Memorial Day At Disneyland

[Wendygirl]

Last year I went to Disneyland on Memorial Day and it was surprisingly not crowded. This year, it was crowded. Not like Spring Break, but crowded none the less. I had heard on the news that people were not traveling because of gas prices so I think that those in the local area went to Disneyland instead.

We had several goals in mind on this trip. To spend this holiday in the park and attend the Flag Ceremony. Also we wanted to see what was going on with Indy. I have a separate thread on that part (which includes video) here.

First off, as we got inside the park my daughter noticed these cars on the train. They look new and instead of facing to the side, people are facing forward. Did I miss something on these new cars? I have never seen nor heard anything about them





Next, the sea of people on Main Street parted for the street car



I love the way they decorate with the patriotic bunting



and patriotic decorations in the windows









Deep under wraps



Open, open, open ... still testing



It's not often you see Pocahontas out



I have two favorite places to stand and watch the parade. One is down by Small World as close to where they come out as I can be. The second is at the end where they are going back stage and I stand by the hat shop. The parade people are so friendly and I can get some nice shots there. I love the way they keep up their performance right to the very end.

Tink



Merryweather



Peter Pan



Dancing cutlery



Up close with a spoon



Beauty and the Beast leaving



I think Pinocchio has his groove on



I've never seen this young lady before. Very elegant and beautiful



Ariel



The boys are in the house



Hello Wendy. Hello Mad Hatter.





My favorite character in the parade





Pretty plumage



And at the end, Donald



Chip



And Mickey up in his tower



I love this shot of Mickey still looking back at us



And the gates close







Next up was the Flag Ceremony. As we were waiting we were all given small American flags to wear. They had the band and the Dapper Dans, many Cast Members and a good sized crowd with veterans and active duty personnel there.

The band marches into place





Some older folks watching



Service people recognized around the Flag pole





Lowering the flag





Folding the flags





Getting ready for us to sing God Bless America



Finally, I wanted to see the Prince Caspian pre parade.





And for my final shot, bringing up the rear



She got the biggest cheer of all

[Dan - Tasmic!]

That's funny!!! She won't be smiling anymore once the horse gives her a gift.

[SingingAngel7242]

Peter Pan

My hero!!! <3

[Lost Boy]

Great Trip Report! Those photos came out perfect. Made me tear up during the Flag Ceremony. That's my friend heading up the guard that does the ceremony. He is really great. Great pictures of the Parade characters and floats and of Prince Caspian. You had a good day for sure. I just may have to go next year as that whole place just looks perfect for Memorial Day

[Paola]

Wonderful shots, love the ending parade pics. They really are 'on' for the duration, good show! And the flag folding ceremony, I'm really wiping the tears, thanks!!

[CAspace]

Thanks so much for sharing! It was a incredible day for sure! I left my camera at home so I am so happy to see your photos, especially of the Flag Retreat! That was very special!

[Mojave]

That's a cute pooper-scooper!

I miss the old front-facing train cars. Does this mean they're back or that I just haven't been on them recently?

[Steve DeGaetano]

First off, as we got inside the park my daughter noticed these cars on the train. They look new and instead of facing to the side, people are facing forward. Did I miss something on these new cars? I have never seen nor heard anything about them

Yes, you've "missed out." These cars have been polishing the rails of the Disneyland Railroad for over 50 years--since March, 1958. They are known as the "Excursion" cars, and they were designed by Imagineering great Bob Gurr. Conductors on the line have also affectionately nicknamed the train "The Sponge," because the cars can absorb so many passengers.

The reason they look new is, well, because at Disneyland, everything looks new! Much has been written about them (mostly by me ).

I miss the old front-facing train cars. Does this mean they're back or that I just haven't been on them recently?

They never left.

[Olivier]

Thanks, I love your pictures. Parade looks great!

[Wendygirl]

Yes, you've "missed out." These cars have been polishing the rails of the Disneyland Railroad for over 50 years--since March, 1958. They are knows as the "Excursion" cars, and they were designed by Imagineering great Bob Gurr. Conductors on the line have also affectionately nicknamed the train "The Sponge," because the cars can absorb so many passengers.

The reason they look new is, well, because at Disneyland, everything looks new! Much has been written about them (mostly by me ).


They never left.

I was hoping you would see this and reply as you are all things trains

Every time I am at the Park I only see the side facing cars, not the front facing one. I remember the front facing ones as I've been going to the park since 1955 but I have just not seen this one out in many a moon. I wish now we had taken the time to ride it on Monday. Hopefully I will see it again during the summer.

Thanks.

[pratt55]

Great report. I really enjoyed seeing the flag ceremony through your lens. Thanks.

[DznyFan17]

great parade pics thanks for sharing