Katherine's 11th Birthday Dapper Day trip with Club 33!!!

We were seated at our table a mere 9 minutes after our check-in. This was our first time sitting on the South Side of the dining room. Every other time, we've had the Northwest most table oddly enough. Our server Matt (who we've had the pleasure of having serve us on past occasions) was our server tonight. He ran us through the menu and apologized as he went to tend to a large party at a table set up against the now infamous window which was added in the renovation of 2014.

Katherine looking at drink menu. Fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree there.

IMG_6294%20(Large).jpg


Love these new chargers. Hope one someday makes it into my collection. Probably going to be a while before the switch out the new china though.

IMG_6296%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2069%20(Large).jpg


Here was our fare for the night..

IMG_6298%20(Large).jpg


IMG_6301%20(Large).jpg


And the Children's menu

IMG_6309%20(Large).jpg


IMG_6305%20(Large).jpg


Katherine being ever the planner was scrutinizing her choices carefully.

DSC_2064%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2067%20(Large).jpg


We had made our choices... I would have a Manhattan per my usual modus operando and Katherine a Le Raymond Fizz per hers. We are creatures of habit.

For the meal, we would place our orders as follows:

For me, I would have
First Course: Sautéed Diver Scallop, Field Beans, French Bayonne Ham, Corn Velvet
Soup: Butternut Squash Soup, Cranberry Beans, Duck Confit, Tuscan Kale
Third Course: Pan-Seared Duck Breast, Date Cous Cous, Mint, Cucumber Yogurt
Entree: Grilled Prime New York, Green Garlic Puree, Roasted Baby Roots
Dessert: Manjari Chocolate Opera Cake, Coffee, Chantilly Cream, Passion Fruit Sorbet

I would elect to have the wine pairing with mine as it is always a good time

Katherine would have:
First Course: Farmhouse Tomato Soup with mini grilled cheese sandwich
Second Course: Petit Filet of Beef with sautéed green beans, rice pilaf, and fruit skewer
Third Course: French Beignets with a trio of dipping sauces: chocolate, caramel, and vanilla

Before we started, we were presented an Amuse-bouche. It was a beet tartare with crème fresh and dill on a wafer of some sort. It wasn't to either of our liking.

IMG_6313%20(Large).jpg


Enjoying our drinks (we both ended up having two we liked them so much)

IMG_6315%20(Large).jpg


IMG_6317%20(Large).jpg


Katherine's First Course. Last time she was here, she got the Parfait. We discussed it when deciding to order and she said she did NOT want it because it was Greek Yogurt which she does not like. I think Amy ended up eating it last time. With 1/3 of the offerings scratched, and knowing Katherine has zero interest in salads, she wisely chose the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese. It was a HIT. Not a morsel of sandwich or drop of soup remained.

DSC_2072%20(Large).jpg


And mine. I'm a huge scallop fan. The Sautéed Sea of Cortez Rock Scallop with Sauce of Lemon, Lobster, and Vanilla from Napa Rose is one of my hands-down favorite dishes at the Disneyland Resort. I was not to be disappointed with this one. I let Katherine try one. She hasn't really ventured into shellfish or bi-valves yet. Her description of the taste... "It's like Pork and Chicken had a slimy baby". OK... I can see that. Still delicious. Some of the beans were REALLY hard though. Definitely needed more cooking on those. The ham was slightly overpowering for such a delicate dish. The scallop was front-and center the star of the show here. My libation for this dish was a sparkling wine (nothing pairs better with scallops, crab, or lobster for my money)

DSC_2075%20(Large).jpg


Next up, my soup course. Over all, a well balanced dish. I particularly though that the Duck gave it just the right amount of fatty kick to balance the Kale. I instructed Katherine on proper soup etiquette to get it all.. always tip the bowl away from you when trying to get the last morsels. Not sure what the wine pairing was here.

IMG_6321%20(Large).jpg


In between we had a pallatte clenser. It was a nicee Passion fruit sorbet.

IMG_6323%20(Large).jpg


Katherine's 2nd course. Again, creature of habit.. same thing she got last time. She loved everything but the green beans. Not sure what's wrong with that kid, green beans are awesome!!! I took care of those for her and she cleaned her plate of the rest. She particularly liked the pilaf. Said its better than what we normally make. I wonder if they substitute duck fat for the olive oil.

IMG_6329%20(Large).jpg


My third course. I had high hopes for this as I'm a huge duck fan. Alas.. it ended up tasting like roasted pork tenderloin. I just didn't get that duck flavor I seek. Needless to say still a great dish and my plate was spotless when it came time to have it cleared but I was left wanting. If I had it to do over again, I would have switched to the swordfish for this course. I think the wine pairing here was a pinot noir

IMG_6332%20(Large).jpg


My entree. I felt like I should have had two slices instead of just one, but this was AMAZINGLY good. Strip steak has a great steak flavor which I often don't do surprisingly. I'm more of a ribeye man, but I do cook strip steak on occasion. This one was right up there with the best I've cooked. The jus and vegetable pairings were superb. LOVED IT. The wine pairing here was a cabernet

Katherine's desserts (again, creature of habit). She loved the beignets and practically drank the vanilla dipping sauce. The chocolate happy birthday was a nice touch. I see they've switched to these vs. piping it onto the plate in chocolate.

IMG_6335%20(Large).jpg


IMG_6345%20(Large).jpg


My dessert, the Opera cake. Again, creature of habit here. I do love branching out, but I wasn't feeling brave enough to try the Pumpkin Harvest Celebration offering (now regretting my choice due to the limited offering). Oh well.. my Opera cake was astoundingly good as always. The wine pairing with this was a ruby port and OH SO GOOD.

IMG_6340%20(Large).jpg


I think the best part of the meal was not the food, drink, or ambiance, but spending 3 hours with my now 11-year old daughter having a great conversation the entire time. She's growing up and becoming a young lady so fast. She's a bear to deal with most always and has a bad attitude a lot of the time, but this night, here, she was astoundingly perfect, poised, polite, and grateful. Such a great experience. We now took our intermission from eating to be continued in the next installment.
 
She's growing up and becoming a young lady so fast. She's a bear to deal with most always and has a bad attitude a lot of the time

Um yeah you've just described my 11yo daughter! I also know she would absolutely love Club 33 and would probably be my first choice to take if the opportunity ever came up (but I'd actually take Mrs McN because I like living). She is really adventurous with food, even branching in to hot sauces!
 
Loved the pictures in HMH, especially the hatbox ghost. I don't even notice a lot of those details, much less try to get pictures of them. Awesome job, though!
Club 33 looks awesome, again.
And that describes my older two children, also. Sometimes they're delightful, and I'm so amazed at the people they're turning into. The rest of the time... :duck:
 
Loved the pictures in HMH, especially the hatbox ghost. I don't even notice a lot of those details, much less try to get pictures of them. Awesome job, though!
Club 33 looks awesome, again.
I love the details. It's what makes Disney, Disney. I'm that one guy when everybody says look over here at this shiny thing, I'm looking over there at that non-essential part of the presentation.

And that describes my older two children, also. Sometimes they're delightful, and I'm so amazed at the people they're turning into. The rest of the time... :duck:
Isn't that the truth. Trying to get the kids out of the house this AM was a chore. EVERYBODY was fighting with each other. Oldest was teasing and keeping stuff away, middle was just whining incessantly, youngest was screaming and kicking the oldest. Such heaven...

Your HM pics turned out great, your camera definitely handles sensor noise better than my Canon 5D Mark 2 (I have to crank up the noise reduction in post, and its a fine line between still a bit grainy and plastic doll fake) - but I definitely get the frustration. You did a great job putting your girls baby pics in that pic with Lumiere :)
I was just browsing your thread the other night and thinking the same of your shots. They definitely look a lot more crisp and still pull the details while keeping noise practically nonexistent.

Now I'm going to need to know what brand of candle you found! I love that smell!
I posted a pic up in this thread.

Um yeah you've just described my 11yo daughter! I also know she would absolutely love Club 33 and would probably be my first choice to take if the opportunity ever came up (but I'd actually take Mrs McN because I like living). She is really adventurous with food, even branching in to hot sauces!
I definitely couldn't have gotten away with just the two of us if Amy hadn't been already. It just wasn't worth a sitter on this trip or fair to the kids to sequester them in the room. I was impressed. All the kids love steak, but I think the two youngest would have struggled a bit with the menu. Going to keep an eye on the Spring menu when I hope to pull another reservation for my 40th Birthday. I would say MAYBE Charlotte can come, but I doubt Victoria would tolerate such a long meal.
 


One of our favorite parts of any trip to Club 33 is some balcony time. Honestly, I wish they would bring back a breakfast, but make it EARLY, during EMH. That would be to die for. A decadent breakfast. Oscar Eggs Benedict, tenderloin steak, truffle potatoes, bottomless mimosas, cold seafood bar... I'm salivating just thinking of it all. That combined with an EMPTY NOS to observe from the two balconies, and I can't think of anything better. Do it Disney!!!

OK, I got carried away there for a second.. back to the balconies. Now I've never got a decent shot from the balconies at night. I'm not about to bring in a tripod, and my f/1.4 lens were all tucked safely away at the coat check, so I had to make do with what I hat, my 24-70 f/2.8. In hindsight, I should have tossed on my 24mm f/1.4 and had way better shots, but I digress...

First my best attempts at the East Balcony. These are REALLY grainy unfortunately. :(

DSC_2078%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2080%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2088%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2090%20(Large).jpg


The infamous window which was mentioned before.

DSC_2096%20(Large).jpg


The last park goers straggling out for the evening.

DSC_2098%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2102%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2139%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2104%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2110%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2115%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2123%20(Large).jpg


On to the West Balcony. Not sure which is my favorite. I really like the East for the superior framing of the NOS buildings I think.

DSC_2134%20(Large).jpg


Back inside, Katherine and I enjoyed some hot drinks after dinner and continued our conversation. She had hot cocoa, I black coffee.

IMG_6346%20(Large).jpg


When the bill came, I asked her to review it.

DSC_2143%20(Large).jpg


She told me the cost and I said.. whoops.. I forgot my wallet. I hope you brought money. This is the face I got.

DSC_2147%20(Large).jpg


She returned to studying it to see what she could pay for before I let her go on my elaborate ruse.

DSC_2153%20(Large).jpg


And a pic snapped by Matt of the two of us. So grateful.

DSC_2156%20(Large).jpg
 
Um yeah you've just described my 11yo daughter! I also know she would absolutely love Club 33 and would probably be my first choice to take if the opportunity ever came up (but I'd actually take Mrs McN because I like living). She is really adventurous with food, even branching in to hot sauces!

This sounds like my two 15 year old daughters. They do grow up so quickly. It would be nice if we could halt time when things are going "perfectly" and speed them up a bit when they aren't.

Your pictures are wonderful. The memories you are making with your daughter are priceless. Thank you for sharing them with us here on the boards.

PS You and your wife are great parents!
 
Our meal over, Katherine was presented with a white envelope wrapped with a blue ribbon. Katherine being the master of removing packing materials (including ribbons) without any damage just like her father, quickly had the ribbon off and the card open. It was a HAPPY BIRTHDAY card signed by all the Club 33 staff. So cool. That kind of detail really sets Club 33 apart these days from other places used to celebrate special occasions.

DSC_8901%20(Large).jpg


DSC_8900%20(Large).jpg


Our meal concluded and bill paid with a healthy tip for our GREAT service, it was time to appreciate the furnishings of the club. I have only been to the club once pre-renovation, but this used to be a narrow entry way with parquet floors before it split off to a wider area which had the bar, harpsicord, and where the buffets used to be served from. The hallway was widened with the expansion as seen by the new columns, and more of it was dedicated to back stage areas. There's now also a bridge to Le Salon Noveau so the servers can get the drinks without having to take the long way around. It is now adorned with beautiful murals and stained glass.

DSC_2162%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2165%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2169%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2172%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2173%20(Large).jpg


Here you can see the old club hallway (and bar) VERY dark and masculine. The new one definitely has a feminine touch.

DSC_1777%20(Large).jpg


DSC_1812%20(Large).jpg


This little guy was hanging out above the guest ledger.

DSC_2178%20(Large).jpg


LOVED this vase.

DSC_2182%20(Large).jpg


We left our mark.

DSC_2187%20(Large).jpg


That beautiful chandelier.

DSC_2191%20(Large).jpg


Now... the only part of leaving the club which I like... plundering the display cases...

Those earrings were going to come home as a gift for Amy for staying with the smaller girls so Katherine and I could celebrate her birthday.

DSC_2192%20(Large).jpg


I had to search high and low for that compact which we had gotten Katherine as a gift for her 10th. Katherine had squirreled it away in her jewelry box. I locked it up for safe keeping so she doesn't lose/damage it until she's old enough.

Would have loved those cufflinks if I wasn't on a budget..

DSC_2196%20(Large).jpg


Amy would KILL for one of those Dooney's. Sadly, member-only merch. Ugh.. Can't afford eBay prices for it either.

DSC_2200%20(Large).jpg


Ears, shirts, and golf balls. The blue ears are relatively recent (they had black last time I was at the club). Those would be coming home with me.

DSC_2202%20(Large).jpg


Now THIS... WAS... SOOOOOO... COOL. Sadly, it would only be available 11/4. No pre-sales allowed. Doh!!! I wonder what I'd have to give to get one off of Ebay... probably a mortgage payment.

DSC_2206%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2211%20(Large).jpg


Even the wall sconces are works of art which create beauty through light and shadow.

DSC_2218%20(Large).jpg


And some pics of the loot after we got home.

DSC_8896%20(Large).jpg


Picked up the Challenge Coin just because. I have a fair amount of them for various things and they make great souvenirs.

DSC_8905%20(Large).jpg


Those earrings I mentioned earlier. Amy loved them. I didn't tell her how much I paid.

DSC_8907%20(Large).jpg


Amy had also set a strict no-mugs policy this trip. So... I got a mug.

DSC_8909%20(Large).jpg


And those blue ears were so beautiful... they were coming home for the collection.

DSC_8910%20(Large).jpg


I had passed on this key on previous trips and ended up regretting it. It came home this trip.

DSC_8911%20(Large).jpg


And this one is just for fun. Some of the various ears from my trips to the club. Left to Right, the new-logo Black, Blue, and Purple. Old-logo Black.

DSC_8915%20(Large).jpg
 


Our purchases complete, bag retrieved (I didn't forget this time), we went down stairs and waited in the vestibule for all of the groups who were ready to leave to gather so we could be escorted out in one large group. We has some new members amongst us who were having their first trip to the club as members. It was pretty cool to see the other parties and chat about our experience. Eventually we were ejected back onto the now-deserted streets of New Orleans Square. This is my favorite time of the night and my favorite area of the park. I've spent some late nights over here till they kicked me out taking it all in. I just LOVE NOS.

DSC_2222%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2227%20(Large).jpg


EMPTY!!

DSC_2230%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2234%20(Large).jpg


The birthday party still going strong.

DSC_2243%20(Large).jpg


So-So shot but best of the night.

DSC_2250%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2258%20(Large).jpg


This takes me back to my first trip. I was on cloud nine

DSC_2267%20(Large).jpg


From that trip:

DSC_1830%20(Large).jpg


LOVE Adventureland after dark.

DSC_2272%20(Large).jpg


They had a Cast member only after-hours Indy event going on. Wish I could have hopped in that line.

DSC_2279%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2287%20(Large).jpg


Deserted Dole Whip Bar..

DSC_2297%20(Large).jpg


And Tiki Room..
DSC_2301%20(Large).jpg


A few castle shots as we passed..

DSC_2307%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2311%20(Large).jpg


That is one happy 11-year-old. She wanted to stay past park close and get an escort out so all of her boxes got checked this day!

DSC_2324%20(Large).jpg


Where do I get a job escorting C33 patrons from the club to the hub?

DSC_2330%20(Large).jpg
 
I want to take this post to thank my host. Katherine had a great personalized thank you she was going to have me take a picture of, but we left it back at the room accidentally. Many thanks for yet another unforgettable experience. Thank you so much.
 
What an awesome experience for Katherine, and a birthday I'm sure she'll never forget :) My oldest is 8 1/2 and we've really started seeing more of that "tween" attitude come out this year more than before, so I can start to relate to the mostly acting like a bear, but occasionally getting those sweet moments too.

I love all the little details of Club 33, and it looks like you scored an awesome merchandise haul!

Loving the pics of NOS at night, and I love how they have it decorated for the holidays too. One of these years we'll get down there around Christmas.
 
Katherine is a spitting image of Amy. The resemblance is almost spooky!
When shown pictures of Amy at the same age, Katherine thought they were of her. Victoria has a strong resemblance as well. Charlotte favors my side pretty heavily.

Here's me a bit younger than Char but you get the idea.

Young_Matt.jpg


What an awesome experience for Katherine, and a birthday I'm sure she'll never forget :)
Judging by how she recalled her 10th at the club, I'm sure she'll cherish and remember this trip just as much... especially because it was just her and father.

My oldest is 8 1/2 and we've really started seeing more of that "tween" attitude come out this year more than before, so I can start to relate to the mostly acting like a bear, but occasionally getting those sweet moments too.
Just part of growing up I guess...."sigh"

I love all the little details of Club 33, and it looks like you scored an awesome merchandise haul!
I definitely appreciate my C33 items. They are special to me and I like to look at them in my display cases

Loving the pics of NOS at night, and I love how they have it decorated for the holidays too. One of these years we'll get down there around Christmas.
NOS is the best part of the park after close. Adventureland being a close second. I LOVE it.
 
Well rested from a relatively early evening the night prior, we made it up decently early for an 8AM EMH at DCA.

I just loved this pic of Vic looking out pre-planning her day.

DSC_2336%20(Large).jpg


Vic is a lot like Bruce Banner... she's calm Vic one second, THE HULK the next!!

DSC_2339%20(Large).jpg


I do love the early mornings, especially the DCA ones. We rolled up to the turnstiles at 7:45 and only had two parties in front of us.

DSC_2349%20(Large).jpg


And not too many behind us either.

DSC_2354%20(Large).jpg


We were all dressed as Haunted Mansion/A Nightmare Before Christmas today. (Ignoring the fact that Vic and Char were both wearing Pirate Princess sweatshirts)

DSC_2357%20(Large).jpg


10:55 had us roped up just past Carthay. We were wide-righting it. I figured now was the time to purchase MaxPass for the rest of the party and try it out. Look... our first fastpass and EMH hasn't even started yet.

DSC_2359%20(Large).jpg


Sisters..

3371%20(Large).jpg


I'm sporting CLASSIC Haunted Mansion because that's how I roll.

3380%20(Large).jpg


As we waited, more and more people were showing up.

DSC_2362%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2367%20(Large).jpg


I wonder when the waterfalls start flowing every morn.

DSC_2374%20(Large).jpg


Amy snapping a memory..

DSC_2375%20(Large).jpg


And we were off!!! I quickly outpaced the crowd with my superior patented Disney powerwalk. The calves would be a burning this entire trip as I rocketed Victoria and I forward. I was FIRST. I quickly went over to the waiting area by the RSR queue to ditch the stroller and jump in the line but Vic wouldn't get out. People had rounded the corner of Ramones and were staring to queue. I had lost my lead. Vic still refused to get out of the stroller. Ugh.. I decided to jump in line and secure a spot and have Amy try to coax her out. Amy walks up to me and asks where's Vic. I point to the stroller. She goes over and tries as the Cast Members start to move the line forward. Still no budging from Vic. Amy comes over and "informs me" that she isn't sitting this one out and it's my turn to deal with the petulant 5 year old. Ugh... Fine..

DSC_2379%20(Large).jpg


Amy and the older girls go off to ride while I deal with a temper tantrum. Being utterly inept with dealing with kids who are throwing fits, I just took pics of her and had a battle of wills with her.

DSC_2380%20(Large).jpg


IMG_6358%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2381%20(Large).jpg


The ladies had a fun time..

DCA_RACERB_20171103_405993840307%20(Large).jpg


The girls finally off their go-round at 8:22, and it was time for me to go on the rider-swap pass.

DSC_2383%20(Large).jpg


Mac and I always have a stare down... neither one of willing to concede chicken and swerve.

DSC_2389%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2391%20(Large).jpg


Mater is always a welcome sight.

DSC_2394%20(Large).jpg


I just love the Holstein Heifer Chewalls. Just wish Disney had them working for flips and smoke rings... when will we ever get them moving an smoking again?

DSC_2397%20(Large).jpg


Hard to get Mater

DSC_2405%20(Large).jpg


Red does such a good job watering.

DSC_2419%20(Large).jpg


Love Doc's room.

DSC_2424%20(Large).jpg


Racing!!!

DSC_2438%20(Large).jpg


And RED CAR WINS!!!

DCA_RACERB_20171103_405993445200%20(Large).jpg


A view of Stanley's Oasis. If you've never seen the history of it and Radiator Springs, check it out here:

[video]

DSC_2466%20(Large).jpg
 
When shown pictures of Amy at the same age, Katherine thought they were of her. Victoria has a strong resemblance as well. Charlotte favors my side pretty heavily.

Here's me a bit younger than Char but you get the idea.

Young_Matt.jpg



Judging by how she recalled her 10th at the club, I'm sure she'll cherish and remember this trip just as much... especially because it was just her and father.


Just part of growing up I guess...."sigh"


I definitely appreciate my C33 items. They are special to me and I like to look at them in my display cases


NOS is the best part of the park after close. Adventureland being a close second. I LOVE it.


Interesting...I don't really see the resemblance. ;) It's definitely in the eyes!
 
Amy got some food down Victoria (and coffee all over herself) while we were on Racers, so we headed over to Flo's to reconnect while we formulated a strategy for the next steps. Given that getting Victoria in a better mood was paramount, we decided on Luigi's. Being that my head is always on a swivel, I happened to notice somebody watching us from up high..

DSC_2474%20(Large).jpg


As we were heading over to Luigi's, Mater was rolling out..

DSC_2476%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2487%20(Large).jpg


I love the interior queue of Luigi's, but there's never enough time to really take it all in because the kids are always running ahead to the outdoor queue since nobody ever rides Luigi's in the EMH.

DSC_2491%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2494%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2496%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2502%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2504%20(Large).jpg


The outdoor queue has just as much eye-candy.

DSC_2521%20(Large).jpg


Katherine using the old Canon P&S I leant her for this trip. It has a battery fault apparently because it wasn't holding a charge for very long at all.

DSC_2526%20(Large).jpg


Stand on your head!!

DSC_2532%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2536%20(Large).jpg


I really love the Disney Arborists. I'm kind of pissed at myself for never taking the Cultivating the Magic tour while they had it. I've done pretty much every other tour they've offered, but somehow missed that one.

DSC_2539%20(Large).jpg


Love the signage.

DSC_2550%20(Large).jpg


Who's taking a pic of who?

DSC_2552%20(Large).jpg


Wish they would tear down the Paradise Pier Hotel. Eyesore from all parts of the park..

DSC_2558%20(Large).jpg


Some crazy drivers here..

DSC_2567%20(Large).jpg


And another...

DSC_2598%20(Large).jpg


Even the signage links the areas. So good.. Going to be sad when Marvel takes everything over..

DSC_2631%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2633%20(Large).jpg
 
Still dizzy from our dance, we spun through Bug's land and found ourselves at what remained of our beloved Tower of Terror...

DSC_2653%20(Large).jpg


Gone is my BEAUTIFUL art deco lobby and now strewn with all manner of stuff. Being a collector myself, I can appreciate this, but I couldn't help but wonder... was the original decor just behind a facade or sitting in a Disney warehouse somewhere...

DSC_2655%20(Large).jpg


Rockets blaster amongst the items on display

DSC_2657%20(Large).jpg


Some Asgardian Guard Armor as well..

DSC_2665%20(Large).jpg


Inside the collector's office, there was a more eclectic display..

DSC_2672%20(Large).jpg


There was something back there I didn't notice till post-processing..

DSC_2673%20(Large).jpg


Pie-eyed Minnie Tin Lithograph.

DSC_2673_crop%20(Large).jpg


Hmm.... the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak from Dr. Strange used to restrain Kaecilius when the Sanctum Sanctorum was being attacked.

DSC_2676%20(Large).jpg


A mounted Coelacanth, once thought to be extinct.

DSC_2677%20(Large).jpg


And a prehistoric Dunkleosteus skull.

DSC_2682%20(Large).jpg


Besides the Walkman, there's a Sakaaran Head on display.

DSC_2684%20(Large).jpg


And my first glimpse of Rocket.

DSC_2695%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2704%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2715%20(Large).jpg


Tower of Terror Sub-basement is all still there.. .now adorned with gaudy paint and screens.

DSC_2717%20(Large).jpg


Miss the original queue..

DSC_2719%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2722%20(Large).jpg


Harold down there..

DSC_2729%20(Large).jpg


And Delores, the octopus from the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown. She was Terrence's girlfriend. Wonder if he's anywhere in here. Behind her, is the portrait from the lobby of the Tower of Terror too...

DSC_2734%20(Large).jpg


The one piece of the queue which appears unchanged.

DSC_2735%20(Large).jpg


It says "WARNING SUDDEN DROP!"

DSC_2740%20(Large).jpg


Hate getting the back row. The script on the back says "DO NOT FEED THE CREATURES!"

PhotoPass_Visiting_Disney_California_Adventure_Park_406609910201%20(Large).jpg


So you may be wondering how I know what the script says on all of the cryptic writing. Well according to Disney, it's called Celestial and is native to the realm of Knowhere. Being that I am the way I am, I clearly had to translate it. There was no online reference provided by Disney similar to the Mara script from Temple of the Forbidden Eye, so I figured out a few key letters from the queue and built the rest from my pics filling in the blanks where necessary. Let me tell you I can read it now without my cheat sheet I made. I never did find anything at all in the queue with a "Z" and trust me, I translated EVERYTHING on every screen, barrel, crate, placard, and paper in the queue. If anybody had a clue on a Z, let me know. Much like the collector, I hate not having a full collection.

Celestial%20(Large).jpg


Now my thoughts on the attraction.

1. It’s a hideous building. The Tower of Terror actually FIT in DCA. This monstrosity does not. RIP the beauty it once was:

DSC_2125%20(Large).jpg


2. The queue is also HIDEOUS. The Tower of Terror's was beautiful. The one redeeming thing is the fun of trying to find all the Easter eggs and translate the Celestial script on everything.

3. The ride experience is way better than Tower of Terror for a couple reasons.

3a. Randomization. Tower of Terror HAD this and they never turned it on. This could have been a draw if Disney had ever bothered to do it right.
3b. The rapid switching of the lift movements and ultra-short show vignettes breaks up the ride making it a more palatable attraction for more people. GOTG gets the win over TOT on this one based on sheer mass appeal. Not to say I prefer it, but the masses do.
3c. The music. This is what really appeals to people. It turns it from a scary ride to a thrill ride in a fun and zany way. I prefer Tower of Terror, but I can see why it’s so popular.
3d. The mechanics of the lift movement. Not sure if this is simply the "randomization", or they just found the formula for hang time. Tower was more of a drop experience. GOTG pushes you up, gives you hang time, and then pulls you down several times. This AMPS up the fun-factor with several seconds worth of weightlessness with every go. This is a total win over TOT.
 
I was highly skeptical of Guardians right up until I rode it...

Agree it is a complete eyesore in the park, but maybe it will make sense if/when they get more Marvel in there? DCA sadly is moving more away from the CA, I thought they had the balance about right in there up until they started changing everything first with Guardians now with the Pixar Pier stuff. As much as I love DL, it can be a chore at times just with the crowds and the pinch points, DCA flows well and my favourite rides are all there.

Anyway, back to Guardians, I actually really like the queue and the whole story. The whole show works, story ties in well with the ride. Not better than ToT, maybe not as good, but not far off. I distinctly remember walking off after the first ride with a grin on my face as big as I had with ToT thinking yes, they've nailed it.

Big qualifier here though is ToT at DHS needs to stay as the original, which arguably was better than the DCA version anyway.

I also rode the Halloween overlay version and that too was awesome. Managed to convince Mrs McN to ride it too but she is NOT a fan. Hated it from start to finish!

Still loving the photos! I tried one of the red hoist but a combination of my photo skills, equipment and speed of the line moving meant I couldn't quite get the shot I wanted. I was trying for just the hoist with a black background, so playing with ISO and shutter speed. One to practice for next time!
 
I was highly skeptical of Guardians right up until I rode it...

Agree it is a complete eyesore in the park, but maybe it will make sense if/when they get more Marvel in there? DCA sadly is moving more away from the CA, I thought they had the balance about right in there up until they started changing everything first with Guardians now with the Pixar Pier stuff. As much as I love DL, it can be a chore at times just with the crowds and the pinch points, DCA flows well and my favourite rides are all there.

I agree, they had it just about right until the recent changes.

Anyway, back to Guardians, I actually really like the queue and the whole story. The whole show works, story ties in well with the ride. Not better than ToT, maybe not as good, but not far off. I distinctly remember walking off after the first ride with a grin on my face as big as I had with ToT thinking yes, they've nailed it.
It definitely allows for a much more extensive backstory, but I struggle with its placement in DCA. I'll say it again, they should have put a third gate of Starwars and Marvel over across Harbor or where the Paradise Pier Hotel is. It's a "fun" attraction now, not a "Thrill" attraction. That's why people like it better, it appeals to a broader audience. In the theme park business, that's what they go for, not better storytelling. They also cranked up the weightlessness and minimized the drops.

Still loving the photos! I tried one of the red hoist but a combination of my photo skills, equipment and speed of the line moving meant I couldn't quite get the shot I wanted. I was trying for just the hoist with a black background, so playing with ISO and shutter speed. One to practice for next time!
I bet you could do something in post to create that effect/shot.
 
We rolled out of the queue at 9:18 and made our way for another of our MaxPass Selections... Toy Story Midway Mania!!

The Wharf is such a nice cut-through in the early morning hours, but I wish they had a mechanism to get you up on the Pier instead of having to head back to the San Francisco Painted Lady hub and back over the bridge by Ariel's.

DSC_2742%20(Large).jpg


This was pretty much walk-on using MaxPass. It was working CRAZY well for us. A few of the Family striking poses..

DSC_2751%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2753%20(Large).jpg


DSC_2756%20(Large).jpg


Victoria the SPAZ!!

DSC_2765%20(Large).jpg


The face of the cat who ate the canary.

DSC_2771%20(Large).jpg


Katherine doesn't get to be in focus. Trouble maker.

DSC_2776%20(Large).jpg


And double trouble..

DSC_2780%20(Large).jpg


Amy and Vic didn't do too bad.

3385%20(Large).jpg


But they weren't the best in the vehicle..

DSC_2789%20(Large).jpg


I was, but not one of my better showings.

DSC_2790%20(Large).jpg
 
I'll say it again, they should have put a third gate of Starwars and Marvel over across Harbor or where the Paradise Pier Hotel is.
Now that would be a mighty third gate! I was listening to Mousetalgia podcast recently and one of the hosts basically said the same thing - Star Wars Land should have been in its own park along with Marvel, but now that opportunity has gone. It's going to be nuts in DL once that area opens.

I bet you could do something in post to create that effect/shot.
Yep bit of post worked a treat (and this was just quick & dirty in google photos)

IMG_0342 (1).JPG
(that's the after version)

I need to do some reading on RAW processing - I tried editing RAW a couple of times while travelling in Photos on the MacBook but successfully made every photo look worse, especially ones with high ISO. Didn't have the time or patience to pursue further and wasn't sure if it needed a software investment (guessing it probably does). Plus I didn't want to get in the habit of thinking I might just fix things in post when shooting as odds on if I do that I never will...

And I just checked my Midway scores from our recent visit - 217,700 was my top. My 11yo always gets upset when I beat her yet she still wants to ride with me... she asks if I'll be nice to her and I say yes but the red mist descends and I can't help myself... Neither child likes the dart on the balloon with the puff of air or the rocket that flies directly too you so guess what I always go for...
 
Last edited:

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!










Top