Our Magical Mother Daughter Trip - Complete!

[Jennifer03]

Hello :wave2: and welcome to my trip report. I just returned from a three night stay at Paradise Pier Hotel at the Disneyland Resort (November 2–5). My first visit to Disneyland was on a family vacation in 1995 when I was eleven years old. I didn’t return again until April 2003 when I was senior in high school. My mom and I had taken this trip by ourselves and had such a great time that we knew we had to go back. Here is a picture of us in front of the castle from that trip:
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In August of 2005 I turned 21 so we planned to be in Disneyland on my birthday. It was fun, but very crowded. We returned again June 2007 to celebrate my graduation from college. As you can probably tell, we were going about every two years. I was starting to plan for our 2009 trip, but just couldn’t wait that long. So in early October I suggested buying annual passes and taking a trip this November. We called on October 8th to find out if there were any rooms available with the AP discount. Luckily, there was still availability! So we booked our rooms and purchased our annual passes online. I had been reading these boards for over a year and had been slowly saving various tips and information. I had already created a spreadsheet in Excel that listed where to eat and what rides and attractions we liked in each land, as well as a list of where to find photopass photographers. So I really didn’t have too much planning to do for our last minute trip.

Soon after the trip was finalized, I created a countdown calendar. It was so fun tearing a number off each night.

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Next: Our arrival and first day at the parks!

[Jennifer03]

Sunday, November 2, 2008
I woke up at 5:00 AM feeling very excited. After eating breakfast and getting ready, I finished packing last minute items. Once all of our bags were ready, we took them downstairs and loaded them into the car. We were off at 7:05 AM.

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The Saturday before we left for our trip a storm had hit. It was raining extremely hard with thunder and lightening. When we woke up on Sunday morning the rain had stopped and the sun was slowly coming out. Soon after we left home we noticed a beautiful rainbow in the sky. It was so nice seeing that on the way to Disneyland.

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It wasn’t long before we saw this billboard:


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Before we knew it, we were there!

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We arrived at Paradise Pier Hotel at 1:15 PM. Last year we had a view of California Adventure, so I was hoping for something a little different this time. I really wanted a pool view, but would have been happy with anything. After checking in, we were told our room was on the 9th floor, room 937, overlooking the pool! I was so happy to hear that!

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I love the carpet in the hallways.

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[avalon451]

Great start! Looking forward to reading more.

That is great that you and your mom get to do these trips together. I just took my first trip with my DD13, and it was magical. I hope to make it a tradition with each of my 3 daughters! :wizard:

[bumbershoot]

I'm reading!

Look at those cute little shampoo bottles...very different from the ones they had in Sept '07.

[Jennifer03]

Great start! Looking forward to reading more.

That is great that you and your mom get to do these trips together. I just took my first trip with my DD13, and it was magical. I hope to make it a tradition with each of my 3 daughters! :wizard:

Mother daughter trips are the best. :goodvibes I think it's great that you want to take trips to Disneyland with each of your daughters, it will give them many wonderful memories.

I'm reading!

Look at those cute little shampoo bottles...very different from the ones they had in Sept '07.

I love how Disney pays attention to every little detail, right down to the shampoo bottles! :)

[prettyprincessbelle]

Great start! I can't wait for more!

I've been bugging and nagging my Mom to get her butt in gear so we can have a mother daughter trip!

Can't wait to read the rest!

[wendylady36]

Looks like a great trip so far! Yay for getting the view you wanted! :woohoo: I've never stayed at PP, so I really enjoy seeing all the pictures you took of it, it looks like a cute place to stay. :goodvibes

I can't wait to read more! popcorn::

[Jennifer03]

Looks like a great trip so far! Yay for getting the view you wanted! :woohoo: I've never stayed at PP, so I really enjoy seeing all the pictures you took of it, it looks like a cute place to stay. :goodvibes

I can't wait to read more! popcorn::

Paradise Pier is a very cute place to stay, it's my favorite of all the Disney resort hotels.

Great start! I can't wait for more!

I've been bugging and nagging my Mom to get her butt in gear so we can have a mother daughter trip!

Can't wait to read the rest!

Mother daughter trips are so fun. I hope you and your mom can go to Disneyland together soon!

[Jennifer03]

Sunday, November 2, 2008 continued

After unpacking we headed to Disneyland to activate our annual passes. The line at the Bank of Main Street was long, but moved quickly. While standing in line I saw Goofy in his Halloween costume and Cruella De Vil.

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After taking our pictures, we had our annual passes!

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Then we took our first photopass pictures in front of the pumpkin.

We decided to ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh first, so we headed over to Critter Country. On the way we bought some grapes at a fruit stand and ate them on a bench across from the ride. Before getting on the ride we took some pictures.

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Then we left Disneyland and walked over to California Adventure to watch Muppet Vision 3D. :3dglasses I had never seen it before and really liked it.

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Next we rode Monsters, Inc. which I liked as well.

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By this time it was almost 5:00, which is when we normally eat, so we looked at the spreadsheet I had made to decide where to eat. We chose Bountiful Valley Farmers Market since they had the kid’s turkey wrap. We both thought the turkey wrap was really good and found it to be very filling.

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After dinner we headed back to the hotel. I went online (I love that Paradise Pier offers wireless internet access) and we watched some t.v., including the princess bedtime stories. I love all of the programs on Disney hotel televisions.

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We went to bed early since we had a full day at California Adventure ahead of us :hyper:

[Jennifer03]

Monday, November 3, 2008

I woke up at 6:00 AM and ate a quick breakfast in our room. Since the park didn’t open until 10, we spent the morning taking pictures around the hotel and Downtown Disney.

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A hidden Mickey!
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We were starting to get hungry at this point, so we walked over to White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian and shared a Mickey pretzel. It was very good once we took the salt off.

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[Jennifer03]

Is anyone reading this? :confused: I’m not sure if I should continue with my trip report or not…

[wendylady36]

I'm here! I'm loving all of your pictures. It looks like you gals had a fun time! :goodvibes

The early morning pictures are great, because there's not a whole bunch of people in them! I don't think I could get up early enough to do that though. :rotfl:

[1-disneyfan]

I'm here too popcorn:: enjoying seeing the Halloween decorations we missed :woohoo: we were there Nov 5-11 DD5 tap class danced at DCA on the 8th and DL on the 10th. Beautiful weather.....came home to wonderful Washington rain :eek:

Kris

[Jennifer03]

Monday, November 3, 2008 continued

Once we finished we walked back and lined up at bag check. The lines for California Adventure were still pretty short at this time so we the third in line. They let us in at 9:30 and we walked around Sunshine Plaza, looked at Greeting from California, and took some photopass pictures.

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Then we waited at the Hollywood Pictures Backlot rope.

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At 10, the rope was removed and we headed over for the Visa Meet and Greet. When we arrived, nobody was there. We waited around for a while, but nobody ever showed up. We decided we didn’t want to waste time so we took some pictures in the area.

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While taking pictures, I noticed several people walking over to the meet and greet area, but leaving soon after. I’m assuming they weren't going to have the meet and greet since it’s off-season, which isn’t right, but oh well.

We went to the animation building next and waited for the first Animation Academy class, which started at 11.

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The class was really fun and we learned to draw Mickey Mouse. I would love to go again on my next trip.

The picture I drew:
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The picture my mom drew:
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After the class we went to Pizza Oom Mow Mow for lunch. We both had the kid’s primo pasta with meatballs. I really liked this; it was probably my favorite meal of the whole trip.

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After lunch we went to A Bug’s Land and rode the Chew Chew Train, which was absolutely adorable!

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[Jennifer03]

I'm so glad I have readers! :goodvibes

I'm here! I'm loving all of your pictures. It looks like you gals had a fun time! :goodvibes

The early morning pictures are great, because there's not a whole bunch of people in them! I don't think I could get up early enough to do that though. :rotfl:

Getting up early was nice since there wasn't anyone around, it's a great time to take pictures.

I'm here too popcorn:: enjoying seeing the Halloween decorations we missed :woohoo: we were there Nov 5-11 DD5 tap class danced at DCA on the 8th and DL on the 10th. Beautiful weather.....came home to wonderful Washington rain :eek:

Kris

Wow, you had a nice long stay at Disneyland. The weather was great for us as well, but we too came home to cold weather.


November 3, 2008 continued

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We watched It’s Tough to be a Bug next. It was cute, but probably not something I’d watch again.

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[Jennifer03]

November 3, 2008 continued

After leaving A Bug’s Land, we headed to Paradise Pier to ride Toy Story Midway Mania. The line was only thirty minutes and moved pretty quickly. This was my first time on the ride and I thought I was going to hate it since I don’t like video games. However, I ended up loving it! It’s so much fun and I’m really looking forward to going on it again next year.

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Our scores; I was player 2.
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I saw this after getting off the ride. Does anyone know what exactly it is supposed to be?
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We decided to explore the Grizzly Peak Recreation area and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail next.

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It was so pretty here. I really felt like I was in a national park.

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Since we were really thirsty, we decided to have a snack. We shared a strawberry frozen lemonade. I actually liked this much more than the original.

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We decided to take the factory tours next. First we went to the Mission Tortilla Factory tour, which was interesting. I loved the fresh warm tortilla they give you for free at the end.

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Then we went to the Bakery Tour. We received a free small bread sample before taking the tour.

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After the tours, we had done everything we wanted to in California Adventure. We were tired, so we headed back to our room to rest for a while before coming back to eat dinner and watch the parade.

[Yakety76]

Great pictures. The pictures of the Redwood Creek area look really nice. We have yet to make it back that way, but it looks like it needs to become a priority for us on our next trip.

[Jennifer03]

Great pictures. The pictures of the Redwood Creek area look really nice. We have yet to make it back that way, but it looks like it needs to become a priority for us on our next trip.

Thanks! I had read about the Redwood Creek area in the Unofficial Guide, so I made sure to add it to my list of places to visit. It was so beautiful and peaceful there, I think you'll really like it.

[Jennifer03]

November 3, 2008 continued

We took about an hour long break in our room. During that time I worked on an assignment for school and went down to the gift shop to buy something for my mom. I was going to save it for Christmas, but ended up giving it to her early. Around 4:10 we walked back to California Adventure. We went to Pacific Wharf Café and ordered the Salinas turkey sandwich to share for dinner. It tasted really good and the bread was so fresh.

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We ate our sandwich on a bench near Golden Vine Winery, facing the Paradise Pier area. Here was the view we had:

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I was surprised that more people weren’t finding seats for the parade. I know at Disneyland people claim their spot early on. Around 5:10 all of the benches filled up and the Pixar Play Parade started soon after at 5:15. My camera doesn’t take the best pictures at night, even with the flash off. These were the best of what I had taken.

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I thought the parade was really cute and loved seeing it so close. I’ve never had a front row seat for a parade before, so it was nice. Once the parade was over we left the park and walked back to the hotel. I went online to check our photopass pictures and we watched Dancing with the Stars. After a long day we were both exhausted and went to bed early.

Next: Magic Morning at Disneyland!

[Sherry E]

Jennifer, I am really loving your TR because it is loaded with pictures. And the thing is, you remind me of me when I was your age in terms of what you take pictures of!:thumbsup2 I used to do the exact same thing - I would take shots of everything from the second we set foot on Disney soil to when we left, in and around the hotel, just random crowd shots, at every attraction, just everything I saw, all the details, until everybody wanted to shoot me! I probably still would do it if I had the patience for it and if I traveled with people who had the patience for it! I LOVE that sort of narrative style of picture taking. You can tell a chronological story of your trip for people largely in the photos, so you don't even really have to verbally explain too much beyond that! And your pictures are colorful and clear, too. They complement the subjects, whether it be a plate of food, an attraction or a hotel room...

In fact, I should mention, that my recent stay at the PPH (which was my 3rd or 4th time staying there - can't recall exactly) was not exactly the best one I have had. There were some issues with the water in the bathroom and it just was not good (we did, however, have a GREAT, almost eye level view of the pool, which I know you will appreciate). BUT, looking at your photos, which really flatter the hotel rooms quite a bit, I am thinking to myself, "You know, that IS a pretty cute little hotel! I don't think I have appreciated the little details enough when I have been there." It almost makes me want to go back there again!

I am looking forward to more of the Trip Report!!:goodvibes

[staley7580]

I love all your pictures! They are just great! It makes me really want to go back to Disneyland now. :lmao:

[blue donkey]

am enjoying your tr. i've never been to the redwood area in dca. will have to try it next time. i thought it was just for the little kiddies but it seems like they have some nice areas to walk around in.

quick question? did they shoot any water during the pixar parade in the evening? I'd like to watch it but not get soaked so I'm hoping at night they don't use waterguns.

[Jennifer03]

Jennifer, I am really loving your TR because it is loaded with pictures. And the thing is, you remind me of me when I was your age in terms of what you take pictures of!:thumbsup2 I used to do the exact same thing - I would take shots of everything from the second we set foot on Disney soil to when we left, in and around the hotel, just random crowd shots, at every attraction, just everything I saw, all the details, until everybody wanted to shoot me! I probably still would do it if I had the patience for it and if I traveled with people who had the patience for it! I LOVE that sort of narrative style of picture taking. You can tell a chronological story of your trip for people largely in the photos, so you don't even really have to verbally explain too much beyond that! And your pictures are colorful and clear, too. They complement the subjects, whether it be a plate of food, an attraction or a hotel room...

In fact, I should mention, that my recent stay at the PPH (which was my 3rd or 4th time staying there - can't recall exactly) was not exactly the best one I have had. There were some issues with the water in the bathroom and it just was not good (we did, however, have a GREAT, almost eye level view of the pool, which I know you will appreciate). BUT, looking at your photos, which really flatter the hotel rooms quite a bit, I am thinking to myself, "You know, that IS a pretty cute little hotel! I don't think I have appreciated the little details enough when I have been there." It almost makes me want to go back there again!

I am looking forward to more of the Trip Report!!:goodvibes

Thank you so much for your kind words. :hug: My goal for this trip was to take pictures of absolutely everything. I'm making a book using blurb.com and I wanted to fill it with as many pictures from the trip as I could. I'm sorry that your most recent trip to Paradise Pier Hotel wasn't as magical as it could have been. I hope you have a better experience the next time you go. :wizard:

I love all your pictures! They are just great! It makes me really want to go back to Disneyland now. :lmao:

I'm glad you're enjoying the pictures. :) Just remember, it's never too early to start planning your next trip to Disneyland. In my opinion, that's half the fun!

am enjoying your tr. i've never been to the redwood area in dca. will have to try it next time. i thought it was just for the little kiddies but it seems like they have some nice areas to walk around in.

quick question? did they shoot any water during the pixar parade in the evening? I'd like to watch it but not get soaked so I'm hoping at night they don't use waterguns.

I always thought the Redwood Creek area was just for kids as well. The Unofficial Guide listed it as an unheralded treasure at California Adventure, and said it wasn't just for kids. It was so peaceful and pretty in there, almost made me forget I was at a theme park! :rotfl:

No water guns were used when I watched the parade that night. They just blew lots of bubbles at everyone. I was worried about this before my trip, but had read on a website that they don't spray water when it's cold outside.

[Jennifer03]

My photopass CD finally arrived yesterday! So here are the pictures from our first two days.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image002-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image012.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image044.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image047.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image067.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image075.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image071.jpg

[talie]

I love all the pictures! For whatever reason CA Adventures didn't really click with our family. You've got me wanting to give it another chance. Especially since we missed the Redwood Creek Trail and Pixar Parade.

[Yakety76]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image002-1.jpg




I like this photo a lot. I especially like it with the border you added. :thumbsup2

[wendylady36]

Those are great pictures of you and your mom!

[Jennifer03]

I love all the pictures! For whatever reason CA Adventures didn't really click with our family. You've got me wanting to give it another chance. Especially since we missed the Redwood Creek Trail and Pixar Parade.

Thanks! California Adventure didn't click with me the first time I went either. Before my trip that year I had several people tell me that California Adventure was boring and there was nothing to do. So I went in thinking that same way. This year I had done a lot of research and saw how much it had to offer. I had such a great time there and love it just as much as Disneyland. :)

I like this photo a lot. I especially like it with the border you added. :thumbsup2

Thank you! :flower3:

Those are great pictures of you and your mom!

Thanks so much! :)

[Hound 109]

Great report Jennifer. :thumbsup2

You catch so many nice details with your photos (that my 9 y/o & I miss when we Commando thru the parks). I also often stay at the PP & visit many of the same rides so reading your report brings back great memories for me. :goodvibes

I agree with you about Heimlich's Chew Chew Train....that ride cracks me up....& your pictures remind me of why I like it (& the rest of the bugs life area). Thanks for your great report & for posting so many wonderful photos.

I hope my son & i get to go when he's 23. :)

[Sherry E]

Thanks! California Adventure didn't click with me the first time I went either. Before my trip that year I had several people tell me that California Adventure was boring and there was nothing to do. So I went in thinking that same way. This year I had done a lot of research and saw how much it had to offer. I had such a great time there and love it just as much as Disneyland. :)


I will echo the sentiment that California Adventure didn't click with me the first time I went, either!! I think it was a combination of things. Living in California all my life, I was one of the ones who thought it was silly to have a California-themed park IN California, and I was annoyed that Disney seemed to throw out its original idea (from back in the '80s) of putting in Westcot - the West Coast version of Epcot! Plus, California Adventure needs a lot of extra touches of magic in many areas; it is kind of lacking that spark that Disneyland has. And, I had also heard it was really small and boring, like you heard, Jennifer!

But, I was willing to give DCA another chance beyond the first visit and now, I must admit, DCA has grown on me! I kind of like that it has its own personality and is not a carbon copy of Disneyland. Even though I don't really drink, I like the fact that DCA serves alcohol for those folks who do drink. DCA still needs some work and some touches of magic, and maybe in the next few years, as DLR gives DCA a makeover and subtly changes the theme here and there, it will be better. Hopefully, it won't be worse. But I do like it - in fact, during our trip in October, we spent one entire day in DCA, only going into DL to eat dinner, and then we went right back to DCA again for the TOTP. My friend seemed bored and irritated with DCA and when I would want to walk down a certain path we hadn't fully inspected yet, she would dismiss it and say, "There's nothing down there," and start to walk away. I, on the other hand, like to see everything. I like to look at all the little details - even if there are just shops and facades and restaurants and no rides down that way. I don't like to dismiss things so easily! That is how you stumble upon hidden gems in both DCA and in DL - by exploring the roads less traveled and out of the way!

[disney-inspired]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_0950.jpg


You are SOOOOO pretty!princess:
Just had to say


:cutie:

[Jennifer03]

Great report Jennifer. :thumbsup2

You catch so many nice details with your photos (that my 9 y/o & I miss when we Commando thru the parks). I also often stay at the PP & visit many of the same rides so reading your report brings back great memories for me. :goodvibes

I agree with you about Heimlich's Chew Chew Train....that ride cracks me up....& your pictures remind me of why I like it (& the rest of the bugs life area). Thanks for your great report & for posting so many wonderful photos.

I hope my son & i get to go when he's 23. :)

Thank you! I almost didn't go on the Chew Chew Train because I thought it was just for little kids. I'm glad I changed my mind because it was such a cute ride. I love hearing what Heimlich says. :rotfl:

I will echo the sentiment that California Adventure didn't click with me the first time I went, either!! I think it was a combination of things. Living in California all my life, I was one of the ones who thought it was silly to have a California-themed park IN California, and I was annoyed that Disney seemed to throw out its original idea (from back in the '80s) of putting in Westcot - the West Coast version of Epcot! Plus, California Adventure needs a lot of extra touches of magic in many areas; it is kind of lacking that spark that Disneyland has. And, I had also heard it was really small and boring, like you heard, Jennifer!

But, I was willing to give DCA another chance beyond the first visit and now, I must admit, DCA has grown on me! I kind of like that it has its own personality and is not a carbon copy of Disneyland. Even though I don't really drink, I like the fact that DCA serves alcohol for those folks who do drink. DCA still needs some work and some touches of magic, and maybe in the next few years, as DLR gives DCA a makeover and subtly changes the theme here and there, it will be better. Hopefully, it won't be worse. But I do like it - in fact, during our trip in October, we spent one entire day in DCA, only going into DL to eat dinner, and then we went right back to DCA again for the TOTP. My friend seemed bored and irritated with DCA and when I would want to walk down a certain path we hadn't fully inspected yet, she would dismiss it and say, "There's nothing down there," and start to walk away. I, on the other hand, like to see everything. I like to look at all the little details - even if there are just shops and facades and restaurants and no rides down that way. I don't like to dismiss things so easily! That is how you stumble upon hidden gems in both DCA and in DL - by exploring the roads less traveled and out of the way!

Yes, I love that California Adventure is not an exact copy of Disneyland. It's different and has many attractions that are just as nice as those found in the original park. Like you, we spend an entire day there. It's certainly worth the time to explore. :)

You are SOOOOO pretty!princess:
Just had to say


:cutie:

Thank you. You are very kind. :hug:

[Sherry E]

Jennifer, you were saying that you almost skipped Heimlich's Chew Chew Train because you thought it was just for little kids. We didn't make it on that ride, either (YET!), but I wanted to go on it. In fact, because we stayed in DCA so much longer on this last trip in October than we had in the previous trips last year, we took time to wander through A Bug's Land. I have to say that I think A Bug's Land is actually an underappreciated and overlooked area of DCA - and I am 41 years old!:scared1: Of course, as usual, my friend was trying to dismiss it and make a quick getaway, but I trudged ahead because I wanted to see what was back there. First of all, I think all the rides are adorable - kids' rides or not, they are too cute! Secondly, I love how, around every turn, there was some sort of water feature. We must have encountered at least 4 water features in ABL. There were giant dripping faucets and other little fountain things, and it just seemed like a very 'alive' sort of place, if you know what I mean. It must be a great place to go in the heat of summer!

I also love the little details put into ABL, down to the light fixtures. That is exactly the sort of thing that I LOVE about Disney - the attention to detail and to really sticking with a theme. I love how, if you stand next to certain bushes or other plants in ABL long enough, you can hear little chirping or rustling noises which are piped in from behind the bushes! It reminds me of when Critter Country in DL used to be Bear Country, and you could hear the ambient noise-sound of a bear snoring when you walked through that area!

And now I hear that A Bug's Land is going to be decked out in giant ornaments and decorations for the holidays - I can't wait to see it! My next mission in DCA is to visit the Redwood Creek area you showed us pictures of. We completely missed it last time, and it sounds really nice!

[Jennifer03]

Jennifer, you were saying that you almost skipped Heimlich's Chew Chew Train because you thought it was just for little kids. We didn't make it on that ride, either (YET!), but I wanted to go on it. In fact, because we stayed in DCA so much longer on this last trip in October than we had in the previous trips last year, we took time to wander through A Bug's Land. I have to say that I think A Bug's Land is actually an underappreciated and overlooked area of DCA - and I am 41 years old!:scared1: Of course, as usual, my friend was trying to dismiss it and make a quick getaway, but I trudged ahead because I wanted to see what was back there. First of all, I think all the rides are adorable - kids' rides or not, they are too cute! Secondly, I love how, around every turn, there was some sort of water feature. We must have encountered at least 4 water features in ABL. There were giant dripping faucets and other little fountain things, and it just seemed like a very 'alive' sort of place, if you know what I mean. It must be a great place to go in the heat of summer!

I also love the little details put into ABL, down to the light fixtures. That is exactly the sort of thing that I LOVE about Disney - the attention to detail and to really sticking with a theme. I love how, if you stand next to certain bushes or other plants in ABL long enough, you can hear little chirping or rustling noises which are piped in from behind the bushes! It reminds me of when Critter Country in DL used to be Bear Country, and you could hear the ambient noise-sound of a bear snoring when you walked through that area!

And now I hear that A Bug's Land is going to be decked out in giant ornaments and decorations for the holidays - I can't wait to see it! My next mission in DCA is to visit the Redwood Creek area you showed us pictures of. We completely missed it last time, and it sounds really nice!

A Bug's Land is adorable and I love all the little details. I remember seeing a bench that looked like it was made out of giant popsicle sticks. I never noticed the chirping sound in the bushes though! I'm going to have to listen for that on my next trip.

[Jennifer03]

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

We woke up at 6:00 AM and ate breakfast in the room as usual. When I came out of the bathroom after taking my shower my mom told me it was raining! Oh no! I looked out the window, and sure enough it was raining quite heavily. I quickly went online to check the weather forecast. It said the rain should stop around 11. I looked out the window again, and the rain had already stopped and the sky was beginning to clear! It was only 7:00 at this point.

We arrived at bag check at 8:00 and asked a cast member when they would start checking bags. He said they would start at 8:30, so we just waited around there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1080.jpg

We saw the California letters had been changed, but decided to take pictures there on Wednesday morning. We didn’t want to waste any time. After going through bag check we headed for Disneyland and were the first in line at gate 8.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1081.jpg

A few minutes before the park officially opened for Magic Morning, they opened the gates. The cast member scanned my pass and I waited at the turnstile while watching the quick little opening ceremony. At 9 AM we were finally able to enter Disneyland! We walked down Main Street and headed for Fantasyland.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1083.jpg

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Our first ride was Peter Pan, one of my favorites!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1085.jpg

We didn’t ride the teacups, but I still wanted to take a picture on the way to Alice in Wonderland.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1086.jpg

Usually my mom and I both sit in the back of the caterpillar on this ride. But for some reason the cast member told me to sit in the front by myself. I found this odd since we’ve never been told we couldn’t sit together on any ride. :confused3 I still had fun though.

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Pinocchio’s Daring Journey was next on my list, but it was temporarily down at that time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1089.jpg

So we headed over to Snow White’s Scary Adventure. This was when I noticed the line for Peter Pan was already out the door! Boy was I glad we rode it first thing. We rode in the mine car named Dopey, which I liked since he's my favorite dwarf. :goodvibes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1090.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1091.jpg

When we got off the ride, Pinocchio was open so we got in line for that.

After riding everything we wanted to in Fantasyland, we took some pictures around the castle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1092.jpg

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Next: Tomorrowland!

[Sherry E]

A Bug's Land is adorable and I love all the little details. I remember seeing a bench that looked like it was made out of giant popsicle sticks. I never noticed the chirping sound in the bushes though! I'm going to have to listen for that on my next trip.

I am trying to remember where exactly in A Bug's Land we heard the noises from the bushes/plants. If I recall, we heard them in a couple of different locations, I think. I am trying to remember where we stopped, because that is when we heard things. If we had kept walking, we wouldn't have heard any bug noises. I THINK that one of the places might have been outside the restrooms. I could be wrong, but I recall stopping there. I know my friend was standing by a plant or bush or something, and all of a sudden a rustling of some kind from behind the bush startled her. And then I think another noise - like chewing or something - came from that same location. We also stopped by the little spinning Ladybugs - so we may have heard a bug noise from the foliage there too! I thought it was such a cool touch to add to ABL that a lot of people probably don't catch the first or second time they go there! I saw the giant popsicle stick bench! I guess that is what the holiday ornaments are going to be like - oversized and exaggerated! I can't wait to see them! I bet they even have a cool bug holiday tree of some kind!!!

[travelmel]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_0941.jpg


When I first saw this pic I was like, "Why is that giant screen up like that?" Then I realized it was a reflection. LOL Silly me.

Ok, back to the report....

[travelmel]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image047.jpg
]

Your mom has Mickey Ears due to the CA Screamin behind her! Do they put people in that position all the time? I never noticed it before! :earsgirl:

that's awesome!

great pictures, BTW.

[Sherry E]

I had seen some other PhotoPass pictures with the perfectly placed ears behind people's heads, and I desperately wanted one. However, when I asked one of our PP photographers to do that for me, she said okay, and when I looked at my photos, I didn't have ears coming out of my head like Jennifer's mom does in that photo. I had a whole mouse head coming out of my head and it just looked wrong. So I got the feeling that the PP photographer didn't know how to do it right. So then I tried to do it on my about-to-die camera. I got a nice picture of my friend with the well-placed ears. She took one of me, and, again, I had a whole head coming out of my head! No one can get me with the ears!:mad: They don't realize that you have to actually frame it right and position yourself and the subject a certain way to get the ears just so. People tend to want to just snap the picture with no work involved and be done with it!:sad2:

[MickeyNikiNaka]

Love it!! Keep it coming!!!
Thanks for all the pictures!

[Jennifer03]

I am trying to remember where exactly in A Bug's Land we heard the noises from the bushes/plants. If I recall, we heard them in a couple of different locations, I think. I am trying to remember where we stopped, because that is when we heard things. If we had kept walking, we wouldn't have heard any bug noises. I THINK that one of the places might have been outside the restrooms. I could be wrong, but I recall stopping there. I know my friend was standing by a plant or bush or something, and all of a sudden a rustling of some kind from behind the bush startled her. And then I think another noise - like chewing or something - came from that same location. We also stopped by the little spinning Ladybugs - so we may have heard a bug noise from the foliage there too! I thought it was such a cool touch to add to ABL that a lot of people probably don't catch the first or second time they go there! I saw the giant popsicle stick bench! I guess that is what the holiday ornaments are going to be like - oversized and exaggerated! I can't wait to see them! I bet they even have a cool bug holiday tree of some kind!!!

I'll be sure to stop at those locations and listen for the noises. :thumbsup2

When I first saw this pic I was like, "Why is that giant screen up like that?" Then I realized it was a reflection. LOL Silly me.

Ok, back to the report....

I never noticed that, but it does look like a screen doesn't it? :lmao: I don't know why it didn't occur to me to pull the drapes across before taking a picture! :rolleyes:

Your mom has Mickey Ears due to the CA Screamin behind her! Do they put people in that position all the time? I never noticed it before! :earsgirl:

that's awesome!

great pictures, BTW.

Thanks! :) I've seen pictures here on the Dis where the photographer aligns the ears behind someone's head. Actually, the photopass photographer didn't even tell my mom he was going to do that. It was cute though.

I had seen some other PhotoPass pictures with the perfectly placed ears behind people's heads, and I desperately wanted one. However, when I asked one of our PP photographers to do that for me, she said okay, and when I looked at my photos, I didn't have ears coming out of my head like Jennifer's mom does in that photo. I had a whole mouse head coming out of my head and it just looked wrong. So I got the feeling that the PP photographer didn't know how to do it right. So then I tried to do it on my about-to-die camera. I got a nice picture of my friend with the well-placed ears. She took one of me, and, again, I had a whole head coming out of my head! No one can get me with the ears!:mad: They don't realize that you have to actually frame it right and position yourself and the subject a certain way to get the ears just so. People tend to want to just snap the picture with no work involved and be done with it!:sad2:

I hope you are able to get a picture with the ears behind your head on your next trip! Hopefully it will be a different photographer at that location who knows how to do it right!

Love it!! Keep it coming!!!
Thanks for all the pictures!

I'm glad you're enjoying my trip report! :)

[Jennifer03]

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 continued

Once we were done taking pictures, we entered Tomorrowland. For some reason we’ve always overlooked Tomorrowland, but during my planning I realized how much there is to do there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/1bb27af3.jpg

Our first ride was Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. When we were there last year soon after the ride opened, it had a three hour wait. So this was our first time on the ride. I remember going on the original submarine ride, so I was looking forward to see how the Nemo version was. The wait time wasn’t too long, only about thirty minutes.

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We rode Autopia next, which had a thirty minute wait as well. This seems to be a popular attraction so I figured it must be fun, right? Honestly, I really didn’t like it very much. I thought the gas petal would be easy to push, like in a real car (and I have pretty strong leg muscles since I work out regularly). Maybe it was just the car we were in, who knows. I’m glad I tried it once though.

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It was nearly 11:30 at this time, so we headed to River Belle Terrace for lunch. They were still serving breakfast when we arrived, so we waited for a few minutes behind the rope on the left side. We both ordered the kid’s turkey sandwich. I really liked that it was carved turkey, rather than just lunch meat. We sat outside to eat since the weather was so nice.

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After lunch we rode Pirates of the Caribbean. There was no line at all and we walked right onto our boat. We were in the second to last row and the people behind us talked loudly throughout the entire ride! So annoying.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1117.jpg

We took some pictures in the Court des Anges next. It was so cramped in there with all the Christmas merchandise.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1119.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1120.jpg

Haunted Mansion Holiday was our next ride. I had never seen the Haunted Mansion with the holiday changes and I loved it so much more than the regular version. I with it would stay up all year long.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1121.jpg

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[Jennifer03]

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 continued

After the ride we stopped at the New Orleans Holiday Cart. My older brother loves Disneyland as well as The Nightmare Before Christmas, so we bought him a little Jack antenna topper to put on his desk at work.

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We wanted to walk through Tarzan’s Treehouse, but it was closed. We even went back later in the day, but it never opened. I thought this was odd since it wasn’t on the refurbishment list.

Next: Toontown!

[Sherry E]

I can't wait for your ToonTown recap! I love all your pictures anyway (for the reasons I stated in my first post), and I know you must have gotten some good shots of the different things in ToonTown. That place is just begging for pictures to be taken (much like A Bug's Land)! (Plus, I happen to love the Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin ride, which many folks have given up on, so I love going back there! I also love the Gag Factory shop because they often have really clever little souvenirs in stock that have sold out in other shops in the park!):goodvibes

[prettyprincessbelle]

Great update, Jennifer! Can't wait for more!

Your turkey sandwich from River Belle Terrace looks yummy!

[Jennifer03]

I can't wait for your ToonTown recap! I love all your pictures anyway (for the reasons I stated in my first post), and I know you must have gotten some good shots of the different things in ToonTown. That place is just begging for pictures to be taken (much like A Bug's Land)! (Plus, I happen to love the Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin ride, which many folks have given up on, so I love going back there! I also love the Gag Factory shop because they often have really clever little souvenirs in stock that have sold out in other shops in the park!):goodvibes

Toontown was fun, especially since I've never spent much time there. I've never been on Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. I'll have to try that on another trip. :thumbsup2

Great update, Jennifer! Can't wait for more!

Your turkey sandwich from River Belle Terrace looks yummy!

I'm glad you're enjoying my trip report. :)

[travelmel]

I was right with you in terms of riding the Subs first! :thumbsup2

I also remember the original subs and for that return to my childhood, I gave the Subs my FAVORITE RIDE vote during my last trip. How did you like it??

I think it's fun to see all the little details on Autopia and that's about it. For me, it was great this last trip because my DD's got a big kick out of it and it's fun to watch their little faces glow.

[trodrigue]

Great Report, enjoying all your photos.

[Jennifer03]

I was right with you in terms of riding the Subs first! :thumbsup2

I also remember the original subs and for that return to my childhood, I gave the Subs my FAVORITE RIDE vote during my last trip. How did you like it??

I think it's fun to see all the little details on Autopia and that's about it. For me, it was great this last trip because my DD's got a big kick out of it and it's fun to watch their little faces glow.

I thought Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was really cute overall. I especially loved seeing Darla scuba diving!

I agree with you about Autopia. I'm glad I tried it once, just so I could see the signs and other little details throughout the ride. I can see how it would be fun for children though, since they can't drive yet.

Great Report, enjoying all your photos.

Thanks! :)

[Jennifer03]

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 continued

After leaving New Orleans Square, we stopped at a bathroom in Fantasyland. I loved how the stall doors looked like playing cards. I would have taken a picture, but there were other people in there.

I stopped for a quick picture with the White Rabbit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1127.jpg

We headed for Toontown but made one other stop for pictures at the stationary teacup. When we were in Fantasyland earlier that morning, the teacup was still wet from the rain. The sun had dried it off, and we were able to sit in it now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1126.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1125.jpg

We eventually made it to Toowntown. This is another place we had never spent much time in. I was looking forward to walking through Mickey and Minnie’s houses.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1128.jpg

We visited Minnie’s house first. I definitely thought her house was the cutest. I just wish it was bigger!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1129.jpg

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Then we moved on to Mickey’s house.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1140.jpg

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After exploring their homes, we took some pictures on the Jolly Trolley.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1137.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1138.jpg

We checked out the mailboxes at the post office next.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1141.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1139.jpg

Next: Indy, Buzz, and a dream!

[travelmel]

Nice Toon Town Pics! You're lucky it, it looked like it wasn't over-crowded. I was in there once and it was WALL TO WALL :crowded: in the Mouses Houses. :rotfl:

I don't remember that White Rabbit statue. You can bet next time I'm there, now that I've been hanging out here ::disrocks:: I'll be noticing more stuff!

[Jennifer03]

Nice Toon Town Pics! You're lucky it, it looked like it wasn't over-crowded. I was in there once and it was WALL TO WALL :crowded: in the Mouses Houses. :rotfl:

I don't remember that White Rabbit statue. You can bet next time I'm there, now that I've been hanging out here ::disrocks:: I'll be noticing more stuff!

Thanks, Toontown wasn't too crowded. Minnie's house felt kind of cramped, but I think that's just because it's so small.

The White Rabbit statue is to the right of the Fantasyland bathrooms. I had never noticed him before this trip. :)

[Jennifer03]

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 continued

After leaving Toontown, we rode Indiana Jones Adventure. The line was incredibly short and we only waited about five minutes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1142.jpg

After that we stopped and shared a Dole Whip.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1143.jpg

Then we walked right onto Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. This was my first time on the ride. I actually liked Toy Story Midway Mania better than Buzz though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1144.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/BuzzRide.jpg

Since we were in Tomorrowland, we watched Honey, I Shrunk the Audience after riding Buzz. I thought that film was so cheesy and outdated, but I’m glad I watched it, since it was also something new for me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1145.jpg

I had always seen the Mark Twin Riverboat, but for some reason never went on it. I made sure to change that this trip. So after watching the 3D film, we headed straight to Frontierland. We walked through the turnstile and sat in the waiting area for the Mark Twain, which would be arriving in fifteen minutes. We were the only ones waiting at that point. I saw the cast member walk over to us and say, “Why don’t you have your dream ears?” I didn’t understand why he was asking since we hadn’t seen the dream team all day. That’s when he told us they were giving away dream ears right behind us along the Rivers of America. He told us to go over since Disney doesn’t give away free stuff very often. Of course we went right over and got our dream ears! I had actually thought earlier in the day about not seeing the dream team, but I really didn’t care since everything had gone so perfectly on this trip. I’m so grateful to that cast member for pointing them out to us. It made our trip even better (and I didn’t think that was possible!). That same cast member actually came over and talked to us while we were on the Mark Twain. He was such a nice old man.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1165.jpg

I love that the year is printed on the back. What a nice remembrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1166.jpg

The Mark Train came soon after we sat back down. I really enjoyed the ride, it was so relaxing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1146.jpg

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I know most people use the train as a means of transportation, but we always love to take the grand circle tour. It’s nice because we can rest while seeing things you don’t get to see unless you’re on the train.

We passed through New Orleans Square on our way to Main Street.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1156.jpg

We also stopped at Pooh’s Corner in Critter Country and bought two chocolate caramel pretzel rods to eat later that night. They were good, but very overpriced in my opinion. We also made a quick stop at the Emporium on Main Street.

The train was just leaving when we arrived so we waited at the station for a while.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1160.jpg

I took another picture of some Christmas decorations in New Orleans Square while on the train.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1157.jpg

[Jennifer03]

I love the luggage at the Toontown station.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1159.jpg

It was almost 5 when we got off the train, so we headed to Plaza Inn for dinner. I had been in here once on my first trip to Disneyland, but I didn’t remember how beautiful it was! I will definitely be coming back here on my next trip. We both had the kid’s penne pasta. It came with half a breadstick, apple slices, and carrot sticks. It was too much food for me, so I saved my carrots for later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1161.jpg

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After dinner we left Disneyland and went to World of Disney in Downtown Disney. As soon as I walked in, I saw plush Mickey snowmen. I knew I had to buy one since I love snowmen. It wasn’t too expensive either.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1167.jpg

Then we walked back to our room where we watched Dancing with the Stars and ate our chocolate caramel pretzel rods. Yum!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1172.jpg
Next: Our last morning :sad1:

[Sherry E]

I love that adorable Mickey snowman! I have a musical plush Mickey snowman that I got back in the late '80s or early '90s, and I love it, BUT the one you got looks cuter because it seems small and compact. Is it a pint-sized Mickey snowman? I might have to get that when I am there.

Oh, and I love Dancing with the Stars too!;)

[travelmel]

This is SO embarrassing! My DH is sitting next to me on his own computer and all the sudden he says, "YES! I totally beat that person's score."

I ignored him, as I sometimes do.. but then he poked me and I looked over and he had HIS picture of his emailed score on Buzz Lightyear that he was comparing to yours! :sad2:

:lmao:

Anyway, Great update!

You guys eat like birds.. I wish I could do that. I have really bad habits. :guilty: Ah well..

Yea you and the Dream Team!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

I'm usually pretty luck about winning stuff but we never saw 'em. We did win some extra FP's from a cast member who loved our Dis-shirts! :disrocks:

[prettyprincessbelle]

Woooohoooo for getting dreamed!!! What a nice thing for that CM to do too! We got dreamed with Dream Ears in October at the entrance to the castle.

That pasta from the Plaza Inn looks really good. I love just plain pasta with sauce like that. I want to eat there next week. I want the fried chicken, but that pasta looks super yummy.

Boo, only 1 more day!!! :(

[Jennifer03]

I love that adorable Mickey snowman! I have a musical plush Mickey snowman that I got back in the late '80s or early '90s, and I love it, BUT the one you got looks cuter because it seems small and compact. Is it a pint-sized Mickey snowman? I might have to get that when I am there.

Oh, and I love Dancing with the Stars too!;)

The Mickey snowman that I bought is 8 inches tall (from his bottom to the top of his hat). I'll bet the Mickey musical snowman you bought years ago is adorable! And yes, Dancing with the Stars is great! I just started watching last year and have been hooked ever since.

This is SO embarrassing! My DH is sitting next to me on his own computer and all the sudden he says, "YES! I totally beat that person's score."

I ignored him, as I sometimes do.. but then he poked me and I looked over and he had HIS picture of his emailed score on Buzz Lightyear that he was comparing to yours! :sad2:

:lmao:

Anyway, Great update!

You guys eat like birds.. I wish I could do that. I have really bad habits. :guilty: Ah well..

Yea you and the Dream Team!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

I'm usually pretty luck about winning stuff but we never saw 'em. We did win some extra FP's from a cast member who loved our Dis-shirts! :disrocks:

I used to have some bad eating habits as well. I made the decision to eat healthier the summer before my senior year of high school. I began working out daily and cooking my own meals. It soon became a habit and a part of my life. Weight Watchers has some great recipes that don't taste like health food at all. They're actually full of flavor and extremely delicious. If you're interested, I highly recommend their cookbooks.

That's so awesome that you were given extra fast passes! I love hearing stories about how cast members make a guest's day at Disneyland even more magical. :wizard:

Woooohoooo for getting dreamed!!! What a nice thing for that CM to do too! We got dreamed with Dream Ears in October at the entrance to the castle.

That pasta from the Plaza Inn looks really good. I love just plain pasta with sauce like that. I want to eat there next week. I want the fried chicken, but that pasta looks super yummy.

Boo, only 1 more day!!! :(

Yes, that cast member was such a nice man. I'm so thankful that he told us about the Dream Team standing right behind us. I hadn't even noticed them since I was too busy thinking about riding on the Mark Twain. Congrats on getting dream ears in October! They're such a nice keepsake.

[travelmel]

Thank you for the suggestions. :goodvibes

I have been on and off Weight Watchers for 23 years. I need to get back to the program :rolleyes:

I'm old. I know my body and it hates me. lol

There was another "older" cast member over at DCA that really made DDC's day. She was wearing a Happy Birthday sticker... no problem, they were out of buttons. He commented on it and was off and running (we figured he was on a break? :confused3 ) we were playing in the ..what's it called... Redwood playground... and he came back about a full 5 minutes later (no people around so we kept swinging on the zipline) and presented both DD's with buttons. DDC was especially happy because he had asked her name and she said, "Cassy" so that's what the button said. I had made her get "Cassidy" on her sticker. So she was pleased. :rotfl2:

What a sweet ole guy! He made her day, for sure. :cloud9:

[Sherry E]

Thank you for the suggestions. :goodvibes

I have been on and off Weight Watchers for 23 years. I need to get back to the program :rolleyes:

I'm old. I know my body and it hates me. lol

There was another "older" cast member over at DCA that really made DDC's day. She was wearing a Happy Birthday sticker... no problem, they were out of buttons. He commented on it and was off and running (we figured he was on a break? :confused3 ) we were playing in the ..what's it called... Redwood playground... and he came back about a full 5 minutes later (no people around so we kept swinging on the zipline) and presented both DD's with buttons. DDC was especially happy because he had asked her name and she said, "Cassy" so that's what the button said. I had made her get "Cassidy" on her sticker. So she was pleased. :rotfl2:


What a sweet ole guy! He made her day, for sure. :cloud9:

That is yet another thing I love about DLR - there is no discrimination in who they hire based on age, race, weight, gender, sexual orientation, none of it! You can literally see someone who looks like they are 17 working a ride, and then see a kindly 75-year-old taking tickets at the turnstiles a few feet away. There are all colors, shapes and sizes working in DLR, and I think that is fantastic! Sad to say, but it is not always like that in the 'real world,' even here in open-minded, laid back California!:goodvibes

[Crazy4Disney72]

I'm loving your TR! I just took a mother/daughter trip to WDW with my 8yr old DD in September and I'm looking forward to many more in years to come! Thanks for all the great pictures!

[Amy&Dan]

Jennifer, I am really enjoying your trip report and pictures! We also love the Paradise Pier Hotel and have had that same view before. You and your mom look like sisters!

Oh and you may know this already, but Walt Disney's wife Lillian decorated the Plaza Inn, which isn't hard to believe since it is so beautiful in there. Its our favorite restaurant at Disneyland.

Thanks for sharing!

[Jennifer03]

Thank you for the suggestions. :goodvibes

I have been on and off Weight Watchers for 23 years. I need to get back to the program :rolleyes:

I'm old. I know my body and it hates me. lol

There was another "older" cast member over at DCA that really made DDC's day. She was wearing a Happy Birthday sticker... no problem, they were out of buttons. He commented on it and was off and running (we figured he was on a break? :confused3 ) we were playing in the ..what's it called... Redwood playground... and he came back about a full 5 minutes later (no people around so we kept swinging on the zipline) and presented both DD's with buttons. DDC was especially happy because he had asked her name and she said, "Cassy" so that's what the button said. I had made her get "Cassidy" on her sticker. So she was pleased. :rotfl2:

What a sweet ole guy! He made her day, for sure. :cloud9:

How sweet of that cast member to get the buttons! What a great moment for your daughter.

That is yet another thing I love about DLR - there is no discrimination in who they hire based on age, race, weight, gender, sexual orientation, none of it! You can literally see someone who looks like they are 17 working a ride, and then see a kindly 75-year-old taking tickets at the turnstiles a few feet away. There are all colors, shapes and sizes working in DLR, and I think that is fantastic! Sad to say, but it is not always like that in the 'real world,' even here in open-minded, laid back California!:goodvibes

It's so great how Disney hires everyone and does not discriminate. Just another reason why I too love Disney. :lovestruc

I'm loving your TR! I just took a mother/daughter trip to WDW with my 8yr old DD in September and I'm looking forward to many more in years to come! Thanks for all the great pictures!

I'm sure you had a great time with your daughter! I'd love to take a trip to Disney World with my mom someday.

Jennifer, I am really enjoying your trip report and pictures! We also love the Paradise Pier Hotel and have had that same view before. You and your mom look like sisters!

Oh and you may know this already, but Walt Disney's wife Lillian decorated the Plaza Inn, which isn't hard to believe since it is so beautiful in there. Its our favorite restaurant at Disneyland.

Thanks for sharing!

I'm glad you're enjoying my trip report. :) I had no idea that Lillian decorated the Plaza Inn, thanks for sharing that info! I think the Plaza Inn became my favorite restaurant as well. It's SO gorgeous in there.

[Amy&Dan]

I'm glad you're enjoying my trip report. :) I had no idea that Lillian decorated the Plaza Inn, thanks for sharing that info! I think the Plaza Inn became my favorite restaurant as well. It's SO gorgeous in there.

Jennifer, I read that in the Birnbaums Guide back in 2003 before my first trip and so I had to try it. I think its the prettiest Disney restaurant in either DL or WDW. Its those neat touches that make Disneyland so special. Another little Walt and Lillian trivia/restaurant thing is that just before DL officially opened in 1955, they had their anniversary party for family and friends inside the Golden Horshoe. I guess Walt was clowning around up on one of the circular balconies. I always enjoy that place too, knowing its been around and enjoyed by Walt. Oh, and he used to enjoy having his coffee at the Riverbelle Terrace in the mornings so he could enjoy the Rivers of America. A castmember told me that a few trips ago. Okay, hopefully that wasn't o.d. on the Walt trivia!

[Jennifer03]

Jennifer, I read that in the Birnbaums Guide back in 2003 before my first trip and so I had to try it. I think its the prettiest Disney restaurant in either DL or WDW. Its those neat touches that make Disneyland so special. Another little Walt and Lillian trivia/restaurant thing is that just before DL officially opened in 1955, they had their anniversary party for family and friends inside the Golden Horshoe. I guess Walt was clowning around up on one of the circular balconies. I always enjoy that place too, knowing its been around and enjoyed by Walt. Oh, and he used to enjoy having his coffee at the Riverbelle Terrace in the mornings so he could enjoy the Rivers of America. A castmember told me that a few trips ago. Okay, hopefully that wasn't o.d. on the Walt trivia!

I love hearing Walt Disney trivia, thank you for coming back to share more! I don't think I've even been in the Golden Horshoe, I'll try to remember to go on my next trip.

[Jennifer03]

Here are our photopass pictures from Disneyland. We didn’t see too many photographers out in Disneyland for some reason.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image098.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image091.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/image092.jpg

Side note: I just realized that I said we watched Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday night. That was actually on Monday night. On Tuesday we watched the election coverage while eating our pretzel rods. Now back to my trip report.

Tuesday, November 5, 2008

I woke up at 6 feeling sad since I knew we were going home that day. When I walked over to the bathroom I saw the check-out envelope had been slipped under the door. What a depressing sight. :sad1:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1175.jpg

While packing our bags I decided to put my dream ears on since I hadn’t before.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1177.jpg

Once we were done packing, we dropped some stuff off at the car and headed for Downtown Disney.

I saw this banner on the way:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1178.jpg

We took some pictures with the Christmas themed California letters. I’m really glad that were able to see the fall letters as well as the holiday ones.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1179.jpg

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Year of a Million Dreams banners located in the esplanade:
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1187.jpg

While walking back towards Downtown Disney, I noticed little Mickey heads on the green part (the part with the lights) around those tall trees.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1189.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1188.jpg

I saw this little guy in the corner window display of Department 56 and just had to take a picture.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1190.jpg

We walked to Compass Books and Café to buy a sandwich to eat for lunch on the way home. They sold sandwiches, but they didn’t take my Disney rewards card. So we tried the Coffee House at the Disneyland hotel, but they didn’t sell sandwiches. Our last try was Whitewater Snacks at the Grand Californian. Luckily, they sold pre-made sandwiches. We bought a turkey sandwich to share later on (which ended up being extremely good).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/jeniabel/Disneyland%202008/100_1192.jpg

We walked back to the room to pick up our luggage and then packed it in the car. We made one quick stop at a gas station and then got on I-5 north and headed home.

Now that my trip report is over, I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who was reading along. I had a lot of fun reliving my trip and sharing my pictures with everyone. :)

[Sherry E]

1. That turkey sandwich from Whitewater Snakcs looks great. I have to get one.
2. Did you look further in Dept. 56? First of all, they had an awesome Halloween display in October, but there were more little gumdrop people like the one in the window inside the shop. Some of them were gumdrop birds or fish, too! So cute! I love that store, and I think it is a perfect addition to the DLR.
3. I applaud you for getting all of the California letters in one shot, and it looks like there are no other people in the picture, which is great:worship: That is a hard feat to accomplish without getting up in the wee hours or staying around the DCA entrance after midnight.
4. I love those hidden Mickeys that you found in DTD, on the green thing! Finding hidden Mickeys is always a great feeling!
5. Seeing that final bill/check-out notice slipped under one's door at any of the DLR hotels is always very sad, isn't it? Sometimes, in the off-peak season, they will offer an additional night's stay at a REALLY low price in that notice, so it is not always a 'goodbye' letter! Sometimes it is a 'stay one more night' letter. But, more often than not, it is a 'thanks for coming, now get out' letter! And sometimes they don't even slip it under the door, but instead leave it in the hallway outside the door! My friend wondered why I was opening the door at 5:00 a.m. when she was still sleeping, and it was because I was getting the final bill from outside in the hall!!
6. I also noticed very few Photopass people in DL - they were much easier to find in DCA.
7. GREAT Trip Report, Jennifer!:woohoo: Lots of good, detailed pictures of everything anyone could want to see, and lots of info for us. That will be very helpful for people planning their own trips! Yours is one of the best TR's I have read and followed in a while! I can't wait until your next trip so I can follow along on that journey too!!!:goodvibes

[travelmel]

Hey that's so cool that you got to see both kinds of letters at DCA! I think that would make a good collage photo frame thing.... maybe a gift for your mom? I love pictures and I give them as gifts all the time to my DDs grandma. Sometimes I do those photo frame things that go on the refridgerator and I decorate them with stickers. It's a whole lot easier than scrapbooking and they're up all year round!

Great TR! What a nice way to spend time with your mom. :goodvibes

[wendylady36]

As always, great photos!

What a great trip report. Thank you so much for sharing it. I've really enjoyed the pictures and the details! :flower3:

[Amy&Dan]

Wonderful trip report!! So glad you and your mom had a wonderful trip.

Next trip, try the Golden Horshoe, they have a fun show in there called Bill and the Hillbillies. Its a live show with music and lots of corny humor. The food is all fried for the most part but you don't have to order anything to see the show.

[Jennifer03]

1. That turkey sandwich from Whitewater Snakcs looks great. I have to get one.
2. Did you look further in Dept. 56? First of all, they had an awesome Halloween display in October, but there were more little gumdrop people like the one in the window inside the shop. Some of them were gumdrop birds or fish, too! So cute! I love that store, and I think it is a perfect addition to the DLR.
3. I applaud you for getting all of the California letters in one shot, and it looks like there are no other people in the picture, which is great:worship: That is a hard feat to accomplish without getting up in the wee hours or staying around the DCA entrance after midnight.
4. I love those hidden Mickeys that you found in DTD, on the green thing! Finding hidden Mickeys is always a great feeling!
5. Seeing that final bill/check-out notice slipped under one's door at any of the DLR hotels is always very sad, isn't it? Sometimes, in the off-peak season, they will offer an additional night's stay at a REALLY low price in that notice, so it is not always a 'goodbye' letter! Sometimes it is a 'stay one more night' letter. But, more often than not, it is a 'thanks for coming, now get out' letter! And sometimes they don't even slip it under the door, but instead leave it in the hallway outside the door! My friend wondered why I was opening the door at 5:00 a.m. when she was still sleeping, and it was because I was getting the final bill from outside in the hall!!
6. I also noticed very few Photopass people in DL - they were much easier to find in DCA.
7. GREAT Trip Report, Jennifer!:woohoo: Lots of good, detailed pictures of everything anyone could want to see, and lots of info for us. That will be very helpful for people planning their own trips! Yours is one of the best TR's I have read and followed in a while! I can't wait until your next trip so I can follow along on that journey too!!!:goodvibes

1. Yes, that sandwich was so good. I even ripped the lettuce leaf up and put it in the sandwich. The strawberries were very fresh as well.

2. I'm kicking myself for not going into Department 56! I almost went in on Tuesday night. It sounds like they have some great stuff. I would have loved to see more gumdrop animals.

3. I was pretty surprised that nobody else was around when we took those pictures. Downtown Disney was usually empty the mornings that we were there as well.

4. I had never noticed those little Mickey heads before. It's amazing the places Disney thinks of to place a hidden Mickey.

5. Wow, I had no idea that sometimes they invite you to stay for one more night! I would love to receive of those letters sometime!

6. I wonder why Disneyland has so few photographers. I was hoping to see one outside of the Haunted Mansion where they add in the ghosts, but nobody was there.

7. Thank you so much! :hug: My next trip is in 2009. I'm looking forward to writing another report.

Hey that's so cool that you got to see both kinds of letters at DCA! I think that would make a good collage photo frame thing.... maybe a gift for your mom? I love pictures and I give them as gifts all the time to my DDs grandma. Sometimes I do those photo frame things that go on the refridgerator and I decorate them with stickers. It's a whole lot easier than scrapbooking and they're up all year round!

Great TR! What a nice way to spend time with your mom. :goodvibes

Thank you! We have a great time together.

I like the idea of a collage, that's very creative!

As always, great photos!

What a great trip report. Thank you so much for sharing it. I've really enjoyed the pictures and the details! :flower3:

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed all of my pictures. :)

Wonderful trip report!! So glad you and your mom had a wonderful trip.

Next trip, try the Golden Horshoe, they have a fun show in there called Bill and the Hillbillies. Its a live show with music and lots of corny humor. The food is all fried for the most part but you don't have to order anything to see the show.

That show sounds like fun! Thanks for telling me about it.

[goofycathy]

I was there the exact same time as you except we stayed for 5 days in the park...I carefully scanned all of your pics to see if me or my family was in any of them, no luck! :rotfl:

Sounds like you had a great time and enjoyed the crowds, I know we did! I also remember the morning that we got up and it was POURING! It was wierd because I got in the shower and by the time I got out it was sunny and the clouds were almost gone!

We're shooting for trying to go the same time this year, keep your fingers crossed!

[Jennifer03]

I was there the exact same time as you except we stayed for 5 days in the park...I carefully scanned all of your pics to see if me or my family was in any of them, no luck! :rotfl:

Sounds like you had a great time and enjoyed the crowds, I know we did! I also remember the morning that we got up and it was POURING! It was wierd because I got in the shower and by the time I got out it was sunny and the clouds were almost gone!

We're shooting for trying to go the same time this year, keep your fingers crossed!

That would have been funny if you had ended up in my pictures! :rotfl:

I hope you're able to go again this year. :)

[DIS~n~JAN]

Hey Jennifer.... I'm so glad this post was moved up. It caught my attention cause my mom & I are going next month for her birthday. We are staying at the PPH also. I know this is repeated so many times, but I loved your trip report. Wonderful pics!!! I'm really looking forward to my trip now even more! Thanks so much for sharing, it was a joy to read!

Happy planning for the next trip!:)

[RachelNinja]

Great TR! I read it in one sitting. I'm very interested in DLR now since I've only been to WDW. Loved your pictures because it was all new to me! I too am glad this got bumped up :)

[Jennifer03]

Hey Jennifer.... I'm so glad this post was moved up. It caught my attention cause my mom & I are going next month for her birthday. We are staying at the PPH also. I know this is repeated so many times, but I loved your trip report. Wonderful pics!!! I'm really looking forward to my trip now even more! Thanks so much for sharing, it was a joy to read!

Happy planning for the next trip!:)

Thanks! I hope you and your mom have a fabulous trip. I'm sure you'll love Paradise Pier, it's a great hotel. :thumbsup2

Great TR! I read it in one sitting. I'm very interested in DLR now since I've only been to WDW. Loved your pictures because it was all new to me! I too am glad this got bumped up :)

Thank you! I hope you'll be able to go to Disneyland someday. :wizard: Occasionally I read trip reports on the Disney World boards and they've made me more interested in going there, so I know how you feel!