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

[franandaj]

Enjoying your take on the holiday season, HM and the animals. We never get back there to see them so I love to hear you whole take on that end of the park.

 

[tayalltheway]

Loving all the pumpkin shots.

I really like all the holiday overlay touches that Disney does. Always nice to see something a little different.

Glad you like seeing all the pumpkins! We were definitely glad to see all the holiday decorations go up. I love Disneyland in its "normal" state, but it's still always fun to have a change for a while.

I've never been to Disney for Halloween but I'd love to especially after seeing your photos. I've not commented on your TR for a while but I'm still reading along and enjoying your adventures xx

I HIGHLY recommend doing Disney for Halloween sometime. I think that it might still be our favorite season in the parks, even now that we've been there for Christmas as well. Glad you're still enjoying reading along

Wow, only just in SF just a couple weeks ago, awesome! Yes, the Walt Disney Family Museum membership does pay for itself in just two visits, so it's worth it. My husband and I went there last year, (January 2012) and we were there I think for 4 or 5 hours and didn't have time to see everything so I look forward to going again. And they do have a of events that go on and movies at the theater there. Probably wont be until April though as I seem too busy with school and work. I'm hating my current job... There is an opening at a Disney Store here and I kind of want to work there, although I don't think it would pay that much. But I think it would be a fun retail job. (As fun as retail can be, anyways)

I definitely believe that 4 or 5 hours wasn't long enough. We only managed about 3.5 hours before the museum was about to close, so we definitely missed plenty. That's why I'm REALLY excited to go back. We're trying to time our next trip so that we can see the big Mary Blair exhibit that's going to be there this summer.

Sorry your job stinks for now. We actually went to the SF Disney Store and it was really fun! Seems to me like it would be an enjoyable place to work (at least for a while)!

Taylor --

I haven't had much time to pop in and comment lately, but I am still reading and staying up to date.

The flooding ordeal you all went through in CO was harrowing -- even just to read about! I can't even imagine how exhausting and stressful that was for everyone involved. What a nightmare. I definitely agree that while it was not how you and Tracy had hoped to spend your time during your trip, it was a blessing that you were both there to help her parents out.

The animal sanctuary looks amazing. I know I would love it. I'm so glad those animals have a lovely home.

You're now (in the story) at one of my favorite spots during Halloween Time -- the Halloween Carnival/Round-Up/Jamboree/Ranch! I love that place. I absolutely adore the freshly carved pumpkins and how they change throughout the season. I even love the faux pumpkins -- especially the pumpkin people, like the Pirate that Tracy is posing with, and the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans pumpkins!

There is a good hidden Mickey at the Ranch/Round-Up too -- but I think it is there year-round and not just for Halloween and Christmas. I won't divulge where it is, though I will say that when I posted a photo of it in my DLR at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread last year, one of the thread participants said that it looked more like a "hidden Oswald" than a hidden Mickey! Have you seen it?

You posted photos of some of the things inside the Scare-Dy Crow Shack (like the pumpkins playing cards and the framed posters). The artwork and most of the knick knacks inside the Shack seem to have a decidedly vintage style. They all appear to be old school Halloween things, or made to look that way.

Seeing that the Scare-Dy Crow Shack has those wonderful retro-ish Halloween decorations, I don't know why the DLR Enhancement Team can't somehow come up with similar pieces for Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land. The Halloween decor has been almost totally eradicated from DCA since Candy Corn Acres was laid to rest a few years ago, and I think that a touch of old-fashioned Halloween decor would be fantastic in those spots! Do you agree?

One other thing -- do you remember that I mentioned quite a while back that I noticed some random, conspicuously autumnal trees in certain spots around DLR? They looked so perfectly Fall-like that I almost wondered if the leaves were fake. Well, the Halloween Carnival is one such place with at least one of those trees, but I began to notice more of them in December. One of them was near the Little Mermaid ride in DCA, of all places (which made little sense). They stick out because they just scream "AUTUMN!" in the middle of a bunch of green trees. It's like green-green-green-green-green-AUTUMN!!!!-green-green-green-green=green. It's not like there is a whole row of those trees, but just lone ones in seas of green.

Did you guys spot any of the conspicuously autumnal trees during Halloween Time or the holidays?

Glad you got a chance to comment now that we've moved on in the story to one of your favorite seasons!

The flood ordeal was definitely a pain, but it already feels like something out of another life at this point just because it was so bizarre that it's hard to remember we were REALLY there for it. We were glad to get to follow it up with a trip to the Wild Animal Sanctuary so that trip wasn't a total loss...

We really enjoyed how much they did at the Jamboree for Halloween this year. They had REALLY plussed it up since our trip in 2011. I don't think I've seen the Hidden Mickey you're talking about, but if it's really up year-round then I'll need to keep my eyes peeled the next time we go.

I agree that I honestly have no idea why they can't add some Halloween flair to DCA. I think that it could be great as long as they did it tastefully, and it would really add to the area.

Hmm, I still don't think I've spotted any of the conspicuous trees, but that's another thing I'll need to look out for. I'll admit that we are terrible people with how rarely we remember to look up and appreciate all the details above eye level. I'm sure that's just one of many things we've missed!

Hello! I do believe that I am all caught-up now. I do not have a good enough memory to comment on everything, but hopefully, I can keep up from now on.

I do love reading about the Halloween season at DLR. We used to go to WDW in October and just loved it. Unfortunately, with the school calendar now ruling our lives, we don't get to go at that time of year anymore. I'm toying with an October trip this year to DLR on our APs though since DLR can be a relatively quick trip for us as opposed to having to put at least a week into WDW.

Glad to hear you got all caught up!

I definitely understand it being a pain to work around the school calendar for your WDW trips. Tracy and I had the same struggle when we were trying to make it out there during college. But a quick trip out to DLR for Halloween Time sounds like a great way to get your fix!!

Newbie here

I have just spent the last week or so's evenings reading your reviews, they are so amazing! My DH and I have thoroughly enjoyed following your travels, from your exciting win, so your big move! We were both sad to "get caught up" and look forward to reading more of your adventures!
We have very much enjoyed your animal visits, being animal lovers ourselves, even living next to a wildlife park

We can not wait to get to DL at Halloween time, that is for sure!

from a fellow meal-sharing couple, thanks!!!

Thanks for reading!! I'm very impressed that you undertook the task of getting through all 100+ chapters and catching up. Glad to hear you're enjoying

Glad to hear you are fellow animal-lovers and meal-sharers! UNITE!

Hopefully I won't keep you waiting too long between updates now that you're caught up!

 

[tayalltheway]

Chapter 143
It’s a Ghooooooost​

 

[PrincessInOz]

OMG! What a great Turkey hat! I want one now.

You did great with the spider's web. That must have been one real big spider.

Fantastic shot of skeleton Goofy. Love it!

 

[QueenJen]

Taylor - still enjoying your reports. Your report has introduced a new way to experience DLR for hubby and I AND to experience other lesser known So. Cal spots. We are planning a trip to CO and UT either this year or next and the sanctuary is a must do. Without your report, I would never have been clued in to something that sounds so wonderful to visit and support. Thank you to you and Tracy for your willingness to share so much.

Taylor --

One other thing -- do you remember that I mentioned quite a while back that I noticed some random, conspicuously autumnal trees in certain spots around DLR? They looked so perfectly Fall-like that I almost wondered if the leaves were fake. Well, the Halloween Carnival is one such place with at least one of those trees, but I began to notice more of them in December. One of them was near the Little Mermaid ride in DCA, of all places (which made little sense). They stick out because they just scream "AUTUMN!" in the middle of a bunch of green trees. It's like green-green-green-green-green-AUTUMN!!!!-green-green-green-green=green. It's not like there is a whole row of those trees, but just lone ones in seas of green.

Did you guys spot any of the conspicuously autumnal trees during Halloween Time or the holidays?

Had to comment on this....we were in DCA today and I made sure we passed by the little mermaid area....at first I was looking around going , I don't see any Autumn looking tree....and about that time...wham, there it was....stuck out like a sore thumb. Thanks for the entertainment.

 

[Pesky]

Glad to hear it wasn't worse for Tracy's folks. Like you said, you traveled a little ways away, and it was nothing like up there. We got a lot of rain but no flooding here. Love seeing all the Halloween pics. DD is on a tear to go at Halloween now.

 

[tdashgirl]

whew, it's been awhile since I've been on the DIS! All caught up. Just a couple of comments

That barfing episode is gross and bizarre! How weird about that family

How fun that you are trying all the Halloween treats. I wanted to try more when we were there, but I think we only managed the pumpkin beignets and the jack skellington burger at Carnation Cafe.

I am with you on SMGG. It's a fun addition, but I'm glad it's only for a short time (unlike HMH which continues until January). I also miss the darkness of the original SM.

 

[franandaj]

Nice Halloween update. Its a little surreal to read since I was out there yesterday and the parks are way beyond that season.

I would not have been with you on either of the food choices. I despise olives and flank has to be one of my least favorite desserts slice neither one appeals to me, but I'm glad you enjoyed the sandwich. That bites that they were out of beignets! Sacrilege!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your adventures!

 

[DnA2010]

DH loves the Goof, great costume he has there!!
Love the turkey hat but Tracy does Not look impressed!!

 

[tayalltheway]

OMG! What a great Turkey hat! I want one now.

You did great with the spider's web. That must have been one real big spider.

Fantastic shot of skeleton Goofy. Love it!

I sort of wish we had bought the turkey hat. It would have been fun to wear and confuse everyone.

The spider was HUGE. I was really interested in it from above, but I kept my distance when I walked at ground level...

Glad you liked the picture of skeleton Goofy. He was one of our favorite Halloween characters!

Taylor - still enjoying your reports. Your report has introduced a new way to experience DLR for hubby and I AND to experience other lesser known So. Cal spots. We are planning a trip to CO and UT either this year or next and the sanctuary is a must do. Without your report, I would never have been clued in to something that sounds so wonderful to visit and support. Thank you to you and Tracy for your willingness to share so much.

Had to comment on this....we were in DCA today and I made sure we passed by the little mermaid area....at first I was looking around going , I don't see any Autumn looking tree....and about that time...wham, there it was....stuck out like a sore thumb. Thanks for the entertainment.

I'm so glad to hear you're still enjoying! Thanks so much for continuing to read along I hope you can get to CO sometime soon, and I'm sure you'll LOVE the sanctuary

Now I REALLY need to keep my eye out for those autumn trees the next time we're there. I'm just awful about remembering that sort of thing in the moment. Maybe I'll make a reminder or something

Glad to hear it wasn't worse for Tracy's folks. Like you said, you traveled a little ways away, and it was nothing like up there. We got a lot of rain but no flooding here. Love seeing all the Halloween pics. DD is on a tear to go at Halloween now.

I'm glad it wasn't worse for Tracy's parents too! And I'm glad to hear you didn't have any flooding!!

Aw, darn, guess you'll have to go to Disneyland for Halloween. Pity.

whew, it's been awhile since I've been on the DIS! All caught up. Just a couple of comments

That barfing episode is gross and bizarre! How weird about that family

How fun that you are trying all the Halloween treats. I wanted to try more when we were there, but I think we only managed the pumpkin beignets and the jack skellington burger at Carnation Cafe.

I am with you on SMGG. It's a fun addition, but I'm glad it's only for a short time (unlike HMH which continues until January). I also miss the darkness of the original SM.

Glad you got caught up. It's been a little while since I've been able to post too since we've been traveling a lot.

The barfing episode was definitely one of the weirdest things we've encountered at Disney (and that's saying something)!

I think we got around to almost all the Halloween treats (at least the ones that really appealed to us). Next year, we need to do things like the Jack Skellington burger and the other actual MEALS as opposed to just snacks. I'm sure we'll like them too.

Now that it's been gone for a while, I already find myself looking at least a little forward to Ghost Galaxy this year. As you say, I'm glad it doesn't stick around for too long, but I'm also glad it exists.

Nice Halloween update. Its a little surreal to read since I was out there yesterday and the parks are way beyond that season.

I would not have been with you on either of the food choices. I despise olives and flank has to be one of my least favorite desserts slice neither one appeals to me, but I'm glad you enjoyed the sandwich. That bites that they were out of beignets! Sacrilege!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your adventures!

It's a little bizarre to be still writing about that season too, but I keep falling further and further behind... Oops.

I feel like olives are definitely a "love 'em or hate 'em" food as I know a lot of people who are with you in the "hate 'em" category, but Tracy and I LOVE them. Flan in general we could take or leave, but we were hoping the pumpkin would add to the flavor. And I was mad that they were out of the pumpkin beignets too, but we luckily got them not too much later. Phew!

DH loves the Goof, great costume he has there!!
Love the turkey hat but Tracy does Not look impressed!!

We really enjoyed Goofy's costume as well.

And I think Tracy was mostly just not impressed that I made her put the turkey hat on AND pose for a picture

 

[tayalltheway]

Chapter 144
Sugar and Spice​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Look at all that Halloween-ie things in your pictures. Hard to believe it's nearly 5 ago!

That pot bellied stove in Starbucks *almost* looks like an old fashion coffee pot.

I hope you managed to get stuff done in DCA.

 

[franandaj]

Now you're making me miss all the special Halloween treats at DLR!

We're going to be going out there for an evening sometime soon, perhaps we can say "hi" if you two are out there. It's almost getting to be time that you two have to renew your APs, isn't it?

 

[APears]

The bookrest is one of my favorite places in all of Disneyland! The castle walk through is awesome but can get so crowded sometimes.

I'll bet Tracy is happy that BTMRR is up tomorrow!

 

[RGirl]

Still following along! Loving all the DLR Halloween pics. I really think we'll have to make it down to see Halloween-time at DL this year.

Can't wait for more!

 

[disneymania0711]

I heard the new Starbucks opened in Cali DTD. Thought about you guys! Lol.

It's looks really neat.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[tayalltheway]

Look at all that Halloween-ie things in your pictures. Hard to believe it's nearly 5 ago!

That pot bellied stove in Starbucks *almost* looks like an old fashion coffee pot.

I hope you managed to get stuff done in DCA.

I can't believe how the time has flown since Halloween. Before we know it, the season will be upon us again!

And you're right about the pot bellied stove!

Now you're making me miss all the special Halloween treats at DLR!

We're going to be going out there for an evening sometime soon, perhaps we can say "hi" if you two are out there. It's almost getting to be time that you two have to renew your APs, isn't it?

Definitely send me a text when you'll be in the parks, and we'd love to say hi if we're around! We did indeed renew our passes about a month ago now, so we're well into year two at this point!

The bookrest is one of my favorite places in all of Disneyland! The castle walk through is awesome but can get so crowded sometimes.

I'll bet Tracy is happy that BTMRR is up tomorrow!

Agreed on both the Book Rest and the Castle Walkthrough.

And Tracy was VERY excited for BTMRR (as was I!). We've gone on it four times so far

Still following along! Loving all the DLR Halloween pics. I really think we'll have to make it down to see Halloween-time at DL this year.

Can't wait for more!

I'm glad that you're still reading along You really do need to make it down for Halloween. It's a must-do! Hope you keep enjoying

I heard the new Starbucks opened in Cali DTD. Thought about you guys! Lol.

It's looks really neat.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

We still need to go check out the new Starbucks. I've seen pictures on Twitter and it does look really beautiful! Maybe this weekend...

 

[tayalltheway]

Chapter 145
One Last Farewell​

 

[PrincessInOz]

You got pictures of the Court of Angels. It will definitely be something to remember.

Nice pictures of the afternoon and congrats on that TSM score.

 

[Luisa]

Those fall colours are gorgeous! One day I'll have to go during Halloween just for the rich colours. Pumpkin spice anything from Starbucks is my favourite, sadly they closed the only store near where I live.