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innerSpaceman
07-07-2005, 04:14 PM
Fifty Years of Disneyland! Celebrate, Rejoice and Revel.

In honor of Disneyland’s Golden Anniversary, we are going to embark upon a unique Adventure thru the history of the Magic Kingdom on the weekend of the Park’s 50th Birthday.

It’s the Disneyland Thru the Decades Attraction Quest - a fun and fanciful way to experience the story of Disneyland via the best adventures and attractions of each decade of its existence as the Happiest Place on Earth. Through a painstaking process of common sense and geek perception, two attractions have been chosen from each Disney Decade (plus two from opening day) to represent the very best of the Magic Kingdom for the past 50 years. We will experience six of those attractions on Saturday, and the other six adventures on Sunday. It will be Disneyland’s Greatest Hits for its Greatest Ever Birthday.

You are invited to join us on Saturday, on Sunday, either or both, for this funtastic way of celebrating Disneyland’s 50th Birthday. Here’s how it works:

On Saturday, July 16, 2005, we will meet up in the Hub at 10:00 a.m. A semi-early start is important on what is sure to be a very crowded day at the Park. Once gathered together, we can choose six rides to ride that day from the roster of 12 Quest Attractions. They do not have to be in any particular order, they do not have to be chosen in advance. The only requirement is that we do one ride from opening day and one from each Disneyland Decade on Saturday, and the same on Sunday. Whichever rides we don’t select for Saturday will be the ones we do on Sunday, Disneyland’s Birthday.

:iSm: Here are the Disneyland Decades, and the adventures and attractions chosen to represent the two best of those time periods:

Opening Day - July 17, 1955: The Jungle Cruise -and- Peter Pan’s Flight

Decade 1 - The "A" Ticket - 1955-1964: Matterhorn Bobsleds (1959) -and- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room (1962)

Decade 2 - The "B" Ticket - 1965-1974: Pirates of the Caribbean (1967) -and- The Haunted Mansion (1969)

Decade 3 - The "C" Ticket - 1975-1984: Space Mountain (1977) -and- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979)

Decade 4 - The "D" Ticket - 1985-1994: Splash Mountain (1989) -and- Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin (1993)

Decade 5 - The "E" Ticket - 1995-present: Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (1995) -and- Disneyland’s newest attraction, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters (2005).



:cheers: On Saturday, we will ride The Jungle Cruise as our opening day special, and we can choose one from column A, one from column B, plus one C, D, and E ticket for the other adventures and attractions of that day. We can do them in any order. We won’t have to wander all over the Park, and we won’t have to do A before C or anything like that.

We might want to keep in mind which attractions have Fast Pass, and which attractions we’d like to "save" for Disneyland’s Birthday on Sunday. When we start on Saturday, we will choose one Fast Pass attraction, and we’ll send a runner or two over to that ride with everyones’ annual passports or park tickets to fetch those passes and return to the group. Once those Fast Passes mature, we may "send out" for another round of passes.

The Quest Attractions that feature Fast Pass convenience are: Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Roger Rabbit, and Buzz Lightyear - fully half of the roster!!!



:cheers: On Sunday, Disneyland’s 50th Birthday, we will meet up bright and early at 8:00 am (which should be enough time after the surprise 7am opening for us all to get through the gates) in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. We’ll then head for Sleeping Beauty Castle where we will re-enact the dedication of Fantasyland with the famous words: "Open the Fantasyland Castle in the name of the children of the world!" - - whereupon we will embrace our inner geek by running across the Castle drawbridge, arms raised on high, into the Happiest Land of Them All. As our opening day special, we will ride the elusive Peter Pan’s Flight before the crowds make that task its usual impossibility. Then we will send out our Fast Pass runners and embark on the conclusion of the Disneyland thru the Decades Attraction Quest with the five rides "left over" from Saturday, to do in whichever order we please.



:coffee: At 10:30(ish), we are going to stop for a traditional breakfast at the River Belle Terrace in Frontierland. After that, we will head for the Hub - where practically every Disneyland internet web site has a noon meet scheduled for its members. It will be a time of mingling and schmoozing with the finest Disney Geeks from all over California and all over the world. If we can manage it, we are going to gather about 70 of us - from the LoT, from MiceChat, and perhaps from other pads and places, to Take Over the Carrousel in Fantasyland. What a ride that is going to be!!!

:cool: Finally, we’ll finish off the last ride or two of the Quest (if any are left over) with the Fast Passes we gathered earlier in the day. By the time we are done, we will have experienced 50 years’ worth of fantastic Disneyland attractions, the best and the brightest of each of the Five Decades of The Happiest Place on Earth!





:confused: But, OMG you may say: No Mark Twain, no Disneyland Railroad? How can you leave those sentimental favorites off the Opening Day specials? No Small World, No Storybookland? How can we skip such great boat-sinking opportunities? Well, folks, the theme of the Quest is responsible for some unfortunate omissions. Why was Decade 2 (‘65 thru ‘74) so chock-full of Greats, and Decade 5 (‘95 thru now) so full of ... nothing? Them’s the breaks, my friends. But the rides of the Attraction Quest will not be our only rides of the weekend. Though the Park will be insanely crowded, there will other opportunities to experience different rides, or repeat rides, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and, yes, even Monday (the anniversary of Disneyland opening to the public).



And in addition to the Attraction Quests, there are tons of Birthday weekend activities going on - including "Drink-Up Meet-Ups" on Saturday for Happy Hour and late-night cocktails, various Park meets on various dates, a big fireworks camp-out on Sunday, and more - - plus whatever Disneyland has in store, announced or as surprises, for it’s big, big day!

So please join us for the Disneyland Thru the Decades Attraction Quest or for any of the other fun events going on during the Birthday Weekend. It’s going to be quite a happy homecoming indeed, as friends from all over the world converge on Anaheim for this spectacular celebration.




Hey, and so’s we can get some vague idea of what, where, how, huh - post when you think you’re going to be at the resort (Friday? Monday? Certainly on Sunday!) along with any questions, comments, and rude remarks about the goings-on for Disneyland Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!

See ya there!! :snap:

mistyisjafo
07-07-2005, 04:45 PM
Wow, talk about organized. Can't believe I'm out of town that weekend!

Chernabog
07-07-2005, 05:08 PM
Holy Jesus Steve-o!

I think my outfit grew a pocket protector and a 20-sided die necklace just from reading that post!

(Also, .... I CANT WAIT FOR NEXT WEEKEND!!!! I will be there possibly Friday nite after Wicked, and definitely Saturday/Sunday. It'll be us Disney Geeks and Disneyland till the wheels fall off, baby!)

Morrigoon
07-07-2005, 05:21 PM
I love it, LOVE it. Especially since I missed the last bridge-crossing.

Friday night after Wicked, minus time spent in the Harry Potter line party at Compass Books (hope you don't mind a geek in Potter robes). Saturday I'm way free, and will be able to fully participate. Sunday, heheh.... Sunday is, well, Sunday :) I'll be there early, with bells on (okay, no bells). My only definite plans for Sunday are the noon meet at the hub, and my 5:50 Blue Bayou ressies. By they way: Bluepeople will be attending on the 50th! She's coming out from NJ :)

We'll see how long I last though, as I'm not a "morning" person.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded
07-07-2005, 10:30 PM
Don't forget the unison reading of the opening day speech!! ;)

I will be there on Sunday!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY

DisneyFan25863
07-07-2005, 10:35 PM
Ahh......If I have EVER wanted to attend a meet so badly...this is the one. But, alas, the parents don't want to deal with the crowds. I even told them I would drive them down and they could relax in Downtown Disney, catch a movie, etc, while I did the parks, but to no avail.

How long till the 75th?

wendybeth
07-07-2005, 11:25 PM
DF, do you really want to wait that long? You'll be older than I am right now!!! Just hop in the car and drive down- it would so cool to meet you in person!

Monorail Man
07-07-2005, 11:49 PM
What ever the attractions, I can't wait. Unfortunatly, I will only be there for the 2nd half (Sunday), but it sounds like fun. I'm willing to do a FP run at Noon-Thirty if needed for Space and others... :)

NirvanaMan
07-09-2005, 07:30 PM
Wow. I'm not sure if I am utterly impressed or totally terrified, but the reaction is strong to be sure.

Grumpy4
07-10-2005, 10:32 AM
Wow, I'm tired from just reading about what the plan it! I will most likely be in attendance. However, I haven't even thought much around just being there. I should probably check my brain and see what's up! (It will be a short meeting)

DisneyDaniel
07-10-2005, 11:15 PM
Wow! Disneyland should officially hire iSm to organize its anniversary celebrations! :snap:

innerSpaceman
07-11-2005, 11:32 AM
Heheh, if they did, we would start with an upgrade of the rainbow of light over Disneyland all night long; 50 towering, fifty-foot, lit birthday candles over Main Street; and fill-the-universe with moving, colored circles Balloon and Confetti release. That, with slight improvements over those versions of the 30th Birthday celebration, would be just the starters (they were soooo good, I'd have to do them again, new and improved), and we'd go from there.

Cadaverous Pallor
07-11-2005, 01:31 PM
I am jealous of the alternate universe where iSm plans the birthday festivities.

innerSpaceman
07-11-2005, 02:09 PM
Ha, that's nothing ... you should experience the alternate universe where they put me in charge of all of Disneyland about a decade ago with an unlimited budget for an amazing renaissance for the 50th.


But I digress. The point of this post is to see if anyone would have a problem with starting Sunday's Attraction Quest even earlier than 8am. Apparently, the Park will be soft-opening at 7:00 for those camping out in DCA. They estimate it might take until 8, though, to get all the overnighters into Disneyland from across the Esplanade.

Does anyone have a serious problem with starting at 7:30, on the proviso that we wait for you if you are delayed getting into the Park?

Time is of the essence. If we are going to hit 6 attractions, and have breakfast at River Belle, attend the noon meet, and fill the Caroussel at 1:00, we would really need the Park to open at 5am! So that extra half hour could be very meaningful.

Ghoulish Delight
07-11-2005, 02:13 PM
I for one have no plans on being part of the DCA camp. I figure on hitting the parking structure some time between 7&7:30

Morrigoon
07-11-2005, 04:34 PM
Perhaps it would be good to get an idea of who's camping out and who's arriving later?

Personally I'm still on the fence about the whole thing. SInce they're opening DCA, camping out is looking more appealing than before, but I also know how old I am and that I'm going to have to survive the attraction quest on whatever sleep I allow myself that night.

NirvanaMan
07-11-2005, 10:51 PM
I'm with GD on this one. Although, let's try our best not to wear matching shirts on Sunday...as difficult as that may be.

LSPoorEeyorick
07-12-2005, 06:15 AM
We'll be among the campers around 4 or 5 AM-- but I suspect that it will take quite awhile to get the people not camping out (it seems there are many) through the gates, and through the crowds on Main Street. We'll be there if it starts at 7:30 (I agree it's a good idea) but we may well be waiting for the rest of the bunch.

I have a request-- I know that you Saturday venturers are selecting the rides as you go, and therefore deciding upon the Sunday rides. For those of us who are resting up on Saturday... if you start out with a Jungle Cruise, is it possible to hold Pirates until Sunday? That way the group-boat-ride-love would be spread out over the two days.

blueerica
07-12-2005, 08:49 AM
I'm a camper.

I'm also excited beyond healthy levels.

innerSpaceman
07-12-2005, 10:14 AM
K, I think I'll change the start time back to 8am, to accomodate anyone who might not be camping out. For those folks, we ask that you please get to the Park well enough before 8 am to be among the first post-DCA people into Disneyland. We would like to start promptly at 8:00 or as close to it as humanly possible for a large group of same-shirt-wearing people.

As for what rides when, nothing can be guaranteed. But I strongly suspect Pirates will be saved for Birthday - - not only because of the traditional boat sinking (which would likely be two boatloads with Sunday's large group), but because it's almost certain that Saturday's Attraction Quest will conclude with a twilight/early darkness Haunted Mansion visit (which is the counterpart Decade 2, "B" Ticket option).

And speaking of ride selections, anyone who gets to Town Square by 7:30 will have more of a hand in selecting the roster of Saturday's (and, thereby, Sunday's) attractions, and determining fast pass strategy, as we make tentative plots and plans around the flagpole! Oooh.

Morrigoon
07-12-2005, 12:11 PM
Wait, same shirt? Did I miss something?

Ghoulish Delight
07-12-2005, 12:57 PM
Wait, same shirt? Did I miss something?No, iSm was just picking up on NM's side comment, which refers to the fact that he and I have a disturbing tendency to own the same shirt.

innerSpaceman
07-12-2005, 04:22 PM
or the same tasteless, hysterical joke Halloween costume, for that matter.

Morrigoon
07-12-2005, 04:47 PM
Oh no, you did NOT just put the image of you two in red pajamas into my head again! AAAAAAAAAAH!

NirvanaMan
07-12-2005, 06:32 PM
You know you liked it.

So will the attraction quest include a tour of the many death tributes inside of the park?

FEJ
07-12-2005, 08:51 PM
I'm a camper.

I'm also excited beyond healthy levels.


I am going to camp also...

but I dont plan on getting there till 430-5ish...

CoasterMatt
07-12-2005, 09:12 PM
I don't think we'll camp out, but I'll dress in something campy, k?

innerSpaceman
07-13-2005, 11:18 AM
Hey, question for any of you still checking this thread for vital Attraction Quest news:

If Peter Pan becomes impossible to do because of Castle forecourt closure for a ceremony I have no interest in not being able to see, what would be your choice for an alternate Opening Day attraction to include in the Quest???

mousepod
07-13-2005, 12:35 PM
Maybe it's because I'm a transplanted East-Coaster who was heartbroken at its removal from the Magic Kingdom, but I will place a single vote for Toad.

DisneyDaniel
07-13-2005, 12:55 PM
What about Casey Jr. Circus Train?
--The line usually moves rather quickly and you can fit a lot of people on the train.
--You can still see Storybook Land without having to wait in its often slow-moving line.
--The length of the ride on Casey Jr. Circus Train is pretty good--enjoy a 1955 attraction while resting your feet at the same time.

Also, I have this weird picture in my head of seeing how many people from LoT can squeeze into one of the "cagged animals" trains. :evil:

Ghoulish Delight
07-13-2005, 01:58 PM
Maybe it's because I'm a transplanted East-Coaster who was heartbroken at its removal from the Magic Kingdom, but I will place a single vote for Toad.As a contender for my favorite Fantasyland attraction (and the runaway winner if one considers only opening day), I'll second that.

innerSpaceman
07-13-2005, 03:12 PM
Toad's a load of fun, that's fer sure. I like the suggestion of Casey, Jr. cause it would be nice to have something we can participate in more as a group than most ride vehicles allow. I've also received a suggestion of Teacups for this very reason.

Ghoulish Delight
07-13-2005, 03:18 PM
Tea Cups might not be bad. Casey carries a certain amount of controversy with it.

NirvanaMan
07-13-2005, 04:58 PM
Toad is one of my faves. Neutral on Casey. Teacups are on my DNR (do not ride) list.

BarTopDancer
07-13-2005, 05:13 PM
I see logistics problems with Casey but it depends how many people will be participating.

Tea Cups are on my once a year if I totally have to list. Much like the carousel.

Toad rocks. Where else can you go to hell and back in 120 seconds?

Cadaverous Pallor
07-13-2005, 07:43 PM
I'll be so stoned on nerd juice that I won't care at all which ride we end up on.

DisneyDaniel
07-13-2005, 08:37 PM
I'll be so stoned on nerd juice that I won't care at all which ride we end up on.

CP gets my award for Quote of the Day! :D :snap:

Not Afraid
07-13-2005, 09:10 PM
TEACUPS TEACUPS TEACUPS

Or Casy Jr. ;)

Ghoulish Delight
07-13-2005, 09:13 PM
CP gets my award for Quote of the Day! :D :snap:She stole it from my sister.

CoasterMatt
07-13-2005, 09:21 PM
Casey Jr? Like the Grateful Dead tune? :p

innerSpaceman
07-14-2005, 04:19 PM
Well, here's what we're gonna do. We're still gonna try for Pan. If that doesn't Pan out, then we will simply have a vote for which replacement, Opening Day Attraction we will visit. To keep things simple, the candidates will be limited to Five attractions, and the attraction that receives the most votes by the participants - live at the Quest - will be the "winner" that we grace with our funtastical presence.

While subject to change without notice, the likely candidates are: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Casey Jr. Circus Train, The Mad Tea Party, The Disneyland Railroad, and the Mark Twain. Or, heck, we can choose the King Arthur Carroussel and wrap that into the Attraction Quest (if we're running short on time, kill two rides with one stone, so to speak).

K, well, I'm probably not going to be internetting any more before I hit Anaheim .... so we'll all see each other soon for the time of our lives!!!

MickeyLumbo
07-14-2005, 04:39 PM
for help scheduling, Mark Twain and Carrousel will both be closed from 9:00am - 10:30am.

sounds like aLoT of fun, IsM...wish i could be there

Morrigoon
07-14-2005, 05:02 PM
DLRR- how could we not ride Walt's signature attraction?

wendybeth
07-14-2005, 08:58 PM
You know, I agree with Morigoon. It would be our little tribute to Walt- a sign of respect, and it would be the swankiest group ever to ride those rails!

Not Afraid
07-14-2005, 09:25 PM
Not to mention, it would be a very nice place to lounge!

€uroMeinke
07-14-2005, 09:34 PM
The Train The Train! - I have yet to ride the Ward Kimbal

Not Afraid
07-14-2005, 09:53 PM
I married Tatoo!

Ghoulish Delight
07-14-2005, 09:58 PM
I married Tatoo!You mean the King of the 6th Dimension.

mousepod
07-14-2005, 10:07 PM
GD -

Richard Elfman. Sweet.

I like the train too.

Gwyren
07-15-2005, 01:39 PM
10 am, Saturday 7/16, 10 am, hub. I shall make all reasonable efforts to be there.

Of course, that does mean getting myself out of bed.