Disney tips.

I’m recuperating from yet another Disney adventure. This one was with two new people, both men (I know, good job Casey!). Yes, it’s like trip number 37 (and yes, the skies were filled with ash, the sun was red, the moon was orange and it felt apocalyptic) but each time I go with someone new, I have new experiences and we try to mix it up a bit. Because of this, I’ll try to imbue you with some of our mix-it up ideas as well as share in some of our adventures:

Get reservations for lunch at the Blue Bayou several weeks in advance 1-714-781-3463. When you eat there, ask for a seat near the water and share a Monte Cristo. It’s huge. Be aware that any meal there is the cost of a semester’s tuition at Yale.

Ride the Indiana Jones ride in the back row, standing on the angled floor. Of course you’re buckled in, but you’re whipped about considerably more than when you’re just sitting in front. This is good for a hearty laugh and some fabulous back-cracking whiplash.

Don’t leave your hat in Space Mountain.

Lean forward and face your ride partner on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It feels more like “The wildest ride in the wilderness” this way. This is of course, if you’ve already been on it several times. If you do it your first time, you’ll miss out on the dynamite-eating goat and the view of the park from the top.

Although the classic Haunted Mansion is fabulous, make it a point to see it all Nightmare Before Christmas-y before you die. Your trip to heaven is guaranteed if you do.

When heading to Fantasyland, use the route behind Big Thunder Mtn. It’s usually less traffic-y, there’s a good chance of seeing a character walking about, and you’ll definitely see a couple making out.

The turkey legs taste like ham. Watch out. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids afterwards.

If you drop your wallet in New Orleans Square, make sure an honest person picks it up and hands it to a Disneyland employee. Hug the employee that returns it.

If you’re leaving a note for someone who’ll be in the park the next day, don’t leave it in the back of the furthest recipe book in the stack. Apparently, recipe books are a popular item.

Take advantage of the people watching opportunities. Give each other assignments during your day. We had some great assignments and found every one of the following:
- A couple wearing matching outfits
- Three pairs of striped socks
- A family of six or more
- Girls who thought they were cuter than everyone else
- A couple who you can’t even fathom would be a couple
- Someone wearing 3 cowboy-ish things
- Three boys wearing girl pants
- A cross-dresser
These are just examples. You are welcome to go further and crazier. We were fortunate enough to get additional gems like Superman, rock-a-billies, and the Grand Master of the Toy Story Mania ride.

Do the Monkee walk in the large open area in California Adventure that is no longer displaying Whoopi Goldberg’s head.

Get some soup in a sourdough bread bowl in California Adventure. It’ll make you forget the hotdogs and hamburgers you were forced to eat at Disneyland as a child.

Talk nice to the ride attendants and make friends with employees. You get nicer treatment and get to ride the Matterhorn first after a repair.

When riding the Matterhorn, sit alone (unless you really really want to be holding onto someone for fear of the Abominable Snowman) and cross your legs. Apparently I like to be whipped around in the rides.

If soot and ash are raining down on Disneyland, be sure to NOT wear flip flops. Otherwise your feet WILL be completely black by the end of the day.

Be sure to lean over while eating a churro so that sugar doesn’t end up down your shirt. Shake the churro twice after each bite.

While going up the hill at the beginning of Space Mtn. lean your head back and rest it on the car to get a fantastic, spacey ride. Just be sure to pick your head up as you start down the first hill or you will end up with a goose egg.

Always ask for the top row of Soarin’.

Make a stranger sit in the first 2 seats of Splash Mtn. If not, bring a change of clothes. They’ve added more water to the ride.

Make sure you bring aspirin, plastic baggies, and baby powder (chaffing is an issue after Splash Mountain and Grizzly Rapids).

Be sure to ride the Finding Nemo Submarine Ride in the early morning when the air in the sub will be fresh. Otherwise, it smells like bus.

Make the most ADD person in your group get the fast passes.

Hmm. I’ve got to get back to work so I’ll have to add more at another time. In the meanwhile, memorize this list.