Originally Posted By pecos bill Well, I did Disneyland alone, and it was a lot of fun for the most part. I drove down from the Reno area on the 22nd of January and had about 200 miles of snow on highway 395 to contend with. Left at 4:00am and got to Anaheim at 2:00pm. Stayed at Hojo's and got settled in right away. Had some business to attend to, so didnt go on Sunday, but was there and ready Monday morning. Man, was it windy! I detest high winds, but inside the park, the buildings really helped keep them down. So the first thing I did was the 50th show at the Opera House. I was a little disappointed that the displays did not have more original memorabilia, as a collector, I just love that kind of stuff. The show was ok...just ok. Ambling down Main Street, it looked like a light crowd day, and turned out to be just that. Went straight to Tiki Room to see it for the first time since the big refurb. I was really pleased with the way it looked, it was nice to see those Tiki Gods actually drumming for the first time in years. Even with the light attendance, Tiki had good, enthusiastic crowds. I just love that little slice of vintage Disney! A couple got up in the middle of the show to leave, obviously not enchanted... what a couple of sour grapes! Went to Jungle Cruise and saw the new stuff there for the first time. I really liked the Piranha effect, and the little Elephant trying to spout at the end was really well done. Jumped off of Cruise and walked straight on to Indy for a great romp through the good old Temple Of Doom...awesome as always, only some dork was riding through holding his hands up and ended up smacking himself when the rig suddenly stopped, I had to laugh, it didnt hurt him none. So off Indy and a beeline to Pirates for the first of several rides that day, which included getting a boat all to myself at the end of the day! So, I am not even thinking about being alone until it comes time to eat, but I was to the point where I just did not care, so had an early lunch at Bayou all by my lonesome. It was kind of weird sitting there waiting for my food and such, and I started imagining people staring at me and thinking what some poor guy is doing eating alone at Blue Bayou. Then the food came and saved me! So, out of there and up to the Gallery to see all that wonderful concept art from the old days. Looking at that incredible work, and the roll call of immortal imagineers...Davis, Hench, Goff, Ryman, Campbell, McKim... man, those are my heroes! So out of the Gallery and on to Splash, but first, since there is no line, I do a quick ride on Pooh, which in my opinion is a great ride...providing you are around six years old. So onward to Splash and about a five minute wait to get onboard...those new boats are really cramped and uncomfortable, I do not like them. So all is well until the first drop, and for some reason the boat gets swamped and soaks me and a couple of kids in front, from the waist down, soaked! Then we get to the big drop and get plastered again! We were all looking at each other just shaking our heads in bewildered, soaking wet misery. I'm talking wet wallet, squishy shoes, the whole shebang! So I have to go back to the hotel to change clothes, and then people really were staring at me watching this middle aged dude walking through Disneyland with shoes literally squishing with water. Got back from the hotel and did a Fantasyland tour. I did all the dark rides and really enjoyed the tour, you must remember I am somewhat of a Disney geek. The only ride I felt uncomfortable about being alone on was Alice, as you have to ride down the ramp in front of all those people who you imagine are staring at you. After Fantasyland I hopped onto Matterhorn and had a decent tour of that wonderful old hunk of concrete and iron. That ride is really bumpy and rough, or I must be getting older, probably the older part for both of us, we are about the same age! So onward to a much anticipated ride on Space Mountain. I was really impressed with the new effects, and the track was really smooth, all in all, a great ride! So over to Buzz for my first ever ride there. I would rate it a nice C ticket adventure, but feel that it, like Pooh, is directed at the very young audience. Walked right by Star Tours, which tells you how I feel about this attraction which is so desperate for some kind of upgrade. Went to Plaza Inn for a nice chicken dinner. It was there that I realized I was the one doing all the staring! So enough for now, there is more, but I am tired. If anyone is interested, I will write the rest of this incredible adventure later...Seeya!
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 pecos bill, OF COURSE we want to hear the rest! I'm so happy that being alone on your trip turned out to be as much of a non-issue for you as it was. I'm sorry to hear that you had a couple spells of being concerned about what people might be thinking of you -- I mean, WHO CARES?! -- but it sounds as though you forgot yourself for the most part. Good for you! I love the itinerary you chose, your assessment of the attractions, and your obvious appreciation of vintage Disneyland. In that vein, and going off topic... You MUST plan to make the trip from Reno to the Bay area when the "Disneyland: 50 Years of Magic" exhibit takes up temporary residence in Oakland in the spring. I would not recommend this Exhibit to everyone. IMHO, it suffers a serious flaw: its true audience is Disneyland geeks (like you and me), but its narrative is sorely lacking. Imagine "The Nickel Tour" with the postcards but no text. The Exhibit is not that extreme, but you get the picture. But, from what you've said, you'll love the Exhibit anyway. The sheer quantity of previously un-exhibited original Disneyland artwork is absolutely staggering. I'm glad you enjoyed the beginning of your trip. Sorry about Splash -- that sounds miserable. How did you like staying at HoJo? MORE, please!
Originally Posted By friendofdd It is a great report, so far. May I have more, please? I think there is a place or two in the calm section of Splash where they squirt water in from the side.
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter So glad to hear you overcame any trepidation about being solo and enjoyed your trip! I would love to hear the rest of your adventures.
Originally Posted By disneyfreaksk A true breakthrough experience! Now, snap out of your tired mood and write the rest! Spoken like Veruca Salt, I want a solo trip to DL. NOW! <--tapping fingers on computer desk, anticipating the rest of pecos bill's trip report.
Originally Posted By Rivkah86 <I think there is a place or two in the calm section of Splash where they squirt water in from the side. > Yeah, I'm pretty sure they do. During the summer, my sister was sitting in the front, and was SURE someone was squirting her with water (just at the part where you go down that first hill, and br'er rabbit is laughing and rolling around). I've gotten pretty drenched myself the last few times I've been on it. Pecos, is sounds like you had an amazing time! MORE MORE MORE!!!
Originally Posted By pecos bill Well thanks gang, lets do some more Disneyland! So, I finished my dinner at Plaza and went into wondering mode and ended up at the old Mark Twain for a leisurely cruise around the Rivers Of America. I like standing next to the boiler, nice and warm on chilly nights. Going around the river, I noticed a couple of things, when you see the Deer on the side, the buck is modeled and painted like a Whitetail, but has Mule Deer horns, two different species on one Deer! The old Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer Island looked really strange in the darkness, almost creepy. I like the Indian camp at night...how cool would it be to spend a night in one of the teepees? So past camp and to that Bear scratching himself on the tree, is it just me, or does that thing look more like a Wookie than a bear? So off the Twain and straight to Big Thunder for a great ride in the dark, which I think is the best time to ride. It looked and felt really fresh, and all the effects were going strong, including some that may be new to me, like the rockslide projection. I was off Thunder and headed back to Pirates for a nice nightime cruise. The people were just trickling in now and after the first ride I decided to go again, as I love riding without having to listen to people yack through the whole thing. So the timing was perfect, and I got my own boat...all alone on Pirates! I must say, it was kind of tough to conceal my glee at having this rare opportunity, and to top it off, the boats in front were empty, as were the boats in back! What a treat having the whole show all to myself, all I can say is awesome! It was a little bittersweet knowing that many of these beloved scenes will be altered in the upcoming refurb, so I soaked them in like a sponge. Man, I hope they dont mess this thing up too much! So now the park is shutting down and the sweepers and cleaners are popping out of the woodwork to begin their nights chores. I walk through a deserted Adventureland and laugh to myself about how insanely crowded I have seen the place. On to the hotel for a good nights sleep. When I was getting settled in at the hotel I get a knock on the door, I open it up and there are these two little girls holding a pizza box. I judged them Austrailian by their accent. They explain that they had some extra pizza and wondered if I wanted the rest. I respectfully declined saying I had a big dinner already, they looked a little disappointed as they left. I shook my head and chuckled to myself, wondering if that is a common thing in Australia, certainly not in America! So after a good nights sleep I start the next day with a great breakfast at Mimi's across from Hojos. I cant say enough nice things about this place, great service, great prices and great food...nuff said. Back to the park for a tour of DCA, and I began with good old Soaring. You know, I like this attraction but I wonder if, like Star Tours, its getting a little stale. And I honestly think the picture quality is deteriorating as the years go by. Okay, onward to Grizzly River Rapids! Are you kidding me? After the soaking on Splash, there was no way I was going to ride this thing! I pass that place up rather rapidly and head to Screamin for what I consider a great coaster ride. I just love that start, and always hold my breath in anticipation. I then walked over to the Tower for a quick drop or two. This is one attraction where I like the theming and design more than the actual ride, still a fun diversion. And now it was time for Monsters inc. I figured the hoopla from the opening would have died down and was right. No problem getting on. The first thing I noticed was the bland and uninspired entrance and line area. The ride itself was pretty cool, and I really liked the doorway effects. I would rate it about seven out of ten. After Monsters, I headed to the animation building for a quick visit. I like the effects there but feel the area is not being used to it's full potential. That was about it for me and DCA, I think it is going to get better as the years pass, but right now I am hard pressed to spend more than a few hours there. So back to Disneyland for some aimless wondering and poking around, basically seeing Toontown and a nice ride around the railroad. Heres a nice little trivia tidbit, the replica of the Lilly Belle in the main street station was built by Roger Broggie Jr. who I have visited with at his home up in Oregon. His wife and my sister work together. Talk about a small world, the son of a Disney legend, and my sister is friends with his wife! So anyway, the rest of the trip is a hodgepodge of doing stuff over and poking around in the stores. I noticed a lot of Shag stuff that doesnt seem to be flying off the shelves, I would like his work if he only put more detail into it. Saw the much talked about Kinkade painting of the castle and was not overly impressed. I ran into one surly Castmember who responded in a condescending manner when I was stupid enough to ask him for a frozen banana at his "obviously" hot foods cart. I felt like telling him what he could do with one of those Turkey legs, but just said "it must bother you having to deal with so many stupid people" and left it at that. Anyway, that about wraps it. In summary, I had a great time going solo, and had the time to really stop and admire things that would not be of interest to someone who does not share my love of things Disney. People really were not staring, and if they were, I got over it. The trick is to be confident and just do your own thing. Hojos was good as always, but I think I got a room that amplified the sounds of the trucks on the 5 and found it a little annoying. Inspector, you can bet your boots I will be in Oakland to see the 50th memorabilia! Well, I guess thats it, hope you enjoyed reading the post as much as I enjoyed researching it! Seeya!
Originally Posted By Elderp "So past camp and to that Bear scratching himself on the tree, is it just me, or does that thing look more like a Wookie than a bear?" Well, the indians always sounded like they were speaking ewok to me.
Originally Posted By friendofdd Thanks, Pecos Bill, I thoroughly enjoyed your report. The majority of my visits are solo and I do many of the same things, only in smaller doses.
Originally Posted By RAM1984 >>"it must bother you having to deal with so many stupid people" << Sounds like you handled that very well. >> I honestly think the picture quality is deteriorating as the years go by<< I agree and this bothers me as I love this ride. Maybe some people think this would take the fun out of water rides but unless it is a really hot day........... My husband and I have full plastic suits that we got at Target for $10. Not just a poncho but hooded jacket and pants that are long enough to cover our shoes. People always act amazed at our ingenuity and often ask about them but I have yet to see anyone else decked out in these. On Thanksgiving evening we rode Grizzly 3 times without ever getting off. We had a great time with 4 teenagers who seemed to think we were pretty cool. (We are at the far end of middle-age.) We rode Splash as the last ride of the day and were warm and dry. So happy your solo experience was enjoyable. I was sure it would be.
Originally Posted By Rivkah86 <straight to Big Thunder for a great ride in the dark, which I think is the best time to ride.> I did this on my trip, and I agree. It is extra special at nighttime. Loved the whole story! Thanks for sharing!
Originally Posted By disneyfreaksk You have a nack for writing. I felt like I was right there with you! Love your humor! You know, I have only ridden Soarin' twice but could not smell the orange blossoms that I have heard about. One of my favs in DCA is the caterpillar ride in Bug's Land!!!
Originally Posted By Disney Joy Thanks for sharing ~ I enjoyed the report ~ I just want to go back and solo soon.
