Disneyland...low on funds high on fun!

[hpfan100]

Hi everyone :wave2:
I just returned from a three day trip to Disneyland:banana::banana:. My goal for this trip was to have tons of fun for very little money. I hadn't been to the land since the 90s when there was no California Adventure. I think it was 1995 to be exact but not positive. I had recently been to the world and was bitten by the Disney bug. :butterflyNow I'm afraid a monster may have been created :hmghost::sulley:and am not sure how I will vacation anywhere but Disney again. :confused3

Cast of characters:

Me!! My name is Amy and I live in the ever hot state of Arizona. Gilbert, Arizona to be exact. I hate it but alas this is where I am stuck until a job far away comes up. I have two spoiled fluffy tabby cats:cat::cat: that keep me happy and down to earth. I teach:teacher: special education and make less money than the 20 year old assistant manager at the gas station hence the low on funds part of the title.

Anyway....back to Disneyland. I was really excited about going and wanted to try to see and do it all in only three days and with a budget of 600 dollars.

Do I? Tune in next time to see:goodvibes

[PrincessMaleficent]

You have my attention!

[skiingfast]

I'm sure you could do it. Once by chance I took my son for three days. We got everyone pays the kids price on tickets. And also along the way I we had a couple with us who payed for half of the gas. We dropped them off in LV. Since the tickets and gas were cheap I went pretty cheap on a hotel. I tried for $700 and left with a couple unbudgeted cheap souvernirs, and spent $750. What really broke the bank was food and snack at $4X7, which I planed for being X2.

Tickets kids 3 days X two was about $320, the biggest expense. Hotel $210. Gas, I guessed $75 three tanks, which it worked out my friend bought two more. So these were more or less fixed assuming my mileage worked out. $605.

Food went for $20 per day, I brought snack and hotel had breakfast, $80. Snacks just under $10. Misselaneous, which could of been souvenirs or another treat $5. $605+ 80+ 10 +5 = $700.

Of course then I spent another $20 less the extra budgeted snack, so extra treats $15. A couple meals where high and some low so the 20/day for food worked out to $25, an extra $20. And then Souvienirs beyond the extra $5 was $15 for a couple small books. Hench $750 when I got back home.


In the end I think I could of done without the snacks but then would of ate more at reagular meals so that wouldn't of helped. But I could of saved on the hotel and walked more. That was a concern before the trip but after I knew I could of done that. Still I couldn't do too much less then this unless I got another deal on tickets. I saved about $20 on the ticket so if I at that I might only be able to get a hotel for $30 less. In the end I see $740 as the likely one child / one adult trip for me. Of course I have to increase that each year for inflation which is really high on park tickets.

[hpfan100]

WOW Skiingfast that is pretty impressive for a family trip. Ticket discounts always help!

[hpfan100]

Well my first major decision when planning this trip was if I was going to fly or drive.

Driving:
Pros- obviously driving is pretty cheap, I have a car and I just get in and go, small car gets good mileage and has a radio that I can turn up loud
Cons- 5 to 6 hours in a car alone, car is brand new and don't want it dented, could make time at disney shorter,

Flying:
pros- fast (only 1 hour from PHX), gives me credit towards a free flight later, free diet coke and peanuts, have drink coupons if I need a stiffer drink
cons- didn't buy early enough for it to be cheap, no car when I get there, 3 oz liquids, security idiots


I was pretty sure I was going to drive and break in that new car until....I found a cheapo air and hotel package through southwest. So after all the deliberations....I flew.:dumbo: southwest not dumbo airlines. :goodvibes


My package deal included two nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Garden Grove and round trip air from PHX to SNA. Total cost after teacher discount was 275! I think that is pretty good.;) Gas would have cost me about 100 dollars and the hotel alone would have been 185 after taxes.


total budget 600
spent so far 275
left to burn 325


and I still need tickets, food, transport from airport and to/from Disneyland

will I make it under budget....tune in next time same bat time, same bat channel :laughing:

[kylie71]

You've got my attention!!
Please come back and update us!:confused3:confused3

[disneymama83]

popcorn::

[where's_my_prince]

i assume from your username your a Harry potter fan?:)

[hpfan100]

You've got my attention!!
Please come back and update us!:confused3:confused3

thanks for tuning in :banana:

popcorn::

hmmmm popcorn :woohoo:

i assume from your username your a Harry potter fan?:)

Potter fan indeed but Disney is good too :wizard:

welcome readers...look for my update sometime soon. It' been crazy busy at work this week. :teacher:

[reyasmommy]

Looking forward to reading more. I need some tips for a cheap disney vacation. I haven't been on the disboards in over a year. Feels good to be back.

[jenniferrose]

I'm reading! Anyone who is a special ed teacher is AMAZING in my eyes! Thank you for doing what you do!

[hpfan100]

Looking forward to reading more. I need some tips for a cheap disney vacation. I haven't been on the disboards in over a year. Feels good to be back.


Welcome back!!! I'm hoping I have some tips you can use. I like saving money...I always feel good about that. :banana::banana:

I'm reading! Anyone who is a special ed teacher is AMAZING in my eyes! Thank you for doing what you do!

AWWWW how sweet :love: It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it. ;)

Update on budget breakdown coming tomorrow...just totaling up my receipts.

[stich626]

Curious as to how the trip went! I am always low on funds so looking foward to see how you did it!

[hpfan100]

Hi everyone...thanks for hanging in there with me. I had parent teacher conferences this week and it was crazy. :teacher::teacher:

So when we left off...I had found my flight and hotel room. I was trying spend only 600 for this trip and I still had 325 left for ground transportation, food , tickets and such. I booked a round trip shared van service via Super Shuttle. With my coupon from Entertainment book I paid just $16! The hotel offered Disney shuttle for $4 each day. So that makes $28 for ground transportation (super shuttle and 3 days for hotel shuttle). I bought my 3 day disney ticket from the disney for 186. No discount there but I had it ahead of time and didn't need to stand in line at Disney.

total so far: 489 that leaves 111 for food and fun

I took $40 cash and a $20 Disney gift card with me. This would be my food budget for the three days.


Well on to the trip report..... :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:


I left my house around 7:00 am :drive: and headed to the airport for my 9:10 am flight to Orange County. I parked and headed to the bus stop. I arrived at the security line to head to gates. I take my shoes off,pull out my quart sized baggy and declare my contact solution to the TSA person. I pass through the metal detector and get ready to grab my gear. Yet the TSA has other plans for me. My suitcase's contents appear strange to the scanners and the next thing I know I'm headed to the special search table. The following conversation occurs:
TSA: do you have any liquids or sharp objects in here?
Me: no
TSA: any liquids in here
Me: no
TSA: cremes, liquids
ME: no with attitude
TSA: how about aerosols?
ME: no
TSA: are you sure?
ME: YES
He digs through my perfectly organized bag and finds nothing but is sure that my banana and granola bar are the culprits of this annoyance. He resends my bag through the scanners sans banana and granola bar and then its fine. After all that I ask what appears to be liquid in bag so I never pack it again. He says must be the banana because fruit can appear liquid on the scanners.
I think WOW this is my tax money hard at work. :laughing: And I'll never pack my banana again...I'll declare it with my contact solution. :banana:

I move to the side and repack and organize my bag and then immediately post some snarky comment about this incident on my facebook page. :laughing:

I board the plane and enjoy my super short flight to Orange County while drinking my free Diet Coke :drinking1and eating my liquid banana. :banana: Get to Orange County and head to the super shuttle counter and get on my van immediately. I'm the first stop and I get to sit up front. :woohoo:

The hotel looks beautiful form the outside and lobby is nice. I try to check in and my room is available at 11:00 am :woohoo::woohoo: I'm feeling good and the TSA twits feel miles away until....the hotel clerk tells me they assigned me a smoking room with two beds. :scared1: :mad: I reserved a king non-smoking room. She proceeds to tell me that type of room would cost me more money. I whine a bit but decide I'll deal with for two nights. I was pretty mad though. I head to my smoking stinky room and get ready to head to the park. I pack my shorts, snacks, water bottle and such in my bag and head out to the shuttle.


Up next my first day at Disney and my first time ever at Disney California Adventure!!!

Will I meet my budget? Will I survive the smoking room? Will I get to ride all the rides? Tune in next time to find out...same bat channel same bat time....

[skiingfast]

What would you do if you spent that $60 on churros all in the first day? Did you have any backup?

I would of been really mad at the Holiday Inn Express. Did you know before that you reserved a smoking room?

[hpfan100]

What would you do if you spent that $60 on churros all in the first day? Did you have any backup?

I would of been really mad at the Holiday Inn Express. Did you know before that you reserved a smoking room?



If I spent my $60 on churros then there was no backup. I had my credit cards and debit for emergency only. The hotel had free breakfast too so i could always nab extra stuff for snacks later.

I didn't reserve a smoking room. I reserved a standard room with king bed and non smoke. They claim that since it was a "standard room" that didn't mean I would get non smoke and king bed. I know there dumb policy now and don't plan to return to a holiday inn express anytime soon.
I'm more of a Hampton Inn kind of girl. ;)

[skiingfast]

I I didn't reserve a smoking room. I reserved a standard room with king bed and non smoke. They claim that since it was a "standard room" that didn't mean I would get non smoke and king bed. I know there dumb policy now and don't plan to return to a holiday inn express anytime soon.
I'm more of a Hampton Inn kind of girl. ;)

You know what is funny, my last stay at a Marriot they did the same thing to me. I thought it particularily funny the a hotel reservation didn't reserve anything.

When I say my last stay at a Marriot I mean it. This wasn't recent. I will never stay at one again.

[hpfan100]

You know what is funny, my last stay at a Marriot they did the same thing to me. I thought it particularily funny the a hotel reservation didn't reserve anything.

When I say my last stay at a Marriot I mean it. This wasn't recent. I will never stay at one again.

totally agree with that sentiment I have such good luck with the hilton family of hotels that I don't know why I even bother trying others.:confused3

[SKWDW]

I'm in! popcorn::

I was inspired by your budget WDW trip planning last month, and did my own budget trip to DLR that same holiday weekend. It will be fun to see how you do on a budget at DLR.

Wow, you're a strong person hpfan100 to withstand a smoking room. I'd rather sleep on a couch in the lobby than put up with smoke. Ugh.

Hopefully you missed out on the rain. It poured during my latest trip last week. By pouring I mean three straight days of torrential rain with a side of thunder and lightning. At least the lines were short!

[ardenandjacksmom]

Can't wait to read how you did at the parks---I'm a Krazy Coupon Lady so whenever I read the words 'on a budget' I start doing a happy dance :woohoo:

The hotel/airfare deal was pretty impressive, would have been even better had they given you your non-smoking room. (I've been 'burned' on this before too, now I print out confirmation emails with all the fine print for just such occasions, I swear sometimes hotels really try to get away with nonsense!!:mad:) I'd say Skiingfast's Marriott experience had to be a WHILE back like he said since they've had 100% non-smoking rooms for a few years now LOL.

Lastly, I just want to say thanks for being a SPED teacher--my DS is on the spectrum, so I'm a fan!:thumbsup2

[TeresaBelle]

Where are you hpfan100?? Please share more! :)

[hpfan100]

Can't wait to read how you did at the parks---I'm a Krazy Coupon Lady so whenever I read the words 'on a budget' I start doing a happy dance :woohoo:

The hotel/airfare deal was pretty impressive, would have been even better had they given you your non-smoking room. (I've been 'burned' on this before too, now I print out confirmation emails with all the fine print for just such occasions, I swear sometimes hotels really try to get away with nonsense!!:mad:) I'd say Skiingfast's Marriott experience had to be a WHILE back like he said since they've had 100% non-smoking rooms for a few years now LOL.

Lastly, I just want to say thanks for being a SPED teacher--my DS is on the spectrum, so I'm a fan!:thumbsup2

I'm slowing turning into a crazy coupon lady so it's nice to know that it works . I hated the smoking room too but I lived. Thanks or the kudos:teacher: It's a tough job but it's something I love so hopefully I can do it for longer. ;)
Where are you hpfan100?? Please share more! :)

sorry been hiding out I guess. Wow i can't believe it took me thsi long to back on here.

[hpfan100]

Riddle me this batman...why does DIS decide to update and shut down the boards right after I type up my review of day 1 at Disney california adventures....arrgggg

I'll try and remember all my witty remarks and type them up tonight after happy hour. :woohoo:

[hpfan100]

ok here we go! :thumbsup2

when we last left off I had just left my stinky hotel room and was ready to head to the land. I hopped on the hotel shuttle and was off! By the time I got to Disney it was probably 12ish and I was hungry. I grabbed my coupon and went to La brea Bakery. I ordered a caprese sandwich, a cookie and a diet coke. Even with my coupon, my bill was 15 dollars :scared1: That was more than my budgeted amount of money but I felt I deserved it. I enhaled my sandwich and downed the coke :drinking1 I saved my cookie for later. Then I was ready to hit the parks.

I went through the turnstiles for my first ever California Adventure. I was hoping to ride all the rides there and see the major sites. Priorities were screamin, mulholland madness, aladdin, soarin and grizzly river.
After entering I headed to the right straight for Soarin. I was anticipating a huge line since in Florida it always had one. I walked right up and got a single pass and was ushered right in. I waited maybe 5 minutes. I was placed in row 1 :woohoo: but sat next to a woman who talked the whole ride :headache: which was annoying. So soarin was that great but I checked it off my mental list. I was feeling hot by this point and decided to switch to shorts and then ride Grizzly River. I got another single pass :banana: and waited about 3 minutes. I rode with two families and it was good times. I got pretty wet but not soaked. I felt refreshed and ready to head towards screamin. On the way I stopped at silly swings, golden zephyr, fun wheel, mulholland madness, and the carousel. I had little waits on all but the fun wheel. I do not reccomend this ride, you wait a long time to get on and the ride is only one time around. lame :sad2: I skipped the jellyfish cuz it looked lame too ;) Then I was ready for it...screamin. I fell in love with Rock n Roller in Florida and was hoping for another love affair :lovestruc I rode it three times using the single pass and liked it. I think this was my favorite ride at the whole park. Certainly one of the few worth repeating. Well after all that screaming I was ready for something more relaxing so I headed to the kiddy rides in bug's land.
I rode all of them with little to no wait and thought they were fun. I also watched Tough to be a Bug :3dglasses which is a show I fell in love with in Florida. It's great in California too. ;)
By this time it was getting late...almost 5:30. So I headed to Tower and got a fastpass and went to see Aladdin. LOVED THIS SHOW!!!!! The genie was so funny I almost cried. this is on my repeat list. THen it was time to ride the tower.
Background info is needed for this one. I have been to Florida twice and never rode Tower...I was too afraid. People said it was nothing but then you would hear the screams :scared1: I was also worried about drops making me sick :sick: I had braved the rockn coaster so I decided this trip I would brave the tower. After aladdin, I gave myself a little pep talk and headed to the terror. I went through the fastpass line was lead into the room for the "pre-ride show". I had heard this was worth seeing even if you didn't ride...but I don't think so. It was pretty lame. Then I got to stand in line for like 15 minutes waiting to get on the elevator. By this point I was sweating, felt sick and had really worked myself up into a panic attack range. Yet I was determined to master my fears and ride this baby. Finally I got on the elevator and rode it. The pre drop scenes were nothing special but added to the anticipation. Then the drops began. They were over before I knew it. Afterwards, I felt pretty silly for being so afraid...the ride really isn't that big of a deal. In fact, I didn't even really like it. So this did not make my repeat list but I tried it and conquered some fear.

After all this build up and let down, I headed to the front to finish off the park. I wanted to see the muppet show but it was closed for Tron stuff. I rode Monsters Inc with no wait. Then I wondered around the animation academy and sorceror's workshop. I watched a few tron performers on the mainstage and laughed. AHHH the glory of the 80s :laughing: By this point it was after 6:30 and I was hungry and tired. I went and picked up some dinner and headed back to my stinky hotel to eat. I got the kids burrito meal for 7.06. THe meal came with a burrito, cup of rice, container of mandarin oranges and a small bottle of water. Yummy!

so total spent for today was just 22.06 not too bad a little higher than I wanted but not bad. Funmeter for today 8/10 rides weren't as good as I had hoped and Toy Story wasn't open :confused3

that leaves me 37.94 left for food for the next two days. Will I make it? Will my fun meter reach a full 10? Tune in next time to find out same bat time same bat channel.

[Dizzy4DL]

Sorry you didn't have a better time in DCA. We enjoyed it so much when we went. And that was in a rain storm! ;)
I wonder if the fact that we have never been to WDW has something to do with it? :confused3

Anyway, I'm enjoying your report very much. I'm a budget traveler myself, my daughter and I went for a grand total of less than $1000 (including airfare) earlier this year. 4 days, 3 nights at the BW Park Place. :cloud9:

[hpfan100]

Sorry you didn't have a better time in DCA. We enjoyed it so much when we went. And that was in a rain storm! ;)
I wonder if the fact that we have never been to WDW has something to do with it? :confused3

Anyway, I'm enjoying your report very much. I'm a budget traveler myself, my daughter and I went for a grand total of less than $1000 (including airfare) earlier this year. 4 days, 3 nights at the BW Park Place. :cloud9:

WOW great budget too. It's nice to see fellow budget spenders out there. I liked DCA but just felt like it didn't have that much to do.

Thanks for tuning in!

[ardenandjacksmom]

hpfan100/Amy--

Glad you made it back to give us your update! We haven't been to DLR/DCA yet, but we're going soon (over Thanksgiving) and we decided to do our park days in the same order as you did them (DCA first, DL second) because especially of the worry that DCA might be a letdown (at least until the construction/rehab is done in 2012) so we wanted to have DL to look forward to.

Was WoC not showing on the night that you were there or did you just decide to skip it? Just curious.

Hopefully day 2 at DL went better for you :cutie:

[skiingfast]

Will you be going back to DCA? I didn't see TSMM on your list?

It's still looking good you got a lot done.

How was the shuttle from the hotel?

[hpfan100]

hpfan100/Amy--

Glad you made it back to give us your update! We haven't been to DLR/DCA yet, but we're going soon (over Thanksgiving) and we decided to do our park days in the same order as you did them (DCA first, DL second) because especially of the worry that DCA might be a letdown (at least until the construction/rehab is done in 2012) so we wanted to have DL to look forward to.

Was WoC not showing on the night that you were there or did you just decide to skip it? Just curious.

Hopefully day 2 at DL went better for you :cutie:

skipped WoC I was so tired by the end of the first day plus I didn't want to be out late...which is silly as the next night I was out until 12. DCA is fun but most of the rides are little kiddy rides that aren't really worth a long wait. I figure if you don't ride everything just the main rides you can be done in a half day.

Will you be going back to DCA? I didn't see TSMM on your list?

It's still looking good you got a lot done.

How was the shuttle from the hotel?

TSMM was closed for refurbs. Major bummer as I could ride that puppy all day. I think I would go back to DCA. I would ride screaming, TSMM, soarin and grizzly again. I would watch muppets, turtle talk and aladdin again too. Overall I think it is a half day park for me. If I ever went with little ones I could spend the whole day there.

[skiingfast]

How was the hotel shuttle? You mentioned it was $4 a day. Who operated it? How often did it run? Was it availabe before and after park hours? How long did the trip take? Was it picking up and dropping off at other hotel?

[hpfan100]

How was the hotel shuttle? You mentioned it was $4 a day. Who operated it? How often did it run? Was it availabe before and after park hours? How long did the trip take? Was it picking up and dropping off at other hotel?

sorry missed telling about this...

shuttle was one if those little van type buses. It was $4 a day for unlimited rides to and from Disney. It was operated by PCA management. It was available before and after park hours. It ran once an hour from the hotel (on the 35) and two times on hour from Disney (on the 20 and 50). Last shuttle would be about an hour after park closing. The trip took about 15 minutes each way. It picked up at the Holiday Inn and the Sheraton only. It dropped off in the white stop zone and then you just walk straight to the gates. Goos deal fro solos and small families but would be too pricy for big groups. Drivers were nice and helpful. They always told the pick up/drop off times. No issues with shuttle at all.

[skiingfast]

sorry missed telling about this...

shuttle was one if those little van type buses. It was $4 a day for unlimited rides to and from Disney. It was operated by PCA management. It was available before and after park hours. It ran once an hour from the hotel (on the 35) and two times on hour from Disney (on the 20 and 50). Last shuttle would be about an hour after park closing. The trip took about 15 minutes each way. It picked up at the Holiday Inn and the Sheraton only. It dropped off in the white stop zone and then you just walk straight to the gates. Goos deal fro solos and small families but would be too pricy for big groups. Drivers were nice and helpful. They always told the pick up/drop off times. No issues with shuttle at all.

Doesn't sound too bad. I'm thinking about staying further away next time so I am curious about getting to and fro.

[jenseib]

joining in too

[hpfan100]

joining in too

welcome :wave2:

[Dina Monster]

Hi AZ friend! I live right outside of Tucson and I used to frequent DL and DCA until after this past July. I think it will be my last trip for a while unless you count the DL 1/2 Marathon, I don't think I'll be ready so I'm going to register for the 5K. It will be a lot of fun! I don't think because I'm so competative I will be able to stop to greet the characters. :P But I think they give you a camera anyway so I'll take snap shots as I go.

I can't wait to read more of you trip!!

[hpfan100]

Hi AZ friend! I live right outside of Tucson and I used to frequent DL and DCA until after this past July. I think it will be my last trip for a while unless you count the DL 1/2 Marathon, I don't think I'll be ready so I'm going to register for the 5K. It will be a lot of fun! I don't think because I'm so competative I will be able to stop to greet the characters. :P But I think they give you a camera anyway so I'll take snap shots as I go.

I can't wait to read more of you trip!!



Hi neighbor :wave2:

WOW they have a 5K...that would be soooo fun. When is that? I might be able to train up for that but full marathon I don't think I could handle.

I need to get my trip report finished....I'm like two months behind :eek: Well at least I'm on winter break now and have some time.

[Dina Monster]

Hi! The 5K is in September just like the 1/2 Marathon. I am not sure which day because details won't be posted until Jan. But I know it is over Labor day weekend which is great since your a teacher you will get it off since it's a Federal Holiday. http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon/ This is the link with as much information as they have so far. I'm going to register as soon as it opens up. :)

[hpfan100]

Hi! The 5K is in September just like the 1/2 Marathon. I am not sure which day because details won't be posted until Jan. But I know it is over Labor day weekend which is great since your a teacher you will get it off since it's a Federal Holiday. http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon/ This is the link with as much information as they have so far. I'm going to register as soon as it opens up. :)

thanks for the link! I'll need to plan on attending that. What a good time that will be exercise and Disney:banana::banana:

[SKWDW]

Hi! The 5K is in September just like the 1/2 Marathon. I am not sure which day because details won't be posted until Jan. But I know it is over Labor day weekend which is great since your a teacher you will get it off since it's a Federal Holiday. http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon/ This is the link with as much information as they have so far. I'm going to register as soon as it opens up. :)

They've published the dates a little early. :banana:

Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend - Save the Dates! Friday, September 2, 2011 – Sunday, September 4, 2011
Labor Day is Monday, September 5th, 2011.

Registration for the 2011 Disneyland® Half Marathon will open January 3, 2011
Chase your Dreams at the Happiest Race on Earth! The course winds through the City of Anaheim, California and the Disneyland® Resort. Run through Sleeping Beauty Castle and high-five your favorite Disney characters along the way. There's a little magic around every corner for the whole family!

Weekend Events will include:
Disneyland® Half Marathon
Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K
Disneyland® Kids' Races
Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon/

I'm planning on doing the 1/2 Marathon as the second half of the Coast to Coast Challenge.

[hpfan100]

sounds so fun to me....I'm trying to get bak into running and fitness and this seems like a good motivator to do that. Running through Sleeping Beauty's castle how cool. :cool2: Too bad you can't run through Pirates pirate:

[hpfan100]

When we last left off over two months ago :scared1::eek: I was sleeping in the stinky room resting up from my day at California Adventure. I had rated that day as a 8/10 on the fun meter and had spent 22.06 out of 60 of my food budget.

So here goes...

I woke up bright and early. I wanted to be at Disney in time for opening. I went down the hall and ate the free breakfast selection (not great but passable for free). I packed up and headed out for the shuttle. I got to Disney just after gate opening which was ok. I walked in and decided to go to the left rather than right. Off to adventureland... I had wore my shorts this day since I got hot the day before in jeans. Boy was it chilly in the morning. I was shaking from cold and kept trying to find patches of sun to stand in. Living in AZ all this time has made em soft :rotfl2: Anyway back to Adventureland
There was a huge group of people walking really fast through adventureland and I was wondering where they were headed and then I saw it...the line at Indy Jones. Well i doubled back and rode Jungle Cruise with no waiting. Love this ride so silly and fun. Not good in the chilly weather and shade in shorts. Then I headed to Indy. I went through the regular line and it wasn't too bad. It takes forever to walk through it but not bad. I wanted to see all the set up and decorations on the way to the ride. This ride has some of the best theming out there. LOVED IT!!!!!:love::love: I rode again this time through the single rider line. LOVED IT AGAIN!!!!:love: fun meter 10/10 :woohoo:

Then I headed to new Orleans Square for 2 must dos. I got a fastpass for Haunted Mansion since the line was insane and then headed to ride pirates. Pirates may be quite possibly the best ride ever at Disney. The theming is awesome and the ride is long and fun and seems to tell a story. I rode this boat 2 times with little waiting. My fastpass wasn't ready so I wondered around shops and was lucky enough to find a crystal piglet figure. 13.95 from budget but worth it. Piglet is my favorite character and finding collectibles is hard work even at Disney. So then I went and rode another amazingly themed ride...Haunted Mansion. Of course it had the holiday overlay and it was great!!!! Fun meter about to explode at this point. I rode this baby 2 times using fastpasses.

Off to Frontierland... rode BTMRR...awesome ride as always. rode the Mark Twain Riverboat and that is not a repeat....boring :guilty: But I tried it and that was the whole point of this trip. I then debated heading to Tom Sawyer Island but couldn't figure out why a solo grown woman would hang out there so I didn't go. ;) Off to Critter Country...grabbed a BTMRR on the way. :cool2:
I rode Splash mountain through the single line with little wait...It was fun! Still not a big fan of drops but I survived. I think I like Jurassic Park at Universal better but Splash is cool too. I didn't get soaked which was good as I didn't need it. Then it was off to ride Pooh. :lmao: That sounds terrible. Had to wait for this one but that's ok. Any chance to see Piglet is worth it. LOVE this ride too!! Probably wouldn't like it so much but I love Piglet and friends. Headed to the Pooh and friends shop hoping for some goodies and I found one!!!!:worship::worship: I bought a pin with Piglet solo on it!!! THat is sooo rare. I couldn't even find one in WDW. SO 9.73 more from my budget. By this point it's almost noon.. and I'm having a great time. If this was the whole park I would have been quite content. I decided to loop back and reride things before heading to the other side. I rode Pirates, Mansion, Indy again. Maybe even two more times. Then I went to BTMRR for fastpass but the ride was closed. :guilty::sad2: Bees were loose and they couldn't let anyone ride. So I bought a Mickey pretzel and relaxed. After pretzel time I headed to Fantasyland hoping for more fun and short waits. I was wrong....the lines were insane. I wasn't willing to wait for any of those rides. SO I did the Sleeping Beauty walk through and that was neat. Then I headed to Tomorrowland thinking there would be no lines there. HA HA HA the lines there were even worse than the ones in Fantasyland. The wait for Space was 2 hours. Buzz was 45 min. I decided this was not cool. i went to get a pass for Space and the return time was midnight. :headache: I wondered around for a while and probably rerode pirates and HM but can't remember. Then I headed back to the hotel to rest. On the way back I figured out why the crowds were so bad this day...it was Columbus Day and all the teenagers from nearby come flocking to Disney. Darn teenagers.

So Disneyland am was a 10/10 on the fun meter possibly 11. But my amp doesn't go to 11. And I had spent 3.75 on pretzel and 23.32 on doodads.


budget so far
25.81/60 on food
23.32 on doodads

So far so good on budget!!!

Tune in next time for an evening at Disneyland also known as thank god I wore pants in the evening. ;)
Will I get to ride Space...is it worth a 2 hour wait? Is Ghost Galaxy as scary as the signs say? Will the second half of Disney be as good as the first?
Tune in next time to find out same bat channel same bat time.

[hpfan100]

here are some photos from my trip

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y378/absolutamy100/HoneyPot.jpg

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y378/absolutamy100/CaptainSparrow.jpg

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y378/absolutamy100/PoohRide.jpg

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y378/absolutamy100/PigletBanner.jpg

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y378/absolutamy100/MickeyPretzel.jpg

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y378/absolutamy100/HMentrance.jpg

[Dizzy4DL]

popcorn:: More! More! I need more budget DL!

:goodvibes

[TheColtonsMom]

popcorn:: More! More! I need more budget DL!

:goodvibes

Ditto! me too we leave day after tomorrow...need budget tips yesterday LOL

[hpfan100]

popcorn:: More! More! I need more budget DL!

:goodvibes

HA HA HA You can never have enough DL. I think next time I go I will pass the annual pass so I go whenever I want too!pirate:

[Dina Monster]

They've published the dates a little early. :banana:

Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend - Save the Dates! Friday, September 2, 2011 – Sunday, September 4, 2011
Labor Day is Monday, September 5th, 2011.

Registration for the 2011 Disneyland® Half Marathon will open January 3, 2011
Chase your Dreams at the Happiest Race on Earth! The course winds through the City of Anaheim, California and the Disneyland® Resort. Run through Sleeping Beauty Castle and high-five your favorite Disney characters along the way. There's a little magic around every corner for the whole family!

Weekend Events will include:
Disneyland® Half Marathon
Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K
Disneyland® Kids' Races
Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon/

I'm planning on doing the 1/2 Marathon as the second half of the Coast to Coast Challenge.

That's for clearing that up. I get four days off during the Labor Day holiday so that's why I said Labor Day weekend. :P I will run the 1/2 Marathon unless something insane happens like getting deployed or having a baby! But even if it rains and a earthquake happens the day before or during the race I will be there!

Good luck with that! I want to run the Full Marathon at DisneyWorld in 2012. I hope I will be in shape enough after the 1/2 to start training for that! Make a TR about your Coast to Coast!!!

Sounds like you had a fun trip so far!

[hpfan100]

Ditto! me too we leave day after tomorrow...need budget tips yesterday LOL

Oh dear...I won;t be done posting everything by then as I leave tomorrow for the Holiday. But have no fear...I know you can do it. The key is to set a budget and stick to it no matter what.
Have a great holiday at Disney!!!:santa:

[hpfan100]

That's for clearing that up. I get four days off during the Labor Day holiday so that's why I said Labor Day weekend. :P I will run the 1/2 Marathon unless something insane happens like getting deployed or having a baby! But even if it rains and a earthquake happens the day before or during the race I will be there!

Good luck with that! I want to run the Full Marathon at DisneyWorld in 2012. I hope I will be in shape enough after the 1/2 to start training for that! Make a TR about your Coast to Coast!!!

Sounds like you had a fun trip so far!

WOW with all of us running these races we'll have to schedule a meet up. I'm not running the coast to coast as my money must shift focus for the first half of 2011. Dental work and dieting BAH!:scared1: But the second half will be full of good times, a week in Orlando for Potter mania, half marathon at DL, wearing a bathing suit to show off my hot bod after all that dieting. :woohoo:

My DL trip was amazing!! I'm still surprised I got to ride so many things and found piglets to take home.

[jenseib]

I love that Mickey shaped pretzel

[hpfan100]

I love that Mickey shaped pretzel

so did I...it actually tasted pretty good and it was super cute. nad for 3.75 a bargain for a soft pretzel that size. :thumbsup2

[dptabrown]

Love your trip account on a budget! Can't wait for more! :)

[hpfan100]

Love your trip account on a budget! Can't wait for more! :)

thanks Theresa....welcome!

[BellaBaby]

Subbing!!:goodvibes

Loving your budget TR...
We are usually WDW lovers, but our vacay budget is alot smaller this year, so I think I have DH agreeing to drive to Cali to get our Disney fix!!;)

[hpfan100]

Well here it is folks 2 months later the second half of my day at Disneyland. Not sure why it keeps taking me 2 months to post updates...need to work on that. SO when we last left off I had spent one day at California Adventure and the morning at Disneyland. After disappointing lines at fantasyland and tomorrowland I headed back to base camp Stinky for some rest. I'm pretty sure I ate up snacks from home and took a nap.

I woke up ready to go! I hopped on the shuttle and headed back to Disneyland. My goal was to see fantasyland and tomorrowland attractions I had missed earlier.

I went to the right this time after entering and headed to tomorrowland. WOW..those darn teenagers were still there. I got in line for space and decided I would wait:rolleyes1. Boy did I...almost 1.5 hours :scared1: I was surounded by college teens from Jersey Shore and the valley. ARGGG...good thing I'd taken a nap or I might have been more cranky. :laughing: Anywho, I finally got on that ride and it was good. Not worth the wait but good none the less. Ghost Galaxy is way creepier than the original. The hand almost got me at the end. LOVED IT:lovestruc I cruised around the TL section stopping at Buzz since everything else was closed or had too long of a wait.
Then I headed to FL....I rode it's a small world just to see if it was as annoying as I remember. It was:laughing: But now that I'm older I think I appreciated the landscaping and such more. Besides this world is way better than the example at WDW. :scared1:Shocking I know. I headed off to the next mountain of my trip, Matterhorn. I rode that one and it was great!!! Fun meter at a 10 for sure now. Totally in love with Disneyland.:cloud9: Would consider moving there if allowed. I decided I was too tired to walk over to New Orleans Square for repeats so I hopped on the train. That was a pretty neat surprise I never knew about the hidden scenes or dinosaurs and such. Very relaxing.
I jumped off at new Orleans Square and used up my fastpass for HM left over from the morning. Also went back for bee free riding in the dark at BTMRR. By this point it was getting crowded since people were watching the fireworks and show. i just kept riding my favorites until hunger took over. I hadn't eaten really much all day- free hotel breakfast, Mickey pretzel and snacks from home. Not good! SO i went to the Royal Street Veranda and got the veggie gumbo bowl. YUMMMY!!! ate it up and then headed back to base camp to rest. Only one day left and I haven't ridden much from fantasyland.

Budget so far:
35.59/60.00 on food
23.32 on doodads


Up next final day at Disneyland....
Will I get to see fantasyland? Will I ride space mountain with less than hour wait? Will I meet my budget this trip? tune in next time to find out...I promise in less than 2 months.

[BellaBaby]

Welcome back!!:goodvibes

[TheColtonsMom]

Welcome back hope you make the not two months from now goal!

[hpfan100]

Welcome back!!:goodvibes

Welcome back hope you make the not two months from now goal!

thanks I'm going to make that goal this time around. Besides I only have one day to post about and the final budget break down.