Moonliner is coming to play (June 22-25th)
 

I've got a business trip out to Vegas and I've managed to pad the front with a few days at DLR. So Headliner and I will be heading out for an unprecidented second Father/Daughter trip (big brother is in camp).

We only have a few firm plans at this point. We get in around noon on Thursday and we plan to head to DCA. We both still need to catch Monsters Inc., Grizzly River Rapids, and the animation studios/Turtle talk. Friday We'll (hopefully) make a beeline for Nemo and spend the rest of the day in the Disneyland. Saturday is our big chance to see the Remember show. Sunday, well Sunday we'll just see which way the wind blows us!

Sooooo, which day for a meet?

I must say I'm flummoxed on that issue! The idea of having more than one day, as opposed to a few hours, is exciting.

We are planning to stake out a spot at the front of the hub for the Remember show on Saturday, so that would be a good time but we will also be around all day Sunday. I expect I'll check in with the COW crowd for a bit on Sunday but that still leaves most of the day free.

Is anyone else in from our of town?

Yeah, THE SPOT kinda sucks now. It's really not worth camping out for a place that looks no different than anyplace on Main Street.



That's ok, I've recenty discovered another great spot. Thing is, it's not inside Disneyland ... or even on Resort property.


It's the Harbor Blvd. bridge over the 5 freeway. Really, really close to the launching zone, and you can see Tinkerbell, the Matterhorn, Indy flames, and Castle pinwheels. It beats the heck out of the parking structure roof.

By the Holiday Inn? ;)

No, just north of the HoJo's. Literally on the overpass of the 5 on Harbor Blvd. It's fer awesome.


(We were trying to make it to the Ball Road overpass on foot, and were late ... this turned out way better)

Where I saw them oh so long ago was on Harbor, on the overpass over the 5 but right next to the Holiday Inn. We actually parked in the HI parking lot and walked up to the top of the overpass on Harbor.

I think we're talking about the same place.

Let's meet there at High Noon for a shoot-out, bitch!

Shoot what?

It isn't a Hol;iday Inn any more (asuming you are speaking of the hotel on the Southwest corner of Ball and Harbor). I don't know the new name.

It's now called The Menage ... with the ~ squiggly thingy.

The overpass is where I watched a few 1am "dress rehearsals" in late April 2005. That spot is cool because you really get an odd perspective from the multiple launch sites and hear the initial thwump of some of the shells.


but at 9:25 it may be drowned out by freeway traffic.

I think for this trip we will stay inside the park for the fireworks, although taking my daughter to play on the freeway does have some appeal....

My dad always told me to go play on a freeway but he never actaully took me to one.

Bump!

T-1 One Month and counting.....

Here is our tentative schedule....

Thursday June 21st
Arrive Long Beach Airport ~10:45am. Grab our Hertz rent-a-speck and peddle it to DLR. Head straight for DCA and spend the rest of the day there. For dinner perhaps a visit to Steakhouse-55 and an early tuck-in after a long day.

Friday June 22nd
Disneyland here we come. Cheaper AP's are blocked and there is no early entry. Our plan: Hit it early and hit it hard. A full frontal assault on Nemo! Followed by a full day in the park including the highlight of the day, Headliners first ever trip through PoTC (at ~8:00pm) and a viewing of Fantasmic.

Saturday June 23rd
Our Early Entry day. A return trip to Nemo (if it's EE) plus all the great fantasyland attractions. Back to the hotel for a mid-day nap before we grab our spot for the fireworks and then close down the park with a midnight ride on Haunted Mansion.

Sunday June 24th
Sleep in, take it easy. Show up for the noon meet at the hub. Party with any and all attendees for the rest of the day. Celebrate my birthday.

Monday June 25th.
Drop Headliner off at Long Beach and put the pedal to the metal out to Vegas for a pre-meeting meeting and some evening Cirque action....

Please consider this an open invitation to meet up with us at any point that fits your schedule!

Does anyone have a review of Steakhouse-55?

Now I'm thinking it might be fun to cap off the trip with a visit to Steakhouse-55 on Sunday eveing around 6ish.

If anyone would like to join us, let me know and I'll call for PS.

(Sunday June 24th)

I've never been ... not since it was Granvilles (and it was good then).


It's generally been too far a walk for a casual visit, and the prices aren't casual either. But I think it would be a good topper on Sunday, and I'm in for it.

(Um, it would mean missing fireworks unless dinner were really early.)

How about a monorail ride over for dinner between 6:00 and 6:30pm then a ride back into the park for fireworks near IASM or the Innoventions balcony?

We ate at Steakhouse 55 and it was fantastic. Sure it's a bit spendy, but the food is a class above anything else at the park. And yes, the monorail makes it easy to access.

Of those two choices, I'd suggest IASW.

Oh, I'm a sucka for 'werks at iasw. Sold.

I'm looking forward to seeing Moonie and Co anytime, anywhere!

Those are the exact days of our trip!! We are heading out around 5am on Friday, checking our bags at the hotel and then heading for DL to activate our new passes. Our main goal was to relax all weekend, spending the hot part of the days in the Neverland Pool and nights and mornings in the parks.

Nick and I would love to meet up with you all after dinner. We have PS fpr Hook's Point at 5:30, and had planned to head back to the park after.

Fantastic! Would you also like to join us on Saturday when we stake out "The Spot" for fireworks?

eek! Satuday is when our PS are for dinner, But we can meet up before and after at The Spot. We would love to join you for dinner on Sunday, with a trip to the park after (I can always cancel dinner Sat if we are having a nice dinner on Sunday).

How old is Headliner? If I remember she isn't that much older than Boy?

Headliner is an 11 year old adrenalin junkie (I can't imagine where she gets that from...)

Looks like we are up to Moonliner party of 5 for dinner on Sunday. Would anyone else like to add their name(s)?

Go ahead and add Chris and I.

:)


"I love it when a plan comes together!"

J. 'Hannible' Smith

Yeah!!! This trip is going to rock even more than I had originally thought!! I am just excited that I can enjoy myself with my friends and not have to worry about the "Sitck in the Mud." And since we are staying on property I don't feel like I have to rush off to go home!!

Hard to tell what the schedule will be like that weekend, but I missed you the last go-around, so hopefully I can make it this time.

I hope so too. I'll keep this thread updated with our plans as we get closer to the actual date.

I think Nick and I will be leaving here Thursday night, adding an extra night to our intinerary. I will be calling DLH to see if it is available. I think I would rather leave Thursday after work, by the time we get to LA most of the traffic will be calming dow, than leaving early Friday morning, hitting the worst of rush hour.

I'll be there on Sunday. Can you add me to dinner, please? :)

Primo!

With the addition of Lindyhop that brings our happy group up to eight.

To leave a bit of room I made a priority reservation for 10 people. For a group that sized my options were 5:30pm and 8:00pm so I took the earlier time. It's earlier than I would have liked but it will give us plenty of time for a nice leisurely dinner followed by a trip back to the park for the fireworks from IASW.

We might even have time for every daddy's dream! Embarrassing the hell out of his daughter by taking her on an IASW cruise while a boat load of people she hardly knows serenade her: "It's a world of laughter a world of....." :evil:

I'm so bummed we can't make it. Maddy's 11 and would love to meet you guys but we'll be out of town. Hopefully next time.

I just wanted to extend an invitation to those who may be interested. Nick and I will be heading back to our room in the late morning or early afternoon on Sunday, between our sub sailing and dinner. We will be spending a couple hours in the Neverland pool. If anyone would like to join us and use our room as a changing area you are more than welcome!!

What a kind and generous invitation (which no doubt some people might take you up on ... and I may be one of those)


:iSm:

Speaking of fun visits....since my change in employment, my home office had become a respoitory for piles of stuff and during my remodelling, had become very very....unsightly.

Well, I'm pretty much done with the remodelling, so I cleaned it today, and I found....my toaster! The wonderful toaster (and waffle iron) bestowed upon me by my wonderful LoT friends. That was almost a year ago now.

That was fun. Thanks. Have fun with Moonliner.

Why does that send a chill up my spine?

As it should.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Now, Scaeagles- that's not very nice. Just look at all the happy memories that toaster brought back!;)

One big thing to consider. Moonliner spent a day at USH with everyone, so he is well aware what he is stepping into.

OH! That's right. I'm not going to scare him, am I? Except that he'll be on their home turf, where they know the back, dark corners and the security camera placement.

Moonliner - don't meet them in the atrium next to the Disney Gallery. That was my big mistake.

No, your big mistake was allowing NA to get her hands on a picture of you.:evil:

Well, there is that....getting technical, giving up my dates was the biggest.

Moonliner is much braver than I.

You only found one toaster? Where are all the rest?

This was the ceremonial toaster. The others....well....Ebay has a glut of toasters for sale, let me tell you.

Ummmmm, Leo. I think it's about time you tell the Wife about the toaster.......

I just found a way to scare the hell out of Moonie. Leo, you should come to DL! :evil:

Yeah, Leo. You and Moonie can try to get a King Sized bed at the Grand Cal.
:D

Leo:

A word of advice for you. Stay off IASW.

Hmm....sounds like something I'd like to hear about but nothing I'd like to experience.

And the GC is a family hotel anyway - we always need a queen and the bunk beds. The PP holds 5 better.

That last sentence could be twisted into bad things.

I've never held 5.
No girl in her right mind would.
:D

The queen (b****) holds 5 PPs better?

I should be along on Sunday for the fun. Add me on!

Six hundred four thousand eight hundred seconds

Ten thousand and eighty minutes


One hundred sixty eight Hours



Seven days




ONE WEEK

Bite me.



said with much love and affection, of course.

Looking forward to riding IASW with you. :evil:

Sinking a boat?

Humm, I don't think I've ever heard it called that before.

Torpedoing yes but not sinking.

Initially I just laughed this off. Now I'm starting to think I might have made a miscalculation.

Good. I'm doing a good job then. ;)

You know I'm also very afraid of decadent chocolate desserts. Yup I just fall apart if someone hands me one of them. Oh and fastpasses too. They give me the screaming heebie jeebies fer sure. :D

Is that what did it? You sure it wasn't that Angelina Jolie/American cheese action that gave you those?

Nope not that. Just your response to it.

I'm really new here, But my mother, sister and I are going to be at DLR June 22 for 5 days.

looking forward to Nemo and everything. I was also looking forward to a few other outside of disney land things, but now i cannot go there, no transportation. (Inn N Out)

In just over 24 Hours it's finally time to get on the plane and wing my way to DLR....

I'm giddy like a school girl in a Hello Kitty factory.

Just to review, For the Dinner at Steakhouse-55 on Sunday evening I currently have in attendance:

Moonliner/Headliner
ISM
Mousey Girl/Boy
NA/€
Lindyhop
Bornieo

Any last min additions I can make?

yes, zapppop will be joining us for 55 dinner.

Is he really going to show this time? ;)

Yes, seeing as he'll be with me. ;)

LOL!

urgent request for moonliner's cell phone number... i need it within the next 30 minutes to be helpful.

OK so now I'm sitting here staring at my cell phone :D

We made it!

Yesterday we did DCA up in style. We hit the park a little after noon and started with a quick lunch at Taste Pilots (meh) before catching High School Musical. Headliner was selected to dance along which was a big hit and dad liked the short skirts. Great Disney entertainment. Something for everyone. :)

Crowds were light, we quickly built up a stash of fastpasses and did most the the things we missed on our last trip (Monsters, Grizzly, Crush, Block party)

I'm going to have to start today by finding some sunscreen, the nastys at TSA confiscated mine.

In just a few we will be heading out to DL for the day. I'll scope out what the crowds look like prior to opening in preparation for our Sunday meet.

Thanks to everyone here that helped prep me for this trip. As always the info I get online allowed me to play the part of the experienced AP'er despite my lowly daytripper status.

The big question is, did it ever ring?

I just wanted to say, Have a blast! Wish I could be there to share in the fun with you!
I've only met you once, but would love to hang out with you, and meet the Headliner.
Have a wonderful day, and grab that sun screen!

I'm glad your adventure is off to a good start.

It's odd that I won't see you till Sunday. But, hey, if you get tired of that boring old fireworks show .... consider joining us at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary Saturday night for The Haunting. :p



(after that, I'm not sure if it's better to get 4 hours sleep or no sleep before meeting up in the Esplanade godawful early Sunday morning.)

hehehehe

I know what's going on in the park and I'm not there.


I talked with MG this morning, her and N are at the park watching the Pirate show on the island. They ran into Moonie in line this morning. So, we've got some out of towners ready to hang with us on Sunday.

MG reminded me to bring my swimsuit on Sunday so we can spend the afternoon at the pool. I'm snagging a lounge chair in the shade for a nap.

Ooh! Ooh! OH!!!!

WELCOME TO MY WORLD!!!!!!! :D

Hee hee, Ally.

Okay, I am dying to know, what is going on????

I am trying to get up there maybe Monday, being the last non black out date for a while. My Aussie guests and family as well as a young man visiting from NoCa are incentive plenty to give it a shot.

Is anything happening on Monday???

Nick and I just made it home. We are totally exhausted.

We spent more time at the hotel, in the pool, than we did at the Parks.

Friday, after talking to NA, we wandered around for a bit before going to see if our room was ready. It was 1pm and HOT. It was, so we called for our bags and then headed for the pool. The pool area is great, but verrrrry crowded. If you don't get there early enough you won't have a spot to sit.

After swimming, we had dinner at Hook's Point and headed for DCA to watch the Electric Parade. Boy rode a few rides solo while I staked out a nice bench. He bought me a balloon, the one my tattoo was based on.

After the parade we went back to our room and had a perfect viewing of the fireworks from our balcony/window.

Saturday morning we didn't make it for early entry, breakfast at Goofy's took priority. After several attempts and playing phone tag we caught up with Moonliner and HL as they exited Pirates. We then rode Splash and HM and Boy went off to ride Indy with them.
After Indy it was off to the Hotel for some more swimming. Moonliner is sush a nice person, he offered to take the kids to the pool so I could have a nap. I did go odwn to the pool for a bit, but left him with the kids so that I could take a nice, longgggg shower.

After swimming we each took a break, agreeing to meet back up for fireworks. They had the perfect spot for viewing. I was totally impressed. I had not seen the fireworks in a good 5 years, so I really enjoyed it. After fireworks we rode Thunder and headed back to the hotel.

Sunday morning was great. It was fun seeing everyone and spending time with such good people. I am sorry we took off shortly after breakfast, I just wanted to not move for a while.

I took Nick to the pool, and stayed with him for over an hour. No sooner had I gone back to the room to lie down than my phone rang and it was NA! The whole lawn party was great. I have not laughted that hard in a very long time.

Dinner at Steakhouse 55 was very good. Again, sorry we left early, Nick was beginning to lose it. He and I went back to the park to use our Space Fast Passes. After Space I wanted to ride Small World. Big mistake!

They gave us our own boat. We got stuck while leaving the dock. Instead of having us disembark, they pushed us forward, saying something about the belts not working right. Now, it is a slow ride, but when it took us more than 5 minutes to get to the Canada area, I was concerned. The CM kept coming on asking us to stay seated. I really thought we were the only boat on the ride. There was no one behind us, no one in front of us. Then, in the Eurpoe area the sound went off. All you heard was whirring and clicking. Then we started hearing other people. Angry people.

We bumped into the angry people in the Middle East room, just past the Taj Majal.

I guess they had been there for a while, and were very restless and not happy about the situation. They took matters into their own hands. All we could do was sit there as the 2 boats in front of us began to push themselves (and us) backwards through the ride. At the first exit sign both boats emptied as they ran for what they thought was an exit, only for them all to jump back on the boats when they realized it didn't lead outside.

We started moving back again. At the next exit sign only 1 person got off to check. Again, not a way out.

After another 5 mins we were outside. Both boats jumped out, onto that narrow sidewalk and took off running. 2 very stressed CMs came running from the opposite way, making sure the group ducked when going under the bridge. They helped us out of our boat and never said a word about what had just happened.

We sat down to wait for the fireworks. They were still bringing people out of Small World 20-30 minutes later.

I liked the fireworks from that area, but I have 1 question. I thought there were projections onto the ride facade... Small World never lit up, no colors, no nothing. Did the powers that be stop doing that?

After the fireworks we went back to the hotel and crashed. We got up around 7 this morning, packed and checked out. We went back to DL and had breakfast, rode Pirates and Thunder and then slowly walked back to the hotel to gather our belongings and hit the road.

It was a great weekend, just what we both needed!!!!

When my family and I watched the fireworks one night, The projections were working and looking lovely.

Maybe they didn't do it because Small world went 101 and was still being evacuated?

That would make sense.

What a fan freaking tastic exhausting trip. It was great to see everyone at the great sub meet.

Sorry to hear about your getting 101'ed in IASW mousey, very non-Disney that.

I think I'm still tripping from riding ISM mountain. :D :snap:

Dinner at Steakhouse-55 was double plus good in terms of the food and the company. Kudos to boy for hanging in there after a long day at the park!

Fireworks from "the spot" still knocked my socks off even without the projections.