TR - A Gregarious Ghostly Gallivant - Final Thoughts Finally Posted!

[mnmrmustard]

It seems the holidays have made my TR followers disappear into the woodwork, but I'm still seeing the view count go up so I'm assuming some of y'all are still out there ;-]

Let's finish off my little tour of the firehouse and move on down the road shall we?

A certificate from 1929 from an operational fire dept

More sundries

1920s Fire Dept Pic

I left the fire department and went right into the first big shop next to it. I looked over the merchandise and bought a pirate pin and took a couple of pics of the full sized dioramas they have up in the eaves.

Time for a haircut

She really enjoys her birds

But I don't think this little girl cares for the outfit

On to the toy store which had all kinds of stuff in the rafters including a running toy train and my second favorite pirate captain :-D

Outside of the shop there was an open air space to eat at, but I was looking at the posters

I wandered back down Main Street U.S.A and made my ritual pit stop at the Dole Whip stand for a pineapple juice to soothe my scratchy throat. While I waited I snapped a couple of pics of the Hawaiian theming

From there I made a beeline for New Orleans Square or more specifically the ferry barge to Ole Tom Sawyer's Island AKA The Pirate's Lair. From the barge I had a good view of the back of the Columbia.

On the way across I had a good view of the wrecked ship on the rocks

And one of the pirate caves

The sunlight filtered through the morning haze to the entrance of the PotC ride.

And the crowds were starting to pour in and fill up the queues at the Haunted Mansion

Once I got over to the island I strolled up onto the "stage" area where Mickey hangs out for Fantasmic and took a bunch of pics of the shoreline. I put together a panorama of it but I warn you - it is almost 30MB in size. If you care to see it, click here

I got another shot of the Columbia

and then turned around and took a shot of the ...ummm, what is this building anyways?

From there I circled around towards Will Turner's Blacksmith shop

I wonder if he's in?

Shouldn't there be a donkey turning this?

Hey, sharp things!

More cool signage

As I came out what did I find? The riverboat was starting its journey

So what's next you ask? Well I'll tell you, I'm headed for trouble!!! I'm going in the out door! Bwooohaahaahaaaaa!

 

[deejdigsdis]

WOW!! Thanks for sharing so many cool non run-of-the-mill pictures! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the typical shots that we see a lot. But it's so fun to see pictures of things that many people don't notice/take time to browse/etc. etc. Sheesh...you are really not helping my "I want to go to Disneyland right now" Syndrome.

 

[mnmrmustard]

WOW!! Thanks for sharing so many cool non run-of-the-mill pictures! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the typical shots that we see a lot. But it's so fun to see pictures of things that many people don't notice/take time to browse/etc. etc. Sheesh...you are really not helping my "I want to go to Disneyland right now" Syndrome.

You hit the nail on the head there. My morning walkabout was all about taking the time and really looking at the attention to detail that Disney put into the park

And being on the island was very important to me as I hadn't made it there as a kid so I saw everything with a sense of real discovery and wonder

Thank you for the great comment!

 

[Trentmom]

Really enjoyed all your shots of the park so empty.

Love that they have windows open, with sounds coming out. THat is so neat.

OMG...loved the tour of the Disneyland exhibit you gave.

THe pics were great. Thanks for sharing that

Great pic in front of Huge Mickey Pumpkin

Okay, on to your next update

 

[Trentmom]

More great pics as usual.

I love all the things you capture on camera

Keep it up

Those shop pictures are great. They are so detailed

 

[mnmrmustard]

Really enjoyed all your shots of the park so empty.

Love that they have windows open, with sounds coming out. THat is so neat.

OMG...loved the tour of the Disneyland exhibit you gave.

THe pics were great. Thanks for sharing that

Great pic in front of Huge Mickey Pumpkin

Okay, on to your next update

Thank you Sharky :-] It was wonderful to be albe to have such a slow pace and not deal with people shoulder to shoulder. On those windows, I had no idea they had little touches like that. You'll have to tell me if they do it on Main Street at WDW

Thank you on the pictures - it was very wonderful to discover some neat things about the formation of Disneyland. And loved that they had Walt's bench.

More great pics as usual.

I love all the things you capture on camera

Keep it up

Those shop pictures are great. They are so detailed

I had never really looked at those dioramas in the shop before, such great details and full of humor.

Well, on to another segment in my picture parade!

 

[kaoden39]

Oh I want to go so bad. I am loosely looking at June.

 

[mnmrmustard]

Yo ho, yo ho! And away we go into the dark depths of a pirate tunnel .....backwards!

After passing under the "wrong way" sign I came across a note from Mr. Gibbs

Next up was a capture pirate with a pretty cool projection over the face ...which my flash completely zapped - lol

Look - treasure!

eeeek! It be guarded

Davy Jones heart safe in its box

More bad luck for treasure seekers

Shall we heed the warning?

Oops, maybe we should have

More goodies

And hard luck ex-pirates

And finally the entrance through which I made my exit

I took a trail back around to the other side and found another soul lost to the pursuit of treasure

This ship and her crew did not fair well

Bone cage a la PoTC 2

I walked up to a higher vantage point and looked across the river to a spot that used to part of the old Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland

It was actually kind of cool with that as there are spots all around the rivers and Big Thunder Mountain and the walkways in between where you can see old tracks and old tunnels boarded up from the ride. It was in operation until 1977 and I vaguely remember riding it as a kid on our trip to DLR in 1976.

I took the trail all the way to the top to the tree fort

Some okay views from up there, but mostly everything is obscured by trees.

I took a different route down and came down just as the steamboat was coming around to finish her journey.

I started walking towards the back of the island and had fun watching kids going in and out of some of the smaller "just for kids" tunnels they have through that area. I climbed up to the old shipwreck I had seen as we were first heading across. I really looked like it had been there for a long time.

There was some yummy salt pork and other barrels of provisions on the battlements

And from here I could see the top of the cave labyrinth that the kids were having so much fun in down below. It was extra funny watching the parents who had sent there kids in and then had gone up to the top to meet them try and coax the little ones out. The kids just kept turning around or ducking into other passages ...hehehe.

More to come later - g'night all!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Be still my beating heart.


Awesome pics Mike.... that panorama is way cool! Ah, to wander around the park by yourself.... must be heavenly!


Sorry to have abandoned you over the holidays but I'm back, all caught up and ready for more! I wonder if your sleepyheads ever get out bed on this day!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Oh I want to go so bad. I am loosely looking at June.

Hi Michele It is funny how these TRs can at once fill the gap when we are away from the parks and make us want to go back sooner. It is a vicious circle, but in a good way

Be still my beating heart.


Awesome pics Mike.... that panorama is way cool! Ah, to wander around the park by yourself.... must be heavenly!


Sorry to have abandoned you over the holidays but I'm back, all caught up and ready for more! I wonder if your sleepyheads ever get out bed on this day!

Hey Nicole! He is quite the handsome dude isn't he?

Glad you made it back. No worries about being away - it has been hard for us all to get back into some sort of groove since the Christmas season.

Ahhh, you braved the giant panorama did you? Hehehe. I did really enjoy being on my own there, but as a spoiler I was still on the island when I got "the call"

 

[mnmrmustard]

I'll start off right where I left off - here is the top of the pirate caves I was speaking about in the last installment

I walked to the edge of the structure, past the pulleys and other dockside apparatus and what did I spy? Twas the Mighty Columbia setting sail!

I worked my way back down to ground level and trekked my way to old Fort Wilderness. It was still standing proudly, but locked down and quiet.

I walked around back and paid my respects at the old graveyard

By then the Columbia was coming by, tall and majestic but empty of passengers

Her gunner gave a test fire off the foredeck

Then she sailed off on her grand adventure

I had been following a trail as the ship went by and lo and behold, I found a ship's ransom of treasure! Only some wee pirates had found it first - blast!

There was plenty for all to share though

And right when I was getting ready to celebrate finding my plunder ...my cell phone rings! Bean is up and would like to come join me on my adventure :-] I have to leave the treasure for others to discover as I make my way back across the island to the barge dock.

On my way I catch a great view of Splash Mountain. I took a shot of a log coming out of the top, thinking it was a pretty cool pic.

It wasn't until weeks later while editing pics for posting that the voyagers on that log were veterans and knew how to strike a pose for the cameras - lolol

I kept walking and the Mark Twain was making the rounds again. I really love the look of the paddle wheel scooping its way around the river. Such a cool method of locomotion :-]

I got to the barge waiting area and it was really starting to get HOT!!!! Hot and humid. I was finding every sliver of shade I could, which wasn't easy at the barge dock. I looked up and took one more picture of the crows nest and building behind me and then got on the barge.

Before we started out a couple of canoes came around the bend. They were really workin' up a sweat!

The sun beat down on the open barge - making me want for another ice cold pineapple juice!

I made landfall and started working my way around the walkway next to the river. I couldn't help take a couple more shots of the Columbia as she came at me going the other way.

I headed for the Frontierland exit towards the hub and said a quick "how" to the cigar store indian

I entered the hub and snapped another shot of the Matterhorn, looming majestic above the crowds

I weaved my way into Tomorrowland, heading for the monorail station. A monorail swooshed over my head as I walked. I was happy for the shade ;-]

At the station I took that same darned shot that I've taken before and just about everyone else takes from the platform

Then I was on my way. No monorail car to myself this time - I squeezed in but managed to get a window seat. We passed above Autotopia

As we wound around I snapped a pic of another monorail coming in

And then we were zooming away from Disneyland and quickly passing Cali Adventure. Big Grizzly howled as I went by ...hehe

I arrived at the station and made my way up to the room. Kris had gotten up too and him and Bean were ready to roll. I had a quick snack and rehydrated - warning them how hot and humid it was going to be. They were still game so we packed up to head back to the park. Roxy and Pumpkin Girl were more than happy to just hibernate and enjoy the wonder that is a closed blind and climate control - lol.

Next up, many sweaty adventures and what the heck happened to my shirt????

 

[Trentmom]

wow...Really great pics

So much to explore there

I felt like I was reading a good book....

That was funnny about vets posing on SPlash

 

[kaoden39]

I don't care how many times I see the picture of the Matterhorn from the platform it still takes my breath away. It is my favorite view in the park.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

It wasn't until weeks later while editing pics for posting that the voyagers on that log were veterans and knew how to strike a pose for the cameras - lolol

I dunno. I think the back 3 are def. posing and the 3rd guy back looks a little unimpressed.... but those 2 in front look genuinely terrified! Especially the woman!


I loved this update Mike! It was very piratey! (Yep, it's a word alright! )

 

[mnmrmustard]

wow...Really great pics

So much to explore there

I felt like I was reading a good book....

That was funnny about vets posing on SPlash

Thankyee Kelly, it was such a fun time poking around all over the island and stopping to take random shots as I walked. I know I'll building this kind of exploration time into future trips

Mike's pictoral travel journal ...hehehe.

I don't care how many times I see the picture of the Matterhorn from the platform it still takes my breath away. It is my favorite view in the park.

Yeah, I'd have to agree that I'll never get tired of that view - it really is a statement of "you're at Disneyland"

I dunno. I think the back 3 are def. posing and the 3rd guy back looks a little unimpressed.... but those 2 in front look genuinely terrified! Especially the woman!


I loved this update Mike! It was very piratey! (Yep, it's a word alright! )

I think you've got them pretty well defined there Nicole ...and yes, the woman up front is freakin' out!

Arrrrggghhhh! Piratey is indeed a word in my book

 

[jedijill]

Whew! Made it all the way through. I'm in the beginning stages of planning a return to DLR this fall. I'm finding lots of inspiration from your report.

Thanks!

Jill in CO

 

[DizNee Luver]

I love you like to take pictures of the "not-normal"!!! I do the same, I love all the little details & signs that get missed when people zoom by. I've only been over to the island once & obviously missed a ton of stuff.....of course due to my claustophobia...the caves are out for me.

So how many pics did you take on this trip???? Any idea?? I take so many pics while on vacation that sometimes I have to run back to the motel to upload them to the computer so I can take more.

So guess what??? We're going back this summer....just started a PTR....hope you'll join in!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Really enjoying your TR! Love the Main St gems and all the detailed pics!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Whew! Made it all the way through. I'm in the beginning stages of planning a return to DLR this fall. I'm finding lots of inspiration from your report.

Thanks!

Jill in CO

Hey Jill! Thank you for sharing the adventure Glad you are getting some good ideas from our little adventure

I love you like to take pictures of the "not-normal"!!! I do the same, I love all the little details & signs that get missed when people zoom by. I've only been over to the island once & obviously missed a ton of stuff.....of course due to my claustophobia...the caves are out for me.

So how many pics did you take on this trip???? Any idea?? I take so many pics while on vacation that sometimes I have to run back to the motel to upload them to the computer so I can take more.

So guess what??? We're going back this summer....just started a PTR....hope you'll join in!!

Hi Laurie There is just so much to discover all over the park - I can't wait to get back and look for more treasures to capture. Yeah, those caves get a little tight and most were too small for me to even navigate. They are meant for the kids so just send one in with a camera and see what they come back with

As far as how many I took - I think I was somewhere over 3,000 shots for the trip. I have a 4GB card and a back-up 1GB card that I carry when shooting. Between the two of them I can take around 1,300 shots without having to download. Have to carry an extra battery too since I take so many action shots.

Another trip??? Very cool - I'll jump on board your PTR as soon as I finish this post - can't wait to hear the details

Really enjoying your TR! Love the Main St gems and all the detailed pics!

Thank you very much - thank you for checking it out and for the wonderful compliment

 

[mnmrmustard]

So out the door we went - Bean, Kris, and I. We zipped past the ESPN club but Bean couldn't resist stopping in front of the Rainforest as they had a parrot out with its handler.

Bean listened to her talk about the bird's habitat and such

And then of course got a picture with them

We hit the monorail and as we sped past the entrance we got a birds-eye view of the character jack-o-lanterns

and the Halloween Mickey head

...and then the rest of the jack-o-lantern crew

Hey look - a slightly different view of the Matterhorn ;-D

Followed by 'morning sun on Matterhorn

Matterhorn waterfall

and Matterhorn as seen from monorail just before entering the station - lol

We got off of the monorail and were really starting to feel the heat of the day coupled with a humidity that was competing with what I've felt down in Orlando! We followed the shadow of the monorail track around the Matterhorn and up towards IaSW.

We had decided that AC rides were the way to go for the time being. We made a quick pit stop to pick up some waters from a stand and looked on as a couple of villains did a meet and greet on the raised area to the right just before the ride.

The kids didn't want to wait in line for them even though I wanted to - my official notice that I was no longer on my time, I was on theirs - lol I stopped to take a quick shot of Jafar as we went by.

Then came IaSW itself

We were shuffling along in the line trying to go from one shady spot to the next. Once we got onto the ride boat I handed the camera over to Kris and he took pictures as we made our way around the winding course to the interior.

Hallo Mr. Moose!

Rawwwrrrr!

Bean really liked the horse

Proud elk

...and the horse again :-D

We crossed the threshold into blessed shade and air conditioning ....aaaahhhhh! Kris took a bunch of pics, I'll share a choice few as you've seen all of these plenty of times before.

Alice and the White Rabbit

Some dancing girls

Ye ole bagpiper

Pinocchio doing a dance

some billygoats doing a balancing act

Aladdin and Jasmine

A trip to India

Cool camel

Oop, picture limit - pick up in just a minute ;-]