Constructing Nemo, 2006

Going through the vaults, I found these shots from May 2006 documenting the construction of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction. The original Submarine Voyage had closed September 1998, creating an eyesore and gripes from guests for close to a decade before Nemo opened in June 2007.



The Matterhorn, also an original 1959 attraction, watches as its forgotten sibling rises from the ashes.







If you’ve read my blog for awhile, then you know my feelings about the Nemo incarnation vs. the original. Below is a shot from happier times, circa September 1971:



Remember the Skyway and the Carousel of Progress? More laments from this blogger which don’t need to be repeated. There’s that old saying about beating a dead horse.



See more Disneyland Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage photos at my main website.

Beyond the Sea

It had been over three years since I had last been on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The only reason we went on it this visit was because thanks to our VIP Tour Guide Maria, we were able to walk onto it. Even then, I had my doubts about wasting time on this mess of an attraction. Anastasia seemed to enjoy the view from her porthole window.



There are fun details to notice in the first part of the journey...



but once the subs "submerge" the attraction becomes a cacophonous mess of noise, poor projections, and sheer boredom.











Matt looked happy at the end of the attraction. So was I.



Next up…Star Tours!



Plenty of fun in the queue, which Maria whisked us through.





Door #1!



Matt looks like he's ready for a Devo video. If you don't know who Devo is, please visit Youtube.



Janet had not taken a dramamine booster, so this was not a pleasant experience for her. This was the last time she smiled until the virtual journey was over.



Outside, Stormtroopers were attempting to take over Star Traders.







Mary Poppins and Bert seemed oblivious to the attack as they strolled by the Plaza Inn.



We encountered Jack Skellington on our way to Pirates of the Caribbean.



And here we are, entering the attraction through the back of Lafitte's Landing. Wait until you hear what happened next!



Get your Disneyland photo fix at my main website.

VIP for a day

How many people can say that they enjoy their job and look forward to going into work almost every day? Count me among the fortunate. This is why I attempt to do a team building trip every year with the amazing people that I work with. This year, I decided to finally do something I have always wanted to do: a Disneyland VIP Tour. To start the day off, we took the train up to Anaheim; let's face it. Driving on the 5 is the quickest way to ruin your day. A limo from White Rose whisked us off to the Park.



It's always a happy site when there's a train at the Main Street Train Station. Hard to believe the trains will be down for almost a year.



The Castle in all of its 60th Anniversary finery.



With the revamped Peter Pan temporarily closed, we decided to visit Harold, the Matterhorn's Abominable Snowman. Janet had downed a few dramamine on the train and she was ready to experience her first roller coaster in years; Anastasia was very excited about this and raised her arms in support.



The weather was perfect; couldn't have dreamed up a better day for it.



The anticipation builds as you climb the Matterhorn and see the new projection effects.



Whipping around the wreckage a sense of doom increases.



And there he is, roaring and reaching out to terrified guests. I'll bet Harold is a total teddy bear at heart.



Matt had to photobomb an unsuspecting Rob.



We all posed at the Matterhorn photo opp stand.



Much better rotated!



Maria, our tour guide, was friendly and attentive. She did an amazing job!



Last one for today leaves us at the dock of the Finding Nemo attraction.



Get the VIP treatment with more insider photos of Disneyland at my main website.

Mickey's Halloween Party, Pt. 1

It was a little weird being back at Disneyland after a 6 month absence. Hard to believe it has been that long since my last visit, but also kind of nice to have a little bit of a break. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Anastasia B. & I decided to go in costume this year for Mickey's Halloween Party. She chose a sassy Queen of Hearts, and I picked 1966 Robin. Just one of those things on my bucket list.



Neither one of us had eaten lunch that day, so the first order of business was a fried chicken dinner at the Plaza Inn. We were not disappointed by the golden fried goodness that was heaped upon the plate. We skipped dessert though, knowing there would be other sugar-laden treats throughout the night.



The Plaza Inn looked great; still a dining favorite at the Park.



Have you ever noticed the initials in the valance?







Our first attraction was Buzz Lightyear. Although I rarely beat AB's score, I still have fun riding it.



I am typically too busy attempting to score points to take photos.



My somewhat lame score.



Note the concentration.



Outside, the Monsters University Dance Party was rocking' Tomorrowland.





The Subs were back in action, although we decided not to ride them.



The lagoon sure looks great at night.



Across the way the Matterhorn looked beautiful, too. It's all about the lighting!



Come back tomorrow for some Dark Ride fun!

See more Daveland Disneyland Halloween photos at my main website.