Forever Young: A Disneyland Trip 50 Years in the Making COMPLETED 1/16/16 About This Page:

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

You are certainly covering these attractions in fine detail with your camera! I have never been to DL but want to do it eventually. But, I want to go back to WDW in 2016 perhaps as I took a DCL Magic cruise (my first) in 2015.

As much as I want to go to DL I am worried about the planning issues as you had such a dilemma with much of the planning for dining and other special events as it seemed (with your PTR) as you'd never know when the window would open! Just seems a bit aggravating to me and I'm quite the planner like you! Perhaps, DL is still stuck in the 50's and can't leap forward to the new millennium like its' Orlando counterpart and take in this great technology and advance planning opportunities!

Not sure about the resorts either as I know they can be quite pricey and I am not a DVC member. I think you may have posted a link recently about close off site hotels within walking distance of DL. Might be something like resident or neighbor hotels. Well anyway, I plan to go here eventually!

The planning was a hassle, but some of that was the differences between DLR and WDW. In the end, I feel it was all worth it as we had an incredible time.

Originally Posted by pamcarey

Oh my goodness, that Monte Cristo was huge! I feel full just looking at it. I'm glad you both enjoyed your meals!

I think I felt full just looking at it, too, before I dug into it. It was so sweet and rich.

Originally Posted by chezp

You certainly packed the rides in in Fantasyland! Glad you enjoyed your meal at Café Orleans.

Everything is so close to everything else in DL's Fantasyland that we just keep moving from one ride to another.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by DMA

The photo backdrop of BTMR is so cute! I love that idea!
Your meal looked yummy, but oh my gosh! The Monte Cristo! How could one person eat that much?

I have not idea how one person could it that much because neither Luke nor I could. Sharing one in the future will work so much better.

Originally Posted by MayraLR

Love the PP backdrop of BTMRR! They should have a couple of those backdrops at WDW.
That sandwich was huge! No way I'd be able to put a dent on it.

I would love for WDW to get a few of the backdrops. It was fun taking the photos and then so neat to see how they turned out on PhotoPass.

Originally Posted by Amy L

Love those PP photo's, they are so neat! Thank you, thank you for posting where the Pandora store is! I forgot that I wanted a 60th celebration charm until you reminded me. Yummy lunch too! Now I know where I can go to get beignets post race.

Glad to help! I wasn't sure where the Pandora store was either, but the sign really stood out. beignets.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Glad you were able to get in so many rides! Your food at Café Orleans looks delish!

We were surprised how many rides we go in before the Halloween Party.

Originally Posted by Roxie2006

WOW, I'm sure you did feel Walt's presences in the last 3 rides. The food photos were great. I from New Orleans and I'm not exactly sure what you were served, but it looked very good.

Everything was so delicious!

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Mmmmmmmmm, Monte Cristo! Love that sandwich, and didn't realize you could get it somewhere other than Blue Bayou. Good to know.

Love those photo backdrops! And those old classic dark rides! Wish they hadn't taken most of them away at WDW.

We did the Fantasmic Package with Blue Bayou, so I knew if I wanted a Monte Cristo it had to be here. I totally agree about missing the classic dark rides at WDW now.

Originally Posted by Momof2Disneyboys

Joining in!

Going back to get caught up!

Thanks so for signing on, Shelly!

[Coop]

I would LOVE to try that Monte Cristo!

[wheezie]

Your sandwich looked yummy-but huge! I agree, I think sharing is the way to go on that one.

[clio]

I'm really enjoying your photos of DL. Walt's presence is everywhere. I remember Mr. Toad. We always let my daughter 'drive'. It's one of the rides I miss.
The Monte Cristo looks so good. I can't wait to read more.
Liz

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Originally Posted by Cam22

Thanks so for signing on, Shelly!

All caught up. Awesome TR!! Can't wait to read more. Loving all the pics!

[SharonK0527]

All caught up. Great photos from all the different Fantasyland rides you went on. Both yours and Luke's food looked very good. My goodness, that certainly WAS a big sandwich!

Looking forward to MNSSHP!

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Coop

I would LOVE to try that Monte Cristo!

Trust me, it was soooo good!

Originally Posted by wheezie

Your sandwich looked yummy-but huge! I agree, I think sharing is the way to go on that one.

I loved it, just didn't have room for the whole thing.

Originally Posted by clio

I'm really enjoying your photos of DL. Walt's presence is everywhere. I remember Mr. Toad. We always let my daughter 'drive'. It's one of the rides I miss.
The Monte Cristo looks so good. I can't wait to read more.
Liz

That is so cute that your daughter "drove."

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Momof2Disneyboys

All caught up. Awesome TR!! Can't wait to read more. Loving all the pics!

Glad you are enjoying it!

Originally Posted by SharonK0527

All caught up. Great photos from all the different Fantasyland rides you went on. Both yours and Luke's food looked very good. My goodness, that certainly WAS a big sandwich!

Looking forward to MNSSHP!

Thanks! We both enjoyed our meals even if mine was a little too huge to finish.

[Cam22]

Wednesday, October 7 – Painting the Party Night

A bit of back story first. Our original plan had been to wear our pirate costumes from last year. But a few days before our trip, we changed our minds. First, the more we saw concerning the weather, we were afraid we might get too hot. Second, taking the pirate costumes meant a third suitcase as the outfits and accessories (my tall boots) takes up quite a bit of space. Since we would be totally hauling those suitcases ourselves, having a third one didn’t seem the least bit fun. Several years back we wore cute t-shirts which made it appear that our heads were on the bodies of Mickey and Animal. These now became our back up costumes. With the expected hit, I packed a running skort to go with my Mickey t-shirt. I also intended to pack my Mickey ears and gloves, but since these were not on my original packing list, the accessories were left out. I didn’t realize this until we were getting into costume.

Some other pre-trip info. Luke had sent me a link to a web article sometime in September that listed tips for enjoying Mickey’s Halloween Party (DL name for the party). I learned here that wristbands were available beginning at 3:00 PM at Frontierland and the Front Entrance. An unadvertised event is the Toontown Treat Party beginning at 5:00 PM where 17 treat stations were set up along with an exclusive photo location. The article was full of lots of helpful tips, including parade and fireworks times and where to locate characters and the Cadaver Dans. After reading the article, I realized that just like MNSSHP we would not be able to do everything.

The story resumes. A quick, short walk and we were back at our room. It only took a few minutes for us both to freshen up and get into costume. We had seen that the line to get into the party was already getting long as we left, so we wasted no time heading back. Similar to MNSSHP at MK, we were directed to the far end of the gates for party entry. Here we presented our tickets, and then received our wristbands and treat bags. Let the party begin!



I had hoped to get our photo made with the giant Mickey pumpkin/jack-o-lantern, but even though there were two PhotoPass photographers, one of each side of the pumpkin, the line was looooong. So we skipped that, thinking we’d come back later. Spoiler: that never happened, so I have no photo of us in costume. Just a note: Disneyland had been less crowded during the day than it now was for the party. The rumor is that DL is overselling for the parties. This will definitely factor in to how much we’re able to accomplish for the rest of the evening.

As we made our way down Main Street, Luke smelled Starbucks, and swerved right into Market House for a Mocha Grande. I debated whether or not to order a hot chocolate, but chose not as it was too warm for that to sound good. From Market House we walked into the hub and headed through the castle as we hadn’t done that yet.



We were on a mission now to get to Toontown since it was already after 5:00 PM and the treat trails were open. I love new Fantasyland at WDW, but I still miss Toontown. Once we got to the very back of the park, we entered the first visible trail around a fountain at the right of this section. The cast members had created a path using masking tape that had us snaking our way around to several candy troughs. The line was already quite long as we had arrived at about 5:15. Unfortunately, there also wasn’t much to photograph in line, so Luke and I chatted away about all the cool costumes folks were wearing. Eventually, we were at the troughs and being treated to lots of the good candy.





At one point in the queue, we noticed that Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin was still running. Since it looked to have little to no line, Luke suggested we ride it once we’d made it through this treat trail. And that’s exactly what we did. It really is a cute little ride, making me realize just how long it has been since the two of us have watched this movie.











Next up were the treat trails that wound through Minnie and Mickey’s houses. I really wanted to get photos but that would unfortunately not happen. The houses were swarming with kids and their parents. Every piece of furniture was covered with kids and I didn’t want to be creepy taking photos of other folks’ kids. We weren’t bored though as we had the cutest little baby in front of us who was dressed as Donald Duck, complete with a white fluffy tail on his bum/diaper. His excitement over every little detail was contagious. It appeared he was just learning to walk, and often took off causing mom and dad to race to catch him. By the time we reached Mickey’s House, his family, which included both parents and what I assume were both sets of grandparents, waved us ahead as he was starting to fuss at being picked up so everyone could move on. I truly enjoyed our visit to both houses, but I could tell a few parents were frustrated at having to corral their kids to keep the line moving. The house did provide distraction for the kids during the wait, but also made them reluctant to move on when their parents and others were ready.

Back outside in Toontown proper, we checked out Goofy’s Gas. A few years ago I got Luke the Department 54 version of this attraction for his train layout.



Because of mine and Stefanie’s love of all things Chip and Dale, I also wanted to see Chip and Dale’s Treehouse, though I did not feel the need to climb through it.





We then passed by Donald’s Boat for old time’s sake before entering yet another treat trail. When we finished here our treat bags were nearly full, and we were done in Toontown.



Back in Fantasyland, I spotted another treat trail and the line hadn’t gotten long yet, so we did a little more trick or treating.



Casey Jr.’s Circus Train didn’t have a very long line, so we decided now would be a great time to ride. Luke specially told me NOT to head to one of the cage cars. That ended up being no problem as several families in front of us headed for those cages first. Another really cute ride. I am clueless now as to why I didn’t take a single photo once we boarded the train.



Afterwards we headed for my only must do attraction of the night, the Haunted Mansion with it’s holiday overlay. But we were waylaid on the way when I spotted another treat trail.



From here we headed toward New Orleans Square until two things caught my attention. First, was this creepy lit cave that I think might have been part of Tom Sawyer Island but in the dark and without much familiarity with this park, neither of us was sure.



Second, as we walked down a hill with New Orleans Square in sight, I glanced to my left and my brain whispered, “It’s Heather.” But it would take a few more steps before this thought actually registered with me. When it did, I turned around and called to Heather. It took three times for her to finally hear me, and then we were hugging. She had been heading to find a spot for the parade, but decided to join us for the Haunted Mansion first and then we’d all get spots for the parade.

The line at Haunted Mansion Holiday looked very long, but in actuality we were probably inside in about 20 minutes as proven by the fact that I have only two photos from the queue. Luke and I were in one Doom Buggy and Heather was right behind us. At one point, I looked at Luke and said, “I want to do this one again and again and again.” But tonight the one ride would have to suffice as the line grew while we were inside. The Nightmare before Christmas overlay is exceptional, leaving me wondering how much time and how many cast members it takes to put this up every year. I understand why they aren’t in a hurry to bring it down. it!





Once we left Jack and the Hatbox Ghost behind, Heather led the way in hopes of finding a spot for the parade. This is the only night I remember my feet hurting so badly, but I knew I needed to sit. Heather saw an empty spot for three on the curb but there was a rope in front of it. She asked a cast member if these spots were open or not and learned that they were. We were warned that the rope would be removed immediately at the end of the parade and then folks would swarm the area for the fireworks. So we now had a spot and even knew that when the parade was over we could move several feet forward for a view of Halloween Screams. In my awkward arthritic form, I managed to sit down, placing some of our stuff and Heather’s on either side of me to save them seats. Luke then headed off to get cokes for us while Heather went in search of ice cream. Luke returned first, and it was so sweet to be seated and sipping a refreshing cold drink. Heather got back soon after with a very large chocolate waffle cone. We had about 45 – 50 minutes to wait so we used the time to continue catching up with each other’s lives. We were also entertained by a cast member who was dancing and lip syncing to the pre-parade music. He was a hoot, having the best time. At some point my poor behind began to ache from sitting on concrete, and had to stand up. My feet were feeling so much better, but I couldn’t remain standing because I did not want to block the parade view for a family with two young girls who had moved in behind us. Thankfully, this time Heather and Luke helped me get back down.



This cute Mickey pumpkin was right across from where we sat and will show up in some of my parade photos.

I know that some of you from reading my other TRs know that I’m no fan of Main Street Electrical Parade and that I still mourn the demise of Spectromagic. We hardly ever stop now for MSEP, mainly because the music irritates us. When Disneyland announced the new additions to the park for the 60th Celebration, I knew I had to try the new parade, Paint the Night, at least once. Another spoiler: this will be the only time we saw the parade, but not because we didn’t want to go back. It just didn’t work out for us to get a second viewing. Thank goodness, Disney was showing it during party nights. Using my knees as a tripod, I took a lot of photos, many of which were blurry. It’s actually a good thing I was seated or the catchy music would have had me dancing instead of photographing. I think I still got some excellent and very good ones in the end. I’m omitting all the blurry, fair, and good ones. So get comfortable because here come my new favorite nighttime parade,Paint the Night.































































































Now wasn't that a fun parade. It would be even better with the soundtrack as this music is energizing rather than irritatingly repetitious. There wasn't a thing I didn't love about this parade.

The same CM who had told us our spots behind the rope were available came to remove it, and because we had already stood up, we easily moved forward for a new spot, giving us a decent view for Halloween Screams. I had wondered if Disneyland’s fireworks would compare to HalloWishes. No doubt about it! These were just as wonderful as MNSSHP version. I am sorry there aren’t any photos, but I had no tripod, several large trees were blocking portions of the view, and one of the street lights never dimmed. It had actually been on during the parade as well and you may have noticed it in some of the photos. Instead we three stood side by side, oohing and aahing at how beautiful Disney fireworks are.

We were all three spent by the end of the parade and returning to the resort and climbing in bed sounded wonderful. We did wait for the crowd to clear out a bit before heading back down Main Street to exit the park. At the exit, cast members were adding Dove chocolates to our treat bags, which by the way were full to the brim now.



Goodnight, Disneyland!

Turning right at the gate, we headed into Downtown Disney District. The quickest route for Heather to Paradise Pier was straight through the Grand California so we didn’t say goodbye until we had reached the villas. Back in our room, we dumped the candy bags on the kitchen counter, got ready for bed, set an alarm, and then lights were out. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be rising too early tomorrow. Remember this morning started for me around 5:30 AM. I laid my head on the pillow and was instantly out.

Steps Walked = 20,197
Active Minutes - 147
Calories Burned = 1, 845
Distance = 7.80 miles

Bonus Material -- My opinion of Disneyland

From the moment I saw it the night before, I knew I was going to love this place. After visiting only four of its lands today, I was totally in love. Walt felt nearby, giving this happiest place on earth, the most magical feel. The little five-year-old girl I was when Walt would talk about his park on World of Color came alive again. One of my best days!

NEXT: Memory Card Unavailable

[chezp]

Oh wow, the party looks like so much fun! The last time we did it was back in 2008, when it was still in the California Adventure, and it looked like they've really plussed the experience since then. I love all your photos of the Electrical Parade - I can definitely see some similarities to the regular Paint the Night parade.

[wheezie]

Beautiful pictures! The Halloween party sounds like so much fun-though I'm sorry your feet were hurting so badly.

[MayraLR]

Looks like you enjoyed your time at the party! Lots of great pictures!

Spectromagic holds a special spot in my heart. I remember my first visit to MK, I was so fascinated with this beautiful parade and its wonderful music. So magical! Then I was able to watch this parade a couple of more times in the coming years, even with my husband and kids.

Don't get me started on MSEP. I don't like this parade at all. It's not the floats that I dislike but the music. Reminds me of an ice cream truck. And the introduction of the parade sounds so robotic. Sorry MSEP lovers. I'll be starting a petition for a new nighttime parade at MK.