Matterhorn Yodeler
04-01-2008, 01:18 PM
Last Sunday, March 30th, I went to DLR with a fellow AP holder who easily gets motion sickness, so I knew we would experience a "quiet" day at the resort. This is not a problem for me, since I try to go monthly. Sometimes the day is filled with thrill rides, sometimes it's another theme like Main Street or Fantasyland. So without really planning, we decided to see the many shows and attractions that don't require a seat belt.
In the morning, it was raining where I live, so we waited until it looked like it was clearing up before driving down to Anaheim. It was late morning by the time we entered DCA. Moments later, the High School Musical revue started. I have never seen that movie, but it didn't matter. It is a wonderful high energy show. The young people in it are all talented singers and dancers. And I must admit, that had it been a "normal" day, I would not have stopped but rather made a straight shot to the FP area of Soarin'.
Our one planned activity at DCA was to attend the Seasons of the Vine movie which was closing that day to make way for the DCA preview center. Again, I had never stopped to see it. When we got there, the theatre doors were wide open, but nobody was there. It is a lovely setting, like a wine ageing room with a wall of beautiful oak barrels. The raised stage has barn doors which hide the movie screen. There are several rows of comfortable bench style seating. Since we couldn't find a CM to give us any information, we next went over to the Mission Tortilla Factory. I have been there before, but probably not for a couple of years. It was the first time for my friend, and he was really thrilled when we received the fresh tortillas right off the assembly line!
We walked back over to the small theatre and found a couple of CM's who were removing the patio chairs that had been stored in the theatre overnight. They said that after the chairs were removed, the movie would begin. We waited maybe five minutes and the CM for the theatre showed up and escorted us in. In addition to my friend and me, there was only one other couple. Then three others came in for a total audience of seven. I can see why they are going to convert this under utilized space. The CM was very informative about the environment, telling us about the hand made oak barrels and the need for thick walls to maintain the proper temperature while the wine is ageing. She was knowledgeable about the wine-making process and told us that 250-300 bottles of wine were made from the contents of one barrel. Then, she slid the barn doors open to reveal on the screen workers tending to the grape vines. True to its title, Seasons of the Vine, the film takes you through the process of growing the grapes. A beautifully done film which simply and interestingly instructs you about the yearly cycle of the vines. I'm really glad that I got to see it before the attraction was shuttered.
In the movie mood, we next went to Golden Dreams, another attraction that I seem to have passed up on other trips. The replica of the Palace of Fine Arts is nice, but it doesn't seem to have the same sense of grandeur that the actual one has in San Francisco. This would be a great area to create a parklike setting in DCA, more like the original. I have to add kudos to CM Belle who acts as a barker for the attraction, making frequent announcements over the microphone. Very funny and inviting. I also want to mention the San Francisco theming in this area of DCA. The facades are Victorian and truly reminiscent of the homes and businesses up north.
The theatre interior is grand indeed, with an Art Deco style. It seats 300 and I would say there were maybe thirty people watching. Belle did an introduction and asked how many people had seen the film before. Only one family raised their hands. So the movie is not drawing repeat attendance. A truly beautiful theatre that is again under utilized.
As the movie begins, the statues on either side of the screen come to life in the form of Whoopie Goldberg as the goddess Califa. Sort of a combination of the Tiki Room totem poles and Madame Leota! The film was very well done and gives an interesting history of the people who have lived in California over the centuries. I have to admit, it grew weary to have Whoopie show up in every scene. But this is only a small complaint. It has a good sense of humor to it and I found it to be very entertaining.
When we went outside, we ran into the "talking" trash can, which was very funny and the kids found it fascinating. It was great to watch their reactions when it talked directly to them!
After taking the route through the Grizzly River Rapids, we had lunch at Taste Pilots' Grill. The line was fairly short and we got our food quickly. The meals were typical Disney casual dining. I ordered the small vegetable salad with my bbq chicken sandwich. One nice thing is the condiments counter where you can dress your sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other items. A lady I was chatting with in line made a small salad from some of the condiments and topped it with her vegetable salad. I might try that on another trip.
Now I was "jonesing" for a thrill ride, and since we were right next door to Soarin', I checked the single rider line and it was empty. When I got down into the attraction, there were only two other single riders and I made it onto the first ride cycle, a total wait of no more than five minutes. Meanwhile, my friend waited outside having dessert. This was the first time I sat in the third row. I usually ask for the first row, which puts you up higher and you cannot see anyone above you. I love this ride! It is a "relaxing" thrill ride and being lower in the theatre made me feel like my feet would hit the water at times. Also, I distinctly smelled the orange trees!
Next, we took the monorail from DTD into Tomorrowland. It was quite a long wait. I discovered that there is only one monorail in operation and it's about a 20 minute cycle. It was a beautiful day, so we made the best of being outdoors and the wait. Timing worked out perfectly and we exited the monorail and got onto the train at the Tomorrowland station, past the Grand Canyon dioramas, past Main Street Station, and got off at New Orleans Square. We wanted to go to Tom Sawyer Island to see the new Pirate's Lair, but the rafts were not taking anyone over, so we turned and went to the Haunted Mansion. In general, I truly enjoy the riverfront and its attractions the most at DL. I hadn't been on HM since the holiday overlay, so it was fun to see the original show. The ride stopped while we were in the bride's attic, so it was fun to view all of that for a while. From there we went to POC, which is still my all time favorite attraction. We floated by and pointed out our Blue Bayou waterside table that we ate at some months earlier.
Then it was onto the Golden Horseshoe, another one of my favorite shows. We had balcony seats for Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. Always laugh out loud funny and excellent musicianship. For foreign visitors, this should be a must attend to get a great sense of Americana. A walk back around the river found the rafts operating and we crossed over to Pirate's Lair. Since we only had a half hour until closing, we quickly explored the update. My first impression is that it's fine, but nothing special. I did like the pirate skeleton who is clinging to the treasure chest that you can raise out of the water by turning the capstan near the pontoon bridge. And I did enjoy the view of NOS, especially the Dream Suite from the lookout high above Lafitte's landing.
A long wait to return to shore. Only one raft was operating. We then did a little pin shopping and decided on dinner. We had not made a PS reservation, but the standby for Cafe Orleans was only 15 minutes. We were actually seated in less, but service was extremely slow. It turned out to be a looonnng leisurely dinner. The food was good, again what I expect at a restaurant inside the park. I had the french onion soup and the ratatouille. With a bit of added Tabasco, it gave the dish a good kick and I liked it. My friend ordered the chocolate crepe for dessert and it took forever to get. But he thought it was great. He asked about the AP pin and got the Madhatter pin there, which pleased him no end. It's like getting a $10 - $15 discount, what with the price of pins, which he collects. A real nice AP perk!
After dinner, there was a jazz combo playing in the streets of NOS, which I listened to. They were really wonderful and I could have listened to them for a lot longer. We had gotten fast passes for Indy earlier, with the intention of me getting to ride twice, but I convinced my friend to try it. He agreed and we had a great ride! It was now about 8:20 PM and we decided to stake out a spot for Fantasmic. We stood right behind the reserved seating area, just slightly to the left of center stage. I have seen Fantasmic several times and love it. It was the first time for my friend and he was wowed! We had an ideal view and he was amazed at all of the multimedia. We stayed there for the fireworks, which happened almost immediately after Fantasmic. I've never watched them from this position and they were wonderful. The Remember Dreams Come True Fireworks Spectacular lives up to its name. The soundtrack is great and synchronized with the fireworks and they come from many positions, lighting up the night sky.
Afterward, we walked down Main Street and headed home. It was an interesting "quiet" trip to the resort, filled with a lot of fun and magic!
In the morning, it was raining where I live, so we waited until it looked like it was clearing up before driving down to Anaheim. It was late morning by the time we entered DCA. Moments later, the High School Musical revue started. I have never seen that movie, but it didn't matter. It is a wonderful high energy show. The young people in it are all talented singers and dancers. And I must admit, that had it been a "normal" day, I would not have stopped but rather made a straight shot to the FP area of Soarin'.
Our one planned activity at DCA was to attend the Seasons of the Vine movie which was closing that day to make way for the DCA preview center. Again, I had never stopped to see it. When we got there, the theatre doors were wide open, but nobody was there. It is a lovely setting, like a wine ageing room with a wall of beautiful oak barrels. The raised stage has barn doors which hide the movie screen. There are several rows of comfortable bench style seating. Since we couldn't find a CM to give us any information, we next went over to the Mission Tortilla Factory. I have been there before, but probably not for a couple of years. It was the first time for my friend, and he was really thrilled when we received the fresh tortillas right off the assembly line!
We walked back over to the small theatre and found a couple of CM's who were removing the patio chairs that had been stored in the theatre overnight. They said that after the chairs were removed, the movie would begin. We waited maybe five minutes and the CM for the theatre showed up and escorted us in. In addition to my friend and me, there was only one other couple. Then three others came in for a total audience of seven. I can see why they are going to convert this under utilized space. The CM was very informative about the environment, telling us about the hand made oak barrels and the need for thick walls to maintain the proper temperature while the wine is ageing. She was knowledgeable about the wine-making process and told us that 250-300 bottles of wine were made from the contents of one barrel. Then, she slid the barn doors open to reveal on the screen workers tending to the grape vines. True to its title, Seasons of the Vine, the film takes you through the process of growing the grapes. A beautifully done film which simply and interestingly instructs you about the yearly cycle of the vines. I'm really glad that I got to see it before the attraction was shuttered.
In the movie mood, we next went to Golden Dreams, another attraction that I seem to have passed up on other trips. The replica of the Palace of Fine Arts is nice, but it doesn't seem to have the same sense of grandeur that the actual one has in San Francisco. This would be a great area to create a parklike setting in DCA, more like the original. I have to add kudos to CM Belle who acts as a barker for the attraction, making frequent announcements over the microphone. Very funny and inviting. I also want to mention the San Francisco theming in this area of DCA. The facades are Victorian and truly reminiscent of the homes and businesses up north.
The theatre interior is grand indeed, with an Art Deco style. It seats 300 and I would say there were maybe thirty people watching. Belle did an introduction and asked how many people had seen the film before. Only one family raised their hands. So the movie is not drawing repeat attendance. A truly beautiful theatre that is again under utilized.
As the movie begins, the statues on either side of the screen come to life in the form of Whoopie Goldberg as the goddess Califa. Sort of a combination of the Tiki Room totem poles and Madame Leota! The film was very well done and gives an interesting history of the people who have lived in California over the centuries. I have to admit, it grew weary to have Whoopie show up in every scene. But this is only a small complaint. It has a good sense of humor to it and I found it to be very entertaining.
When we went outside, we ran into the "talking" trash can, which was very funny and the kids found it fascinating. It was great to watch their reactions when it talked directly to them!
After taking the route through the Grizzly River Rapids, we had lunch at Taste Pilots' Grill. The line was fairly short and we got our food quickly. The meals were typical Disney casual dining. I ordered the small vegetable salad with my bbq chicken sandwich. One nice thing is the condiments counter where you can dress your sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other items. A lady I was chatting with in line made a small salad from some of the condiments and topped it with her vegetable salad. I might try that on another trip.
Now I was "jonesing" for a thrill ride, and since we were right next door to Soarin', I checked the single rider line and it was empty. When I got down into the attraction, there were only two other single riders and I made it onto the first ride cycle, a total wait of no more than five minutes. Meanwhile, my friend waited outside having dessert. This was the first time I sat in the third row. I usually ask for the first row, which puts you up higher and you cannot see anyone above you. I love this ride! It is a "relaxing" thrill ride and being lower in the theatre made me feel like my feet would hit the water at times. Also, I distinctly smelled the orange trees!
Next, we took the monorail from DTD into Tomorrowland. It was quite a long wait. I discovered that there is only one monorail in operation and it's about a 20 minute cycle. It was a beautiful day, so we made the best of being outdoors and the wait. Timing worked out perfectly and we exited the monorail and got onto the train at the Tomorrowland station, past the Grand Canyon dioramas, past Main Street Station, and got off at New Orleans Square. We wanted to go to Tom Sawyer Island to see the new Pirate's Lair, but the rafts were not taking anyone over, so we turned and went to the Haunted Mansion. In general, I truly enjoy the riverfront and its attractions the most at DL. I hadn't been on HM since the holiday overlay, so it was fun to see the original show. The ride stopped while we were in the bride's attic, so it was fun to view all of that for a while. From there we went to POC, which is still my all time favorite attraction. We floated by and pointed out our Blue Bayou waterside table that we ate at some months earlier.
Then it was onto the Golden Horseshoe, another one of my favorite shows. We had balcony seats for Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. Always laugh out loud funny and excellent musicianship. For foreign visitors, this should be a must attend to get a great sense of Americana. A walk back around the river found the rafts operating and we crossed over to Pirate's Lair. Since we only had a half hour until closing, we quickly explored the update. My first impression is that it's fine, but nothing special. I did like the pirate skeleton who is clinging to the treasure chest that you can raise out of the water by turning the capstan near the pontoon bridge. And I did enjoy the view of NOS, especially the Dream Suite from the lookout high above Lafitte's landing.
A long wait to return to shore. Only one raft was operating. We then did a little pin shopping and decided on dinner. We had not made a PS reservation, but the standby for Cafe Orleans was only 15 minutes. We were actually seated in less, but service was extremely slow. It turned out to be a looonnng leisurely dinner. The food was good, again what I expect at a restaurant inside the park. I had the french onion soup and the ratatouille. With a bit of added Tabasco, it gave the dish a good kick and I liked it. My friend ordered the chocolate crepe for dessert and it took forever to get. But he thought it was great. He asked about the AP pin and got the Madhatter pin there, which pleased him no end. It's like getting a $10 - $15 discount, what with the price of pins, which he collects. A real nice AP perk!
After dinner, there was a jazz combo playing in the streets of NOS, which I listened to. They were really wonderful and I could have listened to them for a lot longer. We had gotten fast passes for Indy earlier, with the intention of me getting to ride twice, but I convinced my friend to try it. He agreed and we had a great ride! It was now about 8:20 PM and we decided to stake out a spot for Fantasmic. We stood right behind the reserved seating area, just slightly to the left of center stage. I have seen Fantasmic several times and love it. It was the first time for my friend and he was wowed! We had an ideal view and he was amazed at all of the multimedia. We stayed there for the fireworks, which happened almost immediately after Fantasmic. I've never watched them from this position and they were wonderful. The Remember Dreams Come True Fireworks Spectacular lives up to its name. The soundtrack is great and synchronized with the fireworks and they come from many positions, lighting up the night sky.
Afterward, we walked down Main Street and headed home. It was an interesting "quiet" trip to the resort, filled with a lot of fun and magic!