Trip Report

I had a couple hours to visit the park on Thursday, I debated if it was worth fighting the spring break crowds. Let me tell you, it was well worth it! The spring break crowds didn’t show up, at least not by 1pm. It was a pleasant visit, a little overcast, but perfect weather to walk the park three times in two hours.

First thing thru the gates I find Alice and the Mad Hatter hamming it up with the Disneyland Band and guests. If you like Alice be sure and visit “Vintage Disney Alice”.





Check out Alice here, someone threw her a kiss, I love the way she grabs it and tucks it away!

Goofy is totally perplexed here; “How do those kids even know who that guy is”?





These guys were playing in New Orleans Square. I just missed a more snazzy tune, this one is a bit slow.

This guy was jamming on the previous tune.







New Orleans Square or Ghost Town?






My newest fun thing to do; get a Gumbo Bowl just before noon then sit right next to the Pirates of the Caribbean line and count how many people comment on my food. (22)






Speaking of food, by sheer coincidence the new Roundup & Barbecue had its grand opening just moments after I stumbled across it at 11:15am. Yes it's $28.95 for adults, $35 after tax and tip. (My Gumbo with large coke was $12). The folks inquiring didn’t seem to mind the price, however they wanted to eat now but were told to come back at 11:30am.






The entire crew was getting a pep-talk. That photographer looked official or he’s from the X-files.






Forget about the food (like I’m ever gonna eat there?) This whole area is a vintage Disneylander’s dream. I don’t remember every being able to photograph this “Natures Wonderland” relic from this side. It looks great, the refurbishment really came out well.






And this area just gets better; you can walk right up and touch the vintage Surrey. You bet I did!






These two were behind ropes so I didn’t touch them, I just gazed.








“I’m looking through you”…






This woman herself was not smoking, nor was her baby. However, folks nearby were smoking. Let’s hope she just didn’t see the sign.






Mickey usually is a little nicer to me! He was in a big hurry; he didn’t slow down one bit, he didn’t even have his “handler” with him.






This is why Mickey was in such a hurry.

Three Fences are doing very well. I’m starting to get weird looks from people when I take pictures of this spot.






My camera traveled beyond the fence for this shot. (Maybe this is why I was getting the weird looks?)






I’ve been chronicling the crumbling monorail support section near the Tomorrowland Terrance for months now, in fact, since September 12th (link), again on December 13th (link) and again on January 30th 2009 (link). So when I came upon this new construction wall I was glad to see someone at the park is finally going to fix it.






Still looks the same, the spackle and paste is peeling off just like I said it would.






Upon closer inspection, this isn’t a construction wall, it’s more of a falling debris shelter.






Tell me they are going to fix the track and not just leave this eyesore up to “catch the pieces as they fall”, that would be a lame maintenance plan.






Smile inducing.






The newest Monorail was buzzing around the track. This thing is ORANGE. No color shifting here, it’s orange as a pumpkin!







When did Aliens take over Tomorrowland? I thought that was part of the “Tomorrowand 2055” concept that died? Hey, I’m digging that original “Men” sign, which looks 1967 to me. This is the bathroom on the left side of the American Sings building.






Taking a cue from this photo (link) over at Videblog, this is the pylon that had one of its legs cut while it was back stage in 1997. You can see where it was welded back. You can also see that something else you to be attached that was welded off as well. Also, calling maintenance, I see some rust!






Say it isn’t so? I’ve seen these before and assumed they were reproductions or something, but after comparing them to vintage photos, this appears to be 1967 Rocket Jet. Ugh.






And one last maintenance issue. PLEASE fix this! Moisture is obviously getting inside and sooner than later lots of tiles are going to start popping off. Give me $200, I'll go to Home Depot, get the supplies and fix it myself! On a side note, if they don't want to fix it, I want one of those tiles!!!!






Eric the Piano Man was sounding mighty fine.

How do you do?

Totally ridiculous, but those girls seem to like it.






Hey, I want to ride up front. Nice new pavement.






A few shots of the Omnibus as I head out of the park.








It's so shinny you can see yourself!






I think I’ll drive this baby home instead of my car, I’ll figure it all out.





Update: I forgot to post the Dapper Dan's looking dapper as ever.

Trip Report - Show me the Vault Door

Another trip report? I stopped by the park yesterday to try and get some photos of the bank vault door (they’re at the end of the report) and I took a few other photos as well. You may recall my digital camera died a couple weeks back, so please do not adjust your monitor, these are taken from my 10 year old digital camera.

The “What will you celebrate” promotion seems to be quite popular; the ticket booth lines are at least 5 times longer than this same period last year.






The Mickey planter looks silly, I guess he’s “celebrating”?






Sorry I ate half of my “Seasonal” muffin before the photo. It was Apple & Cinnamon and was yummy.






I’m sure this sign has been there for a while but I never noticed it.






Look what I found inside the Plaza Pavilion. The new Annual Pass Center! Hey look who’s in the reflection in the glass.






In this slightly better photo you can see they have a Mr. Lincoln attraction poster framed on the wall; (a) Nice Touch and (b) does this mean we get our Great Moments back with Mr. Lincoln?Also on the wall, next to the Mr. Lincoln poster is a Vintage Park Map, nice touch again!






Pretty colors at the hub.








Three fences is doing just fine. Please Disneyland, never remove this spot, I’ve grown quite fond of it.






The mighty Matterhorn was water-less and guest-less.






Closed for “Seasonal” improvements. I’ve read they are installing new seatbelts (Indiana Jones type) that should shorten the load times. There was no trace of them on the bobsleds that were parked out front.






These are hard economic times we all know, but spackle and paste won’t fix this!!!






Monstro seems to be turning baby blue? Also, check out his teeth, the dude has caps!






In this June 21, 1969 press photo you can see Monstro’s real teeth. Just like a Hollywood star, Monstro has had “work done” on his appearance.






Pardon the blurry photo but I did notice a themed pay phone as a shout out to my friend over at Meet the World.






A so-so picture of the River's of America and the Mark Twain, but check out the ducks, they are both just about to land. The ducks reminded me of the emergency duck landing from the Mission to Mars preshow. I miss that corny attraction.








The doors to the Veranda Café where I get my Beef Gumbo bread bowl. Why are there bars on the upper windows, they are on the upper windows in the front of Pirates of the Caribbean too, but they are no where else in New Orleans Square?






Is this room actually stretching? “No Flash photos please” Ok, I got in trouble, but I was the last one out of the room...






Look who I found in Bear Country! He was more than happy to have me take his photo, I even shook his hand, I mean paw.






Just when you thought the ugliest thing you’ve ever seen was the “celebrate” decorations on the lamp posts (link) this comes along. Ugh.







Following up on Daveland’s magnificent post about Walt’s apartment, complete with bathroom photo (link), here are the pipes for said bathroom.






And now, for the Vault Door. These are the best photos I can get. The lighting is bad, my old camera is, well, old and I obviously don’t know what I’m doing!






Looks like they do use the inside, at least for storage. I asked if I could see the “front” of the vault door. They told me they aren’t supposed to move the door. I bet it still works and they’re worried it might get locked. I was told the Bank will remain the AP center until this summer.