Life is a Journey

2024-08-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted something here was in July of 2023. The site has changed a lot but I like the way it looks. A coworker recently encouraged me to start blogging again. At first, I shrugged it off but then I kept thinking about it and thinking about it and realized that I missed posting.

The problem is I don't have the access I used to have to a good computer. At home, I have a laptop that is a real pain in the wazu and that's why I gave up blogging. But maybe I'll start blogging again. I mean, you're seeing this new post so I guess I've already started, LOL.

I'm still working but traveling a lot more. I'm super excited about an upcoming cruise in October. It's a one way cruise from Vancouver to LA. Should be great!

Below are two pictures from a cruise I took in 2018 to the Caribbean on the NCL Bliss. Basically I am including them here because I am testing the blog tools. Also because I like them. A lot. I like looking at them and remembering all the cool things I've seen.

OK, that's it for a while. Gotta get back work, LOL.

The Mexican Man Who Followed His Friends Into A Japanese Concentration C...

2023-07-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Cruise Shots

2022-10-02T12:24:00.011-07:00

Got back a few days ago from a short cruise and wanted to share some pics with you.

Waiting to board the tender to Catalina.

As we were walking back to the dock, we spotted a sign in the window of a Chinese restaurant that said Fresh Beignets. So we had some!

Next day, I went to one of the decks at the very front of the ship.

The bench was soaked so I went back inside.

Of course, I had to have a Guy's Burger!

Then it was time for more relaxation.

As you can see, I had this area pretty much all to myself!

Carnival Miracle was in port along with us.

After exploring the ship a bit, I treated myself to a chocolate frappe. It was rich, thick and delicious!

Later that day as I was riding the elevator to get back to my room, I noticed something odd. It was a cruise duck! He was so cute, I decided to keep it and post the obligatory selfie as shown below.

The next photo is the one I am referring to on my podcast. After being woken up for the fifth time that night, I sat up in bed and was trying to decide if I should watch TV. On the podcast I said I was trying to decide whether to check my phone. My phone was right next to me all night, every night. That's how I knew how many times people were waking me up! Blame it on lack of sleep. I messed up. Anyway...I had to get up to reach the remote when I saw this,

This completely blew my mind. All of that light is coming through the door frame. No wonder so much noise comes in!!!

The last full day of the cruise was a sea day so all I did was relax. I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of a 4 night cruise on Carnival Radiance. If you want to hear about it, I released a short podcast episode about the cruise. You can find Not Strictly Disney anywhere you get podcasts.

What I Would Give For A Road Trip

2020-11-05T04:26:00.001-08:00

A road trip. A good old fashioned road trip. I had been planning to take one right after retiring from work. Those plans are on hold now. I'm actually thinking about retiring early. I can't stand going to work while everyone around me is so careless.

In March I had surgery on my foot, the day after our Governor declared a shut down of California. Luckily my surgery wasn't cancelled but I wondered about returning to work. I naively hoped that the virus would calm down before I had to return.

I returned to work on May 5th. Today is November 11th. Since then, I've had to take FOUR Covid tests because of exposure by co-workers. This both worries and angers me. I hate the position I am in. As I write this, I have only 8 months to go and I can retire with full benefits, however, I'm seriously considering retiring early because it's not worth the risk.

Yes I am grateful I haven't gotten it. Trust me, I know how lucky I am. I have family members that almost died because of it.

Oogie Boogie's Halloween Bash

2019-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

FUN!!!

Oh my goodness, so much fun!

I started my afternoon with a great lunch at Wine Country Trattoria.

We spent some time going over the food guide...

To kill some time we rode Monsters Inc. I love Roz!

I tried the Howl-O-Ween and it was an epic failure. I threw it away. That's how bad it was. DO NOT waste your money on this. It consisted of Caramel Vodka and Honest Abe Apple Pie Cider.

Genesis tried the Worms, Dice and Everything Nice and it was a thumbs up! Looked really cool, too! It consisted of Midori-Limeade Slush, Gummy Worms and Dice glow cube.

Off to the Blue Sky Cellar to check-in for the party and then we left the Park to check-in to our hotel. We stayed at the Anaheim Marriott Suites.

We dropped off our bags and then returned to DCA and the first Treat Trail we did was awesome. I present to you my Queen...

We each got new ears!

The Grizzly Peak Treat Trail was awesome. It had lots of atmosphere...

...and it ended with the Evil Queen!

We relaxed a spell and watched the parade then went to the Hollywood area to find Oogie Boogie

We had a blast and I can't wait for next year's party!

And just in case you are wondering what is being offered at the Hollywood Lounge, here is a link to their menu. You can ear a description of our party experience in the latest episode of Not Strictly Disney podcast. Thanks for stopping by!

DCA and Disneyland Goodies

2019-09-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well glory be...Woohoo! First time in the new parking structure!

In the Esplanade, this vehicle was on display. It's pretty cool but I would have chosen a different vehicle. Maybe it's just me but a mini van doesn't seem like the right fit.

They wanted to be sure everyone knew that DCA would be closing early...

Not sure what's getting updated here...

I popped into Elias & Co. to see if there was anything new..... Ooooh a Hocus Pocus Dooney!

I got such a kick out of the way Pluto was signing autographis!

I told Pluto that I was a cat lady but he was OK with it because my purse had Disney cats on it.

A few of these cool screen fences lined the walkway next to the Wilderness Creek Challenge Trail. It was open but I decided that I really wanted to see it at night so I opted to wait until I attend the Oggie Boogie Bash on October 3rd.

By this time I was hungry and I wanted to see what was being offered at Rancho del Zocalo so I made my way to Disneyland.

I ended up with the Sopes Trio and the Frozen Abuelita Horchata.

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved these patio lights and the fact that they have them at Disneyland makes me happy.

After eating and relaxing and recording stuff for the podcast, it was time to catch Haunted Mansion Holiday for the first time this year.

I thought those new lanterns were cool. But what's even cooler is the gingerbread house inside the mansion.

And now....ducks!

While duck watching, I checked the Disneyland app and saw that the wait time for Snow White was only 10 minuted so I hobbled over to Fantasyland.

I actually stayed at the Park until dark and then headed home before the mass exodous.

While preparing this post, I decided to Google Not Strictly and was so surprised to see all the listings! If you haven't listened, check it out!

Mango Dole Whip, Halloween Merch and Light Sabers

2019-09-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

The other day I ate my way through Disneyland. It wasn't easy but I knew that you were relying on me to keep you informed on the goodies at the Park, right? RIGHT?

Work continues in front of the parking structures. Many trees have been added and I'm still not quite sure how this area will be used.

First stop was to check out the merchandise...

Then I needed to cool down so my next stop was at the Hideaway to have a luscious mango Dole Whip. Oh my goodness, talk about incredibly good!

Good to the last drop!

On my way toward's the Hungry Bear, I noticed something going on in the river...

I'm sure this sign is a couple months old but I just noticed it and I think it's cute!

I find the rock work in Galaxy's Edge to be quite interesting.

Trash cans are interesting, too!

I knew I wanted something cold to drink but I was sure what I wanted so I killed a little time by exploring.

I ordered a Tatooine Sunset and I am so glad I did. It was delicious!

This post is really, really late as I had planned to publish it about two weeks ago but life got in the way. Originally I was going to put together a few video snippets that I had taken in Galaxy's Edge but that never happened so I will just post a few of them here and I won't drag it on and on like I had originally planned. Basically I just wanted you to see how cool it looked as several young boys and men enjoyed their brand new light sabers.

Let me tell you, watchng the fireworks from inside Galaxy's Edge is a totally different experience. I loved it.

By this time, I was getting hungry so I used the handy dandy mobile ordering feature in the Disneyland app to order some food.

Well guys if you came here after listening to the podcast, thank you. If you haven't heard the podcast, check it out anywhere podcasts are available. The easiest is iTunes and Stitcher. It's called Not Strictly Disney. So long!

Halloween Merch Is Now In The Parks!

2019-08-17T15:05:00.002-07:00

I met up with a friend last night mainly to record an interview for my podcast. It made me soooo happy to see Halloween stuff in the Parks!

I only took one pic of some Halloween merch as I was walking down Buena Vista Street because I was in a hurry to meet up with my friend and then I took a few later in the evening. But have no fear, I am going back specifically to check out all of the Halloween stuff!

This will just be a quick post - short on comments - mainly just wanted to share with y'all.

I love Snapchat, LOL!

Here's a new hidden Mickey!

That's it for now. If you haven't checked out my podcast, take a listen to Not Strictly Disney, available everywhere!

Odds and Ends and Disney

2019-07-14T18:36:00.001-07:00

On Friday, July 12, 2019, I met up with some friends that were staying at the Grand Californian. I parked at the Mickey and Friends parking structure as I always do and noticed that the structure is indeed connected to the new Pixar Pals parking structure.

Something is going on in Mickey and Friends but I'm not quite sure what.

Work continues in front of the two parking structures with the addition of several trees.

We met up and decided to go out for breakfast and then went to Old Town Orange to peruse the antique shops.

I found a unique outfit...

...and something that would make a nice addition to someone's living room. Not mine, but someone else...

The weather was getting quite ugly so we went back to the Grand Californian and took advantage of the great air conditioning the the hotel lobby. Once we had cooled down we decided to order some food right there and enjoy the pianist playing Disney classics while we ate.

And then....

It was time to check out the new pool bar! The Craftsman Bar is absolutely stunning. The entire pool area has been spruced up and is absolutely gorgeous.

Who doesn't love a good pool slide?

These cabanas are so cool. They are for rent but you have to be a hotel guest.

Wait until you see the inside of the cabanas!

Last but not least, I had to check out the new parking structure before I left for the night!

Well that wraps it up for this post. Thanks for stopping by!

Galaxy's Edge

2019-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

I could not believe my eyes when I got a text from a friend, Tommy (from DisGeek and The Cruise Dudes) asking if I wanted to be included in his reservation for Galaxy's Edge! I have said many times that I wasn't even gonna try to get in for at least a year so getting this opportunity was exciting!

I bought a cool hat.

The weather was great that morning....until it was time for us to line up. UGH. Y'all know how much I hate the heat and the heat hates me. But not even the heat could ruin my day. It tried, oh it tried...but I refused to succumb to it.

I had watched so many YouTube videos on Galaxy's Edge and I was still not prepared for the enormity of it all. No photo or video will ever do it justice. Take my word for it, this is something you have to see for yourself, up close and personal.

Can you find the Storm Troopers?

This place is MASSIVE.

Believe me when I say my jaw hit the floor.

I found this little section to be quite intriguing.

We were lucky enough to score entry to the Cantina and it's a good thing because my leg was killing me and I needed something to numb the pain. Doc said a cocktail would be good for me and gave me a prescription...for medicinal purposes.

Even though I had my entry ticket and was standing at the door to the Cantina, I still couldn't believe that it was actually happening.

Yes, I did take a couple of videos inside...and you will see much better stuff on YouTube but I know you guys want me to share so here goes...

Wanna check out the menu?

Here's my drink: Jedi Mind Trick
Delicious!

A big thanks to Tommy for taking me along!!!

Finally it was time to board the Millennium Falcon. You guys know that I take pictures of all sorts of stuff, things that other people don't even notice. I think I took too many pictures, way too many to share here so I will pick out a few just because everywhere I looked there were so many details.

Look at the size of these doors. Unfortunately they don't open.

Looking out the windows...

And the line continues....

We got our assignments and I was a Gunner!

The interiors are amazing.

Inside the cockpit.

Guess what's next? The bathrooms!

I have to be totally honest...I had no idea where I was the entire time I was there. There is no way to learn a land in four hours. I couldn't help thinking about how I felt when DCA opened in 2001. I was witness to history. This place...this was history in the making once again.

By this time I was hungry so we all decided to grab something to eat. Since I was experiencing some thing new, a new land, I felt like eating something no and different, too. So I went vegetarian! Let me tell you, it was delicious!

I had the "meatloaf" and yes, I would have it again.

Tommy's wife got a very curious dessert.

Back outside....

I love the castmember costumes in Batuu. This is a custodian.

Before leaving, we did a little more shopping and inside one of the shops I was mesmerized by this section....nothing to buy, just theming to make the place look awesome.

Thank you hanging in until the end...I know it was a lot to throw at you! If you haven't listened to our episode about out visit to Batuu, check out Not Strictly Disney podcast, anywhere podcasts are found.

Disneyland and DCA 6-13-19

2019-06-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well howdy there, folks! It's been a while, hasn't it?

I took advantage of the low crowds to hang out at the Parks for a spell.

When I got to Disneyland, the parade was in full swing so I sat on the stairs in front of the old Police Station and waited for it to end.

Now here's something I've never done before...meet Princesses!

We decided we wanted to eat at Cafe Orleans so we put our name on the list and only had to wait five minutes!!! That is unheard of!

While we were waiting, I noticed this picture of Lil Bub. (She's a very famous cat.)

Just messing around with Snapchat...

And now, my meal. Shrimp and Grits with spicy sausage. Oh my cheesy goodness, it was wonderful. Very spicy. It made my nose run and that's a good thing!

And this...this blew my mind. Pirates without a line!

My friends and I in front of the castle. If you are on the fence about getting PhotoPass, don't hesitate. It is totally worth it.

Your photos are visible on the Disneyland app and you can add cute stickers and frames to your photos. And the best part? You can save them to your phone!!!

Time for adult beverages...

I ordered Pimm's Punch with vodka. Delish!

If you want to listen in to our conversation, check out Not Strictly Disney podcast.

Hercules Live Action Remake

2019-05-25T08:28:00.001-07:00

No, as far as I know, there aren't any plans to do a live action remake of Hercules. However, someone asked me who I would cast in the movie if it was redone. Keep in mind that in my universe, anything is possible, no time travel required, LOL So here is my list of characters and who I would cast to play those roles.

Hercules (Older)

The Rock

Hercules (Younger)

1980s John Cusack

Phil

Emilio Estevez

Hades

Will Smith now

Meg

Idina Menzel

Zeus

Tom Selleck

Pain

1980s Whoopie Goldberg

Panic

1980s Bobcat Goldwaith

Disneyland Resort 5-2-19

2019-05-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

First things first...the new parking structure is almost complete.

It appears that the new structure will connect to the original one on section C of each floor.

I got the above photo by positioning my phone very carefully on the small opening you see here!

Here are a couple more views for you...

Even though the photos on this blog can be enlarged by clicking on them, I know some of you prefer video!

Finally in the Park!

I make my way to the Opera House to see the Aladdin preview!

The costumes are great.

Why are actresses so TINY?

Just looking around...

The Aladdin preview was GREAT! I wasn't sure what to expect and I wasn't sure if I'd like it but WOW! The imagry, the CGI, WOW!! After the preview my face hurt from grinning so much.

As I exited the Opera House, the first thing I see is new Aladdin headgear. So cute!

And these ears are gorgeous!

OK, folks, next stop is Adventureland.This is the temporary sign at the entrance to the land.

This is the area where that wierd covered section was. If it wasn't for the patched flooring, you'd never know.

I opted to turn right and go towards Frontierland but first....
This area used to be very overgrown and I was surprised to see how much they opened it up.

Are you wondering if the Adventureland sign looks familiar to you? Check out this info I found online...

Disneyland pulled the Adventureland sign out of a warehouse that was near the Jungle Cruise attraction in the 1960s and 1970s and placed it at the entrance to the land temporarily.

Pretty neat, huh? I thought so.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this shirt. Even though I had just come from a shopping spree at Company D, this shirt had to be mine. Alas, it was not to be. They only had Medium and Small sizes. Somebody in purchasing didn't plan right....just saying.

Extremely disappointed, I found a shady spot in New Orleans Square to cool down for a spell. I couldn't figure out WHY I was so darn uncomfortable until I checked the weather. 50% humidity!!

So I'm sitting under this tree and I noticed that it reminded me of those carved figures they used to put on the front of big sailing ships only without the head...ya know what I mean?

(By the way, I love Instagram filters, LOL.)

THIS is what I was talking about! (tree)

I love going to the hidden area behind Harbor Galley to watch the Splash Mountain flumes. Just regular people, having a fun time at Disneyland!

From this same area, you get a cool view of Tom Sawyer's Island and Splash.

I love Instagram filters!

Every visit I walk over to the Hungry Bear and check the status of Galaxy's Edge and this time I was surprised to see it looked like it was done! So perfect!

At this point I decide to go to Fantasyland by way of Big Thunder Trail but along the way I pause to admire the roses in New Orleans Square.

I spotted a Disneyland Cat!

That's not all I spotted....turtles!

I've never seen so many turtles at Disneyland! The guests were really enjoying them.

So now I'm actually on Big Thunder Trail and guess what I'm doing?

BREATHING!

Yup, I no longer have to hold my breath while I walk through here. Such a relief.

OK, now it's time to check out the giant graphic on the backside of the castle. Yes, everyone has seen it. Everyone except me! However before I get there, I see this and I am immediately sad. Climbing those stairs in my youth and young adulthood conjured up both excitement and fear in anticipation of my ride across Fantasyland to survey "my" kingdom.

It's time to head on over to DCA for something yummy to eat. I stopped at the ice cream shop and got a Mangonada. DELICIOUS!

Two scoops of mango sorbet and LOTS of fresh mango. It was much bigger than I was expecting and it took quite a while to eat. I had about 3/4 of it and then could not eat any more. I'd say you're better off sharing it with someone.

If you heard about the Carthay Circle seating expansion but you're not quite sure WHERE this is happening, fear no more, I'm going to show you where.

Much later in the afternoon I started to get hungry so I pulled out my phone, started the Disneyland app and perused the menu for Smokejumpers Grill. I've used the app many times to order food and things usually go quite smoothly.

I got my food quickly; it just wasn't a good sandwich. Also, check out the sandwich as it is pictured in the app and compare it to what I actually received. Someone on Instagram said it was like a profile pic versus real life, LOL!

Oh one more thing....paper straws. I was very impressed with the quality of the new paper straws. They are very sturdy and don't get soft or soggy right away like straws of old.

For the rest of the evening, I walked around and simply enjoyed DCA. Here are a few video clips that you might like.

So I'm in the parking structure walking back to my car when all of a sudden something catches my eye. Upon closer investigation, I find that there is a stone or jewel on the ground.

LOL, ok and as promised on the podcast, here is a picture of the purse I bought at Company D earlier in the day. I love it!

See y'all next time!

MLB Food Fest

2019-04-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Food Fest was held at The Reef in Downtown LA.

Each person got this bracelet with an RFID chip. That chip would keep track of the food offerings you selected inside and once you reached your limit, it would no longer work.

A list of the beers being offered.

The first thing I tried was Bhan Mi which consisted of slab bacon, asian slaw, sriracha mayo and a hot dog bun.

Then I tired the Wisconsin Ultimate Cheese Fry which consisted of craft beer fries, cheddar cheese sauce, cheddar cheese curds, apple wood smoked bacon and minced chives.

Next up were the Sisig Fries which consisted of sisig marinated chicken, Fresno chiles, fried yams, sriracha cilantro crema over fries.

While I was in line for the Elote Nuggets, I took a short video so you could see the Food Fest.

These were my favorite! Elote Nuggets consisting of corn nuggets, queso cotija, cayenne mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper.

Fish and Chips from London! Battered fried fish, steak cut fries and mushy peas.

Next, we have the BBQ Watermelon Pulled Pork which consisted of pulled pork, hand crafted watermelon BBQ sauce, cabbage slaw and pickles on a potato chive bun.

The loser of the day was the Beer Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich. That consisted of Budweiser braised short ribs, Cheddar, Havarti and Swiss cheeses, caramelized onions, horseradish cream on sourdough bread. My friend took one bite and tossed it out.

Remember the RFID bracelet I showed you earlier? Here's how it worked.

Is anyone still hungry?

How about a BBQ Burger? This had a steak burger patty, American cheese, onion ring, pulled pork, BBQ sauce and it was all held together by a hamburger bun.

The Kung Pao Chicken Drumsticks were sip smacking good but I forgot to take a picture of the ingredients to help me remember what they had on them. OOPS!

For dessert, I present the Churro Dog. No dog, just sweets! A churro covered in vanilla yogurt, caramel sauce and hot fudge on a hot dog bun. Quite yummy!

A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! If you've stumbled upon this blog post and don't know what's going on, do a Google search for Not Strictly Disney and listen to me talk about the MLB Food Fest!

Fallbrook Avocado Festival

2019-04-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 14, 2019, my friend and I drove down to Fallbrook for the Avocado Festival. I had no idea what to expect since I had never been.

The first thing we did upon arrival is scope out all of the artisans and their wares. We found a lady that made awesome jewelry using the seeds from fruits. My friend bought several pairs of errangs, all made from the avocado seed! I think they are awesome.

Aren't they neat? I bought some too but mine are not made from an avocado seed. I feel really bad but I could not understand the lady when she was telling me what seed she used. I asked her to repeat herself four times and by that time, I was just too embarrassed to ask again! But I love the earrings so I bought them!

After we made our purchases we began waling around and I spotted these wind chimes made from bullet casings. (I think!)

Next stop - FOOD!

I had a Gyro. It was a delicious combo of beef and lamb with veggies and cream. So yummy. But very messy, LOL.

Cecilia had a vegetarian Falafel and she said it was delicious.

You can hear about our day at the Avocado festival by listening to my podcast, Not Strictly Disney.

Evacuated from Finding Nemo Submarine Ride at Disneyland

2019-04-12T07:27:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been evacuated from an attraction at Disneyland or DCA? It doesn't happen often but when it does, it's exciting, LOL.

I saw this video on YouTube and I was taken by surprise because I had never ever heard of an evacuation from the Submarine or Finding Nemo ride. While it's not very exciting, it is interesting to see how the evacuation is done.

That got me thinking about my own evacuations so I will be recording a series of stories about those evacuations on my podcast, Not Strictly Disney. The first story about the PeopleMover is out now. I hope you check it out. In the meantime, enjoy this video.

8 Things to do in Yosemite Valley in the Winter

2019-04-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

Best Foods Under $10 at Disney California Adventure! Disneyland Resort

2019-04-06T07:05:00.001-07:00

A Visit to Disneyland and DCA

2019-04-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Date: 4-4-19

The Time: 1:30 p.m.

The Reason: Things slowed down dramatically at work.

Rather than go home, my friend Laura and I decided to go to the Parks and I'm so glad we did!

Since it is still spring break season, the crowds were there but it wasn't unbearable.

We started our visit at Tongaroa Terrace because Laura had never experienced a Dole Whip!

Naturally, we got the spiked version. She thoroughly enjoyed it!

Once we were done, we walked to the Monorail station to ride into Disneyland. I had an ulterior motive - I wanted to show Laura a little bit of Disneyland history so as we disembarked the Monorail, we walked towards the Matterhorn and I showed Laura the Three Fences and gave her a brief explanation as to why this area was special to Disneyland nerds like myself.

I also recorded it for the latest episode of my podcast, Not Strictly Disney. Laura then mentioned that she has always wanted to wander through New Orleans Square and explore the shops so off we went to complete her wish.

Inside the Crystal Shop, I never thought I'd see Darth Vadar!

After a thorough exploration of the shop in NOS, we grabbed a fast pass for the Haunted Mansion to make sure Laura got to experience it in its natural state. She has only seen Haunted Mansion Holiday!

By then my old muscles were aching a bit so we sat under the shady trees by the mansion for a spell.

Disneyland always has such beautiful foliage, doesn't it? By now I was rested up so we walked to Adventureland and Laura expressed a desire to see Tarzan's Treehouse. I told her to knock herself out and I would wait for her, LOL!

While she explored, I enjoyed the little stream at the base of the treehouse.

Once Laura came down, we rode the Jungle Cruise. We had a hilarious captain named Bonnie.

Look! It's the backside of Rosita!

We had a 5:10 dinner reservation at the Carnation Cafe so we killed a little time in the shops on Main Street.

This must be mine some day!

I ordered the potato soup and chicken spinich salad.

Laura got the shrimp penne pasta.

Then we made a quick visit to DCA so Laura could have a sink sundae!

I wanted to check out the new carousel featuring Jesse and her critters!

Two knuckleheads on the loose!

A short rest for my tired, aching bones and enjoyed the view.

On the way out we stopped for some goodies. Yum....

Hope you enjoyed these pics. Check out the podcast anywhere podcasts are found! Not Strictly Disney!

Disney Is Everywhere

2019-04-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Disney Weddings. You've heard of them, I'm sure. Super magical and super expensive. You can have just about any theme you want. And...they look AMAZING! Feast you eyes on this page dedicated to Disney weddings.

But have you heard of Disney funerals? Could this be a real thing?

Disney Funerals

I even found a site that recommends 23 songs for your Disney funeral!

Hair Color and Cruising

2019-03-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

My friend and I were experimenting with temporary hair color WHILE we recorded my podcast so I promised my listeners that I would post photos of the process.

This is the product we used.

Not too bad for a first try! I was curious to see if it would show up on the dark portions of my hair.

If you haven't heard the podcast just Google, Not Strictly Disney and you can find it on just about anywhere podcasts are available.

Galaxy's Edge - Looking Back

2019-03-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

The excitement is mounting for Galaxy's Edge now that everyone knows the opening date at Disneyland. You can find pictures all over the Internet like this one.

But I thought it would be fun to see just how far we've come!

These were taken from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure a while back. What a difference! And just in case you are wondering, I took these photos on July 10, 2016.

Dole Whip and Burgers

2019-03-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

So last night I met my friend Mallory and we went to White Water Snacks which is pool side at the Grand Californian Hotel to get something to eat. There were many tempting choices on their new menu but I immediately knew what I wanted.

I chose the cheeseburger and I was not disappointed.

Loot at that thing! It's gorgeous!

And huge!

And juicy! Do not wear long sleeves when eating this burger. The juices ran down my hand and on my sleeves. Why didn't I roll up my sleeves? I had no idea I was gong to bathe in burger!

I have never been a fan of crinkle cut fries so I asked if they could make them extra crispy and they said yes. They were perfect! One word of warning, the menu description did not mention onion and as you can see in the photo, there is onion on the burger. I sometimes get an allergic reaction to onion so had I known, I would have asked them to leave it off. This is a fancy burger and it is delicious. I would definitely have it again, sans the onion. But our night didn't end there. Oh no...

We walked over to the Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel for our alcoholic Dole Whip! We opted for coconut rum in our drinks. Being that it was a Saturday night, and the weather was cold but clear, the place was crazy packed with nowhere to sit. We took our drinks and sat in the lobby of the hotel where we were nice and cozy. All in all, we gave the evening two thumbs up!

Something new!

2019-03-06T03:23:00.000-08:00

The rains have kept me away for the Park but I did manage to run over there one day and absorb the atmosphere. I really needed it!

The Teacups weren't running that day so I stood there and simply admired them...

And now, an announcement. (Insert sound of trumpets playing here, LOL.)

A lot of you know that I was a regular on the Disneyland Gazette podcast. I loved doing the show with my buddies and I dearly miss it. So... I've decided to start my own podcast. It won't be as fancy as the Gazette but my entire heart will be in it. Yes, I will bring you Disneyland related tidbits and recordings from the Park because those were always popular with the listeners. But I will also talk about other things that interest me such as travel, food, photography and the paranormal. So take a minute to check it out and please tell your friends! Thanks!!

Connie

You can listen here:

Again, again, again!

2018-09-29T16:50:00.004-07:00

I got off of work early on the 20th so decided to go to the Parks. It was a gorgeous day but still a bit warm for my taste. I sat for a bit and enjoyed the view.

Since it was hot, I got really thirsty but a big cup of water and some nice cold grapes soon cooled me down.

Admiring the purple banners on my favorite store at DCA.

And now a little Instagram magic!

A quick peek in Elias & Company and I started drooling over these DCA specific Dooney & Bourke purses. Well, not literally drooling....

Then I went into the first shop in the Hollywood area and the store was full of cool costumes and Halloween merch.

Next stop: Cars Land!

Isn't this the cutest pumpkin patch ever?

And these movie posters are a gas.....get it? A gas?

I got hungry so decided to try the Burning Mac and Cheese.

I liked it.

I also got myself a cool tire pumpkin straw!

Time to walk off that mac and cheese and take some pictures. You can see that I had some more fun with Instagram filters.

Next, a close-up of the grizzly bear mountain.

I made my way to the Grand Californian to check out the Halloween display in the lobby but first...

Look at this guy with his Mickey pumpkin!

He was so cute I decided to snap him in Instagram, LOL!

OK, now we're at the hotel to look at the Halloween display. I think it is GREAT!

That was really cool, wasn't it? After relaxing in the lobby for an hour, it was time to head on over to Disneyland.

I really want some Halloween Mouse Ears and I really want some COCO Mouse Ears and I REALLY want Maleficent Mouse Ears.....what's a woman to do????

Nothing. I have a perfectly good set of ears I bought earlier this year and I'll wear those to the Halloween party.

I was taking a break from the heat and sitting in the shade when I realized I needed to take a video of the Headless Horseman straw I had purchased at DCA. Better late than never!

Here are some Disneyland ducks for your viewing pleasure.

I've always found this spot to offer a nice view, especially at night. Obviously, it's not night time right now, LOL.

The Matterhorn was closed for refurbishments.....I wonder what exactly they are doing?

Waiting to board the Monorail...

It saddened me to see the overgrown trees covering the Peoplemover track.

Once nightfall arrived, things started looking really cool.

I'm sure you've heard that benches are disappearing from the Park...sadly, it's true. The benches and planters from Tomorrowland are gone.

It was getting time to (I wanted to beat the rush) but I took a couple of quick videos of Main Street before I left.

I'll be going back to the Parks soon to try some more of the Halloween treats AND...the other two hotels also have Halloween displays which I need to check out so stay tuned!