The 1980s era had many things going for it.
Big hair.
High-top Reeboks.
Indiana Jones.
Oingo Boingo.
Alex Keaton.
Back to the Future.
Ghostbusters.
The Los Angeles Olympics.
Asteroids.
Pac-Man.
Mall rats.
Valley Girls.
MTV.
Ray Ban Wayfarers.
Yaz.
One thing it DID NOT have, which I miss terribly in this present age, was a date in September (other than Labor Day, perhaps) that really stood out in the national consciousness.
Tuesday, September 11, 1984, for example, was like many September 11ths before it.
The Angles lost to the Indians 4-2. Rod Carew was 1 for 4 off winning pitcher Don Schulze.
Bucky Dent played his final major league game as a Kansas City Royal.
Pope John Paul II was in the midst of a visit to Canada and held a Mass for the beatification of Sister Marie-Léonie Paradis.
Three's Company ran a repeat on ABC at 8:30 p.m. and was up against a repeat episode of The A-Team over on NBC.
Woman's Day asked on its cover "Who Makes the Best Second Husband?"
President Ronald Reagan met with NATO Secretary General Lord Carrington at the White House.
Reagan also declared in 1984 that, "There is renewed energy and optimism throughout the land. America is back, standing tall, looking to the 80s with courage, confidence and hope."
He was right.
In November of 1984, Reagan would rout Walter Mondale--who only won his home state of Minnesota---in the Presidential Election.
Born in the USA got plenty of air time on the radio for Bruce Springsteen.
The UCLA Bruins were preparing to take on Long Beach State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, September 15th.
The Go-Go's put on a live show at Western University in Macomb, Illinois.
There was a war in Afghanistan, but it involved Soviet troops, not Americans.
Tina Turner's What's Love Got To Do With It? moved to the top of the charts.
The September 11, 1984 New York Times reported that Apple Computer
had just introduced a version of its Macintosh personal computer that, with a suggested retail price of $3,195, will feature 512 kilobytes of internal memory - four times the 128-kilobyte memory on the existing Macintosh.
Apple also said it was cutting the price on the existing machine to $2,195, from $2,495, and would begin selling a $995 kit to enable current Macintosh owners to upgrade their machines to 512 kilobytes of memory.
Not quite an I-Pad, but the Apple company showed promise.
Sure, terror existed then, too.
A year earlier, in 1983, a Korean Air Lines civilian airliner was shot down by Soviet interceptors over the Sea of Japan.
On September 20, 1984, the U.S. Embassy annex would be car-bombed in Beirut, killing 23.
We lived in a chaotic world.
The Middle East was, as always, in a state of near boiling.
Another great superpower threatened us with Mutually Assured Destruction by way of its atomic arsenal.
But life somehow still went on.
It had hope, promise.
We did regular things.
We lived without an ever-present shadow of vague uneasiness.
The September 11th that followed 17 years after that Tuesday in 1984 ripped up the old world, almost to its roots.
I realize now, ten years later, that the whole world has become weird.
Stuff I thought would last forever is gone.
A world economy - gone.
The United States I knew then is vastly different.
Disneyland, of course, has changed.
But enough remains the same to provide some comfort to bewildered travelers, who have awakened in what seems to be another dimension - today - September 11, 2011.
My heart is with everyone this day.
All of us lost someone or something 10 years ago.
No one has come out of it unscathed.
What I would not give to return to a world when September 11th was just another day.
Pax vobiscum.
---Mike
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Disneyland - CHOC Walk
Jungleteers:
October 16, 2011 is CHOC Walk at Disneyland.
An event no true Disneyland fan will want to miss, CHOC Walk supports a great cause while allowing you novel access to the Park in the earl morning hours, including great "behind the scenes" views.
Here is the website, sign up today!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled internet...
---Mike
October 16, 2011 is CHOC Walk at Disneyland.
An event no true Disneyland fan will want to miss, CHOC Walk supports a great cause while allowing you novel access to the Park in the earl morning hours, including great "behind the scenes" views.
Here is the website, sign up today!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled internet...
---Mike
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Disneyland - I could really go for...
Right about now, I could really go for:
Stay thirsty my friends!!
---Mike
- a mid-theater seat on the comfy benches of the Country Bear Jamboree, waiting for the show to start;
- a stroll through Harbor House to grab my time card on my way under the trestle to Wardrobe;
- a hot Monte Cristo sandwich at Carnation on Main Street;
- an elephant ride (make it an African Bull, and be sure to wave at the Jungle boats as they drift by);
- my old (metal) pan and broom at my side and a Main Street opening shift;
- a leisurely wander through the old One-of-a-Kind shop in New Orleans Square (just looking!);
- some Plaza Inn pot roast;
- a tram ride through the 100-acre parking lot to the Main Entrance drop off area, with a tram-ful of eager guests;
- craning my neck and scanning the area for whoever just sounded a "Sweeper's Whistle" in my direction;
- a view of Cascade Peak and Big Thunder Falls from the top deck of the Mark Twain;
- fifty cents and a Shootin' Arcade rifle;
- a stick to wake up Jose (the bird, not the busser who used to work nights at the Cafe Orleans);
- an early morning canoe race (cast members only, sorry);
- a squeaky Donald Duck hat (not for me, for the kids)...okay, I'll try it, but just one or two squeaks...;
- a pre-opening walk-through of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad;
- checking the schedule in the old Custodial offices behind Plaza Gardens (ahh, good ol' Dept. 336!);
- a refreshing dip in the Submarine Lagoon (it always looks so inviting);
- a walk past the lightning-filled windows and spooky paintings in corridor of the Haunted Mansion just past the elevator doors;
- a bench on the Hub; and
- a whole day ahead of me at the Park.
Stay thirsty my friends!!
---Mike
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Disneyland - A Break
Greetings, Jungle lovers!
Pecking out a post on this old Underwood.
The keys are sticking in this moist heat, greatly diminishing my words per minute and sapping my energy.
Perhaps I should take a hot tea.
Our British companions swear by it.
I suppose the goal is to get one's insides close in temperature to the outside.
This creates an illusion of "cooling off," when, in fact, you have merely "heated up."
Boiling a kettle over a camp fire in an Indian jungle is a treat.
Dry heat and smoke mingle with the sopping dankness to create a miniature hell.
The fire keeps the mosquitoes at bay---somewhat.
Wish I could catch a break.
A break.
That reminds me of many moments spent in tucked away break areas of the Park.
Adventure/Frontier Attractions cast members had several options, but perhaps the most convenient was the break area just outside the Adventure/Frontier offices located above the River Belle Terrace.
I remember pushing through the door to the back area, the wooden "gate" tucked between the Bengal Barbecue and the Riverbelle Terrace, and strolling through the narrow alley past kitchen carts and racks to the base of the stairs. They were a bit rickety, with a wood railing, and they led up to the area office.
At the top of the stairs was a covered porch, with vending machines along the wall to the right, picnic tables to the left and the door to the offices straight ahead.
Beyond that door was the world of "Operations" and area managers. Scheduling was done in there. The schedulers never had to buy drinks when our crew went out after work. Keep your scheduler happy, was my motto. The person who had a role in assigning shifts was indeed a good friend to have.
Sure, there were seniority and union contract issues, but after those variables, the schedulers and the managers with whom they worked laid out the weekly calendar in every detail.
Want a closing shift?
Need a day off?
Last minute trade of a shift so you can make your final exam?
The scheduler could help---or hurt---you.
That is why I would walk past the vending machines, step through the door and say a cheery "Hello" to our friendly scheduler before turning around, heading back out onto the porch, and grabbing a Cherry Coke from the vending machine.
I would then sit down at an open picnic table or grab a seat with any of my friends who might have the same break schedule.
After hours on one's feet at the helm of a Jungle boat or loading passengers, those 15 minutes of break time were sublime.
I best recall the cold, damp nights in winter, bundled in my jacket and scarf, sitting in the break area over a cup of bad coffee or hot chocolate.
Sometimes I would be the only one up there.
It was cool. I was in this little hidden world "backstage."
I could hear the Mark Twain's whistle and the Jungle's drums and animal sounds.
Down below, I could see the backstage area of the Golden Horsehoe and the dacning girls would click by in their heels and fishnets. Ah. It's good to be here!
Those cups of coffee in the cold nights still warm my memory.
My feet would get cold around mid-shift and that was it.
They would not warm up until I got a hot shower or bath on my return home.
No problem.
The worst day working at Disneyland beat just about anything else I had ever experienced.
So I would sit in the break area and let the steam from my cup warm my face.
I might get involved in some trite conversation, lighthearted joking or involved planning as to post-work activities with my comrades in nametags.
The time would fly.
A glance down at my watch would reveal that 14 minutes had passed!
Uh oh.
I would leap to my feet, bolt down the stairs, burst through the gate and hightail it through the heart of Adventureland back to the Jungle dock and my rotation.
Heaven help you if you took a long break!
The justice that would be meted out by the other skippers in your rotation was swift and severe.
It usually involved keeping you in your boat.
When the time would come for your dockmate to step in and take over the helm, he would not be there!
Or he would smile, along with another member of your rotation---and your lead!---as the two of them bumped each other to break after break while you were stuck in the boat for another trip (or six) through the Jungle!
Breathless, I would tap my fellow cast member on the shoulder as I made it back to the dock.
"You're bumped! Enjoy your break!"
I am pretty sure he did.
---Mike
Pecking out a post on this old Underwood.
The keys are sticking in this moist heat, greatly diminishing my words per minute and sapping my energy.
Perhaps I should take a hot tea.
Our British companions swear by it.
I suppose the goal is to get one's insides close in temperature to the outside.
This creates an illusion of "cooling off," when, in fact, you have merely "heated up."
Boiling a kettle over a camp fire in an Indian jungle is a treat.
Dry heat and smoke mingle with the sopping dankness to create a miniature hell.
The fire keeps the mosquitoes at bay---somewhat.
Wish I could catch a break.
A break.
That reminds me of many moments spent in tucked away break areas of the Park.
Adventure/Frontier Attractions cast members had several options, but perhaps the most convenient was the break area just outside the Adventure/Frontier offices located above the River Belle Terrace.
I remember pushing through the door to the back area, the wooden "gate" tucked between the Bengal Barbecue and the Riverbelle Terrace, and strolling through the narrow alley past kitchen carts and racks to the base of the stairs. They were a bit rickety, with a wood railing, and they led up to the area office.
At the top of the stairs was a covered porch, with vending machines along the wall to the right, picnic tables to the left and the door to the offices straight ahead.
Beyond that door was the world of "Operations" and area managers. Scheduling was done in there. The schedulers never had to buy drinks when our crew went out after work. Keep your scheduler happy, was my motto. The person who had a role in assigning shifts was indeed a good friend to have.
Sure, there were seniority and union contract issues, but after those variables, the schedulers and the managers with whom they worked laid out the weekly calendar in every detail.
Want a closing shift?
Need a day off?
Last minute trade of a shift so you can make your final exam?
The scheduler could help---or hurt---you.
That is why I would walk past the vending machines, step through the door and say a cheery "Hello" to our friendly scheduler before turning around, heading back out onto the porch, and grabbing a Cherry Coke from the vending machine.
I would then sit down at an open picnic table or grab a seat with any of my friends who might have the same break schedule.
After hours on one's feet at the helm of a Jungle boat or loading passengers, those 15 minutes of break time were sublime.
I best recall the cold, damp nights in winter, bundled in my jacket and scarf, sitting in the break area over a cup of bad coffee or hot chocolate.
Sometimes I would be the only one up there.
It was cool. I was in this little hidden world "backstage."
I could hear the Mark Twain's whistle and the Jungle's drums and animal sounds.
Down below, I could see the backstage area of the Golden Horsehoe and the dacning girls would click by in their heels and fishnets. Ah. It's good to be here!
Those cups of coffee in the cold nights still warm my memory.
My feet would get cold around mid-shift and that was it.
They would not warm up until I got a hot shower or bath on my return home.
No problem.
The worst day working at Disneyland beat just about anything else I had ever experienced.
So I would sit in the break area and let the steam from my cup warm my face.
I might get involved in some trite conversation, lighthearted joking or involved planning as to post-work activities with my comrades in nametags.
The time would fly.
A glance down at my watch would reveal that 14 minutes had passed!
Uh oh.
I would leap to my feet, bolt down the stairs, burst through the gate and hightail it through the heart of Adventureland back to the Jungle dock and my rotation.
Heaven help you if you took a long break!
The justice that would be meted out by the other skippers in your rotation was swift and severe.
It usually involved keeping you in your boat.
When the time would come for your dockmate to step in and take over the helm, he would not be there!
Or he would smile, along with another member of your rotation---and your lead!---as the two of them bumped each other to break after break while you were stuck in the boat for another trip (or six) through the Jungle!
Breathless, I would tap my fellow cast member on the shoulder as I made it back to the dock.
"You're bumped! Enjoy your break!"
I am pretty sure he did.
---Mike
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Disneyland - Trader Sam's - World Of Color and General Trifles
The bar looks like the Jungle Cruise crashed into the Tiki Room --- what's not to love?
Tiki drinks, Disney style.
Order a Shipwreck or an Uh-oa.
The bar lights up with special effects.
One of them made possible from fellow blogger Kevin Kidney - who designed the "ship in a bottle" above the bar. It is a replica of a certain ship floating down in the caverns of the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Here's Kevin's post about his (and Jody Daily's) involvement. Once again, Kevin and Jody are amazing!
The Shipwreck drink itself?
So-so.
I heartily endorse the Uh-oa.
After a couple of these, you soon echo the sentiments of our dear friend Koro, the midnight dancer:
"Today my magic feet no move. My head sore. But last night all tiki gods had BIG time. SOME luau! When drums begin to pound, (your) head full BIIIIG SOUND!"
Some views of the interior of Trader Sam's are set forth below for your edification and enjoyment.
The bar is cozy. There is a porch outside the bar, but it is pretty warm during the day. I would probably wait until dusk or evening before taking a seat out there.
Great bartender.
Bit of a head case.
A real "people person" though.
Not a vegan.
He really wants to serve you.
So, don't get too close to the large kettle in the back.
As I mentioned in my last post, we stopped by the "other" park and actually sat down to take in World of Color. Staying at the Grand Californian, we were able to be the first into the park to get FastPasses for the event. We got the "Blue" section and, thanks to a hot tip, we were told the best spot to take in the show was along the bridge that leads across the water towards Ariel's Grotto.
I snapped the shots below from our vantage point on the bridge as evening fell upon us.
We were treated to a gorgeous sunset.
And here is a shot of the World of Color show in progress---as you can see, we had some of the best seats in the house---short of grabbing a table at Ariel's Grotto.
1. Stay at one of the resort hotels---preferably Grand Californian---you get into the Park early (if you are there on the right day) so you can be among the first to get WOC FastPasses.
2. Get in line EARLY at the hotel entrance gate for California Adventure (just past the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian). The line presently forms before DCA opens.
GET.
THERE (in line for the hotel entrance to DCA).
EARLY.
3. As for the show itself - GET TO THE SHOW AREA EARLY. Get to the rope at the bridge leading to Ariel's Grotto (between the Little Mermaid attraction and Ariel's Grotto) well, well, well BEFORE the scheduled showing of World of Color that you are attending. Be among the first along the rope so you can pick out your spot when it drops. Hold hands. Cling to each other. The massive horde behind you WILL stampede you and tear at your party like charging bull elephants.
4. Bring a blanket or two to lay out on the ground and mark your spot (anything that can help you stake out territory from all the "last minute Larrys" who WILL inevitably show up just before showtime and try to hone in on your personal space).
That is all for now, dear readers.
You guys are fabulous!
Keep up the good work!
---Mike
Monday, August 22, 2011
Disneyland - Club 33 and I meet Anne
My family and I went to stay at the Grand Californian during the last week of July. A Grand time was had by all. We made the most of our week, dropping by Trader Sam's over at the Disneyland Hotel, giving Steakhouse 55 a try, finally braving the crowds for a---believe it or not---FIRST time ever viewing of "World of Color," stepping aboard the new Star Tours and taking in lunch at Club 33.
Oh! While walking through the Park during our visit, I spotted a young woman wearing a "Jungle Is 101" t-shirt as I entered the Plaza from Adventureland. "Hey! Nice shirt!" I called out. The young woman was with two of her friends and she looked at me. "I'm MIKE, the Jungle is 101 blogger."
"I'm Anne."
"ANNE!! Nice to meet you! Are you guys having fun?! I'm here with my family."
Anne has been one of this blog's 4 (four) readers for quite some time now.
She was very nice and said she wears her Jungle is 101 shirt to the Park often.
It was an absolute treat to meet a reader in person.
Quite a rare event, since I figure I've got about a 4-in-8 billion chance (3-in-8-billion if you exclude my mom!) of actually meeting someone who reads this stuff.
Anne seemed remarkably cogent and normal for a "Jungle is 101" devotee!
Anne, it was very nice to meet you!
Now, where was I?
Ah, lunch at Club 33.
For you Disneyland-o-philes, Club 33 is something you have heard about many times. I imagine a few of you have made it up there for lunch or dinner.
As for the few who have no idea what Club 33 is---here's a link.
We took in the Club for an 11:30 a.m. lunch.
Here is a photo-essay of the visit.
We arrive at the red main entry and board the elevator shown below (those are my daughters inside) for a lift to the second floor dining area.
The entire Club interior was designed by Emile Kuri---the famous Hollywood set designer who also has his own window on Main Street.
Here is the main dining room.
Our table was in the southwestern corner of the main dining room. We could step out onto the balcony there above New Orleans Square. Here are a few views from the balcony. Ahhhh.
Below, we look down toward the main entrance of the French Market.
Next time you are there, turn around and look back and up. You will see our balcony there next to the magnolia tree and above the Cafe Orleans.
Here is the balcony as seen from street level.
Here is a view from the eastern end of the balcony, looking down at the riverfront of New Orleans Square.
Fabulous artwork and a close up of some of the interior wallpaper. Fresh flowers, but of course.
The delightful Club 33 Bloody Mary atop our table in the main dining room.
Now, some views from inside the Club and out onto New Orleans Square. First, a peek down from the main corridor:
Next, the view out of the window at the top of the main entrance stairway (the phone booth is to the right, not shown).
Here is the view from the corridor where the buffet and bar are located. We are looking out upon the entrance to the Blue Bayou.
Here is another view.
And this is a shot, taken from street level, of the window out of which the above photographs were taken (the white-trimmed window at the upper right side of the photograph).
Another view of the main dining room.
Looking south toward the Court of the Angels (through that lanterned archway in the the distance) from our balcony along Orleans Street.
And here is the opposite view, looking from the intersection of Orleans and Royal Street back up toward our balcony (the one in the center-left of the photograph, next to the tall magnolia tree).
My best to all of you---and thanks for checking in!
---Mike
Monday, August 8, 2011
Disneyland - The Lost Safari Leader Returns
My best to you, Adventurers and Adventurettes!
Mike here.
I would have posted more in the past two months had it not been for a wrong turn in the Guatemalan rainforest. You can get pretty disoriented in jungle overgrowth, especially with a blowdart in your neck! After I came to in a dark hut, I managed to free (most) of the other members of our group and we made our way down river and back to our rickety dock. Talk about a sight for sore eyes! The guys on the dock greeted us warmly, but had somehow managed to be completely unaware of the fact that we had been missing for over eight weeks. Ah. Skippers.
I have much to tell you as, after our ordeal, I made a sojourn to the Grand Californian for four days in order to recuperate. Poolside mojitos can powerfully combat the most virulent of jungle maladies. I also managed an invite into an exclusive club in New Orleans Square---it had been a while since my last visit. I have pictures, but no time to upload them this morning. Stay tuned.
The Park, as always, revitalized my weary spirits, rekindled my devotion and rewarded my many years of Disneyland experience. Oddly enough, we had a supremely happy time at this particular place on earth. Hmm. Maybe there's something to that old slogan after all...
As to you, my devoted four (4) readers (Hi, Mom!), what can I say? I feel like a deadbeat dad, an AWOL soldier, a bolting groom, a Ponzi scheme con-man, a pirate rowing away from you on a lonely island beach, a DMV clerk, a Congressman, a neighbor who borrowed your rake four years ago (and still has it), a garage mechanic in a small desert town---350 miles from anywhere---who has your broken-down car up on a rack, a distant cousin who is still promising to make good on that loan---someday, a...well...like someone who has left you high-and-dry. I am sorry.
I will try to make amends by getting back to posting daily---or at least a couple times a week! Thank you all for continuing to check in with me and for your good thoughts and best wishes on my behalf. These are truly cherished and appreciated.
---Mike
Mike here.
I would have posted more in the past two months had it not been for a wrong turn in the Guatemalan rainforest. You can get pretty disoriented in jungle overgrowth, especially with a blowdart in your neck! After I came to in a dark hut, I managed to free (most) of the other members of our group and we made our way down river and back to our rickety dock. Talk about a sight for sore eyes! The guys on the dock greeted us warmly, but had somehow managed to be completely unaware of the fact that we had been missing for over eight weeks. Ah. Skippers.
I have much to tell you as, after our ordeal, I made a sojourn to the Grand Californian for four days in order to recuperate. Poolside mojitos can powerfully combat the most virulent of jungle maladies. I also managed an invite into an exclusive club in New Orleans Square---it had been a while since my last visit. I have pictures, but no time to upload them this morning. Stay tuned.
The Park, as always, revitalized my weary spirits, rekindled my devotion and rewarded my many years of Disneyland experience. Oddly enough, we had a supremely happy time at this particular place on earth. Hmm. Maybe there's something to that old slogan after all...
As to you, my devoted four (4) readers (Hi, Mom!), what can I say? I feel like a deadbeat dad, an AWOL soldier, a bolting groom, a Ponzi scheme con-man, a pirate rowing away from you on a lonely island beach, a DMV clerk, a Congressman, a neighbor who borrowed your rake four years ago (and still has it), a garage mechanic in a small desert town---350 miles from anywhere---who has your broken-down car up on a rack, a distant cousin who is still promising to make good on that loan---someday, a...well...like someone who has left you high-and-dry. I am sorry.
I will try to make amends by getting back to posting daily---or at least a couple times a week! Thank you all for continuing to check in with me and for your good thoughts and best wishes on my behalf. These are truly cherished and appreciated.
---Mike
Monday, June 13, 2011
Disneyland - Thoughts on Thunder Trail
When the crowd finally gets to you and the magic has dissipated, take a stroll to the far northwestern border of Fantasyland or wander past the Frontier Landing and main entrance of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
There you will find the oft overlooked area known as Thunder Trail. It is shaded, for the most part, and is usually spacious, uncrowded and serene. Sure, there are coyote wails and runaway mine trains---not to mention an earthquake that occurs with uncanny regularity---but beyond those minor distractions you will find a bit of open space, peace and relative calm.
These can be rare commodities during a busy summer day at Disneyland.
I used to sweep Thunder Trail during my sweeper days.
Ah. I can still trace my route from "popcorn alley" past the entrance to Big Thunder, up the hill, over the wooden bridge and around the bend to Thunder Ranch.
I would pause here and there along the way, to catch a glimpse of fish jumping or feel the spray of the waterfall at the back side of Thunder Mountain.
As a guest, there are wooden benches to enjoy and glorious shade. Lean over the railing and watch the mine trains rush by. Have a drink of water and people watch.
People watching is one of Disneyland's greatest outdoor sports.
You will see every variety and types our species has to offer.
Large. Small. Tan. Sunburned. Newborns to centenarians.
All manner of fine folk.
Even a few that are perhaps unrefined (ex Jungle skippers, for example).
You might even try to talk with one or two passers-by.
But, if nothing else, you will enjoy the respite from the packed pathways and queues you'll find elsewhere. It's a good "mental break."
Modern Disneyland Touring Tip ("MDLTT") No. 56: take a shortcut through the Plaza Inn when trying to get to Tomorrowland from the northeast corner of Main Street. Just go through the "exit" gate located behind the Corn Dog wagon and walk through the seating area until you come out the small exit gate over by the restrooms.
MDLTT No. 45: ride Splash Mountain before noon but avoid it in the late afternoon or early evening (unless you've brought a change of clothes and socks). Nothing like trying to enjoy the Magic Kingdom as the cool evening breezes waft against your soaked t-shirt and your sopping socks squish inside your damp shoes. No thanks. Ride early and give yourself plenty of warm daylight to dry off before nightfall.
MDLTT No. 18: hit the ice cream stand near the lockers on East Center Street - Main Street - during the day parade. The line is usually mcuh shorter then and their waffle cone sundaes are superb.
MDLTT No. 66: NEVER attempt the Dumbo line at mid-day with children under 6 (or any other living organism for that matter). Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noon-day sun. The rest of us should hit Dumbo earlier in the cool morning or later in the afternoon/early evening. Face it, screaming, hot and partially-cooked children are for witches, not astute Disneyland guests!
MDLTT No. 37: DON'T stand against the rope line to watch a parade or the fireworks if you can avoid it. Why? Attempting to secure such a position once the event commences is something akin to Custer's efforts to repel Sioux warriors at the Little Big Horn or the ship's carpenter's stab at fixing the ruptured hull below the waterline of the Titanic. You will spend most of your time being pushed and shoved by last-minute Larry's who will not be deterred from obtaining a viewing location, regardless of how many people have already beat them to it or the fact that most of them have waited there for over an hour. These folk claw and wrangle under the ropes like Vandals at the gates of Rome or Caribbean pirates boarding a Spanish galleon laden with gold. Nothing short of armed resistance and cauldrons of hot oil (ala the Hunchback of Notre Dame) will subdue or repel the onslaught.
MDLTT No. 29: it's 10:00 a.m., try Tom Sawyers Island if you have kids say 11 and under-ish. Let 'em run free for an hour or so. Join them or luxuriate on a shaded bench during the mayhem. By the time lunch comes around, you've helped them burn off some energy!
Savor the challenge and promise of tomorrow, my friends!!
---Mike
There you will find the oft overlooked area known as Thunder Trail. It is shaded, for the most part, and is usually spacious, uncrowded and serene. Sure, there are coyote wails and runaway mine trains---not to mention an earthquake that occurs with uncanny regularity---but beyond those minor distractions you will find a bit of open space, peace and relative calm.
These can be rare commodities during a busy summer day at Disneyland.
I used to sweep Thunder Trail during my sweeper days.
Ah. I can still trace my route from "popcorn alley" past the entrance to Big Thunder, up the hill, over the wooden bridge and around the bend to Thunder Ranch.
I would pause here and there along the way, to catch a glimpse of fish jumping or feel the spray of the waterfall at the back side of Thunder Mountain.
As a guest, there are wooden benches to enjoy and glorious shade. Lean over the railing and watch the mine trains rush by. Have a drink of water and people watch.
People watching is one of Disneyland's greatest outdoor sports.
You will see every variety and types our species has to offer.
Large. Small. Tan. Sunburned. Newborns to centenarians.
All manner of fine folk.
Even a few that are perhaps unrefined (ex Jungle skippers, for example).
You might even try to talk with one or two passers-by.
But, if nothing else, you will enjoy the respite from the packed pathways and queues you'll find elsewhere. It's a good "mental break."
Modern Disneyland Touring Tip ("MDLTT") No. 56: take a shortcut through the Plaza Inn when trying to get to Tomorrowland from the northeast corner of Main Street. Just go through the "exit" gate located behind the Corn Dog wagon and walk through the seating area until you come out the small exit gate over by the restrooms.
MDLTT No. 45: ride Splash Mountain before noon but avoid it in the late afternoon or early evening (unless you've brought a change of clothes and socks). Nothing like trying to enjoy the Magic Kingdom as the cool evening breezes waft against your soaked t-shirt and your sopping socks squish inside your damp shoes. No thanks. Ride early and give yourself plenty of warm daylight to dry off before nightfall.
MDLTT No. 18: hit the ice cream stand near the lockers on East Center Street - Main Street - during the day parade. The line is usually mcuh shorter then and their waffle cone sundaes are superb.
MDLTT No. 66: NEVER attempt the Dumbo line at mid-day with children under 6 (or any other living organism for that matter). Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noon-day sun. The rest of us should hit Dumbo earlier in the cool morning or later in the afternoon/early evening. Face it, screaming, hot and partially-cooked children are for witches, not astute Disneyland guests!
MDLTT No. 37: DON'T stand against the rope line to watch a parade or the fireworks if you can avoid it. Why? Attempting to secure such a position once the event commences is something akin to Custer's efforts to repel Sioux warriors at the Little Big Horn or the ship's carpenter's stab at fixing the ruptured hull below the waterline of the Titanic. You will spend most of your time being pushed and shoved by last-minute Larry's who will not be deterred from obtaining a viewing location, regardless of how many people have already beat them to it or the fact that most of them have waited there for over an hour. These folk claw and wrangle under the ropes like Vandals at the gates of Rome or Caribbean pirates boarding a Spanish galleon laden with gold. Nothing short of armed resistance and cauldrons of hot oil (ala the Hunchback of Notre Dame) will subdue or repel the onslaught.
MDLTT No. 29: it's 10:00 a.m., try Tom Sawyers Island if you have kids say 11 and under-ish. Let 'em run free for an hour or so. Join them or luxuriate on a shaded bench during the mayhem. By the time lunch comes around, you've helped them burn off some energy!
Savor the challenge and promise of tomorrow, my friends!!
---Mike
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Disneyland - Sunday, June 5, 2011
Back in the Park today.
But first, met up with some friends over at California Adventure and took in Tower of Terror and the new Little Mermaid attractions.
The Little Mermaid is well done, but I doubt anything is worth a wait of over an hour and a half. Fortunately, we had a little "pixie dust" with us and were able to bypass the line. Sorry, but some Disney secrets will go with me to my grave!
The theme is well executed and the scenes are very close to the animated feature's iconic moments. The audio-animatronics are top notch as well. Overall, two thumbs up for Ariel and her crew. Oh, and way to go all you folks at Disney.
We left DCA (I hate the acronym, but, what the heck, it saves space and extra keystrokes) and over to Disneyland. Quite a crowd awaited us inside.
We took in Indiana Jones and stared at Big Thunder (still down for rehab). Dinner at Rancho del Zocalo and then over to the new Star Tours. A posted 165-minute wait. Um. No. We'll try that one later, thanks. Besides, I was fresh out of "pixie dust," and had no angle for a bypass of this monstrous queue. Rats.
I did not have the opportunity to quiz any fellow guests as to their opinions of the new Star Tours.
Rode the old Matterhorn, however, down the Subs side, and had a great time.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note No. 73: the Blue Ribbon Bakery is a pretty good call if you need a coffee fix and simply cannot tolerate the 20-minute wait across the street at Market House.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note No. 29: they've changed the Village Haus menu to one that is a lot more limited. Still a very nice atmosphere and one of the shortest food location wait times.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note No. 23: the French Market is still a great place for lunch or dinner! The crowd is usually quite light, so you are in and out of the buffet line without much delay.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note ("MDLTN") No. 15: the new parade is actually well done. Take the time to see it and get there early to scope out seats along the curb on Main Street (we prefer the west side, between Penny Arcade and Coke Corner).
Last "MDLTN" of the day, No. 38: if you have a family member with any type of learning or behavioral condition, you qualify to obtain a special assistance pass that may be presented at the entrance of most attractions to permit a more direct access and bypass the Stand-By queue. Check in with Guest Services at either Disneyland (City Hall) or California Adventure (follow the signs---the new construction over there has made getting about a bit confusing).
Thanks to all who have checked in with me during my on-again, off-again hiatus from the blog. I am fine, and my father-in-law is progressing. He is still in rehab and is getting stronger slowly but surely. We hum a merry tune and cheerfully, together, we whistle while we work.
I tried the Snow White approach and he looked at me in a manner reminiscent of the wicked queen, Ursula and Cinderella's Stepmother all wrapped up into one.
Okay.
No whistling during physical therapy.
Got it.
How about "Step in Time?"
Kick your knees up!!
Okay.
Okay.
Putting down the chimney broom.
Sorry, governor...
---Mike
But first, met up with some friends over at California Adventure and took in Tower of Terror and the new Little Mermaid attractions.
The Little Mermaid is well done, but I doubt anything is worth a wait of over an hour and a half. Fortunately, we had a little "pixie dust" with us and were able to bypass the line. Sorry, but some Disney secrets will go with me to my grave!
The theme is well executed and the scenes are very close to the animated feature's iconic moments. The audio-animatronics are top notch as well. Overall, two thumbs up for Ariel and her crew. Oh, and way to go all you folks at Disney.
We left DCA (I hate the acronym, but, what the heck, it saves space and extra keystrokes) and over to Disneyland. Quite a crowd awaited us inside.
We took in Indiana Jones and stared at Big Thunder (still down for rehab). Dinner at Rancho del Zocalo and then over to the new Star Tours. A posted 165-minute wait. Um. No. We'll try that one later, thanks. Besides, I was fresh out of "pixie dust," and had no angle for a bypass of this monstrous queue. Rats.
I did not have the opportunity to quiz any fellow guests as to their opinions of the new Star Tours.
Rode the old Matterhorn, however, down the Subs side, and had a great time.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note No. 73: the Blue Ribbon Bakery is a pretty good call if you need a coffee fix and simply cannot tolerate the 20-minute wait across the street at Market House.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note No. 29: they've changed the Village Haus menu to one that is a lot more limited. Still a very nice atmosphere and one of the shortest food location wait times.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note No. 23: the French Market is still a great place for lunch or dinner! The crowd is usually quite light, so you are in and out of the buffet line without much delay.
Modern Disneyland Touring Note ("MDLTN") No. 15: the new parade is actually well done. Take the time to see it and get there early to scope out seats along the curb on Main Street (we prefer the west side, between Penny Arcade and Coke Corner).
Last "MDLTN" of the day, No. 38: if you have a family member with any type of learning or behavioral condition, you qualify to obtain a special assistance pass that may be presented at the entrance of most attractions to permit a more direct access and bypass the Stand-By queue. Check in with Guest Services at either Disneyland (City Hall) or California Adventure (follow the signs---the new construction over there has made getting about a bit confusing).
Thanks to all who have checked in with me during my on-again, off-again hiatus from the blog. I am fine, and my father-in-law is progressing. He is still in rehab and is getting stronger slowly but surely. We hum a merry tune and cheerfully, together, we whistle while we work.
I tried the Snow White approach and he looked at me in a manner reminiscent of the wicked queen, Ursula and Cinderella's Stepmother all wrapped up into one.
Okay.
No whistling during physical therapy.
Got it.
How about "Step in Time?"
Kick your knees up!!
Okay.
Okay.
Putting down the chimney broom.
Sorry, governor...
---Mike
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Disneyland - Sunday, May 22, 2011
I returned to the Park this day, after what was (for me) too long a hiatus.
The fresh paint job on Main Street (and continuing elsewhere, including over at the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland) literally shone from off the storefronts.
A healthy crowd surged through Disneyland as the 2011 summer season started.
Our middle and youngest daughter took off on a tour of Fantasyland attractions while my wife, son and I wandered to my beloved West Side.
Snaking our way through the throng of guests, we made it to the Mint Julep Bar for a cold and time-honored light green, magic libation.
We found a table along the railing of the French Market, with the Disneyland Railroad chugging into the station immediately behind us.
The hum of conversation, clank of plates and bustle of diners soon faded as the sound of gentle and distinctly American jazz rose to the fore.
The Royal Street Bachelors (2011 version) had taken the small stage and begun to play.
I sat there and was simply at peace.
At home.
At Disneyland.
Good to be back.
My wife looked across the table and could see it in my face. She smiled.
My son, now a sophomore in high school, told us about how he and his best friend now spend more time at the Park sitting, talking and watching than they do riding the attractions.
He is amazed how they now enjoy the Park's atmosphere and, say, a quiet table on the porch of the Plaza Pavilion as much as, if not more than, a trek with Indiana Jones or a rollicking ride on Big Thunder.
One other moment caught me during our visit that I suppose is worth sharing.
I was seated at a table in the Village Haus, alone and facing one of its windows.
Through the leaded glass of the window, I could see Fantasyland, Casey Junior, Village Haus umbrella tables, tall pine trees and vibrant flower beds, and a stream of guests moving in the foreground.
Deja vu?
Not quite.
But I was taken by how vividly then I was transported back to the Village Haus in 1984, looking out that same window.
I felt myself blink back and forth between then and now, while seated in my chair.
I half expected to look down and see my old sweeper whites and Red Wing shoes.
It was eerily real, but only for a flash, like the vague shadow of something that passes through one's peripheral vision.
This wasn't simple nostalgia either. It was not so emotional or touchy-feely.
I breathed in and looked up. The window caught my eye.
I breathed out and could feel my pan and broom leaning against the chair.
And the towel dangling from my belt.
And the cool, starchy crispness of my white day custodial shirt.
The flashlight in its leather holster off my right hip.
My Mickey watch, too. The one with the old Velcro band that kept it securely on my wrist.
I knew my break or my lunch was nearing an end.
When I got up, I would step back out to resume my rounds, with the Skyway drifting overhead.
The Skyway?
Straining to see through the glass, I searched for it.
I tried to make out the tower near Casey Junior.
Vainly my eyes tracked the air where the cable used to run.
No soft pastel gondolas floated past.
What happened?
My mind was actually puzzling over the sudden disappearance of the attraction.
This realization shattered the moment like a dropped sugar sculpture.
I was back again.
A dad.
A lawyer.
A guest.
From the 1980s hopeful promise of the future, to 2011's oh-so-pleasant Now.
My soul cringed.
Just a tad.
But nevertheless I said a heartfelt Thank You for what had just occurred.
It is funny how the Park can lift you now or take you back to then or promise great, big beautiful Tomorrows.
I have a feeling I'll be back for more.
---Mike
The fresh paint job on Main Street (and continuing elsewhere, including over at the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland) literally shone from off the storefronts.
A healthy crowd surged through Disneyland as the 2011 summer season started.
Our middle and youngest daughter took off on a tour of Fantasyland attractions while my wife, son and I wandered to my beloved West Side.
Snaking our way through the throng of guests, we made it to the Mint Julep Bar for a cold and time-honored light green, magic libation.
We found a table along the railing of the French Market, with the Disneyland Railroad chugging into the station immediately behind us.
The hum of conversation, clank of plates and bustle of diners soon faded as the sound of gentle and distinctly American jazz rose to the fore.
The Royal Street Bachelors (2011 version) had taken the small stage and begun to play.
I sat there and was simply at peace.
At home.
At Disneyland.
Good to be back.
My wife looked across the table and could see it in my face. She smiled.
My son, now a sophomore in high school, told us about how he and his best friend now spend more time at the Park sitting, talking and watching than they do riding the attractions.
He is amazed how they now enjoy the Park's atmosphere and, say, a quiet table on the porch of the Plaza Pavilion as much as, if not more than, a trek with Indiana Jones or a rollicking ride on Big Thunder.
One other moment caught me during our visit that I suppose is worth sharing.
I was seated at a table in the Village Haus, alone and facing one of its windows.
Through the leaded glass of the window, I could see Fantasyland, Casey Junior, Village Haus umbrella tables, tall pine trees and vibrant flower beds, and a stream of guests moving in the foreground.
Deja vu?
Not quite.
But I was taken by how vividly then I was transported back to the Village Haus in 1984, looking out that same window.
I felt myself blink back and forth between then and now, while seated in my chair.
I half expected to look down and see my old sweeper whites and Red Wing shoes.
It was eerily real, but only for a flash, like the vague shadow of something that passes through one's peripheral vision.
This wasn't simple nostalgia either. It was not so emotional or touchy-feely.
I breathed in and looked up. The window caught my eye.
I breathed out and could feel my pan and broom leaning against the chair.
And the towel dangling from my belt.
And the cool, starchy crispness of my white day custodial shirt.
The flashlight in its leather holster off my right hip.
My Mickey watch, too. The one with the old Velcro band that kept it securely on my wrist.
I knew my break or my lunch was nearing an end.
When I got up, I would step back out to resume my rounds, with the Skyway drifting overhead.
The Skyway?
Straining to see through the glass, I searched for it.
I tried to make out the tower near Casey Junior.
Vainly my eyes tracked the air where the cable used to run.
No soft pastel gondolas floated past.
What happened?
My mind was actually puzzling over the sudden disappearance of the attraction.
This realization shattered the moment like a dropped sugar sculpture.
I was back again.
A dad.
A lawyer.
A guest.
From the 1980s hopeful promise of the future, to 2011's oh-so-pleasant Now.
My soul cringed.
Just a tad.
But nevertheless I said a heartfelt Thank You for what had just occurred.
It is funny how the Park can lift you now or take you back to then or promise great, big beautiful Tomorrows.
I have a feeling I'll be back for more.
---Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)