Aunt Betty's Weepy/Wacky/Wonderful Xmas Trip to DL-12/4-12/8/11- STARTS Pg 169/#2532

[Sherry E]

:wave2: Hi Sherry!

Hi, Kris!!:cool1::cool1: I'm so glad to see you here! Welcome aboard - or welcome back? I think you posted here a long time ago, if I recall!


Wow three years Sherry? It doesn't seem possible to me.

Michele -

I know - can you believe it? Time flies - whether you're having fun or not!:rotfl2:

I started this TR with my Halloween trip in 2008. Then I did a Christmas 2008 trip TR. Then at some point I went back and added in all kinds of other photos from DL trips through the years (1972-2007) and the Bret Michaels stuff and the Catalina stuff. Then I was going to go to DLR on my birthday in 2009 to get my Fun Card - but that trip didn't happen, so basically I did a Pre-TR for a trip that didn't exist!:rotfl2:

Then I had short Halloween and Christmas trips in 2009 - both of which had TR's, and the big Evil Chair/Peppermint Cone of Death Christmas DLR trip last year...

...all rolled in to one big multi-trip TR thread! So I hope to have a couple more trips to actually add to this TR before the year is out!

[tksbaskets]

I hope you get a couple more trips in too! Not just so I can enjoy DL vicariously through you! ;)

Your threads helped me organize both Christmas and Halloween holiday trips to the happiest place on earth.

After the trips have passed I really get a great deal of pleasure out of reading and posting occasionally on the super threads.

One wonders what I did with my time before I found DIS.... :rotfl:

[kaoden39]

It just doesn't seem possible to me.


Oh and by the way, I did get the Star Tours thing. But, with all that has happened recently I cannot afford it. But, I am a winner just the same.:rotfl:

[mvf-m11c]

Hey Sherry. I'm glad that you also got selected for the ST2 Sneak Peek. :thumbsup2

That is neat to hear from you Michele that you also got selected for the ST2 Sneak peek. I'm sorry to hear that you won't be able to make it.

[kaoden39]

Hey Sherry. I'm glad that you also got selected for the ST2 Sneak Peek. :thumbsup2

That is neat to hear from you Michele that you also got selected for the ST2 Sneak peek. I'm sorry to hear that you won't be able to make it.


Congratulations Bret. :goodvibes

[mvf-m11c]

Congratulations Bret. :goodvibes

Thank you Michele. :)

[deejdigsdis]

I hadn't seen Creepy Dancing Guy out and about recently, so I thought he might be due to celebrate something. ;) Maybe he's been out and about in the Halloween and Christmas superthreads. I haven't made my way in those lately.

I'm really hoping "later" happens soon -- as far as hearing if your dates are accepted or rejected!

[tinksdreamwishes]

Congrats on all of your ST2 winnings! Even if you can not go- it is still super cool to win anything from Disney! :cheer2:

[WDWJonasGirl]

Love your pictures!! I was born in '95 so I wasn't around for most of your old pictures.

[kaoden39]

Love your pictures!! I was born in '95 so I wasn't around for most of your old pictures.


I am suddenly very old.:lmao:

[tksbaskets]

I am suddenly very old.:lmao:

In my dotage right with you! Where is the granny emoticon? :lmao:

[kaoden39]

In my dotage right with you! Where is the granny emoticon? :lmao:

http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/g/grandma-emoticon.gif

What's that you say the batteries in my hearing aid seem to be broken.:rotfl:

[tksbaskets]

http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/g/grandma-emoticon.gif

What's that you say the batteries in my hearing aid seem to be broken.:rotfl:

LOVE IT! I'm sure that is what my sons think I look like!

[kaoden39]

LOVE IT! I'm sure that is what my sons think I look like!


Totally random question here.....

Are you taking a Disney cruise to Alaska? I am in the midst of planning a second honeymoon for next year and we are leaning towards a land/sea Alaska trip. I want to hear all about yours. Are you doing a pre-trip report in the cruise section?

[tksbaskets]

Totally random question here.....

Are you taking a Disney cruise to Alaska? I am in the midst of planning a second honeymoon for next year and we are leaning towards a land/sea Alaska trip. I want to hear all about yours. Are you doing a pre-trip report in the cruise section?

Hi,
Why yes we are taking the DCL trip to Alaska! We depart 7/2 for a couple of days in Vancouver and then leave on our cruise 7/5. I have never done a pre-trip report but if someone will read it I'll do a trip report when we return. :goodvibes We are SO excited! We haven't cruised since our DCL Mexican Riviera trip in 2008 and haven't been on the wonder since our very first DCL cruise long ago.

TK

[deejdigsdis]

Hi,
I have never done a pre-trip report but if someone will read it I'll do a trip report when we return. :goodvibes

TK

popcorn:: You know I'll be there. popcorn::

[mvf-m11c]

Same here TK, I would like to read your TR. :thumbsup2

[6Smiles]

I'll be reading your TR as we have been planning an Alaskan cruise in 2013 as my oldest daughter's HS graduation present. I was also hoping Michele was going to do a TR :flower3:.

[kaoden39]

Hi,
Why yes we are taking the DCL trip to Alaska! We depart 7/2 for a couple of days in Vancouver and then leave on our cruise 7/5. I have never done a pre-trip report but if someone will read it I'll do a trip report when we return. :goodvibes We are SO excited! We haven't cruised since our DCL Mexican Riviera trip in 2008 and haven't been on the wonder since our very first DCL cruise long ago.

TK

I will definitely read it!!

I'll be reading your TR as we have been planning an Alaskan cruise in 2013 as my oldest daughter's HS graduation present. I was also hoping Michele was going to do a TR :flower3:.

I am hoping to the only problem is I am thinking of doing our cruise with a different company. I am waiting on my Disney Cruise planning video. There are so many things to choose from.

[Sherry E]

Okay..........................



I hadn't heard anything from the Disney folks in the special office yet, so I called back today. (The girls I have talked to in this office could not be any nicer or more pleasant - Disney did a really good, smart job by hiring them!:thumbsup2)


So...I am BOOKED.:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

I get free parking, one complimentary night's stay at the PPH, $99 for each additional night, I don't have to put a single dime down on this reservation in advance and.....I get priority seating "for any parades or shows" that are happening during my stay!!! This would have to include the Christmas Fantasy Parade, I'm sure...probably Aladdin...maybe even the Candlelight Processional?? Or anything else that has any kind of priority seating situation?

Yee haw - Disney is hooking me up!:cool1:

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:


I am booked from Monday, November 28 - Monday, December 5!!!! That would be 7 nights during the holiday season for just a little bit more than what I paid last year for 3 nights!!!:cool1:

Now, let's all not get excited about this yet. First of all, I will most likely cut off a couple of those nights - that is my plan - and bring it down to 5 nights or so. Right now, I am leaving a big block of time open so that all friends can make it at some point. Once I narrow down who is coming on which day, I can shorten my stay.

But I will treat it as though I am going solo until anything is finalized. If some friends (Jackie & Bob) can only come on the weekend, I have that option (12/3 and 12/4). If the Idaho friends - who swear they are coming out for sure this time - can only make it at the beginning of the trip (the November days), I have that option. If it looks like none of those friends are showing up when it gets to be about September or so, I will cut the reservation down to 5 days.

I know I need to have at least a couple of full days to myself to catch up on stuff I didn't get to do last December (spend more time in DCA taking photos, etc.). I will probably go nuts if I have people with me every second of the day and night. So if anyone does stay with me the first couple of nights, they will have to leave. If no one shows up, I will have a happy time by myself.

Also, while my friends (if they show up) will chip in on the bill with me, I still have to come up with the money for this extravaganza, but that's 6 months away so there's time to work it out.


:santa::santa::santa::santa::santa:


Oh, and I also booked my July 21 Catalina Express boat trip this past weekend. I am hoping they add another later return time than the current return time of 7:30 p.m. that I have. If they get booked up they may add in an 8:30 p.m. return or 9:30 p.m. or something, which is what I am hoping. Leaving the Island at 7:30 seems too early to me, even though I am taking the 6:15 A.M. boat out to Avalon in the morning and will be tired!:rotfl2:





Now I must go back over the last couple of pages in this TR and see who I have to reply to!!! I am behind on replies!!

[kaoden39]

I am glad to hear you called them. That is great news I know you said not to celebrate but I did a happy dance for you.


And I am really excited for you on your trip to Catalina Island.

[tksbaskets]

So excited that you booked your holiday trip!! Sounds spectacular :woohoo: I can't wait to share in all your excitement, planning, and follow your trip report.

popcorn::

[6Smiles]

:banana: I am so happy for you Sherry for both of your trips!

I have been to Catalina once back in 8th grade on a school field trip, but the funny thing is I kissed a boy on that trip. Never did I expect the boy I kissed back then, to be my husband now. As it was a spur of the moment thing and weren't even going to the same school! :rotfl2:.

Now Disney at Christmas how sweet this is! You are getting a sweet deal and I am absolutely thrilled for you!

A Christmas trip and sweet talking my husband into doing the Diva trip are my next goals. So far no such luck :headache:. Today he asked me if there was a guys trip...my reply "Not that I know of but you could organize one, I'll even help"! My next idea was babe we could do one Halloween party and then we can get annual passes. Then we all could be there at the same time since the kids are out of school for the Diva's next trip and I'll split the time. He just laughed and said you know I love ya. I think he might be softening to the idea fingerscrossed.

[DizNee Luver]

Woo Hoo Sherry......SCORE!!!!!! :cool1: I do have to say, I'm feeling a bit jealous!! I'm so happy for you!!

Please, please, please.......try to work a day trip in the first week of October!!

If we were going at Christmas time.......we definitely would have been there at the same time, but with our needing to change to Halloween time.....it took away our possible meet up.....so hopefully you can drive over for a day!

[mvf-m11c]

Glad to hear that you booked your trip for the Holiday season Sherry. :thumbsup2

I am curious why you selected that week? It is due to the fact that when you posted on the Christmas Thread of the Backstage Pass that the Holiday season might start after Thanksgiving weekend. I think you already know this that in the past the first weekend of December is a good time to go. The CP is something I want to see and that is something you want to see to. No matter, I am happy that you have your Holiday trp all set.

Also your Catalina trip has been planned and glad that you got everything done today.

[azdisneylover]

Yeah! Some good news! Congrats on the booking of your holiday trip, Sherry! Glad you are going.

Michele, thank you for the offer on getting the Jelly Bellies for me! I just might take you up on that offer. You take paypal? I was at Costco and the price of a 4# jar made me cry! So, no new jar for me at the moment. :sad2:

My router took a dive the last few days, so I had to purchase a new router and hook it up. No easy feat since our last router was through our phone service (Qwest) who's right hand doesn't know what the left hand, or the rest of the body is doing for that matter. :scared1:

Long story short, back up and online! Woohoo! :thumbsup2

[kaoden39]

Yeah! Some good news! Congrats on the booking of your holiday trip, Sherry! Glad you are going.

Michele, thank you for the offer on getting the Jelly Bellies for me! I just might take you up on that offer. You take paypal? I was at Costco and the price of a 4# jar made me cry! So, no new jar for me at the moment. :sad2:

My router took a dive the last few days, so I had to purchase a new router and hook it up. No easy feat since our last router was through our phone service (Qwest) who's right hand doesn't know what the left hand, or the rest of the body is doing for that matter. :scared1:

Long story short, back up and online! Woohoo! :thumbsup2


You're welcome!!

Yay for being back up and running!!

[Sherry E]

Okay, finally getting back to my replies!!:cool1:



I hope you get a couple more trips in too! Not just so I can enjoy DL vicariously through you! ;)

Your threads helped me organize both Christmas and Halloween holiday trips to the happiest place on earth.

After the trips have passed I really get a great deal of pleasure out of reading and posting occasionally on the super threads.

One wonders what I did with my time before I found DIS.... :rotfl:

Thanks for the kind words, TK! The Halloween & Christmas threads are great fun to organize, participate in and follow along with, and your contributions have definitely been integral to them. You've been an important contributor to the Christmas thread since its former version (the less organized one)!

It just doesn't seem possible to me.


Oh and by the way, I did get the Star Tours thing. But, with all that has happened recently I cannot afford it. But, I am a winner just the same.:rotfl:

Michele - my Star Tours time is May 31 (Tuesday), between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Although I discovered that Kerri will be at DLR on that day (her time slot for ST2 is 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and it would be great to finally meet her, I don't know if I will go that day. I don't like the time. I should have just picked one or two time slots/days that I wanted and hoped that I got either one, but I let Disney pick my day and time for me and it's not my first choice. I think I would have preferred a weekend or at least a 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. slot.

Honestly, the main thing that is still keeping me interested in possibly doing the May 31 Star Tours thing (other than Kerri being at DLR) is that, in the back of my mind, I keep thinking that DLR may decide to do some Little Mermaid soft openings on that day because it's just a few days before June 3. THAT is what I am really interested in and hoping for - the Little Mermaid! And we all know that the Little Mermaid line is going to be all kinds of hideous for a long, long time - because that ride is so long overdue to Disneyland Resort and I think people really love the story of the Little Mermaid. (It's always been one of my all-time favorites of the Disney animated films.) It's going to be extremely popular for a while, before the novelty of the ride dies down.

Hey Sherry. I'm glad that you also got selected for the ST2 Sneak Peek. :thumbsup2

That is neat to hear from you Michele that you also got selected for the ST2 Sneak peek. I'm sorry to hear that you won't be able to make it.

Thanks, Bret! I'm still not sure I'm going to actually do the ST2 preview - I haven't made up my mind for sure yet.

I hadn't seen Creepy Dancing Guy out and about recently, so I thought he might be due to celebrate something. ;) Maybe he's been out and about in the Halloween and Christmas superthreads. I haven't made my way in those lately.

I'm really hoping "later" happens soon -- as far as hearing if your dates are accepted or rejected!

deej - There is always a place for Creepy Dancing Guy! I do sneak him into the Halloween thread every now and then. He was given a name - Gus - by Kris (6Smiles), who also found some other hilarious dancing smilies to help Gus out.

Congrats on all of your ST2 winnings! Even if you can not go- it is still super cool to win anything from Disney! :cheer2:

tinksdreamswishes - You're right - it's definitely cool to win something! Better to win than to NOT win, that's for sure. It seems like most of the people who entered the AP drawing won some time slot or other. There were many dates and times to choose from. Only a couple of people mentioned not being selected, but one of those people won the Parks Blog preview for Star Tours (which happened yesterday) so I am thinking the Disney computer system recognized that she won the Parks Blog contest and disqualified her from the AP drawing. I could be wrong on that, but it seems reasonable and fair.

Love your pictures!! I was born in '95 so I wasn't around for most of your old pictures.

Welcome, Kaitlin! I'm so glad you joined us here. Thank you for the compliment. Wow - now that I think about it, a good portion of the photos in this TR are older (not counting anything from the 2000's), or would be considered older to you! Yikes! I'm so ancient! When you look at some of the older things I posted - like the Dick Tracy stuff, the older characters or the older hotel stuff - it must seem like it was 100 years ago. Even when I look back at some of the older photos from different decades, it makes me realize how much has changed at DLR. I really miss some of the older things - for example, there used to be a really great diner/coffee shop type of restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel called the Monorail Cafe, which had great food. It was a big mistake to get rid of it. I wish they would bring it back.

Hi,
Why yes we are taking the DCL trip to Alaska! We depart 7/2 for a couple of days in Vancouver and then leave on our cruise 7/5. I have never done a pre-trip report but if someone will read it I'll do a trip report when we return. :goodvibes We are SO excited! We haven't cruised since our DCL Mexican Riviera trip in 2008 and haven't been on the wonder since our very first DCL cruise long ago.

TK

TK - I don't think I've ever followed a TR for a cruise. I've only followed the ones for DLR or WDW. So if you do one, I'll be there too!

I am glad to hear you called them. That is great news I know you said not to celebrate but I did a happy dance for you.


And I am really excited for you on your trip to Catalina Island.


Michele - Yep, I had to call because when 5 days passed and I hadn't heard a peep, I began thinking maybe they copied my phone number down wrong, or my e-mail or something. I figured I'd better call and get the ball rolling.

Well, I wouldn't say don't celebrate or get excited at all - there will be a holiday trip of some kind so you can do a little happy dance! I have to use the PPH offer this year. It's just that I am intending to cut the number of days down from the 7 nights I currently booked, and I don't yet know if I will cut off nights from the beginning or from the end. I really had to do tit this way for now because I needed to leave a block of time open to figure everything out. This trip may require more actual planning and scheduling than what I'm used to - like for shows and meals and things. If I can get everyone to sort of 'shift' over to one end of the trip (meaning Idaho friends, Shawn, Jackie & Bob) then I can cut off days from the other end. But for the time being I wanted to leave it open.

Two months form today is my Catalina day trip!! I only wish I could do a multi-day trip but that will have to wait until another time.


So excited that you booked your holiday trip!! Sounds spectacular :woohoo: I can't wait to share in all your excitement, planning, and follow your trip report.

popcorn::

TK - Thank you! I think there may have to be some extra planning involved in this trip than the norm for me. For example, I usually skip a lot of shows and things because I don't feel like dealing with the viewing set-up and mobs of people. I would be much mroe willing to stand around and wait for certain things if the crowds were not hideous and the viewing awful.

But now that I am going to have VIP/preferred viewing for at least a couple of shows during my stay, I want to take advantage of that because I won't get that opportunity on other trips. So now I have to actually factor in times and things for shows, and figure out if anyone is going to be with me, book the VIP viewing, etc. Last year, I didn't care one bit about standing there for World of Color, dealing with Fast Passes for WoC, etc. But now...I might want to see it if I have VIP viewing!

Now, instead of eating at Goofy's with one or two other people, I could end up at Goofy's with five other people, perhaps.

Even though I am not counting on anyone showing up (because we all know how my luck goes with that), I'd say that in a 7-night/8-day block of time, someone is likely to show up at some point...and it will be a matter of coordinating WHO and WHEN and WHAT we are doing while they are there.

:banana: I am so happy for you Sherry for both of your trips!

I have been to Catalina once back in 8th grade on a school field trip, but the funny thing is I kissed a boy on that trip. Never did I expect the boy I kissed back then, to be my husband now. As it was a spur of the moment thing and weren't even going to the same school! :rotfl2:.

Now Disney at Christmas how sweet this is! You are getting a sweet deal and I am absolutely thrilled for you!

A Christmas trip and sweet talking my husband into doing the Diva trip are my next goals. So far no such luck :headache:. Today he asked me if there was a guys trip...my reply "Not that I know of but you could organize one, I'll even help"! My next idea was babe we could do one Halloween party and then we can get annual passes. Then we all could be there at the same time since the kids are out of school for the Diva's next trip and I'll split the time. He just laughed and said you know I love ya. I think he might be softening to the idea fingerscrossed.

Thank you so much, Kris!:cool1: :goodvibes

What a great Catalina story! So, really, Catalina should hold an extra special place in your heart because of your kiss with your future husband! Did you enjoy Catalina? I am guessing you didn't? It seems like most people I know who went there when they were kids or teens did NOT like it at that time because they found it to be too boring for them. However, those same people, when they grew up and went back, ended up really loving it later on in time.

Catalina, along with Disneyland, has always been one of my favorite places in SoCal and I actually can't believe I've been away from it for so long. All of these things have changed - some for better; some for worse - and it will be interesting to see when I get there in July.

It's funny that you mentioned a guys trip to DLR because I remember that a while back - not last year but maybe in 2009? - some of the guys on the DIS started a thread for guys only and were sort of half-heartedly organizing a trip (which provoked lots of giggles from the Divas). I can't remember who it was who was trying to get it going - and I don't know if a guys trip ever even happened - but it was tossed around!:rotfl2:

You've absolutely got to get your husband on board for a DLR Christmas trip. I know this is your first Halloween trip coming up, so I assume Christmas would be a first too? Well, let me just say (and this is the instigator in me!;)) - a Halloween trip and a Christmas trip are like bookends. You need one to complement the other!:rotfl2: They are so different - the Halloween decorations and experience are so different from the Christmas experience, and the Christmas experience is so detailed and thorough. It's really interesting to be able to experience both seasons at DLR and compare.


Woo Hoo Sherry......SCORE!!!!!! :cool1: I do have to say, I'm feeling a bit jealous!! I'm so happy for you!!

Please, please, please.......try to work a day trip in the first week of October!!

If we were going at Christmas time.......we definitely would have been there at the same time, but with our needing to change to Halloween time.....it took away our possible meet up.....so hopefully you can drive over for a day!

Laurie - Thank you! I may not end up at DLR for all 7 nights I booked (in fact, I might be sick of DLR at the 7-day point) and may just stay 5 (which is my plan for right now), but I think I did get a great deal on the room, with the parking and the VIP/preferred viewing and all of that. Even if NO ONE else goes with me, I will still have a great time.

I know - my trip would have been exactly when you were planning to go to DLR for the holidays if you hadn't switched dates! I normally would not even pick that week if not for the fact that I was trying to leave room for my Idaho friends to use their air miles or points before they expire in November.

I have not abandoned HalloweenTime at all - in fact, I am more eager for HalloweenTiime to begin than in the past because I had to miss it last year and that makes me sad! So I am definitely trying to work that out, and the first week of October would probably be the time frame in which I would choose my day. Hopefully we can meet up!

Glad to hear that you booked your trip for the Holiday season Sherry. :thumbsup2

I am curious why you selected that week? It is due to the fact that when you posted on the Christmas Thread of the Backstage Pass that the Holiday season might start after Thanksgiving weekend. I think you already know this that in the past the first weekend of December is a good time to go. The CP is something I want to see and that is something you want to see to. No matter, I am happy that you have your Holiday trp all set.

Also your Catalina trip has been planned and glad that you got everything done today.

Bret - Thank you! Well, normally I would have picked a week in December, with no November dates at all. I prefer to do an all-December trip because it feels more Christmasy to me. But I knew my Idaho friends had some air miles or rewards/points that are expiring in November sometime, so I wanted to make the DLR trip a little earlier than when I would normally go just to give them a chance to be included.

And then, of course, I want the FULL holiday experience - I want to be there when the hotels are decorated too. I don't want to go before the trees go up in the hotels. The GCH lobby, tree, carolers, etc. is a big part of my holiday enjoyment. That will be after Thanksgiving.

And I also had to pick a non-holiday weekend (meaning I couldn't pick Thanksgiving weekend) for my PPH discount.

And then, also, that week I am going - right after Thanksgiving and into the beginning of December - is supposed to be lower in crowds (except for the Candlelight Processional weekend). Even the CM I spoke to at the special activities office confirmed that the week I am going and into the next week of December are the lowest crowd points of the holiday season, while still getting the full array of holiday entertainment.

So when I added up all of those factors, it seemed to be the best time to go this year.

IF I can manage to get some tickets (there are always no-shows and then tickets are handed out to guests) for the Candlellight Processional and I am still at DLR on the CP weekend, I would love to see the CP. I may not still be there then if I cut off those two weekend days, but if I am then I am going to try to get one or two of the tickets the CM's hand out when there are no-shows.

Yeah! Some good news! Congrats on the booking of your holiday trip, Sherry! Glad you are going.

Michele, thank you for the offer on getting the Jelly Bellies for me! I just might take you up on that offer. You take paypal? I was at Costco and the price of a 4# jar made me cry! So, no new jar for me at the moment. :sad2:

My router took a dive the last few days, so I had to purchase a new router and hook it up. No easy feat since our last router was through our phone service (Qwest) who's right hand doesn't know what the left hand, or the rest of the body is doing for that matter. :scared1:

Long story short, back up and online! Woohoo! :thumbsup2

Thank you, Linda!:cool1: I knew you would be happy to hear that a plan of some kind is in the works! Now, as to how that plan will take shape over the next several months is up in the air, but at least I got the ball rolling. The reservation has been made. Sure, there may be days eventually cut off and people joining in and then backing out of the plan along the way. There may be mass chaos in trying to get everyone to figure out when in the heck they are showing up. But I am going to proceed as though I am going alone - I will gve all the necessary information to my friends and tell them what I'm doing and who is or is not going, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I will just assume that things will not go as planned and that I will be on my own, but we shall see!

Glad to see you're back up and online! I still have to replace this old, tired PC - it is making noises and shutting down and locking up and flashing and all kinds of things. Sometimes I can get online; sometimes I can't. I can't count on it to even turn on each day - it's a miracle when it DOES work, even poorly. I lost a bunch of documents and photos that I don't think will be recovered, so now I just have to focus on getting a new PC.

[deejdigsdis]

Love your pictures!! I was born in '95 so I wasn't around for most of your old pictures.

http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/g/grandma-emoticon.gif

What's that you say the batteries in my hearing aid seem to be broken.:rotfl:

Count me in as feeling very old after reading this! :rotfl: We had a yard sale today and I put my old cassette player from the 1980s on the 25 cent table. It was white with mostly gray-ish buttons, the "play" button was turquoise and the "record" button was bright pink. Can you get more 1980s than that? :rotfl: DS11's friend saw it and asked, "What is that? Some kind of old-time music player? Is it an antique?" :rotfl: He wasn't trying to be funny at all, either. I told him it was a cassette player from when I was a teenager -- it plays cassette tapes -- blah blah blah. His reply was, "So basically it is an antique..." Again, not trying to be funny. My husband and I sure got a good laugh out of that one!

Back to business at hand...

Sherry! I'm a bit behind in the celebrating! So glad to hear you were able to secure the dates you wanted. What a deal! And to get the preferred viewing for everything out of the deal as well...:cool1:. I wonder if that means you'll get one of those Mickey gingerbread guys (that have lost a little weight ;)) when you watch the Christmas parade. I'm really glad you get to go back to Catalina for your birthday trip as well. That would be nice if they added those extra return times. Thanks for keeping us all posted with your trip news. It's great to hear some good news for a change. :hug:

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks, Bret! I'm still not sure I'm going to actually do the ST2 preview but I haven't made up my mind for sure yet.

It would be nice to hear from you about the experience during the ST2 Sneak Peek. We'll wait and see.


Bret - Thank you! Well, normally I would have picked a week in December, with no November dates at all. I prefer to do an all-December trip because it feels more Christmasy to me. But I knew my Idaho friends had some air miles or rewards/points that are expiring in November sometime, so I wanted to make the DLR trip a little earlier than when I would normally go just to give them a chance to be included.

And then, of course, I want the FULL holiday experience - I want to be there when the hotels are decorated too. I don't want to go before the trees go up in the hotels. The GCH lobby, tree, carolers, etc. is a big part of my holiday enjoyment. That will be after Thanksgiving.

And I also had to pick a non-holiday weekend (meaning I couldn't pick Thanksgiving weekend) for my PPH discount.

And then, also, that week I am going - right after Thanksgiving and into the beginning of December - is supposed to be lower in crowds (except for the Candlelight Processional weekend). Even the CM I spoke to at the special activities office confirmed that the week I am going and into the next week of December are the lowest crowd points of the holiday season, while still getting the full array of holiday entertainment.

So when I added up all of those factors, it seemed to be the best time to go this year.

IF I can manage to get some tickets (there are always no-shows and then tickets are handed out to guests) for the Candlellight Processional and I am still at DLR on the CP weekend, I would love to see the CP. I may not still be there then if I cut off those two weekend days, but if I am then I am going to try to get one or two of the tickets the CM's hand out when there are no-shows.

That does make sense since you want to enjoy the DLR when all the Holiday decorations are up. That is really nice of you to do a Christmas trip at the end of November and beginning of December.

DL during the first few weeks is very nice, but you are right that it does not feel like the Holiday season before Thanksgiving. I really missed the Christmas tree in the GCH last year. The Holiday season feels good until all the Holiday decorations are up for the Holiday season.

That does make sense to use your PPH discount on a non-holiday weekend. You have to use the great deal you got on your last trip.

You are correct that the first week of December is one of the lowest crowds during the Holiday season.

Got to say that going during that week is of the best time to go to DL during the Holiday season.

The CP is one of the Holiday activities that I wanted to do after all of my years going to DL during the Holiday season, but I am busy on that first weekend of December. It would be nice to hear about your adventures during the CP and hope u do get tickets for that event.

I'm happy for you that you got your trip all set up. :thumbsup2


I wrote on the Christmas thread that I was planning on going to DL during the 2nd weekend of the Holiday season. But after hearing that it might not start after Thanksgiving weekend, I am now going to push it during the first weekend of December. I don't want to have it too close to my WDW trip on the 2nd weekend of December. I don't want to go to DL when there is no Holiday activities going on in November. I am going to wait until I hear something from the DLR if they are going to start the Holiday season on 11/11, 11/18 or 11/25.

[Sherry E]

Count me in as feeling very old after reading this! :rotfl: We had a yard sale today and I put my old cassette player from the 1980s on the 25 cent table. It was white with mostly gray-ish buttons, the "play" button was turquoise and the "record" button was bright pink. Can you get more 1980s than that? :rotfl: DS11's friend saw it and asked, "What is that? Some kind of old-time music player? Is it an antique?" :rotfl: He wasn't trying to be funny at all, either. I told him it was a cassette player from when I was a teenager -- it plays cassette tapes -- blah blah blah. His reply was, "So basically it is an antique..." Again, not trying to be funny. My husband and I sure got a good laugh out of that one!

Back to business at hand...

Sherry! I'm a bit behind in the celebrating! So glad to hear you were able to secure the dates you wanted. What a deal! And to get the preferred viewing for everything out of the deal as well...:cool1:. I wonder if that means you'll get one of those Mickey gingerbread guys (that have lost a little weight ;)) when you watch the Christmas parade. I'm really glad you get to go back to Catalina for your birthday trip as well. That would be nice if they added those extra return times. Thanks for keeping us all posted with your trip news. It's great to hear some good news for a change. :hug:

deej -

I am very old!! I still have some antique cassette players/recorders around. And I still have some cassettes that people made for me which I have not converted to CD. It's funny because vinyl albums are so old and antique that they have become cool again. I don't think cassettes will ever experience the same kind of renaissance, but vinyl is acceptable in certain circles, I think!:rotfl2:

Yikes - I remember the days of my early teens when the release of a new album was a BIG deal, and we would have to scurry off to Tower Records and get it on the first day it came out. And it was an even bigger deal if the albums had lyrics in them - some did and some didn't. That was a bonanza. And it was even bigger deal if the 45 singles off of an album had cool picture sleeves - I hated it when they started making "cassingles" on cassette tapes. I liked 45's and their picture sleeves, and I liked vinyl albums because the pictures were big and it was fun to watch it spin on the turntable!:rotfl2: You could actually frame album covers like artwork (in fact, most rock & roll swap meets used to sell album covers alone, just for collecting and framing), but you can't really do that well with CD inserts.

Yes, I got the dates I wanted for the DLR holiday trip - well, not my personal ideall dates, but the dates that I chose as a way to allow my Idaho friends to sneak in if they want. I actually think they WILL come out here this time because they have to use those air miles or rewards or whatever it is before they expire, which is at the end of November. I just don't know exactly how they will fold into my plan, and I don't know if Shawn, etc. will be able to show up during the time they are there.

I'm still not going to count on anyone going yet, but as it gets closer to the time - like within a couple of months before the trip - I will have to start figuring out exactly who will be there on which dates (even if it's only just me!) and if we are going to see any of the shows and parades with the VIP viewing.

This is what I was told when I asked for clarification about which shows are included in the VIP viewing from the CM I spoke to (no mention of a cookie!):

Christmas Fantasy Parade will most likely be the parade during your visit. Other shows that may be available to set up VIP Viewing for are: Disney’s Aladdin A Musical Spectacular, World of Color, Fantasmic!, the current Fireworks show & Disney Junior. The entertainment schedule is usually on www.disneyland.com 6 weeks in advance and we can book the VIP Viewings 30 days in advance.


Heck - I would like to get VIP viewing just for Aladdin alone, seeing as my seating for Aladdin was horrible the last time I saw it! And I've never seen World of Color at alll, so if that's part of the VIP viewing and it saves me the trouble of having to get a picnic just for the Fast Pass, then I'm all for it!

I plan to cut off a couple of days (making it a 5-night stay instead of a massive 7-night extravaganza), so my friends will have to figure out if they are coming at the beginning or the end of the trip.

One thing I made sure to tell my Idaho friends was that, since there will be two regular beds and one pull-out sofa bed thingy, I am taking one of the regular beds for myself, and they will have to duke it out between them to decide who gets the other regular bed and who takes the pull-out. I know my friend was hoping I would say that I am going to take the pull-out and give them the regular beds, but...that ain't gonna happen!;) So she may rethink the number of nights she wants to stay!

Actually, I think my friend is going to have her friend get them into Club 33 on one night...at basically $100 per person. Even though I would love to see the inside of Club 33 for the sake of taking photos and maybe buying a souvenir, I really can do without a $100 meal. I'm not a fine dining kind of gal. I would want to be taking photos of the beautful interior while everyone else was eating!:rotfl2:


It would be nice to hear from you about the experience during the ST2 Sneak Peek. We'll wait and see.


That does make sense since you want to enjoy the DLR when all the Holiday decorations are up. That is really nice of you to do a Christmas trip at the end of November and beginning of December.

DL during the first few weeks is very nice, but you are right that it does not feel like the Holiday season before Thanksgiving. I really missed the Christmas tree in the GCH last year. The Holiday season feels good until all the Holiday decorations are up for the Holiday season.

That does make sense to use your PPH discount on a non-holiday weekend. You have to use the great deal you got on your last trip.

You are correct that the first week of December is one of the lowest crowds during the Holiday season.

Got to say that going during that week is of the best time to go to DL during the Holiday season.

The CP is one of the Holiday activities that I wanted to do after all of my years going to DL during the Holiday season, but I am busy on that first weekend of December. It would be nice to hear about your adventures during the CP and hope u do get tickets for that event.

I'm happy for you that you got your trip all set up. :thumbsup2


I wrote on the Christmas thread that I was planning on going to DL during the 2nd weekend of the Holiday season. But after hearing that it might not start after Thanksgiving weekend, I am now going to push it during the first weekend of December. I don't want to have it too close to my WDW trip on the 2nd weekend of December. I don't want to go to DL when there is no Holiday activities going on in November. I am going to wait until I hear something from the DLR if they are going to start the Holiday season on 11/11, 11/18 or 11/25.

Bret - I am hoping that the holiday season doesn't officially begin on 11/25 - I don't think it will. Even though they won't put up the hotel decorations until after Thanksgiving, I think DLR wants to get a jump start on their holiday entertainment, so they would have to start IASWH, the parade and fireworks and the Winter Castle lighting on 11/11 or 11/18. I can't see why they wouldn't start the season on 11/11, really, unless they wanted to devote that day strictly to the Veterans. But they certainly would not start the entertainment any later than 11/18, even if the hotels are not decorated yet.

I would love to see the Candlelight Processional IF I happen to be there at that time, which I am not sure about yet. I know the crowds will be bad, but it looks like a beautiful ceremony and I think it's a really Christmasy thing to do. I would love to hear the choir singing Christmas songs and hear the narrator read stories.

The only problem is getting the tickets - the CM I talked to said there are always no-shows, so there are always tickets handed out to people in certain areas, but you have to be there at the right time to get them!

So, Bret, hopefully one of us gets to see the CP at some point because the Christmas thread needs photos of it!!:rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

Sherry,

I still have all my vinyls. I wonder if this somehow makes me cool?:lmao: One of the bands that Kody listens to just offered a vinyl of a single I had a deja vu moment.

[Sherry E]

Sherry,

I still have all my vinyls. I wonder if this somehow makes me cool?:lmao: One of the bands that Kody listens to just offered a vinyl of a single I had a deja vu moment.

Everything old becomes new again at some point, I guess. I got rid of a lot of my vinyls a long time ago - but I still have quite a few. I got a lot of good bootlegs on vinyl at swap meets long ago and I wasn't about to part with those just because they're vinyl. Of course, they probably sound horrible now but I have them.

[kaoden39]

Everything old becomes new again at some point, I guess. I got rid of a lot of my vinyls a long time ago - but I still have quite a few. I got a lot of good bootlegs on vinyl at swap meets long ago and I wasn't about to part with those just because they're vinyl. Of course, they probably sound horrible now but I have them.

Oh mine too. But, to me they are a wonderful memory of my past. I loved those things and listened to them all the time. My first vinyls were Disney ones. Actually Disneyland. One was Small World and it was a full LP. I cannot remember what else was on it but oh how I loved that poor abused LP.

[mvf-m11c]

Bret - I am hoping that the holiday season doesn't officially begin on 11/25 - I don't think it will. Even though they won't put up the hotel decorations until after Thanksgiving, I think DLR wants to get a jump start on their holiday entertainment, so they would have to start IASWH, the parade and fireworks and the Winter Castle lighting on 11/11 or 11/18. I can't see why they wouldn't start the season on 11/11, really, unless they wanted to devote that day strictly to the Veterans. But they certainly would not start the entertainment any later than 11/18, even if the hotels are not decorated yet.

I would love to see the Candlelight Processional IF I happen to be there at that time, which I am not sure about yet. I know the crowds will be bad, but it looks like a beautiful ceremony and I think it's a really Christmasy thing to do. I would love to hear the choir singing Christmas songs and hear the narrator read stories.

The only problem is getting the tickets - the CM I talked to said there are always no-shows, so there are always tickets handed out to people in certain areas, but you have to be there at the right time to get them!

So, Bret, hopefully one of us gets to see the CP at some point because the Christmas thread needs photos of it!!:rotfl2:

Same here. I would like it to start at its usual schedule on the 2nd weekend of November like they have been doing the last few years. I will be surprised if the Holiday season starts after Thanksgiving. The parade and fireworks are the main activities for me during the Holiday season. The Tree/Wreath Quest last year was exciting to do and I'm looking forward to doing it again later this year.

The crowds are really bad during the CP day. The DISers that went last year said it was hard to walk down MS while there were a lot of people tailgating on MS for the CP. That reminds me when I go to WDW this year during the Holidays, I have to check out the CP at EPCOT. Even though they do a have a lot of choirs and narrators for the CP on certain days, I have to find the right one to go and see.

That would be nice to get tickets to the CP, but I have to stay in DL the whole day in order to possibly get a ticket to it.

I barely seen any CP pictures on the thread. You are right Sherry that we need some photos of it.

In the end, I might go with my usual plan of going to DL during the 2nd weekend during the Holiday season. Even though the hotels are not fully decorated, this gives me time to relax until I head to WDW in a few weeks.

[Sherry E]

Same here. I would like it to start at its usual schedule on the 2nd weekend of November like they have been doing the last few years. I will be surprised if the Holiday season starts after Thanksgiving. The parade and fireworks are the main activities for me during the Holiday season. The Tree/Wreath Quest last year was exciting to do and I'm looking forward to doing it again later this year.

The crowds are really bad during the CP day. The DISers that went last year said it was hard to walk down MS while there were a lot of people tailgating on MS for the CP. That reminds me when I go to WDW this year during the Holidays, I have to check out the CP at EPCOT. Even though they do a have a lot of choirs and narrators for the CP on certain days, I have to find the right one to go and see.

That would be nice to get tickets to the CP, but I have to stay in DL the whole day in order to possibly get a ticket to it.

I barely seen any CP pictures on the thread. You are right Sherry that we need some photos of it.

In the end, I might go with my usual plan of going to DL during the 2nd weekend during the Holiday season. Even though the hotels are not fully decorated, this gives me time to relax until I head to WDW in a few weeks.

Bret -

You're right - there are a lot more CP dates and narrators at WDW, aren't there? I had forgotten that until I read your post. DLR only gets 2 CP nights, and it's the same narrator both nights. WDW often has different narrators on different nights, don't they? And there are different choirs, too? It's not the same choir that sings each night at the WDW CP?

I will be honest - one of the reasons why I thought I might leave my block of time open in late November/early December to include the CP nights is because of that rumor that was floating around a while back - I think it might have first appeared on MousePlanet or Mouse Info, but I'm not sure. This was the rumor that the Candlellight Processional might move to DCA, into the Hyperion Theater. Do you remember hearing that?

Of course, we have no idea where that rumor originated, or if it will ever happen (and when), but I have a feeling it might very well happen because that will give DCA a 'signature' holiday event and DLR can then begin a holiday party in Disneyland to fill the void. The holiday party would then be Disneyland's signature holiday event.

Well, even though I have never seen the CP at Disneyland, something tells me that it fits much better against the backdrop of Main Street, and Main Street's old fashioned decor and charm. If the CP were to move to the Hyperion, I don't think it would have the same appeal to me. Next year should be the first holiday season in a while when there will be no work going on in DCA and most of the changes are done. So it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that the CP could end up in DCA next year.

So, just in case this happens to be the last year for the CP in Disneyland, I figured I wanted to leave some days open in my reservation that would allow me to see it if I can get a ticket.



Oh, and as for which dates you go to DLR this year - even though it is frustrating that the hotels are not decorated until after Thanksgiving and you will miss them, you're used to going to DLR in mid-November so you know what to expect in terms of decorations, crowds and weather that time of year (in fact, I think you were the first one to report back on the fact that the light canopy in NOS was gone and that some of the decorations in NOS had changed). If you tried to squeeze in a post-Thanksgiving trip, it would end up being too close to your WDW trip and wouldn't really give you enough time to recover from the DLR trip before you had to zoom off to WDW. I think that doing your usual second weekend of November trip will be good.

Maybe next year you can plan to hit DLR after Thanksgiving? I'm sure it will be a bigger and better holiday season in 2012.

[Sherry E]

Anyway, just to recap for anyone who is new to this thread (lurking) or who has not been following along with the latest update to my TR and has missed some things.

I currently have a 7-night stay booked at the PPH for late November/early December of this year. This will be my annual DLR holiday trip - I can't miss Christmas at DLR - but it will be a bit earlier in the season than when I normally go. The trip will probably get cut down to 5 nights, but I won't know that for sure for another few months. In any case - whether it's 5 nights or 7 nights, it will be the longest amount of time I've ever spent onsite in one DLR stay. I've been going to Disneyland since 1972, and I have stayed onsite since 1987 or 1988 or so, but never for 5 or 7 nights. This will be a first for me. I have a lot of things to accomplish - and there may be a lot of people with me making things confusing and chaotic:rotfl2:, so I'm not sure if having extra time will end up being a blessing to my agenda, or if I will end up getting burnt out.

This is what led up to the booking:

Basically, when I checked in at PPH last December they mistakenly put a hold on a big chunk of my money - totalling one night of my stay plus 17% tax & the resort fee plus tax, plus the 'incidentals' - even after I had paid them in full for the balance due on the entire cost of the room at check-in. Paying the balance in gift cards seemed to somehow throw off the whole process, compared to my previus stays onsite. Technically, they should have only put a hold on the incidentals amount (maybe $50-ish) until I checked out and they could release it.

Also, the PPH people did not tell me they had put a hold on such a large amount of money - I'm not even sure if they realized it - and they did not ask me which of my debit cards was okay to use. Their system just randomly selected one of the cards it had on file for me and blocked almost $300 of my money. I had no clue about this, so I went about my stay, spending money on meals at Storytellers and a couple of other small things, unaware that my money was on hold and I didn't have enough funds to cover my transactions.

In fact, I didn't find out about this until I returned home - 4 days later - and saw an e-mail notification about the almost $300 hold the PPH put on my card without telling me. I panicked, realizing that this was going to set off a series of overdraft fees. I made a mad dash to the bank in the dark to deposit some cash in the ATM so I could hopefully avoid the overdraft fees.

I called the PPH, they acknowledged that they made a mistake, they offered to cover any overdraft fees I might incur, they apologized, etc. Meanwhile, I also sent an e-mail to Guest Communications, explaining the mishap.

Eventually I received a phone call from a nice lady in Guest Communications and she also agreed that the mistake was on their end. She offered to send me an discount for a FREE night's stay at the PPH, and $99 for each additional night of the same stay, along with free parking. I was not expecting anything like that at all - not at all! I woud have been happy if they had just covered my overdraft fees if there had been any (I avoided fees when I ran to the bank in the dark to hurl money into the ATM!). I totally did not even think about 'getting' anything in return for this incident - perhaps because DLR and the PPH were rather unapologetic a few years ago when I stayed in a room where the water smelled like poo.

So....I received a letter in the mail from the lady in Guest Communications with the offer for the free night at the PPH and the $99 each additional night IN PRINT. They gave me a special phone number to call to handle this type of reservation. I can't go through the regular Central Reservations office. I have to only go through the Special Activities office...which happens to be the same place where they handle celebrities and VIP's who are going to visit DLR...except, chances are, the celebrities are all heading to the GCH and not to the PPH.

I called Special Activities about a week ago and put in my request for dates I wanted. Finally, a few days ago I called back and got the okay. The people in the SA office are extremely pleasant and friendly, as well as being helpful. Not only am I booked from Monday, November 28 - Monday, December 5 at this awesome rate (it will total about $70 more, roughly, for 7 nights than what I paid for 3 nights last year - that's a great deal!), but I get free parking (for up to 2 cars, I think). I also don't have to pay anything now - I don't have to give them a card number to hold, I don't have to put down a deposit. I don't have the same cancellation 'rules' that the people with normal reservations have.

PLUS - and this was a total surprise - I am being given VIP/preferred viewing to at least some of the shows and parades that are going on during my stay, which would include Aladdin, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks, World of Color, Fantasmic and Disney Junior.

It is not guaranteed that I can get VIP viewing for all of those shows - so I am not going to be greedy and try to get ALL of them - but it does have me seriously reconsidering my plans and working some shows/parades into my trip that I might not have otherwise bothered with. For example, I have never seen World of Color - it just was not a priority for me. But if I have a VIP/Preferred viewing Fast Pass, I would be inclined to see it. I would love to get the VIP seating for Aladdin, too. We shall see. I have to wait until the entertainment calendar shows up on the DLR website 6 weeks in advance of my trip, and then book what I want at the 30-day point.

Now...as for WHO is going with me, well...that will probably end up becoming a chaotic situation as it gets closer to November. Right now I am carrying on as though I am going alone until my friends let me know what they are doing. I've given them all the necessary info, told them all the details, and I will probably not say anything else about the trip to them until late August/early September, unless they bring it up to me first.

My friends from Idaho are coming into town in November (I'm fairly positive they will come to town this time), and I told them they could stay with me at the PPH a couple of nights. I can't handle having people with me for the whole stay, so I was only willing to allow a couple of nights. Four people in one room is too many for my taste. Too crowded. We will see which nights they choose to come - if they show up at DLR at all (I'm not holding my breath). I also invited the usual suspects - my friend Shawn, her sister, and my happily-married-couple friends, Jackie and Bob. They all know my Idaho friends so we are all kind of one big group. Shawn, et al., can decide if they are going to show up when Idaho friends are there, or if they would prefer to show up at DLR on another day, when it's just me.

In any case, if I can get everyone to kind of 'shift' to one end or the other of my 11/28 - 12/5 dates, then I can easily cut off dates from the other end (simply for money purposes - I don't really have the $$ to fork over for 7 nights). But if it seems like they can't all come at the same time and have to show up at different 'ends' of the trip, then I may keep my 7 nights and try to see if I can score tickets for the Candlellight Processional. Even though I don't have to put down any money on this room until I check in, I still have to scrape it together in 6 months. Easier said than done - especially since I am trying to sneak in a DLR Halloween Time trip before the holiday trip!:rotfl2:

I don't want to wait until the last minute to call and change my reservation - even though there is no penalty to do so. I would like to let the SA office know in advance if I have to amend my dates, if possible.

After all, you never know...maybe John Stamos or Kobe Bryant or Gwen Stefani is in need of a room through SA, and my freeing up a couple of nights might give them that room!!!!:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[6Smiles]

Hi Sherry - Catalina still holds a special place in my heart and my husbands heart. We have even talked about going and renewing our vows on the island. Catalina island was full of magic - It was the first time I had ever been snorkeling. Their salt water taffy is absolutely amazing and i do not think I have ever had any as good as I bought on this trip. This was back in the eighties and I remember how soft and yummy it was. I remember them telling us about the movie shot on the island and that is why there are so many animals. We had a wonderful camp fire on the top of a hill and that is where my husband and i kissed. I actually have looked at returning to Catalina a few times, but have worried my younger children would not enjoy it. A return trip is definitely on the list of things to do in the future.

I laughed the other day when WDWJonas posted and was feeling quite young until I went to a meeting later that day to register my oldest DD for a HS program and realized she was born the same year :rotfl2:! Age is a state of mind... and my mind chooses to forget to realize how old I am.

Do try for the first week in October to come for Disney as we will be there also and I would love to meet you and Laurie. :)

Kris

[kaoden39]

Kris,

High school is the killer. All three of my kids are currently in high school. The oldest graduates in June.

[mvf-m11c]

Bret -

You're right - there are a lot more CP dates and narrators at WDW, aren't there? I had forgotten that until I read your post. DLR only gets 2 CP nights, and it's the same narrator both nights. WDW often has different narrators on different nights, don't they? And there are different choirs, too? It's not the same choir that sings each night at the WDW CP?

I will be honest - one of the reasons why I thought I might leave my block of time open in late November/early December to include the CP nights is because of that rumor that was floating around a while back - I think it might have first appeared on MousePlanet or Mouse Info, but I'm not sure. This was the rumor that the Candlellight Processional might move to DCA, into the Hyperion Theater. Do you remember hearing that?

Of course, we have no idea where that rumor originated, or if it will ever happen (and when), but I have a feeling it might very well happen because that will give DCA a 'signature' holiday event and DLR can then begin a holiday party in Disneyland to fill the void. The holiday party would then be Disneyland's signature holiday event.

Well, even though I have never seen the CP at Disneyland, something tells me that it fits much better against the backdrop of Main Street, and Main Street's old fashioned decor and charm. If the CP were to move to the Hyperion, I don't think it would have the same appeal to me. Next year should be the first holiday season in a while when there will be no work going on in DCA and most of the changes are done. So it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that the CP could end up in DCA next year.

So, just in case this happens to be the last year for the CP in Disneyland, I figured I wanted to leave some days open in my reservation that would allow me to see it if I can get a ticket.



Oh, and as for which dates you go to DLR this year - even though it is frustrating that the hotels are not decorated until after Thanksgiving and you will miss them, you're used to going to DLR in mid-November so you know what to expect in terms of decorations, crowds and weather that time of year (in fact, I think you were the first one to report back on the fact that the light canopy in NOS was gone and that some of the decorations in NOS had changed). If you tried to squeeze in a post-Thanksgiving trip, it would end up being too close to your WDW trip and wouldn't really give you enough time to recover from the DLR trip before you had to zoom off to WDW. I think that doing your usual second weekend of November trip will be good.

Maybe next year you can plan to hit DLR after Thanksgiving? I'm sure it will be a bigger and better holiday season in 2012.

By far way more then DL. I believed it was around 12 narrators and a lot of conductors and choirs for the EPCOT CP. For every two to three nights, they have different narrators, conductors and choirs. My guess is that the CP have different choirs that sing each night.

You did write something that the CP might be moved to DCA this year if it is not at DL.

We talked about this for awhile now that DL might do a Holidy party just like at MK MVMCP which is a success. The party at MK was okay, but the only thing I wanted to do during that event was only the fireworks and parade. All the other things I can do at a normal park. To pay for $50 a head is kind of expensive since I have a Premier Pass. It would be neat to have the CP inside the Hyperion Theater, but there will be a limit on how many people can be in the building.

The Hyperion is a nice place to see events on a cold day, but it is better to have the CP outside at DL where it is a tradition every year in MS. Even though I have never gone during the CP, it would be really crowded just to walk past MS while the guests are waiting for the CP that night. I can't wait to see DCA when all the construction is over, it wouldn't surprise me too if they move the CP to DCA next year.

It would be a good idea to leave some days open during the CP and possibly get a ticket for the event. That might be the last time in DL to have the CP this year.


After going to DL last year in November, it was a nice and quiet time to go down there for the Holiday season. I am mostly used to go to DL during the 2nd weekend of December since that is my birthday weekend. Trying the 2nd weekend of November last year was a great experience to go to especially I have never gone to DL during the month of November. I like the hotels decorated during the Holiday season, but after seeing it last year during my time, it was disappointing of not seeing the tree in the GCH lobby. I believe you were right that I was the first one to know that the light canopy in NOS was gone last year. A lot of NOS changed last year from years past with the white light canopy and standard color lighting on the buildings. Last year, it was all bright blue color on the railings of the buildings.

That what I thought, it wouldn't be a good idea to do a DL trip one week prior to my WDW trip. Just need to recover after a fun weekend in DL then have to unpack and repack for the WDW trip. In the end, my DA and I are planning on going to DL during the 2nd weekend of the Holiday season 11/18 to 11/20 and hope that the decorations and events are running at the DLR.

I'm not planning on going to WDW in 2012 during the Holiday season, so I might go back to my usual dates in December like I have always been doing. I do missed going to DL during the 2nd weekend of December last year and that might be my dates for next year.

TY for the help Sherry. U inspire me so much during the Holiday season. I have like the Holiday season at DL for all my life, but since I have been on the thread, I love it even more.

[6Smiles]

Kris,

High school is the killer. All three of my kids are currently in high school. The oldest graduates in June.


:cool1: for a HS grad! College plans in the works?

I will have a Junior and Freshman next year as well as one in 5th and one in 1st. Sometimes I wonder what i was thinking :rotfl:. Actually my youngest was a major surprise, thought I was done, the big man upstairs just laughed and blessed me with a fourth daughter :laughing:.

Three in HS, WOW! Very close in ages then.
High School is such a balancing act, trusting, encouraging and making sure they don't fall flat on their face :upsidedow

Kris

[kaoden39]

:cool1: for a HS grad! College plans in the works?

I will have a Junior and Freshman next year as well as one in 5th and one in 1st. Sometimes I wonder what i was thinking :rotfl:. Actually my youngest was a major surprise, thought I was done, the big man upstairs just laughed and blessed me with a fourth daughter :laughing:.

Three in HS, WOW! Very close in ages then.
High School is such a balancing act, trusting, encouraging and making sure they don't fall flat on their face :upsidedow

Kris

She is going to go to community college for two years and then transfer to a state college.


Your kids are spaced much further than mine for sure. Expenses wise I wish mine were. Four in high school at the same time is costly for sure.

And your baby was a blessing indeed.


I think they'll be okay, I just wish they cared as much about school as they do other things.

[tksbaskets]

I can't wait for your trip report this holiday!! I'm hoping you get priority seating for EVERYTHING!! :goodvibes

[mariezp]

Hi Sherry! Been going back and catching up on what I've missed. Lordy, I do believe you are indeed in need of a Disneyland getaway!

I hope it works out that you get to see your friends for a day at least but I do also hope that they decide to be just a little more considerate this time when it comes to making plans and then changing or backing out. If it were me I am afraid I would have given up making plans around other friends especially since you have now discovered just how much fun you can have on your own. You must have amazing patience and are truly a devoted friend to be still open to the idea of trying to plan a trip around some of your "flakes" after all the different twists and turns that they keeping throwing at you! I do think you are deciding that a solo trip definitely has is advantages!

I am so glad to hear that you went ahead and got to make some reservations! It is always such a wonderful feeling to know that you have a plan in the works. I applaud you for extending the offer to your friend but going ahead and booking dates that would be acceptable for you. I think you will end up liking that first week of December. YAY for no down payment and all the extra perks! I do hope everyone doesn't all show up at once and try to invade your space! I did think your AP expired about the same time as mine did so I thought you might be going sooner. Oh well, guess I'm out of luck this year. No lunch with Sherry. Maybe 2012! My kids have already asked me if we were going to get to have Thanksgiving in the park this year, which we won't, but that may well be when we head to the park next time around. Sure gives me a good start date to plan. LOL!

I hope you get a chance to see the Candlelight Processional. I think everyone should even if it's just once. (wouldn't mind going myself again someday!) Can't believe there are no CP photos over on the Christmas Superthread. My photos are from several years back but I will definelty see about posting some just to be representative of the CP.

Refresh my memory. I know you mentioned Club 33. Just how did you manage to wrangle that invitation??? And how did I miss hearing about you winning a ST2 Sneak Peek??? Bummer that you couldn't make it.

We love wandering over to Gardenwalk. The walk over is not too bad and the mall itself is always quiet and pleasant. So far we have only eaten at Bubba Gump (yummo!) and Fire & Ice(not impressed) but they do have a good selection of other places I really want to try, mainly PF Chang and Cheesecake Factory. I am hoping to run across a good promotion or coupon right before our trip that I just can't resist. You can sign up for a newsletter with most of the dining establishments. I think about once a month they usually send out some sort of offer. Anyway, also at GW, we enjoy the movie theater. The bowling alley was only good if you didn't mind looking at and listening to all the pop star teeny boppers. My son thought it was something akin to being tortured. LOL!

I hope all your woes are not keeping you from being able to get a little excited about heading to Catalina. Hopefully the changes made on the island will not have a big impact on your trip. Too bad they blocked off one of your favorite roads. Considering you are going to be pressed for time maybe it won't be such a bad thing as I am sure your time will be cram packed anyway.

I may be joining you in the bad computer category before long. Mine has been acting a little crazy lately. I was supposed to send it over to our tech this evening but we will see. Don't really relish the thought of being without a computer so I keep putting it off but also trying not to hold out too long and cross the line of no return. I am hoping that it will be something simple and not a major repair. I'll be crossing my fingers for you too that something works out for you too that doesn't cost you and arm and a leg and gets you up and running again good as new.

Well if you messaged me about going to Catalina with you I would have answered!!! :thumbsup2 I don't always comment on threads or posts on FB....but I am reading them!! If someone specifically asks me a question....I'll be polite enough to respond.......nuff said! ;) EXACTLY! I browse around a lot but if I don't have much time or I am in some strange blue funk I often don't make many comments but it is never because I am trying to be rude or I have something against anyone. However, if you asked me something specific I would try to get back with you ASAP. And, I'm absolutley up for the "Sherry's New Friends Meet N Greet" if it ever happens to fall during our vacation time!

[tinksdreamwishes]

sherry- you have over 102,00 views so far! :banana: :love: :cheer2: Could you only imagine how if everybody showed up for your meet and greet? Think how loved you are! :grouphug:

[bumbershoot]

Letting this fall so far down in the list just isn't right.

Hi!

[azdisneylover]

I agree, Bumpershoot! I was hoping Sherry would have an update on a new computer!:thumbsup2

[Sherry E]

Molly & Linda:hug: - Thank you for thinking of me!

I'm here! I'm here! I've been intending to make my way back over here to my TR but when I've planned it or attempted to do it, something else would come up.

And actually, when I was reading Bret's TR and looking at his photos the other day, getting ready to comment on the photos, my PC just froze up - it's part of the same issue with the hard drive. It's not going to get any better and seems to only be getting worse. It locks up and makes rumbling noises intermittently through the day. It often just freezes when I am in the middle of typing something here on the DIS, so I can't even copy and save the text because it's just locked up. OR it freezes up when I am trying to do random surveys to make extra $$$, and I lose the whole survey.

I've mentioned to a couple of people that I've been in communication overload. This started with a friend asking me to join him in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. I was not able to get to Vegas on 3-days' notice for various reasons (even though I would have loved to because I haven't been to Vegas in 100 years and it's a lot of fun!), but that led to discussions about a Disneyland trip in his family's near future.

All of a sudden, there are dfferent groups of friends planning to come to L.A this year, and a few of them are planning Disneyland trips. One group of friends is coming next month, right over my birthday week. They are not going to DLR.

But, as you all recall, I have my Catalina day on my birthday so I have to then figure out other plans to do with my in-town July friends. Another group is coming in late November. Another group is not sure when they are coming, but they think it will be November. And yet another group of friends was going to come out this month - June - but changed their plans to November, and may change them to another month yet again...and a 4-day DLR trip will be on their agenda.

I am trying to tell the DLR-bound friends (2 out of the 4 groups of friends) the best weeks to go (in terms of lower crowds), but they don't listen. And then my other friends are still planning on joining me at DLR in November/December.

So I've been dispensing advice and planning help (some are listening to my advice and some are not). Some friends are totally lost on where to begin and would just as soon hand over the entire planning operation to ME. That would be fine - if I didn't have my own life to deal with at the moment, and my own plans! I have a week in late November/early December booked, as you all already know from when I posted a couple of weeks ago, and I have a one-day Catalina adventure next month that I have to plan for, along with planning to see the in-town friends.

I've also been texting (which I hate), replying to messages on Facebook - which my PC seems to hate, voice mailing, e-mailing, having actual phone conversations...and then I have to come back over here to the DIS to check on things, like maybe move a thread or two, post in some threads, etc.

I am used to peace and quiet and not all of this frenzied activitiy, so IF all of these random friends manage to actually make it out here this year, and there are DLR trips involved, then I am going to be in a whirlwind all year long with seeing people or helping them plan for their own trips. It's not a bad thing - if it happens - it's just that I'm not used to it. It's a lot to take in at once!!

I'm staying calm and not stressing too much yet, though, because I figure that probably only 2 out of the 4 groups are definitely coming out (both females and their families - one next month and one in late November/early December), and the other two groups of friends (both males and their families) will probably change their minds 50 times before anything is concluded...but the male friends and their families happen to be the ones who need the most help with planning for DLR and would just as soon have me do it!

So if this year turns out the way it's looking now - with an onslaught of friends and visits and children (all 4 groups of friends have kids) and activities and stress over planning and not having any money and all of that - it could turn out that I end up seeing more friends in one year than I've ever seen in my life!:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

But I am taking it one month at a time.

Next month I will make my grand return to Catalina with my free birthday boat trip - there is going to be a Beatles photo exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum when I am there, and the photos were all taken by Pattie Boyd, the woman who was involved with both George Harrison and Eric Clapton (Eric wrote "Layla" about her, and George wrote "Something" ["something in the way she moves..."]) about her. So I will try to catch that too, in between walking around Avalon and getting reacquainted.

Either before or after that Catalina visit, the first group of friends - the July Group - will be here and I have to figure out what we can do.

After that, we will see who else comes out when!

And let's not forget about HalloweenTime - I am still trying to coordinate a HalloweenTime DLR visit somewhere in the midst of all this! It may only be a day trip, or maybe an overnighter, but that's been my plan all along - to return to HalloweenTime at DLR this year! How will I manage all of this?:scared1:

And, to think...this whirlwind of activity could have started with me running off to Las Vegas last month for a few days, if I'd had money and been able to go on last minute notice. That would have been a whole different Trip Report! I wish I were one of those people in the position to just travel spontaneously, but I'm not, sadly!

I know I have other people to reply to in this TR - that's why I have been intending to get back over here for a while now. I have not forgotten everyone who has stayed loyal to my TR and brought it over the 102,000 views mark (or is it over 103,000 now? 104,000? I haven't looked in a few weeks)! I'm just trying to get everything done and there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day!

I may have a lot of little side 'trips' of sorts to report on throughout this year now that all this stuff is coming up, but the main event, of course, is the big 7-night (or 5-night) extravaganza at the PPH for the holidays later this year! That's what everyone is waiting on, as it will surely yield thousands and thousands of photos and stories of lethal scarves, wicked peppermint confections, feats of wonder as I save said confections and trash cans from crashing to the ground, dastardly chairs and Soggy Butt Syndrome after zoomin' 'n' bouncin' on POTC!!!!:rotfl2:

I have a feeling this TR may be a non-stop report if the year goes as it sounds like it may go. We will see what happens!:goodvibes Right now, it's the calm before the storm!

[kaoden39]

:hug:

[DizNee Luver]

I"d be excited to have lots of friends coming to town to visit.......I love that kind of stuff....but with you....money would always be an issue to factor in.

I think the best way to approach it all is to just look to the next thing......like next up is your Catalina birthday trip.....that would be all that I'd worry about right now. When that's done.......NEXT! :rotfl2:

If things work out with Mike finding work....we might end up close to where you live......he's looking at openings at Sherman Oaks & Woodland Hills. If that happens (and our refund from the IRS gets into my hands like pronto)....we could be down there before summers end. If we move down there.....you know I'm looking you up...so put that on your "Next" calendar......lol :rotfl:

[azdisneylover]

I love family/friends visiting too. May 26th a few nephews and nieces surprised us and showed up at our home. My nephew had graduated the day prior, and his grand dad was at his graduation. Within a few minutes of them walking in the door, my sister called, saying their granddad was hospitalized (his legs bothered him at the graduation with all the bleachers). Found a blood clot in each lung. He was doing fine Friday afternoon, talk of releasing him in 2 days, by late Friday night, my sis said he was incubated and to send the kids home first thing in the morning, Saturday. He had a brain bleed, never woke up. He passed away on Memorial Day. Mr M was in his early 80s, but it was a major shock for him to pass. This surprise visit let me send back with the kids my sis' favorite cookies I make for her at Christmas, along with breads, brownies and cookies so she could offer people, along with some $$$ to help with gas or food, since we couldn't be there with them. Life sure is interesting to say the least, how things work out. Yikes, didn't mean to ramble.
Sherry, you will make it work and have a wonderful time whether all, some or none of your friends show up.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love the trip reports and pictures. I have never seen most of the old ones because I wasn't born yet (I was born in '95).

[Sherry E]

I love the trip reports and pictures. I have never seen most of the old ones because I wasn't born yet (I was born in '95).


Thank you, Kaitlin!

I know! I'm an old woman!:rotfl2: I would imagine that half of the pictures in this entire TR - especially the ones from the '70s and '80s - seem ancient to you! The characters' costumes looked weird back in the old days, too, didn't they? Goofy's Kitchen was different. Things were very different at Disneyland back in those days!

Some of the stuff from the old days I wish the would bring back, like the Monorail Cafe (no photos of that in this TR, sadly). That was a yummy place to eat! Milkshakes and delicious onion rings and BBQ chicken sandwiches! I really wish they had found a way to put it back in the DLH, especially since they have the new Monorail slide thingy at the hotel pool.

I'm so glad you're still here with us in my Trip Report! I was planning on an update (or a non-update) but am trying to get myself in the mood to do it!

[tksbaskets]

Thank you, Kaitlin!

I know! I'm an old woman!:rotfl2: I would imagine that half of the pictures in this entire TR - especially the ones from the '70s and '80s - seem ancient to you! The characters' costumes looked weird back in the old days, too, didn't they? Goofy's Kitchen was different. Things were very different at Disneyland back in those days!

Some of the stuff from the old days I wish the would bring back, like the Monorail Cafe (no photos of that in this TR, sadly). That was a yummy place to eat! Milkshakes and delicious onion rings and BBQ chicken sandwiches! I really wish they had found a way to put it back in the DLH, especially since they have the new Monorail slide thingy at the hotel pool.

I'm so glad you're still here with us in my Trip Report! I was planning on an update (or a non-update) but am trying to get myself in the mood to do it!

YIKES that makes me OLDER than dirt... :goodvibes

[kaoden39]

I realize that I must be considered a dinosaur.:lmao: Mind you I am okay with that.

[deejdigsdis]

I may have a lot of little side 'trips' of sorts to report on throughout this year now that all this stuff is coming up, but the main event, of course, is the big 7-night (or 5-night) extravaganza at the PPH for the holidays later this year! That's what everyone is waiting on, as it will surely yield thousands and thousands of photos and stories of lethal scarves, wicked peppermint confections, feats of wonder as I save said confections and trash cans from crashing to the ground, dastardly chairs and Soggy Butt Syndrome after zoomin' 'n' bouncin' on POTC!!!!:rotfl2:

I have a feeling this TR may be a non-stop report if the year goes as it sounds like it may go. We will see what happens!:goodvibes Right now, it's the calm before the storm!

:cool1: I hope the weather is cool enough to bring out the scarf! Ah...one of my favorite stories from your TR. ;) Can't wait to read about all your adventures this year.

Anything new on the computer/tooth front?

[tksbaskets]

The trash can/ice cream cone adventure is one of my favorite DIS stories of all times! :rotfl:

[Sherry E]

No news on the computer/tooth front, sadly. All kinds of chaos happening on other fronts, though!

Next month is my hopeful one-day birthday trip to Catalina and also the first group of friends from out of town visiting. So I will have to figure out what to do with them.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...my other out-of-state friends and I are trying to coordinate DLR for the late November/early December trip. At first they were supposed to be staying in my PPH room. I was not thrilled with the idea of people staying in my room but they were going to be there. I invited them to come along on my trip. Now I feel a bit like I am being included on their trip.

Once my friends decided to get a separate hotel room, suddenly they began organizing on which day certain people would be there or certain things would be happening. I have to keep my plan as is and continue on as though it is my plan, in case they can't end up coming or something. If I knew for sure I could count on them to show up, it would be different. Since I can't, I have to proceed as though it is my plan and forge ahead. Right now, I don't like the plan they have for who is coming or what is happening on Day 1 and Day 2, and I am trying to switch Day 2 and Day 1 around! I tried to suggest alternate ideas to my friend, and I am trying to reach a compromise so we are both satisfied but she seems to have gotten stressed out about it (welcome to my world) and stopped communicating!:rotfl2:

Meanwhile, I am still trying to figure out if I can use a PIN code I got for the hotels which is only good between 10/16 and 10/31. It's $163 for the PPH again. I had planned on a DLR Halloween visit of some kind, but I don't know if I can swing the hotel as far as money. Although, it would be good to stay over for one night, especially if I go to the Halloween party.



But yes, hopefully the holiday DLR trip will be cold enough for me to wave my lethal scarf around wildly at random innocent people, and yet, oddly, warm enough for me to enjoy a nice peppermint ice cream cone...without the trash can and near-catastrophe involved.:rotfl2::rotfl2::scared1::banana::cool1:

[Belle Ella]

You know my vote on the PIN/Halloween party = Do it!!! Even just one night. Maybe you know someone who you wouldn't mind splitting it with to stay with you the one night to cut costs. I dunno. But it's a sign, that's what I say ;) It sure would be convenient, staying on-site and then going to the Party.

Oh, and :wave2: I don't get to drop in and say hi as much as I used to and it makes me feel sad!

Sorry about the friend drama going on with the November/December trip. I kind of have this fear now that I'm inviting friends with me for my September trip (even if it's starting to look like nobody will be able to make it) that at some point all the planning will be going in two or more different directions.

And did I say hi? :wave2:

[WDWJonasGirl]

I was born before they took away the monorail cafe. I was born in '95. When did they take it out?

[mvf-m11c]

I was born before they took away the monorail cafe. I was born in '95. When did they take it out?

I believed it was around 1998 to 1999 when the Monorail Cafe closed. It was during the DCA expansion in 1998. I really missed the Monorail Cafe and I always love to have breakfast there before my family and I go to DL.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I believed it was around 1998 to 1999 when the Monorail Cafe closed. It was during the DCA expansion in 1998. I really missed the Monorail Cafe and I always love to have breakfast there before my family and I go to DL.

It was after I was born because my sister remembers it. Anyway, I loved the old pictures!!

[skiingfast]

I believed it was around 1998 to 1999 when the Monorail Cafe closed. It was during the DCA expansion in 1998. I really missed the Monorail Cafe and I always love to have breakfast there before my family and I go to DL.

It was after I was born because my sister remembers it. Anyway, I loved the old pictures!!

I'm not sure when the doors officially shut but did see that the building was torn down in 1999 to make DTD. The Rain Forest Cafe took its place.

Took some digging but there is a little article about that part of the DLH being removed in this yesterland link.

http://www.yesterland.com/dlhotel-the-end.html

I think a few more historic pictures in there will complement Sherry's thread very nicely.

[Sherry E]

Thank you, Bret and skiingfast, for answering Kaitlin's question about Monorail Cafe. And thanks, skiingfast, for the link! That makes me very nostalgic for the old Disneyland Hotel.

I couldn't remember exactly when Monorail Cafe closed - I knew it was still open in 1995 and 1996. Then a few years passed with no DLR trips for me -:scared1: - but by the time I returned in 2000, the Monorail Cafe was history and DTD was just about to officially open. DCA was not quite open yet (I don't think). So I knew that Monorail Cafe had to close sometime during that massive overhaul between 1996-2000, and that's also when they relocated Goofy's Kitchen to another spot in the DLH, I think, and cut off all the extra shops and restaurants that the DLH used to have. Also, inside Disneyland they had cut off the whole indoor seating chunk of Carnation Cafe, which is now going to be reinstated.

I guess the late '90s saw lots of big change at DLR, just like the phase we are in now at DLR - lots of big changes. I am sad to see certain things go, yet at the same time it's exciting to see new things appear at the parks and hotels. I just wish Disney could find a way to bring back the Monorail Cafe to the DLH (especially since the new Monorail-themed pool area is there)! Or the PPH! Or somewhere! (It wouldn't make any sense in the GCH, though.) That was a great place to eat for middle-of-the-road food - table service, nothing fancy, but a step above counter service food and lots of good choices on the menu.

[mvf-m11c]

Your welcome.

The last time I ate at the Monorail Cafe was back in 1996. I knew that it was still open during that time, but I still don't know what year or month that it closed officially during the construction. I would like to see the DLR bring back the Monorail Cafe around the DLH or PPH just like you said Sherry. I missed eating there every morning when I was staying at the DLH or the former Pan Pacific Hotel which is called the PPH.

[Belle Ella]

The things you learn, lol. I am not so well versed on what used to be where. I blame my parents for not taking me to Disneyland enough as a child :rotfl:

[WDWJonasGirl]

I loved the old pictures. I've never seen most of it since I was not around in the 70's and the 80's.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I loved all of your TRs and old pictures. It's too bad I wasn't around.

[Sherry E]

Welllllllllllllll...................are any of my TR peeps (past or present) still out there? Roll call! Michele? deej? TK? Marie? Jessica? Jillian? Kaitlin? Molly? Tania? Bret? amamax2? Laurie? PHX? Liza? I could go on and list everyone - and I know I am forgetting people - but you know who you are! And I know where to find you! Muahahahahahahaha! I will chase after you, wildly waving my lethal winter scarf and my peppermint cone of death and you will not stand a chance! Be afraid...be very afraid.

If I can help it, I don't like to post too much in this TR unless I actually have something to say that can pass for an update on DLR plans...or any kind of plans, really. Plans to see friends. Plans to visit Catalina. Plans to go to the supermarket. Plans to do my laundry. Plans to watch TV. Plans to go to the ATM. Plans to clean the kitchen. Whatever plans you want to know about, I'll tell you!:rotfl::rotfl:

But I sort of feel like I want there to be a clear and definite 'end' (a.k.a. gap of time a.ka. break) in between each trip so folks don't get sick of me!:rotfl2: (Okay, you can all keep your comments to yourselves now!:rotfl2:) Because of this I end up forgetting to reply to people who have so kindly posted in my thread!

So...time for an update! Or a non-update. I'm not sure.


:cheer2:


I am hoping to have more solid information to share by the end of this week, but here's what's what for now:

1. Disney Visa Debit Card - Sadly, my Disney Visa debit card stopped earning reward dollars 6 days ago.:sad2: That didn't last long. I got the Visa last year to begin earning points, and in a year Chase decided to stop all Rewards programs for debit cards. I didn't even have a chance to really accumulate too many dollars - I feel like it was over before it even started! So, once my final, pitiful tally of Reward bucks is posted (probably in the next 3 days or so), I will have them transferred over to the redemption card and then buy a gift card or something. I prefer to transfer as much Disney-dedicated money over to gift cards as possible, because the gift cards will not expire, which comes in handy if any DLR trips happen to fall through (it's not like that would EVER happen in my life, though, now would it?;);):rotfl2:).


:yay:


2. Annual Pass - I had a sense of pride the other day as my monthly Premium Annual Pass payment was taken out of my account. I realized that I only have 3 payments left on this AP, and then it expires on November 13th, I think. That's right - only 3 more payments! I can see the Promised Land!!:rotfl2::cheer2: Then it dawned on me - what am I getting so excited about? If I plan to renew the AP - which I would have to do before the end of November, if not before - I'm just going to start a new payment plan! So, really, there's no break in the payments for the most part. And yet I felt relief in knowing there are only 3 installments to go. Does that make any sense?


:banana:


3. Catalina birthday day trip:beach::boat::fish: - Well, as you may or may not recall, I was planning to visit my beloved Island Valley of Avalon on my birthday - which is in 3 days - with the free Catalina Express round-trip birthday pass that is being offered as a promo for Catalina Express' anniversary this year. Catalina is my second favorite place in SoCal (betcha can't guess what the first favorite place is, huh?;)), and, woefully, I haven't been there in years.

So guess what? My intended Catalina day is only 3 days away and I'm not sure if I'm going!! I bet you're not suprised, based on how my DLR plans usually go!


AND, you also may remember that this was going to be a year of madness, with all kinds of friends coming into town and DLR trips in the works, etc.

Well, one group of friends is in town at this very moment. I'll call them the G Family. We were planning to get together and they asked what I wanted to do (as a birthday outing). I suggested going to Downtown Disney just to eat or wander around. Nothing extravagant. Maybe a character meal if we were feeling really daring. But my friends don't want to go to Downtown Disney because their young son will wonder why we are not going into Disneyland.

So, instead, they figured it would be a good idea to come with me to Catalina.

Here's the thing - I kind of had my mind set on doing a solo day in Catalina. I had begun to embrace that idea. I planned to wander the Island, take tons of photos (which I cannot do when I have people with me) - and you know I can get on a roll with pictures - commune with nature, tool around in a golf cart by myself, sit and stare pensively out at the ocean, pondering the meaning of life, etc.

Even aside from the solo trip idea, I was going to play it by ear and see if the weather would be too hot for me. If it was going to be what I felt was too hot and uncomfortable for me, I would just cancel the trip. No harm, no foul. It's been years since I've been to Catalina, so even though this free boat offer is a great deal, it won't be the end of the world if I skip it and just wait until a time when I can go there for a few days.

So when the G Family suggested that they come with me to Avalon, instantly I felt overwhelmed. It's a BIG difference going from a mind set of being solo to planning to be with 5 other people - yes, 5 other people. My friend, her husband, her elderly mother and her two young sons, one of whom is less than 2 years old.

Don't get me wrong - I love my friend. I last saw her 3 years ago. She and her family are wonderful people and she has been an awesome friend to me. And they are not flakes like other friends - if they say they are going to do something, they will do it. They probably wanted to be with me so I wouldn't be alone. But I just can't have the same kind of trip with 5 people as I could by myself. They are two different experiences and I have to be in different frames of mind.

Now I was in the position of having 5 other people waiting on me to decide if the weather was going to be too warm for me. When it was a solo plan, I didn't have to answer to anyone about that.

I told my friend I would go if she really, really wants me to go, but honestly, I am so preoccupied with some other things going on right now that I kind of lost interest in going. I'm not 'feeling it' the way I should be right now, and I kind of don't feel like bothering. I'm sure I would have fun once I was there, but right now it all seems like a big hassle. I would still get together with her, of course, for dinner or something, but I just don't know if I am up to a day in Catalina. I'd rather wait until I can go for a few days.

If I go to Catalina on Thursday, I have to book a shuttle to take me to the boat dock by tomorrow. My friend is in town now, but I haven't heard from her in a week. At this point, I have no clue if they are still planning to go to Catalina whether I go or not, or if they are waiting on me. I don't want this to be a last minute frenzy, but if I go, it may turn out like that. I pretty much left it at that I would go if they wanted me there, but I was not really feeling it.

So now I'm waiting to hear from my friend to find out what she wants to do!

For the record, the weather and temperature looks like it will be okay for me on Thursday, but my mood is still not much different.


:dancer:


4. Halloween Time DLR trip :dancer: - The PIN code I got ($163 for the PPH) must be claimed by Wednesday - two days from now - or it expires. The hotel dates it covers are 10/16 - 10/31. I wanted dates earlier in October so my Halloween visit would not be so close to my late November holiday extravaganza, but DLR must be expecting larger crowds in the first half of October and, thus, they offered me those dates.

I started to think that maybe having a hotel room would be good for me if I go to the Halloween Party. That way I can stay later and then just come back to the room to crash and go home the next day. Still, it was not my plan to go to DLR in the second half of October so I needed to rethink things. So I started to ponder....would I go on October 18? October 21? October 25? October 28? Or maybe....here is a WILD thought...what about going ON HALLOWEEN night?? I've always figured that I would eventually do the MHP on Halloween, so why not now?

Well - and you may have already guessed that this was where I was headed -I deduced that the only way I could really swing a hotel for HalloweenTime this year (as opposed to just a day trip) is if I DON'T go to Catalina. The money that would be spent on a shuttle to get to the Catalina boat dock would be a large chunk of what would be due for the hotel.

It would probably have to come down to one or the other - Catalina on my birthday or staying onsite for the Halloween party instead of making a day trip.

Needless to say, when I hear back from my friend and the G Family about what she wants to do for Catalina, I will know what I am doing for HalloweenTime as well, hotel-wise. I don't think they would send me another PIN so soon if I don't use this one by Wednesday, so this would be my only shot, most likely.


:confused3


5. Christmas Time at DLR 7-night/8-day extravaganza:santa: - My other group of friends who I will call the I Family - the much flakier group who can't seem to stick to a plan - have gone back and forth a few times with whether or not they are actually coming out here. For a while it was a definite yes....and they were going to stay in my PPH room for a 2-3 nights. But then my plan that I was including them in started to feel more like their plan that they were including me in. I invited them, not the otherw ay around. I would be going whether they go or not, but I invited them to join me and stay cheaply onsite - even though I didn't really want to share my room with 3 other people.

But suddenly my friend/the I Family started planning which other friends were going to be coming on which days and joining us. They had invited other people - friends of theirs that I don't know - to show up on one of the days, even though I have not seen my friend in 10 years and need plenty of catch-up time. She worked out some sort of plan that she probably thought was a compromise, and it wasn't that it was a horrible plan but I felt like involving more people in it than necessary on MY trip was going to complicate things. I kind of wished that my friend and the I Family could have just left well enough alone and been happy with joining me at DLR. But they were kind of looking at it as their child's first big trip to DLR, which attracted all kinds of interest from their relatives and pals, rather than "We're joining Sherry on her trip."

I kept saying to my friend/the I Family, "I understand you are probably getting pressure from all sorts of people to tag along at Disneyland, but if you tell them you are coming along on my trip, that will change. It's all in how you say it. If you say that you guys are going to Disneyland, that's all they hear and they all pile on. If you tell them I invited you to go to Disneyland with me, that will stop people from insisting they tag along and you can then play it by ear and determine if there is time to see them later.....Blame it on me - tell everyone that your annoying friend Sherry has not seen you in 10 years, that she is your old Disneyland buddy, she invited you along on her trip, and she wanst to hog you all to herself. I don't mind - just blame it all on me. Tell them I am being pushy and greedy and obnoxious and you can't get out of it."

It's really true - it's all in how you phrase it. People generally will not insist in showing up somewhere or tagging along if you tell them you are going somewhere to which you were invited. But my friend simply told everyone that the I Family was going to Disneyland, and so everyone they ever met wanted to join in and be there for every minute to watch my friend's son meet his first characters.

Sigh.

So MY holiday trip was radpidly becoming about the I Family, and I felt like they couldn't be happy just seeing me (after 10 years) and our little group of friends (Shawn, Jackie - the usuals). That, and my friend felt pressured because everyone wanted to see her son experience Disneyland on his first trip (not the second nor the third nor the fourth trip) and she couldn't say no, so she was trying to make it all happen....but it was just stressing me out and making things more complicated. The only good thing for me was that it sounded as if the I Family had decided to stay in their own hotel.

If you recall, the I Family is also the family who was going to be out here on May 8 and we were going to go to Goofy's Kitchen...and then my friend decided to invite "everyone" to go there too....which is when I backed out and said I would skip it.

So, last I heard, the I Family is still supposedly planning to come out here to SoCal in late November (they have to because they have air miles that will expire after that), but I have no clue if they are going to Disneyland, if they are going with ME to Disneyland, if they are staying with me or in a separate place, if they are going to have 100 different friends and family members with us or them, etc. I just don't know.

What I DO know is that I am getting an awesome deal at the PPH for the holiday season, and I could be splitting that cost with someone. If I had someone else stay with me for even just a couple of my nights, I might be able to keep my entire 7-night reservation rather than cutting off two days.

I could invite a DIS'er to stay with me. Most DIS'ers who would be able to get to DLR for late November/early December would LOVE this deal. I believe Molly/Bumbershoot threw her hat in the ring for possible roommate status a long, long time ago, though I don't know if she'd still be able to do it. But lots of people would take $58 per night (including tax) at the Paradise Pier Hotel, in the middle of the glorious holiday season.

Anyway, the only reason I am pointing this out is that, although I didn't want 3 other people in my room for more than a couple of nights, I think my friend and the I Family are out of their cotton-pickin' minds if they pass that up simply because they can't agree to come with me and leave the other 100 people at home. There are other people who would gladly jump on the deal!

So I am not going to wait too much longer for my friends/the I Family to decide what they are doing. If they have not given me a definitive answer on what's happening by August, I will start planning solo - or looking for someone to be a roomie for part of the time!



:dance3:


This has been a tremendously tough year in terms of finances. Not that it isn't normally difficult for me, but I wasn't anticipating a major computer crash to throw everything off, such as little things like work and money!!:rotfl2: That was a major setback. I'm keeping a good attitude, though!


In case anyone out there thinks that the all moderators on these Disney planning boards get special favors from Disney or go to DLR or WDW all the time, that may be true in some cases but believe me, there are plenty of us who are struggling just like everyone else out there and we have plans that we have to cancel or reassemble just like you!! I feel like my whole TR has been a series of 'will she be able to go or won't she be able to go' stories, so it's such a big deal to me when I finally get to DLR because these trips do not come easily!


:grouphug::grouphug:

[kaoden39]

I'm here!! Front and center!!:lmao:

[funatdisney]

I am here!

Oh Sherry. Life is a roller coaster, isn't it? And with friends like the ones you have described here in your TR (good intentions or not), don't help a lot either.

I hope you can get to Catalina Island, but if you can't, at least you can go to MHP instead. Not is all not lost, right?

As for the Christmas trip, all I can say is... frustrating! That has really gotten out of hand with your friends making it about them and their needs. Maybe, you will get lucky and they will book a hotel for themselves. I hope that trip will work out to your benefit and you can have the visit you want and deserve. If you need some DIS'ers to join on some nights, I might be able to go. Just ask when the time comes to make that decision.

Keep up your good attitude. It will get you through a lot of tough times.

[deejdigsdis]

Here! *while dodging a wildly waving lethal winter scarf and peppermint cone of death*

I was just thinking about you (well, your tooth, specifically) yesterday. My 3 boys were wrestling and DS8 bumped his mouth on the floor. He has a very loose tooth and somehow the tooth got twisted around. The back is now the front, and it is now going horizontal instead of vertical. (Such a pretty picture, huh?) It's kind of jammed in that space and not budging at the moment. Anyway...it made me think of your tooth and I wondered how it was holding up. Not that yours is twisted around backwards and is now horizontal instead of vertical. ;) Just wondered if it was still painful.

On to your updates...

I am thinking that for your first time back to Catalina after all these years, it might be best to have a solo trip so you can really soak it all in and enjoy taking pictures. It's too bad that the dinner suggestion in DTD didn't work out, but I can understand the hesitation and concern about the younger son wondering why they weren't going to Disneyland. So I assume this child has been to Disneyland before? If he was in DTD would he know he was right next to Disneyland?

It would be nice if you could have your longer solo Catalina trip at another time, do dinner at DTD with the G Family, have an overnight HalloweenTime/MHP visit, have your I friend and family to yourself {with the usuals of Jackie and Shawn -- by the way, did Bridgitte (sp?) ever move back?} while they book their own hotel room, and then enjoy your 7 night-8 day extravaganza to yourself -- while maybe sharing a few nights with 1 DIS'er (as opposed to a family) so you can still have your space. All in a perfect world where money was no object. That's my 2 cents. :)

Keep us updated!

[Sherry E]

Welllllllllllllll...................are any of my TR peeps (past or present) still out there? Roll call! Michele? deej? TK? Marie? Jessica? Jillian? Kaitlin? Molly? Tania? Bret? amamax2? Laurie? PHX? Liza? I could go on and list everyone - and I know I am forgetting people - but you know who you are! And I know where to find you! Muahahahahahahaha! I will chase after you, wildly waving my lethal winter scarf and my peppermint cone of death and you will not stand a chance! Be afraid...be very afraid.

If I can help it, I don't like to post too much in this TR unless I actually have something to say that can pass for an update on DLR plans...or any kind of plans, really. Plans to see friends. Plans to visit Catalina. Plans to go to the supermarket. Plans to do my laundry. Plans to watch TV. Plans to go to the ATM. Plans to clean the kitchen. Whatever plans you want to know about, I'll tell you!:rotfl::rotfl:

But I sort of feel like I want there to be a clear and definite 'end' (a.k.a. gap of time a.ka. break) in between each trip so folks don't get sick of me!:rotfl2: (Okay, you can all keep your comments to yourselves now!:rotfl2:) Because of this I end up forgetting to reply to people who have so kindly posted in my thread!

So...time for an update! Or a non-update. I'm not sure.


:cheer2:


I am hoping to have more solid information to share by the end of this week, but here's what's what for now:

1. Disney Visa Debit Card - Sadly, my Disney Visa debit card stopped earning reward dollars 6 days ago.:sad2: That didn't last long. I got the Visa last year to begin earning points, and in a year Chase decided to stop all Rewards programs for debit cards. I didn't even have a chance to really accumulate too many dollars - I feel like it was over before it even started! So, once my final, pitiful tally of Reward bucks is posted (probably in the next 3 days or so), I will have them transferred over to the redemption card and then buy a gift card or something. I prefer to transfer as much Disney-dedicated money over to gift cards as possible, because the gift cards will not expire, which comes in handy if any DLR trips happen to fall through (it's not like that would EVER happen in my life, though, now would it?;);):rotfl2:).


:yay:


2. Annual Pass - I had a sense of pride the other day as my monthly Premium Annual Pass payment was taken out of my account. I realized that I only have 3 payments left on this AP, and then it expires on November 13th, I think. That's right - only 3 more payments! I can see the Promised Land!!:rotfl2::cheer2: Then it dawned on me - what am I getting so excited about? If I plan to renew the AP - which I would have to do before the end of November, if not before - I'm just going to start a new payment plan! So, really, there's no break in the payments for the most part. And yet I felt relief in knowing there are only 3 installments to go. Does that make any sense?


:banana:


3. Catalina birthday day trip:beach::boat::fish: - Well, as you may or may not recall, I was planning to visit my beloved Island Valley of Avalon on my birthday - which is in 3 days - with the free Catalina Express round-trip birthday pass that is being offered as a promo for Catalina Express' anniversary this year. Catalina is my second favorite place in SoCal (betcha can't guess what the first favorite place is, huh?;)), and, woefully, I haven't been there in years.

So guess what? My intended Catalina day is only 3 days away and I'm not sure if I'm going!! I bet you're not suprised, based on how my DLR plans usually go!


AND, you also may remember that this was going to be a year of madness, with all kinds of friends coming into town and DLR trips in the works, etc.

Well, one group of friends is in town at this very moment. I'll call them the G Family. We were planning to get together and they asked what I wanted to do (as a birthday outing). I suggested going to Downtown Disney just to eat or wander around. Nothing extravagant. Maybe a character meal if we were feeling really daring. But my friends don't want to go to Downtown Disney because their young son will wonder why we are not going into Disneyland.

So, instead, they figured it would be a good idea to come with me to Catalina.

Here's the thing - I kind of had my mind set on doing a solo day in Catalina. I had begun to embrace that idea. I planned to wander the Island, take tons of photos (which I cannot do when I have people with me) - and you know I can get on a roll with pictures - commune with nature, tool around in a golf cart by myself, sit and stare pensively out at the ocean, pondering the meaning of life, etc.

Even aside from the solo trip idea, I was going to play it by ear and see if the weather would be too hot for me. If it was going to be what I felt was too hot and uncomfortable for me, I would just cancel the trip. No harm, no foul. It's been years since I've been to Catalina, so even though this free boat offer is a great deal, it won't be the end of the world if I skip it and just wait until a time when I can go there for a few days.

So when the G Family suggested that they come with me to Avalon, instantly I felt overwhelmed. It's a BIG difference going from a mind set of being solo to planning to be with 5 other people - yes, 5 other people. My friend, her husband, her elderly mother and her two young sons, one of whom is less than 2 years old.

Don't get me wrong - I love my friend. I last saw her 3 years ago. She and her family are wonderful people and she has been an awesome friend to me. And they are not flakes like other friends - if they say they are going to do something, they will do it. They probably wanted to be with me so I wouldn't be alone. But I just can't have the same kind of trip with 5 people as I could by myself. They are two different experiences and I have to be in different frames of mind.

Now I was in the position of having 5 other people waiting on me to decide if the weather was going to be too warm for me. When it was a solo plan, I didn't have to answer to anyone about that.

I told my friend I would go if she really, really wants me to go, but honestly, I am so preoccupied with some other things going on right now that I kind of lost interest in going. I'm not 'feeling it' the way I should be right now, and I kind of don't feel like bothering. I'm sure I would have fun once I was there, but right now it all seems like a big hassle. I would still get together with her, of course, for dinner or something, but I just don't know if I am up to a day in Catalina. I'd rather wait until I can go for a few days.

If I go to Catalina on Thursday, I have to book a shuttle to take me to the boat dock by tomorrow. My friend is in town now, but I haven't heard from her in a week. At this point, I have no clue if they are still planning to go to Catalina whether I go or not, or if they are waiting on me. I don't want this to be a last minute frenzy, but if I go, it may turn out like that. I pretty much left it at that I would go if they wanted me there, but I was not really feeling it.

So now I'm waiting to hear from my friend to find out what she wants to do!

For the record, the weather and temperature looks like it will be okay for me on Thursday, but my mood is still not much different.


:dancer:


4. Halloween Time DLR trip :dancer: - The PIN code I got ($163 for the PPH) must be claimed by Wednesday - two days from now - or it expires. The hotel dates it covers are 10/16 - 10/31. I wanted dates earlier in October so my Halloween visit would not be so close to my late November holiday extravaganza, but DLR must be expecting larger crowds in the first half of October and, thus, they offered me those dates.

I started to think that maybe having a hotel room would be good for me if I go to the Halloween Party. That way I can stay later and then just come back to the room to crash and go home the next day. Still, it was not my plan to go to DLR in the second half of October so I needed to rethink things. So I started to ponder....would I go on October 18? October 21? October 25? October 28? Or maybe....here is a WILD thought...what about going ON HALLOWEEN night?? I've always figured that I would eventually do the MHP on Halloween, so why not now?

Well - and you may have already guessed that this was where I was headed -I deduced that the only way I could really swing a hotel for HalloweenTime this year (as opposed to just a day trip) is if I DON'T go to Catalina. The money that would be spent on a shuttle to get to the Catalina boat dock would be a large chunk of what would be due for the hotel.

It would probably have to come down to one or the other - Catalina on my birthday or staying onsite for the Halloween party instead of making a day trip.

Needless to say, when I hear back from my friend and the G Family about what she wants to do for Catalina, I will know what I am doing for HalloweenTime as well, hotel-wise. I don't think they would send me another PIN so soon if I don't use this one by Wednesday, so this would be my only shot, most likely.


:confused3


5. Christmas Time at DLR 7-night/8-day extravaganza:santa: - My other group of friends who I will call the I Family - the much flakier group who can't seem to stick to a plan - have gone back and forth a few times with whether or not they are actually coming out here. For a while it was a definite yes....and they were going to stay in my PPH room for a 2-3 nights. But then my plan that I was including them in started to feel more like their plan that they were including me in. I invited them, not the otherw ay around. I would be going whether they go or not, but I invited them to join me and stay cheaply onsite - even though I didn't really want to share my room with 3 other people.

But suddenly my friend/the I Family started planning which other friends were going to be coming on which days and joining us. They had invited other people - friends of theirs that I don't know - to show up on one of the days, even though I have not seen my friend in 10 years and need plenty of catch-up time. She worked out some sort of plan that she probably thought was a compromise, and it wasn't that it was a horrible plan but I felt like involving more people in it than necessary on MY trip was going to complicate things. I kind of wished that my friend and the I Family could have just left well enough alone and been happy with joining me at DLR. But they were kind of looking at it as their child's first big trip to DLR, which attracted all kinds of interest from their relatives and pals, rather than "We're joining Sherry on her trip."

I kept saying to my friend/the I Family, "I understand you are probably getting pressure from all sorts of people to tag along at Disneyland, but if you tell them you are coming along on my trip, that will change. It's all in how you say it. If you say that you guys are going to Disneyland, that's all they hear and they all pile on. If you tell them I invited you to go to Disneyland with me, that will stop people from insisting they tag along and you can then play it by ear and determine if there is time to see them later.....Blame it on me - tell everyone that your annoying friend Sherry has not seen you in 10 years, that she is your old Disneyland buddy, she invited you along on her trip, and she wanst to hog you all to herself. I don't mind - just blame it all on me. Tell them I am being pushy and greedy and obnoxious and you can't get out of it."

It's really true - it's all in how you phrase it. People generally will not insist in showing up somewhere or tagging along if you tell them you are going somewhere to which you were invited. But my friend simply told everyone that the I Family was going to Disneyland, and so everyone they ever met wanted to join in and be there for every minute to watch my friend's son meet his first characters.

Sigh.

So MY holiday trip was radpidly becoming about the I Family, and I felt like they couldn't be happy just seeing me (after 10 years) and our little group of friends (Shawn, Jackie - the usuals). That, and my friend felt pressured because everyone wanted to see her son experience Disneyland on his first trip (not the second nor the third nor the fourth trip) and she couldn't say no, so she was trying to make it all happen....but it was just stressing me out and making things more complicated. The only good thing for me was that it sounded as if the I Family had decided to stay in their own hotel.

If you recall, the I Family is also the family who was going to be out here on May 8 and we were going to go to Goofy's Kitchen...and then my friend decided to invite "everyone" to go there too....which is when I backed out and said I would skip it.

So, last I heard, the I Family is still supposedly planning to come out here to SoCal in late November (they have to because they have air miles that will expire after that), but I have no clue if they are going to Disneyland, if they are going with ME to Disneyland, if they are staying with me or in a separate place, if they are going to have 100 different friends and family members with us or them, etc. I just don't know.

What I DO know is that I am getting an awesome deal at the PPH for the holiday season, and I could be splitting that cost with someone. If I had someone else stay with me for even just a couple of my nights, I might be able to keep my entire 7-night reservation rather than cutting off two days.

I could invite a DIS'er to stay with me. Most DIS'ers who would be able to get to DLR for late November/early December would LOVE this deal. I believe Molly/Bumbershoot threw her hat in the ring for possible roommate status a long, long time ago, though I don't know if she'd still be able to do it. But lots of people would take $58 per night (including tax) at the Paradise Pier Hotel, in the middle of the glorious holiday season.

Anyway, the only reason I am pointing this out is that, although I didn't want 3 other people in my room for more than a couple of nights, I think my friend and the I Family are out of their cotton-pickin' minds if they pass that up simply because they can't agree to come with me and leave the other 100 people at home. There are other people who would gladly jump on the deal!

So I am not going to wait too much longer for my friends/the I Family to decide what they are doing. If they have not given me a definitive answer on what's happening by August, I will start planning solo - or looking for someone to be a roomie for part of the time!



:dance3:


This has been a tremendously tough year in terms of finances. Not that it isn't normally difficult for me, but I wasn't anticipating a major computer crash to throw everything off, such as little things like work and money!!:rotfl2: That was a major setback. I'm keeping a good attitude, though!


In case anyone out there thinks that the all moderators on these Disney planning boards get special favors from Disney or go to DLR or WDW all the time, that may be true in some cases but believe me, there are plenty of us who are struggling just like everyone else out there and we have plans that we have to cancel or reassemble just like you!! I feel like my whole TR has been a series of 'will she be able to go or won't she be able to go' stories, so it's such a big deal to me when I finally get to DLR because these trips do not come easily!


:grouphug:


I figured I'd better quote my update to bring it over to this page so people see I'm not slacking off and have actually posted something!



I'm here!! Front and center!!:lmao:

Yay! Glad you're still hanging 'round!



I am here!

Oh Sherry. Life is a roller coaster, isn't it? And with friends like the ones you have described here in your TR (good intentions or not), don't help a lot either.

I hope you can get to Catalina Island, but if you can't, at least you can go to MHP instead. Not is all not lost, right?

As for the Christmas trip, all I can say is... frustrating! That has really gotten out of hand with your friends making it about them and their needs. Maybe, you will get lucky and they will book a hotel for themselves. I hope that trip will work out to your benefit and you can have the visit you want and deserve. If you need some DIS'ers to join on some nights, I might be able to go. Just ask when the time comes to make that decision.

Keep up your good attitude. It will get you through a lot of tough times.

Hi, Liza! I have not forgotten to PM you back, by the way, but I've been waiting to get this darn Catalina issue resolved one way or the other - once and for all - and then figure out when I am seeing my friends (the G Family) if we don't all go to Catalina together before I can progress beyond that. I need to tackle one thing at a time!

Yes, you know, having extra people involved in the plan automatically complicates things, good intentions or not.

I feel guilty and bad now because my friends (G Family) wanted to come with me to Catalina, thinking that would be a great idea. I'm sure they thought, "Hey! What a great way to celebrate Sherry's birthday!" They are really, really good people and not flakes. I don't want them to think that I didn't want to see them - or even that I wouldn't want to go to Catalina with them on another day. I've been to Catalina with them before, in fact, and we had a great time! It's all in the timing, though. I had already planned out what I was going to do with my day, and I had planned to cancel if I felt the weather was too warm for me. I wouldn't have to answer to anyone and no one would be waiting on me to make up my mind. When other people become involved in the plan, suddenly you are no longer just thinking for yourself. What you're doing affects other people.

And I just wasn't in the mindset this year to be with a bunch of people in Catalina when I knew I would either cancel if it was too hot, OR I would be busy on a photo mission and wouldn't want people around me. Now I feel guilty for not being in the mood for my own Catalina plan!!

Yes, if Catalina is out of the picture for now (why can't the stupid birthday promo run next year, when my birthday is on a Saturday? That would be so much better for me!), then I will probably proceed with an MHP plan and hotel. But I am waiting to hear from the G Family to find out what the final Catalina plan (or non-plan) is. They are always super busy when they come to town, and I'm sure they have been bogged down with visiting other friends.

As for the Christmas trip and the I Family, at this point I wonder if they may just be coming to town but not going to DLR. Or they may decide to go to DLR at a time when I'm not there.

I can totally, totally understand why my friends/the I Family want to please everyone when they come to town and try to see everyone. But again, I haven't seen them in 10 years, while they have seen many of these other people who are clamoring to be at DLR in the last 6 years or so. And this IS a trip I invited them along for, so I would have thought that they would view it as such and let people know. Instead, it seems more like they are just viewing it as their trip, and that's why all of these people want to come along.

The thing is, my friend from I Family tends to get frustrated when there are roadblocks, and wants to give up. If she runs an idea past me and I say I don't like it, or if planning gets to stressful or annoying to her, she will get quiet, stop talking about it and not work anything out. I like to try to figure out a way - that's my nature. I don't give up easily. I like to figure out a solution, or at least try as many different options as possible - options that will work for everyone but not totally compromise my trip that I am planning!

So then there is no discussion at all and I sit there, waiting for someone to tell me what's happening!

This is why I said I am not going to wait past August. I either have to go forth with getting someone to chip in on the room with me if the I Family is not going to be in my room (they may be in a separate room somewhere, who knows?), or I have to make the decision to cut off a couple of days. Someone chipping in for a couple of nights may make the difference in how many nights I stay. And, again, I think the I Family would be ridiculous to pass that up, even though I didn't want my room to be crowded like that!

Liza, I'm sure you'll definitely come out at least one of the days I'm there (I'll let you know as plans progress which day or days would be best), and Michele (kaoden39) is going to try to work on possibly making a family trip so she may or may not be there at some point when I am. I'm not worried about being alone - you know I love my alone time! And it seems like there are going to be plenty of DIS'ers at DLR at the same time I plan to be. I just hate keeping plans in limbo! I just want friends to let me know one way or the other if they are coming out and how it involves me, and hopefully not involve 100 other people in the plan!

[Sherry E]

Here! *while dodging a wildly waving lethal winter scarf and peppermint cone of death*

I was just thinking about you (well, your tooth, specifically) yesterday. My 3 boys were wrestling and DS8 bumped his mouth on the floor. He has a very loose tooth and somehow the tooth got twisted around. The back is now the front, and it is now going horizontal instead of vertical. (Such a pretty picture, huh?) It's kind of jammed in that space and not budging at the moment. Anyway...it made me think of your tooth and I wondered how it was holding up. Not that yours is twisted around backwards and is now horizontal instead of vertical. ;) Just wondered if it was still painful.

On to your updates...

I am thinking that for your first time back to Catalina after all these years, it might be best to have a solo trip so you can really soak it all in and enjoy taking pictures. It's too bad that the dinner suggestion in DTD didn't work out, but I can understand the hesitation and concern about the younger son wondering why they weren't going to Disneyland. So I assume this child has been to Disneyland before? If he was in DTD would he know he was right next to Disneyland?

It would be nice if you could have your longer solo Catalina trip at another time, do dinner at DTD with the G Family, have an overnight HalloweenTime/MHP visit, have your I friend and family to yourself {with the usuals of Jackie and Shawn -- by the way, did Bridgitte (sp?) ever move back?} while they book their own hotel room, and then enjoy your 7 night-8 day extravaganza to yourself -- while maybe sharing a few nights with 1 DIS'er (as opposed to a family) so you can still have your space. All in a perfect world where money was no object. That's my 2 cents. :)

Keep us updated!

Hi, deej!:banana::banana: I certainly can't wildly wave a scarf without you here! Just keep me away from any trash cans or chairs, as I seem to have bad luck with those!

The description of your son's tooth incident just made me cringe and shudder! Poor little guy! Is he okay? Is your son at the age where he is traumatized by this tooth episode or is he at the age where he thinks it's cool (I know boys could go either way on that sort of thing)?

I remember the days of my youth when my teeth were loose and I had to wait for them to come out. It was a horrible feeling to have to yank them out, but it was also awful to leave them loose and try to eat with them when they were moving around and getting in the way! Banging a loose tooth into the floor and then having it twist around in crazy, serpentine directions is just...ick.

My tooth - or teeth - are still bothering me. Thank you for asking. I still can't tell if the pain is in one specific tooth or two adjacent teeth. Colgate Sensitive toothpaste does not help at all. I still tend to think there must be exposed dentin somewhere in there or there is a tiny crack somewhere. It just hurts too much when I drink water, eat apples, etc. In fact, I like cold water - especially during hot weather - but I have now taken up drinking room temperature water (blech!) because the cold hurts my teeth too much.:mad:

I am totally on board with your 'perfect world" scenario, deej!

A longer trip to Catalina would be ideal, but a solo day trip would be better for my massive photo-taking spree, which will require tromping up and down side streets, going up in the hills, examining pieces of tile and various plantlife, trying to catch a sunset before the boat leaves, etc. It's very involved, and anyone who is with me would probably feel like I was ignoring them if I stopped every few feet to snap a photo of a shop sign.

Actually, I had planned on starting a Catalina Superthread down the road - I have a thread in the SoCal section now about Catalina, but not a Superthread - and it will require many current photos. If I were there for a weekend or so, then I would have no problem with friends being there for one of those days.

Somewhere along the line, I just started to lose interest in my Catalina day trip. Maybe it was just because it seemed like it would be a hassle, and the DLR extravaganza is rapidly approaching, or maybe it's because my mood just changed and I didn't feel like being out in the heat. I just feel bad now because I have a hunch my friend/the G Family thinks I don't want to see them, which, of course, is not the case at all.

Yes, my friend's older young son (he's 7, I think) has been to DLR before. They went there in 2008. Toy Story is his favorite ride, and my friend also couldn't get him away from Fantasyland. They've also been to WDW a couple of times before their new baby was born. Since they walked through DTD in 2008 when they left Goofy's Kitchen and made their way to DL, I think my friend's son would instantly recognize where he was if we were in DTD, and I don't think they were prepared to do a DLR trip when the youngest son is not even 2 years old yet. But that giant Sorcerer's hat might give it away.

Bridgette is in SoCal, near Shawn. She was in Massachusetts, then she came out here in March of this year for a temporary visit. She claimed several times that she was going to go back to MA to collect her things and then move back to SoCal permanently, but in reality she hasn't even gone back to MA yet so I have no clue whether she will be here later this year for DLR - Halloween, Christmas or otherwise. I haven't seen her, but she has been in SoCal for 4 months.

So I continue to wait to hear from the G Family as to whether or not they really, really want me to go to Catalina on Thursday, and if so, it will be a mad dash to get my stuff ready for that. If they decide that it's okay for me to stay home, I will have to plan to see them before they leave next week.

Once I find out if Catalina is off the table, then I can proceed to formulating a Halloween DLR adventure!

[DizNee Luver]

So if you go to Catalina for your birthday could you not worry about the nice pin code & come the first week of October???? :rotfl2: You know me.....still trying to meet up with you there!!!! :thumbsup2

[Belle Ella]

Haha, you posted and of course I don't have time at the moment to write out much more than a hi and to say one day we better be at Disneyland at the same time gosh darnit!!

I have also come to the conclusion that I cannot do long-winded posts anymore. There's a reason why I stopped, and after my last PTR updates I was reminded why. Too much pain in my hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders after the fact. I spent way too much time typing yesterday and was on the verge of tears last night while trying to sleep. I don't know how you do it without wanting to chop your arms off Sherry!

[Sherry E]

So if you go to Catalina for your birthday could you not worry about the nice pin code & come the first week of October???? :rotfl2: You know me.....still trying to meet up with you there!!!! :thumbsup2

Hi, Laurie!

That idea is not out of the question at all!:goodvibes I may just skip Catalina (still waiting to hear from my friends as to whether that's off the agenda or not), and I may skip the PIN code and just do a day thing in early October. When I tried to get the PIN code in the first place, I plugged in dates for early October. I didn't want mid-late October this year, simply because it was going to run too close to my holiday trip. It just happened that they sent me the PIN for the second portion of October and it got thr wheels a-spinnin'!:rotfl2:

For some reason, the Halloween trips are always the hardest to nail down for me. With Christmas trips, it's easier for me to narrow down a time frame to go by process of elimination. I know I don't want to go before Thanksgiving (for multi-day stays). I know I don't want to go between Christmas and New Year's, for the most part. I've already gone on the weekend before Christmas and want to try earlier trips. So that leaves me with that window of time between Thanksgiving and the third week of December.

But with Halloween, it's very hard to pinpoint the best trips at the best times for myself!

In any case, if I am, by some miracle, going to be at DLR in early October I will definitely let you know, or I will hunt you down in the parks and find you!!:rotfl2:


Haha, you posted and of course I don't have time at the moment to write out much more than a hi and to say one day we better be at Disneyland at the same time gosh darnit!!

I have also come to the conclusion that I cannot do long-winded posts anymore. There's a reason why I stopped, and after my last PTR updates I was reminded why. Too much pain in my hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders after the fact. I spent way too much time typing yesterday and was on the verge of tears last night while trying to sleep. I don't know how you do it without wanting to chop your arms off Sherry!

Hi, Jessica!

Remember that a lot of what I do for work (when I have a computer that is not broken and when I am working, that is) involves typing...typing long documents. It's not fun, by any means, and my desk set-up is not really ergonomically sensible, but I guess my wrists got used to it after a while??

I think I can more easily manage whipping out one long update post here and there, once in a while, instead of posting every day on my TR - unless I have photos to post or something. For some reason I have a hard time doing daily or weekly updates!:rotfl2:

We certainly don't want you to cry and be in pain as you labor over your PTR or your TR, for goodness' sake, woman!:hug: But whether you spread out the TR posts over a number of days or do it all in one sitting, it's an undertaking no matter how you slice it, I suppose! TR's are a commitment. And it does require lots of time, attention and love - especially for you, when you have tons of photos to edit - so you can only hope that it's appreciated in the long run. It is a sad feeling when you post something and no one speaks up, isn't it? You at least want to feel like your efforts are worthwhile.

You never know, I may just end up at DLR for Halloween during the time when you and Laurie are there if I abandon my PIN code. But remember, I have a whole long 7-night week booked at PPH in late November and early December (checking in 11/28; checking out on 12/5) - whether or not my pesky friends join me, stay at their own hotel or whatever they do. So that's plenty of time to meet up or be at DLR at the same time if you end up there in that time frame.

I think Meredith was talking at one point in the Christmas thread about possibly trying to do her own holiday trip in that same week, post-Thanksgiving into early December, before her AP expires (although this was before the AP payment plans became applicable to all of California). Check with her to see if that's still her plan - maybe you can swing something?

[WDWJonasGirl]

Yes. I'm still here.

[Sherry E]

Yes. I'm still here.

Yay! Good! Thank you, Kaitlin.:goodvibes

Hopefully I will be getting my DLR Halloween plan straightened out shortly. Halloween Time starts in 2 months at DLR, so I have to start thinking about it!

[mvf-m11c]

I am still here. Just not on the threads a lot lately. Busy with other things.

If you choose the Catalina trip or DL trip during the Halloween season, you will have a great time. It would be neat to go to Catalina since I have never been there before.

I hope that everything works out well with you and the family.

Have a great night Sherry. :thumbsup2

[mariezp]

Still here Sherry! I also have to post and run but just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and I am trying to send some good vibes your way in hopes that everything works out so that you get to have a wonderful time... whenever it may be. And, I do have to mention that if by chance you do end up at the park on the Oct 31st we will be arriving that day. We won't be hitting up the park that night. However, if you end up spending a few hours at DL the next morning I sure hope we can come up with a plan to stop and say hi to each other.

[funatdisney]

I just want friends to let me know one way or the other if they are coming out and how it involves me, and hopefully not involve 100 other people in the plan!

I really don't think that is too much to ask. Good for you to make your final plans after August if the I family doesn't get back to you by then. I'm sure you'll keep us posted.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love the old pictures!! The characters look so different.

[JH87]

Hi Sherry! I am here :)
Wow, sounds like you have quite a bit of things going on right now. I can totally understand both of your situations with the G and I Families. I hope it all works out for the best and either way you have an amazing birthday and amazing DLR trips!! I know you will keep us updated on what is going on with everything :)

[Sherry E]

Well, sadly, I cancelled my Catalina Express birthday boat reservation today. It broke my heart to do it.:sad1: I felt tremendously sad having to make that phone call. After not having been to the Island in so many years but loving it so, it was hard to pass up a deal on a free boat ride. I am hoping against hope that Catalina Express decides to extend the free birthday offer for another year. The current promo is going on until the end of April 2012. I am praying they decide to carry it to 2013 so maybe I will get another chance to take advantage of it in July of next year.

But if not, I shall simply wait until a better time to go. Along the lines of what deejdigsdis said, as it's been a while since my last Avalon visit, ideally it would be nice if I could make an all-solo trip or at least a trip lasting a couple of days so I could kind of spread everything out and get caught up on all that's different or new, as well as take tons of photos.

As much as it hurt to cancel this birthday outing - which part of me was looking forward to and part of me was not - it just didn't feel like the right time to go, for a few reasons. First of all, I didn't like the return time at night. I would have wanted a return time of 9:45 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. or so. This was going to be a return of 7:30 p.m. That would surely impede my attempts to get photos of the Avalon bay sunset, since the sunset is not even prominent until right around that time. I'd be on a boat headed home at the precise moment the stunning shades of pink and purple blanketed the sky.

But mostly, I'm just too preoccupied with other things this week. My mind was not totally into going on a sea voyage. I would have momentary flashes of wanting to go, and then I would snap back into whatever was preoccupying me.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that my friend from the G Family told me that her youngest son (he's 1-1/2 years old, I think) got sick last night. Even though he will most likely be better by Thursday, they decided to not go to Catalina either because they didn't want to risk keeping him out in the sun all day. I always forget about how kids and babies get sick so much more often and more easily than adults do.

Still, I couldn't help but think that they probably backed out of going because I wasn't into it. If I had been gung ho, I bet someone in the G Family would have gone.

So no one is going to Catalina for my birthday!!:rotfl2:

Too bad, though - I even had a clever title for the Catalina trip report already picked out. Usually, I wait until after a trip has concluded to pick the title, and usually it's based on some wacky thing that happened during the trip. This one popped into my mind a couple of months ago. I will not reveal the title now. I will guard it fiercely and mightily, until the time comes when another trip is planned and completed and I can conveniently use it.:idea:

Soooooo.......I have to get together with my friend while she is still in town, which is about one more week.

And now that Catalina is out of the way, I have to resume deliberations on my Halloween Time DLR jaunt and get that all figured out once and for all. I'm better tackling one thing at a time, rather than a bunch of stuff simultaneously.


:dancer::dancer::dancer:


Let me to reply to the last few comments:




I am still here. Just not on the threads a lot lately. Busy with other things.

If you choose the Catalina trip or DL trip during the Halloween season, you will have a great time. It would be neat to go to Catalina since I have never been there before.

I hope that everything works out well with you and the family.

Have a great night Sherry. :thumbsup2


Hi, Bret! Glad to see you're still here. I think you would get some really awesome photos in Catalina with your camera - there's lots of great scenery.

I am hoping to form some sort of Halloween plan for DLR soon. I can't spend a lot of time worrying about it because the holiday trip is the big one and that will require more planning, effort, coordination and money! But I can't miss Halloween Time at DLR!



Still here Sherry! I also have to post and run but just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and I am trying to send some good vibes your way in hopes that everything works out so that you get to have a wonderful time... whenever it may be. And, I do have to mention that if by chance you do end up at the park on the Oct 31st we will be arriving that day. We won't be hitting up the park that night. However, if you end up spending a few hours at DL the next morning I sure hope we can come up with a plan to stop and say hi to each other.

Hi, Marie! I don't mind the posting and running because I know you read mostly everything even if you can't comment! And you have given long, detailed replies before so it's not like you're slacking off by postin' 'n' runnin'!:rotfl2:

If I don't use this PIN offer for the hotel that I have - and if I don't get any kind of new PIN offer ASAP - then chances are slim this year that I would be there on 10/31. I would probably make a day trip earlier in October, simply because I don't want my October visit to be smooshed so closely together with the late November/early December plan. Any other year if I had a regular December trip planned, I might be intrigued to try a 10/31 visit.


But, by all means, if I am there on 10/31 I will surely meet up with you.

Make sure to saunter into the GCH on that night, as I think they have a Halloween photo display set-up (but only actually ON Halloween).


I really don't think that is too much to ask. Good for you to make your final plans after August if the I family doesn't get back to you by then. I'm sure you'll keep us posted.

Liza - Yep, I can't wait around. I keep asking what's going on and my friend from the I Family either ignores the question or replies weeks later. Even if they are not staying with me and are staying at their own hotel, I just need to know which dates they are coming to DLR - or IF they are still coming to DLR - and how it's all going to work so I know how much money I will need for the hotel and if I am splitting the cost for a couple of nights with someone or doing it by myself.

It frustrates when people feel that they don't have any reason to keep you apprised of what's happening with a plan if things are changing. I know people get busy and can't communicate all the time, but at least touch base here and there, within reason.



I love the old pictures!! The characters look so different.

Kaitlin - Thanks. Yes - the older character costumes are funny-looking, aren't they?


Hi Sherry! I am here :)
Wow, sounds like you have quite a bit of things going on right now. I can totally understand both of your situations with the G and I Families. I hope it all works out for the best and either way you have an amazing birthday and amazing DLR trips!! I know you will keep us updated on what is going on with everything :)

Hi, Jillian!:cool1: Thank you!:goodvibes Well, at least now I am crossing Catalina off the list, so that's one less thing to contend with. Hopefully I can get a Halloween DLR visit of some kind together without it being derailed.

I will definitely keep you updated!

[Belle Ella]

:hug: for canceling the Catalina trip for your birthday Sherry!

I wish my poor wrists could just get used to it, but having issues outside of the computer use just doesn't give me that chance. I tell myself everyday I wont spend too much time on the computer since that aggravates it, and type my PTR posts in spurts throughout the week so it's mostly done by the day I post it, but somehow I can't quite log out and leave everything alone until I'm in pain. Smart, huh?

[WDWJonasGirl]

Kaitlin - Thanks. Yes - the older character costumers are funny-looking, aren't they?


They are. I was born in '95. You also looked cute in the old pictures (from the 70s and 80s). I have never seen the walrus from one of your 1975 pictures. That picture was taken 20 years before I was born :scared1: Who is Shaun Cassidy?

[tksbaskets]

Bummer about your b-day trip not working out. The shortened time might have been a disappointment. Now I'll never know what clever title you'd picked out for your report. I can't look at a ice cream cone at DL without thinking of you! :goodvibes

[mvf-m11c]

I'm sorry to hear that you cancel your birthday trip to the Catalina.

Hi, Bret! Glad to see you're still here. I think you would get some really awesome photos in Catalina with your camera - there's lots of great scenery.

I am hoping to form some sort of Halloween plan for DLR soon. I can't spend a lot of time worrying about it because the holiday trip is the big one and that will require more planning, effort, coordination and money! But I can't miss Halloween Time at DLR!

I should consider one day going to Catalina.

The Holiday trip is the big one for you. I always enjoy reading your Holiday TR and can't wait to read your TR for the Holiday season. Just like you, I always love the Holiday season at the DLR. The Holiday season does take a lot of planning especially when you are there for 8 days. I hope you get your dates all set up during the Halloween Time at the DLR.

[kaoden39]

:hug: I am sorry you are going to miss your birthday at Catalina.

[JH87]

Aw, sorry to hear about the Catalina trip. But something I always say....everything happens for a reason! ;)

[bumbershoot]

And I know where to find you!

Yes you do; in my dang pre-trip report, which has become very focused on Michele, Shannon, and yours truly. Which is fab, but you would be MORE than welcome to come spice up the place for us! You and your sassy scarf.

If I can help it, I don't like to post too much in this TR unless I actually have something to say that can pass for an update on DLR plans...or any kind of plans, really. Plans to see friends. Plans to visit Catalina. Plans to go to the supermarket. Plans to do my laundry. Plans to watch TV. Plans to go to the ATM. Plans to clean the kitchen.


Sounds a lot like my PTR!


1. Disney Visa Debit Card....I feel like it was over before it even started! So, once my final, pitiful tally of Reward bucks is posted (probably in the next 3 days or so)....


I feel the same way. I have to wait until the 6th or so, b/c that's my statement date...I might only have a dollar coming, but I want that dollar! And then, sorry to say, I'm very likely going to close out Chase entirely. I don't know why they even started the program...they knew that the changes were coming down the pike BEFORE they started it...


So when the G Family suggested that they come with me to Avalon, instantly I felt overwhelmed.

Bah! Dang your friends! No understanding of the beauty of a solo trip.





5. Christmas Time at DLR 7-night/8-day extravaganza:santa:

But suddenly my friend/the I Family started planning which other friends were going to be coming on which days and joining us. They had invited other people - friends of theirs that I don't know - to show up on one of the days, even though I have not seen my friend in 10 years and need plenty of catch-up time.

Bah! Darn your friends!!!!!!!!!!


I could invite a DIS'er to stay with me. Most DIS'ers who would be able to get to DLR for late November/early December would LOVE this deal. I believe Molly/Bumbershoot threw her hat in the ring for possible roommate status a long, long time ago, though I don't know if she'd still be able to do it. But lots of people would take $58 per night (including tax) at the Paradise Pier Hotel, in the middle of the glorious holiday season.

Good gad girl, I'm quite sure that Robert and I could make at least a FEW days happen (R does have to work and can't always work from home and there's no other place to put Eamon) so I could do a solo trip along with you.

To others that might sound confusing...but I think we both get what a "solo trip along with another person having a solo trip" would be like.

You seem normal, LOL. And the common theme that EVERYONE says, and has said since grad school, is "gosh Molly, you're so much nicer than I thought you were"... I've decided that anyone (from "real life") who says it going forward gets to contribute to my Botox fund. :rotfl: So it would probably be good! And then YOU could invite anyone YOU want to join...if you wanted to. You could have a revolving door of people sharing your room. :)



Who is Shaun Cassidy?

Ah, besides the fact that you're killing me, I'm sure I asked similar things of people. Like...who was...no, wait, my mom was a hippie so I knew all the music groups that were in existence long before, plus the ones she listened to before she was a hippie... And we were big "old movie" watchers.


Anyway, Shaun Cassidy was the man who *should have been* my first husband, though since I was only 9 and he never visited my elementary school I guess he never got the memo. Darn him. He was one of the lead characters in the series The Hardy Boys (which were books written for kids and teens way back when about "boy detectives").

Here, from wiki:

"is an American actor, singer, writer, and producer. He is the eldest son of Academy Award winning actress Shirley Jones, and the second son (his older half-brother is David Cassidy) of Tony award-winning actor Jack Cassidy. He is known for acting in TV series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries and Breaking Away, and for producing television series including American Gothic, Invasion, Roar (with Heath Ledger in his American debut), and Cold Case."

Dangit, wiki doesn't even include "and Molly's secret fiance at Jodie's 9th birthday slumberparty"...they are seriously off their game...

[bumbershoot]

Thought of another way to put it, WDWJonasGirl.

Shaun was born in '58 and I was born in '69. OK that's 11 years. But 11 is just as unattainable (especially when one's a celeb and the other isn't) as 8 is, so....

Shaun is to me as Kevin Jonas is to you.

And years from now, when you have your little children, and they say "who on earth was Kevin Jonas?" (assuming he didn't divorce his wife and realize that you are the true meaning of the universe...why didn't Shaun ever realize this about me, why?), you will think back on this post and wistfully smile.

:flower3:



Fun fact...Kevin was born the year I graduated from high school. WDWJonasGirl was born the year I graduated from chiropractic school. I know that this is all part of the circle of the universe, time never stops and keeps going forward, but....aughhhhhhhhhhhh.

OK I'm better now.

[Sherry E]

I received my Disneyland Resort planning DVD yesterday. That’s always a happy feeling, when you open up your mailbox and find something from Disney. And the DVD is a good bargain (for DLR or for WDW) – IT’S FREE – in terms of giving you a little dose of Disney magic. It comes in cute folder, with a little booklet enclosed. Now they even have an inside cover flap that is personalized, so it will say something like, “Welcome, E Family. We’re thrilled to hear you’re thinking about a Disneyland resort vacation in October!” It goes on to tell me about Mickey’s Halloween Party and other things I might enjoy during my October trip! And a special customized page just for me...on the DVD? LOL! It’s not that I need this DVD for actual planning – I just adore looking at footage of the parks and reading the booklet! It’s like a free souvenir!


:wizard::wizard::wizard:



By the way, I should have pointed this out a couple of days ago, but in case anyone is not familiar with the Catalina Island - Disneyland Resort connection, here are some examples:


A mural in California Adventure featuring the iconic Catalina Casino (the mural has now come down), from December 2009:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Mousesausage/DISNEYLAND%20DECEMBER%202009/IMG_0210.jpg



The former Wolfgang Puck restaurant, Avalon Cove, in DCA (now known as Ariel's Grotto!):

(Yesterland has a good description)

http://www.yesterland.com/avaloncove.html


(I Googled these images of Avalon Cove)

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/avaloncove1.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/avaloncove2.jpg



You can imagine my sheer glee when my two favorite SoCal locations - Disneyland and Catalina - suddenly joined forces and Avalon Cove was born!:woohoo: Visions of crossover merchandise danced in my head!

Alas, Avalon Cove closed before I ever got to see it or eat there, or find any crossover merchandise - in fact, to this day I wonder if there were any Avalon Cove pins or magnets made during that brief time the restaurant remained open. If it ever existed I have not been able to find any photos of this merchandise.

There are other tucked away 'tips of the hat' to Catalina/Avalon in DCA too, but I don't have photos of them (mental note to myself catch them on camera if they are still there when I next go to DLR). I know there is a 'vintage' poster (situated among many posters) featuring Mickey & Minnie and some sort of Catalina reference somewhere in the Hollywood Backlot area of DCA. Maybe it was a comic book cover design??:confused3 Actually, I think there may be two different vintage posters - one near the Monsters, Inc. ride, and possibly a different poster in the Hyperion area too. I can not find pictures of these posters anywhere on the Internet, but I have definitely seen at least one Mickey/Minnie Catalina poster!


:beach::beach::beach:




Now to your comments…..


:hug: for canceling the Catalina trip for your birthday Sherry!

I wish my poor wrists could just get used to it, but having issues outside of the computer use just doesn't give me that chance. I tell myself everyday I wont spend too much time on the computer since that aggravates it, and type my PTR posts in spurts throughout the week so it's mostly done by the day I post it, but somehow I can't quite log out and leave everything alone until I'm in pain. Smart, huh?

:hug: Thanks, Jessica.

I’m sure a lot of us don’t abandon something until it gets uncomfortable for us, so I’m sure you’re not alone in that conundrum!


They are. I was born in '95. You also looked cute in the old pictures (from the 70s and 80s). I have never seen the walrus from one of your 1975 pictures. That picture was taken 20 years before I was born :scared1: Who is Shaun Cassidy?

Kaitlin –

Thank you for the compliment! I was usually quite unhappy having to pose for photos when I was a kid, even at Disneyland, so I’m lucky if any of them came out cute at all! Ah yes, the Walrus – that was in the photo with Alice and the White Rabbit in Fantasyland. I looked absolutely miserable in that photo, but it’s funny to see it now because it’s such a snapshot of that time period, right down to the way the characters’ costumes looked. Wow – that was waaaaaaaay before your time!

Molly/Bumbershoot has already perfectly explained to you who Shaun Cassidy is, but I will throw in that he was a huge teen idol back in the day, shimmying his butt around in satin pants and tight t-shirts! LOL! His half-brother David Cassidy (star of “The Partridge Family”) was also a huge teen idol before him – I mean, like screaming-girls-chasing-after-him-down-the-street-and-whowing-up-in-his-hotel-room kind of idol.

David Cassidy’s daughter and Shaun Cassidy’s niece is Katie Cassidy, of the new “Melrose Place,” “Gossip Girl,” “Supernatural,” etc. She’s gorgeous.

David and Shaun have another brother and Katie has another uncle, Patrick Cassidy, who has been extremely prominent in musicals and theater in the past, but he never reached that teen idol status.

And then there is their baby brother/Katie’s other uncle Ryan Cassidy, who worked behind the scenes at Jim Henson Productions for a while (that was when I went to lunch with him, back in 1993). He mainly stays off-camera and doesn’t do anything much in the way of acting.


Bummer about your b-day trip not working out. The shortened time might have been a disappointment. Now I'll never know what clever title you'd picked out for your report. I can't look at a ice cream cone at DL without thinking of you! :goodvibes

Hi, TK!

Yes, for some reason that 7:30 p.m. time frame really bugged me – and it was only because it was a Thursday. If my birthday had been on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, there would have been a return time of at least 9:30 p.m., if not later. So if I have to go to Catalina in the middle of Summer, for one day only, risking making myself ill in the heat, I want the latest return time I can possibly finagle. I can do a lot with those extra couple of hours in terms of photo-taking, especially if I want to try to get some after-dark shots!

Oh, never fear, you will eventually know the clever title of the Catalina TR, because I will eventually make a trip happen! Just because the timing was not really right for this particular trip doesn’t mean I won’t try to go later this year or next year!

Believe me, I can’t look at an ice cream cone now without recalling my clumsy Main Street trash can - camera near-disaster!! LOL! I’m so afraid that if I try to get another peppermint cone, it will end up flying into someone’s face or something, with my luck! I can’t even imagine how I must have corrupted my subscribers’ visions of ice cream cones! I apologize for that, everyone!!


I'm sorry to hear that you cancel your birthday trip to the Catalina.

I should consider one day going to Catalina.

The Holiday trip is the big one for you. I always enjoy reading your Holiday TR and can't wait to read your TR for the Holiday season. Just like you, I always love the Holiday season at the DLR. The Holiday season does take a lot of planning especially when you are there for 8 days. I hope you get your dates all set up during the Halloween Time at the DLR.

Hi, Bret!

Thank you.

Yes, I definitely think you would take some beautiful, picturesque shots of Catalina and the town of Avalon if you ever end up going there.

You’re right – the holiday trip is the real biggie, especially this year because it’s much longer than my normal trips and it may or may not involve my friends from out of town. I wouldn’t need to plan so much if I were by myself – just kind of make a list of all the things I need to do that maybe I missed last time (such as take more photos in California Adventure) and try to follow it. However, if these friends (the I Family) come along, I need to know when they are going to be there and who else is with us, as that will affect plans.

:hug: I am sorry you are going to miss your birthday at Catalina.

Thank you, Michele!

You know it meant a lot to me to be able to go, but all of a sudden, when it started to get more complicated and I began to feel like the timing was not right and lose interest, I just had to abandon the idea for now.

Aw, sorry to hear about the Catalina trip. But something I always say....everything happens for a reason! ;)

Jillian –

Thank you! I agree – I usually think that everything happens for a reason in some way or the other, even if we don’t know what that reason is. I just started to not ‘feel it’ this time around, and rather than push myself to go I felt like I’d better listen to those internal signals and skip it. But I will try to plan a bigger and better trip in the not-so-distant future!





Yes you do; in my dang pre-trip report, which has become very focused on Michele, Shannon, and yours truly. Which is fab, but you would be MORE than welcome to come spice up the place for us! You and your sassy scarf.

Sounds a lot like my PTR!

I feel the same way. I have to wait until the 6th or so, b/c that's my statement date...I might only have a dollar coming, but I want that dollar! And then, sorry to say, I'm very likely going to close out Chase entirely. I don't know why they even started the program...they knew that the changes were coming down the pike BEFORE they started it...

Bah! Dang your friends! No understanding of the beauty of a solo trip.

Bah! Darn your friends!!!!!!!!!!

Good gad girl, I'm quite sure that Robert and I could make at least a FEW days happen (R does have to work and can't always work from home and there's no other place to put Eamon) so I could do a solo trip along with you.

To others that might sound confusing...but I think we both get what a "solo trip along with another person having a solo trip" would be like.

You seem normal, LOL. And the common theme that EVERYONE says, and has said since grad school, is "gosh Molly, you're so much nicer than I thought you were"... I've decided that anyone (from "real life") who says it going forward gets to contribute to my Botox fund. :rotfl: So it would probably be good! And then YOU could invite anyone YOU want to join...if you wanted to. You could have a revolving door of people sharing your room. :)

Ah, besides the fact that you're killing me, I'm sure I asked similar things of people. Like...who was...no, wait, my mom was a hippie so I knew all the music groups that were in existence long before, plus the ones she listened to before she was a hippie... And we were big "old movie" watchers.

Anyway, Shaun Cassidy was the man who *should have been* my first husband, though since I was only 9 and he never visited my elementary school I guess he never got the memo. Darn him. He was one of the lead characters in the series The Hardy Boys (which were books written for kids and teens way back when about "boy detectives").

Here, from wiki:

"is an American actor, singer, writer, and producer. He is the eldest son of Academy Award winning actress Shirley Jones, and the second son (his older half-brother is David Cassidy) of Tony award-winning actor Jack Cassidy. He is known for acting in TV series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries and Breaking Away, and for producing television series including American Gothic, Invasion, Roar (with Heath Ledger in his American debut), and Cold Case."

Dangit, wiki doesn't even include "and Molly's secret fiance at Jodie's 9th birthday slumberparty"...they are seriously off their game...

Thought of another way to put it, WDWJonasGirl.

Shaun was born in '58 and I was born in '69. OK that's 11 years. But 11 is just as unattainable (especially when one's a celeb and the other isn't) as 8 is, so....

Shaun is to me as Kevin Jonas is to you.

And years from now, when you have your little children, and they say "who on earth was Kevin Jonas?" (assuming he didn't divorce his wife and realize that you are the true meaning of the universe...why didn't Shaun ever realize this about me, why?), you will think back on this post and wistfully smile.

:flower3:



Fun fact...Kevin was born the year I graduated from high school. WDWJonasGirl was born the year I graduated from chiropractic school. I know that this is all part of the circle of the universe, time never stops and keeps going forward, but....aughhhhhhhhhhhh.

OK I'm better now.



Hi, Molly!

I know I’ve been bad about posting in your Pre-TR since it began, but never fear, I’m still subscribed. I know that doesn’t help much when we need people to actually speak up and let us know they are there! I was telling Michele last week that I had kind of burnt out on TR’s for a bit – that includes my own! I didn’t feel like writing too much in my TR or anyone else’s, and sometimes I didn’t feel like reading too much, but I will still usually pop in to read silently when someone posts an update, just so I can stay in the loop.

I guess I get to a point every so often where I need to step away from writing and reading about Disney trips, recharge, reset and then return to them. It also does not help that my PC is so messed up and I have a hard time loading pages on the DIS most of the time, especially pages with photos. But when I post again in one TR, I usually start posting in all of the ones I’m subscribed to. So I will have to mosey on over to yours so that it’s not only Michele and Shannon posting!

I actually can’t believe your next WDW/Universal trip is so soon after the last one. Time just flew by!

Yep, I know what you mean by “solo trip along with another person having a solo trip.” I still have to get the final, final word on what’s happening with my friend and the I Family, but if they are not coming to DLR or if they are coming to DLR but are not staying with me, I could have someone else stay with me on those 2 or 3 nights they would have been there.

I’m fairly normal! Jessica (Belle Ella), Marie (mariezp) and Liza (funatdisney) have all met me in person, on separate occasions, and I don’t think I did anything particularly abnormal or weird to send them running for the hills, screaming into the night, when I met them!!

I was laughing about how Shaun Cassidy should have been your first husband!! If only he had visited your school! I think he’s gone through at least 3 wives, hasn’t he? I remember he was involved with a blonde named Ann many, many, many years ago. That was kind of during or at the tail end of his teen idol status. Then he married an actress named Susan. Now he is with some other person altogether! Something about good ol’ Shaun can’t stay married or keeps picking the wrong women! Of course, now I don’t get weak in the knees by looking at him anymore so I couldn’t care less who he is married to, but it’s interesting to observe the trajectory of one’s favorite childhood teen idol as they age.

Oddly, I think Shaun had an office in my old office building. When I was at my job of 14 years (which is how I met his brother Ryan), somewhere between 1996 and 2000, I recall being at my desk and overhearing a UPS or FedEx guy attempt to deliver a package to the business next door, for Shaun Cassidy! Someone told the guy that they had the wrong office and that “no Shaun Cassidy was there.” I repeated to myself, but loud enough so that anyone could have jumped in to answer, “Shaun Cassidy? THE Shaun Cassidy? Does he have a production office in this building?” I am guessing that he did, but that the FedEx/UPS dude tried to deliver it to the wrong suite. I figured I might take a look at the directory in the lobby at some point and see if I could find some telltale traces of a Shaun Cassidy operation on the premises. I had envisioned that I would go in and tell him that I’d met his brother Ryan a few years earlier.

Somehow I got distracted and never looked at that directory. So to this day I’m still not 100% sure if Shaun was in my office building, and if so, where exactly he was. There were other entertainment offices there, so it would have been a reasonable assumption.

If I had been 10 years old when I found out this possible Shaun Cassidy operation just a stone’s throw away, I just might have camped out in front of his door overnight!

[bumbershoot]

Of course, now I don’t get weak in the knees by looking at him anymore so I couldn’t care less who he is married to, but it’s interesting to observe the trajectory of one’s favorite childhood teen idol as they age.

I think it's funny that kids/teens have that reaction in the first place. I mean...seriously inappropriate age difference when you're that young, ya know? And what IS it that makes us just drool? (what is it that makes me keep all of my old Duran Duran and Billy Idol posters?)

Of course I watch DS's crushy face when he sees Taylor Swift videos (she's coming to the Tacoma Dome in September and at some point he's going to see her face flashing by on the big ad screen off of the highway), and I know he's feeling something of that feeling...


I was once behind a teen girl at a U2 concert. She kept popping up and SCREAMING (something I was not not NOT allowed to do at concerts as a teen b/c my mom went with me and found it to be most obnoxious...she liked Elvis and the Beatles perfectly fine, but said that the screaming thing never happened until they appeared and was irked by that) and nearly fainting...we were in restricted view seats (which are generally FABULOUS seats at U2 shows, just so ya know) and he kept getting really close to us, and she was just hyperventilating.

So all through the show I was being annoyed by her, and as we left the concert I was talking, like the Mature Adult I thought I was at the time, just chatting with hubby (then fiance) about how I wanted to just take her and hug her and tell her that those HUGE feelings will calm down in time, and to just take it easy...

And as I'm saying these Mature Adult things, a whole bunch of limousines come *racing* by, and they're comign from backstage Rose Garden, so it's OBVIOUS who was in them...and I just let out this shrill SQUEAL of delight and awe that maybe, just maybe, Bono just saw me....

And Robert is still laughing at me about it. :rotfl2:

[areweindisneyyet]

In the land of oz it is your birthday already, may this very long day be wonderful and amazing and full of amazing things. You do deserve it. Despite the change it plans I hope that you enjoy your day. Sending lots of birthday wishes:wizard::cheer2::dance3::yay:

[mvf-m11c]

Hi, Bret!

Thank you.

Yes, I definitely think you would take some beautiful, picturesque shots of Catalina and the town of Avalon if you ever end up going there.

You’re right – the holiday trip is the real biggie, especially this year because it’s much longer than my normal trips and it may or may not involve my friends from out of town. I wouldn’t need to plan so much if I were by myself – just kind of make a list of all the things I need to do that maybe I missed last time (such as take more photos in California Adventure) and try to follow it. However, if these friends (the I Family) come along, I need to know when they are going to be there and who else is with us, as that will affect plans.

I will have to look on the website about Catalina and maybe plan a trip one day if I am burn of DL (I don't why I said that, but I will never be burned of DL).

When I first heard that you are doing 7 nights at PPH during your Holiday trip which means more enjoyment of reading your TR and more great pictures.

You are correct that you need to know that the I Family is coming or not. It does make a big difference if they show up or not since you want to plan your trip. If they do not come, I know that you won't need to do a lot of planning since you are by yourself. It is always fun to go solo during a trip since you can do whatever you want. When I do my trip in November also, I am planning on getting Holiday pictures that I have missed on the last trip. I'm also really considering doing the Holiday trip again since 2009. I did write a small review of the Holiday trip back in 2009 with the tour with barely any pictures, so this time it would be better for my Holiday TR. Enough of me, this is about you. I hope that the I Family tells you what they are planning since you are only a few months away till your Holiday trip.

[kylie71]

I just gott achime in.

I LOVED Shaun Cassidy, and my sister Loved David!
We fought over who was the cutest for years!:rotfl:

Sorry about your Catalina trip, I've been there twice and it's a lovely island!

[WDWJonasGirl]

Anyway, Shaun Cassidy was the man who *should have been* my first husband, though since I was only 9 and he never visited my elementary school I guess he never got the memo. Darn him. He was one of the lead characters in the series The Hardy Boys (which were books written for kids and teens way back when about "boy detectives").

Here, from wiki:

"is an American actor, singer, writer, and producer. He is the eldest son of Academy Award winning actress Shirley Jones, and the second son (his older half-brother is David Cassidy) of Tony award-winning actor Jack Cassidy. He is known for acting in TV series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries and Breaking Away, and for producing television series including American Gothic, Invasion, Roar (with Heath Ledger in his American debut), and Cold Case."

Dangit, wiki doesn't even include "and Molly's secret fiance at Jodie's 9th birthday slumberparty"...they are seriously off their game...



Kaitlin –

Thank you for the compliment! I was usually quite unhappy having to pose for photos when I was a kid, even at Disneyland, so I’m lucky if any of them came out cute at all! Ah yes, the Walrus – that was in the photo with Alice and the White Rabbit in Fantasyland. I looked absolutely miserable in that photo, but it’s funny to see it now because it’s such a snapshot of that time period, right down to the way the characters’ costumes looked. Wow – that was waaaaaaaay before your time!

Molly/Bumbershoot has already perfectly explained to you who Shaun Cassidy is, but I will throw in that he was a huge teen idol back in the day, shimmying his butt around in satin pants and tight t-shirts! LOL! His half-brother David Cassidy (star of “The Partridge Family”) was also a huge teen idol before him – I mean, like screaming-girls-chasing-after-him-down-the-street-and-whowing-up-in-his-hotel-room kind of idol.

David Cassidy’s daughter and Shaun Cassidy’s niece is Katie Cassidy, of the new “Melrose Place,” “Gossip Girl,” “Supernatural,” etc. She’s gorgeous.

David and Shaun have another brother and Katie has another uncle, Patrick Cassidy, who has been extremely prominent in musicals and theater in the past, but he never reached that teen idol status.

And then there is their baby brother/Katie’s other uncle Ryan Cassidy, who worked behind the scenes at Jim Henson Productions for a while (that was when I went to lunch with him, back in 1993). He mainly stays off-camera and doesn’t do anything much in the way of acting.

That's cool. He was like the Jonas Brothers of your day.

[DizNee Luver]

I'm so sorry you ended up canceling your Catalina trip.....I think you could have used the day to just relax & celebrate your birthday.......but I also understood your reasons to try & do it at another time......want to make it perfect!!

Well your Halloween dates should be set then...... :rotfl: No Catalina.....means you'll be joining us the first week of October!! :rotfl2: Glad you came to your senses on this matter......lol :lmao:

Ya know I wuv ya!! :hug:

Just in case I don't get back on to this thread..........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!!!

party: http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/laemee1/Halloween%202011/bret.png party:

[deejdigsdis]

:bday: Sherry! I'm sorry the Catalina trip didn't pan out the way you had originally envisioned. I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures/seeing pictures when it does finally happen. Hmmm...what could that title possibly be...:)

In the meantime...let the Halloween Time trip planning begin! :wizard:

[WDWJonasGirl]

Happy Birthday!!!

[JH87]

http://i56.tinypic.com/m93q4n.png

[bumbershoot]

Happy Birthday!

[kaoden39]

Have a great day Sherry!! Happy Birthday!!

[mvf-m11c]

Happy Birthday Sherry.

[amamax2]

Happy, happy day , Sherry!!!

party:

I haven't been on the boards for ages and decided today to check in on your TR to find it is your birthday! I knew it was in July, but couldn't remember what day, so feel fortunate with the timing that I get to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Even though you didn't get to go to Catalina, I hope you still did something special. Here's to NO snags in any of your plans in the coming year.

[WDWJonasGirl]

Happy Birthday Sherry!!

[tdashgirl]

Happy belated birthday wishes! :flower3:

:bday:

[Sherry E]

I think it's funny that kids/teens have that reaction in the first place. I mean...seriously inappropriate age difference when you're that young, ya know? And what IS it that makes us just drool? (what is it that makes me keep all of my old Duran Duran and Billy Idol posters?)

Of course I watch DS's crushy face when he sees Taylor Swift videos (she's coming to the Tacoma Dome in September and at some point he's going to see her face flashing by on the big ad screen off of the highway), and I know he's feeling something of that feeling...


I was once behind a teen girl at a U2 concert. She kept popping up and SCREAMING (something I was not not NOT allowed to do at concerts as a teen b/c my mom went with me and found it to be most obnoxious...she liked Elvis and the Beatles perfectly fine, but said that the screaming thing never happened until they appeared and was irked by that) and nearly fainting...we were in restricted view seats (which are generally FABULOUS seats at U2 shows, just so ya know) and he kept getting really close to us, and she was just hyperventilating.

So all through the show I was being annoyed by her, and as we left the concert I was talking, like the Mature Adult I thought I was at the time, just chatting with hubby (then fiance) about how I wanted to just take her and hug her and tell her that those HUGE feelings will calm down in time, and to just take it easy...

And as I'm saying these Mature Adult things, a whole bunch of limousines come *racing* by, and they're comign from backstage Rose Garden, so it's OBVIOUS who was in them...and I just let out this shrill SQUEAL of delight and awe that maybe, just maybe, Bono just saw me....

And Robert is still laughing at me about it. :rotfl2:

Molly -

That is too funny! You had a squeal in you, just ready to be unleashed, buried underneath all the Mature Adult things you were going to say to the annoying screamer! Maybe Bono not only saw you but heard you!

I often think to myself that there are probably a couple of people I would get completely tongue-tied and shaky over now if ever I were to run into them in a supermarket or something. Not teen idols from my youth, but actual musicians, authors, artists, animators or actors who have left indelible impressions on me through their craft, or who were so meaningful to me in my younger years.... just people I think are exceptionally talented whose work has moved me in some way.

Yes, I'd go weak in the knees if I were to meet Bradley Cooper, or the guy who plays Eric on "True Blood," or David Duchovny, or the guy who used to play Sawyer on "Lost," but that's for entirely different reasons (and now, suddenly, the age difference is not wildly inapproopriate anymore!)! ;)

But, let's say, for example, if Kevin Spacey, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks or Elton John happened to be strolling through Vons one day (ha ha!), I would probably not be able to speak. If all the members of Led Zeppelin, the Stones and Aerosmith decided to start banking with my local Chase branch and I saw them at the ATM, I'd probably be one of those people who stops and stares like a fool, mouth agape!:rotfl:

If I'd ever had the chance to meet Walt Disney or Charles Schulz, it would be the same reaction.... just sheer, utter awe and admiration.



In the land of oz it is your birthday already, may this very long day be wonderful and amazing and full of amazing things. You do deserve it. Despite the change it plans I hope that you enjoy your day. Sending lots of birthday wishes:wizard::cheer2::dance3::yay:

areweindisneyyet -

Not only were you the first to wish me a happy birthday out of my DIS-friends, but you were the first to wish me a happy birthday out of anyone!

Thank you so much for the thought and for the kind words! I really appreciate it!:hug:


I will have to look on the website about Catalina and maybe plan a trip one day if I am burn of DL (I don't why I said that, but I will never be burned of DL).

When I first heard that you are doing 7 nights at PPH during your Holiday trip which means more enjoyment of reading your TR and more great pictures.

You are correct that you need to know that the I Family is coming or not. It does make a big difference if they show up or not since you want to plan your trip. If they do not come, I know that you won't need to do a lot of planning since you are by yourself. It is always fun to go solo during a trip since you can do whatever you want. When I do my trip in November also, I am planning on getting Holiday pictures that I have missed on the last trip. I'm also really considering doing the Holiday trip again since 2009. I did write a small review of the Holiday trip back in 2009 with the tour with barely any pictures, so this time it would be better for my Holiday TR. Enough of me, this is about you. I hope that the I Family tells you what they are planning since you are only a few months away till your Holiday trip.

Bret -

You mentioned burning out or not burning out on DLR. I think it's reasonable to take a break from DLR every so often. Maybe it's not burning out on the actual parks themselves, but just kind of recharging the batteries and giving it some time in between trips so that on the next visit will be even more special. Everyone has different patterns - some folks will get burnt out after going just a couple of times within a few months. Others want to go every week!

I can't wait to see the pictures you come up with from your November trip to DLR this year!

I'm still not sure if I will keep all 7 nights at the PPH yet - it's a hotel rate that I'm certain I will never, ever get again, so I feel like I need to take full advantage of it. But I still may cut it down to 5 nights. It all depends on who - if anyone - is going with me and for how many nights. It will help me with cost if my friends come with me and chip in, but I don't necessarily want a bunch of other people in my room for more than a couple of nights, so I will have to play it by ear.


I just gott achime in.

I LOVED Shaun Cassidy, and my sister Loved David!
We fought over who was the cutest for years!:rotfl:

Sorry about your Catalina trip, I've been there twice and it's a lovely island!

Hi, kylie71!

Welcome to my TR! Please feel free to chime in any time, about Shaun Cassidy, Catalina or whatever! I always wonder who is hanging around out there, silently, so it's nice when a few people trickle out of the woodwork.

I loved David Cassidy first, before I knew Shaun existed. Then, when Shaun hit the scene, that was it. He had a 'shimmy' in his hips that David didn't have, and a breathier voice! Plus, Shaun sang a lot of songs written by Eric Carmen (of The Raspberries), who is very talented and prolific in the music industry even though many people don't know his name.

When did you last visit Catalina? Did you stay overnight or just visit for the day? I'm so glad to hear that you liked it as well. My mission has been to try to turn more visitors to SoCal on to Avalon when they come out here for extended vacations. We have lots of people on the DIS who ask for suggestions of things to do on the days they do not go into DLR. Catalina is a great day trip. Many people either have not heard of Catalina at all or they don't know much about it.

When you have a chance, you should join my Catalina Express free birthday boat trip thread over in the Southern California section of the DIS and share your thoughts or what activities, etc., you did when you were on the island! I've gotten a few people to post and share their info so far, but the more people we can get to post, the more new people will tune in and want to learn more!


That's cool. He was like the Jonas Brothers of your day.

Kaitlin -

Yep. Like the Jonas Brothers!. Screaming girls running down the street and everything!


I'm so sorry you ended up canceling your Catalina trip.....I think you could have used the day to just relax & celebrate your birthday.......but I also understood your reasons to try & do it at another time......want to make it perfect!!

Well your Halloween dates should be set then...... :rotfl: No Catalina.....means you'll be joining us the first week of October!! :rotfl2: Glad you came to your senses on this matter......lol :lmao:

Ya know I wuv ya!! :hug:

Just in case I don't get back on to this thread..........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!!!

party: http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/laemee1/Halloween%202011/bret.png party:

Laurie -

Thank you so much for the Happy Birthday!! LOVE the picture of Bret! Thank you for posting that! I still have to make my rounds of thank yous on Facebook, too.

Well, my 'claim by' date on the PIN expired as of yesterday and I have not used it, so unless Disney suddenly sends me a new PIN to tempt me then I will most likely rule out a later October visit and stick with an earlier one. So I may come to my senses!

Actually, I started to come down with a little bit of a cold or flu or something yesterday, so I was feeling icky all day on my birthday!:sick: I figured it was a good thing I didn't go to Catalina because I would have been so annoyed if I had been ill and trying to struggle through the day with a sore throat and runny nose. It probably worked out for the best that I didn't go, but it still made me sad to have to cancel the trip.

:bday: Sherry! I'm sorry the Catalina trip didn't pan out the way you had originally envisioned. I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures/seeing pictures when it does finally happen. Hmmm...what could that title possibly be...:)

In the meantime...let the Halloween Time trip planning begin! :wizard:

deej -

Thank you! Yeah, I think it just wasn't in the cards for a few reasons to go to Catalina yesterday. You will never, ever guess my TR title! It's not that it's so spectacular of a title, but it seemed kind of clever and it was my plan to use it unless a better title jumped out at me during the course of the trip, like if something wacky happened to inspire a different title. I toyed with all kinds of twists on 'island' titles inspired by everything from "Lost" to "Gilligan's Island" to "Survivor"!! But the title I liked was more subtle - some people may or may not get its reference - and it had nothing to do with any of those shows!

Yes, I have got to get some sort of Halloween plan in order! I am still waiting to see my friend from the G Family and figure out what we are going to do, who leaves on Wednesday, so once I get that out of the way I will have more space in my head to start figuring out my Halloween stuff.

Happy Birthday!!!

Thank you, Kaitlin!


http://i56.tinypic.com/m93q4n.png

Thank you so much, Jillian! That's so festive and cute! And it's my name! Wheeeee! I absolutely love it!


Happy Birthday!

Thank you, Molly!


Have a great day Sherry!! Happy Birthday!!

Thank you, Michele! I was planning to thank you when I make my rounds on Facebook, but I came to the DIS first!


Happy Birthday Sherry.

Thank you so much, Bret!


Happy, happy day , Sherry!!!

party:

I haven't been on the boards for ages and decided today to check in on your TR to find it is your birthday! I knew it was in July, but couldn't remember what day, so feel fortunate with the timing that I get to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Even though you didn't get to go to Catalina, I hope you still did something special. Here's to NO snags in any of your plans in the coming year.

amamax2!

I'm honored that you came out of hiding to wish me a happy birthday! Thank you so much! You must have also sensed that I recently mentioned you on the Christmas thread again! I added a link on Page 1, Post 3, to your post with candy cane-grabbin' tips. I don't know if you saw it!

I hope hope hope that the remainder of this year can be snag-free as far as trips. I can never be certain, though, when things seem so uncertain, but it sure would be mighty nice to make a plan, keep the plan, and not have all kinds of upheaval and madness ensue before it takes place, wouldn't it?

Happy Birthday Sherry!!

Thank you, Kaitlin!

Happy belated birthday wishes! :flower3:

:bday:

Thank you so much, Tania! I wondered if you were still out here, hanging around! I'm glad to see you pop in from time to time, until there is another trip to report on (which will be something during HalloweenTime)!!

[DizNee Luver]

:hug: Feel better Sherry......summertime colds are the pits!!!! (and not a fun way to celebrate a birthday!) :headache:

[bumbershoot]

If all the members of Led Zeppelin, the Stones and Aerosmith decided to start banking with my local Chase branch and I saw them at the ATM, I'd probably be one of those people who stops and stares like a fool, mouth agape!:rotfl:

Reminds me of the Friends episode...."I'm trapped in the ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre"....

If I'd ever had the chance to meet Walt Disney or Charles Schulz, it would be the same reaction.... just sheer, utter awe and admiration.

And, maybe...the realization that zombies exist. ;) Sorry, don't mean to make light, or at least not disrespectfully.

I long to meet John Lassiter in the parks someday! I have my kind smile and sweet non-gushy, non-squealy words all planned out. Er, sort of.



I loved David Cassidy first, before I knew Shaun existed. Then, when Shaun hit the scene, that was it. He had a 'shimmy' in his hips that David didn't have, and a breathier voice! Plus, Shaun sang a lot of songs written by Eric Carmen (of The Raspberries), who is very talented and prolific in the music industry even though many people don't know his name.


I realized that there was an older music thing that I was indeed confused by! And it has to do with my first husband, er, Shaun. (seriously, we had a big argument over who got to marry him at the slumber party. A loud one. It's one of the reasons Jodie's dad refused to let her have any more slumber parties EVER again.

Anyway, the main song I remember was Doo Run Run, right? And I remember loving it, and being so clever by changing the lyrics around to indicate that I met HIM on a Sunday and my heart stood still and all that. Gosh I'm so clever, to change HIS song around like that.

And then later I realized that HE had changed the lyrics first from a much older song to fit him! I was confuzzled....

[kaoden39]

Molly, it was Papa Doo Run Run. Yes, I too fell under his spell.:rotfl: I wore out my cassette.


http://hlsr.com/concerts/images/history/cassidy_shaun.jpg

[Belle Ella]

Thanks to a strange long day at work I didn't get the chance to say Happy Birthday here, but I did on Facebook! :hug:

Well, my 'claim by' date on the PIN expired as of yesterday and I have not used it, so unless Disney suddenly sends me a new PIN to tempt me then I will most likely rule out a later October visit and stick with an earlier one. So I may come to my senses!

*cough* you know that Halloween Party on the Monday ... *cough*

[DizNee Luver]

*cough* you know that Halloween Party on the Monday ... *cough*

:rotfl: Yea, what she said!!! :thumbsup2

[bumbershoot]

Oh Michele, that picture made my heart pitterpat again.

Silly Kirstie Alley, she chose the WRONG Hardy Boy, didn't she?

[kaoden39]

Oh Michele, that picture made my heart pitterpat again.

Silly Kirstie Alley, she chose the WRONG Hardy Boy, didn't she?


Without a doubt!! And I saw a picture of him all grown up and he still looks pretty good.

[mvf-m11c]

Bret -

You mentioned burning out or not burning out on DLR. I think it's reasonable to take a break from DLR every so often. Maybe it's not burning out on the actual parks themselves, but just kind of recharging the batteries and giving it some time in between trips so that on the next visit will be even more special. Everyone has different patterns - some folks will get burnt out after going just a couple of times within a few months. Others want to go every week!

I can't wait to see the pictures you come up with from your November trip to DLR this year!

I'm still not sure if I will keep all 7 nights at the PPH yet - it's a hotel rate that I'm certain I will never, ever get again, so I feel like I need to take full advantage of it. But I still may cut it down to 5 nights. It all depends on who - if anyone - is going with me and for how many nights. It will help me with cost if my friends come with me and chip in, but I don't necessarily want a bunch of other people in my room for more than a couple of nights, so I will have to play it by ear.

I understand what you are saying Sherry. After being at DL in just a few weeks apart from the Memorial Day weekend and mid June trip. It was time to take a break from DL and then all hyped up next month during the D23 Expo trip. If I lived in SoCal, I can see myself going to DL 2-3 times a week, but that is most likely for the nighttime shows (fireworks, F!, & WoC). Maybe because I am going back to back days instead of taking a day off at DL in between, I got burned out. But the crowds also might played a part of it when it was busy in mid June.

I am looking at my pictures from last year and looking at the other pictures like yours, Jessica, tkbaskets, etc. it gives me an idea of what I missed during my last trip and will take pictures of those areas during the Holiday season. It will be sad to not see the Holiday decorations at the DLR hotels, but it will be nice to go during the first weekend of the Holiday season. Your photos from your Holiday trip last year will make me take more pics this upcoming year than the previous trips.

You got to take advantage of the hotel rate at PPH. You can't get a great deal at any of the DLR hotels. 5 nights at PPH does seem like a good amount during your Holiday trip. You should go with what you think is best for you. It will be better if your friends tell you in advance if they are coming or not. Having friends with you at the hotel will cut the cost of the room. It is not fun to have a lot of people in your room when you reserved it.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love your TRs and pictures. I don't think you look miserable in the pictures.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I loved the pictures in the 80s. I noticed the Mickey's 60th Anniversary happened in 1988. I was born in '95 so Mickey was 66 when I was born.

[azdisneylover]

Sherry,
Sorry to read you weren't able to make it to Catalina for your birthday. I read through all the trip report, but I couldn't find if you got your computer situation taken care of. I hope you are able to work.
I know you will have a wonderful time when you go to DL in the next few months, and I cannot wait for the pictures you will be taking.
Still hating construction, hard to make solid plans. (I have started planning 'what if' trips-meaning, if construction and payment goes as planned, we can go xyz, if it get pushed back, then we can go abc, etc).
Have a good day.:)

[WDWJonasGirl]

I was once behind a teen girl at a U2 concert. She kept popping up and SCREAMING (something I was not not NOT allowed to do at concerts as a teen b/c my mom went with me and found it to be most obnoxious...she liked Elvis and the Beatles perfectly fine, but said that the screaming thing never happened until they appeared and was irked by that) and nearly fainting...we were in restricted view seats (which are generally FABULOUS seats at U2 shows, just so ya know) and he kept getting really close to us, and she was just hyperventilating.

Very funny!! The last time I went to a concert, everybody was screaming. Of course, it was the Glee cast I went to. The time before that, pretty much everybody was standing except for my family and most of the adults.

[bumbershoot]

Sherry, how's it going?

Any Decembertime plans? Hmm? :3dglasses

[Sherry E]

Sigh.

I almost hate posting any updates in this TR, or running any scenarios around for possible plans, because I feel as though I am somehow jinxing whatever I set in motion! Also, I hate to post anything when there isn't something fantastic and wonderful to report on. Otherwise, it seems like it's all doom and gloom and I hate that. But...this is all part of planning trips, I suppose...the ups and the downs.

Keep in mind that in the entirety of this Mega-Trip Report, there have only been 5.5 actual DLR trips (more more like 5.75 trips) on which I have reported in a 3-year time span. Other people have gone to DLR 5 or 6 times in the last year!:rotfl2: Clearly, it is not easy for me to whip up a plan and go without 10 million things going wrong, so you can see why it is so meaningful and hard-won when I finally get there.

To refresh your memories, my birthday in July was a bust, as usual. I never do anything or go anywhere at all - and that is no exaggeration. The one time something came up for me to do - a day-trip to Catalina with a free round-trip ride on the Catalina Express - it sounded as if it was going to be too complicated to deal with...and in not enough time. So I opted to forego the free boat ride and wait until I can get to Avalon for at least a weekend. One day - not even a full day, if you want to get technical - was not going to be enough for me. That's just a tease. That's barely scratching the surface. So Catalina Island was off the table for the immediate future - but never out of my mind entirely!

So, you also may recall that one set of out of town friends - The G Family - wanted to go to Catalina with me. When that idea was scrapped, we were going to set up another plan. I had already suggested doing a few hours at Downtown Disney (this was actually my original Plan A, and Catalina became Plan B by default), but my friend's son would have been upset if we couldn't go into Disneyland...so that idea was scrapped too.

I was going to suggest a modest Plan C to The G Family - going to the Disney Studio Store and Soda Fountain. Yes, I live in L.A., probably 15 minutes from Hollywood, and I've never been to the Studio Store. Mainly, I was trying to think of something that I wanted to do, that my friend's kids would also want to do. I didn't want to suggest eating somewhere or doing something that the kids wouldn't enjoy.

My Plan D - if Plan D had reared its head - may have been to do the Studios tour in Burbank.


But, alas, I never even got to suggest Plans C or D, because....I NEVER SAW THE G FAMILY!!!!:scared1::scared1:

That's right - I never saw them! The G Family was out here for two whole weeks - and I have seen my friend (the G Family matriarch) every single time she has come into town, which is usually every 3 years or so - and yet, somehow, this time, after the Catalina plan was scrapped, they were already so booked up with plans and people clamoring for their attention, that I never saw them.

This is the first time, ever, that I have not seen my friend from The G Family since she first moved out of L.A. and began coming for visits every few years. They are not a flaky family at all. When they say they are going to do something, they do it. It just so happens that they also have 50 million people wanting to see them, and they had filled up their dance card for the whole trip. There was no time for me after Catalina was shelved. We should have have Plan C and Plan D in place before they ever came out here. I needed to 'reserve' time, just like I would reserve a hotel room or restaurant. It's never been quite that formal before, but they have a baby that most of their friends and distant relatives had not seen, and everyone wanted to meet him.


So are you keeping score? No birthday fun of any kind, solo or with friends. No Catalina trip. No visit with The G Family.

Oh, and I decided to not use the nifty PIN code for a Halloween Time hotel stay because I have that big holiday trip coming up and I really need to pool as much money together as possible for that.

So...what's next?? Well, I have some things in the works (don't worry - Halloween Time is not entirely off the table!), but as I said earlier, at this point I am afraid to even toss around my ideas for Halloween because they will probably fall apart as soon as I mention them!:rotfl2:


:santa::santa::santa:


That leaves the big late November/early December holiday extravaganza....and The I Family.

Sigh.:headache:

My friend - and I Family matriarch - is in a grumpy mood right now, and not feeling well. Her immune system is weakened (she has been sick a lot this year and had pneumonia a few times, including a hospital stay) and, personally, I think they should not come out here. If they were to come out here, I think they should skip Disneyland and anywhere else strenuous they were thinking of going (Sea World, perhaps). I don't even think my friend really wants to go to Disneyland, to be honest. Rather than enjoying participating in planning, she seems to be miserable to even have to deal with it.

BUT, as I mentioned to you all once before, what was MY DLR trip that I invited my friends to come along on has now become their trip. In regards to who would be joining us on which dates (such as the ever-present Shawn and Jackie), my friend said (in an e-mail) last night that she is not going to worry about anyone's schedule and is just going to "set a time and date, and whoever wants to show up can show up and if they can't come then fine." She also said she may stay with me at the PPH for a night, but she's not sure.

(Um.....hello? Remember me? I'm the one who invited you guys, the I Family, along on my trip...and now you're setting the date and time for our friends to show up?:confused3 And you're not sure on which night you'd be staying with me at my hotel? I need to know!)

What I am concerned with is that, say, the I Family friend picks a day for Shawn, etc. to come along...and it's not on a day that works for me. For example, what if Shawn were going to pick me up in the morning and drive me down to Anaheim on my check-in day? She has usually done this, for most trips. If my friend from the I Family invites Shawn to come to DLR on a different day, well, you guessed it...there goes my ride down to Anaheim on MY first day. Shawn won't go into the parks more than one day, I don't think, and she is not going to pick me up if that's not her Disneyland day.

And there are other things too - it's also the fact that my I Family friend has invited other friends of hers to come, and that means that whatever I wanted to show her or do with her in DLR has to be squished into a smaller time frame because she has other people coming.

I was trying to plan and coordinate in such a way that would work for ALL of us. I wanted us to AGREE on which date our friends come out to meet us. I didn't want my friend to just decide that she was going to set a date and time on her own.

She said, "I am not worrying about anyone else. I am trying to make ME happy."

I wrote back and said, "I'm also trying to make ME happy."

Do we all remember ME in this equation? Wasn't this MY trip at one point or another?:rolleyes1 If The I Family wanted to plan their own Disneyland trip, separate from mine, then I don't know why they are coming when I'm there. Just go another time. Go when Cars Land is open.

And which dates ARE the I Family even going to be there? I have no clue. All she told me is that they will be arriving in town on Saturday, November 26. So are they planning to be at DLR on 11/28 or 11/29 or 12/3 or when??:confused3

As it is, I wouldn't even choose to go in late November at all - I would have preferred an all-December trip - but I selected those dates because I was trying to coordinate it so the I Family would be available and in town then.

I told my friend that I feel like she is trying to have her own separate trip and no longer be part of mine, which is fine except for that some decisions affect me and my trip. I told her that we need to AGREE on which date our friends join us, and that it's not just her decision. And I told her that if I have someone else staying in my room (like a DIS'er friend, for example), I need to know which exact dates my friend and the I Family are going to be there so I make sure to be available!

I think my friend doesn't want any hassle or fuss - she wants this to be as simple as meeting someone for coffee or for lunch or whatever. I was trying to do as much of the coordination legwork as possible to spare them from having to bother with it, but it will require SOME coordination and planning and consideration of schedules. It will require some compromise and negotiation of plans, and not a total reworking of my own plan.

Sigh.:headache:


ETA: Linda - no. Nothing new on the computer or tooth front!

[kaoden39]

Sherry,

As odd as this is I am at a loss for words.:hug:

[Sherry E]

Sherry,

As odd as this is I am at a loss for words.:hug:

:rotfl2::rotfl2:I don't know if that's good or bad, but I'll take it!:rotfl2: I know what you mean - sometimes, what is there to say?:confused3 All I can do is just shrug and sigh. Believe me, it took every ounce of energy I had to even post an update. I want to be able to just post good stuff and not all the trouble I have getting in a trip together (even though that IS reality, and reality is that plans don't always go smoothly and sometimes they hit snags). But then when a trip finally happens, if the folks don't know all that I went through to make it happen, then the TR just kind of starts out nowhere - like, "Oh, look - here I am at Disneyland all of a sudden!"!:rotfl2:

Oh, there is ONE good thing I can tell you right now - I cashed in the last remaining Reward Dollars on my Disney/Chase Debit Card (I can't earn anymore) and instantly got a $25 Disney gift card to set aside (hoard) for future use. So, that's something! Woo hoo! A $25 Disney gift card is better than NO Disney gift cards at all!:rotfl2::thumbsup2

[kaoden39]

I just am frustrated over the families no matter what the letter and I am not even the one affected by it. I am sad that your birthday was a bust, I am big on birthdays. I had a horrible one this year too. Therefor I vote that we get this years birthdays as a do over.

And a $25 Disney gift card is a good gift card!!

[Belle Ella]

:hug: It can be so frusrtating, can't it?!

[Sherry E]

I just am frustrated over the families no matter what the letter and I am not even the one affected by it. I am sad that your birthday was a bust, I am big on birthdays. I had a horrible one this year too. Therefor I vote that we get this years birthdays as a do over.

And a $25 Disney gift card is a good gift card!!

:hug:Thanks, Michele!:goodvibes:rotfl2::rotfl2:You're just frustrated with whichever family - the G Family, the I Famly, the Q Family, the Z Family - whoever!:rotfl2:

Well, my friend from the G Family is a really, really good friend - the kind of friend who would always help in a crisis. She is always in hot demand when she comes to town but she has always made time for me - even if she was only in town for 3 or 4 days, she would still see me.

So I will give the G Family a pass on this one, because she has a good track record. I seriously think she and the family were already booked up before they got out here, but when I started to kind of nix the Catalina idea and their baby got sick, it threw our plans off to get together on my birthday. She probably wanted to fit me in somewhere else in the schedule but it just wasn't possible. Also, I think they had an unexpected move from one vacation rental to another (there was a small kitchen fire in the first unit) and that interefered in their schedule too.

But I do think I jinxed it by talking about it in the TR, so I should have kept quiet!:rotfl2:

My birthdays are usually kind of sad and uneventful. My SoCal friends (what few there are left, as most are out of state) never suggest doing anything with me nor seem to care if I want to do something, so I just give up. I didn't feel particularly up for Catalina all of a sudden, so that was shelved, but I could have easily done a few hours at DTD or at the Disney Soda Fountain. I think it really turned out to just be bad timing. I know my friend would have definitely seen me for even 2 hours if she's had 2 hours to spare.

Now, the I Family and that friend, on the other hand...sigh. I get that my friend doesn't want a big, complicated plan and wants to be stress-free. Who doesn't want that? I've got my own problems - I don't need extra stress, either! They are causing me extra stress! I can't even get a set date out of them for which day they will be at Disneyland!

But the fact of the matter is, you can't just sort of take the reins and decide, "I'm setting a date and time and if no one shows up...," and "I'm trying to make ME happy," when there is another person involved in the plan. If my friend and the I Family had been the ones to first make the Disneyland plan and I was the one being worked into their plan, that would be a different story. But that's not the way it went, and she knows that.

So I'm not sure why it's so hard for my friend to just say to me, "WE can set a date and time and if no one shows up..." or "As long as WE are happy..." It's like she has totally turned it around to being their trip which I am now a part of - at least, that's how I feel. I don't know if someone got to her - maybe her husband or another friend - and told her "Do what makes YOU happy," even if it's at the cost or inconvenience of the person (me) who invited her to go to DLR in the first place! So now she is on this kick about that, and I seem to not matter. I was trying to work something out WITH her that would be good for all involved, and yet, I don't feel like they are looking at it the same way from their end.

What's worse is that I can't get my friend to actually go back and forth and discuss anything with me until we reach a compromise. She will ignore my e-mails with various suggestions for a long time. Then out of the blue she will send an e-mail that says she is setting dates and times for people to show up. I reponded to her today, but chances are she will ignore my replies and then e-mail in another month to say, "This is what I'm doing." It's like there is no discussing it or compromising. I keep asking her things like, "Does this work for you?" or "How does that work for you?" or "What do you think?" and I feel like I am not getting the same consideration.

What I hate is that it takes all the fun out of planning for me. I was looking forward to showing my friend - who I have not seen in 10 years, even though they have been out to SoCal a few times since then - certain new things and revisiting our old DLR stomping grounds together, and planning what to do could be fun. We could have fun planning together. But when I feel like my opinion doesn't even matter and that this is now their plan, my incentive to plan just disappears. Plus, I get the impression that she doesn't even really want to go; she views it as a hassle that she doesn't want to deal with. She also can't say no to anyone else who is insisting on going with them to Disneyland and tell them that the trip is with me, so "their" plan becomes even more convoluted.

Sigh.

:hug: It can be so frusrtating, can't it?!

Yep! That's an understatement!:hug:

[mariezp]

Doggone it Sherry! http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/mariezp/clipart/crying-3.gif If I were in your place I think I would have just screamed by now. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/mariezp/clipart/smiley_angrygirl.gif Ahhhh......... for simpler times when making plans was not so complicated. :hug: Hopefully, when you finally get there you can get lost in the magic and forget about what a time you had actually GETTING there. :hug:

[Sherry E]

Doggone it Sherry! http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/mariezp/clipart/crying-3.gif If I were in your place I think I would have just screamed by now. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/mariezp/clipart/smiley_angrygirl.gif Ahhhh......... for simpler times when making plans was not so complicated. :hug: Hopefully, when you finally get there you can get lost in the magic and forget about what a time you had actually GETTING there. :hug:

Marie -

:hug:

You're not kidding! I'm surprised I haven't screamed by now, too!

What's funny is that I suspect my friend from the I Family thinks she is making things uncomplicated (for herself) by kind of taking the reins, but in actuality, it's made things more complicated in general and she would have been better off just letting me get everything coordinated for all of us, and I still would have asked her opinion anyway.

I don't need a lot from the planning - I'm not trying to figure out exactly which land we will be hitting at which time, which ride we will be riding at which time, or where we will be eating at which times. I don't need to know exactly what time my friends will arrive at the parks and what time they will need to go back to their hotel.

I simply just need to know exactly which days/dates in that post-Thanksgiving week they are going to be at DLR, and which one of those days will work best for BOTH OF US to have Shawn, Jackie, etc. join us (and Jackie may not be able to make it anyway, on a weekday, but I will cross that bridge later). And if it's not going to work for them to join us in the parks, then we can figure out when & if they can meet us for dinner.

At this rate, when I finally get to DLR - if the whole plan doesn't fall apart by late November - I feel like grabbing a drink!:rotfl2: I don't even really drink, but I may need it by then!:headache:

[tksbaskets]

Marie -

:hug:

You're not kidding! I'm surprised I haven't screamed by now, too!

What's funny is that I suspect my friend from the I Family thinks she is making things uncomplicated (for herself) by kind of taking the reins, but in actuality, it's made things more complicated in general and she would have been better off just letting me get everything coordinated for all of us, and I still would have asked her opinion anyway.

I don't need a lot from the planning - I'm not trying to figure out exactly which land we will be hitting at which time, which ride we will be riding at which time, or where we will be eating at which times. I don't need to know exactly what time my friends will arrive at the parks and what time they will need to go back to their hotel.

I simply just need to know exactly which days/dates in that post-Thanksgiving week they are going to be at DLR, and which one of those days will work best for BOTH OF US to have Shawn, Jackie, etc. join us (and Jackie may not be able to make it anyway, on a weekday, but I will cross that bridge later). And if it's not going to work for them to join us in the parks, then we can figure out when & if they can meet us for dinner.

At this rate, when I finally get to DLR - if the whole plan doesn't fall apart by late November - I feel like grabbing a drink!:rotfl2: I don't even really drink, but I may need it by then!:headache:

This is perhaps one reason we've never vacationed with another family at DL/WDW. I think planning is a LOT of the fun and usually leads to a much less stressful and more satisfying trip experience. We make dining reservations each day (one sit down meal) and plan out target parks depending on extra magic hours, etc. Pour over trip reports to see places we want to make sure we visit...

I could never go with the flow to the extent your friend seems to want to do. I think I'd have some kind of non-planning allergic reaction. An anti-DIS effect..... :scared1:

I have gone to WDW with my sister when my son was marching in the parade at MK. We had a great time but she let me do almost all the planning AFTER we decided together what we wanted out of our trip - that compromise word again.

You can't have a trip that focuses on ME if you are going WITH someone ;)

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you that it all works out with your friends. :wizard: It is fun to share the magic.

TK

[bumbershoot]

Oh, there is ONE good thing I can tell you right now - I cashed in the last remaining Reward Dollars on my Disney/Chase Debit Card (I can't earn anymore) and instantly got a $25 Disney gift card to set aside (hoard) for future use. So, that's something! Woo hoo! A $25 Disney gift card is better than NO Disney gift cards at all!:rotfl2::thumbsup2

Woo!


Just did that myself as soon as the last bit showed up on the recent statement.




BUT, as I mentioned to you all once before, what was MY DLR trip that I invited my friends to come along on has now become their trip. In regards to who would be joining us on which dates (such as the ever-present Shawn and Jackie), my friend said (in an e-mail) last night that she is not going to worry about anyone's schedule and is just going to "set a time and date, and whoever wants to show up can show up and if they can't come then fine." She also said she may stay with me at the PPH for a night, but she's not sure.

Oh, pastrami! (a swear word for a vegetarian, LOL)

You could do it right back at her. Not just your hotel stay, but also the day(s) that you're inviting Dis'ers to tour the parks with you (and, um, go in on the hotel room with you not that I'm naming any names or anything like that). She shows up, you've got me, Marie, Michele, and all the rest of the dis posse (yeah, I said posse, whatever, I never said it when it was fashionable, so I might as well say it now!) with you....oh what fun it would be. :goodvibes

[deejdigsdis]

Well now that I've picked my jaw up off the floor... :hug::hug: Wow. I was really hoping you'd get to have some birthday fun with the G Family. I'm sorry it didn't work out to see them at all.

So no Halloween Time pin usage? But maybe a day trip is in store during Halloween Time?

Don't even get me started on the I Family... Seriously. I hope some kind of compromise can be made.

I can't believe summer is winding down and we'll be looking at Halloween Time photos in just over a month.

And TK...how 'bout that cruise TR you promised??? ;)

[Sherry E]

Hellllllllloooooooooooooooo folks!


Well, before I give you a TR update - and I don't like to post anything in the TR unless it has something to do with an actual trip to DLR! - I wanted to pay a quick little tribute.

You all may or may not remember (if you have followed along from the beginning of this mega-TR) that in my younger years - the hair band heyday of Los Angeles in the 1980's - I was involved in the whole "Sunset Strip scene." This "scene" was the stuff of legend, as it gave birth to such notable bands as Motley Crue, RATT, Guns 'n' Roses and even Van Halen, to a degree. This is also where Riki Rachtman (of VH1 and MTV fame) got his start. The 1980's Sunset Strip scene was also the stomping grounds for Poison and Warrant. If you were a band who played at Gazzari's, the Roxy, the Whisky, the Country Club or the Troubador, you were definitely labeled a 'Sunset Strip scene band,' which is funny because the Troubador and the Country Club are not even located on the Sunset Strip!:rotfl2:

What the "scene" involved was, basically, every Friday and Saturday night, about 200 different up and coming bands would stalk one end of the Strip to the other, pacing aimlessly back and forth, up and down the street, handing out colorful flyers which promoted their shows.

Meanwhile, if you happened to be a patron of one of the clubs' shows taking place on the Strip (and my friends and I were always going to Poison shows, Warrant shows or shows by other bands you have never heard of), you would empty out of the club after said show was over, onto the Strip, and you would get caught up in the mobs of big-haired people just standing around in the middle of heaps of crumpled-up flyers. You would then follow the smell of the Aqua Net and head to the other end of the block, where the Whisky was situated. Then you would turn right around and head back to Gazzari's at the opposite end, which is where you had started in the first place. Along the way, as you followed the people back and forth, up and down the block, you would see familiar faces...people you had become friends with in this whole scene.

And then you would stand there for hours on end, in your high heels, after walking back and forth on bumpy incline for hours, flirting shamelessly with whomever was around. Every now and then, there would be a random party held at a random house - the owner was always mysteriously absent - and you might head out to see what it was all about. But the Strip was really where all the action was on a weekend.

Finally, at the end of the night you would find yourself at "Rock & Roll Denny's,' scarfing down gallons of coffee and Grand Slams until 5 a.m., and table-hopping so you could visit with all of your acquaintances in other places in the restaurant.

It was during the week - in between visits to the Strip - that you could actually get to know some of the people you had passed by repeatedly in front of the Roxy, when there were not 1000 people in your way. It was when you took those little trips to 7-11, or a nearby park, or to Hollywood Boulevard, or out to run errands, or to the local video store, or to 2 for 1 Pizza, etc., that you got to know people. It was when you sat around at someone's house, watching a horribly gory slasher movie, that you got to know the 'real' person.

It was during those "in between times" that my friends and I got to know Poison and Bret Michaels, and ended up working for him/them. You've all seen some of my photos with Bret (including at Disneyland) - a few of which are right here in this TR and many more of them are on Facebook.

One person I, sadly, never got to know was Jani Lane, the singer of Warrant, who you may know because of their huge hits, "Cherry Pie" and "Heaven." Oddly, I went to every single Warrant show they played, at whichever club it was, because I actually really loved their songs (don't tell Poison this, but I liked Warrant's music better than Poison's!). Jani was a fantastic singer and songwriter - he didn't really want to be known as the "Cherry Pie guy" - but because they were part of the hair band/Sunset Strip scene, they got lumped into that and had to write some songs and make some videos to fit into that genre. Really, though, Warrant had some great, melodic rock songs, some of which made it onto albums and some didn't - "Uncle Tom's Cabin," "Mr. Rainmaker," "Sad Theresa," "I Saw Red," "Blind Faith," "Jimmy," "Big Talk," etc., etc. A lot of good stuff.

But I never got to know Jani during those coveted "in between times." Many of my friends knew him very well, but I only chatted and exchanged pleasantries with him on the Strip or at random parties a few times. For some reason, I was never in a place where he was for very long. He once bonked me on the head with his microphone. And I once bought him a drink at the Whisky, for which I received a hug and a kiss. But that was about the extent of it.

Anyway, Jani appeared on "Celebrity Fit Club" several years ago, and I sensed a deep sadness in him. He looked unhappy. I wondered what would become of him.

As you probably know by now, Jani passed away about 1-1/2 weeks ago. He was found dead at a Comfort Inn in the San Fernando Valley, surrounded by booze and pills...a cliche in the 'rock star death' world. He was only 47 years old. My friends who knew him very well are extremely upset, because they knew him during those "in between times." They rented the videos with him and sat in his house as he strummed out the rough versions of new songs he had written on the acoustic guitar. They knew him before he was in Warrant.

Me? I just remember a whirlwind of energy and talent onstage, beaming and bouncing along with a big, goofy grin on his face...he was full of sass - every bit the raunchy, risque rock performer that he was expected to be - and seemed to love life. Warrant was a huge part of my Sunset Strip Scene experience. I feel very sad that this person I once bought the drink for at the Whisky, who once clobbered my noggin with his microphone, is now gone...and that he was feeling bad enough inside to let himself get to that point.

Here are the only two photos I have of myself with Jani, circa 1986 - these were taken at a costume party. That's your truly over on the right-hand side. Clearly, the females didn't know it was a costume party but the guys did. Jani was supposed to be a "pimp" and the two dudes in drag on the left were his "ladies":



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/7816_1167553042752_1645712761_418507_38674_n-1.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/19642_1263525321999_1645712761_641317_6014875_n-1.jpg




I was always taking photos at rock shows. I took these photos at Madame Wong's West, I believe:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/25536_1307383498426_1645712761_728091_3537769_n-1.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/25536_1307383458425_1645712761_728090_3280250_n-2.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/25437_1303068030542_1645712761_720379_2504445_n-1.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/25536_1307382738407_1645712761_728072_1089959_n-1.jpg






R.I.P., Jani.....




http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/25437_1303068150545_1645712761_720382_7360476_n-1.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/1980s%20Sunset%20Strip%20Band%20Stuff/25437_1303068230547_1645712761_720384_5275201_n.jp g


:sad1::sad1:


Thank you for indulging my little "In Memoriam" segment. Trip Reports really are supposed to just be in some way, shape or form, about DLR trips - either in the planning stages or in the stages of reporting about a past trip. I don't like to veer off-track too often, and I choose to do it very sparingly. But this was on my mind, and it brought me a lot of sadness over the past week, so I wanted to share it.:goodvibes


The next post will be what miniscule bit of an actual "trip update" I can scrounge together for my longtime followers. Nothing too exciting...just efforts to scrape up money (always a fun time:sad2:)...efforts to get the I Family to communicate with me about plans for the big holiday DLR extravaganza (which is coming up in 99 days, believe it or not!)...

Oh, and...don't stray too far away from this TR for very long...because...you never know when I might just sneak in a covert Halloween Time visit to DLR. I will reveal nothing more than that. Just stay tuned and you may be in for a surprise! in the not too distant future ;) ;)

[deejdigsdis]

:hug: Thanks for sharing that Sherry.

"Heaven" and "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" were 2 of my very favorite songs in high school. And that little smile and wink at the end of the "Heaven" video...got me every time. :lovestruc

Can't wait to hear about the plans you have up your sleeve!

P.S. My sister D (who I spent my last 3 trips with) hits the DL scene today...without me. She is taking a co-worker who has never been. Can't wait to hear about her trip!

[Sherry E]

:hug: Thanks for sharing that Sherry.

"Heaven" and "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" were 2 of my very favorite songs in high school. And that little smile and wink at the end of the "Heaven" video...got me every time. :lovestruc

Can't wait to hear about the plans you have up your sleeve!

P.S. My sister D (who I spent my last 3 trips with) hits the DL scene today...without me. She is taking a co-worker who has never been. Can't wait to hear about her trip!

Ah yes, the wink at the end of the "Heaven" video! (Isn't "Heaven" featured in some advertising campaign now? I can't recall the product in the ad.)

You know, Jani used to date this very prolific singer named Bekka Bramlett (who later went on to date Richie Sambora) - she has sung back-up for a million noteworthy artists - and at that Madame Wong's show I posted my photos from, above, when the band launched into "Heaven," Jani would kneel down at the edge of the stage where Bekka was standing and watching him, and he'd prompt her to duet with him on the part of the song that says, "I don't need to be the king of the world...as long as I'm the hero of this little girl..." so they were sharing the microphone. It was very sweet.

Yes, I saw your sister pop up on the DIS and in your TR the other day! That didn't slip by me! And you were thinking that she wouldn't be able to use that screen name because someone had already taken it, not realizing that she was the one who had taken it!:rotfl2::rotfl2: That was too funny! I had planned on asking you if she was the same sister with you at DLR who you had planned to "stalk" by sending her the photos in the mail. :rotfl2::rotfl2: That was an alternately creepy and hilarious idea!:rotfl2:

I know everyone will be happy if I pull a surprise Halloween trip out of my hat and no one sees it coming. I am at the point now where I am reluctant to discuss it because I feel like talking about it will jinx it!:rotfl2: In any normal year, there is no reason the G Family and I shouldn't have gotten together when they were in town, but I feel like I jinxed it by talking about it. :rotfl2:

So now I am trying this approach of staying quiet and not announcing my exact plans and seeing if that works any better! Of course, everyone already knows about the big holiday DLR trip, so there is no hiding that. I just have to pull that together and figure out who is coming when, but to be honest, at the moment I am thinking I don't feel like dealing with any of them. I know I can have fun by myself - I did it before! Just hand me a camera, a deadly scarf, a trash can, a peppermint ice cream cone and an evil chair and send me on my way...and I can shake up the town!:rotfl2::rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

I was really sad when I heard about Jani. I had watched him on Celebrity Fit Club and I had felt bad for him then. He was a troubled soul. May he rest in peace.


I am like you I don't want to mention anything anymore unless I know one way or the other on my plans.

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Sherry!! I was sorry to hear about Jani's death & I of course, instantly thought of you, but then saw you post on FB that he wasn't one of the one's you knew well. But still, it's a piece of your history & to see yet another tragic death, is hard. :hug:

Sorry I've messed up your Halloween trip plans..... :rotfl2: Ok, I know my having to cancel has nothing to do with whether you go or not...but it made me smile for a second!! :rotfl: Hope you go, hope you get a Christmas trip in as well......but of course, the most important trip planning needs to be for the end of February :rolleyes1 That's when I'll be back down....gonna drag the family along for our week of Disney fun!!

Hope you're having a fun summer!! :woohoo:

[Sherry E]

Arrrggghhhh. Is anyone else having trouble lately signing into the DIS, or posting anything? I know Jessica has mentioned having trouble here and there. I keep getting stupid messages about "Database errors." I don't know if this site is having trouble with its servers or what. But this is not the first time I have had this problem.

In fact, I had just typed out a whole message in response to Michele (hi, Michele!:cool1:) a while ago (about not wanting to get into details of planning trips because of the fact that they might not happen)...and then just as it looked like it was posting, the DIS database error thing popped up.

I will leave this TR for a bit and then come back to it to finish up what I was trying to post, in hopes the technical issues are resolved!

Hi, Laurie! No, you had nothing to do with any plans of mine going awry.:rotfl2::rotfl2: I am reluctant to reveal my plans here because of all the bad luck I've had with things falling through! I figure I have announced certain things that were going to happen many times and they have fallen through or gone way off course. So I thought that this time I would keep my Halloween plan silent in hopes that I won't jinx it! I think I've jinxed everything by mentioning it!

[kaoden39]

Arrrggghhhh. Is anyone else having trouble lately signing into the DIS, or posting anything? I know Jessica has mentioned having trouble here and there. I keep getting stupid messages about "Database errors." I don't know if this site is having trouble with its servers or what. But this is not the first time I have had this problem.

In fact, I had just typed out a whole message in response to Michele (hi, Michele!:cool1:) a while ago (about not wanting to get into details of planning trips because of the fact that they might not happen)...and then just as it looked like it was posting, the DIS database error thing popped up.

I will leave this TR for a bit and then come back to it to finish up what I was trying to post, in hopes the technical issues are resolved!

Hi, Laurie! No, you had nothing to do with any plans of mine going awry.:rotfl2::rotfl2: I am reluctant to reveal my plans here because of all the bad luck I've had with things falling through! I figure I have announced certain things that were going to happen many times and they have fallen through or gone way off course. So I thought that this time I would keep my Halloween plan silent in hopes that I won't jinx it! I think I've jinxed everything by mentioning it!


Hi Sherry!!

I get those too and it happens on weekends mostly to me. It drives me up the wall.

[bumbershoot]

I, too, thought of you when I heard about Jani Lane.



Remember, they are YOUR plans for December, yours yours yours! Not someone else's! Of course I mean that "yell" in the kindest, most loving way towards you. :hug:

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm so sorry to hear this :sad:

[Sherry E]

Just a quick reminder...

Don't touch that dial...stay tuned...hunker down in a comfy chair, with a tasty beverage nearby, for I will be making a stealth mission to DLR for Halloween Time very soon, and I hope you all will still be here to read about it!

I will not give any details of when, how, who, why, etc., right at this moment - it is a secret!!!!;) It is a covert operation! All will be revealed in time...

I have not been to DLR since December, for my epic Evil Chair/Peppermint Cone of Death visit. Remember, too, that this will be my return to Halloween Time - it had become a yearly tradition for me and, sadly, I had to skip it last year.:sad1: The ol' camera and I have some catching up to do (preferably nowhere in the vicinity of any trash cans:rotfl2:)!

Maybe I can find a Pumpkin Cone of Death??;):confused3



:dancer::dancer::dancer:

[Belle Ella]

Suh-weet! popcorn:: Minus the fact that I am an impatient woman.

[mariezp]

Oh boy! Sherry has a plan in the works! Will be anxiously awaiting details. popcorn::

[Sherry E]

Suh-weet! popcorn:: Minus the fact that I am an impatient woman.

Oh boy! Sherry has a plan in the works! Will be anxiously awaiting details. popcorn::

Jessica & Marie -

It won't be a lengthy, multi-day extravaganza this time around (well, not exactly, but sort of...which I will explain after all is revealed!;)), simply because I have to put most of my focus and planning on trying to pull off the big holiday trip at this point. Halloween Time has to take a bit of a 'second banana' role:banana: to the Christmas season when there is a big trip involved.

BUT, I do so miss the giant Mickey pumpkin, and I really need to get into the Halloween Round-Up and explore. So I am hoping this brief trip will result in many, many photos - you know I can get on a roll with taking them, whether the pictures come out good, bad or otherwise!:rotfl2: I just need to start snapping away at something!

Anyway, as I said, stay tuned....Halloween TR is coming very, very soon!

[tksbaskets]

Standing by!! I was excited to get an email notification that this thread was seeing some action :goodvibes

[mvf-m11c]

Can't wait to hear what days you will be going down to DL during the Halloween season.

[WDWJonasGirl]

Can't wait to hear about them.

[kaoden39]

Ooh I love a good mystery!!!:rotfl:

[mariezp]

Okay, Sherry.... saw your mobile FB post about seeing the Mickey floral, Duffy not being at his photo spot earlier and Donald entertaining the crowd. Does this mean what I think it might mean? And, that today may have been the secret Halloween trip? Very sneaky!

[Sherry E]

Yes, Marie! Today was the day!:banana: I am home now. I couldn't believe that the floral masked Mickey was back! That was one of the things I'd missed about the Halloween season since it was removed after 2007!

Anyway, I got as many photos as I could. I really need a few days to spread out the photo taking, take breaks, get back to photo-taking, etc. I went with Liza/funatdisney to DLR and we split up for a while to go off and take photos!

[kaoden39]

Oh I can hardly wait to hear about your day!!

[WDWJonasGirl]

I can't wait to see it when I go next weekend. Unfortuneatley, my annual pass expires next week :sad2:

[Sherry E]

Oh I can hardly wait to hear about your day!!

Michele, I thought of you and Jessica when I passed by the Duffy pumpkin patch photo display in DCA today! I took a couple of pictures of it, as well as the Halloween Duffy sold in the stores on Main Street (when did Duffy move over to Main Street to be sold?).

I can't wait to see it when I go next weekend. Unfortuneatley, my annual pass expires next week :sad2:

Kaitlin, you'll have a blast! Everything on Main Street is totally Halloween-ified! The Halloween Round-Up is really cool.

I know what you mean - my AP expires the day before the holiday season starts! So I have to figure out if I am renewing it then or a couple of weeks later, or not at all or whatever! It's a bad feeling when the AP expires. You feel so lost without it!

[mariezp]

I knew it! Hope you had a great day. And, I am so glad you got to spend some time in the park. Will be looking forward to your pictures. No doubt even a quick day trip will inspire you to find a way of making sure your holiday trip starts taking shape.

[Sherry E]

I knew it! Hope you had a great day. And, I am so glad you got to spend some time in the park. Will be looking forward to your pictures. No doubt even a quick day trip will inspire you to find a way of making sure your holiday trip starts taking shape.

Well, even while I was in the middle of all the Halloween fun, I still thought to myself, "I prefer the holiday season!" It's a different vibe - that's the only way I can explain it. Also, the decorations for the holidays are much more varied in texture and color, whereas Halloween decor always tends to stick with orange.

Nonetheless, I still love Halloween Time. And I love the cute merchandise. I had a good time, although my stupid leg started hurting me in the afternoon and interrupted my photo-taking progress. I was on a roll, but I had to finally surrender and sit down. What can I say? I was suffering for my 'art'!!!:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[WDWJonasGirl]

Kaitlin, you'll have a blast! Everything on Main Street is totally Halloween-ified! The Halloween Round-Up is really cool.

I know what you mean - my AP expires the day before the holiday season starts! So I have to figure out if I am renewing it then or a couple of weeks later, or not at all or whatever! It's a bad feeling when the AP expires. You feel so lost without it!
Did you hear that premium annual passes went up to $500 a person :scared1: I probably won't be heading back until the holiday season.

[funatdisney]

Hello everyone! Got back from Sherry's about an hour ago. We had a great day and the weather was perfect and to Sherry's liking. I have lots of pics, too. I hope to have them up soon on the Halloween thread.

[mvf-m11c]

So that's where you have been today Sherry. Glad that you and Liza got to go to DL on the first day of the Halloween season. It must have been neat to see all the Halloween decorations.

[tksbaskets]

Yes, Marie! Today was the day!:banana: I am home now. I couldn't believe that the floral masked Mickey was back! That was one of the things I'd missed about the Halloween season since it was removed after 2007!

Anyway, I got as many photos as I could. I really need a few days to spread out the photo taking, take breaks, get back to photo-taking, etc. I went with Liza/funatdisney to DLR and we split up for a while to go off and take photos!

S.W.E.E.T.!! Can't wait to hear all about it :goodvibes

[Belle Ella]

Well I had to know something was up when you made a mobile post about the floral Mickey ;) So glad it sounds like it was a great day. Can't wait to see your pictures.

[ducky_love]

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Mousesausage/DISNEYLAND%20PHOTOPASS%20OCTOBER%202008/image042.jpg

Sherry - can I ask who the character on the right is? It is making me crazy!! I was thinking he had to be from Treasure Planet but I zipped through the movie and I don't think I saw him. Thanks!!! :worship:

[mvf-m11c]

Sherry - can I ask who the character on the right is? It is making me crazy!! I was thinking he had to be from Treasure Planet but I zipped through the movie and I don't think I saw him. Thanks!!! :worship:

The character on the right is Don Karnage the air pirate from the television series Tale Spin in the 90s.

[kaoden39]

Michele, I thought of you and Jessica when I passed by the Duffy pumpkin patch photo display in DCA today! I took a couple of pictures of it, as well as the Halloween Duffy sold in the stores on Main Street (when did Duffy move over to Main Street to be sold?).



Kaitlin, you'll have a blast! Everything on Main Street is totally Halloween-ified! The Halloween Round-Up is really cool.

I know what you mean - my AP expires the day before the holiday season starts! So I have to figure out if I am renewing it then or a couple of weeks later, or not at all or whatever! It's a bad feeling when the AP expires. You feel so lost without it!



Very cool!! I can hardly wait to hear about it!!

[ducky_love]

The character on the right is Don Karnage the air pirate from the television series Tale Spin in the 90s.

I *never* would have guessed!! Thank you so much. Ironic- I have that on the DVD shelf too! :laughing:

[WDWJonasGirl]

How was it yesterday? Anyway, here's my DCL Trip report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2781879

[areweindisneyyet]

Yay! So glad you made it to DL for Halloween, and now that Halloween has started it means Christmas must be just around the corner. Can't wait for the details.

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 1



Hello! It's been quite a while since we last visited, hasn't it?:yay: It has been 9 months since I last entered the enchanted gates of the Happiest Place on Earth. It has been an eternity since my near-calamitous encounter with a trash can, which was the fault of an ice cream cone.

You see, I am not someone who goes to Disneyland many times during the year. I generally stick to Halloween Time trips and holiday trips, and sometimes I do only one...and sometimes it might be a quickie. Last year I had to skip Halloween Time, and I missed it so much. It was time to return!:cheer2:

Well, seeing as the trip about which I'm reporting was a short one - about 3/4 of a day, really - I won't have a long narrative leading into the photos to offer you in each post, as I might normally have. I mainly have photos to share - I don't think anyone will complain about that. Less chatting; more photos!:dance3:

Basically, many of you have been longtime followers on this TR and are aware of a few of the many struggles I have endured in the last few years, not to mention the struggles just to make these little DLR trips happen! I have gotten to the point where I am so exhausted by it all - trying to coordinate people, trying to get them to communicate, trying to work things out to everyone's liking, etc. - only to have things fall apart or go horribly awry.:headache:

Recently, I have become frustrated in the planning of my upcoming holiday DLR extravaganza. It has turned into a source of anxiety and stress for me, and a trip to DLR should not make you feel that way - it's rather counter-intuitive, wouldn't you say? So I am at the point where I don't know what's happening. I have no clue if my out-of-state friends (The I Family) will be coming into town to join me. They have stopped communicating with me, which either means they have created some reason to be mad about something...OR they are planning on letting me know at the last minute what they are doing and they have no desire to compromise and work things out to everyone's satisfaction.:mad:

My holiday dates are set for 11/28 - 12/5. Whether or not I cut off a couple of those nights, I am just going to proceed as though these friends will not be there. I may even be lucky enough to share my super-inexpensive PPH room with a couple of DIS'ers, if all goes well! It's a fantastic rate that I will never, ever get again - might as well share it with others who would appreciate it!:santa:

So I established that I did not want to skip Halloween Time again this year, even if I could only go there for a day. But I didn't have the energy to deal with stress and getting people together. I didn't want to bother with trying to round up friends - as much as I love my usual motley crew (yes, I almost accidentally spelled it C-R-U-E, in case you wondered) of Orange County friends and have a great time and non-stop laughs with them when I see them, I just didn't have the energy to try to work it all out. I feel like it's such an effort - and, frankly, I am too old for it now!:faint:

At my suggestion, one of our DIS'ers - Liza/funatdisney - agreed quite a while back (like maybe in May?) that we could go to DLR on opening day of Halloween Time this year, just so we would be there to see what was new or different and be first to report back about it on the DIS. But the plans were not finalized until recently.:banana:

To be honest - and this is not a slam against anyone - my main goal was really to get to DLR and get as many photos as I could get of the Halloween festivities in a day trip, more so than wanting friends with me. This was also a major reason why I did not bother asking my friends Jackie, Bob, Shawn, etc. to join me - I knew I wanted to focus on photo-taking, and that is simply something I cannot do when I'm with people. I like to have my "friend time," but when I am in "photo mode" (and they could be good photos, bad photos, mediocre photos, whatever), I like to be solo.:hippie:

Also, if I am with someone who is a shutterbug as well, I don't want to be influenced by anything they get photos of. I want to go off and kind of discover things on my own, and not have any particular 'seeds' planted in my head of what to get pictures of because I happened to see them snapping something out of the corner of my eye. I think that's a natural human impulse - you see someone snap a photo and you want to snap it too! I don't want to do that! I want to wander off and see what I can come up with in my own warped mind.:idea:

Liza/funatdisney pretty much knows the drill with photo taking and being solo. We established that we would split up at DLR at some point, to go off on separate photo missions. So I didn't have to worry about that aspect of things. I just needed to get in 'the zone' and get it done!:3dglasses

Liza kindly picked me up just after 7:30 a.m.-ish or so on Friday morning, September 16th, and we headed towards Anaheim!!:drive:

So....now that I have given you the intro, I will fill the subsequent posts with photos... :cool1:

I feel like I am forgetting something that I was going to explain or fill you in on, but I am so sleepy right now, for some odd reason, that I can't concentrate or remember what it was. However, the Emmy Awards are on TV tonight, and if there is even a remote chance I can catch the mega, molten, smokin' hot "Eric" from True Blood - Alexander Skarsgard - making his way down the red carpet, you can bet I will snap to attention and wake up - FAST!! ;););)

Hey, a girl's gotta have her priorities in life, right?;);)

[tksbaskets]

What an intro!! Of course I LOVE your chatting!

Because of you I will NEVER look at a trash can on MainStreet the same way again, pull a scarf out and not see it as a child-trippin' weapon, or be able to explain why I find peppermint ice cream so amusing to my family.

So I'm hoping in between your sure to be stunning photos there may be a little chatting ;)

I hear you about Eric! :lovestruc

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 2


Okey dokey...so now that I have explained how and why the Halloween Time day trip came about, I can get on with the photo posting!!! The odd thing was that, given as many photos as I took, I actually skipped a lot of things. Since this was not going to be a multi-day trip, I knew I would have limited time to take photos, so I bypassed lots of things to mainly focus on Halloween stuff. I figured, I can get a photo of the new DCA entrance later on down the road.

By the way, for those of you who have found your way over here from the Halloween Superthread, I will be posting photos that I did not post in that thread as well as some that I did post, so you won't be seeing all the same stuff repeated - only some things!

Because it was an overcast morning with a pretty heavy cloud cover, it was nice and cool for several hours. It was humid, but the temperature was in the 70's - I was happy with that for a minute. I started to feel pretty warm later in the afternoon, though, but in the morning it was nice and gloomy.

When we arrived at the gates of Disneyland, we were greeted by these familiar pumpkin friends:

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3019.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3020.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3021.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3026.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3030.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3027.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3024.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3028.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3025.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3029.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3033.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3034.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3031.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3032.jpg




It was at this time that I noticed something had returned - the Masked Floral Halloween Mickey (I think deejdigsdis refers to him as clown-looking)!!! This is something that I have not seen for Halloween Time at DLR since 2007! This is one of the things I have repeatedly lamented the loss of, as Disneyland and Team Disney Anaheim have slowly but surely chipped away at their Halloween offerings over the years, removing a little here and there, with each passing season. In my mind, it's better to make the Halloween decor bigger and better with the passage of time, not downsize it all!

I was delighted to see the familiar mask made from various flora. I never, ever thought they would bring back Masked Floral Halloween Clown Bandit Mickey....

And, apparently, everyone else in the park was shocked to see the return of the Masked Mouse too...because there were 50 million people crowded in front of him, trying to get a photo.

So my Masked Mouse Clown Bandit photos are not good ones, of course, but you can still see him!



Hello, old Masked Clown Bandit Rodent Halloween Flowery Friend!!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3083.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3084.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3035.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3036.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3038.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3039.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3040.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3041.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3045.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3043.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3044.jpg

[WDWJonasGirl]

Love it so far Sherry!!

[Belle Ella]

Hehe, oh the Emmys tonight ... can't wait.

Anyways, so glad to see you starting on your TR already! I posted this on the Halloween thread but I'll probably linger back for the next two weeks. I really want to soak in the Halloween decorations and everything when I'm there in person so I'll be avoiding this year's photos until then.

Hopefully I'll have a lot to say when I get back!

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 3


Of course, the lovely Autumn flowers were in abundance around DLR - I just love the colors!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3046.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3047.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3048.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3049.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3050.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3051.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3052.jpg



Winking Mickey...

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3053.jpg


Non-Winking Mickey...

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3055.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3056.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3057.jpg


Now THIS is The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3058.jpg


On to Haunted Mansion Holiday...

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3059.jpg



I had to shoot this at warp speed because the HMH line was zipping along, so I'm shocked that I got any of the hearse in here at all, but I wanted deejdigsdis to see that it's there...it looks like it has a freshened up paint job, doesn't it?


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3060.jpg


At this point, because the line was moving so fast, I was just shooting things and I wasn't even sure what they were! If it was in my path and I had the camera out, I clicked the shutter!....This is the problem with the Haunted Mansion Holiday queue - there are all kinds of cool things to see and little details that go unnoticed but, ideally, you want to get in a fast line for it. We had a fast line, but there was no way to stop and take photos without annoying the people in the line behind us. So it is a tricky area to photograph. If you get in a super slow line, that might be better for picture-taking. I've gotten a few photos in the past while in line, and I remember it was hard then. Every time the line slowed down, it would speed right up again.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3061.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3063.jpg


I didn't attempt to get any photos inside the ride - that kind of thing works much better with DSLR cameras! But the new gingerbread centerpiece was cool - it is a mansion that opens in the center like a big, scary mouth with pointy teeth chomping down. The gingerbread smell was faint this time around - and it was opening day!


I had not yet been on the Little Mermaid ride, and we decided to head over to DCA so I could ride it before any crowds set in. There was essentially no line at all - California Adventure was a virtual ghost town compared to how it's been at other times of the year and how it will probably be next year.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3071.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3069.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3070.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3064.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3065.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3066.jpg



I didn't get any photos from inside the ride because it was my first time riding it and I wanted to pay attention to the details. Next time I will attempt some pictures. The Little Mermaid is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies, and I think a ride in its honor is long overdue.

I will say this...while I enjoyed the Little Mermaid ride, and the colors/visuals are great (gotta love the "Under the Sea" scene with all the dancing fish and sea creatures!), and for the most part it is what I expected it would be...it felt a little thin, for lack of a better word. It felt like there was something missing to it - I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It seemed like a scene was missing or something, like it was unfinished. It seemed like each scene didn't really flow together or connect seamlessly. I don't know - maybe I am the only one who thinks that? Somehow, something fell just a wee bit short for me, though I still like it and will certainly ride it again.

I love the details in the queue for the Little Mermaid ride. Disney is so clever at making what appear to be drops of paint or someone's spilled ice cream into sea-themed shapes!! I swear, I thought someone had dribbled some ice cream on the ground - and the blobs of goo next to the embedded shell pieces turned out to be actual shapes!! They are masters at details!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3067.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3068.jpg


We decided to hop on Toy Story Midway Mania, as it only had a 10-minute wait!!! I've waited for that ride for 30 and 40 minutes, so a 10-minute wait was unbelievable. As I said, DCA was a ghost town - everyone was probably over in DL where the Halloween stuff was!


Hello, Mr. Potato Head!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3072.jpg


And while I got the lowest score I have ever gotten on this trip (not sure why - I can usually get into the groove of it quickly but my wrist was bothering me a bit), it was still a fun time...and did I mention the TEN MINUTE WAIT??

If my wrist had not been bugging me, we would have gone on TSMM again. In fact, if Shawn had been with me she would have been THRILLED at the 10-minute wait. She and I have always said that if TSMM had a short wait, we would just ride it repeatedly. But once was enough for right then.

[kaoden39]

Love it!! But you know me I am a chat fan!!:lmao:

[tksbaskets]

Great pics! :goodvibes You wouldn't have gotten my family or me away from TSMM with a 10 minute wait until our forearms fell off :rotfl:

Can't wait for more.... popcorn::

Did I say how happy I am that you made a secret trip??? :woohoo:

[Sherry E]

What an intro!! Of course I LOVE your chatting!

Because of you I will NEVER look at a trash can on MainStreet the same way again, pull a scarf out and not see it as a child-trippin' weapon, or be able to explain why I find peppermint ice cream so amusing to my family.

So I'm hoping in between your sure to be stunning photos there may be a little chatting ;)

I hear you about Eric! :lovestruc

:rotfl2::rotfl2:And be careful when you are sitting in a chair, that you're not backing it up onto random kids!:rotfl2:

There's probably some stuff to explain or chat about in between photos, but I was pretty focused this time on, "I have to get photos of X, Y and Z," and it wasn't so much a just mosey along and enjoy the day kind of trip. Well, it was an enjoyable day - that's not what meant - but there are some days where I am more on a 'mission' than other days! If I had a few days to kind of wander around slowly, then I could divide up my time accordingly. But I knew my time was limited so I had to jump into action!

Thank you for the kind words, TK!:goodvibes:hug: I'm glad you're still following along! Now where is that rascal, deejdigsdis?? I've got sewing machine window display photos for her coming up!:rotfl2: I know she loves a good sewing machine holiday display!:rotfl2:

Ahhh, Eric....of course, "True Blood" won't be back on TV for 9 long months.:mad: I nearly passed out when I recently found out that TB shoots in Los Angeles! All this time I thought they were still shooting in Lousiana! You mean to tell me that Alexander Skarsgard is in my city? Yikes!:cool1::yay:


Love it so far Sherry!!


Thank you, Kaitlin!:goodvibes Lots more photos coming up! And I will definitely check out your DCL trip report! I never make it over to that section so I have to have a particular reason to go there - it's a good thing you told me about it!


Hehe, oh the Emmys tonight ... can't wait.

Anyways, so glad to see you starting on your TR already! I posted this on the Halloween thread but I'll probably linger back for the next two weeks. I really want to soak in the Halloween decorations and everything when I'm there in person so I'll be avoiding this year's photos until then.

Hopefully I'll have a lot to say when I get back!


Hi, Jessica! I love train wreck award shows with the whole red carpet thing.

I meant to reply to your comment in the Halloween thread - I know what you mean. Part of you wants to see what people post just because of that natural curiosity factor, and because of the 'I don't want to miss that!' element. On the other hand, you want to kind of 'discover' everything yourself, with your own eyes. You want to find things on your own. You don't want to be influenced in any way because of what you saw someone else post - like you don't want to avoid taking a photo of something, OR be compelled to take a photo of something, because you saw that someone else did it. You want to just let your trip and photo ideas flow organically!

I am curious to know what you thought of the Little Mermaid ride, and if you agreed with my assessment? You have not gotten to the Little Mermaid part of your TR yet, have you (I assume you rode it)? I don't think I missed it in your TR, but maybe I did? I wonder if you feel the same way about it - cool ride, colorful, fun...but there's a missing element somewhere along the line!

[mvf-m11c]

Great pictures as always Sherry. :thumbsup2

Can't wait to see more.

[mariezp]

Great start so far Sherry! Loving the pictures even though, as you know, I am not even much of a halloween fan. DD and I were just discussing the fact that even if you are not a fan of the holiday with Disney you can still enjoy the park because they do such a wonderful job of keeping it family friendly and have such cute decorations. Just more of that good old Disney magic!

WOW! Lucky you! I have never seen a 10 minute line for TSMM. I would have had to have gone on it at least a couple times.

Now you have got me really curious to see if we share the Little Mermaid assessment. While I would hope after all the hard work (and money) they put into it that it would feel "complete", I don't suppose it would come as a total shock if it ends a little abrupt. I love all the dark rides but they sure do all seem to have really squashed storylines. Guess it's hard to squeeze all the highlights of a 90 minute movie into a ride that only lasts a few minutes.

Can't wait for more! popcorn::

[kaoden39]

I am wondering now why Duffy is on Main Street. I kind of liked that he was a DCA character. I am sure it is a financial thing.

[deejdigsdis]

Wow Sherry...you have no idea how much I needed this today. I'm sitting in a hotel room right now, taking a break from hospital visits. About 10 days ago we found out my dad had a tumor in his lung. I left town to take him to a hospital about 3 hours away from where he lives so he could have surgery. What started out as a "this is actually a blood clot with tumor cells around it...looks like we caught things early..." has since turned into a "your dad has cancer that started somewhere else and spread to his lungs but things aren't adding up and we can't figure out where it originated and we don't know if it's treatable..." If that wasn't bad enough...we were completely shocked to learn that my mom needed emergency double bypass open heart surgery. Their hospital rooms were actually across from each other.

Enough about that. I so needed to see this TR today. It actually brought tears to my eyes. Happy ones...first in a long while.

I was so shocked to see the Masked Mickey! (The only clown-like thing I will tolerate.) It looks different from past Masked Mickeys. Am I right? Are the colors different?

Yep, The Hearse definitely looks like it's been freshened up. So glad it's back. I noticed in Bret's TR that it had been put back in it's rightful place.

Thank you, my friend, for your AMAZING pictures. You have no idea how much they lifted my spirits this afternoon. :hug: Can't wait to see the Sewing Machine Display. :)

[funatdisney]

Sherry, I have finally been able to head on over here and read your TR. Great job on the pictures and nice narration, too. I was very happy to take you and had a great day.

When we separated, I headed on over to visit my DVC guide to give her a thank you gift. I stopped by the World of Disney on my way back to DL, and took some pictures of the Halloween merchandise. Did you ever leave the park? I'm guessing you didn't. There wasn't any Halloween decor in Downtown Disney. Anyway, my pictures are posted on the Halloween thread.

[kaoden39]

Wow Sherry...you have no idea how much I needed this today. I'm sitting in a hotel room right now, taking a break from hospital visits. About 10 days ago we found out my dad had a tumor in his lung. I left town to take him to a hospital about 3 hours away from where he lives so he could have surgery. What started out as a "this is actually a blood clot with tumor cells around it...looks like we caught things early..." has since turned into a "your dad has cancer that started somewhere else and spread to his lungs but things aren't adding up and we can't figure out where it originated and we don't know if it's treatable..." If that wasn't bad enough...we were completely shocked to learn that my mom needed emergency double bypass open heart surgery. Their hospital rooms were actually across from each other.

Enough about that. I so needed to see this TR today. It actually brought tears to my eyes. Happy ones...first in a long while.

I was so shocked to see the Masked Mickey! (The only clown-like thing I will tolerate.) It looks different from past Masked Mickeys. Am I right? Are the colors different?

Yep, The Hearse definitely looks like it's been freshened up. So glad it's back. I noticed in Bret's TR that it had been put back in it's rightful place.

Thank you, my friend, for your AMAZING pictures. You have no idea how much they lifted my spirits this afternoon. :hug: Can't wait to see the Sewing Machine Display. :)


Oh I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for your family.:hug:

[Sherry E]

Love it!! But you know me I am a chat fan!!:lmao:

:rotfl2::rotfl2:


Great pics! :goodvibes You wouldn't have gotten my family or me away from TSMM with a 10 minute wait until our forearms fell off :rotfl:

Can't wait for more.... popcorn::

Did I say how happy I am that you made a secret trip??? :woohoo:


TK -

Thank you!:goodvibes It is a shock that I got to see DLR before the holiday season this year, isn't it? Heck, even the holiday trips are shocking to pull off - with me, it's always a race to the finish. It's a 'will she or won't she get there' cliffhanger up to the very minute I leave!:rotfl2:

It was the oddest thing on TSMM. That is one of my top 2 favorite rides in both parks combined. Normally, I would be giddy at the thought of a 10-minute wait. Don't get me wrong - whenever I play against Shawn or one of my other 'regulars' at DLR, my forearm feels the telltale "Toy Story Burn," which is what I call it - we all know that burn! Playing against Shawn - who I have dubbed the Toy Story Titan - requires me to step up my game and my forearm pays the price.

But this time, for some reason, my forearm felt like it locked up - it felt stiff. It wasn't the same burn that I normally get. It was bothering me through TSMM and after - hence, the lowest score I have gotten to date. I've been having some arthritis-type stuff happening in my hands off and on recently, so maybe this somehow had to do with that.:confused3 All I knew was that I didn't want to push my luck.


Great pictures as always Sherry. :thumbsup2

Can't wait to see more.

Thank you so much, Bret! And you know I am a big fan of your photos, too! It's always a joy to see what new quests you have completed or new photo subjects you have come up with!!


Great start so far Sherry! Loving the pictures even though, as you know, I am not even much of a halloween fan. DD and I were just discussing the fact that even if you are not a fan of the holiday with Disney you can still enjoy the park because they do such a wonderful job of keeping it family friendly and have such cute decorations. Just more of that good old Disney magic!

WOW! Lucky you! I have never seen a 10 minute line for TSMM. I would have had to have gone on it at least a couple times.

Now you have got me really curious to see if we share the Little Mermaid assessment. While I would hope after all the hard work (and money) they put into it that it would feel "complete", I don't suppose it would come as a total shock if it ends a little abrupt. I love all the dark rides but they sure do all seem to have really squashed storylines. Guess it's hard to squeeze all the highlights of a 90 minute movie into a ride that only lasts a few minutes.

Can't wait for more! popcorn::

Hi, Marie!

Yes, DLR's version of Halloween is very palatable and family-friendly. That's what I like about it. There's nothing really all that 'scary' anywhere. Even though I have been known to watch the occasional specials about Halloween attractions on the Travel Channel, like about the House of Shock and all that (and each attraction is bloodier and more frightening than the next!), I do NOT like going to theme parks during Halloween season and being chased around by hatchet-wielding maniacs, or having deranged 'actors' leaping out at me from behind bushes, wildly waving chainsaws around. That is not my thing at all.

There's the 'scary' version of Halloween (like what Universal Studios does, for example). And then there is the fun, cute version of Halloween (such as Disney and Peanuts and all that kind of thing). I can watch the TV shows about the 'scary' Halloween stuff, but I would rather actually experience the 'fun, cute' Halloween...the kind where Mickey merely wears a special Halloween suit and is not trying to murder me in ToonTown or whatever.

Yep - my wrist was just stiff and not cooperating with another round of TSMM that day. I know the line will probably never again be 10 minutes - I'm not even sure why it was 10 minutes then! I am guessing that most of the folks were off in DL (and even that wasn't really too crowded) where the Halloween stuff was.

I'll be curious to hear your opinion of the Little Mermaid ride. I definitely liked it - it's colorful, lively, visually appealing. Gotta love dancing sea creatures! And there are blobs of goo in the cement around the queue that look like ice cream drippings but are actually carefully executed seashell shapes! As I said, I can't really put my finger on what it is that I think is missing. It's not necessarily an abrupt ending. It's just that somewhere in there, it feels like a piece is missing, or like they just kind of threw some scenes together without a real cohesive transition between each scene. I'm not sure. I'll have to ride it again and see what I think the second time. Good thing was - there was pretty much NO line for that either!


I am wondering now why Duffy is on Main Street. I kind of liked that he was a DCA character. I am sure it is a financial thing.

Michele -

I was quite shocked to see Duffy in Main Street shops. Mr. Potato Head used to be in both DL and DCA, and then at some point he became a DCA exclusive (who knows where Mr. Potato Head is now?). I don't know when DLR made the decision that Duffy could cross the border and move into DL too! You're right - there is something kind of cool about certain items being exclusive to one park only. I like to know that there are some things I can only get in one place or the other, and not all over the Resort.


Wow Sherry...you have no idea how much I needed this today. I'm sitting in a hotel room right now, taking a break from hospital visits. About 10 days ago we found out my dad had a tumor in his lung. I left town to take him to a hospital about 3 hours away from where he lives so he could have surgery. What started out as a "this is actually a blood clot with tumor cells around it...looks like we caught things early..." has since turned into a "your dad has cancer that started somewhere else and spread to his lungs but things aren't adding up and we can't figure out where it originated and we don't know if it's treatable..." If that wasn't bad enough...we were completely shocked to learn that my mom needed emergency double bypass open heart surgery. Their hospital rooms were actually across from each other.

Enough about that. I so needed to see this TR today. It actually brought tears to my eyes. Happy ones...first in a long while.

I was so shocked to see the Masked Mickey! (The only clown-like thing I will tolerate.) It looks different from past Masked Mickeys. Am I right? Are the colors different?

Yep, The Hearse definitely looks like it's been freshened up. So glad it's back. I noticed in Bret's TR that it had been put back in it's rightful place.

Thank you, my friend, for your AMAZING pictures. You have no idea how much they lifted my spirits this afternoon. :hug: Can't wait to see the Sewing Machine Display. :)

deej -

Oh dear! I am so, so sorry to hear about what's happening with both of your parents (at the same time!). Just one of those scenarios would be scary and stressful enough to deal with, but for both of them to have major health crises simultaneously is just too much to have to deal with. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it your brother or brother-in-law who also had a health scare not long ago as well (a tumor, right?)?

I just don't even know what to say. I'm so glad (and shocked) that you took the time to pop in here and say hello, given all that you are going through. I really appreciate it. I'm glad I was able to lift your spirits a wee bit!:hug::hug::hug:

I have lots more photos to come (though I haven't gotten anything posted today). Every time I took a photo of flowers (real or fake ones) and every time I passed by the sewing machine, I thought of you!:rotfl2: I don't know how effective those will be at cheering you up, but I will make a valiant attempt!

Well, as for Masked Clown Mickey...he did look a tiny bit different than the one I last saw in 2007. The only thing I can think of for why that may be is that there were lots of mini-pumpkins involved in the floral display back in 2007, and maybe that somehow affected the color? This newer version of Masked Mickey may not have had as many pumpkins, but maybe had more actual flowers making up the color composition? I will have to get a closer look to get to the bottom of this mystery! I was just amazed to see that DLR suddenly brought him back after he had been MIA for so long.

I think the Hearse must have been wiped down and re-painted or something? It looks much brighter than it did before. That would have been a terrible travesty if they hadn't put the Hearse back in time for the Halloween season.

I have lots of stuff from the Round-Up coming soon. I will also have the sewing machine coming up soon. Funny thing is, I am so used to either seeing that sewing machine window in your photos OR in the evening (which is when I have caught it during the Christmas season), that when I saw it in person, in the daytime, during Halloween Time, it looked a bit different to me!! I kept saying to myself, "Is that the same sewing machine? Or are there different sewing machines around Main Street?":rotfl2::rotfl2: I even thought the sewing machine had switched windows at one point, and moved to a different location from where it used to be. I finally convinced myself I was crazy, but for a moment I thought there was a bit of sewing machine trickery going on!:rotfl2:

And I was not the only one hovering ominously around the Main Street windows - every time I stopped to zoom in on a window display and try to get a glare-free, reflection-free photo (almost impossible on that day), there was someone on my heels, right behind me, waiting for me to move aside so they could also get photos! Must have been DIS'ers!!

My thoughts are with you and your family, deej!:hug::hug: I am sending good vibes and prayers your way.


Sherry, I have finally been able to head on over here and read your TR. Great job on the pictures and nice narration, too. I was very happy to take you and had a great day.

When we separated, I headed on over to visit my DVC guide to give her a thank you gift. I stopped by the World of Disney on my way back to DL, and took some pictures of the Halloween merchandise. Did you ever leave the park? I'm guessing you didn't. There wasn't any Halloween decor in Downtown Disney. Anyway, my pictures are posted on the Halloween thread.

Thank you, Liza! I know what you mean - there's hardly any time to do anything! I couldn't post an update in my TR today because I was too busy with other stuff.

I did not go to World of Disney. I would have gone there if I had another day to wander around, but in the time I had, I had other missions to accomplish.



:banana::banana:




Off to watch "Dancing with the Stars"!!!! I hope to have another couple of installments with photos up by tomorrow!!

[WDWJonasGirl]

Loved the whole report Sherry!!

[tksbaskets]

Wow Sherry...you have no idea how much I needed this today. I'm sitting in a hotel room right now, taking a break from hospital visits. About 10 days ago we found out my dad had a tumor in his lung. I left town to take him to a hospital about 3 hours away from where he lives so he could have surgery. What started out as a "this is actually a blood clot with tumor cells around it...looks like we caught things early..." has since turned into a "your dad has cancer that started somewhere else and spread to his lungs but things aren't adding up and we can't figure out where it originated and we don't know if it's treatable..." If that wasn't bad enough...we were completely shocked to learn that my mom needed emergency double bypass open heart surgery. Their hospital rooms were actually across from each other.

Enough about that. I so needed to see this TR today. It actually brought tears to my eyes. Happy ones...first in a long while.

I was so shocked to see the Masked Mickey! (The only clown-like thing I will tolerate.) It looks different from past Masked Mickeys. Am I right? Are the colors different?

Yep, The Hearse definitely looks like it's been freshened up. So glad it's back. I noticed in Bret's TR that it had been put back in it's rightful place.

Thank you, my friend, for your AMAZING pictures. You have no idea how much they lifted my spirits this afternoon. :hug: Can't wait to see the Sewing Machine Display. :)

Deej - praying for all of you :grouphug: I know how hard it is when one parent is ill - let alone two.

I'm so glad you found Sherry's trip report and it gave you some much needed relief to the stress you must be feeling. Hang in there~

TK

[mvf-m11c]

I'm sorry to hear that Deej and I hope that your parents get better as soon.


Thank you so much, Bret! And you know I am a big fan of your photos, too! It's always a joy to see what new quests you have completed or new photo subjects you have come up with!!

I don't know what quests to do for future trips. Right now, I got the Halloween quest next week then the Holiday quests in November and December (WDW). Right now I got those quests all planned out. Maybe if I do another trip early next year I can take on some suggestions of what to do for the next quest.

[Sherry E]

Loved the whole report Sherry!!

Thank you! There's more coming, Kaitlin! I am just about to go over to Photobucket and round up the next batch of photos for this TR. I've got lots more to share - including some good ones from the Round-Up, from Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), etc.

We're still at the point in the TR where I was with Liza/funatdisney - we had not split up yet. So I still have all the photos I took when I was totally by myself to go through!!



....I don't know what quests to do for future trips. Right now, I got the Halloween quest next week then the Holiday quests in November and December (WDW). Right now I got those quests all planned out. Maybe if I do another trip early next year I can take on some suggestions of what to do for the next quest.



Bret -

There will always be Quest ideas. I still have a few ideas floating around which I can give you when you go next year. Between Halloween and the holiday season, you and your camera will be very busy for a while, without taking on any new Quests!!:rotfl2::rotfl2:



Okay, I am zipping over to Photobucket and will be right back with more pictures!!

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 4



Okay! So when last we left off in this TR, Liza/funatdisney and I were in a (rather empty) California Adventure. I had taken my first voyage on the Little Mermaid ride and had racked up my lowest score to date on TSMM, leaving with a stiff wrist.

To be honest, if I had been on one of my multi-day trips, I would have lingered much, much longer in DCA. I would have taken sooooooo many more photos of everything - the new entrance (which brings me back to my childhood, and my trips to the original Pan Pacific Auditorium), all the Little Mermaid queue stuff, all the construction around the park, etc. I would have sought out any signs of Halloween I could find, if any were to be found.

When I am by myself and don't have anyone with me, and I don't have to meet up with anyone at a given time, I can totally get in "the zone" and just start snapping away at anything. And sometimes that's when I stumble upon the most interesting ideas (interesting to ME, anyway) - remember my vantage point of the Sorcerer's Hat at the DLH? Sometimes I may get good photos; sometimes I may get not-so-great ones - but I like to just keep trying until I get something I am satisfied with. Eventually, if you just keep pointing and shooting, you will come up with something good!


But, alas, I knew I had limited time and energy, and I had to focus on the Halloween stuff in Disneyland. I could not stop to take photos of 'everything else.' I had not been to DLR for Halloween Time in 2 years, and I had a lot of ground to cover in a short time!


Imagine my surprise to find that Duffy has his own Halloween photo opportunity in DCA!!

Well, I am not as big of a Duffy aficionado as many of my fellow DIS'ers are, but I was thrilled to see any signs of Halloween in DCA at all. Since the removal of Candy Corn Acres, DCA has been virtually Halloween-less, with the exception of some Fall-colored flower beds.

Duffy wasn't in his photo spot, but I assume he is wearing some sort of special Halloween outfit.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3073.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3074.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3075.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3076.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3077.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3078.jpg




I love this hidden Mickey pumpkin!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3079.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3080.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3081.jpg




So after stopping by a Duffy-less Duffy Pumpkin Patch, we exited DCA (again, if there had been more time, I would have gone on Soarin' and Monsters, Inc., but there were Halloween-ish things to accomplish in DL so I couldn't dilly dally).


I should point out - for anyone who has not been to DCA very recently and has not seen the new entrance and the new way in which you have to enter DCA, it is a long, circuitous path to take to get into DCA (a Plaza Inn Cast Member even joked with us later on about how much extra walking there is now, given DCA's current condition). If you are not one to like a lot of extra walking on your DLR trips, this new route into DCA will probably bother you. My friend Shawn would have probably been annoyed. While DLR does a great job at putting fun posters up on their construction walls to keep it interesting, those walls keep you from entering the park in the way that you were probably used to. Of course, this set-up is temporary, and eventually we will all be able to enter DCA with fewer footsteps and roundabout pathways required, but for now, it's kind of...interesting!

Thankfully, my leg was not bothering me at that point - if you recall, I had some major, major pain with that on my DLR trip in December, and walking was an excruciating ordeal.

As we made our way down the long and winding road out of DCA, I stopped to snap a cell phone photo of the ever-present Buzz Lightyear toy-which-is-also-a-cup.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/img1316468610228.jpg


I planned to send this picture mail to my friend from the famous I Family (the ones who are supposed to be out here in November/December), as her husband and son love Buzz Lightyear and all things Toy Story, and would probably enjoy this toy/cup.

Gotta love technology. The picture mail with the Buzz photo never went through to her. It's one of those things that will probably be trapped in the Sprint airwaves somewhere, and end up with my friend in about a month. (I had a similar experience recently, in which a friend of mine sent me a picture mail...which promptly got to me in one month's time. Now that is some slooooooow service!)


I suggested at this point that Liza and I split up so we could go off on our own missions - mine being a photo mission, and hers being a mission to her DVC office and then photo-taking after that. It was just about 11:00 a.m.. We agreed to meet up at 4 p.m. (Actually, Liza suggested meeting up at 2 p.m. and I secretly laughed to myself at the crazy notion of being done with any kind of picture-taking by 2 p.m. I will spend hours just at the Reindeer Round-Up alone during the holiday season, so I need a good, long stretch of time to roam wild and free. I offered up 4 p.m. as a better option.)



Left to my own devices, what photos would I come up with? Probably nothing all that exciting, but I needed to just jump in and start getting back in the swing!


Hello again, pumpkin friends!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3082.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3085.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3086.jpg


These people got in my shot, just as I was about to get a clear photo of the Great Mickey Pumpkin. Grrr.....


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3087.jpg





Time to hit the window displays!!



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3088.jpg



Duffy is now being sold in Disneyland too!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3089.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3090.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3091.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3092.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3093.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3095.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3096.jpg




Hello, Old Gingerbread Friends!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3097.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3098.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3099.jpg






Sometimes I can get good window display photos, free of glare and reflection. I don't use a flash. I press the camera up to the glass unless it somehow cuts off the angle I am trying to capture. Usually these methods work. I got lucky with many of my nighttime window photos last December.

This Halloween trip was not one of those times in which I could get glare/reflection-free photos, which irritated me to no end. Still, I forged ahead, reflections or no reflections.



Coming up...more from Main Street, lots from Dia de los Muertos and Halloween Round-Up, as well as other randomness.

[kaoden39]

I think that maybe it is a Sprint in Disneyland thing. I tried sending several pictures in February. Some I sent either sent numerous times or not at all. It was the oddest thing. I hope somebody posts a picture of Duffy in a costume. His area is so cute.

[Sherry E]

I think that maybe it is a Sprint in Disneyland thing. I tried sending several pictures in February. Some I sent either sent numerous times or not at all. It was the oddest thing. I hope somebody posts a picture of Duffy in a costume. His area is so cute.

You're right, Michele!

I have the worst possible Sprint service in Disneyland. People will call me and I don't get the call because there's no signal and it goes straight to voice mail...and then I don't get the voice mail for hours. Sometimes my Picture Mail works, sometimes it doesn't. It's very random. Other people seem to have better service with their non-Sprint phones while at DLR.

Anyway, as for Duffy and his Halloween photo spot...well, from what I have heard, he is supposedly wearing a li'l pumpkin outfit much like the stuffed Halloween Duffy is wearing (photos coming up), which is on sale in the parks.

I didn't stop for any PhotoPass photos this time around, but I might have to do that if I see Duffy in a pumpkin-type outfit!! Duffy was slacking off! He was not where he should have been on Friday!!:rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

Ironically our girls had T-Mobile in June 2010 and believe it or not it was worse service than Sprint. Kacy thinks that it is because T-Mobile only works goood in bad neighborhoods. :rotfl: Loren's best friend Vincent's Sprint was even working on POTC. I just think it is an iffy thing.

[DizNee Luver]

Loving it so far Sherry....I'm so glad you got your day trip in!!! Your pics are making me sad.....we would have been there in 11 days :( But I'm enjoying them too (if that makes sense). Can't wait to see the rest!!

[WDWJonasGirl]

Love the halloween pictures!!

[Sherry E]

Ironically our girls had T-Mobile in June 2010 and believe it or not it was worse service than Sprint. Kacy thinks that it is because T-Mobile only works goood in bad neighborhoods. :rotfl: Loren's best friend Vincent's Sprint was even working on POTC. I just think it is an iffy thing.

Michele -

I've never had T-Mobile. But I don't want to go to bad neighborhoods so maybe I will avoid it!!:rotfl:

It's funny you mentioned POTC as being one of the places Vincent's Sprint service was working at DLR!!

My Sprint service, as I told you, is so spotty. Let's say, for example, that Shawn and I are supposed to meet up with Jackie and Bob at DLR at some point. Jackie has my number as well as Shawn's number, but she will generally try calling me first to set up the place and time where we are all going to meet.

When Jackie calls me, the signal will be messed up so I won't get the call. She goes straight through to voice mail and will leave a message. Not only do I not see the call coming through when Jackie tries to reach me, but I will not even get her voice mail message for another couple of hours - long after the time we were supposed to meet up! This is why she has Shawn's number too - so if she can't get me, she can call Shawn. I don't know what cell phone service Shawn uses, but it always seems to work in Disneyland!!

BUT, one random, fluke time that my Sprint service decided to work was...on the POTC ride!:rotfl2: In the middle of the ride, all of a sudden I hear some sort of familiar tone and it's my phone. (Obviously I was not going to answer it at that time.) So my stupid service won't work in any other place in Disneyland but it will work on Pirates of the Caribbean!!:rotfl2:

I guess that's the lesson for today, kids - if your Sprint service is not working at Disneyland, go on POTC and it will be fine!!

Loving it so far Sherry....I'm so glad you got your day trip in!!! Your pics are making me sad.....we would have been there in 11 days :( But I'm enjoying them too (if that makes sense). Can't wait to see the rest!!

Hi, Laurie!!:cool1:

Thank you!

I'm so sorry you didn't get to do the Halloween trip this year (or a holiday trip), but I really think that by the time you finally get to visit the parks during Halloween Time, it will be an even bigger and better celebration. While it was nice to see something Halloween-ified in the way of the Duffy photo spot in DCA, I am still holding out hope that when all the work is done on the DCA makeover, Halloween will really be a part of DCA too, whereas now it is really just focused on Disneyland park, and only in certain areas!

I'm very glad I got in the day trip as well (thanks to Liza/funatdisney to taking me down there and back home) - I missed Halloween last year and I knew I wanted to really get in there and take some photos. But I still need at least a good couple of days to hit the specific areas I want to hit for Halloween season, and then much more than that for the holidays.

Oh, by the way, even though I always had my secret plan to head to DLR on opening day of Halloween Time in September, I was still planning to do an early October trip - as I'd told you months ago - around the time you would have been there. But I felt like I wanted to get a hotel room if I were going to do the party, and that PIN code I got for 10/16 - 10/31 threw off my course of action. And then I wasn't even able to use the PIN!:sad2:

When you figured out that you wouldn't be able to do the Halloween trip, that was just one of the things that made me think I should again readjust my party plans.

Now I am still planning to go to the party - I wish it didn't cost so much, so soon before my holiday trip, or I would go more than once - but it won't be early October.



Love the halloween pictures!!


Thank you, Kaitlin!


:dancer::dancer::dancer:


I am going to go take a peek over at the main forum and see what's happening, and then I'm heading to Photobucket to gather up more photos for the next trip report installment, continuing on with where I left off yesterday morning! Lots o' photos coming, everyone!!

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 5



So when I posted Part 4 of this Halloween Time TR yesterday morning, I had split from funatdisney/Liza so I could go on a photo-taking mission and was making my way down Main Street.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3100.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3101.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3102.jpg




This is a creepy-looking critter!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3103.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3104.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3105.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3106.jpg





I was not expecting the characters to come by, out of nowhere!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3107.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3109.jpg





Mickey is busting a move! The band stopped to perform some choreographed dance moves to "Under the Sea," which was cute.
I didn't have a good vantage point to get photos of the dancing, so I skipped it.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3110.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3112.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3113.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3128.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3131.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3132.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3133.jpg





More from the hub...and a little Day of the Dead for ya, comin' right up!

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 6



Still at the hub...



There are 7 character pumpkins which surround the Partners statue. Each character pumpkin represents a different land in Disneyland.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3130.jpg




Jack Skellington represents New Orleans Square...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3114.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3125.jpg




Woody represents Frontierland...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3115.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3124.jpg



Pooh represents Critter Country...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3116.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3123.jpg



Tinkerbell represents Fantasyland...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3117.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3122.jpg



Roger Rabbit represents ToonTown...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3118.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3121.jpg



Buzz Lightyear represents Tomorrowland...

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3119.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3120.jpg



And Tarzan represents Adventureland...

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3126.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3127.jpg



Although I couldn't get clear shots of them, on the backsides of each pumpkin were little enhancements to the themes. For example, on the back of the Pooh pumpkin there are little honey (hunny) bees buzzing around, and on the back of the Buzz Lightyear pumpkin there are, I think, planets or stars or something?




Now...on to Frontierland, where Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead - is celebrated in a colorful display!



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3140.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3139.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3135.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3136.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3138.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3141.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3142.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3143.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3144.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3145.jpg






Coming up in Part 7...a few more photos of the Dia de los Muertos display and we're going to mosey on over to the Halloween Round-Up for some rustic Halloween fun!

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 7


Still at the Dia de los Muertos display in Frontierland...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3150.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3146.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3147.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3148.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3149.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3151.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3152.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3153.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3154.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3155.jpg




And on to the Halloween Round-Up...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3156.jpg




http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3157.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3159.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3160.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3161.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3162.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3163.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3164.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3165.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3166.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3167.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3168.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3169.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3170.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3171.jpg








Coming up in Part 8...more photos from the Halloween Round-Up!

[kaoden39]

Sherry, I love, love, love all of your pictures. I feel like I am there. I needed this lift today. Thank you.

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love this Sherry!! I will see it this weekend.

[Sherry E]

Sherry, I love, love, love all of your pictures. I feel like I am there. I needed this lift today. Thank you.

Thank you, Michele!:goodvibes I'm glad I helped to provide a lift of some kind, somehow. Did you have a not so good day?:hug:

I'm going to post another installment now (one more for the road, before I sign off for the evening), and then I will come back tomorrow morning with more.

I do have the Halloween party coming up soon, so that will be kind of a bookend/add-on to this current TR, but I doubt that my camera will take very good night photos so I don't know how many pictures the party will actually produce for me. We'll have to see. They may all be big, blurry messes. I'd better start studying up on my manual on how to get the most out of the 'night mode' or whatever it's called!

I love this Sherry!! I will see it this weekend.

Thank you, Kaitlin! When I visited the Halloween Round-Up the other day, there were only a few carved pumpkins on display because it was just the first day of the Halloween season. By the time you get to DLR this weekend, the Round-Up should be full of carved character pumpkins! The carvers are constantly carving new pumpkins every day, to replace the ones that go bad. Be sure to take lots of photos for us!

[kaoden39]

Well, my problems were finally solved. First my dryer broke 2 weeks ago and then my washer died on Sunday night. We had to buy a new dryer but we got "lucky" with the second one because I had my grandpa's in my storage. But the plumbing going out to the washer got jacked up so until tonight because of massive overtime that Scotty has been working it wasn't fixed until tonight.

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 8


Meanwhile, back at the ranch.....


The one lone carver on duty was busily hacking away at helpless pumpkins, as many a guest stopped to gaze at him in awe and wonder. Seeing as it was only the first day of the Halloween Time season, there was not the abundance of intricately crafted and detailed Disney character masterpieces that you might find mid-season. But what was on display was amazing.

It's fascinating to see the results of the carvers' handiwork. They work all season long, constantly churning out art made of pumpkins of various sizes and even colors. If a pumpkin has a bump or blemish on it, the carvers use that flaw to their advantage, working it into the design of the character! No pumpkins are wasted at the Halloween Round-Up!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3172.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3173.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3174.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3176.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3177.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3179.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3180.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3181.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3182.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3186.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3187.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3189.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3191.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3192.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3194.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3195.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3196.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3197.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3198.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3199.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3200.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3201.jpg



without flash:

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3202.jpg


with flash:

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3203.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3204.jpg




Okay, that's all for the moment. I can't deal with my computer and Photobucket together anymore tonight. It's a wonder I haven't hurled this PC out the window.

Part 9 coming tomorrow morning (more fun at the Round-Up!)!!!!

[kaoden39]

What amazing artist they have in Disneyland. I love there pumpkin carvings.

[WDWJonasGirl]

Thank you, Kaitlin! When I visited the Halloween Round-Up the other day, there were only a few carved pumpkins on display because it was just the first day of the Halloween season. By the time you get to DLR this weekend, the Round-Up should be full of carved character pumpkins! The carvers are constantly carving new pumpkins every day, to replace the ones that go bad. Be sure to take lots of photos for us!

I will do my best.

[Sherry E]

Well, my problems were finally solved. First my dryer broke 2 weeks ago and then my washer died on Sunday night. We had to buy a new dryer but we got "lucky" with the second one because I had my grandpa's in my storage. But the plumbing going out to the washer got jacked up so until tonight because of massive overtime that Scotty has been working it wasn't fixed until tonight.

What a pain! At least it was all taken care of, finally. I would have been annoyed and stressing over that situation, I'm sure.

I live in a building with maybe 30-ish apartments or so (give or take a few - I can't seem to quite count out 30 apartments, but they tell me that's how many there are?). In some of the apartments, there is more than one tenant so who knows how many people actually live in the building? We only have one tiny, tiny laundry room - and when I say tiny, I mean there is no room to fold your clothes or set them down anywhere, and if you are in there with even one other person you are cramped and invading each other's personal space - with 2 washing machines and 2 dryers. That's right - 2 washing machines and 2 dryers in a tiny, tiny laundry room for 30-ish apartments and many tenants. That's it. These machines cost a fortune, too. So, as you can imagine, when something breaks down or goes haywire with plumbing, the tenants are in an uproar. As it is, I have to try to creep down to the laundry room at times when no one else should be there - like super early in the morning - and I still run into other people!:headache:

What amazing artist they have in Disneyland. I love there pumpkin carvings.

Michele -

The pumpkins really are amazing. You have to have strong, steady hands to do that kind of artwork, too. By now, the number of carved pieces they have on display has probably quadrupled from what it was when I was there one week ago. I'm sure they've got an extra carver on duty now. And in another week or two, some of the pumpkins from my photos last week will probably no longer be there. Supposedly, some of them only have a 2-week shelf life, while others can last a month, or maybe even the entire season. In any case, the pumpkins they have on display change all through the season so there is always something new to see!



I will do my best.


Kaitlin - I look forward to whatever photos you come up with this weekend!!







Michele and Kaitlin -

I have to thank you guys for still being here!:grouphug: It is sooooo hard for me to post updates from this PC because it gives me so much trouble, especially when working in Photobucket. I can't post the really big photos anymore because my PC will literally lock up and not load the pages when the photos are too big (I have that problem in my own TR, and with other folks' TR's when their photos are too big - the pages will not load for me and I have to reboot), but even working with the smaller sizes and copying IMG codes gives me endless problems. If anyone saw exactly what I was dealing with, they would wonder why I was even bothering and how I had not taken a sledgehammer to this PC yet.

So I am glad to know you guys are out here. I'd hate to think I am struggling with this stupid PC and Photobucket only to have no one following along! I have posted 8 installments - 7 of which have lots of photos - and am just about to post installment #9.....but most folks disappeared long ago!:rotfl2: Everyone else abandoned me!!:rotfl2::rotfl2:


So thank you guys for being here!:hug:


Okay, Part 9 comin' right up with more from the Halloween Round-Up!!:dancer:

[kaoden39]

What a pain! At least it was all taken care of, finally. I would have been annoyed and stressing over that situation, I'm sure.

I live in a building with maybe 30-ish apartments or so (give or take a few - I can't seem to quite count out 30 apartments, but they tell me that's how many there are?). In some of the apartments, there is more than one tenant so who knows how many people actually live in the building? We only have one tiny, tiny laundry room - and when I say tiny, I mean there is no room to fold your clothes or set them down anywhere, and if you are in there with even one other person you are cramped and invading each other's personal space - with 2 washing machines and 2 dryers. That's right - 2 washing machines and 2 dryers in a tiny, tiny laundry room for 30-ish apartments and many tenants. That's it. These machines cost a fortune, too. So, as you can imagine, when something breaks down or goes haywire with plumbing, the tenants are in an uproar. As it is, I have to try to creep down to the laundry room at times when no one else should be there - like super early in the morning - and I still run into other people!:headache:



Michele -

The pumpkins really are amazing. You have to have strong, steady hands to do that kind of artwork, too. By now, the number of carved pieces they have on display has probably quadrupled from what it was when I was there one week ago. I'm sure they've got an extra carver on duty now. And in another week or two, some of the pumpkins from my photos last week will probably no longer be there. Supposedly, some of them only have a 2-week shelf life, while others can last a month, or maybe even the entire season. In any case, the pumpkins they have on display change all through the season so there is always something new to see!






Kaitlin - look forward to whatever photos you come up with this weekend!!







Michele and Kaitlin -

I have to thank you guys for still being here!:grouphug: It is sooooo hard for me to post updates from this PC because it gives me so much trouble, especially when working in Photobucket. I can't post the really big photos anymore because my PC will literally lock up and not load the pages when the photos are too big (I have that problem in my own TR, and with other folks' TR's when their photos are too big - the pages will not load for me and I have to reboot), but even working with the smaller sizes and copying IMG codes gives me endless problems. If anyone saw exactly what I was dealing with, they would wonder why I was even bothering and how I had not taken a sledgehammer to this PC yet.

So I am glad to know you guys are out here. I'd hate to think I am struggling with this stupid PC and Photobucket only to have no one following along! I have posted 8 installments - 7 of which have lots of photos - and am just about to post installment #9.....but most folks disappeared long ago!:rotfl2: Everyone else abandoned me!!:rotfl2::rotfl2:


So thank you guys for being here!:hug:


Okay, Part 9 comin' right up with more from the Halloween Round-Up!!:dancer:

That is a crazy small laundry room. I know how expensive going to the laundromat can be so I can just imagine. I took 3 loads of laundry on Wednesday during the morning and it was $9 to wash three loads. $3 for the card and $2 a load. Highway robbery.


I have heard that if you use a petroleum jelly on the pumpkins it extends their life span and I bet that they do that. I know how hard it is to carve pumpkins and hate it.

[Sherry E]

That is a crazy small laundry room. I know how expensive going to the laundromat can be so I can just imagine. I took 3 loads of laundry on Wednesday during the morning and it was $9 to wash three loads. $3 for the card and $2 a load. Highway robbery.


I have heard that if you use a petroleum jelly on the pumpkins it extends their life span and I bet that they do that. I know how hard it is to carve pumpkins and hate it.

Yikes! $9 for 3 loads! It is definitely highway robbery with these washing machines and dryers.

Well, sure enough, after I posted earlier and was just getting ready to post installment #9, my PC locked up and I had to reboot...again. And when I finally got back onto the DIS, things were moving very slooooooooooooowly. I am just now, right this minute, able to even get into my TR to reply.:headache::headache: I think 80% of the issue is with my PC...but the other 20% is the trouble we all have on the DIS from time to time, where everything is taking forever to load.


So I am going to try one more time to get installment #9 up before I lose my temper and my sanity all at once.:rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

If it helps the Dis is loading really slow for me today.

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 9



Hello, everyone (and I am talking to the 2 of you who are out there, following along)!

I must say that we are now entering the time of year that is my favorite - the Autumn and Winter months. I am not a Summer person. Good riddance to Summer.

I love it all - I love, October, November and December. I love the colored fallen leaves in piles on the ground. I love the crisp chill in the air. I love the blustery days. I love Halloween. I love the scary Halloween-related specials on TV (particularly on the Travel Channel). I love to see people in their costumes. I used to love handing out tons of candy (when I lived in a place where kids could knock at the door).

I love the Halloween and Christmas shows on the Food Network. I love the holiday season and all the Rankin-Bass clay puppet specials that await me on the ABC Family Channel. I love Dickens carolers and Santa. I love the colors of both Fall and Winter. I love the smells and tastes of the last few months of the year - gingerbread, cinnamon, nutmeg, peppermint, etc. I love to see bright candy corn and candy canes. I love beautiful lights and trees. I love to see elaborate Halloween or Christmas displays on neighborhood lawns. I could go on...

While I am not a huge Thanksgiving person, since Turkey Day falls right in between my 2 favorite holidays of the year I will accept it!

Yes, I was a big Easter person as a kid, and Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day are fun too - but Halloween and Christmas are definitely my favorites!

So I could not be happier that Fall begins today, because that means my favorite holidays are coming up!






So, when I left off a couple of days ago, I was moseying around the charmingly rustic Halloween Round-Up, admiring the intricately carved character pumpkins and studying the details in the Scare-Dy-Crow Shack (which also doubles as Santa's cabin during the holiday season).


More from the Round-Up and the Scare-Dy-Crow Shack.



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3205.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3206.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3207.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3208.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3209.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3210.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3211.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3212.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3213.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3214.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3215.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3216.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3217.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3218.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3219.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3222.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3220.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3221.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3223.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3224.jpg




Little Pocahontas is so cute, isn't she?








Okay...my PC made it through Part 9!!!! Yay!!! Can it last through Part 10? Tune in and see, because I have more coming up from the Round-Up and other assorted window displays and things.

[kaoden39]

I love the scarecrows. A few years back I made one for a contest. I had a blast making him. They were supposed to be a "classic" scarecrow so I made his face out of burlap like they did way back when and I stitched a face on him. I stuffed him with hay. I didn't do the fancy set up that a lot of people did so I got an honorable mention. The people that had elaborate set ups won.


I think that Pocahontas is adorable. I love the petting zoo. When we went in 2007 my kids had a blast back there with the baby goats.

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 10



Pocahontas was just going about her business. I felt bad for her because she was separated from the other animals - so she had no one to interact or play with. She was all by herself in a corner of the Round-Up, in kind of a small pen area. I'm sure DLR takes good care of her, but I wish she could hang out with her barnyard friends.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3225.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3226.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3227.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3228.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3229.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3230.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3231.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3232.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3233.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3234.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3235.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3236.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3237.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3238.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3239.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3240.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3241.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3242.jpg




At this point it was time to move on from the Round-Up. It's not that I couldn't have stayed there, taking more photos. It was more a matter of timing - the fact that I had to move on to New Orleans Square and back to Main Street for more window displays before it was time to meet back up with Liza/funatdisney at 4 p.m. I didn't want to use up all of my time at the Round-Up. I felt like I got some decent Round-Up pictures - which was more than I had gotten on any of my previous Halloween DLR trips. If I had more days in the park, I could have stretched it out a bit more.


Anyway, coming up in Part 11, I head off to see what I can dig up in New Orleans Square (hint: not as much as I dug up at the Round-Up!).....

Oh, and in case you were wondering, eventually I will explain the "Diabolical Twin" part of this Trip Report Title!:rotfl2: I don't want to leave you in suspense!

[tksbaskets]

Pocahontas is adorable! I love the Roundup pictures you got. :thumbsup2

[kaoden39]

I love the round up pictures and I cannot wait to hear about the diabolical twin.:rotfl:

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 11


Making my way into New Orleans Square, I stopped to examine some Halloween-ish merchandise.




Love the Franken-Mickey ears!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3243.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3244.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3245.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3246.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3247.jpg




Kind of an unintentional (or intentional??) Hidden Mickey in the center of the ironwork...can you see it?

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3248.jpg



I love the pitcher of 'tea' (sweet tea, I suppose?) on the balcony!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3249.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3250.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3251.jpg




These next pieces of merchandise really have nothing to do with Halloween Time, but I just thought the patterns were cool or interesting!


This is a t-shirt...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3252.jpg



Some purses/bags...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3255.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3256.jpg



Another shirt of some kind...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3257.jpg




New Orleans Square is so beautiful at any time of year...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3259.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3260.jpg




These kids walked right into the frame when I was about to get a clear shot of Jack Skellington. I wanted to wait for people to leave so I could get one quick 'solo Jack' picture, but it was not to be. Jack was chatting up a storm, too. He is a very gabby skeleton.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3261-1.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3262.jpg




Love the pumpkin tree!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3263.jpg



I love these mugs! I don't know if you can see them clearly - and they were on the shelf closest to the floor, so even when I crouched down I couldn't get an eye-level shot - but they have Autumn silhouettes on them, with falling leaves and silhouettes of Mickey, Minnie, etc. I have actually seen a photo of the whole set of these mugs - I believe there might be 4 of them total - and they all have the silhouettes and things to symbolize the season or holiday. I don't know if you can tell but there is a Christmas mug like this too, over to the left.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3264.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3265.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3267.jpg




This is a Nightmare Before Christmas wreath of some kind...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3268.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3270.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3272.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3273.jpg






Coming up in Part 12, I finally make it back to Main Street!! The sewing machine is coming up, deej!!

[ddwlms]

Hello, everyone (and I am talking to the 2 of you who are out there, following along)!



Hey, just so you know, you actually have more then 2 followers. Some of us just tend to lurke, quietly enjoying your narratives. :santa:

[WDWJonasGirl]

Kaitlin - look forward to whatever photos you come up with this weekend!!







Michele and Kaitlin -

I have to thank you guys for still being here!:grouphug: It is sooooo hard for me to post updates from this PC because it gives me so much trouble, especially when working in Photobucket. I can't post the really big photos anymore because my PC will literally lock up and not load the pages when the photos are too big (I have that problem in my own TR, and with other folks' TR's when their photos are too big - the pages will not load for me and I have to reboot), but even working with the smaller sizes and copying IMG codes gives me endless problems. If anyone saw exactly what I was dealing with, they would wonder why I was even bothering and how I had not taken a sledgehammer to this PC yet.

So I am glad to know you guys are out here. I'd hate to think I am struggling with this stupid PC and Photobucket only to have no one following along! I have posted 8 installments - 7 of which have lots of photos - and am just about to post installment #9.....but most folks disappeared long ago!:rotfl2: Everyone else abandoned me!!:rotfl2::rotfl2:


So thank you guys for being here!:hug:


Okay, Part 9 comin' right up with more from the Halloween Round-Up!!:dancer:

No problem Sherry.

[kaoden39]

I love that pink shirt. Dina thought about getting it for herself in February. I have never noticed that tea before. I am going to need to look for it next time I go.



New Orleans Square is as beautiful as always.

[Sherry E]

I love the scarecrows. A few years back I made one for a contest. I had a blast making him. They were supposed to be a "classic" scarecrow so I made his face out of burlap like they did way back when and I stitched a face on him. I stuffed him with hay. I didn't do the fancy set up that a lot of people did so I got an honorable mention. The people that had elaborate set ups won.


I think that Pocahontas is adorable. I love the petting zoo. When we went in 2007 my kids had a blast back there with the baby goats.

Michele -

Making a scarecrow sounds like fun! I've never made a scarecrow, nor have I carved any super-elaborate pumpkins (just your basic jack-o-lanterns that everyone learns in Pumpkin Carving 101!:rotfl2:), but you're right - the scarecrows are great, too. When you throw a scarecrow into any kind of Halloween display, it not only adds a kind of 'farmhouse' feel but they can also be rather creepy at times, which suits the mood.

If only I lived in a place where it was possible to go nuts with exterior decorating - and if I had the money to do it - I would probably go all out with Halloween and Christmas displays. I used to just love love love handing out candy to kids on Halloween - even if the kids suspiciously looked like they were 18 years old.:rotfl2: I would gets tons of candy and just put gobs of it in their bags (much to the annoyance of their parents). And when I moved to a security building, that killed any chance of trick or treaters stopping by. They only go to the houses/apartments that have front doors which are accessible to anyone. They don't go to security buildings.

The baby goats at the Round-Up are so sweet. Sometimes they wear Halloween neck scarves, but the ones I saw last Friday were not wearing any yet. Maybe as the season wears on the baby goats will get into the Halloween spirit too!

Pocahontas is adorable! I love the Roundup pictures you got. :thumbsup2

TK!

You're back!:banana: I thought you had disappeared from this TR. You vanished right after I had gone on TSMM with the 10-minute wait! I posted a bunch of installments and I kept thinking, "What happened to TK? She wanted photos and chatting! Where is she?":rotfl2:

Pocahontas was so sweet, but I just wish she had a little playmate at the Round-Up. She seemed lonely and isolated from the other critters. She wasn't even right next to the baby goats. She was kind of across the walkway from them, at quite a distance.


I love the round up pictures and I cannot wait to hear about the diabolical twin.:rotfl:


Michele -

Thank you.:goodvibes I wish I could say the "diabolical twin" reference sprouted from some amusing anecdote, like the Evil Chair/Peppermint Cone of Death references did. There was no funny story this time. It was more just an observation I made which made me think of the "diabolical twin" thing. But I will explain that soon!


Hey, just so you know, you actually have more then 2 followers. Some of us just tend to lurke, quietly enjoying your narratives. :santa:

ddwlms -

Yay! A lurker emerged from the mist!! I am so glad you spoke up and let me know you were there. I know what you mean about lurking - I've done it myself here and there. Sometimes you just don't feel like speaking up or typing. You just want to read. We all do that and feel that way. I can understand that. Actually, I have said before that I think there are many, many more lurkers for most trip reports than there are people who post. The majority of people would rather lurk on most trip reports.

Thank you so much for speaking up, though! I do like to hear from lurkers when they decide to post!


No problem Sherry.

Kaitlin - Have a great time tomorrow at DLR!:banana:


I love that pink shirt. Dina thought about getting it for herself in February. I have never noticed that tea before. I am going to need to look for it next time I go.

New Orleans Square is as beautiful as always.

Michele -

It is a pretty cute design on the shirt. I'm not even sure why that pink shirt caught my attention. It was a dark shop, tucked away in New Orleans Square, and I was not looking for shirts. I'm not even sure what I was looking for when I stepped in that shop. Lord knows there are a million pieces of merchandise with mouse ears or variations of mouse ears on them, so I think we all become jaded after a while and tend to not really notice a lot of them. I guess I mainly tend to notice the things that are especially unique now, and that image on the pink shirt was kind of an interesting spin on a familiar 'mouse ears' idea.

I have never noticed that tea sitting on the table on the balcony before, either! Then again, during the holidays (which is normally when I would be at DLR) the balconies in NOS are decorated with beads and ornaments and things, so those probably obscure the pitcher of tea. That's probably why I have never seen it. It's been hidden behind all kinds of Mardi Gras-esque holiday decor. This was one of the first times in a long while when I have walked through that section of NOS and it wasn't decked out for the holidays.



I've got some good window display stuff coming up fairly soon...and, finally, the return of deejdigsdis' favorite sewing machine display (which I kept thinking was a different sewing machine display, in a different window, but, really, it wasn't...).:banana:

[mvf-m11c]

Very nice photos from the Round Up and the merchandise. Looks like I got a lot of picture taking tomorrow. Once again, great photos and your one day trip gives me an idea of what to take at DL tomorrow.

[kaoden39]

Whats funny is those look like the same basic things in the windows like maybe they are just changing the characters and the seasonal changes. But, the big things like the bicycle are still there.

I love Halloween, to me that is my favorite holiday. If I bough every decoration I wanted we would be broke and there would be no room for any decorations. And throw in Christmas, well you get it. Our storage shed in our yard is filled with holiday decorations literally. We have enough ornaments we could decorate three or four trees.

Making the scarecrow was a lot of fun. I sewed clothe leaves onto it and I used hay and corn husks. It was fun indeed!!

[tksbaskets]

I love Halloween and the merchandise is great this year! Probably a good thing for my purse that I'm just visiting virtually this year. :lmao:

Not continue to read each installment?? Are you kidding?? I'm enjoying your whirlwind trip to DL immensely.

I did have to find a spot of time to post a couple of pictures on the Christmas thread in between reading!

popcorn::

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love the merchandise!!

[Sherry E]

Very nice photos from the Round Up and the merchandise. Looks like I got a lot of picture taking tomorrow. Once again, great photos and your one day trip gives me an idea of what to take at DL tomorrow.

Bret -

Thank you! But I know you are not reading this right now because you are at DLR, enjoying the Halloween Time festivities!:cool1::banana:

I know you'll take a lot of great photos - you'll probably find some cool things that the rest of us haven't found yet!



Whats funny is those look like the same basic things in the windows like maybe they are just changing the characters and the seasonal changes. But, the big things like the bicycle are still there.

I love Halloween, to me that is my favorite holiday. If I bough every decoration I wanted we would be broke and there would be no room for any decorations. And throw in Christmas, well you get it. Our storage shed in our yard is filled with holiday decorations literally. We have enough ornaments we could decorate three or four trees.

Making the scarecrow was a lot of fun. I sewed clothe leaves onto it and I used hay and corn husks. It was fun indeed!!

Michele -

You're absolutely right. There are some basic items in the DL window displays that stay there year-round, and I guess the window designers/window dressers (or whatever DLR calls them - I'm sure they have some clever Disney-fied name for it) just swap out the seasonal touches and colors.

I'm not sure why the sewing machine baffled me this year. As I was saying to deej earlier in the week, I think I was thrown off because I am so used to seeing photos of that pesky sewing machine in her TR's (for different seasons), or at night on my own trips (like last December, I got a photo of the holiday sewing machine display, in the evening). But I am not used to really paying attention to it in broad daylight, during Halloween Time, in person, right in front of me.

So when I looked at the sewing machine last week, it didn't seem to me to be in the same location that it was in when I made my December trip...although I am sure it was in the same exact place! I didn't recall going up to that exact same window, in that same location, and taking the nighttime Christmas sewing machine photo...although I am certain I did!:rotfl2::rotfl2: It just appeared to be out of place, but, logically, I know it wasn't!:rotfl:

You said Halloween is your favorite holiday. I know a few people feel that same way and prefer it over Christmas (like Beth, for example, and funatdisney/liza). I'm always curious to know why certain holidays are favorites for people - like, if someone says Thanksgiving is their favorite, I always wonder why.

Are you one of the people who prefers Halloween to Christmas because there is no real pressure involved (other than getting candy for the trick or treaters), like there is with Thanksgiving or Christmas? That seems to be a huge reason why more people are loving Halloween these days - less pressure. Christmas time and Thanksgiving seem to evoke a lot of anxiety in people, and pressure to spend money, buy gifts, cook huge meals, etc.

Or, do you just prefer Halloween because you like the colors, the kind of 'scary' aspect to it, the pumpkins, etc.?

I love both Halloween and Christmas for different reasons because they are such different types of holidays, and they conjure up different types of feelings in each person, I think.

I guess the reason Christmas has the edge for me and wins out is because of the beauty of it. I don't have the same pressures other people have to buy gifts (no family = no gifts!), and I don't have to cook any enormous meals, so I can just kind of sit back or stroll around the neighborhood and enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the holiday season. I think I like it on a sensory level - the colors, the lights, the wide range of textures and types of decor, the music, the aromas, the goodies, etc. I like it for all sorts of superficial reasons more than the actual religious reasons/origins.

Plus, back when I had money I used to love love love giving gifts to friends! I loved making gifts, buying them, wrapping them, picking just the right things that people wanted or would like, etc.

Then again, Halloween is definitely my 'other' favorite holiday because of the whimsical nature of it, and how it can switch from being fun and festive to scary and blood-curdling!:rotfl2: It has two sides to it! It's like a split personality holiday!:rotfl2: Who doesn't love "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"? At the same time, it's so much fun to watch all the 'scary' TV specials too, about haunted houses and evil monsters and all that.

Plus, I love the Hallmark "Boo Bazaar," which used to sell all kinds of Halloween decor and lapel pins, etc.

Now if I had to pick a third favorite holiday, hmmmm...what would it be? Easter, I suppose. Gotta love the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, the pastel colors, Easter baskets, etc.

What would be your second and third favorite holidays, Michele?



I love Halloween and the merchandise is great this year! Probably a good thing for my purse that I'm just visiting virtually this year. :lmao:

Not continue to read each installment?? Are you kidding?? I'm enjoying your whirlwind trip to DL immensely.

I did have to find a spot of time to post a couple of pictures on the Christmas thread in between reading!

popcorn::


TK -

I'm glad you've been following along! I haven't really posted all that much to read - mainly just photos more than anything. It was a whirlwind trip - one that was planned way in advance and kept a secret! But seeing that I don't get to DLR very often and am not able to do TR's very often, I need all the support I can get!:rotfl2:

If I had more than one day (or 3/4 of a day), and was staying for a few nights, I could have really gotten into the photos and come up with some more stuff. But I'm glad I got what I was able to get in a short period of time, and now I have the Herculean task of the holidays ahead of me - and how I can top myself after last year's 1600-photo bonanza!!



I love the merchandise!!

Kaitlin -

They do make some really cute Halloween merchandise, don't they? I didn't see some things this year that I have seen other years for Halloween Time, so the main thing to remember is that if you spot something you like while you are at DLR, get it right away or it could be gone!!!

[DizNee Luver]

Love all the fall colors.....everything looks beautiful & comforting!!! The carved pumpkins are just amazing!!! Wish I was that talented to create some of those!! I've seen pics of the pumpkins around the partner's statue, but had never seen the Roger Rabbit one!!

After catching up on your report, I have a craving for pumpkin cookies!!!!

[Sherry E]

Love all the fall colors.....everything looks beautiful & comforting!!! The carved pumpkins are just amazing!!! Wish I was that talented to create some of those!! I've seen pics of the pumpkins around the partner's statue, but had never seen the Roger Rabbit one!!

After catching up on your report, I have a craving for pumpkin cookies!!!!

Hi, Laurie!:cool1:

"Comforting" is an excellent word to describe Fall, now that you mention it! When I think about it, there is something very comforting about Fall colors, Fall food, etc. There seem to be quite a few Fall-colored flower arrangements around DLR, whether in big flower beds or small planters, and even though some of them are artificial (shhhh! Don't tell anyone that!;)), they still greatly enhance the overall feeling of the season.

I know I am not talented enough to carve out a pumpkin like what they have at the Round-Up. My hands are just not steady enough, and my lines would be too sloppy, I think. But it's amazing to see what those pumpkin artists can do.

You know, in the past I had walked around the Partners statue and looked at the pumpkins representing each land, but I never took photos of them for some odd reason.:confused3 (What I was I thinking?) So when I actually took the time to get some pictures, some of the pumpkins looked less familiar to me than others. I kind of wish they had a better 'mascot' on the pumpkin that represents Adventureland. I guess it has to be Tarzan because of Tarzan's Treehouse, though. I just wish it were Baloo or someone from another animated, 'adventure-ish' feature (like Simba or Baloo, for example). They could represent the theme of the land rather than representing an attraction in the land.

And now I am going to say something controversial......I kinda sorta wish there was someone other than Tinkerbell on the Fantasyland pumpkin!:scared1:

I know - I should turn in my 'Disney fan for life' membership card for uttering such blasphemy! I just think that if we are going to be representing rides in a particular land on a pumpkin, it would be more interesting to have Snow White or Pinocchio or Mr. Toad.

I'm sort of craving pumpkin cookies myself! Oddly enough, I am not a huge pumpkin pie fan. I don't hate it. I don't even dislike it, really. But I could take it or leave it. I don't even really care for pumpkin-flavored things too much. If I were going to sit down and eat pie, it would not be pumpkin. However, being at DLR gives me a whole new interest in some things, I suppose, and when I was there on the 16th, I found myself actually considering ordering pumpkin pie at the Plaza Inn!:rotfl2: I didn't end up getting it, but I was thinking about it!

Being at Disneyland during Halloween Time makes me want to eat pumpkin-flavored goodies, just like being there during the holiday season makes me want to eat gingerbread and peppermint more than I would in 'real life'! They cast a spell on us at DLR, I tell you! They work some sort of magic that gets us all wanting to eat and buy things we would not normally think too much about!:rotfl2:

Anyway, am trying to fumble with Photobucket to get the next installment up.

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 12


When I left off in Part 11, I was making my way out of New Orleans Square and back to Main Street, stopping to check out some merchandise along the way. I was mainly trying to focus on finding Halloween merchandise for the sake of getting photos to post in the Superthread, but it's easy to get sidetracked by the various colors, designs and variety of the other year-round souvenirs too.

I must say - I am one of those folks who loves a super-sized mug! I don't like small, wimpy mugs. I like the hearty, giant-sized mugs that can not only hold beverages but also servings of soup, chili, cereal, ice cream, etc. In the old, old days I used to collect mugs, but they were all the small, wimpy ones. Now it seems like everything is oversized! I don't know if I could find a tiny mug at Disneyland even if I wanted it!



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3276.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3277.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3278-1.jpg




Yes, it may seem like the Christmas merchandise was put out a little early, but to be fair, the China Closet on Main Street always has a section devoted to Christmas stuff (year-round), and these items were in that section. So when you look at it that way, I guess it was normal. These are basically the standard DLR holiday fare, but not really the new items for 2011, I don't think (every year DLR comes out with something new and extra-clever).


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3279.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3280.jpg



I think these are beautiful ornaments.


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3281.jpg




http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3285.jpg



Some festive Mickey pumpkin and ghost antenna toppers for Michele (I know you love a good antenna topper!!)...


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3286.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3287.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3288.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3282.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3290.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3291-1.jpg




Franken-Mickey!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3292.jpg



Love these!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3293.jpg



http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3294.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3295.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3296.jpg






Stay tuned for Part 13, which will feature...the seasonal Sewing Machine Display, as well as the seasonal cake!

[DizNee Luver]

I actually agree on the Tinkerbell pumpkin.....Dumbo, Mr Toad, Alice, etc would all be good choices!! I favor Dumbo myself....that's actually the first thing I think of when someone says Fantasyland.

I love all the Halloween merchandise, especially the shot glasses near the bottom of the post!! (the ornament is awesome too!!!)

[Sherry E]

I actually agree on the Tinkerbell pumpkin.....Dumbo, Mr Toad, Alice, etc would all be good choices!! I favor Dumbo myself....that's actually the first thing I think of when someone says Fantasyland.

I love all the Halloween merchandise, especially the shot glasses near the bottom of the post!! (the ornament is awesome too!!!)

Dumbo would be great, Laurie! When I was thinking of other characters who could be on a pumpkin representing Fantasyland, I forgot all about Dumbo! That's actually a really, really good idea. Tinkerbell just seems so....expected, I guess.

They did have some cute Halloween shot glasses this year, didn't they? There were a couple of different types. I'm not sure if I have noticed holiday or Halloween shot glasses at DLR in the past.:confused3 That's not to say they didn't exist. I just never saw them.


Okay, I'm gathering up photos for the next installment.:yay: I don't have too much more to go - I am almost done. I think everyone would rather see Bret's Halloween photos anyway (which he will be posting today), so it's probably for the best that I am about done!

[tksbaskets]

Dumbo would be great, Laurie! When I was thinking of other characters who could be on a pumpkin representing Fantasyland, I forgot all about Dumbo! That's actually a really, really good idea. Tinkerbell just seems so....expected, I guess.

They did have some cute Halloween shot glasses this year, didn't they? There were a couple of different types. I'm not sure if I have noticed holiday or Halloween shot glasses at DLR in the past.:confused3 That's not to say they didn't exist. I just never saw them.


Okay, I'm gathering up photos for the next installment.:yay: I don't have too much more to go - I am almost done. I think everyone would rather see Bret's Halloween photos anyway (which he will be posting today), so it's probably for the best that I am about done!

NOOoooo I don't want your trip to be almost done....I like looking at both your photos and Bret's. A wonderful one-two treat! :woohoo:

[Sherry E]

The Return of the Masked Mouse and His Diabolical Twin - September 16, 2011 - Part 13



As Michele (kaoden39) was saying earlier, many of the window displays along Main Street feature certain items to convey a theme (bicycles, sewing machines, etc.) which stay there all year long, and the Disney window designer people just swap out the seasonal colors and accessories surrounding these items as the months go on.

This ends up being rather amusing, in a way. It's fun to kind of see the evolution of these displays over the course of the year, and to see the holiday accents change. Its like the displays are very similar...and, yet, different. Our very own DIS'er deejdigsdis has a few photos of one particular window display featuring an ever-present sewing machine in her TR, and her photos span a few different variations of the same display over a few different trips to DLR.


So you might find, for example, a window display featuring a cake...




Here is the Christmas season cake:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1951.jpg




And the Halloween Time version of the cake:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3297.jpg






...Or a sewing machine...




Christmas season sewing machine display:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1958.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1977.jpg




Halloween Time sewing machine:

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3308.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3319.jpg





...Or other assorted baked goods...



Other random holiday cake:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1954.jpg




Other random Halloween cake:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3303.jpg




Christmas cupcakes:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1944.jpg




Halloween cupcakes:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3299.jpg





...Or the same window, different holiday...




General holiday window display:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1973.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1967.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Disneyland%20-%20December%202010%20-%20Part%203/IMG_1974.jpg





General Halloween window display:


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3314.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3318.jpg





Anyway, you get the idea! I don't have any Easter time photos, but would love to have them for the comparison. I have, however, seen the Valentine's Day displays in some photos and they are oddly similar to the Christmas displays! I think those sneaky Disney people just replaced a couple of items but basically left the holiday stuff intact. Christmas and Valentine's Day share a common thread of the color red, so it's easy to reuse some of the same props and decorations (and it's less expensive that way, I suppose)



Moving on with my Halloween window display fun 'n' games....You can see I encountered the dreaded reflections and glares that can be a problem with window displays. I got lucky in December and was able to avoid a lot of that glare/reflection nonsense by taking the pictures at night! Not this time, though.

But that's okay - I don't edit my photos before posting them here in the TR (except to block out a face or two or to rotate the picture). I don't only show you the ones I consider to be 'good' pictures. If I only showed you the ones that I thought were any good, well this TR would have very few pictures in it, not to mention it would take me 10 years to get through one single Trip Report!!

I show them all - great shots or not, blurry messes or not...it's all here (unless the photo is just soooooo blurry you can't tell what the subject is). Sometimes I get lucky - those photos from Dia de los Muertos and the outdoor portion of the Halloween Round-Up came out pretty decent. The colors in the Dia de los Muertos display were exactly like that in person...no enhancement on this end. I was just lucky it translated on camera. And sometimes I fail miserably and take a bad photo. But that's okay because we all do that.

I think it's fellow DIS'er KCMike that said on this forum once to just keep shooting and eventually something will come out great!! It's so true! Just take hundreds or thousands of photos and there will be a few gems in the bunch - believe me!


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3300.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3301.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3302.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3304.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3305.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3306.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3307.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3309.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3310.jpg


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3311.jpg







We are nearing the end, folks. There is not too much more to come! By my calculations, it looks like I only have about 2 more posts full of photos (assuming I use the 25-image limit we are allotted per post) and that will be it for this trip. I did as much as I could do with a 3/4 day trip and about 4.75 hours of solo time.

I do have the Halloween party coming up, but I don't hold out much hope for my camera to take great nighttime shots so you may not see too many pictures from that adventure. We'll see what happens!! I know I could take the time to fiddle with the settings to get the best night shots possible, but I don't know if I will have the time for that this week.


Anyway, Parts 14 and 15 - the final Halloween frontier - are coming up today!!

[JH87]

Sherry I am loving your photos and TR! I just got back from DLR and I didn't take as many photos as you did, so it's fun to re-see all the Halloween stuff. Especially the window displays :)

[Sherry E]

NOOoooo I don't want your trip to be almost done....I like looking at both your photos and Bret's. A wonderful one-two treat! :woohoo:

It's almost done, TK! So you won't have much more from me. I have about 2 more posts left - unless I spread out the photos and stretch them to 3 posts. I've already gotten to the sewing machine display and it's all downhill from there!:rotfl2: ...Except for that I have to explain where "Diabolical Twin" came from, which is not really all that entertaining.

Strangely, I cannot get into Bret's TR to post comments or view his photos IN the actual TR, because his photos are large and my computer will just not load the pages. I have tried repeatedly to get in there and post a comment, but if it's on a page with many photos...my PC (which is failing, as we all know) will lock up and I have to reboot. I had similar problems with deej's TR at times - she posts the big, colorful photos, which are great to look at but horrible for my PC. :rotfl2:

I even have trouble in my very own TR when I need to go back to an older page for some reason, and in the early days of this TR is when I was posting bigger photos. My pages will not load and my PC locks up.

The only way I seem to be able to view Bret's pictures is when I get the e-mail notification that he has posted. I can click on the separate photo links in the e-mail and see them that way. But I cannot comment on anything in the TR because I can't get the TR pages to load when there are photos! No one else has these problems, so I know it's just a problem with my stupid computer!:headache:



Sherry I am loving your photos and TR! I just got back from DLR and I didn't take as many photos as you did, so it's fun to re-see all the Halloween stuff. Especially the window displays :)


Welcome back, Jillian!!:banana: I'm so glad to see you here again! Thank you! I thought of you the other day - I remembered you said you were going to be at DLR this past week and I wondered if you would come back with any photos. You were there for a couple of days, weren't you?

It is very hard to get a lot of photos of window displays and lots things at the Round-Up and all that when you have people with you, isn't it? It's definitely something that is better left for solo park time! Although...there were other people who had window displays in mind when I was there because I actually had people standing behind me, waiting to get photos of random displays too! The window displays are catching on!:rotfl2:

I never made it back to the Villains photo spot in Fantasyland! My time was so brief, and I really wanted to mainly concentrate on Main Street, merchandise, the Round-Up and Dia de los Muertos. So I didn't get to see which Villains were out, but now I am hearing that there were some different ones from previous years (the less common ones, I suppose). Who did you see?


Will you be posting your photos anywhere? I'd love to see them!:yay:

[mvf-m11c]

I enjoyed seeing all your halloween photos from the window displays. Most of the windows displays were the same as the ones that you took. I did take some pics of the window displays, but I didn't get very close pics of the displays like you did. I liked all the photos of the merchandise that you took.

When I post more of the pics on my TR, I will shrink them down so you can see them with no problem. I didn't know that you had a problem viewing my TR, so the next post will be for you so you can view them.

[tksbaskets]

I absolutely LOVE the comparison pictures of the window displays. It's the little details that keep you in amazement of the level of commitment Disney has to the total experience.

If I lived closer you bet I'd be there more often just to enjoy the change of seasons or different parades or shows.

Often our non-Disney friends (alas, we do have some) ask why we keep going to WDW or DL. What a silly question! :rotfl: From reading trip reports like your (and my other favs) I find out just how much of DL we haven't explored yet.

YIKES :scared1: I can't even imagine not being able to comment on Bret's TR. Must be like having a virtual muzzle.

I hear you with computer issues. My hard drive with ALL my pictures died. I have disk back-ups (over a hundred) but now have to load them all up and re-organize in my photoshop elements program. I hope I get to start on my cruise trip report in the same calendar year.... :guilty:

Oh well, in the mean time bring on Halloween!!

TK

[kaoden39]

Well I think that it is Thanksgiving. We have a nice size family and we all get together. It's us and any friends that we may invite. I cook a huge spread, I try to throw in a new recipe or two. My stuffing is never the same and it is always one that is strictly Michele dish.


My mom has always been huge about holidays. When I was a little girl my mom would make a huge deal about every holiday. It never mattered how big the holiday. She carried that on for my kids.


Now to go back and read the latest!!:woohoo:

[kaoden39]

I have to agree about Tinkerbell on the Fantasyland pumpkin. I must admit to feeling a strong disappointment when I saw Tink on there. I love Tink in her Pixie Hollow, I think she is adorable. I would have loved to see a Dumbo pumpkin or something along those lines. I thought the other lands were good but Fantasyland didn't give me that smile the others did.


I love the Christmas decorations in those shops and I will admit to having spent more time in the stores this last trip than I ever have. There are so many cute things in there that if I bought everything that I fell in love with I would owe the national debt.

[WDWJonasGirl]

Kaitlin -

They do make some really cute Halloween merchandise, don't they? I didn't see some things this year that I have seen other years for Halloween Time, so the main thing to remember is that if you spot something you like while you are at DLR, get it right away or it could be gone!!!

They sure did. I went yesterday. Why do they have the Christmas stuff out already :scared1: I thought they don''t have it until November.

[mariezp]

No, no, no, Sherry! You have NOT been abandoned! I’ve been reading along here and there but my days have been filled with way too many appointments and migraines. :sick: I've been hoping all day that I would get to read through today and get a post in so you will know that you still do have another of your loyal followers still reading along. :hug: Here goes…..

I am glad to know I am not the only one who still enjoys a not so scary Halloween atmosphere. I totally agree! No hatchet wielding maniacs for me either! Reading through some of the e-mail updates I get is enough for me some days. And, I better make sure there are no little eyes peeping over my shoulder so as to not give my DD nightmares. We are a bunch of wimps when it comes to SCARY! I don't even do very well to watch the evening news. :scared1:

It IS very easy to wear you wrist out on TSMM but it sure is fun! What is always unfortunate for me is that just about the time I finally start getting in my groove... it's time for the ride to be over. I guess we will just have to hope that all of us get a chance at another of those 10 minute waits... sometime in our lifetime! :lmao:

We will have to be sure to take notes on the Little Mermaid and compare them to yours. Maybe it is one of those that really grows on you even more the more times you ride it. :confused3 I can't wait to see if the building is as beautiful at night as some of the pictures I have seen.

Interesting that Duffy’s meet and greet is one of the few places in DCA to receive any Halloween treatment. They are really pushing him, aren’t they!??? Guess he’s cute enough but IMHO I think Disney was doing okay without him. Everybody’s got a bear! LOL! Anyway, good find on his hidden Mickey pumpkin.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3079.jpg


I thought this pumpkin was rather unique. I think I like the more orangy ones better but I do like the scrolly doo-dads. Kinda give it a victorian look. Anyway, your photo hunt paid off well in bringing some of us things that we might not see otherwise. :thumbsup2

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3092.jpg


Also gotta say that I love those sewing machines too… along with the pumpkin with the stitching, button eyes and spool nose.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3308.jpg



Emma thinks this one is sure an odd looking critter!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3103.jpg


Thanks for the close up of the Dia de los Muertos display. We took the opportunity to read up and learn about this cultural celebration. Was interesting and gave us a much better understanding of how the skeleton guys and gals fit into the decorations in Frontierland.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3150.jpg


I do believe this is my favorite of the carvings in Big Thunder Ranch. Those artists are so talented! Funny to imagine the Scare-Dy-Crow Shack one day…. then a few days down the road it is so splendidly transformed into Santa’s cozy cottage. Disney is amazing!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3179.jpg



This one made me smile. Ain’t he sweet!

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3208.jpg


Pocohantas really is a purty donkey. I wouldn’t worry about her being too lonely. I imagine she gets plenty of attention from all the people passing by. And, honestly, as long as they keep her fed she is probably quite content in her own pen.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx120/Mousesausage67/Halloween%20Time%20at%20Disneyland%20-%209-16-11/IMG_3221.jpg


You have so many other good photos but I will try to refrain from reposting all my favorites. You are doing an amazing job with you camera! Now if only stray people would pay attention to what’s going on around them and stay out of the way!

AHHHHH! Do you have any idea how badly you have made me want a gingerbread cookie now???? :lmao: I was tempted to lick my screen! :eek: I have a feeling that will be one of our first stops when we get there. DH became quite a fan of them last year and did a good job of eating way more than I did. I am a little more selective. I only want the ones with chocolate ears.
Speaking of seasonal goodies, I also agree that fall makes pumpkin anything seem more appealing. I am not a huge pumpkin fan either but once a year it seems almost proper to have a little something “traditional” like a slice of pumpkin pie. At the very least it makes for a good excuse to indulge in a sweet treat you might not usually grab.

And, lastly... I'd have to agree that fall is also probably my favorite time of year too. Spring is good but with it comes lots of outside work. Fall on the other hand brings cooler weather and VACATION TIME! What’s not to like about that?





deejdigsdis, I am so sorry that both of your parents are having such difficulties. Sending prayers your way that they both return to good health... and another one to keep you in good health as well as you go through the stress of dealing with so much all at once. Glad you are able to find a little distraction browsing the threads here on the DIS.

[JH87]

Welcome back, Jillian!!:banana: I'm so glad to see you here again! Thank you! I thought of you the other day - I remembered you said you were going to be at DLR this past week and I wondered if you would come back with any photos. You were there for a couple of days, weren't you?

It is very hard to get a lot of photos of window displays and lots things at the Round-Up and all that when you have people with you, isn't it? It's definitely something that is better left for solo park time! Although...there were other people who had window displays in mind when I was there because I actually had people standing behind me, waiting to get photos of random displays too! The window displays are catching on!:rotfl2:

I never made it back to the Villains photo spot in Fantasyland! My time was so brief, and I really wanted to mainly concentrate on Main Street, merchandise, the Round-Up and Dia de los Muertos. So I didn't get to see which Villains were out, but now I am hearing that there were some different ones from previous years (the less common ones, I suppose). Who did you see?


Will you be posting your photos anywhere? I'd love to see them!:yay:
I only did the Villain m&g one time and got to meet the Sheriff of Nottingham and Gideon! I was super excited about the Sheriff! Other times when I walked by I saw the typical ones: Cruella, Queen of Hearts, Hook, and also I saw Honest John. I would have loved a photo with him but it was 2 against one so we skipped out on that.

Also Rabbit has been making a lot of appearances lately at the Pooh and Friends m&g! Again, I would have LOVED a photo with him but majority ruled.

I really didn't take many pics at all. I have some up on FB but I don't think I have you as a friend on there? (You can add me if you want! (https://www.facebook.com/jillian.henriques) ;)) But I might post a few up in the Halloween thread.

[Sherry E]

Sigh...This has nothing to do with the Halloween TR, but it does have to do with my upcoming holiday DLR trip.:sad2:

This is just a side comment - I won't get into all of it now because the outcome may be different in a week or two and I want to get the Halloween stuff finished here before diving into the holiday plan, full-throttle, but...

It's always oh-so-wonderful when I plan a specific week to be in DLR to accommodate my out of town friends' schedule and they end up rearranging the entire plan. I plan, for example, 11/28 - 12/5, thinking this will work with their post-Thanksgiving trip. I have this reservation made for months (over 4 months, to be exact)....only to have said out of town friends now tell me that since they don't want to travel to SoCal over Thanksgiving weekend, they will not be able to fly out until 12/2 and they will not be in DLR until.....12/6 (one day after I check OUT of the PPH).:headache:

Yes, yes, the question that may immediately spring to mind is "If they are flying out to SoCal on 12/2, and Sherry is going to be at DLR until 12/5, why can't they go and join her there on 12/3 or 12/4?"

I have asked myself the same thing. I have no clue why they can't be at DLR until 12/6, but I have had these dates set SINCE MAY, they know I am getting a special deal on the PPH and don't have tons of leeway to change dates, and no one bothered to mention to me until now that they didn't want to travel over Thanksgiving weekend....when they know it will be too late for me to change dates at the PPH!

The irony is that I would have actually preferred to go one week later to have a full December trip and not a November/December crossover. I only chose the specific dates I chose because of my out of town friends.

Ah well...what can I do? Nothing, really. I understand they have to travel when it makes the most sense for them and when they are the most comfortable. I just wish they had told me about this issue with the dates a long time ago. If there were time to switch dates now I would switch them just because I preferred December dates to begin with. But I am fairly certain it's too late to switch. I think the PPH's "special rate rooms" like what I am getting are already all booked up for early December.

So...hopefully I will round up a few DIS'ers to join me at the PPH and I will forge ahead with the plan in some way, shape or form!

Anyway, I just wanted to vent/update for a moment. I actually have to sign off and take care of some things, and then I plan to come back to the DIS later to reply to everyone who posted here yesterday, finish off the last couple of installments of my Halloween TR, check in on Bret's TR (if I can get on without having to reboot!), and other fun 'n' games!:cool1::cool1:

[mommaU4]

Well I think that it is Thanksgiving. We have a nice size family and we all get together. It's us and any friends that we may invite. I cook a huge spread, I try to throw in a new recipe or two. My stuffing is never the same and it is always one that is strictly Michele dish.


Hi Michele! I love stuffing!! You don't mind one more, do you? :rolleyes1 ;)





Hi Sherry! I am finally spending some time on the TR section of the DIS, and had to pop in. OMG, I love, love, love your photos. I need to slow down and just enjoy the park more instead of rushing from here to there. So many details.
Anyway, I am going to try to keep popping in here. I can't wait to see more!

[mariezp]

Well, Sherry, I am sorry that your day has not been better. :hug: Me thinks you have some pretty inconsiderate friends who don't really deserve to spend any time with you. :snooty: I think you are on the right track to just keep going with your own plans and if they have a change of heart then they can approach you about how to fit into YOUR schedule. Good friends should NOT be that much of a headache to make plans with! :headache: Not to mention... just think of the quality time you will be able to spend alone snapping all the photos you want.... or meeting up with DIS buddies who really share your love of the park and "get it" :love: and who won't end up wasting your precious time absorbed mainly in just their own little universe.

[kaoden39]

Sigh...This has nothing to do with the Halloween TR, but it does have to do with my upcoming holiday DLR trip.:sad2:

This is just a side comment - I won't get into all of it now because the outcome may be different in a week or two and I want to get the Halloween stuff finished here before diving into the holiday plan, full-throttle, but...

It's always oh-so-wonderful when I plan a specific week to be in DLR to accommodate my out of town friends' schedule and they end up rearranging the entire plan. I plan, for example, 11/28 - 12/5, thinking this will work with their post-Thanksgiving trip. I have this reservation made for months (over 4 months, to be exact)....only to have said out of town friends now tell me that since they don't want to travel to SoCal over Thanksgiving weekend, they will not be able to fly out until 12/2 and they will not be in DLR until.....12/6 (one day after I check OUT of the PPH).:headache:

Yes, yes, the question that may immediately spring to mind is "If they are flying out to SoCal on 12/2, and Sherry is going to be at DLR until 12/5, why can't they go and join her there on 12/3 or 12/4?"

I have asked myself the same thing. I have no clue why they can't be at DLR until 12/6, but I have had these dates set SINCE MAY, they know I am getting a special deal on the PPH and don't have tons of leeway to change dates, and no one bothered to mention to me until now that they didn't want to travel over Thanksgiving weekend....when they know it will be too late for me to change dates at the PPH!

The irony is that I would have actually preferred to go one week later to have a full December trip and not a November/December crossover. I only chose the specific dates I chose because of my out of town friends.

Ah well...what can I do? Nothing, really. I understand they have to travel when it makes the most sense for them and when they are the most comfortable. I just wish they had told me about this issue with the dates a long time ago. If there were time to switch dates now I would switch them just because I preferred December dates to begin with. But I am fairly certain it's too late to switch. I think the PPH's "special rate rooms" like what I am getting are already all booked up for early December.

So...hopefully I will round up a few DIS'ers to join me at the PPH and I will forge ahead with the plan in some way, shape or form!

Anyway, I just wanted to vent/update for a moment. I actually have to sign off and take care of some things, and then I plan to come back to the DIS later to reply to everyone who posted here yesterday, finish off the last couple of installments of my Halloween TR, check in on Bret's TR (if I can get on without having to reboot!), and other fun 'n' games!:cool1::cool1:

Well now that is soooooo wrong. It really irritates me and if I say what I would lie to say I will get some real points and well to do it on a mods thread well no.


Hi Michele! I love stuffing!! You don't mind one more, do you? :rolleyes1 ;)





Hi Sherry! I am finally spending some time on the TR section of the DIS, and had to pop in. OMG, I love, love, love your photos. I need to slow down and just enjoy the park more instead of rushing from here to there. So many details.
Anyway, I am going to try to keep popping in here. I can't wait to see more!

Hi Beth!!

Well sure I always make tons!!

Well, Sherry, I am sorry that your day has not been better. :hug: Me thinks you have some pretty inconsiderate friends who don't really deserve to spend any time with you. :snooty: I think you are on the right track to just keep going with your own plans and if they have a change of heart then they can approach you about how to fit into YOUR schedule. Good friends should NOT be that much of a headache to make plans with! :headache: Not to mention... just think of the quality time you will be able to spend alone snapping all the photos you want.... or meeting up with DIS buddies who really share your love of the park and "get it" :love: and who won't end up wasting your precious time absorbed mainly in just their own little universe.


I couldn't agree more Marie.

[ddwlms]

It's always oh-so-wonderful when I plan a specific week to be in DLR to accommodate my out of town friends' schedule and they end up rearranging the entire plan. I plan, for example, 11/28 - 12/5, thinking this will work with their post-Thanksgiving trip. I have this reservation made for months (over 4 months, to be exact)....only to have said out of town friends now tell me that since they don't want to travel to SoCal over Thanksgiving weekend, they will not be able to fly out until 12/2 and they will not be in DLR until.....12/6 (one day after I check OUT of the PPH).:headache:

Yes, yes, the question that may immediately spring to mind is "If they are flying out to SoCal on 12/2, and Sherry is going to be at DLR until 12/5, why can't they go and join her there on 12/3 or 12/4?"

I have asked myself the same thing. I have no clue why they can't be at DLR until 12/6, but I have had these dates set SINCE MAY, they know I am getting a special deal on the PPH and don't have tons of leeway to change dates, and no one bothered to mention to me until now that they didn't want to travel over Thanksgiving weekend....when they know it will be too late for me to change dates at the PPH!

The irony is that I would have actually preferred to go one week later to have a full December trip and not a November/December crossover. I only chose the specific dates I chose because of my out of town friends.

Ah well...what can I do? Nothing, really. I understand they have to travel when it makes the most sense for them and when they are the most comfortable. I just wish they had told me about this issue with the dates a long time ago. If there were time to switch dates now I would switch them just because I preferred December dates to begin with. But I am fairly certain it's too late to switch. I think the PPH's "special rate rooms" like what I am getting are already all booked up for early December.



ok, lurker here, speaking up for the second time in a week. (ok, maybe it has been two weeks.)

I'm very selfishly unhappy with your inconsiderate friends. How, you might ask, do they have anything to do with me? me, who doesn't even know their names? Well, this is the deal. November is a very busy month for me work wise. I'm talking 80 hour weeks. Seriously. And then we leave for DLR on the Nov 27th. So..... seeing as how I foresee being way to busy to plan things properly, and seeing how you have this wonderful TR thread in which you have a history of starting each trip report with planning details, and seeing how your travel starts one day after mine, (there's a lot of seeing going on), I came up with the wonderful idea of "borrowing" all of your planning details. I mean, what could be more perfect? I shouldn't even have to think for myself. Just turn on the computer and find out what Sherry is doing and copy her.

And so, I take it as a personal affront that they are putting a damper on my,-I mean your, plans. (would someone who actually knows their names, please tell them how they are indirectly making life difficult for me:rotfl2:)

[JH87]

Ugh Sorry to hear about your out of town friends changing plans like that. Would these happen to be the same people you discussed before? I remember you talking about a certain group of people who do things like this often. It really bugs me when people don't think about how much trouble you went through to make it more accommodating for them, or people who just can't stick to a plan. May is plenty of time to agree on dates. why can't everyone just be reliable and responsible!?

[Sherry E]

I haven't had time to get back over here and reply to everyone yet, as well as finish up these last pesky installments of the Halloween TR...but I have to get them done before I head to the Halloween party. For some reason I've been incredibly busy with all kinds of stuff, both pleasant and stressful.

Anyway, just wanted to pop info a quick second and say to Jillian - yes, those are the same friends!:sad2::headache:

In fact, my friend just e-mailed me and said she realized they messed up on the dates, but she hopes I can change my dates so that we "can at least overlap." They are planning on 3 days in the parks. I wrote back and reminded her that I have had this PPH booking for over 4 months. I have tried to discuss plans with her a few times over the last couple of months and she has totally ignored me, and the reservation I currently have is not a "regular" hotel reservation. I'm going through a special department of DLR, I am getting a special rate (remember, I have one totally free night and then $99 for each night thereafter), and these rooms with this special rate go very, very fast, especially for the peak holiday season!

Again, I would have gladly chosen the all-December dates when I first booked the PPH in May. I would have greatly preferred that week over the week I have. But I chose the dates based on my friends' schedule. They had ample time to tell me in advance that the week I booked would not work. Now it's almost October and I am just now hearing that they don't want to travel over Thanksgiving weekend and will have to come out a week later, when it is almost certain to be too late for me to change dates.

Plus, what if I had/have people lined up for my week, to stay at the PPH with me and split the bill? I'm supposed to suddenly change dates and expect those people to be available to following week too?

Then my friend suggested that if our trips could not overlap, I can come and join them on one of their days. Right. Because after being at DLR for multiple days myself, I will not be exhausted at all;);) and will surely be rarin' to go to turn right around and go back only 1 day after I get home?:confused3

Just out of curiosity, I want to check with the Special Activities office and find out IF, indeed, those dates at the rate I have are booked up now - just so I can tell my friend I was right!:rotfl2: If the dates were actually available, I might be inclined to switch - NOT because of my friends, because I don't trust them to stick to a plan, but because I wanted all December dates anyway. The all-December dates would really be better for me, and would have been better for me all along, but I am resigned to going somewhere in that 11/28 - 12/5 week.


Okay, back to what I was doing here at home...

[kaoden39]

Sherry, seriously? I want to take a deep breath and count now.


You know I hope you can get the days you want. I got a PIN last week so they may still be available.

[mariezp]

Glad to hear that those flaky friends of yours do seem to have at least a little bit of conscience. After defending you for the inconsiderate way they had been treating you about the whole trip I was originally going to suggest that you might try to see if Disney might be able to switch your dates.... BUT do it only if it is what YOU really want. If the new dates do by chance happen to be available, given said friends history of unreliability, I would only make the changes IF it did not create any additional hardship on you. IF it happens to work out to offer the opportunity to spend time with the I Family then that might be nice but I would by no means be counting on them too much. Either way... you just gotta have fun.... but they sure could make things easier on you! :sad2: