Trip report June 19-26. The drive, GAD & LMT vouchers Maynard, kitten, cats WOC twice

[50sjayne]

Got off work at 9pm., left about 10:15 pm from Eugene Oregon. Wasn’t sure if we were going to try to go right into Disneyland the next day or take a rest day and use our GAD vouchers for fast passes instead. It depended on how much sleep we all got on the drive. Husband drove to Ashland then I demanded the wheel. I drove through the Siskiyous which wasn’t bad, it was hard to keep an even speed, as usual for gas conserving reasons but got lucky following someone’s taillights most of the way. I had mapped out all the areas with the cheapest gas stations but was pleasantly surprised that the gps helped us find the am pm’s which were always the cheapest. Husband drove for awhile then I drove through the grapevine. We both got sleep this time and had plenty of coffee thanks to my coordinating efforts to find gas stops with starbucks in the same area.(and a thermos full of said coffee)
So—got to Anaheim about 2 pm, traffic wasn’t bad at all, being Sunday. I had called the hotel on the way in to see if our room was ready (Marriot Anaheim Suites) and it wasn’t so we decided to try for our free day with the GAD passes that day. It was Fathers day—I left it to him to make the final decision. The problem being—we forgot my son’s I’d so we weren’t sure if we could even get in…
Parked in dt Disney knowing we had 3 free hours.
Well they gave son a free ticket, told us we couldn’t upgrade it—that was fine, we already had 5 days from Last Minute Travel so—cool, got our tickets!
Then they processed our 5 day hoppers from LMT, happened in seconds—no problems there.
Then, I had applied for the Disney rewards chase visa just a few weeks ago because we received the $200 offer and Chase told us that at guest relations they could give us a card for that since we wouldn’t get it in time and –boom- in seconds we had our card. I called the # on the card later and had our $200. I swear this all happened in a matter of 10 minutes max.
Went through the gates and headed straight for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln---awesome! Headed up to get Indy fast passes, then went on Pirates. Easy wait. Was walking past Indy and someone said, "look they opened it up again" so I looked over and noticed people stating to clamor towards Indy which had been down apparently and fast talked husband into doing to single rider line. Walked onto ride. Then we went back to the car to go check into room and eat. Husband was irritated at me because we ended up being in Disney an hour more than we planned and he didn't want to pay for parking but it ended up being free anyway. I don't know if that is a Sunday thing or Fathers day or what. Cool though that was the one thing I was worried about actually going into the parks that day with the hotel being so far from the park.
Check in went smoothly, Marriot was nice, although the parking was irritating- the free parking was far from entrances.
We brought all our food but wanted to do something a little special on Fathers Day and husband grew up on Shakey’s. Also didn’t want to unpack much as we were changing hotels the next day.Went to the new Shakeys and Harbor and Katella. I had a $5 off coupon for joining their eclub. Got the deal meal—a big pizza, with jojos and an 8 piece chicken. Granted we were starving but this was amazingly good stuff, and more than we could eat for $25 total.
Went back to park. Husband accidentally scanned our 5 day passes instead of the volunteer one day passes but we got that straightened our immediately. Got more fast passes then, not really clear on this night but walked on pretty much every ride we wanted as we didn’t do fantasmic or the fireworks but we watched them as we were walking. The cheapest passes were blocked that day—really good day. Was walking past the Tiki room and I saw Maynard! I was actually pretty delirious at this point so I ran right up to him, told him he was famous and gave him a big hug. Lol. He didn’t mind. He was a total crack up! That was the first time I had seen him other than the internet. Can’t believe we got so lucky still. Every time we walked by the Tiki room I looked for him but I didn’t see him again. Closed the park.

Mon. Hotel change, unblocked ap’s. Kitten
Not remembering much on Mon right now. We got the Marriot off priceline as we changed our plan to stop on the way down to having a rest day in anaheim. Due to HOJO being sold out when I checked online I just decided to try priceline. I liked it for the price ($43) and it was fun seeing that area and seeing other hotels I have researched but haven’t actually seen. We decided to take it easy that day since we had a free day after all and knew the parks would be very busy that day. I used the Jacuzzi that morning and let them sleep.
Checked in at HOJO and parked there. Room wasn’t ready, but wasn’t expecting it to be so that was fine. Then went to the park. Pretty sure we did Pirates and Haunted mansion. Got Indy fast passes again and every opportunity we had on this trip we acquired fast passes. Every time our window was up anyway. It was definitely busy. We didn’t even bother with CA. Wasn’t feeling up to that battle even though I was dying of curiosity about the fast pass lines for WOC and what the viewing area actually looked like up close.
Went to check in to the room at 4pm. It was really lovely. We splurged for a Disney view room this time since I had the consolation prize from the essay contest I entered—a stay at the HOJO ½ off any time this year…We had a great view of Disney and the water play area which I loved. Had sandwiches and went back to park. We rode space, Indy, Big thunder. With fast passes and I think we watched Fantasmic that night—yeah. I was really looking forward to seeeing the new dragon. OK. I am in love with that dragon....Also the hd was wonderful really wonderful improvements including Ursula's eels!

Found a kitten in the bushes on the way back to the hotel. He/she was in between the bus stop on Harbor and the fence behind the hedges. Bad place for a kitten. I walked back from the room with some roast beef and kitten ate about a ½ pound of it. I wanted to be sure he was one of the Disney ferals and not one someone dumped. He had all the signs of a Disney feral, friendly but you couldn’t touch him but he ate out of my hand with a little coaxing. He wasn’t scared at all—actually very comfortable in his surroundings. I’m a cat person so I did report him to guest services after seeing him there the next day too. We got honorary citizens buttons for doing this and showing them the pictures of where he was. He was still there though I saw him at least once a day, until our last day so I hope they finally got him.

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I was feeding him every day thinking it might keep him out of trouble and I left water. Might have made it harder to trap him though I could have easily got him with a net and a can of tuna! I know they take care of their beasties. I got lots of pictures of cats this trip.
Well, gotta get up early so more tomorrow ;-)

 

[DizNee Luver]

Lots of good stuff in your first 2 days!!! I was surprised to hear that the parks weren't that busy for Father's Day!!~~bonus for you guys!!
The Disney CM's are just the best......cool that you told them about the cat!!

Hoping to see more pics!!!

 

[50sjayne]

Thanks-- I see you're going pretty soon. I remember you went about the same time we did last year ;-)

Tues. Unblocked ap’s, fast pass WOC experiment Captain Eo

Got to park a little after 10 am –no excuse for myself, just staying at the park to midnight and beyond kind of killed our early rising. Decided to try to ride some rides in CA while everyone else was in line for fast pass, husband sort of impulsively decided to try our luck in line—I was way curious so—sure, even though we had the picnics for the next day. Line was snaked in through grizzly wait line, down and up the path, and around the mountain to about the plaza area when we got there. It was still on first show so I thought maybe we’d have a chance for a good section for the second show. Line moved pretty quickly really and most of it was shaded. Got our fast passes for the second show, yellow section. Was really happy with that. Went on fun wheel which said 15 minute wait but was more like 45 minutes. Have no idea why. Got to see the construction on cars land pretty well though from the non swinging gondola and the Ariel ride is just so huge…you don’t realize until you see it. Met the kid and went over to Disneyland.
Was getting fast passes for Big Thunder and saw Farley the Fiddler there so I wanted to stop and watch him. After about a minute my husband realized it was the guy from the Day at Disney vhs the kids wore out watching and he was very thrilled about this. Farley was great—it’s worth stopping by to see him, he’s funny and really a very good fiddler/violinist. Steven (my son) was just as thrilled to see him

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Did our usual stuff, pirates and haunted mansion, big thunder. I think the kid and I went on space, and we did Captain EO. I loved it. I saw it as a teenager when it first came out and this is just so great of them to put this back up. I was as sick of Honey I shrunk the audience as everyone else and this really just is Michael in his prime. Made me a little teary though…
We did Jungle Cruise and Mark Twain in the afternoon hours. It was cool seeing the new stuff on Mark Twain and the ducklings ;-)

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We got a map of the Jungle cruise—very exciting! Went back to the room to eat then I think we split up and headed for WOC about 7. Kid had slept in so he didn’t have a fast pass with us for the show. Got there about 10 after 7 and went right in to the “holding pen” in the grizzly path area.
There were about 30-40 people ahead of us, everyone was sitting down. This was for the 10:15 show. Husband was entertained by a brilliant 3 yr old and his brother (fellow Disney junkies) while I mostly dozed off and on (yeah I laid down lol)

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Were herded into the viewing area about 45 minutes early I think? They kept saying go to your right and I told husband don’t listen to them go to our left. We had great “seats” right behind short people just to the right of the water play area behind the first railing. Not in the soak zone—the rail behind that. It was nice seeing the Mickey fun wheel with it’s colors and patterns and I was happy as I could just sit for hours and watch that. Show was great but I think it was too windy maybe for the best projections that night and the short people we parked ourselves behind kind of p’d me off by trying to film the whole thing and they kept dinking around with the camera back and forth. This was our vantage point for the show.

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Went and used our fast passes for whatever we had left at Disney—oh haha went on splash and got soaked. Husband made me get in front and it was great—have never been in the front before. Of course we are always doing that ride when it’s COLD. I’m sure we watched the fireworks one of these nights—can’t remember when, but loved it and loved Dumbo and Tinkerbelle. This is a pic from before fireworks.

I was so disgusted with the quality of the kodak’s fireworks pics I was very discouraged from taking many more…. Rode Alice and was very excited to find those bathrooms with the Alice theming—never knew those were there. Also “found’ Pixie Hollow, and it was cute—they did have the fountains going and I could see in through cracks what it looked like in the fairy area.

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Oh--I caught Tiana's Jubilee sometime Mon or Tues-- it was very cute--here's a pic:

 

[DizNee Luver]

Oh my daughter will be thrilled to see Tiana....I really hope we can catch the "Jubilee"...do you happen to know if it shows on the daily schedule??? It doesn't show on the disneyland.com entertainment schedule!!

You're brave doing the WoC FP line......I decided not to go that route......didn't want to stand in long lines. We're hoping with the dining package, we'll get a decent spot that the kids will be able to see from.

Aren't the bathrooms by Alice cute!! I think some of the guests thought I was nuts taking pics of the bathroom door!!!

 

[50sjayne]

Tiana is on the schedule. She also comes out just to sign autographs a lot. Yeah I don't think husband really knew what he was getting into...I only went along with it because my inlaws we're getting there the next day and I wanted to be able to tell them what to expect. How was I to know how little they were paying heed to my warnings....
(more on this particular fiasco tomorrow)

P. S. I took a picture of the inside of the Tiki room's bathroom this trip. That's my personal favorite bathroom lol. Lots of mirrors and counter space. Wish I had taken a pic of the alice ones too lol.

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[DizNee Luver]

There's a Tiki room bathroom???

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I love it ~ keep it comin'!

 

[50sjayne]

Well technically inlaws—but they weren’t doing it right.
I fully admit to being a Disney commando type. Disney just isn't a relaxing vacation--it's a war. A fun one, but a battle nonetheless. People not doing it right makes me crazy. But it made me realize if everyone wa "doing it right" it would be a lot less fun for us...
The plan was to meet them in California adventures so I could help them find the line for WOC fast pass and we could do my chase visa meet n greet with my niece who has cerebral palsy while one of them did the line for WOC and got their tickets. OK you have to understand to empathize with me here. I tried desperately to get them to do the picnics, spending hours talking to them trying to explain WOC and it’s issues and how to do the picnic meal all to no avail before we left. My sister in law was convinced she didn’t need a fast pass because of my niece being in a wheel chair. Finally she talked to her travel agent (which ticked me off sorta because I have watched the progress on this show since it’s infancy and knew way more about it than any travel agent…grr. They were at least convinced then they needed fast passes.
Then-- we even did the line for fast passes even though we had picnics for the next day, mostly for them. To see how it worked. We get there, they aren’t there. Call them—they are at Mimis. OK So we decide to get in line for them as it’s about 10 am and the line is long—not half as long as Tues, but still… Finally they get there and brother in law comes to spring me in line and hands me their tickets. Then leaves. I’m like OK. I call husband after the shock wore off and he said—no Jeff was going to have to come stand in line—we already had our tickets and we had been standing in line for them. Also I wanted to go to the Visa meet and greet which only had about a half hour left. So they ended up with yellow, but for the second show of course, they were upset they didn’t get first show (they could have if they had got there early and or picnic lunches)
We did the visa thing—it was really awesome the picture is so cute with chip and dale and sis in law got their own pics with Devon and Chip and Dale—she gave them a big hug and just loved it..

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While they were waiting for me for the meet n greet they watched a little show across from monster inc. it was cute and Devon got her picture taken with Mickey. After we went on Monster Inc which was a 5 minute wait. We then headed over to go on Toy story which was 50 minutes and I guess no handicapped line, not sure about this as I wasn’t there to check it out but I think they checked… last time I know there was. Anyway Brooke and I went on screamin doing the single rider lines, then joined them in line. We first saw my husband and son in line so joined them, then saw everyone else ahead of us so we joined them, then I felt bad because we thought that was the handicapped line but there was no handicapped line…felt like we were cutting—so sorry if we ‘cut’ in front of you. It was awesome as usual.
I did ride screamin one of the days before with single rider line as husband and son will not do it. Funnest roller coaster ever. I opened my eyes this time on the ‘loop’ too first time both times!
We then went over to soarin’ and no handicapped line so I showed them how to do fast passes.? Yes, in the 10 years they have been coming they had never used a fast pass. They caught on quick though I must say and believed me when I said they didn’t have to return when it said. Woo hoo! It’s those small victories.
We rode Grizzly and that was great—it did have the handicapped line and they let us all go in one boat. Minus my husband, son—can’t remember what they were doing…and Mom in law who didn’t want to get wet. Tried to give her mine but no go. Was so worried about not mussing up my hair I didn’t enjoy it as much lol. If I could do it again I wouldn’t have worried so much about keeping my hood up. Then we went to the bug’s life show which we hadn’t ever done (missed it last trip) and that was great! Husband had never seen bugs land so walked him around there just so he could see how cute it was. They wanted to eat so we went over to that cucina something place and they got stuff. We also did the boudin and tortilla tours, mmmmmmmmmmm.
I went and picked up our picnic meals while they were ordering, that was easy as pie and we ate them at the Mexican place. I really liked my asian. The salmon was on top a healthy salad and the dressing was so good. The noodles were good too—the little rice paper wrapped things—eh. The desert was also amazingly good. DH & DS didn’t really like their chicken but ate them. Husband really liked the apple pie. They came with a big bottle of pop or water—was surprised by the size—great value really. We got blue section fp’s. I loved the bags too. I started using one that day to put stuff like souvies and my jacket in.
Went and met up with a DIS wish board lady who had just arrived. We had reservations at Wine Country Trattoria but what I really wanted to do was the wine tasting at the wine bar next door. The earliest she could get there was 4 though and it only went till 4 pm. But… I asked them and that day they said they’d be doing it until 5:30 so score! So we did the port and bleu cheese tasting and it was an insanely great deal the port was absolutely freaking fantastic and you get crackers and amazing bleu cheese and a little side of mango slices like in a jelly (that was also great) for palate cleansers. I got to telling my friend (so fun to meet her) about the kitten and got the cm interested and he gave me seconds on one of the ports lol. We sat at one of the tables after and thought we could watch the parade from there but they chased us out about 15 minutes before. We could have stayed if we ordered something from the wine bar there but I wasn’t thinking right, lol was a little tipsy. So we went down to find a spot. We did find a great spot for the parade right there where it turns and I got lots of pics of the parade. Our husbands and sons joined us—it was a great time.

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I think the family went on Grizzly again when I did the wine tasting which was great—a first for DH and DS and my mom in law went on too using one of our ponchos. It was the only way they could convince her to go and she went on splash too using one.
Pretty sure we went back to the room for awhile then, we did every afternoon except Thursday since it closed early for grad night that night. Got back, spent a little time at Disneyland and scored some fast passes then went back to CA went over to our area a little after 7 pm. First, son and I went on Soarin’ I had a fast pass and I had him do single rider and he beat me on it. Husband won't go on it -he has a weak stomach.
Were about 30 people in again for WOC—no holding area-- pretty much went right in. Decided to try the splash zone as we had ponchos. Were back from that little front area on the path in front of the rail. It was right where the first steps were from that area and there was a pole and a sort of block you can see in the pictures on the other side of the rail. The preshow was wonderful, the puppets are really magnificent. The projections were so much better from our spot this time, we enjoyed it much more. I think it's being on the left though seems the show leans more that way.
There was a family behind us and the lady saw my LGMH’s and asked me if I was a Dis’r. Yay! The first time someone had noticed…we got to talking and I helped her with some stuff, she was just a recent lurker, but it was fun to be able to help someone out. I also helped a lady to get the picnic lunches the first time we stood in line for WOC fastpasses Tuesday. One of her family wasn’t present and it was their only day they could see it so I told her all about the walk up picnics and she went to check it out. Even though they weren’t selling them quite then. The gal I was talking to(who noticed my lmgh's) had done the picnics too and liked it. I let the dad hold his daughter and get in front of me so she could see—they didn’t block my view at all they angle we were at. The mom was tall so she could see.
Was walking out the show looking for our family in the handicapped part of the line, didn’t see them and had husband call them as the line was already a mile long for their show. Of course they were at Mimi’s. Raah. I told my husband they had better get their rears in motion…They ended up getting their after the show had started so the cm’s tried to get them to go to the 11:15 show which they didn’t want to do because the 10:15 show was pushing it for them so they ended up in about as worse a spot as possible in the very back. My niece was able to stand in her wheelchair though to see (she can stand just not for very long and has no balance) so that’s fine. Meanwhile we went back to Disneyland, went on Splash (this was the night we went on splash-I’m getting mixed up) I was SOAKED so I wanted to go back to the room, and they wanted the haunted mansion so I left. The train was delayed so I went back and joined them not telling them the train was broke (so I came across a good guy) and announced I wanted to see the secret pet cemetery. It was a great cm and she showed us the cemetery and we came back the next day for pictures. It was fun to read the tombstones--the kitty one said something like you lived 8 lives then caught a snake and that was your mistake--cracked me up. teh dog one wa funny too.

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Then we headed back to the room I think. Well, ‘nuff for today.
Oh forgot we saw this girl (pic) before kid and I went on soarin’ didn’t have anything to feed her and wanted to get to WOC so didn’t’ spend much time with her, but she was sure cute.

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[lisah0711]

Great TR, Susan! It was a lot of fun doing the wine tasting and meeting the family. Glad to hear that you are home safe. Thanks to you I now have a big old bottle of port to enjoy at home and remind me of our wine tasting!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Sounds like a hectic day trying to keep your plans & the inlaws on task.....lol I'm glad you got to enjoy your wine tasting, WoC, picnics & the rides!!

So where do you do the Visa picture at?? I thought I read it's over by Monster's Inc??

 

[brenda1966]

I've enjoyed your trip report! so frustrating trying to get others to get in gear, be on time! You have the patience of a saint!

So, are people really lining up at 7pm for the 10:15 show?! Oh Dear! That's, so, so early! I guess they have them line up far away so those with FP for the 9pm show can line up closer?! This just sounds like madness. How do you even know where to go?!?!

 

[50sjayne]

Great TR, Susan! It was a lot of fun doing the wine tasting and meeting the family. Glad to hear that you are home safe. Thanks to you I now have a big old bottle of port to enjoy at home and remind me of our wine tasting!

I wish we would have got some pics! I'm watching the port situation at Grocery outlet lol. And thanks again for picking up the tab-- you rock!

Sounds like a hectic day trying to keep your plans & the inlaws on task.....lol I'm glad you got to enjoy your wine tasting, WoC, picnics & the rides!!

So where do you do the Visa picture at?? I thought I read it's over by Monster's Inc??

It's to the right of Monsters-- you go in a little area.

I've enjoyed your trip report! so frustrating trying to get others to get in gear, be on time! You have the patience of a saint!

So, are people really lining up at 7pm for the 10:15 show?! Oh Dear! That's, so, so early! I guess they have them line up far away so those with FP for the 9pm show can line up closer?! This just sounds like madness. How do you even know where to go?!?!

The night we did that was on a Tues. with no ap's blocked so the locals were trying to get in before the great summer blockout I think. When they are blocked I think it will not be so crazy. There's cm's outside grizzly lined up on the path that will direct you.
We did have a great time with them, but it was frustrating knowing there was so much they were missing and they were putting themselves out there at the hottest, busiest times of the day. At least I made sure beforehand they would be there on the least busy days. The worst day they had to contend with was the sunday after we left which was completely unblocked I think.

 

[50sjayne]

Thursday—Magic morning Hungry bear kitties, George Kalogridis(president of Disneyland)

Well, we managed to get to gate about 20 after 7. Of course kitten was there on the way so I had to spend a few minutes feeding him. Headed straight for Peter Pan, only time we rode it. Was kind of disappointed the city lights weren't on. Then matterhorn. Then I went to get fast passes for space and they got in line for autopia, which wasn’t open yet. There was a kid who just could not get the hang of it in front of us so it was slow going until a cm came along and jumped in the car with the boy---good good cm…
Rode monorail. We missed it last time so that was fun. They let us go round trip.
(We’d gone on all the of fantasy land rides except for Peter Pan Sunday night—all walk ons. I love going on those rides at night when it’s cool because they are Warm from the day still. Oh—we did check out the new Geppetto candy store that night and got some stuff with our visa reward points-it is very cute. And we did Sleeping Beauty walk through-- there were absolutely no people around—it was nice.)
We then headed to mainstreet to the Markethouse to get coffee. That was around noon, I think we had secured about 3 sets of fast passes at that point, this was the day we had a Lot of fast passes I think. Decided not to go back to the room that day since the park closed early. The coffee was really good, we sat at one of those little tables next to the place and listened to Goofy showering at the hotel—the conversation was fun! Husband had a cookie that was ok. Saved the receipt and I got a refill later no problems.
Kept playing phone tag with relatives—finally I told them to meet us at the golden Horseshoe for the 3:15 show. I opted out of pirates at one point and was standing at the exit waiting for them and I ‘found’ the entrance to Café Orleans. I was very excited about this as I had heard nothing but good about the Pommes Frites. I liked the chandelier--lol.

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After re-connecting we walked a little ways and the singing pirates were around the seating area for Café Orleans. Watched them until they were done and husband decided they were hungry and wanted to go to the Golden Horseshoe. He took kid there (Steven is autistic there’s nothing he would eat at Café Orleans) and I went to Café Orleans. Man those fries were good. They also gave me ice water with lemon and kept refilling my glass so I filled my water bottle. That was a big bonus in my opinion. Was so full—total was only $5 and I could use my visa rewards….
I think we got Roger Rabbit fp’s. Also Mickey house- it wasn’t too crowded since Mickey wasn’t there. I wanted his pic because note the shirt---

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Small world only had a 10 minute wait so we did that. Can’t remember what else we did, but crowds were pretty good that day. Then Golden Horseshoe. Met up with relatives and they all ate. Husband got the chocolate cake. Of course I was stuffed from the pommes frites still but managed to eat about ½ of the cake. Billies were great as usual. Farley was at the mercantile so my niece was able to meet him. She watches that Day at Disneyland vhs every day so it was special for her. He did Turkey in the straw and his funny jokes.
We went on Splash- got in the handicapped line with them and while waiting they asked if any of us were single riders—so I just did that option. They only let 6 people total go with the wheelchair so husband opted out (he didn’t want to go anyway) and kid joined me in single rider line. Then they called him over to their log after a few minutes—so that was fine. I went on a log with skinny people and didn’t get wet at all until the guy up front started splashing his girlfriend and my ‘friend’ (a little boy I had been talking to) then thought it cool to splash me (lol) Didn’t mind it was a warm day.
I’ve got phone pictures from the rides—have no idea when I’ll get those off camera—I still have pics from last years trip on it… anyway that was fun. Every ride pic of me on splash is the same anyway open mouthed terror. Then we went on Haunted mansion, which was a walk on. Got stuck in the graveyard in front of the singing busts—that was great! We’d also got stuck a different time this trip in front of the ballroom and that was cool too—I got to see the spider they put on the crack in the glass. (because it would cost so much money to repair it) It was kind of weird... we must have done the haunted mansion 10-12 times this trip and we got the same ghosts in our car every time. Every single time we got the tall skinny guy, and son got the short chubby guy.
We went on Indy- they got in the handicapped line and we used our fast passes. Spent some time in the giftshop there as we got out about 15 minutes sooner than they did. Went on Jungle Cruise and got a great cm—we’d gone on before and not had the best….it really just makes the difference y’know. Went to the Tiki room (I love the Tiki room) while we waited I pointed out all the preshow to my niece—that was fun. The Tiki room cm was no Maynard! Aack. It was almost an embarassment.
I think I went on space with my niece then because somehow in our huge stash of fast passes we ended up with an odd number of space fp’s and she was grateful to do that with me as no one else would go on with her (I’m always delighted to go on space) and they went back to eat and call it a night. All of them.
I Gave some fast passes to a young couple I overheard talking about going to try to get some fast passes-- they were really grateful. Went to go to Fantasmic and the fireworks by myself. It was about 7:30 so I went and got my refill at the Markethouse and took it to the light tower where there were a few people already and sat to drink my coffee. Got a spot on the rail to the right of the base of the tower—awesome! They made us stand after awhile (which everyone ignored for about a half hour) and I noticed some security hanging out around the controls and these 2:

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I think this was George Kalogridis and his partner. At first I thought it might have been a brother because they were dressed so similar and looked kind of alike. It was hard to get a picture with my dumb camera because it was having issues with blurring but I got a few halfway decent shots. I didn't even know he was gay until I looked around on the internet a little bit. I think that's totally great--big step for Disney. Because it was a grad night they did the fireworks first, then Fantasmic right after. It was Fantastic. I was truly blown away. It was so pretty seeing the fireworks over the water and with the music….and of course you don’t get a better seat than that, right behind the preferred viewing area for Fantasmic. Want to mention we watched Fantasmic another night from the handicapped area. We were walking by after fireworks I think and it had just started. We noticed a couple standing behind the handicapped area and thought it was a great spot really so stayed. After awhile they opened up that area-- took the ropes down, so I could go up and find a niche when the dragon made her appearance. It was very cool seeeing her closer and from the side like that. She is truly truly magnificent. All that purple glory and fire....
After, I headed straight to guest relations to turn in a lightup bubble gun that someone had left (with the receipt in the bag) on top of a trash can that I had found on the way to Fantasmic, and went to go into CA which was open ‘till 10pm according to the schedule. I just wanted to ride TOT. Well they had the entrance roped off but I talked to a cm and she encouraged me to go around the ropes and check to see if you could go in, and of course you could. Went on TOT—was a 25 minute wait but I had nothing else to do that night lol. There were a billion highschoolers going in the entrance to Disneyland when I was making that treck from the exit of Disneyland around the ropes to CA btw.
I didn’t like glowfest at all-it wasn’t anything special anyway. Spent some time in the giftshop on the way out as it was virtually empty and got my visa meet n greet photo, which I loved. (the chip and dale pic) Spent some time with kitten on the way out, I had no jerky left after feeding the kitties at the Hungry Bear that day so I went to the room, came back and lured him from the part where the busses were unloading over to the safer part of grass between the hedges and the fence with some shrimp. Which of course he wouldn’t eat so I knew he wasn’t hungry lol. Got back to the room finally and sat on the balcony and watched the funwheel and parks with some binocs, glass of wine and snacks. Was interested in what was going on at Disneyland with the grad night going on. If they did fireworks that night for the students, it must have been quite a bit later.
**
Oh—did feed the kitties at Hungry bear that day. Had seen one a few days earlier—this one:

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but had nothing to give her poor thing—she was meowing so pitifully lol. Went back armed with a whole thing of beef jerky which she and the other 2 depleted rather quickly. Well I gave the kitten some too earlier.

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This was back past the bathrooms underneath on the water side up that path. The last kitty in the pics was gorgeous but wouldn't come too close.
We also checked out the path where you can see people getting wet on that last drop for splash and it comes out right by the Columbia.

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At some point during our trip I had a tigger tail (very good) and a bacon wrapped asparagus I forgot to mention... both pretty good. I had higher expectations for the asparagus I guess. Some guy did sing me a song there lol though so that was kind of fun ha. That was another time I opted out of pirates—don’t get me wrong I love pirates but husband does it to the ground.
I'm not quite sure when this pictures happened:

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[Tikestoublie]

Loving you trip report. Sounds like you had a fantastic time, with a few family exceptions. Know how that one goes...but least you still had fun.

Looking at all the pictures of the kitties is killing me. I can see it now - with all the wonders of Disney but DD instead will spend her vacation hunting kitties and wanting to rescue them all. Does sound like Disney does put some effort into taking care of them though, which is great to hear. And would think with all the people that they should be well fed.

Can't wait to read more. Need something to keep me busy till we leave.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Isn't Cafe Orleans' good.....absolutely love this restaurant!! More great pics & report. Sounds like the crowds were pretty light & you were able to get a lot of rides done....awesome!

 

[50sjayne]

Loving you trip report. Sounds like you had a fantastic time, with a few family exceptions. Know how that one goes...but least you still had fun.

Looking at all the pictures of the kitties is killing me. I can see it now - with all the wonders of Disney but DD instead will spend her vacation hunting kitties and wanting to rescue them all. Does sound like Disney does put some effort into taking care of them though, which is great to hear. And would think with all the people that they should be well fed.

Can't wait to read more. Need something to keep me busy till we leave.

Yeah--I knew where to look because of the DIS boards but still, every time we were on the train (which we were on a lot btw) I was just looking for kitties lol. Seems you can always find them at the Hungry Bear, (they should rename this the Hungry Kitty) begging at tables or around the back and underneath there. Husband said he talked to a cm about them and she said they all have their areas they like to hang out in and the cm's really spoil them and they get fed and petted a lot! I wish I'd asked about who does the trapping and spay/neuter at guest realations but we were in a hurry as usual and I didn't want to take up more time from them than I had to.
Also the LMGH's. I had to stop myself from constantly looking for the lime green mickey heads because I wasn't looking at Disneyland.
After awhile I regulated to just looking at people in line for them, eventually I gave up.

Isn't Cafe Orleans' good.....absolutely love this restaurant!! More great pics & report. Sounds like the crowds were pretty light & you were able to get a lot of rides done....awesome!

Even with the crowds so bad Mon & Tues. We did very well with rides. Tues I think I was getting a little annoyed with the sheer volume of people. There was once instance where I had gone to get Roger Rabbit fast passes while DH and kid went to wait for the train and when I got back to the train a family which included some teenage girls wouldn't let me by them to join husband lol. They said there wasn't any room and there was plenty of room so I just kind of hopped and skipped by them...There was a guy coming out of Fantasmic post show rapids who ran into my husband full speed with a stroller--husband didn't mind but the little girl in there looked annoyed at Dad. Disney really knows how to control the masses though I will say-- I saw so many characters out this trip, and lots of street entertainment. Coke corner had a guy playing the piano there that was wonderful. The pirate guys were a lot of fun too, wish I'd got a pic of them. They had some women fans who knew all the words to their songs and who chased after them when they were done lol.
Yeah I wish I'd gone back to get the beignets, I know husband would have liked just about everything on the menu.

 

[50sjayne]

Friday—last day, and Sat—drive home
Got up and headed out by myself as no one else was up got waylaid a bit by kitten, (!) but managed to get there a little before rope drop. BTW kitten wasn't there when we walked back for afternoon break or when we walked back to the room that night.
Headed straight up to matterhorn, kind of took a wrong turn—really rely on husbands map skills…but only had a 10 minute wait for Matterhorn which I only got to ride twice the whole trip due to lines wrapped around it. Then headed to Space where I was only going to get a fast pass but it was a 25 minute wait so I went too—thinking of hydroguy as I made my decision. I’m glad I went—I love Space.
Met up with husband and kid, pretty sure they got fast passes for Buzz since I got one for space. We went on pirates and haunted mansion, then went to look at the island. We hadn’t been there for at least 10 years so it was nice to see the remake. We liked the stuff in the caves..We spent some time in shops that day using up our $200 points rewards in the afternoon. Saw Mickey and Minnie dancing in that area when you first come out of the tunnel.
I know we met up with family at 3:15 to see Aladdin. Got there about 3pm or a little after, split up as they had the preferred seating. Found them as we went in and sat directly behind them. Was fun seeing the show from ground level—never had done that before. Genie was very funny as usual. Was falling asleep during the show though.
After it was over sis in law asked me if I could go on TOT with niece and I said no- we’d been planning to go back to the room after that. Felt bad but going to TOT at 4pm on a hot afternoon with no fast pass seemed brutal to me and I was tired. Came back and I wanted to check out World of Disney because I hadn’t found any shirts I liked yet. Found a cute Minnie one, accidentally put it on the wrong card (I still had $141 left on my points card at this point) and they fixed it relatively quickly. Kid had called and we went to meet him at gate. My plan was to go on the monorail one more time from dt Disney but husband wanted to meet up with kid and go on the train. So that was ok, checked the train map and saw it was in Tomorrowland. Waited. Waited some more. More. The parade was going on- so I figured it had something to do with that. Uh huh. Do not attempt train travel when the parade is going on. It crosses the tracks twice. After finally boarding we stopped again in Toon Town and after waiting a bit cm over heard us talking and told us we could get off if we wanted too there because it would be awhile as the parade was crossing the tracks again…can’t remember what we did then. I think I went to get another fast pass for Space so kid and I could ride it but fast pass was out for the day.
Went to use the bathroom and found a fast pass sitting kind of crumpled on a bench-(score). Someone thought it had expired I'm sure. Found one like that last time too. We rode space, and then buzz I think. We went on Roger Rabbit at least once this trip, maybe it was this day. I know we went on big thunder probably twice a day each day. At some point I went to the handicapped area for Fantasmic to wait for family. Called them—they were at dinner…stood and waited for them outside roped off area for about a half hour. I told cm’s my party was coming. They finally showed up maybe 10 minutes before the show started. I’m glad they got to see it once anyway. Because they were so late we ended up pretty far to the right so they couldn’t see Pinocchio, and the eels weren’t present that night (bummer) but it was nice seeing the dragon from that angle. They said they were going to try the next night. We were actually talking to them while we were driving, intermittently during our drive home and sis in lasw said about 5m they were going to go try to see World of Color again. I asked husband calmly if they had fast passes...lol of course not so we advised them to "try" for Fantasmic instead. Of course the handicapped area was full by the time they got there so they didn't go. Sigh...........
I think we went on Big thunder and Indi after that –not sure, but that was our last night.
Packed a few things, husband took a few things to car and crashed.
This was taken on the back path that comes out by princess fantasy fair

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It’s a good thing I didn’t decide to try and take the Disney kitten because these were waiting for me in our receiving area at work…starving abandoned/dumped mama and her kittens. One of my co-workers took 2—pretty sure these 2 and mama are mine now although I’m trying….(Umm-- named them)
this is Sally (Nightmare Before Christmas)

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Cleo. (mama kitty)Just because she is so sweet and pretty. Gepetto's cleo y'know.

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And Figaro

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The drive home Saturday went pretty well, I think we left around 11 am (because we had to join family for breakfast at Mimi's before we left even though they knew I had to work early Sunday) and got home about 2 am. Was really tired though lol—slept a lot! So I was somewhat lucid for work.
Ate at an Inn & Out, (finally) right there in cow country—great hamburgers lol.
Right before the siskious we stopped at a rest stop and you have a breathtaking view of the river there—really pretty. Didn’t think to dig out camera.
Ordered a usb cord for my phone's camera so should be able to shanghai some pics from it soon-- really wish I'd taken more pics this trip...

*Sally--later turned into Wall E. Lol.

 

[DizNee Luver]

All in all, it sounds like a great trip!! Family, food, rides, entertainment & kitties!! Got it all covered!! Score on the FP!! It amazes me that people still don't know how to use them!!

Thanx for sharing your adventure with us!!!

 

[50sjayne]

I'm gonna come check out your pre trippie,--gettin' closer to the date! We live through you guys so take lots of pics!
It was a killer trip really-- and having the family was kind of like---wife swap I guess. I think they learned some stuff from us and they helped me relax some and go with the flow. Didn't ride Dumbo or Casey and could have used a few more rides on matterhorn and TOT but all in all success. I don't think we'll ever go again during the busy season however--at least not when the ap's are unblocked, it's too much. BUT will consider maybe times that are a little warmer then when we have gone before. I did enjoy not freezing my rear end at the end of the night and getting wet on the water rides.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm gonna come check out your pre trippie,--gettin' closer to the date! We live through you guys so take lots of pics!
It was a killer trip really-- and having the family was kind of like---wife swap I guess. I think they learned some stuff from us and they helped me relax some and go with the flow. Didn't ride Dumbo or Casey and could have used a few more rides on matterhorn and TOT but all in all success. I don't think we'll ever go again during the busy season however--at least not when the ap's are unblocked, it's too much. BUT will consider maybe times that are a little warmer then when we have gone before. I did enjoy not freezing my rear end at the end of the night and getting wet on the water rides.

You know me.....I take tons of pics!!

We've gone spring break the last 2 trips but decided to give the summer a go again. What I really want to do is go during the holidays....but there's always things closed down & would hate missing out on our favorites!!

I'm with you on being wet & cold.....YUCK!!