[geeman]

Celebrating a Special Birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth

Sometime last summer, DGF and I were discussing what to do for my upcoming birthday. I'd be turning another decade older, so we thought we should do something special together, since my family had decided on celebrating it along with a bunch of other family events on a cruise a couple of weeks too early. We briefly toyed with the idea of going to WDW, since we love it so much, but with my family trip also having been in Florida, it seemed a bit redundant. While wasting some time one Sunday afternoon, we popped in a DVD of Disneyland's opening day ceremonies. While watching Uncle Walt explain his reasons for the park, and watching the ceremonies and grandeur, and realizing that the park was about to celebrate it's 50th birthday, it suddenly struck me. "So. Where do you want to go for your birthday?", she asked, just trying to figure out what restaurant to visit.
"Oh, I dunno," I shrugged, semi-seriously, "Disneyland?".

This simple statement prompted an excited response from her, especially the more we watched the video. Before the day was through, we were on the net, looking at prices, airfares, and the possibility of spending the third weekend in October at the Happiest Place on Earth.

During the oncoming weeks, we scoured all the information we could find. Meeting for dinner one night, I was surprised to find that she had even ordered a Disneyland brochure, and proceeded to rattle off the must-sees and do's. She had no idea that I had been having second thoughts about it all. I mean, it seemed crazy. To fly all the way over to Disneyland to celebrate an ADULT birthday? But now, her enthusiasm had me thinking that maybe this wasn't such a nutty thing, after all. I mean, people go Sky Diving at 80. I'm only half that. I deserve to make my own kind of fun!

I finally got the deal we wanted a few weeks later. So before long, we were booked at the Grand Californian, the splendid place I had only merely glanced at two years ago during my previous trip to Disneyland.

Ten days after I'd spent the day in EPCOT, I was on my way to a "Whole New World" of Disney magic, at the original place... where the magic began...

[cinderbella]

well......tell us all about it!

[geeman]

Part One - The Arrival

Our flight across the continent, aboard American Airlines (who, gratefully was also offering a great fare), was quiet and smooth. Upon arriving at LAX, we were immediately immersed in confusion, as we had booked a rental car from the airport, but only found out upon arrival that there are no rental cars AT the airport.

Before long, we were hitting the signs that led to Disneyland, and soon after rolled into the parking area of The Grand Californian. At least we THOUGHT it was the parking area. Another bit of confusion ensued when we were told that we needed to pull the car into the Valet area to check in, then either Valet park (at 12.00 a day) or self park in the lot -- across the street. While I chose the latter, we could not understand why Disney found it necessary to make this lot all the way across a busy intersection. We cut across an area where apparently, many others cut across, to cross the road back to the Self Parking area for the hotel. For some ridiculous reason, there was no direct path to it!

We got to the desk to check in, and based on the stories we'd read everywhere, the Grand Californian usually upgrades your room without you needing to ask for it. Except of course for a couple of weary travelers trying to make their a)first trip to Disneyland and b)celebrating a birthday. We were informed that the hotel was sold out for the weekend, and we could not get anything better. Oh, well. I looked over at Amneris, who was visually looking how I felt inside: just a tiny bit disappointed. However, we made our way over to what was supposed to be a city view room, and were actually pleasantly surprised. Not just by the spacious, well designed room, but by the nifty view we had of Downtown Disney. From our terrace, we could see the top of Big Thunder Mountain, and the World of Disney Store. We had finally arrived at the place where Magic began!

The room was warm and inviting. The hallways beautifully decorated. The lobby immense and unique - kind of merging the Wilderness Lodge design in with the Animal Kingdom Lodge, with the amenities of the Grand Floridian. We were very excited about actually, finally being there.

The hotel CM's were very cheery, and helpful. But with the hotel so booked, we thought it necessary to make our next request - a PS reservation. It was nearly 4 O'clock by now, PT, and though we'd actually gotten a real meal on the plane, we were both quite hungry. After worrying we wouldn't be able to get to eat where we wanted (Especially after trying and failing to get a booking into the Blue Bayou for that afternoon), we finally settled on a 5:30 appointment at Hook's Pointe, at the Disneyland Hotel. I had eaten here during my last trip and enjoyed it, and thought she would, as well. It was a great choice. In the first of our pathetic mirror-eating, we both ordered and totally enjoyed the Salmon dish. It was savory and tastier than much else we'd had anywhere.

It was time too to make our PS reservations as well as sign up for the "Walk In Walt's Footsteps" tour we'd planned to take to make this an even more special trip. I had called two weeks before and was told that such reservations could be made on the same day, but this was sadly not the case--! Not only did we find that our chosen tour was BOOKED for the day we wanted it (I figured it would have been a great way to introduce her to the park in the daytime), but we also could not get a breakfast date in at Storyteller's Cafe, the spot at the Grand Californian with a character buffet

A very helpful CM, Laura, helped us reschedule our original plans, and we shifted the days to make it work for us. We would now be taking the tour on my actual birthday (which made sense, as it sounded like a fun way to spend the morning part of it), and then we'd have breakfast first thing on our first morning there. We also made reservation for Dinner on my actual birthday for Napa Rose, the most elegant of restaurants in the Grand Californian.

Finally, we were off on the right foot and headed off into the park to take a look around. It was darker out, since it was about 7 PM, but we just wanted to get the feel of the place down. Amneris was incredulous. Excited about everything she'd seen around her, as it was right out of the books, brochures, websites, and videos we'd scoured prior to our trip!

We took the Monorail, which entered through Tomorrowland, and I could hardly contain my joy at watching her express delight at all of the famous sites passing by her. It reminded me of my first trip here several years ago. The Monorail. The Matterhorn (which was closed, but still a majestic site!). We noticed that there were submarines by the old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride - they were being tested and developed for a new ride (rumored to be based on Finding Nemo).

We walked through Tomorrowland and inadvertently took in Star Tours as our first ride ), then walked around some more to find available places to line up at. The park was pretty busy, being that it was a Friday night. I noticed that it was frequented by more locals than anywhere else - evident by the many teens, twenty-somethings, and older folks that strode hand in hand. These were people out for a night, not the weary tourists you see in Florida!

We did a few of the classic rides (like Snow White and Pinocchio). We walked out the lay of the land, trying to absorb it all in a short,visit. We stayed until closing, making sure to take in the fun Autopia cars before leaving. We were unable to even get near the Haunted Mansion Holiday or Pirates of the Caribbean that day, or any of the other must-sees on our list. But of course, there were 4 days left. Surely, we'd get to everything in time. I mean Everyone says that 'Disneyland is "so small" you can "do everything in a day"... Right?

[geeman]

Part Two: Yesterday Once More

After a comfortable good night's sleep, (those beds were soooo comfy that ever since I've come home, I make myself fall asleep by remembering how comfortable they were!) we rose to face our first day in the park. We made our breakfast PS in time, and Amneris got to have fun with Chip and Dale, who hosted it at the Storyteller's Cafe. This place was excellent. We chose to go to the buffet, since it would be a full day of park going (the parks were open until 11 and Midnight!), and the selections were terrific. Similar to Boma's at the AKL. They also offered an a la carte menu, and we noticed there was ample seating available for walk-ins. Chip and Dale, by the way, stayed mainly in the greeting area, save for a little parade they did with the children.

Though we could have walked to the front gates, we couldn't help but take the monorail back in, and couldn't help but notice that their monorail feels as if it's going to tip over on one side. Any one else notice this? What's keeping that thing up?

We headed on over to Toontown, took a Spin on Roger Rabbit (our first long line of the day), met Mickey ( who was was dressed in his sorcerer outfit), and then took the railroad over to Main Street. For those of you who don't know it - the Railroad ride here is an attraction in and of itself. It not only takes you around the park, but it also takes you through sightseeing through time. If you ride it near Tomorrowland, it takes you past a vista of the Grand Canyon, which soon turns into the Jurassic Period, where Dinosaurs (much like the ones that battle Ellen in the Universe of Energy at EPCOT), fight and greet you!!! THIS is why the seats on the train are sideways. It's an easy thing to miss, but a great little touch that I'm glad was still there.

On Main Street we took in the sights and sounds of the place during the day, thrilled to be able to see it all, and delighted to find that part of the tarp that had been covering the tip of the castle had been removed! Where we once thought we would only get to see a giant blue tarp, we actually got to see the top quarter of the castle, glistening in its new paint. (See my posting otherwise about the revealing view we got)

We stopped at the Walt Disney Story and Great moments with Mr. Lincoln, a DL exclusive that was a thrill to sit through. There are no Hall of President's here so animatronic Abe is all we got, it was pretty fascinating to hear about Walt's admiration for him (he once even dressed up as him at school!).

We were serenaded by the Firehouse Main street band, and then were suddenly surprised when we caught Pluto casually strolling down the street, unattended! As in- totally by himself with no CM around him! We noticed quite quickly that the characters here wander about basically on their own. We made a note to ask the guide about this on our tour.

We shopped through Main Street & TRIED to make it through some of the lines in Fantasyland and Frontierland. It seemed at times it was going to be impossible. By midday, we found our way over to our lunchtime ps at Blue Bayou, the restaurant that sits within the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Amneris & I aren't big on creole food, but we were both surprised at how much we enjoyed our second "mirror" meal of Chicken Florentine. It was a delectable, cozy, eating experience.Quite worthwhile.

Back at the park, we jumped about wherever we could, but at one point we decided to head back and get some rest as well as take advantage of the sunny day and go for a swim.

It was a chilly weekend, yet at the same time it was beautiful and sunny and nice! How's that for screwy weather? We went for a quick dip in the pool, which was fine because the water was heated wonderfully - so much so, that it was painful to exit in the cold outside. Amneris loved the pool slide, calling it the " best in the whole world". I just admired the view of the theme park from the nice relaxing water.

We had some quick snacks for dinner on Saturday, having eaten a whole lot in the earlier hours. We headed through our hotel over to California Adventure, where we road Soarin'. I can't wait for the EPCOT version. We took in a few of the attractions on the east side of the park, in particular, "Golden Dreams", a wonderfully inspiring movie about the history of California, told magically through Whoopi Goldberg.

We finished up the night at DCA by wandering through Paradise Pier, which reminded me of Rockaway Beach and Coney Island, the amusement parks I used to frequent as a boy here in New York. While we didn't get on the amusement park rides there (other than the beautiful carousel) . It occured to me then, that time was fleeting. I was spending the last night of an era at at the greatest amusement park in the world. I suddenly had images of my life start flowing through me, particularly while watching the Electifcal parade, which is now at DCA. I remembered seeing it on tv so long, long ago - and remembered how much I wanted to see it live way back then, never knowing that I ever would. As the Pete's dragon float rode by, I remembered the magical summers of 1977 and 1978 , and thought about how many of the things that I grew to love then are still with me now. I also remarked on how many amazing things have happened in my life since then. Here I was in Disneyland on the cusp of entering a new era. And it was glorious.

Before leaving the park, we joined the quick group to see It's Tough to be a Bug - one of the strangest experiences I'd ever had,since I was literally on the WDW version of the ride a scant 10 days before! I kept looking up at the ceiling, trying to imagine we were inside the Tree of Life at WDW.

We headed on over to the Magic Kingdom to finish up the night, since it was going to be open until Midnight. Again, the lines for many of the popular rides were hard to get through. There was no hope for Haunted Mansion Holiday. But we were able to squeeze in Pirates at the very last minute (it had broken down, earlier in the day) This one quickly became Amneris' favorite. We actually went on quite a few times during the weekend.

We also saw the Fireworks show properly this time, direct from Main Street. As "Imagine" began, and the rockets glared, and the music played. It was nearly midnight. Back home, a new day had already begun.

It was the perfect way to leave the past behind and move into a new age with resolve and imagination. I know this sounds kooky, but if life really begins at forty, I couldn't think of a better way to start it all again.

[geeman]

Part 3 - Walking in Walt's Footsteps

I awoke on my birthday after another (comfy) full night's sleep. I really wish I could bring that room home with me, but I don't think Disney would allow that. I was up early, feeling good and quite happy. After receiving a great couple of calls from home, we grabbed some quick breakfast goodies for us to have at our room, and then we headed off to walk in Walt's footsteps.

We met our tourguide at the main gates at 9 am. The group of about 6 adults who had signed up were all very much into this as much as we were. The tour itself took us through some of the paths we had already ventured upon on our own, but there were some very exclusive stops. We started on Main Street - took in the Walt Disney story portion of the Lincoln Show, visited the Firehouse where Walt had an apartment, and then strolled down Main Street, learning a new thing or two about the storefronts and some interesting background history. We took a special tour version of the Jungle Cruise (which was being used to replace the TIkki Room Tour while that is being refurbished). We then strolled over to Club 33 - the exclusive club Walt Disney had created for hosting visiting dignitaries and celebrities. It was a very special feeling to be in such an exclusive place (other than on this tour, the general public does not get to visit the club), on such a special day. Walt and (his wife) Lillian had installed a glass elevator that was modeled after one they saw in France, which made me think about Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, which in it's own way was inspired by Disneyland. We then headed on over to the area of the castles where couples take their wedding photos. The castle still stood unfinished and under wraps, but the guide explained that we'd seen more of the castle than most people had in weeks. While on a train ride through the opposite side of town, the guide answered a few of our questions about the characters. He explained that in Disneyland, the characters do wander freely, as the visitors are mostly locals who aren't in the same rush that the Florida tourists are in to get the autographs. Also we found out that some characters are rarely seen. Disney only pulls out the Villians on certain occasions (like Halloween), and you rarely spot Donald Duck in the MK (he's more likely to be spotted at DCA). We finished to tour with another exclusive lunch at the Disney Gallery, the spot where Disney had built a second apartment which he didn't get to live in. Though under refurbishement, and hidden from guests, we were allowed to sit and eat in the courtyard - and spent a very long time there. In fact, the tour, which was supposed to be 3 hours long, ended up being 4 hours long, as the company at lunch was very interesting and fun to talk with. Of course, we never mentioned it was my special day - not sure why, but I'm actually kind of low key about that sort of thing some times. We thought briefly about getting a badge from city hall, but we were deep in the park, it was after one pm, and we had a few important things to try to catch.

We still had a hard time seeing some of the special ones. We did get to ride Pirates again, and then while on line for the Haunted Mansion, we were told the ride had broken down, and we needed to come back later. That was disappointing and a little irritating, as we'd wasted a lot of time waiting already. Unlike my trip a few years ago in which nothing had a major wait, Disneyland had a bunch of lines this time around. After briefly considering returning to the resort for a swim, since the sun had managed to warm up the day a bit, we decided it was best to just keep going and seeing what we could fit in, so that we'd have more time to play on Monday.

The most unpleasant time I had on the trip was on the Davey Crockett canoes. For years I'd looked at them and have wanted to try them, but I'm a total city boy. I know nothing about rowing in canoes. So, while the CM, who seemed to have sprung out of the actual adventures of Tom Sawyer, started off well with his little "Stroke, stroke, stroke, heart attack, stroke" joke, inept little me couldn't quite figure out what I was doing and ended up getting him a little agitated and a lot wet. In all fairness, the person behind me did a lot of splashing, too, and I was also soaked. I think they should have instructed us a wee bit better on how to cut the lake with the oar. That mildly unpleasant experience gave me a slight headache and made me a feel a little grumpy. Plus time was fleeting and we'd only gotten through some of our must-do's, which were beginning to look hopeless. After a cranky moment or two, we decided to try and see what could be done at DL before going anwhere else. We succeeded in doing as many attractions as we could, then remembered it was time to head over to DCA to see the "Aladdin" show, before we lost the opportunity to do that, and that would have been a bummer, as Aladdin is one of my favorites.

The show was great fun, colorful, with great voices and some funny moments, with the genie making refereences to such current things as the World Series, Flu Shots, and Donald Trump. Many years ago I had imagined that Aladdin should have been done as a stage show like Beauty and the Beast at MGM, rather than that annoying parade that used to make its way through that park. But Disney found a way to do it right! The fun, effects laden show, was a great way to spend a birthday afternoon.

After Aladdin, we headed back to change for dinner. I got a few more birthday wishes from home, then we went off to eat at the classy (& expensive) Napa Rose, at the Grand Californian. Again, we both had the same thing; a broiled ribeye steak, which was one of the best things I'd ever eaten, anywhere! And to top it off, in honor of my birthday, I received a very, very nice piece of cake, on the house, with a lovely candle on it, presented to me quietly by the waiter and the house in a gesture that I will remember for a lifetime. No crazy noisy clapping singing. This was a nice, classy adult way to spend a birthday in a place like this.

The fun wasn't over yet. After stuffing ourselves over dinner, it was time to burn off some more calories. Revitalized, we went back to the room to change once more, then headed back into the park to finish up a practicaly perfect day. We were finally able to visit the Haunted Mansion that night, which looked absolutely joyous and celebratory in the spirit of the "Nightmare Before Christmas". We also finally got to ride Indiana Jones, which was so much fun that Amneris requested we ride it again! We stayed until the park closed at 11, and stolled a bit along Downtown Disney, taking our time to absorb it all at night.

We had succeeded in making the day fun, productive, and informative, and could finally relax, knowing that we'd accomplished a lot of what we'd set out to do. But there were still lots of things still left to do!

[geeman]

OK - there is ONE more part to the story --The Finale---


Monday was the first day we could awaken on our own time. The parks weren't open until 10. So, we didn't have to rush. I woke up just a tiny bit later than expected, but again, we were not in any big rush. I took my time and had coffee on the terrace, and then we went off to finish off what was left (of interest to us) of California Adventure. After a normal breakfast this time (or actually, a non-buffet one), at Storyteller's Cafe, We explored the Animation building and a few other interesting spots in DCA before heading back into Disneyland.

At the Magic Kingdom, the crowds were decidedly lessened. We once again road the lopsided monorail into Tomorrowland, then took the train over to Main Street, as we'd wanted to see the Dinosaurs on the railroad again. But during the night, a more magical thing had happened. When we looked down Main Street we saw that more of the tarp had been taken away from the front of the castle, as workers were adamantly working on it! Yes -- the mini-miracle had occured. We could actually SEE the front of the caslte!

We then stolled into Fantasyland to finish up the rides we couldn't get to before, and to revisit a few we had enjoyed. It was this day that we visited the classics - some of them with the park since it opened 50 years ago: Peter Pan, Alice, Teacups, the Storybookland Canoes (no rowing this time, thank goodness!). We took in the Mansion again, as well as Indy and the Jungle cruise - whatever we could do -- again. Once more, we had planned on returning to the resort for a swim if it had gotten nice out, since the weather changed by the minute here. Well, it DID get nice, but we were having too much fun to break up the day. We continued on, doing as much as we could. The one slowest part of the day came during our visit to Innoventions, a mini-Epcot Center showcasing the world of Tomorrow. In my opinion, that place really needs to be renovated. Otherwise, it was a grand time.

The park closed early that night (at 8), so we were on our way back to the room at a decent time. We had one more meal at the cozy Storyteller's - this time for dinner. It was nicely empty and we had the lot of the place to ourselves, which was nice, since the warm glow of the fireplace made for a totally unique dining experience for us. Again, the dining experience was positive.

We casually took a stroll back up to our room, but unfortunately again, it was far too chilly to swim (though people were braving the cold to do so). We sadly packed our stuff, and dreaded the fact that we'd have to be heading back home tomorrow.

On the final day of our journey, I awoke kind of early and promptly - yet quietly - grabbed my newspaper, and made my way over to the observatiioin deck to read for a while. It was barely after 7, and the throngs were already beginning their early journeys into the park. After about an hour, I returned to the room, showered, had a last coffee on the terrace, watched the busy people strolling by. Once we were both up, we promptly ran down for a final swim. Though it was still very chilly outside, it was actually more comfortable than the previous day that we'd spent at the pool. We weren't the only ones wandering around in our white robes(that the resort provided), though I must admit it did feel kind of funny to be doing so. Splashing done, we ambled out and got ready to depart.
We decided to take our last remaining hour at the Park. We figured we'd have breakfast there, that way we'd get two experiences in at once - Breakfast at the park and a final trip in. It was now 10:30. With a 2:30 flight in mind, it mean we needed to be at the airport no later than 1:00. And judging by the traffic we encountered on our way here, we figured we were looking at another hour or so to get back. That said, it would seem we would have exactly 20 minutes or so to make it to the park, eat something, and then hit the road. Simple enough, right?
Well...

We tried taking the monorail one more time into the park, but, surprisingly, the wait was approximately 20 minutes long! Disappointed,we trudged into the streets of Downtown Disney once more, making a quick stop at the World of Disney. Still watching the clock, and getting a little nervous, but still wanting to spend our last day in the park, we headed once more through the gates just to spend just a bit more time at Main street. It was now 10 minutes past the time I had originally expected us to be on the road. A little worried, a little concerned, I decided not to think about it.

As we walked through the gates, we were met with an even bigger surprise --still MORE of the castle was visible! This was the capper to a great trip. A couple of weeks ago, we were considering canceling the trip due to the attractions that were going to be shut down - and moreover the fact that the castle - the very centerpiece of the park the Walt created, was not available during our stay...and yet, there it was - glistening in its wonderful gold and pink glory. We grabbed a few admiring photos of it, and heaved a heavy sigh, starting to head our way out of the park, when we remembered we had to stop for Breakfast.

We stopped at the Carnation Deli on Main Street, and thankfully got an understanding hostess, who did her best to move things along. We had a great, classic breakfast there (I had an omelet), and we soaked in the surroundings for just a wee bit longer. On our way out, I glanced at my watch and really began to worry. It was now 11:45, over 45 minutes later than I expected us to be here. It was time to face the traffic an make our way back to LA in time for our flight.

Thankfully, we encountered no traffic, got to the airport shortly before
12:45 (we had to drop off the car back to the rental agency, remember), and then sat at the waiting area, trying to take this all in. 5 days had seemed like a longer period of time. In that weekend, I had aged a day, a week, a decade, yet, felt younger and happier than ever. The people we'd dealt with were nice and friendly, and we'd had a wonderful, comfy stay in a wonderful, cozy room, and had some great meals along the way.

As Disneyland enters it's own 50th birthday, I was happy to have celebrated my own fortieth along with it. Far away from home. In a familiar, yet distinct place. Full of Imagination, surprises, and excitement.

At the foot of the area where the drawbridge leads to the castle, there is a plaque indicating that a time capsule is buried in there from the mid-1980's. The capsule is to be opened in 2044. By all estimates, if I am still alive, I will be around 80 years old. And by golly, if I can make it back there then, I certainly will.

Or at least I'll be there in Spirit.

[cinderbella]

sounds like you had a great trip....to california and down memory lane!! cant wait for more

[geeman]

Here are some quick pics.
This was during some fun at California Adventure.

[geeman]

Finding the right spot to pose can be tricky... But Amneris does a great job of centering herself as a new Hollywood starlet.

[geeman]

Taking inspiration from the famous photo of Walt at the Castle gates, I decide to walk through the gates of the Grand Californian as if I were "walking in Walt's Footsteps" (as I had earlier that day on my birthday tour.
(Incidentally, had Walt walked in these footsteps, it would have been part of the Parking lot in 1955).

[geeman]

Did Walt borrow this Wonkavator from Willie Wonka? Here is the aforementioned Glass Elevator as seen during our peek into Club 33.

[geeman]

The Grand Californian.

[geeman]

My birthday dessert at Napa Rose was "on the house"! (Or is that -- On the MOUSE?")

[geeman]

Pluto Wanders about freely! (And has some fun with the Firehouse band on Main Street, near City Hall).

[geeman]

There's the castle, wrapped up in blue tarp, as we saw it on the weekend. But the Partners statue sure looks nice!