"Why is EVERYTHING better here?" First trip to DL, May '14

[bellebookworm9]

Great updates. Esp the WOC fastpass info.

Glad I could help! I know the DIS was very helpful to me when I was hunting down info for this trip, so I'm happy to pass on my new knowledge.

Smart guy!

Oh yeah, from the beginning he decided I could plan to my little heart's content and he would just follow along! He's a lot like my mom that way, actually, that's how my trips with her normally go as well...

 

[bellebookworm9]

Double post tonight to get through all the parade pics!
************

Back at Paradise Pier, we stopped in the lounge to get some afternoon snacks. Since it was empty, I also took some photos. The first picture was taken standing directly in front of the food; the attendant’s desk and entry door are to the left.

And this one was taken just inside the door, so the previous photo would be to the right. Straight ahead was the hot beverage bar.

In the afternoon, there were light snack offerings, such as cookies (chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and the occasional oatmeal raisin), bags of chips, and fruit:

Trail mix, goldfish crackers, Chex Mix, and some other kind of “mix”:

Underneath the snack bar there were mini-fridges with cans of Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite, as well as juice boxes of fruit punch. The CMs were happy to bring out small bottles of Dasani water if you asked. There were also dispensers with fruit infused water; we saw orange, lemon, lime, and strawberry on various days.

We took a nice long break in the room and I’m positive I took a nap (I did this every day). Around 4:15 we left the hotel to go grab some dinner, but first I took a picture with the Goofy statue in the lobby. They have a smaller version of this same statue at Pop Century at WDW.

We went the long way around to Downtown Disney, passing by the Disneyland Hotel, rather than cutting through the G Cal. Our dining choice for the evening was Tortilla Jo’s Taqueria. I asked if I could get veggies in a quesadilla but they said no, only cheese. So I got the Tostada Bowl instead. Since they didn’t have just plain old seasoned ground beef, I didn’t get meat in it. My ingredients were pinto beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, cilantro and onions, and fresh pico de gallo.

I have to say this is the best taco salad I’ve had in quite a while. I’ve been hunting for good ones locally and haven’t been very successful.

PB ordered the nachos with chicken.

He said they were very good too. There’s no indoor seating here, only outside on the patio. Thankfully it’s mostly shaded. One thing we did find odd was that although they gave PB a CM discount here, they did not accept Disney gift cards for payment.

We arrived back at DCA a little before 5pm. There was a photographer hanging out by Oswald’s.

Then we went towards Tower of Terror to be ready when the Pixar Play Parade stepped off, which it did almost exactly at 5:15. We had great spots! Monster’s U started things off.

Roz was totally unenthused:

Everybody’s favorite monsters:

There were plenty of 2319s running around!

Then came the superheroes:

Jack Jack’s hair lights on fire!

Super cool pogo-stilts:

And there’s Violet in her force field…but no Dash?

 

[bellebookworm9]

Then we took a little trip to the EAC:

Back on the ground, our bug friends came crawling along:

Then we entered the world of the toys.

And the Cars stars to wrap things up:

I was kind of sad that there were no UP characters, but you can’t have everything, I guess. I miss the parade like this that used to be at Hollywood Studios. The song is so darn catchy!

 

[bellebookworm9]

After the parade, our RSR FPs were valid, so we headed back there. I don’t recall the wait being too long, and the picture was much better this time around! We were hoping to get the Ramone version of the ride, but got new tires with Luigi again.

We had to try on the silly tire hats!

Then it was off to Clarabelle’s on Buena Vista Street. Apparently PB has a love for Clarabelle Cow so he’d been insisting we come here for months beforehand. Their Mickey sink was just too cute to pass up, and relatively inexpensive. I think it was $10 with PB’s discount. It also makes an excellent cereal bowl! I chose the Strawberry Sundae.

PB had the Oswald Sundae: chocolate and vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate chips, frozen chocolate-dipped banana ears, whipped cream, and cherries.

We loved that they had ice water dispensers set up with cups to take at will! And I picked up a copy of the Buena Vista Street Bugle here too. Back outside, we saw one of the Citizens of BVS, and since she also had red hair, we asked to get a photo with her.

I think we did a little shopping before making our way back to Paradise Pier. We stopped at Under the Sea because it had a very short wait, maybe 5 minutes. Their ride is almost identical to ours, except their clamshell vehicles are all different colors, while at WDW they’re all the same coral color.

Around 7:15 we got in line for World of Color by the Golden Zephyr; I think we were like the second or third group there.

Eager beavers!

These were taken around 7:45; I think the people already standing were part of the ECV groups.

They allowed us in around 8pm and we hustled down to the front. Not really a problem since we were right at the front anyway! I had my poncho on and ready to go while we were still up top, since it was a little breezy and I was still wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops. The people around me were mildly concerned that they too were going to get wet, but I assured them that I was just prepared to be at the very front of the splash zone!

Remember earlier when I said we had planned to watch World of Color from the life preserver? Well, the map on the DIS was wrong, and apparently that area was reserved for dining package people. So we were a bit to the side, but still very centered and right on the rail. I took more photos of the Fun Wheel while we waited. Fun Wheel Challenge was advertised in the times guide, but we couldn’t connect to the WiFi network for whatever reason. That was one thing we didn’t like at DL: no WiFi in the parks.

I didn’t take pictures during the show because I wanted one night to just watch it and take it all in, rather than be looking through the camera. The show was absolutely incredible. Just mind blowing. Totally worth the 90-minute wait. I did get completely soaked though, as it was kind of windy. It was also cold, so that was a little uncomfortable. And PB didn’t have a poncho at all, so he was even worse off! I did take some photos of the fountains post-show.

And little squirt bowing good night.

As we were leaving, we heard someone shout, “Hey you were our Mickey friends at Fantasmic last night!” It was the two girls I told you to remember! We were confused at first, until they reminded us that they had been behind us, and elaborated that we did the dance right along with Mickey. They actually said we were their favorite part of the show! After they were gone, I said to PB, “I don’t know if it’s good or bad that total strangers remember us…”
Walking back to PPH, many other guests commented on the poncho that I was still wearing, and how I must have seen the show many times to know to bring one. My reply was, “No, it’s the first time I’ve seen it, but I did a lot of research beforehand!”

It was a very successful first full day. We’d accomplished everything we’d wanted to, got a ton of great pictures, met characters, had awesome meals, and been awed by WOC. It was time for hot showers and bed when the show was over. No EE for us the next day, but we wanted to be at DCA when it opened at 9am to do Soarin’ and Tower of Terror.

 

[luulu1999]

Awesome spot for WOC we may have to try getting there, I am going this weekend and getting us some ponchos for our suitcases

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I love this trip report - thank you for sharing. It's almost like being there!

 

[sager1969]

As a WDW vet going to DLR for the 1st time next month, I am really appreciating your information! Glad you guys had a great trip! I see a Mickey sink in my future!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Awesome spot for WOC we may have to try getting there, I am going this weekend and getting us some ponchos for our suitcases

Just be prepared to get there crazy early! If it hadn't been a bit breezy, we would have been fine, I think. I know if we had done this at WDW in August, the drenching would have been appreciated!

I love this trip report - thank you for sharing. It's almost like being there!

I'm glad you're reading! That's my goal, to take so many pictures that people can live vicariously through me.

As a WDW vet going to DLR for the 1st time next month, I am really appreciating your information! Glad you guys had a great trip! I see a Mickey sink in my future!

I see that you're doing the ABD Backstage Magic trip, which sounds really fun. If I were going to do one on this continent it would be that one, but my (insanely expensive) dream is to do the one in Ireland. I certainly wouldn't complain about the Scotland and/or the England/France trips! The Mickey sink was actually not a bad deal. A sundae along would have been $5.99 and the sink was an extra $6. Reasonably cheap for a souvenir, and since it really is the perfect size for a cereal bowl, it's easy to justify it for future practical use!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Tuesday morning we were up around 7:30 and went down to the lounge shortly after 8. I took some breakfast offerings pics to share.

Plain bagels (there was a toaster, as well as little packets of cream cheese, peanut butter, jelly, etc) and apples/bananas.

Mini muffins (blueberry and chocolate), pastries (apple, a few cherry and blueberry, but a lot of weird ones like grapefruit and lemon), and cinnamon buns.

Fresh fruit: watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, maybe grapes.

Cereal: fruit loops, Special K, Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes.

They also had orange juice, cranberry juice and milk. No apple juice though. We went into DCA through the G Cal entrance and this morning I had Lightning McQueen on my ticket.

Since our first stop was going to be Soarin’ for FPs, we lurked around Condor Flats rather than heading up to the crowds at BVS. There were so many puns here!

When the park opened, I was first in line to get Soarin’ FPs, which I think had a return time of 9:40am. Our next stop was Tower of Terror, but on the way we saw Director Mickey and had to stop for a picture!

Passing through Hollywood Land, we encountered Doc McStuffins with almost no wait.

She was deeming my lungs as only “so-so”, which was totally appropriate cause I was still sick!

On to the Hollywood Tower Hotel:

We had a very brief wait before we went into the library, and the same trick works there as at WDW: head for the corner diagonal from where you entered and you’ll be the first out into the boiler room. We liked their boiler room much better; the lighting was more creative.

And unlike ours, their picture happens while you’re in the process of dropping, rather than right before. That’s why no one looks bored here! We thought their mirror special effect was pretty cool and I kind of wish they had it at WDW.

The false backdrop next to Hyperion Theater:

On our way over to the Monsters Inc. ride, we saw a PP photographer lingering by the Mike & Sulley greeting area. They weren’t out yet, but she took our picture anyway.

“Be scary monsters!”

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I can't believe that you were first row, in the first car of the day on RSR----SCORE!!!!

Love the pics of you both with Donald, and the one of you both laughing in Bugsland---so cute!

Oh my goodness, the Chocolate Pie O Rama---I must try that in a couple of weeks---I'm drooling!

Your pics of the offerings in the Concierge Lounge look yummy---do you feel like you took full advantage of that? I'm kind of wanting to try Concierge, even though there's just the two of us!

I'd also like to try one of those Mickey Pants Sundaes!

 

[DisneytheKid]

Awesome updates! Can't wait to read more!

 

[Daisybelle]

I love Hollywoodland. It's so pretty back there. Great pictures in the monsters photo spot!! Your top is really cute.

 

[Haymak]

I am a little confused, when I stayed at PPH our tickets were connected to our room tickets, why do you have a different ticket everyday? Is that because of a CM discount do did something change last summer?


Thanks

 

[bellebookworm9]

I can't believe that you were first row, in the first car of the day on RSR----SCORE!!!!

Oh yeah, we were pretty stoked!

Love the pics of you both with Donald, and the one of you both laughing in Bugsland---so cute!

Oh my goodness, the Chocolate Pie O Rama---I must try that in a couple of weeks---I'm drooling!

Definitely! I hear the cheddar apple pie is good as well.

Your pics of the offerings in the Concierge Lounge look yummy---do you feel like you took full advantage of that? I'm kind of wanting to try Concierge, even though there's just the two of us!

The upgrade cost us $12/person/day, but of course, that was with a 50% discount, from a regular theme park view room. Seeing as we would probably have spent about that much on breakfast, I'd say we did use it to a good extent. The free drinks and afternoon snacks were a nice thing as well. We didn't take advantage of their other services, like setting up dining reservations or anything like that. Having done it though, I don't think it's a must-do, but a special treat once in a while.

I'd also like to try one of those Mickey Pants Sundaes!

You should! They have five or six kinds of sundaes to choose from.

Awesome updates! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks!

I love Hollywoodland. It's so pretty back there. Great pictures in the monsters photo spot!! Your top is really cute.

It is very cute back there and wasn't too crowded. I actually got my top at the CM discount store behind MK a year or two ago. I've never seen another one like it!

I am a little confused, when I stayed at PPH our tickets were connected to our room tickets, why do you have a different ticket everyday? Is that because of a CM discount do did something change last summer?

Well, first of all, I was under the impression that room keys and park tickets couldn't be connected. Everyone around us seemed to have both. But yes, we got different tickets every day because of the CM thing. PB gets a "main entrance pass" good for 16 days of admission during the year, with certain dates blocked out. Each day he can get himself and up to three additional people in, valid only for that day, but the tickets are park hoppers. At certain times during the year, he receives two complimentary "e-tickets", which can be used on the days the main entrance pass is blocked. The e-tickets are valid for one person only. While we were there, our first and last days were blocked, so we both used an e-ticket those days, and the other four days we used his main entrance pass.

 

[bellebookworm9]

On to the ride!

There was no wait to ride, and it was a very cute attraction. Unfortunately, this is the only picture that turned out.

PB liked it so much that we got off and immediately went back in line! After our second tour of Monstropolis, it was time to go back to Soarin’. The stand by line never got over 40 minutes that we saw, which was again, mind boggling to us.

Their version seemed more efficient for whatever reason. We had a short wait and requested B1 so we had to wait for an extra cycle, but even that seemed shorter than at WDW! I had worn flip-flops today specifically to take them off on this ride and it was totally worth it! After we exited, I immediately ran to get more FPs for later.

Our next stop was the WoC FP area but they were still in the blue section so we continued on to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, where we each grabbed a map and earned our badges. One of the challenges was to go down these slides, and I think I won in the race.

Dug happened to be greeting, so we had to take a picture!

Another challenge was to figure out our spirit animal. PB’s was revealed as the wolf.

And mine was…a fish?

Hidden Mickey right outside the spirit cave; this was actually a little water area for kiddos, but I took off my shoes and frolicked for a couple of minutes.

Turns out my spirit animal was actually a salmon, not just a fish, and this describes me to a t.

And PB’s description:

At some point PB decided we should make our way down this crazy net of death.

I was wearing flip flops, trying to hold on to my camera, and my Wilderness Explorer map. I’ve also always been afraid of these stupid net things and this one seemed like it was never going to end! I told PB this was going to count as my “bravery” badge since we had skipped the rock climbing one.
The badge ceremony wasn’t happening for a little bit, so we stopped by the “ranger” at the exit to get our stickers. We had to recite the WE pledge, complete with hand motions, animal noises, and hopping on one foot, but by gosh, we earned our Senior Wilderness Explorer titles!

We checked back at the WoC FP booths again, but still not into the yellow section, so we continued over to Paradise Pier.

 

[luulu1999]

Hmmm Idk if we just missed the spirit thing and the those two slides when we were there in 2012 or they are new but my kiddos will really like that!!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Hmmm Idk if we just missed the spirit thing and the those two slides when we were there in 2012 or they are new but my kiddos will really like that!!

I don't know. There were six badge stops on the map they give you at the entrance, and those were both marked.

 

[bellebookworm9]

Picking up where we left off, heading into Paradise Pier:

Their Little Mermaid building.

Does anyone know why that movie has such a strong presence in this area of the park? There’s this ride, the restaurant, and King Triton’s Carousel. I’m genuinely curious!

And we encountered another PP photographer, so more photos were taken.

Yet another person telling us to kiss and then being really confused when we were like, “Nooooo’.

Our first magic shot!

We were getting a bit hungry so we wandered into Pacific Wharf. While PB stopped at the restroom, I took pictures of the area.

Our choice of eatery was the Pacific Wharf Café, home of the famous Boudin sour dough bread, which even comes shaped like Mickey!

I chose the Broccoli and Cheddar Soup in a bread bowl, which was amazing!

PB had the Roast Beef Sandwich.

We sat right next to the water and were able to hear Operation Playtime ft. the Green Army Men. After lunch, it was around 11:30-ish, so we stopped back to the WoC FP booths, where they were finally distributing yellow section. Then our Soarin’ FPs were good, so that was the next place we went. We didn’t request B1 this time, so I think we were in A2. Obviously, we could see some feet above us but it was still a relaxing ride.

Heading towards Buena Vista Street, we saw a few minutes of the Red Car News Boys show.

And got a couple more PP pics taken.

We looked in some of the BVS shops, where I was pleased to see that there is now a DL version of this bag (I have the WDW counterpart, which I love)!

Going back to Hollywood Land, we stopped in this awesome store:

After that, we headed toward Hyperion Theater to catch the Aladdin show.

 

[Cats2]

Hmmm Idk if we just missed the spirit thing and the those two slides when we were there in 2012 or they are new but my kiddos will really like that!!

The spirit thing and slides were definitely there 2 yrs ago. The spirit thing dates back to when the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail had a Brother Bear (rather than Up) theming.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

the main reason for it is it fit the theme of the boardwalk/ pier type of amusement park they were going for in the area. The carousel was first and the restaurant was rethemed later and then they tore out Golden Dreams to make way for the little mermaid ride.