Saucers are Fun!

Today's vintage September 1962 shot shows the Flying Saucer attraction, which had opened about a year beforehand in Tomorrowland on August 6, 1961. Lasting five years, the attraction was known for breaking down frequently and a cause for minor back discomfort! In this photo though, guests seem to be having nothing but fun.



Flash forward to February 2015, and Luigi's Flying Tires at DCA's Cars Land provided a similar experience that was even less loved than its counterpart, lasting under three years. Here actor Sean Astin shows his displeasure.



Fly on over to my main website for more Flying Saucer fun.

Disneyland Trip Report: Napa Rose

Last weekend marked the 7th time I have run in the annual Disneyland Half Marathon. I missed the first year due to a bone spur; after seeing all of the fun three of my friends had running it, I decided it was time to get off the sidelines and start running again. Even though the course has been the same, each year has provided a different challenge, depending on the amount of training I have done and also the temperatures. Southern California is known for its perfect weather, but even perfection has a few flaws. This weekend looked like it could be a scorcher.

The price of the race was a scorcher, too. The cost rose to $175, which is an amazing amount when you consider that it doesn't go to charity nor does the race provide the same "bang" it did in its initial years. What's even more amazing is that despite the price hike, the event sold out in record time. A classic case of supply and demand.



The Expo Event for the race is always held in the Disneyland Hotel. The goody bags used to be filled with snacks, running beans, and other assorted helpful vendor goodies (thus the name of the bag). This year, the bag came with one Clif Bar and an assortment of Disney printed propaganda that found its way into the circular file. A "Little Mermaid" magnet was included too, which had a real potential for disaster as the racing bibs are not supposed to get anywhere near a magnet or they would be rendered useless for the timing of the race. I will give kudos to the race shirt, though. Every year they keep getting better as far as the visual design appeal.

Sean Astin was speaking in the ballroom as I was picking up my goodie bag. There were a fair amount of people listening to him as he imparted some inspirational words.



The prop set for the Half Marathon Runners' photo opp:



After a nap back at the hotel, it was time to head over to the Grand Californian Hotel for the "last supper" before the race. So much has been said about how Disney California Adventure was so poorly done in its original incarnation, yet one cannot say the same about The Grand Californian. It is the crown jewel of the Disneyland Resort.



The GC also boasts the best restaurant at the Resort, The Napa Rose (and yes, I am including Club 33 in the competition).



Once you enter, you can feel the warmth of the Arts & Craft inspired design, which was given a tastefully modern spin.



While waiting for your table to be readied, guests can enjoy a cocktail and appetizer in the spacious lounge.



I was able to enjoy dinner at the Chef's Table, which affords a view of the meal being prepared. In addition, we chose to let the Executive Chef, Andrew Sutton, create a special menu for us. He asked about food allergies and specific dislikes, and then went to town whipping up something that would help our run the next morning.



The five-course dinner was incredible. Sutton's choices were innovative, delicious, and visually appealing in how they were plated.



A light dessert was served with wishes for a good run written in dark chocolate:



Well-fed, walking home to the hotel, I passed the starting line marquee. I couldn't wait for the race to start the next morning!



See more Napa Rose photos on my Napa Rose web page.

Disneyland Half Marathon Report, Pt. 3

As soon as lunch was over, we headed back to Radiator Springs Racers to try our fortunes again. This time, it was success! With our recently acquired fast passes, we walked right onto this popular attraction at Cars Land. Those first few moments when your car is out in the open, viewing all the amazing rock work and waterfall truly are thrilling. And then, before you know it, you're back in the dark, racing through Cars Land and its wacky inhabitants.





That's a lotta' cameras!





And then with a wave of the flag...



we were off, racing through the rocky landscape of Cars Land!





Almost at the finish line!



Mater was there at the finish to congratulate us.



Say 'cheese'!



We followed RSR up with Luigi. Yet another detail-heavy queue. My camera was going car-azy!







This was my first time to ride it sans beach balls. We all had a blast on it, although my recommendation would be to remove a few tires so that there would be more room to float around in, so that pileups like this wouldn't happen as frequently:



A rare moment captured with the TDD cameras in the down position.



Actor Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings," "The Goonies," and "Rudy") was at the park for the Half Marathon as well, and happened to be riding Luigi's the same time we did. We didn't have a VIP Tour Guide accompanying our group, though!





California Screamin' was next...as you can tell by the position of Matt's mouth, we had a great time!



The line was long at Toy Story, but we weren't in any hurry and when you have a fun group of people to hang with, the queues are a fun place to be.



I have a great time on this attraction, every time. What a refreshingly fun and modern twist on some old classics!



The ceiling in the exit/gift shop area:



As the sun was in its final moments of blazing glory for the day, we rode the Silly Symphony Swings. Even on an attraction like this, the cameras were out.



What a view!



The family that takes pictures together stays together...here, Michaela checks out Matt's photos while we wait in line for "Soarin' Over California."



This blue-bulbed light fixture in the queue has always been a fave of mine.



We were at Gate "A" for Alpha:



Although not really a light fixture, I also really like the logo'ed lights at the end of each row of seats on this attraction:



Outside, the setting sun had sprayed the sky with fluffy pink goodness over the Carthay Circle Restaurant:



Our lunch feast was beginning to wear off, so a little treat from Clarabelle's was next:



Outside, Five And Dime was entertaining the guests:



I've seen a few different cast members perform this role, and each one has been top notch:



The backup musicians ably accompanied the pretty gal in pink:









Over at MiceAge, they reported this week that the charmingly vintage shop windows have now been polluted with crass plush and other cheap souvenirs. I am happy that I have shot a few of the windows before that occurred:







I'd been up since 4am, and at this point, it was now about 8pm. I can't believe I was still up! Tickets for an upcoming World of Color show kept me going. Stay tuned for those photos tomorrow.

See more vintage and current Disney California Adventure photos on my DCA photo web pages.