As the fates would have it, we found ourselves staying in Anaheim last Sunday night after a long day out at the Orange Empire Railway Museum’s “Day Out With Thomas”. Looking online for a bargain room on the way to Long Beach, the best deal turned out to be right across the street from Disneyland. Hey! I certainly didn’t mind, as it would allow me to do some shopping for friends before we headed off in the morning.
So bright and early we were up Monday. It was one of those rare days with a warm morning and the mythical San Gabriel Mountains were even in view, complete with snow capped peaks. The plans that would have seen us downtown at the Los Angeles Union Station had changed, and we were free to play things as they came instead of being tied down to a schedule. So after a brief moment of consideration, my companions decided that we should enjoy a Disneyland visit instead of making the trek to downtown.
After a quick nosh at the La Brea Bakery, we entered the Park and wandered down Main Street. Dasha is a big fan of Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” so we thought we would see what time Ariel would be at her Grotto to greet guests. Turned out that would be 12:30 p.m. so we had a bit of time. We went off to take in the “Indiana Jones Adventure” (The snake still looks fake.) Nice to see most of the effects back up and running. Also noted the new procedure that insures that each guest takes in the pre-ride film showing seat belts instructions, carry-on item storage and assorted safety warnings.
By the time that was finished, it was time to head back across the park to Ariel’s Grotto. Passing in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, we stopped to take in the ongoing restoration. While watching some folks at work on what appear to be the finishing touches, I thought I saw a familiar face walk by. Right I was; as Matt Ouimet and another Cast Member with a name tag of Steve said “Hello” to an Outdoor Vending Cast Member at the same location. Matt and Steve stopped for a moment to look at the Castle and then continued off on their walk. “Neat”, I thought. Nice to see him out and about as I’ve heard he’s someone very interested in seeing what is happening for himself.
So, we continued on and joined the short line of guests waiting for Ariel at her Grotto. It wasn’t long and Dasha soon had her moment for a photo and a chat.
A quiet moment with a favorite friend…
Now while I’m taking this photo, I’ve noticed that Monorail Blue is coming slowly around the Matterhorn headed for the Tomorrowland Monorail station. Just about the time I’m pushing the shutter button, I hear a loud pop, and Monorail Blue comes to a stop. So taking another quick photo of Ariel and Dasha, I walk over to join Jeff in seeing what has happened on the beam. We hear the pilot come on the public address system on the cars and let the passengers know that they are temporarily stopped for an unknown technical difficulty.
Monorail Blue stopped on it’s way to the station.
Less than two minutes later, the pilot announces that they will be pushed into the station in a few moments, as it appears that the electricity has been lost. Right they are, as in a great display of Disney efficiency, the Monorail tow tug comes to a top behind the train so that the tow bar can be attached.
The Monorail Tow-Tug, ready and on the scene…
While I’m busy taking photo’s of the tug and the Monorail as it is readied to be pushed into the station platform, Dasha is greeted with a “Hello” from Matt as he passes by, headed east under the beam. Of course, I never noticed this. She tells me about it after I’m all done and put the camera away…
Later in the day, I finished up with shopping for some friends. That was a great moment as well a three fantastic Cast Members at Main Street’s Disney Showcase took very extra special care to see that twenty Christmas ornaments are especially wrapped to safely survive the airplane flight home. That was a great bit of Disney “Magic” and it just topped off a wonderfully unexpected day at the Park.
From right to left, these great Cast Members shared a special bit of Disney Magic – Gel, Teddy and especially Jo-Ann!
Thanks again for the wonderful help!
All in all it was an impressive and unexpected day in the Park, with fantastic weather and great fun.
That’s just a sample of the kind of weekend we had. Check back on Friday for the full tale of all four days – complete with more photos, including a few more surprises along the way!