Backstage Magic - Day 4

Today started bright and early and as the pounding of the fireworks echo over my head this is what we did today:

First of all we went to breakfast but it wasn't just breakfast we went into Disneyland BEFORE ANYBODY ELSE, the park was completely empty of guests. We went to the Plaza Inn and met with the man who was the manager of the restaurant and we had a buffet breakfast that was amazing. In addition to the breakfast we also got to take pictures with Minnie (who allegedly cut the waffles out of dough), Chip, Dale, Tigger and Pooh and it was delicious.

Then we went to Indiana Jones and got to see a functional ride car and inspect the under carriage. Tom got to manipulate the car up and down and side to side. Then they went on the ride and experienced it first hand. I sat on the side with the chickens.

Next we went to the Petting Boo (not a typo) and got to feed the goats and an enormous pair of sheep at the Thunder Mountain Ranch -- we got to meet the handlers which turned out well for a reason best described later.

Next we went up and got a chance to see the roundhouse for the trains. Bill the
Engineer showed us how a boiler works and explained the naming convention for the trains. After that they took us through the roundhouse to the other side where we saw the warehouse for the costumes for the Disneyland Resorts and then we walked further on and saw the fireworks mechanisms -- apparently Disney is the first company to launch fireworks through air cannons which solves the black smoke problem.

Then we went to see the parade float warehouse and some floats that they were refubishing. We were as much of a curiosity to the people inside the warehouse as they were to us.

After that we went to the Circle D Ranch which is just outside the berm and where they keep all the live animals for the Disneyland Resort including goats, sheep, cows, the draft horses -- and explained the varieties. There are many including Clydesdales, Belgians, etc. I say etc. because I can't remember more of them. LOL

Then we went to Cafe Orleans to eat lunch. We had gumbo and I had the Monte Cristo and Tom had the blackened chicken caesar salad. After that one of the pirates who said he was radiently handsome took us on Pirates of the Caribbean. After that we went back to Main Street and got to ride the Lilly Belle (the VIP car on the train) and learn a little bit about the train system at Disneyland and then we got to see the apartment over the fire station where Walt and Lillian lived while Walt was constructing the park. The tribute to Walt was very nice and made me cry.

After that we got to sit in a VIP area to watch the parade and apparently Adam Sandler was there and was supposed to join us but he didn't. And while we were waiting Bono came by and some of our group didn't know who he was and part of the group was all twitterpated.

Then after the parade we went back to the hotel. Tom and I went to the Napa Rose for dinner. They have changed the entire menu for Fall and it was amazing. Then we went to Mickey's Trick or Treat Party but it was weak and very crowded and so we came back to the hotel and we can hear the fireworks while I type this.

So tomorrow we are going to get to do things at DCA including a Turtle Talk with Crush to ourselves and behind the scenes at Soarin' Over California. Tomorrow also begins at 7 AM -- what is this with obscene start times? LOL

Anyway -- still having a BLAST -- but it's almost over and will be seeing you soon!

Love, hugs and kisses,

Christy