Disneyland Halloween Trip Report: Pt. 1

I was beginning to go through withdrawals as it has ALMOST been two months since my last visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! Arriving the night before Mickey's Halloween Party, I had planned to meet my friends D&G and finally try Flo's V-8 Cafe. Cutting through the Grand Californian (because I just love seeing that hotel, even if I'm not staying there!), I ran into D&G who were parking their car there. They introduced me to some of the valets who are (typical of most Disney cast members) super nice and attentive to the guests.

Flo's did not disappoint. Besides the atmosphere and decor, the food was actually quite tasty.







Once again, a very friendly staff! You could really sense the camaraderie. Even the cashier was helpful with suggestions and genuine banter. Every bit adds to a positive experience.



Love the menu boards!



I ordered the Pork Loin, which came with a roll and two sides. The pork itself was just a smidge dry, but the bbq sauce more than compensated for that. The cole slaw was fantastic; instead of being mired in mayonnaise, it had more of a tangy/vinegar "sauce" to it. Right up my alley!



There are plenty of spacious dining rooms, with lots of small (and not so small!) details to marvel over:





Even the wallpaper is themed:



How about a rear-view mirror like this? I don't think you'd miss much!



What a view!



By the time we were done eating and gabbing, the park was closing down. I snapped a few Cozy Cone shots while exiting:





Come back tomorrow for more trip report fun!

See more Disney California Adventure Flo's V-8 Cafe photos on my Flo's web page.

A New Disney California Adventure: Cars Land

Now that I've covered Radiator Springs, let's take a look at the rest of Cars Land. I enjoyed the movie "Cars," and even thought it was charming. Still, it did garner the emotional response I had when I saw "Up" or "The Incredibles." I certainly didn't see a need for a sequel, which ended up being like its predecessor: charming.



I saw even less of a need to build an entire Land at DCA around "Cars." How did it fit into the theme? It held little room for "plussing," unlike the other lands at Disneyland and DCA that could easily be changed with their broad (and appropriate) theming.



And yet, there I was on opening day, walking into Cars Land, being blown away by the theming, attention to detail, and top-notch craftsmanship. I was also blown away by the crowds; I expected it to be congested, but I didn't fully realize just how packed it would be.

Radiator Springs Racers was the only attraction I experienced firsthand; the other two have gotten lukewarm press and for the short amount of time I had, I decided to concentrate on taking photos. Like yesterday's post, today's will be a mix of day and night shots, all from opening day. People on Luigi's Flying Tires seemed to be having fun:





Be sure to catch all the details (I could say this till I'm blue in the face...it's really true!).



Flo's looks amazing...I was in neon hog heaven!





C'mon in!



Instead of a Partner's Statue, Stanley is the focal point of the entry street:





The Cozy Cone Motel and eateries are open for biz:







A few more shots to round out today's post:









Overall impressions: I can't wait to ride Radiator Springs Racers again. When I get a chance I will do the Flying Tires and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Most of all, I want to go back when it's a bit more manageable crowd wise so that I can fully soak in the atmosphere. Thinking back to my hesitation about Cars Land not being able to be changed much or expanded, I don't really see that as too much of an issue. When a Land is done right, change is not quite as important. Take New Orleans Square for example; it has had the same two attractions and other than a few retail switches and ride tweaks, has basically remained the same since opening day.

Cars Land was swarming with execs on Opening Day. I hope that they continue to wander through the park, getting firsthand knowledge. It shows the guest how committed they are to a fantastic experience, and also gives valuable info that just can't be garnered through a survey. In the meantime, kudos to Imagineering for Cars Land!

See more Cars Land photos on my Cars Land web page.