Trip Report Tu in ‘25

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tu in ‘25

These lyrics came to mind when I thought about my trip reporting. (I also thought, Here we go AGAIN but the above sounds much more poignant.) It’s now that time of year when my Disney trips are frequent. And this Disney Senior loves sharing her visits with y’all because your engagement makes it fun!

Yes, there will be stuff that’s the same. Yes, there will be surprises (too soon for the reveals). And yes, there will be sun rises!

Spring break countdown is at 4 days.

Since this intro needs a picture, here are Tu.

 

[TheMouseFan]

I'm so disappointed in Em! There can never be one too many free falls!! And when I finally get there I may have to ride it over and over until I get all the songs! OK, maybe not, but that would be cool! Looks like you had a great time and I can't wait to see pictures of the rest of the trip!

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

I'm so disappointed in Em! There can never be one too many free falls!! And when I finally get there I may have to ride it over and over until I get all the songs! OK, maybe not, but that would be cool! Looks like you had a great time and I can't wait to see pictures of the rest of the trip!

I normally don’t mind, but jet lag did!

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Cars Land is open for early entry, but headliner Radiator Springs Racers is not. Em and I power walked to Cars Land from Mission: BREAKOUT! It wasn’t yet 8 am but it was getting close, and we wanted to beat the masses to the RSR entrance.

Looking good!

We figured we’d be among the first to enter the queue once it opened.

A minute or two later the line began to inch forward. I snapped the above picture at 8:02.

As soon as we walked under that arch, we were blown away by what we saw - shoulder-to-shoulder people in the queue as far as we could see! The queue is extremely long, so we knew we were in for a wait!

How was this even possible?!!

We surmised that CMs must allow early entry guests to join the queue before the ride actually opens. And though cars had begun to race around the track, they were empty. There was an announcement that the ride was having technical difficulties which might increase our wait time.

Em felt the wait couldn’t be that long, as less than 5 minutes later guests were in the cars racing around the track. She had booked our first LL for Soarin’ when we entered the park, and she was confident we could make it there before our window closed.

We stayed put in line.

For grins I opened the app to check the wait time.

$44 would get us out of the crazy line and immediately into the LL. I was tempted, but Em remained confident the wait time was inflated and “that’s the wait time for people now entering the queue.”

We inched along. I will say there are fun things to keep guests entertained while waiting.

One hour and 15 minutes later, we were onboard at last!!

As much as I love this attraction, I would not have entered the queue knowing we’d be standing in a toasty line for 75 minutes first thing in the morning. But what was done was done, so I sat back and enjoyed the ride!

Would we make it to Soarin’ in time for our LL?

 

[radiorae]

75 minutes? I hope the line was at least constantly moving (besides that opening hiccup) to make it more bearable. Nothing is worse than being stuck at a standstill for eternity in the summer sun.

 

[Tuvalu]

75 minutes? I hope the line was at least constantly moving (besides that opening hiccup) to make it more bearable. Nothing is worse than being stuck at a standstill for eternity in the summer sun.

There were periods of slow move and no move. Fortunately a lot of the queue is covered or in the shade. But the temperature (and no breeze) keep the wait very warm. SoCal was under an extreme ozone warning while we were there.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

While we were in line for RSR, Em had booked another LL. Two hours had passed since booking Soarin’ and we were eligible. Neither of us was sure what would happen with our Soarin’ LL, since we did not get to the attraction until 30 minutes after our ride window had closed. We were about to find out.

Em explained to the CM that we were late due to a delay in RSR opening time (true) resulting in a longer wait than we expected (also true.) He was going to override the blue light for us but when he saw we had LL#2 (now time valid) he allowed us into the LL without scanning in at all.

“I don’t want the system to cancel your next LL,” he said, smiling. We thanked him profusely. (Similar to the tourists we observed during our trip, west coast CMs are also more chill, patient and easy-going than their east coast counterparts.)

Skipping the 60 minute standby was great! Soarin’ is even more popular in CA than it is in FL. Wait times were consistently an hour or more. Soarin’ Around the World is also the film here, with the flyover ending being Disneyland rather than Epcot.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Em and I stopped to use a restroom after gliding around the world.

Fun Fact - the ladies rooms in DCA smell like fresh oranges. What an appropriate scent choice! (@Tony the Tigger, you should have flown out here to confirm the mens rooms. Perhaps you can for us, @dizfan917?)

On our way to LL#2 something on a kiosk caught Em’s eye.

A Disneyland cap to add to her collection is a perfect souvenir for my cap-wearing daughter!

I’m not sure @DryerLintFan still frequents these parts, but I thought she might enjoy some special-anniversary cotton candy.

(If she doesn’t want it you can have it, @Mr Ferret 75!)

Hmmmm….this arch feels familiar.

Really getting old-school DHS vibes now….

No wonder I like this area of the park!

But creepy Randall has to go.

 

[littleroo]

Love Ems new hat!! I am enjoying all the differences between the 2 parks. I wonder why the different "attitude " between the 2??? Maybe there is so much more to do in DW and people are stressed?? I don't know!

 

[Tuvalu]

I am enjoying all the differences between the 2 parks. I wonder why the different "attitude " between the 2??? Maybe there is so much more to do in DW and people are stressed?? I don't know!

I think it boils down to one thing - SIZE.
More to do = more people = more problems for CMs to deal with.
Kind of like small town vs. city life.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

We left Hollywood Studios to explore other areas of the park. Em saw this large map and posed saying, “This summer we’ve done Disney coast to coast!”

Next we headed into San Fransokyo.

I probably should have watched Big Hero 6 before this trip. I’m sure I would have appreciated the Easter eggs in this land.

We toured the Boudin Bakery like we did on our prior visits to DCA. Isidore Boudin created the sourdough starter in San Francisco during the Gold Rush in 1849, with this “mother dough” being continuously fed and used for nearly two centuries now. Boudin’s distinctive sourdough bread has a tangy flavor with a crisp crust and chewy center. Em and I enjoyed our free sample and I was inspired to buy a loaf which we snacked on for the next couple days. I even received complimentary butter!

More pics from our exploration.

 

[Tuvalu]

Then it was time for LL#3.

My selective memory has done me in on this ride - twice. This “wild mouse” coaster was named Mulholland Madness when I first rode it in 2005. I remember it being very fun, it made me laugh and I was happy it did not spin like Primeval Hurl Whirl, a similar coaster.

Apparently I decided it was not as fun in 2013 (too rough and bumpy) after it was renamed Goofy’s Sky School. But thanks to my selective memory, I’d forgotten my opinion change and asked Em to book a LL today.

Keep in mind that while Em remembered my disdain from my last ride on this attraction, she kept quiet until today’s ride was over.

My excited, unsuspecting face.

Verdict?

Herky-jerky, rough turns and scary! Instead of laughing I was moaning - I couldn’t wait for it to end! Hopefully today’s experience was seared into my memory and I won’t make this same mistake again!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Then it was time for LL#3.

View attachment 873168

My selective memory has done me in on this ride - twice. This “wild mouse” coaster was named Mulholland Madness when I first rode it in 2005. I remember it being very fun, it made me laugh and I was happy it did not spin like Primeval Hurl Whirl, a similar coaster.

Apparently I decided it was not as fun in 2013 (too rough and bumpy) after it was renamed Goofy’s Sky School. But thanks to my selective memory, I’d forgotten my opinion change and asked Em to book a LL today.

View attachment 873169

View attachment 873170

View attachment 873171

Keep in mind that while Em remembered my disdain from my last ride on this attraction, she kept quiet until today’s ride was over.

My excited, unsuspecting face.

View attachment 873172

Verdict?

Herky-jerky, rough turns and scary! Instead of laughing I was moaning - I couldn’t wait for it to end! Hopefully today’s experience was seared into my memory and I won’t make this same mistake again!

I skip Goofy’s now too. Too jerky and painful, yet I say the same about the Matterhorn and I still ride.

 

[Tuvalu]

I skip Goofy’s now too. Too jerky and painful, yet I say the same about the Matterhorn and I still ride.

Matterhorn was closed for refurbishment during our trip. Em and I joked that we “dodged a bullet” because we would have been tempted to endure the pain!

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

There were PhotoPass photographers out and about in both parks, but it wasn’t until today that we learned all PhotoPass pictures are included with LLMP - not just the ride photos.

So we stopped to get some pictures by the waterfall. The PPP was taking her time with each family - normal group poses, creative group poses, individual normal and creative poses of every member of the group, etc. She was excessively thorough, to the detriment of everyone else waiting for their turn.

To be fair she was just as thorough with us but I really only wanted a couple of normal shots, with the fullness of the pretty falls in the background. That didn’t happen.

These were the best of the bunch.

She was vague about what our facial expressions should be for the magic shot (“look surprised but happy”). We did not expect a bear to be beside us. In fact we didn’t even know the magic shot was a bear until we saw this picture. Thus our dorky expressions in what could have been a cute picture.

 

[Tuvalu]

Em had given me a Disneyland gift card for Mother’s Day. She said I could use it for whatever I want - treats, souvenirs or SPs for Radiator Springs Racers.

I think she knew where I would use it.

Second ride of the day. Less than a ten minute wait!

The slower, scenic outdoor portion builds anticipation of what’s to come.

Feels like we’re in the movie!

Just before the big race, each car is sent into one of two places. Luigi’s for new tires or Ramone’s for a paint job.

We went to Ramone’s earlier and into Luigi’s now.

Look at our spankin’ new wheels!

Which brought us victory in the race!

Guests walk past the final race to the finish line upon exiting. Em and I stood here for a moment and watched - those cars speed by FAST!!

64.9 mph, anyone?

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

That “feels like we’re in the movie” sensation is strong in Cars Land. The Imagineers did an excellent job and I’ve often wished it had been duplicated at DHS.

Each “cone” houses a separate snack - churros, soft serve, chili, chimichangas or popcorn. With beverages at each “cone” as well.

Em and I were famished and HOT. We decided indoor dining with a/c would be the best choice for lunch.

Em offered to wait for our mobile order while I snagged a table.

Yep, the 50s/60s vibes (both decor and music) put me in a happy mood! While the fried chicken and mashed potatoes comfort food was on point, fried chicken tenders on a romaine salad with snap peas, shaved carrots, shredded parm, bacon and zesty ranch dressing was definitely anachronistic!

I had a dual-sided view. From the window….

….and from the rear-view mirror mounted on the wall!

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Though we had just fueled up, Em and I were out of gas.

Despite fighting it this morning, jet lag had beaten us.

We made the wise decision to return to our room to nap. Once again it was so nice to use the park exit at the GC and be home!

I forgot to mention that the GC has nightly turndown service. Part of the service is drawing the drapes and turning on the soft up-lighting.

Last night we received a postcard and 4 chocolates.

We kinda wished our room had been turned down for our naps! But we were grateful our room had already been serviced and we wouldn’t be interrupted by housekeeping.

Too bad we couldn’t say that about our noisy neighbors. I wish people would be more self-aware in hotel rooms. Screaming at your kid WILL disturb those in the room next door!

Thankfully our tired bodies managed to get some rest. And I was able to book a couple LLs during our downtime.

Refreshed, Em and I went over to DL. I liked this tiny topiary outside the train tunnel.

Not many walkers on the sunny side of the street!

Heading for LL#4.

It’s the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

 

[radiorae]

….and from the rear-view mirror mounted on the wall!

View attachment 873274

That rearview mirror is too funny