The Life of a VIP - Adventures By Disney Backstage Magic About This Page:

[KandJluvdisney]

great pics of club 33
great trip
hurry back with more please

[KMB733]

I can see why this is you favorite day. How awesome to be able to dine in Club 33. Such a beautiful place. I'm really looking forward to the next part of the update!

[dsteiny23]

Great pics of Club 33. This just keeps getting better and better.

Okay...how to make extra money to get my butt on this tour and fast hmmm...stripper...medical test dummy...stand on the side of the highway with those signs that say "all furniture must go...store closing"...

[HeatherD]

The teeny tiny building you described back by the animals? If I'm thinking of the same one, this is Santa's home every Christmas. It's a small log cabin right at the left side entrance into the area (other side from where you pay for the BBQ). I love how Santa gets a Western theme and a big space all his own (Rudolph's Reindeer Roundup) with his reindeer, even. But I never knew that it was the oldest building in DLR....

Keep it coming, please!

[disney_duke]

Club 33 is absolutely stunning. So ornate and almost intimidating. Is because that sign said Room Capacity 33, is that why it's called Club 33? I guess I don't know my DL history well enough. I'm so excited for my first trip ever to DL this September now!!!

[disneydani]

Awesome update....very cool ABD could work in the Club 33 breakfast!

danielle

[Minnie Lor]

Fabulous trip report! Love, LOVE the back story on the partner statue and the one of Roy and Minnie. I'm a huge fan of Roy and, of course, Minnie. That bench has always held a place in my Now I appreciate it even more.

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

I responded -- I RESPONDED!! They must be blocking cell phones in Club 33 or something.

I believe my reply was along the lines of "I think I'd be so awed to be there, I'd never be able to 'go' there."

Aaaargh!

And... did anyone explain about THAT COOOOOOW? The one with the TONGUE? (That's a mystery I must solve.)

OK, I guess I didn't get your reply. Sorry for calling you an ingrate. And no, she didn't discuss the cow or its crazy tongue. I didn't even think about it or I would've asked. She (the cow) must've been onstage, because if I'd seen her, I would've thought to ask.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Should we call you Madam Sharon now, I mean you are royalty and all eating at Club 33 looked like a delicious spread but wow that place looks amazing. I love seeing all the pictures, it all looks so elegent and what a bathroom (even though I think you should have tried to take that toilet in your bag for Eileen - now that would have been a wonderful souviner (even though there was a possibility she might have had to bail you out ) just think of the headlines, "Woman caught stealing Disney toilet".

What a great morning so far, love that you get to see so much backstage, and get to enjoy some rides...can't wait to hear what is up for the rest of the day.

It was funny how the toilet was such a hot topic of conversation. If they made little toy replicas of it, it would be a hot seller. I'd buy one!

Originally Posted by BeckiO5

You had me laughing so hard I was in tears over your comment. That toilet looks too pretty and fancy to use.

Sharon I am green with envy you got to eat in Club 33, as I'm sure that may be a once in a lifetime experience for some, and how kind of a fellow tourmate(or tourmate's friend) to allow the group to use their membership to make the ressie for the group. Breakfast looked scrumptious. You certainly weren't joking about the Ladies room. I think I would get lost in its beauty taking pics and then getting asked "Did you fall in?" the tour looks like so much fun and truely a treat (and ai do hope you get your breakfast at the Plaza with Minnie & Friends and Mickey Beignets), however I'm sure your breakfast just had to be one opportunity not to be missed. It looks so beautiful in there. More please Sharon!

I never got my breakfast at the Plaza or my Mickey beignets. Two things which I really wanted to do. So now, I must go back.

Originally Posted by DrDolphin

I was thinking the EXACT SAME THING!!! DL Girls trip memories! Good stuff. Sharon this is a FABULOUS - let me say that again FABULOUS trip report and now I want to book ABD DL ASAP (wonder if I can go hubby-less.....)

Thanks, Terri! I really should get a commission.

Originally Posted by chezp

Oh my goodness - this tour just keeps getting better and better. Do you know what? The itinerary has never really appealed to me when I've read it before, but now I'm seeing it through your eyes, it does look amazing.

Some things I really wanted to do (Walt's apartment, Imagineering), but the things I wasn't so excited about turned out to be fantastic, and one was a highlight of the trip (more on that on day 8).

Originally Posted by KMB733

I can see why this is you favorite day. How awesome to be able to dine in Club 33. Such a beautiful place. I'm really looking forward to the next part of the update!

This was a fantastic day! And I didn't even get to my favorite part yet! (Though it's coming right up!)

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

Great pics of Club 33. This just keeps getting better and better.

Okay...how to make extra money to get my butt on this tour and fast hmmm...stripper...medical test dummy...stand on the side of the highway with those signs that say "all furniture must go...store closing"...

OMG, Dawn! You're hilarious! And the best way is to sell a kidney. I mean, you've got 2, right?

Originally Posted by HeatherD

The teeny tiny building you described back by the animals? If I'm thinking of the same one, this is Santa's home every Christmas. It's a small log cabin right at the left side entrance into the area (other side from where you pay for the BBQ). I love how Santa gets a Western theme and a big space all his own (Rudolph's Reindeer Roundup) with his reindeer, even. But I never knew that it was the oldest building in DLR....

Keep it coming, please!

No, this was backstage. I found this pic of it online.

Originally Posted by disney_duke

Club 33 is absolutely stunning. So ornate and almost intimidating. Is because that sign said Room Capacity 33, is that why it's called Club 33? I guess I don't know my DL history well enough. I'm so excited for my first trip ever to DL this September now!!!

If I remember, it was because that was the physical address of the building. They needed to have a physical address to get a liquor license (since the rest of DL is a dry park).

Sorry I missed yesterday's update. Things got a little busy and I couldn't find time to post it. Also, since I'm leaving for WDW in about 7 hours, obviously I won't finish this TR before then. I am hoping to be able to work on it on the plane and during down time at my resort, so I will definitely have it finished by the time I get back (June 7), if not sooner.

And now, a nice big update - the rest of day 7...

[OhToodles!]

Club 33 looks awesome! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the day!

[PrincessSharon]

Standard disclaimer: This is a detailed TR with many spoilers. If you don’t want to know all the details, stop reading. Also, there are some things listed on the itinerary and some things not listed on the itinerary. For things not listed, I will post an additional spoiler warning, in case you want to read about it but not spoil all the little surprises.

Day Seven, Part Two
Hand me a tissue, please

When we got to Main Street, they broke us into three groups. Because we were in three groups, we had help from some DL CMs. We had one CM, Julie, join us for most of the day.

I had been talking to Pete about my London/Paris ABD and he let me know that they were trying to work something out with ABD where they could go to Disneyland Paris. I am all over that idea!

I must have been gushing a little about getting to see inside Walt’s apartment (this is what I’d most been looking forward to) because Pete told me to stay with him, because he wanted to see my reaction.

Our group was to do the Lilly Belle first, so we walked over to the train station to wait for the train.









The Lilly Belle is a parlor car that is sometimes added to the Disneyland railroad. It was designed based on plans made when Walt was alive, but it wasn’t built until the 1970’s. It is open for anyone to ride, so if you ever see it on the train, ask a CM.



Jaime was at this part, along with a DLRR CM. She told us a little history of the train and promised us tickets to the Lilly Belle. They don’t give out the tickets anymore, but she said they did have some and would get some for everyone. I forgot to take a picture of it, but there’s one on display in Walt’s Barn, so you can see a picture I took of it in that update.













We took the entire circuit, which allowed us to see the Grand Canyon and Primeval World dioramas. Lynne has a much better camera than I do (and is a better photographer ), so she got some great photos, which she kindly shared.









Back at Main Street, it was our turn to go into Walt’s apartment above the firehouse. I was really looking forward to this, because this is where Walt worked and lived when Disneyland was being constructed, and he and his family stayed here when they were in the park. It’s not a place guests can normally visit. In fact, I don’t know of any other way the average guest can get in there.



While we were waiting for our turn, I chatted up the CM.


Thanks to Heather for the picture (I hope I always remembered to credit Heather or Lynne for their pictures, )

Then we went in. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take pictures, but what I saw is permanently burned in my memory. The apartment was smaller than I imagined, but it kind of looked like I imagined it anyway, if that makes sense. There were two sofas on either end, which turned into Walt’s and Lilly’s beds, as well as some chairs. We were invited to sit down. There was a little kitchen area and the coolest Tom & Jerry beverage set (not the cartoon characters, but the cocktail). There was also a grilled cheese maker (Walt was a man of simple tastes and would often fix himself canned chili or grilled cheese sandwiches).

The furnishings were lovely and there was an antique music box that still worked (when it wanted to - sometimes without anybody even winding it up ). Michael turned it on for us and as I sat there listening, I realized Walt had done the same thing many years ago. I have to admit, I got a little choked up.

Our CM guide (who is a VIP tour guide at DL) told us about the lamp, even though I’d heard the story before. The lamp would be on when Walt was working, and it got to be sort of a a signal that Walt was present in the park. After his death, the light is always on as a tribute to Walt. I felt incredibly lucky to be able to see it from inside and to my great pleasure, the guides were able to take a photo, which is probably my favorite from the entire Photopass CD.




We took a group photo next.



We were allowed to walk around in there for a bit. I checked out the bathroom and the shower with its multiple showerheads (Walt had it specially installed to help an old polo injury). Then I spent some time out on the balcony, people watching. I figured Walt didn’t do too much of that but I was sure Lillian had. When I’d taken the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour, the tour guide said that Walt’s grandchildren used to go down to the wooded area behind the apartment and jump out and scare people on the Jungle Cruise. We must have been right by the section where they shoot the gun to scare off the hippos, because we kept hearing gunshots! Not the most peaceful experience, but still special, and it made me remember the story of Walt’s grandchildren and that made me smile.

Unfortunately, it was time to go and let the next group up, so we gathered up and went back down to Main Street, where we posed for a photo of our little group with a CM tour guide.



And I got a photo of the lamp the way the average park guest sees it.



The band was performing, so we got to watch that until it was time for the next portion.



Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

The third part of the Main Street activities was a viewing of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.



I hadn’t seen this before, so I was happy to get the chance to do so. Before the show, I got some pictures of some of the cool stuff outside the theater. There were some of those models I wish I could collect. I suppose I could collect the Robert Olszewski miniatures, but they’re not as much fun to me.





















Then, we went in to enjoy the show. There’s a lot of history behind this attraction, so I was glad to get to finally see it myself. It’s a cool show, with a couple of parts of it very similar to the American Adventure in Epcot. It won’t be my last time seeing it, for sure.





There was a display of the park bench from Griffith Park where Walt used to sit, and a carousel horse from the merry-go-round there. Although this one was in much better shape.















We still had a little time before everyone else was finished with whatever they were doing, so I walked around the Disney Gallery. I love looking at all the artwork in there! Lots of cool stuff. I bought a cute t-shirt with the hitchhiking ghosts on it.
















That’s the t-shirt I bought



Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

Back with the group, we found out what our big surprise was going to be. I’m not considering this a spoiler, since this is something they arranged especially for us and isn’t part of the ABD itinerary. We would be getting a tour of the Disneyland Dream Suite! We had to stay in our three groups and would rotate through the Dream Suite, our own boat on Pirates of the Caribbean, and a special viewing of the Enchanted Tiki Room.

My group got to tour the Dream Suite first. I was pretty excited about this. I’m pretty sure my entire Disneyland bucket list has been fulfilled this trip. I’ll have to think up something new to put on there! I know! Now I want to stay in the Dream Suite.


This is Julie, who helped shuttle us from location to location today

We had to go up in the elevator in two groups since it wasn’t large enough for all of us at once. We were allowed to take pictures but not video. While I’m glad I can share pictures, I’m disappointed to not have video of the special features, because that was completely awesome and the pictures won’t do it justice.


Joey, our other ABD guide



The apartment was built using the plans for a planned larger apartment for Walt Disney and his family. He wanted to be able to entertain friends and family, something the apartment above the firehouse was too small to handle. Unfortunately, he passed away before it got too far into the planning stages. The original plans were on display, and it’s practically identical. It was completed in 2008 and was a big prize in the Year of a Million Dreams sweepstakes (which, incidentally, my ABD guide, Jaime often awarded to guests )

We started in the entryway. This is the area where you enter when you’ve come up the front stairs instead of taking the elevator the way we did.






There’s the “front door”





Then we went into the first bedroom. I call this one.













Each room has a special bit of magic called the kiss goodnight.



It was truly awesome. The lights dimmed, special music would play, and each one had its own special effects.






It’s hard to tell, but there were stars on the ceiling


This painting “came to life”


Off to Neverland!

Then we checked out the first bathroom.










The stained glass picture is meant to look like the water from it is spilling right into the tub (you can see the faucet directly beneath it)


The ceiling looks like the night sky


Complete with Hidden Mickey

We then went into the living room area.

























There were Hidden Mickeys in the carpet.



Here’s where we took our group photo.



Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

And there was another bedroom. I called the other one, so this one’s for you. It’s no hardship for you, though, because it was just lovely.













And the other bathroom.











Back to the bedroom.









Then they dimmed the lights to show us this bedroom’s kiss goodnight.



It was awesome. The train goes all around the room, setting off different features as it passes things along its little track. Way cool.

















Then we went out onto the little balcony area.








Another group photo

I heart the Dream Suite! When that ended, our group got to do the Tiki Room. This was the same experience as Walk in Walt’s Footsteps. We saw the show, and after it ended, got to meet Ophelia, one of the flowers.

















And finally, Pirates of the Caribbean, with just our group in the boat. We walked through the exit and climbed right on! Passing up a pretty sizable line.



When we came out, I had a good view of the construction (why I wouldn’t get to see Fantasmic! – again ).



When that was over, we met up with the other groups at the Plaza Inn. That was the end of the group activities for the day, and we had the rest of the day in Disneyland to do as we wished. SPOILER WARNING! Skip to next post to avoid mini spoiler. We were given that day’s pin and told to meet the next morning in the lobby of the GC at 7:00 sharp.



If anyone was interested in watching the afternoon parade, there would be a special viewing area reserved for us. Since we had an afternoon and evening on our own, we were each given 5 FPs to use that day in either park. Then we said goodbye to our guides for the night.

Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

A few of us wanted to watch the parade, but I wanted to go back to my room to recharge my camera battery since it was running low (I usually carry a spare, I’d forgotten to charge the spare). I planned to meet up with my friends at the parade spot in the hub at 6:30.

My friends were also heading back to the GC for a bit of a break, so we walked back together. In the room, I put the battery on to charge and then just sat out on the balcony relaxing, watching the monorail go by. I called to check in at home, too. Then I found a little overlook with a great view of the pool.





A little after 6, I headed down. I figured it would be good to get there early, so I wouldn’t get blocked by the parade traffic. I found the group easily. Jaime was showing his crowd control mastery to keep our spot clear. Before the parade, there was a Muppets pre-parade for the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day promotion (that’s ended, but they’re still celebrating the volunteers).





They’d reserved quite a large area for us, expecting 44 people to show up. However there were only about 10, so Jaime found another spot across the way. This parade is sort of like the Move It Shake It Celebrate It parade (man, that needs a shorter name!), but I liked the floats here better.




These were my favorite kinds of floats








I was not making a spectacle of myself when I saw Goofy








Love this action shot!



























When it was time for guests to join in, a few of us joined the conga line.



Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

After the parade, we walked over and used one of our FPs to ride BTMRR. So we ventured over into Frontierland. I snapped this picture of the Golden Horseshoe.



We used one of our FPs for BTMRR and were riding in about 10 minutes. It was loads of fun, as usual, but it always confuses me at first when we start out heading the wrong way.

I’d wanted to see the Electrical Parade, because it was the final weekend here before moving over to WDW for Summer Nightastic (and I was thinking I was going to miss it on my trip in June). Also, the Food and Wine Festival was going on over at California Adventure, so we decided to head over to that park.

We were all hungry by now, so we walked over to the Festival Center.


This is strikingly similar to the view I had out my hotel room in Hollywood!

The California Food & Wine Festival is on a much smaller scale than the one at Epcot. Also, there is a lot more focus on wines and wine tastings there. Besides the food in the Festival Center, a lot of the regular food outlets have a special menu item for the F&WF.



I checked out the offerings. A CM had recommended the pulled pork slider, so I figured I’d get that, and the cheddar cheese soup in a bread bowl sounded good, so I got that as well, along with a chocolate cream puff for dessert.







Sorry the photos are blurry. I must’ve been shaking from hunger.

They had one of those new-fangled Coke machines where you can mix up all different kinds of concoctions to make your own soda flavor. I just went with a strawberry lemonade, if I remember.

Everything was good, but my favorite by far was the cheddar cheese soup in a bread bowl. That was delish! And the sourdough bread was so yummy. Wish I had that to eat right now!

After we’d eaten, I suggested we ride TOT. Only because it was right next door. Those of us that wanted to ride did so, while the others went for a smoke break near Monsters Inc.


(Lynne’s awesome pic)





I took a photo of our ride photo. Karen’s on my right, and Lynne, the awesome photographer, is on my left.



Then we figured we’d find a spot to watch the Electrical Parade. What the heck were we thinking? It was so crowded along the parade route that you could barely move! If we wanted to watch, we would’ve been 6 people deep. While we searched for a better spot, I took a few pictures, which are pretty decent considering I didn’t have a tripod or anything to rest the camera on.





I knew that I’d be able to see it at Summer Nightastic (since I was cooking up a quickie weekend trip in July), so I decided to ditch the group and try to get in a ride on California Screamin’. Everybody else figured that sounded good, so we started walking over.







When we got about halfway there, I noticed that I hadn’t seen any cars going around the track, so we asked a passing CM if it was running and he was like “the park’s closed!” Sure enough, it was 9:02! I needed K-Dubs and her BAS right then!

So we decided to scoot out quickly to beat the parade traffic. When we crossed the esplanade between the two parks, we were surprised to find a bunch of people camped out there to watch the fireworks (where they could do so for free).

Someone suggested we ride Mr. Toad and it was on my wishlist as well, so that’s where we went. We tried to beat the fireworks crowd, but it didn’t matter, since Mr. Toad isn’t open during the fireworks. Karen, where are you when I need you!

We decided to wait it out at Mr. Toad, so we joined the fairly short line and watched the fireworks from Fantasyland. It was an interesting location and I enjoyed them. And since Tinkerbell flies around so much, I was able to get a better shot (better than the blurry green blob I usually get at WDW).


A more defined, pixe-shaped blob


This one’s better, I think

About 10 minutes after the fireworks ended, they let us in. All of the people in line ahead of us went to Peter Pan, but we walked right on Mr. Toad.

Then we wanted to ride Indy. We walked over there, but unfortunately it was down at the time. It wasn’t a very productive night! I decided to call it a night (and saved my other FPs for my scrapbook, since they were only good that day). I might have given them away, but it was close to park closing time, and the only nearby FP attraction was down.

My friends also decided to turn in, so we walked back to the GC. I set a wakeup call for the next day, hoping I’d sleep until Mickey called and then turned it. It had been another awesome day! The best so far. The next day seemed kind of boring in comparison. We’d be starting with breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen, so that was good. Then, some time at DCA. Man, was I wrong about that day!

Up Next: Another awesome day