MadasaHatter is SadasaHatter

[MadasaHatter]

WHO: Madashatter sans The Dude
WHEN: April 14-18
WHERE: Anaheim Plaza Suites
HOW: Virgin America from SFO and Disneyland Express
SPOILER: I know this is sad but I had to do it so if you want to skip the sad parts skip to APRIL 16 MONDAY!

A TRIBUTE TO THE DUDE-THOMAS FERGUSON APRIL 1966-APRIL 2012

20 years ago today I met a gentleman at Mooses restaurant in San Francisco where both of us worked as waiters. The Dudes name was Thomas Ferguson.

When one day I casually mentioned Disneyland his eyes lit up and said we have to go soon. After the Xmas rush, we planned a trip. His anal planning and non-stop talking about it and showing me itineraries and lists gave me quite a pause. Later I would tell him how I almost backed out because I feared we would have no fun. You see, he was like a big kid and just couldnt contain himself and so he made list after list to appease his long boring wait until we entered those gates. Then the list was tossed aside and we had an amazing time.

A few days in Disneyland (no DCA back then) and I had made one of the best friends of my life. We took other trips, he saw all my shows and we were on a bowling league together. We took trip after trip,.sometimes just the two of us and other times we toured with one or more (like my sis-tracemountain) but always had a blast. This would have been about our tenth trip together.

His girlfriend was going to Mexico with a bunch of high school girlfriends and the trip fell on his birthday. So Tom made her feel guilty about leaving on his birthday and he booked a 5 day trip with his birthday present being the hotel rooms paid for by her. Indeed one of the longest tours of DLR ever.

Three weeks ago he was struck by a car while jay-walking and killed instantly. There were over 300 people at his wake/celebration/tribute. He worked at a steak house and the pastry chef made Mickey Mouse cookies and everyone was in Oakland As attire or Disney attire. I even loaned some shirts to folks. There was a video tribute with over 200 pictures. My favorite was the pic of us on SPLASH 15 years ago..and on our very last trip, just over a year ago-side by side. I was honored to be one of about six people to speak and of course.I told a Disneyland story . Upon finishing I raised my glass and said, Guess what Thomas; Im going to Disneyland. And that evening, I got on the plane.

APRIL 14-SATURDAY

So clearly I changed my flight from LAX to SAN DIEGO so I could be with family. 5 days alone was too long to be in the park by myself-especially after such an emotional day. My cousins Ynez and Maude (see Halloween Gay Days trip report from last year) picked me up along with their father Tio (my uncle). We all spent the night at my cousin Ynez's and her hubby's house. Maude just moved to San Clemente with her new hubby so she is now pretty darn close to DLR. I was wiped and had dinner and wine and bed.

APRIL 15-SUNDAY

Hung out with my cousin Jerri (who actually met Tom once upon a time a Disneyland) and her family on the beach at Coronado and had drinks and had drinks at the Hotel Del!
Then we all went to Maudes up in San Clemente for burgers and beer for dinner that night. Everyone but Tio and Maude had to work the next day.
Tio also spent the night with us. Before I went to bed Maude and I looked at the LISTS that Tom had written for our trip. They were on his person when he was killed and his girlfriend wanted me to have them. It was the first time that I looked at them as I was too emotional on the day of the wake. It wasnt as hard as I thought but enough time had passed and my cousin was there for me.

APRIL 16- MONDAY

Since Tio is retired he decided to come up to DLR with me and Maude. We had a late breakfast at Dennys and arrived at DLR around noonish. We parked the car at the ANAHEIM PLAZA SUITES which the Dude of course booked. I swear that I had not been there ever and I must say, not my favorite. The beds are not very comfy compared to the Red Lion Inn down the street. And also not as comfy as the Carousel which is where the Dude and I usually stayed. Clean though and shower was strong enough. Just think CAROUSEL or RED LION are about the same price and much comfier.

The talk is to have a big family reunion this October and all of the family is invited so we showed Tio the changes (he has not been there since DCA) by walking through Downtown Disney and the Grand Californian (where we are staying in October). He loved the Cadillac in front of the hotel and we took pics. Then we went and had drinks at Trader Sams and some nibblies. I had my first toast of a shot of tequila and beer to the DUDE and I was very happy that I was with family. Tio had the KRAKATOA so we could watch the volcano erupt and he thought the glowing ice cube was the coolest thing ever! We shared the Tuna Poke and the Chicken Wraps and I am happy to report they were as good as they were in the autumn. I think Trader Sams is an amazing addition to DLR and the size of the place is PERFECT. I hope some more themed cool bars pop up around the resort in the future.

I then took a much needed nap. I wanted to go to the park but had to rest. I had dinner reservations with Melody (see many trip reports with this fine gal) at Steakhouse 55 which I had never tried! I dressed up and put on a bow tie (Bow Ties are cool - Dr. Who) and headed to the parks around 5:30. I love walking around DLR dressed up.

I enter DL first of course and when I saw the sign that reads:

HERE YOU LEAVE TODAY
AND ENTER THE WORLD
OF YESTERDAY TOMORROW
AND FANTASY

I got a little teary eyed. (OK, dont worry folks...if you made it this far the rest of this report isnt so sad. In fact the MICKEY'S SOUNDSATIONAL PARADE was just about to begin and it wasnt so crowded. I decided that was a good thing to see right away. It came out right by the MAD HATTER SHOP there and looped around so I stood by the shop right there and watched all the floats come out and if I wanted to check something out a second time I could catch it as it looped. If you have never done that you should. It is like the parade is moving on both sides of you or rather it IS moving on both sides of you! You can see the right side of the floats and then the left side and not many people stand there. Very cool.

I then checked out the JOLLY HOLIDAY BAKERY as it was new and not so crowded. Loved the penguin windows and the old mural replica with MARY POPPINS quotes on it. Very pretty and so nice to have the HUB full of activity. More on the JHB later.

Not much time to do things so I thought ONE RIDE would be good. I did the POC as that was the Dude's favorite AND I hadnt been on since the refurb. Very nice indeed. The lights were fantastic and it was all pristine. I love that both BLACKBEARD and DAVY JONES appear. All quite good. *sigh* And yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. The crab was there. Right there. It was red. I looked at it. I looked hard. I dont get it. Its just a crab. The scene works with or without it. I dont know what everyone is so excited about. I like the skeleton parrot better. Just saying. But I am mad!

Then I walked back down Main St. USA and saw the light on in the Firehouse and thought of Walt and Tom. And it felt good.

Then over to DCA to check out the construction. Got to see Carsland being tested with all the lights and the lights are on over MATERS JUNKYARD JAMBOREE...so very cool. Cannot wait to see everything in the light tomorrow!

I headed out the GRAND exit and just as I was crossing the street to the DISNEYLAND HOTEL I got a text from Melody that she was there early and I was too!

We both had no idea that STEAKHOUSE 55 was right behind Goofy's Kitchen. What a great little steak house and the pirces were pretty darn reasonable. We had very civilized dinners with a Tanqueray Martini for me and a Lemon Drop for Melody. Then she had Halibut and I had the New York Steak as that was the speciality we were told. We split a dessert that was a bit too twee again..pastry chefs are getting silly. It was a Root Beer Float Baked Alaska. That part was good but it was served with ginger pound cake (blah) and a mini root beer float (boring) and a small baked Alaska which should have been bigger. Still delicious. And very nice service but it wasnt that busy.

Then Melody gave me a lift back to the hotel and I went to bed and slept quite well.

[MadasaHatter]

APRIL 17, TUESDAY

So I got to the parks in time for opening and was treated to my first new rope drop. I had a feeling that they would expand it out into the hub so that folks could enjoy the JOLLY HOLIDAY BAKERY (ok, another reason I cap things is so that folks can skim the report and see what I say about each thing….good idea? Or am I mad? Or both?) So I had a scone and a cappuccino. I don’t care for Disneyland’s coffee and the cappuccino wasn’t great but it wasn’t offensive either. I had a cherry scone and it was delicious. Thumbs up on the freshness there.

Since it was a MAGIC MORNING I decided to go for FANTASYLAND on Wednesday morning. I saw the MAIN ST. VEHICLES pulling up and decided to ride up and down MSUSA and people watch after getting a FP for STAR TOURS.. I rode the FIRE ENGINE back down to Town Sq. and then OMNIBUS on the top. Just me. Then the HORSELESS CARRIAGE back down to the hub. I dreamed of CARNATION PLAZA opening up their Ice Cream Parlor….fingerscrossedfingerscrossed!

Then off to SPACE MOUNTAIN….only a 10 minute wait so I did it.

STAR TOURS…about a 20 minute wait so the Fast Pass was good! I got another good tour on that one. So happy about that re-do. The queue is my favorite though. The droid doing security check is hilarious.

Then I decided to do some shopping and look at things that I might want. I also poked around and asked about the re-do of CARNATION and someone said that they were indeed putting the Ice Cream Fountain back in the restaurant. Now I hope that the sundaes will ensue. Do they have their facts straight? I don’t know but again folks….I want to believe it.

I then rode the MONORAIL to take in an overview of DLR and tried to look at the construction on BUENA VISTA ST. but let’s face it; they go so fast through there that you really can see more by just looking over the walls. I did the round trip thing and really enjoyed seeing the MATTERHORN….the top part was done so it looked cool and NOT under construction. I love the new paint job. It looks more like the Matterhorn now. I will be excited to ride the refurb in October…..if I can wait that long with my AP….

Then I caught the DISNEYLAND BAND up front by the train station. Always fun. Off to DCA....

I did the single rider line for SCREAMIN’ and it was cool looking into the construction of CARS LAND….I even saw a blue car on the track.

I was really hungry and it was almost noon so I thought I would beat the crowd and try out PARADISE GARDEN GRILL before the crowds settled in. They did a great job with the landscaping of the park. I really enjoyed that. I thought the Peruvian band was good but a bit of an odd fit for there. I had the Chicken Skewers with rice. They were good but the sauces made it. I got a cucumber yogurt sauce and a Tzatziki Spiced Yogurt sauce. The pita was a little bit dry but using the two sauces ….(you only get one but they gladly give you an extra. I recommend getting two). I had a Blue Moon Beer to wash it down and dubbed lunch a great success.

I saw the GREEN ARMY MEN performing and they were cute but definitely more for the kids so I got a bit bored and sad that one of our favorite MINER 49ers were gone. Such a good combo. AND no BILLY HILL either for me this trip as their days off were Tuesday and Wednesday. If I would have known I would have really tried to catch the 5:30 show on Monday. Oh well. There will be many more trips and I won’t be as distracted!

Now it was getting way too hot. I love the SF weather and this was getting to be too much for me so I had the perfect solution. GRR. Single rider line again and BAM I got right onto a boat and I got wet and didn’t get soaked. I had a back up plan for that and that was the Silly Symphony Swings. Really refreshing and I was dry when it was done. I love that ride now that you can see all around. Great fun and never a line to speak of. Then I braved the longest line this trip. MICKEY’S FUN WHEEL. I really wanted to see into Cars Land so I bit the bullet and waited 15 minutes for a non-swinging Gondola. It was more like 20 minutes and there was a major clean up in one of the swinging ones. Ewwwwwwwwww. They didn’t load that one. I rode with a Mom and her too kids and the little girl would not sit down and the Mom just kept texting. She was so bored and I watched her get her foot studk in the handicapped pop up seat. Nice people. Rotten parent. I saw lots of people ignoring their kids and texting. How much do they text when they are NOT at Disneyland? Makes me wonder. Ok… I digress. The view was awesome of Cars Land and again I saw cars on the tracks but alas not running. Darn darn darn. I cannot wait.

Then I rode HOLLYWOOD HOTEL TOWER OF TERROR. Again about a 13 minute wait so all is well on that department.

Back to DL. I went to the BENGAL BBQ in Adventureland and got a veggie skewer and an asparagus and bacon skewer. I ordered a Dole Whip Float since the line was super long over there and she told me they didn’t sell them there and I said yeah I know can’t you send someone over? c’mon you gotta know someone over there???? I was being sassy because there was no line at all behind me. She called a co-worker over and told her to run and get me a dole whip. It was funny. I got an orange Fanta instead. It ain’t no Dole Whip Float I’ll tell you that!

The reason I swept back to DL was I was Jonesing big time for a music fix. No DAPPER DAN’S until Wednesday and of course no MINERS 49ers and I missed BILLY HILL.
I caught the BOOTSTRAPPERS, the Pirate Band. They were great as ever. They had the lead guy on the guitar and the Bass Player had an acoustic over the shoulder bass. There was an accordian player and two new members to me, the lead singer was an older gal with red hair and she was a hoot and a guy playing a piccolo-like instrument. They rode the raft over to Tom Sawyer Island and I followed to catch their whole set. So good and yes I did get a little misty thinking of my pal Tom and how much he loved the music. I had sun-glasses on so I didn’t harsh anyone’s mellow that day and it was a nice little memorial for me.

Then the HAUNTED MANSION. Love that since I last saw NIGHTMARE BEFORE XMAS version the last two times. I do hope we get the cool animated ghosts at the end that WDW has though. I love the bride sequence. It never stopped this time and the sound was good. Glad to hear that.

Ok. Too hot. Just way way too hot so another no brainer; SPLASH MOUNTAIN. Again I did the Single Rider line and I was the only one in line and I was picked immediately. Such a treat. I had to do WINNIE THE POOH after that and I caught a glimpse of the three heads from the Country Bear Jamboree. I missed it last time. I did that ride in honor of Tom too because he thought it was cool yet thought Dumbo was stupid. Go figure.

Then off to the JUNGLE CRUISE since the line wasn’t very long. About a ten minute wait in the heat of the day. Everyone squealed a lot when we went through the mist and I thought that was very very odd as it was rather hot! I thought it was refreshing indeed. Our Skipper was a very young man and he wasn’t bad but he really was just dialing it in. I love a good improv Skipper and this boy was by rote. You really can tell the difference but after 100s of trips I can understand.

Nap. Lord did I need a nap. Not enough water. I think I was dehydrated. I really couldn’t deal with the heat anymore. At first I didn’t think I could sleep but then BAM I was out….glad I set my alarm. Got back to the park around 7:30. I got a corndog at the LITTLE RED WAGON next to Plaza Inn…. but I got the apples with it so it was 100% healthy……right???

Another tour of POC since it had a refurb and I wasn’t sick of it yet. Great ride again and no wait at all. Just walked right in. Then I went and bought beignets and a latte. The beignets took a while but they were hot and quite good. Not as good as Caf Du Monde in N’awlins but not half bad. Latte was fine. Then FANTASMIC! Started and I decided to watch it from the HM as I always watch it from the other side. It was really cool to see it up close from another side. I actually think the DRAGON in profile is almost cooler than straight on! Different perspectives are very cool.

Then I got a BIG THUNDER Fast Pass. I was told I wouldn’t need it but I thought I would try to ride it during F! and see if I could see anything cool with F! going on around there. I once did that during the fireworks and it was amazing.

Then I headed over to FL and did STORYBOOK CANAL BOATS at night. I love that. You can’t see the plants very well but the buildings look so cool lit up. And I got to ride on the ALICE boat….very fitting indeed …..and our tour guide Megan was fantastic. She did not dial it in and was genuine and spoke clearly and when she was off mic she was charming and real. Very cool. Makes a huge difference. I love the live interaction on those attractions.

Then I rode the TEA CUPS. So cool at night. I walked around the castle and took in the lights and the waterfalls and even took a long look at CARNATION PLAZA and walked through the Frontierland passageway there. I wonder what’s going to happen to that with the re-do of that area? In case it was gone I wanted to give it a go and I really don’t see HOW they can keep that walk through by RANCHO ZOCALO but one never knows!

I watched Fantasmic from BIG THUNDER area and watched them stage things. It was cool watching the monkeys as they posed and got in character and then floated out. Same thing with watching the Pirate ship load up and then everyone crouched down before it came out so when the lights hit it they popped up. It was very cool to see that. At that point I boarded BIG THUNDER MTN. I walked right on. I mean right on. The train was only about 1/3 full. You really couldn’t see anything over at F! but I loaded so fast that I made in time to see them load up the MARK TWAIN for the finale of F!. That was pretty cool too. I really enjoyed seeing the back stage machinations of that show since I have seen it so many times. I still like that better than WOC.

Then I saw this guy in an OSWALD t-shirt and really wanted one. I asked where he got it as I saw no t-shirts I wanted at the EMPORIUM. He told me he got it somewhere in Disneyland. I asked someone in EMPORIUM and they intimated that they don’t sell shirts with such a minor character and I told them I just saw one. Hmmmmm?

I then looked at the candle at the Fire Station and said good night to Tom and Walt and headed to TRADER SAM’s again before the park closed and it filled up. I would have stopped at UVA bar but they were closed. (The park closed at 11:00pm) I think it is strange they don’t stay open an hour after closing. Not my decision. And I love Trader Sam’s. So it was cool. I probably arrived around 11. I had a beer and a shot of tequila the pork flatbread which is very very thin cracker-like crust which I love. It didn’t have a lot of pork but the flavor was good and it was a perfect snack to get me back to the hotel room. I met a cool couple from Canada and we all enjoyed our round together. I got a great picture of DCA that night as there was no one in the esplanade.

I was in bed shortly after mid-nite. I fell right asleep.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 To be continued

[MadasaHatter]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

So I got up early enough of course to get to rope drop and I went back to the JOLLY HOLIDAY BAKERY and got a raspberry danish but the scone is better and fitting. I wish they had more scones and a currant bun would be so tasty. I like it when the theme things more! It is a Theme park after all. I also think they should take my idea of doing the PERFECTLY PRETTY PONY PEONY TEA in the afternoon or whatever they called it. I am quite the anglophile and therefore love an Afternoon Tea. How cool would that be to have tea with Mary Poppins in the hub!!!! ???? Maybe next year.

So I went straight to PETER PAN and I actually was in line with another single rider so we shared a boat. How lovely is that? That is the way it should be. Could not believe the rush over there but it is so popular. I know WDW has two PETER PANS .....DL would profit from that but where would you put it??? I really think they should make the ALADDIN ride with the flying carpet and the LION KING ride and you fly in ZAZU and the RESCUERS ride and you fly on the Albatross (what was his name? Oliver?) and a HERCULES ride and you fly on PEGASUS.....are you catching my theme here? Ok now you all try a couple!

Then I rode DUMBO and there was a problem when we flew for a bit so we got an extra ride. BONUS ON DUMBO!!! Got a ride on MR. TOAD. How much do I love that ride? Words cannot say. Then off to ALICE.....so sad to have the new platforms. It was so cool when you were weaving down that path so hopefully they will re-do it one day in a more permanent/fancy cool Disney way. I was going to ride STORYBOOK during that day but the line seemed long so I went over to iasw. No wait at all on that. Then I went over to TOON TOWN and it was opening in 3 minutes so decided that was worth the wait. Rode RRCS. Another great ride with a fantastic queue. Why don't they do a new Roger Rabbitt movie? That movie was amazing. They should open that speak easy club over in DCA and make it 21 and over to get away from the strollers. I would imbibe. ANd the drinks should be on the rocks....."I meant ice!"...I am on a roll!

I got to see the DAPPER DANS in front of the Clothiers and they were very good. Nice to hear some music. There were two groupies there . One guy had a T-shirt he made of them on and the gal had painted her nails in Dapper Dans stripes. That’s hard core.

Now off to shopping and using the 20% off coupons that the counter service restaurants give out. If you shop before 12:30 pm at EMPORIUM, WORLD OF DISNEY and a few other places…I think I wanna say the CLOTHIERS on Main St.!?!? You can get 20 % off all purchases. So first I went to the EMPORIUM and got Drake (see November trip) one of those groovy princesses Disney couture shirts. I had asked her what she wanted for her birthday from Disneyland (she lives in CO SPRINGS and turned 13….or 14?) and of course she said “I want one of those you know things at the store and stuff” I asked her to be a bit more specific. She wanted a princess shirt and when I told her they had really cool Snow White ones she said, “Ewwww” so I bought her the Little Mermaid. I also bought a really cool note pad that was a replica ticket book from the old days….very cool indeed!

Then I went off to DOWNTOWN DISNEY where I found an OSWALD t-shirt( the only place I saw it) and a Blue V-neck T-shirt with a vintage pic of the Disneyland sign on it. The sleeves had a 55 for the opening year. So cool and did not see that anywhere in the park. In fact they had a lot of cool Disneyland shirts that one would think would be in the park also but I’m not the merchandiser. Strange. I got some Goofy’s sour balls in honor of the DUDE. He loved those. Postcards of course. I bought the loose Unbirthday Tea in a Mad Hatter tin. Had to have that of course. I bought the Tea Press last time. And some Mickey Cookie Cutters. I just wanted the Mouse Ears but the set of three had his hand and a star? A star? Why a star????? I just bit the bullet and didn’t complain too much.

Shopping done I went back to the hotel and packed and had my luggage stored. A much nicer day with a bit of a breeze so I went and had a burger and brew at UVA bar and wrote my postcards.

So after lunch I didn’t have that much time left and I was getting that feeling that the trip was closer to over and didn’t want to rush anything. So decided to not go back to DCA….I didn’t ride MONSTER’S INC. or SOARIN’ but thought leaving them for next time was fine.

I posted my postals in DL and then got on the FIRE TRUCK and headed for the single rider line of INDY. I noticed that they have paved over the other two tunnel tracks so cearly have no intention of ever opening them. I really couldn’t figure out where the tracks merged as I was quite curious by noticing this. Does anyone know? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Then off to catch the BOOTSTRAPPERS again. Was a little worried of feeling like a stalker two days in a row but my nails weren’t painted or anything so thought I was ok. I was pleased to see a practically new ensemble with only the Guitar Dude and Accordian Guy repeated. There was now a Stand Up Bass guy and a Fiddle Gal. The red head was replaced by an Asian Fellow. Again I had to take the raft to TOM SAWYER’S ISLAND and when we got over there they played three more songs for just me and another gal. Very cool indeed.

I walked around the park slowly and said Good-bye. I caught one more set of the DAPPER DANS inside the General Store and no one would sit so I did. It was air-conditioned and they were off mic so that was really cool hearing them without amplification.

Took the Disneyland Express. The big bus is so much more comfortable than the SUPER SHUTTLES. I prefer that and they have a fairly regular schedule but are always a bit late.

Farewell to DLR until autumn unless $$$$ is good and I jones a summer trip to preview Cars Land! I just might. I will let you know.

[MadasaHatter]

/Users/toddpick/Pictures/iPhoto Library_2/Previews/2012/04/20/20120420-093708/Tom and Lillybelle.jpg

[MadasaHatter]

Crap....tried to post a pic....will try later to post some pics....gotta go to work to earn some dough to go to Disneyland.....oh dear I am quite mad!

[yellowrosedtxn]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I am sure he appreciated that you went to his favorite place and enjoyed what you could. He was probably there with you in spirit. Sounds like you had as good of a time as you could. Thanks for writing your report.

[houseofmouse]

So sorry for your loss Hatter! What a wonderful way to honor your friend.
I too love the new Star Tours and the new queue is loads of fun. I think it's been two years with those ugly ALice guard rails, I don't hold out much hope.

[Tracemountain]

A great tribute to the Dude (Tom) Madasahatter (Bro)! He will always be remembered and especially at the Happiest Place On Earth! I like to think he is having a cocktail with Walt Disney I am very excited for our family reunion at Disneyland in October as I have not experienced the new Star Tours, Little Mermaid, & WOC! Also, DCA and Carsland...oh my

[MadasaHatter]

Thanks yellow rose and House O Mouse!

I know he was glad I went and I must say that at this point of my DLR going and part of another thread....I did get a little bored there by myself. Tracemountain couldn't go as there were too many people out at her work. Now don't get me wrong. I love love love the parks but at this point if I don't go with friends it is just too much. When I lived in LA it was fine to go for an afternoon and fine to go once a week but a solo trip is no longer in the cards for me. I did it because it was planned and no one else could go on short notice. I did really ENJOY myself and really thought about doing more of a trip report this time and really checking things out. Also at this point of my life I have the regulars DL friends(sans Tom of course) and then all the people that really want to go with me but haven't yet! So unless I live in SoCal again I don't see me going on another solo trip.

[MammaSilva]

What a wonderful way to celebrate the Dudes life and your friendship! I have given specific people 'instructions' on what I want to happen when I go...no sad funeral services for me, those who know and love me all know I want them to go to the parks and just soak it up....watch the fireworks and know how happy I was when we were sitting on Main street eating popcorn and watching the shows.

[MadasaHatter]

Thanks MammaSilva,

Yup. Everyone knew that is where Tom would be! Now when I look at the light in the window of Walt's apartment I will always think of Tom (the DUDE) It doesn't get any better than that!

[limace]

Awesome tribute to a great friend. Thanks for posting!

[tea4two]

What a lovely tribute to your friend and to your friendship! What a nice thought to remember him as you pass by the light in Walt's window.
Thanks for another great trip report (so much detail!).
So, what did you think of the new Main Street music loop? Were you able to have your cheese plate? And, where did you end up finding the Oswald shirt?
Oh, and one thing that really helps me with overheating (yucky!) is a smoothie from Jamba in DtD. Usually one regular size smoothie lowers my core temp enough to help me get back on track pretty quickly.

[MadasaHatter]

I didn't really hear the Main St. Music Loop. Probably in part because of the big crowds, the fact that it wasn't the same old songs so they didn't get stuck in my head.....of course I do remember singing PUT ON YOUR SUNDAY CLOTHES so I kind of forgot there were more songs as that was one of the old ones. I suppose that means they did a good job.

NO CHEESE PLATE!!!! The first night was STEAKHOUSE 55 with Melody. The second night was the over heated night so by the time I got back into the park I knew it was Cheese Plate now or never and I had such a short time in the night time I opted for the polar opposite of the CORN DOG! It was quick and efficient and wanted to try it. It will just make the cheese plate a must have next time.

I got the Oswald T-shirt at Downtown Disney. I did say that in my trip report. There. I thought I was mad!

Great idea about the JAMBA JUICE....I think I was holding out for a DOLE WHIP FLOAT but the lines were ungodly long. But great tip and I will take you up on that next time I am staying on that side of the park!

In the end it was indeed a great trip!

Thanks Tea4Two

[letshavefun]

I don't know how to post pictures so please don't get me wrong, are you going to try again to post yours again? I enjoy looking at peoples pictures and was hoping to see yours.

By the way Great report, so sorry about your friend.

[tea4two]

I didn't really hear the Main St. Music Loop. Probably in part because of the big crowds, the fact that it wasn't the same old songs so they didn't get stuck in my head.....of course I do remember singing PUT ON YOUR SUNDAY CLOTHES so I kind of forgot there were more songs as that was one of the old ones. I suppose that means they did a good job.
...

I got the Oswald T-shirt at Downtown Disney. I did say that in my trip report. There. I thought I was mad! ...

There is a link floating around (found it on another Disney fan board and can PM it to you, if you'd like) of the new loop. It really is interesting how, on the one hand, it really does sound new when you listen to it, but, on the other hand, it blends right in and is so easy to miss.
Was your shirt at WOD or Vault 28? (Both stores can carry more obscure character shirts, but CMs never seem to know when asked!)

[MadasaHatter]

Well Darn it all T42, no wonder I confused you! WORLD OF DISNEY I meant to say. The coupon for 20% off is only good at WOD so I never made it down to Vault 28 since I found it at WOD. Well, it is always nice having an excuse....I am mad!

[EJ4Disney]

So very sorry for the loss of your friend. I understand completely!!

Thanks for posting.

[MadasaHatter]

Thanks EJ4D!

I love posting trip reports and gosh darn it I had to do this one in honor of Thomas! My trip reports are half of the fun of the trips. I love reading everyone else's so love to do my part!

[DwarfPlanet]

Great rememberance trip Mad, sorry for the loss.

[MadasaHatter]

Thanks for reading DP. Love your moniker and then accompanying picture!

[candles71]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

I posted my postals in DL and then got on the FIRE TRUCK and headed for the single rider line of INDY. I noticed that they have paved over the other two tunnel tracks so cearly have no intention of ever opening them. I really couldnt figure out where the tracks merged as I was quite curious by noticing this. Does anyone know? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

.

I am assuming you mean on Indy. We got all three tunnels in the last year, but I don't remember if that was in May with the kids, or in December for our anniversary. Something slides, but I haven't figured out exactly what. The wall with the doors/tunnels maybe, because it doesn't seem like you "turn" to go up one tunnel or another it seems like the track itself doesn't move, and Mara is always the same at the end, so I do lean more towards the tunnels sliding.

ETA: Oh deaar, I got so caught up in answering the tunnels, that I forgot to offer my condolences as well.

[MadasaHatter]

There ARE three doors but the tracks have been paved over. So you only go through the door on the far left. Now do they change the spiel each time randomly?

[jananafish]

Great trip report. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I am sure he would be so glad that you continued on and enjoyed yourself in his memory. I would love the same done for me!

[MadasaHatter]

I wouldn't recommend going alone....my sis would have so gone but her work had someone on vacation. I find it hard to go to the parks alone period.....but I am indeed glad I went and got that initial TOM WILL NEVER BE HERE AGAIN in the flesh at least. ALWAYS in spirit though. He had an opinion about every nook and cranny there!