More Things We Miss at DCA

     There are more things we miss at DCA, one of those are the letters in the central plaza area. We loved the letters, they were not only interesting, pretty and unique but they were great photo op spots. Over the years we have taken many pictures near and in the letters. My kids loved to just sit in the letters. We truly miss them.

     My sons having fun posing in the letters.

      A family shot inside the letters back in 2004 when my grandma went with us.

 Oldest son as he was getting almost too big to sit inside the A.

  
     Youngest posing in the C

     Another huge change that took place was the removal of the replica of the San Francisco bridge. We loved the bridge, it was fun watching the Monorail travel over it and just as fun riding over it as we were on the Monorail. We took a lot of photo's in front of the bridge too. Here are a couple shots of the bridge that is now a part of history. 

     The entrance to the park is completely different and the letters are gone, the after you enter the park the bridge is gone, we do like the changes but in honestly not as well as we did these pieces of history. Thankfully we will always have our memories and pictures.

 

More Disney California Adventure Park Memories

     Many of our favorite attractions, landmarks and places to hang out are now a part of the DCA memory book. We love some of the new attractions and hang outs but miss the old places we loved. It is hard to say goodbye to something to love and relegate it to a memory.

     One thing that we absolutely loved to do was to get ice cream at Brr Bank Ice Cream, sit and watch the Beach Boys cover band play while enjoying our ice cream.  We loved the old Zephyr and was sad to see it leave.

   We spend many hours sitting at these tables people watching and listening to the music played by the Beach Boys cover band. We also enjoyed just sitting there to listen to the overhead music too. It was all California beach music and made us happy. It is something that my family and I miss a lot.
    The new building is nice but just not the same. The music overhead is not some we enjoy and we do not like the entertainment that is played over by Carthay Circle. I wonder if anyone really likes that old twenties style music. It is loud and makes it very hard to visit as we sit to have ice cream. We now have our ice cream over at Ghirdelli's on the Warf.

     We also loved the Titanium Sun, it was beautiful and had such an amazing water show if you took the time to watch. We also watched the Electrical Parade from that spot because it was not crowded and the best spot where you could see the entire parade. It was sad to see it go. The Carathay Circle building is pretty but just not the same. The prices are not affordable for families and well, I just think it is not something Walt would have placed in his park, maybe the building but not the high priced restaurant.

     Not only was the Titanium Sun a great place to watch the Elecrical parade and a beautiful landmark, it was also an excellent place for photo ops. We spent a lot of time there. 

      The old Woody is the car the Beach Boys cover band drove around. I really miss that show.

     Another attraction that we missed a lot disappeared before we even know it. I don't even know when it disappeared, I think it was in 2012 but long before that the things we loved about it were gone. You could have a water fight and my kids loved to pretend to surf. We went to see it one year and it was gone. It wasn't a place we visited a lot but we did enjoy it.

DCA is still one of our favorite places and we do love most all of the new attractions but I think a farewell to the ones that will forever live in our memories had to be done.  Next post I will remember more of our favorite attractions/landmark/memories.

Disney's California Adventure Park: Memories of the Past

Way back in 2003 when my mom and I first took my kids to Disney's California Adventure Park (DCA) which had not been open for long. We had never been there either. We all fell in love with the park. We loved the Southern Beach feel that it had. It was not Disneyland but had a Disney feel complete with Disney magic. We spent a lot of time hopping from one park to the next.

Back in 2008 we were told that there were many huge plans for the park. There was this huge expansion about to happen. We were excited because they told us that there would be a Cars Land but yet we were also sad to see many of the things we love go away. I thought it would be fun to write a blog showcasing some of the things we loved and miss most of all at DCA

The first thing to go that we loved was Golden Dreams. It was a wonderful and interesting story told by Woopie Goldberg about California and the dreams that made it what it is today. I wish they would put the story on DVD becaue it was such a great story. Sadly I didn't get any pictures of Golden Dreams before it was removed but I did get some shots of this building that was just around the corner. We spent a lot of time there because restrooms were a part of this structure.  My sons also loved getting their pictures taken here.

When we arrived in 2009 to find Golden Years gone and Ariel's attraction in the making we also found that the water at the pier had been drained so they could put in World of Color.

This picture was taken back in July 2003 on our first visit to DCA. Such a different view from what was to come.

This shot was taken in 2003 too. 

Then later in 2009 things looked much different in this area. The water was gone and the sun wheel had changed. We looked forward to the World of Color but things sure did look dreary without the water.

A few years later in 2010 things had changed quite a bit. The Orange Stinger was gone and in its place was Silly Symphony Swings. I must admit we have not tried them. We felt secure inside the stinger but have not felt as secure being out in the open. Someday I will give it a twirl though. 

This is the Maliboomer in its glory. One of my sons favorite rides after they got the nerve to ride it. Sadly they were only able to enjoy it for a couple of years before it was removed.

The following year another area we loved was gone. Bountiful Valley Farms left for Cars Land. Now don't get me wrong, we love Cars Land but we were sad to see this neat area leave. 

One of the saddest things for us was to say goodbye to our beloved Electrical Parade. I remember watching it as a child as it went down Main Street USA. Then we were lucky to see it again at DCA. The music always makes us dance and we were brokenhearted to learn it would be leaving in 2010. I hope everyone enjoys these shots I took in 2009 as we said farewell to a Disney tradition. I will post YouTube video once I get that loaded.

That ends my memory lane tribute for now. I will continue soon with a tribute to the DCA entrance and the San Francisco Bridge replica and the letters. We also will dearly miss Condor Flats. Soon we will see the new area and I am sure we will love it but that does not mean we do not miss what was.

Rude Behavior at Disney Rsort

     Disneyland Resort is a magical place to visit. It is a place where people can go to let their inner child out. Everyone has the chance to make special memories. The park offers something special for all who visit. So that everyone can have a magical visit there are rules that should be followed. These rules are in place so that each guest can visit and create special memories. There are some behaviors that are just out and out rude. People should really try to use some common sense and consideration. Those guests who do not abide by the rules can take some of the magic out of other guest's experience. 

     The saying "no flash photography" is heard on many of the rides as guests first take off on their journey. Disney has a reason for this rule they are not being mean or wanting to take the fun out of the experience. This rule is in place so that each guest has the chance to have a magical experience. Many of the rides are set in low lighting. This makes the flash extremely noticeable. It is very annoying to be on Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean while people are taking flash pictures. It takes the magic out of the experience when lights are constantly flashing. The light from the flash can also be extremely blinding when it hits you right in the eyes. Haunted Mansion is another ride that takes place in the dark. When people constantly take flash pictures it is very distracting. Haunted Mansions cast members will actually stop the ride if guests are taking too many pictures to tell them to stop. This takes a bit away from the magic too. Disney California Adventures Soaring Over California is not a dimly lit ride however the flash can be seen by other guests as it goes off. It takes away from the magical experiences if you see flashes going off while soaring.

     Some rides allow flash photography such as Disneyland's It's a Small World. Guests need to remember not to take pictures when the flash will go off in someone's eyes. It is very annoying to be on the ride and have someone turn around to take a picture and the flash goes off. People need to stop and consider other guests and only take shots in front of them. People simply need to be thoughtful when taking pictures.  

     Littering is something that should not be done no matter where you are. The cleaning crew at Disney Resort does an excellent job keeping the parks clean. It is a constant job too because so many people litter. Disney places receptacles all over the park, there is absolutely no excuse in people littering. Many times there are water bottles or wrappers in the plants or even in the scenery area of some rides. If cast members stopped the rides for cleaning every time people litter, the rides would never be open. People really need to be considerate and respectful of the next guest who wants to see the ride, of those who clean the ride and just of the whole area. It does not take that much effort to walk over to a trash can and throw your trash in it. The cast members keep the cans emptied so there's always room for more. Litter bugs should find another place to play if they can't keep things clean.  

      Cutting in line is another extremely rude behavior. Everyone wants to get on a ride, those who cut do not deserve to get to get on the ride any quicker than those who wait in line. Saving places for a huge group of people is also extremely rude. It is not fair for a family to send one member to save a place on a ride while everyone else goes to do other things. If every person did this it would change the wait time and so when you get in line and the time says 35 minutes, all of the members of the groups show up so the wait ends up being 50 minutes instead of 35. If people want to ride, then the whole party should be present. If the whole group can't be there at the same time then they should either ride separately or the people who arrive first can wait for the rest of the group before getting in line. It is only common courtesy. Those who are willing to wait in line want to ride just as much as those who think they deserve to jump ahead. Granted there are times the kids need to use the restroom and get out of line, which is different. But even then, in all fairness to the rest of the people, those who get out of line should wait and ride later on. The waits can be long, take care of business before getting in line.

      Shoving in front of people is also rude. If you are waiting for an attraction such as World of Color, let those who got there first, go first. Don't shove them out of the way until you are in front. They got there ahead of you and were willing to wait. You didn't want to wait so you don't deserve to be in the front of the line. 

      Disney Resort is a family place. Many people take their young kids to the parks. Foul language and making out should not be allowed. Those who wish to use foul language should stay home, don't go out in public and talk that way. Many parents don't want their kids to hear foul language. Making out also should not be done in a family environment. Hold hands, peck on the cheek, quick kiss on the lips, those are all fine but to grope and make out in public is rude. That is what motels are for, if people want to do that they need to get a room or stay home. Animals behave that way because they do not have the intelligence to know that it is not proper, people should know better. Other people, especially young children, do not and should not have to hear foul mouthed people or watch couples make out.

     Standing in the middle of the walkway to visit is also extremely rude. The parks are crowded and a lot of people are trying to get from one attraction to the next. If you want to visit, or plan out the day, move to the side of the walkway so that other people can get around you. It doesn't take much to do that and sure can make the traffic flow smoother. 

     Those in wheel chairs can also be rude. Being in a wheel chair does not give people the right to push in front of others. Those wheels hurt when they run over toes. Strollers are the same way, parents need to pay attention and stop cutting people off or running over their toes with strollers. People need to pay attention to the world around them and stop thinking of only one person….themselves.

      One of the rudest and most annoying behaviors at the parks is those people who put their children on their shoulders to watch the shows such as Fantasmic or World of Color. Nothing is more irritating than to be watching a show only to have some inconsiderate person place his or her child on his shoulders. Maybe they are so ignorant that they think their child makes a good window. Well, the child is not invisible and does not make a good window. This takes the ability to view the show completely away from the person behind the child. If people are worried about their kids seeing the show, get there earlier to be in front or just hold the child in your arms. Don't ruin the experience for those behind you. Certainly all people in the world are more intelligent than to think those behind them can see through their child. 

     Disney resort is a place everyone can enjoy. It is a place where memories are made. Those who think they have the right to do whatever they want need to remember that they are not the only ones who want to have fun. They are not the only ones who want to ride, or see an attraction. They are not the only ones there, other people want to enjoy the parks too and the rude people should stop being rude and taking away from other's magical experience or better yet, stay home until they learn how to behave properly in public and be considerate and respectful of other people and property.                    

Day Three in the Parks July 14, 2014

We made it to the parks at 10:45 AM. I know, not early but that was ok. We have several days at the parks and just want to take it easy and enjoy. We don't want to rush at all. I think tht is why our trip in 2014 was so special. We did not rush, we didn't go to bed super late and when we did go to bed late we slept in a bit so that we were not falling to sleep on rides all day. When we went by rides we stopped to ride them instead of rushing to the next one to see what the wait time was. It seemed like we were able to get on more attractions that way and enjoy what we did more.

This day we started at the Tiki Room. We were ready for a dole whip. Then Kyle and I rode Big Thunder Mountain while Ellen and Janet rode Mark Twain. We wented to try Big Thunder after the changes. It was great and not as jerky as before.

We had gotten a fast pass at Star Tours so rode it next. All of us rode. Then we went to ride Pinocchio's Daring Journey which broke down so we didn't get to ride. that was ok though it happens.

We ate at Big Thunder Barbecue which is always delicious. It is one of our favorite meals and one that we experience at least once each year. I wish it cost less so we could go more often.

We rode some rides in Fantasyland, then watched Mickey's Magical Map. That is such an amazing show! The music and special effects are superb.

After we watched Mickey's Map we headed at DCA around 5:30 PM. It was crazy busy at Disneyland and this was a great time to hop.

Grizzly River Run had a wait of 25 minutes so we decided "what the heck" and waited. We timed it and the wait ended up only being 15 minutes. Since it was past 6 before we got on the ride we decided to wear ponchos. It cools off enough in the evening that you sure do not want to be wet. Plus we went to ride Soarin after and it can be way too cold if you ride it wet. We had a fast pass for Soarin.

Kyle and I rode screamin next with the two chickens shopped. After that we ate a Ghirdelli ice cream and headed to the room early, around 8:30 so we could get to bed early. The next day was our early entry.  We did watch the fireworks from the tower which is always fun.

This was a very fun and relaxing day at Disney Resort.

World of Color

     Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California opened an amazing new show, The World of Color in 2010. We were lucky to view it three times in July of 2010. Words can not even begin to describe the show. This twenty-five minute show combines water screens, fountains, video, fire, lighting, projector, and music in a way that only Disney can. Making it powerful and magical. The show begins with a combination of fountains, colors, and music set to a new song that was created just for the attraction. The World of Color song gave me chills as the lights and water danced before me. Then it takes off into clips of different Disney movies with the lights, projection, and music. Added to the mix during some of the scenes is fire that shoots way into the sky. The show does not tell a specific story, but mixes clips and music from different Disney movies that keep the viewer involved and mesmerized. The show closes with the same beautiful song as it begins with and the same amazing light show. With each year, they add new magic to the show.

     The first time we viewed the show it was from the back row. We were able to see the whole show, but our view was obstructed. The next two times we viewed from the boardwalk right in front. This was our favorite viewing area. It was like we were a part of the show. We were told that we could get really wet, but we only got sprayed. I could see how a person could get real wet that close however. Ponchos are sold in the area so that those who do not want to get wet can stay dry. This viewing spot is worth the risk of getting soaked.

     The show is very popular. When it first opened, they offered three different viewing times so that everyone wishing to view it had the opportunity. The first showing was at 9:00 PM, the second at 10:15 PM and a third at 11:15 PM. That has changed over the years and now I believe they have a 9:00 and 10:00 showing.

     There used to be three ways to get tickets to see the show. The first is to purchase a World of Color meal at either Ariel's Grotto or Wine Country Trattoria. This gives the viewer a premier viewing area. The next option is the picnic lunch. If it is purchased online the viewer gets tickets to the first show. It can also be purchased at the park for a second show ticket. The third way to get a ticket is to wait in line at Grizzly River Run and get a Fast Pass Ticket. These are for all three shows and are issued at a first come, first serve basis. They are free with park admission. Now they still offer the dinner viewing options as well as the fast pass option. We now use the fast pass option.

     We go to the show at least once every year, more most of the time. One year we were there for the Fourth of July show and it was amazing. I happened to record part of the show.

     We used the picnic option for our first experience with the idea that we’d get preferred viewing, but we did not. The meal was good but we’d mostly purchased the picnic for the ticket. We decided to use the fast pass plan for the other two shows and were able to view from the boardwalk.

     No matter how you get a ticket, the World of Color is a must see experience. It is moving, magical and amazing! It is an experience that the viewer will never forget.

A Powerfully, Magical Experience.

July 13, 2014 Sunday

We try to get up and be at the parks by 8:00 AM each day but just do not make it that early. There are several of us getting ready and well, it just rarely happens.

We did make it to Disneyland at 9:15 AM today. That is not when we left our room but when we entered the gates of the park. It is about a 10 minute walk from the main entrance to the park entrance including the check point.

This was another amazing day at Disneyland! We were able to get on most rides with only a 5 minute wait such as Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh with only a 20 minute wait for Splash Mountain. That was supposed to be 30 minutes but was much less. All of this before we ate lunch at Pizza Port in Tomorrowland. We rode the Disney Railroad to New Orleans Square after a trip around the park and then went to Adventureland and rode Indiana Jones using our Fast Passes. The train had no wait which was great.

We met a friend back at the room and did some shopping at a special place he takes us to shop and were back at the room to unload our treasures.Then on our way back to the parks we ate at our favorite restaurant, The Pizza Press which is a part of our Hotel, The Carousel Inn and Suites. It is such amazing food and very affordable!

We were back at Disney's California Adventure Park (DCA) at 6:15 PM where we got on Soarin over California with only a 10 minute wait, rode Monsters Incorporated and discovered the Mad T Party Band.

What a treasured and accidental discovery that was. We had gone into the restrooms near the entrance to the Mad T Party. While we were waiting some of the music near the restroom side was starting up. It wasn't something we liked but we had to wait for my son to use the restroom. While we were waiting we heard them announce the Mad T Party Band and decided to give them a listen. We were so very glad that we did. The Mad T Party Band is amazing. The singers have great voices, the musicians are extremely talented and they all put on a very entertaining show. we made the Mad T Party a part of our experiences from then on.

After we watched one of the band sets we headed over to Radiator Springs Racers where the single rider wait was only 30 minutes. We rode Racers and headed back to the room around the time the park was closing at 10 PM.

Day two in the parks was of course another fun and wonderful day. We were able to do just about all we wanted to do and had a magical day.

Please enjoy this Mad T Party Band video that I recorded of the band singing one of my all time favorite songs from my teen years, Ballroom Blitz by Sweet