DCA and DLR 6-15-2008

coasterell · #1 06-16-2008, 04:58 AM

I'm kind of sad that my dad is all the way back in Ohio and I wasn't able to spend the day with him, but I rode some rides in his honor today.

After getting off and changing, I headed into DCA around 6pm.
First attraction of the day was Soarin' Over California.

Soarin': 40 Minute Standby (10 minute single rider)
I love being a single rider for this. Always get the chance to be moved somewhere different, rather than typically being assigned to rows 1 or 3. I was able to ride in the middle of row 2 and the experience was amazing like it has been the other times I've rode. Definitely one of my favorite attractions. 10/10

Onto Paradise Pier, where I decided to not only tackle my fear of Ferris Wheels, but to tackle it in style.

SUN WHEEL: Swinging Gondolas--2 Cycle wait
I have to say this was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life, and I do not think I'll be doing it again anytime soon. I suppose in a way it was a good scary because man was my adrenaline up after getting off. I was shaking for a good 20 minutes after riding. I thought the gondolas would be moving an a *NICE* swinging motion, but OH NO, they were to the point where you could look down and see water right below. They went almost vertical. For being my first time on, however, and having an immense fear of Ferris Wheels, this helped out a lot. 10/10 because it was an awesome thrill and I would gladly go on again if I had someone to talk to next time I headed that way.

Had to hit up California Screamin' while I was down on the pier.

Screamin'--30 Minute Standby (15 minute single rider line)
I would have probably got loaded on this faster if I waited in the regular line, but I did get my favorite color car, and the front seat of a car to myself, so I can't complain too much. 10/10

Golden Zephyr, the last ride over at DCA.

Zephyr: I had not been on a rocket ship style ride since I was little and there was the one they had at Geauga Lake. This was a nice relaxing ride and helped me calm down after the crazy Ferris Wheel. 10/10

Disneyland:
Walked in close to 9pm, and headed straight to Star Traders in Tomorrowland. Where I created my own lightsaber. Heard some James Blunt music blaring and went to see where it was coming from when I discovered there was a live band playing. Apparently they're called Sandbox, now I thought this was just like cast members playing or something, but They're a real band that is from Nova Scotia, Canada. Just found this out by the way...

Anyhow after the concert, I headed to Star Tours, which was awesome.

Star Tours-Walk-On
But not only did I get a walk on, I was given a whole motion simulator to ride in all by myself. What is sweeter than that? I could not say anything right now. It was totally awesome and definitely a magical moment. Love this attraction! 10/10

Right afterwards I headed over to Astro Blasters.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: 5 minute wait
After going on Toy Story Mania, this attraction seems boring and really out-dated. I had a decent score, but it was just so boring to me. 8/10.

Went back to Tomorrowland Terrace to catch the WHOLE Sandbox concert, where I snapped some cool pictures and got some videos.

Overall Assessment: Even though Buzz was a bit of a downer, I still had an amazing time, and really would not even count Buzz in the assessment. 98/100

Carowinds 73-03 · #2 06-16-2008, 12:24 PM

You wern't at the parks very long. but then again you work theres so no need to spend too much time playing. I was the same way working at Disney World. I mainly visited the parks for a few hours to ride ToT or to go see Fantasmic & Spectromagic & Wishes.

coasterell · #3 06-16-2008, 11:05 PM

I still have yet to see Fantasmic or Wishes...I always see the fireworks while waiting for the bus, but have yet to actually watch the whole show.

Carowinds 73-03 · #4 06-16-2008, 11:12 PM

Both shows are amazing and should been seen. Fantasmic i think will be around for a while so you should have plenty of time to see it. Wishes however might be gone in a year or two.

I don't know for sure but rumor is that they will feature a new fireworks show when the park gets the Parade Of Dreams from DL & the Fantilusions Light Parade in 2010. Thats of course if the rumors are indeed true.

Magic Kingdom is long overdue for 2 new parades & fireworks show.

CoasterchickRN · #5 06-17-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coasterell

Onto Paradise Pier, where I decided to not only tackle my fear of Ferris Wheels, but to tackle it in style.

LOL. It is refreshing to see another coaster fan admit to their fear of ferris wheels. My first adventure on the Sun Wheel scared the hell out of me. My husband and I were seated with a couple that didn't speak a lick of english who videotaped the entire ordeal. I was screaming my head off and clinging to my husband for dear life. I'm sure that tape ended up on Japan's Funniest Home Videos.

coasterell · #6 06-17-2008, 12:51 AM

haha that's awesome. I was trying to get some video from the ride, but instead I ended up just clinging onto the cage and screaming my head off. I promised my dad I would ride it again, but only if he went with me, so I could try to get his reaction on tape.