Look Out Disneyland Here We Come 7B

The First Thing to Do

My son's first thought when you mention Disneyland.

Proper planning prevents poor performance they say.  Part of the fun in going to Disneyland is the planning. You go on the website and figure out your plan of attack.  Which of the parks to visit first?  Attractions fly in and out of your head. You find yourself playing the game I Got My Place.  Seasoned veterans that my kids are, having gone to Disneyland since eighteen months and every year after, They knew every nook and corner. They have remembered every change since 1998 positively.  I Got My Place is a game we as a family played when we were out to dinner or driving in the car. One person would announce they have their place and the rest of us took turns in sequence trying to guess.  The place had to be in four categories: attractions, entertainment, dining, and sights (statues, fountains, and golden spikes).  Your place could be in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, or the Disney Resort Hotels.  It is only natural that when planning a trip I Got My Place would be the game to play to attaining what everyone wants to do first.

Dad is your place in Disneyland?  Yes. Is it Jungle Cruse?  Oh, you guessed it. You always start with Jungle Cruise, Dad.

Welcome aboard! 

You would think since Jungle Cruise was an original 1955 ride, it would remain old and mundane. Not so because Walt Disney knew that changes had to be made to keep guest coming back. He called it "plussing".  This attraction has had many changes except some of the jokes. Many captains have their own style and jokes for some of the features of the ride. However some are still the same for years and if they were changed or experimented with we guests would feel cheated. One would be "this is the famous Schweitzer Falls. Named for that famous African explorer, Albert Falls."  Then as you progress and come to the fall again they still use as does a least 90% of the boat, "Look to your left and you'll see the backside of water."  Finally there is the famous "Trader Sam, he's the head salesman here in the jungle.  He is having a sale, two of his heads for one of yours."

One simple ride, with lots to see.

Son? Son? You playing?
"Ok, my turn I got my place. Is it in Disneyland? Yes. Is it a ride? Yes.  Is it in New Orleans Square? No.  Is it in Tomorrowland? Yes. Is it Buzzlightyear's Astroblasters.  Yeah.

Emperor Zurg - You're Toast!

As a family we love this attraction.  The first time we rode it, we said that all new attractions should be interactive.  With video action games now firmly part of our children's world, this type of attraction places them into the action.  Honestly, adults enjoy the action the Astro Blasters gives.  It is a perfect Disney experience where the adults enjoy the attraction with their children.  Other newer "Dark Rides" like Winnie the Pooh, Little Mermaid, and sadly Monsters Inc., the adult can just "ride along,"  But other than knowing your child is happily in awe, the experience is not as enjoyable for mom and dad.  The storyline of helping Buzz Lightyear try to stop the evil Emperor Zurg is so exciting for the kids and interactive for the parents.  Plus there is the friendly competition to gain the higher score.  

Mom says the points aren't that imortant. Yeah but look at her score and you'll know why.

When your waiting in the queue, look at the map on the wall.  One of the planets has a continent that is a hidden Mickey.

Mickey, you are truly everywhere even out of this world.

Ok honey your turn.  Is it in Disneyland? No. Is it in Disney's California Adventure? Yes.  Do you get wet? NOOooo!  Is it on Paradise Pier?  Yes.  Is it Toy Story Midway Mania? Yes. 
This is another one of those attractions that allow the guests to be a participant in the action and storyline.  We have all lost our corndog money at a fair or a bazaar trying to win a midway game.  Here we get to immerse ourselves in the world of sentient toys playing games like breaking plates with balls and popping balloons with darts and ring toss.  Plus it is done in 3-D as you are transported from game to game.  

I've done my hand exercises and now I'm ready you hockey puck.

I got my place! Yeah, yeah, we should of let you go first.  You want a churro.  Dad, I thought we were doing rides.  We are, is it in DCA? Yes. Is it a ride you've ridden on? Yes.  Well, that leaves out Cars Land.  Is it Grizzly? Yes.

It's perfect for a hot day and on a cold night.

For the longest time the only ones who took a chance on this attraction were my son and I.  We rode it day and night hot or cold.  We have been splashed, swamped, and drowned by the geyser. We once rode it one night late and there was no waiting line.  We disembarked and then were allowed to re board.  We rode it eight straight times.  When we were done, we were soaked head to foot.  We rejoined my wife and daughter, who had walked to get a churro, showing them how soaked we were.  I walked over to the fencing on the other side of the trail took off my shoe and dumped the water.  It was late so we walked to the Grand Californian Hotel entrance and headed up to our room.  

The bumps, twists, turns, and of course the drenching.  Bring on the fun.

We finally got to get the girls to ride on it with us.  My wife was going to buy a poncho.  I said son, "What do we call people who wear Ponchos."  He answered, " Weak sucks."  My wife was concerned about only one thing.  She did not want to ride down backwards.  We came to the first drop and she was facing forward.  Anyone who knows the ride knows it spins before the drop.  I don't think she ever has gone down forward in the many times we have ridden it this ride.

  

The next blog post will be from the Disneyland Resort.  We will be looking for another fun family time.  With the kids getting older it will be a different adventure.  We will no longer have to set the agenda.  But there is a plus in that.  We spent many times at Disneyland before they were born.  I'm sure we'll remember what to do.  Peace to you all and see you at the parks.  

Look Out Disneyland Here we Come 7A

Our long time friend standing proud
to welcome us home.

I have a life long friend.  He has a special place in our family.  His name is Mickey Mouse.  I joined his club, The Mickey Mouse Club, when I was a kid.  I watched the show every day after school.  It was both entertaining and presented you with knowledge.  My mom insisted we went to Disneyland in 1955.  We returned every year to see the changes, the evolution and the 'Disney Plussing'. As the years went by and I grew up I learned that my mother was a big Mickey Mouse fan.  She too grew up with Disney only in the theater.  She was born in 1928, the same year as Mickey. Because of this she felt a special kinship. We are going go visit this friend really soon. We are heading for the Disneyland Hotel for a weeks stay.  If you have read any previous posts, you will know we are collectors of Disney memorabilia.  Not just collectors but maniacal collectors.  When we leave for our vacation we have  a prominent Disney presence.  Matter of fact we have to raid the Harry Potter room (the cupboard under the stairs) for Disney items that we take on every trip. Over the years, we have gathered many items that we carry with us on Disney trips and also on other trips.  

So many snacks so little time

The case we use the most on our adventures is what we call the 100 Year Bag.  It was purchased from the Disney Catalog by my mother.  The bag was a commemorative of a 100 years of Disney Magic.  This is not a shoulder bag, it is like a carry-on sized bag.  We use it to carry all our snacks for all our trips.  It holds bags of chips and jars of salsa.  Boxes of crackers for my wife can be put in one of the many pouches.  It holds hot peppers and hot gairdiniera pickled vegetables all for dear old dad. Is it full yet? No, we have plenty of room for granola bars and candy for the twins. My mom got this bag for us when she ordered many Disney items monthly from the Disney Catalog.  She ordered so much she had her own private shopper with Disney.  She was considered a Best Guest. 

Bless you mom you gave us so much!

When we first begin to get ready to go to Disneyland, we gather up things that we need for our visit when we get there.  For dad and mom that means backpacks.  When the twins were babies and toddlers, the carrying of a backpack was easier.  It could hang on the stroller.  Later, we needed to carry it backpack style.  In 2001 when Disney California opened, we found a backpack we loved. It had adequate pouches to drive security people crazy.  It has water bottle pouches on both side. Plenty of space for sweaters when the weather changes. This portable home had one drawback, it could carry so much it could get heavy.  To compensate it had a lumbar waist belt to help distribute the weight on your hips. 

An oldie but a goody

The next backpack does not have as much space or as many spots for carrying stuff.  It is more compact.  This means you'll have to go back to the hotel for your coats and sweaters.  It doesn't have zipper pouches or dedicated spots for water bottles, but it is lighter. We also have the matching carry bag which is good to bring to the pool.  Since we like spending time at the pool when we spend summer days at the Disney Resort Hotels, we need an extra bag.

I love the Mickey representation

Been to the many pools of the Disneyland Resort.

At the Disney swimming pools they provide everything you might need except a suit.  Their towels are large and lush.  When the children were young and not strong swimmers, we were happy to find that Disney supplied floatation vests.  This allowed my children to enjoy the many Disney pools. The first was the Olympic sized pool at the Disneyland Hotel that was removed when the expansion and rededication of the area for Downtown Disney happened. They have enjoyed the Redwood Pool and the slide and the Mariposa pool at the Grand Californian Hotel.  Not to be left out the old Peter Pan pool at the Disneyland Hotel because of these flotation vests.  Now they can swim.  Like the Treasure of Sierra Madre, if you asked my twins it they needed a towel they would in unison, "Towels! We don't need no stinking towels!"  That is because they had always brought their favorite Disney character towels.  A Princess or Arial for my daughter and a Buzz Lightyear for my son were most often chosen.  Of course, they had to have a bag. They left their first bag at home and it was replaced in December of 2002.  The new bags hit the store marked with the date of 2003.  We had to get one.

The twin's pool bag.  Thank you Nonna.

Back about forty years ago, I bought a camera strap for my 35mm camera.  It was sturdy 1 1/2" strap.  This made it very comfortable because it was wide.  It had an elastic inner storage which held three film canisters for 35mm film.  I used it for a year or so.  The only thing I hated was the length.  Standard for the time when around your neck it located the camera in the middle of your chest.  The next year when I returned to Disneyland, I went to the Kodak Corner to purchase another identical strap.  I figured I would hook them together and wear the camera Bandelero style.  However, they did not carry the black and white, they were now red and black. so I bought it anyway. Those straps were the pinnacle of form fits function.  It has lasted 40 years and has been on three 35mm SLR's and three digital cameras.

1000 of pictures & 1000 of compliments.

Who goes anywhere without a computer.  So many places offering WiFi.  Disneyland Hotel offered in-room computer connection early on.  Back then it was supplied to your room via ethernet cable.  We have always carried a computer to stay in touch with sports scores, world news, and emails from friends.  Now we have iPhones, iPads, and four computers.  I have one of each of these items. I needed a case to carry them.  A very good friend gave me the best computer case ever.  Not only because it has space for the computer, iPad, and power cords, it is a Mickey case.  I carry this case with double pride.  First, the person who gave me this is as big a Mickey fan as me, and it reminds me of Mickey Mouse and Disneyland everywhere I go.  So many people comment on this carrying case.

Too cool for school, thanks Mrs A.

Does anyone remember the Fly n' Buy?  Yes, you got it.  This shopping area was located in Condor Flats in Disney California Adventure.  In 2001, I purchased the most obvious symbol of a a tourist, a fanny pack.  I bought this because it held Fast Passes, batteries, insulin, and Park Hopper or Annual Pass.  When the the twins were young, I carried all their Disney related items too.

Best fannypack ever!

Too bad I didn't leave some money in it.

The Harry Potter room has yielded those items essential for another trip to the Disney Resort.  We will be there next week at this time.  Have you ever, when you planned your trip, wondered what will be the first thing that you will do?  Well the next post, we will explore what the different individuals in our family want to do first at Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure.  Until then peace and we'll see you in the parks.

Look Out Disneyland Here We Come Seven

I am excited to say those magic words, "I'm going to Disneyland."  No, I didn't win the Super Bowl, but I am traveling to Disneyland again.   We were last there for the first event of its kind, 'The One More Disney Day'.  This happened on Leap Day, February 29th, 2012.  

My daughter's favorite day!

Congrats to my twins!

Other than the cold after midnight, the crowds, and long wait for the attractions because no Fast Passes, the entire day was pure Disney Magic.  Upon reflection, blogging about Disneyland and Disney collectibles has the biggest enjoyment for me.  Oddly,  Disneyland holds an important place in my and my family's lives.  Well guess what, we are preparing another trip.  The last time, I found the preparation was also fun to blog about.   Well, this trip has been planned since that last trip.  There were reasons for the delay between this up-coming trip.    

First, my twins graduated from high school in 2012.  Grad Night at Disneyland is a exciting time for a graduating teenager.  For my twins there were several extra special reasons that this trip to Disneyland was rewarding.  They got to go to Disneyland alone, without parental units, and they got to show their friends the park.  How did it delay a family trip to the Magic Kingdom?  
A.) Parents knew their children needed to spread their wings. 
B.) Graduation is an important right of passage
C.) The cost of two trips and all the cost associated with being a senior.
D.) All of the above.
Yes, any money that might have been allotted for a trip to Disneyland was spent.  

We all sat down as a family and discussed when we would we all be able to go back.  The summer of 2013 was agreed upon.  Now you think that would be easy, not.  We were now four individuals.  My son went to summer session at college. My daughter moved out of her dorm and got an apartment.  Luckily and happily, I retired so my calender was completely open.  

One of the best places to stay.

So with all the possible dates we knew it had to be the end of July.  Does anyone have August 2nd on your calender I asked?  A chorus of No's followed.  "No one?" I asked.  It's our anniversary.  Won't it be a great to be there.  So that was a pivotal date.  Imagine four people each with their computer looking up what they want to do.  My wife said, "I'd like to stay at the Grand Californian."  We have stayed there several times.  The kids said, "No, we want to stay at the Disneyland Hotel because we haven't been to the new pools."

The new pool, splash time soon.

My new camera will capture the kids on the new slides.

We discussed and it was settled,  Disneyland Hotel was going to be location of our stay.  Excitement was now set free.  Disney web site was flooded with requests just from our home.  We checked the new Early Entry benefit for hotel guests. Types of rooms were investigated.  Services were thoroughly checked on.  "Hey, Honey I said they say they have cabanas that can be rented by the pool."  "They have WiFi, flat screen TVs, refrigerator, and dedicated server." "We would not have to fight for an umbrella."  

She excitedly said, "It would be so great to spend our anniversary lounging by the pool."  It was settled, we would go over to DCA and Cars Land for Early Entry then my wife and I would return to the cabana and the kids could join us later.  We'll let you know what this experience was like.

Transformation by going back in time.

When we were last there, California Adventure was a maze.  Construction walls were everywhere.  This caused miles of walking to get from one place to another.  The new Buena Vista Street was all blocked off.  The top of the building that is the Carthy Theater protrudes above the scaffolding behind the new entrance.  Cars Land was not open so we knew we had to come back to see what they did to retheme the old California Adventure that opened in February 2001.  

Look at that! Look at that! Look at that Cadillac.

Beyond the ocean's pier rose and island, a new land.

The planning is done. The date is drawing closer.  I bought a new camera to take pictures to post and share.  In 2001, I bought a MInolta DiMage 7.  It was top of the line then but technology changes fast.  Now I have a much better camera.  I have gone to Disneyland yearly since 1955.  I have seen so many improvements and changes.  I was going to share my photos and experiences on MouseWait.  However, sometimes inexperience can lead an individual astray.  So those of you that follow me or this blog will need to monitor this site for updates.

We are getting everything we need: Bags, hats, fanny packs, and everything that we nee to make our successful.  All of our items are a Disney Product, we love Disney so much we take them everywhere. The next blog post will show those Disney items that are coming with us to the Disneyland Hotel and the Magic Kingdom.  See you there friends and acquaintances.

Previous Links:
Lookout Disneyland Here We Come Six
http://www.midasgoldstouch.blogspot.com/2012/03/lookout-disneyland-here-we-come-six.html

Lookout Disneyland Here We Are
http://www.midasgoldstouch.blogspot.com/2012/03/look-out-disneyland-here-we-are.html

Lookout Disneyland Here We Are! Leahttp://www.midasgoldstouch.blogspot.com/2012/03/look-out-disneyland-here-we-are-leap.htmlp Day.


This in Education Senior Trip
http://www.midasgoldstouch.blogspot.com/2012/05/this-week-in-education-senior-trip.html

Look Out Disney We Have Pins 1996 - 2005

Going Strong to the Finish

"Whose the leader of the club?"

These Magical Milestone pins are special to me because my wife and I got to share their events with our twins.  They were born in 1994 and they were taken to enjoy Disneyland when they were eighteen months.  I mean enjoy.  My wife and I were seasoned Disneyland veterans.  We both went as children with our families.  We both went there as independent adults and together as a couple without children. We have seen way too many families trying to drag their families to all the attractions, parades, and fireworks in a single day.   We knew from the crying and screaming kids and the short tempered parents that the all-in-one-day trip was not enjoyable.  We also noticed some children, whose parents were pushing to take photographs and were actually scared of a five foot Mickey Mouse. We knew to keep it slow and limit the pleasures Disneyland had to offer.  Naps during the day and some pool time makes it restful for both children and parents.  So down Memory Lane I go.  I reach inside the old 50th Anniversary pin bag and pull out the last of the Magical Milestone pins from the years 1996 to 2005.

In 1996 the area behind Big Thunder Mountain was rethemed to become a stage show that coincided with the opening of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  Quasimodo, the bell ringer of the cathedral, starred in the live action revue that involved acrobats and wire work.  The show was called Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools.  It featured the music and characters and was based on Topsy Turvy Day.  In the song it was said to be the day of the Epiphany, "on the sixth of January."  It was a good show but didn't last too long.

"Topsy Turvy everything is getting crazy"

We all decorate for Christmas.  It is the best way to brighten those long winter nights.  In 1997, It's a Small World did its Christmas overlay.  The outside brightly colored as if the whole facade was wrapped Christmas presents.  In the inside the dolls are dressed in Christmas costumes and the different countries have their native greetings for Merry Christmas.  Our family loves two things for sure, Disneyland and Christmas.  Disneyland gives us both with the parade, decorations and the big tree on Main Street.  Through the years they even added snow to the nighttime parade.  I bet everyone has seen the It's a Small World decorated on the Disney Christmas Day Parade televised Christmas morning.  Also every year they do a cut away to the front of It's a Small World on News Years Eve.  

Christmas Across the World 

I'll see you there for Christmas!

On May 22, 1998 the new Tomorrowland opened.  The future always caught up with Tomorrowland before the disney people could alter the attractions to keep it fresh.  I was there in 1967 for the opening of the then new Tomorrowland.  It was a landmark event in my life, and in Time Machine Travelogue Four I traveled there to reminisce.  The new 1998 Tomorrowland was, to me, a disaster.  The 1900's Jules Verne and H.G Wells look didn't show me the promise of the future.  People were waiting six hours in line to ride on the People Mover's replacement, the Rocket Rods.  They were one thing for sure, noisy.  The ride was short in the amount of time you were on it and it was similarly short in the amount of time it was in the park.  Rocket Rods' future was short.  I learned my lesson, wait a while you don't have to be the first to see new Disneyland features.  

Sadly there is no more tomorrow there.

Like Prince sang, "We are going to party like its 1999." Who would be a better party animal than a man who thought he was a gorilla. This swinger hung out with many other party animals.  His world was rocked by the first girl to come along, Jane.  His castaway parents much like the Swiss Family Robinson used items salvaged from there sinking ship to create a treetop home.  A home that the leopard Sabor invaded and killed his parents.  Tarzan was adopted by Kala a gorilla who lost her infant to the same leopard.  The Swiss Family Tree House was revamped to tell the story of Tarzan.  This is when I first noticed I was getting older.  Trying to keep up with five year olds as they ran up the stairs.

Swinging into Adventureland

In 2000, Disneyland turned forty-five years old.  On July 17th, our family came for the birthday of Disneyland.  They gave every guest adorable comical party hats.  I still have the hats and will focus on those memorabilia items later. Because I also purchased the forth-fifth anniversary watch.  Just wait till we do a blog post on Disney watches.  There was a ceremony and a 45th Anniversary Parade.  What made this the most special was it was the first Disneyland Birthday Party that my twins attended with my wife and me.  By now they were Disneyland veterans.  They understood both the importance to the Disney people and to their mom and dad.  It was a glorious happy day.  

It all started with a mouse.

While we were there that summer riding the Disneyland Hotel tram back and forth form the Sierra Tower of the hotel to the Disneyland Main Gate.  Over the years, this was one of my son's favorite rides.  He loved waiting for the tram. He loved that there were no seat belts.  The freedom was thrilling for him.  I should have known then he was going to be a daredevil.  On our journey on the tram there was a steel skeleton rising in the parking lot.  That maze of I-beams was slowly becoming a new park.  The thrill of seeing something new on the horizon just whetted our Disney loving appetite.  This immense skeleton was destined to become California Adventure.  In 2001, we made two visits to the now Disneyland Resort.  Both times we stayed at the new Grand Californian Hotel.  The first time was in May and the second time was for the California Adventure's First Christmas.   

What can you do with a billion dollars?

Ever worked all spring working the soil in your garden.  Rototilling in manure to form a rich environment for your plants to grow.  As John Hammond said in Jurassic Park, "Spared no expense."  Then, you sweat and toil on your hands and knees to plant new plants. Well, you know the feeling that the Disney  people had when they planted a new park, California Adventure.  Imagine you wake up in the morning and find all your plants cut off at the root and dying.  As I said before California Adventure was doomed because it was not thought out.  Who came and destroyed all your plants?  It was a cut worm.  A bug destroyed your dream garden.  The amusement park was suffering a similar loss of dream.  What they planted was dying on the ground.  What were they going to do?  What was going to be their savior?  Ironically, it was a group of insects.  The bugs from A Bug's Life created a new land in California Adventure, Bug's Land.  In 2001, this land's attractions were perfect for my seven year old twins.  They especially liked the Tuck and Roll's bumper cars. 

It's tough to be a bug

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. 
We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot. 
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. 
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot. 
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho." 
I bet you guessed it.  The 2003 Magical Milestone 50th Anniversary pin was Pirates of the Caribbean.  No, not the attraction but the Jack Sparrow fueled movie.  The movie not only brought box office success, it brought changes to Disneyland.  Ol' Tom Sawyer was cast aside.  His island was rethemed to become Pirates' Lair.  There were new pirate items added to the island.  Skeletons and treasure chests were hidden and revealed by visiting guests to the island.  Now even Jack Sparrow stalked the island looking for booty.  He tried to take my watch on one of our visits to the Pirate's Lair.  Jack also was added to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  As you float though Port Royal, you can spy Jack in the scenes.  So we all know how the song starts it is the last two verses I like best.

We're rascals and scoundrels, we're villains and knaves.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. 

Yo ho yo ho a pirate's life for me.

In 2004, we had annual passes to Disneyland.  The previous summer we had an extended stay at the Disneyland Resort.  Someone at the Main Gate upon entry told us that since we had stayed over a week the amount of each ticket can be put toward the amount of an annual pass.  The amount we would have to pay was less than one days Park Hopper ticket.  We jumped at the opportunity and headed to Main Street.  At that time the old bank was the annual pass processing center.  We all got our pictures taken for the new passes.  We planned shorter weekend trips that year.  Years before, when California Adventure opened, my son being a dare devil had to ride every attraction in the new park.  The roller coaster, California Screamin' and the Maliboomer.  Many people who have gone to any old amusement parks know this vertical lift and drop ride.  This type of ride was not my cup of tea, but I rode it for my son.  The ride took off straight up to a 180 feet then drops bounces you back down to Earth.  We shot up and when we reached the top I looked over to my son and all the blood had drained from his face.  He was as white as a ghost.  I was worried he was going to pass out.  This was a lock on the total dare devil.  He hit ground and was ready to go again.  Then came the 2004 addition to California Adventure, The Tower of Terror.  It is similar to that Maliboomer but themed better.  So here I went again, being lifted an dropped.  We got into the cursed elevator and were bought roughly to the first scene that sets the storyline of those doomed elevator patrons of the 1930's.  Then with a rumble, voom we were off.  When we got to the top with me holding firmly to my seat, my son's right arm shot up in a triumphant fist pump.  When we got the picture they supply as a memento for sale,  almost everyone else was terrorized or screaming.  Not my son he had a Cheshire Cat Grin and that emphatic fist.  

Next time your here drop in

Now comes the very special event, the Fifty Anniversary event, The Happiest Homecoming on Earth.  I am happy to say, "We were there."  In the blog post of April 6th, Time Machine Travelogue Eight.  It was two things for sure crowded and rewarding.  It cemented the love for Disney in my children.  I am sure without a doubt they will be there for the 100th Anniversary.  During this trip, I collected all the pins I could in this Magical Milestone pin release.  There was also a couple of bonus pins that had Incorporated that lovable little monster 626, Stitch.

5o Years of fantastic fun!

Where's the dog?

Hey Frogs look at this little monster

Going through the pins I discovered that there was a kick off pin.  I failed to recognize this.  So I am including it here at the end.  Because it is a celebration of the Magical Milestone Pins.  Over the months, we have taken a retrospective through the pins and the memories that corresponded to them.  Who better to kick off a Disney event than Tinker Bell.  She started the Wonderful World of Color television show, and soared through the air above Sleeping Beauty's Castle to bring forth the nightly fireworks spectacular.

Here's to the next 50 years!

For your convenience, I am including links to all the previous Magical Milestone posts.  Disneyland started in 1955 and so did our reminiscences. So here they are in order:

Look Out Disney We Have Pins 1955 - 1965

Look Out Disney We Have Pins 1966 - 1975

Look Out Disney We Have Pins 1977 - 1985

Look Out Disney We Have Pins 1986 - 1995

Also check out the pins released as part of the 50th Anniversary, the Golden Vehicles that were '55 originals.

Look Out Disney We Have 50th Anniversary Pins

Look Out Disney We Have 50th Anniversary Pins Two

Thank you for taking your time to share my family's and my memories of fifty years of Disneyland travel.

Look Out Disney We Have Pins 1986- 1995

The Biggest Magical Milestones

Who knew this case hold memories.

Anytime you take a trip down memory lane, you meet those moments where the Universe pays you a dividend.  While going through the Disney Magical Milestones from 1986 to 1995, it flashed that the year 1994 was the most important in my wife's and my life.  Our life was doing really good in the late 80's.  We were able to get to Disneyland every year.  Many of the Magical Milestones attractions and events, we looked forward to seeing.  It was a special time.  Disneyland was expanding and adding some of the major changes that we think of as Disneyland itself.  Where many of the previous Magical Milestones pins were a major part of my childhood and youth, that old 50th anniversary case is yielding some treasured moments of my adult life.  The Magical Milestones pins from 1955 to 1965 were my finest childhood memories not only of Disneyland but in my life.  The Magical Milestones pins from 1966 to 1975 were also my first steps into adulthood.  Expanding on those happiest moments and finding a someone to share them with was a major joy in the Magical Milestones pins from 1976 to 1985.  That someone is my wife.  My wife is a Disney girl.  Her uncle worked as a film editor for the Walt Disney Studios.  Growing up in Burbank, she attended Disneyland with her cousins many time.  She knew all the Disney films.  We were a perfect Disney match. 

The Magical Milestones pin for 1986 is a parade, the Totally Minnie Parade.  Disney has so many different parades.  Parades on a yearly and seasonal basis always changed to give the guests a different reason to visit the Magic Kingdom.  Depending on the time of year the parades vary in length.  I saw parades in the winter when the operating hours were shortened that started in Main Street looped around the Hub and returned backstage where it began.  Some parades are grand.  They originate on Main Street and continue all the way through the Magical Kingdom for the daytime show and then reversing the route for the night time performance.  The Minnie parade was a short parade.  It had dancers wearing 1980's styled dance wear, that really cool legging look, you know.  

Worlds longest lasting girlfriend

In 1987 the first attraction that was not a Disney movie opened. It was based on George Lucas's Star Tours.  Star Tours used the motion simulator to combine a movie projected on a screen while the audience was shaken, raised, and dropped in their seats.  I remember explaining it to my brother.  I put him in a chair and thrashed him back and forth and side to side.  I was explaining the attraction so he would consider joining us on a trip.  One of the clever "plussing" things in the rides queue are the announcements,  

"Departing Endor passenger Sacul, Mister Egroeg Sacul 

please see Star Tours agent at gate three".  

Egroeg Sacul is George Lucas spelled backwards.  The surprises are amazing.  Also the G2 Driods that are used as repair droids are the Audio-Animitronic geese from America Sings.  

Now serving more Galactic destinations

The greatest dream of mine once we moved from Southern California was to stay at the Disneyland Hotel.  We were never in a position to afford a stay there.  Finally, a sequence of events occurred that had me staying at the Disneyland Hotel.  It was really by coincidence on a Thanksgiving weekend.  I happened, on the spur of the moment, to drive to Disneyland just for the shrimp at the Carnation Plaza.  The lady I was with and I decided to stay over for the remaining days of the weekend.  By chance we tried the Disneyland Hotel on a lark.  They had a room and we checked in.  It was strange.  Here we were being escorted upstairs by a bell hop with only a Winnie the Pooh bear.  The Disneyland Hotel then was not owned by the Disney people.  It was owned in cooperation of Disney by Jack Wrather family.  In 1988, the Disney Corporation bought the property.  The Disneyland Hotel now was an extension of Disneyland.  The Magical Milestones pin for 1988 commemorates the landmark change.  Disneyland became the Disney Resort.

Wanna go?  We don't even need bags.

Since 1955, Disneyland was defined by the berm.  The raised mound of earth that served as Disneyland's boundary and the road base of the Disneyland Railroad.  Disneyland kept growing and they had to extend beyond the berm.  The first extension is now known as Critter Country.  The Country Bear Jamboree was opened there in 1972.  The area needed another anchor attraction.  That attraction was opened in 1989, Splash Mountain.  Splash Mountain completed the Mountains of Disneyland.  Let's hope there will be more.  Splash Mountain is a log flume ride themed with characters from Song of the South.  Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, and Br'er Bear are involved in many adventures.  Mostly to catch the elusive Br'er Rabbit.  As told by Uncle Remus they are searching for their Laughing Place.  Just before you plunge over the five story drop and splash down, you are serenaded by them singing the song.  Getting wet is part of the charm, and our family has been soaked happily on several occasions.

"Everybody's got a laughing place"

1990 Magical Milestones was another parade to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Disneyland.  Party Gras consisted of six large balloons of Disney characters.  There was a large Minnie Mouse in a Carmen Miranda styled fruit adorned hat.  Mickey's balloon was dressed as Sorcerer Mickey.  As in Mardi Gras in New Orleans, costumes are very chic.  I even bought a Sorcerer Mickey beach towel.  Of course, Donald Duck was seated on a big ball cruising down the street.  The balloons looked huge because of the smaller scale of the Main Street buildings.  Would Mickey go anywhere without his trusty pal Pluto? No way Pluto was there floating by big as life.  The last of the six was Roger Rabbit.  Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released in 1988.  There were several smaller floats that were from other Disney films.  I was not fortunate to catch any of the traditional Mardi Gras styled beads which were tossed to the crowd along the parade route.  Nor was I able to garner one of the Party Gras coins which were part of the party favors.  These coins were like the Doubloons distributed at Mardi Gras.  

Toss me some beads

Okay, I have had too many afternoons free.  During those misplaced hours, I watched Disney Afternoon.  It was a block of two hours of cartoons especially created for syndication for afternoon viewing and Saturday morning airing on the television channel, ABC.  They had shows that were created just for Disney Afternoon.  Duck Tales, Dark Wing Duck, TaleSpin, and Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers were in integral part of the cartoons.  There were many memorable characters that were included in Disneyland's Afternoon Avenue.  This section was located between Fantasyland and It's a Small World.  Young people were given a map which they were to get stamped.  Don Karnage, the Beagle Boys, Rebecca Cunningham, and my favorite Gadget Hackwrench were in costume among others.  The 1991 Magical Milestones pin remembers this short lived Disneyland area.

Maybe Scrooge McDuck can give me some money.

OMG! Before anyone ever thought of using that acronym, my wife and I both said it about the 1992 Magical Milestones pin's event.  One evening we were walking towards New Orleans Square.  There was a crowd gathered on the edge of the River's of America.  We stopped standing near the back.  A cast member said, "You'll need to move up.  There is a spot right there you can stand."  We asked what was happening.  "It's Fantasmic."  We took the advice and waited.  What we saw was beyond entertaining.  It was a thrilling, emotional, and heartfelt show of good and evil.  Mickey Mouse battles Maleficent in an epic struggle.  Music, laser lights were incorporated bringing Disney movie scenes and villains into Mickey's dream scene.  As an audience member you feel the spray of water that emanated from the river.  That water in the struggle erupts into fire.  You feel the heat drawing you into the show.  It was then that my wife and I turned to each other and said, "Oh my god."  

With Sorcerer Mickey how can Evil win?

Beyond the berm is where we are going again.  After the demise of Disney Afternoon Avenue, the stroll toward It's a Small World was not as thrilling if it weren't for the opening of Toontown.  To get there you travel under the Disneyland Railroad tracks marked by the berm.  Toontown gives you the perspective that you are in the cartoon.  Mickey's House, Minnie's House, and Donald's Boat are all there just like the cartoons.  There are many laughs and gags that you would see in cartoons.  It is a favorite spot for my family. The Magical Milestones pin show the goofy population sign that is located at the outskirts of town.  It contains rotating symbols and character that never really means anything but whimsy.

Meet me at Pluto's Dog House for a real hot dog.

1994 was my wife's and my magical milestone.  It was the year my twins were born.  Disney should have commemorated this event.  That year two incredible Disney fans were brought into the extended family.  Disney had an event of minor importance, The Lion King.  It celebrated the birth of a new king of the beasts.  However, for our family it was a movie that came out in 1992, Aladdin.  In that was a song that became our families theme song.  We sang it to our children.  Not only was it a song and lullaby it was a philosophy that we lived our lives.  We still are, eighteen years later, following the songs meaning.  The song "A Whole New World" still holds a special place for us. 

Simba wasn't the only notable birth that year.

Star Tours was an undeniable success.  It took a non-Disney movie and made it into a phenomenal ride.  Working in collaboration with George Lucas was important in the next attraction.  George Lucas with Steven Spielberg made old time Saturday matinee cliffhanger style movies in the Indiana Jones franchise.  In 1995, the Indiana Jones Adventure opened.  The ride and the queue were thrilling.  As you wind your way through the the Temple of the Forbidden eye, you see excavated artifacts mined from the mysterious temple.  After a Movietone newsreel tells you of the wonders and riches that people have taken from temple, Indy's sidekick Sallah tells you of the Curse of Mara's Eye.  You need to ride the attraction several times because the enhanced motion vehicle can take different routes.  I was shocked once when instead of one of the doorways we went through the wall to the Fountain of Eternal Youth.  

I still carry me Marabic translation card in my wallet.

Now the true adventure begins at this point in 1995.  My wife and I get to fulfill the promise of the song, "A Whole New World".  We would be able to show the real world and the Disney world to our twins. 

"I can show you the world" 

"Take you wonder by wonder"

In the the next ten years of Disney changes, we get to share them all with our family.  I will be able to also share them with you next time.