Friday, December 15th
After an only somewhat restful night (I had been fighting a cold on and off anyway, but something about hotel air and travel stress made it flare up again), I woke up quite stuffed up. I decided some hot tea was in order. It rather hit the spot though I like a bit of tea with my sugar, and I would have liked more sugar available, but it did the trick.
IMG_7413 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
This morning I had decided to go to DHS. I enjoyed a solo morning there on our last trip in September, and it gives DH an opportunity to sleep in a bit as he doesn't always feel the need to go there. No matter how little people say there is to do there, I could literally enjoy myself just walking around and taking in the atmosphere. I swear I should have been born in the 40s or 50s, the decor and ambiance is my jam.
I took the bus...boarded at the Grandstand stop
IMG_7415 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
On the way, I was joined in my seat by a mom, who wanted to sit and hold her maybe 3 or 4 year old son. He insisted on standing, and even though she said "no you need to sit", she didn't make him. He kept trying to climb up on the wall in front of us (we were in the first row of seats up on the elevated part). I used my "teacher eyes" quite a few times on him without his mom seeing. He would look at me periodically and see me looking at him, then he'd hide, but at least he'd stop for a bit.
I arrived not too long after the rope drop, only a couple of minutes I believe. Before entering the park, the streetmosphere characters were doing a skit right outside the ticket windows. I love that the truck was decorated for the holidays.
IMG_7416 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
IMG_7417 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
LOVE LOVE LOVE. This reminds me of my tinsel trees (I have more than the 2 I brought on this trip). Decorations like these remind me of my Grandma's decor at the holidays. LOVE.
IMG_7418 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I went through the AP line rather quickly, and received my Star Wars pin that they were handing out for the opening of the new movie. (I wound up giving it to my nephew)
IMG_7419 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I took my time entering, taking pictures, and looking in shops.
IMG_7420 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I inquired at the information booth, then followed their directions into the correct shop to receive my AP holiday magnet. (Someone stole my regular one, or it fell off back in the spring) While in the shop I spotted--and purchased---the elusive ROSE GOLD EARS!!! I didn't take a pic at the time, but you'll see them in pictures later. YES!!!
I wandered down the street and kept snapping away at the gorgeousness that is DHS's old hollywood holiday decor. I eventually turned right onto Sunset.
IMG_7421 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
IMG_7422 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Here you can see the time
IMG_7423 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Waved at these CMs...I would have anyway, but they were waving Baymax's hand, and who could resist that? I think that they liked that I was taking their picture.
IMG_7424 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Hello, gorgeous! My first destination...
IMG_7425 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
It had the 13 minute wait but not really
IMG_7426 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I stopped for a couple of photopass pictures
Screenshot_20171217-204939 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Can anyone tell me what is on my forehead???
Screenshot_20171217-204958 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
ToT was awesome, as always! As was our elevator operator. One of the two little boys in the lower right corner said "this isn't terrifying, is it?" in his adorable British accent. To which the CM replied, "No, they changed the name to Tower of Sunshine and Rainbows"!! Had me giggling...
Screenshot_20171217-204748 by
Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I walked over to check the single rider wait on RnRC. There wasn't a time displayed, so I asked the CM at the entrance if she knew the wait for single rider, and she said she didn't. I decided to move on, though now I regret not walking in and at least estimating from there. Oh well.
Walking back up Sunset, I ended up walking step-for-step beside an executive-type CM. We walked for awhile together, until out of nowhere he says "rose. gold." and holds out his fist for a fist bump! To which I said "finally, yes!" as I fistbumped him. (without thinking about it, I did it with my hand with my diamond...hope I didn't hurt him)
Following my DHS solo morning routine (and using up those Starbucks gift cards
@TrolleyFollower91 )
I stopped to get a Butterfinger cupcake. (I did take a picture, with my phone, but now can't seem to locate it) They were very busy, as usual, and were out of napkins at the station. I had to wait for someone to go get more...took 5 or more minutes, and I think most of that time was her trying to get back through the crowd. I took my cupcake and water to the seating area behind, and took my time enjoying (read: EATING EVERY LAST BITE) of my cupcake.