Sing with me...California Here We Come! Days 7 & 8, updated 12/20 About This Page:

[chezp]

What a wonderful birthday breakfast you had - and we found that as well, if you asked for a specific character and said you hadn't seen them yet, the Cast Members were very good at getting them to come over and you got some first class interaction. It's certainly worth asking to see who you want! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[Meggera]

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<u>Day 2 - October 31, 2006 – Part 2</u>
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/birthday.gif[/img] Victoria!

On our way to Disneyland, we stopped in World of Disney to get our free Disney Travel Company lanyards and pins that came with our package. We each got a lanyard and Tinkerbell pin. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] I'm glad I made sure Victoria brought her new pins with her to put on her lanyard. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

Victoria, Maxine and I made our way over to the Disneyland entrance. The gates were close to opening. I found a little place where Maxine could sit and rest while we waited for Michael.

Now at WDW, there is a park opening ceremony with characters that ride in on the train and a family that is selected to open the park. Here at DLR, there was a family but no characters. There was no ceremony. No pomp and circumstance. Nothing. There was only a countdown from 10 and then they said the park was open. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] Umm..that’s it? I was disappointed in the lack of fanfare to open this wonderful park. Maybe we just missed something.

I took a few pictures while we watched people go into the park, and we waited for Michael.



We soon saw Michael running to us from the tram area. The shuttle was about to leave the hotel, and he was able to hop aboard. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] I handed out our tickets, we made our way through the turnstiles, and we were in. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img]

I loved the Halloween theme.


We have never been to Disney during Halloween, so we were really excited to see what they had in store for us. I was really looking forward to seeing characters in costume.

Michael and Maxine got in line to rent a wheelchair for her. Now at this point, I started getting antsy. I am a commando Disney person. I set my schedule and we hoof it and run and do what we have to do in order to see everything. I had made out our schedules at home and had today’s in my pocket. I pulled it out to see where we needed to be first and when. I began to feel my heart racing because I knew we could be slowed down by a wheelchair. I knew I had to relax or I was going to make myself miserable along with everyone else.

I walked to a little corner of the world, stopped, and breathed. I told myself that the schedule isn’t what was important. The most important thing was that we were at Disneyland, and we all needed to have a good time. I put the schedule back in my pocket, and Michael and Maxine rolled up. Now, my DH, knowing how I go, go, go, asked where we were to go to first. I said let’s just take our time and enjoy Main Street and do whatever comes up. I think he almost passed out.[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

So, at this point of our trip, I forgot any schedule and went with the flow. Then we passed under this…


I got all teary-eyed and knew all would be well (even if I missed things I didn’t want to…another story). [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

We walked into the hub, and it was beautiful. The sights and smells were wonderful. We saw Alice near City Hall. I told DH to get in line, and I would run inside City Hall with Victoria. City Hall was decorated so nicely. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]


DD and I went to City Hall, and I told them that today was her 12th birthday. They must have heard an accent in my voice and asked where we were from. I told them we had come from Virginia to celebrate our DD’s birthday. They promptly gave Victoria a birthday pin…not a sticker as I have seen posted on the boards and read about in other places. The CM wrote Victoria’s name on the pin with #12. Then, she asked how many people were in our party. I told her four. She gave us four “First Visit to Disneyland” buttons. How [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]! I wasn’t expecting that at all! I was so surprised about the buttons, I forgot to ask about a call from Goofy to Victoria. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] We thanked the very kind CM and got in line with Michael and Maxine to see Alice.

Alice was just too cute. She had the best personality and a great accent. She asked Victoria ifs today was actually her birthday, not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Victoria said yes, no, no, yes, and Alice told her that she may not want to mention that to the Mad Hatter since he only celebrates un-birthdays. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] She signed Victoria’s book, wished her a happy birthday and posed. Great interaction!


Miss Pumpkin was about to go inside, but we were able to run up and get a quick autograph and picture with her. I never asked who the man was. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/sorry.gif[/img]


No other characters were out. That was so surprising to me. At WDW, there will be 6 – 8 characters in the hub. Here, there was one, plus Miss Pumpkin. I was really shocked by this and would continue to be disappointed by the lack of characters to be found walking around. Anyhoo, we wanted to see “The First 50 Magical Years” and popped over to the theatre to do so.


Inside, we enjoyed walking around and learning more about the history of DL. I loved this map of opening day of Disneyland. Very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img].


The CM told us all about some of the rides that are no longer at DL. One was some little cars that were NOT on a rail. He said they only lasted about 18 months due to people running into each other and the complete chaos it caused by having no clear path in which to run the cars. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] I thought that was so funny. I thought he was kidding at first. I think he realized that and made it a point to tell us it was the honest truth. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

We were finally let into the theatre and enjoyed the film. It was so neat to see Walt planning DL and how quickly it all came to life. Wow! Very impressive. If you haven’t seen this movie, you really should try to. It was fascinating.

After the film, we headed back out to the hub, and we got in line to get our photo with the great big Mickey pumpkin. While we waited in line, I took another shot of the train station. Great flagpole, huh? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img]


We got our picture made. I love how it turned out.


Then, we saw Goofy near the fire station. We got in line to see him. Boy was he dressed up in a bright outfit! He signed Victoria’s book and posed.


We had been in the park for almost an hour and still hadn’t seen the castle. What were we thinking? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] We made our way down Main Street, taking in all the sights. As we approached the castle, my DH said, “That’s it? Look how tiny it is!” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] I had warned him not to be too surprised by the slight stature of Sleeping Beauty’s castle as compared to Cinderella’s. He couldn’t get over the difference. However, it didn’t make it any less beautiful and awe-inspiring.


I loved the characters and pumpkins around the Partners statue.




After ooohing and ahhhing over the castle, we turned right and headed for Tomorrowland because, of course, my DH’s favorite ride is there…Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] There wasn’t much of a walk. One thing we liked about this park was its compactness. Very nice. Astro Orbiters is the first ride you see, and it is very pretty. I liked it much better than the one at WDW. I had to get a picture in front of it. I got my group together to pose, and the dream squad approached me. Yes! THE Dream Squad…two ladies in blue with their little clipboards and their fanny packs full of dreams. She was very sweet, and she said……….”Wow! I see it is your first visit here. Would you like me to take your picture for you?” I said, “Yes! Please! That would be awesome!” In my mind I was thinking, oh yeah, we are going to have a dream come true. We all posed, and she took our picture.


She handed back the camera and asked, “Where are you from?” We said, “Virginia.” She noticed Victoria’s birthday pin and commented on that. I said that was the whole reason why we were here, to celebrate her birthday. Then she said, “Have a great time at Disneyland!” We thanked them, and they were on there way. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] No dream come true for us. I guess that just being here was a dream come true for our family.

We decided to ride the Astro Orbiters. Maxine didn’t think she would be able to get in and out easily so opted to skip this ride. We wheeled her to a place where she would be able to see us easily. We got in line, and Michael kept talking about the ladies in blue and how he wished they had given us a little something. He kept looking for them but didn’t see them. Can you believe this was the second longest line we endured for this whole day? We waited for two rounds of rides and were then told to find an Astro Orbiter. We decided to all ride separately.


The ride started, and it was a lovely way to start the rides at DL. We waved at Maxine on the ground and then our ride was over.

We made our way over to Maxine, but she was not alone. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] THREE members of the Dream Squad were there now, all standing with Maxine. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] What could they want? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Up Next: The Dream Squad!!!
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[chezp]

Oh - you can't leave it there, that is just not fair! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Hurry back with another installment really soon please! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

By the way, I love the Halloween decorations at Disneyland - much better than WDW. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update! Love all the pics, especially the Halloween ones [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Can't wait to hear about the dream squad [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[DyanKJ130]

Way to leave us hanging, Laura!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] I'm dying to know what the Dream Squad is doing with Maxine and what is in store for you! Hurry back with MORE!!!

[DrDolphin]

You can't leave us hanging like that!!! Hurry back!!

[tinksmom]

Oh, please come back!!!!
This has to be one of the best trip reports I've ever read. I love all your photos, they are spectacular. Thanks so much for sharing.
tenya

[lauren-roxy]

Great update Laura!!! Sounds like a great day for Victoria so far!! Disneyland looks so cool at Halloween!! Can't wait for more!!

[Meggera]

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<u>Day 2 - October 31, 2006 – Part 3</u>
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/birthday.gif[/img] Victoria!

We made our way over to Maxine, but she was not alone. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] THREE members of the Dream Squad were there now, all standing with Maxine. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] What could they want? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

The three ladies in blue waved and said hello and laughed and said, “I bet you are wondering why we are stalking you?” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] Stalking us? It was nice to see them again, but I had no idea they had been stalking us. One lady then said, “Yes, we’ve been stalking you since Main Street. We watched you take pictures at the castle, and then I intentionally offered to take your picture in front of Astro Orbiters. We’ve been watching you for a while.” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] Ok. It is odd to think about now how these people had been following us basically since we arrived, and we didn’t even know it. Spooky! Anyway, she then asked how we like DL. We all agreed that we loved it. She told us how much she liked our matching birthday celebration shirts and commented again on Victoria’s birthday. She then got to the point of this meeting. She and the other two ladies had chosen us for something special because we were such a cute family. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blushing.gif[/img] She said that they weren’t sure about “the dad” until they watched us ride Astro Orbiters. Michael sealed the deal when he waved from his orbiter. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] Michael! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] They had chosen our family to be Grand Marshals in the parade that evening. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] She said it was very special, and only one family was chosen each day for the special honor. We would get to ride with the Mayor of Disneyland in Walt’s very own fire truck. They said it was one of his favorite toys and he drove it all over Disneyland. In fact, the last photo taken of Walt with Mickey Mouse was in the fire truck we would get to ride in. We were thrilled. She asked if we wanted to do it, and with a resounding yes, she began her paperwork. (Side note: In the excitement, I completely forgot to take pictures of these ladies and completely forgot their names. I hate that. I wish I knew who these ladies were who were so great!) She got all of our names, where we were from, etc. We had to sign wavers saying it wasn’t their fault if we fell out of the fire truck. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Needless to say, we had a few onlookers now wondering what was going on. The attention was rather nice. We laughed and joked with these ladies for the longest time. They let us know that they wouldn’t be there to take us backstage; it would be someone else. So, they needed to know what we would be wearing. I told them that DD would be Tinkerbell. They loved that! They said, “How cool to have Tinkerbell as the Grand Marshal. AND on her birthday!” Maxine and I were going to be in Halloween shirts, and Michael was going to wear a Mr. Incredible shirt. They just loved that. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] DH is a joker and had a lot of fun acting up with the Dream Squad. They said they were so happy because they knew they had chosen the right family. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

So, the parade is at 7 p.m., and we were to meet at the Partners statue at 6:30 p.m., to be taken backstage. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Our original plan (or…MY original plan) was to be at California Adventure for Mickey’s Halloween Treat at 6 p.m. Well, that plan was now changed. Forget MHT. We’ll go after the parade. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]

I have no clue how long we were with the Dream Squad. They asked Victoria what her favorite ride was. She said, “Haunted Mansion!” They said, “Hmmm. Can’t do that one. Do you have another favorite?” Victoria said, “Big Thunder.” They said, “Cool! Well, we have a fastpass for four for you for BTMR that you can use.” All right! We [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] that ride! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] Victoria!

We said goodbye to our new friends. We were so full of joy we were about to pop! With an added spring to our step, and the anticipation of the big night ahead, we headed to Michael’s favorite ride, Buzz Lightyear!


We were really looking forward to riding this since you can pick up your lasers and aim better. DH and I rode together and Maxine and Victoria rode together. We got to bypass any line since Maxine was in a wheelchair. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Nice added benefit. I was able to get a couple of pictures of DD and DF.


We finished defending the galaxy, and I was stunned at my DH’s poor score. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] He always scores extremely high at WDW. He only made it to a level three here. What was going on? He was devastated with his score. As we were leaving, we noticed computer screens and people waiting in line. What was this? We got to a computer screen, and you could see your photo and e-mail it to yourself! That is so cool!!! We e-mailed the photos. I’ll have to see if I can get them to add here. They need to do this at WDW. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

Michael decided we needed to ride Buzz again. So, back through the queue we went. He didn’t do any better the second time around. He decided that it was because there were fewer targets, and he didn’t like holding the lasers. He said he couldn’t tell where his beam was. At WDW, he always knows where his beam is and can aim better. Go figure! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

We left Buzz and Zurg and were heading to Space Mountain when we saw Buzz greeting people. Yay! We got in line and waited for our turn.

Victoria handed Buzz her autograph book, and he pointed out her birthday pin and gave her a thumbs up. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]


I have been getting characters to sign on a piece of cardstock for me for my scrapbook. I gave Buzz my paper and pen, and he turned around to sign on a nearby garbage can. I got the biggest kick out of this…

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] He has Disney printed on his rear! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] I laughed and laughed and others around us starting laughing, too. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] Nice touch, Disney. You have to admit, they don’t miss much. We asked Buzz if we could see Andy’s name on the bottom of his foot. His handler saved him by letting us know that Andy’s name had been worn off by all the walking he does at the park. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

Buzz then went up to Maxine and posed for a picture. How sweet!


We said goodbye to Buzz and continued walking towards Space Mountain. We noticed Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was here, but the show had just started and we had 15 minutes to wait. Space Mountain had a 10 minute wait. We knew Maxine couldn’t ride any coasters, so a few calculations later, we parked Maxine at HISTA, and we made our way to Space Mountain. It was a neat queue. Most of it was outside, which surprised us. We wound our way around and around. The queue was so long! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Good grief. We finally made it to the entrance to the indoor queue!


We walked and walked and walked some more. I don’t think I have ever been in such a long queue. We got to the boarding area and there was NO LINE!!! It took 10 minutes just to get the boarding area. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] I truly believe that is the longest queue for a ride anywhere. Please, correct me if I’m wrong. We all agreed that we could not imagine standing in line for this ride for the whole queue. WOW! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

We boarded our space shuttle. How exciting! The ride was AWESOME!!! It is better than at WDW. It was pitch black in there. You couldn’t see the track at all. It was wonderful. And, there were speakers in the back of your seat like in RNRC. It was wonderful. We got off so pumped. We all wanted to ride again, but we knew Maxine was waiting for us.

We found her and HISTA was about to start. We got our “safety goggles” and found our seats. The CM in there was absolutely hilarious. He was very into his role. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

We enjoyed being shrunken. I think Maxine really enjoys the different effects in these shows. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

That done, I was ready to go to Autopia. I have really been looking forward to riding this. I could care less about the little cars at WDW. They do nothing for me. Maxine opted to sit this one out, so we found a shady spot for her, and we got into the very short line. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] We each got into a car, and I shot a pic of Michael and Victoria.


Then we were off. I loved this course so much better than at WDW. There was more to do and see. It was just more interesting. Here are some shots from my outing. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I love the speed limit sign. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]






We had seen all we wanted to see in Tomorrowland. We enjoyed ourselves and were ready to see Fantasyland. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

Up Next: Fantasyland
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[Meggera]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh, please come back!!!!
This has to be one of the best trip reports I've ever read. I love all your photos, they are spectacular. Thanks so much for sharing.
tenya

[/ QUOTE ]

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blushing.gif[/img] Gosh! Thanks so much! That is a huge compliment.

My dd is in The Nutcracker with a professional company, and it takes up so much time. I don't have time to write like I want to.

Sorry to keep y'all hanging!!! I hope our Dream isn't a disappointment to anyone. We loved it!

[lauren-roxy]

How exciting Laura to get to be in the parade Laura and ride on the fire engine!!!!! That is just awesome!!! Love your photos!! Can't wait for more!!!!!

[DyanKJ130]

Sounds like you had some wonderful interaction with the Dream Squad! (Although it must have been a little bit creepy to find out 2 people had been following you for all that time &amp; you didn't even know it!! WOW!)

Hurry back with more! I'm ready to hear how Fantasyland was!

[DawnDenise]

Just caught up on your last two updates Laura!! How cool you were chosen to be the Grand Marshalls. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] Great pictures too! So looking forward to more!

[chezp]

How awesome is that wish from the dream squad! I just got more and more excited as I read that installment of your trip report and was squealing when you revealed what the surprise was. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

Please hurry back - I want to hear all about you guys being Grand Marshals in the parade! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[tinksmom]

OMG, I got teary reading about your encounter with the dream squad. I can't wait to read the report about being grand marshalls!
tenya