T/P Fan's Disney Theme Park Trip Report thread
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T/P Fan's Disney Theme Park Trip Report thread
I went to Disneyland on July 14th 2005 with my Mom, Aunt and Cousion. Why my aunt and cousion? Beucase my uncle works for Disney so she gets us in the park for free! When we first got there we went to DCA(Disney's California Adventure). I did not want to go to DCA though because I already went there last year and haven't been to Disneyland for 2 years. But we did anyway because the lines to the park were short! And for any of you that have already been there, it's no surprise. But Disneyland's lines were huge! So we weren't to DCA and we first had a hotdog. I of coarse didn't want to go to lunch but wanted to ride rides first. So I was pretty mad! But after we had lunch we want to Tower of Terror! And it was only a 15 minute wait! So while we were going in the ride I joked around like saying to the cast members, "Excuse me, but do we get a pool!" since the theme was like a hotel! The ride itself was pretty good. Though not quite the ride at MGM, it still is the best ride in all of DCA! After that we went on California Screamin' which had about a 30 minute wait. For some reason I always under-estimate this ride whenever I go on. Maybe it's because it doesn't have a theme. But the coaster itself is really good. It's very smooth! When you go in a loop you don't even feel it! It's my second favorite ride in the park(behind TOT). After that I had enough of Eisner's DCA and went over to Walt Disney's Disneyland! I seperated from my Mom and Aunt who didn't want to go in the heat and crowds! So me and my cousion went to Disneyland and we contacted each othere with cell-phones. WOW! The castle looked fantastic with all that gold! Plus I loved all the hidden golden Mickey's they added to the park! First I went to see how long the wait for Space Mountain was! IT WAS 70 MINUTES!!! So we then went to the Matterhorn. Which I didn't see how long the wait was but it couldn't have been more than 20 minutes. Wow this ride was really bumpy! I just didn't enjoy it. So after that we went to Space Mountain to see how long it was know. It dropped to 50 minutes. So we decided to wait in line. It felt longed than 50 minutes that's for sure. But these people in front of us were bored so they told a bunch of cool riddles. I we got to say 1 or 2. Well after a long time of waiting we got to go on Space Mountain! And let me tell you it was woth the wait! It was incredibly smooth and the new track and design were great! I loved it! After that we wanted to see how long the wait was, and it was 65 minutes long. So I assumed we waited 65 minutes in line. But the ride was excellent! After that I wanted to get a fastpass for Splash Mountain. But when we went there the line was 121 minutes long and when we went to get a fastpass we had to wait until 11:15 at night to use the fastpass. It was obviously rigged! And if we really wanted to go on Splash Mountain we could've gone at 9:00. So we skipped that idea. So we decided to meet my Mom and aunt at 5:00 in front of the statue of Mickey and Walt in the front of the park. It was like 4:15 so what could we do? Haunted Mansion claimed the line to be 13 minutes long, but it was obviously lying since the line was went all the way to this back and my cousion said the line never went there before! Pirates was 35 minutes long and so was Big Thunder so what could we do? So we decided on one thing: MISTER TOAD'S WILD RIDE!!!
After that we still had time before we meet our Moms so we decided to go on the Jungle Cruise! This is probably my best time there! I loved all the great things they added! Especially the peruanas and the return of the guns!
And the skipper was pretty good. He said some great and corny jokes I didn't hear before!
But the highlight was still seeing the back-side of water!
After that we saw that there was still about 15 minutes before we meet out Mom's so we decided to go one of the ignored dark rides(Snow White and Pinocchio). We both hate Snow White so we went on Pinocchio's Daring Journey! I actually liked the ride! Even though it somewhat fails to capture the spirit of IMO Walt Disney's best movie! I liked seeing Monstro though!
After that we meet out Moms about 5 minutes early. We talked about what we did and so did my aunts who just went to Downtown Disney and DCA. After that we decided to seperate again and meet for dinner at the Pinoccio restaurant at 6:00. Knowing that I know alot about Disney history they said I would love the new show, Disneyland the First 50 years that replaced Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. While alot of stuff I knew(Pirates was Walt's last ride, the Jungle Cruise was originally going to contain real animals) there was also quite alot of stuff I didn't know(The Enchanted Tiki Room was the first audio-animatronic ride, and that Small World originally was going to be a bunch of kids singig national anthems). And I also loved seeing the model of the original Disneyland. IT WAS HUGE!!! And then we finally saw the show. It was very good. I was a bit surprised that Steve Martin originally worked at Disneyland. And the show was fun. I loved when Donald Duck interuppted!
After that we headed back to Tomorrowland to get a fastpass for Buzz Lightear. I was very excited to compare the one to Florida. After we got a fastpass for Buzz I got to go to my favorite Disneyland memory: STAR TOURS! The ride is still great. For me it just never gets old! However I wouldn't mind a Revenge of the Sith theme. The idea can be phenominal! After tha I bought golden Mouse-ears in celebration for the 50th! After that we meet out Mom's at the restaurant. I just had pepperoni pizza and we talked. After that it was time to use our fastpass for Buzz. It worked like a charm. We had to wait a while though because the ride broke down for about 2 minutes. Then we got to ride. Most people will say this is better than the one at Florida, I beg to differ. For one this ride was not as long as the other one so this one wasn't quite as memorable. Also mant people like the fact that the lazers are loose so you didn't have to learn over to shoot, however I perfered the ones at Florida when they were attached because the were closer to the triger that makes you spin. So I hardly got to spin at all during the ride because I had to lean forward in order to spin it which made me loose chances to shoot. But still the ride is fun and is probably the best new ride since Indiana Jones. I lost to my couson though who beat me pretty bad, but we both got level three. Overall it's a nice addition to Tomorrowland. Speaking of which, Tomorrowland is almost back with both Space Mountain and Buzz Lightear. All they need to do know is replace Honey I Shurnk The Audience, bring back People Mover, put Astro-Orbiter where is belongs, close that horrible Innoventions and bring back the subs but with a futuristic theme. Many people like the Finding Nemo idea, but I think that is one of Disney's worst ideas yet. For one what do talking fish have to do with the future? I think if they really need a Finding Nemo ride they should replace the Motor Boat Cruise at Fantasyland since who goes there anymore? I think an Atlantis ride would be a much better idea for the Submarines since it has something to do with Tomorrow. Anyway getting back on topic, after we left Buzz my cousion wanted to go back to DCA and ride Maliboomer. I wanted to say no since I don't like the ride. But I felt bad that it was my cousion's favorite ride and he didn't get to go on it so I said okay. But we had to push alot of the crowds since they were watching the parade. I unfortunatly didn't get to sit and watch the parade but I did see some of the floats. I really liked the Lion King one. It reminded me of that parade they use to have. Anyway after we got out of Disneyland a miracle happened. There was a line to enter DCA. It was as long as Disneyland's lines. Even my cousion who goes here about 3 times a month said he never saw the lines for DCA this long. So after that we headed back to good old Disneyland. So we called out Moms and planned to meet them at the Plaza Inn at 9:00 to see the fireworks. So we had lots of time. The first thing we headed out to do now was see Pirates of the Carribean. What a classic. I just love this attaction, especially the music. The people at Florida don't know what they're missing! The only problom I have is that politically incorrect crap! I miss when the pirates chased the women for there looks and not because of the food!
At least it still has the line, "Lift up you skirt deary, show em' your cargo!" or something like that.
After Pirates I wanted to ride Splash Mountain because I was sure the lines would be short since it was like 8:00. I was shocked it was 70 minutes long! So we decided: Haunted Mansion! I forgot how great this ride is. I haven't been on the original for 5 years(I have been on the Christmad version recently though) What a great ride. Everyone who comes to Disneyland must ride this ride. If you don't it's like going to Arizona and not going to the Grand Canyon or going to New York and not going to the Statue of Liberty(you get what I mean). The lines for Splash Mountain were still long! Which we were surprised since we thought we were the only ones that wanted to got on a water ride passed 8:00 at night. So we tried Indiana Jones which also had long lines(80 minutes long) so we went on Big Thunder Mountain. Because of that accident I was expecting a bumpy and jerky ride since I thought it was having trouble. I was pleasently surprised. It was really smooth, fast and fun. I still perfer the Florida one though. I also noticed they took part of a cave out(probably because of the accident). After that it was 9:00 so we had to get to the Plaza Inn before the firwworks began at 9:20. Thankfully we got there 10 minutes before the fireworks began. As for that new firework show, WOW!!!! I loved it. They had a little firework show for each attaction at Disneyland. I recieved Deja-Vu! And then they had a huge Grand Finale! After that I was amazed! I also liked seeing Tikerbell!
Then it was about 10:00 and we still wanted to do Splash Moutain. We were sure there wouldn't be a wait. 10:00 at night and there was an hour long line! I couldn't believe it! First the crowds at DCA and now this! What's next? A cheapquel gets rave reviews? So we waited in line for it. And while I like the Florida version much better, I still really like this ride. I enjoyed all the great drops! However I camed out soaked! Luckly my Mom bought me a T-Shirt and I was wearing a bathing-suiu. I dried pretty quickly! After that it was about 11:15 and I was about ready to go home except I wanted to go on Winne the Pooh just so I could say I've been to all the rides at Disneyland. While I think it was smart to get rid of Country Bears since it was getting a bit old, I would not put a Pooh ride. Once again I think it belonged in Fantasyland. I personally would replace Alice with Pooh and put like a similar show to America Sings in the country bears area. As for the Pooh ride, it was so-so. At least they didn't replace good old Toad! I did enjoy hearing Paul Winchell and John Fiedler who both gave there voices to this ride. After that we went home. I overall had alot of funat Mickey's Kingdom. And I can now say Disneyland is almost fixed, but still Tomorrowland needs a bit help. But I'm glad I've been on all the rides now and I enjoyed my trip! 
Last edited by Timon/Pumbaa fan on Thu Aug 03, 2006 4:35 pm, edited 6 times in total.
- MickeyMousePal
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Sounds like you had a great time Justin. I been going for 3 years straight and I might go on Saturday.
Disneyland is so expensive now.
Hey Justin do something for me go and have fun!!!!
Disneyland is so expensive now.
Hey Justin do something for me go and have fun!!!!
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Timon/Pumbaa fan
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I enjoyed reading your trip report. Sounds like you had a great time.
About as much as the singing animals in America Sings did. And that is a fondly remembered classic attraction from Tomorrowland. "Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage" is a highly creative E-Ticket attraction with top notch technology. Hopefully it will become another classic, and it's already gauranteed to be a Disneyland-only experience.Many people like the Finding Nemo idea, but I think that is one of Disney's worst ideas yet. For one what do talking fish have to do with the future?
The Motor Boat Cruise has been marked for a future unknown attraction in Fantasyland.I think if they really need a Finding Nemo ride they should replace the Motor Boat Cruise at Fantasyland since whoe goes there anymore?
You are actually lucky, I work at California Adventure and the crowds have been tolerable but consistant with the major attractions having at least 60 minute waits.I did not want to go to DCA...But we did anyway because the line to the park were short! And for any of you that have already been there, it's no surprise.
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Well, over a year latter, I've gone to Disneyland again, so I'm bumping this thread to give you fellows another trip-report.
(well it's really for me to relive my trip
)
Well this time I went to Disneyland with my sister and her boyfriend(he came for only part of the day though). This time though, we didn't do DCA, so I haven't done MI yet.
But still a great time to go to Disneyland. It actually didn't feel hot at all, which was nice. I actually felt hotter last year than this year at Disneyland.
Well, first we got a Fast Pass for "Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye". Then we went and stood in line for "Pirates of the Caribbean". However, the line was supposably 35 mintues and was the first time I've ever see the line go beyond the entrance, so apparently, I wasn't the only on eagerly waiting to see Captain Jack Sparrow in the new attraction. Well, we finally got in. LOVED IT! The changes were great. The 3 Jack Sparrow animatronics are amazing, I actually thought maybe they got a real actor to be in there for a second they were so life-like. Everything was cleaned up, making it much better ride than the one I rode in my first trip report I made above, in fact, I agree with Greg from Micecast that I can't remember a time where I was as more impressed with this ride thanks to the updates, and it's one of my favorites in the park. In paticular, I remember Escapay complaining how the "canonball in the water" effect was cheesy, well, they've improved those A LOT! Big splashs! I even managaed to get a little wet! The Davy Jones effects was excellent, and I also loved how you get to hear the soundtrack from the movie during the battle scene, along with Geffory Rush's voice. There were only 2 small minor problems I had with the changes 1. The boats used to be different colors like red blue etc. now it's just brown. Not a big deal, but kinda a shame. I also was slightly sad to see the pirates carrying the treasure at the end gone(though, Johnny Depp singing "A Pirates Life For Me" clearly makes up for it). Overall, a tremendous ride with great improvements it NEEDED! Glad to see the attractions get updates, and I can't wait for more when the 3rd film comes out. Then I went to The Haunted Mansion with a 13 minute wait, cool as always. I did think I noticed a lot of new effects, mainly a bride with an ax. I heard rumors of that happening, and apparently it did. I can't wait to see more that are rumored. The we went to The Jungle Cruise. We got a pretty good skipper so it was a fun ride. I noticed the gorilla that fight for the bananas with the alligator is different as they took out the alligator.
Well after that, we got another fast pass for Space Mountain, then went to use ours for Indiana Jones. Still a great ride! I actually found out a storyline element I never knew before: that you can go through three rooms at the beginning: one for "eternal life", one for "beauty" and one for the "ability to see the future". I had NO idea how I missed that from the MANY times I have rode it, I feel kinda stupid.
But still loved it. I went through the room for people who want "beauty", even though it's still the same ride, I can't wait to go back to DL to go through the other rooms.
Well after that, I ate lunch at the Club Buzz restaurant, which was good. What was interesting though was that I saw some DJ who was on Radio Disney there. While I hate RD, and the DJ was annoying, I still think it's kinda cool to see RD live. Then I went to Matterhorn. While I wasn't impressed with Matterhorn last time after a while from being on it, I fell in love with it again this trip after going on it. It just felt a lot smoother for some reason. Then we wen to get another FastPass, this time for Splash Mountain(which was for 6:00, which was MUCH earlier than last time, so I was pleasantly surprised). So after that, it was not time for Space Mountain yet, so we got an ice-cream(I got the Mickey shaped ice-cream sandwitch
) then went to Toontown to go in the mailbox area. The line for Roger Rabbit was VERY long, so we went on Small World instead. An okay ride. I don't really love it though except for the Christmas season. Went on Teacups after that. A blast as it was when I was a kid. Went pretty fast. Though I hated that they turned off the Mad Hatter music because of that parade. :Thumbs Down: Then we went on Star Tours, and while I still really like ST, I think I've had enough of it and this recent ride I've finally grown rather tired of it. The Star Wars fan in me just makes me wish we can have new videos that go to Endor, Hoth, Tatooie, and all the other planets they "advertise" after the ride. Hopefully, with Iger, he can streghten the relationship with Lucas and make it happen. Then we got a fastpass for Buzz, and finally, our fastpasses for Space Mountain were ready! I went on it, a great ride. Nuff said, I'm still impressed with the changes. Then after I went off the ride, the fastpasses for Buzz were ready and we went on it. A fun ride still, it's better than the last time(of course, that's because I beat my sister!
) though I think I prefer the one at Florida a little better(I can't say why, but I actually feel more comfortable with the controllers there) though I've only been at the one at Florida once while I've gone to the one at DL twice, so I'll have to go to the one at Florida again to make a final decision.
Since the line for Roger were still long, we went on Mr. Toad. Still one of the coolest rides in all of Disneyland! Then we went to Big Thunder Mountain. Fun as always. Then since the Splash Mountain fast-passes STILL weren't quite ready, we went on Pooh. Kinda a bleah ride. I haven't been on the one at Florida, though I hear it's better because of the bouncing effect. That effect better be amazing to have replaced an amazing attraction like Toad.
But hey, at least Toad is still at DL. :thumbs up: Anyway, an okay ride. Wasn't a huge Country Bear fan so it's no loss for me, but I still prefered it to this ride. Finally went on Splash Mountain. Since I was in the front I got SOCKED! But I've been on that Florida version once, yet it spoiled me to ever go on the California one. But I enjoyed it. After that, we finally went on Roger Rabbit. It was actually the longest line in the park(yup longer than Pirates) The RR fan in me was happy. The ride is very fun sd always and thought it was worth the long wait. After done everything I needed to, we ate dinner at the Plaza Inn. Great chicken. After that, I went through Main Street, and actually bough a Walt Disney Treasure, which made up for DCA I though. Unfortunately, it was pretty cloudly, and had a feeling they would cancel the fireworks, we went on Pirates of the Caribbean again because it was so great. Definetely my favorite experience at the park during this particualr trip. After that I managed to see the end of "Fantasmic". Even though it was a small part, I had more fun watching that scene than watching the entire Florida show. I've never seen the on at California all the way through, but I enjoyed seeing everything on Tom Sawyer's Island for some reason. Plus the fireworks were MUCH better at CA for some reason. And it was a nice way to end the night as Remember Dreams Comes Ture, did indead get cancelled. But still, Fantasmic was enough for me.
And that's another T/P Fan report!
Well this time I went to Disneyland with my sister and her boyfriend(he came for only part of the day though). This time though, we didn't do DCA, so I haven't done MI yet.
Well, first we got a Fast Pass for "Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye". Then we went and stood in line for "Pirates of the Caribbean". However, the line was supposably 35 mintues and was the first time I've ever see the line go beyond the entrance, so apparently, I wasn't the only on eagerly waiting to see Captain Jack Sparrow in the new attraction. Well, we finally got in. LOVED IT! The changes were great. The 3 Jack Sparrow animatronics are amazing, I actually thought maybe they got a real actor to be in there for a second they were so life-like. Everything was cleaned up, making it much better ride than the one I rode in my first trip report I made above, in fact, I agree with Greg from Micecast that I can't remember a time where I was as more impressed with this ride thanks to the updates, and it's one of my favorites in the park. In paticular, I remember Escapay complaining how the "canonball in the water" effect was cheesy, well, they've improved those A LOT! Big splashs! I even managaed to get a little wet! The Davy Jones effects was excellent, and I also loved how you get to hear the soundtrack from the movie during the battle scene, along with Geffory Rush's voice. There were only 2 small minor problems I had with the changes 1. The boats used to be different colors like red blue etc. now it's just brown. Not a big deal, but kinda a shame. I also was slightly sad to see the pirates carrying the treasure at the end gone(though, Johnny Depp singing "A Pirates Life For Me" clearly makes up for it). Overall, a tremendous ride with great improvements it NEEDED! Glad to see the attractions get updates, and I can't wait for more when the 3rd film comes out. Then I went to The Haunted Mansion with a 13 minute wait, cool as always. I did think I noticed a lot of new effects, mainly a bride with an ax. I heard rumors of that happening, and apparently it did. I can't wait to see more that are rumored. The we went to The Jungle Cruise. We got a pretty good skipper so it was a fun ride. I noticed the gorilla that fight for the bananas with the alligator is different as they took out the alligator.
And that's another T/P Fan report!
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Thanks for another great report, T/P.
I'm glad you bumped this thread rather than starting a new one. I must've missed the first report from July last year as I wasn't really visiting the site much at that time.
Nice to hear what you thought of some of the Pirates changes. I've heard so many mixed reports, largely from people who go multiple times a month, that it is hard to judge just how effective some of them are. People like us - who are lucky to visit a park once a year (I'm going to HK in a month, then my next trip won't be until 2008 in the US) - are far better judges I think, simply because we have a BIT of objectivity.
Also, would like to hear more about what you think about the Florida v California debate. I'm going to visit both next time I'm in the US (fingers crossed), and am thinking that I'll pretty much just have to pop my head into the Magic Kingdom to confirm it is there, and explore the other three parks.
Anyways, thanks again for the report! I'll have my own Hong Kong report here and on HKDL Source in about a month and a bit.
I'm glad you bumped this thread rather than starting a new one. I must've missed the first report from July last year as I wasn't really visiting the site much at that time.
Nice to hear what you thought of some of the Pirates changes. I've heard so many mixed reports, largely from people who go multiple times a month, that it is hard to judge just how effective some of them are. People like us - who are lucky to visit a park once a year (I'm going to HK in a month, then my next trip won't be until 2008 in the US) - are far better judges I think, simply because we have a BIT of objectivity.
Also, would like to hear more about what you think about the Florida v California debate. I'm going to visit both next time I'm in the US (fingers crossed), and am thinking that I'll pretty much just have to pop my head into the Magic Kingdom to confirm it is there, and explore the other three parks.
Anyways, thanks again for the report! I'll have my own Hong Kong report here and on HKDL Source in about a month and a bit.
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