[anaheimboy]

OH-K, well its that lovely time for the oh-so wonderful Trip Report to be posted! :Smile:
So one (myself) wonders how on earth exactly am I to post my whole trip with all that I did? Im just gonna let it flow out of my head as if I were talking to you all personally, so here we go!

*First thing - once Im done typing this I dont plan on re-reading it, so any mistakes to spelling and such, just ignore and I do apologize...thanks!


People Who Went: Alan and Carrie (Parents), Gavin, Spencer, Mitchell
(Brothers), and myself of course.

Weather in Anaheim During my trip: Sunny, Some high morning fog, burning off by 9 and nice cool/warm weather....AKA PERFECT!

So this was a very important trip for my family and for myself as well. My step-mom Carrie and step-bothers hadent been back to Disneyland until now since 1998 (when they introduced the *new* bronze [poop] colored TL) so I desperatley wanted them to get to DLR before the 50th ended, so this was a most wonderful experience for me, I was their personal tour guide to the 50th Anniversary magic and all it offered.

TUESDAY 9/5/06 -
We are all planned to leave at noon, I had to run down to the bank to withdrawl all the money I had in my savings account (a whopping 350) so I could waste as much as I could at the Happiest Place on Earth hehe. I got back to the house, we had lunch, packed the car *which to FOREVER* and we were out of the driveway by 12:45.
Now one thing I always have to be cautious with myself when traveling with my dad and step-mom is to never plan to be on time, they never are, so I made sure I was fairly laid back.
They decided they [my parents] didnt want to travel down I-5 until we had to cut over in Pasadena, which was a smart decision, it cuts back on traffic time. So we went through the Mojave Desert and then cut over onto 14 into Pasadena and then onto I-5, woo hoo...were almost there! Hult to the traffic *arg*.......an accident up the way yes? Nope....just a Motor Home with a flat tire that some how took up 3 lanes, the tire must have blown out and it swerved into 3 lanes? who knows....but anyway, 30 minutes later traffic is moving once again...YAY! So driving down I-5 into Anaheim and I know we're almost there because of the "bend" in I-5 as I call it, its a LONG bend in the freeway that brings you around to the TDA building, and capow, there it is, the Shinny Green Facade of TDA! and then the Matterhorn! I became overwhelmed with job . The trip in all took us a LONG 6-7 hours because my step-brother Spencer has a baldder the size of a penny and had to literally go about every 30-45 or so minutes, Im serious...*sigh*
We ended pulling into Anaheim around 7:30ish.

So then we exit onto Harbor Boulevard and head down to our hotel, the Cortona Inn, which happened to be 2.5 whole blocks just front the Tram Entrances *.65 miles* arrgg, why couldnt my Aunt Alice be in town while we're here, I wondered, but hey the walk will be good for me and the family I thought, nothing could even remotely get me down, I was at the Happiest Place on Earth!
So we pull up, check in go find our room, and park. We go to the door and open it.....wow! What a room! living room suite, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and a little kitchen area....no wonder my dad got this hotel room, it was cheap *like 200 or something a night* for all that we got, so it was cool. So with the way I am, I rush rush rush everyone to help unpack the van and just toss the stuff in my room...I want to go to DTD, who cares about where the bags go, you know!?

After un-packing we're off to DTD, the whole time Im explaing everything about the resort to my family whats what, where's what, etc etc. When we finally arrived to DTD my little brother Spencer was starving, so he wanted something from La Brea Bakery, got him a croissont and a latte. Then we head over to Wetzels Pretzels for Mitchell, then over to Hagen Dazz for Carrie, Gavin, and my dad. Then for me, its over to Marcelines Confectionary for my annual DLR bad of chocolate covered pretzels, which I ate all of *I shared of course * mmm boy they were good!
As we're heading down toward the DL Hotel they had a band playing in the plaza by Rain Forrest Cafe, my step-mom gets all excited and she and I start to tango and stuff, it was fun and we had an audience watching us, but I didnt care, I was having a good time. After shopping around some more we hit World of Disney, I got a Twinkling Mickey Sourcer Hat, A 50 Years Mickey/Castle BB Cap, Calander, Pen, and some other nic-nacs. My dad and the family decides to go back to the hotel to go to sleep, I decide to stay and go have a coffee at Compasss Books and just relax, heading back to the hotel about an hour later.

That night at the hotel I COULD NOT sleep.....A) Because of Disneyland, B) The bed mattress *comfy it was not*, and C) Spencer snores like a freight train running into a batch of hissing cats.....ohh my...what a long night it shall be...

FINALLY!....

WEDNESDAY 9/6/06
It was Wednesday Morning....only problem....it was only 4 am
so I lay there waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting. FINALLY at 5:45 I decide to take a shower, have the complementary breakfast (which was actually quite impressive) and go get mylast things ready to put in my back-pack. Unfortunatley that Wednesday morning Disneyland park didnt even open until 10. SO with that in mind I decide to bring coffee and juice to the rest of the family to help wake them all up, which did help. At 8:30ish I decided to leave for the park, that way I would have plenty of time to get there and I could take my time. Im there within 15 minutes at the Security Gate, yes there was a bit of a line but nothing too too bad. And at 9 we were let into the Esplanade, I was first in like at Turnstile 15-16 *they ALWAYS open one of those two, that day it was 15*.

At 9:30 we were all let into Main Street, I begin my picture taking, window shopping, and taking in all the scenery, I was finally back at home.
My parents and my family arrived at about 10:15 and I meet them in the front entry plaza, in front of the 50th Anniversary Floral for a picture, then we were on our way.
Our first ride was Indiana Jones, which was walk on and it was awesome as always. Next was The Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, POTC, and many others. That day the park was DEAD, I rode EVERY ride except Peter Pans Flight *to crowded - it always had a looooong line like always, The Matterhorn *it was closed, The Golden Horseshow Revue *it was closed, The Monorail *it was closed, and Innoventions *dont like that exhibit. So it was a pretty awesome day, and since there were no lines I had plenty of times to ride the rides multiple times, on Wednesday day I rode Space Mountain a total of 15 times, in just one day! I had to get my fix, hehe.
SO, Im sure ya'll are wondering what I ate? Well every day I was in the park I ate in the park, sometimes alone, which I like to do. Lunch on Wednesday I ate with the family at The Riverbell Terrace, I had the BBQ Chicken Salad, it was splended. And for Dinner I ate by myself at The Blue Bayou, I had the Porobello Mushroom CousCous Maque Choux, it was great and Nancy, my server was wonderful, lets just say she got a big tip *12 dollar tip to be exact*

At 7:00 my family and I were on Main Street for the days showing of Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams, it was crowded because everyone was there to see it, but that didnt bother me at all. The parade commenced, and then the show stop came, it was great as always! Once the show stop was done, it was quiet, no one cheering or clapping - nothing. So when it ended I just Yelled *WOOOOOO!!!!* and started clapping and then boom like a bolt out of the blue the crowds went crazy along with me, it was great.
We then got up and heading over to the Sleeping Beauty Castle front fore court for pictures, after the family ones I took my camera and went camera crazy on the castle, I have some awesome shots. My parents then decided about 7:30ish they were going to head back to the hotel because they were tired. I stayed for the next 30 mins the park was open, riding a few more rides and just walking around the park enjoying the scenery, window shopping, and taking it all in. I finally left when Main Street Officially closed at 9pm. It was a little funny for me, right near the closing of Main Street I had my twinkling hat on and was just walking down Main Street enjoying myself when a family of 5 walks up to me: *excuse me sir, you work here correct?* haha, they think Im a CM, how funny! *no, I dont work here* i replied, but responded back with *but can I help you with something? I know this park just as good as any of the CM's do* they needed to know how to get back to the Mickey and Friends Parking structure, so I kindly gave them directions on where to go and such and guided them to the park exit and off they went, that was a real high-light of my evening. Soon after I headed back to the hotel. It was an end of a most Magical Day.


THURSDAY 9/7/06
OK, well this mornings routines were prety much the same as for the details involving breakfast and heading over to the resort. Only instead of me having to wait at the security gates by the esplanade the CM's were already letting people in, but hey that was fine by me!
Well instead of doing Disneyland park this morning I headed straight for Disney's California Adventure, where there was pretty much no line but after I and a few other people started to line up more people followed. So the parks Sunshine Plaza and Condor flats section of the park opened before the rest, so I headed straight over for Soarin Over California because that ride always opens before the rest of the parks rides. So I rode it, and it was fabulous as always and once I got out the rest of the park was open. I then headed over to California Screamin to get my roller coaster fix, I rode it 5 times in a row, no wait! How awesome is that? So once riding that I decide to call my dad and family to see where they are at, I end up meeting them over by Grizzley River Run (or River Rapids, you can cal it which ever you please). They decided to try out the Redwood Creek Challenge trail, I poopoo it and head off by myself over to Hollywood Pictures Backlot and taking lots of pictures along the way. My destination: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Once to the HPB Boulevard I just took my time, taking in everything around me and just really taking in the scenery and old 1930's-1940's music by the Hollywood Tower Hotel. I step into the lobby, greeted by a very "depressing - Welcome, and thank you for Dropinng...In...mwuhahaha", which was great and really set the mood of the rides atmosphere. I entered the lobby, which is always fabulous, watched the movie in the Library, headed into to Boiler Room and onto the Elevator, it as awesome. But about my 4th time riding it that day I was very displeased because I sat in the front row of the elevator in front of 2 LOUD bloody murder screaming girls which literally made me go def, it ruined my whole ride into the Twilight Zone *sigh*, oh well. So once Having ridden that ride I headed over to the new and very well themed "Hollwood Studios" section of HPB, where I viewed all the new scenery and rode Monsters Inc: Mike and Sulley to the Resuce, which by the way is a great ride.
I meet up with my parents after that, my dad and step-brother Spencer and I rode the Sun Wheel, the swinging gondula of course while my weaker stomached step-mom and 2 other brothers rode King Tritons Carousel. Then we all rode Mullhulland Madness, Soarin Over California, and Grizzley River Run. Then.....it was lunch time!
I wanted the Bread Bowl salad at Pacific Wark Cafe, Mitchell wanted to eat there with me too, but everyone else wanted Fish N' Chips from Paradise Pier, so we split up and my little brother and I ate together at the Pacific Warf Cafe, I had the Cranberry Apple Tart Chicken Salad served in a freshly baked bread bowl with a diet coke, it was wonderful, we ate on the wark overlooking the shallower section of the bay, it was just so awesome.
We all meet up again, now headed for HPB together where I rode the TOT with Spencer and my dad and then we all rode Mosters Inc, we had a blast. Once we had done pretty much all we could do in DCA we decided to head back over to DL. We then rode the Train and POTC. My family had yet to go into Mickey's Toontown so I thought it would be a good time to go visit and also ride Roger Rabbits Cartoon Sping, I had forgotten how fun that ride was! after that we thought it was time to do a little shopping, everyone bought hats and visors in the Gag Shop as its called. (except myself because I had a hat already). As we headed out of Mickey's Toon Town I thought it would be a good time to ride Its A Small World, which it was a perfect time. Then it was off the ride other Fantasyland Rides. Once doing that we took sometime to sit and relax and have a quick snack over at Village Haus, then it was off to the Mark Twain. Once that was done I headed of by myself to take more pictures. About 2 hours later I met my dad in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, he and everyone else we're going to go back to the hotel and eat somewhere in DTD maybe, I didnt go. So I head dinner at the Plaza Inn, I had the Cobb Salad. It was a bit weird because the guy making the salad couldnt seem to understand that I wanted LIGHT dressing, I said meaning half of the amount you usually put on the salad, so after about 7-8 times of telling him and getting frustrated with each other he seemed to understand....aiy, I didnt know it took so much to make a salad, sheesh! I ate on the front patio with a perfect view of Sleeping Beauty Castle, once done I emptied all my stuff into the dish area and headed for IASW, grabing a chocolate frozen bananna along the way and waiting by the IASW parade starting gate, I watched the 7:00 showing of Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams from there because at that spot all of the floats are perfectly syncronized with their music, so I had a wonderful time watching that.
After that I pretty much repeated the same routine as the night before, got a goodie, rode a few more rides, walked around, took more pictures, window shopped Main Street and then left about 9:15. It was another great day.....but the next day to come would be the one I had truly been waiting for - Friday: meaning.....FIREWORKS DAY!!!!!

FRIDAY 9/8/06
I go outside to see it high fog, hmm this is nice but I hope it doesnt stay like this all day I think. As I walk to the park I realize something, OH NO, NU UH....its windy, not bad, but it was high winds, I could tell by the palm tress by the TOT....hmmm hope this doesnt effect Remember...Dreams Come True Firework Spectacular, I thought to myself.

Well anyway, today was lucky for me because the park opened at 9 instead of 10 which meant Main Street opened at 8:30 which meant I got to get up earlier than before which was fine with me because I am a TOTAL morning person. I had my shower and breakfast and was out the door by 7:30, I knew today would be more crowded than the past 2 days, and it was, but it wasnt too too bad and surprisingly enough to me I gort there so "early" there wernt even any security guards at the gates, so I just let myself in and waited by the turnstiles and later on a security guard kindly greeted me after seeing no guards at the gates and myself, alone, waiting by the turnstiles and checked my backpack and was on his way. about 20 minutes before opening is when the people started to come and by 8:30 there were lines, but nothing bad. Once Main Street opened I headed over to see Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years (which was my 4th time seeing it just on this one trip alone). It was great as always and the movie gave me goosebumps like it always does, which is perfectly fine.
This one morning was the morning when my parents really took their time, having not called me until around 10:35ish, by then I had already been on about 8 or so rides. I meet with them on Main Street where we all grabbed a snack anda drink at the fruit and snack cart on the side street on Main Street, we took out time down Main Street and headed off to Adventureland and made our way around the park. I split from them and headed off to do The Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain and by that time it was lunch time.
I called my dad and met them by Trazans Tree House, they still wanted to ride a few more rides, so I had lunch by myself that day at Cafe Orleans....I didnt have a reservation already made but I got in right away so it was cool. I had the Wedge Salad, I cant say I was too overly thrilled with it, especially in size wise but it was still good. The only thing that somewhat ruined my experience was a group of Asian girls (I have NOTHING agains Asians, trust me) and they were standing right in front of the patio seating making all this noice, yelling, yacking on their phones and sucking on suckers. I told my waiter, he shooed them off...umm haha I didnt know he was gonna actually do anything about it...
I headed over to the Hub after lunch and got a Mickey Head Ice Cream Bar, I get at least one of those a day or something like that when in the parks, their my favorite! and I just sat by the Partners Statue and enjoyed myself. Afterward I headed over to TL and rode Space Mountain, tried to peak into the Sub Voyage construction but you no longer cant because the Monorail station is all covered with walls and such, so I failed in that mission, haha. So I headed over to FL where I rode some more rides and such and just migled around, ride Big Thunger and watched a stage show *outside second floor stage show* at the Golden Horseshoe Revue, even though it was closed for a refurb they still did outside comedy shows involving the crowd, it was excellent!
Once again I met up with the family to go and see Disneyland: The First 50th Magical Years, they had yet to see it and I didnt mind seeing it again, its such a great exhibit and movie.
After the showing I head over to DCA to get in a few more rides I wanted to ride. Which where CA Screamin, Soarin, The Sun Wheel, TOT, and I rode Monsters Inc once more, took some pictures, bought a little candy and went back to Disneyland.
By this time it was now Dinner time and we had reservations for The Blue Bayou at 6:20 but got in at 6:00 which was totally fine, we got in and just took our time (I believe we were in there for 45 or some minutes). I had the Royal Street Seafood Jumbalaya, boy was it good too! So I ate talked blah blah blah and scrammed off to see the last showing of the day; the 7:00 showing of Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams from the end of Main Street by Town Square, this showing started from Town Square since it also showed at 3:30, it was great as usual.
Now that the parade was over it was relax time and time to get our spot for Remember...Dreams Come True Firework Spectacular. I switched my BB Cap to my light-up twinkling Mickey hat and we waited, my brothers/step-mom got ice cream and we started talking with other people, I snuck off to do a little shopping in the Emporium, bought myself a new sweater.
I got back and waited some more and just relaxed, having a great time.
It was now 9:00 *boy time sure does fly doesn it!?* so we're all waiting, me having butterflies because Im SO excited.

*The Speakers Come On* "Oh my, could this be the introduction of what is going to be taking place in just 30 minutes!?" I thought to myself.....no..

It was the recorded info that the show could be cancelled due to high winds, but a decision hadent yet been made....

"Attention all Guests, do to high winds and gusts, tonights showing of Remember...Dreams Come True Firework Spectacular may be cancelled, we hope you understand and thankyou for your patience and we hope you enjoy the rest of your evening here at the Happiest Place on Earth"

OH MY, this cant happen I thought and said to my family...this would be the only chance for my family to see this spectacular show and it would be my last visit to DLR during the 50th.....it just cant happen!

The announcement comes on again 2 more times, my hopes being even more lowered.....then came the time 9:30....I patiently watched the flags on the train station, their not moving but I can still feel the wind....

9:30 - - - - - - - - An announcement.....

"Ladies and Gentlemen Boys and Girls, In just a few moments the lights of Disneyland will be dimmed as the skys of Disneyland come to life in celebrating 50 Years of Magic in Remember...Dreams Come True!"

OH MY, the show was going to take place!

The show happened, it was spectacular!

Once the show was over we got drinks on Main Street and headed out. Our night was the best and we were all satisfied, it had been truly one of the best trips to the Happiest Place on Earth I have experienced.


Saturday we all hung at the hotel, I made many trips into DTD and we just rested up from the trip.

Sunday morning we ate out and left, we got back home in late afternoon about 5:30ish.

We all had such an amazing time.


Well, thats my report for yall, it was my first trip report and I hope you enjoyed it all....it may not be as organzied as other peoples have been but hey, for a first time I think its quite all right, thanks!

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by anaheimboy

OH-K, Well, thats my report for yall, it was my first trip report and I hope you enjoyed it all....it may not be as organzied as other peoples have been but hey, for a first time I think its quite all right, thanks!

Great trip report!

First time for everything!

Sounds like you had a WONDERFUL time!

Thanks for posting this!

[ingamba]

Sounds like you had a great time Tim! Getting me psyched for my February visit to DLR!!

[unamadreditre]

Wow ... that was a great trip report. You got a lot accomplished.

You must really like salad.

[Disneyfever]

What a great TR! I can't believe you were able to ride Space Mountain so many times in one day. That is amazing!
It's funny that the people thought you were a CM. You could be, with all of your knowledge about DL. I also liked it that you were able to go off and do what you wanted to do, when you wanted to do it. Then you met up with the rest of the family at different times. I'm glad you got to watch the fire works at the end. I guess the winds can get very strong in CA. Great report!!

[twist1980]

It sounds like you had an amazing time! I'm so glad to hear that you didn't miss out on the fireworks this trip, they are really what made my last couple trips. It is just such an amazing show!

What did your Step-Mom and brothers think of DCA and everything that had changed at DL?

[Disneyguru]

Wow sounds like you had a great time! Good job on the TR, felt like I was there. And I'm glad you were able to see the RDCT fireworks.

[anaheimboy]

Originally Posted by twist1980

What did your Step-Mom and brothers think of DCA and everything that had changed at DL?

my step-bros didnt really remember what it looked like back in 98 cause they were so young but my step-mom was like OH MY GOSH!?!! from the moment we got onto Harbor Blvd, hahaha

[Dana]

Your report was fantastic! I found myself getting excited along with you. I am so glad you had a great trip and more glad that you all got to see the fireworks! thanks for sharing!

[disney&byudad]

Originally Posted by anaheimboy

....on Wednesday day I rode Space Mountain a total of 15 times, in just one day! I had to get my fix, hehe.... I then headed over to California Screamin to get my roller coaster fix, I rode it 5 times in a row, no wait! How awesome is that? ....This one morning was the morning when my parents really took their time, having not called me until around 10:35ish, by then I had already been on about 8 or so rides....I split from them and headed off to do The Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain and by that time it was lunch time.

What a great trip report! I love that your family is cool with you heading out to do your favorite Disney things without having to drag them along, too.

And what an awesome experience to get to ride your favorite attractions over and over with no lines! September is definitely the time to hit DLR!

Sounds like you and your family had a super time!