Chrisrad Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 (edited) EDIT: So, I'll probably be doing a lot this summer - more trips to Disneyland, sorry, the "Disneyland Resort," the OC fair, the Oregon coast, etc. Rather than start new threads for each, I'll just combine them into this single thread. So far, the San Diego/Del Mar Fair is on pages 1 and 3 A quick trip to Disneyland/DLR/DCA (the place in Anaheim that started it all... the place where dreams come true.. the happiest place on earth - whatever you call it) is on page three with a brief report. I finally rode Little Mermaid (yes, I'm a guy, I'm 25, and I rode it.. without kids) THREE times today with 2 fifteen minutes waits, and one walk-on. I'll elaborate on my feelings on page three. Stay tuned for another trip to DLR with a Star Tours trip report, maybe Goofy's Sky School, and a few other items. ALSO!!!!! If you are due for a Disneyland pass renewal, get there before August - they will allow you to renew at the price you paid last year; I renewed my premium for $439, versus the new price of, gasp, $499. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SD FAIR, pages 1 and 3 Here are some fair pictures from yesterday. Gorgeous weather in terms of temperatures (20 degrees cooler at the coast), and light crowds (for the most part). If any of you are planning on attending, get the 4-pack of tickets at Costco: free parking, 4 admissions, 4 sodas, and 50+ ride tickets - you basically pay full price for four tickets and get all the other things for free. I apologize for photos that came out dark - I had to play with the settings because of the gloomy weather.. I'll post pictures in two parts. If you're easily offended, or are simply a prude, use the back button on your browser. Switchbacks to get through the security checks - luckily, it wasn't like an airport screening. Lemon nipple, lemon with a bullet in it? Or? These were all over the place.. I was udderly shocked at how big some of the dairy cows were.. I had a hankering for a cheeseburger after seeing these guys (gals). Spot the cow. Hint.. it's sitting down. I don't remember this last year - a room full of car memorabilia and cars - nothing major, but worth a visit. Wait for it... I see fair food. My arteries are telling me something.. Here's your first glimpse into 'cardiac arrest row'.. I'll tease you with something boring - pizza. And subs. ;( I see a sky ride, and carnie rides! And more food. Look closely at the food signs because I didn't get pictures of all of them. Fried Clams... I've seen this brought up on TPR.. well, here you go. Here are your fried clams. Yes, really. Deep fried cheeseburgers. Well, the patty at least. A woman next to us in line said they are to die for.. (or you die from them). I resisted and went with chicken. Whereas my brother went with this. Hi TPR Speaking of phallic objects, they had one of these. It did NOT topple over while we were there. Price: 10 tickets. Umm.. err.. welcome to uh, San Diego? They had one of these... Where the carnies reside. It's like they are all neighbors. Well heck, they're all related, aren't they? Overview of the rides.. They had a spinning mouse.. it was pretty darn fun. There was a marine and his gf on it and they thought it was scary. For a carnie ride, I thought it kicked ass. Knock-off trademarked theming FTW. Oh, and nice looking blondes.. Yeah, there's a water ride in there somewhere. A hi-miler. Didn't ride it - the coasters had pretty decent lines (at least longer than I wanted to wait). One of these.. some pretty sharp turns on this thing. When I ride green lantern, I want her on my train. ShamWOW! All sorts of carnies selling their stuff. Some of the booths are getting more elaborate each year. And we'll stop here for now.. featuring 'how not to pluralize words'.. This also sums up an ACE club. Edited July 7, 2011 by Chrisrad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Cow Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Oh god, I couldn't help but notice the zucchini. RELEASE YOURSELVES FROM MY BRAIN, YOU FOUL GUTTER DEMONS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 23, 2011 Author Share Posted June 23, 2011 Good eye. My sister saw a plate of them later in the day but we had already indulged in too much crap earlier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal1br3tto Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 It's the Fun Forest Windstorm! I must get back to the SDCF as soon as possible. There is so much to do there, and they have a great ride collection! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 24, 2011 Author Share Posted June 24, 2011 It's the Fun Forest Windstorm! I must get back to the SDCF as soon as possible. There is so much to do there, and they have a great ride collection! Soooo.. did I miss out on a good ride? Our day was cut short because we wanted to get a nice dinner in Del Mar. Looking back, you can EASILY spend two days there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingwright Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Nice TR! I should check this out, now that I live extremely close to San Diego county... I could always use more dragons and fairy's in my life. When I ride green lantern, I want her on my train. Haha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyBo Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Oh how I remember going to the Del Mar Fair aka San Diego County Fair as a kid. I loved riding the rides and eating the worst food for you possible. I think out of the many fairs I have been to I really enjoyed the Del mar Fair the best because of its selection of rides and how it is laid out. I liked the kiddie rides were away from the thrilling rides so the kids didn't have to deal with the annoying teenagers. Nice pics! Jimmy "I love me some fried Oreos" Bo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 24, 2011 Author Share Posted June 24, 2011 Nice TR! I should check this out, now that I live extremely close to San Diego county... I could always use more dragons and fairy's in my life. When I ride green lantern, I want her on my train. Haha! I was fixated on utilizing my gross humor to find 'the beautiful fair people', but then realized that I'd fill a memory card with pictures of 'fair literacy'.. I can't tell you how many mis-spelled, professional, signs and banners I found.. There's more to come. I tried getting more pictures, but the carnies yell when you try to take a picture of their booths. Oh how I remember going to the Del Mar Fair aka San Diego County Fair as a kid. I loved riding the rides and eating the worst food for you possible. I think out of the many fairs I have been to I really enjoyed the Del mar Fair the best because of its selection of rides and how it is laid out. I liked the kiddie rides were away from the thrilling rides so the kids didn't have to deal with the annoying teenagers. Nice pics! It's definitely a nice fair.. I was with my 2.5 year old nephew and he had a blast! The kiddie land is quite nice, and, as you said, conveniently located away from the teenage riff-raff. Glad you're enjoying the pictures.. more to come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 The Del Mar fair is definitely the best fair in CA. It's an independent midway, so it gets rides that don't normally make it out to CA (like the spinning mouse and windstorm). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 27, 2011 Author Share Posted June 27, 2011 Onto the next batch of photos.. there should be more food signs this time around. I missed out on the 'fried Kool-aid".. there was an article about it in the paper the next day. This is part 2 of 3. Carnie "literacy".... If her hand wasn't there, you'd see some awesome lipo scars. But I'm sure you're more interested in the ride in the background. Yep, they have one of these - 4 tickets one way (to/from Kiddie Land), or 6 tickets round-trip. Highest point is about 60'... nice aerial views. NOTED! How much for your hot/steamy buns? Can your buns fit in one hand or two? Can I munch right into your buns, or do I need a fork and knife to eat your buns? Can I get my buns extra juicy? Hi sexy! Hey you in the white.. stop staring at me. More and more food.. and the crowd levels. Midway, people, rides, etc. And the ocean in the background. Got your skis ready? We're almost there. Oh crap, I forgot.. we're at the fair. So there really is a 'Chicken Charlie' - he's 300 pounds (no joke), and is always figuring out what he can fry up. This year's concoction: fried Kool-Aid. Yes, there are Automated External Defibrillators all over the fairgrounds. Got your paddles ready? Your aspirin? Maybe some nitroglycerin? Heck.. just get your phone ready to call 911. Hi there! Watcha eating for lunch? Seriously? Raw butter is good in cookie dough. Butter is good on bread. Butter is good for cooking an egg. But to just fry it up? It's contradicting/unnecessary/confusing.. like fried fat.. candy with added sweetener.. wine with a shot of alcohol added... ACE with more fat people... If you have an old diesel that runs on veggie oil, you should befriend the carnies/food vendors. The bridge to.......Kiddie Land! And more coasters! So that ends this segment of our TR.. tune in for more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 The Del Mar fair is definitely the best fair in CA. It's an independent midway, so it gets rides that don't normally make it out to CA (like the spinning mouse and windstorm). Actually the Crazy Mouse (Spinning Coaster) plays out in California a lot. It will be at the Orange County Fair next, then at LA County. It's owned by Ray Cammack Shows. The Windstorm typically travels in the north. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 ^Those are not the same mice. The one at Del Mar is an old school (read: good) Reverchon mouse owned by SJ Entertainment. I believe it does all the Texas fairs after Del Mar. The same company also owns this Windstorm (the former Fun Forest Windstorm), which is new to Del Mar. RCS has a Zamperla (read: neutered Reverchon) mouse. Not sure why RCS traded its Gerstauler for that one, but it definitely not the same one that plays Del Mar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 29, 2011 Author Share Posted June 29, 2011 The Wild Mouse was a very fun ride.. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't think much of the Hi-miler or the Windstorm (I did not ride them), but I might head back to the fair again - we'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 I thought it was RCS's. Paint theme threw it off. It's Steve Vander Vorste's (SJ Entertainment). I was never impressed my Maus coasters. They're all pretty similar but that's my opinion. There's many reasons why so many more companies are going with the Zamperla models. Overall purchase price, insurance, maintenance, cost of parts, availability of parts, how many trucks does it takes, all those sort of things. It's kinda like the old debate of what's better to own. A Mack Himalaya or a Wisdom Himalaya. Some companies prefer the smaller version because it's cost effective (single trailer), over the Mack version (typically four trailers), and it can bring in the same amount of money as it's bigger cousin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 30, 2011 Author Share Posted June 30, 2011 ^ I honestly had no idea it was so complicated.. I never would have realized that there are multiple brands/models for mouse carnival coasters. Unless it was my imagination, the actual, uncontrolled spinning didn't start until the lower section - it didn't spin freely on the top switchbacks. The only other Mouse I've been on is Mulholland Madness (*cough, Goofy's Sky School). On a related note, how 'safe' are the other coasters? I'm not discrediting the manufacturer whatsoever, but is it possible for the fine carnie folks to assemble them poorly on-site? Or are there inspections? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 ^ I honestly had no idea it was so complicated.. I never would have realized that there are multiple brands/models for mouse carnival coasters. Unless it was my imagination, the actual, uncontrolled spinning didn't start until the lower section - it didn't spin freely on the top switchbacks. The only other Mouse I've been on is Mulholland Madness (*cough, Goofy's Sky School). On a related note, how 'safe' are the other coasters? I'm not discrediting the manufacturer whatsoever, but is it possible for the fine carnie folks to assemble them poorly on-site? Or are there inspections? The non spinning at the top could be a safety feature, dunno. I've noticed a lot of rides (portable, or fixed) in California have been becoming more tame from what I remember. Of course it could just be me because I've ridden so many and I've gotten use to them. The other coasters and other rides are just as safe. Inspections are required daily and rides are inspected throughout the day as well. All manufacturer's have a standard they must comply too and majority of them (European built) carry a TUV certificate. Which is higher than the US standards. But just like anything, a ride will only be as good as it's owner and its caretakers. If she continues receiving proper maintenance, she'll continue operating for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jray21 Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 Awesome report! Loved the pictures Our local fairs are terrible, but we usually head out to the Alameda County Fair and California State Fair every year. The Alameda one is actually pretty good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted June 30, 2011 Author Share Posted June 30, 2011 ^ I'm glad you liked it! Your awesome trip report was my inspiration (of course People of Walmart also helped a bit).. I should have some more pictures posted soon of all of the Kiddie Coasters, and some "Genuine Disney" theming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirkFunk Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 ^ I honestly had no idea it was so complicated.. I never would have realized that there are multiple brands/models for mouse carnival coasters. Unless it was my imagination, the actual, uncontrolled spinning didn't start until the lower section - it didn't spin freely on the top switchbacks. The only other Mouse I've been on is Mulholland Madness (*cough, Goofy's Sky School). On a related note, how 'safe' are the other coasters? I'm not discrediting the manufacturer whatsoever, but is it possible for the fine carnie folks to assemble them poorly on-site? Or are there inspections? The coasters are fine. The fact that there was a death on the Hi-Miler this year doesn't mean much given that there have been people cut in half by Jeepers' coasters in the past (about the smallest thing there is) and that the ride was almost immediately cleared to continue operating (generally a sign that the ride isn't mechanically at fault). If there was a company I'd be worried about putting together their stuff, the last people in this country that it would be are RCS/Bishop or Vander Vorste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted July 5, 2011 Author Share Posted July 5, 2011 Alrighty, folks, here is the third and final part of this drawn-out trip report.. I thought I would be going back to the fair again, but it hasn't fit into my schedule, so I guess I'll go to the OC fair instead. Enjoy! Kiddie Coaster 1 My damn camera was lagging, so I thought I got the picture of the sign while I was walking. Wrong. But it's Disney knock-off #1 - the 'Incredibles' coaster. Cheesy goodness.. I heard the milk comes from the on-site cows.. no sense letting it go to waste. I don't know what the point was, but they have a car that you can draw on - they even supply the markers. If you'll notice, there are a lot of sharpie marks - the employees have to go around the car to cross off gang symbols and drug references. Sad. If you want to get your memo noticed, bring a big sharpie. And try your darndest to find a blank spot. They are supposed to be repainting the car every so often.. Disney knockoff #2 Disney knockoff #3 #4 And so on.. I didn't bother to find all of them.. Man in blue, and woman in blue.. a match made in carnie heaven. They go on dates when the public leaves and indulge in the fried goodness. boob.. (actually, it was part of a big ass texas travel booth.. getting people to visit texas). Yes.. you're seeing that clearly. And there was a line. And it was late in the day.. So I'm assuming the line was a lot longer earlier in the day. You keep eating that fried crap, and this is what you'll look like.. Then you'll be served on as a Christmas feast. Mmmm bacon. What did the gay rooster say? Hmm.. maybe I shouldn't say it here.. might be too much for young ears/eyes. And there are some insensitive people that get butthurt over the silliest things. So, for now, I'll just say that there were cocks at the fair - some big, some small, some young, old, black, white, etc.. Bungee jumping.. Hello? Yes, hi, it's the 1980s calling.. I'd like my bedroom set back, as well as the fake plants. But most importantly, I want my kick ass bed spread back. Yes, this was for sale. Maybe it was made by the amish? No.. they're too busy making those damn heaters.. This sign describes perfectly what women do when they get together in large quantities. The garden theme this year had to do with transportation - there were quite a few real cars (some of them quite valuable) integrated with the displays - I should know all of the years and models because I'm into cars, but I was too tired at this point. I suppose you will! OMG.. security checkpoints? That's so Six Flags. Seriously.. I'll never forget a comment from a Disneyland forum - someone said there was an outdoor vending cart on the outdoor area of Space Mountain's queue - someone replied, "that's so Six Flags." Yes, really.. Disney trying to make a buck/quench your thirst = 'trashy/cheesy/something six flags would do'. End of rant. They had one of these, too. I think it was $25 or so per ride - $15 probably goes for insurance, $5 in the carnie's pocket, and $5 for the actual ride. First item, under the fork. Have you ever seen it so cheap? Such a deal. And finally, I leave you with this. Much like the previous photo, it can be interpreted many different ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 DISNEYLAND RESORT - July 6, 2011 My pass was up for renewal, so I figured I'd enjoy the park during the 'cheap pass blackout days' I got there at 4:30 PM and: parked on the second floor of the parking garage, still got a World of Color fastpass, rode Screamin' three times, and still had an extra fastpass, got a Space Mountain fastpass at 6:45, and rode The Little Mermaid three times. The trams were less than half full, there were only four or five turnstiles to get into each park and they didn't have lines, and Star Tours seemed to max out at 60 minutes while I checked my Disney apps. So, needless to say, I thoroughly enjoy the days where the cheap passes are blocked - it's been my plan of attack for about five years now. I hate to offend anyone with a So Cal/So Cal Select pass (I've had them, and always ended up upgrading), but the parks are simply too crowded on those days. The new Paradise Park (I think that's the name) eating area is simply gorgeous - it garnered my attention and I will definitely plan on eating there in the future. They brought in countless adult trees, shade covers, a bandstand, etc. - it reminds me of New Orleans Square for some reason. Goofy's Sky School (the 'off-the-shelf' mouse) looks great, and blends very well with the adjacent eating areas. I did not ride because the line hovered at 40-50 minutes. Yes, the Maliboomer park is still a park - no meet-and-greet just yet, and it's still closed. Screamin' is running great! It's pretty high on my list of 'enjoyable' coasters. One of the green trains was 'having a six flags day' - it's audio was not working. Little Mermaid.. I kept telling myself, "Don't expect an E-Ticket.." And, well, sure enough, it's NOT an E-Ticket; I don't think it was supposed to be an E-Ticket. Unfortunately, people are probably expecting nothing less than 'Toy Story Midway Mania quality' for all future attractions. I grew up on Little Mermaid - I think there's enough of the story to follow along, but without too much of the 'dark' parts - there was only one portion devoted to Ursula. Honestly though, it still reminds me of a stucco strip mall from the outside - I just doesn't seem themed like other Disney dark rides (Haunted Mansion, Fantasyland rides, etc.); it's simply a building with fancy iron work, light fixtures, and some concrete accents. At the same time, perhaps it fits perfectly with the boardwalk theme - I'm probably way off base with my expectations. Without a doubt, kids will love it, and they will demand that their parents buy them LM merchandise. Enough of my rambling - here are the photos: Yes, it still sticks out during the day (today at least - I have seen it hidden on previous visits). We'll come back to you, Goofy. Oh hi extended queue.. I bet you were full when So Cal passes were valid Fancy iron work abounds.. But it just seems so 'sterile' to me.. The queue - stucco, tiled murals, concrete clams, and marble similar to TSMM's queue. It has a 'clean' feel to it.. Sorry, I used an 'actual' camera today and was used to how my cell phone takes pictures - this is a 'nerd shot'.. and a layout of the ride/eel/etc. Going in to the back of a ship - this is pretty cool! This little fella will be our narrator.. The clamshells are going 'under the sea' -there is a decline/slope on the omnimover track that has bubble projections/audio - it reminded me of the 'descent' on Finding Nemo. I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty I've got whozits and whatzits galore You want thingamabobs? I've got twenty! But who cares? No big deal I want more You know how hard it is to get a picture of this guy?I tried three times and this is the best I could do. Hi TPR! Ariel Number 2 SERIOUSLY freaks me out.. I don't know what it is.. Overweight, ruthless, jealous... Is that Ursula, or an ACEr? By the time this park opens, these trees will be as tall as the Maliboomer. Don't worry, I'm coming back to The Little Mermaid - I need to keep your attention. For now, let's look at Paradise Park - this is the entrance closest to Maliboomer. Inside to the left Inside to the right.. I was very impressed! Back outside, a juxtaposition between Goofy's and Paradise Park - they fit nicely together. There's an array of eating areas - covered by trees, shade covers, etc.. It looks like a nice place to relax. Back to TLM, there is some interesting landscaping, that suggests 'being underwater' - just stuff you don't see every day. Plus, there are hidden Mickeys throughout - here's just one example. There you see her Sitting there across the way She don’t got a lot to say But there’s something about her And you don’t know why But you’re dying to try You wanna kiss the girl Sing with me now Sha-la-la-la-la-la My, oh, my Look at the boy too shy He ain’t gonna kiss the girl Sha-la-la-la-la-la Ain’t that sad Ain’t it shame, too bad You gonna miss the girl About an hour later it closed down, then reopened as I neared the queue entrance = a walk-on third ride. In other news, the pathway from the main entrance to Blue Sky Cellars (the one that is next to Carthay Theater (or Carthaway?) is closed for the time being - there is a detour through Bugs Land. No big deal - I haven't been through Bugs Land for awhile. Also, TOT had a 15 minute wait. Time for Disneyland! I entered right when the Soundsational parade was starting. Hi Elissa!! The new DCA entrance is coming along nicely. I figured I'd snag a few maps to celebrate TLM and Star Tours being 'new' again (I think Robb mentioned that he worked there when they were both new) - kind of neat how some things remain popular. And last but not least, here are the new passes - they don't have your photo anymore (the cast members will just look at the screen when they scan it), and they have the QR code for Disneyland photographers. Now, they simply scan your pass when they take your photo from anywhere in the park and it keeps track of them. Sorry for the black lines - I don't know what you can access by scanning the barcode/reading numbers. Plus, TPR likes watermarks, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Lol... Chip and Dale are Elissa's characters... not Goofy! Anyway, awesome TR! Going through Disney withdrawals... but it will be over soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 They're both there - one was on the other side of the float. I tried to take the picture while walking, then jumped under the rope for a second to take this picture. I have to tell you, I'm happier with the camera on my 2 year old Droid than the real camera I used today - a Panasonic Lumix. I thought I would take some 'better' pictures for a TR, but it looks like I'll be going back to my phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
805Andrew Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Going back to the Crazy Mouse, I think its the same one that comes to the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles, CA in late July/early August. If so then I have that credit The rides for the California Mid State Fair are mainly operated by Davis Enterprises of Fontana, CA but they don't do a Crazy Mouse coaster so they get that one from a different operator (hard to find on CoasterCounter.com and Coaster-Count.com). I wish we had a Hi-Miler or Wind Storm at our fair, but at least we get a Crazy Mouse. I will know for sure who does our Crazy Mouse when I go back to the Mid State Fair on July 27 to see Kid Rock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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