05-05-05 - Page 7

Not Afraid · 05-06-2005, 01:47 PM

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 · 05-06-2005, 02:45 PM

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 · 05-06-2005, 02:45 PM

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 · 05-06-2005, 06:01 PM

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 · 05-06-2005, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

MickeyLumbo · 05-06-2005, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

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

€uroMeinke · 05-07-2005, 01:02 PM

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 · 05-07-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyLumbo

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 · 05-07-2005, 01:18 PM

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

Gn2Dlnd · 05-07-2005, 01:45 PM

That's what Cruella DeVille said.

05-06-2005, 01:47 PM	#61
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	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.
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05-06-2005, 02:45 PM	#62
Motorboat Cruiser Cruiser of Motorboats Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 3,665	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.
	Submit to Quotes

05-06-2005, 02:45 PM	#63
Gn2Dlnd Parmmadore Jim Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Casita del Queso Posts: 3,810	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. __________________ Does anyone still wear a hat?
	Submit to Quotes

05-06-2005, 06:01 PM	#64
Bornieo: Fully Loaded Lego Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Disneyland, USA Posts: 3,704	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!
	Submit to Quotes

05-07-2005, 01:02 PM	#67
€uroMeinke L'Hédoniste Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: A.S.C.O.T. Posts: 8,671	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. __________________ I would believe only in a God that knows how to Dance. Friedrich Nietzsche
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05-07-2005, 01:18 PM	#69
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	Hey, FF. We'll be ther on Sunday too. I'm easy to spot.
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05-07-2005, 01:45 PM	#70
Gn2Dlnd Parmmadore Jim Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Casita del Queso Posts: 3,810	That's what Cruella DeVille said. __________________ Does anyone still wear a hat?
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