Trip Report A Walk in Walt's Footsteps: Max's California Adventure

Hello to All - As the title suggests the Max family has returned from a fun adventure in the Golden State.

For those who have not read the PTR I have copied a link below:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...-going-to-do-i-am-going-to-disneyland.929704/

If you do not want to read the pre trip report I understand - there are so many PTR, TR ,Live reports on the go it is a lot of work to keep up with everything.

We will start with the players:

Me - Max - turned 51 a few days before we left (and yes I wore my Bday button proudly - more to come on that one though). Trip number 25 to a Disney Resort ( WDW, DLR, DLP and TDL)

My DW - T - age is just a number - She really likes Disney, really loves DCA and is over the moon on going back to San Diego (Trip number 23 to a Disney Resort (WDW, DLR and DLP)

My older DD - S - 22 - just finished her undergrad in Music Therapy, working at a summer camp and starting her mandatory intenrship to become certified in September. Trip number 20 (WDW,DLR,DLP)

My younger DD - C - 20 (not yet legal to drink in your country) - almost halfway through Biomedical Engineering - just finished a school term in August (co-op program) - starting to work in September - same trip count as her sister.

Next up: Day 1 travel day and first day in park all in one!!

 

[amjt660]

I am a Brave's girl, win or lose, but I always watch and root, usually for the underdog, every year.

Always good to stick with your team through thick and thin

The Braves kinda count as underdogs, I suppose, every year so i see why you root for them.

The Atlanta Braves have been struggling for awhile but they had an amazing run back in the 90's
Some of us here are old enough to remember that

It is just a southern thing.. but I always root, when it matters, for the team that isn't supposed to win.

Supporting the underdog is fun although can be frustrating

I had read, somebody on your pre trip report say, that Walt's apartment wasn't a part of the tour anymore, then right before, I saw photos posted, that were in the apartment. I almost posted, but didn't. So glad you guys got to do this! Amazing!! <3

First off thank you for not spoiling it for me
I had the whole family prepped to not being able to go inside.
When Carlos started the tour and told us we would be going in at the end I was having a hard time controlling my enthusiasm

The tour of that apartment is worth the cost of the whole tour! You are a very lucky man.

Better to be lucky than good!
But in all seriousness I was over the moon with excitement - no troubles in the world - worth every penny

AMAZING! I had heard that he had an apartment in Disneyland, but I never knew that guests could tour it (even on a special tour). Wow. That's all I can say is WOW!!!

I knew guests went up in the past but thought it was not available for us and our tour until that morning!!!

So So Jealous!!!! Definitely something I will have to do!! Great picture, too.

I am going to have to discuss shower heads with my husband tonight!

Just add one more innovative thing that Walt did with the shower heads
I am not sure if it was an original idea but it definitely was not a common thing to have at the time

Max

 

[fractal]

Love that you went to an Angel's game!

Love the Fun Facts!

Most of all - love that you were in Walt's apartment!

 

[DisneyGigi]

Always good to stick with your team through thick and thin


The Atlanta Braves have been struggling for awhile but they had an amazing run back in the 90's
Some of us here are old enough to remember that


Supporting the underdog is fun although can be frustrating


First off thank you for not spoiling it for me
I had the whole family prepped to not being able to go inside.
When Carlos started the tour and told us we would be going in at the end I was having a hard time controlling my enthusiasm



Better to be lucky than good!
But in all seriousness I was over the moon with excitement - no troubles in the world - worth every penny



I knew guests went up in the past but thought it was not available for us and our tour until that morning!!!


Just add one more innovative thing that Walt did with the shower heads
I am not sure if it was an original idea but it definitely was not a common thing to have at the time

Max

Oh, I remember that 90s run with the braves well! I was a teenager and the hubby and I were dating. Probably the reason I still call them my favorite.

Glad I did not ruin the surprise and again, so happy you guys got to experience the tour and apartment!

 

[lostpro9het]

The Atlanta Braves have been struggling for awhile but they had an amazing run back in the 90's
Some of us here are old enough to remember that

Trust me, I'm old enough to remember. I'm also old enough to remember that they couldn't fill the stadium until Fall of that year and haven't since. It was amazing how many braves fans there were in October of 1995 compared to 1994 and 1996. Heck, they couldn't sell out any games over the last three years or make a legitimate playoff run and still get rewarded with a new park that they still cant fill! Been a Sox fan for a while and I took my dad to a Sox/Braves game here In Atlanta one year and he couldn't believe how few people attended a Friday night game, how they could all leave in the 6th inning of a 5-3 game, or how they had to be constantly entertained during the game compared to Boston. But I digress... back to your TR!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I'm glad you got to go into Walt's apartment. It was the highlight of my tour there as well. It was a very special moment for me to be in his apartment, I could imagine what the park would have looked like from his point of view.

 

[amjt660]

Love that you went to an Angel's game!

Love the Fun Facts!

Most of all - love that you were in Walt's apartment!

Thanks @fractal
(and thanks for being kind and not mentioning the quality of my pics relative to yours)
I am truly in a state of shock and awe when I open up your TR and see the amazing ways you can capture the moment

Oh, I remember that 90s run with the braves well! I was a teenager and the hubby and I were dating. Probably the reason I still call them my favorite.

Glad I did not ruin the surprise and again, so happy you guys got to experience the tour and apartment!

Thanks @DisneyShe - I am so glad we went for it - the cost of the tour seems excessive since you also have to pay to get into the park but it was worth it in the end.

couldn't believe how few people attended a Friday night game, how they could all leave in the 6th inning of a 5-3 game, or how they had to be constantly entertained during the game compared to Boston.

My wife made a similar comment at the Angels game.
We were there just in time for the first pitch and the stands were barely full.
And the Angels were in the hunt for a playoff spot
Similar to Boston we are used to the Blue Jays games (who led the American league in attendance this year)
The place is almost always packed - even mid week.

I'm glad you got to go into Walt's apartment. It was the highlight of my tour there as well. It was a very special moment for me to be in his apartment, I could imagine what the park would have looked like from his point of view.

Disney geeks unite!!!!
Thanks @ajrwdwgirl for your consistent support

Max

 

[*Flynnderella*]

I genuinely think I'd get asked to leave for fangirling too much and not being able to control my emotions in Walts Apartment I am so super jealous
I'm trying to explain it to my boyf & he is just not getting the amazingness of that whole experience!!

Really enjoying this Max & hopefully I'll get to go one day

 

[wdwfamilynh]

Wicked late to the party, but I'm all caught up and can't wait to read more! You've got me thinking a trip to Disneyland MUST be in our future

 

[Zipadeelady]

I don't know how I've managed to join so late but I'm all caught up. Love that you went to a ball game. J and I love going to games in different cities to check out the stadiums. I'm hoping to head up to Toronto in 2019!

 

[Laurenciaa]

Max!

As i’m Sitting in DLP.. I was wondering.. do we know what’s on the first floor of all the buildings in Main Street? Stock for the merch or just a facade with no real first floor?

 

[amjt660]

I genuinely think I'd get asked to leave for fangirling too much and not being able to control my emotions in Walts Apartment I am so super jealous

I kept it together - asks my girls - I was giddy at times and speechless at others

Wicked late to the party, but I'm all caught up and can't wait to read more! You've got me thinking a trip to Disneyland MUST be in our future

Not too late - not even half way done the trip yet
Thanks for following and I am glad I am inspiring you to think about going to DLR

I don't know how I've managed to join so late but I'm all caught up. Love that you went to a ball game. J and I love going to games in different cities to check out the stadiums. I'm hoping to head up to Toronto in 2019!

Glad you could (finally) make it - I think you were either at WDW or just coming back when I started.
When you plan on coming up to see the Jays just let me know - hopefully our families could meet!

Max!

As i’m Sitting in DLP.. I was wondering.. do we know what’s on the first floor of all the buildings in Main Street? Stock for the merch or just a facade with no real first floor?

Good question
I did some searches and what I found so far is in Anaheim there are offices, cubicles and boardrooms for the higher ups.
The window are blocked so that you cannot see inside.
Storage is apparently behind the stores or underground.

Enjoying your report so far - I am hoping your ride the Rat and give us some insight on what Epcot will be getting.

Max

 

[amjt660]

Day 4 cont'd
After an amazing visit to Walt's apartment it was time for lunch
Lunch was catered by Jolly Holiday

@PacNWTigger - look what I had for dessert!!

Matterhorn Macaroon - very tasty!!

After a great meal and a few more minutes with Carlos it was time to say goodbye to him and our fellow tour members.

We were given a special pin to add to our collection (one each)
I have said in some responses this tour was worth every penny.

Next up we rode the recently opened Railroad from Main street.

If you listen closely (and know Morse code) you can "hear" Walt's opening day address
"To all who come to this happy place welcome, Disneyland is your land.."
(and no, I do not know Morse code)(and apparently it is paraphrased version so I might have it wrong!!)

C and I got off at Tomorrowland and S&T went all the way back to Mainstreet.
They went DTD shopping - we went to do more attractions!

First was Star Tours (Darth Vader, Hoth, Crouscant) (and again not the rebel spy)

Single rider splash - the group I was with had some fun with the ride photo

C did not take a picture of her ride log - Neither of us got wet in the back row

Hopped over to California Adventure and to get a FP for Mission Breakout
The window did not work so we had to wait for about 30 min
So...... we rode again!!
C got the red badge of honour this time

 

[amjt660]

Day 4 cont'd

We had another new song (Elvis - Burning Love ) Yes that is 4 rides for C and 1 and 4 different songs

Took some pictures on the way back to the room - Grizzly peak being one of them

I was beat so I took a nap - the girls hung out for a bit but then the 3 of them went to Disneyland
They rode Buzz and Star Tours
No details (because I wasn't there!!!)
Hopefully @MiniMax or S can logon and fill in some details

We had a 5:30 dinner ressie at the Blue Bayou (restaurant inside POC)
Met the girls as we were both walking up to the hostess (at 5:29 - Just in time! @bee )

Ribeye for me, Portabello Mushroom for S, Salmon for both T and C.

We were seated as far away from the water as possible - almost at the entrance
The service was inconsistent, long time to come to the table, too quick on the appetizers and entrees, then crazy long wait to get the bill.

So the magic was not there on this meal - food was good - but a turn off for the amount you pay
Not good value @gwhb75 ,not good value

We headed back over to DCA and based our lunch caterer's home

We went to GOG MB for our FP. S was not feeling well so she skipped this time

Took some pictures before riding

Then this went by

's

This is what is called poor theming
A 1920'2 trolley car in the Marvel Universe - I know - eventually it will all come together

On this one we tried to simulate the final battle scene in GOG 1.
I was holding a light up plastic ice cube from my lemonade drink
It was glowing purple (like an Infinity stone) and my mates were holding on to me.

Great concept for a ride pic - just poor execution - the flash of the camera washed out the purple glow of the "stone"
Oh well - good effort

And the song you ask - Jackson 5 - I want you back (ABC - easy as 1 2 3 )
Yes 5 rides for C and I AND 5 different songs - only 1 to go!

Talked to a couple of CM about their favorite ride songs -we did not have consensus

DLR Magic time - they gave us a FP for Toy Story Midway Mania!

So we headed that way through Bugsland
Love the popsicle stick bench

 

[amjt660]

Day 4 cont'd
A few more pics on the way of Grizzly Peak

And the Wharf

Special FP at TSMM

Saw this one in the shops across from Ariel's restaurant

(some of us on the forums should consider this shirt ..... Just kidding

S was not feeling it so she went back to the room early and went to bed.

The three remaining went to Single rider at Radiator Springs Racer one more time
Best time to ride is at night.
Pics on the way again

 

[amjt660]

Day 4 cont'd
Ramone and Luigi"s!!

Had a great ride with this Dad and his daughter - second time for them but first time in the dark

T and I lost in our car but C won again (3 for 3)

And that was the end of an amazing day!!

Next up - Last morning at the parks and then off to San Diego!!

 

[fractal]

Love Jolly Holliday! Also one of my favorite Disney songs.

Ain't it a glorious day?
Right as a mornin' in May
I feel like I could fly
'Ave you ever seen
The grass so green?
Or a bluer sky?
Oh, it's a jolly holiday
With Mary
Mary makes your 'eart so light


Great idea for a GotG ride pic (holding the infinity stone)!

Carsland at night is great!

 

[amjt660]

Love Jolly Holliday! Also one of my favorite Disney songs

I love all the songs from Mary Poppins.
Thanks for the lyrics- I just starting singing it - luckily not at work right now!

Great idea for a GotG ride pic (holding the infinity stone)!

This was the desired effect
It would have been sooo cool

Max

 

[Laurenciaa]

I kept it together - asks my girls - I was giddy at times and speechless at others


Not too late - not even half way done the trip yet
Thanks for following and I am glad I am inspiring you to think about going to DLR


Glad you could (finally) make it - I think you were either at WDW or just coming back when I started.
When you plan on coming up to see the Jays just let me know - hopefully our families could meet!

Good question
I did some searches and what I found so far is in Anaheim there are offices, cubicles and boardrooms for the higher ups.
The window are blocked so that you cannot see inside.
Storage is apparently behind the stores or underground.

Enjoying your report so far - I am hoping your ride the Rat and give us some insight on what Epcot will be getting.

Max

Aha Ratatouille, didn't take many pictures but! will give a detailed description. I really like the ride ! Will be posting soon again. First need to finish breakfast.

 

[Laurenciaa]

Aha Ratatouille, didn't take many pictures but! will give a detailed description. I really like the ride ! Will be posting soon again. First need to finish breakfast.

AAANNND @amjt660 thanks for your answer! having an office in Mainstreet... that would just be AWESOME

 

[amjt660]

Aha Ratatouille, didn't take many pictures but! will give a detailed description. I really like the ride ! Will be posting soon again. First need to finish breakfast.

I will read the description
And good for you - it is the most important meal of the day!!

AAANNND @amjt660 thanks for your answer! having an office in Mainstreet... that would just be AWESOME

True, it would be awesome to have an office on Mainstreet
Now just to be clear that the article I found was Disneyland California - I would assume that DLP would have the same function on the second floor.

Max