Solo-on-a-Scooter Abd DLR and DCL Alaska! (7/21-8/6/2012) About This Page:

[OhToodles!]

Hope you got some much needed rest Laurie!

[PrincessSharon]

Hope you got a good night's sleep and are enjoying your first day at DL!

[disneydani]

Hope you were able to catch up on some sleep...that is my biggest fear about BSM....I worry I am going to be too exhausted...
Hoping day three was a little less chaotic for you.

danielle

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by DawnK

WOW!!
WOW!!
COOL!!
AWESOME!!

Just a few of my reactions looking at your pictures!! Great picture of you and Kermit...I LOVE HIM!!

That was one photo I was very happy to pose for!

Originally Posted by Kenny

A great day! Sittin' with Kermit and sittin' where Walt sat! It don't get much better than that!

Ain't it the truth!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

What a fabulous day! Lunch looked really great! I know how much gets packed into every day, so I understand your calling it a night so early. If I recall, the busiest day of the trip is the one you're doing today! But it's so great! I can't say it's the best (it would be really hard for me to pick a "best" day).

I agree with you about the busyness and also about not being able to pick the best day. Today was pretty darned awesome, too!

Originally Posted by mommapants

all caught up. What an amazing few days you have had. Paramount Studios, Hollywood, muppets and trains. It sound so cool. I really need to get myself on this tour.

It's and incredible tour-- the only way to do any of this stuff!

Originally Posted by Grammy Grumpy

AWESOME, AMAZING - - that is all. Thanks goodness that really isn't all. So enjoying going along with you on the ABD TR! Still so many awesome and amazing things you are about to experience!

It keeps going, and going!

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Finally all caught up! What a great surprise from Jeannie! So awesome! And the tour yesterday - so cool! I'm excited just to read about it and see the pictures. We're going to head out West in a few years for DL and this is getting me more excited for it. (I know I won't be doing all that you are, but it's still nice to see and hear about all the stuff that got it there.)
can't wait for today's report!

My day with Jeannie was so great. I'm glad you'll be visiting DLR soon. It's a very special place, even without the extras.

Originally Posted by WishIwasinDisney

Your report is just amazing and I cannot wait for more. I am going on the one day ABD in September to the Disney Studios so I am extra excited to read the next installment of your report!

I wasn't feeling great on this day, so unfortunately the write-up may not be what you hope for. Your tour will be great-- I was just grumpy and tired.

Originally Posted by KMB733

I'm getting all caught up on your AMAZING vacation!!! Jeanine's surprise for you was so awesome!!!

It really was!

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by Dlandmom2

I'm glad you saw some great stuff today! I can't believe how long today is considering you started at 7am!!! Fantasmic doesn't start until 9pm. I wonder how the younger kids are holding up!

Get some rest so you can enjoy tomorrow! I'm sure it'll be great!

All of the other tour members made it to Fantasmic! The two youngsters on the tour were so happy to be finally at DL that they were energized!

Originally Posted by chezp

No worries about the update - the ones so far have been an unexpected surprise. Hope you get rested up.

Thanks, Cheryl! I'm hoping to play catch-up tonight.

Originally Posted by Kenny

...what Cheryl said!!

Thanks, Kenny. I know I don't HAVE to do daily updates, but I'm afraid I'll forget if I don't write it up and if I've written it up and have internet, I'll just post it. (I know the photos are actually the most time-consuming part of it all, but I just get obsessed!)

Originally Posted by Belle*

Phew! Finally caught up! It sounds like you are having a good time. And you are right - this tour is gogogogogogogo. It gets to the point when you are glad to have a drive somewhere so you can rest! I love seeing how your tour differed from my tour. That is the best thing about ABD - no two tours are exactly alike!

That's what our guide, Matt, said. He said they really have quite a few different choices they can make to each tour-- based on what's going on at the sites, the ages and interests of the people on the tour, and their own preferences. They're always changing things.

Originally Posted by coffeechef

Sounds like a great time... someday I hope to do an ABD tour. I know I would love the california one. I hope that you are rested up and enjoying todays adventures.
Can't wait to read more

I think this one is the iconic ABD tour.

Originally Posted by mommapants

rest up so you are ready for the next day of your adventure

Trying! There's no way I won't be exhausted at the end of every day of this.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Hope you got some much needed rest and are enjoying your day today Laurie!

I definitely enjoyed today, although I cut out early on the tour again.

Originally Posted by Ashli

Here I am reading along thinking how much cooler your trip in L.A. is than any of the times I've ever been there, and then, to top it all off, you get surprise CUPCAKES! (my favorite!!) What a great TR so far!

They just love to give surprises!

Originally Posted by Two4Disney

Such fun you are having! Love it! And thanks for including Griffith Park. My mother used to hang out there as a kid and then she took us when we were kids - a very special place for us, too, besides Walt. We used to see him at DL - no wonder I'm so attached to DL - so many magical family memories!

We used to take out-of-town guests to Hollywood and show them the sights. That was fun!

Anyway, love going on this journey with you. Can't wait for more!

Walt's Barn was a highlight, for sure. And I enjoyed the drive through Griffith Park, seeing the pony rides and all the beautiful picnic spots.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Hope you got some much needed rest Laurie!

Not enough, but some!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Hope you got a good night's sleep and are enjoying your first day at DL!

I'm loving DL. Definitely coming back late November or Early December of 2013.

Originally Posted by disneydani

Hope you were able to catch up on some sleep...that is my biggest fear about BSM....I worry I am going to be too exhausted...
Hoping day three was a little less chaotic for you.

danielle

It really is incredibly exhausting, made more-so by the heat, so a lot depends on the weather. It's so intense, too, and for a Disney fan quite emotional, all of which is exhausting on top of the physical aspects. A TON of walking and standing. I think it's worth carrying a golf seat or folding camp stool if you think the standing will be an issue.

[cubfancolleen]

Love the day at Henson studios! Lunch looked yummy (not being a veg, I LOVE prime rib & Yorkshire pudding!).
Hope you're able to rest, but perhaps that is what sea days will be for!

[shazza]

Glad you had another exciting day. I'll look forward to reading your update in the morning - if you get a chance to do an update tonight. I would probably opt for a soak in the hot tub instead of writing

Have a fun day tomorrow!

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Love the day at Henson studios! Lunch looked yummy (not being a veg, I LOVE prime rib & Yorkshire pudding!).
Hope you're able to rest, but perhaps that is what sea days will be for!

Boy, am I looking forward to the cruise!!

Originally Posted by shazza

Glad you had another exciting day. I'll look forward to reading your update in the morning - if you get a chance to do an update tonight. I would probably opt for a soak in the hot tub instead of writing

Have a fun day tomorrow!

Hot-tubbed today instead of writing or doing late touring!

[lauriep]

Finally, here's yesterday's update!

Day 4, Tuesday, 7//24/12 (Backstage Magic Day 3)

Weather: Cool in the AM and evening, but HOT, bright sunshine in the PM. Low humidity, fortunately.

Awake again at just before 5 and got ready to go. Had to pack up today so that when I left the room at 7am for breakfast my bags would be ready for pickup and delivery to the Grand Californian. I like this Loews Hotel a lot and would be sad to leave, if I weren’t so excited to see the Grand and to be at Disneyland.

No photos of breakfast, but the buffet was quite nice, with fresh fruit, breads and bagels, cereals, eggs, potatoes, made-to-order omelets. I just had coffee and some strawberries, which were fresh and delicious.

I have to apologize for the fact that the photos are spotty in this report. We had to move quickly because there was so much planned for today and while it never felt rushed, especially at Imagineering, because I was driving the scooter I couldn’t take any pics until we stopped somewhere . Also, a lot of areas were no photography and the ones I do have were taken on my camera by the guides. By the time we got to the Disney Studio in the afternoon, it was so hot and I was really flagging, not feeling well. Again, when I get the CD I’ll post more photos.

We boarded the bus with our trusty driver, Don (same driver Princess Sharon had on her tour—he was great! Hanni and Matt talked a bit about the Imagineering Studios and its history as WED Enterprises. I was SO excited for this, as access to this studio is really limited and our tour would be led by Dave Fisher, same imagineer Sharon had. (My computer keeps trying to change this to “imaginer”!) We gathered in front of the building, where Dave and another Imagineer, Jonathan (he looked about 16 yrs old but is 24—still VERY young to be in the job he’s in!), explained that we would be split into two groups and led through the tour. My group got Dave (yay!), who is one of the Senior Development Imagineers and works as a backstory writer and concept designer. He’s one of the minds behind the Carsland expansion and has been involved with so many aspects of the parks around the world. We started by watching a short video showing the many aspects of what Imagineering does. This video was only 3 mins, but was so beautifully put together. No narration, just music and lots of shots of rides, hotels, cruiseships, shots of maquettes, models, imagineers doing their work. Fantastic. Then we walked down a hallway to an incredible room filled with sculpted heads, models, and the original marble sculptures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. No photos allowed in here, but the guides took a photo of each party with Snow White. In this photo, I was trying to make my head look like it was one of the models on the shelves!



In this room, Dave spent some time explaining how the sculptures for animatronic figures were made in the past and how they’re made now. He was so interesting to listen to and I wished I could just follow him around all day. He also explained the backstory of the Snow White figures and the forced perspective used to produce the illusion that Snow is so much taller than the dwarves. Amazing how our eyes are tricked by the use of the different levels, smaller-proportioned birds on the level with Snow, and larger-than-life animals on the level with the dwarves.

Back to the hallways again, which were lined with artwork and tributes to past imagineers. You could peek into the doorways and see animators working, and it was just SO cool! Dave talked to us all along the way and led us into a HUGE room where they were building ½ inch-to-the-foot models for the new mine tram ride for MK’s Fantasyland expansion! Again, no photos allowed, but this ride is going to be very cool! He described the ride itself as a “family-friendly coaster”, so maybe it’ll be tame enough for me to ride! It was interesting that there were two huge models being constructed at the same time. Because the rest of the world is on the metric system if an attraction is going into a foreign park they need to build a separate metric-scaled model as well. He wouldn’t tell us which of the non-US parks this attraction is being added to! He told us that the opening for the mine tram ride is scheduled for January, 2014.

Next we went back to the room where we’d watched the video and were shown another video explaining how they’re building the next generation of autonomous animatronic figures, like Lucky the Dinosaur who was roaming AK a few summers back. He’s really amazing, walking along, responding to guests, purring when petted, laughing, even signing his 4-leaf-clover signature. He then pulled back a curtain to reveal---LUCKY! He’s really so lifelike! His flanks move as he breathes, his body and tail sway slightly, and he walks and makes all sorts of noises. He signed an autograph for one of the tour members, and we each got to pose with him and touch him while the guides took our photos with their cameras and ours.





Dave said that the next free-roaming animatronic will be a fire-breathing, flying dragon and he hinted (more than hinted, really) that it would be tested next month in WDW! So watch for him if you’ll be there in August!

The tour was over, but not our time at Imagineering. It was time to shop at Mickey’s of Glendale, the Imagineers-only store! I was so excited for this! We were each given a coupon for 40% off one item and let loose into the store. I left the scooter outside and walked (it’s a pretty small store) so that I didn’t have to drive and could keep my eyes on the merchandise—shopping is serious business! There was regular Disney merchandise, but I only looked at the Imagineering-exclusive items. I got a t-shirt and polo shirt and mug for myself, and pens, and shirts for Christmas gifts. There were lots of shirts and jackets (very nice quality ones, too--tees, polos and very nice short-sleeve dress shirts)—but mostly for men! There were only a couple of styles for women, which was quite disappointing. I did get for myself a small men’s polo that sort of fits me now! It’s a beautiful teal-blue color. I also got some Imagineering pins that were limited editions of only 200! Most of these were sold out, but there were a few left. They had two ABD limited pins also and I bought both of those (editions limited to 300). This was a very fun shopping expedition!
I think they’ve learned now how much time needs to be allotted to shopping here, because we weren’t rushed at all. I was finished quite quickly and had plenty of time afterwards to rest outside in the shade. Dave stayed with the group the whole time we were there so that people could ask him questions. Such a nice man.



Back on the bus we headed to our next stop: Walt Disney Studios for lunch at the Commissary followed by the tour. Here’s where I began to feel so exhausted that I felt like I was in a brain-fog. As a result, although there were some amazing parts to the tour, I didn’t enjoy this stop as much as I’d expected. When we arrived at the studio (Mickey-head gates!) and went pretty quickly to our lunch. They wanted to get us in before the lunch rush was at its peak.

We were given vouchers for lunch—one entrée, one side-dish, one drink and one dessert. This was one of the best meals so far! The employees here eat very well. Lots of fresh, local, organic veggies, everything prepared daily, lots of selections, vegetarian and otherwise. I had a really yummy goat-cheese pizza with pine nuts, spinach and tomatoes, and iced tea.



I didn’t want a side or dessert, but took them for later—a bag of chips and a cookie. The studio’s work-day was in full swing, so the others we were eating with were a mixture of execs, talent, developers, mechanics, secretaries… No one I recognized, but who knows who was there!

Art on the walls of the ladies' room:



Before the tour started I had a bit of time, so I went into the small store nearby. No exclusive merchandise, but lots of great Disney stuff. I figured I’d see these items again in the shops at DLR, though, so decided not to purchase anything while I wasn’t feeling quite focused. I did get my photo taken with the mother-bear from Brave. I loved this movie!



On to the tour, which seemed to be mostly just walking (scooting) in the very hot sun to various soundstages, where the guides pointed to the outside of the building and said, “This is where Mary Poppins was shot.” Somewhat interesting, but, although photos were allowed, I couldn’t get many because of needing my hands and eyes to drive. I didn’t even get a single shot of the iconic building with the dwarves holding up the roof---although it was very neat to see it! They pointed out where Walt’s office was. It’s now Eva Longoria’s office!



We went into a huge soundstage where Matt explained how sitcoms are filmed. This I could have done without, and I know those who were walking and standing were getting tired. After this came the really good stuff—walking through hallways with beautiful concept art and story-boards. I wish we’d had longer to stop here because we were allowed to take photos, but were being hurried past. Some really amazing art.









We went through an underground tunnel to the archive building. The tunnel has a fairly steep decline and Jonathan, who was leading me a separate accessible route, told me that when movies were completed, the animators used to have skating races down the hill, using the cels as skates!! Ohhh, noooo! Outside the archives were cases of memorabilia, photos and one of the multi-plane cameras.







Inside we went to a small room that was jam-packed with incredible things! Lots of old consumer items, all of which I coveted, and the Oscars won by the company. We each got to pose with an Oscar, which should have been exciting, but at this point I just wanted to lie down in a cool room!

Next was "Legends Plaza", with the Partners' statue and plaques honoring all the Disney legends. Even in my woozy state, I enjoyed going past all the wonderful names, and snapped just a few photos:







On the way out I managed to get this shot of a Mickey topiary near the entrance to the studios with the hospital where Walt died in the background. So poignant.



One of the others on the tour was nice enough to get a shot of this famous sign at Pluto corner on my camera.



I was very glad to get back to my seat on the comfortable bus, where we had an air-conditioned ride to the Grand Californian and Disneyland! The ride was a bit over an hour and they played the “Cars” movie, but most of us dozed off. As we approached the hotel, Matt said we’d receive our hotel keys upon arrival—they were already prepared for us—and we could go to our rooms where our bags would be delivered shortly. It was then 4:15 and we were to meet again back down in the lobby to walk to dinner at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel, followed by VIP seating for Fantasmic and some other adventures in the park. How on earth was I going to manage all this???

The hotel is SO beautiful. Like Wilderness Lodge only more elegant.



I love the room décor, but found several things amiss— the shower curtain was missing some rings, which made it look shabby and old, and the toilet paper holder was missing the bar to hold the paper! I went to the phone to make a quick call to get these things taken care of, but the phone wasn’t working! The room is still beautiful, though.













At this point it was time to go back down to the lobby and the bags hadn’t arrived. I’d been hoping to be able to put a fully-loaded battery on the scooter for the evening and to change for dinner (Matt had suggested we do this), but couldn’t. When I got down to the lobby I found that only a couple of the parties in our group had gotten their luggage and were told there had been a mix-up, which “never happens”. Honestly, this is a beautiful hotel and the CMs were all great, but I think they’re short-staffed, which is making the service less than perfect. This has to be frustrating for them, and for us.

Off we went and I got my first look at how the hotel connects to Downtown Disney and the other on-property hotels. I love this! To be able to walk out the door of your hotel and be in Downtown Disney, which you can really do from either Disneyland Hotel or the GC, is fantastic! Disneyland Hotel’s recent renovations all look wonderful. I hope to get some shots of the incredible pool later. It’s so different from when I was here 20 years ago.

Steakhouse 55 is a very nice restaurant, with large photos of celebs lining the walls. I was seated just under Cary Grant and Ava Gardner. We were given specially-prepared menus with Caesar salad, a choice of chicken, salmon or steak, and crème brulee for dessert. It irritated me a bit that there was nothing vegetarian listed—even the Caesar salad isn’t vegetarian if it’s made with real Caesar dressing. I was confident, though, that they’d have a couple of choices for me. When the waitress got to me for my order I told her I was a vegetarian, and she said, “Well, there’s chicken and fish.” I said, "no…I’m an ovo-lacto vegetarian, which means only vegetables, grains and dairy". She said, “well, then, what can you eat? Do you just want a plate of vegetables?” Honestly! In California, at a fine restaurant, and ABD had the information that I’m vegetarian…. She offered to give me pasta, but couldn’t tell me any details of what the sauce would be. She did offer to have the chef come out, but I didn’t want to hold up the group, was annoyed, tired and cranky. I looked at the menu again and asked her to just please bring me the salad, with Italian dressing, and the sides that came with the other entrees—veg and mashed potato. I actually enjoyed this, as the potatoes were good and the veg was nicely cooked asparagus. What a ridiculous commotion, though. At this point I’d realized that I couldn’t do another thing and told the guides that I wouldn’t be going on the night portion of the tour. After dinner I just went back to the room, after stopping in the lobby to make sure that someone came to fix the problems, especially the phone, and crashed for the night.

Here is a photo of my purchases, with a close-up of the pins.

[FanOfMickey]

After starting to read your trip report I now want to do this tour!! I am now adding it to my list of places and things I want to do.

Sorry to hear they had no vegetarian options at Steak 55. So many people nowadays are vegatarians. Glad to hear you did enjoy the veggies they did give you.

Grand Californian is a beautiful hotel, but I found the rooms a tad to small for the price of them. I am glad I stayed there once, I don't think I would want to stay there again. I do want to try the Disneyland Hotel.

Can't wait to read more on your trip!!

[Dlandmom2]

What a packed day! I know the heat didn't help at all. Thank goodness it did cool down a bit from the weekend, and we're back to our "dry" humidity!

I'm so jealous that you were able to peek into some Imagineers' offices! I would LOVE to work there...although I'd probably have to pay them instead of them paying me!

It looks like you made some pretty good purchases at Mickey's of Glendale, but bummer that there wasn't more of a selection. I'm glad they didn't rush you, though, because shopping is a serious business!

I can't believe the problems with your room! It's not something you would expect at a place like the GC, especially with guests on an ABD tour!

I love the picture overlooking the the main floor. The sofa on the left where the ladies in red and blue dresses are seated is where I first met chezp and Mark last year! Great PassPorter memories! And sadly, it was ridiculously hot when they were here. It's definitely something to think about when visiting DLR in the summer. I'm born and raised here, and I STILL have trouble dealing with it! I remember telling Cheryl last year that I can't really tolerate the scorching heat either...I just try to stay inside where there's air conditioning!

Hope you're able to get some more rest tonight!

I almost forgot to mention Steakhouse 55. It just doesn't make sense for a server there not to be FULLY trained on potential guest questions...especially common ones! I think this is the second time in recent memory where I heard about a server offering chicken to a vegetarian...I don't get that!!!

[rlb38]

That is some pretty cool loot you picked up Laurie! Love the Tom Morrow pin and the t-shirt on the right hand side.

I can't blame you for not feeling your best. Not being able to change clothes which can sometimes make all the difference and the problems in your room . Not a great start to this hotel stay.

I would be upset to be a "veggie" with a set menu and no options when it's no surprise to the the tour that is your dining preference. It just doesn't make sense to me.

sounds like you made the best out of what you were offered. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by FanOfMickey

After starting to read your trip report I now want to do this tour!! I am now adding it to my list of places and things I want to do.

Sorry to hear they had no vegetarian options at Steak 55. So many people nowadays are vegatarians. Glad to hear you did enjoy the veggies they did give you.

Grand Californian is a beautiful hotel, but I found the rooms a tad to small for the price of them. I am glad I stayed there once, I don't think I would want to stay there again. I do want to try the Disneyland Hotel.

Can't wait to read more on your trip!!

I agree-- this is a beautiful hotel, but I'd choose the Disneyland Hotel, too. I stayed there 20 years ago and it's so much improved now. I love all the memorabilia in there. A big part of the reason I go to DLR is the nostalgia factor and DLH just fits in.

Originally Posted by Dlandmom2

What a packed day! I know the heat didn't help at all. Thank goodness it did cool down a bit from the weekend, and we're back to our "dry" humidity!

I'm so jealous that you were able to peek into some Imagineers' offices! I would LOVE to work there...although I'd probably have to pay them instead of them paying me!

It looks like you made some pretty good purchases at Mickey's of Glendale, but bummer that there wasn't more of a selection. I'm glad they didn't rush you, though, because shopping is a serious business!

I can't believe the problems with your room! It's not something you would expect at a place like the GC, especially with guests on an ABD tour!

I love the picture overlooking the the main floor. The sofa on the left where the ladies in red and blue dresses are seated is where I first met chezp and Mark last year! Great PassPorter memories! And sadly, it was ridiculously hot when they were here. It's definitely something to think about when visiting DLR in the summer. I'm born and raised here, and I STILL have trouble dealing with it! I remember telling Cheryl last year that I can't really tolerate the scorching heat either...I just try to stay inside where there's air conditioning!

Hope you're able to get some more rest tonight!

I almost forgot to mention Steakhouse 55. It just doesn't make sense for a server there not to be FULLY trained on potential guest questions...especially common ones! I think this is the second time in recent memory where I heard about a server offering chicken to a vegetarian...I don't get that!!!

I find it so interesting that the temps were low today, but the sun was still scorching. You can feel it burning your skin the instant you leave the shade!

Originally Posted by rlb38

That is some pretty cool loot you picked up Laurie! Love the Tom Morrow pin and the t-shirt on the right hand side.

I can't blame you for not feeling your best. Not being able to change clothes which can sometimes make all the difference and the problems in your room . Not a great start to this hotel stay.

I would be upset to be a "veggie" with a set menu and no options when it's no surprise to the the tour that is your dining preference. It just doesn't make sense to me.

sounds like you made the best out of what you were offered. Looking forward to the next adventure.

That was a very strange experience to have at a fine-dining restaurant!

I've got today's update almost ready, so now you'll be overloaded. Sorry!

[lauriep]

Day 5, Wednesday 7/25/12

Weather: sunny, highs in the upper 70’s, but felt MUCH hotter in full sunlight. Very comfortable in the shade.

I slept long and well. Woke up again just before 5. I really was so tired yesterday that I felt crazy, but today at least I feel somewhat sane again! My body is still aching and not happy. I can push it a bit, though. Just today and tomorrow left for real touring, then I’ll be on my own in Seattle and can move at a slower pace and can not move at all if I want on the cruise! I got yesterday's TR segment written up and the photos onto photobucket, but had to leave to meet up in the lobby for breakfast before I could post it.

Breakfast this morning was inside Disneyland at the Plaza—breakfast with Minnie and Friends. I got to see again how the whole DLR complex fits together (very different from how I was imagining it!)—Downtown Disney connected to the GC, connected to DLH, connected to DL, with the entrance to DCA just a few steps from the entrance to DL!! I LOVE it!

We went through security and into the parks so fast I was on Main St before I knew it. SO beautiful. We posed for pics in front of the castle. They told us to throw up a hand like we were glad to be at Disneyland. I chose to make Mouse-ears with my hands.



I also grabbed a shot of a woman who was in the park (she must have been on a VIP private tour) with her miniature dachshund. She posed with a Photopass photog. for several pics in front of the castle with the dog wearing different hats. It really was adorable, but strange! The dog posed in a pirate hat, pooh, and stitch.



Breakfast was fun, with the Fairy Godmother, Eeyore, Rabbit, Tigger, Captain Hook, Chip and Dale--the usual hodgepodge of characters they seem to do at DL. They were all fantastic—interacting and cutting up with each other. Rabbit danced a jitterbug with the youngest of our group, Captain Hook got mad at Rabbit because Rabbit hugged him (Captain Hook and Rabbit???), and then Eeyore and Rabbit danced a bit of the Thriller video! Absolutely hilarious! I’m hoping some of this will be captured on the photos the guides took, because I was sitting in a spot that made photo-taking hard and I didn’t bother. On our way out, though, I spotted Suzy Mouse and had to stop to take her photo. This is for Stefanie.



They had to drag us out of there and we went off to ride Buzz Lightyear. I rode with Matt and my score improved a tiny bit probably because I had competition. Still did pretty badly, but had a lot of fun. ( I’m thinking I already have the sequence of events from today all mixed up! Since I have no photos of a lot of things to trigger my memory, I’m just going to make up the order! I don't know how people do this writing the reports when they get home!)

Then came one of the highlights of the whole tour, and one we’d all been waiting for: Walt’s apartment.



The docent met us in front of the fire station and I went backstage (cool!) with another guest-relations person to ride the lift to the second floor. There’s no elevator, but they leased from Jet Blue a luggage lift and that’s what I rode in. We went up to the back entrance to the apartment, and suddenly I was alone in Walt and Lily’s cozy space. A-W-E-S-O-M-E. I was close to tears the whole time I was in here. The others arrived and the docent told stories about the family and how Walt would wander out onto Main Street in the morning in his bathrobe. When he came to the end and said, “We never let the lamp go out so that Walt is always with us in the park”---the tears flowed. I knew all this, but being in that room and hearing it was…. overwhelming. No photos allowed in there, but the guides took one photo of the group in front of the lamp.



One of the other members of the group took a photo of me coming down in the lift and I’ll post it later when I get it.

I THINK we then went backstage at Indiana Jones and got a talk and demonstration of how the vehicles work from one of the ride engineers. He gave an interesting talk on how they handle maintenance of the vehicles and all the parts to the ride.

After that it was time for lunch. We each got an hour and a $20 voucher to spend on food in either of the parks or hotels. It had to be used at one time—no change would be given, so I decided it was pretty silly to waste it on a quick snack in the park and saved it for dinner and went for a refreshing Dole whip lunch instead. After enjoying my snack in a shady spot I roamed around a bit—wasn’t enough time to do an attraction and the park was getting VERY crowded. I did enjoy reminding myself of the charm of this great park, though I got to see so little of it.

We met up and went to another tour highlight. We got to ride in Walt’s private train car, the Lilly Belle. The décor in this car is very similar to that in the apartment. Very much Lilly’s taste—Victorian antiques and roses. The car is beautiful and a very comfortable ride, too!





After this treat, we went backstage again, this time to the roundhouse for the trains, where one of the engineers talked to us about the trains and I spaced out in the blazing sunshine. He talked for too long and the poor people standing were going crazy and wanting some shade and a chair. Next stop, machine shops for maintenance of the ride vehicles and animatronics. Very neat to see various vehicles sitting about—a Toad car, bobsled. This information was well presented and interesting, but so uncomfortable in the hot sun standing on hot pavement! The next stop was quite fun. A visit to the Circle D ranch, where the animals live (horses, goats, turkeys and Pancho, the miniature donkey) and where there was much more shade! We talked to the manager of the area and got to pet the animals (except the very bad-tempered turkeys). The enormous Percherons were so beautiful and gentle. Again, no pics because it's backstage.

The next stop (final one for me today) was the Dream Suite in the castle, originally designed at the time New Orleans Square was built as more luxurious quarters for Walt and his family, but never completed until long after his death. It was opened in 2007 but is very close in appearance to what was originally planned. It has, of course, been “plussed”. The whole suite is beautiful and elegant, but the coolest thing is the “kiss goodnight” in each room. You flick a switch and various things happen to say goodnight. In the master bedroom (Adventureland theme), the lights dim, music plays, the image of a waterfall appears on the wall, moonlight fills the room, the photo of an empty lagoon fills with mermaids. In the bathroom, stars and fireworks appear in the tiles over the bathtub. The children’s room (a Frontierland theme), the model train on the shelf just below the ceiling chugs to life and circles the room to music. The boat model sways on the waves. In the living room, it’s more like a “kiss goodmorning” as the Grandfather clock lights up with birds on the dial, and a music box bird in a cage on the mantelpiece starts to sing. Completely magical, and, of course, photos don't capture it at all.





The tour continued after that with a ride on Pirates, another ride, and vip viewing of the 6pm parade, but I opted out. Dead tired, and didn’t want to get crazy-tired like yesterday. I’m disappointed to ride so few attractions (just Buzz, so far!), but I’d rather do the backstage access things. I can always do the rides on a future trip. It was only 3pm, but I went back to the hotel and right to the hot-tub for some relief for my aching body. Felt so good! After that I showered, dressed again, and quickly grabbed the purchases I’d made yesterday to take them down to the business center to ship home. This will save me lugging them to Seattle and Alaska and will also save an airline over-weight limit fee. A quick and easy process. I then had a lovely, quiet dinner at Storytellers. Because it was so early (4:30), the place was pretty empty. What a wonderful restaurant this is! I love the décor and had a great meal. I got two appetizers—a delicious vegetable soup and a field greens salad with pears and blue cheese. Perfect.





Tomorrow morning we’re to meet at 6:45am (got that, Danielle?—I was wrong. It isn’t a 7am meeting time every day!). The schedule shows breakfast at Goofy’s kitchen, early-morning visit to California Adventure, then lunch and afternoon free (I’m thinking nap), then a farewell dinner somewhere at Disneyland (could it be Club 33??)—I don’t want to miss this! Hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day of touring. We do meet for breakfast on Friday, but that’s it for Backstage Magic!

[Dlandmom2]

Two updates tonight! You're like the Energizer bunny tonight!

Neat day! I've been fortunate enough to be in Walt's apartment, too, and there really is an "aura" about the place, isn't there? I would love another opportunity to visit it again!

Did you like the DL version of Buzz? I never did try Buzz in MK, but I've heard it's a lot harder to shoot on that ride because the guns don't lift up for you to point it all around you. I'd probably get a dreadful score at MK!

Sending you that you get to experience Club 33 tomorrow!