Tikibird Goes West to Walk in Walt's Footsteps - June 2003, DLH- COMPLETED!!! About This Page:

[luvnwdwgal]

Tiki, sorry that you had such a rough start to your trip! But I AM glad that things are picking up!! Looking forward to the next installment!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Mauimouse]

Glad that those scuffs marks are now a thing of the past.

Thanks for posting those photos, as I haven't ever see DCA or Disneyland yet.

Enjoying reading about your trip! Thanks for sharing. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[tikibird]

Day One, Part Two Continued...

We got a cool view of the Stinger while waiting to ride.


Once we got on, Chris selected an outside seat, and I, not being quite as brave went for the inside. The ride does not last very long, so I didn’t get too dizzy!





After the Stinger, we walk on the Boardwalk area, which I think is very well done, and we see there is only a 10 minute line for California Screamin’, so we all decide to tackle that next. The soundtrack is very carnival-like, and between it, and the way it jostled our heads around, we all got off saying “Once was enough!” We had a really funny picture that I would have liked to purchase, but Chris was adamant that we did not, so I didn’t.

After Screamin’ it was almost time for our Ariel’s Grotto PS, so we headed over there. On the way, we stop for a few shots of the view.


Paradise Pier, with the Paradise Pier Hotel in the background


I selected Ariel’s for our first dinner based on Tina’s trip report. Some other reviews led me to believe that this place would be packed, but the restaurant, like the rest of the park, was pretty empty (which led us to mistakenly believe we were in for small crowds all week!). We arrived at 4:00 p.m. (remember, we were still on East Coast time!) for our 4:15 PS.

Soon after we check in at the podium, we are shown to our seats. We requested to be inside, but you can also sit outside on a dock-like area, which must be great at night when the lights are on!

The meal is a fixed price for 3 courses – an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $17.99. However, I had a coupon from the Birmbaum guide that said “Avalon Cove (old name for Ariel’s), eat dinner at lunch prices), so we saved $20, when our price per person was dropped to $12.99/each. This is more than I spent on the Birmbaum guide – gotta love bargains like that! Anyway, back to our meal. Even though it was pretty much deserted, it took a good while to get our food. In the meantime we were greeted by Minnie, and then Chip.





Finally, our starters arrived. Gonzo, Chris and I had selected the chicken noodle soup and Andy, the cheesy onion soup (salad is the other selection). The soup was good, but not outstanding, and we had some sourdough bread, as well. (BTW – I was completely off the low carb diet this trip – much to the dismay of the Food Police – hey – it was vacation!).

Next up – entrees – Chris had a huge cheeseburger with fries, Andy had a chicken Caesar salad, I had the fish and chips (based on a review I read), and Craig had an adult portion of Mickey Nuggets (I had also found out that adults could order bigger portions of anything on the children’s menu). The fish was good – but a bit greasy. But the fries – oh my – I had had no fries for months. I had all I could do not to eat every one! Everyone else enjoyed their meal, and there was plenty of food – Gonzo couldn’t even finish his.

Last up – dessert – I had a churro/ice cream/apple thing that was just okay – Andy had a Rocky Road ice cream creation, and the boys had the best one of all – a Chocolate cake with caramel corn – sounds weird, but was quite tasty (I had to, of course, sample all desserts!). In addition, a plate of cotton candy came out with dessert.



I liked the theming of this place and overall, a good and filling dining experience! Ariel showed up towards the end of our meal and was greeted by quite a few admiring girls, as the restaurant was starting to fill up.


To be continued…..

[tikibird]

The time change is starting to catch up with us a bit, but go on Soarin' again with FP (Andy and I were also able to get the front row this time, and the experience is better - try for it!), and then we decided to go and see a ITTBAB, so we were off to “A Bug’s Land”




Again, no one in line – we wait a few minutes prior to the show. No Tree of Life, though!




The show is exactly the same as at AK. I thought that I almost got Gonzo to sit back in his seat for the sting, but he chickened out and sat sideways!

After ITTBAB, Gonzo informs us that we will all ride Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train, as he has decided that it looks cool. Chris refuses to go on this “kiddie” ride, but the rest of us talk him into it. What a HOOT!!! We absolutely adored this ride!



Heimlich goes through various foods talking about how much he loves them, “devours” them, and at one point belches! We rode through a giant watermelon rind, candy corn (Heimlich’s favorite) and my favorite, a big box of animal crackers that smelled SO good! This was our sleeper hit of the trip!



[i]Chris and Gonzo give Heimlich a "thumbs up!"

By now we are dragging, but Gonzo insists we see Muppets before we head back to the hotel for a break. It is Super Soap Weekend at the park, but the park is still quite empty, and as none of us watch soaps, we have no idea who any of the stars are the people are lining up for.




Muppets is in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot section, which in my opinion, is better done than the comparable area at MGM. A giant blue sky with clouds serves as the backdrop, which I think is what makes it stand out so well.

Muppets is the same as at MGM, and enjoyed by all. But we are beat, and it is getting chilly, so we walk back to the DLH for a break (about a 10-minute walk).

Next up – Day One, Part Three meeting up with Jennifer and Dave for Disney’s Electrical Parade!

[coffeechef]

Yeah....Sandy's Trip Report. I have been looking for it. SOunds like things got better after a shaky start. I can't wait to hear more. The Chew Chew train sounds like fun & if there is burping involved it will be a sure hit with my boys, I want to take them in 2005 for the Anniversary.

[ 06-24-2003, 07:34 PM: Message edited by: coffeechef ]

[tikibird]

Day One, Part Three – DCA Passporter Meet and the Electrical Parade!

We chill at the hotel for awhile, as we are all pretty much exhausted. However, I have one last mission for the day – to meet up with Jennifer and Dave, and to see the Electrical Parade! The parade is to start at 8:45, so we are to meet at the Giant Dinosaur at 8:00 p.m. I throw on my $40 WDW sweatshirt (see theme park stupid thread), and off we go!

Dave is already at the dinosaur. Andy, Gonzo and Chris head off, as they see Mulholland Madness is back up and running. Dave and I chat for a bit, and Jennifer arrives. What fun they are too talk to! They tell me all about their adventures in S. California – today was Knottsberry Farm. This is a working trip for them – they are trying out various attractions and hotels for the new DL Passporter Guide, which will be out in the fall. I am handed a sneak preview which has some excepts of the new book, and am thrilled (this is going to be another great guide Passporters)!!! Andy snaps a picture of us when we decide where we will watch the parade from, a bit up from the area in which we met. The Paradise Pier section is absolutely gorgeous all lit up at night.




Now – the Electrical Parade. I am completely obsessed with it (have the CD and the video – my cell phone ring is even the song from the parade), but have NEVER seen it! When the time finally comes for the parade to pass us by, I am almost jumping for joy! I am like a little kid, I am so excited!!! I am finally getting to see the Electrical Parade!

I take an entire role of film and just love every minute of this!








Chris and I love the turtles/bugs that make the “wah wah” sounds the best!








Ah, I just adore this parade! (I am deciding I will be back again the next evening!)





Even Craig, that does not like parades at all, enjoys this. Chris appreciates the circa 1970's electronica music!

When the parade is over, Jennifer and Dave walk over to DL with us. We have decided we will push ourselves just a bit more for a ride on Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, which is my all-time favorite ride, anywhere. Jennifer and Dave are going to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening walking through DL, so we say goodbye at the turnstiles. We are very fortunate to have Jennifer and Dave head up Passporter and these boards. If you ever get a chance to meet them in person – don’t pass it up!!!

Now, on to Indy! We speedwalk through Main St. and into Adventureland. We had a 35 minute wait, and are all getting punchy, as it is now after midnight in Pittsburgh. We ride, and for what I can remember, it was as good as I remembered (we all said the next day that the experience was kind of surreal, though!).

The weary Pittsburghers walk back to the hotel one last time, shower and collapse into bed!

Next up - Day Two, Part One – Conquering the Matterhorn and Riding Mr. Toad for Marcie!

[ 06-25-2003, 08:40 PM: Message edited by: tikibird ]

[LilMarcieMouse]

Omgosh what a great report!! i just found it. I can wait to read more. some day I will make it to DL. I so glad your trip got better. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[kimdisneynut]

Thanks for the update.

[Tara O'Hara]

Tiki, your trip report ROCKS!! Your pictures are awesome and it sounds like you guys are settling in to a grand time! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Sorry that the weather isn't the best [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] ! I, too, LOVE [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] the electrical light parade and can't wait to see it again!!!!!!!

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Thanks for the update and the pics! They are awesome!!

Pam

[luvnwdwgal]

Tiki, I actually felt your joy as I was reading how much you loved the Electrical Parade! I'm so happy that you're having such a great time, especially since it started out so rough for you! Hurry with more!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Dumbo]

Glad things are starting to look up. I'm enjoying your adventure.

[Mauimouse]

Some excellent photos of the parade.

Can't wait to read about the Matterhorn!

Thanks for sharing, enjoying your report!

[wheatenwalker]

Sandy, You had me laughing out loud at the start to your trip and the arguing over the music in the car, and the 'never going to take another family vacation'. Not funny but SO familiar to me!!!!! really enjoying your report, thanks- Sheila

[AKLRULZ]

WOW! Where I have been? Just read this through - Sandy, it's great. Major props to you on this! The pictures rock and it's neat to hear of your meeting up with J&D. Can't wait for more.