Disneyland - On A Chilly Day - The Old Trader Sam Sign Off

Face it, most folks get their dose of the Park during nice weather---usually summer.

Sure, there are the October Halloween maniacs and the folks who make Disneyland their destination for Christmas Day and New Years (and there are plenty of 'em, let me tell you).

But most of you out there find yourself at Disneyland on warm California days filled with sunshine and Mickey Mouse balloons.

I say, for you SoCal locals, pick the coldest, dampest, rainiest day ever, grab your Annual Passport and a jacket and hit the road to 1313 South Harbor Boulevard.

Some of the best times at the Park have happened on days of inclement weather.

You may miss out on a few rides---many are under rehab during the time of year when cold rain falls (January - March/April).
Many are not just not fun to ride in the rain---Storybook, Mad Tea Party, Dumbo, Autopia, etc.

However, you will make up for the missed rides by being able to inhale the ambiance of a Disneyland sparkling wet and devoid of crowds.
The shops become warm and inviting.
Coffee from the Market House on Main Street tastes better than ever!
Whatever they're making over at the Candy Palace will smell even more amazing than usual when the aroma floats to your nose on cool, damp air.

Come on, let's hit New Orleans Square!
Are you kidding?
Those quaint little streets and walkways become irresistible when you add rain and cloud cover.
Gas lamps enchant.
The Christmas shop seems more, I don't know, Christmas-y.
Lunch at the Cafe Orleans even tastes better.
And just look at that view.
The Rivers of America flow in the distance, with wind billowing the trees along the waters edge.

If you find yourself getting cold, head to the Village Haus or the Plaza Inn or the Emporium or, heaven forbid, Innoventions (gack! At least you'll be out of the wind and rain).
Walk through every shop on Main Street!
Meander.
Take in the trinkets.
Ponder the plush toys.
Ogle the ornaments.
Consider the clothing.
Mull the Mickey merchandise.
Digest the Disneyana.

Peer out through the windows and doorways at the falling rain.
Look at the shining sidewalks and trolley tracks.
The trees are greener with wet leaves.
The flowers splay their colors with a muted fervor and contrast beautifully with the gray sky.
Those famous Main Street street lamps glisten and warmly glow.
Umbrellas bob up and down.
Guests in all colors and sorts of rain gear bustle to and fro.
It's downright Dickens, I tell you.

Get to the Hub and look at Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
It is so brightly colored when framed by a cloudy sky, its conical rooftops slick with rain.
Cross the drawbridge and dry off a bit inside the Castle's archway.
Wander into the shops of Fantasyland.
The Wicked Queen looks a touch more menacing when she peers out from her window atop Snow White's Scary Adventures with a slate gray sky looming behind her.
Toad Hall's many chimneys look all the more inviting.
The Carousel becomes a joy and a refuge.

The Matterhorn looks more mountainous, its snowy peaks, a bit...peakier.

And Toontown.
Well...Toontown's Toontown no matter the weather.

Go if you want.

I'll be in the Park if you need me.

Ooh. That sounded bitter.
Of course, that's what I was going for.

Sorry, Toontown.

Bottom line: catch the Park on a rainy day, it is a real treat.

And, as we approach the dock, I'm reminded of the time Trader Sam invited me over for dinner.
I got there late, so the only things left were finger foods.
The ladyfingers didn't have much meat, but let me tell you,
...as far as flavor goes...they were NAILS!

And don't even get me started on the rump roast...
...or the head cheese...
...or the elbow macaroni...
...or the toe jam...
...or the knuckle sandwich...
...0r the eye rolls...
...or, for that matter, the hand roll sushi...
...or the boneless Patty...(poor gal)...
...or its companion dish, the Patty melt...(poor, poor gal)...
...or the Chef's surprise (never saw THAT ONE coming!)...
...or the "Soup of the Day"...(ditto)...
...or the Sloppy Joe (thanks, Manwich!)...
...or the Stu (and Stu was such a nice guy)...
...or the Reuben sandwich...

...or Sam's amazing array of international cuisine:

...the German mustard...
...the Frankfurter...
...the French toast...
...the Belgian waffle...
...the American pie...
...the Italian dressing...
...the Cajun gumbo...
...the Irish stew...
...the Chinese pot stickers...
...the Polish sausage...
...the Swedish meatballs...
...the Dutch turnovers...
...the Greek salad...
...the Mongolian barbeque...
...the Hawaiian luau...
...the Swiss cheese...
...the Brazil nut...
...the Mexican tamales...
...the Canadian bacon...
...the Welsh pudding...
...the English toffee...
...the Hungarian goulash...
...the Cuban sandwich...or
...the Indian curry (ooh, spicy!).

...or the kid's meal...

...or...

...(wait for it)...

...the baby back ribs.

"I want my baby back, baby back, baby back..." (with apologies to Chili's)

Now that's just gross.
Or is it net?
Well, it all adds up to a fine meal, no matter how you slice it!
Thanks, Sam!
As I've always said, you are truly...
...a CUT above!
You give a whole new meaning to the term: "A Family Dining Experience."

---Mike

Disneyland - Back Stage Peek II - Wardrobe and Admin

The next time you jump aboard the Monorail for a trip into the Park from the Disney Walk station, grab a seat on the left side of the train and keep your eyes peeled after you pass the main entrance.

As the Monorail turns to the left approaching Harbor Boulevard, look to your left, and slightly back, and you will see a large, green building---this is the Wardrobe building where Cast Members get issued their costumes.

You will also see the front of the old Administration building. It is painted kind of a custard yellow and is fairly nondescript. Part of it is shown at the right side of the photograph. You can clearly see this area from the Monorail.

You can also see the new "Harbor House" entrance for Cast Members as you cross over this area by Monorail. Here is how it looks from the ground---see the Monorail track I'm talking about?


Okay, and for our final view today, the famous Jungle break area and boat storage---which you can see if you are sent as a guest down the back side of Main Street (on the west side) during a heavy traffic day and after a big parade.

They march you right through the doors to the right of the Candy Palace. Here's what they look like on the other side---along with a slightly too cool Jungle skipper in Maui Jim's.

That's enough for today!

As "Little Leota" would say,

"Hurry baaaa-aack."

"Hurry baaaa-aaack."

---Mike

Disneyland - Free Peek Backstage

I am not here to dispel the magic ever. I know there are true Park devotees who simply cannot get enough information about the place and its workings, whether inner or outer.

Anyhow, today we climb to the upper levels of the "new" parking structure over on the west side of the Park on what used to be West Street.

The next time you park up there, on your way to the escalators be sure to head to the far east end of the structure (closest to the Park) and take a gander.

You will find yourself peeking over the wall at Disneyland's back lot. The tree-lined berm you see from there is the back side of the Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad.

Look closer. You just might spot a wayward Autopia car or some other ride vehicle back in the shop for a rehab.
The paint shop is back there, too. I bet you might see a few area trash cans lined up outside of it for some repainting.

To your far left and off in the distance is the Parade Building. You'll never guess what's in there.

You can also see the back side of the Toontown facade and one of the access tunnels that leads under the berm.

I don't have a photo to post for this one, but anyone who parks at or near the top of the structure can get a great shot of a good chunk of the backstage area at the northern edge of the Park.

Not sure Walt would've been too pleased with the location of the parking structure or the glimpses of Diseyland's back areas that it affords to guests.

Not much anyone can do about it now, so go ahead and take a good long peek next time you're at the structure if such sights interest you. Plenty to see!

Happy Friday, Jungleteers!

---Mike

Disneyland - Another "Hidden" Restroom

Early in this blog's short life, I made mention of one of Disneyland's least known and visited restrooms.

Today, we offer another lesser known restroom location---often missed or passed by guests (even lifetime Disneyland park goers).

Where, you ask?

Main Street.

Town Square.

East side.

Southern end.

The restrooms are situated at the northern edge of a little corridor tucked between the souvenir stand and the old Bank of America (now the new Disney Gallery).

As you enter the park through the east tunnel (uh, the one on the right as you come in), exit the tunnel and hang a right just past the souvenir stand.

The little alleyway there leads to restrooms (on your left). Towering above you to your right is the famous "berm" that surrounds the Park. You can get a pretty up close and personal look at the berm from this spot (or take a ride over it by jumping on the Disneyland Railroad). This alley also has a Cast Member entrance/exit to the backstage area.

Incidentally, for those who love to know these things, when you walk backstage at this location you pass some lockers on your right. Ahead of you is the old administration building. Housed there today are places like Custodial's offices, Security and, at the far east end of the building, the Zoo Crew---where Disney characters spruce up before heading out on stage.

To your left as you walk through the area is the back side of Lincoln theater. At the northern end of this building is the Disneyland Fire Department (a real working fire station).

Keep walking north and you'll see way up in the distance the Inn Between. To your left you will pass the large parade gate that allows floats, bands, dancers, etc. to access Main Street just above the Mad Hatter. Here's a photograph of the area I am describing for you.

This is taken from the Administration Building facing to the west. You can see the back of the Lincoln theater to the left side of the photograph---with the Disneyland Fire Department station decked out in red. Over the roof of the theater building you can see the top of City Hall (to give you some perspective).

The large tree in the top central area of the photograph is near the parade gate that exits onto Main Street.

During extremely busy days, guests are actually herded through this backstage location (egads!), so some of you folks may have walked through here even if you never wore a Mickey Mouse nametag.

Anyway, next time you need a restroom on Town Square---don't follow the crowd to the ones located between City Hall and the Fire Station---get "in the know" and coyly slide over to the east side, down the alley I described for you above.

(Don't let anyone see you! It'll be our little secret!)


And now folks, as we approach the dock, please keep your hands and arms inside the boat.

When we come to a full and complete stop, I'm going to ask you to rise like bread, no loafing about.

I'm sorry for muffin these stale and crumby jokes,

but it’s the yeast I can do on the dough I make.

Now I don't want you going off half-baked or getting fried because you think I'm flaky.

I’ll try and do butter next time.

You’re probably wondering, where does he get that rye sense of humor?

Actually, I got it from my parents.

My father was Danish.

My mom French.

They both came from upper crust families and, when they got married,

They were the toast of the town!

Sorry folks, no matter how you slice it, this routine's ingredients make it a recipe for disaster.

I apologize for any mix ups and didn't mean to cause a stir.

I milk these jokes for all they're worth and hope that they will flower.

But I usually end up beaten and battered,

with egg on my face.

So I take it all with a grain of salt.

After all, this job is no cakewalk! Let me tell you.

But I can't let that frost me...

Because I really need the dough.

Don't stop me now,

I'm on a ROLL.

Hey, it looks like we've gotta jam now, so…

…put a fork in us---we're done!

Disneyland - Pedestrian Traffic Escapes - Main Street's Secret Weapons

When the fireworks end and the masses trod down the center of Main Street toward the exit gates, or when a parade is in full swing, you can either join the herd or seek out alternative routes.
I am always amazed how few people take advantage of the shops along both sides of Main Street in order to avoid, or at least partially avoid, the pedestrian traffic nightmare.
If you are on the east side of the street, making your way down from the Hub, stick to the far left. Enter the doorway between the old Carefree Corner and the Baby Center and walk through the shops until you hit Center Street east.
Cross Center Street and enter the Market House.
Cut through the Disneyana shop next door and jump back out onto Main Street through this shop's entrance. Hang a left and keep heading toward Town Square.
If it is really packed, you can even jump in the doorway at the Magic Shop and continue through the corner shop and out onto Town Square.

For those of you trapped on the West Side of Main Street, pop into the Candy Shop at the Coke Corner north entrance, stay along the back wall and then cut left into the ice cream shop. A hard right through the Blue Ribbon Bakery takes you out onto West Center Street (with the Carnation Cafe to your right). Make another hard right before the Clock Shop and a left into the Emporium Mall (at the 102 West Center Street entrance). Walk through the mall, staying to the right, until you hit the Emporium. Make another right past the hat display and through the back of the store toward the exit that leads out onto Town Square near the Fire Station.
Heck, you're almost to your car!

Today's Disneyland tips have been brought to you by Jungle is 101 and Trader Sam's Famous Preserves. Yes folks, Trader Sam's Famous Preserves---They're Finger Lickin' Good! Remember, if your friend's in a jam---It's Trader Sam's!!

---Mike

Disneyland - For the Birds

I am not a big fan of birds.
To all you adoring keepers of macaws, toucans, cockatoos and parrots out there, sorry.
However, oddly enough, I have always had an affinity for Disneyland's little brown sparrows.
You'll find them all over the park, especially at restaurant locations.
Guaranteed you will meet a few at Rancho Del Zocalo in Frontierland, the Village Haus in Fantasyland, the Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square and even the Carnation Cafe on Main Street.
To me, they are brown sparrows.
I'm no ornithologist, so you'll get no Latin species name here.
I call the little guy on the right - Jack.
O.K., that was too easy.
Anyhow, for whatever reason, these small birds who flock around the tables at the Park do not irritate me.
I can see why some folks would find them pesky or a nuisance.
They can be bold, no doubt.
Watch your french fries.
My kids have always been entertained by their antics over lunch.
They hop around the ground and tables, skittering after bits of bread or other food.
They are quiet.
They have searching little eyes, neatly outlined in tiny feathers.
At times, you can channel your inner "Snow White" or "Cinderella" as the tiny critters flit around you.
(I swear I saw one wearing a babushka kerchief on its little head).
They are a part of the Disneyland landscape and have been for as long as I can remember.
They had better keep a weather eye out for the feral cats that patrol the Park, too!!

Meow.

As we return to the dock, if your mother-in-law is still on board...

...you've missed a golden opportunity.

But don't despair!
Be sure to drop by the dock later tonight for our "mother-in-law special."
You drop 'em off, we drop 'em in.
No questions asked.
See?
This really is the Happiest Place on Earth!

---Mike

Disneyland - Dole Whipped?

My wife and I went with two of our friends to the Park this past weekend. After getting one of our friends his annual passport photograph at the Plaza Pavillion, we turned the corner toward Adventureland to satisfy his request for a Dole whip and a Tiki Room show.

We entered the lanai---which was fairly full---and stood in a line about two or three people deep at the pineapple bar. The show doors opened and my friend waited with his wife in line to order his Dole whip float. As they reached the counter, the show doors were closing and the Disney "employee" at the juice bar abruptly told him that he would not be served, since he was not seeing the Tiki Room show. He objected, noting that he completely intended to see the show and that he had been waiting in line since prior to the show doors opening. There was a woman with three children behind him in line, waiting her turn as well. The Disney "employee" raised his voice and said that neither my friend nor the woman and children behind him would be served their Dole whips because they were not seeing the show.

My friend's wife, a mom herself who had long dealt with snippy teenagers like the young, male "employee," implored him to "bring it down a notch" and listen to what they were saying. The customers WERE going to see the show when they got in line. The lady with the children had JUST SEEN the show and had been advised by the attraction host that she and her kids could come back to the juice bar afterward (since the doors opened before they could order the first time they were in line). The employee just got snippier and was quickly joined by a young female employee, who said they were not going to serve the guests.

My friend said, well maybe we need to speak with a manager. The female employee said, "I'll give you a number to my manager right now!" (but did not, of course). As the voices rose, my wife called me over---as I had no idea this was happening, since I was standing over by Pele (how appropriate---she being the goddess of fire and volcanoes with a violent temper and all). As I approached this bizarrely unfolding scene, I could not believe my eyes or ears. I have never in over 35 years seen Disney employees (these two certainly were not acting in a manner worthy of being called "Cast Members") behave so rudely and in such a directly confrontational manner with Guests.

At this point, both my friends are upset (and amazed) and the lady behind them is clearly upset (almost to tears), while her children are looking on in confusion. Fortunately, the Tiki Room attraction host came over from the turnstile position and intervened. He told the Dole Whip fanatic employees that he had advised the lady and her children that they could get in line after the last show. He also pointed out that my friends had entered the lanai prior to the show start time and had been in line since then.

Everyone was rudely shoved their drinks and whips, with eyeballs rolling and much huffing and puffing. I thought that we had somehow stumbled into France! My friends were treated like ugly Americans by rude waiters at a Parisian cafe. I have not provided all the details, but let me tell you, I was pretty shocked by the whole scene.

These two employees picked the wrong group of guests to unload upon. Probably not a good a idea to do this in the presence of a former cast member like yours truly. Or to his friends, for that matter.

We immediately took our friends---and their costly Dole whip float (that's right, the order consisted of a single item!)---back out through the Tiki turnstile, made a quick right down Main Street and were very soon marching up the steps of City Hall.

I have never been involved in a formal guest complaint in all my years as a guest and Cast Member. I introduced my friends to the young lady at City Hall and advised her of the situation. I mentioned that I had worked for the Park dating back to 1984 and had a recent stint a year ago and was utterly dismayed by what I had witnessed. My friends described what had happened, what was said, and how badly they were made to feel, but also how badly they felt for the nice lady and her children behind them. I pointed out that we had literally just entered the Park, just purchased my friend's first annual passport and that this was the first attraction we had visited that day. A classic example of the type of "first impression" Disney wants to avoid at all costs!! "It was like an example of what NOT to do from a Disney University training film!" I mentioned. The Guest Relations cast member was apologetic and offered our friends attraction readmission passes as a way of, hopefully, helping to make up for the incident.

A fairly detailed report was prepared and would be passed along to management for further handling, they were advised.

Usually we are pretty light-hearted and "gung-ho" for the Park (and its Cast Members) around here, but this was such a remarkable example of "bad show," that I could not help but share it with all four (4) of our readers.

Word to the wise---step carefully to the bar for a Dole whip when approaching from the Tiki Room lanai side! Hopefully the two "employees" we encountered there will have learned an important lesson after management pulls them aside over this little "incident." To be a Cast Member requires a bit more diplomacy and people skills, to say the least.

---Mike

Disneyland - Sweeping the Main Gate

In 1985, I worked several shifts as a sweeper at the Park's main entrance or Main Gate.

Long before Disney Walks and California Adventures and such, this area was a sunny gateway from the vast Disneyland parking lot to the Magic Kingdom.

There was also a large display of General Motors vehicles that were being given away as part of the Park's 30th anniversary celebration.



The famed "Gift Giver Extraordinaire" pumped out plush toys, free passes and even free GM cars to lucky guests at intervals ending in 30, 300, 3000, 30,000, etc. My own mother, bless her, won a large plush Mickey that year when visiting the Park. (Not quite a 1985 Pontiac Fiero, but I think the plush Mickey almost certainly had more headroom).

Today we venture back to the 1985 celebration and see Disneyland's own "honorary mayor," Jack Lindquist hosting a promotional ad for the Park.

As for me, I got to meander along the display of cars and check them out while doing my normal sweeping rounds. Before that display went up, Main Gate was a bit of a wasteland as far as a sweeping assignment. You would cruise in the entrance gate and cover the main courtyard (at the foot of the famous Mickey Mouse floral display below the Main Street Station of the Disneyland Railroad). It was obviously important to keep this area in top shape, since it was literally Disneyland's "front porch" and the first thing guests saw as they entered the Park.

But once a sweeper ventured outside the gates, it was hot, with some sparse shade from the planter trees and the Monorail track.

My territory ranged from the Kennel Club at the east side, all the way across the main entrance, to the picnic area, restrooms and lockers at the west side of the entrance. I remember the Disneyland Hotel tram had a stopped there at the west side, just below the Monorail track. A recorded loop would remind guests, that the area was for the Disneyland Hotel tram only, in a variety of languages, including Japanese. That recorded announcement got into your soul, I believe, if you worked more than three Main Gate sweeping shifts in a row---much like the famous "Remain seated please..." recording over at the Matterhorn.

I swear these messages would play in my head as I drifted to sleep when I got home from work.
Sometimes they still do.

It was great to meet and greet guests at the Main Entrance. On day shifts, you would see them coming into the Park, excited and full of expectations. Closing shifts would reveal the tattered, bedraggled masses, toting Mickey balloons, large lollipops, sleeping children, making their way to the parking lot trams and (hopefully) to their vehicles in the 100+ acre parking lot ahead of them. They were still generally in good moods---even after a full day at the Park.

Guest interaction made being a Cast Member something more than a minimum job in which you spent your day hunting for cigarette butts and popcorn with a pan and broom, or endlessly circling a jungle or a Storybookland as an attraction host. It made it clear you were part of a show. It made each day different. It got the endorphins flowing. It hooked me and kept me hooked, from the day I first met a Cast Member (as a small child) until I became one. That interaction is the two-way connection that turns a trip to a theme park into something much deeper and richer---one small moment at a time.

I truly hope and pray that each of you are able to enjoy a positive interaction with a Disney cast member many times over. For you Cast Members, my prayer is the same.

---Mike

Disneyland - Banana Ball

In 1986, I believe, I saw a flier announcing the "Banana Ball" while sitting in the break area upstairs behind the Adventure/Frontier offices.

The Westside used to sponsor an off-site party at the Orange County Fairgrounds which involved tent rental, large amounts of beer, and a large number of Cast Members from across the Park.

It was absolutely famous among Cast Members of the era, for reasons most of us are unable to remember (doh!).

Any sort of jungle or tropical-related dress was welcomed. I recall many hats with vegetation sprouting from them and leis and coconuts aplenty adorning most of the attendees.

It was our own not-so-secret, secret get away from the strictures of a summer schedule at the Park. No management. No unruly guests. No rotations.

Just us.

Oh, and there was beer.

I would liken it to a Westside Mardi Gras.

The Banana Ball was shut down years later. Probably for good reason---Disney did not want to even accidentally be associated with such an event, if for liability insurance reasons alone---not to mention the extreme potential for bad press.

I just remember it was fun, a little crazy and filled with people I knew and loved from the Park.
I can't seem to find my Banana Ball '86 t-shirt. Darn.

To all the West-siders who put on quite a party back in the mid-80s---Cheers!

---Mike

Dinseyland - A Few Favorite Spots for Taking a Break

There are plenty of places around the Park to enjoy some quiet relaxation, set apart from the maddening crowd.
I offer three for your consideration.

First: Thunder Trail.

Located between the exit of Big Thunder and the entrance to Thunder Ranch BBQ, this area is usually quite peaceful most any time of day, no matter the number of folks inside the Park.
The quietude is routinely interrupted by the screeching trains of Big Thunder and the spirited call of coyotes, but the ambiance is tranquil nonetheless.
Go ahead. Lean against the wood railing along the little lake.
Gaze up at the old tunnel across the lake where the little mine trains of Rainbow Ridge headed out for a tour of Rainbow Caverns and Nature's Wonderland.
Sit on a bench and watch Big Thunder's trains come around the final turn into Dinosaur Gap.
Watch the Mark Twain round the bend, bell ringing and steam whistle announcing its arrival at the Frontier Landing.
Enjoy some shade (and some personal space!).

Next: Carnation Plaza Gardens.

You can still grab an umbrella table here, tucked up near the western wall of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
If there is no performance occurring on the Plaza Gardens stage, this area usually has plenty of seats, peace and quiet.
Of course, you'll have to truck in your own food and drink, since there is no longer a food service location at Plaza Gardens.
But you can get a cushioned seat in the shade, without a very large crowd crushing in on you.
You can gaze out at the Castle or up at the Matterhorn, or across the wooden bridge to the Hub. If you need a restroom, there's one just inside the access tunnel that leads to Rancho de Zocalo Restaurant.
Put your feet up.
Ah.
If you listen carefully, you can hear Snow White singing from her wishing well to the east.
It's also hard to miss Harold's roars emanating from the icy tunnels of the Matterhorn.

Third: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

Hot?
Tired?
Had it?
Head to the Main Street Opera House and the air conditioned comfort of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the Disneyland exhibit in the front lobby.
The show itself is well done and timeless.
But there is also seating in the nice, cool lobby area and several great exhibits to look at, including a Disney art gallery where you will see some of Kevin Kidney's work on display currently.
Indeed, even if you choose to forego a visit with the Great Emancipator, your time in the lobby will be well worth it.
You can also meander next door to the Mad Hatter and try on some goofy hats or mouse ears.
Once you've cooled down a bit and relaxed, you can stride back out into Town Square and renew your journey through the (original) Magic Kingdom.

Stay refreshed, my friends!

---Mike