First DLR Trip was magical! TR (3/09) Heading back for more magic! TR w/pics (4/10)

[TheTXTaylors5]

:cool1: I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure (by way of Albuquerque, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Redwood Forest. After DL we are going to Legoland, San Diego Zoo and then the long trek home) for next December. I can't wait to make the pilgrimage to the "holy land" of DL where it all started. ;) Our children love taking roadtrips. So, it will be fun to have our own Griswold-like Vacation (long as they don't close DLR!!!!) :lmao:

Any tips on a DLR vacation/roadtrip are welcome as nothing has been reserved and we are pretty open to suggestions. We are WDW pros. DLR is a whole new experience for us (Where to eat, stay and play?????????:confused: ).

:surfweb: I am sure I will be on the Disneyland section of this site a lot more this upcoming year to gain more information.

Thank you in advance for any responses. :goodvibes

:tinker: Jennifer

[PinkBudgie]

Probably the first thing is to figure out if you want to stay in a DLR hotel or off site somewhere. You only have a choice of 3 if you want a DLR hotel. There are many less expensive choices off site in Anaheim and Garden Grove.

[HydroGuy]

First we will get you started on your Disneyland lingo! ;)

Disneyland (DL) is a park at the Disneyland Resort (DLR). DLR has two parks (DL and DCA), three hotels (DLH, PPH and GCH) and a Downtown Disney (DTD) along the lines of DTD at WDW but smaller (and closer).

Abbreviations you might want to check are listed here:

DLR Abbreviations List - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520784 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520784)

As far as hotels, here is a good starting point:

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862)

As far as being WDW vets, here is a lengthy thread just for you :goodvibes that gets lots of mileage around here:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599)

DLR has it's strengths, but dining is not one of them - especially when compared to WDW. But you are not without options. See the section on dining in the DLR Guide above.

Have a great trip. California is a special place. And so is DLR.

[Queenbillabong]

As far as dining, check out the allears menus here (http://allears.net/dlr/din/dining.htm) and also check out the DL Dining Reviews (aka food porn :rolleyes:) here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1253888). That will give you an idea for meals, snacks, etc.

You need to decide if you are staying onsite or offsite. If offsite, do you want to be within walking distance or are you okay with using the ART (or driving)......

It sounds like a good time :woohoo:

[TheTXTaylors5]

:goodvibes Thanks for the DLR correction. I've been on the WDW threads so much, I need to get the DLR lingo down. ;)

We "plan" to stay on-property just to be immersed in the whole Disney experience. So out of the three Disney hotels, what would be your personal choice and why?

Also, I've made ADRs for WDW numerous times. Does it work the same for DLR? Is there a special phone # to call? Any personal favorite restaurants/counter-service within the parks?

:confused: Is DTD at DLR the same as WDW? Having both parks and DTD within walking distance of the hotels is a major plus for staying on property too. It looks like a really neat area.

:thumbsup2 Thank you for the links. I guess I need to start reading. I love to plan. So, having this adventure ahead of us is very exciting to me. We have two WDW trips coming up (September and November (Thanksgiving)/December. Once those trips are through, I plan to make some solid decisions and book our hotel and lodging on the way to CA.

Thank you again for all the links and information.

:wizard: Jennifer

[HydroGuy]

:goodvibes Thanks for the DLR correction. I've been on the WDW threads so much, I need to get the DLR lingo down. ;)
We will have you talkin' like a DLR vet in no time. ;)


We "plan" to stay on-property just to be immersed in the whole Disney experience. So out of the three Disney hotels, what would be your personal choice and why? I have only stayed the at PPH on property. I think most of us would choose the GCH (Grand Californian) if we had to choose among the three as it is the newest and, well, the grandest. Those who have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge at WDW often compare the GCH to that.

I would love to stay at the GCH but with four kids that would mean we would have to get a $uite for $ix which is just way expensive.

As discussed in the DLR Guide link, immersion at DLR is not the same at DLR as WDW and IMO you will not be that much more immersed at the Disney hotels than some of the nearby good neighbors. If money is no object then by all means go Disney. But many of us around here do not see the benefit for extra Disney hotel cost at DLR as we might at WDWas the added value to the experience is not as much. But some will disagree.

Also, I've made ADRs for WDW numerous times. Does it work the same for DLR? Is there a special phone # to call? Any personal favorite restaurants/counter-service within the parks? Nope. Works very differently. At DLR they are called PS (Priority Seating) and you can make them 60 days in advance. While WDW publishes park hours, EMH, and entertainment 6+ months in advance, DLR does it 2-4 months in advance. Usually. Right now they apparently have not done it yet for late Sept which is only a month away.

On the other hand, a PS at DLR is just not that important. We have gotten a PS at DL's signature restaurant the Blue Bayou only a few days in advance in mid-summer. PS's are just not in demand as the ADR is at WDW. And in general dining does not play as signficant a role at DLR as it does at WDW for most DLR vets.

Regarding favorites, most of us would vote for the table service BB (Blue Bayou) at DL. It is special. My family likes the Rain Forest Cafe anywhere we go and there is one at DTD. Our favorite counter services are probably Taste Pilot's Grill at DCA and Redd Rockets Pizza Port at DL.

:confused: Is DTD at DLR the same as WDW? Having both parks and DTD within walking distance of the hotels is a major plus for staying on property too. It looks like a really neat area.DTD at DLR is roughly similar to WDW except, as I said, it is smaller and closer to the hotels and parks.

[mariezp]

:welcome: to the Disneyland section from another Texan! (BTW, what part of Texas are you in?)
We are planning for our 8th annual trip to the park in November. Our very first trip sounded A LOT like yours since it was the first time we had ever headed west. I think we went to all the places you mentioned. (I want to let you know that it CAN snow in the Grand Canyon.... who'd have ever thought? Certainly not what we had ever expected! And wouldn't you know it... it was so over cast that we could barely even see the canyon. It was pretty but I hope you have better luck seeing the big hole!) In our most recent years we have taken to spending all our time at DL. (My DH does NOT make for a fun road trip companion!) Anyway, it is worth it to see the sights in the area at least once and you have made a good variety of choices. When planning to go to Legoland, be sure to check the hours and days they are closed. Their hours are much shorter than DL.

I agree with pretty much everything HydroGuy had to say. He is such a wealth of information! Only thing that I would add is that I would go ahead and make ressies at Blue Bayou just to be sure without a doubt that I could get in. It is the our favorite dining in the park. Their creme brulee is my favorite!

We are another bunch who do not stay on site. There are only four of us but we stay for 10 days which would really add up staying in a Disney hotel. We are easy to please and have never had a problem staying across the street on Harbor. We prefer a 2 room suite which we can get for what a standard room would cost on site. I often think our room is closer and I don't have to go through Downtown Disney and resist the temptation to spend even more money. I am NOT a big shopping fan anyway.

If you have any more specific questions you have certainly come to the right place! Everyone here is so helpful! :disrocks:

[hoosiergirl7]

We've never stayed "on-property" at DL. If we've taken a weekend there we've stayed at another hotel (usually we drove down for the day). IMO, they are way more expensive than the majority of the WDW resorts. Although if I had a choice, no expenses spared it would definitely be the Grand Californian.

It's been almost 3 1/2 yrs since I've been to DL. We moved far away so I couldn't give you any advice on what it's like now.

Enjoy your trip!

[CrazyDuck]

Ok... looking at your itinerary. The only thing that sticks out to me is Redwood National Park. You do know that this is near the Oregon border? I mean everything else on your list is within 4 hours of each other but the Redwood National Forrest is 12 Hours from Disneyland and 14 hours from Las Vegas! Just FYI!!! :thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

Ok... looking at your itinerary. The only thing that sticks out to me is Redwood National Park. You do know that this is near the Oregon border? I mean everything else on your list is within 4 hours of each other but the Redwood National Forrest is 12 Hours from Disneyland and 14 hours from Las Vegas! Just FYI!!! :thumbsup2

We figure this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and really want the kids to see those great big trees. Also, we may try and plan something on the way from the Redwood National Park to Anaheim. Any suggestions?

:surfweb: Jennifer

[HydroGuy]

I agree with pretty much everything HydroGuy had to say. He is such a wealth of information! Only thing that I would add is that I would go ahead and make ressies at Blue Bayou just to be sure without a doubt that I could get in. It is the our favorite dining in the park. Their creme brulee is my favorite! Yah, I did not mean to imply you should not make a PS for Blue Bayou or others. On our trip last summer I made a PS for BB 60 days in advance just to be sure. My point is that a PS at DLR is not the hot ticket like it is at WDW.

If you do go for BB request a waterside table when you make the PS. :thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

HydroGuy: Thank you for all those great links and info! :goodvibes

:surfweb: I read the "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets". I was very impressed. It must have taken them awhile to compile all that information.

I have a question regarding "Good Neighbor" hotels . . . (Which seem to be the best value. No, we aren't made of money.;) This will be our BIG family vacation for the year. Also, we are a family of five and since DS3 just turned 3 (last weekend), we can't squeeze into a room of 4 anymore. :sad2: ). Are you able to get a park ticket/room combo discount? Also, I read about the MM (magical mornings). Do they not have extra park time in the evening for resort guests? Are the good neighbor guests able to participate in MM?

Outside of DLR:
Just for fun, after reading it on "The Guide" and seeing it in the movie "The Hammer", I want to take the kids to LA to see the tar pits and visit the museum. Our kids love things like that. Is it worth it? :confused:

:drive: We have been warned traffic going in and out of LA can be horrendous. Is it better on the weekends like mentioned in "The Guide"? We live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. Traffic can get pretty bad around here during rush-hour. It has been compared to NY and LA regarding the amount of time it takes to go from point A to point B. :rolleyes1

:3dglasses We have the DLR Samantha Brown show saved on our DVR. :idea: That is what initially got us interested in DLR for December (next year). We've been to WDW during the holidays. But, they don't change The Haunted Mansion and IASW like at DL. We really want to see DLR during the holidays. Do they have a special party at DL like at MK (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Which we are going to in December! :banana:)??????

:rolleyes: I've heard of the restaurant Blue Bayou before. That must be the one people always reference to try at DL. Must be pretty good. :thumbsup2 I'll put it on the list.

:worship: You are all such a great wealth of information. Thanks! :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:welcome: to the Disneyland section from another Texan! (BTW, what part of Texas are you in?)


:wave2: Hi Fellow Texan!

We live in the DFW area (near Denton). How many times did you drive from TX to CA? What month were you at the GC when there was snow? Then again being from TX, we might like the snow but not the bad visibility. We took a roadtrip while I was pregnant with DD5 from TX to Las Vegas. So, DS8 has seen the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. He always tells his sister he wants to take her to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. LV by the way was such a great trip with our then 2 year old. We visited all the resorts, shopped, ate and DH even won some money while we passed through the casino at The Venetian. While there, I didn't drink one bit (8 months pregnant) or gamble and still had fun! ;)

:rolleyes: We may fly my Mom out from VA to LV to go on the trip with us from LV to CA (I don't think I could make the whole trip with her in the car. ;)) Also, she has a brother that live in CA (Tehachapi). So, we'd have to visit him and his family too. I forgot about that, guess I need to work that into the itinerary.

The more I think about this trip. The more excited I am getting. :cool1:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[pinktink83]

How long are you going to be out here? That sounds like an awful lot for one trip. I checked out your kids' ages, b/c I thought maybe they were all older, but with a 5 and 3 yo? I'd think about paring it down slightly. I'd rather do half this time, and save up for another "once in a lifetime" trip in a 5-6 years. By then they will all be old enough to really enjoy and remember some of the more mature activities.

Honestly, I'm not sure kids that young would even enjoy Las Vegas, the Redwoods or the San Diego Zoo. The Redwoods, while awesome, will impress the kids for about 3 minutes...then they're going to get bored and restless and want to get out of the car b/c they've been stuck in there for 14 hours already!! If you have a zoo in your area, I would *DEF* rethink the zoo. It is a HUGE park with LOTS and LOTS of walking in between the animals and lots of up and down hills. It was rough on me as a teenager for one day, and we opted out of it when we took our kids to San Diego last year. Its really not little kid friendly. Also the animal enclosures are extremely big, so a lot of times you couldnt even see the animals (and a 3 yo def wouldnt be able to see them). And the only thing different there than most other zoos are the polar bears. Personally, I would rather take the kids to SeaWorld. And you still get to see the polar bears, but its way more kid and family friendly. And I think the little ones would enjoy it a lot more.

Also, no days at the beach?! Even if its cold I would still go. Its still fun to pick up seashells and stick your feet in and walk around. I think the beach would leave a lasting impression more than Las Vegas. An 8, 5, and 3 yo are not going to tolerate being dragged around while the adults shop and eat all day. There really isnt that much to do there for kids (and the things that are there are not worth it imo- theyd enjoy more time at DL for sure.) I just really think this trip would go more smoothly if it was centered JUST for the kids- you and hubby can go back sometime and take his sis to LV and you'd all have a lot more fun!

I just think I'd rather have more quality time at the places the kids would really enjoy, than squeezing in so much and not really having the time to relax and enjoy before packing up and heading somewhere else. I can just imagine the meltdowns going on day 4 of "hurry up, lets pack and go" and sitting in the car AGAIN, and having to leave the really fun sites early so you can squeeze in the next one...

I would plan only being at the Grand Canyon for a few hours, if that. Stop for lunch, walk around, take some pictures, you're done. Then I would spend at least 2 nights in San Diego (1 day for SeaWorld, 1 day for the beach), and at least 3 nights in Anaheim (1 day for Legoland, 2 for Disneyland). But you could even add another day in San Diego and another one at Disneyland and still have tons to do and see. We spent two days at the beach, went on a Harbour Boat tour, and I really wish we could have toured the army ships and the sailing ships at the Meritime Museum while we were there, too (my kids were salivating they wanted to go so bad, but oh well, next trip!) Also, Scrippts Aquarium is neat.

[perlster]

We figure this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and really want the kids to see those great big trees. Also, we may try and plan something on the way from the Redwood National Park to Anaheim. Any suggestions?

:surfweb: Jennifer

The biggest tree on Earth (and thousands of huge pals) is at Sequoia National Park. It's certainly a lot closer to Southern California.

[CrazyDuck]

We figure this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and really want the kids to see those great big trees. Also, we may try and plan something on the way from the Redwood National Park to Anaheim. Any suggestions?

:surfweb: Jennifer

Well, since you are going all the way up there after Vegas add a stop for a day at Yosemitie. On your way down from Redwood you will be driving through San Francisco (golden gate/Alcatraz) maybe? Then on your way to Anaheim take the Pacific Coast Highway :thumbsup2. Also ok your way home or on your way out, when you are driving through New Mexico, you may want to check out Carlsbad Caverns.

[Cindy's Mom]

I too am planning a DLR trip this year... I know that dining on-site at WDW is IMO the only way to go...is it the same as DLR?

We always do the DDP at WDW, last trip we did DxDDP. Is it necessary at DLR. I was thinking Goofy or Minnie's dining would be OK. Because IIRC, its much easier to go out to eat at DL than at WDW.

I feel like a newbie all over again. :goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

:woohoo: DH gets more than three weeks a year for vacation (four if you count "personal" days). So, this will be a very long, but fun adventure. A few things to know about our family. We homeschool. So, we are pretty flexible on when to take our vacations. This will definitely be during a non-peak season. Our children LOVE roadtrips. Getting there is sometimes half the fun. They are NOT prone to whining while in the car. (Yes, we've been very lucky.) We've driven straight from Dallas, TX to Orlando, FL (19 + hours) without stopping (except for gas, food and bathroom breaks.). Also, we recently drove from TX to Northern VA in a day and half. With that said (written) . . . On this trip, I DO want lots of stops along the way to let the kids experience our great country.

:dance3: Next year, our children will be DS9, DD7 and DS4 for our trip. We don't want to always wait until the kids get older for all our trips. (We ARE waiting for our Europe trip though. Since we all got our passports for a cruise last year, I want to use them outside of the Caribbean. But, we are holding off. Even though I'm itching to go now. Maybe by the time we go, the dollar will be stronger towards the Euro.) The older kids are getting closer and closer to not wanting to be around Mom and Dad on vacation anymore. :sad1: Kids grow up way too fast these days. It's scary. DS8 was 2 when we went to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas last time and still talks about it. So, we have to plan that in somewhere. Mind you, we aren't dragging the kids through the casinos while we gamble. We like to take in the ambiance and maybe take in a show. Also, the shopping is amazing. DD5 is my little shopping companion. She's a girly girl. I can only image how she will be next year. I agree that the Grand Canyon isn't a whole day activity. However, I may want to surprise them with a helicopter or airplane tour of the Canyon. Those always look neat on the travel shows. We're creating our own real-life "On the Road with the Taylor's". (I did apply for a Travel Channel show and was called by a Producer. However, I haven't heard anymore about it though.) The kids are still too little for the water rapids tours. My Dad did that a few years ago and said it was fun. Okay, I stated it would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. That may change. ;) We're going on another once-in-a-lifetime trip to WDW in a few weeks. Also, those Disney cruises are addictive. :rotfl: (Can't visit The Grand Canyon and not reference The Brady Bunch episode. Okay, that ages me. But, I was watching the re-runs when I was a kiddo.:rolleyes: )

::yes:: I figured San Diego would be a couple of days trip. DH was there a few month back on business and "scoped" it out for us. ;) We have a Sea World in TX (San Antonio). So, we are 50/50 whether to go while in San Diego. We do have two great local zoos (Fort Worth and Dallas). But, we wanted to take the kids to the "world-famous" San Diego Zoo. Polar bears alone would get DD5 there. She loves nature programs with polar bears and penguins. That is until a seal eats a penguin. Some of those nature programs can be gruesome. :rolleyes:

:goodvibes Thanks for the Sequoia mention. I saw that on the map when I was looking for a CA route to DLR. That might make a better pit-stop than going all the way to Redwood Nat'l Forest. This is all still in the very beginning stages of planning. So, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

:thumbsup2 We definitely have to plan in some beach days. We love the ocean. However, I read it is VERY cold. So, maybe we can play on the beach and find a hotel with a nice pool. ;) Any nice hotels near the beach in SD recommendations? I honestly take 0% advice from the ones posted on the travel sites, because most are posted from the hotel/company. That is why you usually have lots of 4 stars and then a 1 and 2 star. I take more stock in "real" person reviews.

I will compile all the great information on here and come back with a "modified" itinerary. :teacher:

:surfweb: Jennifer

BTW - Did I mention I can get wordy???? Sorry my posts are so long. You should meet me in person. It's the Italian in me. ;)

[TheTXTaylors5]

I feel like a newbie all over again. :goodvibes

:thumbsup2 Same here. We're in the same boat. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:thumbsup2. Also ok your way home or on your way out, when you are driving through New Mexico, you may want to check out Carlsbad Caverns.

I "googled" Carlsbad Caverns. It looks like another stop for our itinerary. Another thing to note about our family, we love nature and the outdoors. So, this is right up our alley.

This trip will be a nice balance between chaotic (the parks/LV), the serenity of nature (Sequoia National Park) and pure relaxation (the beach).

Okay, can I leave tomorrow for this trip?!?!?!?!?! This is going to be a very loooooooooooooooong year. :rolleyes1

:surfweb: Jennifer

[CrazyDuck]

A couple more points of intrest. If you can check out "Monument Valley" it is on the Utah/Arizona Border. But you have to go noth to hit Las Vegas anyways so it may not be too out of your way. Also near Las Veags don't forget Hoover Dam. Also if you keep Redwood National Park in your iternerrary I'd leave Vegas and head noth towards Reno and check out Lake Tahoe. There should be snow in December! Then head west hit Yellowstone, then Redwood, then San Fran and down Pacific Coast Highway towards Disneyland!! :thumbsup2

[Cindy's Mom]

A couple more points of intrest. If you can check out "Monument Valley" it is on the Utah/Arizona Border. But you have to go noth to hit Las Vegas anyways so it may not be too out of your way. Also near Las Veags don't forget Hoover Dam. Also if you keep Redwood National Park in your iternerrary I'd leave Vegas and head noth towards Reno and check out Lake Tahoe. There should be snow in December! Then head west hit Yellowstone, then Redwood, then San Fran and down Pacific Coast Highway towards Disneyland!! :thumbsup2

Excellent suggestions, but one caveat.....when driving south on PCH, you are on the outer lane of the mountains, that bother some people (like me), that why I only drive north on PCH. I fly into San Diego and out of somewhere up the coast :lmao:

[HydroGuy]

I have a question regarding "Good Neighbor" hotels . . . (Which seem to be the best value. No, we aren't made of money.;) This will be our BIG family vacation for the year. Also, we are a family of five and since DS3 just turned 3 (last weekend), we can't squeeze into a room of 4 anymore. :sad2: ). Are you able to get a park ticket/room combo discount?I have never found a discount by getting the park and tickets combined. In fact it seems to usually cost more that way.

Also, I read about the MM (magical mornings). Do they not have extra park time in the evening for resort guests? Are the good neighbor guests able to participate in MM?No extra hours in the evenings. Only the one hour in the morning. And only at DL (not DCA). If you get to the section on Magic Mornings in my DLR Guide it will explain this.

Here is a summary:

1. All 2+ day tickets are automatically parkhoppers (no extra cost to hop at DLR)

2. If you get a 3+ day ticket it will include one MM day. Does not matter where you stay, on-site or off.

3. If you stay at a Disney hotel you can go to MM every day it is offered. This is a weird one, as Disney does not advertise this perk that has been in existence since July 2005.

For complete and up-to-date info on this see: "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403)

Outside of DLR:
Just for fun, after reading it on "The Guide" and seeing it in the movie "The Hammer", I want to take the kids to LA to see the tar pits and visit the museum. Our kids love things like that. Is it worth it? :confused: IMO the La Brea Tar Pits is really cool for adults and kids alike. Yes it is worth it if you have time to go.

:drive: We have been warned traffic going in and out of LA can be horrendous. Is it better on the weekends like mentioned in "The Guide"? We live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. Traffic can get pretty bad around here during rush-hour. It has been compared to NY and LA regarding the amount of time it takes to go from point A to point B. :rolleyes1 You can try to be smart about when and where you drive in SoCal, but in the end it is a crap shoot. Too many times I have sat in stop-and-go bumper-to-bumper traffic at 11PM at night and on weekends. Making things worse are the traffic reports on the radio. My DW and I are from SoCal originally and know all the lingo, but out of towners will not know what the radio announcer means by "an accident on the Golden State freeway north has traffic backed up in both directions". There are tons of freeways and if you know the lingo you can sometimes miss the traffic. But it is not only rush hour. It can be 24 hours a day in SoCal.

So what should you do? Well, whenever possible travel later in the evening (after 8PM) the night before if you need to be somewhere the next morning. If there is traffic, you just drive longer that night but do not miss anything. If you venture out mid-day, do not cut it close as that 15 mile trip may take over an hour. A couple years ago we ventured out on a weekday at 2PM and it took us 4 hours to go 40 miles to see my folks. It is such a crap shoot.

:3dglasses We have the DLR Samantha Brown show saved on our DVR. :idea: That is what initially got us interested in DLR for December (next year). We've been to WDW during the holidays. But, they don't change The Haunted Mansion and IASW like at DL. We really want to see DLR during the holidays. Do they have a special party at DL like at MK (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Which we are going to in December! :banana:)?????? We have never done this but they do have special ticket events like this. Other people can get specifics.

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the DL board. :hippie:

Another Texan who far prefers DLR to WDW (have been to both 4 times).

Hydroguy's tips are the gospel for WDW vets / DLR newbies...so you are on the right track. I've got other comments below:

:woohoo: DH gets more than three weeks a year for vacation (four if you count "personal" days). So, this will be a very long, but fun adventure. A few things to know about our family. We homeschool. So, we are pretty flexible on when to take our vacations. This will definitely be during a non-peak season.

Good, because avoid the holiday period if possible.

Our children LOVE roadtrips. Getting there is sometimes half the fun. They are NOT prone to whining while in the car. (Yes, we've been very lucky.) We've driven straight from Dallas, TX to Orlando, FL (19 + hours) without stopping (except for gas, food and bathroom breaks.). Also, we recently drove from TX to Northern VA in a day and half. With that said (written) . . . On this trip, I DO want lots of stops along the way to let the kids experience our great country.

:dance3: Next year, our children will be DS9, DD7 and DS4 for our trip. We don't want to always wait until the kids get older for all our trips. (We ARE waiting for our Europe trip though. Since we all got our passports for a cruise last year, I want to use them outside of the Caribbean. But, we are holding off. Even though I'm itching to go now. Maybe by the time we go, the dollar will be stronger towards the Euro.) The older kids are getting closer and closer to not wanting to be around Mom and Dad on vacation anymore. :sad1: Kids grow up way too fast these days. It's scary. DS8 was 2 when we went to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas last time and still talks about it. So, we have to plan that in somewhere. Mind you, we aren't dragging the kids through the casinos while we gamble. We like to take in the ambiance and maybe take in a show. Also, the shopping is amazing. DD5 is my little shopping companion. She's a girly girl. I can only image how she will be next year. I agree that the Grand Canyon isn't a whole day activity. However, I may want to surprise them with a helicopter or airplane tour of the Canyon. Those always look neat on the travel shows. We're creating our own real-life "On the Road with the Taylor's". (I did apply for a Travel Channel show and was called by a Producer. However, I haven't heard anymore about it though.) The kids are still too little for the water rapids tours. My Dad did that a few years ago and said it was fun. Okay, I stated it would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. That may change. ;) We're going on another once-in-a-lifetime trip to WDW in a few weeks. Also, those Disney cruises are addictive. :rotfl: (Can't visit The Grand Canyon and not reference The Brady Bunch episode. Okay, that ages me. But, I was watching the re-runs when I was a kiddo.:rolleyes: )

::yes:: I figured San Diego would be a couple of days trip. DH was there a few month back on business and "scoped" it out for us. ;) We have a Sea World in TX (San Antonio). So, we are 50/50 whether to go while in San Diego. We do have two great local zoos (Fort Worth and Dallas). But, we wanted to take the kids to the "world-famous" San Diego Zoo.

I think a 2 day trip to SD (Zoo, beach, tourist stuff) is a great idea.

Polar bears alone would get DD5 there. She loves nature programs with polar bears and penguins. That is until a seal eats a penguin. Some of those nature programs can be gruesome. :rolleyes:

:goodvibes Thanks for the Sequoia mention. I saw that on the map when I was looking for a CA route to DLR. That might make a better pit-stop than going all the way to Redwood Nat'l Forest. This is all still in the very beginning stages of planning. So, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Sequoia makes WAY more sense than Redwood....imo....like 10-14 hours driving more sense.

:thumbsup2 We definitely have to plan in some beach days. We love the ocean. However, I read it is VERY cold. So, maybe we can play on the beach and find a hotel with a nice pool. ;) Any nice hotels near the beach in SD recommendations? I honestly take 0% advice from the ones posted on the travel sites, because most are posted from the hotel/company. That is why you usually have lots of 4 stars and then a 1 and 2 star. I take more stock in "real" person reviews.

Check out KC Mike's trip report. They stayed at the Del Coronado. If you could swing off season / cheap....maybe it would work....it definitely would be a highlight.

I will compile all the great information on here and come back with a "modified" itinerary. :teacher:

:surfweb: Jennifer

BTW - Did I mention I can get wordy???? Sorry my posts are so long. You should meet me in person. It's the Italian in me. ;)

Not wordy........just conversational. ;)

I agree that there are 5-7 nice motels on Harbor that would deliver a fine "DLR experience" at 1/2 (or 1/3rd) the cost of the DLR hotels. I'd plan on 3-5 nights at one of these & spend your $$ elsewhere (like on the Del ;))

A few other random thoughts:

- Carlbad Caverns is great.
- So are indian reservations near Alb.
- As is Durango / Mesa Verde. (all better than Vegas imo)

- Regarding tickets/hotel.....best to buy them seperately for the best offering.
- Buying 3+ days park hoppers gets you MM. (even if you don't stay "on site"). Buying them from some agencies at this time (Getawaytoday.com for example) can get you 2 MMs for your stay....which is even better! (note: Read DLR 29's excellent MM tip tread in Hydroguy's tip thread collection for all you need to know about MM).

Remember DLR is different than WDW.....in alot of ways, so some recommendations might seem odd (no need for 12 meal reservations/not HAVING to stay on-site/DTD next door/DCA next door/no stinkin' busses).....but with a year to plan, it'll start making sense a month from now if you keep posting & reading.

Have fun planning a trip to Walt's park. :thumbsup2


Edit - Looks like HG & i were commenting on some of the same items...at the same time. :)

[Cindy's Mom]

Remember DLR is different than WDW.....in alot of ways, so some recommendations might seem odd (no need for 12 meal reservations/not HAVING to stay on-site/DTD next door/DCA next door/no stinkin' busses).....but with a year to plan, it'll start making sense a month from now if you keep posting & reading.

Have fun planning a trip to Walt's park. :thumbsup2




Just reading this gives me the shakes.....no ADR's, how will I survive, where would we eat :scared1: ? NOT stay on-site?:scared1: :scared1: What?

I think I have to do baby steps in the DLR planning. :lmao:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just reading this gives me the shakes.....no ADR's, how will I survive, where would we eat :scared1: ? NOT stay on-site?:scared1: :scared1: What?

I think I have to do baby steps in the DLR planning. :lmao:

:rotfl: We need a WDW to DLR "support group". Everything we've known all these years is irrelevent to planning a DLR vacation. I honestly didn't think it would be that different. But, it is. The Disneyland section of the DISboards is going to be my friend this upcoming year. I haven't even scratched the surface to this section.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[cccdisney]

:rotfl: We need a WDW to DLR "support group". Everything we've known all these years is irrelevent to planning a DLR vacation. I honestly didn't think it would be that different. But, it is. The Disneyland section of the DISboards is going to be my friend this upcoming year. I haven't even scratched the surface to this section.

:surfweb: Jennifer

Cindy's Mom and Jennifer -
You two crack me up! :lmao:
Believe me - planning a DLR trip is A LOT simpler than planning a WDW vacation! Just think about how overwhelming planning a WDW vacation is to us DLR vets!:scared1: I have been to WDW a few times and I still feel like I know so little.:eek: :eek:

[mariezp]

I am going back through the thread and posting what I have to add. Sorry if it is a little jumbled, that's just pretty much how my brain works! :blush:


Also, we are a family of five and since DS3 just turned 3 (last weekend), we can't squeeze into a room of 4 anymore. I would like to recommend the Anaheim Desert Inn. We have stayed there on all of our trips. They are nothing fancy but they do offer plenty of space for a reasonable rate. We stay in their largest room which is basically 2 connected rooms with 4 beds and 2 baths. Now if you prefer a luxury hotel I will have to work up some other sales pitch! Wherever you stay BOOK IN ADVANCE as soon as you have your dates. I have found this to be my best strategy for saving money.


We have been warned traffic going in and out of LA can be horrendous. Is it better on the weekends like mentioned in "The Guide"? We live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. Traffic can get pretty bad around here during rush-hour. It has been compared to NY and LA regarding the amount of time it takes to go from point A to point B.

Aaah, CA traffic. I do think they drive faster than we do in Texas but my DH said they were also much more polite. Coming from him that is a HUGE compliment! Their rush hour is pretty bad. Personally, I wouldn't want to drive in it and I prefer a cab driver to my DH, simply because he doesn't know his way around... which makes me nervous!

We have the DLR Samantha Brown show saved on our DVR. :idea: That is what initially got us interested in DLR for December (next year). We've been to WDW during the holidays. But, they don't change The Haunted Mansion and IASW like at DL. We really want to see DLR during the holidays. Do they have a special party at DL like at MK (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Which we are going to in December! :banana:)??????
The holiday season in the park is magical and beautiful! Of course, Small World and Haunted Mansion decked out for the holidays are a must see! They do not have the MVMC party. They do offer the Candlelight Processional or a Holiday Tour for something special. They also have the Reindeer Roundup where you can see Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer, or you can decorate cookies and take in a show. They, of course, have the Christmas parade and SNOW!

:wave2: Hi Fellow Texan!

We live in the DFW area (near Denton). How many times did you drive from TX to CA? What month were you at the GC when there was snow? Then again being from TX, we might like the snow but not the bad visibility. We took a roadtrip while I was pregnant with DD5 from TX to Las Vegas. So, DS8 has seen the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. He always tells his sister he wants to take her to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. LV by the way was such a great trip with our then 2 year old. We visited all the resorts, shopped, ate and DH even won some money while we passed through the casino at The Venetian. While there, I didn't drink one bit (8 months pregnant) or gamble and still had fun! ;)

:rolleyes: We may fly my Mom out from VA to LV to go on the trip with us from LV to CA (I don't think I could make the whole trip with her in the car. ;)) Also, she has a brother that live in CA (Tehachapi). So, we'd have to visit him and his family too. I forgot about that, guess I need to work that into the itinerary.

The more I think about this trip. The more excited I am getting. :cool1:

:surfweb: Jennifer
We are practically NEIGHBORS! We live south of Decatur. And guess what... we homeschool too! How cool is that?
We have been to CA by almost every means possible! Our first 3 trips were via Amtrak train. Then the next 2 years we took the train out there and rented a car for the drive back home. Once we took the I-40 route and the next time we took I-10 so we got 2 completely different trips. (not that there is a lot in between CA and Texas to see besides wide open road.) 2 years ago we took the train there and flew back. Finally we have tired of those transportations taking so long so we finally flew last year. We are opting for that again this year.

My hubby said we saw the GC in the snow in November. I was thinking it was October. My mind ain't what it used to be so all the trips sorta run together but every one of them is priceless. Anyway, I'm going to look back at some of the things we did and see if I have anything to share. I do know at first we thought about going to see the redwoods too but settled on going to Sequoia National Park because it was so much closer. And believe me those trees will be huge enough to impress you! We then cut across to the ocean and drove down the 101. Beautiful drive! We stayed in the coolest place overlooking some cliffs just outside of Pismo beach. We did Hollywood and Universal which were okay to see once but honestly, I would choose something else.

While we had a rental car we did go over to Vegas. We saw the Smothers Brothers, the Star Trek Experience, a magic show and The Tournament of Kings. Lots of fun stuff to do with families without ever gambling. We didn't end up seeing a lot of things I had planned simply because we just ran out of time.

We went to San Diego for Legoland, which your littles ones will love. We also went to the Wild Animal Park. I thought it was cool but my guys thought it was a bit too long and got bored. We have also went to Long Beach and saw the Queen Mary and took a boat and stayed over night on Catalina Island.

We have never been to WDW simply because we love DL so much I can't imagine it being any better. I also think we are just happier with the more intimate feel of DL and it not being so spread out, does that make sense? We love the fact that every time we goes it feels like we are back at "our park" and we feel like we know every nook and cranny. I hope you love it as much as we do.

[Hound 109]

Just reading this gives me the shakes.....no ADR's, how will I survive, where would we eat :scared1: ? NOT stay on-site?:scared1: :scared1: What?

I think I have to do baby steps in the DLR planning. :lmao:

:rotfl:

You're on the right track if you're posting here & reading all the tip threads above (like HG's).

DLR has similar "magic" (...or more :goodvibes ) as WDW....but planning a DLR visit has different factors to consider:

- Staying on-site is great at DLR....but not essential like it is at WDW.
- The DDP is great (preferred) at WDW....it's a waste at DLR.
- Since SO many visitors at are locals, reservations for restaurants aren't as essential & visiting during the week is preferable.
- DTD is next to DL as is DCA. One uses their feet as opposed to stinkin' busses. :)

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's park. :thumbsup2

[pinktink83]

Oops! I didnt realize you were in Texas, I guess I wouldnt bother with SeaWorld then!!! But DEF look into the Meritime Museum and the Navy ship tours. It really did look awesome! They are all on Harbour Blvd, down by the pier, within walking distance of each other. Also, eat at Anthony's....Mmmmm! Fish and Chips! Right next door. :) I second Scrippts Aquarium, too, especially if you arent going to SeaWorld.

If you are going to be spending more time in AZ, Williams (small town right outside of Flagstaff) has the Lava Tubes, you can go in and explore (its cold, bring a jacket!) and also The Grand Canyon Deer Farm which is pretty fun, but I am partial b/c I've been going there since I was a kid! :) There is also Meteor Crater nearby. You can take the Grand Canyon Railroad, it goes from the GC directly to Williams! If you go in December, they have the Polar Express ride, which sounds fun, but is a bit pricey.

Oh, and Flagstaff has Lowell Observatory which is AWESOME! You can even go up and look through the telescope at night and they'll point out all the stars, planets, etc. It was really neat when we did it. And if your kids truly love scenic driving, then you can't beat the drive down Oak Creek Canyon!!!

It might not be worth going out of your way for, but you can drive through Flagstaff to get to LA/San Diego, there are two ways, the 89, I think, or down to Phoenix then take the I-10 (which is what we usually do). You could loop around back that way on the way back home!

Sedona is also awesome...that could be a whole trip in and of itself. A Pink Jeep tour of the Indian Cave paintings are worth it alone! Plus its gorgeous!!! Also Montezuma Castle and Tonto Natural Bridge are cool. There are a LOT of neat sites to see that would make good "school trips" ;) And there are a lot of caves in the Tucson area, Kartchner Caves and Colossal Caves (which Ive been too, it was really neat!)

Anyway, good luck! :)

[mariezp]

pinktink83 has some great suggestions for you. I wanted to do a lot of what she suggested but we just didn't have the time.

I was trying my hardest to remember where we had seen that deer farm! We have some of the funniest video from there from our snowy trip to see the Grand Canyon. While you are there you can feed the deer. They follow you all over the place because they know very well when you have food. They are not shy at all about coming up to you and even surround you as long as you have food. Well, I kept getting goosed! Even though I knew it would be coming again, I couldn't help but let a little yelp out every time they poked me! Of course, my DH was more than happy to film the entire event even though he probably had a hard time hanging onto the camera while he was laughing so hard. Great place. When we were there they also had a cockatoo which was pretty entertaining. We still mimic him because he was so funny.

She also reminded me of another place in Arizona that we went, Tombstone. It's sorta of a touristy ghost town way off the beaten path. They had gunfights and stagecoach tours. And we also saw the world's largest rose tree. It was amazing!

I bet I will think of more!

[Cindy's Mom]

Oops! I didnt realize you were in Texas, I guess I wouldnt bother with SeaWorld then!!! But DEF look into the Meritime Museum and the Navy ship tours. It really did look awesome! They are all on Harbour Blvd, down by the pier, within walking distance of each other. Also, eat at Anthony's....Mmmmm! Fish and Chips! Right next door. :) I second Scrippts Aquarium, too, especially if you arent going to SeaWorld.

If you are going to be spending more time in AZ, Williams (small town right outside of Flagstaff) has the Lava Tubes, you can go in and explore (its cold, bring a jacket!) and also The Grand Canyon Deer Farm which is pretty fun, but I am partial b/c I've been going there since I was a kid! :) There is also Meteor Crater nearby. You can take the Grand Canyon Railroad, it goes from the GC directly to Williams! If you go in December, they have the Polar Express ride, which sounds fun, but is a bit pricey.

Oh, and Flagstaff has Lowell Observatory which is AWESOME! You can even go up and look through the telescope at night and they'll point out all the stars, planets, etc. It was really neat when we did it. And if your kids truly love scenic driving, then you can't beat the drive down Oak Creek Canyon!!!

It might not be worth going out of your way for, but you can drive through Flagstaff to get to LA/San Diego, there are two ways, the 89, I think, or down to Phoenix then take the I-10 (which is what we usually do). You could loop around back that way on the way back home!

Sedona is also awesome...that could be a whole trip in and of itself. A Pink Jeep tour of the Indian Cave paintings are worth it alone! Plus its gorgeous!!! Also Montezuma Castle and Tonto Natural Bridge are cool. There are a LOT of neat sites to see that would make good "school trips" ;) And there are a lot of caves in the Tucson area, Kartchner Caves and Colossal Caves (which Ive been too, it was really neat!)

Anyway, good luck! :)

I can't find your Seaworld report...I click on the link in your siggy and its the preschool one from May. Its that it?

I'm really really tired today, so its probably me. :goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

She also reminded me of another place in Arizona that we went, Tombstone. It's sorta of a touristy ghost town way off the beaten path. They had gunfights and stagecoach tours.

:thumbsup2 DH and I both like the movie Tombstone. So, that might be something neat to look into.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Back to my DLR planning . . .

Ride Questions:

:dance3: We will be travelling with DS9, DD7 and DS4. Are there any "must do" rides for these age groups in your opinion? Preferably, rides they do NOT have at WDW. I've always wanted to ride The Matterhorn. Is there a height requirement for this ride? (For my DS4 not me. ;)) We will probably make a b-line to this ride upon entering DL. It just seems "so Disney" to me when I see it on the travel shows.

:surfweb: I read Space Mountain at DL has been refurbished. Does it have a better seat restraint than at MK? DS8 always asks to ride SM while at MK. But, DH and I won't let him. We've both ridden it and just don't feel it is safe for him. I'd have an anxiety attack worried that on one of the jerks, he'd go flying out of the car. So, is SM at DL better? Please say yes.

:banana: Toy Story Mania at DHS is the hottest new ride at WDW. Is the wait time just as ridiculous at DLR (120 minutes on average)? Also, which park did they put it in at DLR? We plan to ride it at DHS in a few weeks.:woohoo: DS3 loves Woody and I know that will be on our "must do" list for DLR too. :)

:confused: For those that have been to Epcot and DL, is the submarine ride at DL the same story-line as the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends? If so and if the line is too long, we could skip it. I've heard it can have a VERY long line by mid-day. Is this true?

Thank you in advance for your responses. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[bumbershoot]

Back to my DLR planning . . .

Ride Questions:

:dance3: We will be travelling with DS9, DD7 and DS4. Are there any "must do" rides for these age groups in your opinion? Preferably, rides they do NOT have at WDW. I've always wanted to ride The Matterhorn. Is there a height requirement for this ride? (For my DS4 not me. ;)) We will probably make a b-line to this ride upon entering DL. It just seems "so Disney" to me when I see it on the travel shows.

:surfweb: I read Space Mountain at DL has been refurbished. Does it have a better seat restraint than at MK? DS8 always asks to ride SM while at MK. But, DH and I won't let him. We've both ridden it and just don't feel it is safe for him. I'd have an anxiety attack worried that on one of the jerks, he'd go flying out of the car. So, is SM at DL better? Please say yes.

:banana: Toy Story Mania at DHS is the hottest new ride at WDW. Is the wait time just as ridiculous at DLR (120 minutes on average)? Also, which park did they put it in at DLR? We plan to ride it at DHS in a few weeks.:woohoo: DS3 loves Woody and I know that will be on our "must do" list for DLR too. :)

:confused: For those that have been to Epcot and DL, is the submarine ride at DL the same story-line as the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends? If so and if the line is too long, we could skip it. I've heard it can have a VERY long line by mid-day. Is this true?

Thank you in advance for your responses. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

Matterhorn is a 35" height restriction. It's really bumpy! My then 3 year old didn't like it b/c of that, but there was a recent thread about little ones on M'horn, and most kids liked it.

There's a post today about WDW vs DLR coasters, including Space! Space is a different track between the two parks, and the seating is side-by-side, 2 across. Not the one in front of the other, nearly all alone, thing I've seen in pix of WDW's version. And it's a 40" height req, in case you wanted to know that. :)

Toy Story Midway Mania is in DCA. I hear that the line starts at towards the front of the park, so if it's a must-do, either get in that line as soon as you enter (early, I hope) or follow directions from those in the know who have waited until later for the line.

I know nothing about Nemo at wdw. :(


Be sure to have the kids check out bug's land!!!! My 4 year old (and I) love it so much better than Fantasyland. :goodvibes But be prepared with extra clothes (down to underpants and socks) if you're going to let them in the water play areas. You can see my Sept trip report to see how drenched a kid can get. :flower3:

[avalon451]

Since Space was refurbished, it's been said that it's MUCH better than the WDW version. We loved it! Thought it was pretty smooth.

My kids loved Indy. I've heard it beats Dinosaur hands down. DD5 wouldn't go on it though, partly because it "smelled funny" inside; and I think it would have been a bit too intense for her. But other kids love it.

California Screamin in DCA is awesome! My kids didn't get the chance to go on it, but my brother took his DD5, and it was her favorite ride!

About TSMM: I have read repeatedly that, to everybody's surprise, this ride is easier to get onto between 2-6 p.m. Like, 30-45 minute wait. You can do the thing where you line up early to get into DCA, but you may actually end up waiting longer that way. Also, many people have said that if you can stand being split up, single rider is the way to go. Very short waits that way. Anyway, it hasn't been posting horrendous 2-hour waits since shortly after it opened. Sometimes an hour at its busiest, I've heard?

Hope that helps!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Thanks for the ride tips! :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

I almost forgot I started this thread ...

:cool1: I booked our trip this past week! We ARE going to DLR in June!!!!!! More info to come ...

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:surfweb: After reading a Trip Report on another thread on DLR, I bit the bullet and booked our trip. I am soooooooooooo excited! Being our first trip to DLR, I decided to pay the extra money and stay on-property. We are booked four nights at the Disneyland Hotel (June 23rd - June 27th).

princess: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Now that the trip is booked, I will start the "real" Pre-Trip Report ...

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: CAST OF TRAVELERS: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP65721-1-1.jpg Me (Jennifer)
I never went to WDW as a child. My Dad even calls Mickey Mouse a "rat". Blasphemy! So, how did I become such a Disney fanatic? I am sure rebellion is in there somewhere. Also, marrying a "child at heart" helped.
Favorite Disney Character: Snow White (us brunette princesses have to stick together!)
Favorite WDW Ride: RNR @ DHS

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripOctober2007187-2.jpg DH (Bill)
He never went to WDW or DLR as a child. He always wants better for his children than he had and Disney vacations are no exception. Once we walk through the park turnstile, he turns off his mobile phone and reverts to being a child again (in a GOOD way!)
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse
Favorite WDW Ride: EE @ DAK

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripNovember-December20080-10.jpg DS8
He has become more adventurous the more times we visit WDW. One year he won't ride POTC or HM, the next year he's riding Space Mountain and loving it!
Favorite Disney Character: Pluto (boy's best friend)
Favorite WDW Ride: Space Mountain @ MK

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripSeptember2008594-1.jpg DD6
She's our girly girl. We went to CRT breakfast at the MK for the first time this past September. She was beaming the whole meal. I love having a little girl to ooh and aah over the princesses and pink things. Don't get me wrong, she loves Space Mountain and BTMRR with the best of them too.
Favorite Disney Character: Ariel (Snow White close 2nd)
Favorite WDW Ride: Space Mountain @ MK (BTMRR close 2nd)

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripSeptember2008599-2.jpg DS3
He is like most third child (youngest child), the attention getter. He rode KRR at DAK for the first time this past September and I think we have a new thrill-ride child on our hands. It will be fun when he is a little taller. So, we can ride some of the more adventurous rides "as a family". For now, the Rider Swap is our friend. One ride he DOES enjoy, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at MK. He's been know to flash his blue eyes at the CMs and they let us re-ride without getting off.
Favorite Disney-Pixar Character: Buzz Lightyear (Lightning McQueen close 2nd)
Favorite WDW Ride: Buzz Lighyear's Space Ranger Spin @ MK

:sad2: We have NEVER been to DLR as a family. I was 7 going on 8 when I went to Disneyland (many, many moons ago before DCA was even a thought). So, there are many new rides and attractions I have yet to experience too. :mickeyjum We've been to WDW nine (9) times in four years and on three Disney cruises out of Port Canaveral, FL (#4 coming up in November 2009). So at this point, we feel like we know the WDW resorts and parks like the back of our hands. Now, DLR is going to be a whole new experience for us. The thing I anticipate the most is walking into DLP and seeing the fire station with Walt's lamp on.

:tinker:"Our WDW trips have given our family so many great memories. I thought it was time to pay homage to Walt and visit the park where it all started."

[TheTXTaylors5]

mariezp (If you are still lurking around ;)),

I loved reading your trip report on another thread. One question ...

What is a Fantastic dessert reservation? Where is the seating? Is it kind of like the Fantasmic Dinner package at DHS?

:flower3: Jennifer

[mariezp]

mariezp (If you are still lurking around ;)),

I loved reading your trip report on another thread. One question ...

What is a Fantastic dessert reservation? Where is the seating? Is it kind of like the Fantasmic Dinner package at DHS?

:flower3: Jennifer

It was a lot of fun writing my report to share with everyone...and a lot of work! I hope I was able to give some new travelers a few ideas... like maybe that Fantasmic seating!

I don't really know about the Fantasmic Dinner package at DHS so I can't say if they are very similar. At DL they offer special reserved riverside seating which includes a dessert box and beverages for their showings of Fantasmic. It's kinda pricey but well worth splurging for if you don't want to stake out a spot for hours. We like it just to have a seat to sit in while we watch the show. If you go for the first showing you can remain in your seat and watch the fireworks if they are showing. Again, nice to have a seat without fighting the crowd, although some people seem to think the only place to watch the fireworks in directly in front of the castle.

[PinkBudgie]

:surfweb: After reading a Trip Report on another thread on DLR, I bit the bullet and booked our trip. I am soooooooooooo excited! Being our first trip to DLR, I decided to pay the extra money and stay on-property. We are booked four nights at the Disneyland Hotel (June 23rd - June 27th).

princess: Jennifer

We'll be there the same time for our anniversary trip- no kids! :goodvibes June 24-July1st. We decided to stay at Embassy Suites South instead of onsite and stay for extra days.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Okay, here's our itinerary (I can't make our PS yet. So, these are my "wish" PS reservations. :goodvibes ):

Saturday (June 20th)
Depart TX
Arrive NM (Lodging ?)

Sunday (June 21st)
Depart NM
Arrive Grand Canyon, AZ
Visit Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam
Arrive at Las Vegas, NV (Lodging - Paris resort and casino)

Monday (June 22nd)
Las Vegas

Tuesday (June 23rd)
Depart LV, NM
Arrive Disneyland Resort :cool1: (Lodging - Disneyland Hotel)
Dinner @ Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
(PM) Relax @ resort and get to bed early.

Wednesday (June 24th)
(AM) Disneyland Park
Breakfast - In the room
Obtain FP for Space Mountain
Ride Matterhorn Bobsleds
Ride Tea Cups or Carrousel (which ever has shortest line)
Ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Ride Buzz Lightyear
Ride Space Mountain w/FP
Ride BTMRR
Obtain FP for Splash Mountain
Ride Indiana Jones
Lunch @ Golden Horseshoe Saloon
Ride Splash Mountain w/FP
(Go back to room to change if needed;) )

(PM) Disney's California Adventure Park
Obtain FP for Soarin' (or have someone run over earlier in the day to obtain. Is that still possible?)
Dinner @ Pacific Wharf
I need help with a touring plan for rides at this park for Wednesday afternoon/evening and for Friday morning).
We want to ride/experience:
Soarin'
TSM
ToT
Monsters, Inc
California Screamin'
King Triton's Carousel
Grizzly River Run
Flik's Fun Fair
Aladdin Show

Thursday (June 25th/DH's Birthday!)
(AM & PM) Disneyland Park (MM)
Breakfast - In the room
Ride Indiana Jones
Ride Haunted Mansion
Ride Pirates of the Caribbean
Lunch - (PS) Blue Bayou
Ride Jungle Cruise
Take train to Fantasyland
Ride IASW
Ride Nemo (during parade)
Dinner - ?
Snack - (PS) Fantasmic Dessert Package

Friday (June 26th)
Breakfast - (PS) Goofy's Kitchen
(AM) DCA
(PM) DLP

Saturday (June 27th)
(AM) DLP - Mickey’s ToonTown Magical Morning
Depart DLR to San Diego, CA (Lodging ?)

Sunday (June 28th)
Visit Legoland - San Diego, CA
Depart CA
Arrive in NM (Lodging ?)

Monday (June 29th)
NM to TX
Arrive Home!

:hourglass More updating to come ...

pixiedust: Jennifer

[wdhinn89]

Any thoughts where you will stay in San Diego?

[vbmom40]

Can you rent points from a DVC member and stay on site at disneyland? Just wondering.

[vbmom40]

Any thoughts where you will stay in San Diego?

We stayed at the Bahia resort. Our room was in the First 3 story building and had a full kitchen it was huge. We overlooked the bay and could see the seaworld tower from the room. It was close to the beach and shopping to get groceries.

[DangerMouse]

A few other random thoughts:

- Carlbad Caverns is great.
- So are indian reservations near Alb.
- As is Durango / Mesa Verde. (all better than Vegas imo)



Hey Hound, you mentioned my hometown! :thumbsup2

To the OP, I just stumbled across this thread and haven't read through all of it yet. We're a homeschool family as well, and you've received a lot of great advice so far. Honestly, I'd skip Vegas. It's just not for kids or family-minded vacations, IMO. Although Hoover Dam close-by is an awesome learning opportunity. We went there with our kids once, and won't ever go back.

Looking forward to reading more about your planning.

[mariezp]

Oh Boy! Your itinerary looks great! I think you got all my favorites in there! Can I stowaway?

[KCmike]

Your gonna have a blast! We are thinking of driving this summer back to our new favorite Disney park. It's like 23 hours from KC. We are thinking of stopping over at the Grand Canyon. We have flew over it twice on the last two trips and am wondering if its worth it?

My kids are 14, 11, and 11. Would they like legoland at that age?

We have been two years in a row so if you have any other questions keep em coming.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Oh Boy! Your itinerary looks great! I think you got all my favorites in there! Can I stowaway?

:thumbsup2 We have a minivan. The more, the merrier! However, I think your family would miss you. :rotfl:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Honestly, I'd skip Vegas. It's just not for kids or family-minded vacations, IMO.

:scared: I know, taking the kids to Las Vegas sounds crazy. :sad2: What are we thinking? Actually, the only other time I was in Vegas I didn't drink or gamble. Just enjoyed the hotels and shopping. Then again, I was eight months pregnant! When I first started planning our trip, I asked for the kids input on "Daddy's Surprise". Before I could finish my sentence, DS8 screamed out "Las Vegas!". Yes, an eight year old. When he was an only child (many moons ago), we went to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. He was only two. But, still remembers that trip. He wants his siblings to experience it too. The hotels are amazing and I want to take them to a show. Maybe, a magic show or "O". Also, maybe we can tour the chocolate factory. I only plan one full day in Vegas. Enough time to get our bathing suits wet. Then, I plan to get everyone up and early on Wednesday and on our way to DLR.

We'll have four-day Park Hopper tickets. So, I'm actually debating on whether to visit a park that first day or keep it as is and go on Saturday or even add another day. Can you add another day upon check-in if needed????

:scratchin Any suggestions on what time we should plan to try and attempt going through LA???????

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Any thoughts where you will stay in San Diego?

:scared: Need help!!!!! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. pixiedust:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We'll be there the same time for our anniversary trip- no kids! :goodvibes June 24-July1st. We decided to stay at Embassy Suites South instead of onsite and stay for extra days.

We should have our DISgreen shirts on in the parks. If you see a very bright family of five, don't hesitate to say "Hi!". :wave2: I love meeting DISers in person.

See you there! :cool1:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:coffee: I bought the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2009. I've read it from cover to cover this past week. It has some great info. However, I bought it to tie me over until the Passporter comes out this week. I have a Passporter for WDW and DCL and love their format. :thumbsup2 I highly recommend it for any newbies to WDW.

:goodvibes Jennifer

[iluvwesties]

:coffee: I bought the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2009. I've read it from cover to cover this past week. It has some great info. However, I bought it to tie me over until the Passporter comes out this week. I have a Passporter for WDW and DCL and love their format. :thumbsup2 I highly recommend it for any newbies to WDW.

:goodvibes Jennifer

Hate to disappoint you, but I called the Passporter office on Friday Jan 23rd and was told that the Disneyland Passporter is on hold due to changes happening at DCA :confused3

I know, I know..... I wanted to buy one too :sad2:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Hate to disappoint you, but I called the Passporter office on Friday Jan 23rd and was told that the Disneyland Passporter is on hold due to changes happening at DCA :confused3

I know, I know..... I wanted to buy one too :sad2:

:sad: Oh noooooooooo! Any idea when it will be out??????? What are the "major" changes for DCA besides Mickey's face on the sunwheel? I guess I'll have to keep bothering my local B&N until it comes out. :hourglass

Thanks for the info! :flower3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[DangerMouse]

:sad: Oh noooooooooo! Any idea when it will be out??????? What are the "major" changes for DCA besides Mickey's face on the sunwheel? I guess I'll have to keep bothering my local B&N until it comes out. :hourglass

Thanks for the info! :flower3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

For some light reading:

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/105589-disneys-california-adventure-project-tracker-ii.html

[iluvwesties]

Don't know when the new Passporter will be out. They couldn't tell me.

I've bought a 2006 version off of ebay to tide me over ;)

As I've never been to DL/DCA before I wouldn't know what had changed and what hadn't.

I'm doing a trip something like yours. My daughter and I are flying into San Francisco and renting a car to drive down to San Diego with stops at DL and LA and a couple of other places along the way.

[mariezp]

:thumbsup2 We have a minivan. The more, the merrier! However, I think your family would miss you. :rotfl:

:goodvibes Jennifer

I am afraid you are right...well my DD would anyway. You would think she's practically attached to part of my body! The guys would only miss me because they wouldn't have someone to feed them! :rotfl:

We took our kids to Vegas too. It wasn't all that amazing and we will never miss it if we don't go again but we wanted to see it just once. We did not gamble at all but we did have fun seeing some of the shows.

[Mary Jo]

Welcome to our little corner of the DIS. You have a lot of good advice already on this thread, and it looks like you will have a fantastic time on your trip. I bet you fall in love with California and DISneyland :sunny:

[wdhinn89]

We stayed at the Bahia resort. Our room was in the First 3 story building and had a full kitchen it was huge. We overlooked the bay and could see the seaworld tower from the room. It was close to the beach and shopping to get groceries.

We were thinking the Dana on Mission Bay. Didn't book yet. Still deciding.

[TheTXTaylors5]

I forgot to add Mr. Toad's Wild Ride on our DLP itinerary How could I forget that ride?????? People at WDW are still mourning the loss of that ride (and the submarine).

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:rolleyes1 After looking at the calendar, I called and changed our DLR dates. We will be at DLP the following: June 22nd - June 26th

I am hoping that by going during the week, the crowds will be a little better (crowd-wise). :crowded:

Does anyone have past experience booking a package through Walt Disney Travel Co., Inc.? Initially, I had a hotel reservation with a AAA discount and then added the four-day Park Hoppers. However, when I called to change the dates, the CM asked me if I wanted access to MM and MTTMM. I thought they were included in my other park tickets since I purchased more than three days. So with the CM's advice I changed our package (:scared: more $$$$$). Did the CM give me bad advice? Did I already have MM and MTTMM access with my initial tickets/reservation? Just curious. I had a sick feeling in my stomach when I got off the phone, like I had been scammed.

Thank you in advance for any comments on this matter. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[wdhinn89]

:rolleyes1 After looking at the calendar, I called and changed our DLR dates. We will be at DLP the following: June 22nd - June 26th

I am hoping that by going during the week, the crowds will be a little better (crowd-wise). :crowded:

Does anyone have past experience booking a package through Walt Disney Travel Co., Inc.? Initially, I had a hotel reservation with a AAA discount and then added the four-day Park Hoppers. However, when I called to change the dates, the CM asked me if I wanted access to MM and MTTMM. I thought they were included in my other park tickets since I purchased more than three days. So with the CM's advice I changed our package (:scared: more $$$$$). Did the CM give me bad advice? Did I already have MM and MTTMM access with my initial tickets/reservation? Just curious. I had a sick feeling in my stomach when I got off the phone, like I had been scammed.

Thank you in advance for any comments on this matter. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

If you stay on property, which looks like you are staying at DLR, you are supposed to have access to ALL MM. The CM either didn't know what he/she was talking about or something has changed :confused3

[TheTXTaylors5]

:thumbsup2 I'll call them again and try to speak with a different CM. However, the kids are like magnets. They sense when I get on the phone and are glued to me. I have tried to call back a few times. :rolleyes1 But, I was on hold way too long. So, I had to hang up. I'll try again. :upsidedow

Thank you for your reply. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Now that the DLR portion of the trip is planned/booked, I am now working on San Diego.

I need some hotel/resort recommendations for a "family". We love the water. So, being close to water is a plus (but not a must).

So far, I've seen the following hotels mentioned:
Bahia resort
Dana on Mission Bay

For giggles, I priced Hotel del Coronado. Has anyone stayed there? Are children welcome? We're from Texas. But, we are not hillbillies, drive a pick-up truck or have a horse in our backyard (Even though DD6's begs for a horse most every day. Her robotic horse Butterscotch will have to suffice.). Our children are pretty well-behaved for their respective ages. With that said (written), would children be out-of-place at Hotel del Coronado. Same for the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Any opinions welcome. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[wdhinn89]

Now that the DLR portion of the trip is planned/booked, I am now working on San Diego.

I need some hotel/resort recommendations for a "family". We love the water. So, being close to water is a plus (but not a must).

So far, I've seen the following hotels mentioned:
Bahia resort
Dana on Mission Bay

For giggles, I priced Hotel del Coronado. Has anyone stayed there? Are children welcome? We're from Texas. But, we are not hillbillies, drive a pick-up truck or have a horse in our backyard (Even though DD6's begs for a horse most every day. Her robotic horse Butterscotch will have to suffice.). Our children are pretty well-behaved for their respective ages. With that said (written), would children be out-of-place at Hotel del Coronado. Same for the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Any opinions welcome. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

I have read GREAT things about Hotel del Coronado and Loews Coronado but they are out of our price range. We booked the GC for our DL part of vacation and can't swing both.

We did just book the Dana on Mission Bay with the AAA discount. I heard you must book the Bay View to get the newer building. The Marina View is the older building and is a little worn.

[wdhinn89]

:thumbsup2 I'll call them again and try to speak with a different CM. However, the kids are like magnets. They sense when I get on the phone and are glued to me. I have tried to call back a few times. :rolleyes1 But, I was on hold way too long. So, I had to hang up. I'll try again. :upsidedow

Thank you for your reply. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

Did you ever get through?

[TheTXTaylors5]

Did you ever get through?

:dance3: I have sent the kiddos upstairs and am now on hold with Disney. I am determined to get through this time. Am I the only one who feels the hold time is too long???? :rolleyes1

Update:
My initial reservation had a AAA discount on the room and the 4-day Park Hopper tickets added on by themselves. So, we were only eligible for the MM. However, the CM I spoke with the other day told me we weren't eligible for MM. So, that is what started this whole "new" reservation. :headache: So, I was a little mislead by the other CM. However, I am now "over it" after speaking with the CM today. :goodvibes

With my "new" package I lost the room discount :guilty: , but gained a few "perks":
4-Day Park Hopper Souvenir Ticket (1 per person)
One Magic Morning
Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness
Downtown Disney District Fun Card (I'm not 100% sure what this is????? I need to look into it. We have a AAA card. I know we can get some dining discounts with it at DLR.)
Pin & Lanyard (1 per person) (The kids will like this. Are the lanyards like the ones you purchase at WDW?)
Disney's California Adventure Preferred Seating (We'll probably use it for Aladdin. I hear they just started back up. I really want to see this.)

Being our first DLR trip, I am now fine with the extra expense for a few perks. However, next time (I assume there will be a next time.) I will book the type of package I initially booked.

The pricing at the Hotel del Coronado was surprising reasonable. However, DH always tells me my "normal" hotel rates reasoning has been skewed by over-paying at WDW for so many years. Nowhere but at Disney would I ever think to pay more than $200 for a hotel room. :scared1:

Thank you for all your input. It has helped immensely. :hug:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:tinker: Is the Tinker Bell Meet and Greet at Pixie Hollow part of MTTMM? We didn't even attempt it at WDW this past winter. Being so new, the line was crazy long.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[DangerMouse]

:tinker: Is the Tinker Bell Meet and Greet at Pixie Hollow part of MTTMM? We didn't even attempt it at WDW this past winter. Being so new, the line was crazy long.

:surfweb: Jennifer

No, sorry, it's in a completely different area of the park. I don't believe they have it open for MM either.

[TheTXTaylors5]

No, sorry, it's in a completely different area of the park. I don't believe they have it open for MM either.

:confused3 Okay, back to the drawing board. Thank you for the info! :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

I spoke with my Aunt (Mom's brother's wife) yesterday. They live in CA. They are going to meet us in Vegas! :cool1: They go often. So, she told me tell them whatever show we want and they can have their concierge contact get the tickets. Does anyone recommend any Vegas shows? I plan to get an in-room sitter for the kids. So, we can have an adults-only night. I can't wait! I don't know if I ever mentioned it, I am a Stay-at-Home Mommy and homeschool DS8. DD6 goes to a Charter Elementary School. DS8 will be going there next year too. Needless to say, I NEED this vacation just as much as DH. :banana:

I wish I spoke with her before making my DLR reservation. Her sister works for Disney and could have got us discounted park tickets. There's always next time. ;) I assume with the love we have for "anything" Disney, we'll be back. :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:banana: I am 99% sure we are going to stay at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. I just received an email from Club Corp. We are social members of the country club in our community (due to the POA bylaws), which makes us members of Club Corp. We receive a 20% discount at Hotel del Coronado. When I saw that, it made staying there even more enticing. :idea:

Has anyone stayed at Hotel del Coronado? :confused:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[mariezp]

We have never stayed there but I always wanted to! You will have to give a report back so I will know what I am missing!

[TheTXTaylors5]

:banana: I finally found a ticker for the trip! I love seeing everyone's tickers in their signatures.

:badpc: Even though I have posted on the DISboards numerous times, my computer knowledge is limited. I was so excited the other day when I linked my pre-trip report to my signature without the whole link showing.

:disrocks:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We have never stayed there but I always wanted to! You will have to give a report back so I will know what I am missing!

:thumbsup2 I will make sure to give a full report when we get back.

:santa: DH has been talking about going away for Christmas this year. I loved reading your TP and it has me interested in visiting DLR during the holidays too. My children would love Santa's Reindeer Round-up. Besides the HM being decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas decorations, do they do anything else special for the holidays at DLR? Do they have any special parties (like MVMCP at MK)?

:surfweb: Jennifer

[Hound 109]

:banana: I am 99% sure we are going to stay at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. I just received an email from Club Corp. We are social members of the country club in our community (due to the POA bylaws), which makes us members of Club Corp. We receive a 20% discount at Hotel del Coronado. When I saw that, it made staying there even more enticing. :idea:

Has anyone stayed at Hotel del Coronado? :confused:

:surfweb: Jennifer

Check out KC Mike's trip report. Lots of info & cool pics. :thumbsup2

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1864064

[TheTXTaylors5]

Check out KC Mike's trip report. Lots of info & cool pics. :thumbsup2

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1864064

:goodvibes Thank you for the link. :thumbsup2 I'll check it out.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[KCmike]

Thanks Hound. We did stay there last June. We signed up on their website for email offers and we get them regularly. The first three deals we've gotten from them are:

1. DEL DEALS 2009!

An exclusive email-only offer for our special guests.

Book a room now and receive a guaranteed upgrade and free self parking, plus kids eat free at select restaurants throughout the resort*

Rates from $239 per night*
Taxes and $25 daily resort charge not included

BOOK NOW

Del Deals 1 - 50% off 2nd night
Del Deals 2 - 50% off Spa +25 % off retail
Del Deals 3 - 50% off 2nd room

They do like to nickel and dime you with fees and the restaurants are all upscale with the prices to match. The island though is amazing. We found several great restaurants, pizza place, and diner that were all loved by the family. The access to the beach is the best thing about the Del. The pool has saltwater in it and I believe it was heated. They have an ice skating rink in the wintertime. We got a kick out of watching "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe because it was filmed at the Del. Jack Lemmon is great in that movie too. If you have any questions I can do my best to answer them.

PS. Warning!!!! My kids still talk about that trip. They want to go back this summer in the worst way. We are trying to do Northern California this year (Yosemite which we keep talking about every year!) and yet the kids still want to go to the del.

[Sarah84]

Just joined your pre trippie :wave2:

Sounds like a great trip you have planned so far, your itinerary looks good. I too am off to DLR this year for the first time but not untill september. Look forward to reading more about what you plan :)

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just joined your pre trippie :wave2:

Sounds like a great trip you have planned so far, your itinerary looks good. I too am off to DLR this year for the first time but not untill september. Look forward to reading more about what you plan :)

:goodvibes Welcome!

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

PS. Warning!!!! My kids still talk about that trip. They want to go back this summer in the worst way.

:thumbsup2 I am so glad to hear that.

Our children love the water (ocean, pool, bathtub, etc ... :rotfl:). This seems like the perfect resort for us. Initially, I was setting aside one night in San Diego on our way to Anaheim. Now, I may plan two nights at Hotel del Coronado. DH will appreciate it too. After driving from TX, he'll need a few days to relax before heading to DLR and the chaos of being in the parks. ;)

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:love: DH (Bill) came home yesterday with a little package for me. He has a co-worker that is from Hong Kong. He just came back from home. Guess what Bill asked him to get??????? That's right, Hong Kong Disneyland pins!!!!! :banana:

:hug: Thanks to a friend/fellow DISer we have Disneyland Paris and Tokyo pins. We have numerous WDW pins. Only one left ... Disneyland California. Little does Bill know. ;)

I plan to make a shadow box for the kids and put the Disney park pins in them. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:banana: Doing the hotels booked "happy dance"! :banana:

I booked our hotels for San Diego and Las Vegas yesterday. In San Diego (technically Coronado), we are staying at the Hotel del Coronado. With DH's work schedule, I could only work out one night in SD. :guilty: Better than nothing. In Vegas, we are staying at the Paris hotel and casino. :goodvibes Thank you for everyones input on San Diego. Looking at the pictures from the Trip Report, Hotel del Coronado seemed "perfect". :cloud9:

:cool1: Yea!!!! Everything is all booked. Can we go now?!?!?!?!? These next few months are going to be torture. Then again, planning is always half the fun for me. :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[Sarah84]

Congratulations on booking your hotels, so lucky to be staying in Hotel del Coronado it looks lovely :cloud9:

I love the planning too, i have spent so much time planning my trip for september :)

[TheTXTaylors5]

:banana: Believe it or not, I just bought our Disneyland souvenir t-shirts yesterday. There is a temporary store that set-up shop near us (Disney items up to 80% off). They will be there for the next 30 days. DH saw the banner driving home from work on Friday. I was out and about in the area and stopped by. Walking into the building, I was like a kid in a candy store. The merchadise was "authentic" park merchandise. Yes, authentic real Disneyland-logo merchandise. I was shocked. I thought it was going to be crappy rip-offs. It was like the shopping gods put this store there just for me. Most of the merchandise was from Disneyland, there were a few items from WDW. They had t-shirts, sweatshirts, pin-trading pins, 2008 Disney park scrapbooks, authentic park autograph books, cups, mugs, authentic stuffed animals (with the special tags you know they are from the parks), etc... They plan to get more merchandise this week. I plan to go back. I got everyone a Disneyland t-shirt (or two ;) ), Mickey doll with a Disneyland flag and a Disneyland pin-trading pin.

Here are some photos, so you can see exactly what I got:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009005-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009007-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009009-1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009010-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009008-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009011-1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009013-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Spring2009014-1.jpg

:thumbsup2 If this comes to your town, check it out! You won't be disappointed. Happy Shopping! :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[mikayla73]

That's great! What a lucky find!

[mariezp]

:thumbsup2 I will make sure to give a full report when we get back.

:santa: DH has been talking about going away for Christmas this year. I loved reading your TP and it has me interested in visiting DLR during the holidays too. My children would love Santa's Reindeer Round-up. Besides the HM being decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas decorations, do they do anything else special for the holidays at DLR? Do they have any special parties (like MVMCP at MK)?

:surfweb: Jennifer
I am going to hold you to that!
I am glad you enjoyed the trip report! It's always fun to know when someone else read it.
DL is so pretty during the holiday season! I think next time we go we will go for Christmas. As per my report, we did have fun times at the Reindeer Roundup. It will be nice to have a new BBQ place there, assuming this new birthday celebration place will be open.
The HM is pretty fun. My DD loves the NBC overlay and I have to admit that after I have been through it both ways I missed the music when it was just in the original version. DL does not have a MVMCP. They do the Candlelight Processional. They have special treats, lights, carolers and the snow but no other special events that I am aware of for Christmas. Still, something special about being in the park at that time of the year.

Congrats on making the Hotel del Coronado happen! I am turning green now!


Whoo-hoo! Great finds for you! Now... can you spill the beans on where the Disney store was? My DD went to the last one when it was in the area and I know she will want to hear about this one! Do you ever shop on Disneyshopping.com? They have some sweet deals on kids t-shirts pretty often too.

I was checking out your new tickers and it looks like we may be in WDW about the same time! Well..... that is assuming I can figure out what to do to plan a trip. It's like taking a trip to a whole new universe compared to DL! I am still deciding on dates but I am thinking maybe November 29-December 12. Any tips you can offer a beginner?

[TheTXTaylors5]

IWhoo-hoo! Great finds for you! Now... can you spill the beans on where the Disney store was? My DD went to the last one when it was in the area and I know she will want to hear about this one! Do you ever shop on Disneyshopping.com? They have some sweet deals on kids t-shirts pretty often too.

:ssst: The temporary Disney store is in Lewisville off I-35E. It is in the same shopping center as Garden Ridge and Toys R Us. I have bought a few items off Disneyshopping.com (Okay, a lot of items! :rotfl: ). I always head straight to the Outlet section. I've gotten pajamas for the kids for as little as $2.99 before. :banana: That sight is great! We have a local Disney Store Outlet at the Grapevine Mills Mall. They are ALWAYS having 70% off sales. Our favorite Disney Outlet is on our way to San Antonio. I can't remember if it is in San Marcos or Roundrock (I think San Marcos). It is the BEST Disney Outlet we have ever been to. If you are ever on your way to San Antonio, check it out! :goodvibes

I read reports that the Disney Outlet near Disneyland is NOT that good. Is that true? Is it worth the trip?

I was checking out your new tickers and it looks like we may be in WDW about the same time! Well..... that is assuming I can figure out what to do to plan a trip. It's like taking a trip to a whole new universe compared to DL! I am still deciding on dates but I am thinking maybe November 29-December 12. Any tips you can offer a beginner?

We arrive at WDW on Thanksgiving this year. We've been to WDW for the past four years for Thanksgiving, the week after Thanksgiving and attend a MVMCP. This year, we are hopping on a 4-Night Wonder cruise the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Then, back to WDW on Thursday for a few days. Being at WDW with all the holiday decorations always gets us in the Christmas spirit. :santa:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Here's a link (http://www.ams-liquidation.com/) to the company that offers the liquidation sales.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[mikayla73]

Thanks for the info. Looking at the locations it's the same people with the outlet store in Fullerton. I need to make sure to stop there when we are at DL this weekend. We got a great fold out map that is HUGE of DL from that store last time we went. It was marked way down so we bought it. We need to frame it and hang it up ... it is beautiful full color and thick paper. I'd love to find another one to hang up at work. I also wouldn't be worried about the one we have getting messed up... sorry probably too much info! I just can't help it I just love talking DL! :rotfl:

[TheTXTaylors5]

:rolleyes1 With our trip slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwly approaching. I have to humor myself on the DISboards somehow. Initially, that is why I started this thread. :rotfl:

Some "Taylor Tidbits" ...

DD6 recently started soccer. She has her first game this upcoming Saturday. I can't wait to see her out there. :cheer2:

:sad2: Currently, we are battling with a VERY stubborn three year old. I am ashamed to say, DS3 is not 100% potty-trained yet. What is it with boys? DD was so easy to train. But, the boys have been difficult. :headache: Any tips? He has to be FULLY trained by our Disney cruise in November. He hated Flounder's during our last cruise. :sad1: He cried just walking down the hallway. So, we couldn't leave him in there. He was inconsolable. One night, they made an exception in the Oceaneer's Club and let him stay while DH and I ate dinner at Palo. I do not want to go through that experience again.

pirate: DS8 wants to take up the guitar. DH used to play and DS8 wants to be like his Daddy.:love: Also, DS8 wants to start up with karate again. He took a break while playing football last year. Time has just gotten away from us and now he needs to get back with it. So, I'll be a busy chauffeur these next few months.

:moped: For DH's birthday last June, I bought him a motorcyle riding training course. He had always talked about getting a bike. So, I figured the class let him know I was okay with him getting a bike. He saved and bought a bike this past fall. He likes it. But, has already started hinting at getting a new bike or making modifications on his current bike for longer trips. He has co-workers that also have bikes. On Sundays, they take rides through the countryside. He wants to take an overnight roadtrip this spring. I'm fine with it as long as when he gets back, I can go out for a "Girls Only Night". :goodvibes

:banana: Recently, we rejoined the gym. However, I feel like I need to lose some weight before walking through the door. I know that seems weird. But, I always feel better going to the gym healthier.

I'm off to catch some zzzzzzzz :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[Brady's Mom]

I had to laugh (commiserate) at the potty training problem. I have potty trained 4 boys and didn't even start until after they were 3. I just knew they weren't ready. ;) He should be fine by Nov. though! You could always "bribe" him with how great it will be that he is big and won't have to go to the same place he did on your last cruise. :confused3 It could work.

My DH loves his motorcycle and constantly wishes for a Harley! LOL Too bad he's not getting one of those anytime soon! It is great in the spring, summer and early fall, though, because our gasoline costs are VERY low.

Good luck with the driving everyone to their activities, I estimate that I spend about 2 hours in the car every day. I drive our boys to a charter school that is 20 minutes away and then our DS 12 to some Martial Arts classes at a gym that he and I belong to. I drive myself to the same gym every morning for kickboxing classes. My 4 year old tells me constantly how boring it is to drive in the car. :laughing: I don't blame him though, I get pretty bored myself! At least he doesn't have to come with me for my 6 am class!

[TheTXTaylors5]

I drive our boys to a charter school that is 20 minutes away

:thumbsup2 Our DD6 goes to a Charter School too. DS8 was on the waiting list. But, never got in this year. So, he is homeschooled. They just had re-enrollment a few weeks ago and the school assured me that DS8 is guaranteed a spot for next school year. He is VERY excited. :banana: Only ONE student from this year did not re-enroll. I found that amazing. When the school opened it 2007, they offered K-4. Then, this year they expanded to 5th grade. This past winter, they announced at the Christmas Program that they are adding 6th grade for next school year. I think their ultimate goal is to offer K-12. I would be so happy if all three kids could be in such a great intimate school together until college. :dance3: The atmosphere of the Charter School was night and day from DS8's old Public School. Also, it feels more like our children are going to a private school without the cost. :thumbsup2 Whoever thought of Charter Schools was onto something. I saw the Principal the other day and she said when they offered open enrollment to the public, there were parents waiting outside the building at 6:30 am to enroll/get on a waiting list for next school year. :worship: I am so glad we got in when we did.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[pmama]

Just followed you over from the "WDW vets/ Disneyland newbies thread." I noticed that our next two trips are very similar in time frame but do not overlap. We will be going to DL the end of May for DD's birthday and are doing a 4 night Disney cruise and visiting WDW in December. Now, I'll have to go back and read your PTR!:goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just followed you over from the "WDW vets/ Disneyland newbies thread." I noticed that our next two trips are very similar in time frame but do not overlap. We will be going to DL the end of May for DD's birthday and are doing a 4 night Disney cruise and visiting WDW in December. Now, I'll have to go back and read your PTR!:goodvibes

:goodvibes Since you'll be at DLR before us, you'll definitely have to tell me how it goes. I am such a planner that I am a little freaked about the whole new environment of DLR (I'm just as equally excited.:cool1: ) I honestly can't wait to see the Fire Station with the light on. That is what I am most looking forward too. WDW has brought so many great memories to our family. :worship: I am VERY thankful to Walt for his vision of such great parks and true family entertainment. I know the WDW parks like the back of my hand. :rolleyes1 I am so neurotic, I printed a DLP and DCA map and have started to memorize them. Does anyone else print the park maps ahead of time to familiarize themselves with the parks?

:boat: We disembark the Wonder on December 3rd. Is that when you embark? :wave2: We could wave in passing. However, as much as we love Disney cruises, we may try and sneak into your suitcases. :rotfl:

Sorry the thread is already so long. I can get wordy. :laughing:

"Happy Reading!" :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:lmao: Poor DH, little does he know. I caught him pricing a WDW trip for DD6's Spring Break in a few weeks. I think he needs a Disney "fix" (and break from work :badpc:). However, ALL the onsite resorts are booked. I didn't think that was a good sign crowd-wise. :scared: It will be a madhouse. :confused3 I guess a lot of people took advantage of the 4/3 deal. We may be able to go, but stay off-site. Does anyone recommend any hotels near WDW? In the past, we have always stayed on-site. Oh wait! I take it back, they DID have rooms at the Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone stayed at either of those resorts? I know they are not owned by Disney, but enjoy the same on-property perks as other Disney guests. Also, any off-property hotel recommendations are appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help. Who knows, we may be in Orlando in three weeks. :cool1:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:worship: I have to give my DH some praise. :love: Somehow, he got us into the All Star Movies resort the week of March 16th. So, we are off to WDW in three weeks! :cool1:

DH reallly wanted to stay on-property. :banana: Somehow, he made it work. We've only stayed in a Value (ASMU) one other time for just one night (we got to WDW a day early). So, we know what to expect. It's a glorified motel with a Disney price.;) I honestly didn't care where we stayed. We'll be at the "Happiest Place on Earth!" :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:cold: It is chilly here today(40's). I have to brave the cold and sit outside to watching a bunch of 5 and 6 years olds run in a heard.:rotfl: DD6 has her first soccer game today. I gave DH a pass. He and the boys can stay home in the warmth of the house. :cloud9:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[pmama]

No we embark on the 13th of December for a four night! Congratulations on your spring break to WDW.:thumbsup2 Aren't you lucky. While DH loves Disney it is always me out pricing things convincing him we should go.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Okay our plans have changed once again. :rolleyes1

:cool1: We are heading to DISNEYLAND in three weeks(Okay, two weeks now)! DH was poking around on the internet again and found the adults pay the kids price for tickets at DLR. Then, he logged onto the AAA website to see if he could find a 4/3 WDW deal for his birthday in June. So here's our current and LAST change (I promise! ;) ):

Disneyland Hotel (March 15 - 19)
Port Orleans French Quarter (June 24 - July 1)

:sad1: I had to cancel the Hotel del Coronado and Las Vegas portions of the trip to make both these trips possible. I am sure we'll be back.

:banana: I called today and made our PS for DLR. We are having lunch at the Blue Bayou and breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen.

So much for trying to plan a surprise trip for DH's birthday. But, I got two Disney trips out of it. So, I can't complain too much. Two for the price of one. :laughing:

:happytv: DH is in the other room watching a Disneyland special we DVRd last year. He's my BIG kid. I think he's a little excited about the trip. :rotfl:

More updates to come . . . :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[mariezp]

Man, it was cold outside today here in Texas, wasn't it? I had the "pleasure" of watching a kids Jiu-Jitsu tournament most of the day today. We are sure glad that our DS has switched to an inside sport when the weather is bad!

So how'd the first soccer game go? Those little ones are always such fun to watch!

I'm sorry that you had to give up a portion of your trip that you were looking forward to. Hopefully, getting 2 trips out of the deal will be worth it. Maybe DH will stumble across another amazing deal and it will work out so you can make it to Las Vegas and San Diego at a later date.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Man, it was cold outside today here in Texas, wasn't it? I had the "pleasure" of watching a kids Jiu-Jitsu tournament most of the day today. We are sure glad that our DS has switched to an inside sport when the weather is bad!

So how'd the first soccer game go? Those little ones are always such fun to watch!

I'm sorry that you had to give up a portion of your trip that you were looking forward to. Hopefully, getting 2 trips out of the deal will be worth it. Maybe DH will stumble across another amazing deal and it will work out so you can make it to Las Vegas and San Diego at a later date.

At DD6's age, "technically" they don't keep score. But, the little girls did. Her team won (9-4)! :cheer2: She was so excited. I was pleasantly surprised that her teammates worked together. They weren't tackling each other like the other team. :rotfl: It was soooooo cold sitting outside. The wind blowing didn't help. Luckily, I sat with my back to the wind. That helped a little. :goodvibes

I hinted today that I really wanted to see the Grand Canyon on the way back home. So, we may still get to do that. There are some "buffer" days built-in. So, if we want to stay at DLR longer or actually take the longer way home (via Grand Canyon) we can. :cool1:

:wizard: I am on a quest to find a Passporter - Disneyland today. It was suppose to be delivered to the book stores in February. But, there was a delay. The Unofficial Guide just isn't cutting it for me. Off to B&N ...

:surfweb: Jennifer

[KCmike]

Sometimes I can find more stuff like Passporter at Borders Bookstore when Barnes and Noble doesn't have it.

[Brady's Mom]

:thumbsup2 Our DD6 goes to a Charter School too. DS8 was on the waiting list. But, never got in this year. So, he is homeschooled. They just had re-enrollment a few weeks ago and the school assured me that DS8 is guaranteed a spot for next school year. He is VERY excited. :banana: Only ONE student from this year did not re-enroll. I found that amazing. When the school opened it 2007, they offered K-4. Then, this year they expanded to 5th grade. This past winter, they announced at the Christmas Program that they are adding 6th grade for next school year. I think their ultimate goal is to offer K-12. I would be so happy if all three kids could be in such a great intimate school together until college. :dance3: The atmosphere of the Charter School was night and day from DS8's old Public School. Also, it feels more like our children are going to a private school without the cost. :thumbsup2 Whoever thought of Charter Schools was onto something. I saw the Principal the other day and she said when they offered open enrollment to the public, there were parents waiting outside the building at 6:30 am to enroll/get on a waiting list for next school year. :worship: I am so glad we got in when we did.

:surfweb: Jennifer

That's a bummer about your son not getting in this year. 2 of our boys go to the Charter school our other one is too little. Although, he thinks he should be able to go. My DS 12 goes to 7th grade - we go through 9th. I love the atmosphere there and DS 6 teacher is phenomenal. DS 12 will go to the regular Jr. High next year - he wants to take Jazz Band and a Foods class and those aren't offered where he is now. So, it will be another transition for him, but he thinks he can handle it. :)

Sorry to hear about some of your trip being shortened - but you are sooo lucky to get to go to WDW for a short trip and DLR in the same year. YAY for your family. I love our family memories and pics from our trips together.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Sometimes I can find more stuff like Passporter at Borders Bookstore when Barnes and Noble doesn't have it.

It's funny you mentioned that, DH got me the 2009 Passporter Disney World at Borders for Christmas. He said B&N was out.

:guilty: I came back home empty handed yesterday (Okay, I did buy the kids some books. Love those 75% off racks at Borders. But, no Passporter.). I tried Border AND B&N. The clerk at Borders told me it isn't coming out until early summer. Bummer. Too late for our trip. I even tried to find an older version (2006). None to be found. I am venturing out this afternoon to 1/2 Price Books in hopes of finding a used copy. Anything will help. Now that DH knows about a Disneyland trip. I let him read through my copy of the Unofficial Guide. He didn't like the book either. I'm glad it just wasn't me.

Also, after a DISers and the DIS Unplugged Podcast recommendation, we might subscribe to ridemax (http://www.ridemax.com/). DH and I are talking it over.

:sick: DD6 is home sick from school today. I assume being out in the cold at her soccer game on Saturday didn't help. I am soooooo glad she likes the "pink" medicine. She asks to take it! "Is it time for my medicine yet Mommy?" :rotfl: What do they put in it besides an antibiotic? :rolleyes1

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:cool1: I purchased a ridemax (http://www.ridemax.com/) subscription for Disneyland! For those that have used it, I have a few questions:

:confused: Why does it put in breaks where I don't want them?

:confused: How come it doesn't take parades and fireworks into consideration when creating a plan? It has us running all around the park from Fantasyland to New Orleans Square DURING the fireworks. Aren't there going to be crowds to get past to get to the other side of the park?!?!?!?!?!

:confused: It recommends getting to rope drop to ride the Nemo Subs first. Is there any other time during the day/evening others would recommend riding this? It is so slow loading and the ride itself takes a long time (14 minutes). We would lose precious first morning park time on Nemo if we did it first thing in the morning. Any suggestions?

:confused: Doesn't DCA open a half hour early for people to ride Soarin'? I thought I read that somewhere. But, the ridemax program has us riding TSM first thing in the morning. Why doesn't DCA have FPs for this ride like DHS? We've ridden it at DHS. So if the line is too long, we can bypass it. We'll be at WDW in June. Our main focus for that park is California Screamin' and Grizzly River Run (rides we can't ride at WDW).

:confused: How strict are the times listed on ridemax? We will have five tickets, with only two people riding the more adventurous rides at a time. So, we would get 2 FP for each ride (holding for two rides at once) and then do a Rider Swap. Is it possible to use the Rider Swap with FP like at WDW? I thought I read you would need a FP for EVERYONE riding (both with the FP and with the Rider Swap ticket.) Is that right or can we obtain just one FP for each FIRST rider and use only the Rider Swap for the second round of riders? Does that make sense?

:goodvibes Thank you in advance for any help with these questions. The faster the trip is approaching, the more questions I still to have. :rolleyes1

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

FYI:
AmericanItGirl posted these images on another thread. Maybe, the cat's out of the bag on the "Are You 23?" promo ...

http://www.stitchkingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/480255357_swn8w-xl.jpg
http://www.stitchkingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/d23pins.jpg

March 10th is the shareholders meeting. The same date for the "official" announcement. Coincidence, I think not! ;)

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

9 days until we depart Texas on our way to sunny California. :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

Look out Cali, here we come! :cool1:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[pmama]

The Unofficial Guide suggests doing the nemo subs during parade or fireworks. Get in line 15 min. before starting time of event.

[bumbershoot]

:wizard: I am on a quest to find a Passporter - Disneyland today. It was suppose to be delivered to the book stores in February. But, there was a delay. The Unofficial Guide just isn't cutting it for me. Off to B&N ...

:surfweb: Jennifer

Have you considered buying it directly from passporter (http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710048.aspx)?

On the site they have an Updates (http://www.passporter.com/dl/passporters-disneyland-book-updates.php) page that lists all the things that have changed since the book.

[TheTXTaylors5]

::MickeyMo The Taylor's Map to Fun in the Sun with Mickey and Friends! ::MinnieMo
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/CAMap.jpg

Itinerary
DAY 1
Depart Home (Texas) around 5:30 am
Arrive Phoenix, AZ for the night :cloud9:

DAY 2
Depart Phoenix, AZ
Arrive Anaheim, CA (Disneyland Hotel) :banana:
Dinner @ Bubba Gump Shrimp Company or DTD

DAY 3
(AM) Rope drop for DLP
(MID-DAY) DCA
(PM) Relax @ DLH. Early to bed for MM @ DLP next morning. :cloud9:

DAY 4
(AM) MM @ DLP (PS - Blue Bayou)
(MID-DAY) Back to DLH to swim and relax
(PM) Back to DLP for evening fireworks

DAY 5
(PS) Goofy's Kitchen - breakfast :goofy:
(AM) Rope drop for DCA
(PM) DLP (Last night at DLR. :guilty: )

DAY 6
Depart Anaheim, CA
Arrive Grand Canyon, AZ (visit the park for 2-3 hours)
Back on the road to Albuquerque, NM
Arrive Albuquerque, NM for the night :cloud9:

DAY 7
Depart Albuquerque, NM
Arrive Home (Texas) :sad1:

:scared: As you can see, it has us going pretty close to Mexico on our way to Anaheim. With all the craziness going on in Mexico lately. We will try and drive quickly through that area. ;)

DH plans on stopping in Phoenix on the way up for a quick nap, before pushing on to Anaheim. Can anyone in the Phoenix-area recommend decent/safe lodging?

On the way back home, we plan to stop in Albuquerque for a night. Any recommendations for lodging?

I can't believe how fast this trip is approaching! :scared1:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

The Unofficial Guide suggests doing the nemo subs during parade or fireworks. Get in line 15 min. before starting time of event.

:thumbsup2 We may try that. Believe it or not, it is DH that really wants to go on the Nemo Subs (not the kids). :rotfl: I told you he was my BIG kid! ;)

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Have you considered buying it directly from passporter (http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710048.aspx)?

On the site they have an Updates (http://www.passporter.com/dl/passporters-disneyland-book-updates.php) page that lists all the things that have changed since the book.

:thumbsup2 I'll check into it. Thanks for the link. :goodvibes However, I am a little worried to order something online and it not getting here in time. Also, I was under the impression the older Disneyland Passporter is not in print anymore. I'll have to see what they have.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:smickey: Reminder: Daylight Savings this weekend. Set your clock ahead an hour at 2 am Sunday morning. :hourglass

[TheTXTaylors5]

In case y'all want them for a Disneyland trip ...

From the Anaheim Orange County (http://www.anaheimoc.org/)website:

McDonald's - 10% Discount (Food Only) coupon (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/McDonalds08_v1.gif) (Anaheim location)
Rainforest Cafe - Free Appetizer or Save $5 off two breakfast entrees coupon (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/RainforestCafe_09v2.gif) (Anaheim location)
Disney's Character Warehouse Outlet Store - 10% Off Your Purchase coupon (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/DisneyCharacter08_v1.gif) (Fullerton location)

From the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (http://www.bubbagump.com/)website:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company - Free Smoothie coupon (http://www.bubbagump.com/promotions/smoothie.html)(take the survey, print the free coupon)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:cool1: I can't believe this time next week, we'll be on the road to Disneyland. :cool1:

7 days until the Taylors hit the road to where it all started! :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

A Disney-related Sweepstakes ...

Celebrate Your Dream Sweepstakes (https://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/DSISweepStakesLandingFormDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10054&catalogId=10001&storeFrontId=10054&sweepStakesType=Celebrate)- sponsored by The Disney Store (March 2, 2009 - March 29, 2009)
Official Rules (http://aimg.dsi.go.com/content/misc/sweeps/Celebrate/rules.html)

FYI - Only one entry per person/email address.

Good luck DISers! :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

6 days until we get to "Walk in Walt's Footsteps"! :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

Anyone still out there? ;)

I still have some things to sort out before the trip. There is the saying ... "So much to do, so little time." :headache: It is so true. :woohoo: I pulled out our suitcases this morning. However, the only thing in them right now is our bathing suits. If we don't have anything else, at least we can swim. :rotfl:

Is there anything "special" you pack for a DLR trip?

:surfweb: Jennifer

[mariezp]

Hi Jennifer! :yay:
I apologize for having "abandoning you in your hour of need".... so close to your trip. I should have been here for you cheering you on! I've been self absorbed in the overwhelming task of pre-planning our first trip to WDW. Let me tell you, honey! If you have mastered WDW, Disneyland is gonna be a breeze!

Anyway... I am going to scan back thru your posts since the last time I posted to see if I have anything to offer. Hmmm....

Bubba Gump is an excellent choice for a first meal. We loved it! Blue Bayou is our other favorite choice too!

I wish I could offer you some info on using Ridemax but we always stay so many days we have never had a need for planning much beyond dining. With 3 days in the park it would definitely be different. It IS possible that it does take parades and fireworks into consideration when creating a plan and that is why it has you running all over the park to make optimum use of that time while everyone else is watching the shows. You can get from Fantasyland to New Orleans Square without going through those crowds via Big Thunder Trail. Now, Fantasmic crowds are a different story.

Again, we don't generally make rope drop. I travel with a lazy bunch. But if my memory serves me correct most people recommend NOT using your early morning time for NEMO, well, unless you are a track star and don't mind out running the crowds. We have found the best time to ride Nemo is late in the evening, right before closing time. Aside from that, I would just pass by every now and then to see if I might stumble by chance upon a shorter line. If your DH wants to ride it, by all means, be sure to humor him!

I've never tried it but I do remember reading that CA often opens early for Soarin. TSM's line does get long fast and Soarin offers Fastpass so I would assume that's why they head you to TSM first. Both great rides, BTW! Grizzly and Screamin both offer Fastpass so you can stock up on Fastpasses and make your plans from there. Keep in mind that you don't have to return at the specified time... just any time AFTER they are valid. I am pretty sure you could just get the 2 Fastpasses and use the rider swap passes for the other 2. I don't know if you would like riding alone but my DS just said the single rider lines are awesome!

I hope ya'll have great trip!

[TheTXTaylors5]

3 days until we bask in the warmth of the California sun! :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

:guilty: It is a miserably cold day here today in the DFW area. :umbrella: Rainy and cold. :cold: A big change from the past 80 degree days. Come Saturday, we'll be ready for CA. :cool2:

Today's Goals:
:thumbsup2 Get the car cleaned. It is always nice to travel in a clean car inside and out. However due to the rain, I may put off the exterior until Friday.
:thumbsup2 Put air in the tires (if needed). I just had an oil change, new tires, new battery and new brake pads installed within the past two months. The car is ready for the road!
:thumbsup2 Get more items put into the suitcases. Our bathing suits are still the only items in them. All our "vacation clothes" are clean. I just need to get them organized and packed.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[Brady's Mom]

3 days until we bask in the warmth of the California sun! :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

:guilty: It is a miserably cold day here today in the DFW area. :umbrella: Rainy and cold. :cold: A big change from the past 80 degree days. Come Saturday, we'll be ready for CA. :cool2:

Today's Goals:
:thumbsup2 Get the car cleaned. It is always nice to travel in a clean car inside and out. However due to the rain, I may put off the exterior until Friday.
:thumbsup2 Put air in the tires (if needed). I just had an oil change, new tires, new battery and new brake pads installed within the past two months. The car is ready for the road!
:thumbsup2 Get more items put into the suitcases. Our bathing suits are still the only items in them. All our "vacation clothes" are clean. I just need to get them organized and packed.

:surfweb: Jennifer

I had to laugh at the stuff not in your suitcases - normally I would still be doing the last minute laundry to be able to put the stuff in the suitcases. ;)

Have you thought about sorting your vacation clothes into "outfits"? We did this our last 2 trips. Everything together - socks, underwear, shirt, shorts and then rolled them up in a roll and put them in the suitcase. It worked great. Then whomever pulled something out of the suitcase didn't mess up all of the other stuff in there. I only have boys, though. So my Dsis puts her girl stuff in a ziploc with hair thingy's and accessories, too. Which makes me laugh, because I NEVER think of those sort of things. KWIM??

I hope you have a great trip! :drive: Safe driving!

[TheTXTaylors5]

2 days until we start hearing "Are we there yet?" :wizard: :wizard:

Another gloomy day in the Texas. :cool2: It is suppose to clear up when we depart. Go figure. :upsidedow

Here's the weather forecast for our Disneyland trip:

Sunday: Hi 66 Lo 49/Fair :cool2:
Monday: Hi 74 Lo 53/Clear :sunny:
Tuesday: Hi 78 Lo 53/Clear :sunny:
Wednesday: Hi 77 Lo 52/Cloudy :cloud9:
Thursday: Hi 76 Lo 54/Fair :cool2:

:cool1: Looks like a nice week in Anaheim! We've had warmer weather here in Texas last week. But, our unheated pool is still too chilly to swim in. I hope the pool at the hotel is heated. ;)

Today's "Must Do" List:
:thumbsup2 Get a new air freshener for my minivan.
I got one of those little canister ones you place in the car, pineapple scent. :scared1: It is driving DS8 crazy. He can't stand the smell. So, we are on a quest today to find a scent he does approve. I don't want to hear whining the whole way. :faint:

:thumbsup2 Continue packing.
I now have t-shirts and some toiletries packed. Slowly, but surely, the suitcases are getting filled. Last year, we bought a Mickey-head suitcase set from disneyshopping.com. I love pulling that set out. Seeing the Mickey heads, always gets me in the "Disney-spirit". ::MickeyMo

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Have you thought about sorting your vacation clothes into "outfits"?

:goodvibes Brady's Mom - Thank you for the packing tip. I thought I was the only one that did that. Usually, when we go to WDW and a DCL cruise, I make sure we have enough outfits and put them all together like you mentioned. It does help. I may try it again for this trip.

Thanks again! :flower3:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/CAMap.jpg
Bill (DH) has decided we are NOT driving the southern route to Anaheim. Juarez seems to be a hot-bed of the drug war fighting on the U.S.-Mexico border. With our initial map, we would pass right through Juarez. We don't want to chance it. So, we are taking the northern route to and from California. Better to be safe than sorry.

From The Dallas Morning News:
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico
... "Since the beginning of the year, Juárez has suffered an onslaught of killings – 72 as of Wednesday – most of them tied to organized crime. They are the result of a bloody fight for control of drug distribution routes to U.S. cities, including Dallas. And U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials say the worst is yet to come.

Separately, Mexican officials on Wednesday announced the discovery of eight bodies buried at a Juárez warehouse.

The surge in violence is generating much concern across the border in El Paso – worries buttressed by a recent El Paso Times/News Channel 9 poll that showed 64 percent of El Paso residents fear that Juárez violence is spilling into the U.S.

U.S. and Mexican officials warn that Juárez is all too quickly facing the fate of Nuevo Laredo, where a bitter cartel feud in the last five years over transportation routes has left hundreds dead and sent businesses fleeing to Laredo, Texas." ...

There is more, but you get the idea.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

1 day until the anticipation is over! :wizard:

:woohoo: DH purchased our Disneyland 4-Day Park Hoppers online today. There's no turning back now! ;) You see correctly "4-Day Park Hoppers"! Since we're not going to Legoland this trip, DH surprised me and added an extra Disneyland park day. Yay! More Disney fun to be had. :cool1:

Today's "To Do List":

:thumbsup2 Drop our DISdog off at the boarder.
:thumbsup2 Go to Game Stop to see if I can find any cheap/used DS games.
:thumbsup2 Fill-up the car
:thumbsup2 Get cash from the bank
:thumbsup2 Get the exterior of minivan washed (Hopefully, the rain will stay away today.)
:thumbsup2 Pick-up last minute things from Target (batteries, snacks, caffeine for DH, etc...)
:thumbsup2 Pick-up DD8 from school
:thumbsup2 Finish packing
:thumbsup2 Go insane

Wish me luck! :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[javamoma]

Have a great trip. I too am am WDWer who is thinking of switching coasts next trip. Can't wait to hear your post trip report! :thumbsup2

[Sarah84]

Have a wonderful trip and hope you dont go to insane waiting for the day to be over :)

[javamoma]

We were in Dallas last week visitng family and the temporary Disney consinment outlet store in Lewisville is still open! We found great deals. Thanks for the tip.

BTW, my husband is from Denton and we have family all over Dallas and up in Corinth by you!

Hope you are having a great trip and can't wait to hear all about it!

[TheTXTaylors5]

:sad1: We are back home. :cool1: What an amazing trip!!!!!! :cool1:

Some Trip Highlights:
Seeing the light on in the Fire Station. (Thanks Walt!)
Seeing the fireworks from our hotel room (Disneyland Hotel - Magic building)
Eating riverside at the Blue Bayou.
Eating at the Storytellers Cafe - Chip 'n Dale Critter Breakfast @ GCH. Great character interaction. (We never made it to Goofy's Kitchen. I'll explain that in my TR).
Riding in the back and front of the monorail. (When it was working. ;))
Riding the "original" PoTC with my family. (Great ride. Definitely better than the WDW version. IMO)
Riding California Screamin' (Great ride! Loved it!)
Special "Fast Pass" card (I'll explain that in my TR).
Seeing the Grand Canyon with the children.
Seeing a wild coyote run in front of us at the Grand Canyon.
Driving through snow flurries in New Mexico. (We live in Texas. So, anytime we see snow is a treat.)

:thumbsup2 I will load the pictures onto the computer and then compose a Trip Report soon.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Some Observations:

Churros, churros, churros. They are EVERYWHERE. But, so yummy!

I've heard numerous times that Disneyland is a locals park. We found that to be so true. 99% of the people we encountered were Southern Californians. Which makes the parks crowded no matter what time of year you visit. Both parks were crowded during our visit. But, we still didn't wait more than 20 minutes for a ride, except for Nemo Subs. Using FPs and riding the more popular rides in the morning helps in touring efficiently. The parks were definitely more crowded after 11 am.

Disney's California Adventure is a mess. But, we see their vision for the future and can't wait to see it completed. We plan to return when the renovations are completed. Next year, the water show should start. It is going to have lights on the water like Fantasmic! at DHS and also a water show like the Bellagio in Vegas. It looks like it will be an amazing show. We can't wait to go back and see it. In 2012, Cars Land should be completed. A nice CM told us that the Cars ride will be like Test Track. But, your car races the one next to you. It should be fun.

:sad2: There always seemed to be a ride closure somewhere. While at DLR the following rides/attractions were down at least once:

Monorail
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Indiana Jones Adventure
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Grizzly River Run

:thumbsup2 Rides/Attractions we liked at DLR better than WDW:

Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Jungle Cruise
It's a Small World
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Mickey's Toontown

:surfweb: Jennifer

[Kalamazoo Dutchman]

You couldn't have picked a nicer week weather-wise to visit. I'm glad to hear you had an amazing trip. Can't wait to read you're report. Being a new local here, I would have to agree with you on the locals comment. It seems that a lot of people I've met here in southern Cal have annual passes. Disney has such great deals for locals!

[TheTXTaylors5]

:woohoo: Last night, I finished my scrapbook from this trip. Now, I can start my Trip Report ...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/TX-AZ.jpg
Day 1 (Saturday)

We planned on leaving home around 5/5:30 am. After being up late finishing up laundry and last minute packing, I didn't get to bed until 1 am. Needless to say, we didn't leave at 5 am. It was closer to 6:00 am. We got everything in the car, sat down and turned the GPS on, it wasn't working. :sad2: DH figured there was a fuse short and would keep his eyes open for a Radio Shack on the way. I honestly never knew what Radio Shack was for. You see them everywhere. But, how often do you shop there? DH said he could get us into Arizona without the GPS, good thing. Why is it when you need something, you can't find it anywhere. We went from Texas into New Mexico and still didn't find a RS. We finally found one in Arizona.

:scared1: We saw an amazing site in west Texas going into New Mexico ... SNOW!!!!! There was snow on the ground. We hardly ever see snow. So, this was a treat. I even saw a family stop off at a rest area and were making a pretty large snowman. That was a sight. It was all beautiful until, it started to snow. Poor DH had to drive through snow flurries. Of course that makes traffic drive slowly.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200901-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200902-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200901-2.jpg

It was amazing seeing the scenery change from state to state. We both agreed, Arizona is beautiful. There were parts where we felt like we were in the Cars movie. The mesas are amazing. We made it to Flagstaff, Arizona for the night. :cloud9: We found a great Hilton Garden Inn with a great view of the mountains. Flagstaff is beautiful.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200903-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200904-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200992-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200902-2.jpg

[TheTXTaylors5]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/AZ-CA.jpg
Day 2 (Sunday)

When we awoke this morning, we all had a little extra pep in our step. I didn't have to ask anyone to get up more than once. We knew later on, we'd be in California and Disneyland. :cool1:

:confused: When we approached the Arizona-California border we saw a sign about a checkpoint. When we pulled up, they asked if we had any fruits, vegetables or plants. What is that about? I felt like I was coming back from Mexico. After going through the desert, which felt like forever, we made one last pit-stop at the Barstow Station (Barstow, CA). Next stop ... Anaheim! :cool2:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009054.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009053.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200905-1.jpg

[TheTXTaylors5]

We arrived in Anaheim on a Sunday. So, we didn't run into too much traffic on the CA freeways. However, once we got off the freeway, this is what we encountered ...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009069.jpg
(bumper to bumper traffic)

It was such a tease to finally get to Anaheim and have to sit in traffic. We drove past the parking garage that said Full. We knew today was NOT a day to be in the parks. So, we planned to explore our hotel and Downtown Disney.

Seeing this sign made our anticipation grow.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009067.jpg The sweetest sight all day ... http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009073.jpg

We finally arrive at the Disneyland Hotel around 4 PM. Time for some Disney fun! :banana:

[Brady's Mom]

More, More!! popcorn:: Can't wait to read more!!! :upsidedow

[Sarah84]

Great start and lovely picture esp the ones of the mountains. Look forward to reading more :)

[TheTXTaylors5]

At first, we were a litte skeptical on paying the extra money to stay "on-site". Everyone kept saying Disneyland is not like Disney World and you don't need to stay at a Disney-owned hotel. When we pulled up to the Disneyland Hotel, I knew we made the right choice. We loved this hotel. It was iconic Disney with a huge Mickey statue greeting us out front. We were "home".
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009576.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009573.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009584.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200958-1.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009074.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009082.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009077.jpg
I love the Mickey hand sconces. I want some for home.

Our room was located in the main tower (Magic Tower). When we entered our room, we were a little disappointed with the view. We overlooked the front entrance. We booked a "standard view". So, we shouldn't have expected anything better (ie: parks view or pool view). We were pleasantly surprised with our view at night (later on that ;)). Initially, I hoped to go off-site for dinner at Bubba Gump's. But once DH parked our car in the far, far, far away Disneyland Hotel parking lot, he decided the van was staying there until we left. We ventured a "few steps" away from our hotel to Downtown Disney. It was crowded beyond belief. Be browsed and decided it was too crowded for us. So, we headed back to our room. We tempted with the idea of just ordering room service for dinner. But, the prices (like most resort room service) were outrageous. So, I left DH with DD6 and DS3 in the room to relax, while DS8 and I took off back to DTD to find some reasonably priced food. We ended up getting take-out at the Cajun (Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Express) restaurant. I ordered the jambalya (It was okay. The boxed Zatarain's is better. IMO), the kids got popcorn chicken and I ordered DH a burger. Also, you can't go there and not get some beignets for dessert. DH opened the beignet bag and was sad because they didn't add any powdered sugar. He ate a plain one anyways. After my meal when I went to eat dessert, I noticed a white residue at the bottom of the beignets bag. There was powdered sugar in there after all. You have to shake the bag to get the beignets coated in the sugary goodness. So, if you ever get their beignets, make sure to shake the bag. :rotfl:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200962-1.jpg

After dinner, we noticed it was almost time for the DLP fireworks. We could make out the very tip of Splash Mountain from our room. So, we hoped to get a glimpse of the fireworks. We had a perfect view for the DLP fireworks. The hotel plays the "Remember... Dreams Come True" fireworks music on the tv every night. So, we put the tv on, turned off all the lights and opened our patio door. It was a perfect end to our first night at the DLR. :cloud9:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 3 (Monday)

:cool1: This was to be our first time in the parks. Our plan was to get to DLP at rope drop. That didn't happen. We slept in and made DCA our first park of the day. There are many instances this trip where our itinerary went out the window. Being flexible helped make this trip a success. :goodvibes

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DLR1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009219.jpg The obligatory kids on the letters. ;)

We casually walked through DTD (it took on a different vibe without the crowds) and arrived at the DCA turnstiles around 9:30 am (the park officially opened at 10 am). We bought our tickets online and handed the CM our pieces of paper. They in turn handed us our park tickets. It worked out great. They printed our tickets right at the turnstile. I'd read about getting into DCA early to ride Soarin'. It was up and running at 9:30 am with a pretty short line. I believe they have two rooms (unlike the one at Epcot). So, I am sure that makes the lines go faster too. They had both screens running that morning. We rode it as a family. This was DS3's first time on Soarin'. Let just say, we felt bad for the people around us. We were the people with the screaming three year old on Soarin'. Once again, sorry to the folks around us. We'll wait another year before we try and get him on it again. After Soarin', DH and DD6 went off to get in line for California Screamin'. To make up the "bad ride" (as he calls it now) to DS3, we visited with Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. They were right across from Soarin' with NO LINE!!!! We have tried to catch them at DHS. But, the line is always too long. So, seeing them with no line was a nice treat.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009201.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009198.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009093.jpg DS8 and DS3

We walked over to Paradise Pier to meet back up with DH and DD6. We waited a few minutes and then DH came out with a pouty DD6. She got through the whole line and was about to board when a CM re-measured her. She was too short. We got her a card to re-ride when she is taller. I got a Rider Swap from the CM while DH got back in line to ride. Once he got back, I rode. It was so much fun. This is my favorite ride at DCA. The take-off is fun with all the people on the boardwalk watching you. It reminded me of RNR @ DHS. But, outside and with whimsical music.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009104.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200918-1.jpg DH getting ready to scream on California Screamin'

The water was still drained near Paradise Pier. The lake was a construction site. They had walls all along the way from PP to the mainland with a map of the renovations. We can't wait to see it completed. The water show is suppose to be up and running next year. It was described to us as part Fantasmic! (like at DHS) and part water show like at the Bellagio in Vegas. There are going to be pictures generated onto the water to tell stories. Looks pretty neat. Also, the other major change will be Carsland. The main focal point will be a car ride, kind of like Test Track @ Epcot. But, your car races the guest-filled car next to you. I can't wait to go back in 2011/2012 when it should be completed. My main questions is, where are they getting the land to do the project? Are they taking more precious parking spaces away near the Paradise Pier Hotel? The map was pretty vague of the size of the addition.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009122.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009111.jpg

Grizzly River Rapids
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009194.jpg
We never got to ride GRR during our trip. On this day they were NOT offering FPs. Then later in the trip whey they DID offer FPs, it was down. Another ride to experience next time.

[thmar]

This is great...excited to read more. We'll be going in May with a 3 year old and 1 year old. Also I love the photos.

[TheTXTaylors5]

A surprise pleasure at DCA was A Bug's Land. It was well themed and cool back there on the 80 degree day. Only problem I had with it was that ToT was in the background looming. We had fun on all the rides. It was very appropriate for DS3. But, I think DD6 had an even better time.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009162.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009128.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009150.jpg

By this time, we were getting hungry. So, we made our way to Hollywood Pictures Backlot. DH, DD6 and DS3 all got a hot dogs from Award Wieners. While DS8 and I munched on a turkey sandwich and pineapple. That fresh pineapple was the best pineapple I have ever eaten. It was very refreshing. After lunch, we ventured over to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride. This is a must ride for any Monster, Inc. fan. We all loved it. We meant to go back on another day and re-ride it. But, we ran out of time. :thumbsup2 This was another surprise "plus" for us at DCA. After, the ride we let the kids take pictures with the Wall-E cut-out that wasn't too far away.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009163.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009165.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009168.jpg

We felt it was time to head out and back to the hotel and relax before an evening at DLP. Upon exiting, DH went to DLP to get FPs for Space Mountain and Indy for later that night. We met back up with him in the room.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009158.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009252.jpg

After a rest, we decided to check out the hotel pool (Neverland Pool). Even though the temperature was high, the air still seemed chilly (weird). So, we were cold at first but got use to it. We played around for about an hour and a half. The pool was nice at first glance. But once we got in, it was just another pool. The pirate ship is just to look at and our children got bored on the slide after their second time down. Maybe, they are spoiled with a pool at home. Then, we went back up to get redressed for an evening at Disneyland park.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009606.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200961-1.jpg

[TheTXTaylors5]

The Disneyland Hotel's Crocs and Bites was under construction while we were there. So, dinner wasn't going to be a quick and easy thing every night. I only made two PS before arriving at DLR (Goofy's Kitchen and Blue Bayou). We didn't have a plan for dinner that night. So, we called to make a PS at Goofy's Kitchen (full), then for Rainforest Cafe (You have to call a separate phone number. No availability.).

Finally, we got a PS for Naples in DTD. I had read mixed reviews on this restaurant. The service was amazing. They even have a person that goes around and makes balloon animals for the children. However, the food was subpar. We started with the calamari appetizer. Personally, I found it to be undercooked. DH and I split a pizza. It was burnt on the bottom. But, still somewhat edible. Not the best pizza I've had. It definitely was NOT worth the steep price. :sad2:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009257.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009256.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009254.jpg
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After dinner, we walked through DTD to the front gate of Disneyland park. This will be our first time walking down the "original" Main Street. I honestly had butterflies in my stomach as we went through the turnstiles. I've watched every single Disneyland special on tv. But, nothing prepared me for the true real-life beauty of Disneyland park. :cloud9:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009234.jpg

[DangerMouse]

A surprise pleasure at DCA was A Bug's Land. It was well themed and cool back there on the 80 degree day. Only problem I had with it was that ToT was in the background looming.

On our segway tour of DCA this month, the CM tour guide explained to us that Bug's Land is intentionally themed to appear as though it is in the backyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. :idea: Oh! It made much more sense to me after she said that.

[tinkermell]

Day 3
:cool1:This was to be our first time in the parks. Our plan was to get to DLP at rope drop. That didn't happen. We slept in and made DCA our first park of the day. There are many instances this trip where our itinerary went out the window. Being flexible helped make this trip a success. :goodvibes

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009219.jpg The obligatory kids on the letters. ;)

Always a must! :goodvibes

We casually walked through DTD (it took on a different vibe without the crowds) and arrived at the DCA turnstiles around 9:30 am (the park officially opened at 10 am). We bought our tickets online and handed the CM our pieces of paper. They in turn handed us our park tickets. It worked out great. They printed our tickets right at the turnstile. I'd read about getting into DCA early to ride Soarin'. It was up and running at 9:30 am with a pretty short line. I believe they have two rooms (unlike the one at Epcot). So, I am sure that makes the lines go faster too. They had both screens running that morning. We rode it as a family. This was DS3's first time on Soarin'. Let just say, we felt bad for the people around us. We were the people with the screaming three year old on Soarin'. Once again, sorry to the folks around us. We'll wait another year before we try and get him on it again. After Soarin', DH and DD6 went off to get in line for California Screamin'. To make up the "bad ride" (as he calls it now) to DS3, we visited with Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. They were right across from Soarin' with NO LINE!!!! We have tried to catch them at DHS. But, the line is always too long. So, seeing them with no line was a nice treat.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009093.jpg DS8 and DS3

We walked over to Paradise Pier to meet back up with DH and DD6. We waited a few minutes and then DH came out with a pouty DD6. She got through the whole line and was about to board when a CM re-measured her. She was too short. We got her a card to re-ride when she is taller. I got a Rider Swap from the CM while DH got back in line to ride. Once he got back, I rode. It was so much fun. This is my favorite ride at DCA. The take-off is fun with all the people on the boardwalk watching you. It reminded me of RNR @ DHS. But, outside and with whimsical music.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009104.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200918-1.jpg DH getting ready to scream on California Screamin'

The water was still drained near Paradise Pier. The lake was a construction site. They had walls all along the way from PP to the mainland with a map of the renovations. We can't wait to see it completed. The water show is suppose to be up and running next year. It was described to us as part Fantasmic! (like at DHS) and part water show like at the Bellagio in Vegas. There are going to be pictures generated onto the water to tell stories. Looks pretty neat. Also, the other major change will be Carsland. The main focal point will be a car ride, kind of like Test Track @ Epcot. But, your car races the guest-filled car next to you. I can't wait to go back in 2011/2012 when it should be completed. My main questions is, where are they getting the land to do the project? Are they taking more precious parking spaces away near the Paradise Pier Hotel? The map was pretty vague of the size of the addition.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009122.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009111.jpgTHey are taking out the Timon Parking Lot behind the park, for this addition!


After dinner, we walked through DTD to the front gate of Disneyland park. This will be our first time walking down the "original" Main Street. I honestly had butterflies in my stomach as we went through the turnstiles. I've watched every single Disneyland special on tv. But, nothing prepared me for the true real-life beauty of Disneyland park. :cloud9:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009234.jpgHow sweet!:goodvibes

I'm loving your report. All the pictures are great!

[TheTXTaylors5]

We entered Main Street around 7 PM. It was dark enough to see the light on in the Fire Station. I know most DISers know the significance of the light. I wonder how many other park goers know? Many people were bustling in and out of the park walking quickly past the Fire Station. We stopped and had a moment in front of the Fire Station to thank Walt. We've had numerous wonderful vacations at WDW and on DCL. DH has a very high-stress IT job. So, truly escaping "the real world" within the Disney walls makes for a great stress reliever. We don't watch the news while on vacation and DH doesn't check his work email. The laptop stays home. This is our family time. Walking through the turnstile, DH and I revert to being kids again and have good wholesome fun with our children. I know we are creating wonderful memories for our children. DS3 said Mickey not too long after he said Mama. That's a life-long Disney fan in the making. ;)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009271.jpg
Sorry my camera takes awful night shots.

Some daytime Fire Station pictures:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009652.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009659.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009664.jpg

Seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle for the first time, I was in awe. It was beautifully lit up. Walking down Main Street was surreal. All the planning had finally come to fruition. I was really at Disneyland. Before our trip, I read numerous posts from MK vets going to DLP and trying to compare the two parks. You just can't. This is the "original park". DH and I both felt the castle fit the park perfectly. We weren't disappointed at all.
Some daytime DLP pictures:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009644.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009637.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009669.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009286.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009682.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009285.jpg

Our first mission was The Matterhorn Bobsleds. After the Soarin' fiasco with DS3 earlier in the day, we didn't force him on the ride. So, DH took DD6 (our no-fear child) while I went to ride Buzz with DS8 and DS3. This was our first of seven rides on Buzz during the trip. It was DS3's favorite ride at DLR. He could have ridden it over and over if you let him. It was his first and last ride at DLP. We met back up with DH. So, I could ride The Matterhorn too. DD6 looked like she had been crying. DH said she cried through the whole ride. He said as soon as you go up the hill you hear a loud roar and that is when she started to freak out. This is a girl who has been on Expedition Everest at DAK four times. DH said there are a few more Yeti's on The Matterhorn (three to the one on EE). I guess our family must be the only family in the states that doesn't like The Matterhorn. DH said he didn't like it either. :guilty: I didn't get to ride it this trip. We ran out of time. There's always next time.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009325.jpg

We all got into line and rode Buzz together. I love that you can take the laser-gun off the car. It's easier to maneuver and shoot than the one at MK.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009363.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200935-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009535.jpg

We needed to get as far away as possible from the mountain. So, we headed towards Indiana Jones Adventure. We made a pit-stop and got some FPs for BTMRR. After that, we made our way through the crowds into Adventureland. We passed right by the Dole Whip stand. But, the line was too long. That is a staple in my WDW diet. ;) DH and DS8 rode Indy with the earlier obtained FP and I got a Rider Swap. The Rider Swap tickets are different than the ones at WDW. The DLR ones are a square piece of paper with the ride logo on it. Also, they have a recommendation to do with the non-riding child. Like the Indy one recommended enjoying the Enchanted Tiki Room. It's a great idea to offer a suggestion. DD6 and DS3 just played with the pretend snakes and toys at the shop nearby. I got to ride with DS8 when they were through. The queue for this ride is fascinating. DS8 was acting like my guide and showing me what he had seen during his first trip through. This ride is 100% better than Dinosaur at DAK. They both have the same ride-vehicle. But, Indy utilizes it better and the story-line is better. Pretty cool ride. I'm glad we rode it when we did. It was down the next night.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009289.jpg

After Indy, we made our way back to BTMRR. By this time it was almost time for the fireworks (9:25 PM). DD6 and I got into line to ride. DH took the boys to find a place nearbly to watch the fireworks. When we made it up to the loading platform the fireworks started. We hopped into a car and watched the fireworks from the ride. DH and DS8 had done this at MK before. Now, we got to experience it too. It was so cool being that close to the fireworks. You could see where they shoot them out.

After the fireworks, DS8 said he wanted to ride Haunted Mansion. So, we made our way to New Orleans Square. DH and DS8 went to ride. While I walked around with DD6 and DS3 (who was asleep in the stroller). I found a nice little plaza across from the HM with plenty of empty benches and a waterfountain. It was off the beaten path. A nice peaceful place to sit at the end of a park-filled day.

We decided to skip Space Mountain with our FPs this night. Good thing, I later found out it was down that night. We were tired and needed to get the kids in bed. Tomorrow was a Magical Morning. We slowly made our way down Main Street. One last nod to the light on in the Fire Station. Good night Walt! :cloud9:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 4 (Tuesday)

Soon to come ... Magical Morning at Disneyland park, lunch riverside at the Blue Bayou, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and special FastPass ticket. Oh my! :goodvibes

[pmama]

Great start.:thumbsup2 I agree that is a brilliant idea to print ideas on the child swap cards. That would really come in handy, especially for first time visitors. Sounds like my 5 yo would be just as scared on the Matterhorn. She loves thrill rides but not rides that scare.

[javamoma]

We entered Main Street around 7 PM. It was dark enough to see the light on in the Fire Station. I know most DISers know the significance of the light. I wonder how many other park goers know? Many people were bustling in and out of the park walking quickly past the Fire Station. We stopped and had a moment in front of the Fire Station to thank Walt. We've had numerous wonderful vacations at WDW and on DCL. DH has a very high-stress IT job. So, truly escaping "the real world" within the Disney walls makes for a great stress reliever. We don't watch the news while on vacation and DH doesn't check his work email. The laptop stays home. This is our family time. Walking through the turnstile, DH and I revert to being kids again and have good wholesome fun with our children. I know we are creating wonderful memories for our children. DS3 said Mickey not too long after he said Mama. That's a life-long Disney fan in the making. ;)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009271.jpg
Sorry my camera takes awful night shots.

Some daytime Fire Station pictures:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009652.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009659.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009664.jpg

Seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle for the first time, I was in awe. It was beautifully lit up. Walking down Main Street was surreal. All the planning had finally come to fruition. I was really at Disneyland. Before our trip, I read numerous posts from MK vets going to DLP and trying to compare the two parks. You just can't. This is the "original park". DH and I both felt the castle fit the park perfectly. We weren't disappointed at all.
Some daytime DLP pictures:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009644.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009637.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009669.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009286.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009682.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009285.jpg

Our first mission was The Matterhorn Bobsleds. After the Soarin' fiasco with DS3 earlier in the day, we didn't force him on the ride. So, DH took DD6 (our no-fear child) while I went to ride Buzz with DS8 and DS3. This was our first of seven rides on Buzz during the trip. It was DS3's favorite ride at DLR. He could have ridden it over and over if you let him. It was his first and last ride at DLP. We met back up with DH. So, I could ride The Matterhorn too. DD6 looked like she had been crying. DH said she cried through the whole ride. He said as soon as you go up the hill you hear a loud roar and that is when she started to freak out. This is a girl who has been on Expedition Everest at DAK four times. DH said there are a few more Yeti's on The Matterhorn (three to the one on EE). I guess our family must be the only family in the states that doesn't like The Matterhorn. DH said he didn't like it either. :guilty: I didn't get to ride it this trip. We ran out of time. There's always next time.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009325.jpg

We all got into line and rode Buzz together. I love that you can take the laser-gun off the car. It's easier to maneuver and shoot than the one at MK.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009363.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200935-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009535.jpg

We needed to get as far away as possible from the mountain. So, we headed towards Indiana Jones Adventure. We made a pit-stop and got some FPs for BTMRR. After that, we made our way through the crowds into Adventureland. We passed right by the Dole Whip stand. But, the line was too long. That is a staple in my WDW diet. ;) We noticed the Jungle Cruise had no wait (it is right near Indy). So, we hopped onto a boat. Our Skipper was a hoot! Then, we made our way next door to Indy. DH and DS8 rode with the earlier obtained FP and I got a Rider Swap. The Rider Swap tickets are different than the ones at WDW. The DLR ones are a square piece of paper with the ride logo on it. Also, they have a recommendation to do with the non-riding child. Like the Indy one recommended enjoying the Enchanted Tiki Room. It's a great idea to offer a suggestion. DD6 and DS3 just played with the pretend snakes and toys at the shop nearby. I got to ride with DS8 when they were through. The queue for this ride is fascinating. DS8 was acting like my guide and showing me what he had seen during his first trip through. This ride is 100% better than Dinosaur at DAK. They both have the same ride-vehicle. But, Indy utilizes it better and the story-line is better. Pretty cool ride. I'm glad we rode it when we did. It was down the next night.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009289.jpg

After Indy, we made our way back to BTMRR. By this time it was almost time for the fireworks (9:25 PM). DD6 and I got into line to ride. DH took the boys to find a place nearbly to watch the fireworks. When we made it up to the loading platform the fireworks started. We hopped into a car and watched the fireworks from the ride. DH and DS8 had done this at MK before. Now, we got to experience it too. It was so cool being that close to the fireworks. You could see where they shoot them out.

After the fireworks, DS8 said he wanted to ride Haunted Mansion. So, we made our way to New Orleans Square. DH and DS8 went to ride. While I walked around with DD6 and DS3 (who was asleep in the stroller). I found a nice little plaza across from the HM benches and a waterfountain. It was off the beaten path. A nice peaceful place to sit at the end of a park-filled day.

We decided to skip Space Mountain with our FPs this night. Good thing, I later found out it was down that night. We were tired and needed to get the kids in bed. Tomorrow was a Magical Morning. So, we slowly made our way out of the park with one last nod to the lamp in the Fire Station. Good night Uncle Walt!

I got a little teary eyed on the first part of that last post! :goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 4 (Tuesday)

A Magical Morning was offered at DLP this day from 8 am - 9 am. So, "our plan" was to get up around 6:30 am and get to the front gate by 7:30/7:45. This was not going to happen. No one was budging that morning. I guess the time difference had a negative effect on the family. However, I was up and ready to go. So, I told DH I would go, get FPs for later (I misunderstood and DID experience some problems obtaining the others' FPs. Two kind CMs helped me out. ;) More on that below.) and meet back up with him before our 11:30 am PS @ Blue Bayou for lunch. So, I let them all sleep in. :cloud9:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009564.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009563.jpg

I stepped out of the DLH around 8 am. I planned to just hop on the monorail since it was so close to the hotel. I waited in line for about two minutes when one of the CMs tells everyone they'd be better off just walking since it was experiencing difficulties. So, the mass of people left the line and started to walk through DTD. Luckily, I approached the CM and kindly asked her opinion on how long it would "really" be? She said hold on and within a minute told me and the one other family that stuck around that people could start loading again. Sometimes, it pays to be patient. :woohoo:


The monorail ride to Tomorrowland has views you can't get elsewhere ...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009273.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200927-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009278.jpg

:rolleyes: It was kind of nice to be on my own without the family in the park (even for just a couple of hours). I could soak in the park without someone asking for this or that. Also, I could stop and take a million pictures if I wanted without a family huffing and puffing that I take too many pictures. :rotfl: My first stop was Space Mountain. They don't offer FPs until the park "officially" opens. So, I hopped in the fairly short line. SM was amazing. I had fun hooting and hollaring around every bend. It was a really neat ride and a true Disney gem. After SM, I still had some time before I could get the FPs. So, I rode Buzz and Star Tours. I have ridden ST @ DHS numerous times. It felt like the same ride. By this time, it was around 9 am. So, I got into a long line to get SM FPs. I honestly have never seen a line so long to get just FPs (Except for Toy Story Mania @ DHS. That line can get long first thing in the morning too.) When I approached the FP machines, only one of my tickets worked. I guess since the others didn't get theirs scanned that morning, they were invalid. When a CM saw that I was having difficulty, he asked how many FPs I needed and handed me over some pre-printed ones. :goodvibes That was VERY nice of him. Next, I tried to get Buzz FPs, it was right near SM. Honestly, I thought I might have another problem. But, thought I would give it a shot anyway. There was a CM there that saw me having difficulty and ended up giving me five (5) special FP cards. They work like a regular park ticket on getting FPs, but they are only good for FPs. He said it would only be valid on that day. Now, I know for next time to get everyone out of bed with me to obtain FPs first thing in the morning. I did venture back to ToonTown to see if the Roger Rabbit ride was still not linked to the other FP machines and it wasn't (:thumbsup2 Thanks to the advice from some DISers!). So, I was able to get five FP right after I got the Buzz ones. After that, I walked around the park a little to take some pictures before I was able to obtain another FP. Next, I got BTMRR FPs and casually walked towards Critter Country to get Splash ones. I still had some time before I could obtain the Splash FPs and there was no line for Winnie the Pooh. So, I hopped on it. It was really cute. However, it is so far removed from everything else. I'm curious how many people really head back there?
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009323.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009319.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009316.jpg

We thoroughly walked around the park the night before and found the entrance to Club 33 . But, it was too dark. So, I didn't take too many pictures. Here's one from the next day. It really isn't "hidden" too well. It is located right next to the most popular restaurant at the Disneyland park. :rolleyes1
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009309.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200931-1.jpg

I made my way back to get a few more FPs for Buzz and then hopped onto the train to the front entrance to meet the family. I got to ride in the caboose of the train. That was a neat experience. However, a little warm. The window only open so far and by this time the sun was completely up and shining brightly. The weather this week was amazing (high 70's/low 80's and the lows were in the high 50's). :cool2:

I met back up with the family with the following FASTPASSes in hand:
(3) Space Mountain
(3) Splash Mountain
(2) BTMRR
(10) Buzz
(5) Roger Rabbit

As a family, we casually walked down Main Street soaking up the atmosphere. We took off from the hub into Adventureland (to short-cut to New Orlean Square for our BB lunch). We saw there was no wait for the Jungle Cruise. So, we hopped onboard a boat. We had some time before checking in for lunch. Our Skipper was a hoot and his one-liners did NOT go over the heads of the guests onboard! It makes the ride more fun when you have people onboard heckling and laughing at the Skipper. There are added touches and scenes that were new to us after having ridden the one at MK. I'm glad we rode it. :thumbsup2 We all like it!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DLR.jpg

It was a fun and relaxing way to start our day as a family. :wizard:

[TheTXTaylors5]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009305.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009304.jpg New Orleans Square

pirate: We checked into the Blue Bayou about ten minutes before our 11:30 am PS time. DH inquired about a riverside table. But, he was not promised anything. We sat down in the front area to wait and no sooner our butts hit the couch, they called our name. The CM walked us towards a riverside table. Yea!!!! It was so dark in there. At first I thought it might freak DS3. But, he was fine. I was surprised the three kids were very well behaved at lunch. What have you done with my "real" children? :lmao:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009335.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009336.jpg

I don't know how far back y'all read in my Pre-Trip Report. But, initially we were suppose to visit DLR this June for DH's Surprise 40th Birthday Celebration. :idea: Somehow, DH got the bright idea to go "somewhere" during DD6's Spring Break and DLR was on the top of that list. :guilty: So, all our June DLR plans were scrapped for a June WDW Birthday trip. It's still Disney, but doesn't include all the wonderful side trip I initially planned (San Diego and Las Vegas). I planned to dine at the Blue Bayou for DH's birthday lunch/dinner. So, I turned this into his birthday lunch (just a few months early. ;)) We dined on their signature Monte Cristo sandwiches. They were so rich and filling. But, oh so good. I ended up sharing mine with DS8 who didn't like his lunch (pasta with grilled chicken). The children's menu here was very lacking. My recommendation, if you plan to get the sandwich SHARE IT!!! They are so big. Definitely enough for two people. It also came with a salad and side dish. We were stuffed and didn't order dessert. But, when I made the PS I noted it was DH's birthday lunch. So, our server came out with a bowl of chocolate mousse with a candle on it and a birthday card. She was very nice and DH truly appreciated it. She also noticed DH wasn't wearing a birthday button and brought him one too. This was a fantastic lunch from beginning to end. The service was amazing and the food really tasty. :thumbsup2
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip200934-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009342.jpg

With our riverfront table, we could see the boats from PoTC pass by. It made us want to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. So, as soon as we were done with lunch we made a bee-line for the entrance. I can't tell you enough how much we loved this ride. There are added scenes not at the MK version and knowing that Walt had a hand in it made the ride even more special. Five thumbs up from the Taylors on this ride. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009293.jpg

One thing you will notice in today's photos, we are all wearing green. A few years ago I bought DISgreen Disney shirts for the family. So, we could keep track of our kids in the parks. They are put away and only come out for Disney trips. I laid out the children's clothes that morning before I headed to DLP for MM. So, we all matched for the day. I totally forgot today was St. Patrick's Day. So, the majority of people that day had on green too. So much for standing out.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/StPatricks-Mickey-Mouse1.jpg

[pmama]

Wow, you did an amazing job collecting FPs. I'm confused now.:confused3 I thought the cards had to be activated at the turnstiles in order to be issued a FP. I was thinking perhaps that is why you were having problems. But then you were able to get more FPs. So, do the cards not have to be activated at the turnstiles?

[TheTXTaylors5]

Wow, you did an amazing job collecting FPs. I'm confused now.:confused3 I thought the cards had to be activated at the turnstiles in order to be issued a FP. I was thinking perhaps that is why you were having problems. But then you were able to get more FPs. So, do the cards not have to be activated at the turnstiles?

:thumbsup2You are correct, the tickets DO need to activated to obtain FPs. That is why I was having problems. Luckily, a nice CM gave me some special cards to obtain FPs for the rest of my family. He didn't ask too many questions. However, I wouldn't expect others to get the same treatment. I honestly think I got VERY lucky. :goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

After PoTC, we headed to Splash Moutain to ride w/FPs. No one but DH wanted to ride and the single rider line was shorter than FP line. So, off he went. I hung out with the kids out front to catch a glimpse of DH coming down the big fall. With his loud green shirt. I picked him out without a problem. We didn't use the FPs. So, we passed on the magic and handed them to some people passing by. The stand-by line was about 60 minutes by this time. So, they were very gracious. One thing I noticed at DLP is that a lot of the ride queues are outside. Luckily, we had beautiful weather. What happens when it rains? Are the rides shut down?
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It's A Small World went through a recent refurbishment adding some well-know Disney characters. We were excited to see the new and improved ride. It was like a look and find ride. "Find the Disney characters" At first it was fun, but after awhile it distracted me from the real ride. Personally, I like the original version we visited at MK better.
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We saw the entrance to Mickey's ToonTown right next to IASW. So off we headed to find Mickey and have some fun. Our first stop was to ride Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin with the earlier obtained FPs. Good thing we ate more than an hour earlier. This ride was jerky and not very fun for our lot. I don't recommend this for small children. It may give them whiplash. :sad2:
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Mickey's ToonTown was a nice break from the regular hustle and bustle of the park. It is secluded in the back of the park. We let the kids (BIG and little) run wild in there. They were opening doors and playing around. This was a big hit with our kids. We found Mickey's house and casually walked through. At the end (if you're willing to wait) is a Meet and Greet with the big cheese himself. We waited for about 20 minutes and were lead into a smaller room for a private meeting with Mickey. This is the only line we waited in to meet a character. At WDW we do character meals to kill two birds with one stone (meet the characters and the kids get fed). However at DLR, I was surprised they didn't offer a character meal that included Mickey.

Mickey's House
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[TheTXTaylors5]

More exploring in ToonTown ...

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[TheTXTaylors5]

Coming soon ... Space Mountain, more Buzz, dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and watching the fireworks from our room. :wizard:

[magicallyDisney001]

Looks great so far! popcorn:: I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your TR!

[pmama]

I'm surprised by Mickey's attire. I'd expect him to be in his normal get-up right there in Toon Town.

Love how you're presenting the pictures. Great idea.:thumbsup2

[AmericanItGirl]

I'm surprised by Mickey's attire. I'd expect him to be in his normal get-up right there in Toon Town.

There's actually 3 different Mickeys that you can meet at his house (they rotate them, but I'm not sure of the rotation schedule): Sorcerer, Steamboat, and Classic (which is the normal outfit).

Lovin' the TR!

[TheTXTaylors5]

After ToonTown DH and DD6 went to ride BTMRR (It was down earlier in the day when they went to use their FPs). The DLP version is a "little" different than the MK version. It is a draw to me on which is better. :goodvibes

I took DS8 and DS3 off to ride ... you guessed it Buzz. ;) After Buzz, we found a cart that was selling Mickey pretzels. Only at Disney. They're like the Mickey bars. You have to eat the ears first (poor Mickey).
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We met back up with DH and DD6 and then they were off to ride Space Mountain while I relaxed with DS8 and DS3 to finish up the pretzel and rest our poor feet.
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Being so close to the monorail station, we decided to take that back. But, when we entered the line it was pretty long. So, we decided to make the walk through DTD instead. On our way back to our hotel room, we pass by the Rainforest Cafe. DH popped in to see if they had any openings for dinner. They had an opening in about an hour and half. So, he put in our name and we went back to the room to rest our sore feet and get refreshed for dinner. Taking off your sneakers and socks is so relaxing after being in them all day. Putting on my sandals for dinner was heaven. We've eaten at the Rainforest Cafe in other locations (Grapevine, TX ~ Las Vegas, NV ~ Downtown Disney - Buena Vista, FL ~ Disney's Animal Kingom park). So, we know the menu pretty well and have some personal no-fail favorites (DH the pizza and me the grilled chicken sandwich). The food was not the issue with the restaurant, it was the service. It was so slowwwwwwwwwww. DH and I dared to order drinks from the bar. They took forever and mine even got spilled before she made it to the table. So, they had to re-make mine. :headache: I had a coupon for a free appetizer. We ordered the mozarella sticks. We ordered those and the drinks as soon as we sat down (hoping they came before our main course). Even those took forever. After the appetizer, DH looked at his watch and noticed if we got out of there within the next 45 minutes we could catch the fireworks from our room again. So, we were really in a time crunch now. :rolleyes1 Tick Tock ... Tick Tock ... Tick Tock ... I almost asked to have our food boxed to go. That is when the food finally came out. It always happens that way. You almost leave and then the food miraculously arrives. :rolleyes:
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We rushed back to the room with five (yes five) minutes to spare. Everyone threw off their shoes, the lights went off, the music on the tv and another beautiful show out our hotel window. This night DS8 and DD6 grabbed pillows from the bed and were laying on the floor with their heads out the balcony. It was really cute. One thing I forgot to mention about the first night with the fireworks, after the first big boom the car alarms were going off like crazy. We all had a good laugh. :rotfl:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Coming soon ... character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe, no Grizzly River Run and riding in the back of the monorail.

[pmama]

There's actually 3 different Mickeys that you can meet at his house (they rotate them, but I'm not sure of the rotation schedule): Sorcerer, Steamboat, and Classic (which is the normal outfit).

Lovin' the TR!

Good to know.:thumbsup2 Do you know if they post the scheduled rotation somewhere?

Mickey pretzel is adorable. That would be hard to eat.:goodvibes

I remember you posting a link to the coupon for a free appetizer at Rain Forest. Is that at the beginning of this trip report? I'll have to look for it.

[TheTXTaylors5]

I remember you posting a link to the coupon for a free appetizer at Rain Forest. Is that at the beginning of this trip report? I'll have to look for it.

I hope these help your trip ...

From the Anaheim Orange County (http://www.anaheimoc.org/)website:
Rainforest Cafe - Free Appetizer or Save $5 off two breakfast entrees coupon (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/RainforestCafe_09v2.gif) (Anaheim location)
McDonalds - 10% Discount (food only) (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/McDonalds08_v1.gif) (Anaheim location)
Universal Studios Hollywood - $8.00 off General Admission/$10.00 off Front Of Line Pass (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/USH09_v1.pdf)
Anaheim Gardenwalk - Complimentary VIP Shopping Pass & Eco-tote (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/AnaheimGardenWalk08v6.gif)
Disneyland Resort Express - Save $2 when booking online (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/DisResortExpress_09_v1.gif)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 5 (Wednesday)

The night before, I knew there was no way we were getting up for a 7:20 am PS at Goofy's Kitchen. I called to try and change it. They didn't have any other openings. So, I made a PS at the Chip 'n Dale Critter Breakfast at the Storytellers Cafe in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel for 9:40 am.

Wandering around the Disneyland Hotel two nights before, we walked passed Goofy's Kitchen around dinner-time. It was loud and chaotic in there. So, I was a little relieved we wouldn't be partaking in the chaos too. When we walked into the Storytellers Cafe that morning it was like all the children were put on mute or low volume. This was a great laid-back dining experience. If you have young children, they will act like what the environment allows. Our children were also calm. This made for a fantastic breakfast. The character interaction was amazing. Dale spent (what felt like ten minutes) at our table playing around with our children. The best was the gorilla from Tarzan. DS3 was eating and he quietly snuck up behind DS3 and started grooming his hair and then pretended like he didn't know what DS3 was. It was precious. We've been to Chef Mickey at WDW numerous time and the food was "okay". The buffet here was fantastic. It was a little limited. But, the quality top-knotch. They have a man that makes made-to-order omelettes. It was yummy!!!! The Ranger had the kids play games and at the end they were given a special button. Great breakfast overall. We plan to do it again when we come back. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
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You can't have a Disney breakfast without Mickey waffles. We plan to buy a Mickey waffle maker at WDW in June.

After breakfast, we entered DCA through the entrance at the GCH. Walking past GRR, we got FPs for later (Using the special FP cards I received the day before. They were still working. Don't know how.) Then, we walked over to California Screamin', a new family favorite. DH and DS8 got into a relatively short line and I got a Rider Swap. I also picked up some FPs for later. We didn't attempt to ride Toy Story Mania while there. The line was always ridicuously long. We have ridden it numerous time at DHS. It's the same exact ride I was told. We didn't ride a lot of rides they have in Florida too (ie: Dumbo, ToT, Muppet Vision 3D, Peter Pan, Snow White, Turtle Talk w/Crush, It's Tough to be a Bug, Enchanted Tiki Room, Astro Orbiter, etc...) because they were the same and we honestly didn't want to waste precious park time. We wanted to ride new or better versions at DLP.

We had so much fun in A Bug's Land on Monday, we decide to head back over there for more fun. It was starting to get pretty warm by this time. Exiting A Bug's Land, they have a little water play area called Boutiful Valley Farmers Market. We normally don't let the kids run through the water areas in the parks. Having wet soggy children and socks the rest of the day is not pleasant. However, we planned to ride Grizzly River Run soon and I knew they would get wet anyways. So, we let them play. They had a blast and it was refreshing. This also stopped them asking for the millionth time, "Can we go swimming?" I didn't, but DH even dunked his head in the water. After that, we headed back to Paradise Pier to ride California Screamin' again. Then, DD6 and I rode the Golden Zephyr. I am sure that ride is a little more exciting when there's water in the lake. We had a birds-eye view of the construction site. Then it was off to finally ride GRR. I kept trying to call it Grizzly River Run. But, DS8 kept correcting me and calling it Grrrrrrrrrrr! (grunting like a bear. :rotfl:)
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(these pictures are from Monday)

I went to park the stroller while DH, DS8 and DD6 got into a very long FP line. It was out the queue. That is when I noticed the height restriction for this ride. I stood DS3 up to the measuring chart and he was nowhere near close to riding it. A nice CM saw this and handed him a card to come back and ride when he is tall enough. So, I went to tell DH. We decided, he would take DS8 and DD6 on the ride (I honestly don't like wet rides) and I would meet back up with them at World of Disney. I had two FPs in my hand and gave them to two people about to get into the GRR stand-by line. We try and give away unused FPs whenever possible. Pass on the Disney magic. :wizard: I meant to write about the day DH got his Birthday button from the Blue Bayou. Random park goers (non-Disney CMs) were telling him Happy Birthday. We thought that was pretty nice and hadn't seen that at WDW before. Back to shopping ... We hadn't done any shopping yet this trip. I like to get it all out of the way at once. I don't shop in the parks. You can get pretty much all the same items at WoD. So, DS3 and I exited the park at the GCH and made our way to DTD. I was in the store for about one minute when DH called and said the ride was down and they were on their way to meet back up with us. We didn't plan to return to DCA. So, GRR will have to wait for our next trip. :guilty:

[CanadianPaco]

What wonderful pictures!:thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

I can spend over a hundred dollars just smelling the air in the World of Disney store. In the past, I've done some damage to the bank account at the one in Florida. I already bought our souvenir t-shirts at the over-stock temporary Disney store. So, my main goal purchases were a Disneyland scrapbook (w/pages and embellishments), magnet and gifts for family and friends. Currently the item you can purchase if you spend $40 or more is a Disneyland beach towel for an additional $10 each. We ended up buying three (one for each kid).
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After WoD, we were a little hungry/thirsty. So, we stopped off at Haagen Dazs for some cones and a shake. It was very refreshing. Next stop on our shopping extravaganza was the Build-A-Bear store. We have those here and have around eight animals from bunnies to bears. DD6 went to a fellow classmates birthday party at our local B-A-B a few weeks ago. She got a white seal. DD6 brought her along for the trip. So, we bought her a new Mickey-inspired outfit. We got the Mickey Disneyland t-shirt and Mickey ears. It is adorable.
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We planned to head to Disneyland park for our last night. So, we headed back to the room to get the kids out of their wet socks (their clothes were dry by this time.) and relax for a bit. I could get use to this. Being so close to DTD and the parks was amazing. We've been spoiled. ;)

Coming soon ... fireworks from Tomorrowland, riding in the back of the monorail and more Buzz ride.

[TheTXTaylors5]

I'm surprised by Mickey's attire. I'd expect him to be in his normal get-up right there in Toon Town.

Love how you're presenting the pictures. Great idea.:thumbsup2

I was surprised too. I was "hoping" for the normal Mickey attire with bow and all. The kids didn't care though. DS3 saw "his Mickey". DS3 isn't very patient for many things. He patiently waited in line to see Mickey. Children surprise you sometimes. I love my "Disney kids". Wish they were this well behaved at home too. :lmao:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We have a busy weekend ahead ... DD6's soccer game, attending a Dallas Stars game, DH biking, shopping, laundry, etc ...

I'll try and finish up the Trip Report early next week.

Have a great weekend y'all! :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[thmar]

I hope these help your trip ...

From the Anaheim Orange County (http://www.anaheimoc.org/)website:
Rainforest Cafe - Free Appetizer or Save $5 off two breakfast entrees coupon (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/RainforestCafe_09v2.gif) (Anaheim location)
McDonalds - 10% Discount (food only) (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/McDonalds08_v1.gif) (Anaheim location)
Universal Studios Hollywood - $8.00 off General Admission/$10.00 off Front Of Line Pass (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/USH09_v1.pdf)
Anaheim Gardenwalk - Complimentary VIP Shopping Pass & Eco-tote (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/AnaheimGardenWalk08v6.gif)
Disneyland Resort Express - Save $2 when booking online (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/DisResortExpress_09_v1.gif)

:goodvibes Jennifer

Thanks for the link to the coupons!:thumbsup2 Another incidence of spreading the "magic" around. :)

[TheTXTaylors5]

Being so close to the monorail station from the Disneyland Hotel, we decided to hop on the monorail to Tomorrowland. We inquired on the platform if anyone asked for the back car. It was free. :woohoo: Yea! This is another difference between WDW and DLR. You can have like seven or eight people in the DLR special car. You can only have four in the WDW monorail front car. So at WDW, we've had to split up before to let the children experience the front of monorail ride. At DLR, we all hopped into the space-like back car. We had it all to ourselves. It was a really neat experience. :flower3: Thank you to the DISers that mentioned it.
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Being a Wednesday night, we were hoping the park to be less crowded than the earlier night. No such luck. We even overheard locals comment on how busy it was. I guess the Spring Breakers were in full force this week. Even so, we still didn't wait too long for the rides or refreshments. If we saw a long line, we moved along until we found a smaller line. It paid off. On this night we only rode Buzz (2xs) and Space Mountain. We tried to do the penny press near Buzz. But, it wasn't working. I noticed that 50% of the penny press machines park-wise we tried did NOT work. I plan to bring lots of quarters and pennies to our WDW trip in June. It is an inexpensive souvenir for the kids and they seemed to enjoy it.
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Due to the crowds, we stayed pretty close to Tomorrowland. It was close to fireworks time and the hub was ridicuously crowded. Another thing I noticed, the CMs bring out benches near the hub for the guests to sit on during the fireworks. That's nice and all. However, it leaves a lot of places you cannot walk. I've never seen so many roped off areas in a park before in my life. Also, I meant to comment on the night we caught the fireworks from BTMRR. When we went to cross the park at the hub, they had us all going in one direction to keep the traffic flow moving. I felt like I was in Europe at one of the roundabouts. "Big Ben. Parliament." That made a lot of sense and kept the crowd moving.

Being in Tomorrowland didn't bother us. We were in the park and not sitting in our hotel room twiddling our fingers. After the rides, we were hungry and got some counter service food at the Tomorrowland Terrace. The food was fine for park hamburgers and chicken sandwich. The fries were hot and pretty good. Yum! Yum! We sat at the farthest table heading back towards Buzz. We had the whole area to ourselves. That was nice. We were still eating when the fireworks started. We could see all the "high" fireworks. We had a great view and didn't plan it that way. It was great to be away from all the crowds and got to see the fireworks in our own little private area.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60629.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60651.jpg Hanging out in Tomorrowland.

DS8 and DD6 tried to stop the sphere in front of Space Mountain. They had fun. Another thing I normally wouldn't let them do if we were going park "commando". It's nice to stop and smell the flowers at times.
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After the fireworks, we took the monorail back to DTD. We planned to wake up early for "Take 2. MM at DLP". Being a Disney "onsite" guest, you can go to ALL the MM offered during your stay. The CMs may beat around the bush and not always tell you that. But, it IS true. (:thumbsup2 Thanks for the tip HydroGuy!)

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 6 (Thursday)

Coming soon ... Nemo Subs, Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through, lunch at The Golden Horseshoe, fun on Tom Sawyer Island and one last ride on Pirates of the Caribbean and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

[TheTXTaylors5]

DH just informed me that Disneyland resort has a current "Get Two More Nights FREE With a 3-Night Hotel and Ticket Package" (http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/reserve/specialOffers/detail?name=FY09Q4_2MoreNightsFreeSpecialOfferPage ) . Where was this promo when we went??????

Maybe, it can help some of y'all. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[azdisneylover]

What a great trip report! You have a beautiful family.:thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

Day 6 (Thursday)

I was up late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning packing. I don't like to be rushed packing and always feel like I will forget something when rushed. So, I kept the toiletries bag open and laid out everyone's clothing for our last day at Disneyland.

The alarm clock went off around 6:15 am. I couldn't drag myself out of bed. I don't remember if I mentioned earlier, I had been sick for most of this week. I was fine during the day, nothing hot tea and my meds couldn't cure. But at night, my sinus infection made it very difficult to sleep. I was finally feeling better, now that we were leaving. Go figure. So, I really wanted to sleep in a bit. However, this morning was another MM. DH really wanted to ride the Nemo Subs and it was in our plans for an attempt on this morning. So, DH and DS8 went off to enjoy the MM at DLP. I slept in this morning with DD6 and DS3. Also, I finished closing up the suitcases. So, when DH and DS8 came back around 10:30 am, we could check-out and put the suitcases in the car. Then, we could enjoy our last day at DLP as a family.

DH and DS8 came back gleaming. They loved the ride. :love: They hustled enough to be in the first sub of the day. :yay: However, even that took some time to get going. DH said they check and re-check everything before letting the sub out. DH videotaped the ride for me. So, I could experience it too. Being so busy, we haven't got around to watching our vacation video yet. Maybe tonight. Since DH and DS8 were traveling back to DTD at an "off" time from Tomorrowland, it wasn't very busy. So, DH inquired about riding in the front of the monorail. They got to. That was a nice treat for DS8. DH said the monorail driver chatted with them on the way back. DH commented on the size of the DLR monorails and how they leaned more than the ones at WDW. The driver told him the monorails at DLR are considered a "ride" more than a form of transportation. Also, since they are smaller than the ones at WDW, you feel the turns more. No kidding. It was a little scarey riding in it the night before. Fun, but scarey.
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We walked through DTD to DLP one last time. One last walk through the turnstile and one last walk down Walt's Main Street. Of course, we stopped by the Fire Station. We let the kids play in there a little. DH and DD6 took a semi-slide down the fire pole. As we were getting ready to walk down Main Street, the Disneyland Band came out. It was quite a production and loud. When we made our way to the hub, we noticed a camera crew. DH said he saw some earlier that morning too. The people were saying "Thank you Best Buy!" So, I assume they won a contest or something. That was interesting to see. I'll have to keep my eye out for the commercial.
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http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009286.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Disneyland-GrandCanyonTrip2009682.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60786.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60774-2.jpg The taping of a Disney commercial.

We made our way to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz with the FPs DH got during MM (:thumbsup2 Our special FP cards were still working!). Also, we obtained five more FPs for later in the day. Then, we made our way through the crowds to Sleeping Beauty Castle. I couldn't believe all the time we had been there that week, we hadn't walked through the castle. So, we made our way to find the spike inside the castle walk-through. I honestly think some of the passer-byers thought I was crazy. I took a picture of the spike (The geographical center of the Disneyland park).

Before our trip, I read about the new walk-through "inside" the castle. So, we found the very little doorway (You might miss it, if you're not looking for it.) to enter the castle. The special effects are really neat and impressive to know they are old and have been revived. They make the story of Sleeping Beauty come to life.
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[TheTXTaylors5]

I read they re-did Tom Sawyer island with more of a Pirate theme. So, we made our way to the dock to hop on a raft to the Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Our children loved it! They let loose exploring all the caves and playing with the hands-on items. Pretty cool place for any pirate in training. They were very excited to find the treasure. They didn't want to leave. We had to bribe them off the island with lunch.
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On our way to lunch, we noticed no line for PoTC. However, DD6 and DS3 DIDN'T want to ride. So, DH and DS8 went off to ride. While I scouted out the area for lunch.

We decided on our last meal at DLP to be at The Golden Horseshoe. We dined on yummy vittles (chicken caesar salad, chicken nuggets, chili cheese fries and rootbeer floats.). We were almost done, when I noticed on my timesheet that Billy Hill & the Hillbillies were getting ready to come on stage. So, we sat and listened to a few songs. Then we did something we haven't done at MK yet, we let the kids try out the shooting arcade in Frontierland. My BIG and little kids tried their aim. ;)
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If we wanted to get somewhat close to The Grand Canyon for our next day's visit, we had to make our way back to the car pretty soon and bid DLR a tearful farewell. But, not before one last ride on Buzz and Mickey bars all around. We hadn't eaten a Mickey bar all week. What were we thinking? Those creamy treats are so good and part of my WDW "must eats". At first I was going to share with DS3. But, once he took a lick of the chocolate and ice cream, there was no way I could pry it out of his grip. So, I had one all to myself. Yum! Yum!
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[darose1234]

Great Pictures! I can't wait to go in May :cool1:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Great Pictures! I can't wait to go in May :cool1:

:flower3: Thank you for the kind words. As you will notice, I am not in too many of the pictures. DH is the video-recorder of the family and I am the digital camera picture-taker. We did have some PhotoPass photos taken of the whole family. I need to get them loaded and will incorporate some of those into the Trip Report too.

:worship: I want to go back.!!!! Can I come too?!?!?!?! :goodvibes Is it your first trip to DLR? This was our first trip to the west coast. First, but NOT last. ;)

At first, we thought the five-day Park Hoppers was going to be too much for just DLP and DCA. However, we soon found out ... DLP and DCA get VERY crowded and you have to be patient when touring at DLR. There is still so much we haven't done (pretty much all of Fantasyland). This left us wanting more and have plans in the works for a return in 2011 or 2012. We easily could have spent a full week there. :cool2:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

What a great trip report! You have a beautiful family.:thumbsup2

Thank you for reading and coming along on our "magical" journey. :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Thanks for the link to the coupons!:thumbsup2 Another incidence of spreading the "magic" around. :)

:wizard: No problem. Someone passed the site on to me and I passed it on for others to benefit. When visiting any Disney property, every penny saved helps. ;)

The site updates often and will post new coupons when those listed have expired. I hope it helps. :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

What wonderful pictures!:thumbsup2

:goodvibes Thank you! As you can tell, I try and tell a story with the pictures. I often take pictures, keeping in the back of my mind how I want to set-up my scrapbook pages. Am I the only one that does this? It drives DH crazy. He and the kids often get frustrated when I take a lot of pictures. However, it pays off when putting together the trip scrapbook or creating a Trip Report.

Thank you for reading and putting up with my long babbling Trip Report. I can get wordy at times.
I have restrained myself a little on this Trip Report. ;)

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60801.jpg
This is "The End" of our Disneyland Adventure. I planned and planned. But, nothing could have prepared me for the amazing time we had. The weather was nothing but perfect. The parks (both DLP and DCA) kept our family entertained. We've made some new magical memories this week. I know the kids had a great time. They've already started asking about going back. :dance3:

Next stop ... In-N-Out burgers, great night at a Holiday Inn Express and The Grand Canyon.

[TheTXTaylors5]

:sad1: When we got into our minivan, it was bittersweet. We couldn't wait to see the Grand Canyon. But, we were sad to leave Disneyland. It had been an amazing week. Once we drove off property, we were back to reality. Our first stop, Starbucks. There's one right down the street. DH needed a little caffeine kick to get him going and to face the terrible OC traffic. It was around 5 PM, when we finally hit the highway. I've heard about the bumper to bumper traffic in the LA area. But, nothing prepared me for the cars and cars that were on the roads. I couldn't live there. It was ridiculous.

Once, we got near Big Bear the traffic died down. Around 8 PM, we needed to stop for gas and get the family a late dinner. While DH was pumping the gas, I noticed a wonderful site ... an In-N-Out sign. I'd always heard about In-N-Out burgers. What better time to try them? Not much of a selection though. Sure glad I'm not a vegetarian anymore. We ordered burgers and fries for everyone. DH had tried them while in San Diego on business and didn't like them very much. He was willing to give them another try to let the family try them too. They were good and you could tell the meat and fries were fresh. However, DON'T go there if you are in a hurry. It took forever to get our food. I would say it was a step above McDonalds and BK. But, Steak 'n Shake burgers are better. IMO I'd try them again if in the area. :thumbsup2
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DH drove on until around 11 PM. After being up so early and in the park. He was understandably tired. :cloud9: We stopped off in Kingman, Arizona (I haven't a clue where that is. I just saw the name on the receipt). We arrived in the dark of night. So, we couldn't see what was around us. DH found a Holiday Inn Express & Suites that had availability. When we opened our room, I was VERY impressed. We had two queen beds AND a sofa sleeper. Also, it had a little bar area with a microwave and refrigerator. All that for around $80 (w/AAA discount). Not bad. Being a family of five, we have a hard time with hotels rooms. We either have to get a suite or only have two children on the register. :rolleyes1 With Holiday Inn Express, DH found out they have these larger rooms. We have found a new family favorite "traveling" hotel. With the price of the room, we got a free hot continental breakfast. The breakfast included eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, bagels, danishes, muffins, waffles, cereal and of course the cinammon rolls they advertise. Those cinammon rolls are yummy. :goodvibes

When we stepped out of the hotel the next morning, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery. There were huge mesas everywhere. Arizona has some beautiful sites.

We were back on the road. Next stop ... The Grand Canyon National Park

[pmama]

Very helpful report. I didn't know about the back of the monorail in DLR. So, glad your family had a great time.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Working on the Grand Canyon pictures. :thumbsup2 Will post soon ...

:surfweb: Jennifer

[charmama4]

:sad1: When we got into our minivan, it was bittersweet. We couldn't wait to see the Grand Canyon. But, we were sad to leave Disneyland. It had been an amazing week. Once we drove off property, we were back to reality. Our first stop, Starbucks. There's one right down the street. DH needed a little caffeine kick to get him going and to face the terrible OC traffic. It was around 5 PM, when we finally hit the highway. I've heard about the bumper to bumper traffic in the LA area. But, nothing prepared me for the cars and cars that were on the roads. I couldn't live there. It was ridiculous.

Once, we got near Big Bear the traffic died down. Around 8 PM, we needed to stop for gas and get the family a late dinner. While DH was pumping the gas, I noticed a wonderful site ... an In-N-Out sign. I'd always heard about In-N-Out burgers. What better time to try them? Not much of a selection though. Sure glad I'm not a vegetarian anymore. We ordered burgers and fries for everyone. DH had tried them while in San Diego on business and didn't like them very much. He was willing to give them another try to let the family try them too. They were good and you could tell the meat and fries were fresh. However, DON'T go there if you are in a hurry. It took forever to get our food. I would say it was a step above McDonalds and BK. But, Steak 'n Shake burgers are better. IMO I'd try them again if in the area. :thumbsup2
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60931.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60934.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP60933.jpg

DH drove on until around 11 PM. After being up so early and in the park. He was understandably tired. :cloud9: We stopped off in Kingman, Arizona (I haven't a clue where that is. I just saw the name on the receipt). We arrived in the dark of night. So, we couldn't see what was around us. DH found a Holiday Inn Express & Suites that had availability. When we opened our room, I was VERY impressed. We had two queen beds AND a sofa sleeper. Also, it had a little bar area with a microwave and refrigerator. All that for around $80 (w/AAA discount). Not bad. Being a family of five, we have a hard time with hotels rooms. We either have to get a suite or only have two children on the register. :rolleyes1 With Holiday Inn Express, DH found out they have these larger rooms. We have found a new family favorite "traveling" hotel. With the price of the room, we got a free hot continental breakfast. The breakfast included eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, bagels, danishes, muffins, waffles, cereal and of course the cinammon rolls they advertise. Those cinammon rolls are yummy. :goodvibes

When we stepped out of the hotel the next morning, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery. There were huge mesas everywhere. Arizona has some beautiful sites.

We were back on the road. Next stop ... The Grand Canyon National Park

IN and OUT:scared1: Ahh, can't wait to get to San Diego for some double double while we grab the train to DL!!!!! Those burgers looks so good!!

[javamoma]

Thanks for the awesome trip report. I was enjoying it so much that I am sad to see it end!

I noticed you mentioned skipping a lot of the rides that are the same at WDW. Could you not fit them in or did you just not want to waste time on them?

We are WDW vets but will be going to DLR next year with young children around your kiddos' ages. I am asking the above question because I want to know if your number of park days were enough to see everything but do it at a relaxing pace (not camando). We are thinking of going for the same number of days.

We will also be driving from Dallas! Can I just copy your trip ;) ?

[TheTXTaylors5]

I noticed you mentioned skipping a lot of the rides that are the same at WDW. Could you not fit them in or did you just not want to waste time on them?


It was a combination of both. Some rides we (or the children) didn't want to ride, others we ran out of time. We took the time to truly enjoy BOTH parks.

Some rides we wanted to ride (mostly in Fantasyland), but ran out of time:
Alice in Wonderland (It looked so cute!!!!)
King Arthur Carrousel (I wanted to find Jingles.)
Mad Tea Party (DS8 loves this one at MK. But, the line was always fairly long. Another dowside for this being a "locals" park. Fantasyland was ALWAYS crowded!!! :sad2:)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (We wanted to see what the WDW vets were getting into such a huff about with it's departure from MK.)
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Parade (Was not being shown while our stay.)

Grizzly River Run (It was broken. :guilty:)
Sun Wheel (soon-to-be Mickey Wheel) It was down for renovations.
Aladdin (Was not being shown while our stay.)

Rides we purposely skipped:
Autopia (This ride is so popular it has a FP machine. It looked so slowwwwwwwww. I would have sat there the whole time thinking what other rides we could be riding. :rolleyes1)
Snow White's Scary Adventure (We rode this at MK and it scared our children. The Scary in the title is very fitting. :scared1:)
Dumbo (We may have the only children in the world that don't like Dumbo anymore. DS3 and DD6 could ride the Aladdin carpets @ MK and Triceratop Spin @ DAK over and over again. But, they don't seem very interested in Dumbo.)
Peter Pan's Flight (We've ridden this at MK and would NOT wait in a long line for it. It's fun. But, NOT that fun. It always had a long line as DLP too.)
Astro Orbitor (We've ridden this at MK and find it loses it's appeal at DLP being so close to the ground. It is Dumbo spaceships IMO.)
Gadget's Go Coaster (It looked just like Goofy's Barnstormer @ MK. Our DS3 does NOT like that ride. So, we avoided it all together at DLP.)

Tower of Terror (We've ridden this at DHS numerous times and loved it. I read they don't have the random option just yet. So, we'd plan to wait for that and ride and re-ride it next time.)
Playhouse Disney (We've seen both the old and new shows at DHS. It was fine the first, second and third times. After that, even the children get bored.)
Muppet Vision 3D (We've seen this at DHS numerous times. It's suppose to be the same show. We spent that time riding Monsters, Inc. A great new ride!)
Turtle Talk with Crush (As the other mentioned attractions, we've done this numerous times at Epcot. Somehow, our children are always picked to speak and DH and I end up on the microphone. However, it doesn't seem to fit the Hollywood Backlot area to me. They need to move it over to Tomorrowland next to the Nemo Subs. IMO)
Toy Story Mania (We've done this at DHS and loved it. But, the line at DCA was ALWAYS long and they don't offer a FP for this attraction. We'll be at WDW in June. We'll get our TSM fix then. ;))


We re-rode a few new family favorites while at DLR. We probably could have fit in Fantasyland somewhere, but we were having so much fun elsewhere. Five full park days should be plenty for any first time visitor. If you don't go commando, it will leave you wanting more and dreaming about going back. :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[marvel]

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed your trip report. I love reading about all the places you guys get to visit on road trips. Being from Australia we have been able to make a few road trips on both the west and east coast and love it. Glad you had such a great trip.

Just reading about IN n OUt Burgers and Steak 'n Shake burgers (which I have never heard of) makes me soooo jealous!

Haven't been to Texas yet but it is on the list. :thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed your trip report. I love reading about all the places you guys get to visit on road trips. Being from Australia we have been able to make a few road trips on both the west and east coast and love it. Glad you had such a great trip.

Just reading about IN n OUt Burgers and Steak 'n Shake burgers (which I have never heard of) makes me soooo jealous!

Haven't been to Texas yet but it is on the list. :thumbsup2

Thank you for the kind words. :goodvibes

Come on down to Texas (or I guess it would be over from Australia ;)). Y'all are welcome in the "Lone Star State" anytime. :flower3:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:woohoo: I had our Grand Canyon portion compiled yesterday (with photos and all), I was about to click "Submit Reply", when the power went out. :badpc: You should have seen my shock ridden face. :scared1: We had terrible wind here yesterday. The power went out a few times. It was so windy my holiday flag bracket that is attached to the bricks on the house was ripped out of the bricks. DH had it anchor-bolted/brick bolts and all. So, I am once again working on the most beautiful part of our trip. Bear with me ...

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Anaheim, CA to Grand Canyon, AZ (484.75 miles)
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Once you venture off I-40 and head north towards the Grand Canyon National Park, there is NOTHING out there until you get about five miles from the park entrance. Make sure you fill up in Williams if you are low on gas. Seeing the park sign was a great site. We had arrived. We drove up to the Ranger, paid our $25 (per carload) and were handed a map. Then, we were on our own to explore the park. :cool1:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP61025.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/STP61021.jpg

We first stopped at a little area that everyone and their mother seemed to pick too. Pictures cannot show the true beauty of the Grand Canyon. They don't do it justice. Being so grand, it makes you feel really small. However, I'll post some photos to tie you over until you can make the trip for yourself. It's definitely "a must" destination. IMO. Truly breathtaking and well worth the drive. When DD6 went back to school from Spring Break, she was asked what she did during Spring Break. Her first answer was The Grand Canyon and then Disneyland. The kids enjoyed it more than I expected. That was a pleasant surprise.

Here are some pictures from our first stop within the park:
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As you can see from the photos, we had a beautiful clear day. It was in the 70's. Someone was looking over us during this trip. Besides the snow flurries on the first day, we had nothing but beautiful weather there out.

More photos to come ...

:goodvibes Jennifer

[DizNee Luver]

Well I'm a bit late in reading this, but really enjoyed reading the pre-TR & the report itself. You may not take a ton of pictures, but the ones you have are great!! Love when you see the Disney-Magic in the facial expressions!!!!
You got to the parks one week after we left. The crowds were definately picking up & knew we got out at a good time!! :rotfl:
I didn't realize the monorail had a back car.....we rode up front with the driver & they only could let 5 riders in, so my older boys had to ride in the normal areas.
We've never done the Storyteller's breakfast, so I enjoyed looking at your pics & how pleased you were with it. It is definately one we need to try.....we've done all the rest of them!

Did you just love staying at the DL Hotel? We got to stay 2 nights of our 7 day trip....would have stayed the entire time if we could have budgeted for it!!!! I thought the rooms were so detailed with Disney....right down to the bedspread (with all the attractions on it). I can't remember if you actually swam in the Neverland Pool........we had a blast (wish the water would have been warmer). We even wandered over to the kiddie pools (which were warmer.......and we had them to ourself).

I'm so pleased you had a great trip & weren't disappointed. We love our little park!!!

[MAH4546]

Day 5 (Wednesday)

TWe didn't ride a lot of rides they have in Florida too (ie: Dumbo, ToT, Muppet Vision 3D, Peter Pan, Snow White, Turtle Talk w/Crush, It's Tough to be a Bug, Enchanted Tiki Room, Astro Orbiter, etc...) because they were the same and we honestly didn't want to waste precious park time. We wanted to ride new or better versions at DLP.


Great TR!

Just FYI for your next trip to DL, but Peter Pan, Snow White and the Tiki Room are different rides at DL. Peter Pan is slightly less elaborate, especially with the London scene, but has a much cooler fly over Never Land. Snow White is a very different sequence of events. And the Tiki Room at DL is the original Tiki Room, not the revised one at WDW.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Great TR!

Just FYI for your next trip to DL, but Peter Pan, Snow White and the Tiki Room are different rides at DL. Peter Pan is slightly less elaborate, especially with the London scene, but has a much cooler fly over Never Land. Snow White is a very different sequence of events. And the Tiki Room at DL is the original Tiki Room, not the revised one at WDW.

We knew the Tiki Room at at DLP was not the "Under New Management" version like at MK. We've experienced the attraction at MK and have checked it off our list. We are not Tiki Room folks. It was fun to see once.

There are many rides we skipped or just didn't get to. :thumbsup2 We DO plan to go back for more Disneyland magic. :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Well I'm a bit late in reading this, but really enjoyed reading the pre-TR & the report itself. You may not take a ton of pictures, but the ones you have are great!! Love when you see the Disney-Magic in the facial expressions!!!!
You got to the parks one week after we left. The crowds were definately picking up & knew we got out at a good time!! :rotfl:
I didn't realize the monorail had a back car.....we rode up front with the driver & they only could let 5 riders in, so my older boys had to ride in the normal areas.
We've never done the Storyteller's breakfast, so I enjoyed looking at your pics & how pleased you were with it. It is definately one we need to try.....we've done all the rest of them!

Did you just love staying at the DL Hotel? We got to stay 2 nights of our 7 day trip....would have stayed the entire time if we could have budgeted for it!!!! I thought the rooms were so detailed with Disney....right down to the bedspread (with all the attractions on it). I can't remember if you actually swam in the Neverland Pool........we had a blast (wish the water would have been warmer). We even wandered over to the kiddie pools (which were warmer.......and we had them to ourself).

I'm so pleased you had a great trip & weren't disappointed. We love our little park!!!

:love: We loved the Disneyland Hotel. We wouldn't hesitate staying there again. The extra expense was well worth it in my opinion. :thumbsup2 We swam at the Neverland Pool. Yes, the water was chilly. Where was the kiddie pool? We never saw that. I am sure DS3 would have enjoyed it.

How was the Minnie breakfast inside DLP? I was going to book that, but read bad reviews on the characters rushing by and the food just "okay". What was your experience?

You left just in time. We felt the full effect of the Spring Breakers. However, that was the only week we could go because of the school schedule. We are going to WDW in June and plan to take full advantage of the EMHs. The Sunday we arrive, MK is open until 1 am. Hopefully, the crowds won't be too bad. That should make up for our DLR crowds.

We loved your "little" park. They say the best things come in small packages. ;) I can't express enough how much fun we had. The California weather was amazing. I came home with a nice tan. :cool2: I have already started dreaming about going back. :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[DizNee Luver]

:love: We loved the Disneyland Hotel. We wouldn't hesitate staying there again. The extra expense was well worth it in my opinion. :thumbsup2 We swam at the Neverland Pool. Yes, the water was chilly. Where was the kiddie pool? We never saw that. I am sure DS3 would have enjoyed it.

How was the Minnie breakfast inside DLP? I was going to book that, but read bad reviews on the characters rushing by and the food just "okay". What was your experience?

You left just in time. We felt the full effect of the Spring Breakers. However, that was the only week we could go because of the school schedule. We are going to WDW in June and plan to take full advantage of the EMHs. The Sunday we arrive, MK is open until 1 am. Hopefully, the crowds won't be too bad. That should make up for our DLR crowds.

We loved your "little" park. They say the best things come in small packages. ;) I can't express enough how much fun we had. The California weather was amazing. I came home with a nice tan. :cool2: I have already started dreaming about going back. :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

The 2 smaller pools (and by "kiddie" I don't mean little pools) are over by the Fitness Center & beach area. Please don't ask for directions....I could never give them...lol We asked at the main pool & they told us.

We didn't do the Minnie & Friends this past trip but are this Monday. We love the characters at this meal (Minnie, Fairy Godmother, Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Hook, Chip, Dale, etc)....the more "classic" characters. I have never been a huge fan of their buffet. The food always seemed cold, but hubby says the made-to-order omelets are the bomb!! We're going Monday to introduce our 22mth old twins girls to the characters.......hoping for the best, but with their sensory issues & delays it might not be what we dreamed of...but we're prepared for that as well.

We had breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe on Saturday, March 14 before leaving town. We parked at the Minnie Parking & took the tram back & forth to DTD. We stopped & did some shopping at the World of Disney & could hardly get out of the doors (the ones facing DL) because the crowds were backed up that far to just get thru the security tables!! :scared1: A few people were saying it was at least a 40 minute wait just to get thru that part.....then they'd have to go stand in the lines to get thru the park gates!!!! Thank but no thanks!!....... Of course, we're going Monday & Tuesday this coming week.....not by choice really.....Hubby is interviewing with Disneyland on Tuesday...so we're definately going. Would not have chosen this time to be there though.......crowds, crowds, crowds. Wish they'd put in a FP for the bathrooms!!! Last year (during spring break) our poor little 2 yr old had plenty of accidents waiting in 30 minute lines for the bathroom........ Can you tell I'm not thrilled about being there with the crowds???? Thrilled to be at Disneyland....just wish everyone would pick those 2 days to go to Universal Studios or San Diego!!!!! :lmao:

I'm glad you enjoyed it!!! I can't walk thru Disneyland & not feel Walt's presence....I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

[pmama]

Ahhh, I really hope to take my kids to see the Grand Canyon soon. On the way home from DLR seems perfect. We may have to break out and actually attempt a road trip some time soon.:goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

Hubby is interviewing with Disneyland on Tuesday...so we're definately going. Would not have chosen this time to be there though.......crowds, crowds, crowds.

:worship: Your husband is interviewing at DLR. That is exciting. I am sending lots of pixie dust your way. :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

Good luck to your hubby! :goodvibes

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Ahhh, I really hope to take my kids to see the Grand Canyon soon. On the way home from DLR seems perfect. We may have to break out and actually attempt a road trip some time soon.:goodvibes

:thumbsup2 I see you are from Colorado. DH has visited Denver on business and loved it. :love: But, the family has never been there or anywhere in Colorado. We plan to take a roadtrip to Colorado for Christmas one year. We want to rent a cabin and have fun in the snow. Remember, we live in Texas. :cool2: We are usuallly wearing shorts on Christmas. :lmao: Could you recommend a "family-friendly" resort that would pretty much guarantee snow around Christmas-time?????? DH was born and raised in Texas (I am a Yankee. ;)) I know he has a dream to wake up on Christmas morning with piles of snow outside. :cloud9: He didn't have it as a youth. I think he wants his children to experience it at least once in their life. :dance3:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We decided to check-out the area near the El Tovar Hotel. We visited this area when were there back in 2002 and remembered it being beautiful. We remembered correctly. The family photo in the first Grand Canyon post was taken at this area. Also, they have the Hopi House (historical site and gift shop) and we caught a Native American dance demonstration. We looked at the onsite photo of the El Tovar Hotel when it was first built (1905) with a horse and carriage out front and all. The exterior has NOT changed at all since being built. That was neat to see.

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[pmama]

:thumbsup2 I see you are from Colorado. DH has visited Denver on business and loved it. :love: But, the family has never been there or anywhere in Colorado. We plan to take a roadtrip to Colorado for Christmas one year. We want to rent a cabin and have fun in the snow. Remember, we live in Texas. :cool2: We are usuallly wearing shorts on Christmas. :lmao: Could you recommend a "family-friendly" resort that would pretty much guarantee snow around Christmas-time?????? DH was born and raised in Texas (I am a Yankee. ;)) I know he has a dream to wake up on Christmas morning with piles of snow outside. :cloud9: He didn't have it as a youth. I think he wants his children to experience it at least once in their life. :dance3:

:surfweb: Jennifer


Are you interested in skiing or not?

[TheTXTaylors5]

We decided to relax and hang out at the El Tovar porch for a bit. Looking out and seeing the Grand Canyon as your scenery was nothing but a perfect way to end our trip.

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Where else but at the Grand Canyon are you going to see a Mule Xing sign. :rotfl: We could see the trails where they take the mules. Also, there are some little cabins on the Canyon floor. When the kids are older, we may look into the mule trail ride. It would remind me of the Brady Bunch episode (Anyone remember that or am I showing my age? Then again, I watched the re-runs as a kid in the 70's. ;) )

As we were heading toward the park exit, a wild coyote ran right in front of our minivan. DH had to jam on the brakes. That was such a treat to see. Also, it is DD6's school mascot. So, she thought it was pretty cool. It was so fast, I didn't get a picture. Sorry. :confused3

We sadly headed back to I-40 knowing our roadtrip would soon come to an end. :guilty:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Grand Canyon, AZ - Albuquerque, NM (410.30 miles)
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DH made it all the way to Albuquerque, NM. We searched on our GPS for a Holiday Inn Express. We found one right off the highway. Another great BIG room and yummy breakfast in the morning. :woohoo:

[TheTXTaylors5]

Are you interested in skiing or not?

:rotfl: "Bunny Slope"

When I lived in Europe, I went skiing. But, we want to attend a "family" ski school if possible to have the kids learn from a pro. Same as when they get to driving age. :worship: We are all for Driving Schools. DS3's coordination is still a little iffy. He had developmental issues early on and was in physical therapy. By the time we go, probably Christmas 2010, he should be ready to hit the slopes. :woohoo:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We had breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe on Saturday, March 14 before leaving town.

I have a Rainforest Cafe coupon link. Maybe, you can use it on your upcoming trip? How was their breakfast? The one around here doesn't serve breakfast.

I hope these help your trip ...

From the Anaheim Orange County (http://www.anaheimoc.org/)website:
Rainforest Cafe - Free Appetizer or Save $5 off two breakfast entrees coupon (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/RainforestCafe_09v2.gif) (Anaheim location)
McDonalds - 10% Discount (food only) (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/McDonalds08_v1.gif) (Anaheim location)
Universal Studios Hollywood - $8.00 off General Admission/$10.00 off Front Of Line Pass (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/USH09_v1.pdf)
Anaheim Gardenwalk - Complimentary VIP Shopping Pass & Eco-tote (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/AnaheimGardenWalk08v6.gif)
Disneyland Resort Express - Save $2 when booking online (http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/DisResortExpress_09_v1.gif)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[pmama]

:rotfl: "Bunny Slope"

When I lived in Europe, I went skiing. But, we want to attend a "family" ski school if possible to have the kids learn from a pro. Same as when they get to driving age. :worship: We are all for Driving Schools. DS3's coordination is still a little iffy. He had developmental issues early on and was in physical therapy. By the time we go, probably Christmas 2010, he should be ready to hit the slopes. :woohoo:

:goodvibes Jennifer


Okay, I really can't recommend resorts in Colorado as we never visit them. However, I can recommend some ski towns. Vail/Aspen area is a favorite of celebrities, very pretty. Definitely snow. We also really like Keystone. It is cute, nice ski slopes, and not as far from Denver as others.

We personally love Glenwood Springs for it's Hot Springs. However, it is not as high altitude and you can not "guarantee" snow.

[javamoma]

Okay, I really can't recommend resorts in Colorado as we never visit them. However, I can recommend some ski towns. Vail/Aspen area is a favorite of celebrities, very pretty. Definitely snow. We also really like Keystone. It is cute, nice ski slopes, and not as far from Denver as others.

We personally love Glenwood Springs for it's Hot Springs. However, it is not as high altitude and you can not "guarantee" snow.

We go to colorado every couple of months, my sister and her family live in Aspen. Anyway Glennwood Springs is good place to stay because is is WAY WAY WAY less expensive that Aspen yet still close enough that you could drive into Aspen and ski (choose Buttermilk instead of Aspen mountain for newbie sking). But if money is not an option, stay in Aspen at the Little Nell. It's world famous.

My grandmother lives in Ridgway which is just outside of Telluride and we love that area. There is a spa in Ridgway (can't think of the name) and there are tons of places to stay in Telluride.

Another option is Durango and ski Durango mountain. Family friendly and one of the less expensive areas.

Hope that helps a little.:goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

Thank you for the Colorado suggestions. :flower3: I've heard of Aspen and Telluride. They always seems to be advertised in our AAA magazine. With today's weather close to 80 degrees, I can't believe I'm talking about snow. Being a "family trip", we honestly don't want to take them to a 5-Star Hotel. We want a place where they can make some noise and have fun. Also, "The Big Red-Suited Guy" will still be making his late-night toy drop at our room/condo on Christmas Eve. But, the trip itself would be the "major" present from us. Ski instruction fee, ski and boot rentals, tickets, condo/cabin rental, etc... We know the fees will add up. However, seeing the snow driving to California re-lit the idea of making a Christmas trip to Colorado. We're even open to New Mexico, if the area and snow is right. :thumbsup2

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Albuquerque, NM - Home (North Texas) (616.59 miles)
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Day 8 (Saturday)

We left the Holiday Inn Express in Albuquerque around 8 am (we decided to sleep in a little). After our yummy breakast of course. ;) We were back on the road. Knowing our next "major" stop would be home was a little comforting (there's nothing like sinking into your own bed after being away for a week), but I was sad just the same. Come Monday, DH would be back to work, DD6 back at school and our normal day to day events would pick right back up where we left a week earlier. Spending a solid week with the family is always so nice and I hate having to give them back to the rest of the world. You would think by now, we'd all be sick of each other. But, it wasn't like that. We had a great time even in the car. The kids kept busy with Nintendo DS, Gameboy and Leapster. Of course, the DVD player in the minivan was a savior at times. When we'd played enough "I Spy", popping in a DVD kept them entertained for at least an hour and half. One surprise hit during the roadtrip portion was a Mad Libs book I picked up. I use to love those when I was younger. I was in the bookstore searching for Disneyland books and ended up picking up the kids some new books for the trip and picked up a super Mad Libs book. The trip home was pretty uneventful. We pulled into our driveway around 8:30 PM. We were home. :guilty:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[Sherwin]

The water was still drained near Paradise Pier. The lake was a construction site. They had walls all along the way from PP to the mainland with a map of the renovations. We can't wait to see it completed. The water show is suppose to be up and running next year. It was described to us as part Fantasmic! (like at DHS) and part water show like at the Bellagio in Vegas. There are going to be pictures generated onto the water to tell stories. Looks pretty neat. Also, the other major change will be Carsland. The main focal point will be a car ride, kind of like Test Track @ Epcot. But, your car races the guest-filled car next to you. I can't wait to go back in 2011/2012 when it should be completed. My main questions is, where are they getting the land to do the project? Are they taking more precious parking spaces away near the Paradise Pier Hotel? The map was pretty vague of the size of the addition.
Great great TR! Can't believe I didn't read this before.

Apparently, there's speculation that the new World of Color show will be even more spectacular than F!, but we'll see about that (I am loyal to F! :goodvibes). Fantasmic is a very old show, so we'll probably see lots of new technologies with this one.

Carsland will be taking up space from the old Timon Parking lot, which is wedged in the southeast corner between DCA and the CCI.

[TheTXTaylors5]

I can't believe we were just at Disneyland. It all seems like a dream. A really good dream. Walking down Main Street, riding on PoTC, eating at the Blue Bayou. Those were all just memories now. I was a little sad on Sunday. But, very happy to have experienced the one and only original park. Like previously mentioned, we plan to return. How will I get through these next two or three years until we return?!?!?!?! I am sure these boards will help. ;)

When I look back on this trip, this is what I will remember and cherish ...

On our first night, we made our way to the Fire Station on Main Street to pay our repects to Walt. When I glanced over at DH, he was looking up at the light and had a smile on his face. He looked so sweet and childlike. It was precious. A "Disney Husband" is something to cherish. He gets "it" and that is one more reason for me to love him. :love: We plan to return again and again. I can't wait to return with DH, our children and our grandchildren (many, many years from now. ;)) Disney just lights a spark within that can't be explained. Behind the Disney gates, anything is possible. :wizard:

:flower3: Thank you for taking the time to read this Trip Report. It was fun to re-live our amazing trip. If you haven't been to Disneyland before, I hope it helped. If you were along for the ride, I hope it kept you entertained.

Have a "magical" day and may all your dreams come true. :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Great great TR! Can't believe I didn't read this before.

Apparently, there's speculation that the new World of Color show will be even more spectacular than F!, but we'll see about that (I am loyal to F! :goodvibes). Fantasmic is a very old show, so we'll probably see lots of new technologies with this one.

Carsland will be taking up space from the old Timon Parking lot, which is wedged in the southeast corner between DCA and the CCI.

Thank you for the kind words. :goodvibes

After speaking with a CM, the World of Color show should be amazing. I can't wait to see it. There weren't any Fantasmic! showings during our stay. :guilty: We have seen the one at DHS and liked it. However, I would have liked to see the DLP version too.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:thumbsup2 We watched the trip video the other night. It was fun to re-live the walk down Main Street. DH took some pictures with the video camera. I have to download them to the computer and will post some of the random pictures soon. :smickey:

:cool1: I got to experience the Nemo Subs without getting up at the crack of dawn. :love: Thanks to my DH's great footage. The ride looks amazing. However, I think DS3 would have freaked a little. It definitely is not a ride for a claustrophobic person. By the time we go back, DS3 should be fine to ride it. Hopefully by then, they figure out how to make the line flow better. To anyone going to DLP with the intention of riding this, get to rope drop on a MM. Then, make sure you haul booty to the ride entrance. Otherwise, you will already have at least a 30 minute wait. When DH and DS8 exited the ride (around 8:35 am), it was already about a 40/50 minutes stand-by wait (and that was on a MM!!!! :scared1:).

Good luck! :fish:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[DizNee Luver]

I have a Rainforest Cafe coupon link. Maybe, you can use it on your upcoming trip? How was their breakfast? The one around here doesn't serve breakfast.

:goodvibes Jennifer

Thank you for the offer, we got one of their memberships but knew we weren't going to stop there this trip.

We found the breakfast to be very good. My son got the breakfast pizza thing (not sure of the name) & it was huge.....we all could have shared it & would have been full. All of the portions were that way. We got right in, served, fed & out the door. A lot quicker than during the dinner & evening!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

A lot quicker than during the dinner & evening!!

Glad to hear. Dinner was so slowwwwwwww! :rolleyes1 Sounds like a great breakfast option on the way to the parks. Now we know for next time. :thumbsup2 Thanks for the info.

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:cool1: I have started to get excited for our upcoming WDW trip in June for DH's Birthday. I called the other day to make some additional ADRs and was able to get what I wanted. I couldn't the week before. I have to do that sometimes for WDW ADRs. People cancel all the time or over-book. So, re-checking helps when trying to get desirable restaurants. :thumbsup2 Things are looking up for that trip. I have a few surprises up my sleeve for DH. He sometimes lurks on here, so I will keep "mum" until we get back and let y'all know how it went. I have been browsing the WDW boards again and can't believe how crowded WDW is this weekend. How is DLR doing out there? It is just as crazy? I'm glad we went to DLR this Spring Break instead of WDW as first booked. The WDW 4/3 deal has enticed a lot of WDW newbies and made the parks close to full capacity. We are going a week before the 4th of July weekend. I hope people either go to WDW around Memorial Day or the 4th of July and leave the other week in June to us. I don't do well in crowds. I like my space. One of my biggest Disney pet peeves is people who walk on my heels in a line. :crowded: If I stop too quickly, they bump into me. Now, that is just too close for comfort. :sad2: If I were a multi-millionaire, the first thing I would do is rent out Disneyland for a day. Wouldn't that be nice? I am sure others have thought about it too. :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Happy Easter to you and yours!

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[javamoma]

:cool1: I have started to get excited for our upcoming WDW trip in June for DH's Birthday. I called the other day to make some additional ADRs and was able to get what I wanted. I couldn't the week before. I have to do that sometimes for WDW ADRs. People cancel all the time or over-book. So, re-checking helps when trying to get desirable restaurants. :thumbsup2 Things are looking up for that trip. I have a few surprises up my sleeve for DH. He sometimes lurks on here, so I will keep "mum" until we get back and let y'all know how it went. I have been browsing the WDW boards again and can't believe how crowded WDW is this weekend. How is DLR doing out there? It is just as crazy? I'm glad we went to DLR this Spring Break instead of WDW as first booked. The WDW 4/3 deal has enticed a lot of WDW newbies and made the parks close to full capacity. We are going a week before the 4th of July weekend. I hope people either go to WDW around Memorial Day or the 4th of July and leave the other week in June to us. I don't do well in crowds. I like my space. One of my biggest Disney pet peeves is people who walk on my heels in a line. :crowded: If I stop too quickly, they bump into me. Now, that is just too close for comfort. :sad2: If I were a multi-millionaire, the first thing I would do is rent out Disneyland for a day. Wouldn't that be nice? I am sure others have thought about it too. :cloud9:

:goodvibes Jennifer

A DLR trip and now a WDW trip so close together??? :eek: Hold on. I have to take a break to mop up the drewl on the floor by my computer.
I'll be back later, it's going to take a lot of moppin'!

[TheTXTaylors5]

A DLR trip and now a WDW trip so close together??? :eek: Hold on. I have to take a break to mop up the drewl on the floor by my computer.
I'll be back later, it's going to take a lot of moppin'!

:rotfl: Very funny!

We were intially suppose to visit Disneyland for DH's birthday in June. But the price was right. So, we went in March instead. With the "What will you celebrate?" promo. We just had to spend someone's birthday at WDW. Last year, we visited WDW in April/May for DS8's birthday and September for DD6's birthday. It was only fitting to spend DH's (My BIG kid) birthday at Disney this year. We will never go for mine (July) or DS3's (August) birthday. The crowds and weather will be unbearable during those months. We are chancing it going in June. I have a touring plan already worked out. The biggie for this time of year is to get to rope drop and take advantage of EMHs. Also, I plan to take a break mid-day at the pool and then back to the parks at night. When we were at WDW last year in May and September it was so humid. We went through a case of water the first couple of days. I hope we are not there and thinking ... "Why aren't we at Disneyland?????" From your experience, how humid does California get in June (summer)?

Since joining DVC, we go to WDW more often than expected. We usually make the trek to Florida three times a year. :dance3: We have made the drive so many times, we could do it blindfolded. Driving through the main entrance gate feels like arriving home. :cloud9: We let our WDW AP expire this past December. :guilty: We honestly thought we wouldn't be back until the following December (2009). We are such Disney nuts. There's no way we could wait a whole year to visit. We were having Disney withdrawals. :rotfl2: DH is always "game" to visit WDW. I don't have to twist his arm too much. ;)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We will also be driving from Dallas! Can I just copy your trip ;) ?

:thumbsup2 You are going to have an amazing roadtrip. Driving through Arizona is truly beautiful. Are you making a loop by driving near Phoenix one way and Albuquerque the other? Initially, we were going to do this. But decided against it because of the violence on the US - Mexico border. Sadly, we missed coming into Anaheim from the south. San Diego would have been a nice stop. We plan to stop there and Legoland (Carlsbad) on our next CA Adventure. Will you be stopping off at the Grand Canyon? :thumbsup2 I highly recommend it! It's only about an hour off of I-40.

I hope you plan to do a Trip Report. I can't wait to read it! No pressure here. ;)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Pre-Trip Report

:thumbsup2 I love your Pre-Trip Report. I can't wait for you to go and experience what you have been anticipating all these months. You are going to have an incredible time.

Have a magical trip! :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[RanCan]

"Why aren't we at Disneyland?????" From your experience, how humid does California get in June (summer)?

:goodvibes Jennifer

First of all I want to tell you that I just loved your trip report!!!! You really did a great job writing it and I thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of it, and the pictures were great!!

Now to answer your question. Southern California gets quite warm in the summer. The really warm months are usually from July all the way through September and October, sometimes November, but the humidity is very low so it can be bearable. But in June, that is probably the coolist month in the summer, we get what is called the "June Gloom". That is when the clouds and fog come in from the ocean and stick around for a good part of the day. It's actually not a bad time to go to DL.

Thanks again for your trip report, we are going to WDW for the first time in August and I'm a little nervous about the humidity since I'm use to a dryer heat. But I am totally excited!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

First of all I want to tell you that I just loved your trip report!!!! You really did a great job writing it and I thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of it, and the pictures were great!!

Now to answer your question. Southern California gets quite warm in the summer. The really warm months are usually from July all the way through September and October, sometimes November, but the humidity is very low so it can be bearable. But in June, that is probably the coolist month in the summer, we get what is called the "June Gloom". That is when the clouds and fog come in from the ocean and stick around for a good part of the day. It's actually not a bad time to go to DL.

Thanks again for your trip report, we are going to WDW for the first time in August and I'm a little nervous about the humidity since I'm use to a dryer heat. But I am totally excited!!

:goodvibes Thank you for the kind post. I am glad you enjoy the TR. We definitely plan to return to DLP. With all the kids in school by the time we go back, June might be a nice time to visit Southern California. :thumbsup2

We've been to WDW in May and September. I will forewarn you, it was VERY humid. We're from Texas and know heat. But, the humidity was killing us and draining all our energy by mid-day. :cool2: I can't imagine being there in August. Good luck! We drank over a case of water within the first few days this past May. FYI - any counter-service at WDW with a drink fountain can give you FREE ice water. Take full advantage of this. Also in Epcot, there is a place called Club Cool where you sample FREE Coke products. This is a nice air conditioned place to cool off at Epcot on a hot day. Have a family member try the Beverly and watch their expression (have the camera ready!). :rotfl2: Another tip (I know you didn't ask ;)), take full advantage of Extra Magic Hours (if staying on-property). During the summer, getting to rope drop helps immensely with the crowds and the heat. Then we, head back to our resort mid-day for a dip in the pool and cool off (Even a coldish shower feels good mid-day after being in the parks). We usually head back out in the evening refreshed and ready to stay until the park closes and/or very end of an EMH (PM). We've had some of our best family memories made at WDW during EMH (PM). We've had Fantasyland all to ourselves at 1 am a few times. It definitely is different than DLP in that aspect. We expected the crowds at DLP to leave around 10/11 PM (park closed at midnight). Nope, they ALL stayed until the park closed. :headache:

Have a magical trip! :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/4th-July-Mickey-Donald-Rocket-1.jpg
Happy (or unhappy if you had to pay the Taxman) Tax Day 2009!

:surfweb: Jennifer

[MyMuse]

Whew! I just finished reading your trip report.

I was toying with the idea of going to Disneyland for July and combining it with a visit to the Orange County Fair.

I have visited the Grand Canyon and it was absolutely gorgeous! I also visited Tombstone, Montezuma's Castle and stayed a few days in Sedona. Amazing stuff.

Your family will always appreciate these great road trips! I wish I could ahve had these memories with mine. Though, we do ahve drives to the Jersey shore, but it doesn't quite compare. :laughing:

I enjoyed your trip report and maybe I'll convince myself to go to Disneyland!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Whew! I just finished reading your trip report.

I was toying with the idea of going to Disneyland for July and combining it with a visit to the Orange County Fair.

I have visited the Grand Canyon and it was absolutely gorgeous! I also visited Tombstone, Montezuma's Castle and stayed a few days in Sedona. Amazing stuff.

Your family will always appreciate these great road trips! I wish I could ahve had these memories with mine. Though, we do ahve drives to the Jersey shore, but it doesn't quite compare. :laughing:

I enjoyed your trip report and maybe I'll convince myself to go to Disneyland!

Thank you for taking the time to read my long-winded Trip Report. :goodvibes

:sad1: DH and I never went to WDW as children. I think we're making up for lost time. ;)

It took me 36 years to get to DLR ... :rolleyes1 I got my FIRST pair of Mickey ears last year at MK during YOMD. :earsgirl: We won some from the Dream Team. Better late, than never. :woohoo:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[shishigirl]

Just finished reading your trip report and loved it! How fun to stay at the disneyland hotel and how fun to see the fireworks from the balcony! We are planning a trip in june and you have given me some great planning tips! Thanks for the site to the coupons and the outlet store. Im glad you and your family had such a magical time! I loved how you stopped outside the firestation to see the light on! Your family is wonderful and your kids are darling! Have fun in WDW!

[javamoma]

:thumbsup2 You are going to have an amazing roadtrip. Driving through Arizona is truly beautiful. Are you making a loop by driving near Phoenix one way and Albuquerque the other? Initially, we were going to do this. But decided against it because of the violence on the US - Mexico border. Sadly, we missed coming into Anaheim from the south. San Diego would have been a nice stop. We plan to stop there and Legoland (Carlsbad) on our next CA Adventure. Will you be stopping off at the Grand Canyon? :thumbsup2 I highly recommend it! It's only about an hour off of I-40.

I hope you plan to do a Trip Report. I can't wait to read it! No pressure here. ;)

:goodvibes Jennifer

I think we will go Albequerque both ways. My mom, DD, and myself will leave from Dallas and we will pick up my sister and her 3 kids in Albequerque (although she lives in Aspen, her in-laws are in Durango and they can easily drop her and the kids off in Albq). The dads and grandfather will be flying to meet us in California. That way their limited time off will not interere with our toodling around the countryside!
We are planning to go to the grand canyon. I am so excited! The children will be 4, 3, 2, and 6 months so we could pull over and stare at a bug and they would be happy! I'm sure the 2 older ones will think the grand canyon is awesome. We have already started teaching them about it. Any other recommended side trips for little ones? Our kids are like yours, great at traveling in the car. Actually, we don't know about the will-be-6 month-old yet because he is still in the womb. Our trip isn't until March 2010. But, I will probably start a trip report soon.

Anyone know when 2010 rates are released?

[MyMuse]

Thank you for taking the time to read my long-winded Trip Report. :goodvibes

:sad1: DH and I never went to WDW as children. I think we're making up for lost time. ;)

It took me 36 years to get to DLR ... :rolleyes1 I got my FIRST pair of Mickey ears last year at MK during YOMD. :earsgirl: We won some from the Dream Team. Better late, than never. :woohoo:

:surfweb: Jennifer

It was a fab report! :goodvibes I was debating on staying at Disney or one of the Good Neighbor hotels as well.

I never went to WDW as a child either. Actually, we never went on vacation; to me, it's a wonderful luxury thing I do. :wizard: If my parents were still alive, I would be dragging them everywhere! :lmao:

I'm 37 and just went to my first on-site immersion WDW visit this past March (BDay gift to myself). It was wonderful. My sister sent a surprise gift to my hotel room, which were Mickey ears and a tote bag full of stuff! :hug:
Sooner or later, I'll get to Disneyland. Your trip report is some serious fuel. :laughing:

[TheTXTaylors5]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/clipbirthday.gif

Happy 9th Birthday Will!

party: My "baby" turns 9 today. He's halfway out of the house and on his way to college. Where does the time go? :sad2:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:scared1: Only 94 more posts until I hit the 5,000 mark. Phew! I have been a Chatty Cathy on here.

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We are on our way tomorrow afternoon to ...

Walt Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:banana: We arrive on Thursday and leave on Sunday. I can't wait to see the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. We were there last year and it was beautiful. Nothing like a last minute trip! ;) This should tie us over until we're there in June for Bill's birthday. Bill told me this is my Mother's Day present. He got a really great deal at PO - Riverside ($90 a night). We plan to buy AP while there. So, we'll be back in the AP club again. :cool1:

Thank you Bill! :love:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

If interested, check out my WDW Trip Report ...

WDW May 2009 Trip Report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2177183)

Lots of fun and of course Disney magic! :wizard:

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:wizard: We'll be back to DLR sooner than expected ...

:banana: Doing a happy dance! :banana:

I just booked DH and I (:woohoo: no kids!!!!) on an Adventures by Disney trip. We are doing the DIS Unplugged ABD California Backstage Magic Tour on April 13, 2010. We will have a little under a year to anticipate this trip. With the price, I will need all the time I can to save to pay for it! ;) Disney sure is proud of these trips. This will definitely be a "Once in a Lifetime Trip". :cloud9:

Here's the itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive in Los Angeles
The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel
Welcome Dinner at Trastevere Ristorante

Day 2:
Behind the Scenes at The El Capitan Theatre
Backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live
The Jim Henson Company Studio Tour and Lunch
The Stars of Hollywood

Day 3:
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Studios
Drive to Disneyland® Resort
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa.
Welcome Reception at the Wine Cellar and Hook's Pointe
Evening at Disneyland® Park

Day 4:
Character Breakfast at Plaza Inn
VIP Custom Tour of Disneyland® Park
Lunch at Café Orleans
Afternoon and Evening in Disneyland® Resort
Privately guided VIP tour to Walt Disney's Apartment.

Day 5:
Character Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen
Privately Guided VIP experience of Disney's California Adventure™ Park
Lunch and Afternoon On Your Own at the Disneyland® Resort
Farewell Dinner and Surprise

Day 6:
Character Breakfast at Storytellers Café
Transfer to the Airport

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

I decided to turn this into a Pre-Trip Report for our upcoming Disneyland Part Deux trip.

We just got back from an amazing week at WDW. It was hot and humid, as expected. But, we still had fun. I presented DH with the CA trip for his birthday on Thursday. He was very shocked to say the least.

This is DH opening the envelope with the ABD info ...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripJune20091088.jpg
His expression is ... are you serious?!?!?!?!

The next one is after the reality of the trip has sunk in ...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripJune20091091.jpg
His expression is ... can we leave now!!!!!!

We had an amazing time at WDW for DH's birthday. I felt like a vampire during this trip, we were rarely seen outside mid-day (except on DH's birthday). It was so hot and humid. We went through two cases of water and a case of Gatorade. It was all well worth it though. There's no place like a Disney park to celebrate a birthday. I saw a lot of people with birthday pins on. But, when the CMs found out it was actually DH's birthday that day, he was treated extra special everywhere we went. I have to laugh about our dinner at Tutto Italia (Epcot). I got a sitter for the kids and DH went out on his birthday evening for dinner. I kid you not, we heard the waiters sing "Happy Birthday" ten times while we were there to different patrons. By the time they came around to Bill, it honestly didn't seem so special anymore. I found it hard to believe that many people in that particular (non-busy) restaurant had birthdays that day. Oh well. We did get a yummy cake for free!

:goodvibes Jennifer

[thmar]

Oh...what a wonderful birthday present!!

[javamoma]

Can't wait to hear all the planning details! You guys are going to have so much fun with the dis unplugged team! Who all from the podcast is going on that trip?

[TheTXTaylors5]

Can't wait to hear all the planning details! You guys are going to have so much fun with the dis unplugged team! Who all from the podcast is going on that trip?

Peter, Walter, Kevin, John and Kathy are all going to be on the trip. It will be weird traveling with these voices we've been listening to for three years.

I can't wait! :woohoo:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[tinkermell]

:wizard: We'll be back to DLR sooner than expected ...

:banana: Doing a happy dance! :banana:

I just booked DH and I (:woohoo: no kids!!!!) on an Adventures by Disney trip. We are doing the DIS Unplugged ABD California Backstage Magic Tour on April 13, 2010. We will have a little under a year to anticipate this trip. With the price, I will need all the time I can to save to pay for it! ;) Disney sure is proud of these trips. This will definitely be a "Once in a Lifetime Trip". :cloud9:

Here's the itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive in Los Angeles
The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel
Welcome Dinner at Trastevere Ristorante

Day 2:
Behind the Scenes at The El Capitan Theatre
Backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live
The Jim Henson Company Studio Tour and Lunch
The Stars of Hollywood

Day 3:
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Studios
Drive to Disneyland® Resort
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa.
Welcome Reception at the Wine Cellar and Hook's Pointe
Evening at Disneyland® Park

Day 4:
Character Breakfast at Plaza Inn
VIP Custom Tour of Disneyland® Park
Lunch at Café Orleans
Afternoon and Evening in Disneyland® Resort
Privately guided VIP tour to Walt Disney's Apartment.

Day 5:
Character Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen
Privately Guided VIP experience of Disney's California Adventure™ Park
Lunch and Afternoon On Your Own at the Disneyland® Resort
Farewell Dinner and Surprise

Day 6:
Character Breakfast at Storytellers Café
Transfer to the Airport

:goodvibes JenniferWOW!! How fun and exciting! I am jealous!

Can't wait to hear more about your plans!:cool1:

[TheTXTaylors5]

:thumbsup2 We got confirmation yesterday that our Adventures by Disney trip has been "officially" booked. Yea!!!!!! :banana:

:cool1::cool1::cool1: Doing a "California Dreamin' Happy Dance" right now!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

The "baby" of our family turns four years old this weekend. I hate having to change the children's ages in my signature. The years are flying by way too quickly for me. We're having a pool party on Sunday. The theme is ... :fish: Finding Nemo :fish:

DD6 and I are making the birthday cake. This will be my first time working with fondant. With the humidity in Texas right now, we'll see how it goes. :rolleyes:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/clipbirthday.gif
Happy 4th Birthday Cole!


http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripMay2009021.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripSeptember2008429-1.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/DisneyTripSeptember2008599-1.jpg
"The Birthday Boy"

:goodvibes Jennifer (AKA Mommy)

[Disneygrl36]

Ok, I am here, but I will have to go back & read 17 pages WOW!

[TheTXTaylors5]

With our upcoming WDW trips, this Pre-Trip Report had been put on hold. Now that all our ADRs have been booked for WDW, I can focus on our April California trip plans ...

:surfweb: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:wizard:
We added two nights on at the beginning of the ABD Tour at The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.
So, we will be in California from April 11th - April 18th. One FULL week in sunny California. I can't wait! :woohoo:

:wizard:
DH rented us a convertible for Monday - Tuesday.
So, we can get out of LA and see the coast and "maybe" venture up to Sonoma Valley and/or Napa Valley if time permits.

:wizard:
We booked our flight yesterday.
We were hoping for some great fare. But, we just didn't see any great deals out of Dallas/Fort Worth Int'l Airport or Dallas Lovefield Airport. So, we are driving down to Austin (about a three hour drive) for a direct flight from Austin to LAX.

As you can see, the plans are coming together. :woohoo: However, time just keeps passing VERY slowly. This is going to be a very long next six months. :rolleyes1

I hope you stick with me. ;)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[ali92579]

subscribing

[TheTXTaylors5]

11 days until we head east for some fun in the Florida sun! :cool1:

:surfweb: Once we get back, I will devote more time to this Trip Report.

:wizard: I am very excited for this upcoming WDW trip for Thanksgiving and the week after. I love the parks and resorts all decorated for the holidays. It is truly magical.

:wizard: We will be home for a total of four days before we head back to WDW. This time we are flying. DH, DS4 and I are heading back for DAP. DS9 and DD7 can't miss anymore school after the prior weeks absence. I am VERY excited to hear Marty Sklar speak. That is what sold me on attendng DAP and of course riding TSM over and over again. I can't wait to see DS4's face! He loves that ride. We aren't telling the older children where we are going until we get back. For now all they know is that Mommy and Cole are going with Daddy to attend a conference. It is sorta true. I'm waiting patiently for our credentials. That trip won't feel real until I receive that envelope. :rolleyes1

:wizard: Yesterday, DH booked us for a 2011 cruise on the Disney Dream. :cloud9: Have you seen the concept art? It looks amazing! I can't wait to slide down (and up) the Aqua Duck. That was always one disappointment about the Wonder and Magic, adults couldn't go on the slides. We'll be onboard for the Thanksgiving holiday. :worship: For that, I will be truly thankful!

:wizard: Last but certainly not least, we have THIS ABD trip coming up in April.

So many trips to keep track of. It's a nice problem to have. ;) (Mind you, these are just the Disney trips we have planned. It will be a busy upcoming year. We also plan to visit some National Parks and tour Texas a bit with the kids. Texas is a BIG state with so many different regions. We still haven't seen so much of it.)

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: We leave for WDW in 8 days!!!! :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

[knewton64]

:thumbsup2 We got confirmation yesterday that our Adventures by Disney trip has been "officially" booked. Yea!!!!!! :banana:

:cool1::cool1::cool1: Doing a "California Dreamin' Happy Dance" right now!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

:goodvibes Jennifer

....looking forward to my very first trip to DL via Adventures by Disney:goodvibes. Ya can even follow along if ya want with the below listed trip report titled, "If I were a Fraggle..."

T.T.F.N.

[TheTXTaylors5]

....looking forward to my very first trip to DL via Adventures by Disney:goodvibes. Ya can even follow along if ya want with the below listed trip report titled, "If I were a Fraggle..."

T.T.F.N.

I'm along for the ride. I subscribed to your thread. I can't wait to read about your trip. :surfweb:

:goodvibes Jennifer