Sleepless Knight
Jedi Knight Seeking His Jedi Princess
- Joined
- May 15, 2008
- Messages
- 4,977
It's amazing how much time the simple act of putting your AP in your lanyard pouch immediately after getting your parking can save you. Without having to backtrack all the way back to my car I made it into Disneyland in a whole lot less time today. Once inside the park gates and all the way up near the end of Main Street, I decide to head for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I know this attraction has taken some criticism on occasion, but I really quite enjoy it. Not enough to wait in line for an hour or so, but then again, I've become so accustomed to knowing how to tour the parks, that I rarely wait an hour for any attraction. I will note that since I wasn't fully prepared to go on Nemo first, I made the mistake of trying to get there through Tomorrowland instead of the Fantasyland side of the Matterhorn, so I probably lost a couple of minutes walking around the Matterhorn. If you're going to ride Nemo first, take around the Matterhorn to get there instead of trying to walk through Fantasyland.
Mine, mine, mine. I still remember getting excited about this when I first saw the construction walls and later on the seagulls.
Even then, I had a 15 minute wait or so for Nemo. After that I went on Space Mountain, grabbed a fastpass for later, and hit another attraction or two. Once again it's amazing just how much you can get done with early touring in Disneyland. After that I decided to head over to DCA, mostly for one purpose. I wanted to get my free Disney Visa photopass coupon and I knew it was only available for the first hour and a half or so after park opening. Little did I know how much that decision would change my day.
As I walked into DCA, I realized that I could not quite remember where the Visa meet and greet location was. I was pretty sure it was over in the Hollywood Pictures backlot, but I couldn't remember for sure. I decided to stop in the Greetings from California store to ask a CM there. She helpfully told me that the meet and greet was over by the Vineyard. Now, I was pretty sure that it was still in the Hollywood Pictures backlot, but I decided that the CM knew more than me and went to the Vineyard. Well, the CM was wrong. As any good DISer knows, the meet and greet is in the backlot. But this mistake was incredibly helpful. When I went over to the vineyard, I asked the cast members standing there in vests if this was where the meet and greet was. They kindly told me that it was not, but they happened to be carrying lots and lots and lots of lanyards. Yes, I had inadvertently found the Dream Squad and was now the proud owner of a Dream Fastpass.
The Dream Squad also told me that the meet and greet was indeed in the backlot, so I thanked them and headed back over to the backlot with a more weight around my neck and a spring in my step. And the more I thought about the more I realized just how much fun today was going to be. Because in addition to my Dream Fastpass, I also have my regular park pass, so it's like having two fastpasses for the price of one. This is going to be an amazing attraction day. But first it's off to the meet and greet. And when I get there I find it's my turn to meet a couple of rascals just out to have some fun.
Everyone's favorite chipmunks(or at least mine), Chip and Dale are hanging out. When I go up to see them, I ask the dynamic duo of Donald Duck torturing if they're behaving themselves. I express my approval when they indicate that they're being rascally, especially when I mention Donald. Among my favorite Disney cartoons growing up were the ones that featured those two in their various antics. Classic stuff. As much as I enjoyed the Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale will always be the rascally chipmunks tormenting Donald Duck. As I prepare to leave, Chip comes up to me and decides that it's time to examine my lanyard. And upon closer examination, he calls Dale over. They are not happy with me because my lanyard does not have any Chip and Dale pins. I try to explain to them that I couldn't find the pin of them as ewoks on it, but they're not having it. They scold me for having pins of Mickey, but not them. They also wanted the completely nuts pin on my lanyard and didn't like my explanation that I didn't want to lose it. I hope they'll forgive me.
Chip and Dale hadn't perused my lanyard yet, so they weren't disappointed with me for the picture.
With that I wander over to the Tower of Terror to begin using my Dream Fastpass and collect another one for later. I also decide to check out Monsters, Inc. while I'm in the area and wander over to Off the Page. I have an important task to complete here. My sister got married last September. And in the months leading up to her wedding, I was so busy helping my parents get their yard ready for her wedding reception that I literally did not have time to buy her a wedding gift. I always intended to, but could not figure out what to get her. And then, last March, after I'd been to Disneyland in February for my Studios visit, inspiration hit me. I would get my sister a Disney sketch featuring a Disney couple and some sort of custom text. Well as I walked into Off the Page, I learned yet another advantage of wearing interest pins on my lanyard. The sketch artist noticed my lanyard and had to show me the Jedi Mickey sketch they had just started doing. So, now I'm getting a Mickey and Minnie wedding sketch for my sister and brother in law and a Jedi Mickey sketch for myself.
Over by the Tower of Terror, I noticed tourist Goofy, who'd managed to steer clear of crazy chipmunks hanging out so I stop to get a picture with the Goof, another favorite character of mine from those classic Disney animated shorts from childhood. And of course I had to go on Tower of Terror again. I love how that attraction messes with your mind. It's one of my all time favorites.
Goofing off with Goofy
With that I head over to Paradise Pier to ride Screamin' and I notice something very, very exciting and cool. Toy Story Midway Mania is open to cast member previews. Unfortunately, confused and possibly stoned teens thinking I'm a cast member does not actually make me a cast member eligible to ride this soon to open attraction, but Mr. Potato Head is up and running. For those of you who haven't seen this spud in action yet, he is awesome. I have high hopes for this attraction. I just hope it delivers. And my camera, shockingly enough, decides to continue to behave today, so I get a couple of cool pictures of Mr. Potato Head. It's now off to Mulholland Madness, mostly just to use my fastpass and to collect another Fastpass for Soarin.
You know these pictures would have been way cooler if I had written this report back before Toy Story Midway Mania had opened.
Now anyone paying attention to the title of this chapter may be wondering when I'm going to talk about the rodent problem at the hotel. You're probably thinking that having a hotel with a rodent problem would be a major challenge to deal with on any vacation. And you'd likely be right. But this hotel is no ordinary hotel. And because it's no ordinary hotel, the rodent problem I encountered is easily one of the highlights of this visit. It also makes the top ten list of favorite moments in Disney vacations. So, once again I decide to stay at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Given the number of times Ive stayed at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, you'd think that I'd be used to this place by now. And yet, this hotel always finds ways to surprise. The bellhops were their usual dark, dry, and witty selves. The service elevator was it's usual unpredictable self. Even the gift shop was the same. But then everything changed.
As I walked out of the hotel gift shop and headed to my next destination, I took a step past the pillars when a gigantic rodent leaped out in an attempt to scare me. This rodent was absolutely huge, easily the largest I've seen in my life, probably around 5 feet tall. And what's more, this rodent was not alone. He had a partner in crime. Yes, there were two gigantic rodents hiding behind the pillars in an effort to scare guests just leaving the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Just in case you happen to experience this rodent problem I shall describe the perpetrators. Both had dark brown fur with a white stripe between two black ones going down their back. Oh, and one last thing. One has a black nose, and the other has a red nose. Yes, Chip and Dale were goofing off by the Tower of Terror. And it was tremendous fun to watch. While they didn't scare me, there were quite a few guests who were startled and more than a few let out a scream as they were surprised by one or two five foot chipmunks jumping out at them after getting off the Tower of Terror. I must have stood there and watched them for five to ten minutes, laughing and smiling as Chip and Dale scared yet another guest. This sort of behavior is brilliant. It is so much in character with Chip and Dale's mischievousness that I remember so well from the cartoons. All good things must come to an end though, and Chip and Dale had to go eat some peanuts. I went to collect another Fastpass and commented to a CM by the fastpass machine that the hotel had a rodent problem and he noted that those two lovable chipmunks like to frequently scare guests.
A crazy rascal just out to have some fun
I decide it's time for lunch now, so I head over to Pacific Wharf and order some corn chowder. Everything is fine and I can't wait to eat until my sprite falls off my tray and I lose 90% of my soda. Fortunately, after explaining what happened, a cast member is kind enough to get me a refill and I continue to enjoy my lunch. Just another nice touch about Disney. During lunch Stitch calls to tell me that Mr. Potato Head is working since he figured that I'd be interested in knowing that.
After fitting in a few more rides courtesy of having almost unlimited fastpasses between the park crowds(virtually empty) and the Dream Fastpass, I decide to take in the Aladdin musical. For those of you haven't seen this yet, it is spectacular. We're talking almost Broadway quality here. One of the major challenges Aladdin the film faces is the fact that it remains ensconced forever in the pop culture of the early 90s. I love the film Aladdin, but even my youngest brother and sister, 10 and 11 years younger than me don't understand some of the film's humor. But with this musical, Disney has found a way to deal with that. Simply have the Genie riff on today's pop culture. And so in honor of yet another enjoyable Aladdin show, I present some of my favorite Genie lines over the years.
I can't make someone fall in love with you. I mean just look at Nick and Jessica.
That was almost as scary as the Beverly Hills Chiuahua trailer.
To Iago: Everyone hates a rat, except Ratatouille won Best Animated Feature, which was cool.
To Iago: Get out of here, you Tiki Bird Room Reject!!
And, my all time favorite from the very end, I'm going to cross the street!
There were also a few High School Musical gags that I didn't get since I'm not in the target audience for HSM, but those received approving roars from that set. By all means, take the time to see this show. It won't disappoint. Even my mother who doesn't care for the story of Aladdin itself enjoyed the musical. And it's a great attraction to do in the heat of the day when your feet are tired and you need a nice, long 50 minute break from walking.
Well, having thoroughly enjoyed my time in DCA, I decide that it's time to head back to Disneyland. I stop off in Photo Supply to pick up my free Photopass picture and have an interesting conversation with the CM. Noticing that my lanyard features Sleeping Beauty pins, and noticing my pictures with Aurora, the CM tells me how fortunate I was to see Aurora over in DCA and not have to fight the linds and crowds associated with the random gamble that is the Princess Fantasy Faire. I also tell her about how photopass saved the day on this trip because my camera decided to stop working and how wonderful the photopass service is. Upon noticing the Star Wars pins on my lanyard, she tells me about this forthcoming photopass picture featuring Darth Vader. That piques my interest, but alas it's a picture I'll have to get on my next visit since it isn't quite ready yet.
As I leave Photo Supply, it's just about time for the parade, so I find a good seat, mostly because it's on the sunny side of the street. The shady seats are long gone, but if you can handle the heat, the sunny side of the street can be a great place to get a good seat for the parade and not have to wait more than 5-10 minutes for it to start.
The Mouse and the Princess!
This night would feature a tremendous discovery for me. Seeing as how I've now spent almost 3 full days running around Disneyland, my feet are really starting to hurt. I'm getting tired too, and I just don't feel like standing in line waiting for my turn to order my food at one of the quick service restaurants. So, on a whim I decide to try the Carnation Cafe on Main Street. Keep in mind it's about 15 minutes after the parade has ended. And I'm able to walk right up to the check in place and get a seat. Simply amazing. And then the big shock comes. The menu prices. They're comparable with the prices in most of the quick service places, except this is a table service restaurant. In short, I'm going to wait about the same amount of time for my food as I would have in a quick service restaurant except I'm doing this while sitting down and resting. Once I taste my food, my opinion about the Carnation Cafe is sealed. This place is outstanding. Good portion size, good taste, and a very reasonable price. I'm almost afraid to share it here because I fear that this hidden gem might be discovered, but if you're looking for a nice meal at a very reasonable price, by all means check out Carnation Cafe.
Feeling happy and no longer hungry, it's time to do some more attractions, collecting as many fastpasses as I can to take advantage of the extra fastpass opportunities I have on account of the Dream Fastpass I won earlier today. It's been a good day. Once the crowd from the fireworks has died down I head over to get my annual night shot in front on the castle. I absolutely love how the castle appears at night. It always brings back so many special memories. And since I know that I have to buy a photopass cd for this trip, I'm taking as many pictures as I can, including a nighttime shot in front of the castle.
The pixie dust makes for an awesome nighttime effect. Disneyland after dark is so amazing.
Well, there's only one more day to go on my visit. Stay tuned for the final installment.
Mine, mine, mine. I still remember getting excited about this when I first saw the construction walls and later on the seagulls.
Even then, I had a 15 minute wait or so for Nemo. After that I went on Space Mountain, grabbed a fastpass for later, and hit another attraction or two. Once again it's amazing just how much you can get done with early touring in Disneyland. After that I decided to head over to DCA, mostly for one purpose. I wanted to get my free Disney Visa photopass coupon and I knew it was only available for the first hour and a half or so after park opening. Little did I know how much that decision would change my day.
As I walked into DCA, I realized that I could not quite remember where the Visa meet and greet location was. I was pretty sure it was over in the Hollywood Pictures backlot, but I couldn't remember for sure. I decided to stop in the Greetings from California store to ask a CM there. She helpfully told me that the meet and greet was over by the Vineyard. Now, I was pretty sure that it was still in the Hollywood Pictures backlot, but I decided that the CM knew more than me and went to the Vineyard. Well, the CM was wrong. As any good DISer knows, the meet and greet is in the backlot. But this mistake was incredibly helpful. When I went over to the vineyard, I asked the cast members standing there in vests if this was where the meet and greet was. They kindly told me that it was not, but they happened to be carrying lots and lots and lots of lanyards. Yes, I had inadvertently found the Dream Squad and was now the proud owner of a Dream Fastpass.
The Dream Squad also told me that the meet and greet was indeed in the backlot, so I thanked them and headed back over to the backlot with a more weight around my neck and a spring in my step. And the more I thought about the more I realized just how much fun today was going to be. Because in addition to my Dream Fastpass, I also have my regular park pass, so it's like having two fastpasses for the price of one. This is going to be an amazing attraction day. But first it's off to the meet and greet. And when I get there I find it's my turn to meet a couple of rascals just out to have some fun.
Everyone's favorite chipmunks(or at least mine), Chip and Dale are hanging out. When I go up to see them, I ask the dynamic duo of Donald Duck torturing if they're behaving themselves. I express my approval when they indicate that they're being rascally, especially when I mention Donald. Among my favorite Disney cartoons growing up were the ones that featured those two in their various antics. Classic stuff. As much as I enjoyed the Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale will always be the rascally chipmunks tormenting Donald Duck. As I prepare to leave, Chip comes up to me and decides that it's time to examine my lanyard. And upon closer examination, he calls Dale over. They are not happy with me because my lanyard does not have any Chip and Dale pins. I try to explain to them that I couldn't find the pin of them as ewoks on it, but they're not having it. They scold me for having pins of Mickey, but not them. They also wanted the completely nuts pin on my lanyard and didn't like my explanation that I didn't want to lose it. I hope they'll forgive me.
Chip and Dale hadn't perused my lanyard yet, so they weren't disappointed with me for the picture.
With that I wander over to the Tower of Terror to begin using my Dream Fastpass and collect another one for later. I also decide to check out Monsters, Inc. while I'm in the area and wander over to Off the Page. I have an important task to complete here. My sister got married last September. And in the months leading up to her wedding, I was so busy helping my parents get their yard ready for her wedding reception that I literally did not have time to buy her a wedding gift. I always intended to, but could not figure out what to get her. And then, last March, after I'd been to Disneyland in February for my Studios visit, inspiration hit me. I would get my sister a Disney sketch featuring a Disney couple and some sort of custom text. Well as I walked into Off the Page, I learned yet another advantage of wearing interest pins on my lanyard. The sketch artist noticed my lanyard and had to show me the Jedi Mickey sketch they had just started doing. So, now I'm getting a Mickey and Minnie wedding sketch for my sister and brother in law and a Jedi Mickey sketch for myself.
Over by the Tower of Terror, I noticed tourist Goofy, who'd managed to steer clear of crazy chipmunks hanging out so I stop to get a picture with the Goof, another favorite character of mine from those classic Disney animated shorts from childhood. And of course I had to go on Tower of Terror again. I love how that attraction messes with your mind. It's one of my all time favorites.
Goofing off with Goofy
With that I head over to Paradise Pier to ride Screamin' and I notice something very, very exciting and cool. Toy Story Midway Mania is open to cast member previews. Unfortunately, confused and possibly stoned teens thinking I'm a cast member does not actually make me a cast member eligible to ride this soon to open attraction, but Mr. Potato Head is up and running. For those of you who haven't seen this spud in action yet, he is awesome. I have high hopes for this attraction. I just hope it delivers. And my camera, shockingly enough, decides to continue to behave today, so I get a couple of cool pictures of Mr. Potato Head. It's now off to Mulholland Madness, mostly just to use my fastpass and to collect another Fastpass for Soarin.
You know these pictures would have been way cooler if I had written this report back before Toy Story Midway Mania had opened.
Now anyone paying attention to the title of this chapter may be wondering when I'm going to talk about the rodent problem at the hotel. You're probably thinking that having a hotel with a rodent problem would be a major challenge to deal with on any vacation. And you'd likely be right. But this hotel is no ordinary hotel. And because it's no ordinary hotel, the rodent problem I encountered is easily one of the highlights of this visit. It also makes the top ten list of favorite moments in Disney vacations. So, once again I decide to stay at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Given the number of times Ive stayed at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, you'd think that I'd be used to this place by now. And yet, this hotel always finds ways to surprise. The bellhops were their usual dark, dry, and witty selves. The service elevator was it's usual unpredictable self. Even the gift shop was the same. But then everything changed.
As I walked out of the hotel gift shop and headed to my next destination, I took a step past the pillars when a gigantic rodent leaped out in an attempt to scare me. This rodent was absolutely huge, easily the largest I've seen in my life, probably around 5 feet tall. And what's more, this rodent was not alone. He had a partner in crime. Yes, there were two gigantic rodents hiding behind the pillars in an effort to scare guests just leaving the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Just in case you happen to experience this rodent problem I shall describe the perpetrators. Both had dark brown fur with a white stripe between two black ones going down their back. Oh, and one last thing. One has a black nose, and the other has a red nose. Yes, Chip and Dale were goofing off by the Tower of Terror. And it was tremendous fun to watch. While they didn't scare me, there were quite a few guests who were startled and more than a few let out a scream as they were surprised by one or two five foot chipmunks jumping out at them after getting off the Tower of Terror. I must have stood there and watched them for five to ten minutes, laughing and smiling as Chip and Dale scared yet another guest. This sort of behavior is brilliant. It is so much in character with Chip and Dale's mischievousness that I remember so well from the cartoons. All good things must come to an end though, and Chip and Dale had to go eat some peanuts. I went to collect another Fastpass and commented to a CM by the fastpass machine that the hotel had a rodent problem and he noted that those two lovable chipmunks like to frequently scare guests.
A crazy rascal just out to have some fun
I decide it's time for lunch now, so I head over to Pacific Wharf and order some corn chowder. Everything is fine and I can't wait to eat until my sprite falls off my tray and I lose 90% of my soda. Fortunately, after explaining what happened, a cast member is kind enough to get me a refill and I continue to enjoy my lunch. Just another nice touch about Disney. During lunch Stitch calls to tell me that Mr. Potato Head is working since he figured that I'd be interested in knowing that.
After fitting in a few more rides courtesy of having almost unlimited fastpasses between the park crowds(virtually empty) and the Dream Fastpass, I decide to take in the Aladdin musical. For those of you haven't seen this yet, it is spectacular. We're talking almost Broadway quality here. One of the major challenges Aladdin the film faces is the fact that it remains ensconced forever in the pop culture of the early 90s. I love the film Aladdin, but even my youngest brother and sister, 10 and 11 years younger than me don't understand some of the film's humor. But with this musical, Disney has found a way to deal with that. Simply have the Genie riff on today's pop culture. And so in honor of yet another enjoyable Aladdin show, I present some of my favorite Genie lines over the years.
I can't make someone fall in love with you. I mean just look at Nick and Jessica.
That was almost as scary as the Beverly Hills Chiuahua trailer.
To Iago: Everyone hates a rat, except Ratatouille won Best Animated Feature, which was cool.
To Iago: Get out of here, you Tiki Bird Room Reject!!
And, my all time favorite from the very end, I'm going to cross the street!
There were also a few High School Musical gags that I didn't get since I'm not in the target audience for HSM, but those received approving roars from that set. By all means, take the time to see this show. It won't disappoint. Even my mother who doesn't care for the story of Aladdin itself enjoyed the musical. And it's a great attraction to do in the heat of the day when your feet are tired and you need a nice, long 50 minute break from walking.
Well, having thoroughly enjoyed my time in DCA, I decide that it's time to head back to Disneyland. I stop off in Photo Supply to pick up my free Photopass picture and have an interesting conversation with the CM. Noticing that my lanyard features Sleeping Beauty pins, and noticing my pictures with Aurora, the CM tells me how fortunate I was to see Aurora over in DCA and not have to fight the linds and crowds associated with the random gamble that is the Princess Fantasy Faire. I also tell her about how photopass saved the day on this trip because my camera decided to stop working and how wonderful the photopass service is. Upon noticing the Star Wars pins on my lanyard, she tells me about this forthcoming photopass picture featuring Darth Vader. That piques my interest, but alas it's a picture I'll have to get on my next visit since it isn't quite ready yet.
As I leave Photo Supply, it's just about time for the parade, so I find a good seat, mostly because it's on the sunny side of the street. The shady seats are long gone, but if you can handle the heat, the sunny side of the street can be a great place to get a good seat for the parade and not have to wait more than 5-10 minutes for it to start.
The Mouse and the Princess!
This night would feature a tremendous discovery for me. Seeing as how I've now spent almost 3 full days running around Disneyland, my feet are really starting to hurt. I'm getting tired too, and I just don't feel like standing in line waiting for my turn to order my food at one of the quick service restaurants. So, on a whim I decide to try the Carnation Cafe on Main Street. Keep in mind it's about 15 minutes after the parade has ended. And I'm able to walk right up to the check in place and get a seat. Simply amazing. And then the big shock comes. The menu prices. They're comparable with the prices in most of the quick service places, except this is a table service restaurant. In short, I'm going to wait about the same amount of time for my food as I would have in a quick service restaurant except I'm doing this while sitting down and resting. Once I taste my food, my opinion about the Carnation Cafe is sealed. This place is outstanding. Good portion size, good taste, and a very reasonable price. I'm almost afraid to share it here because I fear that this hidden gem might be discovered, but if you're looking for a nice meal at a very reasonable price, by all means check out Carnation Cafe.
Feeling happy and no longer hungry, it's time to do some more attractions, collecting as many fastpasses as I can to take advantage of the extra fastpass opportunities I have on account of the Dream Fastpass I won earlier today. It's been a good day. Once the crowd from the fireworks has died down I head over to get my annual night shot in front on the castle. I absolutely love how the castle appears at night. It always brings back so many special memories. And since I know that I have to buy a photopass cd for this trip, I'm taking as many pictures as I can, including a nighttime shot in front of the castle.
The pixie dust makes for an awesome nighttime effect. Disneyland after dark is so amazing.
Well, there's only one more day to go on my visit. Stay tuned for the final installment.
it.
