I've lost my trip report virginity!

[Datameister]

Thank you very much! Another couple of things I forgot to mention, too. First of all, HMH may have grown on me, but I'm appalled all the more now by the light levels in the ride. I could very clearly see ceiling tiles and, in the graveyard, I could even trace with my eyes the line where the scrims met the ceiling. Very disappointing, though you'll occasionally get an odd duck such as I who can somewhat enjoy glimpses like that.

The other thing was...hmmmm...ah, yes. There is just one spot in the western U.S. where you can stand outside, look down at the ground, and honestly say, "Hey, the track for Pirates of the Caribbean is going right beneath my feet." (I say "western U.S." because for all I know, there might be spots like that in Florida and France, too.) If you're standing outside at the exit for Pirates, look up. You'll see the building facades go in more or less a straight line for a while, but they form a notch inwards where the Pirates exit is. If you stand in that notch, right at the bottom of the ramp from the exit, you're standing directly above the part of the track just after the very first drop, in the upper grotto, just as you start to hear "Yo Ho" for the first time.

Anyway, I made it a goal for me to go in that spot and spend at least thirty seconds looking down and enjoying the thought of what was down there. I really love stuff like that, so I did indeed do it. I probably looked like a complete buffoon standing there, looking down, smiling quietly for half a minute at a rubber ramp on the ground. But hey, I've done stranger things.

EDIT:

Oh yeah, was it as good for me as it was for you?

Hmmm...it was probably better for you...I mean, I am that good...

[Oswald the Rabbitt]

Great shots, nice to see some rarely seen things inside the park

[Tea]

Great pictures! It's nice to see Disneyland from a different point of view.

[mousechild]

For a second there I thought this was going to be some wild story about UCLA students visiting Tijuana. This is much better and less likely to end up in the litter box.

[fo'c's'le swab]

Nice report, Data!! The cherry on the cake of my day (though really we should be taking the cherry away, I suppose...)

[mycroft16]

Originally Posted by fo'c's'le swab

Nice report, Data!! The cherry on the cake of my day (though really we should be taking the cherry away, I suppose...)

Dang, I was going to make a cherry joke. Oh well. The thread title was awesome Data, and the photos were even better. I love the Castle reflection in the moat shot. I think this was the most unique trip report ever, with more pictures of doors and stairwells that I've ever seen. It's fun to see this side of Disneyland. The side that makes it possible. Thanks for your hard work and for sharing your photos.

[MollyTrolly]

Wonderful report, its interesting to see your shots and how they have helped you and will continue to assist you in your 3D project. Glad you got away from finals for a day!

[royaldisneyfan]

Great pics! It gave me a different point of view!

[Wren]

Good report, not enough chipped paint or complaints to register as a "True" MiceChat Trip Report though hehe

[kirbilicious]

While it was entertaining and as lovely as trip reports come, I can't help but think that an "I've lost my virginity" trip report would have been much more amusing.

Nice job anyway though.

[Mtsplash]

Great pics!!!

May I ask what the legendary miniature gorilla bride is???????

[Butler_Brian]

Well I'm glad to hear that my services were so well enjoyed by you my dear mortal friend. And yes, to answer ashee's question, I do not post very often, if at all, I prefer to remain a "ghost" as much as possible. I wish you all a Scary Christmas and a Haunted New Year. See you at the Mansion

[aashee]

Originally Posted by Butler_Brian

Well I'm glad to hear that my services were so well enjoyed by you my dear mortal friend. And yes, to answer ashee's question, I do not post very often, if at all, I prefer to remain a "ghost" as much as possible. I wish you all a Scary Christmas and a Haunted New Year. See you at the Mansion

Glad to see you post again Brian. Your work at the HM & POTC is unparalled. My sister had an encounter with you at the HM where her son's arm got stuck in a stretching room door. You were ultra helpful and my sister was very grateful. Thanks!

[Alice's Wonderland]

Originally Posted by Datameister

.

This shot is beautiful!! Your TR was a very interesting read, and having just gone through my own stressful week in addtion to 7 finals, I'm most envious that you got to spend the day at DL.

[Circarama]

Originally Posted by Datameister

If you're standing outside at the exit for Pirates, look up. You'll see the building facades go in more or less a straight line for a while, but they form a notch inwards where the Pirates exit is. If you stand in that notch, right at the bottom of the ramp from the exit, you're standing directly above the part of the track just after the very first drop, in the upper grotto, just as you start to hear "Yo Ho" for the first time.

Now this is the kind of stuff I absoluteley love! When I was a kid, I always wondered "Where am I" when I was on HM and POTC. The "nuts and bolts" of how Disneyland works has always intrigued me.

I have purchased copies of blueprints for POTC, HM, and an actual blueprint of Disneyland from 1965, but I never have been able to superimpose the POTC or HM drawings onto the larger Disneyland blueprint.

How were you able to determine the location of the first drop? Did you get access to some plans? Do you have some plans? Can I get copies of plans?