TR- 10 yrs later, a trip back "home!" pg. 10. Complete w/ final thoughts.

[tofubeast]

Table of Contents:

1. Cast of Characters (scroll down on this post)
2. Background information
3. Couture Mouse Ears
4. Priority Seating and Dining Thoughts
5. Top Ten Reasons...
6. Starting to Plan!
7. What it Looks Like When DIS'rs Pack!
8. Our Arrival to California and Wedding
9. More Wedding Pics
10. Disney Soda Fountain Shop and Hollywood!
11. Candy Cane Inn Review and Disney Outlet
12. Downtown Disney
13. Dinner at Napa Rose Chef's Counter
14. Parks - Day One
15. Parks - Day One (Cont'd)
16. Parks - Day Two (Lily Belle)
17. Parks - Day Two (Ride Evac. on Indy!)
18. Finishing out the Trip

This TR is now complete! YAY!


Howdy, present and future Dis pals! To help contain the excitement I have for our upcoming trip to Disneyland, I decided to start a pre-trip report! Let's start with the basics!

Cast of Characters:

Just the two of us. My fave pic taken last year at WDW.

Elijah, a Viking... I mean my husband. Not a huge Disney freak, but has fun every time we go to WDW. This trip will be his first time going to Disneyland.

Danielle, that's me. Taken at WDW a couple of years ago. I will be the author of this report for you. Hope you enjoy my silliness and nutty travel planning habits. Just bear with me.

Trip Info:

We are actually heading out to CA for a wedding and a baby shower in early August. Two separate bookend events on each weekend we are there. With friends working during the week, and in hopes of having less crowds, we decided to do Disney in the middle of the week. We will be staying at a Good Neighbor hotel. I just could not justify the price of staying at the disney hotels. As Florida residents, we get some great rates at the WDW hotels. When I compared the price difference vs. what you get, I decided to save the money. Plus, with how expensive this trip is getting due to rising costs all around us, it seemed like we didn't have much of a choice anyway!

We are spending 3 nights in the Anaheim area. First day, will be all about exploring the nearby Anaheim area (Garden walk, Downtown Disney etc) and relaxing by the pool. We are also thinking about a special dinner that first night. Days two and three will be spent parkhopping. Check out day might be spent by the pool again.

Why is the Disney portion of this trip so important to me? I grew up in the Los Angeles area, but moved away ten years ago. (More info to follow in the next section: "Background) Disneyland had always been my home park. It holds so many childhood memories, as it does for the billions of people who have been through the gates since the summer of '55. The last time I was there was June of 1998. Back when this travesty premiered:

Sorry, not a big fan of the "refurb", which I still can't believe is now ten years ago! I digress! So the last time I was there, I got to experience Indiana Jones, ride the short lived Rocket Rods, and see the construction of California Adventure. It was also just called Disneyland! There was no Disneyland RESORT. While I have been back to CA since, time has not allowed for a Disney trip. Quite frankly, it is time to go home!

I now live in S. Florida with my husband and dog (having moved here from the Boston area a few years ago.) I have gotten used to the humidity and have traded earthquakes for hurricanes. The beaches are nicer here, so I love that. I also traded home parks, DL for WDW. While I love WDW, don't get me wrong, I think you always hold a special for your home park. I also am an avid nerd about Disney park history (more to come later) and like comparing rides. I can't wait for my DH to see DL for the first time too.

Just for fun, here is our Florida holiday card we sent out this past year. The pics and design of the card was made by us! Look inside the letters.

Ok, I am excited to post my first entry. For now, to hold you over and to give you a sense of my trip report style, I invite you to read my report from our October visit to WDW last fall. Here is the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1628959%22

Coming up, a picture heavy entry of my Background Disneyland history.

 

[tofubeast]

Background:

My parents moved to Cali in the late 60's. I always love hearing stories of their first memories at Disneyland, Knott's and Universal. Recently, my dad dug up old 8mm footage of their first trip to DL back in 1967. While the film is not perfect, due to age etc.., it is still so much fun to see DL back then. Imagine seeing the "new" Tomorrowland, the year of the People Mover and more. So much color and movement. For fun, here is that video for you to view. The blond in the video is my mom. Gotta love the cool 60's fashion!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljRXHtMtFjo

My parents also took my grandma and aunt to DL for the first time back in 1972, before I came into existence. Here are some pics of them by Small World and the old Motor Boats.

So as I said above, I grew up in the Los Angeles area. I have always been a Disney kid! My dream was to be a Mouseketeer. Forget that Princess stuff!

Yes, I am a product of the 70's. That's me in my little Mouseketeer outfit my mom sewed for me. See the Mickey Mouse patch? If only I had my first pair of ears still. Sigh. (More on ears later....)

When growing up in So Cal, Disney can be a big part of your life. Here I am, age 5, at my bday, being rather violent to poor old Mickey!

Aren't I mean? Anyway, I remember going to Disneyland nearly every year or so. First memories include the old Fantasyland with the pirate ship restaurant. and maybe even the old mine train. Here is an early pic of me at DL with some pals.

I also devoted time at other nearby attractions as well. Here's I am with a very well known orca:

Ok, back to DL! Here I am with my friend during Mickey's Month in October 1983. It was my first time seeing the "new" Fantasyland. I have posted these a few times on the Dis, but this is my trip report, so why not post again!?

How I sure miss those old style Mickey balloons!

My friend running me over in the classic Carnation truck!

I posted this recently on the DL boards. I laughed so hard when someone pointed out that the guy waiting in line looks like Borat, and it appears he is without pants on.

Here I am celebrating my 12 b'day at DL. Got to love my 'high fashion' 80's era shirt. Back in the 80's, DL used to sell Navy hats that you could have your name embroidered on. As they did not sell ears that were big enough for adults at the time, these hats were seen all over the park. I sure wish I had mine still. (More on hats later.... I promise.)

I probably went to DL many times during my teen years with friends. What a thrill to be able to explore the park without parents around! One of the biggest highlights of going to a high school in the S. California area (and FL too) is being able to take part in Grad Nite! For me, it was extra exciting because we had just graduated that evening. After getting our diplomas, we were off on a bus headed down to Anaheim. From there, we would have the parks to ourselves (with several other graduates of course) till 5am! Here is a pic from that special night.

So I guess I have sufficiently proven to you how Disneyland has created some nice memories in my life.

Coming up next...trip planning and getting through the next 2 months!

 

[quest4dl]

Thanks for sharing your memories, pics and movies with us! Can't wait for more!

 

[julezdisney]

I'm on board! Hi Danielle !

You are a veteran-I'll be coming along for any tips for my trip in Oct!

 

[tofubeast]

I'm on board! Hi Danielle !

You are a veteran-I'll be coming along for any tips for my trip in Oct!

A veteran...maybe... but DL had changed quite a bit since I was last there. I feel like I am becoming re-introduced to it!!

Thanks for checking out my report so far!

 

[tofubeast]

Hats:

I have always been a Mickey ears girl. I watched the 70's version of the MMC and still love watching old clips of it on you tube. I also watched my mom's MMC (50's era) back when the Disney Channel had shows I used to care about. I also love looking at various old Disney hats on ebay and have decided to start a collection. So far I have two old hats, but I will get more one day. Here is a pic of my collection so far:

Heck, I even liked wearing ears in the virtual world. I was an avid player of Disney's VMK before they shut it down last week. We got to wear some cool hats on there as well. That's me on the right in a room I designed:

Sigh, I sure miss VMK. Anyway, while perusing another Disney related msg board site (don't worry I still think ) I saw a thread about "blinging" out your Mickey ears. People were inspired by these hats that were on sale awhile back.

This one sold online for $1200!

And this sold for $1500!

Since I have some extra time and am super excited about the upcoming trip, I decided to do up my own ears! I purchased some Disneyland ears online and ordered swarovski beads. Here I am putting each flatback crystal on the ears:

It took quite some time, but in the end I put about 500 swarovski crystals on each ear. Good thing I have patience! And here is the final product, as I just completed the hat:

The lighting in the picture is not all that great, but those ears sure do sparkle!! I cannot wait to wear my new hat in the parks. I even found a pin that matches my ears, so of course, I just have to have it for my pin lanyard!

Oh well, just wanted to show you my "couture" ears. I guess I will be skipping the new "design your own ears" store display they have, as I have already done that!!

Coming up next in the Pre-Trip Report, "Where do we make our PS Dining?" Advice welcome!

 

[julezdisney]

Adorable! How many hours did that take? I bet you could make a killing on ebay....

Love it!

 

[tofubeast]

Adorable! How many hours did that take? I bet you could make a killing on ebay....

Love it!

Thanks! It took a few days. I also had to stop and order more swarovski's online because I ran out. I never would have thought I would need over 1,000 of those crystals to do it. I can't even imagine doing the whole hat up like the ones I have posted up above. At first I kind of chuckled when I saw the $1200 price tag, but those crystals are not all that cheap...and the time to do a whole hat...well wow! So I can kind of see why they charged that much, yet I am sure there is still some mark up involved!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Woo! So happy you're coming "home" to Disneyland!

Great pictures! I love looking at old Disneyland pics!

I have the same pic of me with Shamu too!

I have a super old ears hat too. I'm not sure how old it is. But it's fairly old. I know it's not the one my parents bought me when I was a kid because this one doesn't have a name embroidered on the back..

Seriously, you couturing your Mickey ears is an awesome idea. I think I might try it! Seriously, like Julia said, you would make a lot on ebay with that!

Keep it up! I'm in!

 

[kaoden39]

I love the old pictures from Disneyland too. I remember going during those times and I remember the characters looking like they do in your pictures. When we went in 2003 I was shocked because it had been 10 years since I had been there so DCA and DTD were both totally new to me and the surrounding neighborhood had changed so much. Expect big changes to the area.

Michele

 

[tofubeast]

Priority Seating:

It was almost easier choosing places to make our ADR's (WDW speak for PS) at WDW last fall. For all the times I have been to DL years ago, we never made ressies! I don't even think you could, nor would I have ever thought of it. Times have changed. I guess the same was said about WDW not that many years ago, as when I went to EPCOT in the early 90s, we were able to walk right up and eat at Alfredo's (RIP) with a short wait.

So, I recently got Ridemax and have been playing around with the program to help plan out our dining times. While I have not actually test rode the program, so far it seems like it will be a very useful tool. (Yet, another thing I would have never imagine using in the past...had it existed...but now it seems like a must during a summer visit to DLR.)

It look like we finally landed on some dining decisions! We will do a mixture of sit down and counter service meals. I have had fun looking at all the picture of people's meals on this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1253888

Warning! Reviewing that thread will make your stomach grumble, and you just might gain 5 pounds by looking at it!


Day One (Downtown Disney Day):
Napa Rose

DH and I decided to postpone our anniversary dinner and save it for Napa Rose. We have a PS for the Chef's Table! We are super excited to dine here after reading all the great reviews. Plus we love watching Iron Chef, so it will be fun to see the kitchen in action up close.


Day Two (DCA/DL):
Wine Country Trattoria

Read some good reviews and have decided to give it a try for dinner. After our meal, we will secure a good spot for the Electrical Parade. I have not seen this parade since I was young, so I am eager to experience it with DH. Any good places for us to secure a spot?


Day Three (DL):
Blue Bayou

I ate here back in '83, so I think I am do! Cannot wait for DH to see this amazing restaurant. There is nothing like it. Though it does remind me a bit of eating inside the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT....but BB wins! DH is excited about having the Monte Cristo for lunch!

Besides these great meals, we also want to try Mimi's for breakfast after reading some raves on the DIS. And of course, a Tigger Tail and Dole Whip will tide us over while in the park.

Coming up next: Not sure yet! More planning thoughts for sure!

 

[chickyann]

 

[julezdisney]

Great pix! Thanks!

 

[tofubeast]

Reason #457685 why my DH rocks!

Yesterday was my b'day. I think I said up above that DH is not a huge Disney freak. I am the one doing most of the planning because "you do that stuff better, honey." So when I opened one of my presents, I discovered that he got me Disney Dollars. (And I didn't even have to hint about this one, ladies!) So now I have some nice spending money already!

Only problem, those Disney Dollars are so cute, that it almost feels wrong to spend them. I bet Disney hopes people have that attitude!

My DH was definately Prince Charming of the day! I mean year...um..lifetime!

 

[julezdisney]

Dancin' for Dollars!

Uh... wait...

You know what I mean!

 

[tofubeast]

Dancin' for Dollars!

Uh... wait...

You know what I mean!

You better be careful, for one never knows when the Tag Fairy might strike!

 

[julezdisney]

Oh, shist!! No kidding! Oh wait- I WANT the tag fairy! Come and get me you little sucker!

Maybe that's what I should use the little glittery birdhouse my daughter made for- to catch the tag fairy.....

 

[Corryn]

Hats:

just wanted to show you my "couture" ears. I guess I will be skipping the new "design your own ears" store display they have, as I have already done that!!
:

Danielle, those ears are beautiful! and with your allowing me to be a copy cat, I will post a pic when I'm done

 

[kaoden39]

Priority Seating:

It was almost easier choosing places to make our ADR's (WDW speak for PS) at WDW last fall. For all the times I have been to DL years ago, we never made ressies! I don't even think you could, nor would I have ever thought of it. Times have changed. I guess the same was said about WDW not that many years ago, as when I went to EPCOT in the early 90s, we were able to walk right up and eat at Alfredo's (RIP) with a short wait.

So, I recently got Ridemax and have been playing around with the program to help plan out our dining times. While I have not actually test rode the program, so far it seems like it will be a very useful tool. (Yet, another thing I would have never imagine using in the past...had it existed...but now it seems like a must during a summer visit to DLR.)

It look like we finally landed on some dining decisions! We will do a mixture of sit down and counter service meals. I have had fun looking at all the picture of people's meals on this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1253888

Warning! Reviewing that thread will make your stomach grumble, and you just might gain 5 pounds by looking at it!


Day One (Downtown Disney Day):
Napa Rose

DH and I decided to postpone our anniversary dinner and save it for Napa Rose. We have a PS for the Chef's Table! We are super excited to dine here after reading all the great reviews. Plus we love watching Iron Chef, so it will be fun to see the kitchen in action up close.


Day Two (DCA/DL):
Wine Country Trattoria

Read some good reviews and have decided to give it a try for dinner. After our meal, we will secure a good spot for the Electrical Parade. I have not seen this parade since I was young, so I am eager to experience it with DH. Any good places for us to secure a spot?


Day Three (DL):
Blue Bayou

I ate here back in '83, so I think I am do! Cannot wait for DH to see this amazing restaurant. There is nothing like it. Though it does remind me a bit of eating inside the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT....but BB wins! DH is excited about having the Monte Cristo for lunch!

Besides these great meals, we also want to try Mimi's for breakfast after reading some raves on the DIS. And of course, a Tigger Tail and Dole Whip will tide us over while in the park.

Coming up next: Not sure yet! More planning thoughts for sure!

My friends from the Disneyworld side were thrilled by the thought of eating inside of the POTC so they ask that when DH and I do our trip in September we take pictures. I can hardly wait, it hasn't been *** long since we ate there but we have never eaten there alone. You know what I mean? More romantic.

I love your mouse ears and they are original, you will have people stopping you to ask you where you got them. Have a great trip and I look forward to reading your post trip report. And I hope DIsneyland lives up to your memories.

Michele

 

[toocherie]

great report~ can't wait to read the rest!