Barbaraann's Anniversary Tale

[Barbaraann]

When Dusty announced the dates for the Mice/Age 10th Anniversary, I made a reservation at Dolphin's Cove for 6 nights. Eventually the dates were changed, and my 6 night trip turned into a 10 night one. This is the story of my trip. It may take a while to tell, as I have taken a whole lot of pictures. I am calling it my Anniversary Tale because of the reason for my trip. I had a lot of fun helping MiceChat celebrate Al Lutz's accomplishments. Of course while I was there, I had a whole lot of fun seeing the new DCA, the present Disneyland, and connecting up with MiceChatters I have known for a long time, and new ones I have just gotten to know.

Dolphin's Cove is a Wyndham Resort, and I was able to book it using timeshare points that I own. I have stayed there before, and likely will again.





After checking into Dolphin's Cove, I was very hungry, so I bought myself some dinner at the local Denny's Restaurant. It is located just around the corner from Dolphin's Cove.



I hopped aboard the ART Bus with the pass that I ordered online, and I was finally on my way to Disneyland



I loved seeing the Cars Land decorations on many of the ART buses. I also always love seeing the signs directing me into the esplanade.

[PiG_GuRl]

Go Barb! I can't wait to see all of this

[Barbaraann]

2 of my favorite things came into sight. The monorail, which says "Disneyland" to me, and the "Hidden Mickey" benches, which I really like.






My next stop was Guest Services. I was excited. I was about to buy my absolute first Annual Pass.



After that purchase, I made my way to the entrance of DCA. I love the new entrance, and I especially love all the new banners that are all over the esplanade.



It was cool using the pass for the first time. The cast member there directed me to the Photopass shop so that I could get my picture taken. So that was my first stop.

[Barbaraann]

It was fitting that the first photopass picture that I had taken of me was with the new Walt and Mickey Statue. I love it, I really do. I stopped by it many times during my 10 day visit.





I was on a mission to see Cars Land. On the way, I snapped this picture of The Trolley. I knew that it was in my future. I told myself that I would take lots of pictures of The Trolley, and that I would definitely ride it. However, for now, I wanted to see Cars Land, before it got dark

[biggsworth]

nice report so far

[Barbaraann]

I'll let the pictures do the talking.

[Barbaraann]

Cars Land is amazing! After walking in the "Back Door", so to speak, I spent a small amount of time in Radiator Springs. I had my picture taken in front of Flo's Cafe.













I took this photo in Radiator Springs that first night. It is the sign that leads a person onto the ride. I was planning on riding it the next day. Did I? Stay tuned to find out.

[Rex Dopey24]

i love the dolphin statue. wonderful pictures can't wait for more.

[alphabassetgrrl]

Nice! Looks like you got some great pictures. I look forward to more, and to hear about the rest of your trip!

[jbean]

Great pictures! I can't wait to hear & see how the rest of your trip went!

[KiMcHeEfOrLiFe]

Great trip report so far! Have our photo tips helped you?

[Barbaraann]

I stopped by this Cars Land sign many times during my trip. There was almost always a photopass photographer there, and you do know how I like the Photopass system.



My 2nd mission on that first night was to ride the Ferris Wheel. It is my favorite ride in DCA. On the way there, I stopped by The Little Mermaid ride, and I rode that.



It was starting to get dark, and the Pier looked really cool.



I boarded the Fun Wheel, and took a lot of pictures as it went around. These are just a few. The view is amazing. I rode with a young boy and his dad, who also opted for the stationary cars.

[Barbaraann]

Back on the ground, I took pictures of Mickey's Fun Wheel, and the Zephyr. I then rode that ride, which is extra fun to ride in the dark. I was only able to do this because of the earliness of the sunsetting. I believe these rides shut down during World of Color.

[Barbaraann]

I wanted to get a look at Radiator Springs and Cars Land under the night sky, so I headed back that way. This is just a sample of what I found. The view is amazing.

[Barbaraann]

After checking out things after dark in Cars Land and Radiator Springs, I made my way back down Buena Vista Street. It is equally beautiful at night.