* After you read this report you may want to check out the pictorial updates in our Disneyland Resort Pictorial Update section

Hello all,

Friday was a leisurely day at the Disneyland Resort for me. I had nothing on the agenda except to get some pictures of the Sub Lagoon and of the Pirates Premiere set up. The crowds at the park were mild, they felt slightly heavier than last week but still nothing too bad and with some good timing and luck you could get on most attractions without a major wait. The longest line I saw at Disneyland was Splash Mountain which was hovering around 50 minutes (Space Mountain was under 45 most of the time). Over at DCA the crowd was light too. Today was really a day of finishing touches around the park with the Pirates event Saturday (one day away), the opening of Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island (yep that's the official name) only a week away, the 25th and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage opening in 25 days (June 11th).

Jason

Trip logs and mileage reports are in the Park Miles section.

Disneyland & DCA Thoughts and Observations:

• It was great to walk around the corner from the Matterhorn and look across the sub lagoon again and see life in it. As you saw in the pictures they were cycling three subs on Friday afternoon. The pacing was a bit interesting (I am assuming they were running them at the show pacing). They start off at a fast speed then as they near the turn to head for the caves they slow down quite a bit. The sea gulls were moving around all day, but the sound was on only in the evening. It was also a bit odd to see the subs going by and not hear or smell them.. they are now using electric motors, the diesel ones are gone so they are nearly silent (a little hum/fan can be heard when they go by, my guess it is the ventilation system).
  
  
• As I stood there looking at the lagoon it was great to listen to the conversations near by. It seems everyone had a sub story and the excitement that was generated by just seeing them running again really surprised me. Seems they really are a fan favorite. Every time I walked by the lagoon the railings were fairly full with people just hanging out and watching. One comment I heard several times was people referring to the sea gulls as pelicans, seems either the science education is really lacking or people are just not that familiar with the movie.
  
  
• The stage for this years premiere of Pirates III looked bigger and more elaborate than what was built for the second film (I did not make it down to the park for the first one so not sure what that looked like). The two bridges and large extension onto the island made for quite a bit of space and the movie props that were brought in were great to see. Wonder if any will stick around for an exhibit... also it was hard to tell what were props for the premiere and what were props for the stunt show/island makeover.
  
  
• Over at DCA the Food and Wine Weekends continue, again we did not see big crowds, but I am told the weekend days are heavier.
  
  
• The Toy Story Mania building is really taking shape and it promises to really change the look of the Pier. Also note for those who did not know the Midway games are slated to close June 20th and its unknown when or if they will be back and if they are what form they will be in.
  
  
• Caught the end of Block Party Bash as it was heading backstage and the photo opp and dance number that was performed as the parade paused by the gate was a nice ending to the parade. I had not heard of that or seen it before.. a nice Disney touch.
  

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