NitroStitch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
Grant said it was DJ or DJ Panda, and I think the panda was actually supposed to be a DJ and the hands could be used to "scratch" records like a DJ would.
"The Best Things in my Life came from Disney" - ABD Backstage Magic, Summer 2010 TR
- Thread starter ragtopday
- Start date
Grant said it was DJ or DJ Panda, and I think the panda was actually supposed to be a DJ and the hands could be used to "scratch" records like a DJ would.
Chropistopy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2002
Great next installment, Kristen!!
What is with my face in the conference room picture? I look very baffled at something...or that I was having trouble seeing something...either way, the picture gave me a nice laugh!
What is with my face in the conference room picture? I look very baffled at something...or that I was having trouble seeing something...either way, the picture gave me a nice laugh!
Grant said it was DJ or DJ Panda, and I think the panda was actually supposed to be a DJ and the hands could be used to "scratch" records like a DJ would.
Thanks!
princessbride6205
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 8, 2006
Henson fan and possible adventurer on the next DIS ABD trip here - loving your trip report! Here's a link to more info on the show that the puppet, DJ, appeared on (if you're interested): http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Animal_Jam
NitroStitch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
Very cool! Thanks so much for the link to the tie-in. I couldn't remember which show or sketch the puppet belonged to.
ragtopday
Proud Member of Red Sox Nation
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2007
Thanks Nicole! Yes, Grant mentioned the name of the show DJ was from, but I forgot till you posted this. Very cool! You have to go on one of the trips - it was fantastic!
ragtopday
Proud Member of Red Sox Nation
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2007
This is the hardest day to write about, I think, because of the lack of photos I have to document the morning, due to the photography restrictions. Which means a lot of what I may say is proprietary if you havent been on this trip, are planning on it and would like to be surprised, stop reading now! Also, we saw soooo much and retaining it all long enough even to take notes was a challenge. Im not reading anyone elses report of this day till after Ive posted mine so I can be true to my own memory.
Michael and Dean had told us, with some trepidation, that todays breakfast call would be at 7 am. Maybe they were testing the waters, because that was the meeting time for the rest of the trip! We met outside Twist, the restaurant inside the Renaissance, and we were the only folks in there at that hour. I was surprised, since it was a weekday werent there business travelers needing to get off to work? Breakfast was a buffet nicely laid out. As we were getting ready to leave the waiter came over and asked us how wed like to settle the bill would we like to charge it to our room? Uh, go see that guy over there, I said, pointing to Michael.
I think I fairly danced out to the bus we were off to Imagineering!!
1401 Flower Street was where we pulled up. It is part of an industrial park, and youd never know it was a Disney building, except that the street numbers are done in the style of Disney cast member badges. No photos allowed though! 
Imagineer Dave Fisher met us and served as our guide for the morning. He showed us a generic video about Imagineering, and when Joe Rohde came on screen and Dave made a crack about how Joe doesnt have to follow the dress code we all got a chuckle. After the video Dave talked a little more about imagineering, and then pulled a curtain aside to reveal .well, I cant tell you!! This is one surprise youll have to go on the trip to see (thanks for the heads up, Christy!).
We were treated to a sound demonstration in a studio by another imagineer, Joe. I had to ask his background because he went into quite a bit of detail about how sound affects our experiences and that even such things as our height and the clothes we wear make our aural experience different than someone standing right next to us. It was actually fascinating, and made me think about sound in a whole new way. We wore headphones and got a binaural experience also.
Then we were off to the sculpture room! Just walking in this room was a treat, let alone everything else that came next. On shelves lining the room were hundreds of heads used for animatronics some I recognized (John Wayne, John F. Kennedy, grim grinning ghosts from Haunted Mansion) and many I didnt. Most were just the heads no hair or color. In fact, Dave held up a head and asked us who it was, saying it was someone very famous. I had no idea, but someone in our group (I forget who!) successfully identified it as Johnny Depp. Aside from the chiseled cheek bones, I would have had no idea!
Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs were all there. These are the original marble sculptures done by an Italian artist. There are several incorrect stories out there about the size discrepancy Snow White is actually the same size as the dwarfs. The legend says that they were modeled after a box of soaps sold in Italy around that time and that all the soaps were the same size to fit in the box. However, this story is not true, according to Dave. The truth is that the incorrect measurements were sent to the sculptor! Rather than admit the mistake and pay for another sculpture of Snow White, the imagineers used that famous trick, forced perspective, to make her appear larger. Copies of these sculptures are in Snow Whites grotto to the right of Sleeping Beautys castle. The tragic part of the story is that the originals were in unmarked boxes in the warehouse and one day one of the boxes fell off a forklift, smashing the contents. Snow White was inside. Her torso broke off, and you can see where they have repaired her.
In the corner of the room was a statue I at first thought was C3PO from Star Wars. Turns out this is the bones of the second generation of animatronics. First generation was referred to as A1, which had minimal movement. The A100 model has limb (arms, legs, fingers) and head movements (mouth, eyes) as well, making them much more realistic. Dave said this guys name was Joe Cocker and then turned him on. We were treated to Joe Cocker the Animatronic singing his song Feeling Allright. Watching his eyes blink and his fingers move one by one was the most fascinating part. Dave said that after they showed this to Joe and his producers his producers told them that it was good, except for one problem. What is it whatever it is, well fix it, the imagineers said. This guy moves much more smoothly than Joe does was the complaint.
Walking through the halls of this place was something I could have done all day. The pictures on the walls were all works of art and history. I dont know how anyone gets any work done Id be spending all my time in the hall! But walk down the hall we did, to the model room! We got to look at a model for the expansion of Fantasy Land. Ive not seen much thats been published on this yet, so it was all new to me. I have to say, it looks fantastic! Dumbo is being moved, but there will be two Dumbo rides. One thing he mentioned is that instead of waiting in line (this ride is notoriously slow loading), you will be given a feather with a number or color on it, and allowed to wait in a circus tent where there will be entertainment and shopping (of course) and then they will call your number/color. Im not sure if that is set in stone, but I think it sounds like a great idea. Some of the restaurants sound really cool too.
Just past our line of sight was a model being worked on to present to some sponsors so it was a better model we werent allowed to view it, but we were all very curious! Model builders were busy all over the room how we wanted to pick their brains and just hang out for awhile!
But we were off to Mickeys of Glendale for shopping! We were given 45 minutes to shop, and I used every single one of them. Lots of Imagineering/WED specific items that you cant get anywhere else, along with a few things you can. Prices were reasonable. My only complaint is that the nicer clothes were all for men. I realize probably 90+% of the Imagineers are men, but there are some women, and Im sure even the men have wives/girlfriends/sisters/mothers. I spent a bit over $300 here, and if I went back today there are plenty of things Id pick up that I wish Id gotten then!
Once shopping was done we were off to the Disney Studios.
This is a working studio, and just next to where our bus pulled up they were setting up for a shoot.
We were given lunch tickets to use at the Studio Commissary, and I for one was starving. The only trouble was there were so many choices!
This is a Mickey topiary on the studio grounds, with St. Joseph hospital, where Walt spent his last days, in the background (thanks to Lisa for the idea for this shot).
We had a few more minutes for shopping, and through the door of the store we could see a scene being filmed for the TV show Brothers and Sisters, starring none other than Sally Field! By the time I got my camera out she had moved, so this is not as clear a shot as where she was just a minute before, but it was still very exciting (in the back).
We had to all get photos here:
We walked around the grounds a bit, which are gorgeous. Many of the names weve heard about have offices here (John Lasseter, Marty Sklar, Walt (no last name necessary). Just thinking about the creative energy going on around us was mind boggling!
Visiting the Disney Archives was a HUGE treat! How many people get to do this?? I dont know, but Im thrilled to count myself as one of them!
An actual multi-plane camera, which Walt used to revolutionize animation:
Disney Archivist Dave Smith, who will be retiring soon we were so lucky to meet him as hes been around since the beginning:
Some of the items he showed us:
Opening Day Admission Ticket ($1 to get in):
Ticket book (no E tickets yet):
Opening Day brochure they didnt have time to do this with actual photographs, so everything is artist rendering:
Me with one of Walts 32 Oscars:
Finally it was time to say goodbye. Michael forbid anyone from stopping in at the Starbucks just outside the Archives, but Pete did anyway, that little rebel.
We boarded the bus and many of us nodded off on the drive to our next resort, the Grand Californian, at Disneyland. Ill stop here and post about the evening next. My first trip to Disneyland was as a 10 year old in the 70s, next was a few hours in 1983 with my cousin, and now this one. What will I think?
Michael and Dean had told us, with some trepidation, that todays breakfast call would be at 7 am. Maybe they were testing the waters, because that was the meeting time for the rest of the trip! We met outside Twist, the restaurant inside the Renaissance, and we were the only folks in there at that hour. I was surprised, since it was a weekday werent there business travelers needing to get off to work? Breakfast was a buffet nicely laid out. As we were getting ready to leave the waiter came over and asked us how wed like to settle the bill would we like to charge it to our room? Uh, go see that guy over there, I said, pointing to Michael.
I think I fairly danced out to the bus we were off to Imagineering!!
1401 Flower Street was where we pulled up. It is part of an industrial park, and youd never know it was a Disney building, except that the street numbers are done in the style of Disney cast member badges. No photos allowed though! Imagineer Dave Fisher met us and served as our guide for the morning. He showed us a generic video about Imagineering, and when Joe Rohde came on screen and Dave made a crack about how Joe doesnt have to follow the dress code we all got a chuckle. After the video Dave talked a little more about imagineering, and then pulled a curtain aside to reveal .well, I cant tell you!! This is one surprise youll have to go on the trip to see (thanks for the heads up, Christy!).
We were treated to a sound demonstration in a studio by another imagineer, Joe. I had to ask his background because he went into quite a bit of detail about how sound affects our experiences and that even such things as our height and the clothes we wear make our aural experience different than someone standing right next to us. It was actually fascinating, and made me think about sound in a whole new way. We wore headphones and got a binaural experience also.
Then we were off to the sculpture room! Just walking in this room was a treat, let alone everything else that came next. On shelves lining the room were hundreds of heads used for animatronics some I recognized (John Wayne, John F. Kennedy, grim grinning ghosts from Haunted Mansion) and many I didnt. Most were just the heads no hair or color. In fact, Dave held up a head and asked us who it was, saying it was someone very famous. I had no idea, but someone in our group (I forget who!) successfully identified it as Johnny Depp. Aside from the chiseled cheek bones, I would have had no idea!
Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs were all there. These are the original marble sculptures done by an Italian artist. There are several incorrect stories out there about the size discrepancy Snow White is actually the same size as the dwarfs. The legend says that they were modeled after a box of soaps sold in Italy around that time and that all the soaps were the same size to fit in the box. However, this story is not true, according to Dave. The truth is that the incorrect measurements were sent to the sculptor! Rather than admit the mistake and pay for another sculpture of Snow White, the imagineers used that famous trick, forced perspective, to make her appear larger. Copies of these sculptures are in Snow Whites grotto to the right of Sleeping Beautys castle. The tragic part of the story is that the originals were in unmarked boxes in the warehouse and one day one of the boxes fell off a forklift, smashing the contents. Snow White was inside. Her torso broke off, and you can see where they have repaired her.
In the corner of the room was a statue I at first thought was C3PO from Star Wars. Turns out this is the bones of the second generation of animatronics. First generation was referred to as A1, which had minimal movement. The A100 model has limb (arms, legs, fingers) and head movements (mouth, eyes) as well, making them much more realistic. Dave said this guys name was Joe Cocker and then turned him on. We were treated to Joe Cocker the Animatronic singing his song Feeling Allright. Watching his eyes blink and his fingers move one by one was the most fascinating part. Dave said that after they showed this to Joe and his producers his producers told them that it was good, except for one problem. What is it whatever it is, well fix it, the imagineers said. This guy moves much more smoothly than Joe does was the complaint.
Walking through the halls of this place was something I could have done all day. The pictures on the walls were all works of art and history. I dont know how anyone gets any work done Id be spending all my time in the hall! But walk down the hall we did, to the model room! We got to look at a model for the expansion of Fantasy Land. Ive not seen much thats been published on this yet, so it was all new to me. I have to say, it looks fantastic! Dumbo is being moved, but there will be two Dumbo rides. One thing he mentioned is that instead of waiting in line (this ride is notoriously slow loading), you will be given a feather with a number or color on it, and allowed to wait in a circus tent where there will be entertainment and shopping (of course) and then they will call your number/color. Im not sure if that is set in stone, but I think it sounds like a great idea. Some of the restaurants sound really cool too.
Just past our line of sight was a model being worked on to present to some sponsors so it was a better model we werent allowed to view it, but we were all very curious! Model builders were busy all over the room how we wanted to pick their brains and just hang out for awhile!
But we were off to Mickeys of Glendale for shopping! We were given 45 minutes to shop, and I used every single one of them. Lots of Imagineering/WED specific items that you cant get anywhere else, along with a few things you can. Prices were reasonable. My only complaint is that the nicer clothes were all for men. I realize probably 90+% of the Imagineers are men, but there are some women, and Im sure even the men have wives/girlfriends/sisters/mothers. I spent a bit over $300 here, and if I went back today there are plenty of things Id pick up that I wish Id gotten then!
Once shopping was done we were off to the Disney Studios.
This is a working studio, and just next to where our bus pulled up they were setting up for a shoot.
We were given lunch tickets to use at the Studio Commissary, and I for one was starving. The only trouble was there were so many choices!
This is a Mickey topiary on the studio grounds, with St. Joseph hospital, where Walt spent his last days, in the background (thanks to Lisa for the idea for this shot).
We had a few more minutes for shopping, and through the door of the store we could see a scene being filmed for the TV show Brothers and Sisters, starring none other than Sally Field! By the time I got my camera out she had moved, so this is not as clear a shot as where she was just a minute before, but it was still very exciting (in the back).
We had to all get photos here:
We walked around the grounds a bit, which are gorgeous. Many of the names weve heard about have offices here (John Lasseter, Marty Sklar, Walt (no last name necessary). Just thinking about the creative energy going on around us was mind boggling!
Visiting the Disney Archives was a HUGE treat! How many people get to do this?? I dont know, but Im thrilled to count myself as one of them!
An actual multi-plane camera, which Walt used to revolutionize animation:
Disney Archivist Dave Smith, who will be retiring soon we were so lucky to meet him as hes been around since the beginning:
Some of the items he showed us:
Opening Day Admission Ticket ($1 to get in):
Ticket book (no E tickets yet):
Opening Day brochure they didnt have time to do this with actual photographs, so everything is artist rendering:
Me with one of Walts 32 Oscars:
Finally it was time to say goodbye. Michael forbid anyone from stopping in at the Starbucks just outside the Archives, but Pete did anyway, that little rebel.
We boarded the bus and many of us nodded off on the drive to our next resort, the Grand Californian, at Disneyland. Ill stop here and post about the evening next. My first trip to Disneyland was as a 10 year old in the 70s, next was a few hours in 1983 with my cousin, and now this one. What will I think?
sayhello
Have Camera, Will Travel
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
I'm really enjoying your Trip Report!
I'd have a really hard time with the no photos allowed, too. I love having photos as a way to remind myself of what I saw, and to share it with others. Oh, well! They have their reasons!
Looking forward to more.
Sayhello
I'd have a really hard time with the no photos allowed, too. I love having photos as a way to remind myself of what I saw, and to share it with others. Oh, well! They have their reasons!
Looking forward to more.
Sayhello
NitroStitch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
It was really tough not to have the photographic reminders, and my camera hands were aching to photograph so many priceless memories. Guess that's one of the reasons they don't allow cameras inside. That, and all of the proprietary information.
Another very good trip report, Kristen!
ragtopday
Proud Member of Red Sox Nation
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2007
Wake up, Sleeping Beauties, Michael said as our bus pulled into the driveway at the Grand Californian. We all trooped off and into the lobby of this gorgeous hotel. It reminded me very much of the Wilderness Lodge at WDW with its expansive lobby and rustic feel. We picked up our room keys and had about an hour till we were to meet again for dinner. I dont know what anyone else did, but Nichole and I were so happy to have internet access (the Renaissance charges $12.95 a day for it and we decided to rely on our iPhones data plan for that duration) that we hopped right onto our laptop (me) and iPad (her). Its also nice that the internet access is wireless! When are the WDW resorts going wireless, huh??
One funny surprise was this little gift in our soap dish:
It looks like they had changed the lightbulb over the mirror and then forgotten to take the old one away. No worries, we took care of throwing it out for them!
At 5:00 pm we all met in the lobby again for the walk through Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel, Steakhouse 55, for dinner. I immediately fell in love with Downtown Disney! Im not even sure what it is it feels both bigger (taller) and smaller (cozier) than the one in Florida. Lots of shops and restaurants I wanted to check out when we had time. I guess maybe it felt more like a grown-up playground.
The lobby/atrium of the hotel had some interesting sights:
This is actually a depiction of the tattoo I just got on my foot a month ago! I wonder how they found out and got it painted on the ceiling so fast!
We were greeted by this delightful sign up on entering:
Private Party? For us?? They had tables with couches and lounge chairs set up at the front of the restaurant with an appetizer buffet with cheeses, olives, crackers, breads and spreads,
along with our choice of 3 wines (Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). It was during this time that a group of us realized we have some real wine lovers! I learned that Diane Disney Miller has her own winery (Silverado) and that John Lasseter has delved into the wine business as well. Neither ship to my state right now, but Im going to keep checking!
After some wine, apps and conversation, we were ushered into the dining room where dinner would be served. Oh! I had thought we were eating out there, but this is much better! We had previously selected our entrée (steak, salmon or chicken) and these were brought out. I had the salmon and it was excellent! Dessert was a peach tart I declare it meh, and not really worth the calories. However, overall, this was my favorite meal of the trip, hands down.
At dinner I was sitting with Wayne, Stacy, Jeff and Christy and we had a blast chatting. At one point Wayne asked if any of us had any Disney stories where wed gotten away with something. We all mostly demurred (though Jeff and Stacy finally came up with one), but Wayne told a doozy of a story its really his to tell, but if he doesnt mind chiming in to share it, I think we would all love to hear it again (plus, Im not sure everyone else got to hear it the first time!). We also learned an interesting new use for Tide-to-Go!
After dinner it was back through Downtown Disney
to Disneyland! Michael and Dean handed out park tickets:
(squeeeee!)
and we walked through the turnstiles!
First stop Haunted Mansion! The house is so different from the one at the Magic Kingdom! In Disneyland it is an old southern plantation.
We were backdoored into this ride, passing by all the unwashed as Pete said. We were beginning to really feel like we were something pretty special!
After this ride Michael and Dean handed out a FastPass for us to use on any one attraction later that night, and then also invited us to join them for VIP seating for Fantasmic! Cheers erupted!
First we decided to ride Pirates. We didnt need to use our FastPass for this. Its so fun to notice the differences between the one at WDW and this one. Loading is outside, the story starts before the Water Screen, etc. By the time we got off this ride it was time to find our group at the viewing spot for Fantasmic, and boy were the crowds thick! The CMs were doing a good job ushering folks along, but we had to do some fancy double backing to find the group.
Id heard Fantasmic at DL was better than at WDW and now I can say from the first person, it is WAY better! You are right on top of it, and it is much more engaging. Huge surprises. Unfortunately no decent photos to share. Use your imagination.
The fireworks started only a few minutes after the show ended, so we stayed where we were to watch them. We really werent in prime viewing location, and so they were fireworks, cool. We saw Tinkerbell fly by, and Dumbo makes an appearance too, which we sorta saw.
Once the fireworks were over it was time for rides! And we had a FastPass burning a hole in our pockets!
Let me say its a good thing I have notes from this night, otherwise I would never remember what we did afterwards ..
First up was Big Thunder Mountain. Didnt need to use our FPs for this it was a 5 minute wait at most. It was also the first time Id ever done this ride at night. Totally fantastic! Loved it!
Indiana Jones was next (more on this in my next installment). We did use our FPs for this the line is otherworldly. The queue is also really, really long. We had to walk through it all, but we could at least keep moving. There is so much to see! The theming is amazing. The queue actually goes under the berm that goes around the park, and if you pay attention you can see where you cross it. There is also an old Eeyore parking sign hidden at the back of the queue line where you load (this ride used to be part of the parking lot), but the CM working the line didnt have a flashlight to show us. My old eyes couldnt quite make out what she showed us, but Ill say I saw it anyway!
This ride uses the same vehicles and track system as the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom (a ride I despise), but I loved this ride! As I said, more on it later.
Next we did Pinocchio and then Its a Small World (love the outside of this attraction!).
The new characters are incorporated into this attraction, and Wayne helped us pick them out. I have to say that I was opposed to this on principle when I first heard about it, but the Imagineers really stayed true to Mary Blairs style, and the characters used all really do fit where they are placed. Nicely done.
Then, even though there were still 20 minutes left till the park closed, we decided we were toast.
Another big day tomorrow I wonder where we will eat breakfast?
One funny surprise was this little gift in our soap dish:
It looks like they had changed the lightbulb over the mirror and then forgotten to take the old one away. No worries, we took care of throwing it out for them!
At 5:00 pm we all met in the lobby again for the walk through Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel, Steakhouse 55, for dinner. I immediately fell in love with Downtown Disney! Im not even sure what it is it feels both bigger (taller) and smaller (cozier) than the one in Florida. Lots of shops and restaurants I wanted to check out when we had time. I guess maybe it felt more like a grown-up playground.
The lobby/atrium of the hotel had some interesting sights:
This is actually a depiction of the tattoo I just got on my foot a month ago! I wonder how they found out and got it painted on the ceiling so fast!
We were greeted by this delightful sign up on entering:
Private Party? For us?? They had tables with couches and lounge chairs set up at the front of the restaurant with an appetizer buffet with cheeses, olives, crackers, breads and spreads,
along with our choice of 3 wines (Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). It was during this time that a group of us realized we have some real wine lovers! I learned that Diane Disney Miller has her own winery (Silverado) and that John Lasseter has delved into the wine business as well. Neither ship to my state right now, but Im going to keep checking!
After some wine, apps and conversation, we were ushered into the dining room where dinner would be served. Oh! I had thought we were eating out there, but this is much better! We had previously selected our entrée (steak, salmon or chicken) and these were brought out. I had the salmon and it was excellent! Dessert was a peach tart I declare it meh, and not really worth the calories. However, overall, this was my favorite meal of the trip, hands down.
At dinner I was sitting with Wayne, Stacy, Jeff and Christy and we had a blast chatting. At one point Wayne asked if any of us had any Disney stories where wed gotten away with something. We all mostly demurred (though Jeff and Stacy finally came up with one), but Wayne told a doozy of a story its really his to tell, but if he doesnt mind chiming in to share it, I think we would all love to hear it again (plus, Im not sure everyone else got to hear it the first time!). We also learned an interesting new use for Tide-to-Go!
After dinner it was back through Downtown Disney
to Disneyland! Michael and Dean handed out park tickets:
(squeeeee!)
and we walked through the turnstiles!
First stop Haunted Mansion! The house is so different from the one at the Magic Kingdom! In Disneyland it is an old southern plantation.
We were backdoored into this ride, passing by all the unwashed as Pete said. We were beginning to really feel like we were something pretty special!
After this ride Michael and Dean handed out a FastPass for us to use on any one attraction later that night, and then also invited us to join them for VIP seating for Fantasmic! Cheers erupted!
First we decided to ride Pirates. We didnt need to use our FastPass for this. Its so fun to notice the differences between the one at WDW and this one. Loading is outside, the story starts before the Water Screen, etc. By the time we got off this ride it was time to find our group at the viewing spot for Fantasmic, and boy were the crowds thick! The CMs were doing a good job ushering folks along, but we had to do some fancy double backing to find the group.
Id heard Fantasmic at DL was better than at WDW and now I can say from the first person, it is WAY better! You are right on top of it, and it is much more engaging. Huge surprises. Unfortunately no decent photos to share. Use your imagination.
The fireworks started only a few minutes after the show ended, so we stayed where we were to watch them. We really werent in prime viewing location, and so they were fireworks, cool. We saw Tinkerbell fly by, and Dumbo makes an appearance too, which we sorta saw.
Once the fireworks were over it was time for rides! And we had a FastPass burning a hole in our pockets!
Let me say its a good thing I have notes from this night, otherwise I would never remember what we did afterwards ..
First up was Big Thunder Mountain. Didnt need to use our FPs for this it was a 5 minute wait at most. It was also the first time Id ever done this ride at night. Totally fantastic! Loved it!
Indiana Jones was next (more on this in my next installment). We did use our FPs for this the line is otherworldly. The queue is also really, really long. We had to walk through it all, but we could at least keep moving. There is so much to see! The theming is amazing. The queue actually goes under the berm that goes around the park, and if you pay attention you can see where you cross it. There is also an old Eeyore parking sign hidden at the back of the queue line where you load (this ride used to be part of the parking lot), but the CM working the line didnt have a flashlight to show us. My old eyes couldnt quite make out what she showed us, but Ill say I saw it anyway!
This ride uses the same vehicles and track system as the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom (a ride I despise), but I loved this ride! As I said, more on it later.
Next we did Pinocchio and then Its a Small World (love the outside of this attraction!).
The new characters are incorporated into this attraction, and Wayne helped us pick them out. I have to say that I was opposed to this on principle when I first heard about it, but the Imagineers really stayed true to Mary Blairs style, and the characters used all really do fit where they are placed. Nicely done.
Then, even though there were still 20 minutes left till the park closed, we decided we were toast.
Another big day tomorrow I wonder where we will eat breakfast?
scrappinDW
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2005
What a great report, Kristen. You have a great style of writing. I am having fun going over everything again. I had forgotten a lot. Pam
Jeff & Stacy in NYC
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2008
I love this! What awesome reporting! I can't wait to read about the next day (big doin's!) and see the photos! 
NitroStitch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
Wonderful trip report! Once again, I'm so glad you remembered so many details! We didn't get to hear Wayne's story, so now we're very curious! 
Y'all accomplished a lot more on the first Disneyland night than we did. We still had fun despite the thugs we encountered, but we didn't see nearly as many things that night.
Y'all accomplished a lot more on the first Disneyland night than we did. We still had fun despite the thugs we encountered, but we didn't see nearly as many things that night.
sayhello
Have Camera, Will Travel
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
Thugs???? Please explain?Wonderful trip report! Once again, I'm so glad you remembered so many details! We didn't get to hear Wayne's story, so now we're very curious!
Y'all accomplished a lot more on the first Disneyland night than we did. We still had fun despite the thugs we encountered, but we didn't see nearly as many things that night.
Sayhello
NitroStitch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
We decided to ride Indiana Jones with our FP, and just as we got in line, two people literally ran and jumped in front of us. Behind us were around 8 of their friends who started bellowing at the top of their lungs (in the tunnel queue) to be let ahead to join the line cutting friends. We were going deaf from the bellowing, so we stood aside and they snapped a snotty thank you for us "finally" getting out of "their way." Fine. Then about 8-10 more were behind them, bellowing and screaming to the ones that were in front, again making us halfway deaf, demanding to join their friends. We finally had to move away for 30 thugs because of the two idiots that ran and jumped in front of the 2 of us. We were nearly going to be stuck on one of their cars for the ride, but we refused, asking to get on any other car but that one. We were getting seated when they went screaming and bellowing and yelling into the ride. We ran into a lot of rude, aggressive people during our Disneyland evenings, but other than a lady who slammed me and my camera into a wall and a running guy who shoved us apart as he ran through us, they were the worst. Very different energy from Florida park guests...
We didn't let them ruin our wonderful trip, and we still had an amazing time!
sayhello
Have Camera, Will Travel
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
Wow! I am *so* sorry you experienced that! What a shame. It's too bad there wasn't a cast member nearby to throw them out of the line.
I'm glad it didn't ruin things for you. There are idiots everywhere!
Sayhello
ragtopday
Proud Member of Red Sox Nation
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2007
Thanks for reading everyone!
I'm working on the next day's installment now, and there is SO much to include! I should have it up by tomorrow, but let me say I have a whole new appreciation for those who put together trip reports of every trip. It's a great memory, but a huge investment in time! I am loving doing it though - your feedback is great, keep it coming!
I'm working on the next day's installment now, and there is SO much to include! I should have it up by tomorrow, but let me say I have a whole new appreciation for those who put together trip reports of every trip. It's a great memory, but a huge investment in time! I am loving doing it though - your feedback is great, keep it coming!
ragtopday
Proud Member of Red Sox Nation
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2007
You know what time breakfast was, right? 7:00 am! Exhausted from our late and busy night before, but we all gathered in the (freezing cold) lobby on time to start another exciting day.
We had a couple of look-a-likes thanks to our shopping spree at Mickeys of Glendale. Think they called each other last night to coordinate?
Michael and Dean led us through a still-sleepy Downtown Disney to an empty Disneyland entrance. How often do you get to see this sort of thing?
After using our tickets to get into the park Michael collected all our tickets because he was going to get us FastPasses to use for World of Color tonight! Yahoo!!! We had been asking and asking about this in the weeks leading up to this, and no one at ABD could (or would) give a clear answer. We were all thrilled beyond belief we were going to get to see it!
Where IS everyone?
Oh, there we are!
Our first stop was, of course, Sleeping Beautys castle.
I dont care that its smaller than Cinderellas castle in WDW. This is the one that Walt built. This is the first one. It is gorgeous. I adore it.
We visited Snow Whites grotto off to the side of the castle where the sculpture doppelgangers appear that we learned about the day before. We all decided someone needs to get in there with a good stiff brush and clean them up a bit. Notice the forced perspective in action here?
Michael and Dean shared some stories from the early days of Disneyland, but my favorite one is about Herb Ryman, one of Walts right hand men. He was in fact the person Walt called in on a Saturday to draw up his vision of Disneyland that Roy took to New York on Monday to meet with the bank and secure financing. So hes been around, and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1990 (Michael and Dean didnt tell us that I looked it up!). In the last days of his life someone brought him a small spruce tree while he was in the hospital. He asked that it be planted in the park. No one had the heart to tell him that a spruce would simply not do well in the southern California climate, and after his death that little tree was indeed planted. The original tree has since died, but an evergreen is always planted near the castle as a tribute to Herb.
We had fun playing as if we were the original Disney guests, running through the castle (Michael and Deal took photos). It was so special to have so much time alone in the park before anyone else arrived.
By now tummies were rumbling and it was time to find breakfast. Michael and Dean enjoyed playing with us, saying they were looking for the Pancake House. We first went to the Plaza, but oh, no, they didnt have room for us. Another restaurant had lost our reservation. Oh no, were hungry, where can we eat???
What a non-descript door this is!
A closer look
Nichole, why dont you ring the doorbell?
Gasp! They answered the door! And let us in!
Club 33 is a private, extremely exclusive club. There is a 14 year waiting list just to get on the waiting list (or something like that). Walt conceived it as a place where he could entertain dignitaries and clients privately in the park, but unfortunately he never got to see it since it was completed about 5 months after his death. There are a lot of rumors and urban legends about the club that Jeff, the manager, was happy to dispel for us. He wouldnt answer anything about who is a member or how much it costs to be a member, but he was happy to provide truths to all those half-truths weve heard about.
Truths:
It is the only place in Disneyland where alcohol is served
Membership is guarded
Falses: (is that a word? Spellcheck says no how about Myths instead)
Microphones in the ceiling were so Walt could spy on his guests (no, they were to make it easier to hear the animatronics)
33 in the name does not refer to anything in particular, although it is the address of the club in the park (33 Royal Street) however that is an internal and not an official address
Up the stairs we walked
The restaurant was set up especially for us!
Merchandise we were allowed to buy:
The food was buffet style typical breakfast food. I didnt think it was anything special, though I didnt have any complaints either. I know a lot of folks had trouble getting coffee. I would have liked a Diet Coke, but decided not to ask I later found out someone else in the group did ask, and was told it was not possible. The best thing on that buffet though, was the chocolate macaroons! I ate one before the manager talked about them he said they are so popular they serve them at breakfast, lunch and dinner. So I had a second one!
We were told we all had to check out the ladies room (even the men), so here is what we were apparently supposed to see:
Who would want to actually use it, I ask?
The Trophy Room (I was surprised they let us into this):
Me in the elevator (which none of us used):
We hung out for awhile, buying stuff, stepping out onto the balconies, waving to the minions below (the park had now opened and people were curious about us).
Next up Indiana Jones! Hey, some of us used a FastPass on this last night!
We walked down the exit ramp, with a few renegades trying to fall in line behind us. Michael did an excellent job shooing them away! Behind the biiiiig doors and we were backstage cameras away! We were walked into the maintenance bay for the ride vehicles. The head mechanic talked to us for quite awhile about the vehicles. There are 14-15 vehicles in use at any given time on the attraction they like to be able to have 2 out for scheduled maintenance (they own 17 vehicles). Theyve just gone to a new tire which is stickier, and we had to step over tire tracks all over the floor, lest we take a bit of the attraction with us! He showed us how the vehicle works its not the track that rocks and rolls, its the vehicle! It will rise up, twist to one side, or front/back, makng you feel like the truck might roll over, but in fact its firmly on the ground. In fact there are nearly 160,000 different things that can happen and that are programmed into the rides computers. Each of the vehicles has its own on-board ride control and audio system, allowing it to create the ride combinations. These can range from a small bump from hydraulics, to a flashing light, to a burst of fire.
Each vehicle has a unique identification number painted on it, such as TB0201. The first two letters are one of the designers initials, followed by his birthday (Feb) and a vehicle number (01). I love when they can pay homage to the folks doing the tough stuff in little winks and nods like that!
After learning everything we could about the vehicles, we got to ride! Again we were backdoored to the front of the line, passing the folks waiting in the 60 minute wait line and had another raucously fun ride on this attraction! Maybe Ill have to give Dinosaur another try. Maybe. I have a feeling I love this so much because I love Indiana Jones so much, but well see.
When we left we headed out past Its a Small World to a door ..put your cameras away (again) folks, were going backstage!
First, we stopped to talk to a mechanic for the steam trains. He started out by saying, I have the best job in the parks and gave us a lot of information about the trains and how they run. Walt was a huge train aficionado so this was all in keeping with our love of Walt.
We headed deeper into the backstage area, past warehouse looking buildings (Dean had said backstage looks like the back of Wal-Mart yeah, pretty much). Under a covered area a group of cast members in uniform, I mean costume, were doing some warm-up exercises. I didnt recognize their costume so Im not sure where they were headed. Do all CMs warm up before their shift?
We next met up with the guy behind the nightly fireworks. He told us I have the best job in the parks. He works in a tiny hut, across the street from where the fireworks are staged each day. There is a black tube where each explosive is placed, and then he sets them off by basically flipping a shift when its time to start. He has to monitor wind direction to ensure its safe to set them off, and adjust for it if necessary. One of the things we all appreciate so much about Disney fireworks is how well they are choreographed to music. He explained that it is easier for them to do this than a large municipal display (such as Boston or NYC Fourth of July) because of the small venue there is not as much delay for sound. Nice tie-in to the lesson from Imagineering yesterday!
Our final stop backstage was to the barn where the animals who work in the parks are kept. The horses who pull the carriages, who were romping playfully in the field, donkeys, goats, lambs (petting zoo) and even a couple of very talkative cockatoos! Any guesses what this cast member said during her talk? Ive got the best job in the parks. How refreshing to meet so many people in one day who love their job so much!
We said goodbye and started heading back on-stage, but not before passing a sign at the door reminder cast members they were heading out and to Smile!
Lunch time! We went to Big Thunder Ranch where tables were already set up for us. Meals are served family style: barbecue ribs and chicken in a silver bucket, baked beans, cole slaw and corn bread. The cole slaw was vinegar based, just the way I like it. Barbecue is not my favorite food, and the chicken was dry (I think I had one bite). I m mostly filled up on cole slaw and corn bread. There was entertainment going on in the front, but most of us were too busy chatting to pay much attention. Anne and Alans daughter walked by and stopped to chat for a few minutes! She is an electrical engineer working for Disney Alan says her main job is to tell the Imagineers why their high faluting ideas wont work, mostly for safety reasons.
We left lunch before we had dessert, and even though I wasnt hungry for it, I sure do like my sweets.
I have to stop here, as Ive gone over my limit for pictures (gasp!) To be continued!
We had a couple of look-a-likes thanks to our shopping spree at Mickeys of Glendale. Think they called each other last night to coordinate?
Michael and Dean led us through a still-sleepy Downtown Disney to an empty Disneyland entrance. How often do you get to see this sort of thing?
After using our tickets to get into the park Michael collected all our tickets because he was going to get us FastPasses to use for World of Color tonight! Yahoo!!! We had been asking and asking about this in the weeks leading up to this, and no one at ABD could (or would) give a clear answer. We were all thrilled beyond belief we were going to get to see it!
Where IS everyone?
Oh, there we are!
Our first stop was, of course, Sleeping Beautys castle.
I dont care that its smaller than Cinderellas castle in WDW. This is the one that Walt built. This is the first one. It is gorgeous. I adore it.
We visited Snow Whites grotto off to the side of the castle where the sculpture doppelgangers appear that we learned about the day before. We all decided someone needs to get in there with a good stiff brush and clean them up a bit. Notice the forced perspective in action here?
Michael and Dean shared some stories from the early days of Disneyland, but my favorite one is about Herb Ryman, one of Walts right hand men. He was in fact the person Walt called in on a Saturday to draw up his vision of Disneyland that Roy took to New York on Monday to meet with the bank and secure financing. So hes been around, and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1990 (Michael and Dean didnt tell us that I looked it up!). In the last days of his life someone brought him a small spruce tree while he was in the hospital. He asked that it be planted in the park. No one had the heart to tell him that a spruce would simply not do well in the southern California climate, and after his death that little tree was indeed planted. The original tree has since died, but an evergreen is always planted near the castle as a tribute to Herb.
We had fun playing as if we were the original Disney guests, running through the castle (Michael and Deal took photos). It was so special to have so much time alone in the park before anyone else arrived.
By now tummies were rumbling and it was time to find breakfast. Michael and Dean enjoyed playing with us, saying they were looking for the Pancake House. We first went to the Plaza, but oh, no, they didnt have room for us. Another restaurant had lost our reservation. Oh no, were hungry, where can we eat???
What a non-descript door this is!
A closer look
Nichole, why dont you ring the doorbell?
Gasp! They answered the door! And let us in!
Club 33 is a private, extremely exclusive club. There is a 14 year waiting list just to get on the waiting list (or something like that). Walt conceived it as a place where he could entertain dignitaries and clients privately in the park, but unfortunately he never got to see it since it was completed about 5 months after his death. There are a lot of rumors and urban legends about the club that Jeff, the manager, was happy to dispel for us. He wouldnt answer anything about who is a member or how much it costs to be a member, but he was happy to provide truths to all those half-truths weve heard about.
Truths:
It is the only place in Disneyland where alcohol is served
Membership is guarded
Falses: (is that a word? Spellcheck says no how about Myths instead)
Microphones in the ceiling were so Walt could spy on his guests (no, they were to make it easier to hear the animatronics)
33 in the name does not refer to anything in particular, although it is the address of the club in the park (33 Royal Street) however that is an internal and not an official address
Up the stairs we walked
The restaurant was set up especially for us!
Merchandise we were allowed to buy:
The food was buffet style typical breakfast food. I didnt think it was anything special, though I didnt have any complaints either. I know a lot of folks had trouble getting coffee. I would have liked a Diet Coke, but decided not to ask I later found out someone else in the group did ask, and was told it was not possible. The best thing on that buffet though, was the chocolate macaroons! I ate one before the manager talked about them he said they are so popular they serve them at breakfast, lunch and dinner. So I had a second one!
We were told we all had to check out the ladies room (even the men), so here is what we were apparently supposed to see:
Who would want to actually use it, I ask?
The Trophy Room (I was surprised they let us into this):
Me in the elevator (which none of us used):
We hung out for awhile, buying stuff, stepping out onto the balconies, waving to the minions below (the park had now opened and people were curious about us).
Next up Indiana Jones! Hey, some of us used a FastPass on this last night!
We walked down the exit ramp, with a few renegades trying to fall in line behind us. Michael did an excellent job shooing them away! Behind the biiiiig doors and we were backstage cameras away! We were walked into the maintenance bay for the ride vehicles. The head mechanic talked to us for quite awhile about the vehicles. There are 14-15 vehicles in use at any given time on the attraction they like to be able to have 2 out for scheduled maintenance (they own 17 vehicles). Theyve just gone to a new tire which is stickier, and we had to step over tire tracks all over the floor, lest we take a bit of the attraction with us! He showed us how the vehicle works its not the track that rocks and rolls, its the vehicle! It will rise up, twist to one side, or front/back, makng you feel like the truck might roll over, but in fact its firmly on the ground. In fact there are nearly 160,000 different things that can happen and that are programmed into the rides computers. Each of the vehicles has its own on-board ride control and audio system, allowing it to create the ride combinations. These can range from a small bump from hydraulics, to a flashing light, to a burst of fire.
Each vehicle has a unique identification number painted on it, such as TB0201. The first two letters are one of the designers initials, followed by his birthday (Feb) and a vehicle number (01). I love when they can pay homage to the folks doing the tough stuff in little winks and nods like that!
After learning everything we could about the vehicles, we got to ride! Again we were backdoored to the front of the line, passing the folks waiting in the 60 minute wait line and had another raucously fun ride on this attraction! Maybe Ill have to give Dinosaur another try. Maybe. I have a feeling I love this so much because I love Indiana Jones so much, but well see.
When we left we headed out past Its a Small World to a door ..put your cameras away (again) folks, were going backstage!
First, we stopped to talk to a mechanic for the steam trains. He started out by saying, I have the best job in the parks and gave us a lot of information about the trains and how they run. Walt was a huge train aficionado so this was all in keeping with our love of Walt.
We headed deeper into the backstage area, past warehouse looking buildings (Dean had said backstage looks like the back of Wal-Mart yeah, pretty much). Under a covered area a group of cast members in uniform, I mean costume, were doing some warm-up exercises. I didnt recognize their costume so Im not sure where they were headed. Do all CMs warm up before their shift?
We next met up with the guy behind the nightly fireworks. He told us I have the best job in the parks. He works in a tiny hut, across the street from where the fireworks are staged each day. There is a black tube where each explosive is placed, and then he sets them off by basically flipping a shift when its time to start. He has to monitor wind direction to ensure its safe to set them off, and adjust for it if necessary. One of the things we all appreciate so much about Disney fireworks is how well they are choreographed to music. He explained that it is easier for them to do this than a large municipal display (such as Boston or NYC Fourth of July) because of the small venue there is not as much delay for sound. Nice tie-in to the lesson from Imagineering yesterday!
Our final stop backstage was to the barn where the animals who work in the parks are kept. The horses who pull the carriages, who were romping playfully in the field, donkeys, goats, lambs (petting zoo) and even a couple of very talkative cockatoos! Any guesses what this cast member said during her talk? Ive got the best job in the parks. How refreshing to meet so many people in one day who love their job so much!
We said goodbye and started heading back on-stage, but not before passing a sign at the door reminder cast members they were heading out and to Smile!
Lunch time! We went to Big Thunder Ranch where tables were already set up for us. Meals are served family style: barbecue ribs and chicken in a silver bucket, baked beans, cole slaw and corn bread. The cole slaw was vinegar based, just the way I like it. Barbecue is not my favorite food, and the chicken was dry (I think I had one bite). I m mostly filled up on cole slaw and corn bread. There was entertainment going on in the front, but most of us were too busy chatting to pay much attention. Anne and Alans daughter walked by and stopped to chat for a few minutes! She is an electrical engineer working for Disney Alan says her main job is to tell the Imagineers why their high faluting ideas wont work, mostly for safety reasons.
We left lunch before we had dessert, and even though I wasnt hungry for it, I sure do like my sweets.
I have to stop here, as Ive gone over my limit for pictures (gasp!) To be continued!
ragtopday
Proud Member of Red Sox Nation
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2007
Next up, the Jungle Cruise! Always a favorite of mine – the cornier the jokes, the harder I laugh. Once, again, ABD magic was at work and we were ushered to the front of the line.
When we got off the ride Dean was whisked away and we learned it was because he was receiving his 20 year ring – 20 years with Disney! When we heard this news earlier in the week many of us wondered whether he started working when he was 7!
So we dropped him off for his ceremony and headed to The Enchanted Tiki Room. The original! The one not under new management (yahoo!). (I am not a fan of Zazu and Iago.) This attraction had originally been conceived as a dinner show and would include a restaurant. However, when it was tested, they found that people weren’t eating because they were paying too much attention to the show, and the restaurant part was scrapped. There is still a rest room here (not well known) if you ever find yourself in need!
We entered the room with the rest of the throngs, and Maynard, the CM working the attraction, handed us ABD’ers all napkins and told us to put them on our heads to act as “Bird Poop Protectors” (or something like that). He made us part of the show as we had to stand up and put them on our heads. Some of us were very excited and thought this meant we would be getting Dole Whips after the show! But, no such luck.
A word or two about Maynard. He was fantastic. He said his little shtick to start the show, and it seemed he had been made to live in the Tiki Room. His voice, his mannerisms, his facial expressions – all perfect!
It seemed he was working the exact right attraction. And then I did a little research on him. He has also worked the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise (possibly more) and those who have experienced him at these attractions say he is perfect there – I would love to see him in the Haunted Mansion! Anyway, I did not realize it at the time, but having Maynard was extremely special!
After the show was over we stayed behind for an extra lesson on this attraction. Dean, with his brand new, gorgeous 20 year ring, brought out a retired Tiki Room performer and we got to see her up close and personal. Her name was Ophelia something something and she was beautiful.
Our next activity was one of the highlights of the trip. We got to visit Walt’s apartment over the Firehouse! Again, no photos allowed – just mind snapshots. That’s it – the windows on the second floor!
We walked around the back of the firehouse and up a set of outdoor steps. We entered the tiny apartment and stepped back in time. The apartment is decorated according to the taste of Lillian, Walt’s wife. Lots of flowers and velvet. Walt and Lillian had separate beds on either side of the one room apartment – photographs were on every wall. Walt loved to entertain his grandchildren in the apartment, and there was a large private veranda overlooking Main Street where they could watch the parades. This experience was quite emotional for some in our group – it was very touching to see tears coming from more than one set of eyes! I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had this experience!
We split up next – half went with Dean to ride the Lilly Belle, and half stayed with Michael to see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The Lincoln attraction is unique because Lincoln actually stands up. I must admit I expected to see him walking across the floor! Because Dean’s group had been delayed due to some VIP’s on the Lilly Belle (what?? Someone more important than us?!?!?) we had some time to kill and used it to view the movies at the Cinema about Opening Day.
Finally it was my group’s turn to ride the Lilly Belle. I had never taken the time to ride the train around the park, either here or at WDW – I’m usually a go-go-go type tourer and the train ride just seemed too slow for me. I’m happy to say I really enjoyed this break in the action. Not only was it nice to just sit down, but the Lilly Belle car is done very much in the same Victorian style as Walt’s apartment, and it just felt….nice to be there.
You also get to see some things on the train ride you don’t get to see anywhere else – the Grand Canyon/Primeval World diorama. The whole ride takes about 20 minutes, and after our full day it was nice to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Our next big surprise was visiting the Dream Suite!
This suite, and another like it at WDW, were built in 2008 for the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. That year a different family won a one night stay in the suite each night. Today it is reserved for specially invited guests, and often goes long stretches with no one in it at all. How sad! For it is truly magical!
Good Night Kiss buttons in the living room, kids bedroom and master bedroom all bring about a special surprise. Music and a mirror show in the living room, music and a train ride in the kids room, and music and lights in the master. The master bathroom does a star show in the tiled shower, and the closet is big enough for me to move into. Keep in mind most stays here are one night!
Each guest who stays is invited to sign the guest book. Our guide told us John Lasseter and his wife had stayed in February 2009. The Pixar fans among us had to find his entry:
Stopping again to catch my breath. I'll be back later to tell you about time on our own and World. Of. Color!
When we got off the ride Dean was whisked away and we learned it was because he was receiving his 20 year ring – 20 years with Disney! When we heard this news earlier in the week many of us wondered whether he started working when he was 7!
So we dropped him off for his ceremony and headed to The Enchanted Tiki Room. The original! The one not under new management (yahoo!). (I am not a fan of Zazu and Iago.) This attraction had originally been conceived as a dinner show and would include a restaurant. However, when it was tested, they found that people weren’t eating because they were paying too much attention to the show, and the restaurant part was scrapped. There is still a rest room here (not well known) if you ever find yourself in need!
We entered the room with the rest of the throngs, and Maynard, the CM working the attraction, handed us ABD’ers all napkins and told us to put them on our heads to act as “Bird Poop Protectors” (or something like that). He made us part of the show as we had to stand up and put them on our heads. Some of us were very excited and thought this meant we would be getting Dole Whips after the show! But, no such luck.
A word or two about Maynard. He was fantastic. He said his little shtick to start the show, and it seemed he had been made to live in the Tiki Room. His voice, his mannerisms, his facial expressions – all perfect!
It seemed he was working the exact right attraction. And then I did a little research on him. He has also worked the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise (possibly more) and those who have experienced him at these attractions say he is perfect there – I would love to see him in the Haunted Mansion! Anyway, I did not realize it at the time, but having Maynard was extremely special!
After the show was over we stayed behind for an extra lesson on this attraction. Dean, with his brand new, gorgeous 20 year ring, brought out a retired Tiki Room performer and we got to see her up close and personal. Her name was Ophelia something something and she was beautiful.
Our next activity was one of the highlights of the trip. We got to visit Walt’s apartment over the Firehouse! Again, no photos allowed – just mind snapshots. That’s it – the windows on the second floor!
We walked around the back of the firehouse and up a set of outdoor steps. We entered the tiny apartment and stepped back in time. The apartment is decorated according to the taste of Lillian, Walt’s wife. Lots of flowers and velvet. Walt and Lillian had separate beds on either side of the one room apartment – photographs were on every wall. Walt loved to entertain his grandchildren in the apartment, and there was a large private veranda overlooking Main Street where they could watch the parades. This experience was quite emotional for some in our group – it was very touching to see tears coming from more than one set of eyes! I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had this experience!
We split up next – half went with Dean to ride the Lilly Belle, and half stayed with Michael to see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The Lincoln attraction is unique because Lincoln actually stands up. I must admit I expected to see him walking across the floor! Because Dean’s group had been delayed due to some VIP’s on the Lilly Belle (what?? Someone more important than us?!?!?) we had some time to kill and used it to view the movies at the Cinema about Opening Day.
Finally it was my group’s turn to ride the Lilly Belle. I had never taken the time to ride the train around the park, either here or at WDW – I’m usually a go-go-go type tourer and the train ride just seemed too slow for me. I’m happy to say I really enjoyed this break in the action. Not only was it nice to just sit down, but the Lilly Belle car is done very much in the same Victorian style as Walt’s apartment, and it just felt….nice to be there.
You also get to see some things on the train ride you don’t get to see anywhere else – the Grand Canyon/Primeval World diorama. The whole ride takes about 20 minutes, and after our full day it was nice to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Our next big surprise was visiting the Dream Suite!
This suite, and another like it at WDW, were built in 2008 for the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. That year a different family won a one night stay in the suite each night. Today it is reserved for specially invited guests, and often goes long stretches with no one in it at all. How sad! For it is truly magical!
Good Night Kiss buttons in the living room, kids bedroom and master bedroom all bring about a special surprise. Music and a mirror show in the living room, music and a train ride in the kids room, and music and lights in the master. The master bathroom does a star show in the tiled shower, and the closet is big enough for me to move into. Keep in mind most stays here are one night!
Each guest who stays is invited to sign the guest book. Our guide told us John Lasseter and his wife had stayed in February 2009. The Pixar fans among us had to find his entry:
Stopping again to catch my breath. I'll be back later to tell you about time on our own and World. Of. Color!
Jeff & Stacy in NYC
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2008
That is terrible! It's no excuse for their behavior, but I'm dying to know: how old were these people? At least you can comfort yourselves with this knowledge. I bet none of them visited Imagineering, or the Studios, or Walt's apartment!
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