Trains, Monsters, and Pasta

Welcome to the Hollywood Studios at Disney California Adventure! On display at the gate to this part of the park was a train from "The Lone Ranger." I assumed it was part of the movie premiere that occurred on June 22.



I'm not sure what will happen to it once the photo opportunities are over, but I kept thinking that it sure would be cool if DCA had its own train...or if the Disneyland route was able to be expanded to encompass both parks.



Walt's original statement about Disneyland when he was concepting it was that he wanted a train to go around it...that was probably one of the most specific statements that he made in the early discussion stages.



Something about the movement of the train at Disneyland seems to bring it all together, as it circles around each themed area. That kind of movement is still missing from DCA. Sure, it is much improved since Buena Vista and Cars Land were added over a year ago, but having a transportation source that touches each area would bring both unification and a sense of movement. Just a thought...albeit a very expensive one.

I am sure I don't need to point out the not-so-hidden Mickey here.



Venturing through the gate, I came across the empty Mad T Party set, which appeared to be waiting for nightfall.



Just in time for a little movie promoting, Sully was making the rounds outside of the Monsters, Inc. attraction.



A few shots of the exterior of the attraction:





And then it's time to board our vehicle to take a spin through the attraction.





Going through the dark corridor where the news bulletin alerts us that there's a problem in Monstropolis.



A romantic date is about to go awry.



What Gladys Kravitz would look like if she lived in Monstropolis.



I wonder if Harvey "I'm A Lawyer" Levin was on the scene?



The entrance to Harryhausen's Restaurant.



In the early days, I seem to remember the aroma of food being pumped into this scene. Am I off my rocker?



I'd hate to see this restaurant's reviews on Yelp.





Kitty!!



The CDA is now on the scene, attempting to do damage control.





Had to zoom in to get a closer look at the "Wanted!" cards in his hand.



Another day at the factory...punch in...punch out.



Mike Wazowski, who is worried about the box office returns of "Monsters University;" he really shouldn't be.



I believe this stall is taken.





The Teamsters should be happy about this one.



Don't flip that switch!



My favorite scene of this attraction, and about the only one that really has a sense of excitement.





The doors weren't appearing at a very fast clip.



To give this attraction a little more life, there should be more doors opening and closing with the comedy-bit videos to bump up the energy level.



The Monsters Inc. version of "Make it pink...make it blue!"





Mike rejoices..."Monsters University" has earned a return on its investment!



Kitty says goodbye.



And so does Roz, who loved having her photo taken.



Lunch was at the Paradise Pier Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.



The carbs really hit the spot after all the walking done that day.





Overall, it was a really fun time. In early, out early...a perfect summer visit. By the time I left, the temps were up and so were the crowds. A little shopping at World of Disney on the way out:





As the tram rounded the corner, I knew it was definitely time to head home.



Until next time!

See more Monsters Inc., Mike & Sully To The Rescue attraction photos on my Monsters, Inc. web page.

Disneyland Trip Report: Pasta, The Haunted Mansion, and More!

After a delicious dish of spaghetti and meatballs at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in DCA, it was time to hit The Haunted Mansion.



I definitely prefer to ride this attraction at night; it makes the whole experience that much better.



The eerie green glow from the hearse is a taste of what's to come.



As they say in the Mansion, "Any volunteers?"



The backside of the hearse:



Two animated versions of the changing portraits in the hallway:





This is one of my favorite light fixtures in the park; partially because I really like the wallpaper behind it, too.



The initial corridor has a number of wonders, including this parrot-like suit of armor:



The seemingly endless hallway:



A Rolly Crump inspired chair:



The raven who was originally supposed to be the narrator of the attraction is prominently featured in the “open” casket scene in the Conservatory:





One of these days I'll make an animation of the hand that swipes over the 13-hour clock:





Dear Madame Leota, with eyes wide-open:



and eyes shut:



Wouldn't this be a great room to host a private party?



Do not attempt this at home!



The dueling portraits:





The caretaker of the cemetery, who appears to be a bit out of his league:



The beloved Grim Grinning Ghosts:



It's taken a number of trips through, but I finally got a shot of this interesting scene in the cemetery:



I would probably pick these gents up; I'm sure they'd have a few interesting tales to tell.



Finally, Little Leota, the soft-spoken gal at the exit:



One of the reasons I found myself at the park this time was because I was giving a presentation for the Cast Member HistEARion Club, using my images from Disneyland in the 1960’s. They helped set the tone for a panel of ladies who work/have worked at Disneyland since that time.



Held in the TDA (Team Disney Anaheim) Building, it was a treasured experience that I will not soon forget. It was fantastic to hear these six ladies share stories of the Park and what the culture was like in America during the 1960's.



Some stories made me nostalgic for a simpler more trusting time; imagine a friendly cast member holding your baby while you and your spouse were on the Matterhorn. True story, and that was standard operating procedure. On the opposite side of the spectrum, imagine height and weight requirements (for both men and women) and having to get on a scale to show that you'd lost your pregnancy weight. Or how about women being forbidden from being Leads on an attraction? That's the way it was. If a male lead on an attraction was out sick, it was preferable to get a male with no experience to fill in rather than a female operator who knew the attraction backwards and forwards. And in an era of "gallantry," only male cast members would take tickets in the evening. The past is two-sided, just like the present; there is good and bad. So often it is too easy to look at it through rose-colored glasses. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to these lovely ladies share their memories and heartfelt feelings towards their coworkers (likening their experience to a sorority because of the close friendships they made) and the opportunity to bring a little magic to the world.



After the presentation, I crashed (figuratively speaking) at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, directly across from the entrance.



It's hard to believe I'd never stayed here before; it's really a gem of a hotel.



Featuring a mixture of hipster and mid-century vibes, I liked the design and appreciated the service, cleanliness, and convenient location.



The Castaway Cove/pool area:





And my room, which was clean, spacious, and very quiet, especially considering how close the Interstate is.





My room had a walkout balcony, complete with a view of the Park/Matterhorn in the distance.



Stay tuned—there's more trip report to come!

See more vintage & current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web page.