Note to Self...A Procrastinator's Pre-Trip Report September 12-21

[NWPrincess]

Prologue

My parents and I have been going to Disneyland together since I was a baby. I was born in SoCal and lived there until I was 5. We used to go every month or so...so back in 2006, I was starting law school and had some free time before that event. We decided we'd take a big trip to Southern California to visit family and have some fun.

We got the CityPass and went to all the parks included in it over the course of two weeks, but we loved Disneyland most of all. My mom wasn't interested in going at first, so she mostly hung out at the hotel while my dad and I went to the parks, but my dad had a CM friend at DL who got us in for free for one day, so my mom decided to come along. We talked her into getting an ECV and she had a great time. She hadn't been to DL since the mid-1990s and could not believe how much it had changed...her only regret was that she didn't stay longer.

SO--fast forward to 2008. I was originally planning a short trip with my DBF to show him the magic of Disney since the grinch stole his childhood Disney spirit (I will get it back for him eventually)--BUT I found the great HoJo Entertainment deal, needed a vacation, could get time off and found out I qualified for discount Disneyland tickets as an employee benefit of one of my (yes--I have multiple) part-time jobs. I also had about $400 in Alaska Air credit from a horrible experience flying to Germany with British Airways (another trip report/story in itself).

I called my parents and told them all of this, told them it would be economical for us, and they agreed to go to Disneyland. We just wanted to go to Disneyland this time because it really was the only place we really, really enjoyed with our CityPass, my mom could rent her ECV and it would be cheaper for us.

My DBF and I also recently moved. I'm not complaining because we definately upgraded. I feel safer and better about where we are living, but he also paid for most of it (my precarious financial situation as a law student again). Due to this, sadly, he could not go with us--finances would not allow. BUT he promised to take me to DL just the two of us after the Little Mermaid ride opens up. :woohoo: Maybe he isn't such the Disney Scrooge afterall.

[NWPrincess]

The Cast

:) Me--25 year old law student who has loved Disneyland and Disney since she could walk. Her particularly favorite Disney movie is the Little Mermaid which at the age of 8 had memorized to the dismay of her annoyed mommie.

:cool2: Dad--undisclosed age, but really chill guy who actually rode every ride with me last trip with the exception of TOT and CA Screamin', but HATED the Sun Wheel (actually, I thought it was scary too!)

:cutie: Mom--undisclosed age, but is really excited for this trip after last time. Refuses to go on Dumbo, but has promised to go on POTC this time around (she hates the drops). We're still working on her to go on Soarin'.

The Itinerary

September 12: Leave from Sea Tac in the evening for California
September 13: Attend a Family Renuion in said California
September 14: Spend time with Family in the area
September 15: Go to Newport Beach and take the harbor boat tour
Hang a bit at Huntington Beach
Check into the HoJo
Walk around DTD
September 16: Disneyland with MM
September 17: Disneyland
September 18: Disneyland
September 19: Disneyland (you get the point)
September 20: Spend more time with family
September 21: I fly back to Seattle by myself while they continue their journey...

[NWPrincess]

Dining

September 15:

Dinner: Ralph Brennan's (PS at 6:30pm) Drunken Chicken and Bread Pudding

September 16:

Breakfast: In Room

Lunch: Red Rockett's Pizza Port Chicken Salad

Snack: Tiki Juice Bar Dole Whip

Dinner: Whitewater Snacks Beef Nachos

September 17:

Breakfast: In Room

Lunch: Blue Bayou (PS at 11:30am) Pork Chop and Cookie Boat

Snack: Pooh's Corner Tigger Tail

Dinner: Pacific Wharf Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl

September 18:

Breakfast: In Room

Lunch: Taste Pilot's Grill BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Snack: Bengal BBQ Safari Skewer

Dinner: Wine Country Trattoria (PS at 4:50pm) Chicken Bruschetta Salad

September 19:

Breakfast: River Belle Terrace Mickey Mouse Pancakes

Lunch: Cafe Orleans (PS at 1:00pm) Monte Cristco

Dinner: Carnation Cafe (PS at 6:00pm) Baked Potato Soup

[mommaU4]

Sounds great so far. I'm sorry your DBF can't go with you though.

I hope your mom goes on Soarin! She will love it, especially if you can ask to sit in the first row. I am terrified of heights but even I like that one.

I love how you planned out all your meals too. That's something I would do. :thumbsup2

[JaneJetson]

Hello! I'm joining your report. Sounds good so far!

I've never been able to plan my meals in advance. I'm a super picky eater and I never know what I'll be in the mood for.

I just know I can't go to DCA without eating the brocolli cheese soup at Pacific Wharf.

And I must get chicken fuseli (sp?) at Pizza Port at some on our trip.

I LOVED the beef stew in a bread bowl at the French Market but it's gone now. :sad1:

What are these Tigger Tails people are always talking about?

[NWPrincess]

Sounds great so far. I'm sorry your DBF can't go with you though.

I hope your mom goes on Soarin! She will love it, especially if you can ask to sit in the first row. I am terrified of heights but even I like that one.

I love how you planned out all your meals too. That's something I would do. :thumbsup2

:cheer2: Yeah! I have an audience! Thanks for the comment!

I'm actually not as upset as I was about my DBF not going to DL with me. (1) I think it would be harder having him come along. I mean, him and my mom like different things. I really want to spend time with my mom this time because she missed out when my dad and I went and this trip is really about her this time. I think I'd feel obligated to cater to my DBF (who is more of a thrill-ride, I don't get the "Disney atmosphere" kind of guy :confused3 ). Now I can focus more on making her time special--she deserves it! :thumbsup2 (2) it is really easier on the pocketbook now that DBF is MIA. My parents and I will share a hotel room which makes it a LOT cheaper and my parents agreed to pay for food, so this will mean they only have to pay for me!

I've been planning out my meals for months now. Blame it on the food porn on the DIS and having never really eaten at DL before (we always had packed lunches--so the only thing I've ever had was a Dole Whip and Rancho del Zocalo).

[NWPrincess]

Hello! I'm joining your report. Sounds good so far!

I've never been able to plan my meals in advance. I'm a super picky eater and I never know what I'll be in the mood for.

I just know I can't go to DCA without eating the brocolli cheese soup at Pacific Wharf.

And I must get chicken fuseli (sp?) at Pizza Port at some on our trip.

I LOVED the beef stew in a bread bowl at the French Market but it's gone now. :sad1:

What are these Tigger Tails people are always talking about?

I'm planning my meals because there is just so much yummy food--I don't want to miss any of it! I'll make sure to get that Broccoli Cheese Soup and I might get the Chicken Fuselli (don't know how to spell it either) instead of a chicken salad at the Pizza Port.

Tigger Tails are chocolate covered marshmallows sold at Pooh's Corner in Critter Country. They are kind of like (I've never had them, but this is my understanding) an orange cream chocolate with carmel and drizzled dark chocolate. Some people love them and some hate them, but after all I've read about them on the DIS, I've gotta try one!

Thanks so much for your food input. I'm open to suggestions/edits if anyone else has any experience with DL food.

[MommyLove]

YAY you're doing a PTR! :cool1:

When I first read about your DBF not going, I was sad for you (and him) but after you posted the other stuff... well it totally makes sense and I'm so glad for you that you get to spend this special time with just your mom & dad. I would love to be able to do that with my dad. Maybe someday.

Anyhoo... looks like a really great trip! And wow, I'm impressed wth the food planning. We will so not be able to plan food like that, lol. We just run around the parks based on whatever our collective mood is at the moment. All I will be able to swing is a lunch or dinner ressie at Blue Bayou the day before, heh.

As far as the Tigger Tails, something I think is similar but WAY better are the things you can get at Marceline's Confectionery in DTD. It is marshmallows and to-die-for-carmel covered in milk chocolate on a stick. So much better imo than the orangy stuff on the TT's. You can proably get them somewhere else in the parks at the candy stores, but I've only ever tried to get them at Marceline's.

[mommaU4]

:cheer2: Yeah! I have an audience! Thanks for the comment!

I'm actually not as upset as I was about my DBF not going to DL with me. (1) I think it would be harder having him come along. I mean, him and my mom like different things. I really want to spend time with my mom this time because she missed out when my dad and I went and this trip is really about her this time. I think I'd feel obligated to cater to my DBF (who is more of a thrill-ride, I don't get the "Disney atmosphere" kind of guy :confused3 ). Now I can focus more on making her time special--she deserves it! :thumbsup2 (2) it is really easier on the pocketbook now that DBF is MIA. My parents and I will share a hotel room which makes it a LOT cheaper and my parents agreed to pay for food, so this will mean they only have to pay for me!

I've been planning out my meals for months now. Blame it on the food porn on the DIS and having never really eaten at DL before (we always had packed lunches--so the only thing I've ever had was a Dole Whip and Rancho del Zocalo).
That makes sense. It's probably for the best then that you are able to go with your parents and spend quality time with them, and then go with your DBF at a later date. Besides that will give you more to look forward too. :thumbsup2

The bread pudding at Jazz Kitchen is so good! You will love it. You might want to try a chimichanga while you are there. Or a corn dog. Those two are dirt cheap and yet some of the best food in the park, imo. ;)

[MommyLove]

Oh! And another food comment... I'm sure you've heard of them, but the huge turkey legs are to die for. They must marinate them cause the meat is so flavorful. And they're big enough to share so they're very economical too.

Now I'm sitting here drooling for a turkey leg! Glad I only have to wait ONE MORE WEEK! :yay:

[JaneJetson]

I don't think I'd like the tigger tails because I'm not an orange flavor kind of person.

I usually ask for the chicken fuseilli (still not clue on that spelling...haha) without the chicken. I just like the pasta and sauce. And if I'm extra hungry I also get a side salad.

One snack I loved in the park (not sure if they still have them because it's been a couple years) was at the candy place (or whatever it is) on main street. They had this chocolate covered honeycomb type stuff. So yummy!

For snacks we usually get cookies and hot chocolate or mochas. But now that Nestle isn't a sponsor I don't think the cookies will be as good at the blue ribbon bakery.

I don't care for the turkey legs. But I do LOVE the way they smell...haha.

I would love to go to Disneyland with my parents. When I lived in socal, my mom came out for a visit and we did two days in the park (my husband...fiance at the time...was there for part of it but not the whole time because he had to work.) Then in June 2006 everyone was in town for our wedding so we spent a day in the parks with my parents. But I feel like we didn't see much because it was so crowded and my dad isn't a fan of walking. We actually spent more time at DCA. I'd love to go back with them again and get my dad on some more Disneyland rides. I'm really sad we didn't go on Space Mountain because he would have loved it.

Okay...I'm babbling.

[mommaU4]

:rotfl2: We're going to have her adding to her food list to the point she won't be able to do anything but eat! :lmao:


I tried the Tigger Tails and didn't like them much either, BUT I'm not a fan of orange. I know other people think they are to die for. I personally loved the Apple Pie Caramel Apple. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

[MommyLove]

:rotfl2: We're going to have her adding to her food list to the point she won't be able to do anything but eat! :lmao:

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. ;) But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen. :goodvibes

[NWPrincess]

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. ;) But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen. :goodvibes

That's SO sweet that I inspired you to take a trip with you dad! I don't think there is anything as special as Disneyland with your parents. One of the most special moments I had with my dad last trip was when we were waiting in line for Peter Pan one morning and this little girl was looking at us (we looked kind of weird my dad and I in line for Peter Pan) and my dad looked at her and said, "This is my daughter and when she was your age, I took her on this ride just like your dad is." The way he said it was so sweet and I felt like the luckiest daughter in the world!

I hope that this trip with your dad works out! Disney is about sharing it with the people you love.

[NWPrincess]

I don't think I'd like the tigger tails because I'm not an orange flavor kind of person.

I usually ask for the chicken fuseilli (still not clue on that spelling...haha) without the chicken. I just like the pasta and sauce. And if I'm extra hungry I also get a side salad.

One snack I loved in the park (not sure if they still have them because it's been a couple years) was at the candy place (or whatever it is) on main street. They had this chocolate covered honeycomb type stuff. So yummy!

For snacks we usually get cookies and hot chocolate or mochas. But now that Nestle isn't a sponsor I don't think the cookies will be as good at the blue ribbon bakery.

I don't care for the turkey legs. But I do LOVE the way they smell...haha.

I would love to go to Disneyland with my parents. When I lived in socal, my mom came out for a visit and we did two days in the park (my husband...fiance at the time...was there for part of it but not the whole time because he had to work.) Then in June 2006 everyone was in town for our wedding so we spent a day in the parks with my parents. But I feel like we didn't see much because it was so crowded and my dad isn't a fan of walking. We actually spent more time at DCA. I'd love to go back with them again and get my dad on some more Disneyland rides. I'm really sad we didn't go on Space Mountain because he would have loved it.

Okay...I'm babbling.

Yeah the turkey legs kind of scare me too. I saw another trip report where someone got sick on one of them. :sick:

It's hard to pick what to eat when there is so much good stuff!

I hope you get a chance to go again with your parents. :hug: Since I'm older, I don't get to see my parents as much and a day at Disneyland with them is a pretty perfect day!

[NWPrincess]

:rotfl2: We're going to have her adding to her food list to the point she won't be able to do anything but eat! :lmao:


I tried the Tigger Tails and didn't like them much either, BUT I'm not a fan of orange. I know other people think they are to die for. I personally loved the Apple Pie Caramel Apple. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Maybe they should make a Ridemax program for the food stands...:rotfl:

[NWPrincess]

Detailed Schedule (somewhat)

I should have a more detailed one once I get around to doing my actual Ridemax Schedule(s), BUT I am also doing an excel document listing all the rides with ride times each day by the hour (see Hydroguy's sticky on Ridemax).

Obviously, this will also depend on my mom. She says she wants to go on (most) of these rides, but we may change it up a bit or relax more depending on whether she is having a good or bad day (she has COPD--so it will depend on that).

We also plan to see shows, etc., but this will depend on the schedule. I plan on doing this through Ridemax's breaks, etc. Or maybe we will just see the shows on the fly.

Monday, September 15:

7:50 am: Leave Cousin's house for Disneyland
9:00 am: Pick up Disneyland Tickets
9:40 am: Drive to Newport Beach
11:00 am:Harbor Cruise on Newport Bay
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00 pm: Drive to Huntington Beach
1:17 pm: Huntington Beach
2:00 pm: Drive to Howard Johnson Anaheim
2:30 pm: Stop by to pick up groceries for breakfasts
3:00 pm: Check into Howard Johnson Anaheim
5:00 pm: Drive and Park at Downtown Disney
6:30 pm: Dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

Tuesday, September 16:

7:00 am: Get up/Breakfast in Room
8:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
9:00 am: Disneyland Early Entry--Mom rents ECV
1. Peter Pan (2x)
2. Dumbo
3. Matterhorn
4. Alice in Wonderland
5. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
6. Mad Tea Party
7. King Arthur’s Carousel

Othe DL Rides (not in any particular order):
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2. Indiana Jones
3. Splash Mountain
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Enchanted Tiki Room
6. Space Mountain
7. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
8. Star Tours
9. Disneyland Railroad
10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Other DCA Rides (not in order):
1. Soarin’ Over California
2. California Screamin’
3. Toy Story Midway Mania
4. Grizzly River Run
5. Mission Tortilla Factory Tour


Wednesday, September 17:

8:00 am: Get up/Breakfast in Room
9:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
10:00 am:Disneyland
11:30 am:Blue Bayou

DL Rides (not in Order):
1. Finding Nemo
2. Buzz Lightyear
3. Space Mountain
4. Star Tours
5. Pinocchio
6. Snow White
7. Storybook Land Canal Boats
8. Monorail
9. “Honey I Shrunk the Audience”
10. Disneyland the First 50 Magical Years

DCA Rides (not in Order):
1. Tower of Terror
2. Maliboomer
3. Mulholland Madness
4. Orange Stinger
5. Golden Dreams

Thursday, September 18:

8:00 am: Get up/Breakfast in Room
9:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
10:00 am:Disneyland

DL Rides (not in order):
1. Mickey’s House
2. Gadget’s Go Coaster
3. Roger Rabbit
4. Indiana Jones
5. Splash Mountain
6. Jungle Cruise
7. Main St. Cinema
8. Innoventions
9. Mark Twain Riverboat
10. Raft to Tom Sawyer Island
11. Tom Sawyer Island

DCA rides (not in order):
1. Monster’s Inc.
2. Bread Factory
3. Muppet Vision
4. Disney Animation
5. It’s Tough to Be A Bug
6. Sun Wheel
4:50 pm: Wine County Trattoria

Friday, September 19:

7:00 am: Get up
8:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
9:00 am: Disneyland
9:00 am: Riverbelle Terrace
10:00 am: Get in Line for Fantasy Faire
10:30 am: Princess Fantasy Faire
1:00 pm: Café Orleans
6:00 pm: Carnation Café
7:00 pm: Suburban Legends (Tomorrow land Terrace)
8:30 pm: Get a spot on Main Street to watch the Fireworks
9:25 pm: “Remember…Dreams Come True” Fireworks

[mommaU4]

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. ;) But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen. :goodvibesAwww, that's great. Good for you. :goodvibes

Maybe they should make a Ridemax program for the food stands...:rotfl:
Hey, I'd subscribe to that! :rotfl2:

[NWPrincess]

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. ;) But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen. :goodvibes

BTW, my dad REALLY loved Soarin'. He wanted to ride it over and over...

[NWPrincess]

Weather

This is starting to get crazy, but I thought I'd post the weather forecast while we are there:

Monday: High 82 Low 57
Tuesday: High 83 Low 58
Wednesday: High 84 Low 59
Thursday: High 84 Low 61
Friday: High 84 Low 62

Ok...maybe I'm obsessing too much or going Disney bonkers, but I wonder about these things!

[JaneJetson]

Weather

This is starting to get crazy, but I thought I'd post the weather forecast while we are there:

Monday: High 82 Low 57
Tuesday: High 83 Low 58
Wednesday: High 84 Low 59
Thursday: High 84 Low 61
Friday: High 84 Low 62

Ok...maybe I'm obsessing too much or going Disney bonkers, but I wonder about these things!

Not too shabby. Still a little warm for my liking.

I love the website http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp
I like to type in days and locations and see what the weather was like historically.

[mommaU4]

Ok...maybe I'm obsessing too much or going Disney bonkers, but I wonder about these things!
I always obsess about the weather before I take a trip too. I'll check it every single day in the week or so leading up to our departure day. LOL Not that I can change it, but I just have to know for sure what it will be.

[NWPrincess]

Not too shabby. Still a little warm for my liking.

I love the website http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp
I like to type in days and locations and see what the weather was like historically.

Thanks for the website. It is a little warm for me too considering that the weather here in Washington is in the high 60s and low 70s (this is considered hot for us!)

[NWPrincess]

I always obsess about the weather before I take a trip too. I'll check it every single day in the week or so leading up to our departure day. LOL Not that I can change it, but I just have to know for sure what it will be.

I do the same thing! It's kind of like my pre-trip ritual. I'll also watch the local news and when I see the dates I'll be gone in the weather report, I'll think, "I'll be in Disneyland those days!" :banana: :banana: :banana:

[NWPrincess]

Leading UP to Disneyland

I just realized that we leave now in less than a week! :cheer2: :woohoo:

This is my last weekend before we leave, so I want to make sure I get everything done. I went to Border's Books last night, looking for the most recent Unofficial Guide and they said it was "in transit." I guess I'll keep looking at bookstores and cross my fingers that it comes in before our trip. Amazon.com says that it will come in September 10th, but I'm wary to order it because we leave the 12th. I guess I could return it if it comes after our trip. I consoled myself by buying a Hidden Mickeys book at Borders instead.

Here is what I still have to do:
1. Laundry for the trip
2. Pack for the trip (trying to fit this in one carry-on will be challenging)
3. Possibly buy another pair of capris on sale (it IS the end of summer)
4. Buy a new hat for myself
5. Get the band on my watch fixed
6. Get my apartment clean (I like to do this before a trip, but I know it will be dirty when I get back thanks to my DBF :rolleyes: )
7. Finish making my Excel sheets for each day at DL based on Ridemax data
8. Make Ridemax Itineraries
9. Make books for my parents and I including said Ridemax itineraries and data, recently updated photopass locations, Disney secrets, and food (PS) schedule

I think that's it except finishing up on post-graduation job applications so I don't have a bunch hanging over my head over this trip...but no prob! I also have to go grocery shopping this morning for groceries just for the week. I hate to do this and have leftover food, but we are running low on food after moving and having my teenage nephews raid our fridge and freezer during the move.

Oh and we are going to see Batman at the IMAX in Seattle. DBF has already seen it there, but when I asked him if it was worth it seeing it there, he said definately! :thumbsup2

Let's hope I get all this done!

[NWPrincess]

POTC Shirt

So...yesterday I'm doing laundry and trying to sort out all the clothes to take on my trip when I realize my POTC shirt is missing. I've looked everywhere and cannot find it. I only wore it once too and bought it for this exact occasion! :sad2:

I still have a few more days, I guess.

[mommaU4]

POTC Shirt

So...yesterday I'm doing laundry and trying to sort out all the clothes to take on my trip when I realize my POTC shirt is missing. I've looked everywhere and cannot find it. I only wore it once too and bought it for this exact occasion! :sad2:

I still have a few more days, I guess.

I hope you find it! I hate it when things go missing like that.

[JaneJetson]

POTC Shirt

So...yesterday I'm doing laundry and trying to sort out all the clothes to take on my trip when I realize my POTC shirt is missing. I've looked everywhere and cannot find it. I only wore it once too and bought it for this exact occasion! :sad2:

I still have a few more days, I guess.

Hope you find it. I hate when things just disappear like that.

[Lizzybear]

Sounds like a great trip you have planned, with some yummy sounding food choices :) I've been obsessing a bit over the the weather too *** we've barely had a summer here in the UK this year so the California and Nevada heat will probably be a shock to my system, albeit a welcome one! ;)
Subbing! :goodvibes

[NWPrincess]

I hope you find it! I hate it when things go missing like that.

Silly me...it was at the bottom of my laundry basket! :confused: I must have completely overlooked it. But I'm so happy I found it!

[NWPrincess]

Hope you find it. I hate when things just disappear like that.

Don't worry...I found it. And I started singing the POTC song when I did too! :goodvibes

[NWPrincess]

Sounds like a great trip you have planned, with some yummy sounding food choices :) I've been obsessing a bit over the the weather too *** we've barely had a summer here in the UK this year so the California and Nevada heat will probably be a shock to my system, albeit a welcome one! ;)
Subbing! :goodvibes

Thanks for the comment! And for reading my PTR. :) We've had a pretty mild summer up here in the Seattle area ourselves and although it has definately been 80 degrees, I was not outside walking around all day.

When is your trip planned?

[NWPrincess]

Getting Downt to the Wire

In true procrastinator PTR style, I'm running out of time! I did get (most) of my wash done this weekend along with setting aside the clothes I need to pack (I'm afraid to pack them because I keep thinking I'll miss something). What I need to do is write an actual list and check off as I pack otherwise I'll get that, "Did I forget something?" feeling all Friday. I actually need to be packed by Thursday anyway because I'm putting my luggage in my DBF's car because I take the bus to work. I actually commute down to Tacoma from Seattle and my parents live in Puyallup (will not make sense unless you are from this area, I guess), so here's the (confusing) plan for Thursday/Friday:

1. I put my luggage in DBF's car on Thursday night so as not to forget. (Seattle)
2. I commute to work (Seattle to Tacoma) early Friday morning for my half day.
3. DBF drives down from Seattle to Puyallup and waits at my parent's house.
4. My dad picks me up from work in Tacoma and drives to Puyallup.
5. We all get in DBF's car and bolt to SeaTac.

I know this also sounds silly, but I want to get to SeaTac early enough to eat at Chillis. I really like Chillis, but the only one close to us now is in the SeaTac airport terminal. :confused3

I also got a few more things done this weekend. I drug my DBF to Bellevue Square where I got my watch repaired, bought a hat with a brim all the way around and found two pairs for Bermuda shorts for $4.97 a piece (gotta love end of the season sales! :woohoo: ). I then bought a sewing kit (never know when you need one of those), travel sized toiletries, a poncho (for the water rides) and a pedometer at Bartells. I think I've got all the supplies.

What is taking a LONG LONG time is my Excel Ridemax datasheet. While washing clothes, I worked on it all Saturday, Sunday, and yesterday and I still am only up to Wednesday. I'm hoping to finish Thursday and Friday tonight and be done with it, but it takes a tremendous amount of time. THEN I have to make the rest of my book including the actual Ridemax schedules. I guess I'm too stubborn to stop making the super data sheet. :rolleyes: Word to the wise, if you are going to do this (at least the slow way...the only way I know how), start early!

[JaneJetson]

I'm glad you found your shirt.

I love Chilli's too. We don't go that often though. I always order the same thing. Margarita grilled chicken. It's yummy! Oh great...now I'm hungry...haha.

[MommyLove]

We're almost there!! It's definitely getting down to the wire. Sounds like you're doing awesome - not procrastinating! :thumbsup2

[NWPrincess]

I'm glad you found your shirt.

I love Chilli's too. We don't go that often though. I always order the same thing. Margarita grilled chicken. It's yummy! Oh great...now I'm hungry...haha.

The last time I got to go to Chilli's was in Fairbanks, Alaska of all places in July (that's where my DBF is from)! I ordered the dry rub baby back ribs which were to die for! *Mouth drooling!*

[NWPrincess]

We're almost there!! It's definitely getting down to the wire. Sounds like you're doing awesome - not procrastinating! :thumbsup2

Yes. We are almost there. Isn't it crazy? I've been planning this for so long and it is finally coming true. It seems surreal. I certainly feel like, even if I'm not procrastinating, I may not get everything done. I know though that when I step through the gates of Disneyland, everything will work out.

The good news is that word on the street is that the crowds are almost non-existant! :thumbsup2

[Lizzybear]

Thanks for the comment! And for reading my PTR. :) We've had a pretty mild summer up here in the Seattle area ourselves and although it has definately been 80 degrees, I was not outside walking around all day.

When is your trip planned?

We're leaving for San Francisco in a week but the DL portion of the trip is from 28th Sept-2nd Oct :goodvibes

[NWPrincess]

We're leaving for San Francisco in a week but the DL portion of the trip is from 28th Sept-2nd Oct :goodvibes

When you are in San Fransico, make sure you check out the San Fransico Music Box Company at Fisherman's Wharf. They have the coolest music boxes!

[reyasmommy]

Chili's is one of my favorite places to eat too. ((DH HATES IT)) I LOVE the Buffalo Chicken Salad and Chicken Crispers. Mmmmmmmm!! Hate being on this stupid diet! I would die for some chips n' qeso right now!

Hope you have a fabulous trip! ;)

[wendylady36]

I came here for a pre-trip report and ended up wanting Chili's! :rotfl:
On the CW they've been playing Chili's ads and it makes me want to get some so badly! I love curbside to go, because I can order off the kids menu without looking too weird! And mmmm...chips con queso.

Anyways, you are quite the planner, aren't you? I'm glad you were able to find your POTC shirt! How exciting that your trip is almost here!

[NWPrincess]

I finally discovered....multi-quote! :cheer2: I was so proud of myself this morning! When I get back, I HAVE to discover how to put pics on here so I can do my TR properly! :goodvibes

Chili's is one of my favorite places to eat too. ((DH HATES IT)) I LOVE the Buffalo Chicken Salad and Chicken Crispers. Mmmmmmmm!! Hate being on this stupid diet! I would die for some chips n' qeso right now!

Hope you have a fabulous trip! ;)

I *was* on a diet...but...I figure I'll get back to it AFTER Disneyland! :rolleyes1

I came here for a pre-trip report and ended up wanting Chili's! :rotfl:
On the CW they've been playing Chili's ads and it makes me want to get some so badly! I love curbside to go, because I can order off the kids menu without looking too weird! And mmmm...chips con queso.

Anyways, you are quite the planner, aren't you? I'm glad you were able to find your POTC shirt! How exciting that your trip is almost here!

Yes--Chili's has that affect on some people. I'm not really THAT much of a planner, but when it comes to Disneyland, I just like to write everything down here. I love the feedback. Thanks for reading along.

[NWPrincess]

Update

I'm leaving tomorrow and I CANNOT believe it. Turns out DBF wants to pick me up from work at 2pm with my parents already in tow. Fine with me. I'll already have my suitcase in the back of his Jeep tonight.

I still need to finish up with the Ridemax spreadsheet, finish packing stuff I was using and tie up some last minute non-Disney stuff before I go. :headache:

I just don't know how I am going to sleep tonight and then wake up at 6am and go to work...:confused3

[wendylady36]

How exciting!

I'm such a procrastinator that I usually don't get much sleep the night before, because I'm too busy tying up the lose ends!

Have fun enough for the both of us! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

[JaneJetson]

Have a fun trip!!!

[NWPrincess]

How exciting!

I'm such a procrastinator that I usually don't get much sleep the night before, because I'm too busy tying up the lose ends!

Have fun enough for the both of us! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

Have a fun trip!!!

Thanks to both of you! I cannot believe I am leaving today! :cheer2: :banana: :worship: :thumbsup2 :woohoo:

I did get *most* things done. I got my packing done and my errands done. I'm all ready to go. The only thing I did not get done was my trip book. That's ok because I printed everything off (well, most things--I still need to google map everything and print off my schedule of PS, Photopass locations, etc.), but, I did not get to put it in a book of some sort. I wanted either a folder or one of those presentation pamplets (with the clear cover). I might just buy one while we are at the store on Saturday at my cousin's in Alta Loma.

Another unfortunate thing is that they put my mom on oxygen. I think she will be ok because the oxygen is light (2 hour packs) and she will be on an ECV. She'll have it for when she has to walk from the ECV through the line (I HATE the handicapped entrance because I feel like it takes 3x's as long to load versus people in the regular line :confused: ). I think we will be able to work it out though especially with the short lines *again, crossing fingers*.

I got about four hours of sleep and now I'm at work. :surfweb: I have about five more hours and then I'll be wisked to the airport! We decided a different system the other night. My DBF thinks that traffic from Tacoma (where I work) to Sea Tac Airport will be bad since we have to use I-5 and it is a Friday. I-5 Traffic on a Friday-->:scared1: SO...I have my suitcases loaded into his Jeep already. He dropped me off at work in Tacoma and is going over to my parents in Puyallup. He will bum around for a few hours, load my parent's bags into his car, pick me up from work at 2pm and we will go straight to the airport.

Remember that add--"I'm too excited to sleep." Yeah, that was me last night. :rolleyes1 :yay:

[JaneJetson]

How can I forget that ad? They still play it here. It's so old though...haha.

Have fun! I'm jealous! I have to wait 4 more months!

[NWPrincess]

How can I forget that ad? They still play it here. It's so old though...haha.

Have fun! I'm jealous! I have to wait 4 more months!

The months will fly by. Think of it this way---when I'm sad that my trip is over, you'll be able to read my TR and be excited about your trip. :goodvibes And the cycle continues...

[wendylady36]

How exciting! I bet the clock is just slowly ticking away. Hopefully work is keeping you busy enough to were the time just flies by!

Yay for Disneyland! :goodvibes

[NWPrincess]

How exciting! I bet the clock is just slowly ticking away. Hopefully work is keeping you busy enough to were the time just flies by!

Yay for Disneyland! :goodvibes

Yes. The clock is SLOWLY ticking. Only 90 minutes until I'm out of work. Unfortunately, I got pretty much nothing done...:eek:

[Sleepless Knight]

Have fun!!:cool1:

[NWPrincess]

Have fun!!:cool1:

Now how could you go to Disneyland and not have fun?! :cutie:

Just kidding! Thanks for well wishes!

[travelmel]

You should be back?! Did I miss anything??? :confused3 :dance3: