Mom & Son Take on The Land (with Dad)! Food Pic Laden Report - Completed 8/16

[GoofySon'sMom]

As an explantion, I wanted the title to mirror my previous WDW Dining Reviews.

DH, DS14 and I will be making our first trip to the West Coast two months from today - July 24th! Our flight lands at Long Beach Airport just before 4pm. We are staying at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. I booked our trip thru Dreams Unlimited so our wonderful travel agent, Katie, is beginning to make our Priority Seatings today! :cool1:

As you can see from my signature, we have been to WDW many, many times. DS and I took a trip without DH in September of 2008 and I decided to do my first dining review. Hence the "Mom & Son". We didn't expect to take a trip last year and somehow things magically came together for us to take a family trip for Christmas/New Year's. Again, I thought there would be no trip this year but DH came up with the idea of trying DLR and tying it in to see the Red Sox play the Angels. Hence our West Coast trip was born!

Here's a pic from our last trip to WDW -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0391.jpg

As you can see, I am a bit Pooh-sized. I had wanted to work on that before this trip but have had some health issues to deal with and just couldn't focus on weight loss. Depending on what happens with a specialist appointment in a couple of weeks, this trip could take on a whole new meaning. We'll cross that bridge when we get there! Keeping positive now ...

[GoofySon'sMom]

I actually spent part of one day in Disneyland back in 1986 but I can't really count that as a visit. So many things have changed! And I hardly remember the trip. Counting this as a first as this one is with my "men". It is DS's first trip to the West Coast. DH has been to Cali a few times for work conferences but has never been to DLR.

As an obsessive WDW planner, I have seriously stressed this trip. These boards have been such a valuable resource! I thank everyone for answering all my questions no matter how silly! I am used to having all plans finalized 180 days out! Here we are two months away and the Park hours aren't even posted!

Originally we planned to stay at HoJos but when the 5 for 3 deal came out we realized that if we scrimped and saved we could do a Disney Hotel. PPH was the least expensive option so we booked the package along with an extra 3 nights "room only".

As of now, our plans are:

July 24th - check-in, unpack. Have dinner at Goofy's Kitchen and hopefully watch the fireworks from the Pool Deck. Not sure if we will make it after a very long day of travel (we will be leaving our house in New York about 7:30am to drive 3 hours to the airport for our flight).

July 25th - Plan is to be up and ready for early admission to DL! We rarely make a WDW rope drop so we will see how it goes! Hoping the time change is an advantage for us! Lunch at Cafe Orleans for those heavenly looking Pommes Frites! Dinner at PCH Grille as DS's #1 request is the Kitchen Sink for dessert. We planned to try it last year at WDW and never made it! Hoping to see the fireworks and late Fantasmic show. A long day for sure!

July 26th - We'll sleep in just a bit today and hit CA! Plan is for a later lunch at House of Blues before heading to the Red Sox/Angels game.

July 27th - Originally we planned to go to the Ballgame tonight as well but that has since changed. We really wanted to fit in dinner at Napa Rose. Will spend the day seeing as much as we can with (hopefully) a first lunch seating at Blue Bayou and a later dinner at Napa Rose. Gourmet "big" food day for us!

July 28th - No Park plans today as we are going to the afternoon Red Sox/Angels game. We'll have breakfast at Storytellers and a later dinner at Ralph Brennans after the game.

July 29th - All day in the Parks today. Planning a later Minnie & Friends breakfast and hoping for a World of Color dinner package of some kind. Hope to see World of Color with or without the package.

July 30th - Breakfast with Mickey & Stitch! Then meeting family to spend the day at Newport Beach/Balboa Island. Since the family has to drive back to San Diego we are hoping to spend some time in the Parks this evening.

July 31st - this is really the only day we can hit Toon Town Morning Madness. No real lunch plan (maybe Whitewater Snacks?) and dinner at Carnation Cafe. Really hoping we can stop & smell the roses and just soak up the atmosphere at the Parks. Can see the fireworks and Fantasmic if it didn't work out earlier in the week.

Aug 1st - our flight leaves at 8am to head home!

Whew! I truly hope we can see/do everything especially the street performers and those little extras that I keep reading about!

[GoofySon'sMom]

All of our PS's are made including Wine Country Trattoria on the 29th for the World of Color package! :cool1:

Our trip seems so much more real now! That is a big difference from WDW planning for me. With WDW, we have all of our dining set 6 months in advance so our plans don't change too much. With this trip, we are just now getting truly excited because our plans are now set! :banana:

[kaoden39]

How exciting!! I am along for the ride. I am so surprised I didn't notice your trip report before, well I am here now!!:goodvibes

I think going to the baseball game sounds like great fun. I have often thought of adding a game when we are down there, but I just don't because we aren't all fans and I can just see my teenage daughters complaining through a game annoying the heck out of me.:goodvibes

[GoofySon'sMom]

How exciting!! I am along for the ride. I am so surprised I didn't notice your trip report before, well I am here now!!:goodvibes

I think going to the baseball game sounds like great fun. I have often thought of adding a game when we are down there, but I just don't because we aren't all fans and I can just see my teenage daughters complaining through a game annoying the heck out of me.:goodvibes

Thanks for joining! :goodvibes We are huge Red Sox fans. That is actually the reason for this trip. We planned it around when the Sox were in Anaheim. Mickey & the Red Sox in the same day ... just doesn't get any more perfect for me! :laughing:

[kaoden39]

Thanks for joining! :goodvibes We are huge Red Sox fans. That is actually the reason for this trip. We planned it around when the Sox were in Anaheim. Mickey & the Red Sox in the same day ... just doesn't get any more perfect for me! :laughing:

Red Sox fans from New York?:scared1::rotfl:

I am an Oakland A's fan, but honestly I would see any game. I love baseball.

[DizNee Luver]

We'll be there around the same time!!! We arrive later on the 25th & our first day in the parks on the 26th. We took in a Dodgers game back in 2005 & would have loved to see the Angels play this time, but we have a set of 3 yr old twins that are both autistic & trying to get them to sit still in crowded place with yelling & such....just wasn't in the cards. I hope you enjoy the games!! My step-dad is a HUGE Red Sox fan....so I'll be jealous for him.....lol

Maybe we'll run into each other. Our park days are the 26, 27, 28, 29 & then 2 days off & back on Aug 1 & 2....but you'll be gone by then.

We've never been to WDW, but from what I've seen......I really appreciate Disneyland that much more. Don't get me wrong....I'd love to go the WDW.....but Disneyland is so much smaller & special. You don't have to grab transportation to get from one thing to the next. Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney & the 3 Resort Hotels are all within walking distance of each other. There's also a magical feeling you get when you cross under the train tracks & step onto Main Street!!!! Especially when you realize Walt used to walk down that same street....I tend to get a bit emotional.......lol

I really would suggest using the Magic Morning (early entry)......Fantasyland is a zoo all day, every day, no matter the time of day. The only quality time you can get is during that first hour on the Magic Morning. It's nice to walk from ride to ride with little wait. The park is beautiful first thing in the morning as well!!

Can't wait to follow you as you get closer....since we're in the same time frame we can throw ideas & tips off each other!!!

I also have a PTR going.....the link is below in my signature.....if you have a ton of time....feel free to check it out!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Red Sox fans from New York?:scared1::rotfl:

I am an Oakland A's fan, but honestly I would see any game. I love baseball.

Yep, right in the heart of Yankee country! It can be a challenge sometimes! Hence the reason we are flying across the country to see our beloved Sox! :laughing:

[kaoden39]

Yep, right in the heart of Yankee country! It can be a challenge sometimes! Hence the reason we are flying across the country to see our beloved Sox! :laughing:

Hmm, sounds like a good excuse, um I mean reason.:rotfl:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Maybe we'll run into each other. Our park days are the 26, 27, 28, 29 & then 2 days off & back on Aug 1 & 2....but you'll be gone by then.

I really would suggest using the Magic Morning (early entry)......Fantasyland is a zoo all day, every day, no matter the time of day. The only quality time you can get is during that first hour on the Magic Morning. It's nice to walk from ride to ride with little wait. The park is beautiful first thing in the morning as well!!

Can't wait to follow you as you get closer....since we're in the same time frame we can throw ideas & tips off each other!!!

I also have a PTR going.....the link is below in my signature.....if you have a ton of time....feel free to check it out!!

Would be very cool to run into each other! We'll be in the Parks the 25th, part of the 26th, the 27th, 29th and 31st.

Definitely planning on the MM. We are not usually rope drop people in WDW, hoping the time change works to our advantage there!

I will definitely check out your PTR at work tomorrow ... yeah, lots of down time at work that I can spend on the Dis! Can't beat that! :thumbsup2

[GoofySon'sMom]

Hmm, sounds like a good excuse, um I mean reason.:rotfl:

Yeppers ... we are actually going to see the Sox in Baltimore next weekend. It is so hard to get tickets in Fenway that we have made a habit of going to Baltimore the past few years. When the schedule came out for this year we were looking at another City to travel to when DH said, hmmm we could always go to Anaheim and hit Disneyland this year instead of Disney World. Needless to say he didn't have to suggest it twice! :cloud9:

[kaoden39]

Yeppers ... we are actually going to see the Sox in Baltimore next weekend. It is so hard to get tickets in Fenway that we have made a habit of going to Baltimore the past few years. When the schedule came out for this year we were looking at another City to travel to when DH said, hmmm we could always go to Anaheim and hit Disneyland this year instead of Disney World. Needless to say he didn't have to suggest it twice! :cloud9:

How very cool that you re combining two loves. Honestly the time at the ball park away from the resort sounds heavenly to me. Kind of a downtime relaxation.

[GoofySon'sMom]

How very cool that you re combining two loves. Honestly the time at the ball park away from the resort sounds heavenly to me. Kind of a downtime relaxation.

That's what we are thinking, too. We rarely go back to the hotel midday at WDW, it's just not our thing. We'll find a bench to rest for a bit or hit up the Hall of Presidents for a quick nap :rolleyes:. We figure our time at the games will be very relaxing so we won't feel that we are constantly go, go, go. OOOOOOHHHH, I am getting so psyched for this trip! :banana: :dance3:

[kaoden39]

That's what we are thinking, too. We rarely go back to the hotel midday at WDW, it's just not our thing. We'll find a bench to rest for a bit or hit up the Hall of Presidents for a quick nap :rolleyes:. We figure our time at the games will be very relaxing so we won't feel that we are constantly go, go, go. OOOOOOHHHH, I am getting so psyched for this trip! :banana: :dance3:

We are going to be there in 13 days and my kids think we need to be there from open to close and I told them we are going to leave the park for dinner everyday. I think that if we are going to be there from ope to close we are eating outside the park. Normally we go during the off season and I don't willingly leave the park. I need an hour or so away from the park.

[GoofySon'sMom]

We are going to be there in 13 days and my kids think we need to be there from open to close and I told them we are going to leave the park for dinner everyday. I think that if we are going to be there from ope to close we are eating outside the park. Normally we go during the off season and I don't willingly leave the park. I need an hour or so away from the park.

Not me! At least not in WDW ... we don't usually make rope drop but are there fairly soon thereafter. DS and I were actually in the MK one night just before 3am! We had an absolute blast. I see you mentioned teenage DDs...are they old enough for you to leave them in the Park while you leave? I would definitely do that with DS at WDW now ... probably not DLR though because I don't know that Park all that well ... yet!

[kaoden39]

Not me! At least not in WDW ... we don't usually make rope drop but are there fairly soon thereafter. DS and I were actually in the MK one night just before 3am! We had an absolute blast. I see you mentioned teenage DDs...are they old enough for you to leave them in the Park while you leave? I would definitely do that with DS at WDW now ... probably not DLR though because I don't know that Park all that well ... yet!

My girls are 17 and 16, and my son is 13, he will be with his 14 year old best friend. They are going to be fine but I want them to join us for dinner. DLR is much smaller than WDW, and I have no problem letting them go alone, they are mature enough. Leaving the park for dinner is more for my mom who is 73 years old, Belen who is also 73, and Boo who is 4. We will get them settled at the hotel and them be in attack mode again.

[VallCopen]

Well I decided to join your TR too. You can follow mine before you go and I will relive Disney through you after I get back. (I will be missing it sooo) Sounds like you have a lot of fun things planned and great meals. We have booked a few dinners with one at Goofy's and one at Napa too, so I will be sure to get lots of pictures posted to make you drool just a bit longer.:rotfl2:
We always love Napa!!!!:love: My daughter (12) and I do this every trip as a special night out together, we have been doing this for the past 4 years now. We haven't done Goofy's in years so we are excited to go again and take our 3 year old for the first time.:banana:

Hope you have an awesome trip. We have never done WDW but we just love Disney. Although it can be busy and packed with people, the closeness to hotels and both parks just can't be beat. Do your best to get their early, take an afternoon pool break, ocean break, or a little shopping or eating and then hit the parks again for the evening. Enjoy!!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

. We have booked a few dinners with one at Goofy's and one at Napa too, so I will be sure to get lots of pictures posted to make you drool just a bit longer.:rotfl2: We always love Napa!!!!:love:

Hope you have an awesome trip. We have never done WDW but we just love Disney. Although it can be busy and packed with people, the closeness to hotels and both parks just can't be beat. Do your best to get their early, take an afternoon pool break, ocean break, or a little shopping or eating and then hit the parks again for the evening. Enjoy!!!

Thanks! We are such foodies, I can't believe that I had considered not going to Napa Rose. Thankfully I came to my senses. Cannot wait to see your pictures!

I admit, I am missing WDW but really am looking forward to this trip. We are not really afternoon break people in WDW but part of that is probably the hassle of getting back to the hotel. We'll see how that goes this trip. Even though I know the Parks/Hotels are all close, I haven't completely wrapped my brain around it yet! :upsidedow

[kaoden39]

Good Morning!!

[koalagirl5]

Just read your report so far. :cool1: So excited for you! I too will be doing Goofy's Kitchen, for brunch though, not dinner. I'm sooo hoping to see a couple princesses there so I don't have to do PFF with DD. She's not into doing Ariel's Grotto but still wants to see princesses, but I'm not looking forward to the long line at PFF, followed by 10 seconds to take pics with them. :scared1::rotfl:

I want to see pics of that Kitchen Sink after you've done your damage to it. :thumbsup2

[GoofySon'sMom]

Good Morning!!

Hey there! It's lunch time for me! popcorn::

Just read your report so far. :cool1: So excited for you! I too will be doing Goofy's Kitchen, for brunch though, not dinner. I'm sooo hoping to see a couple princesses there so I don't have to do PFF with DD. She's not into doing Ariel's Grotto but still wants to see princesses, but I'm not looking forward to the long line at PFF, followed by 10 seconds to take pics with them. :scared1::rotfl:

I want to see pics of that Kitchen Sink after you've done your damage to it. :thumbsup2

I admit that I am glad I don't have to deal with the PFF with DS. I do love the characters though so we do the meals & see whoever we can see!

Will definitely post before & aftear pics of the Kitchen Sink. I have a feeling that DS will be the one to enjoy the most!

[kaoden39]

I am on west coast time. We are a few hours from lunch. I must tell you I do not think I would have the patience to do PFF, and am so glad that my girls are teenagers. Although we do have a four year old girl in our group, thankfully I think her patience isn't as good as mine is so we are probably going to miss it. Darn....;)
:rotfl:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yeah, I used to be bummed not having a little girl but no longer.

When DS was 8, I wanted to eat in the Castle at WDW so I booked a princess lunch. He told me that he would just tell the Princesses to "move on along to see the little girls" but then added "except for Jasmine 'cuz she's kinda hot". ;) My little ladies man, even at 8! We didn't see Jasmine but I have the best pic of Aurora leaving a lipstick kiss on his very flushed cheeks! :laughing:

[kaoden39]

Yeah, I used to be bummed not having a little girl but no longer.

When DS was 8, I wanted to eat in the Castle at WDW so I booked a princess lunch. He told me that he would just tell the Princesses to "move on along to see the little girls" but then added "except for Jasmine 'cuz she's kinda hot". ;) My little ladies man, even at 8! We didn't see Jasmine but I have the best pic of Aurora leaving a lipstick kiss on his very flushed cheeks! :laughing:

Trust me boys are much easier than girls....:scared1: My son has always been like that too. He loves having older sisters and that they have "hot" friends. :rotfl2:

[Tikestoublie]

Found your trip report. Sounds like a great trip ahead. :cool1:

Look forward to the reports when you get home. Maybe more pics of lipstick kisses from princesses? :lmao:

Have fun!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Found your trip report. Sounds like a great trip ahead. :cool1:

Look forward to the reports when you get home. Maybe more pics of lipstick kisses from princesses? :lmao:

Have fun!

He informed me last night that he is going no where near the Princesses or Tink & the fairies. We'll see .... :rolleyes1

[Tikestoublie]

:lmao::lmao: Give it a few more years maybe? I was surprised when my DBF willingly waited in line with me for the Tink - and got his picture taken! :lovestruc

[GoofySon'sMom]

I changed our WOC dining package from WCT to AG. Looks like the food is mediocre at both places and I really like the jellyfish lights in AG. Plus their dessert looks better and let's face it, it really is all about the chocolate!

So our final dining reservations are:

7/24 Goofy’s Kitchen 7:00 PM

7/25 Café Orleans 12:00 PM

7/25 PCH Grill at 6:00PM

7/26 House of Blues 3:00 PM

7/27 Blue Bayou 11:30 AM

7/27 Napa Rose 8:00 PM

7/28 Storytellers Café 9:30 AM

7/28 Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen 7:00 PM

7/29 Plaza Inn 10:00 AM

7/29 Ariel's Grotto at 5:00 PM

7/30 PCH Grill 8:30 AM

7/31 Carnation Café 12:00 PM

Hoping to book a Fantasmic Dessert Package for the 30th and will probably order a WOC picnic for the 31st. Not sure if we will see the show a 2nd time but I want to give us the option. We have to eat something for dinner so why not cover all the bases!

OUr trip still seems pretty far away but we are getting there... :wizard:

[Karenann*]

Wanted to let you know I am on board and reading! Going 7/3-7/12. Just foo graduation weekend and prom before that so I have been limited to late night on the Dis board and just konk out!!! Reading now!!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

So my DSis called yesterday to say that even though it is waaaay far in advance, she wants to plan a family get together next Labor Day weekend (2011). She lives in Fort Lauderdale which happens to be about 3 hours from Orlando.

Soooooooooooo, we are now at 33 days til Disneyland and 433 til Walt Disney World! :goodvibes :banana: :rolleyes1

I can't go all that way and not pop in to see the Mouse. Plan is to fly into Orlando the weekend before Labor Day and stay probably 4 nights (til Wednesday) then drive down to my sister's for the rest of the week.

Having even a remote plan to go to WDW next year will make it just a bit easier to leave DLR this year.

[kaoden39]

So my DSis called yesterday to say that even though it is waaaay far in advance, she wants to plan a family get together next Labor Day weekend (2011). She lives in Fort Lauderdale which happens to be about 3 hours from Orlando.

Soooooooooooo, we are now at 33 days til Disneyland and 433 til Walt Disney World! :goodvibes :banana: :rolleyes1

I can't go all that way and not pop in to see the Mouse. Plan is to fly into Orlando the weekend before Labor Day and stay probably 4 nights (til Wednesday) then drive down to my sister's for the rest of the week.

Having even a remote plan to go to WDW next year will make it just a bit easier to leave DLR this year.

Oh that sounds wonderful!! That gives you plenty of time to plan.:thumbsup2

[GoofySon'sMom]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Trip is now paid in full! :banana: :banana: :banana:

One step closer ... 31 days! Nothing like wishing the summer away! :rolleyes:

[koalagirl5]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Trip is now paid in full! :banana: :banana: :banana:

One step closer ... 31 days! Nothing like wishing the summer away! :rolleyes:

:woohoo: :yay: You're getting so close! And a trip next year to WDW? I'm jealous. :snooty: :lmao:

[kaoden39]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Trip is now paid in full! :banana: :banana: :banana:

One step closer ... 31 days! Nothing like wishing the summer away! :rolleyes:

It's so close.

[GoofySon'sMom]

:woohoo: :yay: You're getting so close! And a trip next year to WDW? I'm jealous. :snooty: :lmao:

And possibly another Mom & Son trip next year. I have mixed feelings on that. DH doesn't love Disney as much as DS and I but he does enjoy our trips. He mentioned last night that maybe DS and I could do the Disney part next year and he would fly down at the end of the week for the part at my sisters. While I do love the idea of another Mom & Son trip, it is hard to get over the guilt of spending the money & not bringing DH . But then again, DH pointed out that he and I went to Disney 4 times without DS (before he was born!) and that DS and I have only been twice without him! :upsidedow And I am sure DH and I will have trips after DS moves on with his own family.

Yep, too far away to stress right now. But I do like to make my reservation as soon as the next year's dates open up. Usually I pay a bit each month until it is paid. This trip was different. But doing to WDW, I will have to pay a bit each month and the more months I have to pay, the better!

Ok, enough rambling aleady ... :rolleyes:

[DizNee Luver]

31 Days!! :cool1:

[kaoden39]

I didn't even realize that you guys are going at the same time.:rolleyes: Yeah, I have been paying attention.:scared1:

[GoofySon'sMom]

I didn't even realize that you guys are going at the same time.:rolleyes: Yeah, I have been paying attention.:scared1:

I knew we were going around the same time but didn't realize it was the same day until last week! :rolleyes:

[kaoden39]

I knew we were going around the same time but didn't realize it was the same day until last week! :rolleyes:

Too funny. Well, I don't feel so bad then.:goodvibes

[GoofySon'sMom]

30 days! One Month from Today! :dance3:

[DizNee Luver]

Woo Hoo for 30 days!!!! :cool1: The only difference in our plans is we leave in 30 days but 32 until we actually go into the parks!! Stupid driving time...... :headache:

[koalagirl5]

Woo Hoo for 30 days!!!! :cool1: The only difference in our plans is we leave in 30 days but 32 until we actually go into the parks!! Stupid driving time...... :headache:

Yes, boo on that drive time! I don't know if you saw this, since I'm a little closer to Eugene, but Allegiant Air now flies out of the Eugene Airport. :thumbsup2 They have flights to LA for as low as $50 or so each way. They only go twice a week, and some dates are more like $120 each way, but I may do this on my next trip.

Anything other than that drive would be better. :faint:

[koalagirl5]

Oh yeah...WOOHOO for 30 days!!!! :woohoo:

[DizNee Luver]

:rolleyes1 Ummmmm......did you know.........

4 WEEKS BEFORE BOTH OF OUR FAMILIES GO TO DISNEYLAND!!!!!

:lmao: :cool1: :rotfl: :woohoo: :rotfl2: :yay:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Figure I should add some countdown pics myself ... mine have to be from WDW since this will be our first trip to DLR! All will probably be from our last December trip although maybe I will dig back a bit further for a few!

Here we go ... Celebrating 28 days!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0781.jpg

[GoofySon'sMom]

:rolleyes1 Ummmmm......did you know.........

4 WEEKS BEFORE BOTH OF OUR FAMILIES GO TO DISNEYLAND!!!!!

:lmao: :cool1: :rotfl: :woohoo: :rotfl2: :yay:

Yes, Ma'am!

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[kaoden39]

Four weeks is just around the corner. Woo hoo!! I love the picture if Baloo.

[GoofySon'sMom]

27 Days ... Last trip was the first time we got to see Max!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0648.jpg

[kaoden39]

Less than four weeks now!!:cool1:

[GoofySon'sMom]

26 Days!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0574-1.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

L:lovestrucVE the pic!!! Just makes you smile!!!

[kaoden39]

That's a wonderful picture. Thank you for the smile!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

L:lovestrucVE the pic!!! Just makes you smile!!!

That's a wonderful picture. Thank you for the smile!!

Thank you both! And for today, one of my favorites from a previous trip! Being a Star Wars kid, it amazes me how 'scary' the stormtroopers are!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30910009.jpg

(Sorry it is sooooo tiny!)

[kaoden39]

I felt really bad for "Bawb" on our trip. He is only 14 but he is over 6 feet tall so everyone thinks he is older. When he wants to be picked to do anything they never pick him. He gets heart broken. When he wanted to volunteer for some Army Man thing at DCA, they totally avoided picking him.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yeah, that is too bad. The pic with DS though was just a meet & greet, not the Jedi thing. DS would never do the Jedi thing. He's 14 as well but definitely doesn't want to do much of the kid stuff any more. :sad1:

[kaoden39]

Yeah, that is too bad. The pic with DS though was just a meet & greet, not the Jedi thing. DS would never do the Jedi thing. He's 14 as well but definitely doesn't want to do much of the kid stuff any more. :sad1:

That is my son Loren. He thinks is much too grown up. Puberty is not fun. "Bawb" is further into his so he is much more willing to act like a "little" kid again.

[GoofySon'sMom]

24 days and a pic from our "Incredible" Mom & Son trip in 2008!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/image087.jpg

[kaoden39]

That is soooo cute!!

[DizNee Luver]

Love it!!! Our little boy loves the Incredibles & was so excited to see them at the parks!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ordered our Fantasmic Dessert Package tickets! :banana:

Definitely seems like a crazy amount of money but I like the idea of the preferred seating. Told DH to think that we paid for the seats and the dessert box is free! :upsidedow

[DizNee Luver]

Woo Hoo!!

Mike & I did this last year & the kids were on their own..... :lmao: Actually we had purchased our tickets because we were going alone....but in the last month....things changed & we ended up with 4 of our kids in tow. But the deal was.....we weren't changing our plans!!! Loved being able to sit & watch & not spend a couple of hours for just waiting!! Did you get the first show?? If so, make sure you stay seated after the show & watch the fireworks from your seats.....it's awesome!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yep, I got the first show. Good to know we can hang out for the fireworks. We will be spending that day with family in Newport Beach but they have to get back to San Diego so we should be back by 6. Figure we'll be tired and probably want to talk about the family (:rolleyes:) so we can just hang out to get our seat assignments and then do whatever til we can actually be seated.

[kaoden39]

That sounds like a great plan.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ordered our WOC Picnic this morning! That is the last of my planning to be done! :cool1:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30940021.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

Ordered our WOC Picnic this morning! That is the last of my planning to be done! :cool1:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30940021.jpg

Woo Hoo!!!! :banana:

By the way...... We're In July Now!!! :cheer2:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yes, ma'am! I can see the day we leave on the calendar on my desk! Makes it seem soooooo much closer! :goodvibes

[kaoden39]

Yay!! I had the thoughts of doing the picnic for a while and now I am glad that we didn't.

[GoofySon'sMom]

For our 22 day countdown -- one of my fav pics from our Mom & Son trip ... taken at the Polynesian

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/image280_00.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

:thumbsup2 Me likey!! Did you stay at the Polynesian?? We've never been to WDW, but I've looked (trust me I've looked.....lol) & loved the look of the Polynesian!! (but we're big fans of Hawaii !!)

[GoofySon'sMom]

Nope ... the Poly has always been a bit out of budget ...even when we did have a deluxe resort budget! (With job changes we are mostly a value budget now!). I love both restaurants at the Poly though so we are there every trip. In 2008 Disney had a photo thing - for $25 you could get your pictures taken around one of the resorts so DS and I did. They still do it but it is much more expensive now. I love the pics from that photoshoot! Not quite professional portrait quality but perfect for our special trip!

[DizNee Luver]

They're great pics & what fun memories!!!

The Poly would not be in our budget either if we ever could afford to go......but I could spend a day (or 2) just going & looking at the motel/hotels & never step foot in the parks.

[kaoden39]

Love the picture. Almost at three weeks!!:cool1:

[GoofySon'sMom]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: 3 weeks! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_0664.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

Cooooooooolllllllll!!!! Is that at the Pop Century hotel?? That place looks like a blast!!

:dance3: 3 Weeks Baby!! :dance3:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yep, it's POP. We have stayed at many of the WDW Deluxe resorts and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE POP. The rooms are just basic, no frill hotel rooms but I just love the grounds, the food court. It is hard for me to justify paying 3 or more times the room rate at POP to stay Deluxe.

[kaoden39]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: 3 weeks! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_0664.jpg

Yay!! That is such a cute picture!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

20 days! I had Tigger on my shirt and this particular Tig did not want to let me leave!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1346.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

I love Tigger......I left my kids at Pooh's Corner with Pooh Bear & went ahead to get Tigger to myself....... :rotfl:


Happy 4th of July!! pixiedust:

[kaoden39]

I love it. Inside three weeks now!! Woo hoo!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

A new decade - 19 days! Did some shopping for the trip this weekend ... couple of new blouses, a pair of capris, new sandals for DS and new underwear for us all!

This was one of the highlights of our Christmas trip for me ... meeting Remy!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0917.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

How awesome is that?? My kids would have loved that!!

[kaoden39]

He is so cute!!

Inside 20 days now!!:cool1:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Inside 20 days now!!:cool1:

Yep, new decade today! :goodvibes

[kaoden39]

Yep, new decade today! :goodvibes

A better smaller decade as it were.:hippie:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Another character first for us last trip ... Marie!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0682.jpg

[kaoden39]

Aww. There are so many characters in WDW that there are not in Disneyland.

18!!!

[DizNee Luver]

Awwwww...she's so cute!!! Never have seen her!! I agree with Michele......I think WDW gets a ton more characters then Disneyland.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Aww. There are so many characters in WDW that there are not in Disneyland.

18!!!

Awwwww...she's so cute!!! Never have seen her!! I agree with Michele......I think WDW gets a ton more characters then Disneyland.

That is one thing I am really curious about. I think you are probably right but I do think there are a few in DLR that WDW doesn't have. WDW really doesn't have many villains ... occaisionally Capt Hook. I am a character junkie so I love the idea of 'meeting' a character that we have never met!

[DizNee Luver]

We've seen Cruella every trip & have seen the evil queen once.

[kaoden39]

On our trip we saw the Evil Queen hanging out by Snow White wishing well, and another time we saw the Fairy Godmother right in that same area. So I guess the time of the day dictates whether you will see a "nice" character or a villain there.

And pretty much every morning we saw Cruella on Main Street. She is a kick to watch and some Cruella's are better than others for sure.

[GoofySon'sMom]

ooooooh, I so want to see Cruella & the Evil Queen!

Got our vacation packet today! :cool1: Makes it seem even more real!

[kaoden39]

ooooooh, I so want to see Cruella & the Evil Queen!

Got our vacation packet today! :cool1: Makes it seem even more real!

Yay!! That is good mail. I always liked it when Cruella had a trailer in the Hollywood section of DCA.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Edging closer ... 17 days! Here's one of Chip fooling around with DS from a couple of years ago ...

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30890024-1.jpg

[kaoden39]

:banana:

[DizNee Luver]

:thumbsup2 Chip & Dale are so much fun!!

:woohoo: 17 days!!!! :yay:

[Belle Ella]

Congrats on getting your vacation packets :woohoo: I guess the big day is coming up for ya'll!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

:banana:

:thumbsup2 Chip & Dale are so much fun!!

:woohoo: 17 days!!!! :yay:

Congrats on getting your vacation packets :woohoo: I guess the big day is coming up for ya'll!!

YES! It is feeling closer! Made our Super Shuttle reservation and paid off the room only portion of our reservation! :banana:

[GoofySon'sMom]

For our 16 day mark ... one of my very favorite from our Mom & Son Trip!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/image038.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

That's a really neat picture!! I've never seen one done with people not looking at the camera!! I'll have to remember that one....of course probably won't be as much of a statement if 10 of us are doing it........ :rotfl2:

[GoofySon'sMom]

I think the photographers thought I was nuts ... but I really like how they came out! I loved the backs of the shirts I made as much as the fronts so I wanted to be sure to capture them on film!

[kaoden39]

I really like that picture. I think that it says it all.

[GoofySon'sMom]

I really like that picture. I think that it says it all.

me, too! :cloud9:

For today ... a present from a wonderful Mousekeeper!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1418.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

:scared1: Clowns!!! :rolleyes1 they've never been my thing......... :rotfl: But nice of her to leave it!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yeah, I am not a fan of actual clowns either but he was pretty cute. That trip we also got a bunny, swans and something that I can't remember now. It was so fun coming back to the room to see our surprises each day!

[DizNee Luver]

Was it something you got to keep?? I've never seen anything like that (all decorated up....) I've seen where they've made the towels into critters but not as fancy as that!

[GoofySon'sMom]

I didn't take him because he would have fallen apart. In retrospect I wish I had found a way to do it. I have some of the smaller ones in a shelf in our bathroom.

I had read here on the Dis that it is Ok to take the towel creations because they are made from old towels and made for the guests enjoyment. I have always only taken the smaller ones. They are such a great bonus ... extra magic!

[DizNee Luver]

I didn't take him because he would have fallen apart. In retrospect I wish I had found a way to do it. I have some of the smaller ones in a shelf in our bathroom.

I had read here on the Dis that it is Ok to take the towel creations because they are made from old towels and made for the guests enjoyment. I have always only taken the smaller ones. They are such a great bonus ... extra magic!

That's very cool!!

[kaoden39]

I have never had the towel creatures made by the mousekeepers when we have stayed at the DLH maybe they only do that at the GCH. Or maybe they just don't do that at DLR/\.

[DizNee Luver]

We didn't see any during our stay at the DLH......very cute idea!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

:dance3: :dance3: 14 days! :dance3: :dance3:

From our favorite parade in Hollywood Studios that no longer exists -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30930012.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

:rainbow: 2 WEEKS!!! :rainbow:

We're getting so close now!!! EEeeeeeeeeeeeeee......can't wait!! :woohoo:

[Belle Ella]

I see Mushu!!

[kaoden39]

Woo Hoo!!

I love Mushu!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

13 days!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/31060001.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

~~~I wanna be like you, talk like you, woo hoo hoo~~~ :rotfl:

I really am going to have to go to WDW one of these times......you definitely have seen characters we just don't get at Disneyland!! We have Baloo who I L:love:VE.....but never seen King Louie!! Awesome!

[kaoden39]

What a fun picture!! Less than two weeks.

[Belle Ella]

Baloo is just plain mean! He scared the patootie out of me last year!! Silly bear!! :rotfl:

I only tease. Well, about the mean part. He really did scare the patootie out of me!

[GoofySon'sMom]

~~~I wanna be like you, talk like you, woo hoo hoo~~~ :rotfl:

I really am going to have to go to WDW one of these times......you definitely have seen characters we just don't get at Disneyland!! We have Baloo who I L:love:VE.....but never seen King Louie!! Awesome!

What a fun picture!! Less than two weeks.

Baloo is just plain mean! He scared the patootie out of me last year!! Silly bear!! :rotfl:

I only tease. Well, about the mean part. He really did scare the patootie out of me!

I love Baloo ... and King Louie. We have always had fun with them over the years. I am sooooo ready to see what new characters we may see in Disneyland because that means we are there! Been a rough week ... trip just cannot come soon enough!

[kaoden39]

I love Baloo ... and King Louie. We have always had fun with them over the years. I am sooooo ready to see what new characters we may see in Disneyland because that means we are there! Been a rough week ... trip just cannot come soon enough!

I hate long weeks.

[GoofySon'sMom]

I hate long weeks.

This has truly been one of those weeks where if one other thing goes wrong I may just snap ... Not sure if it would be tears or screaming but something. Hopefully we have turned the corner on to a better week!

[kaoden39]

This has truly been one of those weeks where if one other thing goes wrong I may just snap ... Not sure if it would be tears or screaming but something. Hopefully we have turned the corner on to a better week!

It's all a new week. I had one of those weeks over a couple of days this last week. I finally hid myself away in my bedroom and had nothing to do with anyone yesterday. I hope this week is better for you.:hug:

[Belle Ella]

:hug: I've been having a few days like that. It sucks and is no fun! I hope things get better before you leave. Leaving for a vacation in a good mood always makes things better. And I'll wish extra hard for the next 13 days to go by super quick!

[DizNee Luver]

Hang in there Vicki!!!! Things have to start looking up......just smile & tink happy thoughts*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ :wizard:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Thank you all! I had a nice weekend with DS visiting family that ended with seeing Bon Jovi last night! :cool1: That man is FINE!

Also found out today that my biopsy was negative! :banana:

Better late than never ... 12 days!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30860017.jpg

[Belle Ella]

:woohoo: Things starting to look up?

Hey, it's Figment!!

[kaoden39]

Thank you all! I had a nice weekend with DS visiting family that ended with seeing Bon Jovi last night! :cool1: That man is FINE!

Also found out today that my biopsy was negative! :banana:

Better late than never ... 12 days!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/30860017.jpg

I am so happy to hear about the biopsy!! That is absolutely fantastic news!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

And well 12 days is pretty good too!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am so happy to hear about the biopsy!! That is absolutely fantastic news!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

And well 12 days is pretty good too!!

Yes, we are very relieved to get those results. It's been hanging over our heads for a while due to my doctor going on vacation. Makes me breathe a bit easier waiting for the next 12 days!

[GoofySon'sMom]

:woohoo: Things starting to look up?

Hey, it's Figment!!

Yep, tomorrow will be a challenge at work but definitely looking up on the home front!

We love Figment. Unfortunately they are no longer doing the meet & greets. Happy we were able to get pics when we did!

[kaoden39]

Yes, we are very relieved to get those results. It's been hanging over our heads for a while due to my doctor going on vacation. Makes me breathe a bit easier waiting for the next 12 days!

I can imagine the relief that you felt when you heard. What a feeling of elation it must have been. And that will make the 12 days that much faster I am sure.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yeah ... it's like you don't realize you are holding your breathe until you feel yourself exhale, ya know?

[kaoden39]

Yeah ... it's like you don't realize you are holding your breathe until you feel yourself exhale, ya know?

Yeah, I do.:goodvibes

[DizNee Luver]

That's wonderful news Vicki!!! Now you can breathe a sigh of relief & get your mind back on the trip!!! :banana:

[GoofySon'sMom]

11 days!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/EPSN0041.jpg

[kaoden39]

What a ham!! I love pictures like that!!

[DizNee Luver]

That's cool!!! My kids would be doing the same thing!!! :rotfl:

[GoofySon'sMom]

10 days! Sooooo close to single digits! This one is from our Christmas trip this year ... love Chip & Dale together!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0767.jpg

[kaoden39]

:dance3::dance3::dance3::cool1:

[DizNee Luver]

:woohoo: 10 Days!!! :yay:

What are Chip & Dale dressed up like? popcorn::

[GoofySon'sMom]

:woohoo: 10 Days!!! :yay:

What are Chip & Dale dressed up like? popcorn::

Space-munks ... it is in Tomorrowland. I know the outfits are kind of strange!

[DizNee Luver]

Oh, I get it!!! Cute as always!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Single digit dance :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Ok, so for single digits, I wanted to post some of my older character pics that are from my film camera and not on the 'puter. My scanner gave me fits so I took digital photos of the films pictures. Hence the quality isn't perfect but you get the idea ...

These are the pictures that inspired my screen name and started all the magic for DS -

This was our first trip ... as an 8 year old DS thought he was too old for the characters ... then he met this guy!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1134.jpg

(I can see it is a bit blurry but you get the idea)

This one is from our trip the following year -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1136.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

Cool.....I always wonder about peoples screen names!!

WE'RE IN SINGLE DIGITS!!! WOO HOO!!!!"] :goofy:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Cool.....I always wonder about peoples screen names!!


Our first night with DS in WDW I booked Mickey's BBQ dinner figuring it would be an easy way to see the characters. We got there are DS was adamant that he was too old and wouldn't go up to them. I got a bit upset (not a stellar Mommy moment) and dragged him to Goofy pouting all the way. DS's back was to me but I could see Goofy messing with his ears and putting his hands on this mouth I assume to 'turn the frown upside down'. Goofy turned DS around and that was the smile. To this day it is my very favorite pic because it was the one that started DS's love of Disney in general and Goofy in particular.

[DizNee Luver]

That's a great story & memory!!! Thanx for sharing that.....I loved it!!

[kaoden39]

Single digits!! I am so excited for you!!

[DizNee Luver]

Vicki, am I remembering correctly that you are doing a meal at House of Blues on Monday, July 26 around 3?? I haven't gone back to look....... :rotfl: I remember discussing possibly trying to catch you when you came out & before we checked in for our dinner at the Rainforest Cafe at 4:30. So just double checking your plans to see if we can set a 5 min. meet up!!! :cool1: I know we are doing a ton of the same meals....just never on the same days!! :rolleyes1 Let me know!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Vicki, am I remembering correctly that you are doing a meal at House of Blues on Monday, July 26 around 3?? I haven't gone back to look....... :rotfl: I remember discussing possibly trying to catch you when you came out & before we checked in for our dinner at the Rainforest Cafe at 4:30. So just double checking your plans to see if we can set a 5 min. meet up!!! :cool1: I know we are doing a ton of the same meals....just never on the same days!! :rolleyes1 Let me know!

Yes, we are eating a late lunch at House of Blues on Monday before we catch a cab to go to the Red Sox game. Our reservation is at 3. Would love to coordinate meeting up in between our two reservations!

[kaoden39]

Yay!! For the Sox game!!

I got an email from the A's offering me tickets to when the Sox are in Oakland.

[DizNee Luver]

Yes, we are eating a late lunch at House of Blues on Monday before we catch a cab to go to the Red Sox game. Our reservation is at 3. Would love to coordinate meeting up in between our two reservations!

Great....how long do you think you'll be at HoB? 45-60mins?? We could plan on meeting out front of their restaurant at 4pm?? That would allow me to be down at the Rainforest Cafe around 4:15 for check-in.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Great....how long do you think you'll be at HoB? 45-60mins?? We could plan on meeting out front of their restaurant at 4pm?? That would allow me to be down at the Rainforest Cafe around 4:15 for check-in.

Sounds good. Even if you aren't done for some reason, I can come out.

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Just saw this one as I checking to see if I had any new comments on the TR for my May DL trip and thought I would subscribe to this.

[DizNee Luver]

Sounds good. Even if you aren't done for some reason, I can come out.

Ok, I'll put it down for 4pm on the 26th at the HoB in my itinerary!!! Can't wait!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Just saw this one as I checking to see if I had any new comments on the TR for my May DL trip and thought I would subscribe to this.

Welcome! Thanks for reading! :thumbsup2

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, I'll put it down for 4pm on the 26th at the HoB in my itinerary!!! Can't wait!!

Can't wait ... we will be the family in the Redsox t-shirts! :laughing:

[GoofySon'sMom]

8 Days! One Week from Tomorrow! :cool1: :cool1:

For today, my personal favorite character coupe! We were in the right place at the right time ...

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1138.jpg

(Ugh, I hate that it is so blurry ... stupid scanner!)

And an extra - Snow White talking so seriously with DS about flying on an airplane!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1135.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

Wow.....the dwarfs!!! That's a very cool picture!!

Red Sox shirts.....I'll find ya!! My step-dad is a HUGE fan & any team that is the rival to the Yankees is alright in my book!!! :lmao:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Wow.....the dwarfs!!! That's a very cool picture!!

Red Sox shirts.....I'll find ya!! My step-dad is a HUGE fan & any team that is the rival to the Yankees is alright in my book!!! :lmao:

My kind of girl!

We have been lucky enough to see all 7 of the dwarfs for photo-ops twice ... one just by themselves and once that they allowed someone to pose with them. It was our first two trips with DS so we didn't realize at the time how rare that is!

[kaoden39]

8 Days!!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

8 Days!!!

And now 7 ... one week! :cool1: :banana: :woohoo:

This was after our family magic tour (and DS's bee sting that had Wendy so very concerned!)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1139.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

Happy ONE WEEK MARK!!!! :cheer2:

I don't think I've ever seen Wendy.....I'd love to see her & Peter Pan together!!

[kaoden39]

Yay!! One week!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

6 days ... we can actually now say that next week at this time we will be in Disneyland! (Since the 24th is mostly a travel day)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1131.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

:woohoo: Under a week!!!! :yay:

Love Sulley & Mike!!

[kaoden39]

Inside of a week!! Woo Hoo!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

:woohoo: Under a week!!!! :yay:

Love Sulley & Mike!!

Inside of a week!! Woo Hoo!!


Yep and still making changes to our plans! :laughing: Going to Ralph Brennan's on the 25th now instead of the PCH Grill for the Kitchen Sink. Now planning the PCH Grill for later on Wednesday, after we spend the day in Hollywood and probably a beach boardwalk (we don't actually 'do' the beach!)

[kaoden39]

Yep and still making changes to our plans! :laughing: Going to Ralph Brennan's on the 25th now instead of the PCH Grill for the Kitchen Sink. Now planning the PCH Grill for later on Wednesday, after we spend the day in Hollywood and probably a beach boardwalk (we don't actually 'do' the beach!)

You are in the perfect location for that.

[DizNee Luver]

Yep and still making changes to our plans! :laughing: Going to Ralph Brennan's on the 25th now instead of the PCH Grill for the Kitchen Sink. Now planning the PCH Grill for later on Wednesday, after we spend the day in Hollywood and probably a beach boardwalk (we don't actually 'do' the beach!)

:cool1: So much fun looking over the schedule & changing things up!! I better keep to our plans, since we had special arrangements on a number of the meals. You sure you don't want to do PCH Grill on Thurs say around 5:30?? :confused3 Didn't figure it would hurt to ask.....:rotfl:

[GoofySon'sMom]

:cool1: So much fun looking over the schedule & changing things up!! I better keep to our plans, since we had special arrangements on a number of the meals. You sure you don't want to do PCH Grill on Thurs say around 5:30?? :confused3 Didn't figure it would hurt to ask.....:rotfl:

Thursday is our Ariel's World of Color package. Anything else I may have been able to change. How fun if we could have had a meal at the same time!

[DizNee Luver]

Oh well...it was worth a shot!! Hey make sure you go look at todays picture on my PTR.....its for you!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

5 days! Just need to drag myself thru this week of work!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1137.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

The whole gang......SWEET!!! :cool1: 5 more days......eeeeeeeeee!!! :woohoo:

[GoofySon'sMom]

The whole gang......SWEET!!! :cool1: 5 more days......eeeeeeeeee!!! :woohoo:

Yeah, very cool. I know we saw Rabbit one time as well but I couldn't find that pic for some reason. :confused3

YES! 5 days! :thumbsup2 I had thought I was pretty much ready but of course the last minute 'have to dos' are popping up. Planning to take care of most of that after work on Wednesday ... last minute laundry on Thursday night, final packing on Friday night ... car service picking us up 7am Saturday morning! (with the time change, Sat will seem like a really long day!)

[DizNee Luver]

Yeah, very cool. I know we saw Rabbit one time as well but I couldn't find that pic for some reason. :confused3

YES! 5 days! :thumbsup2 I had thought I was pretty much ready but of course the last minute 'have to dos' are popping up. Planning to take care of most of that after work on Wednesday ... last minute laundry on Thursday night, final packing on Friday night ... car service picking us up 7am Saturday morning! (with the time change, Sat will seem like a really long day!)

I imagine that it will be a very long day.....hopefully you can get some rest of the flight!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

I imagine that it will be a very long day.....hopefully you can get some rest of the flight!!

That is the plan ... maybe even with a little help ... tylenol PMs can be your friend! :laughing:

[kaoden39]

I have seen Rabbit more than once in Critter Country but I have never seen Piglet. I love Piglet so much!!

5 days!!!

[DizNee Luver]

That is the plan ... maybe even with a little help ... tylenol PMs can be your friend! :laughing:

To get me on a plane it would take something much stronger than Tylenol PM.....they have to give me something that knocks me out!! :lmao:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Celebrating only 4 more days! :cool1:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0505.jpg

[DizNee Luver]

I love King Louie!! I've never seen him at Disneyland......I would love to see him & Baloo together....that would be awesome!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Funny because we see them together just about every trip. Always in Animal Kingdom and most days in the Magic Kingdom. Wonder why they wouldn't have King Louie in DLR? :confused3

[kaoden39]

I am sure I have seen him in parades. I am guessing that the reason you don't see him in Adventureland is because it is so small and such a bottleneck area.

4 days!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Only 3 more days! Getting harder & harder to focus at work for sure!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Copy2ofImage0031.jpg

[kaoden39]

3 Days!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

3 Days!!

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[DizNee Luver]

At least you have work for a bit of a distraction....I don't have that....I just sit & make & check my lists.....pack, pack & pack some more.......I have NO idea where all this stuff is going to go in a 12 passenger van with 10 people (3 in baby car seats) :confused3:scared1: YIKES!!

:cool1: But only 3 more days!!! :banana:

[DizNee Luver]

:confused3 Where's today's pic?? I'm missing it this morning!! :hug:

[GoofySon'sMom]

:confused3 Where's today's pic?? I'm missing it this morning!! :hug:

I am late today! Had a doctor's appointment this morning and then had to do actual work when I got to the Bank today. What's up with that?! :laughing:

Two days til our Incredible trip! :upsidedow

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0784.jpg

[Belle Ella]

Soooooooo close!!

[DizNee Luver]

I am late today! Had a doctor's appointment this morning and then had to do actual work when I got to the Bank today. What's up with that?! :laughing:

Two days til our Incredible trip! :upsidedow

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0784.jpg

Ok, I'll allow it!! :lmao: How rude for them to expect you to work when you're going to Disneyland in ~~~~~~~~~ 2 days!!! :rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

Two Days!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Soooooooo close!!

Two Days!!

Yes, Yes! If only I didn't have so much to do between now & 7am Sat morning when vacation officially begins.

[kaoden39]

Yes, Yes! If only I didn't have so much to do between now & 7am Sat morning when vacation officially begins.

That is me. I am always running around like a chicken with my head cut off right before the trip.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Tomorrow we'll be having dinner with this guy!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disney%20December%202009/img_0780.jpg

Today will seem eternal at work for sure!

[kaoden39]

Just one last day!!!

:cheer2:

[DizNee Luver]

Woo Hoo.....we're almost there!!! Dinner with Goofy sounds great!! Hi-yuck!! :goofy:

See you Monday at 4!!! :banana:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Just one last day!!!

:cheer2:

Woo Hoo.....we're almost there!!! Dinner with Goofy sounds great!! Hi-yuck!! :goofy:

See you Monday at 4!!! :banana:

Yep, Yep! I cannot wait. I ordered a cake to surprise DS. I am so excited!

[GoofySon'sMom]

We are awaiting the car service to take us to the airport as I type this!

I will have the laptop and always have the intention of updated during the trip but in the past that hasn't really happened. Maybe this time will be different!

I will have a ton of pics ... including much food porn when we return!

[kaoden39]

Have a wonderful time!! I hope you love Disneyland as much as I do!!

[disneydreamer74]

Hope your trip is going well!! Have a fantastic time!!!

[stubby]

We are awaiting the car service to take us to the airport as I type this!

I will have the laptop and always have the intention of updated during the trip but in the past that hasn't really happened. Maybe this time will be different!

I will have a ton of pics ... including much food porn when we return!

Just checkin in to see if you had updated.

[DisneyStitch626]

Hey I am joining in!! Sorry it's so late! I am surprised I didn't find this earlier, as I talk to most of the girls on here, lol, and have also seen you on their reports.

Hope you are having a wonderful, magical time! :wizard:

[GoofySon'sMom]

We are awaiting the car service to take us to the airport as I type this!

I will have the laptop and always have the intention of updated during the trip but in the past that hasn't really happened. Maybe this time will be different!

I will have a ton of pics ... including much food porn when we return!

Have a wonderful time!! I hope you love Disneyland as much as I do!!

Hope your trip is going well!! Have a fantastic time!!!

Just checkin in to see if you had updated.

Hey I am joining in!! Sorry it's so late! I am surprised I didn't find this earlier, as I talk to most of the girls on here, lol, and have also seen you on their reports.

Hope you are having a wonderful, magical time! :wizard:

Thank you all! We had a FANTASTIC time! Our trip just could not have been more perfect, thanks in part to all of the help from everyone here!

So sad that it is over! All that planning, hoping, wishing and POOF the trip just flies by!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Our trip was super magical, everything we wanted it to be and more!

I haven't moved the pictures from my camera yet and may not get to until this weekend. We took a ton of pics including a photo of just about everything we ate so there will be much food porn!

World of Color was FANTASTIC. The dinner package at Ariels went off without a hitch. Loved the Fantasmic dessert package - thought it was worth every penny to not be sitting with the masses for hours and hours.

We definitely made our comparisions to WDW ... some things we liked much better at DLR, others at WDW. I will try to make notes. The one thing I will admit is that I just could not get used to the small castle! :laughing:

Hoping to get to start this before the weekend but work is crazed. For sure I will begin the updates by the weekend.

[kaoden39]

I am glad that you had a great time!! I can hardly wait to hear all about it. I am doing the meet on Wednesday with Laurie and family. I will take my camera and make sure I get lots of pictures.

[Belle Ella]

Welcome back and :hug: THANK YOU :hug: for the postcard. I love, love, love getting Disney mail! I can't wait 'till you start the reporting!

[disneydreamer74]

Yay!! Glad you had a great trip!! I cant wait for food porn!!!:dance3:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, so I have never actually done a trip report before, only dining reviews. Figure I will give the trip report a try and if I can't get it done resort to just the food porn! :thumbsup2

We arrived at the Long Beach Airport just before 4pm PST ... the time change was something we struggled with most of the week ...

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1144.jpg

Our Super Shuttle van was waiting for us. We hit surprisingly little traffic on the way to the hotel & check-in went quickly. We were assigned Room 811 at the PPH.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1146.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1147.jpg

We had a great view of the pool ... the pool that we never used! :confused3

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1148.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1149.jpg

I just loved these -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1152.jpg

DS loved that the couch pulled out so he had his own spot ...

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1191.jpg

All in all we loved the hotel. Loved the suntan lotion smell in the lobby, the glass elevator. We used the Grand cut thru to get to the Parks so it was fairly quick. Being used to WDW with the busses and long walks, this was a a breeze! All CM's we encountered were very nice & helpful. Room was clean. All in all we had a really great experience and would stay here again.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Our first night I planned dinner at Goofy's Kitchen figuring that we would be too tired to go into the Parks and at least we would get that Disney feeling. Definitely a mistake. Very expensive and the food wasn't all that great.

Here are some pics of the buffet -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1160.jpg


http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1161.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1162.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1163.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1164.jpg

I know many compare this to Chef Mickey's. Admittedly, I am not a huge Fan of Chef Mickey's at dinner either but I do think the food there is a bit better than it was here. We were definitely tired to maybe that played into it.

Character interation was pretty good ...

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1158.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1154.jpg

I brought a photo mat for the characters to sign around and a bag of sharpies. Dale thought that was just the greatest thing and drew us a really cute picture with his authgraph. I will post pics of that at the end of the report once I get it framed.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1155.jpg

The big deal here was that we ordered DS a surprise "Have a Magical First Visit" cake -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1174.jpg

A bunch of CM's came over to the table but when they realized it wasn't a birthday they just walked away. No song ... not even a hello or an acknowledgement of our first trip. It was a bit weird.

The cake was delicious ... we ate it the next couple of mornings for breakfast!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1175.jpg

[GoofySon'sMom]

DH ran the cake back to the hotel and then met DS and I in DTD. We had hoped to stop at the Uva bar for a drink but there was a line and we were dragging by this point.

Had to stop at the Lego store -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1176.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1178.jpg

In keeping with the WDW comparision, I do think WDW's Lego store and area is better purely because it is much bigger with many more Lego creations. Some day I want that to be my job!

Then we were off to Marcelines -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1185.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1180.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1179.jpg

DS and I couldn't resist the mini cupcakes -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1184.jpg

These were absolutely delicious! Moist, not too sweet. Really good cupcakes. We had intended to get a box to take back with us but forgot by the end of the trip.

DH isn't a chocolate guy so he got a huge peanut butter cookie

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1183.jpg

We also got a bag of the dark chocolate covered honeycomb that DS and I actually ate last night. I am sooooo sorry that we didn't buy several bags. I think it is my new favorite treat!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1182.jpg

Back to the room for the rest of DS's surprises ... balloons and a gift basket!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1188.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1187.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1189.jpg

DS was saying that he felt like he was getting too old for the "magic". This was my attempt to show him that you are never too old. And it worked! We had a truly great, magical trip! And DS enjoyed every bit of that magic!

Next up our first full day in Disneyland! Will we actually make it to the Morning Extra Magic hour (something we have never done at WDW!)??

[heatherleigh]

Just started following, and I'm enjoying it so far. I look fwd to the rest, and all the food reviews & photos. What kind of cake was that? It looks delicious.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Just started following, and I'm enjoying it so far. I look fwd to the rest, and all the food reviews & photos. What kind of cake was that? It looks delicious.

Thanks for reading! :hug:

Chocolate with a mousse filling and buttercream frosting. The cake was super moist and the mousse really delicious. I am not a big frosting fan so I didn't each much of that. Even after a couple of days in the fridge the cake was still really moist. Breakfast of champions while on vacation! :laughing:

[Belle Ella]

Yay! I'm definitely still tagging along. Great start! I have to say, I really want to steal that photo mat idea that you had for the characters at GK. That's got to be awesome. Chip and Dale normally draw on our paper table cover and I have to resort to ripping it off before leaving. Those two have given me some of the best character interaction ever I must say.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yay! I'm definitely still tagging along. Great start! I have to say, I really want to steal that photo mat idea that you had for the characters at GK. That's got to be awesome. Chip and Dale normally draw on our paper table cover and I have to resort to ripping it off before leaving. Those two have given me some of the best character interaction ever I must say.

Steal away! I had planned to bring it to all of our character meals but the characters at Goofy's signed so big that I didn't have a ton of room left. I did bring it back to the Mickey & Stitch breakfast for a few more signatures. Was bummed I didn't have it at Minnies where we saw 12 characters! Oh my! But that would have required poor DH taking it back to the room after. And I really didn't have that much room left on the mat!

We ended up with Pluto, Goofy, Aladdin, Mulan, Dale (but alas, no Chip), Mickey, Minnie, Daisy (again, no Donald) and Stitch. I am happy with it for sure.

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Enjoying your trip report!

We have also had disappointing experiences with Goofy's dinner. We won't be back.

I've never heard of the honeycomb but I am intrigued. What exactly is it. Do you think they would let me sample it, it seems like a bit of an unusual treat.

[kaoden39]

I love your trip report. I am more of a Goofy's for breakfast person. I think it is there better meal. A line at Uva Bar? No!! Say it isn't so....I am disappointed to hear that you didn't get to try it.

[stubby]

Trip sounds great so far...got my maps today....thank you so much!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Enjoying your trip report!

We have also had disappointing experiences with Goofy's dinner. We won't be back.

I've never heard of the honeycomb but I am intrigued. What exactly is it. Do you think they would let me sample it, it seems like a bit of an unusual treat.

I didn't ask about trying it ... we figured it is chocolate so how bad could it be?:laughing: It is a harder honey candy surrounded by dark chocolate. They had milk chocolate as well. Surprisingly it isn't super sweet. I am already trying to figure out how to get more!

[GoofySon'sMom]

I love your trip report. I am more of a Goofy's for breakfast person. I think it is there better meal. A line at Uva Bar? No!! Say it isn't so....I am disappointed to hear that you didn't get to try it.

We never made it over. Went by several times when it wasn't crowded but were on the way somewhere or just too tired to stop. Definitely a disappointment.

Trip sounds great so far...got my maps today....thank you so much!

Thank you ... and you're welcome! :cutie:

[deejdigsdis]

Wow, your son's "1st Visit" cake looks so incredibly delicious! That's too bad no one really acknowledged him.

[Belle Ella]

Steal away! I had planned to bring it to all of our character meals but the characters at Goofy's signed so big that I didn't have a ton of room left. I did bring it back to the Mickey & Stitch breakfast for a few more signatures. Was bummed I didn't have it at Minnies where we saw 12 characters! Oh my! But that would have required poor DH taking it back to the room after. And I really didn't have that much room left on the mat!

We ended up with Pluto, Goofy, Aladdin, Mulan, Dale (but alas, no Chip), Mickey, Minnie, Daisy (again, no Donald) and Stitch. I am happy with it for sure.

It will probably make the fact that at this point my breakfast is going to be just me a little better. It'll be hard to get photos with the characters since I hate the idea of interrupting someone else's meal to get photos -- you know? Now idea how that will work out. But man, I'm wishing I could do Minnie's again now. I forgot how many characters come out for that one!

ETA: Before I forget, did ya'll get the buttons from Goofy's Kitchen when you went? Kind of like the 1st visit and birthday buttons onlly with GK on them? Just curious. They didn't have any during my trip last year which made me sad, lol.

[kate_wdw]

Yay! I'm really happy to see that your TR has begun. I enjoyed reading your previous reports and will be really interested to hear your take on DL.

[disneydreamer74]

Loving the report!! Marceline's.....:love: Oh, I cannot wait to get back there! Those Mini cupcakes are a must on my list!! Yummo!!!They chocolate covered honeycomb sounds unique,,,but very interesting!!
I love the gift basket you ordered for your son. Looks like they did a great job personalizing it for your son. I order a basket for DD3 every trip..it is always a great surprise!!!:wizard:

[GoofySon'sMom]

It will probably make the fact that at this point my breakfast is going to be just me a little better. It'll be hard to get photos with the characters since I hate the idea of interrupting someone else's meal to get photos -- you know? Now idea how that will work out. But man, I'm wishing I could do Minnie's again now. I forgot how many characters come out for that one!

ETA: Before I forget, did ya'll get the buttons from Goofy's Kitchen when you went? Kind of like the 1st visit and birthday buttons onlly with GK on them? Just curious. They didn't have any during my trip last year which made me sad, lol.

There were 12 characters that we saw at Minnies. Amazing. We didn't get buttons at Goofys but did get them at Minnies and the PCH Grill breakfast.

As for the pictures, I completely understand how you would feel asking others. But I have to say that it wouldn't have bothered me a bit if someone that was eating alone asked me to take some pics for them!

Yay! I'm really happy to see that your TR has begun. I enjoyed reading your previous reports and will be really interested to hear your take on DL.

Thank you so much!

Loving the report!! Marceline's.....:love: Oh, I cannot wait to get back there! Those Mini cupcakes are a must on my list!! Yummo!!!They chocolate covered honeycomb sounds unique,,,but very interesting!!
I love the gift basket you ordered for your son. Looks like they did a great job personalizing it for your son. I order a basket for DD3 every trip..it is always a great surprise!!!:wizard:

Yes, I was very, very happy with the basket. It's the first time we had ever done anything like that. Will probably do something on our next trip to WDW as well.

[kaoden39]

I ordered a basket for my mom on our trip in 2007 and I thought it was just a wonderful gift and it was a nice surprise for her to have it delivered to the room.

[DizNee Luver]

:hug: Hi Vicki!!! It was great getting to meet up with your family....even for just a few minutes!! Wish we could have figured a meal out together....but as you saw when we ran into you at DCA.....we seemed like we were always on the run to the next thing!! :eek:

I love the pics from the Paradise Pier!! Love the decor!! I also think the view of the pool was quite nice.....too bad you didn't schedule in a couple hours for a swim.

I agree with you on Goofy's this time....but will go into detail on my trip report.

I don't think you're ever too old for little "magical" surprises while at Disneyland....we got a birthday basket for Derek & Betty to share.....they both got a kick out of it. The cake you got looked very tasty!! Too bad they didn't at least say "Welcome & I hope you enjoy your first visit with us" :headache: Just saying........ :rolleyes1

Looking forward to your next installment.....now off to get mine going today.....

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ugh, I had hoped to get our offiical day one installment up today on my lunch hour but it has been so busy today that I didn't get a lunch hour! :headache:

No 'puter time tonight either ... hopefully tomorrow will be a slower day and I can work on our first day in Disneyland! If not, Saturday for sure!

DS is taking DH into NYC with him next week so I will have plenty of alone time to get rolling on the rest of the report!

[GoofySon'sMom]

:hug: Hi Vicki!!! It was great getting to meet up with your family....even for just a few minutes!! Wish we could have figured a meal out together....but as you saw when we ran into you at DCA.....we seemed like we were always on the run to the next thing!! :eek:

.....

Ditto for us! Would have loved to have had a meal. We needed to coordinate better as we were making plans, not when they were all finalized! :rolleyes:

Hopefully there will be a next time for us!

[DizNee Luver]

Ditto for us! Would have loved to have had a meal. We needed to coordinate better as we were making plans, not when they were all finalized! :rolleyes:

Hopefully there will be a next time for us!

I hope so!!

Here's the 2 pics we got of us:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a312/laemee/IMG_1375.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a312/laemee/IMG_1374.jpg

Lets see if I have this right: Andrew, Vicki, Anthony, Laurie holding Michayla & Adaleah.....love how Mike didn't have me move so the fountain didn't look like it was sprouting from my head..... :lmao:

[GoofySon'sMom]

Lets see if I have this right: Andrew, Vicki, Anthony, Laurie holding Michayla & Adaleah.....love how Mike didn't have me move so the fountain didn't look like it was sprouting from my head..... :lmao:

LOL! Your picture definitely came out better than ours! There is a reason that I am the picture taker and not Jay! :rotfl:

[GoofySon'sMom]

So Sunday, July 25th was our first full day in Disneyland! I didn't really take many notes so I am going to have to do the report from memory and the order of my pictures! ;)

We did make it to the Park a little after 7. Really good for us! Guess the time change was now working in our favor! Crowds were very light and we managed to get a TON done this morning! Yay!

I am going to have to say that I never really got used to the smaller castle. It just didn't "feel" the same to me. But one thing I loved is that you can still walk thru it!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1192.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1193.jpg

We rode Peter Pan first (always first!). It is one of my favorite rides.

Then Mr. Toad -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1194.jpg

The on to Dumbo for Andrew and I -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1197.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1199.jpg

I think we did Pinnochio next - I really liked it!

On the way we stopped for this obligatory picture -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1202-1.jpg

We then all went on the right hand side of the Matterhorn. Once was enough for me but they wanted to try to left side -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1206.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1207.jpg

They both liked the right side much better. Felt the left was rougher. I never ended up doing that one.

We then went to the Nemo Subs. Being a bigger person, I was worried about this one but it went fine. Again, I really enjoyed it. I like it better than the Nemo ride in the Land Pavillion at EPCOT.

DS & DH rode Star Tours while I checked in with my sister. Those motion simulated rides make me super nauseous. I usually do it once a trip in WDW but just wasn't up to it this morning. I will definitely check out the new version when it is done (assuming we get back to WDW!)

Even though we had an early lunch reservation at Cafe Orleans, we had to have a snack. Went to the bakery on Main Street and shared these -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1213.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1214.jpg

Loved the cupcakes on display -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1212.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1211.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1210.jpg

Moving to the next post ...

[GoofySon'sMom]

After our snack, we went to the Penny Arcade -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1215.jpg

We all loved this! I wish WDW had something similar. Very cool!

Ultimately I know we ended up on the Mark Twain -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1222-1.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1220.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1216.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1223-1.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1224-1.jpg

After that Andrew wanted to stop at the Shooting Gallery ... something that for some reason we have never really done in WDW ... he had a blast!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1217.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1219.jpg

I am sketchy on the details from this point ... I know we saw the Tiana show at some point ... I just loved the music!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1232.jpg

I believe we went on Pirates. Oh my! This was the thing that I found most different from WDW's version and we all LOVED it! So much better than the one in WDW. This was the ride we did the most all week ... probably 4 or 5 times.

Really loved the New Orleans Square area ... something totally different for us!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1236.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1235.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1238.jpg

And I loved the popcorn carts!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1234.jpg

Then we were on to lunch at Cafe Orleans --

[GoofySon'sMom]

This ended up being one of our favorite meals. I wish we had gone back a second time -

Really like this picture taken from our table -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1227-1.jpg

We all shared the Pomme Frites -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1228-1.jpg

Absolutely delicious! Could have made a meal on these alone!

Andrew and I decided to split a bowl of the gumbo and the chicken sandwich.

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Jay had the salmon salad but had pretty well hacked it up before I got a picture. Figured no one wanted to see that! ;)

We shared the Mickey Beignets for dessert ... oh my, heaven on a plate! Again could have eaten several more orders of these!

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1231.jpg

After lunch we headed towards Critter Country. Jay & Andrew decided to try the canoes -

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I know we went up to ride the Pooh ride after this. I really didn't enjoy it as much as the one in WDW because you didn't 'bounce' with Tigger. I did remember to look up and see the Moose & friends! (Thanks Disers!)

I am going to have to actually get to work now ... will finish the day either later or tomorrow.

Next up - the Parade, Flag Retreat and dinner at Ralph Brennans!

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Hi..............WOW............it seems like you all had the best time. There are so many things you guys have done that I will be hoping to do for our big Christmas trip! Everything from the basket in the room to the families shirts. We are visiting for Christmas and are getting an annual pass each so we can go as often as we like for the 3 weeks we are in Anaheim. I also get to celebrate my Birthday too! Disney overload that day.............Breakfast with Miss Minnie Mouse, afternoon session of Disney On Ice and to top it off, the Fantasmic preferred seating package. I would love to ask you some questions, so if I could message you direct, that would be great! I think coming from Australia, we could do with some tips from our friends in the USA! Cheers and I can't wait to read more!

114 sleeps until our magical journey begins!!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Hi..............WOW............it seems like you all had the best time. There are so many things you guys have done that I will be hoping to do for our big Christmas trip! Everything from the basket in the room to the families shirts. We are visiting for Christmas and are getting an annual pass each so we can go as often as we like for the 3 weeks we are in Anaheim. I also get to celebrate my Birthday too! Disney overload that day.............Breakfast with Miss Minnie Mouse, afternoon session of Disney On Ice and to top it off, the Fantasmic preferred seating package. I would love to ask you some questions, so if I could message you direct, that would be great! I think coming from Australia, we could do with some tips from our friends in the USA! Cheers and I can't wait to read more!

114 sleeps until our magical journey begins!!!

How exciting! Will this be your first trip? We definitely had a great time and I did feel that we accomplished so much the first day ... and yet, we didn't feel rushed. It was truly a great trip!

I will answer any questions I can ... feel free to message or email me!

[kaoden39]

It sounds to me like you like our humble little park. I am so glad that you guys had fun. I can hardly wait to read more.

[DizNee Luver]

Main Street Bakery.....yummo!!

Totally worth getting to the parks early & taking advantage of the smaller crowds. You can get a ton of rides done in the first couple hours. We rode POTC a ton as well!! Did you get to see the Tiana show?? We caught bits & pieces thru-out our trip....but never saw the whole thing.

Cafe Orleans.........Isn't that the best?!!! I L:love:VE that restaurant!!! We saved it for our last dinner at Disneyland.

Loving the pics!!

[GoofySon'sMom]

It sounds to me like you like our humble little park. I am so glad that you guys had fun. I can hardly wait to read more.

I definitely do! Absolutely loved it. Couldn't help but compare constantly and I do think deep down I am always going to be a "World" girl primarily because of EPCOT (ok, and the bigger Castle! :upsidedow) but I definitely loved every minutes of our trip. DH wants to move the weather to Florida and DS wants to compact everything so we could walk rather than deal with the busses!


Main Street Bakery.....yummo!!

Totally worth getting to the parks early & taking advantage of the smaller crowds. You can get a ton of rides done in the first couple hours. We rode POTC a ton as well!! Did you get to see the Tiana show?? We caught bits & pieces thru-out our trip....but never saw the whole thing.

Cafe Orleans.........Isn't that the best?!!! I L:love:VE that restaurant!!! We saved it for our last dinner at Disneyland.

Loving the pics!!

I agree with getting there early! We missed Tuesday morning, just too tired and found Thursday morning pretty crowded. Saturday was better though. Amazing for us as we are really not morning people!

Like you we saw bits & pieces of the Tiana show all week. Never stopped to watch from start to finish. I did get beads one time. Didn't do the meet & greet. I am awaiting an Amazon gift card in the mail and plan to treat myself to the Bayou Boogie CD. I just love the music from the movie so I figure the music inspired by the movie must be just as good!

Definitely loved Cafe Orleans! Overall I wasn't super impressed by DLR food when comparing to WDW but CO was definitely a favorite. Andrew became obsessed with gumbo as you will see throughout the rest of the report! :laughing:

[DizNee Luver]

We were disappointed in the food this trip as well.......we loved Cafe Orlean's & Ariel's Grotto. I've read from many other WDW vets that the food at DL just doesn't begin to measure up. I've always defended our little park....but don't think I could after this last trip. Was pretty let down on some of our favorites.

[GoofySon'sMom]

We were disappointed in the food this trip as well.......we loved Cafe Orlean's & Ariel's Grotto. I've read from many other WDW vets that the food at DL just doesn't begin to measure up. I've always defended our little park....but don't think I could after this last trip. Was pretty let down on some of our favorites.

Yep, that was definitely our biggest 'issue' ... I can't actually say complaint. Other than Goofy's, our meals were good ... but nothing spectacular. Food at WDW is such a big part of our trip ... too many restaurants and not enough meals usually! If (when?) we do get back to DLR, it will just not be a priority for us. It's funny, it WDW we avoid counter service everywhere but in the EPCOT countries. At DLR, we found some of our better dining experiences were actually at the CS places we popped in at for 'snacks'. Go figure!

[disneydreamer74]

The dining is definitely a different experience at DLR than at WDW. My first trip to DLR I was really surprised at the quality of food, but I have been able to find some favorite places to eat here such as Riverbelle Terrace and Taste Pilots. WDW has many really good food options, not to mention the fab dining plan, But I have had some horrible food at CS places there as well.:confused3
Like you said, if you dont have high expectations for food, you will have a great trip!:rotfl:

[kaoden39]

I love New Orleans Square. When I was alone at the park last trip I went and sat there and watched the world go by. It was wonderful!! This is idea place for me. I love the music and atmosphere.

[joyfulDisneytears]

Following along! :surfweb: Wherever did you get your family shirts? Those are great!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Following along! :surfweb: Wherever did you get your family shirts? Those are great!

I got the designs from the Disigners here on the Creative Disigns Board and ironed them on. The disigners are truly wonderful!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, so I am pretty sure that we now camped out for the parade. I know I held a spot and watched the fireman band play while DS & DH went to see Mr. Lincoln. As I am typing this I now realize I never saw that show! I am bummed.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1267.jpg

On to the Parade -

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I truly love the music from all Disney parades. I am not as big a fan of these types that stop and perform rather than the 'normal' type. The one in Hollywood Studios is the same way. We had a decent spot by a stop so we lucked out but I can see where others would be super frustrated at waiting and then not seeing much.

[GoofySon'sMom]

We made a point of seeing the flag ceremony. We have caught the end of this in WDW but never the whole thing. I found it very moving and was in tears at the end ...

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1268-1.jpg

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I am so glad that we took the time to see this. It really isn't all about running from one ride to another. We definitely took our time to enjoy the little things around us this trip.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Dinner was one of our favorite meals of the trip ... Ralph Brennan's. We sat inside and actually felt a bit under dressed as there were several tables in our room very dressed up. I would have been a bit more comfortable either outside or in another area of the restaurant initially. But once we started eating, it didn't matter any more.

DS started with the Gumbo Ya-Ya (Chicken, andouille sausage, dark roux, Creole seasoning, rice)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1276.jpg

I had the Creole Onion Soup (Caramelized sweet onions, savory broth, croutons, Parmesan cheese)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/img_1275.jpg


Oh my gosh, this may be my favorite soup that I have ever eaten. Truly loved every drop of this soup.

DH had the three course dinner that they offered so his choice was the soup of the day. It was a seafood gumbo that I didn't take a picture of because it looked just like DS's regular gumbo.

For entrees, I had an appetizer - the Filet Mignon Muffuletta (Thin filet mignon, rosemary ciabatta bread, hothouse tomatoes, olive salad, provolone cheese)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1279.jpg

with a side order of the fried green tomatoes -

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1280.jpg

The muffuletta was not at all what I expected but it was truly delicious as were the tomatos. I was very happy with my dinner choice.

DS had Grilled Chicken & Penne (Pancetta, caramelized onions, basil, Asiago cheese, pink vodka sauce)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1282.jpg

DH had the Amazing Cajun Meatloaf with Southern grits, barbeque baked red beans

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1281.jpg

I didn't sample DS's pasta but DH's meatloaf was very, very good. We all really enjoyed our meals here.

On to dessert ... and oh my gosh, what a dessert! DS and I shared the Double Chocolate Bread Pudding (A rich, dark, semi sweet chocolate bread pudding served with white and dark chocolate gananche)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1283.jpg

This was just amazing! We loved it so much we went back Monday night just for the soups and this dessert (I will get to that later!). I really think this is my favorite dessert I have ever, ever had.

DH had the New Orleans Bread Pudding (The queen of Crescent City desserts. Rich in cream, eggs, sugar and raisins. Served warm with our housemade crème anglaise)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1284.jpg

This was good but just didn't compare to the wondefulness of the chocolate one.

While we were eating, the table next to us had the banana's foster ... it was cool to watch

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1277.jpg

We were all stuffed. Took our time walking back to DL, strolled up Main Street and were lucky enough to snag a bench in front of the Castle. We hung out, discussed our day and FROZE waiting for the fireworks! Send DH off for sweatshirts! I haven't completely decided what I think of "Magical". No pics because I know my camera just doesn't do fireworks well. I am disappointed we didn't get to see "Remember the Dreams Come True". I definitely love "Wishes" much more than Magical. DS was so disappointed, didn't want to see the fireworks at all again throughout our trip. I don't think I disliked them that much, they are fireworks after all! But that show even with Dumbo flying just didn't live up to "Wishes" for us.

All in all a great full first day. I felt that we did so much but we never felt super rushed. We had plenty of down time for people watching and just enjoying being in the Park.

Tomorrow - California Adventure!

[DizNee Luver]

The Celebration Parade.....doesn't measure up to the Parade of Dreams that ran for the 50th Anniversary up to last year when this one started. My kids loved the music & it was nice seeing all those characters....but it reminded me more of the types of parades they like to do at DCA.

The flag retreat.....very moving!! I was soooo disappointed that I didn't get to see that this trip. I've seen it with the Dapper Dan's providing the music & really wanted to see it with the Disneyland Band.

We've never eaten at Ralph Brennan's. We've talked about it...but never have scheduled it in. The food does look very tasty!!

[joyfulDisneytears]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii210/vs6191/Disneyland%202010/img_1250.jpg




Okay, I'm sitting here looking through your pictures, and had to scroll back up because I did a double take and said to myself 'Female chipmunk????'

I had to go look up this phenomenon...Apparently her name is Clarice and she was in one Chip & Dale cartoon short in 1952. Learn something new about Disney everyday! :woohoo:

Just thought I would post this in case anyone else was wondering too! :thumbsup2

[kaoden39]

Oh my the food from Ralph Brennan's looks so good. We have eaten from their take out part before when we were staying at the DLH. They do a great take out we also did a take out dinner too. It was good food but not as good as what you got inside from what I can see.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Okay, I'm sitting here looking through your pictures, and had to scroll back up because I did a double take and said to myself 'Female chipmunk????'

I had to go look up this phenomenon...Apparently her name is Clarice and she was in one Chip & Dale cartoon short in 1952. Learn something new about Disney everyday! :woohoo:

Just thought I would post this in case anyone else was wondering too! :thumbsup2

I had assumed she was the female chipmunk in Rescue Rangers ... :confused3

[DizNee Luver]

I had assumed she was the female chipmunk in Rescue Rangers ... :confused3

No, it's Clarice the love interest of both Chip & Dale. I had heard she was in this parade & was thrilled to get a few of her myself!!