05-05-05

[BarTopDancer]

I know there's a thread around here somewhere, but I can't find it.

I scored the day off.

Anyone else going to be there? Shall we have a meeting time/spot to gather our collective hope that something uber-cool will be announced for the 17th?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm considering it. I always miss these events with the speakers and stuff and I'd kind of like to be there.

[Not Afraid]

Chris and I will be there early and spend all day at the Park (until FWs at least). I think my cell phone will be on for anyone who wants to call. ;)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I'm still considering it. I'll probably be solo, what with EH having no pass, and Tom probably having to work (and even if he didn't he's gone twice in two months, and I don't want to OD him... unless he, himself, chooses to OD.)

[MickeyD]

I'll be there!

[Promo-Man]

The wife is taking the day off so we will both be there :)

[FantasmicFanatic]

I couldn't be MORE there!! Super early and ALLLLL day and ALLLLL night. Coffee anyone?

FF

P.S. see you all at Coke Corner!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I'll be there. Golden ears in tow!

[Mr. Fusion]

I'll be there, waiting eagerly in line that morning to get in!

[Kevy Baby]

Is there something special happening that day?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Is there something special happening that day?

Yeah, they're outing Eisner at noon...

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Yeah, they're outing Eisner at noon...

I didn't know he was gay!

[Gn2Dlnd]

First Guckert, now this. I'm so embarassed for my demographic profile.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

If Eisner gets up there, I'm booing. Who's with me???

[Gn2Dlnd]

Nah, he's on his way out. Stony silence, or, at the most, a polite golf clap.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/gn2dlnd/45514518789_330bye.jpg

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Bump!

Rollcall?

So, it's tomorrow. Over at "MC" there is a meet for dinner at 6. On the 4th Uva, Lost & Ariel Bar meets throughout the evening. I'm thinking aboot hangin' at DCA Weds Evening to see Block Party. Anyone?

I guess I'll see everyone at the ceremony at 10? or is it 9? ;)

I also will have my cell so...I'd better not get a call...

[Ponine]

I'm so jealous.. I wish I could be there with all of you, and I would LOVE to be at the meet... Have fun for me!!!! Take lots of pictures!!!!

[Sheila]

Ditto on the green-eyed jealous monster thing! My boss has been out on medical leave for two months and it's been just me covering the bases. He's back but there's no way I can call in sick tomorrow.

I'll be down at the park on Saturday as a small consolation prize. I bet it will be wall to wall people then! :eek:

[mousepod]

Remember everyone, send my your cell phone number so you can be part of the "on-the -scene" reporting for the MousePod!

[dsnylndmom]

Add me to the list of envy :blush: I would love to be there! But I got a message from Disguy he said 'it's just WOW' and no space mountain preview, like rumored.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'll be there, can't wait!

[mhrc4]

as i just said in the other thread, we will be there at 1pm :D

[FantasmicFanatic]

Anyone up for a Jungle Cruise meet? Say maybe 2ish?

FF

[Kevy Baby]

as i just said in the other thread, we will be there at 1pm :DI wouldn't get your hopes up about being able to get in.

[CoasterMatt]

I'll be happily resting at work :)

[Kels]

Have a great time everyone! I can't wait to hear (read?) all about it. :)

[Moonliner]

SOO?? Where are you all?

I'm watching GMA today (5/5) it's 4:00am local time out there and they are showing live crowd shots in the Disneyland square. So far I don't see any of you. How in the hell am I supposed to live vicariously if you can't get your tails to the park by 4am and get on camera?

Seriously though, I wish the best of fun to all of you that are able to attend the festivites today and later this summer. Please hoist a dole whip in honor of your missing comrads!

[Matterhorn Fan]

My favorite part of the GMA stuff this morning was when they mentioned that Space Mountain was getting re-done. They showed video of Space Mountain, and I thought, "holy crap! It's open? . . . and they put the speedramp back? Cool!"

And then--just barely--I saw a Peoplemover, and I realized, they were using REALLY old video of Space Mountain.

[Stan4dSteph]

My favorite part of the GMA stuff this morning was when they mentioned that Space Mountain was getting re-done. They showed video of Space Mountain, and I thought, "holy crap! It's open? . . . and they put the speedramp back? Cool!"

And then--just barely--I saw a Peoplemover, and I realized, they were using REALLY old video of Space Mountain.Yes. Did you catch the one wide shot of Tomorrowland with a Rocket Rod passing by?

I did like the bit they showed of the the apartment. I hadn't seen the inside of that before.

[mhrc4]

I wouldn't get your hopes up about being able to get in.
oh, we will get in, with the rain it should clear some of the people out by noonish or so, usually when theyre sold out, theyll reopen the gates around 1 or 2 to allow more people in

we WILL get in.

[Moonliner]

So exactly who were the "guests" on main street at 4AM local time when GMA started their live coverage? Where the gates open? Did they stay open all night? Were they a bunch of Hollywood extras? Inquiring minds want to know.

[AllyOops!]

They even talked about the 50th kickoff on Howard Stern this morning. :)

I have far too much on my table and let my Annual Pass expire. I picked the right time to do that, huh? DOY! :rolleyes: I considered skipping out today and buying a ticket, until I was reminded last night that I had RSVP'd to a Cinco De Mayo celebration! Aw, well. Pinatas over parades this time.

Have fun y'all! Post back and fill us in! :)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I didn't end up going after all. I seem to be sleep-deprived despite getting seven-ish hours a night (and that's with a CPAP, too.) Why won't my body cooperate?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

First to report! Woohoo! :)

I'm currently slacking at work while the rest of 'em do their thing at the park. I had a definite experience this morning. I made multiple calls to the MousePod Hotline so it's all documented in some form.

Here's the short version...or at least, what I'd call the short version:

Traffic was pretty bad, getting off the freeway and making the turns into the structure. Not horrific, but definitely bad. They had the max amount of CMs working the structure though, loading two levels, so parking was not bad at all. Plenty of trams too.

Stepped off the tram at 8:25am, and found that the Esplanade was closed. They had too many people in line for the park, so they closed off the bag check. I got in line by the flower shaped fountain. The line continued to grow quickly behind me, probably all the way to the end of WoD.

They opened the gates at both the park and the bag check at about 8:40. They had all the gates open as entrances, and the lines went almost right up to the CALIFORNIA letters in front of DCA. They packed us into Main Street before rope drop. The band and Alice characters were entertaining everyone in front of the newly transformed flowerbed.

It really was exciting because everyone was an Disney geek. Everyone was there for the same reason. Everyone smiled and was polite and wasn't afraid to ask each other questions. Even in the worst of the lines and attempts to see, I never saw fighting or unpleasantness of any kind. :)

They had a special announcement before rope drop, along the lines of "This is a special day...Welcome Home." Then they dropped the rope and everyone inched forward at a snail's pace.

The whole area around the castle was blocked off for press/VIP/etc. I ended up in TL with Bornieo and we had to go all the way around to get back to the hub, since traffic was entirely one way into TL. The park was instantly busy like a summer day.

I ended up on the Frontierland side of the hub with almost no view at all, but I did hear everything. Maybe my pics will come out, but I suspect Borneio's will be better than mine, tall guy that he is.

Ugh, I don't have time to write more! I'll just mention my favorite part - When Eisner came out, everyone booed. A low boo with almost no clapping...and then some actually started chanting "We want Roy!" It wasn't excessive, just momentary, but awesome nonetheless.

More later, along with pics of crowds...no promises on my pics of the speakers though, they probably suck.

[Matterhorn Fan]

I believe I elicited a jealous groan from the DL crowd when I called this afternoon and informed Not Afraid that WDW seemed pretty empty.

Then I got caught in a rainstorm and was drenched.

[Matterhorn Fan]

Yes. Did you catch the one wide shot of Tomorrowland with a Rocket Rod passing by?

I did like the bit they showed of the the apartment. I hadn't seen the inside of that before.Hmm, I missed both of those segments.

That's really funny, though. They were IN the park. Why couldn't they get new video? I mean, I know Tomorrowland's a bit of a wasteland right now, but still . . .

[dsnylndmom]

CP, I was listening to the dedication via Disguy's cell and I was cheering when Eisner got booed!! The was the best part of the morning for me(since I couldn't be there and see it all :) )

[tracilicious]

I think Eisner getting booed might just be the highlight of my week. I so wish I could have seen that. CP, post more quick!

[CoasterMatt]

Any other time, any other place, I would have been happy with Eisner getting booed...

But not today.

This is the start of the celebration of 50 years of Walt's Magic Kingdom.

A place unlike any other, created by a man unlike any other, celebrated around the world.

Booing at the celebration, no matter who it was, was definitely classless and unswanky IMHO.

[BarTopDancer]

Guess I'm second to report...

The only reason I am home now is because I am being the responsible student and went to class (hahaa. I went because it was cold and windy and I wasn't sure if there would be fireworks... but since I left the answer is yes).

Got lucky enough to score a place to sleep across the street (not score across the street). Got there at 8, were the last 3 to be let into the esplinade before they shut it down.

Waited in line, saw the line stretch back to the gates of DCA, and bend around from the main gate to the kennels. I have photos, will be posted later.

They opened the gates and actually got in the park faster than I do some afternoons. Everything was running really efficiently.

Made it to Town Square where we scored a bench and saw CP. Split off from CP and Bornieo and went to get coffee and the 6-CD set. AMAZING!

The crowds were insane. Heard the announcement from the old AP processing center, enjoyed some eye candy and headed to the bengle BBQ. The line for the Riverbell Terrace (to order food!) was an hour long. :eek:. The lines for the attractions themselves wern't too bad, between 15-60 minutes depending. Jungle Cruise went to the 2nd floor queue. I really like the new/old way of the PotC queue, really clears up the area.

For some reason Zocolo was closed (on Cinco de Mayo... go figure). Ran into iSm on our food hunt. Saw the new movie, Awesome!

Will have to post more later. I'm sure I'll read this tomorrow and go WTF was I thinking.

Goodnight!

[wendybeth]

He shouldn't have been there, then, Matt. You're talking about a guy who's ego nearly destroyed the very place we are celebrating, who is delusional with regards to his place in the company and the public's perception of him. Was Roy there? He was there fifty years ago. He should have been there today.

[NirvanaMan]

Doesn't anyone on here have a job :)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4229529&a=31746917&pw=

Matt - the booing was quick and did not overwhelm the day in any way.

Art Linkletter spoke, and he was awesome as always. Iger actually got applause - I guess we aren't really judging him yet. Eisner sounded like he had a cold or had simply talked his throat out the day before, which is likely. Leanne Rimes and Christina Aguilera sang, big f'n deal. Julie Andrews got an amazing reception, and a guy behind us yelled "I love you Mary Poppins!" She introduced the segment where they showed bits from all the other parks. Gerard Depardieu reported from Paris, Wayne Brady from Florida, and Kermit and Miss Piggy from the Disney Cruise line. They even had a report from Hong Kong. That and Japan had "local celebrities". Florida got a cheer, and the new west coast Disney cruise got a BIG cheer.

I couldn't see the screens nor the people. But I held up my camera a bunch. And I heard everything.

They let off some fireworks and doves flew and they unveiled the 50th symbol on the front of the castle. Judge the crowns however you want - I don't think it's nearly as horrid as it could have been.

Afterward some swankers wanted to see the new exhibit at the Disney Gallery so we hung out there until it opened. A line formed behind us. A line for the closed Disney Gallery! What a crazy day.

Ok, I'm just going to post this for God's sake and maybe say more in a bit....

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Doesn't anyone on here have a jobs :)When i went in to request the morning off, the principal said to me, "You never take the day off. Of course you can have the day off." :p

[DisneyFan25863]

Looks like it was a blast! Wish I could have gone! (I havn't been to Disneyland in over a year now :gasp: )

Our ASB director wore a Club 33 shirt today. Made me laugh, and he was surprised when I asked him about it. He said he was hoping to get to the park in the next week or so, because he can't just leave school to go to Disneyland unless its for a field trip.


Of course, that makes me wonder, since our ASB "Mystery" trip is next Friday, and it cost $65 to go. Perfect price for DL ticket + bus ride. Hmmmmm.......

[BarTopDancer]

Doesn't anyone on here have a job :)

Yup, that comes with a very generous vacation time/personal day allotment along with an immediate supervisor that encourages the usage of said time... says it keeps us refreshed or something. ;)

Photos (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hb_tigger_fan/album?.dir=/a050) are up, unedited. Most of the crowd in the morning in the entry plaza.

[Kevy Baby]

One juicy tidbit I found out about the 5th: due to a shuffle in the way the schedule food service workers, where people with lesser seniority started getting better schedules and long-time servers were suddenly working many less hours and bussing tables, there was a food-service worker "sick-out" on the 5th. Many food-service workers called in sick on what was supposed to be one of DL's greatest days.

Which explains why Zocolo wasn't open and many lines for food were insanely slow. One CM told me that they had to bring front-gate people in to help with the food.
_________________

I too think the boos for Eisner were appropriate. The man has single-handedly done more damage to the beloved Disney company and DL in particular. He deserves to get the reception he did. I was fortunate enough to get up pretty close (or at least as close as a pedestrian could get). When the booing started, I could see the knowing smirk on the faces of many CMs - suits and working class stiffs alike. Of course there were a couple of management wanna-bes with mortified looks on their faces that stepped up and clapped. All in lock-step with the boss.
___________________________

I've noticed that there hasn't been a lot (LoT) of traffic here on LoT. That's because a good half of the board was at the park from insanely early hours (including Disneyphile and Frodo Potter who were there at 5:05 a.m.) and stayed until the bitter end.
___________________________

Art Linkletter and Julie Andrews were both amazing! Julie Andrews is still the most gracious and graceful human being. Art Linkletter came in on the same car that drove Walt in on opening day! The man is 92 years old and later this year will be celebrating his 70th wedding anniversary! But the man still gets around with an amazing energy! :snap:
___________________________

I have only one thing to say about the new fireworks show:

OH
MY
GOD!!!

Immediately after the show, Susan says to me, "I just want to let you know that we are coming here every single night this summer to watch fireworks."

You have GOT to see this show!!!!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Laughing Place has photos and video up. Mouseplanet is having problems with uploading pics but the full video is there.

I urge everyone to dowload the last half of the ceremony available here (http://laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-74-1.asp) and watch the last quarter of it, involving the characters arriving at DL for the celebration. It's pretty awesome, and I wish I could have seen it then!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Which explains why Zocolo wasn't open and many lines for food were insanely slow. One CM told me that they had to bring front-gate people in to help with the food.
Hmm, that's interesting. From MP's report, "Rancho del Zocolo was closed all day for media reasons (though we're not sure what they were)." Perhaps "media reasons" was a cover story.

[Ponine]

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4229529&a=31746917&pw=


this link does not work for me CP... :(

[Ghoulish Delight]

It worked for me, Ponine.

[Ponine]

Thanks for the news, and the pm. It's bouncing me out, like it wants to work, then it doesnt? Very odd, but I'll wait till the day moves on and try it again. Could be the servers on either side....
Thanks.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Are you trying from work? It could be that your work's firewall or filter software is unhappy with it for some reason or another.

[Ponine]

Agreed. Yes, I am at work, but we're having connectivity issues right now, so that alone could be the issue. I had trouble connecting to the LoT just now too.

So what's with the water MP's reporting? And how much fun did you all have yesterday???
I must hear more!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

So, watching video of the festivities of yesterday's DL ceremonies made me realize that I should have taken the day off. I think they aren't going to be doing very much on the actual anniversary, what with Art and Julie and the ceremonies and the press events. And the character homecoming. It was the kind of thing I hoped to talk about when I was an elderly woman in a rocking chair. Except I thought it'd be happening on the 17th, and I'd be there.

Please tell me that there will be something more than cupcakes and crowds on the 17th.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Disney has never said anything about the 17th. They have been promoting 05-05-05 since 05-05-04.

Sorry, LSPE. If it makes you feel better, I couldn't see a damn thing. No screen in view. Borneio did me the favor of telling me what was happening.

[mousepod]

Maybe I'm just rationalizing here, but even before we planned our Japan trip, I've been looking forward to the 17th much more than the 5/5/05. I knew that the official kickoff was going to be a huge feel-good publicity event, but there's something all cockle-warming about being around for the real anniversary. It's like having two birthdays, one for the public and one for friends. I'm sad that I missed enjoying the "unveiling" of the new attractions and refurbs with my pals, but I'm just as excited about July as I've ever been.

Who's down for EPCOT's 25th on October 1, 2007? I'm sure the celebration will begin much earlier to take in the summer crowd, but I know when I'll be there...

[innerSpaceman]

Hmm, that's interesting. From MP's report, "Rancho del Zocolo was closed all day for media reasons (though we're not sure what they were)." Perhaps "media reasons" was a cover story.
Phft, "media reason" my eye. But Zocolo being closed on Cinqo de Mayo was just the tip of the food services nightmare at the Park yesterday.

The irony was that is was one of the rare days that NO ONE was going to leave the Park for anything unless absolutely necessary, and so -for once- all food was going to have to be found inside Disneyland. It was a mess. Hours-long lines for everything and food service brought to a crawl.

The foodservice workers could hardly have picked a better day for their work stoppage demonstration, and I hope management got the message loud and clear that these people can bring Park operations to its knees. Certainly there was not a living soul inside Disneyland yesterday who did not take unkind note of the abysmal food situation.

* * * * *

That being said, however, and also despite the crushing crowds -- it was one of the most fun Disneyland days ever! Party atmosphere, nearly-100% AP crowd of enthusiasts. The vibe was energetic, friendly, fun-filled and amazing.

Closing the hub and having press camped all around the plaza was a crowd control nightmare, especially for the fireworks show that MUST include a view of the Castle if you are to remotely get the point. Hopefully, the unique May 5th operating difficulties will not rear their ugly head throughout the summer or, gasp, on Disneyland birthday!


The exhibit at the Opera House is pretty cool, with the standout item being the scale model of opening day Disneyland. The Steve Martin movie in the Mr. Lincoln auditorium is quite good, and many of us teared up at the finale. I wish some TDA execs had been there to take note of the huge applause that greeted mentions of Inner Space, Country Bears and the Submarines during the film.

Sleeping Beauty Castle is beautiful, and not nearly as tacky bling bling as the concept art made me fear. The crowns - ahem, tiaras - are quite lovely and interesting. Heheh, we were wondering if they represented the five original lands or the five decades of the Park, but we were all wrong. From the official press release:

Tiara One: The creation of Disneyland is represented by a pair of famous “Ears’ peeking up over the horizon to see the wonders to come.
Tiara Two: “A World on the Move,” otherwise known as the “New Tomorrowland” of 1967, is represented by rocket ships and accented by opalescent planets.
Tiara Three: The beautiful Blue Fairy represents the debut of the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade.
Tiara Four: The Indiana Jones Adventure is represented by the evil Eye of Mara, guarded by mesmerizing snakes.
Tiara Five: The 50th Anniversary of Disneyland is represented by fireworks and Tinker Bell.

And while each of the individual Park decorations may not be glorious (the planters on the street lamps, a few of the more boring 50 fifties), the cumulative effect of the themed 50's, the gold touches, and the plentiful photo murals is that the Park is better decked-out for this anniversary than it has been for any one previous. Rightly so, and rightly done.

The gold ride vehicles are also a nice touch. Heheh, it was such a day of crowds and friends that I only went on two rides! They were, by coincidence, both boat rides, both opening day attractions, were the Jungle Cruise and Storybookland ... and we got the Golden Boat each time!!! That was a very special anniversary touch to the birthday year kick-off!


Park entertainment has taken a leap forward. The new parade is very nice, with floats that are generally gorgeous and interesting. I was disappointed that the parade was less about Disneyland than, once again, about the Disney animated movies - - but it's a very pretty parade (and quite the antidote to the last umpteen years of the ghastly Parade of the Stars).


And while the parade was not as Disneyland-centric as I would have hoped, the Fireworks are all about Disneyland, Disneyland and more Disneyland. This is an E-Ticket effort on a level with The Main Street Electrical Parade or Fantasmic. It is amazing, fantastic, inventive, beautiful, heartwarming, and did I say amazing? OMG OMG OMG. Well, I know where I'll be spending most of my nights this summer.


The Jungle Cruise, The Enchanted Tiki Room, and The Haunted Mansion have all received significant upgrades for the anniversary, and many other attractions have been spruced up. As we know, most of the Park has been freshly painted -- and Tomorrowland has been treated to an entirely new color scheme as the fans demanded. The Park looks great, and that's as it should be. No plans for a 50 hour party have been announced, but - all-in-all - I think Disneyland is all set for a very happy birthday and I'm really looking forward to July 17th! :snap:

[Kels]

Wow, thanks for the report ISM. Now, I need to see about moving my November trip up a few months. I WANNA SEE THE FIREWORKS! I have to admit that I watched the 2nd video clip on LP as CP suggested and got all teary eyed as the ceremony came to a close. There was definately magic in the air.

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts and descriptions of the happenings over the last couple of days. For someone who doesn't get to the park nearly as often as I'd like, it's nice to live vicariously through you all.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I don't know if any of you trust the source, but Jim Hill is reporting of special guests being asked or who are interested in participating.

And that Bob Iger has asked Roy to do the "for all who come to this happy place" speech. I won't hold out hope, but it'd sure be nice.

[Not Afraid]

WOW!

We arrived in the Parking Garage right at 9, slowly made our way through the wait at the booth and into a nice space on Chip & Dale. The Tram wait was not too bad and we quickly made it through security and the front gates. The new Mickey Floral greeted us and made me feel so happy to be at Disneyland on this glorious day.

The Park was crowded. It was New Year's Eve crowded! I popped my head into Disneyana to say Hi and didn't make it further than the door as they were doing a brisk trade in books and CDs.

The ceremony was about to start so we made our way to the left side of the castle. I was hoping to find CP and Borneio but I couldn't get much further forward than I was. I had a slight, very limited view of the proceedings, not enough for any good pictures, though. I called the MousePod Hotline and recorded most of the goings-on - including the nice reception for Eisner. Booooooo. Hisssssss. Incredible. The daytime fireworks off the castle and the dove release were spectacular, as usual. Art Linkletter and Julie Andrews were so warmly recieved but the crowd, it was incredibly touching.

I decided that Disney Gallery would be a good place to hang out for a while, so we headed over there. Chris had pastries and coffee in mind. Well, the Gallery didn't open until Noon and most of the restaurants were either still closed or were never going to open. The closure of the Mint Julep Bar was a huge disappointment.

We waited for the Gallery to open as a line formed behind us. At Noon, the Gallery lead CM, Michelle, came out the door and gestered for us to come up. We all ran up the stairs like the kids after the cates of Fantasyland opened in 1955. It was so joyous! The Gallery was open again and all of our friendly CMs were there. I hugged everyone of them as I can through the door. Welcome Home!

The rest of the day was made up of a lot of relaxing on the Gallery balcony, looking at our new library purchases, eating a hard-earned bit to eat (ended up getting pastries, coffee, sandwiches and macaroons to go from the Main St Bakery). The lines for food throughout the park were AMAZING! I've never seen them quite like that before. From our perch on the balcony, we spotted some MousePlanet friends taking a guided tour of the Park. We exchanged waves from across New Orleans.

Suddenlt, there were a large group of MiceChat people who joined us on the balcony. Perfect timing! We were ready for an adventure in the Park. We wandered about looking at Gold vehicles, riding IASW, watching the TOP of the parade go by, liiking at the Castle decor and the fresh flowers that decorated each side of the walkway. (Personally, it looked like a memorial set up for someone who died - except there were not religious candles.)

We went to the "Lincoln" exhibit and tried to see things as best we could. I must go back on a less crowded day. but the scale model of the park is quite amazing. The Film had me in both ear to ear grins and tears. The did a really great job making memories come alive. I will see that over and over. (But, later, we had creepy visions of Lincoln sitting behind the screen just waiting to get up again).

We met up with some other MiceChat folks at the Train Station and then I started getting nervous about getting a seat for Fireworks. It was 6:30 and the fron of the castle was already filled with blankets and people. I went scouting and ran into Mr. Fusion, who has been "camping" since 2:30. He had a prime spot on the left side of the hub sidewalk and invited us to sit with him. THANK YOU MR. FUSION!!!! I enjoyed sitting for several hours and watching the crowd scramble for seats. We even had a brief rain storm to make things more exciting! But, things were clear for my first viewing of "Remember".

All I can say is WOW! I'm not going to give you spoilers. I am so glad I had none to speak of. I was in awe for a full 17 minutes and I can't wait to see it again! It was absolutely mind-blowing. I love fireworks more than I love just about anything at the Park and this just blew me away. Steve Davidson is a genius and a national treasure!

I took my second spin on an attraction (at that point, IASW had been it for me) and rode Jungle Cruise. I had seen the refurbed JC on Tuesday, but this time, we were in the Gold Boat with a skipper that did a new "bit" with the hippos that was mischiviously funny. We left after that and made our way to Hearthstone for a wind-down and recap.

I felt like I had spent the day with 60k of my closest friends. I ran into at least 200 people I knew and met a whole bunch more. I don't remember the last time I spent an entire day in the park, from opening to closing, never leaving for a run to DTD or DCA. It was a most satisfying day.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

The more I read these reports, the more bummed I am that we didn't attend. I was thinking "Eh, they will have a podium, there will be a few speakers, maybe Eisner or Matt. It'll be very crowded and not worth the hassle and I can see all this stuff later."

And now I see how completely wrong I was to miss it. Damn.

Oh well, with any luck, Sunday won't be too crowded and we'll get a nice glimpse of everything.

[Gn2Dlnd]

You know, ISM and NA really said it all. I kept commenting that, although the Park was heinously crowded, no one seemed to mind. Total party atmosphere. Food lines were the only downside. If the manager posted at Zocalo had told me it was closed because of a sick-out, I wouldn't have been bothered and could have chanced a trip into DTD. Instead, I got the "media" line, and was irritated at Disneyland management for not taking what they had to know were going to be huge crowds into consideration. Aside from that, a truly Christmas Morning kind of day. Could not sleep at all, the night before. The surprises on Jungle Cruise, the really satisfying Disneyland-at-their-best parade, plusses on nearly every attraction, Great Moments With Mr. Martin, and the never-could-I-have-expected-Disneyland-to-pull-out-of-the-doldrums-of-the-last-fifteen-years fireworks extravaganza, made for a wonderful day with friends, and have turned the "little park in Anaheim" back into the crown jewel of the Disney Kingdom.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Well, I'm not one for emotion, but I can tell you recalling everything that happened yesterday is just a wealth of emotion. I can tell you it was everything I'd hoped it would be.

The 50th exhibt was a rush of old memories and like NA, it was tears, laughter, tears and laughter.

The Jungle Cruise was so much fun. I had not been so wrapped up in antisipation throughout the ride probably since I first rode it.

The 50th ceremony was what it's all about. Julie Andrews, Art Linkletter and the music and the memories was just a rollarcoster of emotions.

Finally, the fireworks was a mix of amazment, joy, tears, memories and probably the most times I have ever said WOW! Oddly at first I thought I was just thinking, "Wow" but I found myself unrestrained and was shouting WOW! at least 50 times. ;)

Wow!

[MickeyLumbo]

So exactly who were the "guests" on main street at 4AM local time when GMA started their live coverage? Where the gates open? Did they stay open all night? Were they a bunch of Hollywood extras? Inquiring minds want to know.

Cast members and a guest. they reported for dudty at 3:00am just for that "Good Morning America" shout out.

[MickeyLumbo]

I couldn't be MORE there!! Super early and ALLLLL day and ALLLLL night. Coffee anyone?

FF

P.S. see you all at Coke Corner!

you are the only one i didn't see. did you make it to the park? sorry i missed you.

[€uroMeinke]

The park has been transformed - it's hard to believe this is te same place we've been visiting the past few years, fresh paint, everythings clean, cool additions to rides and attractions - this is going to be a great Disney summer.

[FantasmicFanatic]

you are the only one i didn't see. did you make it to the park? sorry i missed you.

I was totally there! I watched fireowkrs from Coke corner right in the dead center of Main Street. I was there all day and didn't see anyone from any boards :-( I am heading to the park right now, maybe I'll finally bump into someone *fingers crossed*.

FF

[Not Afraid]

Hey, FF. We'll be ther on Sunday too. I'm easy to spot. ;)

[Gn2Dlnd]

That's what Cruella DeVille said.

[DisneyDaniel]

I will remember 05-05-05 as one of my best days at Disneyland because of the wonderful time had by spending the day with friends and fellow Disney fans. So, even with the massive crowd and early overflow of people in the Entry Plaza/Esplanade, it was satisfying "just being there" for the shared experience on a Disney geek day. ;)

What was different about this day though, was that after "rope drop" on Main Street, the crowd did not disperse into the different lands like usual. The massive crowd of wall-to-wall people (that also overflowed out of Main Street) simply attempted to inch closer to the castle or only move a few feet down Main Street before reaching the media tents/scaffoldings blockade. Hence, most people in both the Hub/Central Plaza and Main Street could not see much of anything.

The official kick-off ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle was appropriate, but as expected, staged as an event for media, VIPs and public relations. I had pessimistically expected obstructed views and PR-spin in advance, so there were was neither disappointment nor satisfaction about the ceremony itself.

Seeing the improved aesthetics (gold touches everywhere, golden vehicles, Hidden "Mickey 50 Ears", photo collages, and Sleeping Beauty Castle makeover) made the entire day a feast for the eyes--"Oh, look at that...and there...and over here." Adding to that are the very well done Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years at the Opera House and the Art of Disneyland display at The Disney Gallery.

For Disney fans who think they "know" every ride, going on the new version of Jungle Cruise brought much excitement, satisfaction and plain ole fun with its changes--almost like riding it for the first time.

Also, be sure to ride Pirates of the Carribbean--one scene in particular has some improved effects that add some "boom" to the ride.

Capping off the day, of course, was Remember...Dreams Come True fireworks that is clearly and cleverly created with Disney fans in mind. Its "E-Ticket in the sky" description by Disney is 100 percent on target--and lives up to expectations. Sharing this fireworks experience for the first time with fellow Disney fans was extra special as we "geeked out" by applauding and reciting certain parts out loud instantaneously. Seeing the fireworks again on May 6th and 7th was still thrilling--but the May 5th crowd was unique.

Lastly, Block Party Bash at Disney's California Adventure is actually quite entertaining and massive. If you're a fan of parades, then you will enjoy this--but if you're usually not a parade fan, then it will at least be worth seeing if you like "Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," and "Monsters, Inc." I give a lot of credit to the Cast Members who dance, jump, do flips and move non-stop for most of the parade--they definitely keep the energy up and make the parade entertaining.

The only minor complaint, as others have mentioned, is the poor service at most food locations that day. But then again, having Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante and The Golden Horseshoe--THREE major food locations--closed on one of Disneyland's most popular days is going to cause congestion at all the remaining, in-park food options.

Thanks to all the Disney fans out there--especially people from the LoT--for making 05-05-05 a memorable day! :)