huh! No, I didn't.

While we spent time in Fantasyland we saw something that was an extraordinary treat; something I'd never seen before. The Pearly Band that usually hangs out around New Orleans Square came over and got onto the Caroussel and provided LIVE MUSIC for a couple of cycles! How cool is that?!

That's so cool! What great timing!

Snow White was making the moves on a handsome young princely type, much to the mocking and scolding of her stepmom. It was full-on hilarious!

Well, the dude looks pretty handsome, so who can blame her?

"It'll only work out if you pick up your socks and do the dishes once in a while!"

I'm sure QueeniePoo was having apoplexy when this happened:

Lastly, we headed to the veeeeeeeeery back of the park for a spin on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed. If you don’t believe me, take a peek!

Ugh! Ack! No!

I know that opinions of this attraction wildly vary, but it’s a classic, I never tired of the artistry and creativity found both inside and out, and it’s got a lot of memory and meaning for me personally.

Okay... kidding aside. While it's not one of my favourites (far from it), I would fight very hard to keep it if Disney ever tried to remove it.
It's such a classic and I know that it holds a very special place in a lot of people's hearts.

It was getting on to late afternoon and we were both beat from our middle-of-the-night departure and lack of sleep, so decided to call it a day. Under the amply warm Southern California sun, we headed towards our lockers to retrieve our bags and head to Trader Sam’s for a peek.

Of course. You're hot. You're tired.... alcohol should help.

Bags in hand, we began what felt like a death march allllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way through the entire length of Downtown Disney towards the Disneyland Hotel where Trader Sam’s is. To put it in base terms, the walk sucked.

Uh, huh.
I remember joining you guys there and walking from the Annabella hotel.

As a side note, DTD is WAY more done up for Fall than Disney Springs. There were super cool deconstructed characters, landscaping true to Autumn colors, hardscaping fun and other cool touches throughout.

Oh really!
Just one more reason I need to get out there in the fall.

Love the hat tip to Paradise Falls!

Sorry... Guess I'm ignorant. What is this?

I ordered the Piranha Pool which was tasty enough, but the mug!!!! Be still my heart! I adore my new mug and have it proudly sitting on a windowsill along with the other green souvie cup I got at Jock Lindsay’s this year.

Nice! That's a very different mug!

At one point, I found my chin nearly resting ON, no really, ON the bar.

Huh?? I read this and thought you fell asleep!

How does this happen? Kari busted out laughing, as did the folks to my right. I had NO idea it was a thing at Trader Sam's to have the trick bar stool catch one unawares. I about died laughing, rolling with knowing the joke was on me. I confess, it was wonderfully hilarious.

So wait... there's a deliberately sabotaged bar stool???

After our little snack and some silly shenanigans in Trader Sam's we found the cushy little seating area on the Tiki Patio complete with couches and a fireplace. During the short hour or so we waited for Alison and Fran to pick us up, I will neither confirm nor deny a legit nap was taken. How could you not in an area such as this:

I liked that area. And your photo shows it's still very inviting.

Since I have NO photos of that dinner, I’ll just say that we all went out for Shabu Shabu in a nearby city. Shabu is a Japanese-style meal in which a pot of simmering broth is kept hot at your table while you cook a variety of meats, noodles, and veggies at your own pace- much like fondue but Asian. Sadly, I ordered my cooking broth MUCH too spicy and didn’t enjoy as much as I’d have liked. But the company was enjoyable and that’s what counts when you have dinner with friends!

Sorry your dinner wasn't the best. But glad you had a nice time regardless.

And now, it’s YOUR turn! What ride or show or attraction holds the most nostalgic significance for you and why?

That's fairly easy... and it isn't.

When I was little and watching Disney on TV... I was captured by the scene from HM with the "trapped inside a nailed shut coffin lid" scene.
And I loved seeing it IRL and HM is easily my favourite ride.

But...
When I first rode PP, I remember thinking "Oh great. A dumb kiddie ride."
I was expecting something like... Snow White's Scary Adventure. A track ride.
When the ride... took off... And then flew over freaking London!?!?!?!??!?
My love of Disney was tattooed on my soul.

 

[docsoliday1]

Mr. Toad

Miss Mr Toad's wild ride in MK.

What makes POTC better? It’s WAY longer with additional scenes.

I didn't know this. Or, if I did, I forgot.

The Blue Bayou, where I worked for about a year! Such a great job!

And the guy at GF knew that.

Mr. Toad is always a favorite of mine and one of my longest standing attraction memories of my childhood.

Ditto...why I miss it. They say Winnie the pooh is the same track, but it is nowhere the same.

To put it in base terms, the walk sucked.

Hey Liesa, not sure...what did you think of the walk?

It was hot, our bags were too heavy to carry that far, and we were both getting a little cranky.

Makes sense if you packed the bags to not have a check in.

As a side note, DTD is WAY more done up for Fall than Disney Springs.

So, what I think you meant to say is DTD in DL is much better decorated than DTD WDW?

We did finally arrive only to find that the Tiki Gods were not looking out for us. There were NO open tables which is not uncommon for this place. Kari wasn’t feeling well, so I stood inside lurking while she went to find a place to sit outside. Nearly 30 minutes later, 2 places at the bar opened up, I quickly snatched them up and texted Kari to come on in and join me. In that 30 -minutes or so, many folks came and left noting the crappy seating situation. It’s a super fun place to hang out, but be forewarned, the wait is often quite long to get a seat of any kind.

This is always the case. I wonder if they didn't anticipate the popularity or the smaller seating creates a sense of exclusivity and boosts the popularity. Many of the disdads love this place, but since I'm not much of a drinker and the overprices cups/mugs have no real attraction for me, I tend to pass. Don't get me wrong, for those that love the mugs, cool, happy for ya, just not my thang.

At one point, I found my chin nearly resting ON, no really, ON the bar. What in the actual heck?! I was so confused!!! How does this happen? Kari busted out laughing, as did the folks to my right. I had NO idea it was a thing at Trader Sam's to have the trick bar stool catch one unawares. I about died laughing, rolling with knowing the joke was on me. I confess, it was wonderfully hilarious.

Now this is too funny. I knew you were short, but sheesh!

During the short hour or so we waited for Alison and Fran to pick us up, I will neither confirm nor deny a legit nap was taken. How could you not in an area such as this

Considering y'all had gotten up so early and had a long day, seems perfectly normal.

And now, it’s YOUR turn! What ride or show or attraction holds the most nostalgic significance for you and why?

Wow....this is hard to answer...many of the ones I loved as a kid are gone.
MK: Speedway. I remember this was the first time I got to drive and even though I knew it was on a track and my steering had no real impact, loved it.
EP: Figment. Was one of the few rides the year it opened and as a young adult (still a teenager at 18), I thought Figment was a cool concept and character. I had a figment hat for many years and wish I still did...could probably sell it online for a small fortune. I liked the original version better, but alas, I doubt they'll bring it back.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Did you know Quantina is a girl’s name meaning Original and Popular? Seems fitting for quite an original and very popular Cantina spelled and pronounced nearly identically, no?

Maybe a bit of a stretch....

SW:GE isn’t quite the go-to hub all the hype led you to believe. I think it was less than a month out that we got one.

I'm pretty shocked that it hasn't been completely overrun.

You WILL be seated with other travelers which could make for an awkward situation if you accidentally reach for your lightsaber at the wrong time... or, if you have a hard time blending into conversation with complete strangers.

So, introverts need not apply, I guess.

“Why would they bring us in if there wasn’t enough room for us to stand here without having to smell each other’s breath?”

Hey, as long as you have the ability to spend money, they'll squeeze you in.

See the two paper water cups there and the space at the bar between those and that guy in the black tank. Yeah, that's where they thought two MORE people could stand and have a drink.

I couldn't stand there. Maybe two 6-year-olds.

***Rant really over now***

This just makes me happy I'm such a lightweight drinker. I don't bother with hard liquor.

Anyway, I chose the Yub Nub with the souvenir cup for $35. Mind you, Dear Reader, the price has now increased to $45; not a bad return on my money and yes, I may sell it at some point. (They are going for about $80 right now on EBay.)

While I did enjoy the music and watching Rex spin the tunes, I found it to be very spendy, crowded, and with the slowest service in the galaxy. Yes, the bar is amazingly detailed and super fun to see. Yes, if you get a table and like to hang with new folks, it’s fun. Yes, it was fun to take my kids to, but…. once.

That speaks volumes. Honestly, between the cost and my lack of interest in the menu, I'll probably never darken the door of the place.

I had JUST watched Nightmare Before Christmas for the very first time so it was all so fresh and relevant, and I confess I was WAY more geeked out and excited about this than SW:GE.

Glad it was so appealing for you! I have never been a Tim Burton fan, so this one isn't a draw for me. But I know a lot of people love it.

Would I go back to Disneyland to visit SW:GE again? No. Would I go back to California to ride HM at Halloweentime again? 100% yes.

Hope Disney execs aren't reading this! Or maybe they should be.

For the remainder of our short day in Disneyland, we focused on attractions that are unique to California or simply better in California… namely Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White, Mr. Toad and It’s a Small World.

I thought just about every ride was better in California. Space Mountain and BTMRR too.

Marc Davis’ signature chess theme makes an appearance as well as a pirate on his haul- a scene not seen in Florida. (How’s that for top notch writing?)

I see what you did there.

The Blue Bayou, where I worked for about a year! Such a great job!

Looks like such a great atmosphere for a meal.

Mr. Toad is always a favorite of mine and one of my longest standing attraction memories of my childhood.

I'm still stunned the ending to that ride actually exists!

I know that opinions of this attraction wildly vary, but it’s a classic, I never tired of the artistry and creativity found both inside and out, and it’s got a lot of memory and meaning for me personally.

Hey, I get it. Different strokes for different folks. I mean, some people like vegetables, too.

I adore my new mug and have it proudly sitting on a windowsill along with the other green souvie cup I got at Jock Lindsay’s this year.

Gotta admit, that's a very cool mug.

At one point, I found my chin nearly resting ON, no really, ON the bar. What in the actual heck?! I was so confused!!! How does this happen? Kari busted out laughing, as did the folks to my right. I had NO idea it was a thing at Trader Sam's to have the trick bar stool catch one unawares. I about died laughing,

I love it! I hadn't heard that one before, either.

And now, it’s YOUR turn! What ride or show or attraction holds the most nostalgic significance for you and why?

Big Thunder, easily. First roller coaster I ever conquered. And just as much fun to ride as an adult.