jedimaster1227 Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 (edited) Since I wasn't able to make it to the D23 Expo this year, I made a last minute decision to take a short trip to the Disneyland Resort to enjoy some of my favorite things as a close out to my Summer. What ensued was lots of amazing food, some great new pictures on my new camera and a bit of new magic that had been added since my last visit. As the foodie I am, I've been dying to try The Cove Bar at Paradise Pier for years, but never managed to get over there before this trip. With that in mind, it was my first stop when I arrived. These are the awesome Bayside Fish Tacos! But what had really drawn me to this small location was the Lobster Nachos. And they were fantastic! Another great feature of The Cove Bar is the amazing view of Paradise Pier. Can't help but play with my new camera... There's something about Paradise Pier that I've always loved. I'll definitely be coming back here during my next visit! The Cove Bar was updated during the park's overhaul to add some connective theming to the rest of Paradise Pier. We were also blessed with amazing weather during this trip! Our next move was to see the Pixar Play Parade, complete with a new opener themed to Monsters University. There's this guy. And a reworked opening float too! There are these awesome spinning saucers. And FIRE! Airtime! Go with the FLOOOOOOOWWWWWW! Get the point? Still the most evilly awesome parade float around. And it is still very impressive to see these performers do these kind of endless flips on a moving parade float. And it wouldn't be a visit to Paradise Pier without a stop by The Little Mermaid to visit... DAS LIMPET!!! Didn't get around to riding Tower of Terror this time. But I was able to walk right on to the Red Car Trolley for a leisurely ride between the Tower of Terror Stop and Carthay Circle. Love the Storytellers statue. I really do love this quote too. Weird that I made the conscious decision to walk into California Adventure before Disneyland, but that park really has become something incredible in my eyes, and I spent a good deal more time in that park than I ever have. New hotness. Time for favorite parade currently found in the US, Soundsational. Hi Elissa! I've never been overly into parades, but Soundsational and Pixar Play Parade both really entertain me. There are a ton of cool drum elements integrated into the floats, so you know that the drumming isn't just a backtrack in this parade, but actual live performance. Panchito and Jose! Close call with a Tumble Monkey! Goin' down the Bayou... Time a cruise into a small world... In many ways, this version is very different than the one in Florida. It also features small world-esque versions of notable Disney characters. These were all very tastefully included in appropriate locales around the world and they really blend in quite well! You've gazed into the eyes of Mara! It is never not a good time to enjoy a spin on Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin! And a turn from the norm, we opted for Cafe Orleans over the Blue Bayou this time. And I still indulged in all-you-can-drink mint juleps! But one item the Blue Bayou doesn't serve is the Three-Cheese Monte Cristo. And it is DELICIOUS! Fantasmic's dragon is the one part of the show I envy over Florida's version. That's because it is amazing. I do like Steamboat Willie riding out on the Mark Twain though. Fun shot. To quote Fun Spot, "It's HUGE!" FIRE...WORKS! Edited October 21, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Lobster nachos, eh? I am intrigued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Lobster with anything, is (usually) awesome! And I think I gained three pounds, just going through this report, LOL! Some wonderful looking food there. Much yum. How did the julep taste? Never tried that when I was last there. And the lobster nachos .... mmm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Yeah, lobster nachos sound amazing. Need to try these. dt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gisco Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Seeing the food I'm a little bummed I have no spare time during WCB to make a visit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaptorBoyASU Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 My fav part about CA Fantasmic is the Peter Pan scene. I'll take that any day over Pocahontas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 ^Forget Fantasmic! This TR is all about the lobster nachos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jray21 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 I agree, those lobster nachos look amazing! Nice report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted September 24, 2013 Author Share Posted September 24, 2013 (edited) (Continued) It may be cute enough to pet, but Sleeping Beauty Castle is still gorgeous at night. I mean, look at this! The following morning we took advantage of the short lines at Luigi's Flying Tires... They now brief you before boarding the tires to give you a better idea on what in the world you are supposed to do. It is the little things like this that make me smile. I never thought the removal of the beach balls would make such a difference, but the ride felt more high energy than before, and it took a lot less time to load. Ended up riding this attraction five times over the course of my visit--it is just that fun! Also a favorite of mine for Cars Land. For Larry. I've not even watch all of the Cars Toons yet and I love the amount of detail in this queue. So much to take in! And a great view looking forward! Mater's homemade jukebox is awesome! Such a fun Whip. It isn't the Cars franchise that makes me love this land so much... It is the insane attention to detail and immersion. Red! Time for one of my favorite things to do on Paradise Pier! Intamin goodness! Here... We... GO!!! Down! Up! Up-down! Fun Fact: Grizzly Peak ended up being the main image on a wine label I had to design for a wine class I took in college. It wouldn't be a trip to Disney California Adventure without several trips to the Pacific Wharf Cafe for Boudin Bakery sourdough and clam chowder! Seriously one of my favorite quick service items on the planet! This attraction is full of win. Love this so much! Fill'er up! The way the queue intertwines with the ride path is incredible. And that beautiful bridge. This ride blows my mind. hehe I doubt anyone could argue that Cadillac Range's size and scope isn't insanely impressive. No stone unturned. Beautiful. Fully beautiful! I want this in my backyard next. So many things to enjoy over at the Cozy Cone! Another great hangout spot on the backside of Grizzly River Run. Over in Disneyland I couldn't help but enjoy the retro factor of the recently-returned mountain climbers. Vertical Limit? I upheld my tradition of patronizing Shrunken Ned while in Adventureland. The Casey Jr. Circus Train can't be described--it has to be experienced. The way the Canal Boats are wrapped around by Casey Jr. is fabulous. So many great views to take in! It fits! Take the tunnel!!! And one of the best Fantasyland dark rides in Disneyland... Love it! One of my favorite attractions in all of Disneyland! Edited September 24, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted September 24, 2013 Author Share Posted September 24, 2013 (edited) (Continued) It isn't the original, but it builds on everything that made the original great, and makes it even better! And I maxed it out! So the Little Green Men and ET are from the same planet??? Excuse me while I continue to be fascinated by the Rocket Rods track. Vertical Limit. I went on Space Mountain a bagillionty times! *clap* *clap* This Star Tours is even better because of themed trash cans. (No, I don't really think so. It is just as awesome as the one in Florida.) Love this view! Hi Rex! The Disneyland All-American College Band is one of my favorite entertainment offerings to experience at Disneyland! They really are a talented group of young musicians! And they do a medley of Disney Parks music! Brings a smile to my face just thinking about it... But not as much as these Carthay Circle House Biscuits. Or these INCREDIBLE Sriracha Duck Wings. I'd eat the bones if I could. It is just that amazing! One of the best pieces of salmon I've ever had. My waitress convinced me to spend a little more and get the Grill Angus Rib-eye with sauteed mushrooms ragu, red flame grapes and bleu cheese. Easily the BEST steak dish I've had in my life thus far. This atrium stuns me. And yes, I'm that guy that takes photos of fancy stairwells. The Carthay Circle Restaurant's entrance has a Club 33 lobby-esque feel to it... Back over to Cars Land for some evening photography fun. I missed this so much! Expansive! The neon really brings the land to life at night! I want it all. I want it all! And I want it now! I love Mater's Petting Zoo! Disneyland fireworks can be seen from the entrance of Cars Land. It isn't elecTRONica but I still thoroughly enjoy the Mad T Party. The House of Cards makes for a great second stage venue. The main stage hosts Alice and the band as well as the White Rabbit DJ. It really does look neat at night. Oddly familiar! Dive! Bill! Dive! Bill! DIVE! The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is all kinds of awesome. As is this. The mountain looks amazing after last year's refurbishment. Just a'strollin' down Main Street USA. Back in Cars Land... Disney Detail. So clever! I want this attraction. Even if it is just this attraction, I want it. Tire topiaries! Time to go visit my old friend Mara. The Indiana Jones Adventure's queue is amazing. Seriously amazing. Don't look into the eyes of Mara! Way to go Sallah! Edited September 24, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKI Jizzman Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 Wow there are still a decent amount of rides I didn't ride when I was at Disneyland; and of course the recent additions as well. I love that park. And yeah, the food is pretty fab just about everywhere you go. Nice photos! I always forget you're allowed to bring them on the ride, I need to do that next time I'm there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philrad71 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 I definitely need to get back to Disneyland as I haven't been there since I was like 10. The food and drink look amazing, but I have to ask if the 3 cheese Monte Christo sandwich had any ham in it? It looks out of this world, but I didn't see any salty-cured deliciousness hiding inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 (edited) (Continued) Take Heed! There's more food photos ahead! Ever spotted the hidden Mighty Duck in the rotating Innoventions mural? I like to stare at the Rocket Rods track, a lot. Such a neat view. Give me a moment... So close... So close... But still, so far... This is neat. I have to say, I really enjoyed the Iron Man exhibit in Innoventions! And so did everyone else. You can never ride Disneyland's Space Mountain enough. I love this ride... SOOO much! The heart and soul of Tomorrowland. It isn't a trip to Disney California Adventure without a stop at Corn Dog Castle. I figured I'd try the cheese stick for once... It was a bit too much for me to stomach overall, but I could understand why it is so popular. New hotness! Definitely a fair trade off from the previous Mission Tortilla Factory. Artsy. I love Cars Land! Candy Corn! I still love Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Still haven't seen it, but I'm sure I'll love it. The Disney Animation Building lobby is still one of my favorite hangouts in Disney California Adventure. I love my camera... Zoetrope magic. Freeze frame! So much plush! Star Wars jokes make me smile. Brave Little Toaster!!! Seriously, these tags are some of my favorite little details in the shops along Buena Vista Street. And the Streetmosphere characters going into the shops is all kinds of awesome! It wouldn't be a trip to Disney California Adventure without a stop at Clarabelle's for a hand-dipped ice cream bar with the works! Oh, there I am. It is just like home. I want this closer to home. WIN! Where could I be headed now? Oh right... Trader Sam's is still one of my favorite niche experiences at the Disneyland Resort! Fire! Sparks!!! When I go to Trader Sam's, I do it the right way. Pu Pu Platter for the win! Kungaloosh? Mara! I want this kind of window in my future home. Love this! The bar is filled with so many details, so many in-jokes and a ton of mixed theming. I love every bit of this place! Robin Williams? Tie-ins to Tokyo DisneySea's Tower of Terror makes Trader Sam's even better! Edited October 15, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 (edited) (Continued) The Tiki eyes actually move! Even the Tiki Taps are special, making noises when the beers are poured! Pele! I'm far too easily amused by all of this. Here's a Little Orange Bird from Florida! Typhoon Lagoon reference! Jungle Cruise reference! Okay, enough drinking... Back to Disneyland! And more importantly, back to the Rocket Rods track! I love this view. Mickey and the Magical Map was a fun new show for Disneyland Park. It features some clever LED screens, used to change the backdrop of the show's many environments quickly. This happens... And this... Levitation! Some pretty powerful performances in the show as well. Bubble men! Any show that features Princess and the Frog is a winner in my book. While it isn't elecTRONica, Mad T Party has definitely grown on me since last year. Though I still miss Flynn's Arcade. FASTPASS! (Kinect Disneyland Adventures joke.) A moment of silence for Flynn's Arcade... There's some neat variety acts on the House of Cards stage at the Mad T Party. They do things like this. And the Mad Hatter band is still pretty solid too... There's nothing like Paradise Pier at night. I love this place SOOO much! I didn't take many World of Color photos this trip. The little details in Cars Land make me smile. Back to the Animation lobby for some AC! Things you don't see in Florida... Never gets old! Adventureland has a very unique charm at Disneyland Park. My favorite! Pele for the win! STAND BACK! The fact that this has been virtually unchanged over the years is all kinds of amazing. I miss this! Walt's Apartment is still on my bucket list of places to visit in person. For Walt... Can't speak enough praise for this place! It is simply amazing in every way! I swoon for Cars Land. The Blue Sky Cellar was still showing of the new Fantasy Faire area while we visited... The Cellar is currently closed until the next project for the resort is announced. There's no denying how popular Phineas & Furb are. This show runs every half hour and packs a crowd each time. A former Florida native (from the 20,000 Leagues/Ariel's Grotto lagoon) guards Paradise Pier's Little Mermaid attraction. Hehe. Oh yes... I had lots of Mint Juleps on this trip. And finally tried Mickey Beignets! Edited October 15, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milst1 Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 What a great report! Can't wait to visit Cars Land next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 My takeaway from this trip report is that there is nothing at Disneyland that Adam does not love and take photos of! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gisco Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 ^From a Disney fanboy what would you expect? Need to make some time and go see Carsland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 My takeaway from this trip report is that there is nothing at Disneyland that Adam does not love and take photos of! He is nothing if not thorough. Nice work, Adam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKI Jizzman Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Wow lots of photos of the park I haven't seen before. And I definitely know of a place or two to go eat when I go back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 This looks like either lesbian porn or a very bizarre cage match. I guess it could be both. I need to check out Trader Sam's the next time I'm at Disneyland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Wow. Some great shots here, Adam. So much to notice when one isn't riding an attraction. Thanks for sharing this all with us. And the food! Yum. But - I believe that the statue of Triton on top of the Little Mermaid attraction building, came from a fountain garden pool that was in Disneyland before It was removed and placed where it is now. Could be a copy of course, but I believe that's what happened to this statue before Mermaid opened. Here's where Triton used to be, somewhere just off the Central Hub of the park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jray21 Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Awesome update! Cheese on a stick: Yeah, way too overpowering for me as well, but still good. Animation building: I love the Zoetrope. Also, what character were you? Trader Sams: Really great food! And of course, you ended it with Mint Juleps. I was totally going to remark at the lack of Mint Juleps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Awesome update! Cheese on a stick: Yeah, way too overpowering for me as well, but still good. Animation building: I love the Zoetrope. Also, what character were you? Trader Sams: Really great food! And of course, you ended it with Mint Juleps. I was totally going to remark at the lack of Mint Juleps. Dude, he's Adam. Of course he had a julep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share Posted October 21, 2013 (edited) (Continued) There's nothing quite like taking the time to enjoy the entertainment of New Orleans Square. The original has a very unique charm to it... I love the land-specific popcorn turners at Disneyland. This one is a representation of the Phantom of the Opera, a former walk around character previously found in the park during the early years. Farewell Court of Angels. Fun Fact: This train depot was used to shoot a scene out of the "Two Brothers" sequence found in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and The American Adventure. Did you know one of the Mike Fink Keelboats still rests along the Rivers of America? Yep, lots of people sharing in my excitement to see the Captain EO Tribute. I love this show! Hooter!!! Time to revisit Innoventions for something new... Iron Man Tech is definitely bringing people into Innoventions, which is great! Love this! Love this too! I'd never noticed this Yeti footprint before. Never gets old. This is a neat little detail at the exit of Toy Story Mania. In other words, it explains how you were shrunk down to size to play the games. Hehe. John Lassetire! So many fun details in Cars Land! Someone's been hitting the bottle... Sadly Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline stopped service yesterday. Such awesomeness! How many photos can I take of this? A lot. And my annual photo tradition continued. Time to go inside... The Sleeping Beauty Castle walk through is still tons of fun to check out! The dioramas depict classic animation with some modern effects. My favorite scene of them all. Most impressive. Also a favorite of mine is the Wine Country Trattoria World of Color Dinner Package. This time around, I could actually enjoy the wine part. Hey Wrapper, give us a chance. You think they wanna hear that old stuff? Salad? Still one of the best lamb shanks I've ever had. Dessert goodness! Okay, so I did take a few photos of World of Color after all. Just a few... Only a few more... Last one, I think. I have no shame. But I do really love everything about Cars Land. Buena Vista Street continues to be one of my favorite hangouts at the Disneyland Resort. Back over to Disneyland Park for a bit... There was a new exhibit in the Disney Gallery dedicated to the Enchanted Tiki Room, one of my favorite attractions. WANT! So, I ended up buying these a few months later in Florida. YES!!! Rocketeer popcorn turner for the win! Edited October 21, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share Posted October 21, 2013 (edited) (Continued) I'll always miss this. So pretty at night! More than just a statue in a pet cemetary. So much win. Still looks great at night. I love walking through Tomorrowland at park close. Something about it just feels so different. Oooh... Awww.... Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. This too. This park just looks amazing at night. Thank you again, sir. Needs more Light Magic. Needs much more Light Magic. I was one of the last people to leave the park that night... So quiet... So peaceful... Time to spend more time at California Adventure! Perfection is here. Gunning for my heart, they were. Never gets old. Never, ever, ever. Intamin goodness! I love the Silly Symphony Swings. Intamin ride! Intamin ride! Intamin ride! Tower of Terror from a bug's perspective. Still want to experience the Lilly Belle for myself some day. I love that you can still see the 50th anniversary film with Steve Martin as a pre-pre-show for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. A model of the very original, original Disneyland Park. Throwback to the American Adventure. I can never get enough of Mickey's Soundsational Parade. Hi Elissa! They can fly! The Mary Poppins portion of the parade is brilliant! Wind can make for some fun balloon photos. I always love patronizing Shrunken Ned. Skipped Tarzan's Treehouse this time... Figured I should check out the new Fantasy Faire area at some point. It was neat to stand under the old Carnation Gardens pavilion for a new reason. Fun little details. Clopin's Music Box was neat too. At night the Tangled Tower glows! So cool! This makes me smile. As does this... Edited October 21, 2013 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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