We Moved to Disneyland!! Now What ? Stories from New DLR Locals - Updated 1/15

[luulu1999]

Bugs land was the first place we went on our First(and only so far) trip to Disneyland at Christmas and my kids still talk about smelling the animal crackers and watermelon on the Chew Chew ride lol

 

[tdashgirl]

I have to admit I have a soft spot for Heimlich too. Such a sweet goofy ride, Heimlich's voice is too precious, it just makes me grin when I hear it. Of course, it's so short that any wait much longer than a walk-on is not worth it.

Your post made me crave Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate. I've never had it at Disneyland before, it sounds like a must-have.

 

[Eddygirl]

I am embarrassed to come out of "lurkdom" for the first time. I have immensely enjoyed all your trip reports and look forward to your updates.

The reason I am compelled to post and admit to being a borderline creepy stalker is "I'm Too Excited To Sleep" posted on the regular d-land board that he is looking for someone to join the Dis team as a podcaster. I really, really, really think this would be such a good fit for you. I hope you don't mind, but I "nominated" you. Your passion for all things Disney is contagious! Please check it out......

 

[Sherry E]

I am embarrassed to come out of "lurkdom" for the first time. I have immensely enjoyed all your trip reports and look forward to your updates.

The reason I am compelled to post and admit to being a borderline creepy stalker is "I'm Too Excited To Sleep" posted on the regular d-land board that he is looking for someone to join the Dis team as a podcaster. I really, really, really think this would be such a good fit for you. I hope you don't mind, but I "nominated" you. Your passion for all things Disney is contagious! Please check it out......

Eddygirl -

If you've noticed, there has been discussion of this in this TR! A few of us have commented on it. OhioStateBuckeye mentioned it on the previous page, and I spoke up to state that I had already mentioned this to Tom/I'mTooExcitedToSleep, even before we recorded the Halloween Time podcast one week ago. I gave a lot of good reasons why Taylor would be good.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend other people nominating candidates to Tom unless he requests that (which he might do). I think he is more interested in the actual people who want to participate contacting him, more than to have people suggesting other people. I only suggested Taylor because I thought I might have some slight 'pull' (for lack of a better word) -- I'm a mod and I occasionally participate in the podcasts (like this week's Halloween one) -- but I was going to wait to find out if Taylor was interested before I pressed further. Taylor being interested is the first step and, if so, Taylor has to contact Tom!

 

[dismomofbn]

I am embarrassed to come out of "lurkdom" for the first time. I have immensely enjoyed all your trip reports and look forward to your updates.

The reason I am compelled to post and admit to being a borderline creepy stalker is "I'm Too Excited To Sleep" posted on the regular d-land board that he is looking for someone to join the Dis team as a podcaster. I really, really, really think this would be such a good fit for you. I hope you don't mind, but I "nominated" you. Your passion for all things Disney is contagious! Please check it out......

Hi Eddygirl, I have also been a lurker that has been glued to this report. Even though others have already mentioned him for the podcasts, the fact that so many people are suggesting Taylor just speaks to how fun and inspiring this trip report has been.
Even if he isn't interested, it must be nice to know how many people feel this way

 

[jeaneg]

You'd be fabulous as a podcaster! Love your reports.

 

[dizneefan13]

Its not hurting anything recommending Taylor...everyone knows its his decision if he wants to put his name in the hat for consideration.

We all just really enjoy him and think he would be perfect for the job. Whether he wants to or not....who knows.

He has quite a fan club here and I think its wonderful that we articulate that.

 

[tayalltheway]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3172930

One of you guys should volunteer to be on the podcast

Okay, I had to step in and comment on this^^^. I second this idea.

Little did you all know, I made the suggestion to Tom/I'mTooExcitedToSleep and to Mary Jo a few days ago (before we recorded the Halloween Time podcast that will run on Thursday) that DIS'er tayalltheway would be a good option for the podcast, and I listed off a few reasons why.

The thing is, a lot of people will volunteer to be on the podcast, thinking that they meet the criteria (different demographic, well-spoken, go to DLR a few times a month, etc.), but not everyone will actually fit the criteria or be available.

So I tried to use my influence! Also, as a writer myself I have a good idea of who would be well-spoken, on the air or elsewhere. Taylor was my first choice, so if he is willing and available I think that he would be perfect -- also, he fits a younger demographic than the existing podcast members, as well as moved to Anaheim to try to work for DLR so there is a different perspective.

Be sure to listen in to our Halloween Time podcast when it goes up this week! And we're doing a Halloween Time chat on the DIS tomorrow night at 9 p.m. PST.

Great idea! It would be fun to hear Taylor on the podcast after reading his adventures the last sevearl months!

Do it Taylor!

Sounds like we are all in agreement

I am embarrassed to come out of "lurkdom" for the first time. I have immensely enjoyed all your trip reports and look forward to your updates.

The reason I am compelled to post and admit to being a borderline creepy stalker is "I'm Too Excited To Sleep" posted on the regular d-land board that he is looking for someone to join the Dis team as a podcaster. I really, really, really think this would be such a good fit for you. I hope you don't mind, but I "nominated" you. Your passion for all things Disney is contagious! Please check it out......

Eddygirl -

If you've noticed, there has been discussion of this in this TR! A few of us have commented on it. OhioStateBuckeye mentioned it on the previous page, and I spoke up to state that I had already mentioned this to Tom/I'mTooExcitedToSleep, even before we recorded the Halloween Time podcast one week ago. I gave a lot of good reasons why Taylor would be good.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend other people nominating candidates to Tom unless he requests that (which he might do). I think he is more interested in the actual people who want to participate contacting him, more than to have people suggesting other people. I only suggested Taylor because I thought I might have some slight 'pull' (for lack of a better word) -- I'm a mod and I occasionally participate in the podcasts (like this week's Halloween one) -- but I was going to wait to find out if Taylor was interested before I pressed further. Taylor being interested is the first step and, if so, Taylor has to contact Tom!

Hi Eddygirl, I have also been a lurker that has been glued to this report. Even though others have already mentioned him for the podcasts, the fact that so many people are suggesting Taylor just speaks to how fun and inspiring this trip report has been.
Even if he isn't interested, it must be nice to know how many people feel this way

You'd be fabulous as a podcaster! Love your reports.

Its not hurting anything recommending Taylor...everyone knows its his decision if he wants to put his name in the hat for consideration.

We all just really enjoy him and think he would be perfect for the job. Whether he wants to or not....who knows.

He has quite a fan club here and I think its wonderful that we articulate that.

It was so nice of you all to think of me for this, and I am so glad to have such a great "fan club" here on the DIS.

I am going to go ahead and contact Tom to see if there's any chance he would like to have me on the show. I don't want to disappoint you all, but I am generally MUCH better at writing eloquently than I am at speaking eloquently, so I don't know if there is much chance that they would want me as a permanent podcaster. Even if I could just be on one episode to talk about some of the stuff I share here, though, I'm sure it would be a lot of fun. We'll see what happens, and I'll keep you all abreast of the situation. Regardless, however, just know how great it feels to have you all behind me! I love writing this report, and I'm glad you all like reading it

Fun updates! I like rainy days too. A lot of people go home, so you can have a somewhat empty park.

I have to try the rides in Bugsland. I think those and two others are the only rides left on my list in DCA.

I almost wish we would have rainy days a little more often because of how great the crowds become (of course, after our recent flood experience, I'm wary of wishing for MORE rain).

You should definitely give the Bug's Land rides a go sometime. We've still never done a couple of them either, but we like the ones we've tried.

I'm glad to see you made it back from CO with no further incidents. Hope Tracy's folks are getting all the damages repaired without a lot of hassle. Mother Nature can sure wreak havoc sometimes!

We will have to try Ghirardelli's hot chocolate on our next visit. We have visited their store in San Francisco but we've never made it into G's at DCA. I think we
have never wandered by there when we can fit anything else into our stomachs! LOL

You make the rides in Bugsland sound like fun. I think the atmosphere is very cute, kind of like Toontown, but we usually just check out all the fun things and keep going.

Its only rained once when we were there but man did it rain! Like most people, we found a place to duck into, I think we went into the Grand Californian, and headed to Whitewater Snacks. Like you, we love to visit the DLR hotels and just soak in the atmosphere, which is better than soaking up the rain when its pouring outside! But yeah its so pretty when everything is so shiny at night after a downpour. One of my favorites, too.

I'm glad we made it back from CO too, honestly! It's always fun to visit, but I would have been quite all right with not experiencing that flood.

At the very least, you need to go by Ghirardelli to get your free chocolate squares! Of course, once they get you inside, it's always hard not to make a purchase.

I agree with the comparison between Bug's Land and Toontown because they are both about atmosphere first and foremost. Like Toontown, however, the attractions in Bug's Land are worth checking out every once in a while.

Any way you can stay dry is a good way to go in my book! And you can never go wrong with a trip to the Grand Californian. We need to head over there again sometime soon. It's been too long!

Bugs land was the first place we went on our First(and only so far) trip to Disneyland at Christmas and my kids still talk about smelling the animal crackers and watermelon on the Chew Chew ride lol

They just smell so good! I always get hungry on that ride...

I have to admit I have a soft spot for Heimlich too. Such a sweet goofy ride, Heimlich's voice is too precious, it just makes me grin when I hear it. Of course, it's so short that any wait much longer than a walk-on is not worth it.

Your post made me crave Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate. I've never had it at Disneyland before, it sounds like a must-have.

It's just one of those rides that I'm glad is there and I'm glad rarely has a wait. It's always fun for a short diversion from whatever else we're up to on the day.

And yes, you NEED to try the hot chocolate. As the temperatures start dropping in the evenings over these next few weeks, it will start to be the perfect time to try it.

 

[tdashgirl]

The Peter Pan/Wendy photo over by castle is adorable

 

[dizneefan13]

Hi Taylor, Somehow I have a hard time believing that you TALKING about Disneyland would be any less entertaining than your writing about it. I hope we all get a chance to find out!

Ah too bad you didn't get to see Pancho or pet Pocahontas. Did the handlers say when they would be back out for petting?

I never noticed there was another caboose besides the Lilybelle. I'll keep an eye out and maybe check it out sometime. Walt's love for trains is always a fun element of the parks.

Your Peter/Wendy hat and bow are adorable. Good job on the bow, Tracy!

I'm getting so excited to be down there soon I am driving myself crazy...LOL. But your trip reports help me get my Disney fix, so I know I'll survive until then.

 

[Sherry E]

Such cute pictures of the animals at the Ranch! I love them.

Taylor --

That's great that you'll contact Tom! That's really the one and only thing that would make the biggest difference in you joining the team, even as an occasional contributor. It's just like when companies put ads up because they're hiring new employees -- while they may appreciate a recommendation or two from colleagues or other employees, at the end of the day they only want to hear from the qualified candidates.

Tom/I'mTooExcitedToSleep specifically said in his post on the main forum to not reply in that thread...and yet people were/are ignoring it and replying there. He wants emails from the people who think they could fit the criteria. Chances are, too, he has probably received a lot of replies from other people that he has to sift through, and some of those people could be good as well.

The team really needs someone with a different perspective, from a different demographic, with a different literal and figurative 'voice,' to participate (which could be you), but a big part of the existing podcasts (and what makes them successful) is the banter and camaraderie between the members on the show. While they do provide actual newsworthy information, they are mainly having conversations about Disneyland. I'm sure you could do that! You don't really post on the main forum, so Tom, Mary Jo, etc. may not have known who you were. That's why I originally mentioned you to them -- to kind of put you on their radar in case the other people who write in about podcasting don't work out.

When you get time, have a listen to the Disneyland Halloween Time podcast that went up on the site last Thursday. You'll see that, while we are discussing relevant, topical Halloween Time-related issues, we are basically just chatting about the different facets of the Halloween Time season at DLR. Halloween Time and the holiday season are my two main specialties, so I can chat easily about them. I'm sure you can chat easily about Disneyland-related topics you particularly love -- maybe even the animals (Pancho!) at the Ranch! You can certainly offer insight from the perspective of someone who "moved to Disneyland," which is unique.

 

[tayalltheway]

The Peter Pan/Wendy photo over by castle is adorable

Aw, thanks!

Hi Taylor, Somehow I have a hard time believing that you TALKING about Disneyland would be any less entertaining than your writing about it. I hope we all get a chance to find out!

Ah too bad you didn't get to see Pancho or pet Pocahontas. Did the handlers say when they would be back out for petting?

I never noticed there was another caboose besides the Lilybelle. I'll keep an eye out and maybe check it out sometime. Walt's love for trains is always a fun element of the parks.

Your Peter/Wendy hat and bow are adorable. Good job on the bow, Tracy!

I'm getting so excited to be down there soon I am driving myself crazy...LOL. But your trip reports help me get my Disney fix, so I know I'll survive until then.

We shall see how I do talking about it if they end up being interested in me at all!

At the time, I don't think we asked the handlers about when we could meet the donkeys, but since then, we've had ample opportunity

You should definitely keep an eye out for the caboose. Each train is so different, but I know we've spotted the caboose again since (though we've never ridden in it again). I love the trains too because they're just such an elemental connection to Walt in the parks.

Tracy did do a really good job on the bow! I thought it came out very professional-looking. We need to don our hat/bow again sometime soon when we go to the parks.

I'm glad to hear that the report is helping you get your Disney fix as your trip draws ever nearer. Before too long, you'll be here too!

Such cute pictures of the animals at the Ranch! I love them.

Taylor --

That's great that you'll contact Tom! That's really the one and only thing that would make the biggest difference in you joining the team, even as an occasional contributor. It's just like when companies put ads up because they're hiring new employees -- while they may appreciate a recommendation or two from colleagues or other employees, at the end of the day they only want to hear from the qualified candidates.

Tom/I'mTooExcitedToSleep specifically said in his post on the main forum to not reply in that thread...and yet people were/are ignoring it and replying there. He wants emails from the people who think they could fit the criteria. Chances are, too, he has probably received a lot of replies from other people that he has to sift through, and some of those people could be good as well.

The team really needs someone with a different perspective, from a different demographic, with a different literal and figurative 'voice,' to participate (which could be you), but a big part of the existing podcasts (and what makes them successful) is the banter and camaraderie between the members on the show. While they do provide actual newsworthy information, they are mainly having conversations about Disneyland. I'm sure you could do that! You don't really post on the main forum, so Tom, Mary Jo, etc. may not have known who you were. That's why I originally mentioned you to them -- to kind of put you on their radar in case the other people who write in about podcasting don't work out.

When you get time, have a listen to the Disneyland Halloween Time podcast that went up on the site last Thursday. You'll see that, while we are discussing relevant, topical Halloween Time-related issues, we are basically just chatting about the different facets of the Halloween Time season at DLR. Halloween Time and the holiday season are my two main specialties, so I can chat easily about them. I'm sure you can chat easily about Disneyland-related topics you particularly love -- maybe even the animals (Pancho!) at the Ranch! You can certainly offer insight from the perspective of someone who "moved to Disneyland," which is unique.

Thanks for your insight into the podcast. We'll see if they think I fit the criteria they're looking for to be able to talk about some of the topics we've gotten familiar with since we've been out here! I appreciate your help

 

[franandaj]

Those are some awesome treats that you got for your explaining. We have answered surveys before, but never received anything for them. Not that we were looking for anything, but you sure got some GREAT rewards! You guys lucked out!

 

[dizneefan13]

Ah Taylor, what a cute pic of you in your Peter Pan hat and BUG glasses! Nice combo! lol

The Chicken Verde cone sounds delicious. Thanks for mentioning your thumb's up. That is another thing I will definitely try because of your recommendation.

That is so bizarre about the duck crashing into your cheek! Glad you were okay and it ended up being a laughable memory.

BTW what day was this...are we still in March?

 

[tayalltheway]

Those are some awesome treats that you got for your explaining. We have answered surveys before, but never received anything for them. Not that we were looking for anything, but you sure got some GREAT rewards! You guys lucked out!

All the treats were actually from the radio guys, but they were definitely great rewards! I imagine that if the survey-takers at Disneyland DID offer those kinds of prizes, they would have much less trouble getting people to answer their questions.

Ah Taylor, what a cute pic of you in your Peter Pan hat and BUG glasses! Nice combo! lol

The Chicken Verde cone sounds delicious. Thanks for mentioning your thumb's up. That is another thing I will definitely try because of your recommendation.

That is so bizarre about the duck crashing into your cheek! Glad you were okay and it ended up being a laughable memory.

BTW what day was this...are we still in March?

I thought it was a very fashionable combination!

The Chicken Verde cone is DEFINITELY worth a try. We've had it at least once more since then, but we need to have one again soon.

Ya, the duck collision was more than a little bizarre. Not quite sure what was up with that one...

And yes, we're still stuck back in March (we went SO MANY times in March, so it's been very hard to get closer to caught up). I think right now we're at about March 11-13 or so.

 

[franandaj]

We ate at Cucomonga Cocina (sp?) a couple years ago and thought it was pretty good. Like you we split an entrée, and I think we got the beef tacos and they weren't bad.

I'm glad you had some good experiences on the rides you went on. We haven't eaten at Tangaroa Terrace, but we did enjoy Trader Sam's, I hear they share a kitchen so we did enjoy some of their stuff, but just a different venue.


Perhaps you two might be in the park on November 10. Our band will be playing at DCA in the Hollywood backlot. Not sure what time yet, but usually around 11AMish....will post when we have more details!

 

[tdashgirl]

Still reading and enjoying

 

[dizneefan13]

Wow that burger looks great. Thanks for all the food reviews. We will be trying many of your recommendations on our trip.

Is RSR lines getting shorter now? You had two rides pretty close together, right? Hopefully, at times, its getting just a TINY bit easier to wait.

Interesting there was a crane on one of your buildings. Bet you don't see that very often!

And oh, was Tracy able to get the mustard stain out?

Thanks again for all the great tips and pics. They really will help us to have the absolutely best time when we FINALLY get down there!

 

[Sherry E]

Taylor --

I agree with dizneefan13 -- that burger from Tangaroa does look good! It looks fresh and delicious. I'm not a big fan of Havarti cheese -- I wonder if they would let me order the burger without it. Some Disney restaurants are pickier than others about that kind of thing. Everything else on it, though, looks really good.

Disneyland food (including the hotels) has improved so much since I was a kid. The burgers (anywhere you could get them in the park) were flat and lukewarm, and usually dry. The spaghetti at places like Plaza Inn and the old Plaza Pavilion (now the Jolly Holiday Bakery) was not great. A lot of the in-park food was what I would now consider inedible (though at the time I probably thought it was tasty). One great thing, though, is that the River Belle Terrace used to offer bricks of ice cream in lieu of butter with waffles or pancakes, if it was requested.

Sometime in the early '90s, Disney began making a concerted effort to include healthier options (more fruit, more chicken, etc.) on their menus, and the overall quality of food in general has improved dramatically since DTD and the GCH opened in 2001. The bricks of ice cream with breakfast at RBT disappeared!

There is one long-gone restaurant with good food that I think you and Tracy would have loved. It was called the Monorail Cafe, and it was located at the old Disneyland Hotel (pre-DTD and pre-GCH). It was essentially a diner/coffee shop, but the food was so good, from the milkshakes to the pies to the burgers and sandwiches, to the onion rings, to the meat loaf, etc. The Monorail Cafe was one of the casualties of the remodel to pave way for DTD, and I miss it so! I wish Disney could find a way to bring it back.

Pay special attention to the horses on Main Street during Halloween Time and the Christmas/holiday season -- they usually wear ribbons or bows in seasonal colors or designs on their tails. I call it their "butt decor"!

 

[tdashgirl]

Ahhhh Sherry you brought back all my childhood memories of DL! I totally remember the burgers being "school cafeteria" quality ... and how awesome the monorail cafe was. So funny, in the time before DtD, the DLH seemed SOOOOO far away from the park. That monorail ride really felt like a trip ...