Wine and Dine...to the Finish Line! Fall 2017 TR NEW 1/25 The Last Day - THE END!

[chunkymonkey]

Mini TR: California Pt 3 - Disneyland After Dark STAR WARS Edition May 9th 2018 PART 2

I forgot to add that after we ate the ramen we did head back to the front of the castle to catch the Star Wars Fireworks. We got a great spot in front of the castle, but there were no projections on the castle just the fireworks and music, which is really all you need. I really enjoyed the fireworks and it reminded me of the old Symphony in the Stars Fireworks they used to have at DHS before the latest incaration of it that you see now.

Here's the whole fireworks show. Some of the fireworks were right above us so it was hard to get it all on camera. I guess we should have stood further back.

After taking some character and backdrop pictures and filling our bellies with chiccaron, fried waffle chicken and funnel cake, we decided to head towards the Lightsaber Training which was taking place at It's a Small World.

I got some stalker pictures too of the droids and Ewoks. Their lines were too long to wait in.

I also saw they had projections on the iconic Matterhorn. Sorry bad picture but it was so dark at that point!

As we made our way to It's a Small World, Lesley shared that the Alice in Wonderland ride is one of her favorites and I told her I don't think I've been on it. Since the line was so short, we decided to get on it. This ride is cute, and so fun! I loved it! I love how you ride half the track indoors and half you're outdoors, which mixes it up. Although in the rain it would suck I guess? Haha.

The area for Lightsaber Training was pretty empty at that time so we just waited around. I saw a 0 minute wait for IaSW so I told Lesley I was going to ride it since it was right here.

I like how you load the boats from the outside of the building. They also had projections on the IaSW building.

Although the ride is pretty much the same as WDW, they do put Disney characters into their layouts, which I think is really cool.

Once the ride was over and I went back out there were a lot more people there, still wasn't massively crowded so I still had a great spot. I moved up so i was on some stairs so I could get a nice vantage point of the stage. Lesley was off to the side though so I convinced her to stand in front of the stage so that I could get some pictures and video of her.

The reason we were here and prepared for the show, was that Ray Park, the original Darth Maul from The Phantom Menace (Episode 1), was there to help teach the class that day!! And if you're ever to attend a light saber training, you might as well learn from a Sith master.

Note this training was for both kids and adults and if you didn't bring a lightsaber, they lent you a cheap one that you have to return.

More people came and soon it was time. They introduced a few other people including someone who played the young Boba Fett in Attack of the Clones. But it was Ray Park that everyone wanted to see.

Can you spot @Lesley Wake? She's front and center! Doin' good Lesley!!

It was pretty cool to witness a Darth Maul light saber training.

After that the event was close to over but Lesley wanted to know if I wanted to ride Peter Pan, her all time favorite Fantasyland ride and of course I said YES! This ride doesn't have a fast pass here so there are usually long long lines. During the event the line was about 15 minutes long. Yay.

Peter Pan was wonderful, it was basically the same as WDW but with some slight differences (better I think). The only thing missing is the wonderful interactive queue like in WDW. So I guess there are advantages to both.

After PP, sadly the event was now closed, it was 1am. I couldn't believe I made it all the way to the end. I have a FULL day of Disney tomorrow and I was hoping to get to a park by Rope Drop. Let's see how it goes! We walked back outside to the main entrance. Meanwhile I grabbed a bit of the lightspeed projections on the castle. But @Lesley Wake got better videos than me. I kept missing the lightspeed! I only got the tail end.

Right at the end of Main Street we got some pictures with the Droids. There were about 3-4 R2D2s milling around along with other droids so it was much easier at this time to get a picture.

I said my goodbyes to Lesley and thanked her for all her advice. I hope you got my Venmo payment for the Ramen @Lesley Wake! It came from Steve since he has money in his Venmo that he there he wants to use up.

I yawned back to my room, took a shower, ate some of the my leftovers and passed out.

It was a surreal first 7 hours at Disneyland! I wasn't supposed to be here this week, but here I am.

Here's the night view outside my room:

Guardians of the Galaxy on the left and Space Mountain on the Right. Not to shabby

OK now to sleeep....

Tomorrow I head to DCA and use Max Pass to try it out. Also I go to a very very special place in Disneyland...never in my wildest dreams did I ever thing I'd be going here. It was all a surprise to me as well.

Stay tuned...
​

 

[Lesley Wake]

It was so much fun and I’m glad I could share it with you!

As we made our way to It's a Small World, Lesley shared that the Alice in Wonderland ride is one of her favorites and I told her I don't think I've been on it. Since the line was so short, we decided to get on it. This ride is cute, and so fun! I loved it! I love how you ride half the track indoors and half you're outdoors, which mixes it up. Although in the rain it would suck I guess? Haha.

I don’t even think they have it open during the rain! But I could be wrong.

I do love the projection and screen work they did, and how it was very seamless with the classic parts of the ride. I hope one day they bring that to more of the dark rides, like Pinocchio or Snow White.

I hope you got my Venmo payment for the Ramen @Lesley Wake! It came from Steve since he has money in his Venmo that he there he wants to use up.

Yup, got it! I always need to remember to transfer the Venmo over to my bank account!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What a whirlwind! Everything looks like so much fun! It's all about the food for me so I especially love all the themed treats. Glad you got to do some rides as well. I love IASW out there. I'm trying to remember if I did the Alice ride... I don't think I did. I'd love to get back there someday... maybe on the way to Aulani (as long as I'm dreaming might as well go big!) Can't wait to hear how your full day went! Great view from your room!

 

[pkondz]

Hmm, doesn't look like I can make that, but who knows...

Well.... you do read my TR, I'll have an announcement.... eventually.
Maybe something will work out.

I should have said this:

They don't?
But appreciate the Leia in the gold bikini photo.

They don't listen to me!!

They should!

Back to read the update a little later.

 

[pkondz]

there were no projections on the castle just the fireworks and music, which is really all you need.

Agreed.

I got some stalker pictures too of the droids and Ewoks. Their lines were too long to wait in.

Not overly surprising.

I also saw they had projections on the iconic Matterhorn:

I've seen a bit of that, and I think it's a great use of all that space.

Alice in Wonderland ride is one of her favorites and I told her I don't think I've been on it. Since the line was so short, we decided to get on it. This ride is cute, and so fun! I loved it! I love how you ride half the track indoors and half you're outdoors, which mixes it up.

I noticed that too. It's a fun little ride.

Although in the rain it would suck I guess? Haha.

It never rains in California. Never.

it was pretty empty at that time so we just waited around. I saw a 0 minute wait for IaSW so I told Lesley I'm going to ride it since it was right here.

Still too long a line for me.

The reason we were here prepared for the show, is that Ray Park the original Darth Maul from The Phantom Menace (Episode 1) was there to help teach the class that day!!

Cool!

Peter Pan, her all time favorite Fantasyland ride

Ooh... I like that "Favourite ride in Fantasyland"... I'm going to go with that from now on.

During the event the line was about 15 minutes long. Yay.

Not bad!

Peter Pan was wonderful, it was basically the same as WDW but with some slight differences (better I think).

Disagree with you there. The London scene (which for me is the ride) is superior at WDW.

Sadly the event was now closed, it was 1am. I couldn't believe I made it all the way to the end.

But you did it!

There were about 3-4 R2D2s milling around along with other droids so it was much easier at this time to get a picture.

How is this possible? There's only one R2....

I yawned back to my room, took a shower, ate some of the my leftovers and passed out.

Guardians of the Galaxy on the left and Space Mountain on the Right. Not to shabby

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like the rest of the event was so fun! And you even got to get on some rides with short waits which is a plus!

The view from your room is lovely!

 

[TwoLittlePrincesses]

Looks like a great day!! Can't wait to see where you go next...I think I have an inkling

 

[missjackiemcg]

I wasn't supposed to be here this week, but here I am.

Why does this bring a tear to my eye?! Just because it's like it was meant to be!!

 

[Steppesister]

Hey there, not a shabby view at all!

I actually enjoy IASW too, mostly because it's so classically Walt and his vision for the parks.

When I was there in March, I noticed the long, long lines for the characters too, but with being a SWs evening ticketed event, I'm sure they were even longer. But, you still managed to squeeze in a ton! Good job!

 

[chunkymonkey]

It was so much fun and I’m glad I could share it with you!

We'll have to do it again sometime! Maybe in WDW!

I don’t even think they have it open during the rain! But I could be wrong.

I do love the projection and screen work they did, and how it was very seamless with the classic parts of the ride. I hope one day they bring that to more of the dark rides, like Pinocchio or Snow White.

It is a great little ride! I loved it!

Yup, got it! I always need to remember to transfer the Venmo over to my bank account!

What a whirlwind! Everything looks like so much fun! It's all about the food for me so I especially love all the themed treats. Glad you got to do some rides as well. I love IASW out there. I'm trying to remember if I did the Alice ride... I don't think I did. I'd love to get back there someday... maybe on the way to Aulani (as long as I'm dreaming might as well go big!) Can't wait to hear how your full day went! Great view from your room!

It was a whirlwind indeed. It was all fun and all over the place, it's how I do Disney best, hahaha. I think on the way to Aulani is an excellent idea!!

Well.... you do read my TR, I'll have an announcement.... eventually.
Maybe something will work out.

Oooh announcement...

I've seen a bit of that, and I think it's a great use of all that space.

Soon Disney will find anything with a blank canvas and start putting projections on them.
Oh wait...they have!

I noticed that too. It's a fun little ride.

A real cute one! I loved it!

It never rains in California. Never.

I beg to differ but then again that was also pre-drought.

Still too long a line for me.

Guess you are not an IASW fan. I get it. It's the song...over and over and over...

Ooh... I like that "Favourite ride in Fantasyland"... I'm going to go with that from now on.

It's just going to be FIF nows. "Favorite in Fantasyland?"

Disagree with you there. The London scene (which for me is the ride) is superior at WDW.

I think you are right, now that I can vaguely remember the WDW one, yes their London scene is better. But they don't have the room with the twinkling lights which Lesley had pointed out to me.

How is this possible? There's only one R2....

He's not like, Outlander or anything. He's a mere droid.

Sounds like the rest of the event was so fun! And you even got to get on some rides with short waits which is a plus!

The view from your room is lovely!

It was a fun event. Even though I was tired I really wanted to do everything so we did as much as we could and we were satisfied.
Yeah I was surprised at the view!

Looks like a great day!! Can't wait to see where you go next...I think I have an inkling

Hehehe.

Why does this bring a tear to my eye?! Just because it's like it was meant to be!!

It was!! Everyone happened for a reason!!!

Hey there, not a shabby view at all!

Yup I'm not complainin'!

I actually enjoy IASW too, mostly because it's so classically Walt and his vision for the parks.

Yeah me too, classic Walt. And the DL one is so much better.

When I was there in March, I noticed the long, long lines for the characters too, but with being a SWs evening ticketed event, I'm sure they were even longer. But, you still managed to squeeze in a ton! Good job!

Yeah I agree. Long lines for characters. I had to chose my battles and decided the long character lines weren't worth it.

 

[pkondz]

Soon Disney will find anything with a blank canvas and start putting projections on them.
Oh wait...they have!

I beg to differ but then again that was also pre-drought.

I know what I'm talking about!

(not really. don't tell anyone.)

Guess you are not an IASW fan. I get it. It's the song...over and over and over...

and over


and over



and over





and over
















and over

It's just going to be FIF nows. "Favorite in Fantasyland?"

I think you are right, now that I can vaguely remember the WDW one, yes their London scene is better. But they don't have the room with the twinkling lights which Lesley had pointed out to me.

Hmmmm... don't remember that.

Whelp! Looks like I'm off to DL again!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Before I continue on...is anyone going to be in WDW from June 9-11 this year (like, two weeks from now)? I have booked myself a last minute SOLO trip for the weekend because Steve's gonna be out of town anyways and I just didn't want to be home alone. But being alone at WDW is definitely more enticing! If you're gonna be around that weekend let me know!


May 10th One Day Disneyland and California Adventure Mini TR - Part 1

Today I woke up early - surprisingly. After my long night staying out past 1am I thought I would not want to wake up but I think the excitement of today literally woke me up when I had to. I wanted to be at DCA by 9am and it looked like I was on track. I got dressed, packed up a little and left. Luckily the Fairfield Inn offers me a 4pm late check out because I'm a gold level Marriot member so I thought I could come back, shower and then check out before 4pm. The nice perks of being real close to the parks.

I arrived at DCA and they were letting people in right before 9am although most of the rides were not open yet. I had NO plan. I did not know what to do but I did pre-purchase Max Pass which is their digital Fastpass system so I thought I'd give it a try (it is 10 dollars per person per day and includes any photopass pictures that day). After scanning my ticket and entering the park, I immediately went on the Disneyland app and made my first FP for...Radiator Springs Racers!! Sooooo freakin' excited. This was my most favorite ride and so happy to ride again. Don't remember the return time but it was later that morning so as I was walking I passed by this attraction and immediately got on line:

Soarin'!

HELL-OO Patrick!

Their line is much cooler and has an aviation/airplane hangar theme. The park wasn't quite open yet so I waited on line with everyone else for about 10 minutes before it opened, then another 10 minutes once it did. Not too bad.

After the ride I realized I was starving and I needed sustenance. Hmm where to eat? I did some quick google research and decided to eat either at Flo's V-8 (which we loved on our trip to DLR in 2016), or at the Grand Californian. As I was walking I saw that the security line for GC was pretty much non-existent so I headed right into the GC! We stayed here last time and it was awesome to have an entrance right into DCA. I hope we can stay here again in 2019!

I headed to the Quick Service in the resort: White Water Snacks

I love it here. It's never crowded and the food is made to order. You pay and they give you a number and they bring your food to you. I got a coffee, and an order of the:

Breakfast Tots: Tater tots, bacon, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, green onion, topped with two fried eggs.

This was the perfect breakfast. I love tater tots for breakfast and the fresh pico and green onion really livened the dish. The eggs and bacon provided protein and sustenance, plus the oozy egg yolk provided a nice "sauce" along with the cheese. I don't know how, but I managed to finish the whole thing, but it was too delicious not to. I was definitely full after, and it kept me full for a long time!

After breakfast, I headed back out into the park, and security took no time at all because there was no line. I headed towards the area that will soon be known as Pixar Pier.

I decided to do some of the small pier rides because they are unique to California. These rides are still open while they renovate Pixar Pier.

On the Golden Zephyr:

You can see the lake has been drained and you can see all the equipment they use for World of Color. I was bummed they didn't have World of Color playing as they are renovating the pier and Fantasmic! was also on hiatus over at Disneyland - but that kinda freed up my night a bit and I wouldn't have to make a choice as to which one to watch. Instead my evening was free to watch Paint The Night, my absolute most favorite Disney parade ever!! I had texted Alison (@franandaj) to see if she and Fran were free that day and she said she'd come to the park to watch Paint The Night that evening so we could meet up then, awesome! More Dismeets!!

After the Zephyr, I went on the Symphony Silly Swings:

These rides had no wait at all which was great. It was a beautiful day and I just wanted to walk around and soak up everything at DCA and didn't really want to spend it waiting on many lines.

I passed the Pixar Pals sign but didn't go in. I actually did not know it was character meets but I guess I could have surmised that from the title.

But there was no time for character meets today - I had a Fastpass to get to!

On the way, I went to Under the Sea with Ariel as there was only a 5 minute wait. This ride is exactly like the WDW version I think.

I also made another FP for Toy Story Mania when the app said I could. I love this Max Pass! So much easier than racing around for paper tickets.

I entered the wharf area which is iconically very California Adventure. I love it here, it's so pretty, has a relaxing vibe, with plenty of quick service for a nice meal out by the water.

I went into Ghiradelli and got my free chocolate. Then I went into Boudin Bakery tour and got my free sourdough slice. I love all these freebies!

It was definitely one of those "OMG I can't believe I'm here" moments and I just wanted to enjoy it!

I took the back entrance into Cars Land, where you come out by RSR. I love watching the cars go around the track from here.

I used my FP at RSR and I waited about 20 minutes. Much better than the 70 minutes posted. It's a slow-loading ride though. I heard the single-rider got up to 40 minutes at some point so for me it was better to get an FP than to wait on single-rider.

It is seriously the best ride ever!!! Test track is nothing compared to this!

Here's an awful ride picture:

I kept forgetting to take the picture of the picture and this was one of the few times that I did. I could enter it into my maxpass thing and get the actual picture but this was a bad picture and I didn't want it anyways. Haha.

I just LOVE Cars Land. I don't even love the Cars movies - not my favorite pixar films, but Cars Land is insane.

I went on Towmater because it's my sister Chunkysis's favorite ride. She's super excited that the Alien Swirling Saucers are gonna be in Toy Story Land because it's pretty much the same ride system. She would go on Towmater like 3 times in a row and have a joyous time, cracking up more and more each time. I have a fun time watching her from the side and I've even filmed her being tossed around on the ride. Haha.

I got one of my very few photopass pics I got that day. I guess I did not notice any PP photographers as much as in WDW, or just didn't really know where they were, and I didn't do any character meets really.

I can't leave DLR without getting a churro! Churro's are so popular here. There are lines for all the churro carts especially before parades and shows. I never really saw that many churro lines at WDW but here they are everywhere and everyone eats them.

It was time for my Toy Story Mania FP so I headed back to Pixar Pier. Once on line, I made another FP for RSR again. I was determined to ride it again even though the FP was not until much later in the afternoon.

I was actually able to ride TSM twice because the line wasn't that long. I realize I do better when not a single rider because I need someone to help clear the board and get the bonus rounds.

At least my accuracy is better than usual because I'm not competing with someone else for points, haha.

It was getting close to the time I wanted to leave and check out of the hotel so I walked around and got a snack. I went to the Cozy Cones because I knew I liked the food there.

The Champion's Corn Cup was the perfect size and tasted fresh and zesty with the lime and the cheese.

I also got myself a Red's Apple freeze - which is just like Lefou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. It hit the spot on a nice warm day!

I walked around and did some shopping since I knew I'd be heading back to the hotel and could just drop my stuff. I got my nephew some clothes (he loves Cars), and got Steve and I Pixar Fest t-shirts. I got my nieces some pressed pennies too because out of everything they bought at WDW last August, they loved the pressed pennies and quarters the most! Easy enough for me except I never have change so I had to get change and walked around with heavy change in my purse, LOL.

Look at these cuties:

So throughout the day I was conversing with a friend of mine (who shall not be named) who also lives near Disneyland to see if we could meet up, she said sure, maybe some drinks and apps that evening would work. I said sure, where would she like to meet?

Friend: Well, we can go to 33 or 1901 but I'm assuming you'd like to go to 33 more.

WAIT, WHAT?

Me: You mean Club 33? In Disneyland?
Friend: Yes
Me (nonchalantly): Oh, that sounds great, yes I can meet you there!

Me (in real life): OMG I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS I AM GOING TO CLUB 33 THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE AM I DREAMING
WAIT WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS EVER


I AM GOING TO CLUB 33!!!!
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Y'ALL THIS JUST HAPPENED TO ME -->
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This literally is the BEST. DAY. EVER.

and the best is yet to come!


Coming up...Club 33!​

 

[ONUAtrain]

That is so AWESOME!!!!! Cars Land is great and it's hard to beat a stop in the Grand Californian!

 

[TwoLittlePrincesses]

Yay I was right with my inkling!! Can't wait to hear all about Club 33!

 

[MeghanEmily]

Awesome selfie!

And Cars Land seems amazing! I really want to see it!

These are so adorable.

Friend: Well, we can go to 33 or 1901 but I'm assuming you'd like to go to 33 more.

WAIT, WHAT?

Me: You mean Club 33? In Disneyland?
Friend: Yes
Me (nonchalantly): Oh, that sounds great, yes I can meet you there!

Me (in real life): OMG I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS I AM GOING TO CLUB 33 THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE AM I DREAMING
WAIT WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS EVER


I AM GOING TO CLUB 33!!!!
.

Wait....WHAT!? Oh my gosh!!!!!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Holy CRAP!!!!!!! I am soooooo jealous and can't wait to hear ALL about Club 33. Don't leave anything out girlfriend! I want DETAILS!!!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Looks like you were having the best morning! Churros really are a huge thing at DL vs at WDW! And I'm with you, Radiator Springs Racers is the BEST!!

Omg i can't wait to hear about Club 33!!!

 

[tammy]

What an awesome day. I really need to get back to Disneyland...maybe next year. Beautiful pictures!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Solo time at DCA sounds delightful! Your breakfast looks incredible! Lucky you knew enough to go to the hotel to grab something to eat and then head right back into the park! I am taking notes for my eventual trip...this is so smart!

Literally CANNOT wait to hear about Club 33!!!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Before I continue on...is anyone going to be in WDW from June 9-11 this year (like, two weeks from now)? I have booked myself a last minute SOLO trip for the weekend because Steve's gonna be out of town anyways and I just didn't want to be home alone. But being alone at WDW is definitely more enticing! If you're gonna be around that weekend let me know!

Woohoo! Where are you staying?

I passed the Pixar Pals sign but didn't go in. I actually did not know it was character meets but I guess I could have surmised that from the title.

It is sort of nice, they have groups of 2 characters. So Buzz/Woody, Dug/Russell, and another pair, but I can't remember who! Maybe Mike/Sully?

I got one of my very few photopass pics I got that day. I guess I did not notice any PP photographers as much as in WDW, or just didn't really know where they were, and I didn't do any character meets really.

I feel the same way; it doesn't feel as organic as photos at WDW!