Trip report, July 16-20

[HiddenMickey]

After two years of planning and saving, I was finally able to take my Disneyland dream trip from July 16-20, staying 4 nights at the Disneyland Hotel and five days in the park. It was a wonderful opportunity to both spend time with my family and explore the resort by myself; to take lots of wonderful photos and home movies; and to do and visit things and places I have not done before or in a long time.

Our plane touched down in cloudy Orange County early Monday morning, and we were happy to find that the weather was not hot at all. We boarded the Disneyland Resort Express bus, and right off the bat we immediately began everyone's favorite game: being the first to spot the Matterhorn from the freeway (though given the exit we took, we actually spotted Space Mountain first).

Disneyland Hotel was the first stop! We checked in -- and even though we booked a standard room, we received a beautiful room in the Sierra Tower with a beautiful view of Downtown Disney (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1433.jpg) and Disneyland (including Splash Mountain, the Matterhorn, and Space Mountain) in the distance. The room was just perfect: extremely spacious, with two comfortable beds, a daybed, and TV with DVD player. There were Disney touches everywhere: on the wallpaper, the artwork, the Mickey Mouse wake-up calls. The entire hotel is just full of Disney charm and wonder.
Me with Mickey: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1471.jpg
With some other friends: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1475.jpg

I visited Disneyland soon after check in and made my debut ride on Monorail Nemo! Like all my trips, I kicked off my visit with a ride on the Matterhorn! I know it was recently refurbed, but only noticed a small decrease in bumpiness. Afterwards, rather than take my usual route to Frontierland through the Big Thunder trail, I cut through Fantasyland, Sleepy Beauty's Castle, and into Frontierland via the entrance near Rancho del Zocalo. This was one of the areas I had never really explored before, but instantly fell in love with.

After rides on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Pirates of the Caribbean, I had lunch at the Royal St. Veranda (my first time!). I highly recommend the gumbo there! It was a great place to people watch and observe the Rivers of America. I dropped by the Haunted Mansion, then took advantage of the single-rider line for Splash Mountain and rode twice in a row, escaping relatively dry!

Yes, I said 'relatively.' So to dry off, I decided to see what the fuss was over the new Pirates Lair... let me just say, I don't see why this is necessary. It's still Tom Sawyer's Island with some pirate stuff thrown in here and there... simply a tacky way, in my opinion, to capitalize off the movies and get more people through the gates. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1955.jpg

I then cut through Adventureland and hopped aboard the Jungle Cruise. I was fortunate to have Skipper Rick, who was really into character and gave a great spiel. "We've returned to the loading area, and yes, there are two docks. Do not be alarmed, this is normal. We call that a pair-a-docks (paradox). And see those guys up there? That's a pair-a-dorks!"

Afterwards I explored Main Streem a little, stuck out a 40 min. wait for Space Mountain (FastPasses were out), got my Annual Pass, and then returned to the room for a rest. That night, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe, then walked around Downtown Disney. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1493.jpg

Tuesday was of course Disneyland's 52nd anniversary. After a few rides, including my first time on Buzz Lightyears Astro Blasters (I got hooked on this ride and rode it again soon after, beating my original score), I decided to pay tribute to Walt at the Partners statue. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1510.jpg

And then came the moment I was waiting for: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. After about fourteen long years, I finally got to ride, and loved it! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1527.jpg

For lunch we ate at Croc's Bits and Bites at the Disneyland Hotel. Not too many know about this place, but let me say that they have the best nachos! We wanted, however, to save some room for Blue Bayou later that evening. After we ate, we walked around the Disneyland Hotel, taking in the scenery, exploring the different shops, towers, and waterfalls, and taking lots of pictures.

Upon returning to Disneyland that day, we did a few rides and then went to Main St. to catch the dedication ceremony at 4:45. With the mayor, the band, and the characters out in full bloom, a huge crowd celebrated the park's 52nd anniversary. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1714.jpg It was a teary-eyed, but happy event for many of us, including myself, but it was simply beautiful. (I'm still looking for those pictures the photographer was taking, if anyone knows.)

Then we arrived at the Blue Bayou for a 5:20 reservation. We requested a waterside table and were told it would be 45 minutes, but it only turned out to be 10-15 minutes, during which time I walked around the "French Quarter" and tried (unsuccessfully) to get into Club 33 with a group who was eating there that night. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1760.jpg

The Blue Bayou is simply beautiful, and if you haven't eaten there yet, I highly recommend it! While the food is good, it succeeds in atmosphere. One of the highlights of my trip was simply sitting back, taking my time, and waving to people on the boats as they sailed by. I had the jambalaya with a side of gumbo, which were excellent. And to top it off, the famous cookie boat. I was surprised and happy to hear that we could take home the menus. Here's some pictures I snapped that evening, including that shout-out to VF I promised:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1751.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1754.jpg

Ah, parting is such sweet sorrow, but I had to pay my final respects to the Disney Gallery. It will be missed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1768.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1762.jpg


Afterwards, my mom decided to save us a table at the River Belle Terrace so we could watch Fantasmic! I did a quick ride on Pirates and explored Tarzan's Treehouse for the first time (does anyone else agree with me that this could be perfectly fine as Swiss Family Treehouse?).

After the attractions, I bought a Mint Julep from the Mint Julep Bar, then returned to watch Fantasmic. Wow, what a beautiful show it is! Afterwards, I tried my luck at the Frontierland Shootin' Exposition (managed to shoot about 5 targets there in the dark lol), then visited Indiana Jones. We topped off the night doing a handful of Fantasyland rides like Alice in Wonderland (which I recommend both during the day and night -- especially the outdoor track segment), Casey Jr. (got stuck -- figuratively, and nearly literally -- in the circus cage), It's a Small World, Mr. Toad, and Peter Pan's Flight (which I hadn't ridden since the early 90's!), we called it a night.

On Wednesday morning I got up early and decided to spend a few hours in the park by myself. I wasn't really in the mood to do rides (although I rode Snow White and Pinnochio since there was no wait), but I simply had a wonderful time walking all around the park and taking pictures -- on this day I clocked in at 450 of them! I know some people don't see the fun in visiting Disneyland solo, but I recommend it. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want, and you can take your time and not have to worry about anyone else's schedule.

After the pictures, I rode Pirates (which, like the dozen other times I rode it, had only a five minute wait or less). I'm not a fan of the refurb, but I discovered ways to block out the changes. I simply turn my head at any new Sparrow animatronics, and in the former dark, haunted grotto, I just close my eyes and imagine the old narration. However, one thing you can't escape is flash photography. The majority of my rides are ruined by inconsiderate people who not only take flash pictures, but take even more after being repeatedly not to on the intercom (which also is annoying). Anyway, here is a photo of the Blue Bayou that came out really nicely (and yes, I turned off my flash): http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_1886.jpg


Afterwards, I rode Haunted Mansion again (some other people were reciting the stretching room spiel outloud and I joined in lol), explored the shops around Adventureland and Frontierland, and even discovered that secret bathroom some of us were discussing here a while ago: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2014.jpg. I caught a quick show at the Golden Horseshoe, then rode the Columbia for what I believe is the first time ever. Afterwards, I skipped across the park and explored Starcade (though I miss the second floor of it).

I met up with my mom for lunch at the ESPN Zone, where we ate excellent burgers and cheese fries, and watched the Cubs slaughter our Giants 12-1 (thankfully I'm a Cubs fan too). We walked off some of those calories around Downtown Disney and then spent about an hour in the World of Disney store doing all our shopping. I got some pins, a few books, including one on Imagineering, a puzzle, and some gifts for friends. I really wanted to get those attraction posters, but I found them really expensive.

Afterwards we returned to Disneyland and took the railroad to Toowntown, where we waited about 30 minutes to meet Mickey at his house. But let me say it was worth it. I especially love Sorcerer Mickey from Fantasia, and was thrilled when that's how he was dressed that day. I just happened to be wearing my Fantasmic pic, and when he noticed, he let me wear his famous sorcerer's hat! Needless to say it truly brought out the child in me! (Whoever was Mickey that day, thank you so much!)

By then, we were half an hour away from the Parade of Dreams, so we found a seat and watched the parade. Our plan for that night, however, was to catch the Electric Parade at 8:45. While I had seen it last year, it was the first time in about fifteen years that my mom had, so she had a wonderful time. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2278.jpg

Fighting the crowds, we exited DCA and found ourselves treated to the beautiful fireworks from the Esplanade. We knew that crowds inside the park would be horrible, so we ducked inside the Opera House and caught "The First 50 Years." One thing I wanted to do afterwards was ride Big Thunder during Fantasmic!, so since I had a FastPass ticket, that's what I did. The ride not only feels faster at night, but its great seeing the fireworks from the third lift. I know this isn't the smartest thing to do, but afterwards we got a turkey leg then rode Space Mountain.

Thursday was sadly our last full day in the park. We kicked it off with the Matterhorn, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and my debut ride ever on Astro Blaster (I was feeling nostalgic, but I miss the old Rocket Jets). We had a quick bite at Bengal BBQ (who have the best iced mochas!), and then rode Pirates and Splash Mountain. It was Hungry Bear Restaurant for lunch, and I walked off those calories on the way to Fantasia Gardens, where I relaxed with the ducks before checking out Toontown a little more. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2327.jpg

By then I was ready for a nap, so I went to the room for a few hours, and then returned that evening for dinner at Cafe Orleans, where I got the famous Monte Cristo! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2359.jpg Mom saved us seats for the fireworks while I did a quick final ride on Pirates and Indiana Jones. I always love seeing the fireworks on the last night -- its a beautiful way to cap off the trip.

Oh, but something was missing... a Dole Whip Float! So off to the Tiki Room we went for the stuff that people trade their spouses for (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2364.jpg). Then it was one last ride on the Matterhorn (for the third time, including twice that day, I got cut since I was a single rider) and my final attraction of the trip: Space Mountain, which I did about 5 times this visit (a new record). The Matterhorn ride was especially great because we were racing the right side passengers (we won).

For our last monorail ride, we got to sit in the front of Monorail Nemo (I highly recommend it; it feels like you're going faster than you really are). This year was actually the first time I had ridden in the front of the Monorail, and I was fortunate to do it twice.

On Friday, our last day, we had breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen, where Goofy, Alice, Fairy Godmother, Chip & Dale, and Baloo interacted with guests:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2405.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2403.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/IMG_2402.jpg

In many ways, this was my biggest trip since I was a young kid, and I wanted to do a lot of things we did back then. Of course, the resort has changed much since then, but nonetheless, here's me with some of my above friends, back in the early 90s:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/scan0001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...2/scan0002.jpg


I walked off all that great food around Downtown Disney and a little on Main Street, where I capped off my trip at the Opera House. It was sad, but I knew I'd be back soon.

Overall, simply a beautiful trip that I'll never forget!

[islandchica]

Wow, it sounds like you had an amazing trip! Great pictures, too! Thanks for sharing them.

[BCC]

Buzz Lightyear Is addicting isn't it? lol...Glad you had a great time!

[Pucky]

That's awesome, I'm glad to see that you had a fun time. It's always fun to see Disneyland through the eyes of other people. I could see the painstaking work it took to write this entire report, so I felt obligated to comment.

Anyway, thanks for sharing it with all of us here at VF!

[Kristy]

Great review!! I'm glad you got to do so much and stay @ the Disneyland Hotel too!!

[HiddenMickey]

Thank you everyone! :)

I added a couple pictures near the end of my trip report... I thought it was nice to compare and contrast the early 90s with the present day.

[Chatterbug]

^And thank-you from me too! What a great trip report. I agree with Pucky it is fun to see Disneyland through the eyes of others. Especially when you can tell there was that Disney "Magic" with them on their trip.

[phd516]

Ah!! I'm so jealous of your picture with Sorcerer Mickey! And you got to wear his hat too! Man..
Oh, nice report.

[Adampants]

What a wonderful report, thank you!
I totally saw you there as I went the same time. I'm glad you had such fun.
Where are you from? Anyhow, thanks again

[HiddenMickey]

^What a small world (pun intended lol). Where did you see me?

I'm from northern CA, near San Francisco.

[debijeanm]

Wonderful report, Hidden Mickey. Thanks for sharing!

[bbt931]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Your report makes me even more excited for my trip next month!

[gustivon]

WOW awesome report good thing u didnt missed IJA =D im so jealous of u having this dream trip and one day imma do the same(well similar) only with WDW

[Adampants]

Originally Posted by HiddenMickey

^What a small world (pun intended lol). Where did you see me?

I'm from northern CA, near San Francisco.

hehee... I saw you in New Orleans Square...
I actually live outside of Salt Lake, but I'm totally jealous that you live near SF!

[adrianne]

Awesome trip report, HM -- THANK YOU!!!!