The $16,000 "Free" Disney Trip **Updated 12/11** COMPLETE About This Page:

[lauren-roxy]

Great update Sharon!!!

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

That parade looks awesome!! I don't think they had that one when we were there. I think they were running some kind of High School Musical thing that we only caught a small part of, as it really didn't hold our interest. The parade looks so much better!!

Dyan, you must've visited in the transition period between when Block Party Bash moved to DHS and Pixar Play Parade premiered. The High School Musical thing was something else (and by the time I visited, it was HSM3, not HSM2).

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

Was the Snow White display still in the lobby of the Disney Animation building? There were a lot of neat things to look at in that building. for the term zoetrope. That thing was , but I didn't know what to call it other than 'that spinny thing'

No, the Snow White display was gone and it was back to its original format. And 'that spinny thing' works for me!

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

Is Candy Corn Acres something they put in for Halloween? I all the decorations they had and that they were so different than what you find in WDW!

Yes, Candy Corn Acres was part of the Halloween festivites. I have to say DL really did a lot more decorations for the holiday than WDW. There were lots of things in both parks.

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Good GOLLY! I was seriously about to call your mom and dad to find out if you'd fallen and broken your ankle. (No, wait... that was Karen's big trick... )

Well, I'm OK so far, but I've got to get the decorations out this weekend and deck the halls, so I shouldn't comment or I'll jinx myself.

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Loved all the parade pics! I sat there with my tongue out, lovin' all the costumes and totally geeking out on Heimlich's "segmented" costume, the French chefs' hair, the tail of Roz's coat, the inflatable CDA guys (heeeee!), the sproinging rats and Mr. Potato Head's skinny legs and big shoes!!

But.. this... well... this costume rocks my socks off!!



Just LOOK at the detail and the ZIT!

Glad I could help! I could've gotten more shots too, if there hadn't been so dang much squirting. I had to cover my camera a few times!

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Loved all the candy corn in DCA... and the Goofy pumpkin over the Disneyland entrance just made my heart sing (as, I'm sure, did yours!)

I've got more photos of those coming up in the next installment (or could be the one after - I wrote a bunch), including the one of Minnie, which actually was my favorite!

Originally Posted by Caldercup

I'd make a comment about that corn dog, but I'm feeling mellow since you showed that picture of the Queen of Hearts yelling and didn't make a comment about how you mistook her for me.

Actually, the Queen of Hearts didn't make me think of you. I did, however, mistake Roz for you. Just kidding!

Originally Posted by disney_duke

That parade sounds crazy-fun! I can't imagine watching and getting squirted all the time though, weird. Glad the lines were so short, that's awesome! Those candy corn pictures are great - sooooo cute!!

The water didn't add much, so they could easily take it out without anyone complaining. It really is a fun parade, though.

[Nemo125]

That parade did look very fun! Were there any more Finding Nemo characters there?

[disneydani]

Love, love, love the parade pics....they are simply fab and so make me want to do visit DLR!

danielle

[Minnie Lor]

What a great update. So glad that you're baaaaccckkkk. I was having a serious withdrawl. Love the candy corn acres. Really cute. Thanks for coming back to post especially since you're leaving in a few days.

[rlb38]

Wow, fantastic photos ! Love the Halloween decor.

If you compare DL to MK who wins?

[chezp]

What a fun parade that was - what a shame we never got to see it while we were there. A five minute wait for Nemo - now I'm jealous!

[elisa1006]

Awesome parade photos. Great update, worth the wait.

[Luvsun]

What a great update! I love the candy corn pictures - they really do decorate a lot more than WDW don't they?
The parade looks like so much fun!
Sharon - what do you like best about DL?

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by Nemo125

That parade did look very fun! Were there any more Finding Nemo characters there?

Yes, Nemo and the usual suspects were there. I just wasn't able to get a photo (probably because of squirting water).

Originally Posted by rlb38

Wow, fantastic photos ! Love the Halloween decor.

If you compare DL to MK who wins?

Well, I can't really compare. I like WDW as a whole better, but I like DL park better than the MK.

Originally Posted by chezp

What a fun parade that was - what a shame we never got to see it while we were there. A five minute wait for Nemo - now I'm jealous!

I couldn't believe my luck! I almost thought it was down, because nobody was waiting.

Originally Posted by Luvsun

What a great update! I love the candy corn pictures - they really do decorate a lot more than WDW don't they?
The parade looks like so much fun!
Sharon - what do you like best about DL?

I love DL because it feels more like a family park if that makes sense. You can definitely feel Walt's presence, and it seems smaller and more intimate than WDW.

[mcc0313]

Great update Sharon...sorry you are having difficulities with your computer, hopefully everything will be back to normal soon. Was really missing the TR so great to see you back...

The parade looks like so much fun, great shots....the more reports I read about DL the more I am so tempted to want to plan a trip to the West Coast. It looks like so much fun...(and so many great things to try that we can't get over at WDW).

Your corndog looked very yummy...hope it tasted as good as it looked.

Can't wait to hear more..

[PrincessSharon]

Day Four – Tuesday, October 28
What Didn’t I Ride?

I got up and ready and walked over to the Grand Californian. I was meeting Chez and Mark for breakfast at Storytellers Café. The restaurant wasn’t busy when I arrived, so I waited a few minutes for Chez and Mark to arrive before I checked us in. We were seated promptly and all decided on the buffet rather than ordering from the menu.

Dale was the first to visit our table and he was quite playful. He stole Mark’s DVC hat. Cheryl told him that meant he was a DVC member now, and he got really excited about that.



He also kept coming back. I told Cheryl that I suspected Chip was MIA and they were trying to pass off two visits by Dale as a visit each from Chip and Dale. I never even caught a glimpse of Chip the entire time we were there, but Dale visited us 3 times.

We got a visit from Kenai, but I don’t seem to have any pictures of that on my camera. I was too busy eating, I guess. You’ll have to wait until Chez gets to it in her TR.

The buffet was really tasty with lots on offer, and when you get the buffet, you can also get a Mickey waffle or some pancackes as well. I wanted a waffle and Cheryl wanted pancakes, so we asked our server to bring them out (they bring out a platter for the whole table). It took quite some time, but we finally did get them. (And I ate one waffle and Cheryl had one pancake and the rest was wasted ).

As far as characters, Meeko was also a no-show and never made it to our table either. We didn’t get a visit from Koda either. Someone talked to our server and after some discussion, they brought Koda over to meet us.



While I enjoyed the food, I felt the overall experience seemed unorganized and I won’t be rushing back there again. We were ready to hit the parks so we ventured out towards Disneyland.

It was an extra magic hour morning, and we arrived a bit after 9:00. Upon entering the park, we stopped and greeted some characters (Mark disappeared for a bit, but returned in time to take photos). I think my picture with Pluto was on the Photopass card that I lost, because it isn’t on the camera. I do, however, have a picture with Minnie.



We strolled down Main Street, admiring the window displays and holiday decorations along the way.



We had an idea that we could visit Pixie Hollow, but Tink wasn’t greeting yet. We headed to Fantasyland to try to get a ride in on Peter Pan’s Flight, but the line was insane. We decided to head to the other open Land – Tomorrowland. We did Buzz (and I have no memory at all what my score was).

Cheryl and Mark were meeting friends over in DCA, but I felt like sticking around DL for a bit longer, so we said our goodbyes until Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party later that night.

Most of the park was still closed, so I spent some time wandering around and just enjoying the park. I decided to play with my camera (and big thanks to Crissy (scdisneyfan) for telling me I had this feature on my camera!! )





I decided I’d like to ride BTMRR, so I positioned myself at the rope accordingly. There wasn’t a big crowd, so I took my time getting there after rope drop, but the ride was down. So naturally, I headed over to NOS and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

I remembered to try another special picture.



Not bad for a first attempt, I guess! I took some photos on the ride, but they didn’t turn out. Since I was in the area, and since I enjoy it so much, the next thing I did was Pirates!



That’s where the Disneyland Dream Suite is. Those Dream Squadders couldn’t find me the entire time I was in the parks. After POC (OK, I have to say it – it’s way better than the WDW version), I spent some time in New Orleans Square. There was an area there that was all decked out for Christmas.



I was lurking in NOS for a reason. I suspected Jack Skellington was due for a meet. I checked with a CM and found out he was due in about 10 minutes, so I had a seat with some other folks (who made me laugh – they did everything in their power to not seem like there was going to be a character meet while at the same time discreetly forming a line. I discreetly sat on the bench closest to the person who seemed to be the last in the non-line ).

Jack and Sally arrived soon enough, and I ended up being about 4th in line. And it instantly grew about 3 times longer! Even though there weren't many people ahead of me, it took a while, because Jack and Sally were very chatty with all the guests. When it was my turn, I gushed about how much I loved Haunted Mansion Holiday (and the CM who had my camera took a photo of me in all my doofiness, which I am not posting, so don’t ask. ) Here’s our posed shot.



I wanted to check out the new Pirate’s Lair (formerly Tom Sawyer Island), so I waited for the first raft of the day. I enjoyed exploring and getting photos.












Something about this sign strikes me as funny. It’s like the pirates need to know where the restrooms are, and the rest of us need to know where the pirates are. I know, I’m weird!















As you can see, it wasn’t overly pirate-ized (although at times there are actual pirates running around over there). I did enjoy checking out Will Turner’s blacksmith shop.









As I explored, I got a good look at the Mark Twain Riverboat.



I decided it was time to return to the mainland, so I caught the raft back over. I explored a bit more in NOS and was thrilled to catch another live act, this time a band of Pirates.


This pirate came with his own personal Mini Me. Does that make him Captain Evil?





I was ready to head over to DCA, but first I stopped for a frozen raspberry lemonade.



On the way out of the park, I did more playing with my camera.







Before making my way over to DCA, I had to get some photos of the pumpkin characters over the DL entrance turnstiles.











Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

I got a lot of photos of the entrance area over at DCA, since most of it is being removed, and I’m disappointed that the gate is going to look exactly like the one at MGM, I mean DHS.











I wanted to ride Soarin’ Over California, so that’s where I went first. I really enjoy the theme in that area.





And Soarin’ had practically no wait.



I strolled around for a bit after Soarin’, just enjoying the sunshine.



Then I decided it was time to spend some time in one of my favorite areas of the park.









When I came to Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train (and I can’t even look at that name without smiling), I decided I should go for a spin.













Then I walked around some more. Everything in this area is so cute and clever. I really enjoy it!





Next up was Flik’s Flyers. Since there was no line at all.





I love how the hub is a giant tub of Cool Whip and a pie plate.


DCA's TOT doesn’t even look big when you’re bug-sized



Next was another picturesque area, Paradise Pier.





California Screamin’ only had a 5-minute wait, so there’s no way I could not ride. I noticed TSMM had a 25 minute ride, so I passed. (Spoiled much? ) I walked down to the Mailboomer (which is like the TOT, but 1,000 times lamer and with no themeing). There wasn’t much of a wait, but it was an uncomfortable experience. Disney has installed “scream” barf guards, which is essentially a big plastic shield covering your face. It was a hot day and I had to sit baking behind that hot shield for several minutes while the one and only CM made sure everyone was secure and then went to operate the ride, all the while trying not to think of how many screams protein spills had hit that plastic thing that was 3 inches from my face. Also, it was in the 90s, and behind that shield it was even hotter. I won’t miss that ride. Good riddance!

I next did the Orange Stinger (your run-of-the-mill swings, but inside a giant orange). I thought for a minute I’d be the only one on the ride (it was that quiet) but at the last minute, a few more guests arrived. Even though this is pretty much an off-the-shelf theme park ride, it’s still pretty fun.

I did some more strolling, enjoying the sunshine (sans barf shield) and the themeing.





I made quick work of Mulholland Madness (an off-the-shelf wild mouse attraction) then headed to the Golden Zephyr. This ride isn’t really remarkable, but the views you get while riding are pretty fantastic.







While I do enjoy the concept of the Paradise Pier area, the rides are too ordinary with practically no themeing. I’m glad they’re getting extensive makeovers as part of the new DCA (and I’m glad this part is getting it first!).

It was hot enough that I was comfortable with the idea of getting wet – possibly drenched, so I decided to give GRR a try.



There was a 20-minute wait, which I didn’t feel like waiting out, so I asked the CM about the single riders entrance. He acted like I was bothering him and told me I didn’t need it why don’t you let me judge buddy – wait 20 minutes or 2? but suggested, (not in so many words, but I knew this is what he meant) that if I really, really, really wanted to, pretty please with sugar on top he’d let me use it. I decided not to put him out (I mean he’d actually have to hand me a card and step out of the way ) and waited on the standby line (grumbling to myself the entire time – sometimes I can’t let stuff go )

::deep breath::

OK, so where was I? That’s right GRR. I like this one a lot, and I’m happy to say I didn’t come off it looking like I just fell into a swimming pool. Since I wasn’t too wet, I felt like there was time for one more attraction before heading back to the DLH for a break. Any guesses what that was?





I’d checked out Taste Pilot’s Grill (a long time ago, when I first entered the park) and knew I’d be getting that for dinner. Why? Two words. Waffle. Fries. I love me some waffle fries!



I also got a chocolate shake (because honestly, what goes better with a burger than a milkshake?) Then it was back to the DLH for a break and to get ready for Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party.

Up Next: An Evening with a Character (and some Disney ones too)

[Caldercup]

I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love with a beautiful gourd!

That's the most precious decoration!

I gotta say, ShaSha... that new 'do and the new svelte figure are a fantastic combo -- you look MAH-va-lous, darlink!
Eileen

[chezp]

You did get a lot done that day. Breakfast was certainly disorganised - they didn't seem to have a clue what was happening with the characters. Sorry about that miserable Cast Member. I'm with you - how dare he judge you over wanting to use the single rider line?

By the way, I love that new setting on your camera - that is so neat.