DAY 14 - "You'd get less for murder... " - Part One

Friday 4th July 2014

And so the day of our 25th anniversary dawns – 4th July. I get up and make us both a cuppa. We have cards and gifts for each other but first of all let me show you our mulberry tree which we planted to commemorate our partnership:



We have cards and gifts for each other. I got Darrin a pair of silver cufflinks engraved with the day of our meeting:



Darin has got me a set of Gringotts’ coins as used in the Harry Potter films. These are movie replicas.

Today's title originates from the fact that everybody who congratulates us and says "Well done on 25 year!" receives the comment from Darrin :"Yes, you'd get less for murder!" Fear not - I shall have my "revenge". That's what 25 years of being together is all about!


We have breakfast booked at the Carnation Café in Disneyland. This pleasant little place is just off to the left as you walk up Main Street.



We have a fried breakfast with all the trimmings and watch the crowds as they make their way down Main Street. We are in no rush. Tim and Jimmie will be joining us later. It’s obviously going to be busy in the parks today but we don’t care. We are here, it’s where we want to be so crowds aren’t going to bother us.



In the top corner are the “secret” bathrooms. They are so called because they really are well hidden by an offset screen so many folk don’t know they are there.

We are aiming to meander a little today but one thing I do want to do is film The “Alice in Wonderland” ride. This is for two reasons: (1) I want a copy of it for myself and (2) I want to show all those who attended the Blackpool Grand Day Out what the Disney version looks like.

You’ll note on this photo we are wearing appropriate T shirts for 4th July:



The ride itself has had a few changes of late. Back in 2010, California's Department of Occupational Safety and Health insisted a safety rail was fitted on the outside upper portion of the track. Considering that nobody has ever fallen off in the 50 odd years it has been open it quite took Disney by surprise. They temporarily fitted scaffolding type rails which looked quite ugly. These have now been replaced with the stylised leaf designs from the Alice cartoon.
The ride has also had updates – digital projections using original scenes from the film and the addition of new animatronic figures plus upgrades to the Cheshire cat’s disappearance scenes.

As we are in line Peter Pan takes up a stance for meet and greet opportunities:



We take a trip on the Jungle Cruise. The script, as usual, is groan making but my favourite is as you get off: "If you'd care to take a look across the street, you may see someting Bazaar!"(There is a Bazaar shop right opposite).



Next it’s Space Mountain with Tim. Jimmie sits this one out. Actually, on the DL version you sit side by side and it is way comfier than the bone shaker and bruise maker that they have at Magic Kingdom in Florida:



I spot a Hidden Mickey in the Space Mountain cars – the speakers:



Darrin Vader:



R2Geoff2:



I find a Cast member with the same name as me – no Americanisation. It’s Geoff with a “G”. I was tempted to offer him $20 for his name badge but I doubt he’d sell (not if he wants to keep his job):



It’s time for Mickey’s Soundsational Parade:



Mickey:



Goofy:



Donald:



Snow, Rap and Aur:



Tink:



We can’t say that the park is over busy for a 4th July. We have managed to do rides and attractions without too much bother. Yes there are plenty of guests but not as many as we were expecting.
Time for a rest. We decide to go back to our Villa unit at the Grand Californian, have a cup of tea, have a nap, then freshen up and change for tonight.



To be continued……………………………………..

Trip report INDEX: http://DIBB.in/9823405

Nice start to the day Geoffa, love the T-#####.

Think you may have missed the letter "r" out there my friend!

Great start to the day...cannot wait for the next..

The Space Mountain ride looks far better then in WDW. In fact I have given up riding it as I find it difficult to get in and out of these days...
Happy 25th Anniversary, a great way to celebrate...

Thanks. It was where we wanted to be. Disney gives us both masssive pleasure so where else could we choose. We love the States (done 28 out of the 50 so far) - great people, great places.

Another fab day & great tshirts!

Another great 1/2 day off to read part 2 ... you planning on doing 50 out of 50 State's?

Can't see us doing Hawaii somehow. And there are a few I don't think I'd rush back to see (Iowa - land of maize -comes to mind!)

A great way to start an Anniversary. A tad belated but Happy Anniversary to you both. Being the 4th July, you did quite a bit!