Coming Back for Halloween October 5-12 Report Pg4

[canadadisney]

Well, I'm going to make a trip report!:) I've read many others and decided I would give it a go. My main reason for starting this Trip Report so early though is that I feel like I am at a stand-still in planning. Most things are booked and right now I am anxiously awaiting my count-down timer to hurry up!
I promised myself I wouldn't start this trip report more than a month in advance as I find as a reader of trip reports, the beginning goes on forever before the "good stuff". But, like I said, I am going crazy looking at the DL calendar, and thought I could keep busy by doing this.

Ok here I go....

I consider myself a Disney trip obsesser!! I've been 5 times to DL and once to DW. Although it doesn't seem like a lot to some people, we live in Canada so planning a trip takes a lot of time and money.

(I'm going to "try" and post a pict here :confused3)

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/disneyland2008284.jpg

This is me, at DL summer 2007.

OK. That worked!

The rest of my cast, are my 2DD and my DH. They all adore DL (but maybe just not quite as much as me). Today we were going for a walk, and we walked by a tour bus that was parked, my youngest said to me, "Ahhhh, that smell reminds me of the DL bus!". Just melts my heart!!!! lol

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/disneyland2008152.jpg
My Family!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/disneyland2008333.jpg
even though it is blurry, it is one of my fav. picts.

[canadadisney]

Con't....
The first time I went to DL, I was surprised by my parents when I was about 8. It was Christmas, and the very last present I opened was a card that said they were taking me and my sister to DL. I cried and cried, I was so happy. We took 3 weeks off school and drove to DL. It was a wonderful trip.

I went again with my mom and dad and sister when I was 18. This time we went between Christmas and New Years. This was before the time of Fastpasses and it was (even though I feel guilty saying it) a terrible trip. We waited in line for so many rides. Splash was newer and I remember my sister and I waiting 2 hrs to ride. On New Year's Eve, you couldn't move down main street!

I went again when I was 25 with my DH on our honeymoon. This trip was much better.

Once I had my own children, I knew I was going to take them to DL but I just wasn't sure when the best time would be. We made our first trip as a family November 2007. We went right after Americian Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. Experiencing DL with my own family was unlike anything I could have ever described or imagined!

That summer we went again. This time with my mom and dad. This trip surpassed any other trip we had taken! Watching my mom and dad watch their grandkids was amazing. Everything from start to finish was amazing. The best part of our trip was (it was Year Of A Million Dreams Promotion) and we won dream Fast Passes not one, but two days in a row!!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/disneyland2008172.jpg

[canadadisney]

Last summer we decided to try DW. We went for 1 week in August. We really liked it. I found the sheer size of DW amazing. It was a very rushed week but we managed to get a lot done. As the parks closed sometimes 3:00am and opened again at 7 or 8am, we went hard. But I have some picts where I am literally brushing the kids hair while they are still sleeping.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/disneyworld326.jpg

Even though we really liked DW, something has been pulling me back to DL. I think it has a lot to due with that is where I have so many fond memories and where I feel the most, "emotional attachment."

So this Easter, as I was surfing airline rates, I stumbled across a $73.00 air fare from Calgary to San Diego for October. Normally going in October would be out of the question as I am a teacher and can't take time off other than the pre-scheduled holidays. But, I had banked my personal days for the last 3 years and dates were available to fly over our Thanksgiving Long Weekend, so it turned out we are able to go for a whole week!!! It didn't take my DH much convincing and it was booked!

Well, I think that's all the typing my chicken peck fingers can do for a night. So, I will keep updating with more pictures and details for our upcoming trip!

[tinksdreamwishes]

Awesome so far! I was thinking of doing one of these pre tr's but I get to distracted reading others hehe. Cant wait to read more!:thumbsup2

[canadadisney]

So, our plan is as follows:

October 4th- Leaving right after work for a 5 hour drive to Calgary. We should get in around 10pm or so

October 5th- WE LEAVE!!! We have to be at the airport around 5AM :eek: and I know I won't sleep at all the night before, I will be worse than a kid before Christmas.

We land in SD about 11:00AM and have to grab our rental car (which I haven't booked yet) Hoping to get car around 12:30 and then drive to Anaheim. I'm pretty confused on how long it will take. I've heard various thing depending on the time of day. I am giving us 2 and a half hours. So hopefully we will get to hotel around 3:00.

My mom is meeting us from Saskatchewan. She is flying directly to LAX and then catching the "Disney Bus" and meeting us around the 3:00 mark.

Once we get into our hotel we need to hurry, hurry, hurry and get our costumes on to go to MICKEY'S HALLOWEEN PARTY:cheer2:

You have no idea how excited I am about this!!! I still haven't told our kids we are going. I have this scavenger hunt idea that I am going to do with them this weekend to let them know (more on that later). In May I was on a costume site and they were having a blow out sale so I called the kids over and told them they had to quickly pick a Halloween costume. Of course they thought I was crazy. My six yr old was like, "Now???". Anyway my youngest picked Elizabeth Swan from Pirates OTC. She lovessss Jack Sparrow. My eight yr old picked Malificent. My DH picked Indiana Jones and I will be Minnie.

Like I said before, I am the ultimate planner but as I am really not sure what is going on at the party other than what Disney is released, I am going to wing it. I usually like a "plan of attack". So if anyone has any tips for me to optimize our time it will be great. I know my girls will love the trick or treat part. I want to make sure we get to see some villians and get our picts taken. I want to see the fireworks. My whole family loves rides too and I know they will be anxious to get on Splash as soon as we get there but I also want to make sure we experience the Halloween activities.

[canadadisney]

I am sure we will stay Party night until closing. We have a hotel booked right across the street so that will be good.

Oct 6- I am planning on doing something different this trip and not park-hop. Although this goes against all of my other touring plans, I believe it will work best for this trip. So this day will be an all DL day. My DH and I are pretty efficient with FastPass running and collecting. We plan to be at gate 1/2hr ahead. I was totally overplanning this day. I even had which rides and which time and what we were eating and who was going where etc. etc. but I was getting myself flusteresd. Instead I decided to go with a Fast Pass collecting plan and do the fillers as they present themselves. I am sure we will start the day with getting a FP for Splash and then riding Splash. After that the order of our FP collecting will be, Indiana, Space, Thunder, Buzz and Autopia then back to Splash, Indiana, Space and Thunder. We have a late afternoon dinner res. at Thunder BBQ. I am really looking forward to this. My girls and DH love ribs so this should be a treat! Hours are shorter this day, I think 10am-8pm so we might not retutn to hotel in PM for a rest. I figure if we are back to hotel by 9PM we can still get a good night sleep for MM the next day.

[canadadisney]

I am so excited today because I bought 8 pairs of shoes for our trip (only 3 were for me but still makes me happy). Show store in town was having a 50% off sale!!!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Aug2010010.jpg

Almost let the trip slip at shoe store though. The sales lady was very helpful but I was wondering if I should get a bigger size for my 8 year old. She asked me, "are you using them this year or next?" and I quietly said, "October". Then when we were at the till she said to the girls, "you must be going on a trip in October?" We usually have snow in October so it would be very odd if we were wearing flip flops or sandals. I just kind of stammered, "oh you never know with us, it's always nice to have summer shoes!"

I am also so excited as the Travel Books I made for our girls came today. I use an internet site to import pictures and make books. I tried to take some picts but they didn't turn out the greatest. I am very happy with them! Each page is a section of our trip and asks them questions about our travels. For example on the plane page, I asked, "What time does our flight leave, What did you pack in your carry on, What movie did you watch". I thought it would be cute to read these years later.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Aug2010011.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Aug2010012.jpg


I am going to let the girls see them after our Scavenger Hunt this Friday. (like I said, more to come)

[canadadisney]

I have had this trip booked since April and have not told the kids yet. Friday is the day!!!
When we went to DL the first time, I told them as soon as I booked. They had about 5 months to wait and that wait was much too long.

When we went to DL the second time, I wrote a message in a card about how proud I was of them and then told them.

When we went to DW, I created a movie on movie maker and made it a game. Sections of the movie had music and pictures and then I had a prompt for them to pause the DVD and make guesses where we were going. At the end of the video I did a collage of all the places we would visit. The movie was a big hit and I was having a hard time coming up with a new idea for this trip.

So this time it is the scavenger hunt. Bare with me as explaining it makes it sound more complicated than it actually will be. I am going to hide 25 paper bags around the house with numbers on the bags. Each bag has a clue to our trip. I am just going to hide the bags around the house like an easter hunt. Once they get all the bags, they are going to take them to a giant white board we have in the playroom. On this white board, I will have written a story about our trip but words will be missing. I will reveal one sentence at a time (cause I know my 8 year old will read ahead!). When it comes to the missing word that has been replaced my a number, the girls will open the coresponding bag. Inside the bag is a clue that will help them decide what word should go in the sentence.

I'll give you the first part of the puzzle:
When it is _____1___________ eating time, we will be going on a _______2_________ to ___________3_________. Once in _______3_________ we will spend the night and then take our __________2_______ and go to the ________4____________. We will take the ____4__________ to ________5_________ and then take another _________4_______________ to___6___and 7___________.

Here is what will be in the bags:
1- I have a shot glass from Turkey (it will be right before Thanksgiving when we go)
2- toy car
3- I have a beer can- it is Calgary brand beer
4- toy airplane
5- toy mascot from the 2010 olypimics in Vancouver
6- sand
7- Toy figure of Deigo from Dora and Diego
When they get to the space to put in Disneyland, I will have a box for them to open and have helium filled balloons pop up- just like in the Disney Commercial.

My mom is coming this weekend, so I am so glad she will be able to see the excitement is the girl's faces. It will also help to get her excited about our trip as well.

Well, I still have about 15 more bags to put together so I had better get to work. I will take some picts of the scavenger hunt as post them after we are finished.

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Soooo cool! We'll be there about the same time as you... getting there on the 6th and staying till the 10th. I'm surprising dd too, but not as elaborately as you are! What a cool mom you are!

[tinksdreamwishes]

oh what fun ideas you have about planning your trip! I bet your girls will be very excited!

Whenever we go on a trip- our kids already assume it will be to disneyland- they know as soon as the uPS guy drops off the boxes- they know its new disney clothes inside LOL. No surprise for them hehe! Have fun on your trip!

[canadadisney]

Last night we had the Scavenger Hunt. It was a big success. I told the girls that it was a scavenger hunt for my class and I wanted them to try it out to see if it would work. I explained how it would work and told them they had to fill in blanks in sentences to make the sentences make sense. They found the bags and figured out the first couple of sentences about driving and going in a plane and landing in San Diego. My oldest asked me a couple of times if this story was true but I just kept on saying, "no it's just for practice for my class." It kind of backfired a bit though, because when they got to the balloons popping up they yelled, "Disneyland!" but then quickly got quiet when they remembered it was, "just a story". So about half way through the story I said to them, "What if this wasn't a story what if this was real?". Then the screaming started! They were sooo happy. My oldest just kept screaming, "Three times, we have been three times!" Here are some pictures from the hunt:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav006.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav007.jpg
The one above is them trying to figure out, "San Diego".
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav008.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav012.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav013.jpg
They are starting to figure it out here!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav014.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav015.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/DisScav016.jpg

[canadadisney]

Here is a pict. of the balloons I bought. I hid them in a storage ottoman so when they opened the cover, the balloons popped out. I didn't take any pictures of this part, only video, but like I said, it wasn't as exciting as I thought because at this point, they still thought they were reading a story.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/disscav023.jpg

[Belle Ella]

Sign me up - I'm loving reading along so far and I'm excited to read about everyone's Halloween trips this year since it will be my first (I get back about a week before you leave). The travel journals just look awesome. You've just got lots of fun ideas.

[canadadisney]

This next post will give you a bit of an idea about how obsessive I am about planning. Today we all sat down (my mom included) and I made everyone give their rating of each ride and then averaged out the ratings to see what attractions are our top priorities. My oldest started to groan when we first started and said, "We have to put up with a whole month of this:)"

So our top FP rides are:
Splash
Thunder
Space
Indiana
Buzz
Haunted Mansion
Autotopia

Our top 10 "filler" attractions are:
Pirates
Matterhorn
Teacups
Small World
Dumbo
Pirate Lair
Gadget
Tarzan
Jungle Cruise
Alice

I am planning on doing the same rating system again for CA over supper tonight.
Our other big plan for the night is to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you can believe it, no one in our family has seen this show!

[Belle Ella]

I am not alone! Back when I was planning on going with others I made a checklist to rate all of the rides for pretty much the same reason. This is why we have the DIS because I have a lot I can say here where I know my family would be like "... this again?" although they still get their fair share.

[canadadisney]

LOL It's a good obsession though (I think anyway!)

[Feathers]

I'll be following along! I'm looking at going next October and maybe this will be the deciding factor, hehe.

For now I get to see what the crowds are like in Tokyo Disney. xD

[canadadisney]

We watched the Nightmare Before Christmas last night. I thought it was good but I was expecting a bit more. It's good though that the kids had the chance to watch it too so then they will know who Jack and Sally are at the park. The, "This Is Halloween" song is very catchy though, I had it stuck in my head all day!
My oldest made a countdown chain today. She decorated each link.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/aug2010001.jpg
My youngest has been quite concerned about the Tower Of Terror the last day. This is my fav. ride and every time we go to a Disney park, I make everyone go on it at least once. Last time was at WDW, my youngest was crying as we were walking up to the ride. I think everyone watching must have thought I was a terrible mom!
The first time we ever rode ToT, I really had no idea what it was all about. I'll try and find the pict tomorrow and post it. We bought the pict as my youngest was 4 at the time and the look on her face was priceless. After we were done the ride we were having a hotdog over by the hotdog stand and we ran into some people we knew (kind of weird?) They wanted to know what ride we had just been to, and when we told them ToT their mouths fell open and they said, "you took your kids on ToT!" Well now it's a tradition and we have to do it at least once!
So my DD has made me a deal, that we will do ToT on the last day as the last ride!
We did do our CA rating last night too and here's how we stand:
Fast Pass Rides
Grizzly
Soarin
MM
Screaming
ToT

Top Fillers
Tough to be a bug
Monsters Inc
Muppets
Animation Studio
Swings
Funwheel
Heimlich (?)
Brother Bear Trail
Turtle Talk

School starts tomorrow, so I am back to work. I am hoping that this will make the time go by faster until our trip!

[canadadisney]

Well school starting has made time go by faster but I am also so tired that I barely get to look at trip stuff at night. I did find the ToT pict though. We are at the back.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010001.jpg

[canadadisney]

29 Days!!!!!!!

I can now officially say that it is less than a month until DL!!! My countdown ticker is now in weeks and not months!!! Considering I have been counting down this trip for over 180 days, this is big news!!!

The first full day we are at DL, we have the Thunder Ranch BBQ planned. This is new for us, so it is something to look forward to. Our family loves ribs so I am sure it will be a hit.

My time off from work was approved this past week, which is great news considering I had already booked everything!:cheer2:

[Belle Ella]

:banana: Yay for being under the 1 month window! It really starts to feel real when you're thinking in terms of weeks and not months. Hopefully it will get here for you soon!

[where's_my_prince]

subscribing :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[canadadisney]

subscribing :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Congrats on running the 1/2 marathon. I have put the Disney 1/2 marathon on my "To Do List Before I Am 40". Considering I have only ran a 5k run, I have a way to go!

[where's_my_prince]

Congrats on running the 1/2 marathon. I have put the Disney 1/2 marathon on my "To Do List Before I Am 40". Considering I have only ran a 5k run, I have a way to go!
thank you!!
def. do it!! its a blast. i dont know if you saw my trip report but all the characters are there cheering you on!!! its seriously the best!

[canadadisney]

Here's a recap of our plan that I have posted so farpopcorn::

Tuesday: Halloween Party 3-11pm. :yay:I'm thinking about doing the Celebrate Parade at 5:00pm. This way we can get in, get a locker, find a spot for the parade, DH can get us all a snack and start with the parade. That way hopefully lots of people will leave as the park closes to Non-Party guests at 6, and we can start the party!:cheer2:

Wednesday: At gates at opening (9am), All Day at Disneyland. BBQ at Thunder Ranch. DL closes this day at 8pm so I think we will spend all day here with no breaks. We will be back in hotel by 9, and bed by 9:30 so we can have a good rest for Magic Morning on Thursday.

Thursday: Magic Morning-be at gate before 8am so we can be one of the first ones in. On Tuesday and Wed. I am planning on not even hitting Fantasyland and doing it all in the first hour of Magic Morning. My plan is to do, Dumbo, Matterhorn, Alice, Teacups, Toad, Pinno, and Snow White. Snow White is a must do as this is where we won our first Year Of A Million Dreams passes 2 years ago. I know many of you will find this hard to believe but we will be skipping Peter Pan. We have ridden it everytime we are there and just don't get the hype, I always think I must be missing something. Once the ride ends, my DH and I usually give eachother a look like, "That's It!" :confused3DL closes at 10pm this day so I am sure we will head back to hotel for a swim and a nap. We will collect Fastpasses all morning and then use them when we return later in the night. This will be our last day in DL so we will make sure that everyone gets their last ride on their favourites before leaving.:sad:

P.S. My countdown is now at 3 weeks!!!

[canadadisney]

Tomorrow will be the 3 week mark until Mickey's Halloween Party!!!!
I ordered Halloween Shirts to wear, not for the party, but for another night that we are there. I got mine and the girls from Old Navy and DH from the Disney Store.

Here is DH 8 (9 tomorrow!) Shirt:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010002.jpg

Here is DH 6 Shirt:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010003.jpg

This is my shirt:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010004.jpg

And finally DH:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010005.jpg

[canadadisney]

My countdown ticker says 2 weeks now and the chain my DD made is getting shorter. When it started, it was at the second drawer!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010001-1.jpg

[canadadisney]

In the teens!!!!
19 Days!!!!

[canadadisney]

TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!

We booked the car rental last night!
Ended up using Hotwire. I have used Priceline often but never hotwire. We ended up getting a full sized car from Hertz for a week for 189.00. After I booked it, I went online to the Hertz site and punched in the dates, and it was over 400.00 booking online. So I am happy with the rate.
We get into San Diego at 11:00am, so we quickly need to grab our bags, find our way to the car and head to Anaheim so we can be there in time for Mickey's Halloween Party!!!! SO EXCITED!!!

[canadadisney]

Recap of what I have posted so far

Tuesday Oct 5th: Mickey's Halloween Party! They announced today that there will be 50 (!!!!!) trick or treat spots! I asked my DD9 today, "How will we get 50 done?" and in her nine year old sarcasm she said, "Oh, I'm sure you will find a way mom!"

Wednesday Oct 6th: Full Day DL. Thunder Ranch BBQ

Thursday Oct 7th: Magic Morning

Now onto Oct 8th:
The day will start with breakfast at Goofy's at 8am. We plan to spend the whole day at CA. CA opens at 10am, so I hope this gives us enough time for breakfast and then be at the gates for opening. This will be our first time at Goofy's. In the past we have done, Lilo and Stitch, Minnie, Storytellers (and Donald's in WDW). - Minnie has been our fav. so far-

The reason I am planning on going to CA all day rather than park hopping is as DL is having another Halloween Party this night so they close early. This way we can collect FP all morning at CA and then use them later in the night when the crowds pick up for WOC and when DL closes. This is also the first night of the TRON event.

I am leaning towards not going to WOC! This has been a very hard decision. It's not that I don't want to see it, it's just that we have a limitted amount of time at CA and I don't want to spend hours waiting for the show. I keep thinking that I had been to DL three times before I ever saw Fantasmic, so I can wait for this show. Also, with the amount of money Disney has put into this show, I doubt if it is going away any time soon.

Our must sees at CA are the Animation Academy. We did this for the first time in WDW and my daughter loved it. I'll try and find her picture she drew of Mickey. I thought it was great!

I also really want to see the Pixar Parade, in 3 trips to DL and WDW, we have yet to see this parade!

1 week and 5 days to go!!!!!

[canadadisney]

10 DAYS!!!!!:cool1:
This is when it starts to get real but also when time stands still!

[canadadisney]

I bought more clothes for the trip today. Now that I can see the weather forcast I think it will be hotter than I thought it would be.
This is what I got for DD6:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010088.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010089.jpg
DD9:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010090.jpg
DH:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010091.jpg
and ME!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010092.jpg
This is my countdown chain now, it used to be at the second drawer!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/sept2010093.jpg

[BecomingObsessed]

I'm giggling as I read through your report because I am an obsessive planner like you! If my girls were old enough to give their opinion, I'd make them rate rides so we could form a plan too :goodvibes

You are SO close to leaving!! Tomorrow will be single digits and you'll really be getting giddy! I wish our trip was that close. Hope you have lots of fun (I know you will!!)!

[canadadisney]

Thanks! I like to think of it more as a, "hobby". (trip obsessing). It's so nice to know there are others who share in the delights of planning.

[GirlFriday]

:thumbsup2

There is nothing wrong with planning! For every trip my DH and I take together, I try to memorize a general map of the area around our hotel, research all of the different things to do in the city we are staying in, and make little iteneraries of things we might want to do. He laughs and teases me about it constantly, but we have yet to get lost when in a strange city and always feel like we are in a second "home" when we're on vacation.

Besides - who wouldn't be overly excited about Disneyland? I think the dreaming and planning is part of the fun!

I cannot wait to see pictures from your trip...

[canadadisney]

I too continually get teased about trip planning. I also get teased about the "training" I do with our two kids. A week before we go, I start walking-training. We go for a walk each day and I make the walk a bit longer every time so they are used to walking once we get there. I call it my "Disney Bootcamp!"

I am in single digits now!!!!!!!

I am also in, "paranoia about getting sick mode". I am so worried one of us will be sick! I scrubbed the house from top to botttom today and I am making sure we all get lots of rest and eat our vitamins!

[GirlFriday]

I am also in, "paranoia about getting sick mode". I am so worried one of us will be sick! I scrubbed the house from top to botttom today and I am making sure we all get lots of rest and eat our vitamins!

You must be a long-lost relative of some sort, because I totally freak before every vacation about getting sick and do the exact same thing! I feel like it is a win-win situation because the house is soooo clean that when we get home from being out of town, I can recover quickly from the "vacation" and not worry about cleaning.

Keep up with that vitamin C, eat lots o' fruits and veggies, and sleep as much as you can (just took human physiology with an OCD Professor who was terrified of flu germs and this was his constant advice). :banana: Oh look, there's a banana just trying to dance his way into your mouth...om nom nom!

Yay!

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Subscribing! Your trip is right around the corner.. how exciting!

Question for you:
What site did you use to create the journals you made for the girls? I wanted to make some last year, but couldn't find a decent site to order from. Yours turned out great!

[canadadisney]

I use www.heritagemakers.com If you want to know the name of my consultant, I can send it to you. She has better deals than what is posted on the site. I made a 5 by 5 coil book and it was perfect! I think they were about 12.00 a book.

[canadadisney]

You must be a long-lost relative of some sort, because I totally freak before every vacation about getting sick and do the exact same thing! I feel like it is a win-win situation because the house is soooo clean that when we get home from being out of town, I can recover quickly from the "vacation" and not worry about cleaning.

Keep up with that vitamin C, eat lots o' fruits and veggies, and sleep as much as you can (just took human physiology with an OCD Professor who was terrified of flu germs and this was his constant advice). :banana: Oh look, there's a banana just trying to dance his way into your mouth...om nom nom!

Yay!

I am a teacher so continually exposed to germs! That freaks me out! Also, last year I got really sick on a trip to Vegas. I had to pay over 300.00 just to see a doctor (we are from Canada). He told me I had a throat infection, gave me some drugs and told me I would be good the next day. I ended up getting so bad, my throat was so infected. As soon as I got back to Canada I went to the doctor and the Dr. in the States had prescribed the wrong medicine. Last year I got the H1N1 flu in October and had to be hospitalized so I am so parnoid about sickness!!!! I am taking your advice though, vitamins and sleep!

[canadadisney]

5 Days!!!
I am so incredibly excited! Again... more worrying...the weather station was giving flood warning for San Diego and we will be there Tuesday and then again from Saturday to the following Tuesday. Someone please tell me this will be ok!

[canadadisney]

4 Days!!!!
I am glued to these boards right now taking in all the Halloween Party Pictures and info from tonight's party. It is so hard to believe that when DL has their next Halloween Party I will be there!!!!
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[Belle Ella]

:woohoo: I've been too preoccupied to drop in lately but so excited that your turn is almost here!!

[canadadisney]

Thanks Jazz!!! I have so enjoyed your TR thus far! Do you ever find that when your trip is getting so close, you are so excited but then kind of sad because you know it is going to be over soon? I'm kind of going through that right now!

[canadadisney]

2 DAYS!!! 48 hours and I will be in California!!!
I had my nails done yesterday, I call them my Minnie Nails:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/oct2010002.jpg
Here is our countdown chain now:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/oct2010003.jpg

I have been addicted to these boards reading about the Halloween Party on Friday. I am a bit scared after hearing that it was really busy and a bit disorganized. But...I will be in DL, that's all that matters!

[canadadisney]

Well this is it. Most likely my last post before I leave after work.

Recap of our plan:
Tomorrow: drive to Calgary
Tuesday- Fly to San Diego, drive to Anaheim, Mickey's Halloween Party
Wednesday- DL (Thunder BBQ)
Thursday DL (Early Entry)
Friday-CA (Goofy Breakfast)
Saturday- Legoland
Sunday- Zoo
Monday- Beach
Tuesday- Home

My time has arrived. After 6 months of planning- here we go...

[GirlFriday]

Well this is it. Most likely my last post before I leave after work.

Recap of our plan:
Tomorrow: drive to Calgary
Tuesday- Fly to San Diego, drive to Anaheim, Mickey's Halloween Party
Wednesday- DL (Thunder BBQ)
Thursday DL (Early Entry)
Friday-CA (Goofy Breakfast)
Saturday- Legoland
Sunday- Zoo
Monday- Beach
Tuesday- Home

My time has arrived. After 6 months of planning- here we go...

Yay! I cannot wait to see the pictures! You guys are going to have such a wonderful time :cheer2: Mickey's Halloween Party is so awesome...your girls will love it!

[canadadisney]

Well I am officially back in Canada an officially depressed that I am not at Disneyland. Once I get settled at home I will begin posting pictures and my report.
It was an amazing trip. The Halloween party was beyond my expectations. I was also very thankful for rain! As odd as that sounds, we had rain the first two days and it allowed us to get everything done, then we had the rest of the trip to just enjoy.
I love Disneyland! When can I go backV

[Seaera]

Glad to hear you had a great trip! Can't wait to see your pictures and read your report. :goodvibes

[Belle Ella]

Can't wait to hear all about it!!

[canadadisney]

My trip report is coming. I promise!! Time went by so slow coming up to our trip and since we have been back it has been flying! I still need to upload my pictures but for now, here is a sampler of our fun:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010049.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010096.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010109.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010157.jpg

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Thats a lot of candy!!!! Whew!

[GirlFriday]

I am so excited to see your trip report! I love your costumes and I can't wait to read about your take on Mickey's Halloween Party...Yay!

[canadadisney]

Here I go, my first Trip Report.

We had to be at the Calgary airport at 4am, so we were all a litttle tired yet wired for the trip. We had a one hour layover in Vancouver and then off to San Diego. I am usually a terrible flyer and cry on every flight but this time I was quite calm and no crying.

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010003.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010004.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010005.jpg

We when landed in SD I was so excited. The sight of the ocean made me know that we were getting close.

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010019.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010022.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010024.jpg

Once we got our lugguge, we got on the Hertz shuttle to get our rental car. We had rented a full size car as they said it would hold all of our lugguge. Well.. as you can see below, we only got one suitcase in and had to upgrade to an SUV for another 140.00. I joked with the girls that we couldn't eat for the rest of the day as we were over our daily budget and we just landed!

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010028.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010029.jpg

Then the excitement began---THE I5 DRIVE!!!! We are from rural Alberta, so the I5 is quite intimidating. The had bought a GPS for the trip, Hertz gave us a GPS to use and the SUV had a GSP so I figured we were ok. We took a couple wrong turns but we got there!

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010032.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010037.jpg

Next up... Mickey's Halloween Party!

[canadadisney]

Next...

[canadadisney]

We had to wait to go to DL until my mom arrived on the Disney Express bus. It seemed like forever! DH went to McDonald's and got us some cheeseburgers to hold us over. My mom still wasn't there, so we drove to the liquor store at the end of the street to grab some refreshments for the room.By this time it was raining very heavy. We ate our cheeseburgers and then went to warm up in the hot tub. We stayed at the Tropicana Hotel, which I thought was very nice. Our room was on the bottom floor, close to the street but directly across from the pool.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010041.jpg
We were only in the hot tub for a couple of minutes, when my mom arrived. We had joining rooms which was great. Then the excitement started!!!!:yay:
We all got our costumes!!! We were so excited!!!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010042.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010043.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010044.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010045.jpg
As we were walking to the gate, DD9 was getting quite nervous. She kept commenting that no one else was wearing costumes. She was so worried we were going to be the only ones dressed up at DL and everyone was going to be looking at us funny. By this time the rain had slowed down a bit.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010047.jpg
We handed in our e-tickets at the turnstile and got in right away (it was about 4:30, and party guests could arrive at 3). We took our pictures in front of Mickey and got our Trick or Treat bags.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010049-1.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010050.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010052.jpg

[canadadisney]

The park was still fairly busy, we walked over and walked onto Pirates as our first ride. It always cracks me up listening to me DD6 when she spots Jack Sparrow and yells out, "There's Captain Jack!"
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010053.jpg
Just at the entrance of NOS, we saw a statue of Malificent, so DD9 had to get her picture taken as we weren't sure if we would see the actual Malificent
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010054.jpg
We walked over to Thunder Mountain.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010055.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010056.jpg
We rode Thunder two times, there was a 5 min wait. It was still lightly raining. When we left Thunder we spotted Woody, so the girls waited for an autograph. We decided before the trip that we would only stand in line to see characters we haven't seen before, and Woody was one!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010059.jpg
The Halloween party had almost started. I noticed some cast memebers wearing orange Halloween shirts by Thunder. I asked them if they were putting a Treat Station there and they told me because of the rain, they were moving a lot of the treat stations around. That was ok with me, as I hadn't figured out where they would be anyway and we decided that we weren't standing in long lines for candy. Next we went to Spash. This is our family favourite. We rode it once. When we came back to the loading area, there was no one in line so we asked if we could ride it again. They asked to see our Party Bands/Bracelets so I knew it must be past 6. We rode Spalsh 2 more times without having to get out of the log.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010061.jpg
After Splash, we walked past the Haunted Mansion. I expected it to be really lined up. I asked how long and they said 5 minutes. So we did HM next. Once we got through the stretching room, the ride broke down and we had to wait about 10minutes. While we were waiting, 2 guys appeared out of a section on the wall with their tool kits. I found this so funny. It just looked like they hide out in the walls and wait for the ride to break down. I have to say that I really like the "normal" ride better. Our family even watched Nightmere Before Christmas before our trip. I miss the ghost sitting with you at the end.
We walked back over to NOS and went into Jack Skeleton's dance party. Our girls couldn't get into it. There was only a couple kids dancing so we left. We exited out the back and ran into a string of 6 treat stations so as we walked by we got our treats. When we came out the front we noticed more treat stations and the line to get the treats. It was huge. I guess when we walked out the back we just merged into the middle of the candy line. Sorry! So we went to the end of the line and did the series of treat stations again!
Next was Indiana. This was my DD6 first time on the ride, she was finally big enough! She liked it but told us after that she closed her eyes the whole time.
Next we walked on Jungle Cruise. I really like this ride at night!
After JC we saw the Genie. Another character we haven't seen yet.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010062.jpg
My must do for the night was the fireworks. It was getting close we we walked over to the statue. There was another treat station over by a tent so we got some more treats. Then as we walked by the statue we noticed that not too many people were waiting so we went on Buzz. After Buzz we found a spot to watch right beside the statue.

[canadadisney]

I am trying to embed a video just photobucket. Can anyone help me with this?

[wdwfan22]

I'm sorry. I don't know how to do video. I'm sure someone will help you! But I am loving your trip report. Your pictures are great! I love to read reports from someone who loves Disney so much! Your enthusiasm is contangious. :lovestruc

I love all your costumes. It is really nice you go with your Mom. I like to take my Mom and Dad also. I'm hoping my kids will want to take me with when they have kids! :rotfl2:

The candy looks great! I thought maybe they would just have hard candy. But it looks like they had some great chocolate selections. :woohoo:

[APX]

My trip report is coming. I promise!! Time went by so slow coming up to our trip and since we have been back it has been flying! I still need to upload my pictures but for now, here is a sampler of our fun:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010096.jpg


^Every kids dream that came true! :thumbsup2

[canadadisney]

There was some great candy. I am a self-proclaimed chocoholic and was introducted to giralldi (sp) chocolates from this party!! Amazing!
My oldest daughter is allergic to peanuts and I was very impressed with the cast members handing out candy. She would tell them that she is allergic to nuts and they would give her handfuls of carrots/ apples / raisins etc. At one station a cast member asked her if there was anything she could have and she said Skittles. The Cast Member went into a box behind her and filled her treat bag with Skittles!

[canadadisney]

I thought the fireworks were really good. I could of kept on watching them for another 20 minutes!
After the fireworks we did a mad-dash to Space Mountain. We had about a 10 minute wait. Ghost Galaxy seemed a lot more intense that the normal space. I don't know what it is about that ride but it is the only ride in DL that makes me feel sick.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010077.jpg
My mom's face after Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010078.jpg
We then saw the Buzz Dance Party so we went over to take a peek. Buzz was just leaving but DD6 danced a bit with the green army men and space girls. DD9 acted a lot "older" this trip. She couldn't be bothered with a silly dance party!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010079.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010080.jpg
When we left the dance party we noticed another one of these:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010081.jpg
That meant another treat station. We couldn't find where it was but then spotted it up the ramp to innovations. There was no one in line so we went through really fast. Here is DH getting his treats! I should also add that when I was getting out of space my treat bag broke open so I had treats everywhere. I stopped at the Space gift shop and they gave me another clear Disneyland bag to out our treats in.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010082.jpg
After the treats we went to Autotopia. This is a ride I can do without but DD9 really wanted to go on. This was probably about the longest wait of the day 15 minutes.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010083.jpg
We walked around the back of the Materhorn and saw another treat station with no line. We were about 1/2 hr from park closing. The last ride of the night was tea cups. The girls did it 2 times and then they announced that would be the last ride of the night!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010084.jpg

[samsmainla]

Loving this trip report!
I thought your scavenger hunt idea was fabulous, I can never keep the surprise!

[canadadisney]

Thanks for the comment on my TR. I am enjoying writing it. It help me get over my disney post-depression.

On the way out of the park I took a couple pictures of the Halloween decor. I loved this! Today it is October 23rd and I have a hard time believing that Halloween is still coming as I feel like I already experienced it at DL
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010087.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010088.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010089.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010090.jpg

This was my DH on the way back to the hotel. The clear bag was filled with candy as well as all the little treat bags he was holding!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010091.jpg

Once we got back to the hotel room we dumped all of our treats on the bed! We had so much candy!!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010093.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010094.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010095.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010096-1.jpg

My closing thoughts on the party---It was amazing!!! We had so much fun. The atmosphere was fun and stress free. Everyone was having fun. The line up were so good. It was a great way to start our trip!

Coming up... Day 2

[canadadisney]

It was hard to believe that after such a wonderful day at DL, that we actually had 2 more days ahead of us. We had gotten so much done!!
We woke up the next day to rain. It was such a blessing. We had another great day of no lines.
We started the day by going on the Matterhorn. I have such a stringent fast pass plan so after the Matterhorn, I set off to get some fast passes. My plan was to get one for Indiana. My mom and the girls went on Small World and my DH and I told them we would meet them. We set off for FP, DH stopped to use the washroom so I told him I would just take the hike for the FP and meet him. Once I got to Thunder M, I decided that I had better just get a FP for Thunder rather than walking all the way to Indiana. Then I saw the FP machines were covered. I asked the cast member and he said as it was raining they weren`t doing FP. I asked him if they would be doing it for any rides and he said probably just Indiana, Splash and Space. So I walked back to get my DH and kids just in time to take a couple of pict of their boat on Small World.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010099.jpg
After we got the girls, we walked through Fantasyland. I told my mom to take the girls on Dumbo (it was walk on) so DH and I could go and get a FP. I was really determined that I had to collect FP even though it was pouring rain. So DH and I took the hike to Splash. ...FP were covered... wait was 5 min....so we took the trek back to Dumbo. The girls were on the carousel. Once they got off we did Dumbo with them again. (still no line). The rain was pelting us in the face on Dumbo but I didn`t care, I just kept laughing as I asked my DD if she had ever flown an elephant in the rain before. Then we did Snow White and Pinnochio. My mom wanted to do the rest of the Fantasyland rides but I insisted, `no, we would do these at Early Morning` the next day. This turned out not to be a good choice *more on that later*
We walked around the back of Thunder. We had our Thunder BBQ res. today and guess what... CLOSED because of the rain. Everyone was really disappointed about this, but I told them I would call later in the day and set up a res for the next day. We walked through Thunder Ranch mostly to get out of the rain
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010100.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010101.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010102.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010104.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010105.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010106.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010107.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010109-1.jpg

[canadadisney]

We tried to dry off a bit but it was still raining. We went to Thunder Mountain and rode it another 3 times.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010110.jpg
We then did, Splash, Pooh, Pirates and Indiana. We stopped for a snack break. Girls had a pickle and watermelon. I had a dole whip. I had decided that this trip I was going to have some yummy new things that I have heard people raving about for so long. Well, the dole whip was a strike out. Just not my thing. I would rather Mickey-Ear Ice Cream Bar.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010111.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010112.jpg
We had done so much and it was already noon, so we decided to go over to CA. I was saving this until the last day but this turned out to be a great decision. Once in CA we went on Soaring and then exited the park by the Grand Californian and had lunch at Whitewater Snacks. This was another place I had never eaten before. I had a kids meal of nuggets. There was so much food and it all hit the spot. After lunch we went on Grizzly RR two times, traded some pins (which my girls love)pressed a quarter, got some ice cream ears and headed back to the hotel for a break.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010113.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010114.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010115.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010116.jpg
We were pretty wet. I took a picture of my DD foot when we got back to the hotel. We were very wrinkled up but I wouldn't have changed it for a minute! We got an amazing amount of attractions done in the day!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010117.jpg

[Belle Ella]

I am trying to embed a video just photobucket. Can anyone help me with this?

If you're still looking for help on how to embed video with Photobcuket, it is possible ;) It's just as easy as the photos. Once you upload the video, one of the 4 sharing codes they give you to copy and paste is the IMG code that the DIS uses.

[canadadisney]

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/th_Disney2010075.jpg (http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/?action=view&current=Disney2010075.mp4)

[canadadisney]

trying to post video... still
Can someone let me know if you click on picture in previous post (fireworks) can you see the video?

[samsmainla]

:woohoo: Yes, Yes, Yes :woohoo: It worked! Love the Halloween fireworks!

[canadadisney]

Today my "Poppa"/ Grandpa read my trip report and reminded me of some wonderfeul memories I had as a kids visiting DL! My Poppa (and Grandma) were the first to introduce me to the love of DL. Even know when my Poppa talks about DL you can see his face light up. I am forever grateful to them for showing me the magic that exists there!

Anyway...back to my report....

We had a nap at the hotel, got ready again and went back to CA to use some of the FastPasses we collected when we were there earlier (they did have the machines open at CA)
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010119.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010120.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010121.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010122.jpg
The rain had stopped and it turned out to be a nice night. We we arrived in CA, we saw this sign:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010124.jpg
Electronica was starting on Friday and it was our plan to attend (more later). We walked through Bug's Land and did a couple rides so I could bribe my DD6 to go on ToT!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010127.jpg
So the time had come...ToT. As you might have already read this is my fav. ride at CA and my DD6 least fav. But, we make a pact each trip that she will try it once. Click on the video below and this is my DD and we are waiting in line. It will give you an idea of how she is feeling...
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/th_Disney2010129.jpg (http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/?action=view&current=Disney2010129.mp4)

Coming up next...the best ride ever....

[canadadisney]

I love everything about ToT. I love the look from the outside, the bellhops, the interior. I love the feeling I get when you enter the section with all the pipes, and of course I love the ride!!!! DD6 was crying by the time we got on and of course her tummr hurt and she didn't think she should go on but she powered through and afterwards she said it wasn't that bad. I love these picts. Look at my mom's hair!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010130.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010132.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010133.jpg

[canadadisney]

We decided to leave CA and head back to DL after the ToT.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010134.jpg
We stopped at City Hall to see if they could get us a res. for Big Thunder BBQ the next day (as it had been raining on our res. day and it was cancelled). The lady there was very helpful and as she was waiting on hold she made celebration buttons up for all of us. Now...on another matter... while we were there, there was a group of about 5 guys in their 20s, they couldn't speak English very well and they had about 3 cast members helping the. Even though they couldn't speak English very well, it was very clear that they wanted all their money back for the day at DL because the line on Indiana was too long. The manager told them that he would give them Fast Passes for any ride(s) they wanted and they would use them for the last 2 hours of their day but they insisted they get their money back. By the end of it, they ended up all getting tickets for one day to DL. It was sooooo frustrating to watch but I really admire the cast members, they kept their cool through the whole thing. Once the young men had left I told the cast member that I really admired how she stayed calm and she joked with me and my girls that eating veggies and getting good grades could get you through anything!
We took the train to ToonTown. There was nobody there. We walked through Mickey's House and met him right away.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010136.jpg
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We then did the Gadget Go Coaster 5 times!!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010162.jpg

[canadadisney]

It was nearing the closing time and we realized that we hadn't eaten supper so we had a vending cart supper, cor, chimicanga, churro and popcorn. We watched some of the celebrate parade from afar but we were saving that for the next day.
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The next morning was Magic Morning so it was breakfast in bed and then off to our Happy Place!
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I took some pictures of the pumpkin faces over the gate before they opened the gates.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010172.jpg
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My plan for this AM was to head straight to Matterhorn and then do the other rides that we skipped in Fanstasyland the day it was raining (Mr. Toad and Peter Pan)....coming up next.....I get side-tracked...

[canadadisney]

Like, I said, plan was to head straight for Fantasyland but we got sidetracked by characters when we first entered. I know, I know "don't be tempted, stick to the plan". But they were just so cute in their Halloween outfits and we really didn't get to see many characters Halloween night. Here they are...
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010177.jpg
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After we waited for all the pictures, I soon realized by the crowds that we had made the wrong choice. We went straight for the Matterhorn, it was already lines up around the mountain. It was a gorgeous day and after the past 2 days of rain I knew we were heading into heavier crowds.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010187.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010189.jpg

[samsmainla]

I just want to give encouragement that someone is reading........ I am, and I am loving it!

[Goofy_Mom]

Love the pictures. I looks like you guys had a good time.

[canadadisney]

Thank you both. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was reading!

[canadadisney]

We then entered into Fantasyland but realized fairly quickly that we wouldn't be stayed too long. It was packed. We went on Snow White and it broke down half way through and we got escorted out. The cast member did show us a hidden mickey on the way out though. Here is the spot we broke down:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010190.jpg
We then went through Frontierland over to Adventureland. (we stopped a bit in Frontierland to trade pins). My mom and kids went on Pirates while DH and I went to get a FP for Splash. We also picked up some presents for our kid's teachers while we were there. On the way back to meet the kids I decided to stop at the Mint Julip bar for a Mint Julip and Benights (sp?). These were both things I had never eaten at DL before. Both items scored a 10!!! DD6 said she liked the binights more than churros (she LOVES churros!)

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010191.jpg
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We walked back through Adventureland and I took both DD up Tarzan's Tree House while DH got a FP for Indiana.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010194.jpg
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It's getting harder and harder to remember what we did each day as almost a month has passed,but my pictures tell me we wandered down main street. We went into the music store and DD9 bought some piano music. Then we went over to CA.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010198.jpg
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[deejdigsdis]

I'm enjoying reading along too. We broke down in Snow White last week! We stopped where the wicked queen is in front of the mirror and turns around and she's now the old hag. It was fun being escorted out, but we didn't get to see a hidden mickey. I would have loved that.

[canadadisney]

When they showed us where the hidden mickey was, we realized it wasn't that hidden. It is in the painting right in front of you when you get in the car. It is in the trees/bushes. But I have been on that ride 30 times and never had I seen it before!

[canadadisney]

We went over to CA, DD6, my mom and I did Monsters Inc. while DD9 and DH to get FP for Screaming! We saw Handy Manny on the way and DD6 wanted to stop.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010200.jpg
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Next we went to the animation studio and did the drawing class. DD9 loved this when we went to WDW. She wasn't as happy with it in DL, but that was mostly because she was not happy with her drawing. I took pictures of each one, I just need to find them and I will post.

[canadadisney]

Sorry, I guess we didn't go there next, so you'll have to wait. DH and DD met us back at Monsters Inc. we did that ride again and then went back to Screaming. This was DD6 first time she was a little nervous. My mom said she was NOT, NO WAY in H*LL, doing that ride. Just as we were lining up, my mom said she was going to go on. It surprised the heck out of me but I was soooo proud of her for doing it. DH sat with DD6, DD9 sat with gramma and I sat with a stranger. I warned him I would scream and he said, "don't worry so will I". After we got off, my mom was white as a ghost she had to hold onto a pole when we got off. It was hilarious!!!! DD9 said, "as soon as we took off, gramma lost it!" DD6 now has a new favourite ride (and she doesn't like ToT- go figure)
This is the girls and gramma having a treat and a rest after the ride.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010207.jpg
Next, we went back to the hotel for a swim and a nap.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010223.jpg
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We woke up refreshed and headed back to DL for our Thunder BBQ

[canadadisney]

The Thunder BBQ was something we were all looking forward to. We got there a couple of minutes before our res. and they seated us right away (although our table was on a slant and we couldn't really see the entertainment). We all enjoyed the BBQ. We got seconds of the sausages, corn and ribs.
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[canadadisney]

More from the BBQ...
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While my mom and DH took care of the bill, I took the DDs through Thunder Ranch again.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010244.jpg
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[canadadisney]

After stuffing ourselves on the BBQ, we did the only sensible thing- rode Thunder Mountain another 2 times!!! We spent the rest of the night just going on rides. This was our last night at DL. On the way out we took our picture at the Mickey Pumpkin (something I had been putting off all week). It is soooo hard for me to leave DL. I get the feeling like I will never be back (although I know that's not true).
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010264.jpg
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We went to the celebrate parade that night. I thought it was really good. I had heard some not so good reviews. We had a curb side spot and the girls were pulled up many times for dancing.
The next morning we woke up early and headed to our res for Goofy Breakfast at the DL hotel. We had already done all the other breakfasts on previous trips and this was the only one we had yet to try.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010268.jpg
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DD6 dancing with Goofy...
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010273.jpg
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[canadadisney]

More from Goofy

We saw Chip, Dale, Goofy, Alice and Snow White. Baloo was there and we really wanted to see him as he has a character we hadn't before, but he went on a break and we never got the chance.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010277.jpg
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DD6 was really happy in this above picture as she was at the buffet when Dale came around. When she sat down, Dale remembered and came running over to sit with her. We have a family tradition of calling Chip and Dale the beavers because on one trip when DD6 was 4, we were at a dance party at CA and she had a sucker. I asked her where she got the sucker from and she said, "Oh just those beavers over there" and pointed to Chip and Dale.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010283.jpg
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[reyasmommy]

Just found your TR. Thanks for sharing, especially the great pictures. You have a very beautiful family.

Now I just have to remember what I wanted to ask and to comment on.

1. I feel your pain when it comes to flying. I’m terrified. The doctor will prescribe me some anti-anxiety drugs before I fly anywhere, but they don’t help in the least. There was a time in my life that I loved to fly, but after working for the airlines for 8 years it ruined me. It’s especially hard when you need to concentrate on your small children and try to keep your sanity at the same time.

2. Now I’m worried about our rental car choice for our upcoming trip. We reserved a full sized car, but now I’m thinking it might not be big enough for us. We’ll be traveling with two kids , at least 2 large suitcases, a large stroller, and a pack n’ play. What do you think?

3. Your hotel looks really nice. How close was it to the park?

4. When we went to WDW in March our last day it rained, rained, rained. It was pretty miserable after awhile and we headed back to the hotel. But I must admit DUMBO was a blast to ride in the rain.

5. Thanks for sharing photos of your breakfast with Goofy…. It looks like something I should add to our itinerary for our upcoming trip.

[canadadisney]

Just found your TR. Thanks for sharing, especially the great pictures. You have a very beautiful family.

Now I just have to remember what I wanted to ask and to comment on.

1. I feel your pain when it comes to flying. I’m terrified. The doctor will prescribe me some anti-anxiety drugs before I fly anywhere, but they don’t help in the least. There was a time in my life that I loved to fly, but after working for the airlines for 8 years it ruined me. It’s especially hard when you need to concentrate on your small children and try to keep your sanity at the same time.

2. Now I’m worried about our rental car choice for our upcoming trip. We reserved a full sized car, but now I’m thinking it might not be big enough for us. We’ll be traveling with two kids , at least 2 large suitcases, a large stroller, and a pack n’ play. What do you think?

3. Your hotel looks really nice. How close was it to the park?

4. When we went to WDW in March our last day it rained, rained, rained. It was pretty miserable after awhile and we headed back to the hotel. But I must admit DUMBO was a blast to ride in the rain.

5. Thanks for sharing photos of your breakfast with Goofy…. It looks like something I should add to our itinerary for our upcoming trip.

Thanks for the comments. The answers to your questions/ comments:

1. I actually find I am calmer when flying with the kids, taking care of all of their needs keep my mind off the plane. Although my kids are great flyers and love to fly!

2. We rented the full size as the write up said it would hold 2 large and 2 small suitcases. NO WAY! We only got one of our big ones in the trunk. We have hard shelled luggage so you can't really cram it down. Re rented our car through Hotwire/ Hertz and paid about 200 for the week including all taxes. Our upgrade was 150.00 extra. We ended up getting an Infinity SUV and I would highly recommend it! It was so comfy and roomy. I told my DH I wanted one. When we returned to Canada we looked up the list price and it was $85 000!

3. Our hotel was the Tropicana. It was very close. 5 min to gate. This was our first time staying there and we were very impressed. Nothing fancy but clean and well serviced. We asked for joining rooms as close to the street (to avoid extra walking- every step counts on the way back!) and that is what we got.

4. We were at WDW last summer and I found the rain to be very uncomfortable there. I think because when it came down it wasn't just a sprinkle and because of the humidity we stayed wet all day!

5. We liked the Goofy breakfast but our #1 pick is still Minnie and Friends in the park. The year we went there we got a res for before the park was open, they let you through a special line. We saw so many characters and then when we were finished the gates were just opening and we were already in the park.

[canadadisney]

More from Goofy's. After doing all four breakfasts at DL we have made our final ratings:
1. Minnie
2. Goofy
3. Lilo (now Mickey I think)
4. Critterhttp://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010290.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010291.jpg
This was the day that we had soley devoted to CA. We had visited the park 2 times this trip already and had gotten most of the headliners done. We collected fastpasses all this day. Our first stop was Soaring and the 2X on Muholland Madness. (the girls really like this). We then walked around the back to the boardwalk and did the swings. This was the first time we had done the swings since the orange was gone. I liked the new version better.
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We kept walking around the back and did the Mickey Wheel (non swinging0 those swinging ones make me sooo sick)

[canadadisney]

The girls became Toy Story toys:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010295.jpg
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On Ariel's..
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010297.jpg
Next we went over to the Backlot and did the Animation class. Here are all of our pictures:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010299.jpg
DD6
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010300.jpg
DH
Mine was the best but I just realized I had my whole name on the pict...
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010302.jpg
DH9
They went WAY too fast for this drawing. Last year at WDW we drew Mickey and the teacher went really slow, Donald had way too many steps.

[canadadisney]

I forgot... that AM when we got to CA, I went to see how long the line was for FP to WoC. I couldn't believe it- I was lined up from GRRR to Soarin! So I made up our minds that we weren't going to do WoC.
Later in the day, we were waiting for the Pixar Parade so I went to go to FP for GRRR and noticed there was still FP for WoC. So I got some and we we were excited that we would be going.
Me waiting for Pixar Parade: (Disney Freak!)
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010305.jpg
My Family waiting for parade:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010306.jpg
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The most beautiful site in the distance...
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010310.jpg
Even though we had been to CA many times, we had never seen the Pixar Parade so we were determined to this trip. I was actually disappointed in it. It went by real fast. The kids loved the water shooting at them though. I thought the Celebrate parade was better.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/angelaernie/Dland/Disney2010311.jpg
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[splashtastic!]

I really enjoyed your trip report! Thank you for sharing!

[canadadisney]

Thanks!
I noticed you were from Alaska. This year we can't go to DL as we are doing an Alaska cruise. I am so disappointed about not going to DL, maybe Alaska can be magical too!

[canadadisney]

I thought I'd bump this up in case someone wanted to see Halloween last year.