Life Day Eighteen At Disneyland

We Have Visited Disneyland Since Opening Day 1955

A Great Day To Celebrate 10/23/2015

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

It has now been eighteen years since cancer struck! We celebrate by going to Disneyland because it is the "Happiest Place On Earth".

We began the day by going on a Disneyland tour entitled "Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps".

We met up with Robin and Nick at 9:00 am for the Life day Eighteen Disneyland Tour tour entitled "Walk In Walt's Footsteps".

We have been doing this since Teressa Brenner, a dear friend and work associate, suggested it after hearing of Sue's cancer diagnosis.  Thank you Teressa... It is working great!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
How does one start the day... Champagne of course!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Happy day for Paul... He still has his best friend!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Off To Disneyland

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Mickey is, of course, dressed for the festivities!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
It was a beautiful day!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
He is always goofy!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
9:15... Perfect for a 9:30 tour start!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
How many times has Paul taken this picture??

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We arrive and get our audio systems!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Sue demonstrates the proper wearing of the audio system

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We are ready to go!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

The Tour Get's Underway

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
First stop... The fire department

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Inside the apartment as it was in the 1960's

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Brigham gave an excellent tour

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The sky was blue and the temperature perfect!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The horse was quite interested in Sue... She almost got a kiss!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
As usual, the Disneyland botanical staff worked miracles

 

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Partners!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Tink had her own pumpkin

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The sunshine made the flowers pop right out of the ground

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Donald was already entertaining us!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
What would it be without Minnie?

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
No lies today... His nose is short!

 

Fantasyland...

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The castle is about ready for it's snowy makeover!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"Did I hear the word snow?"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Snapshot time!

Did You Know? - Original plans for Disneyland show that there was to be an "Alice in Wonderland" walk-through attraction in 1955, but time and budgetary restrictions forced planners to defer the attraction and the designated space was instead occupied by the Fantasyland Theater (now the location of "Pinocchio's Daring Journey"). Three years later (1958), an "Alice in Wonderland" ride-through opened, with Mouseketeer Karen Pendleton dressed as Alice appearing at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Now located on the north end of the building occupied by "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," "Alice in Wonderland" differed from other Fantasyland dark rides which appeared as openings in flat, faux-stone walls (the extended arms of Sleeping Beauty's Castle) and decorated with colorful banners and canopies made of sheet metal. Instead, "Alice in Wonderland" featured a stylized, oversized garden of towering blades of grass, dandelions and a tall mushroom that served as the attraction's ticket booth. The caterpillar ride vehicles moved gracefully along a winding path of massive leaves, helping create the illusion that guests had shrunk to a tiny size, thus imitating Alice's experiences in Wonderland. This attraction also differed by the vehicles negotiating a path that involved both upward and downward inclines, necessitating three wheels instead of four.

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
She did NOT look happy

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Down down we go into the rabbit hole!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Coming out was better!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Our favorite ride...

New Orleans Square

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Looks pretty real!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Club 33 is inside the upper floors of New Orleans Square

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
A haunting we will go!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Perhaps Paul will stay outside and let you guys go in!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Paul flashed a picture inside the ride (while it was halted)

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"Amy Sue" and "Robyn" ... The girls in disguise perhaps?

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Hang on... We are going to make it!

Heading For Lunch

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The Matterhorn stands above everything

Did You Know? - During the construction of the park, dirt from the excavation of Sleeping Beauty Castle's moat was piled in an area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. When the park opened, the area, dubbed Holiday Hill (and later Lookout Mountain), was improved with benches and pathways to encourage its use as a picnic area.

After the opening of the Disneyland Skyway in 1956, Walt Disney conceived the idea of a toboggan ride on the mountain with real snow but the logistics caused vehement objections by Disneyland construction chief Joe Fowler.

In this period the hill began to be known as Snow Hill. By now instead of picnicking, the hill had come to be used primarily as a nighttime lovers' lane, much to Disney's dismay. New wild mouse-style roller coasters got the attention of Disneyland executives who began to consider applying this emerging technology to the creation of a toboggan-themed coaster ride on an artificial mountain at the site.

The structure was also intended to act as a decorative overlay to camouflage the central pylon of the Skyway. Use of the Matterhorn both in style and name grew from Disney's extended vacation in Switzerland while filming Third Man on the Mountain.

In a moment of inspiration, impressed by the beauty of the real Matterhorn, Walt grabbed a postcard of the mountain from a souvenir stand and sent it back to Imagineer (architect) Vic Greene with the message, "Vic. Build This. Walt."

This resulted in the merger of the toboggan ride concept with the thoughts of a bobsled coaster ride that would run around and through the structure. The peak was first shown in a conceptual drawing that was once on display at The Disney Gallery.

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Awaiting our next destination!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Looked like a rocket going straight up but it was indeed an airplane high in the sky!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We had reserved seating at the Jolly Holiday Restaurant

Did You Know? - The Jolly Holiday Bakery opened January 2012 with a Mary Poppins theme. The beautiful stained glass windows depict penguins! There's ample outdoor patio seating where you can enjoy people-watching.

The bakery features an assortment of pastries, specialty coffees, and signature entrees. Stop here for a fresh salad, specialty sandwich, soup and quiche selections, Merry Cherry lemonade and kid's meals. Items are freshly made with the finest ingredients!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Nick demolished the turkey sandwich!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We are ready for more walking

One Last Stop!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Inside the Disneyland Dream Suite

Did You Know? - A January 2008 company press release described the suite as follows:

"Guests may enter the Dream Suite by climbing the grand staircase outside the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. An elevator will be available to accommodate guests with disabilities. Through the doorway at the top of the stairs is the Living Room, designed in a French Provincial style reflecting the New Orleans Square setting. Unusual decorative items like a full-size carousel horse, a mechanical songbird and original wall paintings of European castles will conjure up memories of Walt Disney and the inspirations that went into creating the magical world of Disneyland.
The suite features not one, but two master bedrooms. In one, the spirit of early 20th century innovation and the American frontier are summoned with an earthy color scheme, leather furniture, a cast-iron stove, an electric train and vintage mechanical toys. The other master bedroom is on the side of the residence nearest Adventureland, and its lush décor and atmosphere evoke the exotic flavor of jungle adventure stories as told in the Victorian era.
The bayou-themed patio, central to the Disneyland Dream Suite and open to the sky above, is filled with tropical vegetation, furnished with comfortable chaises and illuminated by Chinese lanterns. Using a type of Disney magic familiar to guests on Pirates of the Caribbean, the patio is also visited by fireflies.
As guests settle in for a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite, they'll discover special effects surprises in each room. It could be a special tune in a striking clock, a sunset or a starscape that appears when the lights go down, subtle audio enhancements, or something totally unexpected."

Tour Is Complete... We Are On Our Own... First Stop... Canal Boats!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The lighthouse at the Canal Boats keeps us safe!

Did You Know? - The ride's concept dates back to Walt Disney's plans for a "magical little park" across the street from his Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. This modestly scaled, never-built amusement park was to include a gravity flow canal boat ride among its attractions.

When plans for the much grander Disneyland were being made, there was to be a "Lilliputianland", inspired by Madurodam, a miniature city in the Netherlands that Disney once visited. However, the technology did not yet exist to create the miniature animated figures that were to inhabit the "Lilliputian" village, so the canal ride opened under the name Canal Boats of the World. It was intended to be a journey past miniature recreations of the great landmarks of the world, but time and money prevented its completion. The ride was plagued by other problems. The outboard motors were prone to overheating, often forcing the boats to be pulled by hand, and because the attraction opened with little landscaping, it earned the nickname among park executives as "The Mud Bank Ride".

After two months of operation, the Canal Boats closed while Storybook Land was constructed and the muddy banks were landscaped with miniature plants, including a bonsai tree planted by Walt Disney himself. The idea of having Monstro the whale consume the canal boats came from a never-implemented concept for a "Monstro the Whale" ride, in which small boats were to be swallowed by Monstro and then plunged down a watery path into a pond below.

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Does she look worried?

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
It's supposed to be Wind In The Willows... Not, Wind In The Hair!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Chomp!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Grandpa and Nick

Grandpa's Note - We tried to go to Space Mountain (Nick's favorite ride) but the wait time was an hour.  Nick is such a grown up young mad he decided "Let's do Grandma's favorite rides". It's not often you see a teenager giving up his desires for someone else! We are very very very proud of Nick and happy he is on our family!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
They look real until you see a human pop up behind them!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The artists are amazing!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We can almost hear the music from the ballroom!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Here comes Casey Jones

Did You Know? - The Casey Jr. Circus Train is an attraction found at Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Based on the train of the same name from the 1941 film Dumbo, it gives passengers a tour of many miniature versions of classic Disney animated film scenes.

This tour is similar to the one given on the slower paced Storybook Land Canal Boats, but does not incorporate narration. The attraction was opened two weeks later than Disneyland due to testing.

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Passing Toad Hall

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick   Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick   Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Something new... The Ice Castle

We Came To Say Goodbye To Big Thunder Ranch

Did You Know? - Big Thunder Ranch is an attraction at Disneyland. It includes an outdoor petting zoo, a walk-through cabin, and a variety of scenery meant to create the atmosphere of a Western ranch. It is located in Frontierland, close to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Inside one can find sheep, goats, cows, and other farm animals. Among these animals are the two turkeys who received presidential pardons in honor of Thanksgiving in 2008. The attraction is hosted by Brawny.

Big Thunder Ranch will close permanently on January 10, 2016, as the attraction (and some nearby backstage areas) will be the future site of a 14-acre Star Wars-themed land.

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Our picture place for years and years...

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Just us...

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Remember when Nick was small?

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Robin can't even pull him down!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The fearsome foursome!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Boo... I don't want to go!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"Hello... My name is Happy"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Beware of the haunted building!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Sue changed clothes!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Robin had to visit the animals for perhaps the last time!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Here little piggy.... She is NOT a country girl

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"Well... At least I am not over a barrel!"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Hanging out!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Cowboy Nick comes a courting!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The Halloween flowers are magnificent!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Keeping an eye on things

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Nick has a friend!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We are getting tired!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Too cute!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We said to Nick... "Smile or no root beer float!"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
The house was nicely decorated

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Where are they going to play cards next year?

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"It's getting spooky over here!"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
There must be a witch around here somewhere

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Quick! Get the receipt!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
What are the boys doing? Picking pumpkin boogers, obviously!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Nick often wonders about his grandpa!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We tried to get to the apple but alas, it was behind bars!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Disney always makes it nice!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We loved the old log cabin and soon it will be gone!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Scary nighs ahead!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"Shhhhhhh Do not wake me up!"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
On the Rivers Of America

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We love Tom Sawyer's Island

Did You Know? - The island that is surrounded by the Rivers of America in Frontierland was left almost completely bare when Disneyland first opened in 1955. Time and money had both run out, forcing Walt Disney to leave it unfinished; but on the shores of this once barren isle, the following summer Disney would unveil what is perhaps the most distinctive outdoor playground ever conceived, the Tom Sawyer's Island.

To gain access to the island, explorers board a log raft to carry them across the river. Over time, the railings on the rafts had to be raised for safety reasons, and netting on the railing keeps small children from falling out.

There was an instance in the 1970s where a raft was overloaded with guests and previous wear on its hull caused it to start sinking. Another raft was deployed to assist in removing the guests from the sinking raft just as they were sunk knee deep in the river. Contrary to belief, the rafts are not on a track of any kind, they float freely and are navigated by the Cast Member on board.

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Mike Fink must be around somewhere!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
How Kemosabbi!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Just in case

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
We stopped by the Pumpkin Mouse on the way out!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Just us celebrating life day eighteen

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Dinner... At Catal Of Course

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Renee just came to work and welcomed Nick!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Nick does the peppers with Grandpa... We both miss Bob
who is working in Arizona! Miss you Bob!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
"Hey... I am eating Dad and Grandpa's peppers!"

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Nice salad and a glass of wine... Life is good!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick
Time to text Bob and say how much we are missing him!

Life Day Eighteen at Downeyland With Robin and Nick

Our Day Was Not Done

We headed for Cerritos Performaing Arts Center to see "Jay and the American's"... Great show!


While having our pre-show drink, we met Jay while he was signing CD's