Trip Report Solo: A Disneyland Story - My first trip by myself!

Alright, I won't get too into it, but there's been a lot of rough stuff in my life the last several years. Depression, anxiety, family member deaths, family members battling (and surviving) cancer, issues with school. A bunch of stuff.

But, I'm graduating soon. I have, with plenty of therapy and counseling, gotten too a very liveable and manageable point with my mental health. Family member health is stable and safe.

Life was dark for a while, but I've made it out the other end and things are looking bright.

After saving up for about a year, I've finally got to the point where I can take my dream solo trip to Disneyland! My first time since 2005 when I was nine years old.

It's gonna be a real budget trip, but I'm so excited! I made it work and I can do it!

I'm in the airport now ready to fly across the country!

Today is a travel day, then I have four park days, then a travel day to take me back home!

Next time I see the sun, I'm be in the air!

 

[Pi on my Cake]

What are the plans for the rest of Day 2??

Lol yeah. Made it to the line for Incredicoaster just in time. Then it's back to the hotel for a quick hot tub dip. Will probably grab a pizza on my way back so I have food at the hotel for the next few nights.

Planning to do another bullet point overview, but a lot less thorough than yesterday's since I've been doing updates throughout the day. If there's anything specific anyone wants to hear about, let me know!

 

[NateD1226]

Lol yeah. Made it to the line for Incredicoaster just in time. Then it's back to the hotel for a quick hot tub dip. Will probably grab a pizza on my way back so I have food at the hotel for the next few nights.

Planning to do another bullet point overview, but a lot less thorough than yesterday's since I've been doing updates throughout the day. If there's anything specific anyone wants to hear about, let me know!

I want to hear your ideas for what can make DCA better! But that sounds more of an Imagineer Brainstorming thread

 

[Pi on my Cake]

I want to hear your ideas for what can make DCA better! But that sounds more of an Imagineer Brainstorming thread

There's definitely a large and detailed Imagineering thread about ideas for Pixar Pier, Hollywood Land, and the park as a whole coming at some point.

But I'll throw some problem solution type ideas out there tonight!

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Holy crap. I saw Tony Baxter in Cars Land today and didn't realize who it was till I saw someone post about him being there on Reddit

I remember thinking "I wonder why that guy has a bunch of people following him?" Now I know why lol

 

[D Hulk]

Holy crap. I saw Tony Baxter in Cars Land today and didn't realize who it was till I saw someone post about him being there on Reddit

I remember thinking "I wonder why that guy has a bunch of people following him?" Now I know why lol

Wow Pi, that's incredible! He's a lot younger looking than I thought he would be. Who's that mustachioed gentleman next to him?

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Wow Pi, that's incredible! He's a lot younger looking than I thought he would be. Who's that mustachioed gentleman next to him?

I don't know, probably security guard. But yeah, Tony Bacteria looks a lot younger. I think the very casual Stitch shirt helps with that

 

[TwilightZone]

Holy crap. I saw Tony Baxter in Cars Land today and didn't realize who it was till I saw someone post about him being there on Reddit

I remember thinking "I wonder why that guy has a bunch of people following him?" Now I know why lol

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Day 2 Recap - California Adventure

• Started with the breakfast of champions: The Fried Cheese Melt from Denny's to go. That's a grilled cheese with mozzarella sticks inside it for breakfast. Not my healthiest option, but a hugely filling and quick breakfast for about five bucks.
• Got into the park about 15-20 minutes after it opened. Just enough to avoid the initial crazy rush.
• Headed straight to Mission Breakout. Grabbed a fastpass and then hopped in the standby line. Did the ride three times in a row. Absolutely loved it! Strong contender for favorite ride on this coast.
• After that I took a leisurely stroll around Hollywood Land and did the other things there. This felt a lot like eating 2000s MGM, which I adored. So, i felt right at home here.
• Monsters Inc was fun dark ride. One of the weaker on property, but still fun. It has what is my biggest pet peeves that is so prevalent in California Adventure. I don't mind simple figures. I don't even mind just cut outs. What I do mind is having a lot of dialogue when no one's mouths are moving! This ride has almost constant talking from every character and yet not a single mouth ever moves! Winnie the Pooh can kind of get away with it since there's so little dialogue and it moves faster, but this has long (for this ride type) scenes of just staring at characters talking with their mouths frozen. I still do really enjoy the ride, but the mouth thing gets to me and I had to rant.
• The Animation Building and Sorcerer's Workshop are great! It might lose the authenticity of not being an actual animation studio like the old Florida version, but they do a great job making it into a better more immersive and more fun experience.
• Next, I was headed to Cars Land
• It's an incredible area. But I still stand by it isn't the Pinnacle of Imagineering a lot of people make it out to be. Though, I've always prefered more original environments over recreations of movie environments. Things like Pandora and Galaxy's Edge and even Toy Story Land in FL are much more interesting ways to pull off a single IP land. Thats not to say I think toy story land is better than cars land, I'm not crazy and/or stupid. Just that I prefer that kind of approach.
• Luigi's was a lot of fun, but it needs more trees around it or a covering or some more interesting stuff to look at. It feels very empty where it is. And the only eye catching visual you can see on the ride is the Gaurdians building, which is kinda theme breaking. But it is a very enjoyable modern flat ride and the singing adds to the fun atmosphere it has!
• Radiator Springs Racers is astounding. Another strong contender for my favorite ride on this coast. Sadly, my car lost the race.
• What's going on with Pacific Wharf? Why is this here? It's essentially a slightly bigger version of Harambe Market from DAK and yet it's marked as its own land. The bread tour and blue sky cellar are both neat, but neither has enough to it to really count as attractions. Yet thats yhe only attractions in this "land." DCA has a ton of food options. You don't need a separate land dedicated just to food. And what's with that weird stretch of (I guess) Pacific Wharf buildings across from Mermaid on the road between Grizzly and the Pier entrance? It feels so out of ppace with everything around it and is entirely disconnected from the rest of the Wharf.
• That being said, I do like the visuals the Wharf area and the large variety of food is nice. I just feel like in order to be a "land" you should be more than a glorified outdoor cafeteria. Even if you're a pretty outdoor cafeteria.
• The infamous Pixar Pier.
• I liked it.
• I liked it way more than I expected.
• The flaws are big and baffling though. Why is it still only half done? Why is there weird Pixar version of Toon town stuff mixed in with the pier aesthetics? Why is there no Pixar ball on the ferris wheel on the side facing the pier to match the Mickey on the siee facing out? Why did they make Incredicoaster supports be as obtrusive as possible in order ti get the wooden coaster aesthetic and then not follow through and paint the supports with wood grain design ti complete the illusion? Why is there a candy shop with no candy?
• BUT the parts that do committee to the pier aesthetics work really well. The Pixar colors and characters fit the timeless feeling of the Pixar very well when used correctly. I like the Adorable Snowman stand as it was the perfect amount of tacky.
• Incredicoaster was a blast. But it had a similar problem as Monsters Inc of the characters never shutting up despite none of their mouths moving. The rides story is simple, you don't need dialogue for it at all after the launch. Plus, Jack Jack on a stick just looks wrong. But overall I still really enjoyed this ride.
• Next I got Toy Story Mania fastpasses, explored the shops, and went on the Pixar Fun Wheel (I refuse to use the name they chose). Absolutely terrifying. I don't do well with heights. But theme park rides very very rarely trigger that. This borderline triggered a panick attack. Of course, as a single rider they paired me with another group. Luckily, I was paired with a group of three kids who were all easily under ten years old and living it. So, i got to be scared and immasculated.
• That being said, the swinging gondolas were still really fun and gave some great views of the park.
• Next came Silly Symphony Swings. So much fun! This is a ride system id love to see get used more! But I understand that the restraints are not the most accessible for all guests which can make it difficult.
• Then a ride on Jumping Jellyfish. Was much more of a little kid ride than i realized lol.
• How come the only part of the entire seaside pier/park area that takes up almost a third of the park only has any type of seaside theming of plants or visuals at the base of one singular kids ride?
• Goofy had a 20 minute wait. But it also had fastpasses that we're only five minutes out. Though with my toy story fast pass I couldn't get a new one yet. So, I figured I'd do Mermaid and come back.
• Zephyr was closed for technical reasons, so that would have to wait.
• Mermaid really loses something not having the great queue we have in Florida. But I was also never crazy about this ride to begin with. Most of my issues stem from Ariel's "help me, I'm being held captive" eyes I every scene.
• Decided I was hungry, so went to get lunch before going back to goody. Got chicken strip and waffle fries kids meal from Smoke jumpers Grill. Less than ten bucks, filled me up, and included a yogurt and a soda.
• Shout out to Laura who works there for putting up with comically snobby guests that were in front of me who were trying to argue that they "could make that combo we're asking for with the ingredients you have had a, we know. We're both chefs."
• Then I went back to get Goody fastpasses and explored the area a bit to kill the five minutes i bad to wait.
• Paradise Gardens is a mess visually. Silly Symphony has old time pier aesthetic. Jellyfish has nautical, colorful, almost little mermaid like aesthetics. Zephyr has a 50s Sci-fi aesthetic. Goody has a Toontown meets state fair version of a farm aesthetic. You can hear the silly Symphony from the whole area. Which means no other rides have music. PICK A THEME!
• At least I enjoyed all the rides in Paradise Gardens.
• Goofy was a lot of fun, I'm a sucker for this ride type. And the "How to fly" signs throughout were fun. It's just odd because I don't get how the theme or the visuals is meant to fit the area or the park or anything.
• Redwood Creek Challenge trail was awesome. I love the visuals! I love the mix of education, atmosphere, and playground. The spirit cave says I'm an eagle btw.
• The Grand Californian adds a lot to the land. My first thought was that a hotel messes with the natural, national park aesthetic. But the ma made structure helps tie the land visually tobthe restbof the park more while still being rusyic enough to fit Grizzly Peak. Really enjoyed this land. Like, a lot.
• Got my Soarin fastpass and then leisurely toured shops and buildings and all on my way to five o'clock Frozen.
• Liked the show more than expected. It was good! I can't see myself spending a whole hour of park time on it ever again though unless I really need a break.
• Nighttime at DCA is magical. The heavy focus on relatively modern, man made environments lends itself really well to beautiful lights.
• Took a tour through Hollywood at night on my way to Soarin. Soarins always great. I love the queue and place setting for the ride much more here than in Epcot. I'd like it more if the California themed park still had you touring California.
• Was headed to try to see if I could redeem my toy story fast pass late when i noticed Zephyr was open which was a pleasant surprise. Not as fun as Symphony Swings. But still nice. Especially at night with the absolutely stunning view of Pixar Pier across the water. Grizzly Peak and Cadillac Ridge belnding wuth the really mountains in the distance creating a stunning skyline. Gaurdians of the Galaxy being prominent because it always is no matter where you are. Zephyr at night is beautiful to ride.
• Decided I didn't have time for mania with wanting to get to Cars land with plenty of time to explore and ride stuff at night. So, I just toured the pier all lit up at night.
• Took the side entrance to Cars Land which is just amazing at night. I love the neon glows. Got the Bacon Macaroni and Cheese in a bread cone for dinner. Rode Mater (though I think we really talked about that enough already, butt I'll reiterate liking it more than A.S.S.)
• It was here i realized the Lightning McQueen and mater M&G cars are constantly talking despite their mouths not moving. Why?!?! No other characters talk when their mouths don't move. Is it just a requirement for California adventure to do this!?!
• Got to the front of the single rider queue for Radiatior Springs Racers when it broke down. Person at front said she thought I might be down for an hour. So, I bailed and briskly walked to make it into the queue for Incredicoaster two minutes before close.
• Incredicoaster is definitely improved at night. But the Jack Jack on a stick section is still noticeably bad.
• Then back to my hotel where I got some pizza hut to snack on the next few nights.

Tomorrow, I'll probably do a similar thing where i go just after park open to avoid the rush. Will probably start my day in Fantasyland again and then make a loop. Focus is much more on exploring and walkthroughs than rides this time. But I'll definitely be redoing some highlights.
What do you guys think of Mickey and the Magical Map? Is it worth taking the tike to see or is it more or less just a castle stage show in a theater?

 

[DisneyManOne]

Day One Recap

• Then Pooh. I think the rustic outside queue/loading area is amazing. Really plussed the whole experience. Too bad the ride itself just didn't have half the scenes from florida. And tended to shorten the scenes it did have.

I think the Disneyland incarnation is my least favorite of all the Pooh rides. Even as a child, I never understood why the flood scene took place immediately after the blustery day scene. If the ride is based primarily on Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, the least it can do is tell the story in the proper order! Pooh's Hunny Hunt, I believe, kinda works around this by getting rid of the flood altogether and just going straight from the Heffalumps to Pooh in the Honey Tree, with narration saying something along the lines of "As Pooh slept, the wind carried him up to the Honey Tree."

But, I will admit: I think their take on the Heffalumps and Woozles scene blows Florida's out of the water.

The colors are crazier and brighter, the sound effects are delightfully insane and it just feels so much more like a crazy, bizarre nightmare! IMO, the Florida Heffalump scene is just too dark and the colors don't "pop" like they do in California.

 

[Pi on my Cake]

I think the Disneyland incarnation is my least favorite of all the Pooh rides. Even as a child, I never understood why the flood scene took place immediately after the blustery day scene. If the ride is based primarily on Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, the least it can do is tell the story in the proper order! Pooh's Hunny Hunt, I believe, kinda works around this by getting rid of the flood altogether and just going straight from the Heffalumps to Pooh in the Honey Tree, with narration saying something along the lines of "As Pooh slept, the wind carried him up to the Honey Tree."

But, I will admit: I think their take on the Heffalumps and Woozles scene blows Florida's out of the water.

The colors are crazier and brighter, the sound effects are delightfully insane and it just feels so much more like a crazy, bizarre nightmare! IMO, the Florida Heffalump scene is just too dark and the colors don't "pop" like they do in California.

I'll give ya that. The colors do pop more in Cali. I'd attribute that to the better upkeep on the west coast probably. Newer bulbs, fresher paint. Stuff like that. Disneyland keeps everything neat and pretty and shiny at all times. Disney world always has a few rides at least that feel overdue for and update or upkeep at least.

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

I've never done Magical Map, but have heard good things and would expect it to at least be better than your average castle show. Best day time live entertainment in the park for my money is the storytelling shows they put on at the Fairy Tale Fair. The comedy has a similar vibe to the Studios Frozen sing-along. Please make a point to do the Canal Boats, especially if you can catch them at night. Don't forget our Main Street Cinema is actually in tact as an A ticket walk-in attraction that's not a gift shop Be sure to take some time to soak up the history present at the fire house and take a moment to honor Walt by acknowledging the always-burning lantern in the window

Also...DO THE CASTLE WALK-THROUGH. So fun!

But of course, nothing can beat the single greatest attraction not just at Disneyland, but possibly on the planet...

 

[TwilightZone]

I've never done Magical Map, but have heard good things and would expect it to at least be better than your average castle show. Best day time live entertainment in the park for my money is the storytelling shows they put on at the Fairy Tale Fair. The comedy has a similar vibe to the Studios Frozen sing-along. Please make a point to do the Canal Boats, especially if you can catch them at night. Don't forget our Main Street Cinema is actually in tact as an A ticket walk-in attraction that's not a gift shop Be sure to take some time to soak up the history present at the fire house and take a moment to honor Walt by acknowledging the always-burning lantern in the window

Also...DO THE CASTLE WALK-THROUGH. So fun!

But of course, nothing can beat the single greatest attraction not just at Disneyland, but possibly on the planet...

How much did you get payed to do that?

 

[TwilightZone]

• Took a tour through Hollywood at night on my way to Soarin. Soarins always great. I love the queue and place setting for the ride much more here than in Epcot. I'd like it more if the California themed park still had you touring California.

That's why I was so excited lol. Much better theming. Also the OG was my favorite. The replacement is one of the few attractions I'm not spoiling for myself so next trip I will be surprised. All I know is cgi elephants and wobbly tower.
Also I predicted soarin fantastic flight's story when I was a kid. So extra bonus points there. My first armchair imagineer work.
Sorry really into soarin lol.

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

How much did you get payed to do that?

Were honestly lucky we didn't run into issues with security filming that, haha. My personal favorite detail is the janitor who gives us a questioning "these crazy kids" look as he walks by near the start when were by the sign.

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

Fun fact: That video was shot no more than ten minutes after meeting up with long-time internet friend @MANEATINGWREATH for the first time. (He's the guy filming) Talk about a tone-setter

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

@Pi on my Cake living proof that you're not the only one terrified of the Fun Wheel. This was recorded my first time going on the thing since a traumatic ride on it when I was like 15 which resulted in my grandma and I BEGGING the ride ops to let us off after the first rotation.

 

[Pi on my Cake]

I've never done Magical Map, but have heard good things and would expect it to at least be better than your average castle show. Best day time live entertainment in the park for my money is the storytelling shows they put on at the Fairy Tale Fair. The comedy has a similar vibe to the Studios Frozen sing-along. Please make a point to do the Canal Boats, especially if you can catch them at night. Don't forget our Main Street Cinema is actually in tact as an A ticket walk-in attraction that's not a gift shop Be sure to take some time to soak up the history present at the fire house and take a moment to honor Walt by acknowledging the always-burning lantern in the window

Also...DO THE CASTLE WALK-THROUGH. So fun!

But of course, nothing can beat the single greatest attraction not just at Disneyland, but possibly on the planet...

Thanks for the show info! Canal Boats are definitely a priority. That and Dumbo are the only two "rides" I haven't done yet.

Cinema and firehouse i did do on my way out last time, loved both. But with how long the recap had already gotten i didn't mention them lol

The castle walkthrough (and the castle as a whole) are both closed. But walkthrough stuff like the (in)famous chip and Dale treehouse are a big focus today.

That's why I was so excited lol. Much better theming. Also the OG was my favorite. The replacement is one of the few attractions I'm not spoiling for myself so next trip I will be surprised. All I know is cgi elephants and wobbly tower.
Also I predicted soarin fantastic flight's story when I was a kid. So extra bonus points there. My first armchair imagineer work.
Sorry really into soarin lol.

The new show gets some hate sometimes, but I actually really like it. You do need to be in the middle row or else some things get a bit wonky. But if you aren't asking for front, middle every time you ride, you aren't riding Soarin correctly lol.

Fun fact: That video was shot no more than ten minutes after meeting up with long-time internet friend @MANEATINGWREATH for the first time. (He's the guy filming) Talk about a tone-setter

Always been one of your funniest videos haha

@Pi on my Cake living proof that you're not the only one terrified of the Fun Wheel. This was recorded my first time going on the thing since a traumatic ride on it when I was like 15 which resulted in my grandma and I BEGGING the ride ops to let us off after the first rotation.

Makes me feel a bit better. That crap is scary!

 

[Pi on my Cake]

So, only one metal detector running for thd no bag mine. Made security take forever!

But I'm in the park now. Valentine's has been set up since two days ago lol

 

[Pi on my Cake]

So, only one metal detector running for thd no bag mine. Made security take forever!

But I'm in the park now. Valentine's has been set up since two days ago lol

Also, scaffolding rise most of the way up the castle now

 

[Pi on my Cake]

other day there was only the gray wall