A Girl Power Solo Disneyland Adventure! COMPLETED 5/8

My quoting was interrupted by the 5th grader attempting to do remote learning behind me. It took me about a half hour to read that update with his incessant interruptions for literature homework help.

Please, Lord, I want this quarantine to be over!!!!!

In any case, your update was clearly a welcome distraction to THIS life I am living at the moment.

Love the selfies with Chewie :) And your amazing timing on the Jungle Cruise. I love Mobile Order more and more, and this is just another win for that!!
 
Love the pics with Chewie!

Sounds like you got up to a lot of good stuff on your mission to lunch!

Yay for princess meets!
It was the longest lunch mission ever but it was so much fun!

My quoting was interrupted by the 5th grader attempting to do remote learning behind me. It took me about a half hour to read that update with his incessant interruptions for literature homework help.

Please, Lord, I want this quarantine to be over!!!!!

In any case, your update was clearly a welcome distraction to THIS life I am living at the moment.

Love the selfies with Chewie :) And your amazing timing on the Jungle Cruise. I love Mobile Order more and more, and this is just another win for that!!
Oh dear home learning sounds like quite the adventure 😅
 


I'm holding onto it for the purpose of trading hahaha
::yes::
Back row, 2nd from the left with darker fur really looks like one who would get on my nerves.
Oh, him.
He's a well-known trouble-maker.
He would probably try to explain to me how girls really shouldn't be trying to rule the galaxy.
Yep. That totally sounds like him.
Well technically there are female Wookies....
I am not familiar with Wookie taxonomy.
My senior quote in my high school yearbook did warn everyone about my intentions. It was from a Kesha song- "We are taking over, get used to it."
Seems to fit.
 
Hello! Joining in! In my next life I am only taking jobs that send me to Disneyland for free.

My 16 year old DD is seriously considering majoring in Engineering. What type are you?

Can't wait to read more about your trip! We are considering our first DL trip next summer :-) I would really love to do the Backstage Magic ABD you did, but I think we're going to have to been more of a budget. Someday though!
 
Joining in! In my next life I am only taking jobs that send me to Disneyland for free.
I think that sounds like a solid plan and something that should definitely be included in salary negotiations.

My 16 year old DD is seriously considering majoring in Engineering. What type are you?
Oh cool! My degree is in chemical engineering. My first job was as a process engineer and now I'm a project engineer, both in the same manufacturing facility. If she has any questions about engineering I would be more than happy to talk with her.

I would really love to do the Backstage Magic ABD you did, but I think we're going to have to been more of a budget. Someday though!
I definitely recommend doing the ABD at some point if you can, but I also think it's better to go to DL on your own first (I actually just wrote an article about this and I hope they publish it)! Even though WDW is home for me, I love Disneyland!!
 


e and the CM would take turns picking one up and looking at the bottom for a sticker that said winner. If I picked it up first, I got the chance to do a pin trade. If the CM picked it up first then I was out of luck. But luck was with me and I picked up the winner first!

Oo that's fun. I've never seen them do anything like that but I'd like to.

I was actually surprised by how few character experiences had PhotoPass on this trip.

That's sad.

I like Bengal BBQ because you can get small portions of different things.

This is on my list of QS to try in DL! What exactly was the Tiger Tail?

he hall didn’t have PhotoPass (I thought surely the princesses would have PhotoPass, but no)

Sheesh if anyone gets paparazzi, you'd think it'd be the royalty.
 
Oo that's fun. I've never seen them do anything like that but I'd like to.
It was the first time I've seen it to! Very fun and low key. I hope I run into more events like that.

This is on my list of QS to try in DL! What exactly was the Tiger Tail?
It's like a baked cheesy breadstick. Sooo good. Not my picture (thanks google!) but this is what they look like:
483703

Sheesh if anyone gets paparazzi, you'd think it'd be the royalty.
You would think!!

That's awesome, good luck! Let us know here if they do!
Will do!
 
I find it so weird that none of those characters had PP? I never realized they were more prevalent in WDW. But so far looks like a fun morning!
 
I find it so weird that none of those characters had PP? I never realized they were more prevalent in WDW. But so far looks like a fun morning!
Yeah it was super weird. I know in general that DL has less PP just randomly hanging out than at WDW, but I was surprised by the lack in the big character meets.
 
So, so much rum


Another character on my list to meet was Redd. I didn’t manage to catch her when we were at DL in July, but I saw on the app that she was coming out in a bit. I rode Pirates to pass the time but the line took a little longer than expected and I was worried I would miss Redd, but she was right at the exit when I got off!


[I look like such a fangirl here and she's just exuding cool confidence]

She finished up talking to someone and was walking away and I blurted out, “Redd, you’re my hero!” She turned around and we got to talking. She asked if I was a mermaid and I said heck yes. We talked about what color my fins are when I have them. I don’t remember what I said, but then we took a selfie and she said she had seen a lot of these magic mirrors around and that she must invest in one.
It was one of the highlights of a day full of highlights. It was a supreme highlight.

The interaction with my hero made me a few minutes late to my Oga’s reservation, but it was worth it. I only waited a few minutes before they called me in. I got placed in the second row of the bar and couldn’t get the bartender’s attention, but after about 5 minutes a space opened up and I squeezed my way in.



On my last journey to Oga’s I went for the Fuzzy Tauntaun, but this time I decided to go for the Spice Runner spiced cider (which I now realize is a Rise of Skywalker reference). It’s dyed bright red and very sweet, but definitely has some spices to it. That combination made me consider it an accidental Christmas drink.


I spent some time sipping and looking around and bopping to the music (and eavesdropping). There was a party of 4ish next to me and they were talking about the numbing foam on the Fuzzy Tauntaun and someone said, “You feel it coming on, like an edible.” I can’t say I know the feeling, but I thought it was a funny comparison nonetheless.


My overall thoughts on going to Oga’s solo (and as an introvert) are that it’s definitely still worth it. There’s enough to capture your interest that it doesn’t really feel awkward and I certainly never felt anyone else looking at me like it was weird that I was a grown woman drinking alone at a Star Wars bar in Disneyland.

I finished my Poe Dameron drink and went to hit up Smuggler’s Run SR again. This time when I got to the merge point there was no one there. At all. Not even in the standby line. It was just me and the CM. I asked him if there was any possibility that I could get something other than engineer and he said it depending on who was in the standby line. If there was a party of 3 then there was a possibility.



After a couple of minutes one other person came up the single rider line but still no standby guests. The CM said it was weird because the ride was still running. But no one came and he let the two of us ride by ourselves. So not only did I escape being an engineer, but I got to pilot for the first time! It was so much fun, but since we didn’t have engineers we did pretty bad because no one could fix anything.

I started making my way toward Main Street to catch the next Dapper Dans set, but I had time to kill so I went pin shopping. I wanted to get something very Girl Power-y so I picked up a Captain Marvel pin. I also snagged a celebration button to commemorate the SWE conference.

And you know what new buttons mean- photo shoot!





I actually have a printout of this photo tacked up at my desk.

There was still time before the Dapper Dans and a certain famous DL snack was beckoning to me- one that I hadn’t had before.
That’s right, before November 6, 2020 I had never had a Disneyland churro. But in that moment the eyes of my stomach were opened and my life (and tastebuds) was changed forever.



Holy sugar Batman, these things are incredible. The perfect combination of a crispy outside and a doughy inside. Perfectly sweet and satisfying.

Now, I’ve had a churro at WDW world before and I can certainly say without question that the DL ones are indeed better.
After finishing up that *moment* it was finally time to catch the Dapper Dans. What I did not realize was that this set was the flag retreat ceremony, something I’ve never actually seen. The band was there too and they played/sang the different anthems and I teared up. I can’t handle myself at any sort of military salute.



So in all seriousness, if you’re reading this and you were/are involved in the armed services, you have my deepest thanks. You do something so important that I could never do.

Even though I was running a little late for my next engagement, I watched through the end of the show. Then I booked my behind over to the Disneyland Hotel for a meetup with my coworkers at Trader Sams. They didn’t have park tickets and I thought it would be a fun place to introduce them to Disneyland.





There were 4 of us total so it was tough to find space for us all. Eventually some people left and there were 4 seats together at the bar. I decided that this was the trip I would splurge for a souvenir mug (usually Jon is with me and gives me the look when I want to do something like this). I settled on the Krakatoa and pretty soon this little beauty was in front of me:


Wow, such a good drink! And so, so much rum.

I use the mug all the time, too. It’s my go-to Coke Zero vessel at home.

We chatted for a while and made plans for the following day, then parted ways. I had something on my to-do list in the parks for the night, but it required a quick stop at the lockers for my tripod.

I wanted to try my hand at dark park photos!



I started in Main Street, then moved up to the castle, and eventually made my way to SWGE. It was so awesome to really take my time and play with settings and just generally hang out.


[This shot is actually from my iPhone. The new night mode is incredible!]






I took a dinner break at Docking Bay 7 and tried the tip yip, which had been sold out on our trip in July. While eating I realized I had let a Haunted Mansion FP expire and I also remembered I had let a BTMRR FP expire earlier on. But I was fine with it, because I was going with the flow and doing what I wanted in the moment, which was incredible.


The tip yip was good, if a little bland. I did like the gravy and potatoes and overall it was a very satisfying meal. I also enjoyed the opportunity to sit and put my feet up for a little while. While relaxing I decided to try for one more FP for the night and got one for BTMRR (to make up for the one I had skipped earlier, of course).

When I finished my meal/chill time I popped out of Batuu to take a ride on Casey Jr. I hadn’t been on it before and heard it was pretty at night. It definitely is! It was a calm, quiet, cute ride and a great thing to do as you’re winding down for the day.

It wasn’t quite time for my FP so I went back to Batuu (isn’t it crazy how you can go off planet so fast these days??) to try for some (mostly) empty SWGE photos. There weren’t a ton of people so even though none were completely empty, they were definitely still pretty bare.











That took up all the time until my FP, so I went over to Frontierland for a wild, wilderness-y ride then called it a Disney Day!
The walk back to the hotel was long, and by the end of the trip I would regret not paying a little more for a hotel on Harbor. Ah well, live and learn!



Up next, the conference begins and I have a fun solo night at DCA!
 
I saw on the app that she was coming out in a bit.
Really! Amazing what they'll put on apps these days. But then again, these are much more liberal times.


:rolleyes1
I was worried I would miss Redd, but she was right at the exit when I got off!
Talk about perfect timing. :)
[I look like such a fangirl here and she's just exuding cool confidence]
:laughing:
And yes! You do! And she is!
She asked if I was a mermaid and I said heck yes.
::yes::
We talked about what color my fins are when I have them. I don’t remember what I said, but then we took a selfie
Next time take a selfie in the water.
she said she had seen a lot of these magic mirrors around and that she must invest in one.
:laughing:
It was a supreme highlight.
Diana Ross was there too?

(Imma gonna be a bit sad if you have to Google that.)
I got placed in the second row of the bar and couldn’t get the bartender’s attention, but after about 5 minutes a space opened up and I squeezed my way in.
I wonder if this place's popularity will increase or decrease over time.
On my last journey to Oga’s I went for the Fuzzy Tauntaun, but this time I decided to go for the Spice Runner spiced cider (which I now realize is a Rise of Skywalker reference). It’s dyed bright red and very sweet, but definitely has some spices to it. That combination made me consider it an accidental Christmas drink.
:laughing: Okay, might have to try that one. :)
they were talking about the numbing foam on the Fuzzy Tauntaun and someone said, “You feel it coming on, like an edible.” I can’t say I know the feeling, but I thought it was a funny comparison nonetheless.
I can't relate either... but it sounds plausible!
I certainly never felt anyone else looking at me like it was weird that I was a grown woman drinking alone at a Star Wars bar in Disneyland.
Nah. It's all good. You're on vacation. :)
This time when I got to the merge point there was no one there. At all. Not even in the standby line. It was just me and the CM.
No one??? What in the heck?
After a couple of minutes one other person came up the single rider line but still no standby guests. The CM said it was weird because the ride was still running. But no one came and he let the two of us ride by ourselves.
Woot!
So not only did I escape being an engineer, but I got to pilot for the first time! It was so much fun, but since we didn’t have engineers we did pretty bad because no one could fix anything.
Ah! A downside. Still... I'd rather get to try pilot and do poorly, than not try it at all.

I hated being an engineer.
I actually have a printout of this photo tacked up at my desk.
:goodvibes
That’s right, before November 6, 2020 I had never had a Disneyland churro.
I haven't had one either...
Holy sugar Batman, these things are incredible. The perfect combination of a crispy outside and a doughy inside. Perfectly sweet and satisfying.
I'm so annoyed with myself for not having one...
Now, I’ve had a churro at WDW world before and I can certainly say without question that the DL ones are indeed better.
<sigh> I've heard this a few times now...

I need to try one, next time. Assuming there's a next time, some time.
this set was the flag retreat ceremony, something I’ve never actually seen.
Nor have I. Interesting.
Then I booked my behind over to the Disneyland Hotel for a meetup with my coworkers at Trader Sams. They didn’t have park tickets and I thought it would be a fun place to introduce them to Disneyland.
What a great idea! Did they like it?
I settled on the Krakatoa and pretty soon this little beauty was in front of me:
Pretty!
Wow, such a good drink! And so, so much rum.
Nope! I like Trader Sam's, but can't drink 90% of the stuff they serve.

95%.
I use the mug all the time, too. It’s my go-to Coke Zero vessel at home.
I would too. I like that mug. ::yes::
Nooo… You're supposed to shoot with it!
It was so awesome to really take my time and play with settings and just generally hang out.
::yes::
Best feeling in the world!
While eating I realized I had let a Haunted Mansion FP expire and I also remembered I had let a BTMRR FP expire earlier on. But I was fine with it, because I was going with the flow and doing what I wanted in the moment, which was incredible.
:goodvibes
(isn’t it crazy how you can go off planet so fast these days??)
Oh, sure. But try going to another country here on Earth...
Like this one the best. :)
 
I spent some time sipping and looking around and bopping to the music (and eavesdropping).
That's exactly what I like to do when I'm in any bar :) It drives Rob crazy because he'll be asking me something, and I'm like, "hold on a second, I'm listening to what they're saying over there..."

I decided that this was the trip I would splurge for a souvenir mug (usually Jon is with me and gives me the look when I want to do something like this).
Ah, yes, THE LOOK. I've been on the receiving end of that, too. When I was in WDW in December, I took a stroll through World of Disney without the two boys, and got myself a nice $40 pillow :) I even had it shipped to home, so I walked out with nothing in my hands!
 
But then again, these are much more liberal times.
484822

Talk about perfect timing. :)
Truly! I walked out and BOOM there she was!

Next time take a selfie in the water.
But that would require in getting in the pirates water...

Diana Ross was there too?
I did not have to look that up, thank you very much

I wonder if this place's popularity will increase or decrease over time.
I see it staying pretty steady, just because of the drink offerings. Even though it's annoying to try to get in I see myself making a stop every trip to try something new. It's a fun vibe!

:laughing: Okay, might have to try that one. :)
It was good! Exceptionally sweet for a cider, though (and that's coming from someone who loves a sweet cider)

You're on vacation. :)
484823

I hated being an engineer.
I wouldn't say I quite hate being an engineer but it certainly isn't the most fun job of the 3

I'm so annoyed with myself for not having one...
I need to try one, next time. Assuming there's a next time, some time.
YES you do!

What a great idea! Did they like it?
They did! It was a pretty calm evening so there wasn't as much of the typical Trader Sam's shenanigans but it was nice and the drinks were great!

I would too. I like that mug. ::yes::
I think I've started a dangerously expensive habit here.

Best feeling in the world!
For real, it's one of my new favorites.

But try going to another country here on Earth...
:rotfl:

Like this one the best. :)
Thanks! I took & edited soooo many. Those red lights were tricky to get right.
 
and I'm like, "hold on a second, I'm listening to what they're saying over there..."
Yes! If I'm going to be squeezed in next to strangers you better believe I'm going to listen to what they're saying.

When I was in WDW in December, I took a stroll through World of Disney without the two boys, and got myself a nice $40 pillow :) I even had it shipped to home, so I walked out with nothing in my hands!
What a splurge! I realized on one of our recent trips that I can suggest to Jon to go take a break at the resort so I can 'take photos' and once he leaves I just go shopping (but I also take some photos). It works out for both of us hahaha
 

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