Disney Crone/Kid
11-05-2001, 12:10 PM
Greetings,
My husband was feeling a bit under the weather on Friday, so we decided to stay in town. He went to bed early, after downing a dropperful of tincture of Echinacea and Goldenseal. He takes it straight. Iiiiicckk. He was determined to wipe out the cold bug before it beat him to the punch. Likely the bug that badly bit poor Ralph Wiggum. (Hope you're all better, Dave)
Yesterday started off as an overcast, dreary day with light showers. Feeling back in the pink, he decided it was a good date day.
When the sun broke through, we decided to spend the afternoon at The Happiest Day on Earth, Disneyland. We had heard from some of you that Christmas arrives at Disneyland on November 4 . Since we are rarely in town on weekends, we decided we'd beat the holiday crowd that starts in the latter part of the month.
We walked through the tunnel and emerged on the other side to another time and place. Another time because walking down Main Street is very much like going home. Main Street reminds me so much of my one-street hometown. Yes, Main Street is a idealized, spruced up version, complete with false fronted buildings, sidewalks, and front porches, and reminiscent of how things once were.
Another place, because all of Disneyland is sporting its annual holiday makeover. Everything is festive and Christmas cheery. The traditional Christmas tree in the square is magnificent and real, generously giving us whiffs of fresh pine. Main Street is draped with brightly colored swags, and wreaths are everywhere. There is even snowfall!
We ducked into the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour for a late dessert. Sharing a Gibson Girl sundae for $4.99 -- 2 scoops of FANTASIA (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2047) ice cream in a waffle cone, hot fudge, chopped peanuts, whipped cream and cherry on top -- was very messy, but oh, so decadently delicious!
We hadn't visited Sleeping Beauty's castle since 1993, and decided to see what was going on in Fantasyland. It's a Small World is completely decked in its pastel Christmas finery. Toon Town still reminds me of being in a surrealistic dream while awake, and on the way out, we stopped and enjoyed sweet and quiet moments at the Snow White grotto and wishing well. I thought of Lani and Andrew Stroup's romantic proposal.
We strolled through Frontierland and boarded the grand steamboat, Mark Twain (great photo of Mark Twain (http://www.brachman.com/Disney-marktwain.htm) ). The upper deck is the best place to enjoy this attraction. It is so relaxing ad quiet up there that in an empty tiny topside room DD dozed off in no time. With a light breeze coming through the doorway, protected from direct sunlight, and the gentle lilting motion of the ride, the little 8-chaired room is the perfect place to catch a few zzzs. Meanwhile, I thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic sights of Frontierland from the sunny, outdoor deck.
We disembarked and headed for the Haunted House, "where two holidays, Halloween and Christmas, collide" -- as in CAAAH-RUNNNCH. Wow. I am not into ghosts and goblins and I am not familiar with Jack Skellington's work, so I was not expecting to have my socks knocked off. The creative imagineers have been hard at work, and it is vastly improved. The holiday detailing -- even to down to the bedding plants of gold-orange and black pansies at the entry -- was something to behold.
Our last time in the mansion was in 1975, and it was truly a new experience for us. Surprising ourselves, we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Talking about Disney landscaping: the red and white (candy cane colors) cyclamens and poinsettias are gorgeous!
We backtracked to New Orleans Square (I loved the purple Christmas balls) and picked up a bag of warm fritters with an apple-cream sauce and steaming cups of coffee at the Mint Julep bar and headed up the stairs above The Pirates of the Caribbean to get to our most favorite spot in the park: the little-known, open-air central courtyard of the Disney Gallery. The spaces occupied by the gallery were originally built as Walt Disney's (second) private apartment. It is a private space in the park, away from the madding crowds. A peaceful oasis.
Unfortunately, Mr. Disney passed on before he was able to enjoy his new digs in New Orleans Square. Opened to the public as an art gallery, we get to enjoy it for him. And I like to think with him. His was a mighty spirit, and you can feel it everywhere in the park, but especially here, where he had hoped to enjoy quiet moments in the midst of his action-packed creation.
The sounds of the fountain with water burbling from the mouth of a brass dolphin are calming; the plants are lush and healthy; and the air temperatures are perfect, as Mr. Disney had heating and cooling vents built along the perimeter of the courtyard. My husband enjoyed the quiet of the courtyard, while I browsed the Herbert Ryman lithographs in a room that was meant to be a formal dining room. I lingered on the corner balcony with the wrought ironwork bearing the famous Walt Disney's initials and his brother Roy's, enjoying the panoramic view of the river.
The evening dessert buffet with the perfect view of Fantasmic is held here -- for a hefty price. We have not yet done it. I'm thinking, "I'd rather spend $43 on sushi..."
We stopped by the Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland to pick up a refillable Sorcerer Mickey water bottle, large enough to be perfect for home and work. It is sitting right along side me. Water tastes so much better out of Mickey's wand.
We left the park and walked the long promenade through Downtown Disney to the Paradise Pier Hotel for sushi at Yamabuki. Since it wasn't going to be open until 5:30, we used our time shopping in the hotel store and watching the first innings of the World Series in the lounge area.
We bought a large Winnie the Pooh and His Pals photo album for a friend's third newborn son. The Snow White & the Seven Dwarves is out and touted as a masterpiece DVD, and this may well be the first DVD that we own ($24 at the store, $19 at Amazon, ? at Costco). The reviews at Amazon are glowing! Has anyone here bought it? What's your review of it? Worth the $?
Click here (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=34418&t=6134#post34418) for our Disney dinner experience at Yamabuki Restaurant, Paradise Pier Hotel, DLR.
We made our way back up Downtown Disney to catch the tram to the parking garage, enjoying the lights and sights and the happy faces. Downtown Disney is a very happening place.
We were walking through the Disney Store, when we heard this VERY LOUD crash of breaking glass. A little girl had accidently bumped a ceramic mug off the shelf. Mortified, she burst into loud sobs and tears, falling into her mother's arms.
I informed the castmember who came to check things out that it was an accident. It could have happened to anyone. I tried to comfort the girl, telling her that she didn't do it on purpose, and not to feel bad. Accidents happen.
I hope it helped. I hate to think that her Disney experience would forever be tainted by this trauma. My husband whispered, "Disney can absorb the cost of that mug." He's right.
I was rewarded for my two good deeds for the day, as we got home just in time to watch the 7th game of the World Series in its 9th inning. The score was tied, 2-2. And then the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied and beat the NY Yankees. I'm not a huge baseball fan, but this was the greatest game ever between two of the greatest teams ever. It went right down to the wire. Loved it.
Also, Eric McCormack won an Emmy for his role on Will & Grace. Yes!
What a magical day! Annual passes RULE.
Sincerely,
Disney Crone/Kid
My husband was feeling a bit under the weather on Friday, so we decided to stay in town. He went to bed early, after downing a dropperful of tincture of Echinacea and Goldenseal. He takes it straight. Iiiiicckk. He was determined to wipe out the cold bug before it beat him to the punch. Likely the bug that badly bit poor Ralph Wiggum. (Hope you're all better, Dave)
Yesterday started off as an overcast, dreary day with light showers. Feeling back in the pink, he decided it was a good date day.
When the sun broke through, we decided to spend the afternoon at The Happiest Day on Earth, Disneyland. We had heard from some of you that Christmas arrives at Disneyland on November 4 . Since we are rarely in town on weekends, we decided we'd beat the holiday crowd that starts in the latter part of the month.
We walked through the tunnel and emerged on the other side to another time and place. Another time because walking down Main Street is very much like going home. Main Street reminds me so much of my one-street hometown. Yes, Main Street is a idealized, spruced up version, complete with false fronted buildings, sidewalks, and front porches, and reminiscent of how things once were.
Another place, because all of Disneyland is sporting its annual holiday makeover. Everything is festive and Christmas cheery. The traditional Christmas tree in the square is magnificent and real, generously giving us whiffs of fresh pine. Main Street is draped with brightly colored swags, and wreaths are everywhere. There is even snowfall!
We ducked into the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour for a late dessert. Sharing a Gibson Girl sundae for $4.99 -- 2 scoops of FANTASIA (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2047) ice cream in a waffle cone, hot fudge, chopped peanuts, whipped cream and cherry on top -- was very messy, but oh, so decadently delicious!
We hadn't visited Sleeping Beauty's castle since 1993, and decided to see what was going on in Fantasyland. It's a Small World is completely decked in its pastel Christmas finery. Toon Town still reminds me of being in a surrealistic dream while awake, and on the way out, we stopped and enjoyed sweet and quiet moments at the Snow White grotto and wishing well. I thought of Lani and Andrew Stroup's romantic proposal.
We strolled through Frontierland and boarded the grand steamboat, Mark Twain (great photo of Mark Twain (http://www.brachman.com/Disney-marktwain.htm) ). The upper deck is the best place to enjoy this attraction. It is so relaxing ad quiet up there that in an empty tiny topside room DD dozed off in no time. With a light breeze coming through the doorway, protected from direct sunlight, and the gentle lilting motion of the ride, the little 8-chaired room is the perfect place to catch a few zzzs. Meanwhile, I thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic sights of Frontierland from the sunny, outdoor deck.
We disembarked and headed for the Haunted House, "where two holidays, Halloween and Christmas, collide" -- as in CAAAH-RUNNNCH. Wow. I am not into ghosts and goblins and I am not familiar with Jack Skellington's work, so I was not expecting to have my socks knocked off. The creative imagineers have been hard at work, and it is vastly improved. The holiday detailing -- even to down to the bedding plants of gold-orange and black pansies at the entry -- was something to behold.
Our last time in the mansion was in 1975, and it was truly a new experience for us. Surprising ourselves, we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Talking about Disney landscaping: the red and white (candy cane colors) cyclamens and poinsettias are gorgeous!
We backtracked to New Orleans Square (I loved the purple Christmas balls) and picked up a bag of warm fritters with an apple-cream sauce and steaming cups of coffee at the Mint Julep bar and headed up the stairs above The Pirates of the Caribbean to get to our most favorite spot in the park: the little-known, open-air central courtyard of the Disney Gallery. The spaces occupied by the gallery were originally built as Walt Disney's (second) private apartment. It is a private space in the park, away from the madding crowds. A peaceful oasis.
Unfortunately, Mr. Disney passed on before he was able to enjoy his new digs in New Orleans Square. Opened to the public as an art gallery, we get to enjoy it for him. And I like to think with him. His was a mighty spirit, and you can feel it everywhere in the park, but especially here, where he had hoped to enjoy quiet moments in the midst of his action-packed creation.
The sounds of the fountain with water burbling from the mouth of a brass dolphin are calming; the plants are lush and healthy; and the air temperatures are perfect, as Mr. Disney had heating and cooling vents built along the perimeter of the courtyard. My husband enjoyed the quiet of the courtyard, while I browsed the Herbert Ryman lithographs in a room that was meant to be a formal dining room. I lingered on the corner balcony with the wrought ironwork bearing the famous Walt Disney's initials and his brother Roy's, enjoying the panoramic view of the river.
The evening dessert buffet with the perfect view of Fantasmic is held here -- for a hefty price. We have not yet done it. I'm thinking, "I'd rather spend $43 on sushi..."
We stopped by the Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland to pick up a refillable Sorcerer Mickey water bottle, large enough to be perfect for home and work. It is sitting right along side me. Water tastes so much better out of Mickey's wand.
We left the park and walked the long promenade through Downtown Disney to the Paradise Pier Hotel for sushi at Yamabuki. Since it wasn't going to be open until 5:30, we used our time shopping in the hotel store and watching the first innings of the World Series in the lounge area.
We bought a large Winnie the Pooh and His Pals photo album for a friend's third newborn son. The Snow White & the Seven Dwarves is out and touted as a masterpiece DVD, and this may well be the first DVD that we own ($24 at the store, $19 at Amazon, ? at Costco). The reviews at Amazon are glowing! Has anyone here bought it? What's your review of it? Worth the $?
Click here (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=34418&t=6134#post34418) for our Disney dinner experience at Yamabuki Restaurant, Paradise Pier Hotel, DLR.
We made our way back up Downtown Disney to catch the tram to the parking garage, enjoying the lights and sights and the happy faces. Downtown Disney is a very happening place.
We were walking through the Disney Store, when we heard this VERY LOUD crash of breaking glass. A little girl had accidently bumped a ceramic mug off the shelf. Mortified, she burst into loud sobs and tears, falling into her mother's arms.
I informed the castmember who came to check things out that it was an accident. It could have happened to anyone. I tried to comfort the girl, telling her that she didn't do it on purpose, and not to feel bad. Accidents happen.
I hope it helped. I hate to think that her Disney experience would forever be tainted by this trauma. My husband whispered, "Disney can absorb the cost of that mug." He's right.
I was rewarded for my two good deeds for the day, as we got home just in time to watch the 7th game of the World Series in its 9th inning. The score was tied, 2-2. And then the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied and beat the NY Yankees. I'm not a huge baseball fan, but this was the greatest game ever between two of the greatest teams ever. It went right down to the wire. Loved it.
Also, Eric McCormack won an Emmy for his role on Will & Grace. Yes!
What a magical day! Annual passes RULE.
Sincerely,
Disney Crone/Kid