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There are some days that when you experience them, you simply know that you are going to remember them
forever. These days are typically very special days to an individual, one that marked a time of importance and happiness.
Well, one such day for me was August 14th, 2003. It was a warm and dry 90 degree day in Anaheim, California. Myself and many
of my friends were gathered at Disneyland to hang out and have a good time. Maybe it was due to the reason that we were all
together that contributed to that day being special to me. Maybe it was the fact that we all were finally talking to
each other, and no one was left out. We all felt (at least I did) like we were apart of a large friendship. Regardless of
the reasons, that day was special. To me, and to many of my friends as well. So, in order to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary
this year, I present to you the happiest day that Disneyland has ever given me. August 14th, 2003: A Day of Wonderous Dreams...
August 14th, 2003:
As recorded in my Journal of Experiences
Tuesday, September 9, 2003 7:40pm
It's been quite awhile since I have chosen to write here, but I now
feel it's time to do so. I'll begin with the Disneyland trip that I took with my group of friends on Thursday August
14th, 2003. Of those in attendance were: Eric Cunningham, Allison Barlow, Johnny Spelta, Laura Carpenter, Kristin Roosevear,
Richard Roosevear, Richard's girlfriend whose name I can't remember (Note: I remembered it after I wrote this), Cory Cunningham,
Chris Minson, Jordan Robles and Leah Shertzman. I must say, I was very hesitant about this trip. I considered it to be all
'romanticism' with each other and never a real friendship trip. But by the end of the night, it was long remembered in my
mind. I'll begin this tale of my life now.
On the morning of our trip, Jordan picked me up to drive me to Laura's
new house in Saugus. I was looking forward to this day and was excited on the way to Laura's. When me and Jordan arrived at
Laura's, Johnny had just arrived and we all walked in together and met Laura in her living room. As of yet, we were the only
people there, and we just channel surfed on the T.V. until the rest of the group arrived (I also had brought my "Mouse Tales"
book to keep me company). Eventually though, the rest of us arrived and I must admit I felt a little bit of uneasiness. Eric
and Allison were both wearing the same 'Giants' hat and Richard introduced us to his friend; who was a shy and mellow girl.
After their arrival, very few time was spent procrastinating and we soon filed off into one of two cars. The first, which
was driven by Leah's mom and the one in which I rode in; contained Leah in the front seat, myself, Johnny and Jordan in the
middle, and Eric and Allison in the back. The second car, driven by Laura's dad, contained the rest of the group. Once we
were settled, we drove off. We stopped at a gas station before leaving Santa Clarita, and then continued. The ride there was
composed of very enjoyable conversation dwelling on many topics of interest. This continued, until we passed Knott's Berry
Farm, which I had a very good time showing it to them (Jordan seemed to be particularily adamant about not going on the tall
rides). After we had passed it, we shortly arrived at Disneyland. We pulled into a 15 minute parking lot and regrouped there
with the other car. We then huddled together and contibuted our money and after some discussion started to walk to the front
gate. Once we got there, me and Jordan wanted to ride the monorail into the park, but the group didn't allow us. I was a little
upset, but quickly forgave them due to our high level of excitement. Before entering, we waited for Laura and Kristin to get
back from the bathroom (Since we weren't in the park it was probably the restrooms by park services. I only include this information
for accuracy and detail). When they finally arrived, we were glad to get inside as the hot sun was really starting to shine
(Weather reports that morning listed Anaheim as reaching a high of 91 degrees). We walked under the east entrance tunnel,
but immediatly stopped as the rest of us had to use the restroom now (We used the ones on the side of "Great Moments with
Mr. Lincoln") After we relieved ourselves, the group decided our first attraction would be the Haunted Mansion. Surprisingly,
the group elected me to be their guide, as they said I knew the most about Disneyland (Naturally...)
We walked down Main Street and I had a few recurrences of remembrance
as I thought of when me and my uncle Brian went here, but that soon passed away. We eventually arrived at the Haunted Mansion,
and with a slight delay of waiting in line, we went in. While waiting for our 'Doombuggies', me and Jordan and Johnny decided
to wait and let them all go ahead and then get in. We all fit in one 'buggy' and continued on the ride. We enjoyed
the ride, and enjoyed even more our groups reaction when we finally got out of the ride! After this little joke, we went to
Pirates of the Caribbean. We all enjoyed it, Johnny, Jordan and I reflected on the movie version; and then I checked out the
"Pieces of Eight" store, where I got my "Fortune Red". I was tempted to remain there, but the group decided to try Splash
Mountain. Jordan didn't want to go this early on it (As he had to 'prepare' himself because he has a phobia of uncontrolled
falling) but it ended up working out, as we just got a fast pass which wasn't done until later that night. We got a surprise
fast pass to the Haunted Mansion, which we rode again, and then proceeded to the "Mad Tea Party" teacups. I sat with Jordan,
and nearly got sick in them (We were all stumbling after that...). We stumbled our way over to some water fountains near
Triton's Garden - south of the Matterhorn. Once we regained our balance, we decided to have lunch, and made our way to Redd
Rockett's Pizza Port. I initially didnt'want to eat there, as I thought it was too expensive, so I checked out a snack place
by the 'Club Buzz' stage. Turns out they don't have any lunch items there anymore, so I reserved to have lunch at the Pizza
Port. I bought my lunch seperately from the big pizza the group bought because I didn't have change, and then we ate in the
resturant's courtyard.
Saturday, September 13th, 2003 3:50pm
I'll now continue with my trip report, but first a few things need
to be clarified: Turns out Laura and Kristin didn't go to the bathroom at the Main Gate, they took Johnny as well to just
get their tickets clarified at Guest Services. And at the 'Pizza Port' I ordered a slice of Starfire chicken pizza with a
regular soda which cost me $8.49 (Note: I still have the receipts from when we went!). Now, back to my report:
After we finished eating, we waited in line for "Honey, I Shrunk the
Audience" which we soon wen't in. Johnny, myself and Jordan all sat in the very first row, while everyone else sat in the
very back. The show was really good as usual and we then left to go to "Innoventions". Upon entering the building, everyone
split up and was told to meet back by the giant circut board tree. Me and Jordan played on a computer where we could make
our own fireworks shows. Eric and Allison soon joined us, and we let them try it as me and Jordan went to a space exhibit.
Jordan played a space rocks game and I went and answered questions of space trivia (I got them all right, by the way!) After
this, we left to explore the upper level where I played a new Haunted Mansion video game, while Jordan was pre-occupied with
finding the rest of the group. I ran into Johnny while Jordan, through trial and error, found the rest of the group. After
we had all found each other, we stopped at some restrooms by Innoventions where I used it along with Jordan, Eric, Chris,
Johnny, Richard and Cory. After we had finished, we all decided to go to the "Autopia" where we waited in a moderataly long
line. All of our Autopia licenses were called "Sparky", and Jordan was pleased because the last time he got a card that was
called "Suzy". Allison received a special card that entitled her to a prize after her ride. With a little delay, we were off.
Johnny rode in front of me, while Jordan rode behind me. The ride itself was very entertaining, as I rammed Johnny more than
a few times, and Jordan took a picture of me on my car. After I got out, we were about the first ones off so we waited for
Eric and the others to arrive. Once they did, we ran into some problems. Jordan had wanted to take a picture with Kristin,
but she was a little too caught up in the moment to listen to him, which dampened Jordan's spirits. We all hung out for
a little bit at the Autopia gift shop, where the first bits of romanticism appeared to surface. Jordan brought up the fact
that Laura's intended 'date' was hanging out with Kristin a little too much. Most of them claimed innocence and ignorance,
but all this was lost on me, though. After this, me and Jordan and Johnny ran ahead of the group and I took a picture of Jordan
in front of Space Mountain, and we ran into a store called the "Star Trader" where I looked at some "Star Tours" memorabillia.
After this, we left, and Jordan took a picture of us in front of the Star Tours mural. We then realized that the group was
nowhere in sight, and we proceeded to retrace our steps and eventually found them ahead of where we were before.
Once we found them, we got a fast pass to Star Tours as well as a surprise one to "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience", but no one
wanted to see it again. We then left Tomorrowland and went towards the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and waited in line on the 'B'
side (The side closest to the Fantasyland Bathrooms). While waiting in line, the heat was really starting to bear down
on us, and Jordan kept trying to get a perfect shot of the mountain, but no angle came to his satisfaction. While waiting,
an interesting situation developed. I wanted to sit by myself, so as to avoid Jordan sitting directly on my lap. In part,
for my own personal comfort and also to avoid any pseudo-gay reservations thrown my way. As it turned out, they (the cast
members) wouldn't allow it. So, as the tallest member, I sat in the back of the first car, while Jordan sat on my lap. Johnny
sat in the back of the second car, with Kristin on his lap (Only later did I realize I was the only one who didn't sit with
a girl on his lap. No big problem, but a little uncomfortable). The ride itself was very fun. I tried to show Jordan the cool
'snow falling' effect as you go up the lift hill, but it was too faded in the daytime.
Saturday, October 4, 2003 12:17am
After Matterhorn, we regrouped and thought about what we would do next.
As it turns out, a group of girl castmembers approached us and helped us to decide (Unwittingly, they took a liking
to Johnny, who already was starting in his own direction). We stood in line for "Mr. Toads Wild Ride", but some of the others
didn't want to go on it because they claimed it was too hot inside (In spite of the fact that in the ride your sentenced to
the hot confines of hell). So, we ended up leaving out of the line and walked back towards Adventureland. Before arriving,
Eric, Johnny and Jordan bought water at a Main Street cart vendor and then we were on our way. We got a fast pass for the
"Indiania Jones Adventure" ride, and then went to "Big Thunder Mountain". This turned out really well and it was pretty fun.
After this, we were going to go to Tom Sawyers Island but they had closed it early due to Fantasmic. So instead, I suggested
we go to Toontown, which we did. However, Eric and the others didn't want to go on "Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin", so they asked
to split up and meet back at 7:15pm. We agreed (Me, Jordan and Johnny) and stayed in line. Once inside, we each rode in our
own car and had a good twirl on the ride. Once it was over, we had some time left over, and Jordan wanted to ride the train.
We tried to catch it at the Toontown station, but it was too crowded. So we ran all the way to the Monorail and waited in
line (The next thing we all wanted to ride).
Monday, October 6, 2003 9:50(?)am
Once we got on the Monorail, it was completely relaxing. It was just me, Jordan and Johnny.
I must admit, I felt closer to these two then I ever have during our friendship. It was just us. No large group to distract
us or get in the way. And to top it all off, there was a beautiful sunset which Jordan tried to get a picture of (He already
took a picture of me and Johnny on the escalater). So once we were on our way, we just sat back and relaxed. It was a smooth
ride, and we passed into California Adventure, and the Grand Californian hotel where I showed Jordan where we went when we
went to Downtown Disney. After that, we rode through Downtown Disney and stopped at the station. We had a clear view of the
sunset once we started again, and I continued to talk to Jordan and Johnny. This was the most relaxing and enjoyable part
of the whole trip. We debated about how much trouble we would be in, as it was already past 7:15. But we continued on our
way, going through Tomorrowland and some tight clearences by Matterhorn. Once we got off, we ran back as quickly as we could
towards Toontown to meet the group. They were a little upset at us being late, but oh well. Our fast pass time for Splash
Mountain was approaching, so we headed there. The first Fantasmic show was going on, so we had to make our way through the
crowds. We eventually did, and waited in line for Spash Mountain. While waiting in line, it was at this point that I started
noticing the romantic atmosphere start to sink in. I felt a little uncomfortable, but pressed on into the ride. Once on, it
was very relaxing (So relaxing in fact, that Jordan was so aprehensive of the coming drop, I continually warned him about
every slight dip or drop). The ride itself I've always enjoyed, and we made it through completely through without any mishap
(Jordan appeared surprised that he survived). Once off the log, we saw our pictures. I looked like I stared death in the face
and enjoyed it too. Jordan was nowhere to be seen, as he found it much safer to hide behind the nearest seat (Mine). After
this, we ran around New Orleans Square and went to the bathroom. After this, me and Jordan went to the Star Trader where I
bought a RX-24 figure (the Star Speeder pilot) for $10, and then a StarSpeeder for $20, costing me a total of $32.33. This
left me with $7.67 left. We then ran to meet the others in New Orleans Square where we went on Pirates of the Caribbean again.
This was good as always, and once we were through we went back to Adventureland. We were a little undecided on whether to
go to the Jungle Cruise or Indiana Jones, but in the end decided on Indiana Jones. Jordan and Laura got held up at the fast
pass checkpoint because they couldn't find their fast pass. I waited for them, and Laura came in, but Jordan didn't until
later because he was trying to take pictures. We quickly made our way through the line and arrived at the boarding area, where
Jordan took a group picture. After a slight delay, because the ride broke down, we were off. All of our group sat in one car,
and we went through the ride. It was very enjoyable, and we all actually enjoyed it! Once this was over, I showed Jordan the
quote on the wall that I really like. It states: "True rewards await those who choose wisely" by AT &T (Of course)
After this, we once again tried Jungle Cruise, but it was too crowded.
The group wanted to go on Pirates of the Caribbean, but I really wanted to show Jordan Fantasmic at 11:30 (which was 10 minutes
away). So we mutually agreed to meet back at the New Orleans train station at 12pm (When the park closes, so we could ride
the train to Main Street). Me and Jordan proceeded to Fantasmic and he saved our spot, while I went to go try and buy us some
drinks.
Wednsday November 4, 2003 8:01am
Rather late, but I shall continue on my Disneyland trip. Buying drinks
ended up taking awhile (as it proved a test of my patience), but once I bought a soda (I forget which kind) I went back to
our seat on the bridge in front of Pirates of the Caribbean. Me and Jordan watched Fantasmic which is always a great show,
and it was soon over by 12pm (Disneyland closing time) and we proceeded to the New Orleans train station to meet the others.
Thursday November 5, 2003 7:59am
Once we arrived at the New Orleans train station, me and Jordan were
only waiting for about 5 minutes before the others showed up. Once they did, we now had to wait for the train. This led itself
to some pleasent recollection of how the day went. It was a full moon that night, and I wasted no time in gazing into it,
as I am apt to do when the mysteries of Astronomy are in my head. Once the train arrived, we all went towards the back of
the train. We were all a little tired and high strung, including myself. Once the train got underway, the only noise was the
on-board announcements and the soft clack of the rails. Very peaceful, and an appropriate ending to such a good day. We passed
through Spash Mountain (Where Jordan seemed to remember his previous 'adventures' on the ride) and through Critter Country.
We continued on, stopping at ToonTown station. The whole park was deserted, and they didn't allow anyone on the train (I think
we were the last ones...). Once this was done, we continued on through "It's A Small World" and into the Disneyland backlot
wilderness (Basically behind-the-scenes with a bunch of trees everywhere!). We soon entered into Tomorrowland Station, which
was itself, deserted, save two guards. We had a slight delay, as it was rumered that someone had jumped off the train. If
they did, nothing else happened because we were soon underway again. We passed by a huge spiderweb and spider that the guards
were looking at. Eric commented on how cool it looked, and we entered into a tunnel that would lead us into the "Grand Canyon"
and the "Primevil World". Once we arrived in the "Grand Canyon" it was an interesting sight to see. I pointed out to Jordan
all the, quite literally, stuffed animals. The diorama itself looked pretty good, and we were on our way once again. This
time, to the "Primevil World". This was more exciting, and it was fun to watch a re-enactment of this mysterious age. Once
we had made it "safely" through, we came out to the beautifully lit, Main Street U.S.A. The train slowly pulled into the deserted
station, and I took a glance at the neighboring, lit up as well, California Adventure. Once the train stopped, we got out
and walked down onto Main Street. I took a quick glance at "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln", my most inspiring place in the
park, and then went to the restroom (Quite a contrast). Once I was done, we all left the park and walked our way to the 15
minute parking lot where we originally arrived. It was a quiet moment, broken only by the soft hush of conversation. I was
looking into the closer-than-usual planet Mars and of course, the Moon. It was a nice, romantic atmosphere (At least, some
people thought so). Once we arrived at the parking lot, Laura's dad and Kristin's mom were there to take us home. I went into
Laura's car as did Jordan, Eric, Allison, Laura, and Johnny. Everyone else went into Kristin's car. Once everyone was in their
car, we left Disneyland and, as far as our car is concerned, got on the freeway and drove home. Allison and Johnny fell asleep,
while I just looked at my newly acquired Star Tours souveniers. Jordan was in the back seat, so I couldn't directly talk to
him (He didn't seem too happy, as Eric and Allison looked quite comfortable back there). Once we got back to Santa Clarita
we took a short stop at Burger King for Johnny and Laura, and then we were all dropped off at home and I went to bed. Thus
ended our group Disneyland Trip....
So, it is with some regret that I close this account of the time I
went to Disneyland with my best friends. This event is confined only to my memories and a few pictures taken by Jordan. It
may seem to some that this event was unimportant. However, to me, it was one of the greatest day's of my life. To be able
to spend a day in such a wonderful place such as Disneyland with all your true friends, is one of the closest times
I've been to true happiness. It is no mystery that I love places such as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, though not for
the places themselves. Rather, for the many close memories created by these places of my family and friends. They are very
close to my heart, and very dear to me. That exclamation remains the reason for the length of this report.
More Content Concerning Our Disneyland Trip is Coming Online Soon!
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