gorgim: And Fourthermore...

I finally recovered from my cold that I’ve caught while we were in Southern California over the 4th of July weekend. The mornings and evenings were unusually cold for this time of year. And getting completely soaked while riding Splash Mountain in Disneyland didn’t help matters much either. It was helluva fun though.

Here are the last of the photos that we took in Disneyland on Independence Day. Makes me want to go back there again and relive one great day. I would even take that cold again.

Yup, it was that much fun...

The waiting queue for the Indiana Jones ride is winding its way through a lush jungle area before entering the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. In true Disney fashion there‘s always a little back story for every ride and what else would make a better story than one of Indiana Jones’ adventures. The ride is still one of the best around. I suggest to sit in the very outer seats of the very last row of every vehicle. Then hold on to dear life...

George sitting in one of the boats of “It’s a Small World.” It’s Disney’s way of introducing different cultures from around the world. In a cheesy and cutesy way it does work for the most part. Walt Disney himself was already way ahead of its time when it came to bridge nations, educate about different cultures and innovative technology. Now if only the rest of America would finally make an effort to catch up...

Michael Jackson’s musical space adventure in 3-D, “Captain EO,” was reintroduced to the Disney Parks for a limited run this year. It’s such a 1980s flick. The music, the dance moves, the special effects...it’s really hokey in so many ways. But it’s still lots of fun nevertheless. I can’t believe I still remember the dialogue and dance routines by heart. I even spotted few of the bloopers again. Do you think I’ve seen this movie one too many times?

Space Mountain reflections

Waiting in line for Space Mountain...again.

Space Mountain! Still my absolute favorite ride in Disneyland. Always has been and probably always will be. And dang...was it spacey cold in there.

The boarding area inside Space Mountain. What is it with Disneyland rides and mountains? There’s Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain...

Can you spot the toad? A perfect cast shadow of Mr. Toad above the “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride”...well...ride.

Gadget’s Go-Coaster in Toontown. This “squirrel-made” coaster consists of over sized everyday items such as paper clips, pencils or bottle caps.

Inside the waiting line area of “Star Tours,” where C3PO and R2-D2 are repairing a star speeder for another tour to the moon of Endor. It’ll go on its final mission by the end of this month when the ride will close for about a year for a total refurbishment. When it reopens it will be completely redesigned and use the latest in motion simulator technology and 3-D imagery. Supposedly passengers will determine the outcome of each riding experience.

One of our favorite details in Disneyland are the chasing neon Space Mickeys, which are floating above the Star Traders store. It’s been there forever.