A Grand Circle Tour [Day Trips 2011]

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 20: August 18
Time: 8:10am to 12:10pm [DLP 8:10 to 12:10]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4), Roy(6), and myself(35)

We began the day on a Nemo Sub. Nice change of pace, that. In my opinion, Nemo is one of those rides that affords a markedly different experience during the day (the other time we recently rode it was evening). From there, we had a busy morning: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, King Arthurs Carousel, Dumbo Flying Elephant, Gadgets Go Coaster, its a small world, Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin, and Splash Mountain.
While in Toon Town, we stopped in at Mickeys House and did the walk through, then meet and greet with Mickey. The kids got autographs and pictures and Mickey hugs. I got several laughs watching the groups in front of us they had young toddler age kids who reminded me of Nancy and Roy when they were that age. My kids each had their own temporary case of toddler character fright and the reaction of the little ones at Mickeys was all too familiar. And cute. And sad. And comical. Mickeys House was a good time; well hit up Minnies someday.
Shortly before heading home, we attended another off-the-beaten-path ride: Sailing Ship Columbia. Were in Disneyland Park a lot of early mornings and late nights so we usually find the sailing ship either docked or fulfilling its nightly Fantasmic duties. So, to my kids this is a ride thats mostly inaccessible (to their great disappointment). When they saw it in port this morning there was no chance wed pass it up. The kids love roaming below deck. Roy decided the Columbia trumps Mark Twain cuz on Columbia he can go underneath. They had a great time.

[Malcon10t]

I’ve never come across any literature that supports this theory…. so maybe someone here can easily dispel or confirm it. To me, the gentleman in the HM graveyard quintet second from the left bears a resemblance to Walt Disney. Is this by design? He’s the one doing most of the singing and stands out because his head/shoulders are tilted at a 45 degree angle whereas all the other four gentlemen are upright.

Actually, it is Thurl Ravenscroft. The original voice of Tony the Tiger, the one who sang "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch", and of course, the Haunted Mansion.

[MidwayManiac]

Actually, it is Thurl Ravenscroft. The original voice of Tony the Tiger, the one who sang "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch", and of course, the Haunted Mansion.

So very cool. Thanks for sharing. I googled him and found this video that details some of his other DLP voices.

Chuckled at this in his wikipedia entry: "his face is on the Uncle Theodore singing bust that many people have mistaken for Walt Disney"

[SigalTchelet]

So very cool. Thanks for sharing. I googled him and found this video that details some of his other DLP voices.

Chuckled at this in his wikipedia entry: "his face is on the Uncle Theodore singing bust that many people have mistaken for Walt Disney"

Thanks for the link! That was cool!

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 21: August 24
Time: 9am to 1:45 [DLP 9:00 to 12:15] [DCA 12:15 to 1:45]
Cast/crew: Walt(4 months), Nancy(4), Roy(6), Kim(33), and myself(35)

The day got off to an exciting start with the discovery of our Walk of Magical Memories brick freshly installed. We took pictures and just sort of hanged out by the brick a little while what an odd thing to say (lol) and probably odder still for passers-by to see a family standing by and posing with a brick. We were in the park well before rope drop which gave us plenty of time to shop after the kids made a brief meet/greet, autograph, and pic with Gepetto. At the Emporium, Kim handed me two soup mugs for the kids (one princesses and one Jack Skellington) for Christmas I presume and an Ariel jewelry box Nancy fell in love with. I was given the you go buy this, Ill distract the kids directive. Dropped that stuff at the news stand for safe keeping, stopped at Main Street Station to inquire about the Lilly Belle, and we were off.

Roy and I sat with and changed Walt while the girls rode BTMRR. Up along Big Thunder Trail into Fantasyland, we all five boarded Alice in Wonderland. Nancy and I rode Mr. Toads while DW and the boys did the castle walk through and relaxed by the wishing well, where we all met. Roy and I hit up Star Tours while dear wife, girl, and baby took in Pixie Hollow and fairies. Anticipating the end of life as we know it the two month PoTC hiatus, I urged the family to head that way. It wasnt a difficult sell. After Pirates, we made our way back near Main Street Station. The Lilly Belle had just left, so we had time to attend an attraction thats recently piqued Roys interest and that none of my kids have been to: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Gee, its been at least a couple decades since Ive been there. Its a classic. The exhibits in the foyer and the gallery are elegant and too often overlooked.

We crammed into a late morning Lilly Belle ride. It was a unique experience and well definitely do it again, but certainly when theres more room (Nancy and Roy had to both sit on my lap) and cooler temps. Dear wife was sitting amidst a large family who was friendly and talkative; they opined this ride was a little meh because the host said nothing, and that on previous trips the host was more of a guide who gave perspective and history and so on. Nonetheless, Roys a fan of all things Walt Disney so the ride was cool beans far as he was concerned. And he later told my parents he liked the Abraham Lincoln, 16th president thing even though I didnt understand what he was sayin. Gotta hand it to my kids. They sit and watch performances intently without squirming about as well as any 4 and 6 year can be expected; its what makes taking them DLR shows manageable.

Lunch was in the offing and Taste Pilots Grill sounded really good to everyone. Happened upon their Thousand Island on the condiment cart; wife and I agreed it made for a tasty burger. The heat and fatigue werent relenting so we reached the point of Pick one more rides, kids, cuz it may be todays last. Nancy chose Ariels. Dear wife took her. Then Roy and I walked right on California Screamin. Plan was for Roy and I to then pick up soft serve and carry it over to meet the rest of the family to relax and eat dessert in the animation building. Oddly, all my cash and cards were in the stroller (which was in the animation building already) when we got to the Pier Ice Cream window. Bummer, but the kids took it in stride. Since they were such good sports, we made up for it that night with an after-dinner Dairy Queen run.

Ice cream or no ice cream, it was a banner day. Lotta firsts: DL brick, Lilly Belle, wishing well, castle walk through (for Kim), Mr. Lincoln and gallery (for kids). What better way to end the summer.

[ESS Heckler]

I really enjoy reading these posts - I know they take a great deal of time - but please keep them coming!

[MidwayManiac]

I really enjoy reading these posts

Thank You!

please keep them coming!

I will. At least through this set of Annual Passes.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 22: August 30
Time: 4:00 to 8:15 [DCA 4 to 5:20] [DLP 5:20 to 8:10]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4) and myself(35)

My initial thought on the new temporary DCA entrance is Wow, if you wanna get back to Tower of Terror and Bug’s Land, you gotta really wanna go. There’s just no easy or quick way in and out. Disney demands, and gets, much patience from it patrons during this DCA overhaul. DLR’s fan loyalty through this massive demo/construction is a testament to the quality of their service and product. edited to add: I shouldn’t speak for everyone here; based on what I wrote in the epilogue all I can say is I have patience for the construction; no idea how others react to it. I can only speculate. Which I do, later.
My second thought was Wow, everybody really is back in school. DCA was relatively empty. Granted some districts have started, but L.A. Unified is holding out until after Labor Day so I thought a) maybe that’s a trend more districts would follow and b) that more of its million plus students would still be in the park.

Nancy and I started on Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, then worked our way around for trips on Goofy’s Sky School, Silly Symphony Swings, and Mickey’s Fun Wheel. Four rides, less than an hour. We could’ve boarded Toy Story Midway Mania in about twenty minutes or less. Seems slightly insane to me now that we didn’t seize the opportunity but maybe I was a bit “rided out” at the moment and Nancy was less than enthusiastic about it besides. Well, truth be told she spotted the soft serve window from the top of Mickey’s Fun wheel and had ice cream on the brain from that point. She had the focus of a laser beam. Even the best ride in all DCA couldn’t divert her attention, which is the more likely reason we skipped TSMM.
After ice cream, I would’ve visited Bug’s Land and made the DCA circumnavigation or whatever you call it. But daughter was bound and determined for BTMRR so who am I to argue? Plus since Thunder Mountain is right next to Paradise Pier (*rolls eyes*) why not just hop right on over? I mean, right? I’m convinced when you’re 4 years old everything in DLR might as well be right next to everything else. Here’s proof: “Daddy, after we ride Splash Mountain let’s ride Ariel’s next, then Pirates of the Caribbean.” These Nancy driven itineraries are typical and require repeated explanations. She may temporarily understand the explanation, but by the next trip she’s back making the same recommendations. “Let’s go on Mr. Toad’s and Monster’s Inc. first! Yay!!!” What was at first a source of frustration is now a source of laughter, so I’m less inclined to explain (she’s 4, after all) than simply go with it and chuckle. And by 'go with it' I mean politely ignore, not accomodate, her recommendations.

If HM is closed for the holiday overlay, I didn’t realize it would occur this early. We were both primed for Haunted Mansion. We settled for Splash Mountain. And we took coins with for the penny press afterward …. OK what’s going on with the penny press after all this time? Clearly the long term plan isn’t to remove it permanently from the SpM exit as the change machine remains in place. /rant.
Next, we rode PotC. We did some window shopping at the various Adventureland shops and ended up in Ranch Del Zocalo somehow, not sure why. We didn’t really plan to eat. And we didn’t. But we happened upon a cool throughfare from the restaurant to the weekend swing dance area. That’s not always open, is it? Who knows (well, Malcon10t probably) but admittedly I’ve missed more obvious and glaring DLR landmarks before so it wouldn’t come as a surprise. Anyway there was no one around back there near the swing dance floor and passageway to FL. We stopped and sat and called the family. More window shopping on the way to our last two rides: Autopia and Space Mountain.

Epilogue: We did 4 DCA rides in about an hour, and 5 DLP rides in about three hours. This disparity left me scratching my head some. Looking back, the DLP crowds seemed denser and uncommonly disproportionate to the DCA crowds. This is merely anecdotal, but maybe construction over there is adversely affecting attendance to the point you can ride almost anything, anytime. In hindsight, maybe I was wrong and people are a little fed up and losing patience with DCA construction. There are several factors at play I’m sure (peak summer season’s over, some school’s in session, and of course construction) but I can’t ever recall such a stark contrast in crowd levels between the two parks.

[candles71]

Psst. Yes that throughfare is always there. There is a bathroom in it, too. In case you missed it. Now, the problem will be what becomes of this nice quiet passage when they put PFF there?

[MidwayManiac]

Psst. Yes that throughfare is always there. There is a bathroom in it, too. In case you missed it.

Cool thanks. Surely I'll go out of my way to use that passage now. Making up for lost time.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 23: September 14
Time: 4:10 to 8:10 [DCA 4:10 to 6:20] [DLP 6:20 to 8:10]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4), Roy(6), and myself(35)

With an 8:00pm closure, construction walls up everywhere, more rides down than anytime in recent memory, and Halloween decorations partially erected, the resort very much portrayed an air of transition and anticipation. Staging and final prepping just a day and a half before the opening of Halloween Time gave the feeling throughout the evening that we were about 36 hours early for the party.
I was ready to storm the park, but the kids were ready to play at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for 45 minutes. Ever seen the duck race? We happened upon it for the first time and Roy and Nancy were instantly enthralled. A couple Redwood Creek Park Rangers (CMs) initiate a drop-your-rubber-duck-in-at-the-top-of-the-creek-and-see-how-fast-it-floats-down race among four kids. We did it twice. The kids also rode zip lines and toured almost every inch of the challenge trail. Then we rode Silly Symphony Swings. Although I rarely dictate whats next, I told the kids Were riding Toy Story Midway Mania. Great as ever. Only our second go at TSMM in 23 trips.
The conclusion of our DCA trip sounds like a broken record: we got soft serve ice cream and visited Francis Ladybug Boogie, only to find it not open. Odd. Its been open maybe once in our last 8 visits and was on the refurbishment list only a few of those days. As a consolation, we rode Tuck n Rolls Drive em Buggies.
DCA and the esplanade were noticeably barren of Halloween dcor, but the DLP entrance, Main St. Square, and Main Street more than made up for it. We were happy to see the giant Mickey Pumpkin in place, a backdrop for picture takers. Nancy had her normal Big Thunder Mountain Railroad itch, so we headed there first. It was temporarily down. I was shocked. SHOCKED! Looked out across the river. Haunted Mansion. Down. Pirates. Down. Made the decision to head to Fantasyland an easy one. When we got there, we were pleasantly surprised to find Matterhorn operational and with a short line. We rode twice once on each track. We departed in time to catch the end and favorite two parts (Tiana and Mary Poppins) of Soundsational.
For his last selection, Roy chose Alice in Wonderland. Hes talked a lot lately about being the Mad Hatter for Halloween. Unfortunately the park is currently selling only the Johnny Depp style hats with red hair, not the traditional white haired ones. Little sis would make a great Alice, but she has no interest in it.
For a final ride, Nancy chose Big Thunder. Someone in this forum raised the possibility BTMRR is faster at night and while I admit its unlikely, it sure seems to be the case. Dear wife said the same thing a few trips ago after a night BTMRR ride.

[MadasaHatter]

Love the posts Midway Maniac and haven't read this forum for a while. Lots of great discussion topics.

Your mobile phone comments are great. I leave mine in the room lots of times and my friends panic....."WHERE ARE WE GOING TO MEET YOU!!!!?????" Like you said, you pick a place and have a few rendezvous times during the day. So nice! So nice.

Last trip I took we met a CM named Mary in charge of the LITTLE MERMAID. So she was sort of a head mucky muck and was so cool. She gave us a personal verbal tour of Cars Land and it was very cool talking to her. She did indeed say that she was looking forward to getting her park back. It is a pain in the butt for us regulars but think about it if you have never or rarely been to DLR before and you enter the park you want to do ALL the attractions so working your way over to ToT isn't that big of a deelio!

Last October I went with a big group and sometimes you just have to break apart and do your own thing! Even my last trip with THE DUDE we always part for an hour or so and sometimes shop on our own.

I miss the Gibson Girl icecream parlour. I hope they put it back with the new re-do of that part of Main St.

Can't wait to see all the cool construction zones when I go too! I love the MAKING of as much as the new lands. Keep the posts coming. ANd by the by.....I think your son should be the Mad Hatter for Hallowe'en. I know I have done that costume many times!!!

[MidwayManiac]

Keep the posts coming. ANd by the by.....I think your son should be the Mad Hatter for Hallowe'en. I know I have done that costume many times!!!

Thanks MadasaHatter. So glad to see you're still stopping by. DW and I know enough to not buy the boy his Halloween gear until well into October. He's a little fickle. Yesterday: Darth Maul. Five days ago: Captain America. Mad Hatter makes a frequent appearence on the flavor of the day cycle. I'll be lobbying for it.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 24: September 17
Time: 7:40pm to midnight [DLP 7:40 to midnight]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4), Roy(6), and myself(35)

Without going into too much detail, Innoventions was the closest thing there was to a Disneyland laughingstock. The 15 minute ABC TV network shill at the beginning was preferable only to gouging out my eyes with a pencil. OK, a little harsh but you see where I’m going. The attractions and games on the second level are decent enough, but after enduring the buzzkill that is the first level I was over the whole experience. Problem is, Roy loves him some Innoventions so occasionally I grin and bear it ….

Happy to report the ABC shill is no more. Now visitors enter through what was once the exit on the second level and exit downstairs through the old entrance. In place of the ABC faux game show set there is a Guitar Hero type offering complete with a full band setup. In general, the games seem more up-to-date and fun. Looks like they put a sincere effort into improving the place. I gave a thumbs up to one of the CMs; she seemed proud of the improvements. Bravo! I say. We spent the better part of our first hour in Innovnetions. Then we stopped for a ride on Astro Blasters.

Without exception, we were excited to visit Haunted Mansion Holiday. It was as good and, in fact, better than ever with the gingerbread house addition. On to Critter Country. Winnie the Pooh had no line and we rode but couldn’t muster the desire for Splash Mountain. Weather was perfect for Disneyland which meant slightly too cool to get drenched and be comfortable. We agreed on popcorn and stopped in New Orleans Square to get some. The coffin/Nightmare b4 Xmas souvenir “bucket” (airquotes because it’s shaped nothing like a bucket) offered in NOS was less appealing than Mickey Ghost one was saw earlier in the BLAB line, so we held out.

Making our way back to the hub, we stopped for a Jungle Cruise. All I can say is this: what a difference a great skipper makes. Ours was funny and enthusiastic and so on. He had a way reciting his jokes without making it apparent it’s the 50th time he’s done so today. Jungle Cruise at night is usually not my forte but this trip convinced me the night ride is just as good. The kids and I got to sit up front and we had a great time. After some browsing through South Sea Traders it was on to the Partners statue where we got our souvenir Mickey Ghost bucket. We then lounged in Frontierland at the Dia De Los Muerta with popcorn and Coke. While it seemed many were occupied with Fantasmic! we strolled on BTMRR.

Nancy was intent checking the Tangled wigs at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Once there, she couldn’t resist. She decided the wig is great enough to merit her entire September DLR allowance. DW and I already purchased her the Rapunzel dress so looks like she’ll probably dress as Rapunzel for Halloween. While in Fantasyland, we rode Pinocchio and Casey jr. Train. Stopped at the Adventureland Bazaar, where Roy got one of those fiber optic mohawks and we called it a night.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 25: September 25
Time: 8:10am to 12:40 [DLP 8:10 to 10:25] [DCA 10:25 to 12:40]
Cast/crew: Walt(5 months), Nancy(4), Kim(33), and myself(35)

I high tailed it over to SM Ghost Galaxy for fastpasses, then met up with the fam in Frontierland to watch the boy while the two girls rode BTMRR. Smells of fresh bacon and sausage invited from River Belle, but we decided to go ahead on HMH before the line swelled. Then we sat down for breakfast at River Belle Terrace. I mean it’s just scrambled eggs and pancakes and your ordinary breakfast fare, but the company, the ambiance, the surrounding jungle on one side, New Orleans Square on the other, Rivers of America on another; it’s seemingly trivial but to me exquisite. Each time. For the first time in a while daughter and I found Tarzan’s Tree House open. Spotted it open from the restaurant and Kim feeding baby provided opportunity for Nancy and me to make a quick tree climb.

Our Space Mountain FPs matured and so we headed that way. Approaching the fray that is Tomorrowland, I shrugged my shoulders, told the wife “You go ahead with the girl” and turned left to FL. I would’ve just as easily taken Nancy to Space Mountain but just happened to defer before DW; subconsciously it was a diabolical plan because the wife hated Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Her description of it and heartfelt loathing brought back my own year-old memory and sentiment of the Space Mountain holiday overlay which I will summarize as follows: It does indeed suck. As memory serves Roy and I rode it once in 2010 and made it a point to not revisit; this season, when given the opportunity a week ago, Roy said “no thanks; not a fan.” So, it’s unanimous. The shrieks and shrills aren’t so much scary as they are aggravating and pointless. For the kids I think Ghost Galaxy is a perplexing modification to an otherwise killer ride November through August; for the adults just it’s a let-down.

When we rejoined I gave Nancy her pick from among all the Fantasyland rides. She chose King Arthur’s Carousel. DCA beckoned. The ladies boarded Monsters, Inc. while Walt and I strolled over for some Tower of Terror FPs. Curiosity was too much and I peeked over into Bug’s Land to see Francis’ Ladybug Boogie’s status. Open. It was then that Walt was treated to his first spin on the ladybug. Magical. How thrilling.

Predictably, Nancy coaxed her mom to “Beauty and the Beast’s Library”. Really it’s just Beast’s Library but Nancy’s name is cuter. Walt and I parked and rested in the main hall of Animation Building, where the giant screens and vividness of it all captured his attention. He was mesmerized. Half hour later wife had to remove him to the outdoors to be fed because, she says, the lights and sounds made it impossible to focus on eating. Nancy and I were headed to Turtle Talk with Crush when she opted for Animation Academy, which surprised the heck outta me. Bless her heart, she wants to draw like big brother but her motor skills aren’t quite as developed yet. She and I, umm, “collaborated” on a sketch of Mickey Mouse. Good time.

We made the rounds through Bug’s Land. Nancy and I on Francis, then wife with Nancy to Tuck and Roll’s (my second neener neener of the day) and Heimlich’s Chew Chew. The four of us rode The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure together; this has been Walt’s bread and butter from day one. Wife and I often chuckle at the fact he rides this ride more than any other. By far. For her final act Nancy chose Redwood Creek, maybe partly in hopes of getting in once again on the duck races. But as the CM at the entrance explained, the duck races only have a chance of getting off the ground when there’s extra staff on hand. As a consolation he offered Nancy one of those front of line passes to any ride in the park. Nice guy. While we tooled around the Challenge Trail, Kim and baby found the scene overlooking Grizzly River Run’s geyser to be very amusing. Nancy and I have been personally acquainted with the intricacies of that geyser and so we found the scene only slightly amusing.

What a great day. As we filed out, the esplanade and security check were packed. I was reminded (and told my wife) how autumn Sundays are simply my favorite. Crisp cool weather, fall dcor, light crowds at Disneyland in the a.m., and we still get home in time for an afternoon football game and evening church. Can’t beat it.

[candles71]

We have done the Anamation Academy since A was 5 1/2. She sees her own progress in our album. (A 12x12 album from walmart with Cinderella on the cover, works very well., Just take the white sheet out of the page protector, and center it over the picture {I can get most of the writing in also} draw around it then cut it out and slide it in. ) She was quite impressed with this year's Pooh bear over her first couple and she sees the accomplishment of improvement.

[Shadowpan]

Trip 21: August 24
Time: 9am to 1:45 [DLP 9:00 to 12:15] [DCA 12:15 to 1:45]
Cast/crew: Walt(4 months), Nancy(4), Roy(6), Kim(33), and myself(35)

The day got off to an exciting start with the discovery of our Walk of Magical Memories brick freshly installed.

How did you get a brick

P.S. Awesome trip reports i,ve officially read them all and hope theres more to come (:

[MidwayManiac]

We have done the Anamation Academy since A was 5 1/2. She sees her own progress in our album. (A 12x12 album from walmart with Cinderella on the cover, works very well., Just take the white sheet out of the page protector, and center it over the picture {I can get most of the writing in also} draw around it then cut it out and slide it in. ) She was quite impressed with this year's Pooh bear over her first couple and she sees the accomplishment of improvement.

Great idea. We will. Thanks for sharing.

[MidwayManiac]

How did you get a brick

Through a program called Walk of Magical Memories. Unfortunately the program came to an end. You can read about it here. We were one of many families that got in our order at the 11th hour.

P.S. Awesome trip reports i,ve officially read them all and hope theres more to come (:

Thank you. That's very nice of you.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 26: October 1
Time: 7pm to 11:25 [DLP 7 to 11:25]
Cast/crew: Walt(5 months), Nancy(4), Roy(6), Kim(33), and myself(35)

Dear mother-in-law and father-in-law joined us for the evening in the park. While I ran for HMH and BTMRR fastpasses right away, DW fed the baby in Adventureland as grandparents took the two oldest children on Jungle Cruise. Soon after, the seven of us walked into Frontierland and through the Zocalo/Carnation throughway and out near the dance floor, where we stopped to watch the swinging for a minute. We went on to show the grandparents the castle walk through but it was temporarily closed. DMIL and the two older kids and I rode Mr. Toads before we all headed as a group down Big Thunder Trail to ride Thunder Mountain everyone except DMIL and baby, that is.

DW has been hearing wonderful things about the beignets at The Mint Julep Bar so we waded through the Fantasmic! staging area and congestion in NOS to the ordering area. The guys secured a table while the ladies picked up a couple orders of glorified doughnut holes. I kid, I kid. The beignets were nice. Roy was an instant fan. As always, Nancy was enjoying Fantasmic! even if from a distance. I knew sitting for a full hour and a half (til 10:30 for HMH fastpasses to mature) wasnt reasonable, so I explored options . Disneyland Railroad: closed until 10:00, Pirates of the Carribean: closed. I could tell from the slight nip in the air that Splash Mountain would have little, if any, wait. So Roy and grandpa and I headed that way. Roy had me text his mom from Critter Country to please save him a couple beignets. We had to hurry back after Splash, skipping Pooh, so he could get his confection fix. The ladies and baby were still at our table in French Markets outdoor seating.

As the navigator of this ship it was a challenging situation. We had fastpasses for HMH that were still 45 minutes from maturation. Standby was also 45 minutes and not practical. Leaving New Orleans Square for points south/east was imprudent because grandparents (who should limit their walking) would have to walk back after 10:30 to use the fastpasses. Haunted Mansion Holiday was their prime destination this trip (HMH or bust!) so we were kinda stuck in that end of the park to ride it. Besides, even if they were big walkers there was, even for me, a sense of being boxed in there in the back of the park with all the crowding and congestion and people right on top of one another. I dont mind walking all over the park and back and forth normally but on this night even I wouldnt fight to get back to New Orleans Square once I left. So we stayed put and waited it out.

Fireworks added a nice bit of entertainment for a moment. Still we needed to kill a little time. The only direction to head was north, so again we went to Critter Country. This time as a full group of seven. I found a nice bench near Splashs exit to rest with Walt while the rest of the crew rode Winnies, twice. Nancy was happy to see the return of penny press at the Splash Mountain exit, and promptly pressed a penny. Finally, the moment to ride HMH was approaching and we made our way to the gates to find . the fastpass line extended back along the mansions exterior all the way to the exit. Say what? It was the fastpass that wasnt. But there was a sentiment among the group of Weve come this far. They soldiered on in the fastpass line. Walt and I bid the group adieu and, at last, headed out of New Orleans Square. Earlier that night father-in-law and I discussed briefly how POTCs closure puts an undue strain on that area, especially at a time of year when Haunted Mansion gets peak crowds.

Baby and I were content to find a spot in Carnation Plaza Gardens by the dance floor. The band was packing up instruments, maintenance crews hauling off chairs, and the remaining dance faithful were comparing notes and trading stories. Normally Id find some innocuous late night ride for us, but we were happy to bide our time doing nothing. When family found us I suggested kids take grandparents through the castle walk, which was now open. Then, to the exits we headed.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 27: October 9
Time: 8:00am to 1:15 [DLP 8:00 to 10:00] [DCA 10:00 to 1:15]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4), Roy(6), and myself(35)

Dumbo is the latest and greatest classic Disney film to enter the kids library. In the short time since it arrived in the mail to today theyve viewed it about four times. So up first was Casey jr. train, so we could experience firsthand the song Casy junior goin down the track .. Two CMs stood sentry in front of the queue and informed itd be at least a couple hours before the ride opened. We made lemonade: Teacups, Mr. Toads (with the obligatory Whos driving? argument discussion) and King Arthurs Carousel.

Next: BTMRR. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a staple of almost every DLP visit because its enjoyed by all, young and old. Tom Sawyers Island is visited less frequently because, well lets face it, it has less popular acclaim. The adults subtly scuttle by and if necessary do a Hey kids look over there! and point toward NOS or Critter Country to divert attention. But today the kids were pretty deliberate about going so Arrr Me hearties! off to the island a-treasure hunting we went. On the way out the park Nancy had to stop at The Adventureland Bazaar for a Simba stuffed animal. As a general rule we discourage the kids from impulse buying. So when she spotted this Simba and had to have it about 3 weeks ago we said maybe another time and moved on. 9 times outta 10 the child will forget about the item. She kept coming back to it. Kept asking. This is typically how we separate the Disney merchandise that will get used/played with from the merchandise thatll get unwrapped and tossed aside.

DLP seemed uncharacteristically frenetic for an early Sunday morning, so we hopped over to the other park. Our DCA tour turned out to be a nice one, starting out on Mickeys Fun Wheel. Ariels, which never has more than a 5 minute wait when were there lately, was next. As a favorite for window shopping, the kids have latched on to Embarcadero Gifts. They did there thing in there while I checked stuff on my phone.

We visited all the good rides in Bugs Land: Francis Ladybug Boogie, Fliks Flyers, and Heimlichs Choo Choo. Lots of laughs. Love Bugs Land. Into the Animation Building we went and took in all the lower chambers. We were set to attend the Animation Academy but the kids switched at the last second to Turtle Talk with Crush. I always point and laugh at dear wife when Crush singles her out in the audience, but today the joke was on me. I got the Crush talking to which included, among other questions, Hey dude, do your littles dudes and dudettes ask a lotta questions?

Not too long ago, there was a time when it seemed every DLR visit included Tower of Terror and/or Soarin Over California. Weve gotten away from that, for whatever reason. I miss those rides. Roy and I used every ounce of subtle manipulation and cajoling we could muster to get Nancy on Tower. Then Nancy and I used every ounce of subtle manipulation and cajoling we could muster to get Roy on Soarin. Ending on those two rides made my day.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 28: October 26
Time: 4:30 to 8:50 [DLP 4:30 to 7:00] [DCA 7:00 to 8:50]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4), Roy(6), and myself(35)

Roy has been dying for us to peruse Main Street Cinema with him ever since he ducked his head behind the curtain a few visits ago. It certainly didn’t temper his enthusiasm when I mentioned Steamboat Willie is one of Walt Disney’s earliest and greatest films. Roy hears Walt and Disney and his ears perk up like a canine at one of those whistles. So there we were with some of the original and rudimentary animated shorts, my kids thoroughly entertained, no matter that they’re two products of the digital blu-ray high def generation. Contemplating the irony brought me a grin.

Next: a quick stop at Market House for coffee … and I never fail to get the cold half and halfs they keep behind the counter. Oh, and the receipt; gotta hold the receipt for later. Stopped for two sets of FPs on our trek to the far reaches of Critter Country. With its leaves and Fall tones, is there a better Autumn ride than Winnie the Pooh? Nancy was averse to getting wet so Splash Mountain required a little arm twisting. We assumed our common position in the back and I covered her almost completely with my jacket going down the plume. She stayed dry and had a blast. Haunted Mansion Holiday was next, then BTMRR on our way to dinner. In the Thunder Mountain queue the kids gave away most of their glow sticks to a littler boy very much enamored by them.

Pizza Port is a common landing spot for us at meal time, and it’s where Roy lobbied for dinner. As always, the kids had chicken fusilli. I redeemed my coffee receipt on the way outta the park for a free refill and got the kids their hot chocolates I’d earlier put off with a “maybe later, after dinner”. I had some notion they wouldn’t remember. Yeah, as if.

We arrived at DCA in time to get on two or three rides before the park closed, but rides weren’t a part of the agenda. Instead, the kids opted to spend the entire hour in Redwood Creek. Their favorite thing there lately is the zip line. Can’t say I blame them. It looks enthralling; I only wish there was one for adults. This night Redwood Creek had sparse attendance. Nancy and Roy hardly had to get out of the zip line area and back in line at all. They just kept zipping, and zipping, and zipping, ad infinitum. What fun to be a kid! After what must’ve been about 25 turns (I lost count in the teens) Roy bounced off to explore other nearby parts of the trail. I stayed with Nancy who now had all three zip lines and two CMs to herself. The CMs were marvelous. They had her laughing and playing “make an animal sound” games as she hit the tire at the zip’s end. They showered her with a couple buttons which made big bro quite envious later. It was a magical evening: one of those rare and memorable times when it seems there’s no one else in the park.

We stayed for World of Color. The kids didn’t balk at heading straight for the soak zone. I’d hardly classify my several experiences there as anything close to a soak, but I get Disney overselling it to cover their rear for the “just in case” instances. The view is great from up there and easily worth the risk.

[candles71]

There are adult zip lines in Occidental (North of San Francisco in the redwoods), our 6th graders go there for science camp and I noticed this year they added a 2 hour canopy tour that had people flying over our heads while hiking all week. It's cheaper than a trip to Hawaii or Costa Rica

Sounds like a great day. You just have to have the receipt right, not reuse the same cup? (We have a friend going who isn't the coffee snob we are.)

[MidwayManiac]

You just have to have the receipt right, not reuse the same cup?

Correct. Receipt only is required.

Used to be they had four offerings: decaf, regular, vanilla, and hazelnut. A few months ago they ditched the hazelnut for their "featured flavor".

At my most recent visit there was neither hazelnut nor a featured flavor, just decaf, regular, and vanilla. I have relatively strong feelings about these developments.

[MidwayManiac]

Trip 29: October 28
Time: 9:45am to 2:30 [DLP 9:45 to 12:30] [DCA 12:30 to 2:30]
Cast/crew: Nancy(4), Roy(6), Kim(33), and myself(35)

After picking up BTMRR fps I noticed the Peter Pan line, for a change, was reasonable. I got in it. Dw and the kids arrived from Buzz Lightyears Astro Blasters a few minutes later to join. Our Peter Pan rides are few and far between so we savored the moment. Kim and I relaxed on a King Arthurs Carousel bench while kids mounted a couple steeds within a few feet. The kids love them some Toon Town and we rode both rides there. Lunch approached .

Most trips we let the kids select a counter service meal. Its quick. Its easy. The kids like it. Foods decent. Eventually, though, its nice to branch out from Pizza Port, Hungry Bear, Stage Door, River Belle Terrace, La Brea Bakery, and Taste Pilots. I mean, cmon. A little to Roys chagrin at first, the adults picked the dining spot today. Between Caf Orleans and Carnation Caf, ultimately we opted for the latter. We were one of the first parties seated as they trotted out the lunch menu. Dear wife had the potato soup and a half sandwich, I had the meatloaf, while the kids had the ever popular macaroni and cheese. Food was good -- about what youd expect for the price, which isnt a whole lot relative to Disney prices. Service was just so-so but I never expect much so that way my hopes arent dashed. When I asked the waiter to double my mashed potatoes in lieu of any mixed vegetables (a pretty common and easily accommodated request at restaurants) he looked at me like I had an arm growing outta my forehead. Then he failed to have the kitchen execute my request, then feigned helplessness. I could go on, but you get the idea. It was no big deal to me, almost to the point I considered omitting it from this report. But Id be remiss to fail at disclosure. More than anything else, the lapses in service were peculiar and slightly comical to me and dw. Im not a service nazi by any stretch. I tip generously regardless of service quality and am never impatient or demanding cuz my sister and aunt were wait staff so I know how demanding and thankless it can be. Plus the ambiance was nice, with great weather and location; kids kept behavior in check much of the meal. We refused to allow subpar service to dampen the experience.

Best of all, Oscar (of Head Chef Oscar of Carnation Caf fame) visited our table. Ive read a little of the fabled Oscar and how certain people tailor their Carnation and DLand trips to only days when hes scheduled so I had a feeling there was something remarkable about him, and he didnt disappoint. Hes very aware of his celebrity status and described it at length but at the same time hes as humble and down to earth and kind as could possibly be. We talked about the year he started (1956) at Disneyland and the soon-to-begin renovations to Carnation Caf and parts nearby. There was no shortage of people wanting to talk to and meet him, but Oscar gave us the feeling hed stay at our table as long as we like. He has that rare gift for making whoever hes talking to feel like the most important person in the room. Hes a Disneyland treasure, if not an American treasure.

The kids have had such fun at Redwood Creek lately, it was first up in DCA. From there, they had decidedly different agendas. Roy wanted to go to Bugs Land; Nancy wanted anything but. So we split up with under an hour left in our visit. If it was a race to see who could ride the most rides, the girls won. They hit up Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin Jellyfish, Golden Zephyr, and Little Mermaid: Ariels Undersea Adventure while Roy and I made it on Francis Ladybug Boogie, Tuck and Rolls Drive em Buggies, and California Screamin.