Here we are at the end of Day 1 of the D23 Expo. Yeah, I know the expo starts tomorrow, but, I’m counting the travel day as Day 1. My story… my rules. J
Day started by hitting the road at 6 AM. We actually got out 10 minutes ahead of schedule… WOW, how’d that happen? To the guy on 101 southbound in the Coyote Valley, who had to apply his brakes rather quickly… You’ll find that happening frequently when you tailgate 4 feet off my bumper at 70. Dude!!! Learn to back off. Other than that, it was clean sailing all the way to Paso Robles and our traditional breakfast stop at Jose’s – damn those sausage patties are big, double quarter pounder has nothing on Jose.
By now you’ve all realized, I don’t use I-5 to make my transit to Disneyland. I prefer the coast route, as its more scenic, and it doesn’t take me all that much longer. Besides, my grandparents and cousin resident permanently at Conejo Mountain Cemetery, and as I am the only one the travels south regularly, I use the opportunity to stop, visit, and place flowers on just about every trip. Love you always Nana, Grandpa, and Sean. So, score first real bonus of the day… I stop at the same florist on every trip – Camarillo Flower Shop. Pam called ahead just outside Ventura and ordered our normal three little bouquets. While Pam was getting some sandwiches next door, I went in to get the flowers. The gal that owns the shop was working to today and running a little behind. So, while she was finishing up we were just shooting the breeze, talking about Disneyland, yup, she knows by now where we’re head, and a recent trip with her young ones, and how she likes that I take the time to stop a visit the family… not many people do that these days. Anyway, as she comes out from the back she hands me the flowers, and tells me these are on the house. She said she was sorry for making me waiting… really it was that long, but I really appreciate the gift. I think a little Mickey and Minnie are going to make a stop on the way home. AND, if you ever find yourself in Camarillo and in need of Flowers, may I strongly recommend Camarillo Flower Shop, 77A Daily Drive, 805-482-2320. They’re right off of Las Posas Road.
After a nice visit, it was back on the road to Anaheim, and really uneventful, which when driving is pretty good. Since I’ve started taking 405 down to Katella, its much shorter, time wise. Have I mentioned I’m not fond of I-5? Through the central valley or L.A.!!! J
We get to the Paradise Pier Hotel at about 2:30, get the bag, park the car, and check-in. After waiting about 10 minute for our room to be finished, we head up to the 8th floor. Who should get on the elevator right behind us, but ¼ of Mousetaglia, truthfully, it was 2/5’s. It’s always a pleasure to see Becky, and little Button looked to be plum tuckered out. But, it was great to see them. After resting for a few minutes, we headed over the Convention Center to do our Premiere ticket check-in and check out the shopping. DreamStore was a bit of a bust because we weren’t schedule of admittance until 5:30, and I, nor the girls, want to hang around until then. So, I trucked it up to the 2nd floor and checked out the Archive Treasures Store. Not a couple of nice things. If anyone shows any interest, I may down a pictures page for the blog??? As I was headed to the escalator, I ran into Don Iwerks. How do I know this? I’ve seen him a few times up at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Very Cool!!!
Just finished watching World of Color from our room, couldn’t see any of the projections, but the fountains and lights are really color sync’d to the music pipe in to our room. The one thing that stuck me was how amazingly well timed the music is to the water show. It escaped me when I first saw World of Color, but, seeing it from up high and not seeing the projections made it very apparent, and very cool!
Something new at the Paradise Pier Hotel, maybe at the others too, but, I’m just noticing it. The shower has a rotating head on it. As you stand there, the water spray kind of massages your body, again… VERY COOL!
Well, I’m off to bed to get rest for a very busy day to tomorrow. I’ll try to post as the Expo progresses, but, may well be too tired after very full days.
Hope everyone else is having as Disney-rific days as I am experiencing. J
Your comments or questions are always welcome. If you have a correction or something you think I should look at in my research, please feel free to contact me at mr.grumpyguy@gmail.com
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