One Happy Dog Family Lands it for Halloween -- 12/29 final post and MVMCP link!!! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Happydog

10-02-2010, 09:04 PM

It is FALL! The weather has finally cooperated! :yay: Fall is this east-coast DISer favorite time of year, well, I guess any time is my favorite time of year if it happens in Disney World, but this time, the season has changed and the location has changed! Welcome to a Happy Dog DISNEYLAND PTR! :goodvibes

As I said, with the onset of cooler temps it is time in our house to drag out the fall decorations and more importantly, time to pull out the movies inspired by the season… SO that includes a few Peanuts classics, like The Great Pumpkin and the Thanksgiving special -- BUT the most important DVD in our house for the next month IS:

The Nightmare before Christmas …

Can I tell you how much we love this movie??!! We watched it for the first time this year tonight! :yay: And so, perhaps it was the crisp fall air today and all the gourds and mums I bought, but all I know is that I am ready to plan my fall trip to DISNEYLAND!

Well, I have been planning it, a little here and there, the basics are done - resort, dining plans, tickets, that sort of thing - but I have yet to plan our Disney touring… I will say, I BOUGHT a book… :laughing: But I have not even opened it… :rolleyes1

SO, welcome to the latest Happy Dog and Family Disney Extravaganza, WEST COAST style!

We are LANDING it on October 29th… Between now and then I will share all the planning for our fall trip, as well as a few detours I have recently made... Who's who, our itinerary, and MORE, coming up! I hope you will come out to play!!

IluvXU

10-02-2010, 09:42 PM

Hard to find you over here.... but for sure want to read along!

Charleston Princess

10-02-2010, 09:46 PM

Here for all the fall fun and Disneyland trip planning! (Fall is my favorite time of year, too!) Love, love, love The Nightmare Before Christmas! I think it is time for us to pull out our copy of it, too! :goodvibes There is nothing like singing the Oogie Boogie song to get a person in the mood for Halloween! :laughing:

Happydog

10-02-2010, 09:57 PM

Hard to find you over here.... but for sure want to read along!

Hi!!! WELCOME!!! So glad to see two of my favorite DIS pals here to join me!
Yes, I had to figure out WHERE to post a DISNEYLAND PTR!!! I figured I better do it correctly, though, and stick it over here.... Hopefully the link will work! It is in my signature, too! Glad to have you along. How is school and YOUR school? Classes going alright?

Here for all the fall fun and Disneyland trip planning! (Fall is my favorite time of year, too!) Love, love, love The Nightmare Before Christmas! I think it is time for us to pull out our copy of it, too! :goodvibes There is nothing like singing the Oogie Boogie song to get a person in the mood for Halloween! :laughing:

I know! I remember reading that on facebook! We finally have weather that merits calling it "fall"!!!! I resisted buying mums for the longest time...

I so get why Tim Burton's movie was inspired by the window decorations going from Halloween to Christmas. Already in TARGET they have one aisle that is Christmas right encroaching on the Halloween territory. CAN you believe that??!! :sad2: I tell you, we have the movie and we watch it every weekend, and then we have a few CD versions too, which we listen to in the car... is it a bad thing if my kids can sing the whole song including the musical interludes??? :rotfl:

I'll be back tomorrow with a proper update (I have lots of photos, including two boys thrilled by a package they got in the mail!!) ;)

wigdoutdismom

10-02-2010, 10:32 PM

I had a feeling you would be starting something tonight! So glad I was right!

IluvXU

10-02-2010, 10:49 PM

Hi!!! WELCOME!!! So glad to see two of my favorite DIS pals here to join me!
Yes, I had to figure out WHERE to post a DISNEYLAND PTR!!! I figured I better do it correctly, though, and stick it over here.... Hopefully the link will work! It is in my signature, too! Glad to have you along. How is school and YOUR school? Classes going alright?

The link was kinda cut off... but I found it by searching.

Teaching is an adventure this year. As I told a good friend and former co-worker (at a new school) today I have not cried in a few weeks, it has been a hard start for me. We have a new assistant, a new principal, new job share partner (who taught older kids for her entire career so she was well shocked, and was just treading water for the first month) and a wild class. I finally feel in control and like I am able to teach, but of all my years this has been the most emotionally exhausting. Plus having a first grader at home is shocking... way harder to deal with her all day school than K last year.

I am taking one class too- good memory, online an admin class that is okay, but takes time. My DIS time has been cut, and it has been for the most part read breeze through only.

wigdoutdismom

10-02-2010, 11:11 PM

The link was kinda cut off... but I found it by searching.

Teaching is an adventure this year. As I told a good friend and former co-worker (at a new school) today I have not cried in a few weeks, it has been a hard start for me. We have a new assistant, a new principal, new job share partner (who taught older kids for her entire career so she was well shocked, and was just treading water for the first month) and a wild class. I finally feel in control and like I am able to teach, but of all my years this has been the most emotionally exhausting. Plus having a first grader at home is shocking... way harder to deal with her all day school than K last year.

I am taking one class too- good memory, online an admin class that is okay, but takes time. My DIS time has been cut, and it has been for the most part read breeze through only.

Oh goodness Laura, I had no idea this was going on! I wish you would have let me know! I don't know what I could have done but at least I would have listened and understood...
So sorry it has been such a difficult time for you!:hug:

magichusky

10-03-2010, 04:59 AM

Hi there!! I'm so excited b/c I just randomly read your Christmas TR from last year and I was browsing the DL section, saw "Happydog" and thought, my goodness what's Happydog doing all the way out here in the DL boonies?? I've been reading all of the Christmas WDW TRs I can find b/c my family and I are going to WDW this Christmas for the first time ever! :santa: I'm looking forward to reading about your DL adventure! :woohoo:

Charleston Princess

10-03-2010, 06:28 AM

I know! I remember reading that on facebook! We finally have weather that merits calling it "fall"!!!! I resisted buying mums for the longest time...

It has been quite fall-like here this weekend, too -- long sleeves and jeans for the first time.

I so get why Tim Burton's movie was inspired by the window decorations going from Halloween to Christmas. Already in TARGET they have one aisle that is Christmas right encroaching on the Halloween territory. CAN you believe that??!! :sad2: I tell you, we have the movie and we watch it every weekend, and then we have a few CD versions too, which we listen to in the car... is it a bad thing if my kids can sing the whole song including the musical interludes??? :rotfl:

:lmao: Don't worry -- my kids knew all the words to all the songs at an early age, too. The music is just too catchy to resist playing it in the car.

I'll be back tomorrow with a proper update (I have lots of photos, including two boys thrilled by a package they got in the mail!!) ;)

Hurray! :yay:

Teaching is an adventure this year. As I told a good friend and former co-worker (at a new school) today I have not cried in a few weeks, it has been a hard start for me. We have a new assistant, a new principal, new job share partner (who taught older kids for her entire career so she was well shocked, and was just treading water for the first month) and a wild class. I finally feel in control and like I am able to teach, but of all my years this has been the most emotionally exhausting. Plus having a first grader at home is shocking... way harder to deal with her all day school than K last year.

Oh, Laura, I am so sorry you have had a rough start! :hug: I did, too. It took me almost the entire first nine weeks to feel like I had my act together! I know only too well what you mean about it being an emotionally exhausting start to the year.

2xcited2sleep

10-03-2010, 07:41 AM

Lady Lallie

10-03-2010, 07:47 AM

I'm so excited about your trip! I really want to get to Disneyland soon so this will be a great education for me. :thumbsup2

Happydog

10-03-2010, 07:47 AM

Climbing aboard. Can't wait to hear all your DL fun! Would you believe I've never seen Nightmare before Christmas? I will have to add it to my list. I have heard amazing things about the Haunted Mansion overlay in California... promise to take LOTS of pictures!!

OH of course I will!!! I have been scouring the Disneyland Halloween thread! SOOOOO exciting. I will take lots of pictures.

Hope you have a great time over in DisneyWORLD in just a few few days!!! Is it almost time for the single digit count down??!! WOOT! :yay:

jenjolt

10-03-2010, 08:06 AM

I'm here!! WOOT WOOT!!!! Yes I want tons of pictures of the Haunted Mansion LOL!! Maybe I should send you a stick "me" and you can take me on the ride with you LOL!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

OT: I'm with Laura and Jackie, but the whole new school thing, getting settled into a new routine the first 6 weeks has come and gone and I still feel I have days where its the first day of school all over again! I'm hoping at some point I will have that feeling of control over ALL my classes, But things are getting better!

IluvXU

10-03-2010, 09:49 AM

You all are too sweet! Only teachers get it! Things are getting into a routine and my kids, especially my real stinker is getting a lot better. Back to the fun planning Happy Dog... Doug has been to Disneyland for conferences, I sure hope he has another one again soon (he is in San Diego in Nov, close but no go for me this time).

lovegrumpy

10-03-2010, 10:08 AM

I love disneyland during this time of year. Can't wait.

MeMom

10-03-2010, 12:24 PM

It is FALL! The weather has finally cooperated! :yay: Fall is this east-coast DISer favorite time of year, well, I guess any time is my favorite time of year if it happens in Disney World, but this time, the season has changed and the location has changed! Welcome to a Happy Dog DISNEYLAND PTR! :goodvibes

As I said, with the onset of cooler temps it is time in our house to drag out the fall decorations and more importantly, time to pull out the movies inspired by the season… SO that includes a few Peanuts classics, like The Great Pumpkin and the Thanksgiving special -- BUT the most important DVD in our house for the next month IS:

The Nightmare before Christmas …

Can I tell you how much we love this movie??!! We watched it for the first time this year tonight! :yay: And so, perhaps it was the crisp fall air today and all the gourds and mums I bought, but all I know is that I am ready to plan my fall trip to DISNEYLAND!

I'm excited to be able to read a good report on Disneyland. Jill may possibly get to go out there at some point when John travels for business. That would be very cool. :thumbsup2

I have seen tiny bits and pieces of Nightmare Before Christmas. Maybe I should take the time to watch it in full. I have a teacher friend who is nuts about it, so I could borrow her movie. Whenever I go to Disney World in October, she always wants me to be on the lookout for new Jack Skellington things.

ScotsMinnie

10-03-2010, 01:55 PM

I'm in! This will be the first PTR for Disneyland I have read!!! Excited to hear all about it!

Nice to see so many teachers on here too. I am in my first year of teaching and my class are a serious handful. Does it ever get any easier????

Happydog

10-03-2010, 03:51 PM

So before I begin the back story on this trip, let me quickly introduce myself and my family – I will keep this quick! WHO is Happy Dog??!! :upsidedow Just one more Self-Proclaimed Disney Lover -- like there aren't any of THOSE people on the DISboard... :rolleyes1 If you get a chance and want to hear more about my family and how I made it onto the DISboards, and how I have gotten completely sucked into Disney and the World, well all you have to do is pick any of my PTRs or TRs! :surfweb: There is plenty to share there! But for this trip, let the intros begin!

First, My DH and ME – Here is a photo of us on our summer trip to WDW…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Photo0385-1.jpg

Is it a BAD thing that I cropped my uncooperative kids out of the photo??!! :laughing:

Speaking of kids… Here they are…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Photo0379.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Photo0398.jpg

Our DS5 and DS8 are two little boys who really enjoy Disneyworld, especially all of the rides that include fast dips and turns! Sadly, this does NOT include the tea cups anymore BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... :sad: BUT they are big fans of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan ... GO Figure??!! :confused3 But thank goodness! :goodvibes At least they still have Fantasyland in them for a few more years… I have to say I am so glad that they never seem to tire of our trips to Disney World, and last year we went on several!

Here are the three boys this past June, at Chef’s de France with Remy…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Summer%202010%20Day%209/summer2010640.jpg

And all of us on Christmas Morning in the Magic Kingdom… One Holiday I will never forget :santa: ... I can't wait to do this again some year soon :cloud9:...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Christmas%20Family%20pics/Disney%20Day%208/Image0017.jpg

As a family, we have been lucky to go to WDW during the summer and during different holiday seasons, and I have to say there is nothing more magical than Disney for a family vacation at any time of year. We have had amazing memories each and every time. :lovestruc There really is something for everyone. I have learned a lot about touring the World, and I am curious to see how I manage Disneyland.

Going to Disneyland this Halloween was not in our plans originally. This fall, we wanted to visit our friends in San Diego, and we were able to get a great exchange at the Four Seasons resort in San Diego – the property is never available and when it was, for a great week, we jumped. I made it clear to my husband that I could not possibly go to California WITHOUT going to Disneyland, and so he compromised, giving us two days in the park. I sweetened the deal with our GAD vouchers and that helped!:thumbsup2

So the plan is as follows:

We fly from the east coast, Dulles Airport, on the afternoon of the 29th, arrive in LAX, drive to Disney, and check in to the Grand Californian for two nights. We will not go to the parks that first night, instead probably grabbing something to eat there in DTD, and then head to bed! We plan to exchange our GAD vouchers for two day park hoppers.

Here is the basic outline for the time we will be there. I have lots of ideas on how to fill the time, where to eat lunch, etc! The important stuff!!! :laughing: But here is what I know is in place…

Friday October 29th

Fly in to LAX
Check into the Grand Californian Villas
Dinner = TBA
BED!

Saturday October 30th

Rope drop for California Adventure!
Disneyland (?)
World of Color Dining Package @ the Wine Country Trattoria - second show

Sunday October 31st HALLOWEEN!!!

Check out of the GCV
(probably in the AM since we will still be on East coast time!)
Rope drop for Disneyland!
Dinner at the Blue Bayou @ 6pm
Park closes early for the Halloween party 7pm
Back to California Adventure/DTD for treats (?)
Head down to the Four Seasons in San Diego! LATE! :faint:

We really debated attending the Halloween party. :scratchin It was one of those things where we had to decide would we really get the use out of the expense… Since we were going to drive down to check into the Four Seasons that evening, it didn’t make sense to spend the money. Our kids barely made it through MNSSHP last year, and since they have experienced something similar already, we decided to save our $$ for the next leg of our vacation, which includes LegoLand, and other fun places. :yay:

So in the end, we will have two full days of Disneyland and California Adventure fun. I am really excited for this trip!:yay: What we do at each park, and how we spend the time is still being planned out... I have found some OUTSTANDING pages and threads here on the Disneyland pages, and I have my Unofficial Guide to Disneyland as well... :surfweb: I have been busy! We have not told the kids anything as of yet, and it will probably be a surprise. I KNOW LEGOLAND will also be a huge source of excitement and fun for all!
So as we count down to CA, I will take the time to share some other bits and pieces since my last TR... Namely my trip to Oregon and Scotland (since so many asked!) and the various trip planning along the way! I have some photos already! And I have already done some shopping... :rolleyes1

STAY TUNED!!!

2xcited2sleep

10-03-2010, 04:00 PM

Happydog

10-03-2010, 04:00 PM

I had a feeling you would be starting something tonight! So glad I was right!

I sort of surprised myself!!! :laughing: WigD!!!! I miss you! I know we are going to have equal amounts of Disney fun over Halloween! We have to figure something out, like a phone call on the same ride, or text a pic from our phone, SOMETHING!!!! :lmao:

The link was kinda cut off... but I found it by searching.

Teaching is an adventure this year. As I told a good friend and former co-worker (at a new school) today I have not cried in a few weeks, it has been a hard start for me. We have a new assistant, a new principal, new job share partner (who taught older kids for her entire career so she was well shocked, and was just treading water for the first month) and a wild class. I finally feel in control and like I am able to teach, but of all my years this has been the most emotionally exhausting. Plus having a first grader at home is shocking... way harder to deal with her all day school than K last year.

I am taking one class too- good memory, online an admin class that is okay, but takes time. My DIS time has been cut, and it has been for the most part read breeze through only.

Oh WOW. I totally feel your pain. Nolyn started Kindergarten, is having a lot of fuss with his left-handedness, I think, and Griffin is busy with accelerated everything, and I am worried he is such a day dreamer... AND work this fall for whatever reason, really kicked me on my rear end this year, too... I get you on the exhausting bit. Hang in there!!!

Well even a mental break on the DIS away from everything else is good at times! So keep popping in!!!! :hug:

Hi there!! I'm so excited b/c I just randomly read your Christmas TR from last year and I was browsing the DL section, saw "Happydog" and thought, my goodness what's Happydog doing all the way out here in the DL boonies?? I've been reading all of the Christmas WDW TRs I can find b/c my family and I are going to WDW this Christmas for the first time ever! :santa: I'm looking forward to reading about your DL adventure! :woohoo:

Oh! WELCOME!!!! COME ON OVER!!! CHRISTMAS??!! :santa: YAY!!!!! :yay: That was byfar one of the best trips we ever had. Everyone in my family agrees... Christmas is magical in Disneyworld!!! I am so excited for you!!!

It DOES feel like I am in the boonies!! :lmao: The Disneyland thread and the Cruiseline thread!!! Totally different! But I have been over here checking everything out!! :thumbsup2 Lots of great info!!

:lmao: Don't worry -- my kids knew all the words to all the songs at an early age, too. The music is just too catchy to resist playing it in the car.

Totally funny, right?? Tim Burton music... what will their teachers say??!! :rotfl:

I'm so excited about your trip! I really want to get to Disneyland soon so this will be a great education for me. :thumbsup2

Oh, well, it is for me TOO!!! :laughing: Glad you are here, LL!!!!!! :goodvibes

I'm here!! WOOT WOOT!!!! Yes I want tons of pictures of the Haunted Mansion LOL!! Maybe I should send you a stick "me" and you can take me on the ride with you LOL!!!!

YAY!!! JEN!!!!!
DO it!! DO it!!! Better yet, I will do it!!! I can print your picture!!! :rotfl2: WATCH Me.... Don't say I didn't warn you.... :rolleyes1

OT: I'm with Laura and Jackie, but the whole new school thing, getting settled into a new routine the first 6 weeks has come and gone and I still feel I have days where its the first day of school all over again! I'm hoping at some point I will have that feeling of control over ALL my classes, But things are getting better!

Oh I think we ALL get that... I agree something about this year was definitely different for me, too! But I feel like I am getting above it finally.

Happydog

10-03-2010, 04:04 PM

I'm excited to be able to read a good report on Disneyland. Jill may possibly get to go out there at some point when John travels for business. That would be very cool. :thumbsup2

I have seen tiny bits and pieces of Nightmare Before Christmas. Maybe I should take the time to watch it in full. I have a teacher friend who is nuts about it, so I could borrow her movie. Whenever I go to Disney World in October, she always wants me to be on the lookout for new Jack Skellington things.

Oh MeMom!! You are here! YAY! We all will have fall Disney adventures to report on! :goodvibes I will take good notes, I guarantee it! And I will get copious photos, don't you worry!!! :thumbsup2 I am really interested to compare.

The movie is really fun, I love it. The kids LOVE it. We over watch it, to the point of nausea though, but it goes away after Nov 1st!!! :laughing:

I'm in! This will be the first PTR for Disneyland I have read!!! Excited to hear all about it!

Nice to see so many teachers on here too. I am in my first year of teaching and my class are a serious handful. Does it ever get any easier????

Yay!! Welcome over!! I am so glad you are here! I will be sharing about my trip to your neck of the woods, too! :laughing: Teaching. Well, I think it gets easier, but it is never the same year twice. Your bag of tricks just gets bigger!

Happydog

10-03-2010, 04:06 PM

Wine Country and Blue Bayou are two places that would be on my list so I am very happy that I will get to experience them virtually! Not to mention hearing what you think of the Grand Californian!

I was only in Disneyland for a half a day after some business meeting ended unexpectedly early so I am hardly an expert. But if I can offer any advice, I'd say "read up." I thought being so familiar with WDW I'd be all set. Perhaps it is my lack of direction but I got "lost" a few times. :rolleyes1

Their Downtown Disney is so fun you will have no trouble filling your first night without venturing into the parks! :thumbsup2

Thanks C!!!! Yes, I am really excited too! DH refused a character meal at Ariel's Grotto -- for the WOC dining package.. He wasn't feeling the princess scene.... So I am curious to see what it is like, too! Blue Bayou was a MUST for us... really good food. Great atmosphere!

I am reading, TRUST me, I am reading!!! :rotfl:

jenjolt

10-03-2010, 04:19 PM

Charleston Princess

10-03-2010, 08:53 PM

Great intro of the cast, and I laughed out loud when I read you had cropped your uncooperative boys out of the picture! I am so going to remember that for our pictures if the need arises! :laughing:

Oh, I am so excited you are going to be eating at the Blue Bayou! That is one place I am dying to try one day! To sit there in that great place and watch the POTC boats go by! :lovestruc Is Disneyland a "dry land" like the Magic Kingdom? Maybe they have some great drinks there you can try for the both of us! :thumbsup2

The boys are going to be so surprised! Do you have a cool reveal all planned out?

Happydog

10-03-2010, 09:25 PM

I can't wait to see me on Haunted Mansion with you and your crew LOL :rotfl2:

Your plans sounds awesome!!! You guys are going to have such a great time!

I can't wait to hear about your thoughts on the restaurants at DLR and the Grand Californian...WOW!!!! I'm excited to visit DLR through your PTR and TR!

You know I will... :laughing:

I am looking forward to it all as well. I think it will be great fun.

Great intro of the cast, and I laughed out loud when I read you had cropped your uncooperative boys out of the picture! I am so going to remember that for our pictures if the need arises! :laughing:

Well, yours are a little older, and ONE is a girl, so that will likely not happen to you :laughing: Me? Griffin is totally photo ready, all the time. Nolyn, he is going through the "hide when you see a camera phase" -- and has been. I think he is getting over this. But I thought, well, why lose a perfectly nice photo of us??!! :laughing:

Oh, I am so excited you are going to be eating at the Blue Bayou! That is one place I am dying to try one day! To sit there in that great place and watch the POTC boats go by! :lovestruc Is Disneyland a "dry land" like the Magic Kingdom? Maybe they have some great drinks there you can try for the both of us! :thumbsup2

The boys are going to be so surprised! Do you have a cool reveal all planned out?

Alas, Disneyland doesn't permit alcohol inside their gates, either. BUT that is okay. California Adventure, on the other hand, we will definitely be exploring the equivalent of the Dawa Bar... :thumbsup2

It is a neat restaurant, somewhat like the Mexico Pavillion. I am looking forward to eating!!!!

No big reveal planned yet. I am scheming... :laughing:

Lady Lallie

10-04-2010, 09:08 AM

Happydog

10-04-2010, 07:10 PM

I'm so jealous you are going to Blue Bayou, that is ONE thing I know I want to experience when I go to Disneyland. World of Color too, I adore the soundtrack from that so I know it's going to be awesome for you! :banana:

You know the last time I was there was when I was in my early 20s... My DH went to Disneyland with students about seven years ago, before they flew across the pacific to Australia... He ate at the Blue Bayou they got a table walk up at the end of the night on my recommendation that he go there, and he so enjoyed it he said we had to go there together as a family. So that is the plan! :thumbsup2

I have not heard the music -- well actually I may have heard it on the podcast I think -- but I am looking forward to seeing it! We got the dining package so we had seating covered...

SoonerGirl

10-05-2010, 04:18 PM

wigdoutdismom

10-05-2010, 05:24 PM

How about we plan a time that we can put our feet up, have a drink and put each other on speaker phone?

eandesmom

10-06-2010, 02:08 PM

I'm here!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read about a Disneyland Halloween!

Dugette

10-06-2010, 08:32 PM

I'm here and ready for more Happydog family adventures! I've only spent two days at Disneyland (once when I was 16 and once about 4 years ago), so I'm getting that hankering to go back...this PTR should be just the virtual trip that I need. I love your plans. Everything sounds like something we would want to do. Especially that Blue Bayou...DH has made it clear that we will eat there whenever we get back to DL again. Can't wait to hear all about your Halloween trip!

Happydog

10-09-2010, 07:01 AM

Hey HD! Glad to see you've started your PTR, you're going to have so much fun! We skipped Blue Bayou when we went to DL so I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of it :thumbsup2 And staying at the Grand Californian - I'm so jealous! :worship:

Oh yay! Glad you are here! Well it is a slow start!!! :laughing: I am looking forward to it too!!! I should have some time to get more updates out this week.... :thumbsup2

How about we plan a time that we can put our feet up, have a drink and put each other on speaker phone?

Oh, I think that sounds great!!! We'll figure something silly out!!!!
I am taking JEN with me to ride the Haunted Mansion, so we can come up with something good I am sure!!

I'm here!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read about a Disneyland Halloween!

Oh YAY! Glad you are! I am enjoying reliving WDW through your summer trip!!! :goodvibes

I'm here and ready for more Happydog family adventures! I've only spent two days at Disneyland (once when I was 16 and once about 4 years ago), so I'm getting that hankering to go back...this PTR should be just the virtual trip that I need. I love your plans. Everything sounds like something we would want to do. Especially that Blue Bayou...DH has made it clear that we will eat there whenever we get back to DL again. Can't wait to hear all about your Halloween trip!

WELL, I am glad I get to do something special like bring you all there virtually!! I think I have a lot of requests for pics for that reason!!! I am looking forward to it, too!!

Native NYer

10-09-2010, 12:06 PM

Joining in :goodvibes

gallmcduck

10-10-2010, 10:14 AM

Hi :wave2: I am joining in looking forward to hearing all about your plans. A new experience for me as we have never been to DL. I haven't caught up with your plans yet so going back to catch up now, wanted to pop in and say hi before I read the plans and all about your halloween trip :thumbsup2

gallmcduck

10-10-2010, 10:24 AM

Loved the intros and the pics from last christmas :thumbsup2 Your plans sound well organised. Oh do I see that you are sharing some bits and bobs from your Oregan/Scotland trip :yay::yay: Look forward to that and seeing your shopping :cool1:

DisMomAmy

10-10-2010, 05:41 PM

Another east coast DISer here who loves fall!! We took the boys to a corn maze this morning, ate some cider donuts & bought a couple big pumpkins. :thumbsup2

I can't wait to hear all about Disneyland!

Sweetpeamd

10-11-2010, 07:24 AM

I'm excited to follow your PTR! I have been enjoying your summer trip report for a while, now. It was very well done. Thanks for all of your hard work!popcorn::

Goofy_Mom

10-11-2010, 12:48 PM

Thanks C!!!! Yes, I am really excited too! DH refused a character meal at Ariel's Grotto -- for the WOC dining package.. He wasn't feeling the princess scene.... So I am curious to see what it is like, too! Blue Bayou was a MUST for us... really good food. Great atmosphere!

I am reading, TRUST me, I am reading!!! :rotfl:

I'm along for the ride, too. I just now saw your report. A quick FYI for you, the Ariel Grotto WOC dinner is NOT a princess meal. There are no characters for dinner time at all.

manntra

10-11-2010, 05:31 PM

DisneyMom14

10-13-2010, 04:55 PM

I made it over! Never been to DL so I can't wait to hear all about your adventures and see lots of pics! Perfect timing that you can experience the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff they do there.

Happydog

10-16-2010, 09:56 PM

Where did the time go!!?? :eek:

Somehow we have arrived at THIRTEEN days until our California Adventure! A literal adventure, as well as a visit to Disney’s! :laughing:

In just a few short weeks, in TWO weeks from YESTERDAY to be exact, I will be on my way across the country from the east coast to the west coast, and making our first stop! Here we come Disney! :yay:

So as I promised I wanted to revisit some of the fun we had this past summer. So I have collected a few photos from Scotland and camping in the Shenandoah’s. I am going to keep with Scotland tonight, then I will share camping in my next post...

First, Scotland! We were there almost two weeks. I know the first things you think about when you hear “Scotland” are kilts, bagpipes, and castles. Well, here are all three! :rotfl:

First, some of the Historic Castle....and some city views.

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Walking down from the castle...
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A famous PUB! Deacon Brodie, quite a famous figure in Edinburgh history... The pub? Good fish and chips! LOL!!!

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The real reason why WE were here...

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These next pictures were taken during the official opening of the Edinburgh festival, watching these bagpipe bands march down, what is called the Royal Mile. It is called that because at one end of the road is the historic castle, and at the other end is the official residence of the Queen, Hollyrood House.

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Holyrood House is also situated on the site of an abbey, forgive me if I don’t have all the history right, but the royal residence is connected to it, and it is adjacent to a beautiful park with a bluff, and it was the site of the Festival parade, the next day, which includes many of the performing groups who will perform during the festival run. It is a massive event. It was really chaotic, but here are some crowd shots…

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The weather was really nice, a little rain on a few days, but generally weather like we have now! Fall like in temp, which was a huge reprieve from the 90s that we were having in August!

These are from our trip to Holyrood House...

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More in the NEXT update!!!

Happydog

10-16-2010, 10:17 PM

Well, not really, BLECK on both accounts!!! :laughing: At least for me! BUT I ate my weight enough in shepherd's pie, fish and chips, AND the ubiquitous FRIED MARS BAR. :scared1: NOT kidding. Well, you know, WHEN in Rome... errr... Edinburgh :rolleyes1

Okay okay back to the pics... More from Holyrood House and the Abbey. I just love the architecture... you can't take photos inside the residence, so there wasn't much to see there, but frankly, I think the grounds are my favorite part... Each time we come, I make it a point to walk them. I took many more photos of course, but here are just a few more from the previous post. SUCH beautiful peonies!!!!!!!!

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Another event we often catch is the Royal Military Tattoo. This is an amazing collection of marching bands, pipe bands, dancers, etc. who all come together to perform in the forecourt of the castle. It is AMAZING to see. I can't really say the photos do it justice, but it is a spectacle replete with fireworks! (WOW, almost like Disney!!!) They go off every night at the end of the performance. When we came here back five years ago I guess it was, we stayed in a flat just off the royal mile (we were there for four weeks -- I had received a gift to study at the university and we chose over festival to go) The most memorable part of it was that we were there with a three year old and an 9 week old. Nope. Not kidding. And every night, just as I had gotten that 3 yr old to bed, GUESS what went shooting off into the sky??!! That was most certainly LIKE Disney!!! So here is the Tattoo....

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We had some great meals, of course, and saw some wonderful theater. We also tried out some new places “discoveries” – one was this bar which is known for its elaborate and “old school” cocktail menu… it was CRAZY. Not average offerings, and totally elaborate and the making equally so. It was fun watching the bar tender! He was practically a chef or chemist with his concoctions!!! Amazing. And amazingly strong…
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AND, for all you HARRY POTTER FANS.... this is THE cafe of fame and later, fortune!!! This is apparently the cafe where the first book was penned, on napkins. (or so say the locals!)

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I didn’t buy many souveniers on this trip. Well I grabbed a few scarves for friends from Ness (one of my favorite shops) and a sweater for myself. And other than pharmacuticals and toffee, that was about it. Oh, I bought a new rugby shirt for my older son, and some honey, that too!

Basically, I have been enough where really going is just fun, and that makes the trip. I have been to this particular event in Edinburgh four times. It is amazing. SO much fun! SO that was my final weeks vacation in August...

After that, of course school started fast and furious for all of us… my littlest started kindergarten… Here is our first day of school photo.. well one where I actually was able to get them to pose!!!!

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My mother came to visit over labor day. It was quite a nice week, visiting with her. We had an adventure over labor day weekend, going down to the Mall downtown and up the Washington Monument!

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This series is rather comical....

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AND so, a few weeks ago, the weather finally turned fall-ish! And so with the weather cooperating, I was inspired to haul out the fall decorations!!! Sadly, since we will not be home for Halloween, I won’t be bringing out the mother load of ghoulish decorations this year… BUT I think it is a small price to pay for Halloween in DISNEYLAND!!!

So, speaking of Disneyland…

I have been reading my book, and scouring the DIS for info. I will put a post together for these updates soon. But I do have some fun pre-trip info to share....

We have figured out our “reveal” for the kids!

Oh. Did you want to hear about that?????!!!! LOL!

where's_my_prince

10-16-2010, 10:24 PM

oh my gosh those pictures are AMAZING. the architecture is spectacular!

Happydog

10-16-2010, 10:54 PM

Joining in :goodvibes

HELLO!!! SO glad you are here! Just a few more weeks before you head down to WDW right??!!

Hi :wave2: I am joining in looking forward to hearing all about your plans. A new experience for me as we have never been to DL. I haven't caught up with your plans yet so going back to catch up now, wanted to pop in and say hi before I read the plans and all about your halloween trip :thumbsup2

Loved the intros and the pics from last christmas :thumbsup2 Your plans sound well organised. Oh do I see that you are sharing some bits and bobs from your Oregan/Scotland trip :yay::yay: Look forward to that and seeing your shopping :cool1:

Welcome welcome welcome!
I am enjoying your TR, too!!!! SO much to get ready for! But I am looking forward to it!

Another east coast DISer here who loves fall!! We took the boys to a corn maze this morning, ate some cider donuts & bought a couple big pumpkins. :thumbsup2

I can't wait to hear all about Disneyland!

Ooooh! Corn Mazes are the BEST! :thumbsup2 Fall is fabulous on the east coast!

I'm excited to follow your PTR! I have been enjoying your summer trip report for a while, now. It was very well done. Thanks for all of your hard work!popcorn::

Hi! Welcome! Thanks! I like writing reports, it is fun to share Disney magic with others!

I'm along for the ride, too. I just now saw your report. A quick FYI for you, the Ariel Grotto WOC dinner is NOT a princess meal. There are no characters for dinner time at all.

YES! I got that after the fact, and was glad to know. We are happy with the Wine Country Trattoria, though! Thanks for the tip! I am looking forward to WOC.

Happydog

10-16-2010, 10:58 PM

I JUST found this!!!! :faint: Ooooh and it is on the DL boards...never been over here!!! :laughing: Okay then...must go back and read :thumbsup2 sorry I am late :sad2:
Just went back and caught up.....this is going to be such a great trip!! :)
I checked out the menu for Blue Bayou and that looks like the perfect place to eat....love the selection and you can't beat the location!! ::yes:: I would love to do the Halloween party ...just to see Jack and the mansion all transformed into Halloweentown...very cool!
If I am ever this late again just knock me over the head or send me a pm!! :laughing:

Tracy

I am really looking forward to seeing Jack and the mansion too! That will be in full swing in the park, not just for the party! I really can't wait to see this part! Blue Bayou we are both really excited for that! :goodvibes The Disney trip is only a portion of the fun. I am really excited to go to California, and see the difference between Disneyland and WDW. Are you off for the F & W soon??!!

I made it over! Never been to DL so I can't wait to hear all about your adventures and see lots of pics! Perfect timing that you can experience the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff they do there.

Hello! Good to have you along! I am going to take losts of notes and photos! Can't wait!

Charleston Princess

10-17-2010, 07:36 AM

Lady Lallie

10-17-2010, 07:43 AM

Your Scotland pictures are aaaaaamazing!

My brother and his wife went to England and Scotland this past summer, they have been to England before as his wife's family is English and they visit quite often. My brother said as much as he loves England he couldn't get over how beautiful Scotland was. I really want to go there someday!

Native NYer

10-17-2010, 07:45 AM

Love your photos of Scotland. I'd love to visit one day.
I can't belive your Halloween trip is so close! It's amazing how it just sneaks up on you. I'm in shock that the NCTE convention at the YC is only a month away. Since school started, I haven't been keeping track.

Can't wait to see the camping photos.

jenjolt

10-17-2010, 08:13 AM

I so want to visit Scotland one day!! Just to stand on the cliffs and let the wind blow through my hair!! What amazing pictures and it sounds like you guys had an amazing time!!

Now I want Fish and Chips for dinner!! LOL!!!

I can't wait to find out how you plan to reveal this trip to the boys!!! Going to be a great surprise I'm sure!!!!!

Dugette

10-17-2010, 10:06 AM

Thanks for posting all the Scotland pictures! My DH spent a year of college studying in Aberdeen, Scotland, so it was neat to see those pics. He recognized a lot of things in your pics.

Can't wait to hear about the big reveal!

eandesmom

10-17-2010, 10:53 AM

I loved the Scotland pictures! I so so so want to go someday, just gorgeous!!!!!!!

Not so sure about the fried mars bar though.

:lmao:

13 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much fun.

wigdoutdismom

10-17-2010, 11:19 AM

SoonerGirl

10-17-2010, 01:35 PM

Gorgeous pictures from Scotland, I so want to visit one day!

I can't believe you are under 2 weeks already until your California trip, it got here so fast! Can't wait to hear about the reveal!

DisMomAmy

10-17-2010, 02:13 PM

Wow - Amazing Scotland pictures!!! :thumbsup2

I can't wait to hear about your reveal! popcorn::

gallmcduck

10-17-2010, 03:14 PM

Wow your pics definatley do Edinburgh justice, it is a beautiful city :thumbsup2 The edinburgh tattoo always brings in the crowds and is a great show to watch. I am with you on the haggis and whiskey! Although the kids like it, we tend to only have it on rabbie burns night, this is at the beginning of the year. A reveal how exciting that will be popcorn:: We do like to decorate our houses for halloween now also although a few lights and some pumpkins is as far as it goes. I am way behind on my TR, hectic schedules have interputed DISing :sad2: We have had some time to do some preparatory planning for our 2012 cruise which is exciting :goodvibes

manntra

10-17-2010, 05:23 PM

Ooooh I loved your pictures of Scotland! It is just as I pictured. Must be amazing hearing so many different bagpipers. Over Labor Day weekend there was a woman playing a bagpipe being driven around in a boat. It was pretty cool and we were all hotting and hollerin for her!
Can't wait for your big reveal! You always have the BEST ideas.....you should video it and send it in to Disney so you can be on tv ;)
Yes, getting ready for F&W....leaving Saturday am :goodvibes Heading straight over to Epcot to meet up with Melissa and C before they go home. :) I am sooooooo ready to go!! Cosmo Slushie here I come!

Tracy

tinkermell

10-18-2010, 11:01 AM

burly

10-19-2010, 12:21 AM

Woot woot another happydog report. I loved the Nightmare before xmas overlay on the Haunted Mansion. Let me know what you think of it. :goodvibes

KIM

EnchantedPlayroom

10-19-2010, 05:56 AM

It is FALL! Welcome to a Happy Dog DISNEYLAND PTR!

As I said, with the onset of cooler temps it is time in our house to drag out the fall decorations and more importantly, time to pull out the movies inspired by the season… SO that includes a few Peanuts classics, like The Great Pumpkin and the Thanksgiving special -- BUT the most important DVD in our house for the next month IS:

The Nightmare before Christmas …

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Yaaaaaaaay!!! I FINALLY made it in time for one of your PTR's!! I always try to subscribe AFTER you're done writing and the DIS tells me that the page is no longer accepting subscribers. :guilty: You would not believe how many of your TR's are bookmarked on my computer for easy referencing. :lmao: It was actually your Xmas TR that lead me to plan my Mommy and Me Xmas WDW trip for this coming December. I even completely copied one night of yours. :rolleyes1 I booked Hoop Dee Doo to be followed by the Sleigh Ride around FW. Thank you SO MUCH for posting that. I have never heard about the sleigh ride and I know my DD will just LOVE it. It's going to be a surprise for her.

She and I LOVE Nightmare Before Christmas and LOVE the Nightmare overlay. (Did I mention we're DL AP's and head up there ALL the time?? :laughing: )

I so get why Tim Burton's movie was inspired by the window decorations going from Halloween to Christmas. Already in TARGET they have one aisle that is Christmas right encroaching on the Halloween territory. CAN you believe that??!!

Oh my, you would hate my family. My mom just put our Christmas Tree up this weekend. :lmao: We went to Disneyland on Fri/Sat and as usual, got sucked into the ornament shop. Well, I guess that was enough for my DM. When we got home she sent dad out to the garage to dig out the tree and it is now up and in all it's glory!! :rotfl: But we try to tie it in. I usually put mine up on Halloween night and play "Nightmare Before Christmas" on tv or play the soundtrack as Trick or Treaters come up. Thank you Tim Burton, for making it okay for my family to be nuts!! :lmao:

Here are the three boys this past June, at Chef’s de France with Remy…

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I am so jealous! I just had to cancel almost all of our ADR's for December because we are downgrading to the QS DP. I had Le Chefs booked because DD LOVES Ratatouille and I knew she would have gotten such a thrill from seeing Remy. The bright side is that we downgraded in order to get another trip in for February!! :cool1:

Check into the Grand Californian Villas
We just stayed there this weekend. DVC Studio. Let me know if you'd like some pics??

Saturday October 30th

World of Color Dining Package @ the Wine Country Trattoria - second show

We did this exact package the day that WOC opened to the public and let me sadly say...it was terrible!!! :sad2: The restaurant was completely empty, so I have NO idea why it took our dinner over an HOUR to come to the table...cold! :scared1: We never got a bread basket. Our waiter was MIA for most of the dinner, our drinks were NEVER refilled, and once we left the restaurant the WOC CM's didn't seem to know what was going on or where to send us. I am hoping and sending you pixie dust pixiedust: that your experience trumps ours. I'm hoping that it was just because it was the first night of a new ordeal and that they have worked out the kinks by now. The bright side was that our view for WOC was AMAZING!!! :3dglasses :cloud9: I don't know if you'll find this a bonus or a spoiler...but from that restaurant you can completely hear the first show. The venues are very near each other.

....... we decided to save our $$ for the next leg of our vacation, which includes LegoLand, and other fun places. :yay:

Would you believe...I live right down the street from Legoland?? :wave2:

Just sayin'... :rolleyes1

EnchantedPlayroom

10-19-2010, 06:05 AM

I've got to throw this in there too...

I totally love following your family through DIS. I've been telling my mom that she needs to get on here and read your TR's because your family is so great and the kiddos are just too cute!!! Any time DISers have a question about WDW Xmas, I point them in the direction of your TR to help them out. :rotfl: "Oh! Check out HappyDog's HO! HO! HO! TR. It's great!!"

Gma2aPrincess

10-19-2010, 12:41 PM

Hello, I'm EnchantedPlayroom's DM and she has convinced me to join your PTR so here I am,
I hope you don't mind a lurker. :surfweb:

Happydog

10-21-2010, 05:10 PM

Hurray for an update and less than two weeks until Disneyland!!! Can't wait to hear about the reveal! I have a friend that just went to California recently -- they spent the day at Disneyland, and she loved the HM overlay -- she said it was so neat!

Love your Scotland pictures! It is just like I envisioned! The grounds of Holyrood are gorgeous! I love all those old ruins and stonework! :lovestruc So, no to the Haggis and whiskey? :laughing: I don't think I could even contemplate trying them, but I would be all about the shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and fried Mars bars! :thumbsup2 After all, you have to keep your energy up climbing all those hills in Edinburgh! :lmao:

I am cracking up over your boys trying to move the blocks on the Washington Monument! :rotfl:

Hey there!!!! Tell me about it!!!! I missed my own single digit countdown!!!! We leave a week from TOMORROW!!!! :scared1: I am so behind! This fall trip just crept up on me!

Oh that rib-sticking food is perfect for the climate, let me tell you! AND it is a beautiful place -- scotland in general is amazing. With the Washington Monument, that was a random "boy" moment for sure! :laughing:

Your Scotland pictures are aaaaaamazing!

My brother and his wife went to England and Scotland this past summer, they have been to England before as his wife's family is English and they visit quite often. My brother said as much as he loves England he couldn't get over how beautiful Scotland was. I really want to go there someday!

Thanks LL! Well if you get a chance, you need to go! It is truly breathtaking!

Love your photos of Scotland. I'd love to visit one day.
I can't belive your Halloween trip is so close! It's amazing how it just sneaks up on you. I'm in shock that the NCTE convention at the YC is only a month away. Since school started, I haven't been keeping track.

Can't wait to see the camping photos.

I know I know I can't believe it is so close too!! It really has snuck up on me and how!

I so want to visit Scotland one day!! Just to stand on the cliffs and let the wind blow through my hair!! What amazing pictures and it sounds like you guys had an amazing time!!

Now I want Fish and Chips for dinner!! LOL!!!

I can't wait to find out how you plan to reveal this trip to the boys!!! Going to be a great surprise I'm sure!!!!!

I am going to reveal the reveal this weekend I promise! I am laughing about the wind in your hair... LOL!!! :laughing: Too cute! Writing all of that made ME want fish and chips for dinner, too!!!!

Thanks for posting all the Scotland pictures! My DH spent a year of college studying in Aberdeen, Scotland, so it was neat to see those pics. He recognized a lot of things in your pics.

Can't wait to hear about the big reveal!

Scotland really is pretty -- big reveal coming up this weekend!

I loved the Scotland pictures! I so so so want to go someday, just gorgeous!!!!!!!

Not so sure about the fried mars bar though.

:lmao:

13 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much fun.

13 days is now 8!!!! :faint:

Fried Mars Bars are kinda like gooey smores... but no marshmallow... so I guess not like smores at all... :laughing:

Happydog

10-21-2010, 05:16 PM

What a super update!
Scotland just looks fantastic, I would love to see it some day. I am a Harry Potter fan so thank you for that picture!!!

Those boys of yours never fail to put a smile on my face. Such the little goofs! Just push over the Washington Monument, can you imagine if it had moved?:rotfl2:

Can't wait to hear all about the big reveal!

Thanks WigD!!! It was a fun one to write! It is a pretty place. The White Elephant is a neat cafe. Good stuffed tatties! (baked potatoes).

They are characters, I know! I think I will have plenty of pics to share after our fall trip! ;)

Big reveal coming up this weekend!

Gorgeous pictures from Scotland, I so want to visit one day!

I can't believe you are under 2 weeks already until your California trip, it got here so fast! Can't wait to hear about the reveal!

I know I cant believe it is here, either!!! :eek: More this weekend! :thumbsup2

Wow - Amazing Scotland pictures!!! :thumbsup2

I can't wait to hear about your reveal! popcorn::

Thanks!!! Coming soon!!!

Wow your pics definatley do Edinburgh justice, it is a beautiful city :thumbsup2 The edinburgh tattoo always brings in the crowds and is a great show to watch. I am with you on the haggis and whiskey! Although the kids like it, we tend to only have it on rabbie burns night, this is at the beginning of the year. A reveal how exciting that will be popcorn:: We do like to decorate our houses for halloween now also although a few lights and some pumpkins is as far as it goes. I am way behind on my TR, hectic schedules have interputed DISing :sad2: We have had some time to do some preparatory planning for our 2012 cruise which is exciting :goodvibes

Oh I hear you on the hectic schedule! I have been so behind myself! 2012 cruise??!! Great! We just paid off our President's day cruise!! getting ready to schedule our Paolo's dinner and tea!

Ooooh I loved your pictures of Scotland! It is just as I pictured. Must be amazing hearing so many different bagpipers. Over Labor Day weekend there was a woman playing a bagpipe being driven around in a boat. It was pretty cool and we were all hotting and hollerin for her!
Can't wait for your big reveal! You always have the BEST ideas.....you should video it and send it in to Disney so you can be on tv ;)
Yes, getting ready for F&W....leaving Saturday am :goodvibes Heading straight over to Epcot to meet up with Melissa and C before they go home. :) I am sooooooo ready to go!! Cosmo Slushie here I come!

Tracy

YAY COSMO SLUSHIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE have one for me... or two...:rolleyes: I will get my act together for the reveal hear shortly.. looking forward to that! I will share it this weekend. YOU will be going off for F & W this weekend, though, so enjoy!!! Have fun meeting C and Melissa! How neat!!!! Scotland is a great place to visit. I fall in love with the place every time we go!

Happydog

10-21-2010, 05:19 PM

Hi!

Welcome to the DL boards! :welcome: We are like family here!:grouphug:

I love your PTR and all of your pics are wonderful!

You will love the HM overlay! My DD and I love the overlay more than the original. I know....blasphemous. :snooty:

Be sure to check out Big Thunder Ranch for the carved pumpkins, and the Ray Bradbury Halloween Tree in Frontierland. Space Mountain has a Halloween overlay also. :thumbsup2

Have a pumpkin muffin for me! Yum! Or an Apple Pie Caramel Apple! :love:

You will love staying at the Grand! The location can not be beat!
DTD, is right there and so fun to watch everything. If you need a place to eat the first night, one of my favorites is the Jazz Kitchen. Request a table on the balcony, overlooking DTD. :love: If that is too fancy, then there is always the Rainforest or ESPN Zone.

Have your boys been on Indy Jones? Or Pirates at DL?

Well I am excited for you. If you have any questions, please ask away! :)

Looking forward to your report back.
Have a wonderful time! :cool1:

Hello! HI, and thanks for the "welcome" :goodvibes

We are definitely looking forward to the trip. Disney is just a part of the fun. But I am excited for sure! I am not sure what our plans will be the night we get there b/c it will be SOOOO late and even LATER for us on eastcoast time! But I am sure we will figure something out. We ate once at a mexican restaurant, at DTD, which we liked. SO we may go there... My kids have never been to DL or DCA. Only WDW. We are excited to take them in a WEEK!!!!! :yay:

Thank you for all the tips on the fun at Disneyland!!! I can't wait!!! And I will probably eat a muffin for you AND me... LOL!

Happydog

10-21-2010, 05:21 PM

Woot woot another happydog report. I loved the Nightmare before xmas overlay on the Haunted Mansion. Let me know what you think of it. :goodvibes

KIM

Hi! Thanks! I will! So much to see -- I am starting to panic a little!!! :scared:

Happydog

10-21-2010, 05:26 PM

Hi everyone!

I am woefully behind in this update, I just finally got to answering responses and I soooo appreciate you all being here with me as I count down the final week before our trip!!! :scared1:

I have a few more responses to get to, will do that tonight, then a real update hopefully later tonight as well, and the reveal this weekend.

I am currently at a hotel on a site visit for a school, so I am super busy with that... and out of sorts with everything else I have to do!!!! So I have not forgotten this PTR! AND I should be updating more frequently in the next few days as we make the final WEEK's countdown!!

SO stay tuned, and thanks for staying with me!!!

Charleston Princess

10-21-2010, 08:48 PM

A week from tomorrow!!! :eek: I can't believe how close you are! The time is sure to fly by!!! :thumbsup2

reyasmommy

10-22-2010, 12:27 PM

Beautiful Pictures. Your trip is coming up really soon, I bet you're super excited. I'm excited for you.

Have a blast!

Happydog

10-22-2010, 09:15 PM

Yaaaaaaaay!!! I FINALLY made it in time for one of your PTR's!! I always try to subscribe AFTER you're done writing and the DIS tells me that the page is no longer accepting subscribers. :guilty: You would not believe how many of your TR's are bookmarked on my computer for easy referencing. :lmao: It was actually your Xmas TR that lead me to plan my Mommy and Me Xmas WDW trip for this coming December. I even completely copied one night of yours. :rolleyes1 I booked Hoop Dee Doo to be followed by the Sleigh Ride around FW. Thank you SO MUCH for posting that. I have never heard about the sleigh ride and I know my DD will just LOVE it. It's going to be a surprise for her.

She and I LOVE Nightmare Before Christmas and LOVE the Nightmare overlay. (Did I mention we're DL AP's and head up there ALL the time??)

Hi there! Well welcome to my PTR! And soon to be TR b/c by the time I really get rolling it will be time to go!!!! :laughing:

Christmas time is a great time, you will so enjoy the world! I can't wait to be there that first weekend after Thanksgiving! So much fun! I love the Holiday spirit at WDW! It will be so much fun for you! :santa: The sleigh ride is amazing. I am glad I gave you some ideas!!! :thumbsup2

Oh my, you would hate my family. My mom just put our Christmas Tree up this weekend. :lmao: We went to Disneyland on Fri/Sat and as usual, got sucked into the ornament shop. Well, I guess that was enough for my DM. When we got home she sent dad out to the garage to dig out the tree and it is now up and in all it's glory!! :rotfl: But we try to tie it in. I usually put mine up on Halloween night and play "Nightmare Before Christmas" on tv or play the soundtrack as Trick or Treaters come up. Thank you Tim Burton, for making it okay for my family to be nuts!! :lmao:

CHRISTMAS TREE NOW??!!!??!! :eek: Okay I could see the incentive with disney ornaments -- I know that I am uber excited to put mine up, this year I have a separate Disney-only tree! :thumbsup2 I think watching Nightmare before Christmas would be a great way to decorate your xmas tree!

I am so jealous! I just had to cancel almost all of our ADR's for December because we are downgrading to the QS DP. I had Le Chefs booked because DD LOVES Ratatouille and I knew she would have gotten such a thrill from seeing Remy. The bright side is that we downgraded in order to get another trip in for February!! :cool1:
We just stayed there this weekend. DVC Studio. Let me know if you'd like some pics??

OH I would love a pic or two if you have some! SURE!! :thumbsup2

I would tell you a QS plan at Christmas could be a good thing, though, b/c it will be really busy. Might make it easier for you. AND two trips is always better than one! :thumbsup2

We did this exact package the day that WOC opened to the public and let me sadly say...it was terrible!!! :sad2: The restaurant was completely empty, so I have NO idea why it took our dinner over an HOUR to come to the table...cold! :scared1: We never got a bread basket. Our waiter was MIA for most of the dinner, our drinks were NEVER refilled, and once we left the restaurant the WOC CM's didn't seem to know what was going on or where to send us. I am hoping and sending you pixie dust pixiedust: that your experience trumps ours. I'm hoping that it was just because it was the first night of a new ordeal and that they have worked out the kinks by now. The bright side was that our view for WOC was AMAZING!!! :3dglasses :cloud9: I don't know if you'll find this a bonus or a spoiler...but from that restaurant you can completely hear the first show. The venues are very near each other.

Well, hopefully they have gotten the kinks out, yes! :scared: I will cross my fingers. I am sure hearing the music ahead of time will be fine -- I have listened to it on the pod cast myself, so that is fine.

Would you believe...I live right down the street from Legoland?? :wave2:

Just sayin'... :rolleyes1

That is funny! Small world! I am not sure what our plans are entirely, but I will keep that in mind! ;)

I've got to throw this in there too...

I totally love following your family through DIS. I've been telling my mom that she needs to get on here and read your TR's because your family is so great and the kiddos are just too cute!!! Any time DISers have a question about WDW Xmas, I point them in the direction of your TR to help them out. :rotfl: "Oh! Check out HappyDog's HO! HO! HO! TR. It's great!!"

I can only say THANK YOU, and that is really nice, and all I can hope is that my TR is helpful. And gets people excited for Christmas at DISNEY!!!! :yay:

Happydog

10-22-2010, 09:17 PM

Hello, I'm EnchantedPlayroom's DM and she has convinced me to join your PTR so here I am,
I hope you don't mind a lurker. :surfweb:

Well, HELLO! So YOU are the Christmas tree before Halloween mom, huh? :rotfl:

Thanks for stopping over and joining the fun! Lurk away, but say HI, too!!! :goodvibes

Happydog

10-22-2010, 09:18 PM

A week from tomorrow!!! :eek: I can't believe how close you are! The time is sure to fly by!!! :thumbsup2

YES, officially a WEEK from TODAY!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:
Beautiful Pictures. Your trip is coming up really soon, I bet you're super excited. I'm excited for you.

Have a blast!

THANK YOU!!!! YES!!!! Super excited, and thanks! I am excited for me too! :laughing:

Native NYer

10-23-2010, 08:38 AM

You're trip is so close! :yay:
You and your boys must be counting down the seconds.

Happydog

10-23-2010, 08:50 AM

Good grief, I cant believe it, but as sure as I type it and look at my ticker, we are OFF for CA a week from YESTERDAY, ONE week!

I can't believe it really, and now it being Saturday, we have SIX nights before our trip!!!!
GASP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

SO let me get these updates going!!!! :rotfl:

The weather finally turned fall-ish! And so a few weeks ago I was inspired to haul out the fall decorations!!! Sadly, since we will not be home for Halloween, I won’t be bringing out the mother load of ghoulish decorations this year… BUT I think it is a small price to pay for Halloween in DISNEYLAND!!! This is my front porch...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Family%20stuff%202010/Familystuff2010153.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Family%20stuff%202010/Familystuff2010154.jpg

So, speaking of Disneyland…

I have been reading my book, and scouring the DIS for info. I will put a post together for these updates soon. But I do have some fun pre-trip info to share.

We have figured out our “reveal” for the kids!!!:yay:

When I was at Target a few weeks ago, I found then selling “Count Chocola” and “Frankenberry” cereal… remember these?

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney001.jpg

Well I bought two boxes at Target, and we plan to empty the box of cereal, and fill the box with “treats” and a surprise announcement for each of them!!!

SO far I have all the packaged candy I bought at Disney this summer (candy I hid! :laughing:) and I bought each of them a themed movie...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney003.jpg

DS8 has just started reading Harry Potter, he is only on book 2 and really likes them. SO I figured the first original movie would be fun!

I plan to find a few more "trinkets" to put in the boxes.... I wanted to include a little “Disney” and a little CA fun in the box, not exclusively Disneyland, and thought the candy and movies, and some other fun would do the trick. We will give them these boxes the night before the trip. So they are “ready” to go, and wont be totally surprised, b/c I have to take them out of school an hour early... Away from their class parties... :scared:

We pick them up on Friday the 29th early from school, they will be in their costume! And then straight to the airport… half of me is wanting to take them straight to the airport in their costume, but I know they will not be comfortable!!! :laughing:

Speaking of costumes, okay okay, I CAVED. If you remember from last year, I have made Halloween costumes for each of them since they were born! BUT... I am not going to make costumes this year. With the trip to California and so many work-related details to sort out, I really need to get my act together. When I asked the kids about Halloween, they both wanted to be star wars characters. So for this occasion, I went ahead and bought costumes. DS8 is going to be Boba Fett, since he has the nice helmet from this summer, and DS5 wants to be Jango Fett. So I bought both costumes online, and they have the appropriate blasters as well. Good grief, these costumes are NOT cheap!!! But we can wear them at Disneyland on Halloween, too, so I know they will get a few good days out of them! And I suspect they will fit for a little while.

Now since we are on the topic of Starwars, take a look at these two boys, who were absolutely thrilled to receive a fabulous care package in the mail from Jackie, Charleston Princess on the DIS!, who sent my guys some goodies from her son’s CLONE WARS B-Day party. WHAT a great gimmick for a Birthday Party, and they totally loved what she sent them!! The goodie bags came with all sorts of fun, including an action figure, access codes to the Clone Wars site, and coupons and stickers! Totally up their alley!!! Thanks again, CP!!!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Family%20stuff%202010/Familystuff2010142.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Family%20stuff%202010/Familystuff2010143.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Family%20stuff%202010/Familystuff2010144.jpg

Now, I do have a few more odds and ends to share, but I will have to post again b/c I realize some of those photos are on my other camera.

Coming to you soon. Really!!! :hmghost:

Happydog

10-23-2010, 08:53 AM

You're trip is so close! :yay:
You and your boys must be counting down the seconds.

Gee that is an understatement!!!!!:laughing: But they DON'T KNOW! :lmao:

SoonerGirl

10-23-2010, 11:13 AM

reyasmommy

10-23-2010, 11:52 AM

Your porch looks so festive, I love it!

What a fun way to surprise the boys, you are so clever :thumbsup2

Halloween costumes are ridiculously expensive aren't they? At least in taking them to DL with you, you'll get more than one day's use out of them. I'm kinda sad about Halloween this year, Jared told me that he doesn't want to dress up, he's decided he's too old for it. :sad2: He just turned 10! I guess having an older brother pushed him to that decision a little earlier than I would have liked.

Awe, that is sad! I'm lucky that my kids are so young and I have many years of Halloween fun ahead of me. It will be my babies first halloween and he'll be the cutest monkey ever! :) My oldest is going to be a fairy, while her cousins want to be something completely opposite of "cute"! A dead bride and a dead prom queen. :lmao: They'll all look so great trick-or-treating this year.

Happydog:::: I agree your porch looks really great, and I love your idea on surprising your kids. I saw those cereal packages at Target the other day and was tempted to buy some myself.

Charleston Princess

10-24-2010, 06:43 AM

So glad the boys enjoyed their Star Wars package!!! :goodvibes

Your front porch looks great! Love all those mums! We are off to the pumpkin patch this afternoon to get our pumpkins.

Love the reveal! Connor was about DS8's age when he started reading the Harry Potter books! He loved all of them! (The third one is my favorite. :laughing:) You know...now that he is reading the HP books and about to start watching the movies, you may have to plan on taking him to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. :thumbsup2

The costumes sound adorable! You are right about the prices on them. This year, I asked the kids if they would rather do something Halloween-themed instead of buying costumes that they wear once. They were all for it, but now I have to think of something suitably fun to make up for it. :laughing: I should have planned a Disney trip. LOL!

Five nights until you leave!!! :banana:

reelmom

10-24-2010, 07:33 AM

Followed you over from MeMom's TR. I have always wanted to go to Disneyland but I do not like to fly. Maybe one day I will get up the courage. Can't wait to see the boys reaction on the big reveal. Very cool idea.

jenjolt

10-24-2010, 12:20 PM

Your porch looks so amazing!! Very nice!!! I have a nice covered area that I'm trying to find some ideas to decorate with!!!

What a great idea for the reveal!!!! AWESOME and so creative!!!

YAY for Star Wars goodies and costumes!!! Can't wait to see the boys in their getups!

Happydog

10-26-2010, 06:47 PM

Uh, yeah... packing? Nope. Finished with the cereal box "surprises" ? Nope. Manicure & Pedicure? Nope. Hmmmmm..... one thousand other random things that have to be done before I leave my house for a week? Nope, nope, and Nope.

:scared1:

Okay, okay, let me try that again.

:faint:

Seriously. Who am I kidding.

:idea: Hmmmm.... I know! I know!

Lets NOT go.

:rotfl2:

FAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT Chance. ;)

More on the way!!! I may be a nervous twitching over-caffinated and exhausted wreck before I get on that plane Friday, BUT it wouldn't be a DISNEY vacation otherwise, RIGHT???? :laughing:

Lots to share, just have to get my behind in gear!

Oh. One last item. I may not have had time for packing and preparing for the trip, you know those trivial requirements for week-long vacations, BUT I did manage to order a new Vera. ;)

You KNOW I have MY priorities straight. :lmao:

jenjolt

10-26-2010, 06:57 PM

WOOT!! My priorities are in line with yours LOL Somehow I have managed to order a Vera this week too LOL!!!!!

Well I'm sure by Friday you'll have it all together and ready to go!!!:thumbsup2

SoonerGirl

10-26-2010, 07:54 PM

No worries! You're an old pro at this, you'll be ready and your trip will be fabulous :goodvibes

Yay for a new Vera! Shoes & bags are the most important piece of any trip right? ;)

Charleston Princess

10-27-2010, 07:51 PM

I wanted to get on here and make sure I wish you a super magical trip to Disneyland and California!!! Have a wonderful time over there on the West Coast!

Not to mention...

Happy Halloween!!!

I would also like to know which Vera pattern and style you bought! :goodvibes

DisMomAmy

10-27-2010, 07:53 PM

Have a great trip!! I hope we get to see the new Vera before you go!

2xcited2sleep

10-28-2010, 05:41 AM

Have a great trip!!!! :)

reelmom

10-28-2010, 02:46 PM

Hope you have a great trip!

gallmcduck

10-31-2010, 02:07 AM

Have a fab trip. Your reveal plans sound great. You'll be their by now and wondering what the stress was for, all the organising chaos is out of the way and you are on your Halloween vacation having a blast :goodvibes

Look forward to hearing all about it and seeing pics of DL :)

DisneyMom14

11-02-2010, 09:41 AM

Sorry I missed your send off and I do hope you got the necessities together! The pictures of Scotland are just BREATHTAKING! Can't wait to hear all about your Halloween California Adventure!popcorn::

Happydog

11-03-2010, 10:57 PM

Hey guys!!! :wave2:

Well, we had our whirlwind Disneyland trip and are now relaxing here in San Diego, amid the palm trees and 80+ weather.... so nice. I am going to feel so guilty going back to work next week with a tan!!! :rotfl: Okay, guilty for a minute. :laughing:

Anyhow, I have my camera cord, and am ready to load some pre-trip pics into photobucket! I will do that tomorrow, and then we are going to La Jolla. Beach time! :woohoo:

Looking forward to catching up (I am making the rounds!) That three hour time zone difference is certainly creating havoc with my system, but I am trying to stick to some regular sleeping patterns.

Disneyland was SO much FUN! I can't wait to share it with you. That part of the trip may have to wait until I get back, but I will at least catch us up for those final few days!!! ;)

Charleston Princess

11-04-2010, 04:33 AM

Glad to hear you are having a fabulous time!!! Looking forward to the pictures and stories!

manntra

11-04-2010, 11:27 AM

:yay: happy to hear you are having a great time!!!! Don't feel guilty about that tan at all ;) Sad to say but you will be missing that sunshine and warm weather when you head back East :sad1:
I am sooooo excited to see your pictures of the HM and Jack!! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
Continue having a great time...and take another week :laughing:

Tracy

SoonerGirl

11-04-2010, 07:58 PM

Thanks for checking in HD, glad to hear you're having a great time! Can't wait to hear all about it!

2xcited2sleep

11-05-2010, 07:23 PM

So glad you checked in and happy to know you are having a great time! Looking forward to hearing all about it. Soak up that sunshine!! :)

Happydog

11-05-2010, 09:04 PM

Well, since I didn't get to update during my final hours before our trip, I thought I would post that update NOW, with a little hint at what will come! Because I likely wont get to start this TR until the following weekend!!!! We are here in sunny San Diego where they are experiencing a heat wave.. it reached 100 here, apparently, at the airport!! :eek: We were hanging at the beach yesterday so it didn't feel nearly as hot as that, but the weather has been FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC. :yay:

We have been pool side and resort hanging the whole time since we got here, with jaunts to a few places along the way, but really, we have not been doing too much. It is so beautiful where we are staying, that it is hard to want to leave the property!!!

Anyhow, I am going to go back in time a little to FRIDAY a week ago!

So on Friday, I took the day off (I had been really dealing with a cold and awful cough -- like laryngitis cough -- for a week. I was a wreck. SO I wasn't going to ruin my vacation, and since we had to leave early anyhow, I had a sick day to try and rest some before we left. I dropped my DH and the kids at school and work, then headed to Target to grab some supplies, and then back to the house to pack.

We told the kids we were going to Disney that morning. Do you remember the cereal boxes?? Well... we put them on the table, each got one, each opened them and of course totally bypassed the "note" for all the goodies inside! :laughing: DS8 quickly read the note after I asked him to, and then the moment dawned and they were both very very excited!

Here is the aftermath on the table that morning...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney632.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney634.jpg

included in the box was the stash of Disney candy, movies, the DVD set for the Clone Wars series 2, a TRON book, and a few other fun items.

I think I also mentioned that I had purchased a new Vera for the trip... here is that! It is the paprika pattern, the tote. It was really handy this trip!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney629.jpg

With the car packed, my next stop was my pedicure and manicure, before I headed over to get my DH (who has 7th period prep for school) and then we went to our kids school, where they have an annual Halloween parade outside followed by halloween parties. It was great fun. Here are a few photos of the "Fetts" :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney648.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney661.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney660.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney676.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney669.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney680.jpg

We left the parties and scooted to the airport, I stripped the guys out of their costumes and stuffed them in our luggage -- they had their school clothes under their costumes at least, so that was easy, but funny!!! :laughing: We checked in, got on the plane, and away we went! :faint:

We were delayed a little, but arrived in LA sometime after 8:00pm. With bags and all collected we then got the rental car, and drove to Disney!!!

Alas, I didn't take a picture of much on our way in, it was after midnight according to our body clocks, by the time we actually pulled in, checked in and headed to our room... I hadn't really gotten the lay of the land yet. BUT
I did get a few photos of the room for you then quickly got the beds done up for the boys and put them to bed! I am sure you notice DS5 buried with the luggage on the bed, face down, Sambas hanging over the edge of the bed!!! :rotfl:

The room was really nice. Though I have to say for such a whirlwind trip, I really was just trying to get every minute in, I didn't take as many pics as I would have liked, but I took more resort photos later. These are the room photos from the first night... here it is.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney847.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney848.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney849.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney851.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney852.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney853.jpg

SO to bed we went, no dinner (all too tired). BUT I had bought a box of donut holes before we left, so I knew that with the bananas and OJ boxes I had carted from MD, would get us through the morning!!! ;) with COFFEE of course!

We were off to California Adventure in the morning! :thumbsup2

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/CopyofDisney682.jpg

Dugette

11-05-2010, 09:20 PM

Thanks for the preview-update! Can't wait to hear more! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

wigdoutdismom

11-05-2010, 09:47 PM

Look at you!
Already started....
I'm so excited, I feel like I'm right there with you!!!:banana:

Happydog

11-05-2010, 10:38 PM

Your porch looks so festive, I love it!

What a fun way to surprise the boys, you are so clever

Halloween costumes are ridiculously expensive aren't they? At least in taking them to DL with you, you'll get more than one day's use out of them. I'm kinda sad about Halloween this year, Jared told me that he doesn't want to dress up, he's decided he's too old for it. :sad2: He just turned 10! I guess having an older brother pushed him to that decision a little earlier than I would have liked.

Awww! Not wanting to dress up??!! ack! Well Grif and Nol both decided to be the "Fetts" so that worked for us, and yes they got their wear out of them. BUT can I tell you, the costumes are completely unwearable now. At least ONE is. More on that later, but I have decided to take them apart and make my own and use all the cool foam pieces. But expensive and cheaply made. Awful.

Thanks!!! I love my porch too. I love decorating for fall and christmas!!!!

Awe, that is sad! I'm lucky that my kids are so young and I have many years of Halloween fun ahead of me. It will be my babies first halloween and he'll be the cutest monkey ever! My oldest is going to be a fairy, while her cousins want to be something completely opposite of "cute"! A dead bride and a dead prom queen. :lmao: They'll all look so great trick-or-treating this year.

Happydog:::: I agree your porch looks really great, and I love your idea on surprising your kids. I saw those cereal packages at Target the other day and was tempted to buy some myself.

Hey! I love those costume ideas!!! :laughing:

Thanks on the decor and thanks on the surprise. It was fun! :goodvibes

So glad the boys enjoyed their Star Wars package!!! :goodvibes

Your front porch looks great! Love all those mums! We are off to the pumpkin patch this afternoon to get our pumpkins.

Love the reveal! Connor was about DS8's age when he started reading the Harry Potter books! He loved all of them! (The third one is my favorite. :laughing:) You know...now that he is reading the HP books and about to start watching the movies, you may have to plan on taking him to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. :thumbsup2

The costumes sound adorable! You are right about the prices on them. This year, I asked the kids if they would rather do something Halloween-themed instead of buying costumes that they wear once. They were all for it, but now I have to think of something suitably fun to make up for it. :laughing: I should have planned a Disney trip. LOL!

Five nights until you leave!!! :banana:

Hey!!! What a good trick about the costumes. I will remember that for next year. Hopefully I can make them again. And hopefully they will pick something easy!! BUT I have decided to make new "Fett" costumes for them because I can't justify throwing these ones out. Completely a wreck.

Griffin LOVES Harry Potter -- completely hooked now. We just started book 3, he left it at home, so he would have a fun book to read when he got home from vacation. I bought him a "junior novel" of Tron...

They were THRILLED with those gifts, Jackie, thanks so much :)

Hmmmm... halloween costume or trip to Disney.... WOW. That would be quite a bribe!!!

Followed you over from MeMom's TR. I have always wanted to go to Disneyland but I do not like to fly. Maybe one day I will get up the courage. Can't wait to see the boys reaction on the big reveal. Very cool idea.

Hi!!! :wave2: Welcome! I love MeMom and Jill's thread, always so much going on over there!!! Take the train! NOT sure where you are, but trains make that cross-country trip! They had a great surprise! We filmed it, but I don't know how to put video on the DIS yet...

Your porch looks so amazing!! Very nice!!! I have a nice covered area that I'm trying to find some ideas to decorate with!!!

What a great idea for the reveal!!!! AWESOME and so creative!!!

YAY for Star Wars goodies and costumes!!! Can't wait to see the boys in their getups!

Thank you, Jen! :goodvibes I love decorating in the fall as much as Christmas! you can do fun stuff with mums, squash and pumpkins!

They loved the reveal!

WOOT!! My priorities are in line with yours LOL Somehow I have managed to order a Vera this week too LOL!!!!!

Well I'm sure by Friday you'll have it all together and ready to go!!!:thumbsup2

DID YOU??!!! LOL!!!! I gotta go see it!!! Did you post a picture??!! YOU loved the HM, BTW ..... LOL!!!

No worries! You're an old pro at this, you'll be ready and your trip will be fabulous :goodvibes

Yay for a new Vera! Shoes & bags are the most important piece of any trip right? ;)

OF course shoes and bags are the priority!

AND Yes, this old pro made it, BARELY!!! BUT I managed! And the trip has been fabulous! :goodvibes

I wanted to get on here and make sure I wish you a super magical trip to Disneyland and California!!! Have a wonderful time over there on the West Coast!

Not to mention...

Happy Halloween!!!

I would also like to know which Vera pattern and style you bought! :goodvibes

HI THANKS CP! We made it for sure, and it was very fun!!! We are still having a great time, a few more days!!! :cloud9:

Have a great trip!! I hope we get to see the new Vera before you go!

I just posted a photo!!! :thumbsup2

Have a great trip!!!! :)

Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks you guys!!!!

Have a fab trip. Your reveal plans sound great. You'll be their by now and wondering what the stress was for, all the organising chaos is out of the way and you are on your Halloween vacation having a blast :goodvibes

Look forward to hearing all about it and seeing pics of DL :)

Lots of fun, and I have lots of pics! :thumbsup2

Sorry I missed your send off and I do hope you got the necessities together! The pictures of Scotland are just BREATHTAKING! Can't wait to hear all about your Halloween California Adventure!popcorn::

No worries, I got it together! Halloween at Disneyland was great!!!! :goodvibes

Happydog

11-05-2010, 10:48 PM

Glad to hear you are having a fabulous time!!! Looking forward to the pictures and stories!

Thanks CP! We sure are. I gave a sneak peek! ;)

:yay: happy to hear you are having a great time!!!! Don't feel guilty about that tan at all ;) Sad to say but you will be missing that sunshine and warm weather when you head back East :sad1:
I am sooooo excited to see your pictures of the HM and Jack!! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
Continue having a great time...and take another week :laughing:

Tracy

OH how I wish I could take another week!!! LOL!!!! BUT if I can say, we only have three weeks before we go to Disney WORLD!!! Can you believe that!!!???

Just can't wait to be there after Thanksgiving!!! Hope to catch a little sun there too....

Thanks for checking in HD, glad to hear you're having a great time! Can't wait to hear all about it!

We sure are!

So glad you checked in and happy to know you are having a great time! Looking forward to hearing all about it. Soak up that sunshine!! :)

I am drinking in the sun, Don't worry. Feels so good. So fun to be standing in the ocean yesterday!!

Thanks for the preview-update! Can't wait to hear more! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Sure! It was just fun to take a minute and share some photos. :goodvibes

Look at you!
Already started....
I'm so excited, I feel like I'm right there with you!!!:banana:

Oh well you know, it was just a quick start, just to get a few photos out there!!! I felt like I was with you, too! :laughing:

Charleston Princess

11-06-2010, 05:41 AM

jenjolt

11-06-2010, 05:50 AM

Great Sneak Peek!! So glad to hear you are having a great time!!! I love it!!! Can't wait to hear more!! Bring back some of the warm weather with you...got to 35 last night in Austin, TX!

2xcited2sleep

11-06-2010, 01:54 PM

Great tease/sneak peek. The room looks awesome. I spent less than a day in Disneyland a few years ago thanks to a work thing that ended earlier than expected but I am dying to go back!

eandesmom

11-07-2010, 01:15 AM

GREAT sneak peek! Of the fun wheel. Or fun wheel of death as I've heard it called. :lmao:

Love the room pics and cannot wait to hear more. The boys are adorable, as always....very curious as to how one costume survived and the other has been turned into spare parts.

That is a LONG day getting there, amazed you took pictures, that's impressive all by itself.

Happydog

11-09-2010, 07:23 PM

Lovin' the sneak peek, Happydog! Hope you were able to nip your cold in the bud before you headed off to sunny California (which sounds like it has been living up to its nickname)! The reveal sounds so fun -- the aftermath says it all! :laughing: The boys make great Fetts! What a gorgeous room at the Grand Californian although I bet you were absolutely beat by the time you arrived!

Oh we were tired to be sure, but I was so excited to be there!!! I recovered mostly from the cold over the week. Being on vacation was a help. Disney chocolate and candy is just so good!!!! :laughing:

Great Sneak Peek!! So glad to hear you are having a great time!!! I love it!!! Can't wait to hear more!! Bring back some of the warm weather with you...got to 35 last night in Austin, TX!

Oh I would have loved to bring that weather with me! It was in the low 60s here today, but colder yesterday. I am getting things ready for this weekend!

Great tease/sneak peek. The room looks awesome. I spent less than a day in Disneyland a few years ago thanks to a work thing that ended earlier than expected but I am dying to go back!

Oh it is beautiful!!! You would like it I am sure! I enjoyed the parks -- short trip but fun never the less!

GREAT sneak peek! Of the fun wheel. Or fun wheel of death as I've heard it called. :lmao:

Love the room pics and cannot wait to hear more. The boys are adorable, as always....very curious as to how one costume survived and the other has been turned into spare parts.

That is a LONG day getting there, amazed you took pictures, that's impressive all by itself.

Oh well BOTH costumes are toast more or less. I will share all when I get to that day, but to be sure, I won't be buying costumes next year! :headache: That fun wheel ... no, hate to say it, I just took pictures of it. no one wanted to ride it. ;) BUT it is gorgeous in person, and during World of Color!

DisMomAmy

11-09-2010, 08:15 PM

Great start!! :cool1: I'm excited to hear about the rest of your trip!

Native NYer

11-14-2010, 03:26 PM

Can't wait to read more!

Happydog

11-14-2010, 07:04 PM

Great start!! :cool1: I'm excited to hear about the rest of your trip!

Can't wait to read more!

I am hoping to get it started this week! So stay tuned! Have a great time visiting the World, Jen!!! :thumbsup2

SO excited that you get to go for the conference! That is awesome luck.

I am looking forward to going myself in a few weeks, too!

manntra

11-15-2010, 05:06 PM

DisneyMom14

11-18-2010, 12:58 PM

Yay! popcorn::

2xcited2sleep

11-22-2010, 06:37 PM

Just saying hi! :goodvibes

Happydog

11-23-2010, 12:16 PM

Greetings everyone! I hope you are still interested in reading about Halloween at Disneyland with the Happy Dog Clan! pirate:

I got rather side tracked when we got home, November has been a blur! And though it has only been a few weeks, we are already a few days away from Thanksgiving, and, if you can believe it, our little trip to Disneyworld! faint:

I can't believe that in FIVE DAYS We will be flying off to Florida for a week!!!! :scared1: Only a few days of "vacation" officially, and three of those days will be in St. Pete's for training, but I will take it! Can't get any better than that!

I have been up to my ears with house cleaning and preparations the past several days, as I am sure many are. Getting ready for the Holiday! I have eight people for dinner Thursday, something I was NOT expecting, actually, but that is fine. I am looking forward to having family over, but I am more excited about BLACK FRIDAY!!!! :yay: That is my holiday. WOOT! I have been lurking on websites and plotting and speculating for the best deals! :surfweb: Of course I will be packing and getting ready to be gone for a week hours after I pack up the leftovers from Thanksgiving, so it should be an interesting 48 hours! :laughing:

So, since I have other Disney Holiday fun to share in just a week, I thought I would at least get this Halloween fun underway.

Now for a little sad news. My camera chip managed to get corrupted somehow, and so several of the images I took are missing or distorted. SO, alas, while I have MOST of my pics, some are missing. :sad2: I was really bummed about it to say the least, but, of course I have the memories and plenty of pics to keep me happy. I will have a few gaps though, in the photos I have, so there will be spots where my pictures to share will be pretty limited! But I think I can still get a great TR together for you all! :goodvibes

I have decided to just keep the Disneyland trip together, all in one, if you will, and have planned to write a Holiday 2010 TR for my short Christmas trip next week. :santa: I have lots of fun to say about that trip, too! But first things first!!!!

So lets head back to sunny California, where we awoke at the Grand Californian to a beautiful day!! :goodvibes Thanks to the time zone, we were all up early. I got the boys dressed, and DH went to the park entrance to get our passes. He had to turn in our GAD certificates, and upgraded the tickets to two days. We thought to do park hoppers, but decided that given the time zone we probably wouldn't be up for it that evening. This was a good strategy it turned out. So I had brought donut holes and bananas with me on the plane, figuring we would need breakfast on these two mornings, and that worked out perfectly! The boys ate and I took a shower.

When DH came back, he had two latte's from the cafe down in the lobby :hug: and we all finished getting ready, and headed down to the park entrance that has access directly through the resort. We were headed for OUR California Adventure, and our FIRST time in Disneyland parks as a family!

We immediately headed over to Paradise Pier to check out the rides in that area. DH wanted to try out California Screamin'... the name says it all. :rolleyes1 No one else rode, if that tells you anything. And DH only rode it once, and that does say something! :laughing: Here are the photos around Paradise Pier. Paradise Pier reminds me a little of a location in DHS, like it could be there. It is a neat area, and I suspect will continue to be redeveloped after they add the two new attractions that are going in there – both are related to The Little Mermaid, I believe. Because of that, there really isn't too much going on in this area for attractions. They have several "arcade" carnival style booth games, but you pay for those separately. Like they have at Animal Kingdom.

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So here is the first attraction for everyone! Now Sadly, these sort of rides tend to make me feel woozy. I don’t do well on carnival rides! :headache: so with all the theme-ing, while it was cute, it was somewhat disappointing that the other rides were closed! BUT TSM really fits in nicely! And it was neat! Pretty much the same, but the queue line is outside.

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Can I tell you how amazing the weather was??!! Gorgeous and sunny.

The boys then rode this:

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No one wanted to ride the big “wheel of death” :rotfl: but I enjoyed watching it go around, and enjoyed the view around this part of the park. I was totally unaware at this point about how much more there was to see of the park. It seems small but deceptively so when you start getting into the other "lands" and themed areas.

CONTINUED in the NEXT POST!!!

Happydog

11-23-2010, 12:50 PM

We walked back towards the Grand Californian entrance past what is called Grizzly Peak. We then went to check out the Grizzly River Run, a rapid ride which is like Kali River, but longer.

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Not sure why this woman looks so grumpy but she got in the middle of my picture!!! LOL!

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This one I borrowed to give you a bit more of an image of the water...

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It was still feeling rather cold to be getting onto that so early, and we thought to get FPs for it, but they were still running FPs for World of Color preferred seating out of the machines at that point, so we kept going. Grizzly river run was amazing, LATER, before dinner we rode it, so for now we kept going past Grizzly peak to this family favorite….

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It was fun to ride Soarin' in Disney land. We had FPs so that helped, but just like in WDW, the FP line is not so "fast"!!!

This area is neat, has all the air field and old time airplane memorabilia, it is also where Mater and Lightening hang out! I think Cynthia (EandEsmom) had lots of pics in this area from her California Adventure day.

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Now, around this time I think we decided to take a break for some popcorn and espresso…. At least the adults needed espresso! The cute Halloween popcorn buckets… TOO cute. But not $10.00 cute! We settled for the $5.00 World of Color bucket instead! Which DH promptly left somewhere that day. LOL! “oh, I didn’t know you wanted to keep that….” :headache: It is DISNEY!!! How could I not want to keep it, and isn’t the fact that I have TWO Give a Day Muppet popcorn buckets at home reason to believe I would want to keep it!!?? LOL!! Seriously!!!!

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With our popcorn and coffee, WHAT a combination, right??!! LOL! We then headed over to Hollywood Pictured Back lot – and the Monster’s Inc. attraction, called Mike and Sulley to the Rescue. WHAT a hoot!!! SO cool!!!!
… I took TONS of photos of this ride. Sadly, those I took at the beginning didn’t make it, but here is a sample. I was really impressed with all the creativity and the themed details!!! It was a dark ride, obviously, so hard to shoot inside. The queue was really neat, with monster-style vending machines, and advertisements, etc. Really a hoot!

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Perhaps the best part, though, was Roz. Now this Roz was great, of course I didn’t think anything of it, when she turned and said "see you next time," but then when it said "are you two twins?" (to my two boys) I realized that it was actually a “real time” CM portraying Roz!!! It was hilarious! She even told me to go ahead and take her picture, and made a joke that I left the camera lens on!!! (which I didn’t but then she said – “Made you look!”) TOO funny!!!

That was a great attraction, just so nicely done, and it was a sign of things to come in terms of Pixar attractions.

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Did I mention there were NO lines NO crowds anywhere at California Adventure??!! I think because most people made today their Disneyland day… (since the Halloween party made it an early closing on Halloween night -- the next day). It definitely worked to our advantage! We rode this ride twice, and then decided popcorn wasn’t enough, and what we really wanted were hotdogs! BUT not any old hot dog… MAN these were good. DH and I split one, a BBQ grilled red onions, and cheese, very good! And the boys each had their own and sat for some lunch. This was located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot still, which reminds me of Sunset strip in Disneyworld.

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DH decided we had to have these…

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Can you believe it? NOT the popcorn bucket, but WHY these??!! I was saying to him, WHY do we need these? And he said he liked them... "Look, Buzz's wings come out" ... :rolleyes: Sigh. I couldn’t believe I was going to be looking for room in my suit case for these… LOL!

Continued in the NEXT POST!!!!!

Happydog

11-23-2010, 01:11 PM

SO now that we had a little something in our tummies it was time to try out the big interactive play area. A'la "Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area" and the "Dino Dig Site". It is called the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail; an interactive playground area. It has shows with brother bear characters as well. We had fun burning off some steam, though, and it was a great place for the boys! I didn’t get too many pics but it was pretty and fun for them.

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So now it was time for an ice cream… We were the biggest snacking family this day. :laughing: Partially, I think, because our body clocks were telling us we were hungry at weird times. But who can say no to ice cream??? :goodvibes
In the center part of California Adventure, Sunshine Plaza, where they have the main entrance, there is a replica of the California Zephyr train. WHAT a cool cool set up! Ice cream shop inside!!!! My photos were lost, but here is one I took inside as we waited for our scoops!

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And this one I borrowed so you could see…

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Our next walk was over to and then we headed over to Bugs Land…. WOW. Can I just say WOW. This was an amazing area, and in my opinion the best part of California Adventure. We had a great time here…. I tried to get as many pictures as I could, and so most are intact, but take a look at the details!!!! Here is the sign into Bug's Land.

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Here are my boys trying their hand at being "stick bugs"

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Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train was one of our favorites… TOOOOOOO funny. When you get off the ride, he says “I am missing you already!” -- and during the ride he says all sorts of really adorable sayings, so of course my DH decided to share his Heimlich impressions the rest of the day…. It kept us laughing. I am sure you can imagine some of his "sayings" along the way! :rotfl:

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The idea behind the whole theme is the circus fun fair acts, that the bugs have, and so the carnival rides are all there with silly names… here is another one… Tuck & Roll's Drive 'em Buggies

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CONTINUED in the NEXT POST!!!

Happydog

11-23-2010, 01:50 PM

Ooohhh I love the decor of the room....the furniture, spread and tiles in the kitchen... :thumbsup2
Hmmmmm I can see after you start this TR you will get me hankering for a West Coast trip!! :upsidedow

Tracy

I am hankering to go back after looking at my pictures!!! SO much fun. I got a great tile for my house! :thumbsup2

Yay! popcorn::

YAY finally. I just posted three updates!

Just saying hi! :goodvibes

HI back! Three updates! ;)

reelmom

11-23-2010, 01:53 PM

Wow! Great updates and a trip to Disney World on the horizon. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and a lovely time at WDW.

manntra

11-23-2010, 03:17 PM

California Adventure looks like a blast!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Hmmmm I wonder what I did with my popcorn bucket?!!!! I bought the same one!! :laughing::sad2:
It so fun looking at your pictures because everything is so brand new to me!! :goodvibes
If I don't catch you....have a wonderful Thanksgiving and an awesome next trip!!!! I can't believe you are leaving again so soon!!! :woohoo:

Tracy

nowellsl

11-23-2010, 03:56 PM

I love the popcorn buckets and the souvenier cups! I would have bought one of each :goodvibes I'm enjoying the pictures, one of these days I would love to visit Disneyland!

jenjolt

11-23-2010, 04:43 PM

Great Great update!!! What a fun day at DL!!!!!! CA Adventure looks amazing!!!!!

Your boys being bugs is a great picture!!!!

I want to ride the Monsters Inc ride!!!!

2xcited2sleep

11-23-2010, 04:46 PM

Well worth the wait! Great updates. Everything looks like such fun. Love that Mickey Halloween popcorn bucket but $10 does seem a bit steep.

Can't believe you are going back so soon. Color me jealous!

Happy Thanksgiving to the Happydog family! :goodvibes

lovegrumpy

11-23-2010, 06:54 PM

Making me miss Disneyland. Can't wait Intel 2013. Finally get to go back.

Happydog

11-23-2010, 08:58 PM

So another few attractions in Bug's Land were Francis' Ladybug Boogie and Flik's Flyers. Here are a few photos from those attractions.

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The final ride we did in Bug’s Land was Flik’s Flyers….

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Again, totally amazing details… the containers that you rode in were yogurt containers, whipped topping containers, and Chinese food containers, etc. they even had the nutritional information on the side!!
Seeing all of these amazing details just got me really excited for “Cars land” – what a cool idea, and I am sure it is going to be amazing!

So after all the fun in Bugs land, we checked out Tortilla Flats and Fisherman’s wharf, where all the QS eateries are. We grabbed margaritas, and walked around. We decided to try our hand at the river rapids at this point. WOW. That is all I can say. We definitely got a little wet, but not too much. We were lucky! But DH decided he wanted to switch to jeans, and DS8 was wet enough as well, so we walked back into the resort, and while they changed (DS8 just into new jeans), I walked around a little to check things out with DS5.

Here are some shots from that time…

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CONTINUED SOON! STAY TUNED!

Happydog

11-24-2010, 06:35 AM

Wow! Great updates and a trip to Disney World on the horizon. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and a lovely time at WDW.

Thank you! And to you too! Yes, a few days in Disney is a fun little getaway for DH and I. Should be nice. 80s!!! :thumbsup2 I have more updates coming!!

California Adventure looks like a blast!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Hmmmm I wonder what I did with my popcorn bucket?!!!! I bought the same one!! :laughing::sad2:
It so fun looking at your pictures because everything is so brand new to me!! :goodvibes
If I don't catch you....have a wonderful Thanksgiving and an awesome next trip!!!! I can't believe you are leaving again so soon!!! :woohoo:

Tracy

It really was a neat visit. I wish we had more time, I confess, as I look at my pictures I keep thinking I swear I took photos of this and that, and while I know some of my images were corrupted, some I must have just "taken" with my eyes, b/c there was just so much to see and do and we didn't get to. That is okay, though. More for next time! We somehow make it out to California every so often!

I love the popcorn buckets and the souvenier cups! I would have bought one of each :goodvibes I'm enjoying the pictures, one of these days I would love to visit Disneyland!

I just didn't need it, and flying makes you second guess it. BUT had we been with a car, I would have totally managed to buy one... :rolleyes1 They really were adorable.

Great Great update!!! What a fun day at DL!!!!!! CA Adventure looks amazing!!!!!

Your boys being bugs is a great picture!!!!

I want to ride the Monsters Inc ride!!!!

I think the Monster's Inc rescue was SO much fun! You were riding around town in little taxi cabs! TOOO cute! CA Adventure was great fun. Wait till you see world of color!

Well worth the wait! Great updates. Everything looks like such fun. Love that Mickey Halloween popcorn bucket but $10 does seem a bit steep.

Can't believe you are going back so soon. Color me jealous!

Happy Thanksgiving to the Happydog family! :goodvibes

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!!!! We had a great time. It was very enjoyable. I guess I just didnt need the bucket, you know? I dont need a lot of my Disney purchases, but I wanted to at least get one I knew I could use! :laughing: I bought a very nice souvenir, and it was worth putting my $10 there.

Making me miss Disneyland. Can't wait Intel 2013. Finally get to go back.

How exciting for you! My own pics make me miss it! Or miss what I missed!

Charleston Princess

11-24-2010, 07:13 AM

Of course I am still interested in the Happy Dog Clan's trip to Disneyland. As if you needed to ask! :laughing:

Eight people for Thanksgiving? Wow! We are headed to my sister-in-law's. We counted yesterday, and I think we came up with 20 people total! :eek: Madness, I tell you! Her mother-in-law and her mother are cooking two turkeys -- 45 pounds of meat! Can you imagine??? Needless to say, Michelle (my SIL) and I consume a lot of wine on this holiday. ;)

Have fun with your Black Friday shopping. I twitch at the mere thought of it and have been trying to get our "big items" before they are all sold out on Friday. I found a Lego Hogwarts at Walmart the other day (the only one I have seen anywhere) and grabbed it up for Connor.

How horrible about your corrupted camera chip! :headache: Glad it didn't ruin all the pictures.

Okay, now on to your great updates!

California Screamin'! I thought it was hilarious that even your DH only rode it once! No way, no how as the Cowardly Lion would say. :laughing:

I know a lot of DISers who would be in heaven at the Corn Dog Castle. LOL!

Grizzly River Run looks right up our alley! We love water rides! I think the Soarin' queue is so much better at Disneyland (not that I have ever seen it in person), but I would much rather gaze at airplane memorabilia while waiting to glide through California.

Can't believe DH left the popcorn bucket. :sad2:

I had no idea about the Monsters, Inc. ride! We love that movie at our house -- and what a hoot about Roz!

Cute Buzz and Woody cups! How can you resist Buzz and his wings that really open??? :laughing:

Ah, Bugs Land made me all nostalgic. Chelsea's favorite movie when she was about two was A Bug's Life! We watched it over and over again, and her birthday that year was A Bug's Life party. Flik's Flyers are adorable! Love all the cartons!!!

Okay, ready for more Happy Dog Clan California Adventures!

Happydog

11-24-2010, 11:44 AM

Of course I am still interested in the Happy Dog Clan's trip to Disneyland. As if you needed to ask! :laughing:

Oh I know I know, it is just for whatever reason getting this one off the ground really took a while!

Eight people for Thanksgiving? Wow! We are headed to my sister-in-law's. We counted yesterday, and I think we came up with 20 people total! :eek: Madness, I tell you! Her mother-in-law and her mother are cooking two turkeys -- 45 pounds of meat! Can you imagine??? Needless to say, Michelle (my SIL) and I consume a lot of wine on this holiday. ;)

TWENTY??!! :worship: Here I am whining about 8!!! GEE, I would consume a lot of wine too... well I will anyhow, even with my measley 8!!! :laughing:

Have fun with your Black Friday shopping. I twitch at the mere thought of it and have been trying to get our "big items" before they are all sold out on Friday. I found a Lego Hogwarts at Walmart the other day (the only one I have seen anywhere) and grabbed it up for Connor.

YAY! Good for you! I am SO going on a lego strike this holiday. At least right now I am. I just cannot stomach the idea of more legos in my house!!!! :rotfl: The HP sets are soooo cute, and Griffin is already looking at them, and I am thinking WHERE are we going to have room for these??!! Borders in our area sells legos, and I got a 50% coupon on email today... Good for today only. MAY have to see about that one... :rolleyes1

I just like going out and being a shopping adventurer... it isn't as fun anymore, with all the deals offered before the holiday and such, not as much of a "surprise" when you hear about what WILL be on sale before tomorrow, but I still get in my car when the house is quiet, and with my coffee and little list enjoy Christmas music and being out there with the other nutty shoppers! I am going home at 10am while everyone else is going out! :rotfl:

How horrible about your corrupted camera chip! :headache: Glad it didn't ruin all the pictures.

Yes, I was pretty bummed out. Especially because I took several ocean pics of the boys, but I still have most so that is a good thing.
Okay, now on to your great updates!

California Screamin'! I thought it was hilarious that even your DH only rode it once! No way, no how as the Cowardly Lion would say. :laughing:

OH I know!!! Seriously! Me too!!! NO WAY! I think Cynthia's kids ALL totally enjoyed it. NOT me "No way, no how!" OH! Speaking of the Cowardly Lion. That is our Thanksgiving day movie tradition.... :goodvibes

I know a lot of DISers who would be in heaven at the Corn Dog Castle. LOL!

Grizzly River Run looks right up our alley! We love water rides! I think the Soarin' queue is so much better at Disneyland (not that I have ever seen it in person), but I would much rather gaze at airplane memorabilia while waiting to glide through California.

Can't believe DH left the popcorn bucket. :sad2:

I know! I laughed at that one -- LL -- no nuggets, though!! :laughing:

Grizzly River Run was VERY cool. I didn't bring my camera on it, well, I mean I had it, in a shopping bag, in the middle. I wasn't sure what to expect so I wasn't brave enough to bring it out at any point. IT was very very cool.. We lucked out in the wet department... even with ponchos DS8 got a bit wet in the seat...

I know! My World of Color bucket, GONE :sad1: Oh well. It would probably be sitting upstairs like the other ones :laughing:

We had the FPs for Soarin, so we didn't see much, but the queue was neat.

I had no idea about the Monsters, Inc. ride! We love that movie at our house -- and what a hoot about Roz!

Cute Buzz and Woody cups! How can you resist Buzz and his wings that really open??? :laughing:

Ah, Bugs Land made me all nostalgic. Chelsea's favorite movie when she was about two was A Bug's Life! We watched it over and over again, and her birthday that year was A Bug's Life party. Flik's Flyers are adorable! Love all the cartons!!!

Okay, ready for more Happy Dog Clan California Adventures!

The Monster's Inc ride was AMAZING very very neat. I didn't realize they had that there, either. The one in Tokyo Disney I think is somewhat modeled on it? Did you read Lurkyloo's TR? I was thrilled. We rode it twice in a row, no lines! :thumbsup2

Bug's Land AMAZING. I so now want to go back to just get it all -- what I missed. SO many details, so much fun. I can only imagine the Imagineers who came up with all this. What a great job. Nolyn loves that movie too. We just finally watched it, though last year (the boys). They loved it. We love Heimlich. :)

And yes, BUZZ and Woody... Sigh. :rolleyes:

Happydog

11-26-2010, 10:48 AM

Well hello everyone!

Just got back from my Black Friday shopping madness! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! We leave for our little getaway at the AK in TWO days!!! :goodvibes I am no where near ready, the Holiday didn't necessarily help! :rotfl: But I can't complain, especially since I just ate a plate of leftovers a few minutes ago...:rolleyes1 Can I say I LOVE Thanksgiving leftovers!!! YUM!

So I am getting ready to finish up my updates for California Adventure. We have dinner and World of Color to go :thumbsup2 and then I'll start working on Halloween! And our Disneyland day... Which was a great day! :goodvibes

I did head out for Black Friday today. I know I know -- crazy. But I wasn't shopping for electronics, so generally that makes it less chaotic!

I took advantage of some great 50% and 40% off coupons for Harry Potter legos at Border's Books. And I got my 99cent poinsettias at Home Depot! I also grabbed supplies at Michael's, and my Hallmark store -- buying my annual Jim Shore santa, and a pillow pet for my 5yr old. WHY he wants one of these I have NO idea. There are nicer one's I think at Disney!? I think WigD bought one at the AK? Does anyone remember seeing these anywhere else? I am afraid they only sell them in the park... I want to compare those with the Pillow Pet. I remember thinking the ones at Disney seemed really nice in quality. I grabbed cute Life is Good PJ pants for them, too, and the whole lot was 25% off. I also grabbed the Leaptser games which were $15.00 each at Target. the Penguin's of Madagascar and Toy Story 3 versions.

I plan to be back later this afternoon to post my update! Stay tuned! :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

11-26-2010, 11:19 AM

2 days?!?!?! Awesome!!! Can't wait for another Happydog adventure! :goodvibes

Native NYer

11-26-2010, 11:28 AM

Love your California Adventure updates!
You got some great deals. I am planning on doing a little shopping tonight and this weekend. I'm afraid of the crowds :scared1:

Disney in 2 days :yay: It'll fly by. At least you're busy with holiday stuff.

Looking forward to you're next update!

Happydog

11-26-2010, 06:49 PM

Back to the park we went, and just in time for the afternoon parade!

Here are some festive Halloween balloons while we were waiting...

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Soon, the parade came into view…

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My friend Roz, had a role as grand marshall!

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As the name suggests this parade was entirely Pixar. It was incredible. In my opinion, it is the best daytime Disney parade I have seen (save the holiday and Halloween parades). Just so much going on and so much fun!! It actually reminded me a lot of the Animal Kingdom parade, with all of the apparatus that the CMs used. It was great fun.

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Again, some didn't come out for me -- but at least you can get a taste of it! The acrobats were the best performers for sure!

More to come in the NEXT POST!!!!!

Happydog

11-26-2010, 06:57 PM

Parade ending, it was now time to check out Electronica, and confirm that no one in our party wanted to ride Tower of Terror. Nope. Not going to do it. LOL! Here is the TRON fun they had at Disney California Adventure. They had a “street” party entertainment in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area, including a 3-D “sneak peek” of TRON…
VERY VERY Cool. Here are some shots of the “Electronica” PreShow…

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The light was fading, so we needed to make our dinner reservation at Wine Country Trattoria (where we had booked the World of Color package).
Here are a few pics along the way up to the restaurant. Dinner was good. It wasn’t the best Disney meal I have had, but it was worth the expense. I think the signature restaurants at WDW (which I think this qualifies as one of their better restaurant on Disneyland property) are far better. There is a very well known restaurant, The Napa Rose, at the GC, but this wasn’t the trip to try that one out. The salad and entrée were quite good. Dessert was not memorable, but the wine list was. It was a “package” for preferred seating, and had a three course meal and beverage with the package. This worked out best for us going into it all, b/c I had no idea what everything was going to be like. This was a back area not the actual restaurant, but inside this building they had all the models and renderings for the new projects they are working on right now. Very neat! Carsland, and Ariel's "something" LOL! I'll re-update and borrow a few photos to share with you.

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After dinner we had a half hour before the World of Color show. We got ice cream for the boys and made our way to the viewing area. And then it began! I love Fantasmic. This blew Fantasmic out of the water. Literally. LOL!

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Back to the room! The halls always seem SOOOOOO much longer when you are tired!!! LOL!

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A very sleepy us planned for a great morning celebrating Halloween Disneyland style, including early morning magic hours at 7am!!! :thumbsup2
WOOT WOOT!

More coming up tomorrow!!!

wigdoutdismom

11-26-2010, 08:41 PM

Happydog

11-26-2010, 09:06 PM

I did get get the tiger at AK, (pillow pet) it's at school and I love it!!!

As well as your last update.:goodvibes

I want to go to DL SO BAD!!!!

Your World of Color Pics are phenominal! I really hope to see that someday!

By the way we were up at 3:30 this morning Black Friday shopping. It was crazy!

Hi there! Well, you should definitely make a trip out there. It wont disappoint. So your Tiger was a Pillow Pet, too? Okay well then maybe they are are the same... I will check the stores this week, to see if there are different ones. I thought they looked different. Not sure. The penguin is awfully cute, though :)

I missed our advanced booking day for dining on the cruise in February... :headache: OH I am mad. BUT, I did get at least one Paolo's reservation. Will be checking daily now, to see if anything opens up. AND will be waiting in line once we get on board, that is a definite. I have read that because so many repeat cruisers are going on many of the Dream bookings, they are able to book over 100 days in advance, and things are gone before the window for those of us with only a few cruises under our belt and new cruisers get to... I will be curious to see if there are any others released.

CUTE FB pics of the baby and your Thanksgiving preparations! :goodvibes

wigdoutdismom

11-26-2010, 09:41 PM

Hi there! Well, you should definitely make a trip out there. It wont disappoint. So your Tiger was a Pillow Pet, too? Okay well then maybe they are are the same... I will check the stores this week, to see if there are different ones. I thought they looked different. Not sure. The penguin is awfully cute, though :)

I missed our advanced booking day for dining on the cruise in February... :headache: OH I am mad. BUT, I did get at least one Paolo's reservation. Will be checking daily now, to see if anything opens up. AND will be waiting in line once we get on board, that is a definite. I have read that because so many repeat cruisers are going on many of the Dream bookings, they are able to book over 100 days in advance, and things are gone before the window for those of us with only a few cruises under our belt and new cruisers get to... I will be curious to see if there are any others released.

CUTE FB pics of the baby and your Thanksgiving preparations! :goodvibes

No, the tiger isn't a pillow pet, just similar.
We probably won't get any of the Palo ressies either since we are only 2nd time cruisers.
Our exciting news was that we upgraded to a larger veranda stateroom a few weeks ago, so I was pleased!

It's been busy around here, with new baby and Harper! Wowza!

jenjolt

11-27-2010, 07:36 AM

Charleston Princess

11-27-2010, 07:47 AM

We love Thanksgiving leftovers, too! That's what we ate yesterday while we were decorating the house.

You bought Harry Potter Legos? But, wait, you said...:laughing: It's hard to resist them, isn't it? :goodvibes

The Pixar Parade looks like fun -- I don't think I have ever seen any pictures of it. Love the picture of the Little Green Man.

Wow! World of Color looks amazing! I imagine the music is sensational!

Good luck with packing and getting ready for your next Disney adventure.

manntra

11-27-2010, 07:17 PM

First of all.....have a wonderful and magical trip!! :hug:
Again, I love all of the DL pictures.....the details on all of the rides in the Pixar area are brilliant...as was the parade....loved The Incredibles on their little hovercraft!! Too cute! I :lovestruc of all of the Pixar movies!
World of Color looks amazing...I can imagine that in person it is beautiful paired with the music....maybe I will check it out on youtube :thumbsup2

Okay....get packing and have fun!!! We will be here when you get back! :goodvibes

Tracy

Happydog

11-27-2010, 09:54 PM

Hiya everyone! Yep, I am packing as I type -- we not exactly but you get the idea! I have uploaded all my DL pics to photo bucket, so I plan to update while I am away. I will have plenty of time.

Wish me luck!

:goodvibes

Charleston Princess

11-28-2010, 06:37 AM

Have a wonderful time down there in sunny Florida!!! Say hi to Mickey for me! Oh, and make sure you try the hot chocolate at the Christmas party -- I hear it is quite tasty!

2xcited2sleep

11-28-2010, 08:29 AM

Have a great trip. Can't wait to hear all about your latest adventure! Hope you have a blast! :)

Native NYer

11-28-2010, 06:00 PM

World of Color looks amazing!
I need to plan a trip to Disneyland soon. Is Carsland opening in 2012?

Have a wonderful trip!

Happydog

11-29-2010, 09:08 AM

I too desperately want to visit DL someday! Just the idea of being in the park and walk where Walt walked just thrills me!!!

I love Fantasmic and it's been a while since I have seen that show!! I know I would love World of Color too...SO AWESOME!!!!!! You got some great shots!!

I wasn't a big fan of the DHS parade, but that Pixar parade looks amazing!! Maybe WDW will take some notes from DL for the new parade to debut in January!!

Glad you got some great deals on Black Friday!! WOOT WOOT!!!

The Pixar parade was really really cool. I was amazed. Just so much to look at! It was a neat place to visit, it was a short visit, we needed two more days I think. At least three. But next time! We had other fun plans for that vacation, so I couldn't complain too much and two nights at the GCV was awesome. :thumbsup2

World of Color was breath taking!!! :goodvibes

We love Thanksgiving leftovers, too! That's what we ate yesterday while we were decorating the house.

You bought Harry Potter Legos? But, wait, you said...:laughing: It's hard to resist them, isn't it? :goodvibes

The Pixar Parade looks like fun -- I don't think I have ever seen any pictures of it. Love the picture of the Little Green Man.

Wow! World of Color looks amazing! I imagine the music is sensational!

Good luck with packing and getting ready for your next Disney adventure.

Okay, okay, I caved. Well, the legos were 50% and 40% off!!!! I had these Borders rewards coupons and so since they were on the "list" you know THE LIST, ;) :santa: I couldn't ignore them... so too was that dag gum pillow pet... :headache: Hopefully they have a better pillow pet styled animal here and I can get that instead... :laughing:

World of Color was very very cool!!! :thumbsup2 AND the parade, yes. So fun!!

First of all.....have a wonderful and magical trip!! :hug:
Again, I love all of the DL pictures.....the details on all of the rides in the Pixar area are brilliant...as was the parade....loved The Incredibles on their little hovercraft!! Too cute! I :lovestruc of all of the Pixar movies!
World of Color looks amazing...I can imagine that in person it is beautiful paired with the music....maybe I will check it out on youtube :thumbsup2

Okay....get packing and have fun!!! We will be here when you get back! :goodvibes

Tracy

Thanks so much for the bon voyage!!!! It worked! We are here, and I am drinking coffee in our room looking out the window at partially sunny skies and low 80s today.. much better than sunny and 50 at my house!

DL photos, I still have a whole day to go -- Disneyland proper! California Adventure was fun, but they are doing some mass redesigning there, which I think is much needed and will improve the park overall, but more on that later!

I should be able to post on DL later tonight....:thumbsup2

Happydog

11-29-2010, 09:14 AM

Have a wonderful time down there in sunny Florida!!! Say hi to Mickey for me! Oh, and make sure you try the hot chocolate at the Christmas party -- I hear it is quite tasty!

Oh I will have that hot chocolate for sure! But what I really want is the peppermint icecream hot chocolate float!! or at least the peppermint icecream!!!

Already having fun! I am sitting in our room right now, getting ready to head around on a resort tour to see the decorations! :goodvibes Pool side yesterday, a bit more cloudy today, hoping it will burn off. Still, low 80s can't complain!

Have a great trip. Can't wait to hear all about your latest adventure! Hope you have a blast! :)

We are off to a good start!!!! Dinner at Cali Grill, fireworks, blue zoo cocktails... need I say more?

World of Color looks amazing!
I need to plan a trip to Disneyland soon. Is Carsland opening in 2012?

Have a wonderful trip!

I am not sure. I think it is 2012, yes. New movie comes out this summer. Can't wait! My kids can't that is! :laughing: Disneyland is great fun. We are having a great time! :thumbsup2

DisMomAmy

11-29-2010, 12:35 PM

Just playing catch up on your TR today & realized I missed your sendoff! Hope you are having a blast! :goodvibes

Loving your TR so far! :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

11-29-2010, 01:57 PM

Oh I will have that hot chocolate for sure! But what I really want is the peppermint icecream hot chocolate float!! or at least the peppermint icecream!!!

Oh, that sounds so delicious! I bought Edy's Peppermint ice cream this weekend, and we had it in waffle bowls last night with a big mound of whipped cream!

Already having fun! I am sitting in our room right now, getting ready to head around on a resort tour to see the decorations! :goodvibes Pool side yesterday, a bit more cloudy today, hoping it will burn off. Still, low 80s can't complain!

Yeay! The resorts are always so pretty!

Okay, okay, I caved. Well, the legos were 50% and 40% off!!!! I had these Borders rewards coupons and so since they were on the "list" you know THE LIST, ;) :santa: I couldn't ignore them... so too was that dag gum pillow pet... :headache: Hopefully they have a better pillow pet styled animal here and I can get that instead... :laughing:

Yep, it's hard to ignore the list. :rolleyes:

DisneyMom14

11-29-2010, 06:13 PM

I missed your send off....again! I hope you are enjoying yourself. Its fun reading about your California Adventure and looking forward to hearing about the xmas decorations in Florida!

Happydog

12-03-2010, 10:07 PM

Well, I am back! :santa: Disneyworld Christmas. NOTHING like it :cloud9:

So much fun for a three day trip!!!! :yay: My DH is the best. :hug:

Can't wait to tell you all about it!

I am running tests for the 8th grade applicants for my school program tomorrow and sunday, but hope to squeeze in the final Disneyland update (and a peek into the Four Seasons and Lego land) this weekend! I am anxious to give you my Disney Christmas update!!

AND I am sure Jen is beyond excited to take a ride on the Disneyland HM with the Jack Skellington overlay!!! :laughing:

:surfweb:

Coming your way! :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

12-04-2010, 04:42 AM

Welcome home! Good luck with administering the tests this weekend, and I am looking forward to all the upcoming updates! :santa:

2xcited2sleep

12-04-2010, 06:51 AM

Can't wait!! :surfweb:

Native NYer

12-04-2010, 09:37 AM

Welcome back!
Can't wait for the next update :goodvibes

manntra

12-04-2010, 02:39 PM

Welcome home!!! Looking forward to your update :flower3:

Tracy

Happydog

12-06-2010, 07:27 PM

Boo to YOU, DAY, TWO! :yay:

Yeah, that was a bad rhyme…. :laughing:

So this morning, we all woke up, got into our Halloween gear, and headed out the door for a ropedrop of 7am… YEP, we did it! :thumbsup2 I had to get us to Disneyland on time for that early morning entrance b/c we had to go back and check out at 11am.

These two photos of the entrance gate are from when we came back into the park at noon, but either the pics I took when we first arrived that morning were deleted, or, I didn’t take any!! LOL! Too excited I guess!
Notice even in the afternoon, hardly anyone was there.

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I caught this as we went under the rail station and onto Main Street. I think these are at WDW too?

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And of course a very, very busy Main Street…:rolleyes1 Some of these are blurry but I wanted to share the experience wih you.

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Great decorations, as I would have expected!

We were headed to a very specific location in Tomorrowland… the Halloween overlay at Space Mountain! :yay:

More in the next post! Coming UP!

Happydog

12-06-2010, 07:42 PM

Welcome home! Good luck with administering the tests this weekend, and I am looking forward to all the upcoming updates! :santa:

Well I am going to slide a few in this week! I have to get started with my holiday fun!!! :santa:

Seeing the October photos made me smile. :goodvibes

Can't wait!! :surfweb:

Welcome back!
Can't wait for the next update :goodvibes

Welcome home!!! Looking forward to your update :flower3:

Tracy

Here is the start of our Halloween day adventure! :thumbsup2

Happydog

12-06-2010, 07:51 PM

So we moved fast through Main Street, because for this early extra hour, we were headed to a very specific location in Tomorrowland!

SPACE MOUNTAIN!!!! Here is the Astro Orbiter, though, as we walked by... it is not something you ride an elevator to get to....

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I don’t like thinking about these queues in the summer!!! :scared1:

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Needless to say I didn't take pics once inside, but after Space, we headed to another childhood favorite, which can get crowded, apparently, because it is a slow loading ride. BUT in our case, we had the submarine to ourselves!!! :laughing:

Submarine ride with Nemo, here we come!

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I guess this is how imagineers take something “old” and refurbish with a new twist… for of course the submarines were now exploring the story and characters in Nemo, complete with the Australian narrator explaining everything…

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My kids really loved it. Noses pressed to the glass the entire time! :goodvibes

once we emerged from the depths, we had another old Disneyland favorite in mind – the Matterhorn!! Old but still as rough as I recall! :laughing: Very bumpy, but DH and DS8 really enjoyed it. The little one wanted NOTHING to do with it….

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We did a rider swap essentially, so DS8 rode it twice. It was still very early, and no one was there! A very slow start and we were glad for it!

Next up, the race track... but I am afraid you will have to wait until later in the week!

wigdoutdismom

12-06-2010, 09:32 PM

2xcited2sleep

12-07-2010, 08:37 AM

How cool you got a submarine all to yourself! I can't get over the lack of crowds. Holy cow!!!

Love the Halloween character decorations over their turnstiles at the entrance. Too cute. They should bring those to FL somehow!

Happydog

12-10-2010, 08:09 AM

Hi there! Well I have about four posts worth of text and pic links ready to upload and I will do them tomorrow or tonight, depending on the time! :thumbsup2 BUT, here is some fun news...

1. We were able to get a Vero 1 bedroom villa for the five nights after our 5 night Dream Cruise in June!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: I was very excited. I am really looking forward to the stay.

2. My 3rd grade DS, is in the school play (mostly 4th and 5th graders -- only 3 third graders signed up!) The play is Disney's Aristocats. My son got the part of Tolouse! One of the three kittens. The "tough" one. It makes me laugh, but it will be a lot of fun. There are 40 kids signed up, so I was really proud of him for getting a named part and a part with singing and lines! Not bad for being the youngest! So I guess I will be buying that DVD! :laughing:

More to come! :goodvibes

Happydog

12-10-2010, 08:13 AM

Oh my gosh, the Matterhorn! What a blast from the past!!! Shocker has been known to ask CMs at WDW where the Matterhorn is....:laughing:
The boys (all three) seemed to be enjoying the submarine voyage!
Waiting for more!

Oh I had completely forgotten about the Matterhorn, actually! SO it was fun to remember this ride... That is funny he thought it was in WDW!

The submarine was really cool.. I vaguely recalled being on it when I was last at Disneyland when I was 23, but it was neat to see how the reimagined it.

How cool you got a submarine all to yourself! I can't get over the lack of crowds. Holy cow!!!

Love the Halloween character decorations over their turnstiles at the entrance. Too cute. They should bring those to FL somehow!

Yes, it was wild that no one was there early. It got "more crowded"... I think people did what we did for our MVMCP, because it was a MNSSHP that evening at Disneyland, and so people may have purchased event tickets, and came for that... which worked for our advantage of course, earlier in the day. We were pleased with the fact we didn't have crowds. :thumbsup2

The halloween decor was adorable, and yes, it should be at WDW, too! Why not! Though it might be because the entrance in not as "public" as it is in Disneyland... the entrances are in that main plaza which spills right into DTD there...

Charleston Princess

12-10-2010, 02:00 PM

manntra

12-11-2010, 09:09 AM

Just wanted to stop by and say

Happy Birthday!!!

party::bday:party::bday:party::bday:[/CENTER]

Have a wonderful day HD!!!! :hug:

Now I will go back and catch up....again ;)

Tracy

wigdoutdismom

12-11-2010, 10:04 AM

Happy Birthday Jennifer! I hope you have something fun planned today!

2xcited2sleep

12-11-2010, 02:53 PM

It is your b-day? Well, happy day, happydog! We need to get hooked up on FB b/c that is the only way I can keep track of these things. Hope it's a great day!! :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

12-12-2010, 04:47 AM

I didn't know it was your birthday yesterday! I guess that's what I get for not being on the computer! :(

At any rate...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!! :cheer2:

Hope you had a wonderful one!!!

Happydog

12-12-2010, 07:22 AM

After our quick round about on the matterhorn, we made our way to the race track (like the Tomorrowland Speedway). This was so much fun! It was far more engaging than the one at WDW, because it takes you through some fun areas and bumpy off-road driving, etc. The imagineers had great fun with this concept I think. Here I have a few photos, it was hard to take pictures with the "driver" of our car... :rotfl:

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There were other little details, like the “hot nuts” vendor cart…. Nuts for cars being very different things ;)

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So finished with our car rides, we stumbled upon Alice and her friends… We really felt late for something. :scratchin I am not sure why. Maybe this statue made us feel like we needed to pick up the pace! LOL!

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Here is the caterpillar you ride in, and a picture from the ground of the ride itself. I never knew this part of fantasy land existed. I loved it!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Disneyland20090110093.jpg

I never had a good outside shot, but here is one ... It was a fun ride the boys really liked it!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/alice.jpg

MORE coming up!!!!

Happydog

12-12-2010, 07:29 AM

Then came the storybook cruise. The boys and I rode this oen, while DH ran to get fast passes again.

Oh here we go Pinocchio! :laughing:

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Here is the "fantasyland train" not the Disneyland Railroad... too cute!

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Of course I was trying to get a photo of Cinderella's pumpkin and didn't quite get it!!!!

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It reminded me of the neat minature village in Germany at Epcot. This was far more extravagant, and had all of the "storybook/princess" residences... it was neat.

Then we made our way past It’s a Small World -- which was great to see the whole area themed like the ride. I love the art work associated with this attraction! :goodvibes Unfortunately it was being refurbished so I could not ride it. NOT that my Fett brothers would have allowed that anyhow, but I did get my It’s a Small World ride in at the MVMCP! :santa:

And NO my to DS's are not paying their respect at the Alter of Disney...
:rotfl::rotfl:

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Look, Jackie. Giraffes…. Just not the AKL type!!! :laughing:

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I was still happy to see it, because I remember riding it when I was a child.:goodvibes

STAY TUNED MORE on the way!!!

Happydog

12-12-2010, 07:46 AM

Probably the highlight of our morning at Disneyland, was our time in Toontown. Okay, Toontown AND the Haunted Mansion!! As to Toontown, I will just say WOW. And leave it at that. There were so many fabulous interactive elements! Here are some of the photos I took…

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Goofy showed up, having fun with everyone. It was a hoot. He was very friendly and there were not many people around so that made it nicer. We watched his antics, my guys were more interested in exploring all the fun in Toontown.

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Minnie was standing on her porch, without any visitors, so I took her picture, and she waved at me.

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There were so many surprises in Toontown. Phones that talked back, cars that made noises when you walked by, great details and even this one… when you pulled on the door it seemed like there was an explosion inside…

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My guys determining they need to eat more veggies…

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More fun at the firehouse… They had great fun trying to get it to set off the fireworks and the smoke and noise that would come when you pushed down on the detonator!

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Toontown was filled with so many other elements that are not at Disneyworld. There was a ride, a Roger rabbit spin or something like that, but it was closed for refurbishment. I think different from Goofy's barnstormer... We still had a great time in this area of the park. It was tremendously fun! The boys particularly enjoyed all of the goofy elements and surprises…

Of course I know it was my last time to see the Toontown in Disneyworld when we were there a few weeks ago, and we did walk through, but I just can't wait until the new elements of Fantasyland are built. They will be amazing I am sure!

After Toon town, we went for our first trip to the HM. I am going to put ALL my details about the HM in ONE entry, later. SORRY to create more suspense, but it will be easier for me! WHAT fun, that is all I can say!!!

Happydog

12-12-2010, 07:56 AM

So..... After our ride with Jack, we had to scoot out of the park to check out of our room. It was a short walk to the Grand Californian, and bell services checked our luggage for us (since we were spending the whole day there). We then strolled back over to the park in search of some lunch…
On our way back into the park, it looked a little busier. We didn’t want to walk, so instead we hitched this ride…

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Our driver offered to pose with the boys, and this is one of my favorite trip photos, this and the La Jolla beach pictures!

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So, I had been waiting the whole trip for some clam chowder in a bowl, and with lunch on our mind, we decided to have lunch, and then hit our second HM ride of the trip. We rode HM FOUR times … So as I said, I have consolidated all of our pictures, and will share them in ONE special HM post…

IN the mean time, here are a few photos from New Orleans… everything was so cleverly decorated and fun! I did get a few from the restaurant where we got lunch, look at all the cool Nightmare Before Christmas decorations!!!

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Musicians playing while we ate.. I felt like I was in New Orleans -- without the humidity!!! I'll take it :laughing: And of course there was also a visit from the Princess and the Frog crew... but I was too busy eating my chowder to take pictures!! :laughing:

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Well so after lunch we headed over to our SECOND ride on The Haunted Mansion.... so coming up later this week, our Haunted Mansion update!!!! :thumbsup2

Happydog

12-12-2010, 08:01 AM

Just wanted to stop by and say

Happy Birthday!!!

party::bday:party::bday:party::bday:[/CENTER]

Have a wonderful day HD!!!! :hug:

Now I will go back and catch up....again ;)

Tracy

Happy Birthday Jennifer! I hope you have something fun planned today!

It is your b-day? Well, happy day, happydog! We need to get hooked up on FB b/c that is the only way I can keep track of these things. Hope it's a great day!! :goodvibes

Hey thanks you guys!! I sure did! I had a lot of fun!!! I am sitting here this morning, watching the sleety drizzle it is still grey outside and it is 9am! But with a latte and my laptop I am enjoying some quiet time. I am actually sitting here with the boys watching the Polar Express, they have hot chocolate and donuts.... a great Sunday morning start!!! :thumbsup2

We had a great day yesterday. Though I mostly celebrated last week in Florida! But at home we had fun, got take out, went to get our Christmas tree and decorated it. It was a nice evening at home :)

Happydog

12-12-2010, 08:06 AM

I declared that I have had enough with making copies, grading, and creating final exams for the day, so I came to play on the DIS. :goodvibes

The character pumpkins at Disneyland's entrance are very cute!

I cannot believe how empty Disneyland looks! :eek:

It is so interesting to see the differences between the MK and DL like seeing Sleeping Beauty's castle at the end of Main Street and the Astro Orbiter on the ground.

Oh my goodness! I remember being like your boys with my nose pressed to the glass during the submarine ride!

Hurray for the one-bedroom and your DS getting a part in the Aristocats! :woohoo:

I know! It was really quiet and the lack of crowds were great... We had a lot of fun that morning! The castles are very different. My DH said, "well clearly Walt thought BIGGER would be better the second time around!!! ;) I think they are both lovely, but there is nothing like the castle at WDW... especially with the lights on it. AMAZING.

Yes, that submarine ride has been around for a while hasn't it!! :laughing:

Oh! He is really excited! I think it is hilarious he will be in a Disney show! AND we are very excited for Vero.

I didn't know it was your birthday yesterday! I guess that's what I get for not being on the computer! :(

At any rate...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!! :cheer2:

Hope you had a wonderful one!!!

Oh thanks, Jackie!! I wasn't on the DIS hardly yesterday either!!

Native NYer

12-12-2010, 11:02 AM

I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

I love all of your DL photos. DL has such a different feel that WDW.

Hi there! Well I have about four posts worth of text and pic links ready to upload and I will do them tomorrow or tonight, depending on the time! :thumbsup2 BUT, here is some fun news...

1. We were able to get a Vero 1 bedroom villa for the five nights after our 5 night Dream Cruise in June!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: I was very excited. I am really looking forward to the stay.

2. My 3rd grade DS, is in the school play (mostly 4th and 5th graders -- only 3 third graders signed up!) The play is Disney's Aristocats. My son got the part of Tolouse! One of the three kittens. The "tough" one. It makes me laugh, but it will be a lot of fun. There are 40 kids signed up, so I was really proud of him for getting a named part and a part with singing and lines! Not bad for being the youngest! So I guess I will be buying that DVD! :laughing:

More to come! :goodvibes

Yay o the Vero 1 br! I hope you do a Vero TR.

Congrats to your DS! How exciting! I bet he's beyond excited. Has he started practicing his lines?
School plays are so much fun. We did a massive production of the Wizard of Oz last year and the 6th grade did Into the Woods. This year, the third grade is hosting a school-wide Amazing Race and the 6th grade is doing a production of Suessical. We'd love to do Wicked, but can't since it's on Bway right now.

IluvXU

12-12-2010, 06:39 PM

wigdoutdismom

12-12-2010, 10:43 PM

All I can say is that I'm just amazed by Disneyland.....
I wanna go really really bad. It looks like so much fun!!!

Charleston Princess

12-13-2010, 02:03 PM

Wow! You were an updating machine yesterday, HD!

I may have to steal your hot chocolate and doughnuts idea for next weekend! Sounds like a perfect way to start off a chilly day.

Cool theming of the Tomorrowland Speedway! I think it would be much more enjoyable to ride that one than the one at the MK!

I remember being little and when we went to Disneyland, my favorite rides were the Alice in Wonderland one and the Storybook Cruise. Although, if memory serves me correctly, I think I was always scared of going in the whale's mouth. It probably seemed huge to me at five years old. LOL!

Oh, you so need to title that picture "At the Altar of Disney"! Too funny! :rotfl:

Hey, I'll take topiary giraffes! :thumbsup2

Okay, the Disneyland Toontown is way better than our Toontown! So much fun! Connor would have a field day!

Adorable picture of the boys in the motorcar!

Ah, New Orleans Square! So pretty with all the Halloween decorations! Can't wait to read the Haunted Mansion post! :yay:

Happydog

12-14-2010, 08:53 PM

I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

I love all of your DL photos. DL has such a different feel that WDW.

Yay o the Vero 1 br! I hope you do a Vero TR.

Congrats to your DS! How exciting! I bet he's beyond excited. Has he started practicing his lines?
School plays are so much fun. We did a massive production of the Wizard of Oz last year and the 6th grade did Into the Woods. This year, the third grade is hosting a school-wide Amazing Race and the 6th grade is doing a production of Suessical. We'd love to do Wicked, but can't since it's on Bway right now.

It does have a different feel, you are right! I was a little out of sorts/lost at times because it wasn't fully familiar! BUT I wish I could have spent a few more days there, so I could have really gotten the feel. BUT next time! :)

Oh I lokve all those shows you mentioned! How fun! He is excited, yes.. and I am really looking forward to our cruise and our Vero week. It should be wonderfully restful and I'll get my Disney fix.

Happydog

12-14-2010, 08:56 PM

Love the Disneyland updates. I really want to go someday... seemingly there are lots of DH's conferences, and so now that my kids are bigger the next trip I am going to have to go too!

So excited for your five nights at Vero. That is exactly what we had, long enough to get to do lots of the fun stuff. The one bedrooms are a nice size too!

Thanks! I really enjoyed writing up this trip, because it was so new to me! However good luck for you to go, I am sure you will enjoy the chance to tag along with your husband!!! :thumbsup2

I am totally excited to go to Vero, your comments about Vero from last year really made me pursue it!!! I was excited when we got the 1 bedroom. It should be a great time!

Happydog

12-14-2010, 09:08 PM

All I can say is that I'm just amazed by Disneyland.....
I wanna go really really bad. It looks like so much fun!!!

It is a great time, you would of course love it! It was so much fun to spend Halloween there! Looking forward to sharing the rest of the day!

Wow! You were an updating machine yesterday, HD!

I may have to steal your hot chocolate and doughnuts idea for next weekend! Sounds like a perfect way to start off a chilly day.

Cool theming of the Tomorrowland Speedway! I think it would be much more enjoyable to ride that one than the one at the MK!

I remember being little and when we went to Disneyland, my favorite rides were the Alice in Wonderland one and the Storybook Cruise. Although, if memory serves me correctly, I think I was always scared of going in the whale's mouth. It probably seemed huge to me at five years old. LOL!

Oh, you so need to title that picture "At the Altar of Disney"! Too funny! :rotfl:

Hey, I'll take topiary giraffes! :thumbsup2

Okay, the Disneyland Toontown is way better than our Toontown! So much fun! Connor would have a field day!

Adorable picture of the boys in the motorcar!

Ah, New Orleans Square! So pretty with all the Halloween decorations! Can't wait to read the Haunted Mansion post! :yay:

There really are some unique differences, and some which are better than at WDW. I think it has a lot to do with the timing of when attractions were built, reimagined, etc. But all in all it really is a different park. Just "familiar".. I am going to get that HM entry up this week. Trying to sort out everything I need to do for that OTHER holiday looming in a week... :scared1: I had to take that picture of the Giraffe for you!
Donuts don't find their way into our house very often, but it sounded good! ;)

Charleston Princess

12-15-2010, 04:29 AM

Trying to sort out everything I need to do for that OTHER holiday looming in a week... :scared1:

I know it! Christmas is coming much too quickly this year! I still haven't done my Christmas cards yet! :eek:

eandesmom

12-16-2010, 12:56 AM

I'm totally behind but just stopping by to say Hi! :wave:

Happydog

12-16-2010, 08:03 AM

So I thought I would start this post with some random fun Disneyland fall decorations… I took several I realize and since I am not really reporting in chronological order, I am putting them all together here… I love Disney seasonal decorations. I have a hard time deciding between Christmas and Fall/Halloween, but either way, both seasons are gorgeously done up!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010105.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010106.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010107.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010108.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010109.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010110.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010111.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010112.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010113.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010118.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010191.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010192.jpg

It is easy to get into the spirit of the season at Disney, no matter the season!
I love the decorations -- they make me smile even still. :goodvibes

So after our wonderful lunch, we decided to take our second spin on the HM… AFTER which, we explored Frontierland and some of the fun there – including these CM’s who were staging a funny show… we also explored Tom Sawyer’s island, which was a great place to run around! FIrst the show outside the Golden Horseshoe... it was a three part show, they came, did a bit, then left and came back to continue the "saga" they were trying to marry off this lovely "bride" :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010128.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010129.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010130.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010131.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010133.jpg

Both Tom Sawyer islands are great fun. The one at Disneyland had more of a Pirate theme... as well as the fort.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010166.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010167.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010168.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010169.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010170.jpg

More on Tom Sawyer's Island coming up!!!!

Happydog

12-16-2010, 08:11 AM

Just a few more pics from Tom Sawyer's Island...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010171.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010172.jpg

Final few here are looking at Disneyland the New Orleans square from Tom Sawyer's Island...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010173.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010174.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010175.jpg

Okay, WHO is ready for the HAUNTED MANSION and the Jack Skellington OVERLAY??!! :hmghost:

jenjolt

12-16-2010, 08:32 AM

SoonerGirl

12-16-2010, 02:31 PM

Hey there HD! I'm back from my DIS hiatus and all caught up on your report. You're really making me want to head back to DL, but I'm holding out until they get all of the referbishments at DCA done :thumbsup2

What did you think of Space Mtn there? Much different from WDWs version isn't it? And, I absolutely adored DLs Toontown, you are so right - there is just so much to see and do, such a fun, cute area!

wigdoutdismom

12-16-2010, 06:19 PM

Bring on the Haunted Mansion!!!

Charleston Princess

12-17-2010, 04:32 AM

Love those big baskets of mums at DL! Tom Sawyer Island and Frontierland look like a lot of fun!

I am ready for the Haunted Mansion! :banana:

2xcited2sleep

12-18-2010, 08:49 AM

I am ready for HM too! :)

Native NYer

12-18-2010, 09:50 AM

The fall decor is so pretty!
I'm ready for your HM update :yay:

Happydog

12-19-2010, 03:47 PM

At last! Finally, we have The Haunted Mansion post!!! Now I basically have taken the best of the photos I have from the four times we rode this attraction! :laughing: and I stuck them together... I have to say, It is hard to take photos once inside, but I have some. WHAT fun this was. Even after four times, when we declared riding it more would make us freaks, we decided that there was still so much to take in, but it was totally worth it. What a special, fun, and totally neat twist to the Haunted Mansion. I loved it. We all did! :yay: Made watching Jack and his friends all the more fun!! I know there are probably way better photos around, but I sure had fun taking them! Because we had fast passes, we were constantly moving in the line, so taking pictures was also kind of tricky if I didn't want to get run over!! :laughing: So... here we go...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010099.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010100.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010225.jpg

Oh, Jen! I almost forgot! Are YOU ready??!! Let's go! :thumbsup2

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010223.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010148.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010149.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010150.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010228.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010226.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010151.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010158.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010221.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010222.jpg

Now inside we go... after the stretching room, where there was a big surprise hello and face of Jack up in the rafters, we went down into this holding area, where they had these pictures that changed back and forth with the movie themes...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010210.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010211.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010212.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010213.jpg

On one of the rides, I can't recall which trip through, the ride stopped. Of course this gave me a perfect view of some of the themeing.. and I took advantage of that! We actually stopped twice, but the second time was in the graveyard and it was too dark. Still, you get the idea...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010214.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010215.jpg

More to come in the next post!!!

Happydog

12-19-2010, 03:49 PM

Of course I am soooo excited to get this out there, I accidently double posted my first entry... :upsidedow

Happydog

12-19-2010, 03:58 PM

SO we continue inside the Haunted Mansion Jack Skellington Holiday overlay!

These are some decorations from inside the graveyard...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010216.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010217.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010219.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010220.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010160.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010162.jpg

So once back outside, on one of our returns we were luck enough to see these two visiting with guests, and strolling around the area outside the Haunted Mansion. Too cool!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010145.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010146.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010164.jpg

Well, Jen, I hope you enjoyed your visit!!!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010177.jpg

Yoo Hoo.... Jen? Can you hear me??? I know you couldn't see everything inside my purse, but I hope you enjoyed the Haunted Mansion!!! :rolleyes1

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010207.jpg

Okay, folks... MORE coming up! Just a few more hours, dinner at the Blue Bayou, Pirate's and Tarzan's treehouse!

I also want to share my Christmas trip :santa: BEFORE Christmas.... :laughing:

OH! And I also have to unveil my Disney Christmas tree! I can't wait to share it!

2xcited2sleep

12-19-2010, 05:15 PM

SoonerGirl

12-19-2010, 05:42 PM

How cool! I've never seen the movie either, but I love the overlay - I probably would have ridden over and over again too, just to make sure I didn't miss any details :thumbsup2

lovegrumpy

12-19-2010, 09:01 PM

I remember the first time we rode HM with the layer my younguest was only 6 at the time. We took him kicking and screaming. He did okey wants we were on the ride. Loved it so much he wanted to go again. He looked at r oldest and he was crying. So there wasn't a second time riding.

Hoping when we go again in 2013 during Christmas the boys well go on.

jenjolt

12-19-2010, 09:11 PM

Oh I did enjoy my ride!!! I DID I DID I DID!!! What a great ride!!! Thank you so much for taking me with you!!! Oh I am so glad you enjoyed the theming!! It looks like such a fun ride!!!

skiingfast

12-20-2010, 12:34 AM

Oh I did enjoy my ride!!! I DID I DID I DID!!! What a great ride!!! Thank you so much for taking me with you!!! Oh I am so glad you enjoyed the theming!! It looks like such a fun ride!!!

I got such a good laugh from those special photos. I'm glad you enjoyed HMH.

Charleston Princess

12-20-2010, 06:24 AM

Hurray for a great Haunted Mansion post! So, so, so neat! I would love to see it in person one day! I adore the fact that Disneyland's HM looks like an old Southern mansion, and the Nightmare Before Christmas decorations just make it so much better!

Happydog

12-20-2010, 09:26 AM

I know it! Christmas is coming much too quickly this year! I still haven't done my Christmas cards yet! :eek:

You are telling me! I was/am woefully behind. I will be "elfing" every night this week!!! :goodvibes -- that is what I call my "secret Christmas work" :rotfl:

I'm totally behind but just stopping by to say Hi! :wave:

Oh I hear ya! I have popped over to your TR and PTR and see that this is the case! We are all hit with it this fall it seems!!!

Hey there HD! I'm back from my DIS hiatus and all caught up on your report. You're really making me want to head back to DL, but I'm holding out until they get all of the referbishments at DCA done :thumbsup2

What did you think of Space Mtn there? Much different from WDWs version isn't it? And, I absolutely adored DLs Toontown, you are so right - there is just so much to see and do, such a fun, cute area!

Oh I will totally want to go back when all the new work is done, of course! Boys and Carsland... you tell me ??!! :laughing: There are really some neat differences, I actually like Space Mtn felt less "jerky" to me, but my DH said otherwise.. not sure. It was all so much to take in. But I loved every brief minute we had there! :goodvibes

Happydog

12-20-2010, 09:29 AM

OOH OOOH Me ME ME ME! I'm ready I'm ready!!! I'm really ready!!! Let's see it!! Oh pretty pretty please :banana::yay::banana::yay:

Love all the fall decorations at Disney!! It is such a fun time of year to go!!!!!!!!

Bring on the Haunted Mansion!!!

Love those big baskets of mums at DL! Tom Sawyer Island and Frontierland look like a lot of fun!

I am ready for the Haunted Mansion! :banana:

The fall decor is so pretty!
I'm ready for your HM update :yay:

Okay everyone! I hope I didn't disappoint! I know it has taken me a bit of time to get this all posted! I am closing in on the final hours of Halloween :hmghost:, and then we are off for a quick trip to Disneyworld and MVMCP! :santa:

Happydog

12-20-2010, 09:45 AM

Too cool for school! :upsidedow I must confess that I have never seen the Nightmare b4 Christmas movie but those decorations look awesome! Why don't they do that in FL?? And how great that flat Jen could come along for the ride!

Looking forward to more and seeing your Disney tree. Merry Christmas to the Happy Dog family!! :santa:

Thanks Christine! I have had so much fun getting ready for Christmas, that it makes me laugh looking over these photos from Halloween! I have Christmas Disney pics to share!!! :santa: I want to get those up before Valentines day!! :laughing:

You have to see Nightmare before Christmas! It is so much fun... Makes the HM come alive in a whole new way!!!

How cool! I've never seen the movie either, but I love the overlay - I probably would have ridden over and over again too, just to make sure I didn't miss any details :thumbsup2

Okay people, rent that movie!!! :rotfl: It is kinda silly but so much fun. :upsidedow My boys can sing all the songs... is that a bad thing?? :laughing:

Four times was enough, but I wish we had more time overall in Disneyland!

I remember the first time we rode HM with the layer my younguest was only 6 at the time. We took him kicking and screaming. He did okey wants we were on the ride. Loved it so much he wanted to go again. He looked at r oldest and he was crying. So there wasn't a second time riding.

Hoping when we go again in 2013 during Christmas the boys well go on.

Hi there!!! :wave2:
Mine were a little resistant at first, too, but I managed to keep them distracted a little enough to get excited by what they saw inside, because I think they were so familiar with the characters it made it more fun... but at the beginning that stretching room always makes them a little scared!

Oh I did enjoy my ride!!! I DID I DID I DID!!! What a great ride!!! Thank you so much for taking me with you!!! Oh I am so glad you enjoyed the theming!! It looks like such a fun ride!!!

I am so glad. I had so much fun "bringing" you!! :laughing: It was really really neat!!

I got such a good laugh from those special photos. I'm glad you enjoyed HMH.

Hi! Welcome! I am glad you got a good laugh! That is what I aim for in these TRs! Just fun to share the fun! :goodvibes

Hurray for a great Haunted Mansion post! So, so, so neat! I would love to see it in person one day! I adore the fact that Disneyland's HM looks like an old Southern mansion, and the Nightmare Before Christmas decorations just make it so much better!

I agree, the decorations just make it more "Disney-ish" for us, anyhow. I love the classic, don't get me wrong, but the movie overlay is just another example of the amazing creativity of Disney. And that is what keeps me coming back for more. :goodvibes

Of course the Southern Mansion is right up your alley CP! ;)

MeMom

12-20-2010, 10:54 AM

Happydog

12-21-2010, 07:39 AM

Please forgive me for being a very unthoughtful DIS friend. Everything has been so busy for the last two months that if something is not slapping me right in the face, I pretty much forget it exists. I am so sorry that I was not following along faithfully, but honestly, if it is not on the TR board, I just don't see it. I forgot about Dawn moving over to the Community Board, too, for sooo long!

Oh MeMom don't be silly! I understand COMPLETELY!! I didn't even think twice! I am glad you came back over! Nice to have a little time to DIS, isn't it??!! :goodvibes

I am so thankful for your reminder that you were doing this, because I have spent the last little bit reading it and it was such a nice treat for my first Christmas break day. I love seeing those handsome boys of yours having fun, and it was so neat to see all of the cool things at Disneyland! Everything but that submarine ride, that is. That one gave me a small heart attack, but I recovered to finish up. :)

I am so glad I didn't miss out on this. It is doubtful that I will ever get to Disneyland, but after seeing your pictures, I know now more than ever that I am missing something wonderful.

Oh I am glad you enjoyed the photos! I was thinking all about my DIS friends when I was over there, how it would be fun to share what was different! It was fun. Thanks for the compliments on my guys, I am lucky. Re the submarine, :laughing: You made me laugh with that one! Don't like closed spaces? Or is it the underwater bit? B/C you are not underwater, really... it just looks like it! the boys thought we had gone down into the depth of the ocean... I didn't have the heart to tell them that this was not the case... ;)

Glad you enjoyed the pics! I have a few more then off the WDW for MVMCP!!! :santa:

Happydog

12-22-2010, 06:33 AM

During the afternoon we had a few other areas to explore and so we headed back over to Fantasyland. We didn’t time this well I am afraid! I am not sure how or why we ended up leaving Fantasy land earlier, I think we got disoriented because afterwards I realized that where we had been earlier, with Alice and her rides, one turn had us headed to Toontown the other had us going into the heart of Fantasyland. However we went the way towards Toontown, and so when we finally circle back into Fantasyland, the line for Peter Pan was outrageously long, gee, at least there is something familiar from Disneyland to the MK, -- what IS it about that ride??!!
The line was crazy. So we passed, but just walked around a little... Here is the carousel...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010194.jpg

And the castle from the back side...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010199.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010200.jpg

I think it was here that it dawned on me we just were not going to see everything, and without really having a plan we had just seen bits and pieces. In the end we were fine with that, it was fun to explore, though we knew we were missing a lot. In hindsight, I consider this a scouting mission! I should have studied the park itself more, but I didn't have enough time, or thought it would be easier to get through based on our experience at DCA. So in this case I say you definitely need two days for each park, or at least two for Disneyland, and one for DCA... That is my plan next time.

So among the crowds at Fantasy land we mostly walked around but had our eyes set on one ride they do not have at WDW. Can you guess it?

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010196.jpg

Well what is not to like about a Toad’s wild ride??!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010195.jpg

I didn't take many pics at this point b/c my battery light came on, and I wanted to preserve a little longer until I could buy some.... so here is the statue!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010197.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010198.jpg

For those of you who follow my TRs, we, of course, HAD to try our hand at the sword again... New place and all, who knew? but at it turns out, looks like they use the same “magic” in California…. :laughing: I unfortunately do NOT have my DS8’s attempt – his photo got eaten by my camera chip. But trust me the outcome was the same as this one! Next time, Boys! ;)

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010193.jpg

As I said earlier, the order of events gets a little fuzzy at times, but at some point DH went to get FP’s for the Indiana Jones attraction, so I rode Splash Mountain with the boys… . I didn’t take too many photos because I wasn’t familiar enough with the ride to know if it was okay to keep my camera out and when!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010230.jpg

Critter country was really cute with a Winnie the Pooh ride, etc. in this area.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010229.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010165.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010231.jpg

DH and the boys rode Splash without me when he came back, You can catch a glimpse of them in this picture!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010189.jpg

We ended up back in Frontierland... again, we know what brings boys to Frontierland... the BTMRR and of course the shooting gallery!!! here are a few randoms from that... we rode BTMRR two times -- no line?!

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These guys were hanging around.... :laughing:

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More coming up!!!!

Happydog

12-22-2010, 06:41 AM

Another stop we made was Tarzan’s tree house. Well, DS5 and I went up the tree, and I took some pictures. We were waiting for DH and DS8 to get back from their Indiana Jones adventure, and the two boys went up the tree again on their own. DH and I sat below enjoying the sun and our floats!

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I was really impressed with the views, and didn’t think to take the photos of the Tarzan scenes in the tree :laughing: – which I am assuming used to be the Swiss Family Robinson tree as well, but then was turned into Tarzan? Not sure … It was amazing to see the park from that vantage!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010187.jpg

Our stop at the Tree must have been earlier in the day, because I am pretty sure we went to ride the HM for the last time, and then we made our way to the Blue Bayou for dinner!

Here are a few shots of the area outside the restaurant and our meal… They give these cute paper hats (which also double as the menu...)

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010233.jpg

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This one I took from the boat on our final ride of the evening, Pirates...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010240.jpg

Tonight the park was closing early. They had their MNSSHP that evening, and so after dinner we had just a few minutes to get one more ride in. And that was Pirates…

I thought I took a few photos, but they must not have come out or I didn't upload them... I'll look later. For Pirates, we had a little wait, it wasn’t long, but it was funny because everyone was dressed up and we got a few "Fett" comments! When we came out, it was clear they were gearing up for the party, with the candy stations setting up… it was time for us to slowly make our way back to the resort to get our things and head down to San Diego.
Here are a few shots on our way out. It was a perfect night for trick or treating!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010-day2/Dland2010242.jpg

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Take a look at the crowds coming out the gates now!!

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FINAL Halloween POST next!!!!

Happydog

12-22-2010, 06:47 AM

The resorts had set up their own trick or treating stations and fun, as well. We got back to the Grand Californian just as they gearing up for their fun… including games and a fashion show… so my boys walked the catwalk in half a costume (helmets in the room) but they still gave a great mug for the camera!

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I did get a Photopass pic of each of them which I will share at the end! They are cute, and a nice souvenier!

So then they played some fun games, received candy in the candy bags we were given as resort guests, and then a map, because the three Disney resort hotels were doing the same thing, and so we walked the circuit through the hotels and DTD to get candy. It was fun! The CMs at the other hotels were waiting to give it out, and my kids filled their little bags twice. I was happy because they got their Trick or Treating in!

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Sleepy but content, we all piled into the car, luggage was stowed, and we said goodbye to our whirlwind 48 hours at the Grand Californian!

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I actually bought myself a tile of this tree image, I’ll post that at the end…

I will go back and make sure I didn't miss any fun photos in random order, an will post those and my souveniers last, so look for that post tonight or tomorrow! :thumbsup2

Away we drove, ready for the next installment of our trip! This was just the beginning; we had a fabulous week in San Diego, including trips to the beach and Legoland, to look forward to! Never mind a heat wave which had us pool side the whole time at our resort.. YAY! It was great. I will, however, be adding that trip to my new PTR for our summer fun, which I will probably start after Christmas.

However, I will post my short three day Christmas trip :santa: to Disneyworld in the next couple days, so be on the look out!!!! :magnify:

Thanks for spending Halloween with the Happydog family! :wave2:

reelmom

12-22-2010, 07:08 AM

Wow! You packed so much into 48 hours.

Charleston Princess

12-22-2010, 07:50 AM

You just made my morning by telling me you rode Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! You know that was my absolute FAVORITE ride when I was a kid! I have still not completely forgiven Pooh for taking over that space at the Magic Kingdom. :lmao: I always have to pay my respects to Mr. Toad in the Haunted Mansion graveyard. :laughing:

Love the skeletons in Frontierland -- what a festive bunch of guys. :rotfl:

Great aerial view of the Haunted Mansion from Tarzan's Treehouse. :thumbsup2

So, how was the Blue Bayou??? Do tell!

I am cracking up over the boys on the Halloween catwalk! What fun! :rotfl2:

I was about to fuss at you for not including pics from Legoland, but I guess I can wait until your summer PTR. ;) You know they are going to build one in Orlando that is supposed to open in 2012. I just hope Connor is still into them by then (he will be 13 that year! :eek: Okay, I am putting that in the denial box in my mind. ;)).

Thanks for sharing your great Disneyland trip with us! It's always so much fun reading about the Happydog gang!

2xcited2sleep

12-22-2010, 07:57 AM

Great pictures. It is so fun to get a look at Disneyland and Halloween looks to be the perfect time to visit! I have only been once and didn't get to see nearly everything. I made the mistake of thinking that I was so familiar with the Florida MK that I'd be right at home in DL... but it's so different!

What did you think of Blue Bayou? I didn't get to eat there but would love to for atmosphere alone!

Looking forward to hearing about San Diego, Christmas, your PTR plans and more Happy Dog fun.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas!! :santa:

SoonerGirl

12-22-2010, 09:23 AM

How fun that they had all those games and trick or treat stations set up at the resorts! I am cracking up over the catwalk pics - that is too funny!

The first time we went to DL Justin was 6, I think, and he absolutely LOVED Tarzan's Treehouse. I walked through it with him once, but after that Don & I just stayed at the bottom and waited for him - I bet he went through it 4 times in a row.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your adventures!

DisMomAmy

12-22-2010, 03:48 PM

What a great TR Jennifer!! I got all caught up today & love looking at all of the pictures!! So many similarities & so many differences. We'll have to get out there one of these years... Thanks for sharing! :goodvibes

IluvXU

12-22-2010, 08:57 PM

Loved it loved it loved it. I think your realization that you cannot do it all is what scares me about Disneyland...but boy do I sure want to visit there sometime soon!

MeMom

12-23-2010, 08:39 AM

What a fun (and definitely whirlwind) trip!
So cool for your boys to get to do something like that.
What a neat trick-or-treating experience.

The tile of the GC tree - I bet that is a cool souvenir. I'll be ready to see all the souvenirs. ::yes::

I will be ecstatic for Disney World Christmas pictures. :santa:

Happydog

12-23-2010, 01:06 PM

Wow! You packed so much into 48 hours.

Hi! Yes, we did! Well there was so much more, but we were okay with that. It was fun.

You just made my morning by telling me you rode Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! You know that was my absolute FAVORITE ride when I was a kid! I have still not completely forgiven Pooh for taking over that space at the Magic Kingdom. :lmao: I always have to pay my respects to Mr. Toad in the Haunted Mansion graveyard. :laughing:

That is TOO funny! I know I know I agree, I remember it too, when I was a kid and from the last time I was there -- I never realized that it was at WDW until I remember hearing you lament the fact on one of your PTRs or TRs... So funny! The boys had a hoot riding it, seeing the weasels! They like The Fantastic Mr. Fox so they know about Weasels!

Love the skeletons in Frontierland -- what a festive bunch of guys. :rotfl:

Great aerial view of the Haunted Mansion from Tarzan's Treehouse. :thumbsup2

So, how was the Blue Bayou??? Do tell!

They were very cute, skeletons and all! I think it was homage to Dia de las Muertos! I was expecting them to be animated!!:laughing:

The Blue Bayou was fabulous! I really wish I had a glass of wine to go with my dinner, but it was very good. I think WDW has far better presentation and choices with the restaurants but it is understandable given the size, etc.
I also like tablecloths on the signature restaurants. Blue Bayou is a signature restaurant, at least it is in my eyes and price wise! :eek: But regardless, the atmosphere cannot be beat.

I am cracking up over the boys on the Halloween catwalk! What fun! :rotfl2:

I know! WHO would have know... "work it baby!" :laughing: The photos of the photopass pics tell it all. I'll share those tonight. :thumbsup2

I was about to fuss at you for not including pics from Legoland, but I guess I can wait until your summer PTR. ;) You know they are going to build one in Orlando that is supposed to open in 2012. I just hope Connor is still into them by then (he will be 13 that year! :eek: Okay, I am putting that in the denial box in my mind. ;)).

Thanks for sharing your great Disneyland trip with us! It's always so much fun reading about the Happydog gang!

I love it.... What a Southerism... "fuss at me" :goodvibes I love it! Yes, I know I know, I figured I'd keep the Disneyland adventure a pure Disneyland trip, and that will give me something to share in my PTR... I DID see that they are coming to Orlando! 2012 seems to be the magic year for so much! New Disney upgrades, Universal, and Legoland! I am thinking we'll be up for a trip for certain that summer! Everyone in my family enjoyed Lego Land. You'll see there is fun for everyone, so I bet he'll still enjoy it!

I am glad you enjoyed my whirlwind trip! I love sharing with you all!

Great pictures. It is so fun to get a look at Disneyland and Halloween looks to be the perfect time to visit! I have only been once and didn't get to see nearly everything. I made the mistake of thinking that I was so familiar with the Florida MK that I'd be right at home in DL... but it's so different!

What did you think of Blue Bayou? I didn't get to eat there but would love to for atmosphere alone!

Looking forward to hearing about San Diego, Christmas, your PTR plans and more Happy Dog fun.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas!! :santa:

Oh you are so right! It really is very different than MK, I agree! This may have been some of my challenge, as well. But, no matter it still was a fun time to see what we did.

Blue Bayou didn't disappoint, I enjoyed my food, we all did, but like I mentioned I would have enjoyed a glass of wine, too!

Well my Christmas TR will be up by tomorrow, I want to have it done before the New Year! I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well! :santa:

I'll post more replies and final pics on this TR tonight!

Native NYer

12-23-2010, 03:59 PM

SoonerGirl

12-24-2010, 03:09 PM

Just wanted to pop in here and wish the HD clan a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

DisneyMom14

12-26-2010, 10:15 AM

I'm caught up again! Happy belated birthday and merry Christmas to you guys! Thanks for sharing your trip. I've never been to Disneyland much less at Halloween time so it was awesome to see it! I'll be back to follow the rest of your updates. Hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas!!:santa:

Charleston Princess

12-27-2010, 08:52 AM

Oh, Happydog, you should really link your new Christmas trip report here since your new one is already fabulous!!! :rolleyes1 ;)

Happydog

12-27-2010, 09:36 AM

You did so much in 48 hours!
Your update was a reminder of how much I miss Mr. Toad.
It's so great that the resorts have Halloween activities and trick or treating.

Can't wait for your Christmas update :goodvibes

We did! I have a few more pics and such to share and I will this evening, I should have time!

Christmas is UP! (but you know that... :lmao:)

Just wanted to pop in here and wish the HD clan a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Oh MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours!!!! Come on over! Christmas has started!!! :santa:

I'm caught up again! Happy belated birthday and merry Christmas to you guys! Thanks for sharing your trip. I've never been to Disneyland much less at Halloween time so it was awesome to see it! I'll be back to follow the rest of your updates. Hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas!!:santa:

Thanks for coming over again, and Merry Christmas to you, too!

It is a neat place, so different! Come check out Christmas again, I know you enjoyed it as much as I did last year!!! ;)

Oh, Happydog, you should really link your new Christmas trip report here since your new one is already fabulous!!! :rolleyes1 ;)

CP thanks so much for getting me in gear here!!! :laughing: I will get my last few pics up tonight... the LINK is in my Siggie below for anyone who wants to come over for some belated Christmas cheer.... :santa:

Charleston Princess

12-28-2010, 05:17 AM

I will get my last few pics up tonight... the LINK is in my Siggie below for anyone who wants to come over for some belated Christmas cheer.... :santa:

Oh, yes, we must have the souvenir pictures! :yay:

Happydog

12-29-2010, 08:23 AM

Oh, yes, we must have the souvenir pictures! :yay:

Well, I am afraid it isn't much! But that is becuase we saved our dollars for Legoland!!! And I knew I was going to WDW for the short MVMCP trip, so I was saving my $ for then! :thumbsup2 BUT here we go with the final few pics and post!!!!

Happydog

12-29-2010, 09:20 AM

So on this trip, I really didn't buy too much. In fact, I think knowing I was going to be at Disneyworld shortly after made me realize I could get most of what I would want while I was on that solo trip. So I searched for something "unique" ... her is what I came up with!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_20101228_075917.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_20101228_075951.jpg

The insert describes the tiles, that they are hand pressed, etc., and a little more about the Grand Californian. I thought this was a unique and original gift to take back for myself.

Of course no HD family Disney trip is complete without at least TWO marshmallow sticks... so we got these at the candy store there in DTD...

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These were actually Caramel and Chocolate dipped before they were rolled in Candy corn... they were SO heavy!!! We pull them off the stick and cut them into pieces.. the boys eat them over a few days, too much for one sitting!! :eek:

Of course I hope you recall these winners... thanks to DH... :rolleyes:

Yes, I had to find room in my suitcase for these!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/CA2010/Disney728.jpg

Oh, and my World of Color popcorn bucket that I didn't get to keep... :headache:

ANYWAY, actually, everyone, that is it! We bought more souvies in Legoland for OBVIOUS reasons, and I shopped a little in La Jolla, for non Disney fun!
Wait, can that actually happen??!! :laughing:

I forgot to add this... the Photopass pics of the boys at the "fashion show" :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/mvmcp/mvmcp421.jpg

I will say, of our Starwars costumes, those costumes which were NOT cheap, they were in tatters by the end of the night. :sad2: My kids really wore them!!! Well, mostly the little one, I think he stepped on the fabric and that started it to stretch and fray... My plan is to remove all of the cool foam and molded pieces on the suits, and recraft suits for them, and then attach these pieces back on. I can sew, so making these will be a cinch. If we were going to Star Wars weekends, like SOME PEOPLE I KNOW.... cough cough :rolleyes1 we could wear them, but alas, I will probably just keep this craft project until next time we need starwars costumes!!! :confused3 I think I can retrofit them for next year :thumbsup2 Of course my DH says TRON will be the big costume next year. I don't think the interest will hold, but we will see... :scratchin

So as I said earlier, thanks for being here with me as I celebrated Halloween in Disneyland! :hmghost:

The rest of the FALL FUN vacation for the Happy Dog crew will be shared in my NEW PTR for our CRUISING extravaganza! :yay: Both the getaway cruise in February for DH and I, and our Summer vacation... the 5 day Disney Dream Cruise (2 days Castaway CAY!!!) and five days at Disney's Vero Beach!!! First cruise for our boys!!! And a first stay in Vero for all of us!! :lovestruc I will start it after New Year's ... so be on the lookout :magnify: We have to have something to while away the winter months!!! :laughing: In the mean time, please come over to my Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party Trip Report!!! :santa: It has already started, the link is BELOW in my signature!!!!
Hope you come on over!!! :wave2:

SoonerGirl

12-29-2010, 11:14 AM

Charleston Princess

12-30-2010, 07:42 AM

Great wrap-up, Happydog! The tile is really neat -- did you put it in your kitchen? Those candy corn treats are outrageous!!! Good idea to eat them over a couple of days! The photopass pics are great -- the Fetts on the catwalk! :laughing:

Such a shame about those costumes! Of course, it does seem a shame not to use them again for SWW...:rolleyes1;)

Thanks for sharing your fun Disneyland trip with us! Can't wait to finish reading about the fun you had on the Christmas trip and hear all about your planning for your cruise and Vero stay!

eandesmom

01-02-2011, 06:27 PM

Love the tile! Very very pretty and those fashion show pics are adorable :) I can't wait to read the cruise PTR so will try to keep my eyes peeled for it to start!

Happydog

01-02-2011, 07:21 PM

Oh my gosh, I think one bite of those marshmallow candies would be plenty - that sounds like sugar overload!!

I really like your tile, very unique to your trip, what a great find!

I'm so looking forward to reading about your February cruise - it'll make waiting for mine that much easier!

There was a lot going on in those marshmallow sticks for sure!!! But they were tasty apparently, b/c the guys didn't have trouble eating them :laughing:

I am happy with the tile, too, just something that suits my house. I am looking forward to the February cruise! It should be fun. I have to definitely take lots of pics and notes!!!!

Great wrap-up, Happydog! The tile is really neat -- did you put it in your kitchen? Those candy corn treats are outrageous!!! Good idea to eat them over a couple of days! The photopass pics are great -- the Fetts on the catwalk! :laughing:

Such a shame about those costumes! Of course, it does seem a shame not to use them again for SWW...:rolleyes1;)

Thanks for sharing your fun Disneyland trip with us! Can't wait to finish reading about the fun you had on the Christmas trip and hear all about your planning for your cruise and Vero stay!

I would LOVE to use those costumes again, CP, TRUST me!!! :laughing: HOW soon is the question!!! :laughing: the treats were crazy sweet, really heavy and pure heaven :cloud9: I had a bite, I must confess, and I don't even LIKE candy corn!!! I liked the catwalk pics, too... they made me laugh.. Great embarassment factor for when they are older!! ;)

The tile is actually on a built in bookshelf in my family room, just with a few other little things I have collected around in my travels. It fit nicely there.

The cruise planning is coming along, will start that PTR next weekend! :thumbsup2

Love the tile! Very very pretty and those fashion show pics are adorable :) I can't wait to read the cruise PTR so will try to keep my eyes peeled for it to start!

Yes, well next week I think! I really thought the tile would be something different! glad you have resurfaced!! :laughing: