The DIS Discussion Forums - DISboards.com - Disneyland Trip Reports http://www.disboards.com/ Share about your recent visit to Disneyland here! Disneyland Resort Information en Tue, 21 May 2013 11:12:34 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.disboards.com/images/misc/rss.jpg The DIS Discussion Forums - DISboards.com - Disneyland Trip Reports http://www.disboards.com/ DLH June 1-5! Pre-trip reprt http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3114734&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 06:15:30 GMT This is my first pre-trip/ trip report after being on the boards for 6 years! Players: Me, DS9, DS11 and my mom Later players: DN26 and her BF 26 So this trip was kind of last minute and a little complicated. And yes I am asking my kids out of school for 3 days... Last year they watched... This is my first pre-trip/ trip report after being on the boards for 6 years!
Players:
Me, DS9, DS11 and my mom

Later players:
DN26 and her BF 26

So this trip was kind of last minute and a little complicated.
And yes I am asking my kids out of school for 3 days... Last year they watched movies the last week of school : /
They will be back for the last 2 days of school

My Niece, DN 26 is going To DL with her BF June 5-8 for her BDay and asked if we would like to go...so naturally being a good Disney Geek I couldn't resist! Only thing is we can't go June 6-8 cuz son doesn't want to miss 6th grade graduation festivities etc. and they can't come earlier cuz o f school schedule/ work schedule.

So I called my usual cheap spot and booked a room at BWPPI for $116 per night and was pretty happy with that.. Like being close by.

Looked online for flights and snagged $59 on JetBlue! Yeah!
I love arriving at Long Beach cuz that 1 luggage carousel makes things so easy! Cab ride is same price as SNA and still 20 minutes.

My mom said she wanted to come too but only over the weekend and she REALLY wanted to stay at DLH since her friend just got back and told her how great it s with the new renovations etc. but I refuse to pay $400 per night for any hotel.

Then I got a PIN code from DLR so we booked DLH!!!
Haven't stayed there since 2006 so I had to get acquainted with the new names of the towers..
Called and booked our room with a request for Adventure or Fantasy tower...REALLY don't want Frontier tower..that's the one we were stuck in our first trip and that is a long way with tired cranky kids and no stroller.

Read a few trip reports on here about DLH and decided to spring for a pool cabana for Sunday afternoon.. My mom is not a hot weather girl so that is for the best. Found a short video of the cabana on youtube and sent it to Mom- she is super excited!

Glad I called guest services and asked about it cuz you can book them 60 days ahead of time, would have been a bummer if II waited til check-in and they were all booked.

Booked dining ressie for Sat arrival day at Carnation Cafe... Been craving the loaded baked potato soup.
Sunday we are eating lunch and dinner poolside in our cabana... Shoot,. I'd sleep there all night if they let me.

Sunday night mom leaves for the airport then heading back into the park with my mini me's..

Monday ad Tuesday we will have to ourselves then niece and her BF arrive late Tuesday night..gonna wait for them and ride a few last minute rides together ( they have AP's also) and close down the park.
They are staying offsite so it's gonna be a bummer not being at the same hotel : (

Wednesday we'll celebrate DNs birthday in the park...got to come up with a dining plan cuz Goofys kitchen s booked up and Ariel's doesn't have dinner character meal in early June. Booked House of Blues as a back up but that isn't quite the same.

Wednesday the boys and I need to leave for the airport around 6:30pm to catch our 8:30pm flight home.

So excited! Got my lot of 50 trading pins in the mail!

Also received the battery pack phone case for iPhone- works great! Phone was almost dead, battery pack charged up quickly to 80%! Will be perfect for using wait apps and playing the scavenger hunt in line app!, ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports joeysmommy http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3114734 3,280 miles: A cross-country roadtrip to Disneyland, CA! (NEW! PTR) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3114493&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 19:37:31 GMT
Hello!

& Thank you for joining me in what is going to be a magical and fun filled adventure!

This is my second ever trip report, and I'm so excited to share it. This will be a very special report in that it isn't just a report of my first ever trip to Disneyland, but also a report of the 3,280 mile long journey to get there!

Because WE'RE DRIVING! ALLLLLL the way from Waterford, NY to Tustin, CA!

So come along for the ride!

__when;
MAY 23-JUNE 3


__the cast;


__chapter links;

PRE-TRIPPIN'

The Backstory
A Sudden Change of Plans
Getting My Disney Fix
Birthday Surprises

DAY ONE
]]> Disneyland Trip Reports enchantedrosex http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3114493 <![CDATA[My "ADVENTURES N DISNEYLAND, SO CAL &OTHER ASSORTED STUFF" PRE-TRIPPy REPORT -DEC'14]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3112286&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 04:25:42 GMT Image: http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt165/knewton64/DSCF2832.jpg (http://s608.photobucket.com/user/knewton64/media/DSCF2832.jpg.html) (one of my many Anne Liebovitz prints haning up in my living room):goodvibes Welcome everyone to the continuing adventures of yours truly - Kris -...
(one of my many Anne Liebovitz prints haning up in my living room):goodvibes




Welcome everyone to the continuing adventures of yours truly -
Kris - an unofficial certified fan of all things Disney.:cool2:




I have got a lot of things planned for this upcoming vacation;
from going behind the scenes of DL & DCA via many of their tours, wine tasting out in Temecula as well as DCA, to seeing Universal Studios for the very first time as well.:woohoo:

AND -


ya can't forget a spa retreat @ Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.::yes::
as well as dinner at Carthay Circle and seeing WOC for the first time.:thumbsup2




So stay tuned as things develop as there is more -
yes....


much more to my plans for this adventure.popcorn::
- the fun 'officially' begins December 29th.:santa:
**(and my birthday is December 30th) **




So until next time,




T.T.F.N.:wave2:





"MY VERY 1ST TRIP 2 WDW / DISNEY WONDER" 01-07-09 to 01-15-09 (w/pics & video)
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2062857
MY ADVENTURES by Disney "Spirit of America" Sept 2009 Trip Report (w/pics & video)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread....errerid=208040 ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports knewton64 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3112286 SURPRISE!! We are going to Disneyland!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3111159&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 12:43:36 GMT Hello!! I am so excited to be writing this trip report! This is our first Disneyland Trip and a report is a must!!! Who are we?? Well.....

There is me, Beth (34)-married to Cory and mom to Gabe & Helen! I am an assistant preschool teacher two days a week and a mom 24/7! I LOVE anything Disney!!

My hubby, Cory (35)-married to me:) and dad to Gabe & Helen! He is an engineer and an awesome husband and dad! He likes Disney a lot, just not as much as I do:)

My son, Gabe (8)-great big brother and is REALLY into Star Wars right now. He talks about it and thinks about it 14 hours a day, (the other 10 hours he's sleeping). He also LOVES baseball, playing & watching:)

My daughter, Helen (5)-great little sister and LOVES everything that is Disney Princess! She also started t-ball this year and tries hard to keep up with her brother! She is so excited to start Kindergarten in the Fall!!
Here we are at Christmas, I am sure I have a more recent family picture but we mostly take pictures with our phones so they don't get uploaded as often as I would like.

So, the surprise, well, our California trip is all booked for July 19th-29th and the kids have no idea and won't even find out until the 18th of July! Cory and I have always wanted to surprise them so we are so far able to keep it a secret!!!

I hope you join in for this SURPRISE!!! More to come!:goodvibes ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3111159 <![CDATA[Business Trip to San Diego? I'M GOING TO DIDNEYRAND!!!!!-April 2013 TR*Update 5/19*]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3111012&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 01:22:37 GMT Hello humans!

While I normally post on the Disney World Trip Report forums, this will be my first opportunity to post on the Disneyland TR forum. And I'm super excited!

I'll give you a little background......

I refer to it as "Didneyrand", because that's how I imagine my three year old self probably said it. Go with it folks.....go with it. ;)

How did this trip come about? My work sent me to our corporate offices in San Diego for four days, April 22nd to 26th. And I said to myself....."what self respecting Disney freak would go all the way out to California, be spitting distance from Disneyland, and not go?"

Yeah....NO ONE! I couldn't justify going all the way out there and not going to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Me? I'm Danielle.



That's my goober face. I'm a goober. And easily excited. I am famous on my other TR's for being extremely sarcastic, making really stupid faces, and just being a dork. And I have absolutely no shame about it.

Who came along with me?

My older brother Jason, one of my best friends.



Because that dorky face tells you we're not related AT ALL......

And our beloved Pop. God love him. It's like pulling teeth to get him to look at the camera.



But all in all? We're just a trio of Disney loving dweebs. Come along for the ride, won't you?

]]> Disneyland Trip Reports IheartDDuck http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3111012 <![CDATA[Our Disneyland & GCV TR:or walking in circles for 8 days with AussieKaren.]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3108163&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 05:08:11 GMT http://www.disboards.com/showthread....3062757&page=3 ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports australiankaren http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3108163 Disneyland fanatic for over 50 years calls it quits http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3108057&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 00:23:19 GMT I was born the same year Disneyland was built, 1955. Back then, Walt Disney himself was in charge. Even after his death in 1966, Disneyland continued to be what it always had been, a fun and magical place for families at fair prices. Exactly what Walt himself had in mind when he conceived the... I was born the same year Disneyland was built, 1955. Back then, Walt Disney himself was in charge. Even after his death in 1966, Disneyland continued to be what it always had been, a fun and magical place for families at fair prices. Exactly what Walt himself had in mind when he conceived the idea.

What most people don't realize is that Disney was actually a combination of Walt and his brother Roy. Walt was the dreamer; Roy was the man who helped turn those dreams into reality. You see, bankers and financiers don't like loaning money to dreamers. Dreamers tend to be idealistic, and not focused on maximizing profits. Luckily for Walt, his brother Roy had a talent for convincing the money lenders that Walt's dreams and ideas were worthwhile. Even so, there were many struggles to be overcome during what I would call the true Disney years.

One of Walt's first lessons in business was that profit was of utmost importance; honor and trust were not. Competing companies stole his ideas, his artists, his creations; even his very soul if they could have gotten away with it.

Walt's initial idea for Disneyland was a place where families could go to have fun. His idea started small and eventually grew into Disneyland. Even with the help of his brother Roy, it was a struggle to raise enough funds make Walt's dream a reality. Naysayers thought he was crazy. "A carnival without a ferris wheel and other thrills was sure to flop." "Why waste so much money on a lot of expensive decorations?" What Walt Disney had in mind had never been done before. Disneyland wouldn't even exist if Walt hadn't risked his own money in addition to what bankers were willing to loan on his risky venture. Carnivals were a place to sucker people out of their money. Once inside, the objective was to extract as much extra cash from them as possible. The fun aspect was just a ruse to attract suckers so they could be fleeced inside. Walt wanted none of that for his Disneyland.

People regularly got cheated and gouged at carnivals to increase company profits. But Walt felt doing that diminished the experience for many visitors, especially young families with children. Financiers and accountants tried their best to get Walt to charge inflated prices for food and drink. After all, this was how many carnivals made much of their money. Once inside, the guests became a captive audience. They could be charged almost anything for food and drink, because their only alternative was to be hungry and thirsty. But Walt Disney refused. His philosophy was that families wouldn't have as much fun if they felt they were being taken advantage of. Disneyland would be a place where people would have as much fun as humanly possible, so Walt insisted there would be no price gouging in his land. The financiers and accountants weren't at all happy, but Walt had the final say.

When I grew up and took my own family to Disneyland, Walt's dreams and ideals were still in place although Walt himself was gone. I suspect Walt's surviving brother Roy had a lot to do with maintaining Walt's standards. One of my favorite things to do in Disneyland was to have a big breakfast at the River Belle Terrace in Frontierland. I later learned this was one of Walt's favorite spots, too. He spent many Sunday mornings there, and for good reason. The food was all cooked to order as guests watched. You could order pancakes, waffles, sausage, ham, and eggs cooked however you wanted them. The prices were about the same as at any diner, but diners didn't have the spectacular ambiance as did the River Belle Terrace. My kids had many enjoyable breakfasts there. Sitting outside in the shade eating fresh Mickey Mouse shaped waffles and pancakes covered in strawberries, whipped cream and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Mom and dad could select not only the typical American breakfast, but fresh fruit if they preferred, all at affordable prices.

All that is gone now. Disney is becoming just what Walt didn't want it to be. Outrageous admission prices average people cannot afford. No more food cooked to order, because bulk scrambled eggs made on an assembly line are more profitable. There used to be long lines at the River Belle Terrace, but no more. Who wants to pay more than double the price of a diner for dried out scrambled eggs? Not me. Of course Disneyland didn't stop with the River Belle Terrace. Eventually most of the chefs lost their jobs and food is now produced mainly on assembly lines. Popcorn which used to be reasonably priced now costs between four and eight dollars. Soda pop is now $3.25, or at least it was when I visited last week. It may cost even more by now. I could go on, but you get the idea. Ten years ago I asked at City Hall on Main Street why prices had become so high compared to what they used to be. The answer was brief and blunt, "Disneyland's prices are competitive." Oh Swell! So basically what they're saying is Disneyland is no worse than anywhere else. Maybe that ought to become Disney's Official Slogan, splashed across the screen of all their pretty TV commercials. "Come on in... Disney won't gouge you any worse than our competition."

Although Disneyland is still superior to other Theme Parks IMO, the cost cutting and gouging have ruined the experience for me. Walt was so right. I suppose I should be grateful Michael Eisner isn't in charge anymore, with his cutting costs to the bone. At least the paint isn't peeling quite as much as when he was in charge. But as for me, the unique fun and magic of Disneyland has pretty much disappeared. The Disney Company has taken every opportunity to maximize profits, and I expect cost-cutting and price-gouging will only get worse. Future shows will have no more live actors, because they're more costly. Disney California Adventure's "World of Color" doesn't feature a living soul, yet they charge a premium for up-front seating with cold tasteless food. How long until the live Fantasmic show, with all its real actors, becomes just a memory? They already charge a premium for seating there, too. How long until there's a fee for watching every parade? I don't want to know, because I've had quite enough. Disneyland has lost its special kind of unique magic for me, and it will never come back. I have many fond memories of the past, but that's all they are now, just memories. Walt and Roy are long gone, and so am I. ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports JohnMc http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3108057 After a four year drought, we FINALLY get to go! Last minute trip TR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3107306&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 18:10:58 GMT Hello fellow Disneyland lovers! We just got back at 4am from a glorious week at Disneyland! We'll start with the prologue which includes the cast of characters (6 of us!), the saga of how we haven't been able to go for years, how we bought our AP vouchers LAST YEAR in May, and how we decided to go and packed and left within three hours. Here we goooooooo.......

Me: I'm Kathleen, mom to four, and in love with Disneyland since I first got to go at age 5.

My husband Ron: Grew up in So. Cal. and got to go to DL plenty. The one who suggested in the plane on the way back from our honeymoom (a 9-hour flight which was in decent to LAX) that we spend a few days at Disneyland. And we did!

DS (15): A freshman in high school and too cool for most things. Except for Disneyland.

DD (13): 7th grade, full of joy, and always ready for fun.

DD (5): Last time she went when she was a baby. So we absolutely treated this like it was her first time. And our plan was to try to surprise her!

DS (18 mo's): Taking a toddler to DL is always challenging, but he took it like a champ.


Here's the last time our family was at Disneyland:


We're still just a family of five. DS is still shorter than me. :laughing: And DD #2 is just 17 months old and has no idea what's going on. I can't believe how little they all look and how things have changed so drastically since then! :scared1:


So, how has it been nearly four years since we got to go to Disneyland?! Mostly just a lot of hard luck financially after DH lost his awesome job in the mortgage industry during the housing crash. Also due to trying to have baby #4 which took three pregnancies to actually make happen (you don't want to go to DL when you're pregnant)! But Ron got a great job in Feb of last year and were were done with pregnancies. So we started planning to buy Premium AP's to have a "Year of Disney".

Then how come we weren't able to follow through? Most of that is explained in this sad thread here. That thread also explains how we bought Premium AP vouchers in May of last year (to take advantage of getting them before that huge price increase) and planned to start a "Year of Disney" in October. And then how we didn't get to go in October. And how we didn't get to go by December 31st either to activate them in time to take advantage of the old pricing. And how I asked you DIS'rs advice as to what to do (try to sell them? try to get down there by Dec 31st simply to activate them?) and how I got great advice (and it also maybe shows that I was a little overly-sensitive at that time thinking I was getting flamed when I was in fact, not getting flamed, lol). :blush:

I actually did try to sell them (Craigslist), but was resolved to get somewhere in the middle of what we paid ($500 each) and what they would be worth taking the price increase into consideration ($650) but I didn't get that. So we just held on to them hoping that we'd be able to go soon and be able to afford the total $750 difference ($150 x five AP's!) when we went to activate them. I then called and talked to a CM who said we "might or might not" have to pay the difference when we finally got to go. And based on what I'd read here on the DIS about this predicament, I got the impression it was really up to whatever CM you got as to whether you'd be charged the difference. But you can't go unless you're prepared to include that in the budget since it's a hefty sum and you don't want to get caught not being able to afford that while you're there!

Every now and then I'd check the DIS to see what was up (and to see if ANOTHER price increase would be coming!) but it's hard to visit when there's no chance of going. Then... a situation arose when we could see the light at the end of the tunnel and start planning in earnest again. I started checking out the DIS more often and started planning again. We were trying to find the right balance between actually having enough $$, Ron being able to take the time off work (he got a new job just this March!), choosing days that wouldn't be too hard for the kids to miss school...

We started trying to go in April. But between it not being right for one reason or another (not the least of which was trying to find a hotel room that would fit all of us on such short notice within walking distance; we have little ones and a stroller and need to do the mid-day-break thing on the long days), we couldn't make it happen.

And then the day came. And on that day, Monday April 29th, we decided to go THAT DAY. And I called hotels. And BWPPI had availability on a room that would fit all of us! So I booked it! And I started doing laundry and we entered into a frenzied whirlwind of packing... all while trying to keep it a secret from the 5 yr old.


Coming up next...

Were we able to keep it a secret and surprise the 5 yr old?

Did we get charged the $750 difference when we went to activate our AP's?

What did we think of the BWPPI? (our first time staying there)

What was it like for a PLANNER like me to not get to fully plan before we left?

What did we think of all the differences at DL and DCA since the last time we were there?

Did we get to hit every attraction and see every show on our list? (We spent 6 days in the parks).



That and more when I return. Might be a day or two... there is a LOT of other stuff for me to catch up on since we left in such a rush and didn't know we'd be gone all week! ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports MommyLove http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3107306 <![CDATA[Australia ---> Disneyalnd... MY NOVEMBER DATE WITH DISNEY]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3106519&goto=newpost Sun, 05 May 2013 01:20:26 GMT I thought i would just put up my plans and see if anybody has any tips or ideas about tackling Disneyland and California for the first time. First of all i will be visiting both parks for 3 days from Nov. 20-23 and the 3 people i am going with are over 20. One member is on a GF diet. Im... I thought i would just put up my plans and see if anybody has any tips or ideas about tackling Disneyland and California for the first time.

First of all i will be visiting both parks for 3 days from Nov. 20-23 and the 3 people i am going with are over 20. One member is on a GF diet.

Im hoping that the Christmas decorations will be up although i assume this would mean that the park would be quite full? ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports damooo http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3106519 <![CDATA[Ellie's Trip Report.... July 13th-20th 2013.]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3104474&goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:31:00 GMT Hi, I'm Ellie and this is my trip report. I am hesitant to even start a pre-trip report because so much is up in the air right now and it will be a miracle if everything goes to plan and we get to Disney. This all started before X-mas when my sister and I decided to go on a trip to celebrate her graduating High School and we are both disney fanatics, so of course the choice was natural. Some family friends have graciously arranged for us to stay at the Worldmark Anaheim and we bought our 5 day hopper pass in Feb. We have not booked flights yet and are going to hold off until June for one VERY BIG REASON! In March I ended up in hospital with blood clots in my lungs as a result of my pre-existing condition, a rare vascular syndrome. I still really want to go and I have been cleared for flying but some other complications have put a cloud of doubt over whether or not this trip will get off the ground. Right now it's okay and fingers crossed nothing changes. So send me some pixie dust please pixiedust:

Our dates are July 13th-20th, we'll fly out from Vancouver, take the express bus from LAX, and we will probably spend Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in the park (or some similar plan). Were going to buy the ART shuttle because I wont be able to walk both ways to the park each day and we want to check out the outlet mall near by. Im also going to put in an order at Vons to be delivered to our room since we will have a full kitchen. Well probably take a break most days and either eat lunch or dinner in the park, and have the other 2 meals back at the hotel. We have been to DL twice, once when I was 10, and most recently when I was 15.

The Cast: Me, Ellie (maybe some pictures to follow). I am 20 and an archaeology student here in Vancouver. I love hanging out with friends and my school work and maintaining my health keep me pretty busy. I'm also a foodie that is in the kitchen all the time. I am gluten intolerant, but can have some wheat products in moderation. Therefore I plan on trying the monte cristo :) as my big gluten treat. I will be traveling in the parks in a wheelchair due to my condition but that won't stop me from going on all of the rides, especially TOT and IJ. I will be sad that BTMM will be closed but I love CS too. My favourite DL ride is IJ and in CA my favourite is CS. My favourite character is Eeyore. My least favourite ride is IASW

My sister (her name and picture to follow if she says okay, but for now I'll call her L) L is 18 and finishing high school this year and plans on doing volunteering for the next year while she finds her passion in life but she's leaning towards going into a vet tech program in which case she needs a ton of volunteer hours. (I'm pushing for a job at Disney :rotfl:) L's favourite DL ride by far is Pirates and in CA is GRR but when we were last there she pinky promised me that she would try all of the big rides like TOT. Her favourite character is probably Jack Sparrow. Her least favourite ride is IASW too. ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports Vancouver2Disneyland http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3104474 <![CDATA[Our family's first trip!]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3103471&goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:09:05 GMT Hi everyone :wave2:

This is my very first trip report on the DIS! I've been reading trip reports for a while, hyping myself up for our trip! Now here I am, just over a week post trip! It's funny that we wait so long for our trip and then poof! It's over so soon.

Anyway, time for some introductions :)

This is my DH, Eli, holding our 8 month old son, Parker.


And myself, Elena, with my Disney mini me, our 3yo daughter, Sophie!


I have been do Disneyland many times and have been sorta of...obsessed? lol about Disney for a long time. I told Eli that when we had kids, it would only get worse and it turned out to be true! Sophie is following in mommy's footsteps quite well :goodvibes

I grew up in CA (between Santa Cruz and Monterey) but moved to NV when Eli and I were married just over 4yrs ago. Sadly, that put me further away from Disneyland! My last trip was in 2007. I went twice that year, once in summer and then again in November.

Eli had never been and honestly couldn't care less about Disney related ANYTHING. :scared1:
I convinced him two years ago that we should take a family trip before we had our next baby. In the middle of planning, I became pregnant with Parker so we called off the trip. I was really sad but had a rough pregnancy so I couldn't imagine trying to do the parks like that.

Somehow, I managed to talk him into it once again. I'm just that good! :thumbsup2

Our trip was planned for April 15-18th. I was so excited! ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports sophies*mom http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3103471 The better late than never Trip report...Part 2 of 2 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3102762&goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:10:35 GMT Of course... the first thing one must do upon arrival... obtain beignets from Downtown Disney and consume...



The first night, didn't feel like braving WOC after a long drive...watched from the observation deck of the hotel..




Figures... what I want is always at the other place...


Fawn didn't seem to mind, but #1 really needs to watch her grabby hands..




Teacups with #2

And with #1


Some Carousel fun..



She asked "What happens WHEN I pull the sword out of the stone?" Typical first born, high-A personality... nothing she can't do... the world will bend to her will.



Wonder what we will do when we are out of parents now that we have 3 kids and only 2 of us...




Hanging around in Mickey's garage... that bin of glass up on the shelf looks dangerous..



She tought she was in the hot seat when I asked her what she was going to do when Mickey came home, and she was in his chair.


And the ever present pumpkin...


Saw a lot of this face this weekend any time #1 was not the center of attention and #2 was allowed to be in shot..


Kid has some arms on her (can't believe the shirt still fit her from the previous year)




Trick or treating... it wasn't raining this time


Waiting to meet Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger


Remember that face I mentioned...



Breakfast at Ariel's Grotto the next morning (I was busy looping on single-rider California Screamin')








Deep in the Jungle somewhere...


The whole crew having fun in the jungle (my tenant/friend of the family, Lindsey pictured too)
]]> Disneyland Trip Reports whoever http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3102762 4 Kiwigirls heading to Disneyland! PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3102578&goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:39:46 GMT Hi all! :welcome: Really looking forward to writing my first ever trip report! We are headed to Disneyland in the third week of October and since I am probably more excited than the kids and keep reading these boards every day, I thought I would do a pre-trip report and have an outlet for my... Hi all! :welcome: Really looking forward to writing my first ever trip report!
We are headed to Disneyland in the third week of October and since I am probably more excited than the kids and keep reading these boards every day, I thought I would do a pre-trip report and have an outlet for my planning and scheming!!

So the details so far!

Cast of Characters:
Me - 37yrs old, slightly Disney obsessed, Favourite characters Piglet, Mary Poppins, Minnie Mouse...

DGM - My Mum, 70 yrs old, inspired the Disney obsession! Loves Fantasia and Eeyore, discovered Vinylmations on her most recent trip!

DD - 10 yrs old, My gorgeous girl who is very much a princess and fairies girl. Current favourite princess is Cinderella, although she also likes Aurora, Tinkerbell and a few of the other fairies.

DN - 8 yrs old, my lovely niece, favourite characters are Belle and Pluto


Coming from NZ we don't get to go to Disneyland very often, but have been more times than I thought I ever would!

In 1990 I got to do a 1 day stopover at Disneyland on my way to a Girl Guide (Scout), jamboree in Canada. We stayed at Buena Park, and I visited with the other girls from NZ who were heading over. My parents and younger brother and sister visited at the same time, but I only saw them briefly at the hotel!

1994 I did the typical Kiwi "Big OE" (year or so overseas travel) and worked as a camp counsellor in Florida for the summer. I made a day trip to each of Disney MGM studios and Epcot. And on my way home my Mum met up with me and we did a couple of days at Disneyland at the end of 1994/ beginning of 1995 (can't quite remember!!). Have no idea where we stayed

I actually lived in the US from 1999-2002 but didn't make it to Disney at all in that time! Then in 2008 DD and I were lucky enough to visit for 2 days at Halloween time with DD's grandfather and some of her American cousins. We stayed at the Anaheim Hilton. DD loved it, but the 3 things she really wanted to do weren't open - Sleeping Beauty castle walkthrough was still being refurbished, IASW was down as well, and Pixie Hollow was new and opened about 2 weeks after we were there! So we knew there would have to be another trip at some point.

And in 2011 my Mum took my nephew (then age 9) to Disneyland for a few days at Halloween as well!

So we have all been at least once, except for DN. She is the middle of my sister's 5 children, so it is tricky for them to afford trips like this! Really excited for her to have her first trip!

For the upcoming trip- we are booked to arrive in LAX early morning on a Friday in October and don't leave until late evening the next Thursday. So it feels like this is the first trip where we have a decent amount of time and I have a reasonable say in what we are doing, hence the incessant planning and reading and dreaming!!!:cheer2: ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports Kiwigirls http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3102578 Last AP trip of the year - 4/6 - 4/11 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3099760&goto=newpost Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:38:16 GMT This is my first trip report but there were some awesome experiences so wanted share : 2 adults only trip - no kids 4/6 : Left Bay area by 6am - arrived at DL gates by 11:45am. It seemed quote busy that day as we were parked on the roof of the Minnie portion of the garage..great view though.... This is my first trip report but there were some awesome experiences so wanted share :

2 adults only trip - no kids

4/6 : Left Bay area by 6am - arrived at DL gates by 11:45am.
It seemed quote busy that day as we were parked on the roof of the Minnie portion of the garage..great view though.

We hit up POTC , Haunted Mansion and Indy all within about an hour and a half.

We then headed to Trader Sam's to wait for our local friends to join us.
BEST SPOT EVER. We had missed Trader Sam's on several trips and had regretted it so wanted to make sure we had ample time to relax and enjoy it. We arrived there around 3pm and walked into the indoor bar area. The ambiance was fantastic. Low light but festive - I really felt like I was in another world , it was great. I especially loved their drinks and their BBQ Pulled Pork Flat bread was fantastic ! DH and I devoured that along with about 4 drinks each before our friends arrived fashionably late as usual..lol. All in all - about $120.00 after tip for DH and me..we were VERY happy with our drinks , definitely not watered down and DH is not a fruity drinker and he loved them here !



That night we headed over to Knott's Berry Farm and headed to the Chicken restaurant. Now a little bit of nostalgia here because my late mother grew up around Knott's and though it saddens me it isn't the same now..just knowing I was there experiencing some of the sights , smells and sounds she did..brought me peace and tears even.

The wait wasn't long and I enjoyed reading about the history of Knott's as we waited to be seated. The prices are fantastic - for 16.99 you get a fried chicken dinner with soup and salad - lots of fresh biscuits AND dessert..which the Boysenberry pie was out of this world.
The chicken was hot and fresh , some of the best friend chicken Ive ever had. Not greasy..just juicy and delicious. The mashed potatoes were creamy and the gravy was light and generous and flavorful. We will be back.



We then checked into our hotel at Anaheim Plaza Suites and Hotel. Hearing mixed reviews I was a little nervous but for the rate and little time we planned to be there , I was sure it would be fine. Check in was a breeze and the gentleman helping us was very pleasant. They acknowledged my request for a 2nd floor room facing the fireworks - sadly they were cancelled the nights we were there but it was nice regardless.

The room was clean and simple. Bed was firm but comfy , pillows a little small but nothing worth complaining about. TV is older and not flat screen but had a good choice of channels. AC unit was quiet and had a remote control which I loved ! Blackout curtains were great and kept all light out. There was a nice size balcony with chairs also and we had a great view of Tower of Terror from our room. It was quiet and peaceful and we never heard any outside noise.







It was noticeable busy- busiest day of the trip.

Sunday 4/7

We did AP Early Entry and were in line at the gates bright and early by 6:30am and second in line at our gate. Our friends who are also AP holders joined us and we did all of Fantasy land in about 30 minutes !
Walked onto Peter Pan , Pinocchio , Snow White , Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Dumbo. Dumbo was actually a longer ride because they were waiting for MORE people to line up..:rotfl2:

We grabbed Fast Passes for Space Mountain and then headed over to Adventureland for Indy , POTC , HM and the like. We got a call from another AP friend they were here just as we got off Indy and we just walked around , caught up from the last months and bounced between DCA and DL until the afternoon when we had a large group meeting us for dinner at ESPN zone. Food never fails me and the drinks were especially yummy that night. I had way too many ESPY II's..

After the natives parted ways since they had to work Monday we enjoyed the rest of our night in DL and DTD alone exhausted but determined to stay as long as possible.



Crowds were definitely medium-high. Mostly at midday.

Monday 4/8

This was our first "alone" day for me and DH and we enjoyed this by sleeping in until about 10:30am and just taking our sweet time through the park until our dinner at Steakhouse 55.

We walked into the Disneyland Hotel area where Steakhouse 55 is located and checked in for dinner and sat in the lounge while we waited for our seating. My husband had an Ultimate Long Island which was delicious and packed a punch and I had the Forever Young martini that had hints of blueberry and acai. Both were refreshing and soon we were sat at an intimate table near the back just for two.





We were greeted promptly but not in a rushed manner by a wonderful gentleman by the name of Al who really took great care of us. I ordered a sparkling red wine and my DH enjoyed some beer with his meal.
We were greeted with fresh warm sourdough bread which my DH absolutely loves and felt this was some of the best he had and we live outside of San Fransisco.
DH ordered the prime rib with mashed potatoes and had the 7 onion soup which was finished table side and I the filet Mignon with the au gratin potato stack. The soup was so smooth and savory if we had not been in the restaurant I think DH would have licked the bowl clean.

Our entrees arrived in good timing with the appetizer and our server always maintained contact to ensure our ice water was filled as well as our wine and beer/cocktails replenished.

Both of our meals prepared medium rare were done PERFECTLY. The filet cut through like butter and I had the Steakhouse 55 butter added which added an extra level of creaminess to the cut , the wine paired perfectly also. The sides were much larger than expected in their own "boats" and we could have easily shared the mashed. The mashed were creamy and light and the au gratin stack was cheesy , creamy , flaky and just fantastic.

We had come in with the expectation to must try the 24 layer chocolate cake..we knew by the meal end this was not happening..so I ordered the creme bruelle. I even got my DH to try it..and he hates it usually..he was eating more than me ! Since DH let them know at the reservation we were celebrating an anniversary we did get a taste of the 24 layer chocolate cake in the form of a small portion with Happy Anniversary chocolate added on. It was perfect.



After we basically rolled ourselves out of our seats we stopped in front of the Trader Sams area with the large fireplace and sat down..with a beautiful clear night above and enjoyed the warmth of the fire while listening to some live relaxing music from the Trader Sam's outdoor area.
We then realized our next trip..no matter what..we would be staying at the DLH..and began planning our next trip !

Crowds seemed to be normal to high this day.

Tues 4/9

This was a day I had been long looking forward to : The walk in Walt's footsteps tour. It also happened to be the day a new Main St. window was being dedicated ! I was able to grab some photos and video of the reveal ceremony , talk about good luck !






The tour was awesome and informative and I even got some of my questions answered. Being in Walt's apartment was very humbling and an emotional experience for one such as me who really grew up on the "classic" Disney. It was everything and more.





The rest of the day was spent at DCA until the evening when we headed back to do a few of the rides at night like Story Canal Boats..which was awesome. Our guide was hilarious and could have easily been a JUngle Cruise skipper. DH and I were seated closest to him and I was taking photos and I took one that didn't come out and he was like "Okay..now that was just a total fail..lol" It was hilarious and he kept giving me a hard time about me taking photos and teasing my DH..it was great.



Crowds were much lighter this day.

Wed. 4/10

We started this day at DCA and went straight to RSR single rider..but noticed the normal wide right wasn't being effective so we ducked into Flo's and had breakfast there instead. The bana brioche french toast is AMAZING. We then went to single rider and waited about 20 minutes. I highly recommend it. RSR broke down on us for the first time ever ( we have been on 10 visits and never experienced it) but it was just after DH loaded into a car and I was waiting to board so we were texting to pass the time. It was about a 10 minute wait and we were back to normal.



We did most of DCA/Backlot where we saw Sully ! Well this little girl just HAD to meet Sully so she was chasing after him and tugging at his leg..just like in the movie..It was hilarious..the poor mother was trying to catch her daughter lol..

We then hit up GRR and once on the ride going up I noticed Screamin was...stuck! There was a row of cars stuck on the second hill..at first I thought it was empty but after the ride and walking to LM I noticed people being evacuated off..I snapped a few photos of this..lol.
Ironically DH and I who are both PETRIFIED of heights were planning to ride right after..yeah needless to say we skipped it the rest of our trip lol.



We decided to go back to DL early and spent the day doing Splash and the rest of our favorites. We tried Bengal BBQ for the first time and..I just say..what have we been missing ?? It was delicious.

Thursday we left for the drive back and spent the morning at DCA and grabbed lunch at Pacific Wharf cafe water side..just taking everything in.




Then we did a few rides at DL and as always..doing POTC last.
It was a great trip - very jam packed but worth it.
Until December and Premier Passes..we shall meet again. ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports Astylla http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3099760 <![CDATA["I thought the last visit was a once in a lifetime trip??" COMPLETED 5/6/13]]> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3099492&goto=newpost Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:13:00 GMT Well hello one and all and welcome to my mini trip report :wave2: Image: http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab227/Linda67_photo/file_zps82d6fb7a.jpg (http://s866.photobucket.com/user/Linda67_photo/media/file_zps82d6fb7a.jpg.html) *This is me in case you were wondering!* As is usual in... Well hello one and all and welcome to my mini trip report :wave2:



This is me in case you were wondering!


As is usual in the opening paragraph of many a trip report, I will start by saying that I love reading about everyone else's trips so thought I should repay the DIS font of knowledge with a TR of my own

I'm a UK based Disney-a-holic who has travelled to WDW with my wonderful hubby, many, many times

We are DVC owners and I personally love nothing more than planning our land and sea Disney vacations but there was something missing from my Disney repertoire - I had never been to Disneyland

Flashback to October 2012, I needed to travel to San Francisco for business for a few days and I started to wonder if it would be at all possible to combine this with a bucket list trip to Disneyland :scratchin

After chatting with DH about the possibility of tagging a solo trip on to the end of my business trip, I began to research transportation from San Fran to Anaheim, together with hotel and ticket options

It seemed like too good an opportunity to miss; my company were picking up the cost of my return London flights, so all I needed to do was get a low cost internal flight to John Wayne Airport and head back to London from LAX instead of San Fran at the end of my trip

As is the case for many Disney fans who have only ever experienced WDW, I had longed to see the original park where Walt had walked, but I have to confess that I headed into this first trip thinking it was a "one and done" experience that would simply cross another item from my (very long) travel wish-list before continuing my Disney days back in Orlando

Well, to cut a very long story short, I fell head over heels in love with Disneyland :love:

Literally from the very first second I walked under the railway station and onto Main Street, I was smitten

Nothing had prepared me to feel, love and experience this little piece of California in the way that I did

I went into that first visit with pretty low expectations, I thought I would be underwhelmed, but instead I was mesmerized and captivated by everything I saw :cloud9:

Before I had expereinced the park for myself, the following thoughts were common:

"WDW is bigger, there's more to do, more parks, more attractions more resorts"

"You can do Disneyland in a day for goodness sake!" ........blah blah blah

Now don't get me wrong, I still LOVE Disney World and me and hubby will hopefully continue to vacation there for a very, very long time, but wow, Disneyland is such a special and wonderful place that if every the opportunity arises, I just have to visit!

Fast forward to April 2013 and I was needed in San Fran on business again; mmmm perhaps I could just tag on a couple of extra days ..... hell yeah!! :cool1:

So a quick conversation with hubby, swiftly followed by a slightly longer conversation with my boss :rolleyes: and I was set

4 nights in San Fran, quickly followed by 4 nights at the Disneyland Hotel (April 11th - 15th) ... whoop whoop :cheer2:

Yep, that one and done trip turned into visiting twice in 6 months!

So my DIS buddies, why don't you join me on my little adventure and find out exactly why this little British woman has fallen for the wonder that is Disneyland California quite so badly

End of part one ...... Up next, right, that's the work part of the trip done - now it's time for fun!!!!

Day One - Check In & Disneyland
Day One - Part Two - Disneyland Hotel & Blue Bayou
Day Two - Get Your Motors Running For DCA!
Day Two - Part Two - WCT, Napa Lounge & WoC
Day Three - Dinseyland and a DIS Meet
Day Four - Cultivating The Magic Tour
Day Four - Part Two - All Aboard The Lilly Belle & A Sugar Rush!
Day Four - Part Three - Fantasmic!
Day Five - It's Home Time ]]> Disneyland Trip Reports Linda67 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3099492