Today was a very long day.
As I drifted to sleep last night I all but decided to nix the trip to San Diego. I did this for two reasons. First, in no particular order, I had a lot of shopping to do. I had great discounts at Disneyland and I wanted to get a lot of Christmas shopping done. Had I gone to San Diego I would have had to do the shopping tomorrow. Two, it was still cold out. I've never been to San Diego and I didn't want my first taste of the place to be that of coldness. I'll be coming back to Anaheim for Ducks games no doubt - I can do the Zoo trip then.
I slept in a little and then headed down to the company store. I spent a lot of time and a good amount of money there, but got great value for my dollar. After getting back to my room and taking inventory of what I had, I grabbed my Hidden Mickeys book and headed to Disneyland.
I did a little exploring, taking in Main Street USA and the like. I went to Tomorrowland and hopped on the Monorail. I didn't get a chance to ride the monorail last year because the line was too long. It was a short but fun ride. This train is shorter than the one in Florida, and it only has two stops...it shuttles between Tomorrowland and Downtown Disney. It was a fun way to see the park though.
Next I wandered around a bit. I was able to catch the Mark Twain Riverboat, which was very cool. I couldn't get to the top deck, but it was a most enjoyable trip. I tried to do a few rides after that. I did Winnie the Pooh, and Pirates of the Caribbean...a lot. I think I rode Pirates about 6 times over this trip. I love that ride. I also did the Haunted Mansion again.
I made a quick stop back at the hotel to drop some stuff off and get my heavier fleece as the sun was about to go down. Back at the park I started doing some shopping. I also grabbed postcards for the nieces and nephews. I'm sure they'll get a kick out of them.
I accomplished a lot, but not all. Sadly I think my oldest niece is a little too big for the simple Disney stuff now, and I'm not sure I'd make good enough selections of the more advanced Disney merchandise. If I have time I may go to California Adventure tomorrow to see about High School Musical or Hannah Montana, but we may be going away from the Mouse for a while. I did get a little something for everyone, but this won't be a full on Disney Christmas. Makes me a little sad, but what can you do.
I rode the Disneyland Railroad again. Originally I was just going to take it one stop to Critter Country to grab a bite to eat, but the particular train that pulled into the Main Street Station had the caboose on it. The caboose is one of the older cars that they refurbished and put on one of the trains. You have to make a special request to get on it, but I was able to talk my way on since it was only me, and I'm really nice I guess. The only caveat is that you have to do the full round trip since the caboose doesn't platform at the other stations. That was fine with me as it was a unique experience, and very comfortable. Once we returned to the Main Street Station, I hopped on the regular part of the train and went my one stop to New Orleans Square so I could grab that bite to eat. I also used that sitdown time to fill out those postcards.
After the train ride, I rode Pirates again I'm sure, as well as Indiana Jones. I really like that ride. You sit in a giant jeep and explore a cave-type place looking for Indy. It's very bumpy but a ton of fun.
The rest of the night really was a lot of walking around. There was a fantasmic show, or something like that, in the river where the Mark Twain Steamboat runs. It's a very interesting show, the water is sprayed up in the air in an almost mist effect and video is displayed on it. The Riverboat is full of characters, as well as the pirate boat, and Mickey is there at the end doing a whole Fantasia thing. It was quite the spectacle.
The end of my night, as well as the highlight, was dinner at the Blue Bayou, which is one of the nicer restaurants in the place. It's right in New Orleans Square, and the boats from the Pirates of the Caribbean float by it in the beginning of that ride. I had a very late seating, reserved for 9:40, but I showed up around 9:25 and they sat me almost right away.
It was nice to be inside and warm a little. The beverage they highlighted was a Pomegranate Lemonade, which was great because it was light in sugar. It turned out to be very tasty. I wish it was featured in the park more. I'll have to do a little research to see if it's served anywhere else.
I started with the gumbo, as it was listed as the specialty. I had never had gumbo before, but it was great! My main course was blackened Salmon (covered with some sort of crab sauce) with bayou potatoes (pretty much scalloped) and seasonal steamed vegetables (broccoli and white asparagus). What a fantastic meal! It was so tasty. I sat there drinking in the whole scene while enjoying this fabulous meal. How I had room for dessert I don't know, but I had the Creme Brule, and it was amazing. Topped with strawberries and blueberries. I'm still so full I have to stop thinking about it.
After leaving the restaurant, the second showing of the fantasmic show was playing, so I watched it until I reached the point I started with earlier. From there I made my way out of the park, dropping the postcards in the mailbox.
I nice brisk walk brought my back to my hotel room where I am typing from now. I am, however, very tired, and I think it's time for bed. I fly home tomorrow, and I have to get up at a reasonable hour so I can get to UPS so I can send all my loot home!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Anaheim - Day 3
Today was a long and fun day. I woke up around noon pacific after having such a late night last night. I got up, showered and met my friend from the Ducks game to head on over to Disneyland again.
We spent the day searching for Hidden Mickeys. We saw a bunch, doing Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted House, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White, Storybook land, and a few others. It was a great time. I also ate several churros, which I absolutely love. The churros in Disneyland are waaaay better than the ones in Disney World. These are so much fresher.
After hanging out at the park for a few hours we headed back to my hotel so I could get my jersey on, then a third friend picked us up to head over to the game.
By the way, did I mention how cold it is here? It's not much warmer than it is back east...I've been checking. Though there is not threat of snow, I'm sure glad I packed my fleece and my flannel. Layering is a MUST!
I get to the game and watch the end of warm-ups. After that I send notes to friends on twitter that are at the game but whom I still haven't met. My friends from earlier meet me for the first period. After that (and seeing the Ducks go down 2-0 and play like poop) we meet a few more twitter friends during intermission. For the second period, we head over to the section where these other friends are and hang out there. The Ducks go down 3-0, but get one back. After the 2nd it's 3-1, and the Ducks aren't looking that much better.
The 3rd period starts, but not before another slight seat change. These were the lucky seats. Our new rookie Sexton nets his first NHL goal and brings us within one - then with about a minute left nets his SECOND NHL goal to tie it! The place erupted, and I was screaming like a madman!
The Ducks take it to overtime and own the extra 5 minutes. Several close shots just barely miss the net before Saku Koivu gets the game winner and my Ducks winless streak ends at 7. It's finally over!
After the game we freeze as we walk back to the car. We get dropped off at Disneyland where my friend left her car, then she dropped me back at my hotel.
I was kinda hungry, so I moseyed on over to the Denny's next door for some eggs and a LOT of hash-browns. I don't really miss Denny's, or the indigestion that usually occurs afterward, but I do miss those hash-browns!
It's 11:30pm here, which is really 2:30 for me. I think it's time for bed. I plan to go to the San Diego Zoo tomorrow if I wake up early enough. I do, however, have a reservation tomorrow night for one of the nicest restaurants at Disneyland! I have a late seating (9:40pm) but I HAVE to be back for that. Can't wait!
We spent the day searching for Hidden Mickeys. We saw a bunch, doing Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted House, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White, Storybook land, and a few others. It was a great time. I also ate several churros, which I absolutely love. The churros in Disneyland are waaaay better than the ones in Disney World. These are so much fresher.
After hanging out at the park for a few hours we headed back to my hotel so I could get my jersey on, then a third friend picked us up to head over to the game.
By the way, did I mention how cold it is here? It's not much warmer than it is back east...I've been checking. Though there is not threat of snow, I'm sure glad I packed my fleece and my flannel. Layering is a MUST!
I get to the game and watch the end of warm-ups. After that I send notes to friends on twitter that are at the game but whom I still haven't met. My friends from earlier meet me for the first period. After that (and seeing the Ducks go down 2-0 and play like poop) we meet a few more twitter friends during intermission. For the second period, we head over to the section where these other friends are and hang out there. The Ducks go down 3-0, but get one back. After the 2nd it's 3-1, and the Ducks aren't looking that much better.
The 3rd period starts, but not before another slight seat change. These were the lucky seats. Our new rookie Sexton nets his first NHL goal and brings us within one - then with about a minute left nets his SECOND NHL goal to tie it! The place erupted, and I was screaming like a madman!
The Ducks take it to overtime and own the extra 5 minutes. Several close shots just barely miss the net before Saku Koivu gets the game winner and my Ducks winless streak ends at 7. It's finally over!
After the game we freeze as we walk back to the car. We get dropped off at Disneyland where my friend left her car, then she dropped me back at my hotel.
I was kinda hungry, so I moseyed on over to the Denny's next door for some eggs and a LOT of hash-browns. I don't really miss Denny's, or the indigestion that usually occurs afterward, but I do miss those hash-browns!
It's 11:30pm here, which is really 2:30 for me. I think it's time for bed. I plan to go to the San Diego Zoo tomorrow if I wake up early enough. I do, however, have a reservation tomorrow night for one of the nicest restaurants at Disneyland! I have a late seating (9:40pm) but I HAVE to be back for that. Can't wait!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Anaheim - Day 2
It's difficult to become homesick when so much of your trip reminds you of home. Today I woke up late and hand a nice leisurely morning as I listened to the rain outside. Yes. Rain. In southern California. Awesome. I took my time showering and getting ready for the day because I was not looking forward to going outside. I'm not kidding when I say it was pouring outside. And rather chilly too. It only got up to about 51 degrees in the pouring rain.
I had some errands to run in the morning, which included going to to pick up tickets for the night at Disneyland. After hanging out at the Company Team Center for a little while looking around, I headed back to the hotel to do some research on the computer.
I wanted to find the store I went to last time I was here, and forgot the name of the complex it was in. I did remember that it was next to the Crystal Cathedral, which is, aptly named, a cathedral made out of crystal. The place is called Sports Treasures and is in the Block at Orange. It's a cool little sports store, that doesn't have much by way of hockey, but what it does have is Ducks related. I didn't buy much, a t-shirt, a few coozeys, but it was fun anyway.
After that I stopped by a Del Taco for the first time. I got a free coupon for a taco at last night's Ducks game and decided to check it out. It was...eh. Nothing special. And my tacos came with fries, which I found rather odd. I ran through the rain back to my car to head up to this little mom and pop (but really only pop) sports store that I found last time. He has a lot of old stuff.
He doesn't have much Ducks stuff anymore, but I did get a rather cool Mighty Ducks rugby shirt. I was talking to the guy while looking around and he said that his sails were awful, and he probably wasn't going to renew his lease. I felt bad leaving without buying anything, and the rugby shirt was the coolest thing he had that I wanted. So I either was a good guy by helping him out, or he's has a great sales gimmick and I'm a rube. No matter - I like the shirt.
I went back to the Pond to do some shopping in peace. Everything there is ridiculously overpriced, but I found a deliciously awful bright orange Ducks sweatshirt on clearance that I just HAD to have.
I went back to my hotel to freshen up and then it was off to Disneyland! One of the girls that I met at the game last night came with me. It was nice to have a local's advice as we walked around. First it was California Adventure to kill some time before Disneyland re-opened, then it was on to the main park!
California Adventure has a cool Toy Story shoot-em up ride, as well as a fun Monsters Inc ride that I did. There's also an interesting movie montage area that has a 20 minute loop honoring all the Disney movie magic. We also checked out the resort attached to that park. Very nice. Has a lodge type feel to it. And the fact that it was so cold made it especially awesome.
We didn't stay there long before heading to Disneyland. Once inside, we did the Indiana Jones ride. You're basically in a giant jeep as you head through an underground...umm...archeological site? I'm not really sure. It was fun though. It was fast, which was fun but a shame because you wizzed past a lot of what looked to be interesting details that were put in. I may have to ride that one again. From there it was off to Pirates of the Caribbean, which never disappoints, and then, after a Churro break, to the Haunted Mansion, that is dressed up for Nightmare Before Christmas. Very awesome!
Next it was the Pinocchio ride, Small World, had to pass on Mr Toads Wild Ride as they were having issues, and a really awesome spiny car ride in Toon Town based on Roger Rabbit. You go through and spin the car like it's a teacup as you go through it. Super sweet!
Next was Tomorrowland and the Autopia, Buzz Lightyear shoot'em up, and Star Tours (which is exactly the same as in Florida...bummer).
And that was the end of the long day. I picked up my ornament on my way out and am now back at my hotel. I'm so sleepy, I think I'm gonna pass out now.
More tomorrow, including another day at Disneyland, and another Ducks game!
I had some errands to run in the morning, which included going to to pick up tickets for the night at Disneyland. After hanging out at the Company Team Center for a little while looking around, I headed back to the hotel to do some research on the computer.
I wanted to find the store I went to last time I was here, and forgot the name of the complex it was in. I did remember that it was next to the Crystal Cathedral, which is, aptly named, a cathedral made out of crystal. The place is called Sports Treasures and is in the Block at Orange. It's a cool little sports store, that doesn't have much by way of hockey, but what it does have is Ducks related. I didn't buy much, a t-shirt, a few coozeys, but it was fun anyway.
After that I stopped by a Del Taco for the first time. I got a free coupon for a taco at last night's Ducks game and decided to check it out. It was...eh. Nothing special. And my tacos came with fries, which I found rather odd. I ran through the rain back to my car to head up to this little mom and pop (but really only pop) sports store that I found last time. He has a lot of old stuff.
He doesn't have much Ducks stuff anymore, but I did get a rather cool Mighty Ducks rugby shirt. I was talking to the guy while looking around and he said that his sails were awful, and he probably wasn't going to renew his lease. I felt bad leaving without buying anything, and the rugby shirt was the coolest thing he had that I wanted. So I either was a good guy by helping him out, or he's has a great sales gimmick and I'm a rube. No matter - I like the shirt.
I went back to the Pond to do some shopping in peace. Everything there is ridiculously overpriced, but I found a deliciously awful bright orange Ducks sweatshirt on clearance that I just HAD to have.
I went back to my hotel to freshen up and then it was off to Disneyland! One of the girls that I met at the game last night came with me. It was nice to have a local's advice as we walked around. First it was California Adventure to kill some time before Disneyland re-opened, then it was on to the main park!
California Adventure has a cool Toy Story shoot-em up ride, as well as a fun Monsters Inc ride that I did. There's also an interesting movie montage area that has a 20 minute loop honoring all the Disney movie magic. We also checked out the resort attached to that park. Very nice. Has a lodge type feel to it. And the fact that it was so cold made it especially awesome.
We didn't stay there long before heading to Disneyland. Once inside, we did the Indiana Jones ride. You're basically in a giant jeep as you head through an underground...umm...archeological site? I'm not really sure. It was fun though. It was fast, which was fun but a shame because you wizzed past a lot of what looked to be interesting details that were put in. I may have to ride that one again. From there it was off to Pirates of the Caribbean, which never disappoints, and then, after a Churro break, to the Haunted Mansion, that is dressed up for Nightmare Before Christmas. Very awesome!
Next it was the Pinocchio ride, Small World, had to pass on Mr Toads Wild Ride as they were having issues, and a really awesome spiny car ride in Toon Town based on Roger Rabbit. You go through and spin the car like it's a teacup as you go through it. Super sweet!
Next was Tomorrowland and the Autopia, Buzz Lightyear shoot'em up, and Star Tours (which is exactly the same as in Florida...bummer).
And that was the end of the long day. I picked up my ornament on my way out and am now back at my hotel. I'm so sleepy, I think I'm gonna pass out now.
More tomorrow, including another day at Disneyland, and another Ducks game!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Anaheim - Day 1
I woke up this morning at about 4am to begin my trek out to California. I wasn't prepared as I was last time, and am kinda winging it. I just made my hotel reservations about 8 hours before my flight. Yeah, not good.
I flew out of JFK on Virgin America for the first time. It was an uneventful flight. I was comfortable, and the TV and Music was nice...but JetBlue has XM, which I like better personally. It ranks up there with JetBlue, but it seems to me like you had to pay for everything extra where JetBlue has more perks. Got me here on time, which is the best perk.
After landing in LAX I picked up my car and headed to Anaheim. A little traffic on the 105 is to be expected I suppose...a car flipped over, which caused some delay.
After getting to Anaheim I promptly got lost thinking that I remembered where I was going from last time. 2 days in a city does not make you an expert. Thanks to Google Maps I corrected my errors. I went to Honda Center to buy tickets for tonight's game. I tried looking on Stubhub and Ticketmaster while on the flight (remember when I said I had terrible preparation for this trip??) but I didn't want to pay the ticketmaster fees, nor did I want to pay Stubhub's "last minute" extortion. I bought a seat in Section 412, upstairs.
After I left the Pond I went to a supermarket to get water and snacks for the room. I checked in at the Best Western Anaheim Inn a little after 3. After freshening up and putting on my jersey it was off to the Pond!
Parking was a snap and I walked around the building outside a little. They have a whole little lot area where they have kids' games set up - a lot of street hockey games going on. Basically a kids-zone, which is always cool to see.
I went inside and checked out the team store. I am from New York and used to NY prices, and I was taken aback by how expensive everything was! I paid $36 for a hat! I only paid it because I know I'll wear it very often.
I went down to ice level for warm-ups which is always fun. After that I headed upstairs to my seat.
The first period saw the Sens and the Ducks score twice each. Each time the Sens scored the Ducks tied it right back up. After the first a few friends I met on Twitter stopped by my section and wound up staying the rest of the game. It was fun to watch the game with other Ducks fans that I (kinda) knew. I know them now!
The game went to a shootout and the Ducks lost. It's a shame - my losing streak continues (up to 7 now...ugh) but I hope to snap it on Tuesday.
I left the game and felt like I was back in NY - freezing! Well, sort of. Not as bad as when I leave games in the Garden in December, but not SoCal weather! I guess I brought the cold with me...
I made it back to my room but was very hungry so I decided to grab a bite at Denny's next door. I'm sure I'll begin to regret it soon, but the hash browns were calling me!
Speaking of calling my, my bed is doing that now.
I flew out of JFK on Virgin America for the first time. It was an uneventful flight. I was comfortable, and the TV and Music was nice...but JetBlue has XM, which I like better personally. It ranks up there with JetBlue, but it seems to me like you had to pay for everything extra where JetBlue has more perks. Got me here on time, which is the best perk.
After landing in LAX I picked up my car and headed to Anaheim. A little traffic on the 105 is to be expected I suppose...a car flipped over, which caused some delay.
After getting to Anaheim I promptly got lost thinking that I remembered where I was going from last time. 2 days in a city does not make you an expert. Thanks to Google Maps I corrected my errors. I went to Honda Center to buy tickets for tonight's game. I tried looking on Stubhub and Ticketmaster while on the flight (remember when I said I had terrible preparation for this trip??) but I didn't want to pay the ticketmaster fees, nor did I want to pay Stubhub's "last minute" extortion. I bought a seat in Section 412, upstairs.
After I left the Pond I went to a supermarket to get water and snacks for the room. I checked in at the Best Western Anaheim Inn a little after 3. After freshening up and putting on my jersey it was off to the Pond!
Parking was a snap and I walked around the building outside a little. They have a whole little lot area where they have kids' games set up - a lot of street hockey games going on. Basically a kids-zone, which is always cool to see.
I went inside and checked out the team store. I am from New York and used to NY prices, and I was taken aback by how expensive everything was! I paid $36 for a hat! I only paid it because I know I'll wear it very often.
I went down to ice level for warm-ups which is always fun. After that I headed upstairs to my seat.
The first period saw the Sens and the Ducks score twice each. Each time the Sens scored the Ducks tied it right back up. After the first a few friends I met on Twitter stopped by my section and wound up staying the rest of the game. It was fun to watch the game with other Ducks fans that I (kinda) knew. I know them now!
The game went to a shootout and the Ducks lost. It's a shame - my losing streak continues (up to 7 now...ugh) but I hope to snap it on Tuesday.
I left the game and felt like I was back in NY - freezing! Well, sort of. Not as bad as when I leave games in the Garden in December, but not SoCal weather! I guess I brought the cold with me...
I made it back to my room but was very hungry so I decided to grab a bite at Denny's next door. I'm sure I'll begin to regret it soon, but the hash browns were calling me!
Speaking of calling my, my bed is doing that now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
