DL & A Gaggle of Gals, Pt. 1 Trip Report

For parkgoers, Disneyland can often be a stressful place; high admission prices and large crowds add to the anxiety as guests attempt to ride as many attractions as possible, hoping to get maximum value for their hard-earned dollar. Personally, some of my best times at the park occur when I do very little and instead, enjoy the smaller details. This particular visit was such a day. With a great group of friends, we started the day off with....no, not a mad rush to an attraction or a fast pass machine, but instead to the Wine Country Trattoria Restaurant in California Adventure. Even though I was the designated driver, I enjoyed my lasagna & water lunch on the patio as the gaggle of gals downed sangria.



I’d never noticed this plaque amongst the vines before:



A quick stop at Blue Sky preview center next door yielded these photos of the upcoming Little Mermaid attraction:











Your clamshell vehicle awaits!



And a few shots of the actual attraction building and how it is progressing:





Cars Land continues to make progress, as the U.S. flag was added this week in a topping-off ceremony:





Most of the group had never seen “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular” over at the Hyperion Theater. Knowing it would be a wow, I suggested that as our next stop. Even though the magic carpet wasn’t working at this particular show, the gaggle of gals loved it. The genie had them rolling with his topical ad-libs.









Next up: Toy Story Midway Mania! A quick pose by the Christmas tree on the way (is it really almost the holidays???)...



There were 2 virgins in our group (as far as the attraction was concerned), and they sure had fun:



This toy not recommended for children:



PS: Great photo opp that doesn’t cost a thing!

Countdown to Electronica:



Electronica is “literally cleaning” up at DCA!



Next we park-hopped for a visit with Abe (Chris, I am still humming “Two Brothers!”):





...and some POTC and Haunted Mansion Holiday fun:







The Gaggle of Gals give their best pumpkin imitation:

















Stay tuned for Part 2! See more Disneyland and Disney California Adventure photos at my main website.

Freaky Fridays @ The Haunted Mansion: NBC—Trip To The Loading Area

What a great effect; I’ve always loved how these characters just seem to stare at you as you walk by. Nice addition of the cob-web lighting.





In the tradition of the original Fantasyland Dark Rides, much of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay relies on black light and fluorescent painted 2-dimensional figures. As low-tech and deceptively simple as that may seem, I still think it looks mighty cool, especially in the loading queue area where all of the main characters from Nightmare Before Christmas can be found, including "Sandy Claws."

















See more Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos at my website.