Coaster Palooza

Great report Ted. I didn't realize you rode Viper 3 times. When I rode it with you, that was my only time, thank god! It just isn't as fun as it used to be.

Hey Craig, Great trip report. It was good meeting you. Looks like you had as much fun at DLR as Gyendolynne and I did last month. Hopefully we'll see you again at another event.

I lived in Phoenix for 2 years and I thought I would love it. I was down there for spring training for 5 years before I lived there and I had my long hot summers everywhere. I thought I could handle the heat, but I was wrong. No one can understand the difference between 100 degrees, 110 degrees and 120 degrees unless they have lived in it. You should go and do whatever floats your boat. If Pennsylvania is where you want to live, go. Don't make a rash decision, but you are still 20 years old. You have plenty of time to decide where you ultimately will settle down. It isn't about amusement parks either. It is about being away from friends and the weather you enjoy. I don't know what your relationship is with your parents, but maybe after a few years you will realize that they are only there to help you. As I got older I understood this better. My parents let me go and do anything I wanted. They gave me advice and I didn't always take it. I like my conversations with them now. GOOD LUCK!

^^Good luck Guy, we'll see you on Friday. Drive safe.

^My wife has come close to blacking out on Goliath, but I haven't felt it. The G's at the end were fairly intense though. ^^Ted, Gyendolynne and I both enjoyed meeting the two of you. Maybe we'll see each other again at a Steelers' game.... ^^^Wally, I agree, your pics always turn out this way. It seems to be your "signature" move. ^^^^Robb, I am glad I got a picture of the pope on the table. It was a good night with great conversation and plenty of food. I'm surprised no one grabbed Robb and Guy's signature move.... Signature move.

Happy Birthday Elissa!

A little report and then onto the pics. The good: ERT is always good! Riding Superman 8 times in a row is awesome! Superman ride ops were great. We were able to take pictures with all the characters in the park. Meeting everyone that I have been talking to on-line for the past year. Dinner at Buca di Beppo’s on Saturday night. The bad: Not getting on any coasters on Saturday because Scandia and Pacific Park were closed! The trip: We flew down this time to Southern California on Saturday morning. I am so happy we did because of the snow and the closure of the grapevine. We arrived by 10am in Ontario and headed straight to Scandia. It was just barely sprinkling, but they had all the rides closed. We took some pictures of the park and then left for Santa Monica pier; we didn’t plan on going to KBF on this trip. As with some other reports, the area had a lot of rain off and on and some snow. It was very cold the whole weekend. We arrived at the pier and it was locked! On line it said that they would have full operation, weather permitting. It wasn’t raining at all and, aside from it being a little cold, it seemed great. We left there without getting on any coasters and headed to Hard Rock Café, Los Angeles. This HRC was really nice; I guess it was because we had a good bartender. A good bartender, waiter, or waitress will make all the difference in the world. After we ate, we headed to Valencia. We avoided the 405, so it really wasn’t a bad drive up there. This trip we stayed at the Best Western. Aside from being so close to the freeway it was alright. We both like the Hilton Garden Inn better though. After a dip in the hot tub, we headed to Buca di Beppo to meet up with Robb, Elissa, and the gang. It was a great meal and good conversation at the Pope table. I still can’t believe that Jeremy walked all the way from Disneyland to Knott’s Berry Farm and then took a cab to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Everything is an adventure though! I hope you made it back to Atlanta safely. It was a pleasure meeting everyone else, Dave, Jeff, Jeremy, Rebecca, and Chris. Sunday – ERT at SFMM! After not getting on any coasters yesterday, we were looking forward to the ERT on Sunday. The weather was cooperating by not raining, but it was 31 degrees when we got up. We arrived at the park by 7:45 and found out that it would take X a while to warm-up (it would take a while for EVERYONE to warm-up too!). Goliath and Viper had to warm-up also and ERT started just after 8. We road Goliath a few times and then headed to Viper and bounced back and forth a couple times. It was fun hanging out with Wally, Monica, Craig, and Martin for a little bit. On the way to Viper, I saw Catrina sitting at a table just outside of it. I figured she was beat up enough from Viper! I saw Ted getting off the ride as I was getting on in the front car. I asked if he wanted to ride one more time in the front. I guess his brain wasn’t scrambled all that bad yet. Gyendolynne sat out the ride and talked with Catrina. She enjoyed meeting and talking with both Catrina and Nataliee. It was great meeting all of you, Ted, Catrina, Chris and Nataliee. Superman was testing, so we headed back up the hill to hopefully get on it. We were in luck, we road it 8 times in a row without getting off. The first 3 times we got so high because there were only 4 of us on it. After that, it filled up, but we still had some great rides. I rode Riddlers’ next. They only had one train going. Batman was right after that, and they only had 1 train going! I was pretty surprised by this. We didn’t ride Colossus or Scream as we headed towards the front to leave. The characters were out for photo ops and we took pictures with every one of them on the way out. X was testing, but no one was up passed the hill and we had to get to the airport. It was a good flight home, I wish we could have stayed for the party at R&E’s place, maybe next time. Marvin the Martian Bugs and Daffy Taz Sylvester The next few are some character pics. Tweety Let me see if anyone is riding Viper...NOPE! Catrina and Ted getting ready to go out on Goliath. Robb, Dave Thomas, Guy and Jeremy coming back into the station after their freezing ride. Getting ready for our Goliath ride in 30+ degree temperatures. I think my hands are still frozen. That is Jeremy and Wally behind us. Freezing cold, but the fountains are working. Everyone needs to check in. Sunday for some ERT. Wally, Craig and Monica Buca di Beppo's Pope table. They also took us on a tour of the kitchen! Elvis' Harley is there. Oh well, onto Hard Rock Cafe I think Gyendolynne can pick the lock. No rain, a little cold and the place is locked! Bubba Gump's A little cold, but no rain. Beautiful Santa Monica beach. This castle might dwarf Disneyland's. I'll have to get you another day What? temporarily closed.... A slide... Pretty cold and a little rainy... Yeah Scandia.... Here's the snow as we are leaving San Jose. I don't know if this was Mt. Hamilton or not. Oh boy! Southwest airlines. These neck pillows came in handy though

It's snowing up here in Northern California. Santa Cruz mountains have snow this morning as well as Mount Hamilton. It might snow at sea level tonight! ^Great trip report so far Craig! We'll be down there tomorrow morning to enjoy the rain and cold.

Just a funny video that was sent to me. Enjoy! Howlongcanyouholdyourbreath.wmv FIT OR FAT?

^^It all depends on what you are doing the following weekend Wally. I am available.

^Gyendolynne and I are going to be down there on Saturday. We're heading to Santa Monica on Saturday along with a few other stops. Sunday we'll be at the mountain. Hopefully we'll see you there.

^Here's a couple pictures of the Space Mountain model Space Mountain Disneyland Model Space Mountain Disneyland Model

Glad to hear everything turned out alright at the Embassy. It is pretty crazy when an alarm goes off, but good for you to run back there and leapfrog people in line. Good luck with the passport and the rest of the way out here!

Unbelievable! I kept looking for this update, but I didn't see it until now. Thanks for posting it! I also don't know about this ride. I don't want to get wet, then ride a so-called rollercoaster. It might be a fun ride, but my question would be how wet will you get?

Great DR Soren! It sounds like everyone wants you out here to contribute to more PDRs! I am looking forward to one with you when you visit NorCal!

^^I am looking forward to meeting you too some day Soren. Maybe out here in Northern California. PGA and SFMW are my local parks. ^Thanks for the comments. It is a lot of fun putting these Trip Reports together and it's even better when I see a comment like that! I am glad that the report was good enough to make you feel that way. When I read through it again, it is like re-living our vacation all over.

This was the Super Bowl that I definitely would have loved to have been at. I was born in Detroit and still have family there, and being a Steelers fan I am sure I would have loved it. Great pics thanks so much for sharing! This is where I was for the Super Bowl!

^I agree, that is SO Evan. Does he have a twin sister or something? Without all the advertizing for Monsters Inc., it is still an hour wait! There wasn't a single rider line or Fastpasses for this ride. When we got in, the people loading the ride were letting cars go that weren't even full! The cars could seat 6, but if the group was 3, the car left with 3, back seat empty! I couldn't believe that, but maybe that helped to the hour wait.

Day 3 – Last day and check-out. We checked out of the hotel and they stored our bags because we weren’t leaving until 3:45 for our flight. This was the day to finish everything up and ride some things that we wanted to ride again. Disneyland was really crowded on Monday. We wanted to use the early entry into Mickey’s Toon Town, but we didn’t get there early enough. It didn’t matter anyway because we were there at 10am for the opening. On the way back to Toon Town, we got our FP for Space Mountain and Autopia. Matterhorn was already crowded. In Toon Town we road Roger Rabbit, took pictures and went through Mickey’s house. I tried to leave in his car, but it wouldn’t go. After Toon Town we went to Frontierland. I wanted to ride the cruise ship, but they had the pirate ship operating at this time. We took the raft to Tom Sawyer Island and played around there. This was definitely for the kids, but we had fun! We headed back to Space Mountain only to find out it was shut down. We used our FP for Autopia instead. Once we got off Autopia, we noticed that Space Mountain was running again and it had an hour wait! Good thing we had our FP. We rode SM for the last time and then took the train from Tomorrowland to the front of DL. We saw the first 50 years show with Steve Martin and then headed to DCA to try to see the elusive Crush show. Once again, we didn’t make it. We also didn’t want to see the Muppet 3-D show since it was probably the same as Florida’s version. On our way back to the hotel, we rode Soarin’ one final time and then decided to wait at the hotel for our ride to the airport. I am so glad we didn’t rent a car or have to drive anywhere because the ride to the airport was very long and the traffic sucked. We both fell asleep on the way. Thanks for reading! Gyendolynne by the plane in front of Soarin' over California. Disneyland 50th anniversary museum NOOOO! I am not pure of HEART! AAARRGGHHH! Gyendolynne, get in here close.... Now, on with the sword story.... I know I am pure of heart and I can pull this out... Lunchtime at El Rancho's fountain If I was actually climbing the tree, I think I would break the branch. If you're not a kid, this island might make you into one. Yep, I am walking backwards on this. A very. sturdy bridge on Tom Sawyer Island I know it looks like she is going to get wet, but she isn't even that close to it. This turned out to be a pretty cool picture when we got a chance to look at it. Nice American Flag on the back Here's the pirate ship Another picture of Fantasyland This Merlin guy has a curse on the sword, I will get back to this later.... The Roger Rabbit fountain I'm glad we rode Roger Rabbit on the way in because on our way out it was broke down. I thought I could get away in his car, but it wouldn't go anywhere... Here's the star of our show! I don't think Donald finished his job. We're at Mickey's house. I love his piano. Another taxi ride, is this Monsters Inc.? Here's the loading queue Can't believe these delivery times! VERY short wait Rode Roger Rabbit first thing. All the way to the back for Mickey's Toon Town Main Street, not looking too bad, but can you see the castle?? Lets take the fire engine back this morning.

pics continued Meanwhile, back at the lodge, it is time for a cosmo and call it a night. Didn't ride the ferris wheel, but it looked like a fun ride. What pier picture would be complete with Mickey Mouse! Yep, another shot More of the pier Hey, the pier at night. This might be a better shot. We thought this was cool. It is the Grizzly with the moon in the background. I don't know how you can ride this thing at night in the cold. We went back to the hotel to change for the night and the piano player was playing in front of the fire. and another.. Here comes more of it.. yep, it's a parade alright. YAY! The parade is starting.

pics continued I don't think these people standing were told that this is the happiest place on earth! The army dudes starting the crowd for the parade. But not before trying on the Elton John glasses. Now we can enter the theater Where's FLICK! I'm going to be a Beautiful Butterfly.. Just because I'm a Lady Bug you automatically assume I'm a LADY! We're in a Bug's land now. or this one. Another Pier shot, can't have enough of these. These kids were scared to death to ride this. My group of Fastpasses yep, that's where we're at. Mulholland Madness... After the tower, we needed to go to the pier for Maliboomer.... Thank goodness we're out of that. Now we're heading over to the ToT. The following are some pics from the ride. They're all self explanatory. in a taxi cab driven by this guy! Yep, we're going to Monstropolis Some snacks where we can wait an hour for this ride! Lets go to DCA..... Man Main Street got crowded early today... Another "secret" 50 anniversary. This guy has a head in his right hand

Day 2 – We started off with room service. This worked out great because we didn’t have to get up extra early to go get something to eat. We arrived at DL just a little after 9am and it was already crowded, much more than yesterday. I thought this was strange because I would have expected a bigger crowd for Saturday rather than Sunday. We headed straight to Space Mountain to get our FP and then took in the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland after getting our FP for Indiana Jones. When we got off the Jungle Cruise, we got another FP for Indy for later. At this point we had FPs for Space Mountain and 2 for Indy. Since DL was a little crowded and we didn’t do everything at DCA the day before, we headed over there. We got our FP for Soarin’ and then went to ride Monsters Inc. There was an hour wait for this ride. We bit the bullet and waited. This wasn’t worth the hour wait. After Monsters, we wanted to see the Turtle Talk with Crush show, but we were too late (we would continue to miss this show the rest of the time). We picked up our FP for ToT and then used our preferred seating to watch the Aladdin show at 12:30. This show is so good. Don’t miss it. It is over an hour long, but the show is fantastic! We tried to see Crush again, but missed it. Our preferred seating was also good for Golden Dreams. This was a neat show and not too long. If you have the time, go see it. We rode Mulholland Drive next in the Single Rider line and got FPs for that one too. Pizza Oom Mow Mow was one of the places where we could get our free drink re-fills, so we went there for lunch. After lunch we road Maliboomer and then went to Screamin’ to pick up a FP and ride it from the single rider line. We had priority seating at a Bug’s Life, so we did that next. This show is just like the one in Florida. The parade was getting started after we got out of Bug’s Life and we watched that on our way to use our FP on ToT. On our way to the hotel to change, we used our FP for Soarin’. When we got back to DCA, we went to Mulholland Drive and gave away our FPs to a couple that just started to wait for the ride and then road Screamin’ with our FPs there. It was in the dark and we rode the front seat. This was a great time! We went back over to DL to use our FP on Space Mountain. After Space Mountain, we had dinner at the French Quarter and watched Fantasmic! As I mentioned in day 1, the fireworks would end up being cancelled. We used our Indiana Jones FPs and then headed back to the hotel. We had drinks at the Hearth Lounge and then upstairs for some much needed rest. The snakes are in the tree, but if you look at the water, you can see the bubbles from the piranhas I don't know what's in this picture. The natives might have something to do with that. I guess these guys didn't make it out of here alive. Maybe the hippo is going to eat us. These guys look like they are having a little problem. Vultures are waiting for the leftovers. Those lions are hungry. A more peaceful setting of animals. Lookout, they are everywhere! Attacking elephants, hmmm looks nice and calm up ahead Someone had some car trouble. The monkeys are just to the right in this picture. Elephant taking a bath There's a tiger, run! Look out for that aligator! Scary waters are ahead and our very excited boat This was our crazy tour guide. There was a wait to get on board, but it wasn't too bad. Another pic of the Jungle Cruise entrance This one, not so elusive The elusive cruise ship We rode the carriage back and Red was our horse There's that Goofy guy thinking he's a star! They were even starting to line up at DCA People everywhere Way more crowded than Saturday Room service, maybe I should have taken the lids off of the plates for the picture....

Robb, Great job on this update. I know it can take a lot of time. Thanks for letting us see the actual full pictures to piece this together. I am looking forward to going to Denver this September.

Pics continued The Tower of Terror lobby Final pic from day 1 and 2 from the 4th floor The fireplace back at the hotel Killer finale An awesome display More fireworks.... Disney knows what they are doing. This was definitely the best fireworks show I have ever seen. Queue the music.....When you wish upon a star.... Getting ready for the fireworks. Hey, it's the mouse at night DCA at night I hope this helps your 401k out Wally. Good thing we had our fastpasses. WOW, 75 minute wait. So long DCA, we're heading back to ride Space Mountain. I had to take a pic of the award winning Wieners! Back to Hollywood use our Tower of Terror fastpasses but I want the fries too. I know I can eat this burger.... The launch for Screamin' is so awesome! Gyendolynne in front of the Screamin' loop In front of Screamin' with my fastpasses Paradise Pier, lookout California Screamin' here we come!

Pics continued.... This lady was in great character as Cruella Devil Mrs. Incredible Lets head over to DCA to see how crowded it is, yes it is the Tower of Terror. Perilous Mickey climbing the Mountain Look, Alice in Wonderland It's starting to get a little crowded Marching band down Main Street It's a ship! A space mountain and a Buzz Lightyear pass. Now lets get on Space Mountain Star Tours The place is picking up a bit. You are now leaving Adventureland Tiki Hut I don't know why I took this. DON'T LOOK IN ITS EYES...YOU LOOKED INTO ITS EYES!!! We took the middle trail the first 2 times and the left trail our last time. I don't know why that guy was smiling. Watch your step That guy died a while ago. Pretty scary... Entering Indiana Jones Who doesn't have one? She really isn't scared. Waitng patiently for our second ride on Mattterhorn, not too long of a wait though. Look out! That whale might eat you. Peter Pan ride The back side of this HUMONGOUS castle. I know I can make this thing move if I keep blowing! yes we are.. Gyendolynne is dwarfing the castle