Zip's "Rather Weighty" Disneyland Photo Report

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

After a short ride through the pun-filled jungles of Adventureland, I arrived in New Orleans Square.



Funny story about Pirates.

The previous day we'd ridden potc, as you saw. But I forgot about an incident which you may find rather amusing. The entire time I was at Disneyland I had on my person my camera case and a backpack containing a poncho, maps and gum. These I took with me when we boarded our boat at the Pirates dock. Shortly after launching, as we floated lazily past the flickering lights of the Blue Bayou restuarant, I realized there was a good chance I might get rather wet during the two drops I knew were yet to come. Thus I quickly (and with great haste) pulled open my backback as we became drenched in total darkness, and I withdrew my poncho. I attempted to put on said poncho while still the lights were out, and I struggled to find the hole for my head. Finally, as we broke into the relative light of the approach to the first drop, I succeeded in donning my poncho.


What can I say, I didn't want to get wet. Unfortunately Wendy, who thought my new armor ridiculous, was drenched twice by the ensuing waterfalls. I returned the poncho to my bag after we'd decended the second drop, feeling rather clever, actually.


yeah...


After grabbing fastpasses for Splash Mountain I waltzed down the waterfront to see the Mark Twain docked and taking on passengers.



I like the Twain, and I knew Wendy wouldn't want to ride, so I queued up and was aboard shorty.



I love the views from the ship.



I staked out a position on the second level.



"Just around the riverbend..."

Couldn't resist, mate.

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

Fowler's Harbor, named for Admiral Harbor. Oh wait, that doesn't sound quite right...




The Hungery Bear Restuarant is busy, and it seems the local duck population has turned out as well.



"...and that is why I get to stand in the shade of the cave, and you have to sit outside in the California sun. Savvy?"



More sights along the river's edge.



Tom Sawyer Island looked fun.

[CostaFreak]

Nice!

How can anyone get wet from the drops from PotC. I've been on the one in WDW a few times and I got hardly no water on me at all after the drop (yes, that version only has one drop). Maybe it's different in DL or something.

[Kamra]

I always get wet on the POTC. Be it the Waterfalls or the cannonball splashes.

Loving your trip report Zip. It looks like you had tons of fun.

[arizonahoya1]

I'm loving your trip report. :) You took a ton of really beautiful pictures, and I can't wait to see the rest.

And, no joke, I would love almost every single picture in desktop resolution. Get in touch, maybe? Please? Lol!

[BCC]

Nice BLAB score!

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

An aside...

Thanks everyone for your comments. arizonahoya1, I think I may be able to put up a few of the pics in my gallery at a time, and switch 'em out as more are requested. Which did you have in mind?


The Twain slowed to a crawl as we neared the dock. Glimpsing the tops of masts poking through the trees, I surmised that the Columbia was still docked and that we were waiting for her to scoot. A couple minutes passed and we were on our way again, steaming into port feeling utterly at ease.



Here's a pic for all you NOS waterfront fans. I know you're out there.



By this time Wendy had finished riding California Screamin (5 times!), so we met up in New Orleans Square. She had to use the restroom, and I remembered an out-of-the-way restroom in the area.



The backside of New Orleans Square.



We wandered the NOS area for a little...



...before deciding it was too hot. We ventured east toward the monorail, but were stopped by a procession of brightly colored floats and dancing animals.

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

Mickey was still talking about the size of that fish.


...


We finally made it to the Monorail station.



At long last we caught the Nemo-Rail!



We went back to the hotel and slept for a couple hours.

2 hours before the fireworks were to commence, the four of us dragged ourselves out of bed to secure seats for the show. Fortuitously there were hardly any people set up in the prime viewing areas of the hub, so we had our parents hold down seats in front of the castle while Wendy and I hit Buzz Lightyear once more.



After saving the galaxy once more, we returned to the hub and prepared to watch the greatest fireworks show ever.

[phd516]

Haha, that's a pretty awesome BLAB picture there.

[summerz]

Really enjoyed your pics and commentary, thanks.

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

About a half hour before the show is to begin a CM comes by and tells all of us who are seated in the front that this is standing room only, and that we all need to stand up. Ridiculous. We look around, and the other people seated around us look bewildered as well. There are numerous small children in our crowd who would be unable to see the show if we all stood up. What is Disney thinking here!? It is so much easier and more comfortable for the guests if everyone sits down, at least in the front area. We resist standing until someone with greater authority comes by and insists that we do indeed have to stand up. Begrudgingly, we comply.



Below is a panorama shot earlier in the day.



And that brings us to the end of day 2.

=====================

The next day, the 19th, We had early entry once again.



We'd decided to use this day to check out Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island, so we arrived early and ate breakfast in the park.



The Corner Cafe. Some of you long time VF members might remember that the VF forum was once known by that name.



The interior of the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

We dined at the Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street. I had a chocolate muffin.

We then took the train to NOS, on our way to the TSI dock.







Just after the island opened we caught a raft and were off. While we were docked, a wandering pirate informed us that this was not the line for the rum.

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

Arriving on the island, Wendy and I went into Dead Man's Grotto while our parents explored on their own. I liked the spooky effects in the grotto, and the Dead Man's Chest.

We then exited the cave and proceeded to explore the other side of the island.



Wendy and I went up into Tom & Huck's treehouse. Well, I should say she did, and up the wrong way, I might add. You see, we found the stairs leading up into the house, but halfway up the stairs was a sign telling us this was the Wrong Way! Wendy, being the rebel that she is, went up anyways, while I searched for the official entrance. Finally Wendy found it and directed me to a ladder hidden in the tree itself. In the treehouse at last, I admired the views of NOS.



We then climbed down and went wherever the stairs led us.





Captured by cannibals... again.

We saw the Mark Twain say good morning to the Gullywhumper.

[Zip~a~dee~doo~dah]

Ever seen this sight before?

That's what I thought.


As we searched the northern part of the island for buried treasure, we trod a walkway bordering the site of Fort Wilderness. Suddenly, who do we see walking up the path but the captain himself!

As he passed us Wendy said rather accusingly, "Well, if it isn't Jack Sparrow." He made no sign of acknowledgment for a couple seconds, then as he walked away he muttered in our direction "Captain." Ha ha, silly old pirate.



I found the treasure. Piece of cake.


Having thoroughly explored the island, we headed back to the rafts.



Near Dead Man's Grotto we found this guy hanging around.



Returning to New Orleans Square, the River Belle Terrace caught our attention. Dad had refused to eat at the bakery, and so had not yet eaten breakfast.

[mrhappybomb]

lucky I stayed at the PPH and I didn't get the whole park has an early entry I only got what every body eles had Tomorrowland and Fanstyland and nice pictures Zip.