A Coast to Coast Christmas - Phase Two DL About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry about the dinner! Great pictures from DL and Fantasmic! More please!

[honeybee723]

Okay...with any job, aren't you supposed to ask when you don't know something? That way you don't keep making the same mistakes over and over?!?! Did he expect to just serve the steak and fingers crossed, she like what she got? Good grief! Anyway, sorry for the rock steak you had sitting in your stomach...I hate when that happens.

[dutchdisneyfamily]

What is a black and blue steak? Just out of curiosity? I mean, I think I know what it means, but I'm not sure.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

As someone with a history of both serving and restaurant management, I back you. ALWAYS ask if you do not know what they are talking about. I've had guests order things that I've never heard of, and I always clarify!

Oh, and I'll absolutely go out to DL with you any time! :P I'm hoping to get out there in 2013! It really looks awesome, and Meri would love it! Plus I would love to meet some west-coast PPers!!!

[ilovedisney247]

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

What is a black and blue steak? Just out of curiosity? I mean, I think I know what it means, but I'm not sure.

Chiming in because it was my steak . . . a black and blue steak is blackened on the outside by seasoning it and putting it in a screaming hot cast iron for just a minute or two on each side. So it's blackened on the outside and raw on the inside. It's an uncommon temperature request--usually only ordered by chefs, foodies, and oh yeah--my dad. It's my preferred steak preparation, but I only ever order it at restaurants that are specifically steakhouses. I don't expect regular restaurants who happen to have a steak on the menu to be able to do it. The only Disney restaurant that has gotten it right on the first try is Yachtsman Steakhouse.

[pamcarey]

Fantasmic! at DL sounds great! And I really enjoy the WDW version, so I'm sure I'd enjoy DL's even more. I'm just not so sure about sitting on the ground for that long. And I would definitely not want to stand.

[KMB733]

Sorry dinner was the greatest. I hate that feeling of having a rock in your stomach. Glad you were able to enjoy Fantasmic!, you got some great pictures!

[Dlandmom2]

Originally Posted by pamcarey

Fantasmic! at DL sounds great! And I really enjoy the WDW version, so I'm sure I'd enjoy DL's even more. I'm just not so sure about sitting on the ground for that long. And I would definitely not want to stand.

Sharon, I hope you don't mind my jumping in to share some info!

There are several options to avoid too much sitting or standing. The way it works at DL is there's a gently sloped area between the edge of the Rivers of America and the main walkway behind. People usually start "reserving" their space 1 and sometimes up to 2 hours ahead of time. Usually, they'll lay some jackets down, or sometimes they bring a throw blanket. If you're in a group, you can take turns sitting and walking around the New Orleans Square area. In that sloped area, you aren't allowed to stand for the show. Everyone must stay seated so everyone there has a good view.

Behind this sloped area, you can stand, but it's like standing on Main Street to see a parade. You'll see most of the show, but you'll be further away and might have obstructed views.

Also, Fantasmic! is often shown twice a night, so you can try to be in the general Adventureland/New Orleans Square area during the first show, and then once the first show ends and the massive exodus occurs, you can try to squeeze right in and get a good spot for the second show.

I'm not sure if they still do the Dessert Seating, but that's also an option if they do.

As for me, I'm content to sit for 2 hours for a good seat since I'm a local, so I don't need to catch every ride every time. Plus, my daughter loves the show as much as I do, so we just plan to be there early and bring a deck of cards (and now that she's older, she'll bring her iPod) to kill time.

Hope that helps!

[dutchdisneyfamily]

Thanks for the explanation Heather! I kind of thought it was like that, but wasn't sure. I learned something new today!

[Jessie092408]

I am absolutely fascinated by this DL TR, as I have never been and never read a TR in this section of PassPorter before! I have been trying to convince my husband to let us do a weekend at DL, because it is so close to us (we live in Washington state), but he is absolutely convinced that DL is one big Magic Kingdom park...and that is his least favorite park at WDW. I am hoping that if I show him some of your TR, he may let me book us a weekend trip! (So, no pressure. )

Where do they do the Fantasmic show at DL? I think I read a comment that said they don't have a stadium like they do at WDW?

[Caldercup]

Okay - I'm all caught up! It's so wonderful to see all the smiling, happy faces (except Zack) and all the fun you guys were having (except Zack.)

Can't wait to read what happens next -- though, I'll be okay if you don't describe Zack's impending troubles in too much detail.

[PrincessSharon]

Thanks for the great comments, everyone!

Originally Posted by shnewell

photos from Fantasmic! And the gingerbread house effect for MM&Y looks awesome!! The more I read your TR, the more I want to go to DLR at Christmas. We caught part of the MM&Y show from the Storybook Land Canal Boats queue this past weekend, and it looked really cool. So I can only imagine how super-cool it was at Christmastime.

Sorry about your meal at Steakhouse 55! We've eaten there twice and truly enjoyed it both times. We are stereotypically Texan in that we love us some steak and taters and we *heart* Steakhouse 55. But, I'm with you, after two not-so-great experiences at any restaurant, it will take a lot to get me to return.

And I also agree that the server should have just asked for clarification rather than guess and get it wrong. Though one wonders how no one in the kitchen knew what black & blue meant either?!? I mean, if I were the server and I didn't know what it meant and hadn't asked my guest, I think the first thing I'd do is go into the kitchen and say, "Someone ordered a 'black & blue' steak -- do you know what that means?"

I hope you get a chance to enjoy Trader Sam's soon! We stopped in for a quick drink last summer and want to go back when we have more time to soak it all in (and order one of the cool drinks that they make a big to-do about).

I've heard a lot of good things about Steakhouse 55. I'm not writing them off for good, but I'll try a few other places before I return there. And I'm going to make it my mission to explore Trader Sam's on my next trip!

Originally Posted by Dlandmom2

I haven't eaten at Steakhouse 55, and I'm not sure I will at this point. There used to be a restaurant near the DLH lake area (now gone)...I think it was called Harbor Grille, and that was fantastic. Of course that was also a good 20+ years ago! I'm so jealous of all of you who get to enjoy all the wonderful food choices at WDW. DLR seems to really be lacking in that area.

I'm so glad you love Fantasmic! at DLR! It's my fave as well! I was trying to explain to chezp how awesome it is, and how I would gladly sit on the hard ground for 2+ hours to be in a great spot to watch the show. She and Mark aren't big fans of the version at WDW. From what I've heard and seen on video of Fantasmic! at DHS, it doesn't seem to be in the same league. Having the Sailing Ship Columbia come out of the dark with a full on sword fight happening 50 feet above you is just amazing! Hmm...I think it's about time I made plans to watch Fantasmic! at DLR again really soon!

DLR doesn't really have much dining-wise to get me excited about. There are a few restaurants that I'd consider standouts (Napa Rose and of course Club 33, but I guess Club 33 doesn't really count, because I'll probably never get in there again!). The way I got excited about DLR dining was to plan to hit up all the snack food items! There are a lot of unique treats and I tried (or enjoyed again) a lot of them!

Originally Posted by m.mouse

The first time I saw Fantasmic at DHS, I was kinda disappointed at Malificent in dragon form. I guess I had always seen pictures of the DL version. So that just means I need to plan a trip to DL, right?! Anyways, always love your TRs and am now all caught up! More please.

The dragon Maleficent at DLR is amazing! Definitely worth a trip!

Originally Posted by disney_duke

Now I'm bummed I didn't bother seeing F! at Disneyland! I had no idea it was much different, so I didn't bother with it. We used that time to ride rides instead (or something else, I forget now.) Back on the agenda!

It's definitely a better show. The thing is, it came before the DHS version, so when they put it in at DHS, they should've improved it, but it was the opposite.

Originally Posted by lauriep

I saw F! at DL years ago, before they had it at WDW. I did the desert party, so was able to sit and watch from the porch. I was so disappointed in the WDW version I don't bother with it any more. It may be more convenient and comfortable to have seating and a theater-like setting, but it spoils the magic of a place used for another purpose during the day totally transforming at night.

The Steakhouse story is very disappointing. I wonder if ABD is still going there... I hope not!

I did the dessert party my first time too, in the Disney Gallery. That was an amazing experience. They do still offer a dessert party, but now that the balcony is part of the Dream Suite, they only offer seating alongside the river, which isn't as great (and you also only get a boxed dessert, instead of a full buffet). As for Steakhouse 55, ABD doesn't usually go there. We went on our itinerary because the restaurant they normally use was being refurbished or something.

Originally Posted by honeybee723

Okay...with any job, aren't you supposed to ask when you don't know something? That way you don't keep making the same mistakes over and over?!?! Did he expect to just serve the steak and fingers crossed, she like what she got? Good grief! Anyway, sorry for the rock steak you had sitting in your stomach...I hate when that happens.

See, that's what drives me crazy! Just ask! I can't think of a single reasonable reason why a server wouldn't ask for clarification.

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

As someone with a history of both serving and restaurant management, I back you. ALWAYS ask if you do not know what they are talking about. I've had guests order things that I've never heard of, and I always clarify!

Oh, and I'll absolutely go out to DL with you any time! :P I'm hoping to get out there in 2013! It really looks awesome, and Meri would love it! Plus I would love to meet some west-coast PPers!!!

So nobody can explain that stupid behavior! It's baffling! And you definitely need to get to DL! By 2013, all the new stuff at DCA will be done! Meri will love it!

Originally Posted by pamcarey

Fantasmic! at DL sounds great! And I really enjoy the WDW version, so I'm sure I'd enjoy DL's even more. I'm just not so sure about sitting on the ground for that long. And I would definitely not want to stand.

I suppose you could stand in the seating area until the show starts (or sit in the standing area until it starts). A lot of people sort of picnic - get dinner and then just hang out and eat.

Originally Posted by Dlandmom2

Sharon, I hope you don't mind my jumping in to share some info!

There are several options to avoid too much sitting or standing. The way it works at DL is there's a gently sloped area between the edge of the Rivers of America and the main walkway behind. People usually start "reserving" their space 1 and sometimes up to 2 hours ahead of time. Usually, they'll lay some jackets down, or sometimes they bring a throw blanket. If you're in a group, you can take turns sitting and walking around the New Orleans Square area. In that sloped area, you aren't allowed to stand for the show. Everyone must stay seated so everyone there has a good view.

Behind this sloped area, you can stand, but it's like standing on Main Street to see a parade. You'll see most of the show, but you'll be further away and might have obstructed views.

Also, Fantasmic! is often shown twice a night, so you can try to be in the general Adventureland/New Orleans Square area during the first show, and then once the first show ends and the massive exodus occurs, you can try to squeeze right in and get a good spot for the second show.

I'm not sure if they still do the Dessert Seating, but that's also an option if they do.

As for me, I'm content to sit for 2 hours for a good seat since I'm a local, so I don't need to catch every ride every time. Plus, my daughter loves the show as much as I do, so we just plan to be there early and bring a deck of cards (and now that she's older, she'll bring her iPod) to kill time.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for posting that info! And I know that they do still offer the dessert party option, with actual chairs so you wouldn't have to sit on the ground.

Originally Posted by Jessie092408

I am absolutely fascinated by this DL TR, as I have never been and never read a TR in this section of PassPorter before! I have been trying to convince my husband to let us do a weekend at DL, because it is so close to us (we live in Washington state), but he is absolutely convinced that DL is one big Magic Kingdom park...and that is his least favorite park at WDW. I am hoping that if I show him some of your TR, he may let me book us a weekend trip! (So, no pressure. )

Where do they do the Fantasmic show at DL? I think I read a comment that said they don't have a stadium like they do at WDW?

I'll do my best to write a convincing TR! And yes, Fantasmic is just right in the middle of the park. They do it on the Rivers of America. It's similar to the Rivers of America area in the MK, but at DL, it's a bit more open, so it's easier to find an unobstructed viewing spot. It's really a great place for it and you really feel close to the action! Plus they use the Sailing Ship Columbia in a Peter Pan themed segment (complete with Peter Pan vs. Hook swordfight up in the high part of the ship which I'm sure is called something other than "the high part of the ship," but I don't know what). The Mark Twain Riverboat is also used, the same way they use the much-smaller riverboat in F! at DHS.

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Okay - I'm all caught up! It's so wonderful to see all the smiling, happy faces (except Zack) and all the fun you guys were having (except Zack.)

Can't wait to read what happens next -- though, I'll be okay if you don't describe Zack's impending troubles in too much detail.

Don't worry, it won't be too graphic. I could only find 17 different barfing smileys.

[PrincessSharon]

Day Three – Monday, December 19
Hey Santa!

I was up at 5:15, with no traces of that rock in my stomach! I decided to go ahead and get up, using the extra time to catch up on my notes. The plan was to be at Disneyland at park opening, stopping to get breakfast on the way (Karen actually ran down to get something for Zack while he was getting ready, but couldn’t find anything he wanted with the limited options – a lot of stuff wasn’t open yet).

We set out for the park, making a stop at Brennan’s for some beignets for Zack. I decided to wait because I wasn’t hungry (also, I planned to get some Mickey-shaped beignets later that day ).

We decided to hop aboard the trolley for a ride down Main Street U.S.A.



And then we took the route through Frontierland.



We went and picked up some FPs for Indiana Jones. Both Karen and Zack got bonus AP FPs for the Aladdin show at 12:50. I did not. I also have an AP (a Premier AP in fact), but I didn’t get a bonus FP. No worries, though. Each FP was good for up to 5 people. It wouldn’t really work into our schedule anyway, though. Zack decided to tease me for not getting a bonus FP. That stinker!

Then we were able to practically walk on HMH. I love the Haunted Mansion, but I love HMH as well. Just calling it an overlay doesn’t seem right. It’s a whole different attraction. I got some pictures of the queue.

















Then we did POTC. I’m sure everyone has heard how much better Pirates is at Disneyland than at WDW, so I won’t bother saying it. … D’oh!



Then we strolled through New Orleans Square, enjoying the decorations.





Our Indy FPs were ripe, but unfortunately, the ride was down at the moment (it would go down several times throughout the day ). We figured we’d do the Jungle Cruise instead, but that was down too! Because we could get FPs for something else, we walked over and got FPs for BTMRR. When I got my FP, I also got the bonus AP FP for Aladdin, for the 2:20 show. That would work much better with our plans (though Karen and Zack would be visiting relatives at that time – they were planning to skip Aladdin anyway). I was happy to see it with Heather, because I love seeing it with newbies. They’re always amazed at how good it is!

Then we went and did the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough, which I’d never done before. I was glad to finally get the chance to do it – it was pretty cool.











It was about this point that Heather was getting to the park after transferring to the VGC, so I sent her a text to pick up a BTMRR FP and meet us at Santa’s Reindeer Roundup. This was new for me, being my first Christmas-time visit to DL. It was completely charming!


See the Hidden Mickey?


Another Hidden Mickey





Then I went over to visit the reindeer. They were a bit feisty this morning! The females all seemed to be picking on one poor guy. They’d chase him all around the enclosure. I felt bad for him, but a tiny part of me was also amused watching them running around.











Then, once Heather found us, we went in to visit Santa (Zack stayed out with the reindeer).











When it was our turn to visit Santa, I asked him if he’d gotten my letter. He said he had and was surprised – he’d never had anyone ask for coal before! But when he realized it was to give to other people he understood. I loved visiting Santa and wish I could every year! Our photo was so cute, too!



I guess our BTMRR FPs were ripe, but the ride was down (it was a bad morning for ride breakdowns ) We swung by Indy and it was still down (and FPs aren’t distributed when the ride is down). Jungle Cruise was up, so that was next. I actually like the WDW version better, but I love riding it and imagining Walt Disney’s grandkids jumping out of the bushes and scaring guests, which I learned on my ABD trip that they used to do! The back of Walt's apartment above the firehouse is right next to the Jungle Cruise. When I was up there on my ABD, you could hear the skippers shoot at the hippos every once in a while!









Then I had to get another Disneyland snack – meat on a stick. I chose the chicken skewer.



I’d been texting Jeannie (Dlandmom2) hoping we could meet up today since yesterday hadn’t worked out. She was in the park, so I let her know we were at the Bengal Barbecue and she found us there. It was so nice meeting you Jeannie! I always enjoy meeting PPers. I look forward to seeing Jeannie (and hopefully her kids) this summer. Anyway, once I’d finished my snack, we all walked over and watched the Enchanted Tiki Room together. Before the show, though, a photo!



After the Tiki Room, we said goodbye to Jeannie. Thanks for coming down to see us, Jeannie! It was fun! Then the rest of the group got lunch. I loved the themed garland near the Rancho del Zocalo.



I didn’t want a full meal after my snack, so I just got a chili lime corn on the cob. Another Disneyland snack checked off the list. It was oh-so-tasty, too! I didn’t get a photo of it, but I’m sure everyone knows what an ear of corn on the cob looks like.

Karen and Zack headed off to visit their relatives, so Heather and I were on our own now. BTMRR was back up, so we used our FPs to ride it. It’s very much like its WDW counterpart, but a mirror image.



I asked Heather what she wanted to do. She was most interested in Disneyland only stuff, so we went into Fantasyland. I figured Pinocchio doesn’t usually have much of a wait, even in the busiest part of the day. We practically walked on. It’s not my favorite dark ride, but I do enjoy it.

I knew Heather needed to see the two dioramas on the railroad, and we were heading over to DCA anyway to see Aladdin, so we took the train to Main Street, and then walked across to DCA.

Up Next: Best show ever!

[Shari2137]

Wow, I'd say HMH was a walk-on, looked like you didn't even have to go through any switch backs, just straight on into the mansion. I just love the sleepy beauty walk through - all these years of going to DL and I only recently saw it for the first time. Love your picture with Santa. Looking forward to reading more....

[Dlandmom2]

Oh how I love reading about DLR trips through the eyes of a WDW "regular" hehe! I'm glad you were enjoying your visit. Meat on a stick is awesome, lol! Great pic with Santa. Isn't Reindeer Roundup super cool? I don't think they have that at WDW, do they?

I'm hoping to see you this summer as well...not sure if my kids will make it since they only have the So Cal pass, so they're blocked out all summer . This is the first year in a long time that I have the Premium AP, but I knew I'd want to be there this summer to see lauriep and now you (and maybe other PPers!), so with the parking that's included in the Premium AP, it was just more worth it. The kids wouldn't do well if I took them all the way to DTD but didn't go into the parks!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip! I KNOW I'm going to hear great things about the Aladdin show!