Trip Sadly Over - GCH July 19th - 24th

[Tikestoublie]

Fairly new to writing on the board - but have been reading everything I can to get my Disney fix before our trip. :cool1::)

A little about us. Me - 35. Did Disney as a child and then had a long break. Moved to Australia so no Disney for me. :sad2: But, came back and have done 3 trips in the last 2 years. :lovestruc In 2008 took my DD, at the time 10 for her first trip. She loved it! :yay: But, because of bad planning and trying to do beach and other stuff we didn't even have 2 full days in the park. :scared1: Meant she didn't get to see a lot and sadly missed Splash as it broke when we were going on it. Also bringing DGM again, actually she paying for the trip so guess leaving her behind would be bad. ;)

My DD, now 12, almost 13 - Yay birthday trip, :bday:party:had major surgery last year, so not only is this a bday trip but also an I survived trip. :cheer2::cheer2: Everyone is getting excited.

Our trip is planned for 19 July to 24 July. 4 full days and 2 half days!! :cool1::cool1: The plan is to take a 7am flight from Portland, getting to Long Beach about 9:30. Grab a car, hit store for snacks...and off to Disneyland!! On Saturday take an evening flight so we can enjoy last minute things in the park during the morning/afternoon. The hardest part will be that I fly back from Denver on the 18th - Arrive Portland 9pm, go home re-pack, shower, wash clothes, load car and back to the airport. :scared1::scared1: Sleep? Who needs sleep! :rotfl:

So far I have narrowed done my hotel choices. Grand Californian! :woohoo: And because I cannot actually secure our booking till next month I have my fallback choice - DLH. Until I can book am checking prices every day and think Costco will be the way we go. Much thanks to all the wonderful tips here. Being able to see how things have worked out for others has been incredibly helpful.

I finally got my PS's secured yesterday and today. Had to call back now that they have WOC meals out. Now to sit back and find out how that plan is actually going to work. Yay for guinea pigs! :dance3::cheer2: Hopefully it all goes off without a hitch.

I am currently working out my list of things we must see, times for shows, and how to get it all done without falling over. :rotfl: With all the great advice on here I am certain it will be a blast.

Certain I have more to say but snacks are calling. Sorry if my writing is a bit chaotic. That kind of day.

[kaoden39]

Sounds wonderful already!! I am along for the ride.

[Tikestoublie]

Sigh. Been so busy reading other TR forgot to come back here. :lmao::rolleyes:

So, shall try and make it back later tonight with my initial dining challenges - with questions. ;)

And thanks Kaoden39. So new to this and hoping can keep it at least a little entertaining. Though seeing so many of these others, those are some HUGE shoes to fill.

Would post past trip pics but nut quite sure how to yet or if I even can.

[kaoden39]

Sigh. Been so busy reading other TR forgot to come back here. :lmao::rolleyes:

So, shall try and make it back later tonight with my initial dining challenges - with questions. ;)

And thanks Kaoden39. So new to this and hoping can keep it at least a little entertaining. Though seeing so many of these others, those are some HUGE shoes to fill.

Would post past trip pics but nut quite sure how to yet or if I even can.

Well, the way that I post pictures that I have saved on photobucket. I use the image code and post it that way.

[Tikestoublie]

Have to see if I still have an account there. Wondering if it works from Picasa?
Just read the FAQ and said something about linking from my pc but seems people have had problems with this. Guess all I can do is try. :)

[kaoden39]

Have to see if I still have an account there. Wondering if it works from Picasa?
Just read the FAQ and said something about linking from my pc but seems people have had problems with this. Guess all I can do is try. :)

I would be willing to bet Picasa has the same thing. I have never linked from my computer except for my avatar picture. Good luck!!

[Tikestoublie]

Thanks. Reading through I am wondering if I have not posted enough yet to be worthy of picture posting. LOL! But I shall not give up.

Till I get it shall enjoy al the other posts I have been reading. :surfweb:

And work to get an update up here. Swear there will be no sleep till Disneyland.

[Tikestoublie]

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fip4O4H5prCt17S-pRsI7qjO_6Rr0q4pIbxuiGr15CM?feat=directlink

A test to see if I can get a picture on here. :worship:

[Tikestoublie]

:(

[Tikestoublie]

One more try. ;)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0793copy.jpg

[deejdigsdis]

Yay! It looks like you figured out the picture-posting thing! I upload to photobucket from Picasa. Love Picasa. :thumbsup2 Looking forward to seeing more pics.

[Tikestoublie]

Ok, so while I procrastinate the continuation of my PTR here are some pics from our last few trips. So excited I now know what I am doing. :cool1::rotfl2::cool1:

DD first trip to DLR. Way too short, hence a great reason to go again!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0593-1copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0526copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0489-1copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0475-1copy.jpg

After dropping her off for ToT - not a Mommy friendly ride. :scared1:

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0469-1copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0412copy.jpg

Next up...pictures from my DD free trips. Another reason to go back. boy was she unhappy to find out I was going again just 4 months after taking her. :laughing::rotfl2:

[Tikestoublie]

Well, a couple more before we leave the DD behind. :lmao:

Keeping cool.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0416.jpg

GRR line was insane but at least we had shade. :thumbsup2
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0515-1.jpg

And after a long day of park hopping....
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0623-1.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/IMG_0659-1.jpg


Now...on to an all adult adventure through the Happiest Place on Earth!! :banana::cool1::banana::cool1:

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3765.jpg

Had waited forever it felt like to finally be here for the HMH and here I was. :banana:

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/091113_0595.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/091113_0164copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3725copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3759copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3854copy.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3420copy.jpg

[Tikestoublie]

Guess there should be a warning. I take a lot of photos! Am a photographer on the side, though wouldn't know it by some of these. What I get for taking the little camera on some of these trips. :lmao:

What he said.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3422copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3437copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3441copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3445copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3463copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3515copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3600copy.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/_MG_3417copy2.jpg

Ok, all the pics for now. Really should be working on my PTR and plans. Once again need to call Disney Dining. And am working on a notebook to organize all the things we want to do and EAT :lmao::rotfl2: 5 days plus seemed like a lot...till I wrote down all we wanted to do. You know - everything! :laughing:

So, question. I already let Disney Dining know about the birthday but wondering if should alert them on reservations about allergies or if I wait till we get there? Anybody know or done this? Major allergies to tree nuts and fish so very important my food does not have any of this in it.

TIA!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Hello! We will be arriving as your trip is ending on the 24th! This is our first trip.

LOVE your pictures! Can't wait for the rest of your report!

[kaoden39]

Good job on getting your pictures posted!! Love them. On the food allergies I think I would call now and then again reinforce it again when you get there. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Tikestoublie]

Hello! We will be arriving as your trip is ending on the 24th! This is our first trip.

LOVE your pictures! Can't wait for the rest of your report!


How fun. You should have a blast.

And thanks. Will get more up soon...I swear. :rolleyes:

[Tikestoublie]

Good job on getting your pictures posted!! Love them. On the food allergies I think I would call now and then again reinforce it again when you get there. Better to be safe than sorry.


Yeah, I just need to be able to take time to call them again. Big worries are the treats and whether they have hidden nuts. Ate coffee cake like that once - not something to repeat. And then whether they share cooking oil.

Will make an effort to get on to them tomorrow.


Now, for my tentative dining schedule. This is hard because I am normally one to just go with the flow and when finally hungry just pick something. This trip however I actually wanted to enjoy some of the foods I had never experienced. I absolutely :love::love: French Onion and Baked Potato Soup, and after everyone's pictures of them I started to realize that maybe this trip I just indulge my stomach along with the rest of.

So, this is what it looks like.

Monday 19 July

Breakfast – Airport
Lunch – CS Whatever we find
Dinner – Tortilla Joes??

Tuesday 20 July (Magic Morning)

Breakfast – Park CS
Lunch – Carnation Café 3:30
Dinner – House of Blues??

Wednesday 21 July

Breakfast – PCH Character Meal 9am
Lunch – CS Somewhere
Dinner – Ariel’s 6pm (WOC Meal)

Thursday 22 July (Magic Morning)

Breakfast – Park CS
Lunch – Café Orleans 1pm
Dinner – WCT 8pm (WOC Meal)

Friday 23 July

Breakfast – Park CS/Compass DTD
Lunch – Blue Bayou 2pm
Dinner – Park??

Saturday 24 July (Magic Morning) Check out Day

Breakfast – CS Somewhere
Lunch – CS Park
Dinner – Airport/Portland


Still a bit rough and subject to change, but needed some kind of plan. Now that they have the park schedule for our dates posted I will work on laying out what things we want to see and how to make it all fit. Some moments I swear I need a whole different degree just to plan a vacation. :rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

May I recommend getting breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace? They serve a good breakfast.

[Tikestoublie]

Actually, was wondering about that. Unable to sleep and stuck in my ubber planning mode I have been going through the menus to see where I might find food all 3 of us can eat I have started this! :lmao:

Food Info:

Blue Bayou –
Monte Cristo 22.00
Dessert Crème Brule

Café Orleans –
French Onion Soup 8.00
Pomme Frites 5.00
Beignets – 7.00

Carnation Café –
Chef Salad 11.00
Croissant Chicken Club 11.00
Smoked Turkey 10.00
1/2 Sand & Soup 10.00
Baked Potato Soup – 6.00

Plaza Inn Character Breakfast –
28.00

Counter Services Meals:

Bengal Barbecue (Adventure Land)
Chicken/Beef Skewer 4.00
Mickey Pretzel w/Cheese 4.00

French Market (New Orleans)
Citrus Chicken w/tatos 13.00
Garden Salad 4.00

Harbour Galley (Critter Country)
Bread Bowl w/Cheddar Broccoli 9.00


Hungry Bear (Critter Country)
Burgers w/Fries 8.00 – 9.00
Onion Rings 4.00
Funnel Cake 6.00

Plaza Inn (Main St)
Fried Chicken Meal 14.00
Chicken Alfredo 13.00

Rancho del Zocalo (Frontierland)
Enchilada Platter 10.00
Carne Asada/Enchilada 12.00
Soft Tacos 10.00
Kids Burrito or Taco Meal 7.00

Red Rockett’s Pizza Port (Tomorrowland)
Spaghetti w/Meatballs 9.00
Chicken Pasta 9.00
Large Pizza Slice 6.00 – 7.00

River Belle Terrace (Frontierland)
(Breakfast)
Mark Twain - Eggs, Tatos, Meat, Biscuit 8.00
Steamboat – Pancakes, Eggs, Meat 8.00
Pancakes solo 5.50
Tatos 3.00
(Lunch/Dinner)
Roast or Turkey Meal 13.00

Tomorrowland Terrace (Tomorrowland)
Burgers 8.00 – 9.00
Turkey Club Sandwich 8.50
Kid’s Turkey Wrap Meal 6.00

Village Haus (Fantasyland)
Burgers 8.00 – 9.00
Pizza 8.00
Turkey Club 8.50

Quick Snacks:

Blue Ribbon Bakery (Main St)
~Breakfast/Lunch/Snacks~
Sandwich Ham/Turkey 8.50
Chocolate Croissant 3.00

Coke Corner (Main St)
Hot Dog 6.00
Pretzel w/Cheese 4.00

Tiki Juice Bar (Adventureland)
Dole Whip 3.00

Troubadour Tavern (Fantasyland)
Bratwurst 7.00
Baked Tatos 6.50

California Adventure Dining:


Downtown Disney Dining:

Grand California Dining:

Chicken Quesadilla 12.00
Sticky Spare Ribs 11.00

Storyteller’s Lunch 11:30 – 2 Weekends 11:30 – 5
Spare Ribs 9.00
Chicken Quesadilla 9.00
Dinner 5 – 10pm
Buffet 30.00
Chicken in Red Wine 20.00


Still have more places to add but hoping it will give me a bit of a cheat sheet to look at in our room. Can be so hard to find places that have food I can eat, and that my horribly picky mother will eat. :headache:

If only they had curry somewhere, then at least DD and I would be set. :banana:

Really hoping they get WOC sorted out and am eagerly awaiting the first round of victims..er, I mean guests...who give us feedback. Comparing the two so far I am thinking AG is going to be best for me. The chicken meal doesn't sound too bad. Had a look at the picnic meal but from what I can tell I would be going hungry. :eek:

[kaoden39]

I am part of the first wave. We are down there in 10 days. I think it is going to be crazy.

And your menu and price list you made, I do that stuff, I never use them but i do make them. :goodvibes It's amazing what a person does when they are anxious and excited.

[Tikestoublie]

How exciting! That you have only 10 days that is. Not sure about the first wave of WOC. Hopefully you have enough days there that with a little flexibility it will be smooth sailing. Definitely look froward to hearing how it went. popcorn::

And good to hear I not the only one who passes the time making insane lists. :cool1: I do it with the knowledge it may not get used there. But, so far it has helped build a mental inventory of places not pre-scheduled to try, and helps me explain to mom what the options are. :thumbsup2

Now....am I correct that I can cancel PS if need be on short notice? Hoping that will not be needed but having that flexibility is handy. Already have their number saved in the mobile.

[kaoden39]

How exciting! That you have only 10 days that is. Not sure about the first wave of WOC. Hopefully you have enough days there that with a little flexibility it will be smooth sailing. Definitely look froward to hearing how it went. popcorn::

And good to hear I not the only one who passes the time making insane lists. :cool1: I do it with the knowledge it may not get used there. But, so far it has helped build a mental inventory of places not pre-scheduled to try, and helps me explain to mom what the options are. :thumbsup2

Now....am I correct that I can cancel PS if need be on short notice? Hoping that will not be needed but having that flexibility is handy. Already have their number saved in the mobile.

Oh yeah, as far as I know you can cancel them the day of. I haven't waited that long but if you don't just no show it should be okay.

I am excited that I am going to be there in 10 days but honestly I never would have scheduled for that time had I known about WoC. But, whats done is done and we are going to be there in the parks in 10 days.

I love to think about the places that I want to eat and then I always want to eat at my favorite place because of the location, the Hungry Bear is so nice because it is shady and a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

[Tikestoublie]

I love to think about the places that I want to eat and then I always want to eat at my favorite place because of the location, the Hungry Bear is so nice because it is shady and a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

That is good to know. It is on my list and am guessing if July is like June was in '08 we will need a shady spot to hang out and eat. And I do love burgers. :cool1:

Hear you about different travel plans if knew about WOC. I remember over the last year watching the building when we visited and being excited to see it. But having read all the posts on this and the mad house it sounds like it will be...um no.

Still, it just one part of the whole place and no matter I am certain you and the family will have an incredible vacation. :grouphug:

[kaoden39]

That is good to know. It is on my list and am guessing if July is like June was in '08 we will need a shady spot to hang out and eat. And I do love burgers. :cool1:

Hear you about different travel plans if knew about WOC. I remember over the last year watching the building when we visited and being excited to see it. But having read all the posts on this and the mad house it sounds like it will be...um no.

Still, it just one part of the whole place and no matter I am certain you and the family will have an incredible vacation. :grouphug:

Thanks. If you want to read it we have a crazy pre-trip going on, the link is in my signature.

[Tikestoublie]

Joining the party. Going to take a bit to catch up. :surfweb: Good thing I don't sleep. :rotfl2:

Quite a family you got going for the trip. Sounds wonderful. Not sure I could do it. One of my best times was actually last Feb when I got to spend an entire day solo! No one to slow me down. But, I actually do like having the company.

Shall see how much of the PTR I can get through tonight. Extremely excited. And of course will be eagerly awaiting the TR when you get back. :rolleyes1

[kaoden39]

Joining the party. Going to take a bit to catch up. :surfweb: Good thing I don't sleep. :rotfl2:

Quite a family you got going for the trip. Sounds wonderful. Not sure I could do it. One of my best times was actually last Feb when I got to spend an entire day solo! No one to slow me down. But, I actually do like having the company.

Shall see how much of the PTR I can get through tonight. Extremely excited. And of course will be eagerly awaiting the TR when you get back. :rolleyes1

So am I.:goodvibes

[Tikestoublie]

So, apparently I am not so good at updating this. ;) Been too busy reading all the other trip reports on here. So, figured I would post an update - if nothing else so I have something to reflect on. :thumbsup2

Currently trying to make a list of the must-see shows and activities and how to make sure we can fit them all in with our meal ressies as well. Somehow thought this would be easier. :rolleyes1

So far I know the will arrive Monday morning at LB and get a car for the day. This allows us to stop by a grocery store for some provisions on the way to the hotel.

So: Monday

7am Flight to Long Beach arriving at 930am
10am Grab a car. Find store on way.
12pm Check in to hotel. If room not ready store stuff and head to park.
2pm Mom goes to take a nap. I will have been up for a day and a half at this stage. :scared1::scared1:
730pm PS at Tortilla Jo's. Have bday certificate but found out it expires 2 days before we get there. So may switch to HOB (have coupon thanks to help here!!)
9pm Back to park. Maybe fire works or 2nd F! show.


More days and details to follow as I can work them out. Must...stop...procrastinating! :rotfl2::rotfl2:


The questions I have are:

A simple, non-freeway route between LB airport and GCH/DLH with a grocery store along the way.

Anyone know where the car rental place is in DTD as I will drop the car off that night or in the morning.

Any have the bday certificate for Patina and have it expire and still be able to use it? Know it a long shot, but with Dr appt and other stuff no way to come earlier.

Has Stitch been spotted recently in the parks? Had scheduled breakfast at PCH but switched to Goofy's as have heard food and experience is better there.

Ok, that it for now. Thanks for reading and any info you can give.

Cheers

[kaoden39]

I can answer one of the questions. Sort of, Stitch if he is going to be seem in a park it will be in DCA. And I will be in the park next week so I will know if he is hanging out in the park.:thumbsup2

I plan on visiting DTD so if I happen to spot the car rental place which I think is closer to the DLH I can let you know on that too.

[Tikestoublie]

I can answer one of the questions. Sort of, Stitch if he is going to be seem in a park it will be in DCA. And I will be in the park next week so I will know if he is hanging out in the park.:thumbsup2

I plan on visiting DTD so if I happen to spot the car rental place which I think is closer to the DLH I can let you know on that too.

Thanks for that. Both my DD and I LOVE Stitch. Would kidnap him if they would let me. :rolleyes1

And if you spot the rental place - awesome. Trying to be prepared since will have to squeeze in returning it somehow.

[kaoden39]

Thanks for that. Both my DD and I LOVE Stitch. Would kidnap him if they would let me. :rolleyes1

And if you spot the rental place - awesome. Trying to be prepared since will have to squeeze in returning it somehow.

I am pretty sure that if it is in DTD then it has to be where I think it is.

And Stitch I am sure that it would be DCA where you find him.

[Tikestoublie]

:cool1::cool1::cool1:

35 days and we will be wandering the land of Disney. :thumbsup2 Guess this means I should actually try and get a bit more organized. But first have to get through my trip next week. ;)

Keep thinking I got the food all taken care of, but as I read more reviews and think more I am contemplating whether WoC is worth it?! :confused3 The time is not an issue, though giving up several hours for 1 show does kind of get to me. I just not sure it is worth the standing/waiting around and trying to see over people. And how comfortable DD will be for that long.

I am also a bit cranky that they have a big chunk of PP closing so early and for the rest of the night. Means more of that we have to cram into the daylight hours. Guess it back to the drawing board for my m,aster plan. :rotfl2::rotfl2:

[Tikestoublie]

Sigh - have had to wait to do the final booking just in case the Dr said no. But, she finally got the all clear. :cool1::cool1: Such a relief.

So, called Costco today and managed to get my Grand California package with a one way car and return Supershuttle for what I thought was a reasonable price. So now we get to organize and pack. :thumbsup2 Been stalling till now as I was not sure if this trip was going to end up being a last minute trip to Hawaii instead. :confused3

I have the meal stuff done. Almost feel like I may have over planned them, but trying to remind myself that I can cancel if need be. And had originally planned to map out at least part of our days since we want to hit many of the shows. Now, I am almost feeling like maybe we should just go with the flow a little more. I know roughly the times and am thinking we can kind of make a checklist and see what falls into our time as we go. Right now it is DCA that has me most messed up. Closing so much of the park for WoC boggles my mind. But figure we find a way to work with it.

With the Costco package I knew about the priority seating for Aladdin, but apparently you also get it for Muppets, ITTBAB (which we will not do again - thinks poking in the spine is not ok and was quite painful last time.) and Animation Academy. I am a bit confused how these work. If anyone is seeing this and has any ideas I would love to know. :lovestruc

Now, back to reading everyone elses trip reports.

[Tikestoublie]

With only a bit over a week to go we decided last night that my DD could pick one special thing extra special thing to do. :wizard: It came down to deciding between Fantasmic dessert or the Walk in Walt's Footsteps. Both seemed equally exciting to her, but finally she decided being able to finally sit and see the Fantasmic show sounded the best.

Was a little nervous calling them today. Had figured they might be sold out so close to our arrival time. With 2 days to choose from I was hopeful. Amazingly enough there were no problems and easily got the 9pm show time on Tuesday. :cool1:

Now I am trying to figure out exactly how this works. Apparently I take the number they give me to a ticket booth and get the tickets there. (Is this the booths where you buy your park tickets?) What I found odd was that she said I didn't check in till 8pm. From what I have read from other posters I thought it was some time earlier that you went and lined up to choose your seat. Has this changed? Hoping someone out there is reading this and can help me out. :confused3

While we do not arrive in Disney for another 9 days - I have a pre-trip so I have 5 days to get everything organized and DD and DMom in line to be packed an ready when I return. :laughing: I oly have approx 9 hours from when I land from one flight to boarding the other! This should be amusing. :rotfl::rotfl:

[Tikestoublie]

Leave in 6 days! :cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

Of course I have to have everyone organized and myself packed in about 12 hours. :lmao::lmao: Got to love those double trips. But I have realized I just have to have faith that the two of them will have their stuff together and my 9 hour whirlwind Sunday night will go smoothly. That not too much to wish for, right? :rotfl2::worship::rolleyes1

[kaoden39]

Wouldn't it be lovely to get home and them be totally ready?:hippie:

[Tikestoublie]

Wouldn't it be lovely to get home and them be totally ready?:hippie:

Indeed! My fingers are crossed and have done all I can. Now it up to them. :rolleyes1 Not sure it helps that they have just left for camping for 2 days. :confused3 So hoping when they get back they get their butts in gear.

I can pray for miracles...right? :worship::worship::worship:

[kaoden39]

I hope it all works out.

[Tikestoublie]

Made it back late last night. Hard to believe how quickly 6 days goes by! :sad2: But, for the most part it was a great trip. Few ups and downs, and a couple major snags pre-trip for me. Overall though I think everyone had a good time.

Slowly getting photos on to my computer and sorted. Will try and start the first day and the pre-trip mayhem very soon. Sadly I did not take notes :scared1: so we will be working on my memory. This should be fun. :lmao:

A big thank you to the boards and all the wonderful advice I received. Many of these tips helped us out so much. :love:

Back again soon.

[kaoden39]

I am so bad about the notes. I promise myself I am going to take notes. I take my binder for note but I never take them.

[disneydreamer74]

Glad you enjoyed your trip and made it home safely!!!:thumbsup2 Cant wait to see your new pics and hear of your experience! You definitely have an eye for photography! :goodvibes

[stubby]

Made it back late last night. Hard to believe how quickly 6 days goes by! :sad2: But, for the most part it was a great trip. Few ups and downs, and a couple major snags pre-trip for me. Overall though I think everyone had a good time.

Slowly getting photos on to my computer and sorted. Will try and start the first day and the pre-trip mayhem very soon. Sadly I did not take notes :scared1: so we will be working on my memory. This should be fun. :lmao:

A big thank you to the boards and all the wonderful advice I received. Many of these tips helped us out so much. :love:

Back again soon.

Anxiously awaiting your TR and pics!

[Tikestoublie]

Thanks! Am hoping to work on it a bit later tonight. :goodvibes

Will start with this. Due to earlier circumstances I went from a trip to Denver almost straight to Disney. Was supposed to have about 7 hours between airports to pack, shower, all that good stuff. Instead my flight from Denver was 3 hours behind :scared1: which left me with 4 hours to do everything. And as soon as I landed in Portland to pack for Disney I fell and hurt my knee. :sad1: But, things did work out in the end.

Look forward to starting this.

:cheer2:

[Michelle2]

Can't wait to hear about it! We will be leaving in 16 days! :) :banana:

[Tikestoublie]

Definitely a work in progress and will clean it up and add the photos as soon as I can. As I will mention again later, I was exhausted, especially the first 2 days so my memory is not the greatest here. Will do my best. :cool1:



As noted before the trip got off to a bumpy start. Running late, hurt knee, and almost set dryer on fire! :scared1: But, we made it to the airport with plenty of time to check in and have a relaxing breakfast. Thankfully the flight was uneventful and we arrived at Long Beach airport on time. I love how easy this airport is to use and that the rental cars and right across the street. Within a half hour we were on our way towards Disneyland – or at least I thought we were. Turns out the directions the rental car guy gave me were not exactly correct and before we knew it we were heading perilously close to a journey to San Diego! :confused3 Thankfully the navigator on the phone and some intuition saved us the extra trip.

Our first stop was the Disney Outlet by Fullerton. I was so excited when we got over here as I was finally in an area that I knew having spent lots of time here over the last 2 years. We managed to escape with just a few pins and make our way for a pit stop at Starbucks and Von’s. They had some great sales on Coke and water so we loaded up for the week. While I have no problem buying some of the drinks in the park I figure having some of our own to fill in would help a bit with the budget.

Finally we drive up to the Grand Californian! :banana: It was amazing and beautiful. I had never seen the front of it before and was very happy with our choice. After having them take the luggage I took us to self-park and then we crossed back over to check in, however I had forgotten about the hidden sliding doors for the entrance…so made them walk all the way to what ended up being the conference center. Oops! :rolleyes1

The wait to check in was quite short so I had hope that perhaps they would have a room ready a little early and I would be closer to some much needed rest. Our original room was not ready but the nice CM found an alternate room that worked out fine. Still I would say we were at registration for about 45 minutes while they got all the papers in order, retrieved my Fantasmic tickets, DD birthday items, Disney Dollars I had ordered, etc. Thought for sure I was going to fall over standing there. But soon we were off to our room. I know some say they are small and dark but honestly there was more than enough room for the 3 of us, plus a friend who came to visit. I thought things were laid out quite well and suited us just fine.

So, we got the bags brought up and then decided to take a quick tour of DTD and the hotel. I have been several times but DD had only been once before and DGM not for many years. The tour was quick and simple and then we headed off to activate our hoppers. And hear is where things start getting fuzzy for me. I believe I sent DD with DGM off to check out the park while I tried to relax. We had dinner reservations at 730 for Tortilla Jo’s. I believe I only slept about 45 minutes because I was starving so I called them back early to see if we could get in a little early as well, which we did.

Had eaten here before and glad I went back. The food was great and we easily split an appetizer and large entrée between the 3 of us. Add that to my birthday coupon for 30 dollars of and things were finally looking up.

I know that we wandered into the park after this but to be honest I was so exhausted I have no clue what exactly we did. Eventually I know I found my way to bed, for not nearly long enough!

I will attempt to write more tomorrow and hopefully by then can add some photos as well. Trying to get them uploaded but it is taking a bit to get done.

[kaoden39]

I have always wanted to eat at Tortilla Joe's my DH is a picky eater so we have never done it. I think when I go with my BFF that I will talk her into eating there.

[Tikestoublie]

I have always wanted to eat at Tortilla Joe's my DH is a picky eater so we have never done it. I think when I go with my BFF that I will talk her into eating there.



You should - especially if you are going with someone who has a birthday near that time. Mine was in May and the certificate is good for 60 days past your birthday. They actually let me go 2 days over which was really nice.

The food is pretty good, something like what I eat at some of my favourite places here. Not exceptional, but for that need a road trip south! But decent and filling, being able to split is wonderful.

[kaoden39]

You should - especially if you are going with someone who has a birthday near that time. Mine was in May and the certificate is good for 60 days past your birthday. They actually let me go 2 days over which was really nice.

The food is pretty good, something like what I eat at some of my favourite places here. Not exceptional, but for that need a road trip south! But decent and filling, being able to split is wonderful.

Is it good for before your birthday too? My birthday is in May but I was hoping to go before May because both her and I have daughters graduating in June from high school so there is so much going on in May. I love the idea of splitting.

[Tikestoublie]

I applied after my birthday so not sure how early it gets emailed. I do believe others have said they got it in their email maybe a few weeks before their birthdays, but could be wrong. I would suggest looking up Patina Group on the web and signing up for the email club. This way you are sure to be alerted when it comes in. It is good at Tortilla Jo's, Naples, I believe Uva, as well as other Patina restaurants around. There may even be a ice place up by you that you could use it out if all else fails.

Hope that helps a bit. Sharing and discounts are definitely a big plus so hopefully they mail it out early enough. :)

[kaoden39]

I applied after my birthday so not sure how early it gets emailed. I do believe others have said they got it in their email maybe a few weeks before their birthdays, but could be wrong. I would suggest looking up Patina Group on the web and signing up for the email club. This way you are sure to be alerted when it comes in. It is good at Tortilla Jo's, Naples, I believe Uva, as well as other Patina restaurants around. There may even be a ice place up by you that you could use it out if all else fails.

Hope that helps a bit. Sharing and discounts are definitely a big plus so hopefully they mail it out early enough. :)

I don't know if you have read my trip report but I fell in love with the Uva bar and the pineapple upside down cake shooters that they have. OMG. That is probably what I would use it on.:rotfl: No but seriously I am going to go google them now.

[Tikestoublie]

I did read and had so intended to come have me some of those shooters. Sadly exhaustion and other stuff distracted me and I never made it over there. Next time!! However I did find my way downstairs to the Hearthstone I believe it is at GCH. Chocolate Martini and a relaxing outdoor fireplace - me and my feet were in heaven!! :lmao:

[kaoden39]

I did read and had so intended to come have me some of those shooters. Sadly exhaustion and other stuff distracted me and I never made it over there. Next time!! However I did find my way downstairs to the Hearthstone I believe it is at GCH. Chocolate Martini and a relaxing outdoor fireplace - me and my feet were in heaven!! :lmao:

My Bff was telling me that Chocolate Martinis are wonderful. Hmm I think her and I may drink our way through DTD. :rotfl:

[Tikestoublie]

So I have come to the realization that my memory for step by step events does not exist. :lmao: Instead I think this report is going to focus more on the highlights as those I can remember. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to start working on that and finally get pictures up. While I took a lot I tried not to go over board. As a part time photographer I can get carried away. This time I decided not to take quite as many and instead actually enjoy the parks with the family. Sadly it means I missed some things that now I wish I had - but such is life.

My apologies for taking so long in really getting this going but life is what it is. I promise there will be updates, filled with laughs, tears, and some wonderful moments. Many thanks to those following along.

Now, back to photo processing so I can update this. :surfweb:

[Tikestoublie]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100723_0691.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100723_0680.jpg

This meal was spur of the moment just to ensure my DD got to see Stitch. That was one of the most important things this trip for her - seeing Stitch!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100723_0673.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100723_0669.jpg

She was so thrilled when Daisy came over to help 'sing' Happy Birthday to her! This extra meal was definitely worth it!!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100723_0656.jpg

[kaoden39]

Love the pictures.

[Tikestoublie]

So I left off in the evening of our first day. I vaguely remember making it through dinner and then heading over to DL. Somewhere after walking through the gates I must have fallen asleep because I honestly do not remember doing anything else after eating. :lmao::lmao: Sleep dep had definitely caught up with me. Oh wait, yes I do! My DD convinced me to head over to DCA and go on Grizzly. Sucker that I am for her I agreed. First I went and got my flip flops - last thing I wanted was soaked tennies for the week. :eek: So once those were secured we stashed our stuff in the locker and headed on with practically no wait. One of the benefits of it being so late and WOC gong on.

Needless to say we got soaked! I swear that ride is out to get me. So, after my one trip down I decided to leave DD and DGM to their own devices while I dried off and attempted to deal with returning our car rental since I did not want to deal with it in the morning. While I was off they went on it 3 more times. :banana:

Sadly I was able to find the rental office but could not figure out where I was supposed to leave the car. Not exactly a lot of signs to help me out and currently it was parked in the self-park for the Grand. Turns out this was right where it should have been left, but we don't find this out till tomorrow. :guilty:

I could swear there was something else we did in the middle of all this but if so I cannot remember what it was. :rolleyes1

I remember I tried getting to sleep at a respectable hour :rotfl2: but think it ended up being well after midnight. The plan was to hit up our first MM on Tuesday. What really happened is I cracked my eyes at whatever unforgivable hour the alarm went off, asked the others if they wanted to go without me, and I believe they kept sleeping as well. :rotfl: Instead they got up a little after and wandered over to DL while I rested my eyes and then dealt with returning the car rental. After a quick phone call to the rental office I headed down there. The guy was wonderful and everything was quickly sorted out for me. :woohoo:

Now it was off to DL to meet the family. Thankfully it didn't take too many calls to reach them. They had been wandering over on Tom Sawyer's Island. Guess my DD didn't want to do too much without me thinking I would be sad. :lovestruc So I found out they had not eaten so I met them at the ramp and we headed over to the River Belle. We found that 2 breakfasts shared between the 3 of us was perfect! Highly recommend this approach for the light to medium eaters out there. I also bring my own tea bags so makes getting a drink easy as well, just ask for cup off hot water, or like me bring your own. :)

**I would like to note now that I did not take as many pictures as I thought I had or as I normally do. For once I wanted to enjoy the park more, and well, I was tired. Though I do know I have more to add but they need to be rescued from my DDs camera. So I will edit and add as I can.**

Before we headed to breakfast I had ran over and got us FPs for Splash Mountain. My DD has been waiting to go on this since her first trip 2 years ago when the ride broke and she didn't get to ride it. Once we were done eating it was time to go use them so off we headed to Splash. :cool1: And this time even DGM was going to go on, and while she will do most thrill rides with my baby this was one she was not looking forward to!

The line was short and soon we were loaded on our log. Not long after it took off I had a feeling something was not right. The ride kept stopping and there was the log jam announcement. Gong up that first hill I was actually worried we would get stuck there but we finally crested the top...and then just before the first drop...it broke!! They announced that CMs would be around to assist us off the ride. :sad2: Let me tell you my DD was not happy and soon came the water works. Personally I thought it was cool to see some of the backside of the ride, but she was not nearly as impressed. We did get the special fast passes which we held all day trying to decide what to use them on. Eventually we decided on Matterhorn since it had no fast pass and always such a long line. Don't tell DGM, but I think the ride breaking was just fulfilling her secret wish of getting out of it!! :rotfl2::rotfl2:

[kaoden39]

Hmm sounds like some serious ride mojo. Not wanting to go on it and it suddenly breaking down.....:rotfl:

[Tikestoublie]

Hmm sounds like some serious ride mojo. Not wanting to go on it and it suddenly breaking down.....:rotfl:

No kidding! Though throughout the trip there were a few more 'disasters' as far as my DD was concerned and eventually she blamed it on her birthday button. :lmao::lmao: Told her if she had such a bad time she didn't have to come back....that went over real well. :rolleyes1

[kaoden39]

No kidding! Though throughout the trip there were a few more 'disasters' as far as my DD was concerned and eventually she blamed it on her birthday button. :lmao::lmao: Told her if she had such a bad time she didn't have to come back....that went over real well. :rolleyes1

That is kind of funny. On the last day of our trip my dh was too sick to stay at the park so he went back to the hotel. I had just got us our Happy Anniversary buttons. I took mine off and sent it back to the hotel, I would have felt silly wearing it at the parks by myself.

[Tikestoublie]

After being escorted from Splash Mountain I believe we wandered over to Toon Town. My DD and Mother had never been there so I figured it might cheer the DD up. She loved the place! All the things to see and do made her quite excited...at least until we realized that Roger Rabbit was broken! :confused3 And the conspiracy begins!

After Toon Town I admit I don't remember exactly what we did. I know that somewhere in here I decided to switch or PS for Carnation Cafe from lunch to dinner so that we would have something decent to eat before our reservation for Fantasmic. :lovestruc I think we wandered over to DCA to check some things out and ride Monsters Inc.

We head back over to DL and decided to have a look in Adventureland. Though DD DGM had already been on HM it was my turn so I took DD while had a rest. It was soon after this that I found out that my DD was not fairing so well. This was her first time with so much walking and standing since her surgery and she was in extreme amounts of pain - in her legs and ankles. :confused3 I think the muscles there as well as her back had just forgotten how to work compounded with an old ankle injury. So, off to the first aid. Thankfully the nurse was sympathetic and gave me an ace bandages to wrap her ankle. With that we were off again, just a bit more slowly.

Before dinner we headed back to our room to change since after we would be heading off to Fantasmic and I tend to get cold easily. :laughing: While we were heading there we realized that now both of my DDs feet and ankles were killing her so when we got to the room I called for the house nurse. She was very sweet and had another bandage along with stuff for ice packs sent up. With those in place we hobbled off to Carnation Cafe.

Ok, I am bad and did not take food pictures! :scared1: Partly distracted dealing with my sick kid and partly as I was hungry. But, I can say that it was wonderful!!! I had the baked potato soup and sandwich combo. I hate carrots - but in this I couldn't even taste them and ate the whole thing. :worship: DD had a hot dog kids meal even though she far from 9, the funny thing was they somehow had all our reservations listed as her being a kid even though they also had it marked it was her 13th birthday. :confused: DGM had the pot pie and she said it was really good, minus the crust, but she is an extremely picky eater so I am guessing the crust was wonderful as well. LOL

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100720_0002832.jpg
My one and only picture from dinner. Poor DD was not in the mood for photos. :sad2:

After we finished we headed over towards the podium for Fantasmic check in. We took turns waiting while others had restroom breaks. I also went and got us some FPs for Splash for later that night so we could try again. Once we were signed in and had selected our seats we decided we had time for 1 ride before sitting down so off to POTC. I was the only one who had not ridden it yet this trip, but then I have been known to ride it over and over again when it is hot out. Love this ride!

The timing ended up being just right and when we walked off it was time to go sit down. :yay:

More after a bit.....

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff54/amethyst8971/Disney%20Collection/Disney%20July%202010/100720_0045844.jpg

[Tikestoublie]

Finally have pictures from my DD camera!! :banana: Soon as I can get them uploaded and have a few spare minutes I will edit old posts and work on the next installment. Sorry if taking too long - hectic schedule preparing for next trip here.

Thanks for following along!! :wizard: