Jen's Labor Day 2002

Jen's Labor Day 2002 Disneyland Resort Trip Report

Who: me, spouse (Keith), Mom, Dad, and an assortment of friends and acquaintances
Where: Disney's Grand Californian, Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, Disney's California Adventure
When: August 30 - September 2, 2002

Friday, August 30

What a crazy day! Keith took the whole day off work and planned to not only pack, but to do miscellaneous things around the house before our evening flight to Anaheim. The only problem was that he really didn't allow himself enough time to accomplish all of it comfortably. As a result, I ended up running an errand less than an hour before we were due to go to the airport, so I was now stressed out, too! (It also meant that I did not catch him before he selected a suitcase and, knowing that one will inevitably have souvenirs to bring home, the next size up would have been much better! This would lead to some awfully tight bags on the return trip home!)

Thankfully, though, we still made it to the airport within our projected time frame. Things were pretty much smooth sailing from there.

Once in Anaheim, our first stop was to check in at the Grand Californian. I have spent a fair amount of time in the lobby area and in the restaurants there, but never actually stayed at the hotel, so this was quite a treat! Our room partially overlooked Grizzly Peak, as well as Condor Flats, in DCA. About the time we reached our room, the Electrical Parade was starting and we could see the tops of the floats as they made their way to Paradise Pier.

My mom's only specific request of the evening is that we see the fireworks. Mom and Dad still needed to purchase their AP s and, even though, their old passes had long lapsed, their photos were still on file so it took very little time for them to have new ones processed. (We were prepared to have to go to Plaza Pavilion for processing, etc. and had no idea how long that would take with the holiday crowds.) We didn't quite have time to actually get in the park before the fireworks started, but we were able to watch them from just outside the gate.

Inside the park, we started with a classic, PotC. (We had a happy boat, not only were my parents singing, I think I could hear the people behind them singing "Yo Ho," too.)

After PotC, I suggested that we visit the Haunted Mansion since I find that it looks even better when one's eyes are already adjusted to the dark. As we waited in the queue, I reminded Keith that this might be a good weekend for a Maynard sighting. (Maynard is a cast member known for wearing different personas, depending upon the attraction he is working at the time, and that tends to be during holiday and peak periods. Probably his most famous guise is as the "evil twin" when he works the Mansion.) I just wanted to be surprised if we found him, but Keith actually asked a CM if Maynard was working that night. The response back was an extremely cryptic, "Oh, he probably won't be back for weeks, maybe even months." This struck us as being kind of fishy, but we didn't inquire further. On the ride, we noticed how much better the sound system is since the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay process took place.

By now, we were hungry, since dinner was in the afternoon at the airport hours and hours earlier. The problem was, nothing seemed to be open at the park! In the end, my parents decided just going to bed sounded more appealing, but Keith and I decided to seek out something at Downtown Disney. We found counter service at Naples where we could buy a big slice of pizza and a drink for $5. Instead of eating at Downtown Disney, I told Keith I wanted to eat on our balcony at the hotel, so that we could enjoy the view.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed our pizza with a view. It was somewhat different than earlier in the evening, since the park had closed some time earlier. The noise of people was completely gone and yet we could still hear the jet engine mister over at Soarin' Over California and the sounds of Grizzly Peak. The funny thing was when Grizzly Peak went completely silent at five minutes to midnight! It was weird to hear the ambient noise to disappear just like that!

We went to bed tired, but happy.

Day Two

Saturday, August 31

This morning, as we waited for each person to be ready, Mom and I had opportunity to watch a bit of the preparation for the day at DCA. She managed to spot Grizzly River Rapids in a drained spot, but by the time I came over, they had moved onto to sending the rafts out on a test run. Meanwhile, Keith sent off an e-mail to Rebekah of LaughingPlace.com to inquire about getting together some time during the weekend.

We decided on a hearty breakfast and decided to try Rainforest Café. We were a bit bummed that the second floor area (where most of the animatronic animals are) wasn't open yet, but, still, we had some neat aquariums to look at and the every 20 minutes rain storms happen downstairs, too. Mom was really liking that they were playing a lot of surf music and I told her that she would probably love the music at Paradise Pier. (Mom and Dad were at DCA once before, but didn't go through the entire park.)

Once fed, we decided to see how the line looked for Soarin'. It already had a bit of a wait, so we decided to FastPass it, giving us about an hour or so to do some other things.

First, we went to California Screamin'. I opted out as I just find this coaster to be too intense for me, but I did promise to take pictures of the other three. I managed to get some good shots while they were waiting to launch, as well as a picture just as they took off. I then met them at the exit, where I thought Mom looked a bit "off." She said she liked it, but that she needed to sit down since it was a bit soon after breakfast for her! It was also rather muggy, which was a bit of a disappointment after following the Anaheim weather reports for a couple weeks and noting highs just barely over 80 degrees with little humidity. Anyhow, as we were taking our break, Keith gets e-mail on his pager from Rebekah. (Isn't technology grand?) We make arrangements to meet Doobie, Rebekah, and "posse" for dinner in the evening at the French Market at Disneyland.

Mom is feeling better and wants to ride the Sunwheel. We were somewhat disoriented because we were waiting in what used to be the stationary car queue, only it ends up that they're now having stationary car riders enter through the exit and board that way. (Maybe they figured it was easier that way since more people seem to prefer the moving cars?) I always find that when I ride this, initially, I'm kind of scared because I'm up so high, but, eventually, I relax when I see the great view.

After the Sunwheel, we stop to watch the Maliboomer. (I think this attraction always has more watchers than riders.)

We make it to Mulholland Madness. My poor mother screams at every single corner! She was so shook up after that ride. Needless to say, we had to go easier on her the rest of the day! Maybe it's because I always board last, but this one actually doesn't bother me.

At this point, our Fastpass window for Soarin' had opened. I was pleasantly surprised that we requested and got row B-1. (We do this during off season, but I figured they would be too busy during peak to accommodate requests.) This attraction was excellent, as always.

We actually managed to do a lot on a Saturday morning during a holiday weekend, I thought.

We then decided to have lunch at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant and stop by the AMS Character Warehouse. Lunch was great, though we were seated near some rather noisy, messy children!

At the outlet, we found lots of nice sweatshirts, but it was too hot and muggy to be able to wear any of it yet! We also found brown pairs of Winnie the Pooh shorts on sale, which led to lots of bad jokes. The problem was that the puns kept going on the car ride back to the hotel and some of us had had way too much boysenberry punch at lunch and didn't want to laugh too hard. ; )

After a break in the room, we headed to Disneyland to meet up with the Laughing Place crew. Dave was there already, trying to find enough tables close together for such a big group. Stephanie came along shortly afterward, with RustinParr in tow. Eventually, a couple of big tables were found, but they were close to the jazz band that had just started up, so, for a while, we had to compete with the band. (At that point, Doobie, Rebekah, and also Benji were there, too.) Despite everyone wilting in the humidity, we still had a nice time chatting. (Dave tried to say that we had brought the weather with us, but what we get may be hot, but at least it's a dry heat, to use a clique!) We made plans to meet up the next day at Soap Opera Bistro for lunch and, if possible, use a dining package to get priority seating to see Blast at DCA's Hyperion Theater.

We wanted to be in line at the Disney Gallery at 8:15 for our 9PM balcony reservation for Fantasmic. We thought that this would be plenty of time for a good spot at the front of the line, but we weren't early enough. (We didn't know how this would impact our viewing, but it ends up that they're all really great seats, whether in the front row or the back.) The desserts were delicious and we had an excellent view. Dad also appreciated the speakers up on the balcony because he said he really felt in the middle of it all. (Since Dad is visually impaired, for him, it's about the sounds and smells.) We also stayed for the fireworks, only the finale was truncated due to atmospheric conditions. Despite this, we all agreed that it was an incredible experience!

Mom was tired, so she and Dad headed back to the room afterward, while Keith and I considered trying to get on some attractions. Indy was a 40 minute wait, with no Fastpasses left, and an inconsiderate person was smoking in the queue, so we decided to call it a night, too. (I have to admit that I' ve gotten somewhat spoiled from mostly going during the off season lately, we don't have the patience for waits of that length.)

Day Three

Sunday, September 1

We slept quite soundly, so we had somewhat of a leisurely start in the morning. We wanted to have a bit of breakfast, but something light since we wanted to be hungry and ready for our 12PM lunch reservation at the Bistro. What was funny is that Keith claimed to be "only a little hungry," but he ordered a Denver omelet while the rest of us had pastries and juice! (This would come back to haunt him.)

We wanted to visit Hollywood Pictures Backlot at DCA and do something like MuppetVision, since Mom wasn't up to any coasters or the like. The Backlot wasn't open yet and, as we were checking the attraction board to see when it would open, a CM went by and said hello, commenting on my LP button, and said, "Rebekah's brother!" in reference to himself. (It was then that I recognized him as Daniel, having met him at least once before.)

While we waited for the Backlot to open, we decided to venture through Greetings from California. Mom found some of the very cute Mickey pumpkin antenna balls, as well as a number of other interesting items for sale.

After we had pretty thoroughly wandered Greetings, it was about time to head over to the Soap Opera Bistro. We found out that the dining package was available, but that it was $45 and included a full meal (drink, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert) in addition to a limited edition Hyperion pin and lanyard. Keith was hesitating, both over cost and because he was still somewhat full from his "I'm just a little hungry" breakfast. (In the end, he conceded.) We had great fun and were at our table long enough for the improv actors to come through twice. (Our entire table became the doctor's estranged family, with Doobie being the "twin brother." Doobie says that that seems to happen a lot.)

Soon, it was time to head to the Hyperion for Blast. What a show! It was quite impressive and a lot of fun, too. (Keith decided he was glad he went along with the rest of us after all.) Since it ends up that a touring company of Blast will be coming to town later this year, we're now talking about seeing the full show. : ) After the show, we said our goodbyes to Doobie, Rebekah, and company as they were off to an Angels game. Keith and I always have a great time with them and my parents were glad to have now met them, too.

Keith went ahead of us to the room, while the remaining three of us went to World of Disney. It was a nice break from the heat! I had a shopping list in mind already, but ended up adding the Blast CD to the pile, too.

Back at the room, we noted our latest selection of magazines. It was becoming amusing to see how the titles rotated and what they were (tennis, cruising, spas). This is just one of the interesting touches in the rooms at the Grand California. (I'm partial to the Bambi and Thumper shower curtain myself.)

We had dinner at Storyteller's. I had the same thing I've always had there, a burger with guacamole, and even though everyone else talked about different dishes, in the end, everyone else thought a burger sounded good, too! Dinner was good, but we had a forgetful waiter who kept trying to give someone iced tea when no one had ordered iced tea or bring out the opposite soup that was ordered!

After dinner, it was back to DCA to see the Electrical Parade. We were on the hunt for a good spot when we saw Al and Sandy, fellow members of our local NFFC chapter. They were also looking for a place along the parade route, so headed toward Paradise Pier together. While I have seen the Electrical Parade since it moved to DCA, it was a special thing to see it with my Mom and Dad because I have many happy memories of summer vacations to Disneyland as a child and the highlight of the evening was usually seeing the MSEP. It was especially fun because some of the floats that move around a lot, like the snails, came very close to us.

DCA closed not long after the parade, so we crossed over to Disneyland. Mom and Dad were tired, so they went back to the room, while Keith, Al, Sandy, and I headed to attractions. Because Al is in a power wheelchair, he uses an SAP and asked if there was anything in particular we wanted to ride. Since I thought it would be neat to experience the elevator going back up, I asked if we could see the Haunted Mansion.

Guess which CM opened the side door to let us in? Maynard! We were thrilled! We had a little bit of time to chat with Maynard (and his tiny lizard "friend") and take pictures. We then went on the ride. At the exit area, we of course stayed on to come back to where we had started. The CM that was working at the disembarkation area came right up to the Doombuggy and stuck his face really close to mine and said, "hello" in this really spooky voice. That cracked me up. (Sandy tells me that that was Elbert. Maynard was also the one who helped us back out so Sandy told him that he better watch out because Elbert was giving him some competition!)

We also finally made it to Indy, but, the park closed after that, so we headed out. Al and Sandy were hungry so we got ice cream and drinks at Downtown Disney and headed to the Grand's lobby to chat for a little bit. (The lobby is always a popular place for people to hang out, since it's so cozy between all of the comfy chairs and the fireplace!)

Day Four

Monday, September 2

::sigh:: Our last day at the Resort. We pack up and take some last pictures from our balcony. Then it's off to White Water Snacks for a simple meal of pastries.

It's terribly hot again. Everyone decides that the goal of the day is to stay in the shade as much as possible!

First, we ride around on the train. We had been hoping that maybe Keith and Dad could ride up front in the tender car, but this was not possible. (Keith and I have done this before, but not my parents.)

We then debate going on Splash Mountain. The line is very long, probably because everyone figures it will be a great way to get cool on such a warm day. (I'd take Grizzly River Rapids over Splash Mountain because I don't like the drop!) In the end, we waited. We did have entertainment for a bit, as there was a banjo player outside the queue. Keith had requested "Zippity-Doo-Dah" and got it.at least until a string broke on the banjo! The line moved on and, soon, we started hearing "Zippity-Doo-Dah" again because the banjo player, after replacing the string, spotted our new place in line and came by to play it before moving back to his original location.

After we got inside the building and up the stairs, I noticed what looks like honey on what had been the exit of the Country Bear Playhouse, since we could now see over the construction walls. (At the entrance, I saw a beehive wrapped in clear plastic.) While there is no official announcement yet in regard to a Winnie the Pooh attraction, I will leave it to others to draw their own conclusions. ; )

We had a late lunch at the Blue Bayou. Wonderful, as always!

After lunch, we hit several of the Fantasyland dark rides and the Matterhorn, too. We wanted to go on the Monorail and Keith suggested trying to ride up front or in the tail cone. Due to security concerns, there's no sitting up front with the driver, and while the tail cone seating is still available, it was "Code 90" yesterday. (We learned that this is the term for when it's 90 or more degrees outside. There's no windows that can be opened on the end of the Monorail, so on really hot days, they don't accept passengers back there since it could really heat up if the Monorail was unexpectedly stalled on the tracks.)

By the time we had returned from our round trip, it was about time to depart. Mom and Dad were going to get back on the Monorail to exit at Downtown Disney, stopping at ESPN Zone to pick up a gift for someone, before heading to the rental car. Keith and I wanted to take the more traditional route out of the park since we have certain departure rituals.

As always happens, we pause near the Main Street train station to take one last look back at the castle. At some point on our trip down Main Street, I inevitably mist over. I still vacillate between whether I find this acceptable behavior for a grownup. Keith told me, though, that it's all "part of the process" and that it means it's still magical to me after all these years and all these trips.

When we passed the World of Disney, we saw Stephanie. She had been at DCA for the last show of Blast and was headed for her car anyway, so Keith asked if she would like to accompany us on our way. It was nice to see her again and she was quite sympathetic at my sadness to be leaving. We made one stop to have our picture taken at the giant Stitch in front of the movie theater and then said goodbye.at least until November, when we hope to be back.

Unfortunately, our airport/flight experience on the way home was not so great, especially compared to our wonderful earlier trip experiences. I was already tired and hungry, so it was bad timing to have been one of the people pulled aside at security for extra scrutiny (especially when they're having people take off their shoes and you've been wearing the same shoes for four days straight!) I know I look really threatening with my head to toe Mickey gear and Mickey carry-ons! : P Having gone through all that, we were ready for dinner, only every place with food had probably closed in the time it took us to get through security. (Keith eventually managed to find someone and convinced her to sell us some muffins, so we ended up with at least something.) As if that wasn't enough, a baby screamed pretty much through the entire flight! ::sigh::

Despite that sour note, we did have a really, really terrific trip and would consider going again, as just the four of us.

I have heard that the antidote to the sadness at coming back home from a Disney trip is to be planning your next one. I am fortunate in that, in just a couple weeks, I will be making a short detour to Walt Disney World when I head back east on a business trip. : )