Trip of a lifetime.....Disney Christmas, Birthday, Food * BIG & final update!

[Minnie Sue Oz]

PTR for 2012 Halloween trip started.............http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2907858




Well folks...............here we go!

Let me introduce myself if I may! I am Sue and I am a Disneyholic! Minnie and DL itself have been obesessions of mine since I was too young to remember!!!

Living all the way over here in Australia does have it's draw backs when it come to the Happiest Place on Earth but boy oh boy is it exciting when the day finally rolls around and you know that soon, very soon, you will be walking into Main Street for the start of a holiday of a lifetime!!!

And that is just what happened!!!

So, come with me and share in what was THE best time I have ever had in my 43 years and celebrate with my family and I................

November 29th 2010............Sydney International terminal.

Here we have 3 people just about jumping out of their skin in anticipation! After all the saving and all the waiting, the day has finally arrived to board our jumbo to the USA!
We started our month long journey in San Fransisco. Absolutely loved it and boy is their Disney store a beauty!!! 2 stories of wall to wall Disney...........I was in heaven. I will be brief for the first weeks actvities and get to Disneyland where I will be go into loads more detail!!! I am not too sure if people will be interested in our other non Disney activities so feel free to let me know and I can always add some pics! We did 3 days in Las Vegas after San Fransisco including the Grand Canyon!!!

Disney store merchandise - San Francisco

DD inside Disney store

On the stairs leading to the first floor with yet more goodies!!!

View from stairs looking into the downstairs section

We bought soooooooooooooo much stuff in here!!! They had a 2 for 1 plush deal on and as we haven't had Disney stores here in Australia for many years, it was like we had died and gone to heaven! And this was just day 1!!!

So, I do hope I have appealed to a few of you out there and will continue on with the rest of journey soon!

We were actually in Anaheim for 3 fabulous fun filled Disney weeks including Christmas and a very special Birthday in the park for yours truly so I have some wonderful moments with pics to share!

So, keep an eye out as I will be posting again soon! Oh, I have lots of food porn too!!!!

Thanks so much for coming along for the journey!!

Cheers
Sue

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

Can't wait to hear more! Love the pics of the Disney store. We are off soon on our trip of lifetime to DLR and we are also going to San Francisco and Hawaii, so definitely interested in hearing about all your destinations.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

We also made a trek that started Christmas Day and look forward to your impressions of DLR at Christmas! I have found I really love the Aussie TRs so I am onboard and totally willing to see/hear about ALL of your trip not just the DL part.

While you were in the Bay area did you get to go to the Disney Family Museum? I have not been there but hear it is amazing!

 

[zanzibar138]

OMG *LOVE* the pics from the Disney Store! Even when they were over here, they were more like normal stores with Disney merchandise, none of that great theming like they seem to have in the US.

We are heading off on our once in a lifetime trip as well in 6 days! We'll also be going to San Francisco, Vegas and the Grand Canyon, so definitely interested in hearing about those destinations as well

Can't wait to hear about your THREE WEEKS in Anaheim!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Just what I need!
An Aussie pick-me-up TR from the post holiday blues.

Marking my spot in the queue .

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Welcome everyone!!!

Ooh, I am soooo excited to know that I can share with everyone our wonderful trip!

I will be updating each night and here is just a little sample of what you can expect!!! And did I mention I took close to 3000 photo's so we have plenty to choose from!? I am very happy with the pics and I had the most memorable photo of my Disney life taken on this trip!!!

So, I will be starting from day 1 and taking you on a magical journey through San Francisco, Las Vegas and of course Disneyland. We will also be visiting.......San Diego Zoo, San Diego Seaworld, Knottsberry Farm, Los Angeles ( where we met a real live movie star!!! ), Universal Studios and Medieval Times!!!

Donald and friend!!!

The bridge.....

Stay tuned!!!!!

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

Love the bridge photo
3000 photos!!!! Amazing effort!

 

[Bungle]

Subscribing. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Hi everyone!

Time to get started!!!

Day 1 saw us arriving in San Francisco after a 14 hour flight from Sydney Australia. The flight departed Sydney at 2:10pm and we actually arrived in San Francisco just after 10am...................on the same day!!!


We actually stayed in Sydney the night before we left as I wanted to make sure there was no way we were going to miss that flight! The morning of our depature, we surprised DD with a goodies bag with some Disney related holiday items.................Cars tissues, Minnie PJ's, a Princess pen and other items! She also had a letter from Minnie herself to tell her she couldn't wait to meet her and some Disney dollars that were redeemable for real money! ( thanks ever so much to those wonderful Disigners for those!!! )
And speaking of real money, Mum and Dad had thrown in some real money too!! Yay!!!

Morning!!!

Main meal on Qantas!!!

Arriving for the first time for DD on US soil!!!

We collected our bags with no trouble at all and made our way out to find our shuttle to our hotel! we were just too excited to worry about jet lag at this point..................we had arrived!!!

So, it was off to Sheraton Fishermans wharf. Check in was easy and the staff were quite friendly! So, up to our room for a quick unpack and a much needed shower!!!

Sheraton Fishermans wharf room

It was then time to wander down to the famous pier we had heard so much about. I think I fell in love with San Francisco right then. I just love the place!!! We made a bee line for Bubba Gumps for lunch as we had all heard about it and looked forward to trying it for ourselves. And as promised............food porn!!!

DH had Shrimpers Heaven with Hand Breaded Coconut Shrimp, Chilly Shrimp,
Fried Shrimp, and Japanese style Tempura Shrimp with Fries.

I had the Dumb Luck Coconut shrimp

And the DD had the traditional shrimp cocktail

The drinks were just amazing and DD got hers in a glass that lit up!!!

And, what is a visit without the trying out to see if those signs really work???!!!

Outside the restaurant they have a Forest park bench ( complete with the box of chocolates!!! ) so we took turns in trying on Forests shoes!!!! The waitress then offered to take a pic of the 3 of us on the bench!

So, after we lunch we headed on out to wander around the pier. Just taking in ll the American sights was just too good to be true!!! DD and I rode the 2 story carousel and we did some shopping.

2 level carousel!

Hot Dog stand

There is one thig that I love nearly as much as Disney and that is Christmas! So to have to the two together was just magical. This was the tree at pier 39

We then went for a stroll along the street and came across a chocolate shop. Now, you must remember that we had never seen candy apples like the Americans have them, so you can just imagine our delight when we found these!!! And those chocolaote covered marshmallows on sticks are just heavenly!!!

So, we relieved them of some of their goodies and headed off. By this time we were all starting to feel somewhat exhausted so we popped into Johnny Rockets for a coffee and a brownie and then headed back to the motel.

Johnny Rockets brownie

I actually couldn't eat it all and I must say it was just delicious!!!

So, I hope you have enjoyed Day 1 and I look forward to showing you around some more!

Oh, and because I have just sooooo many photo's from Disneyland, I thought it might be nice to finish each post with a different Disney picture....................after all, that is why we're here!!!!

Stay tuned................!!!

Sue

 

[PrincessInOz]

Minnie Sue!! Them some SERIOUS sugar porn. How am I gonna stay good if you keep posting pics like that? I can just feel the sugar slapping themselves on my thighs now!

Keep it comin'

 

[BellaBaby]

Minnie Sue--this looks like a great start!! I'm so looking forward to all of your adventures in the USA!

Your family looks so lovely and fun-loving!!

Lovin' the pictures so far--your pink Minnie shirt is soooo cute!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[zanzibar138]

What an awesome start to your holiday! I too love Christmas and thinking when we do the east coast (which we WILL do lol!) we'll go in December.

Unfortunately I can't the pics on these boards on my work computer, so I will have to wait until I get home now to check it out properly - can't wait!

 

[zanzibar138]

Wow those pictures are great! And are those seriously apples in that store??? What the???

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

We also made a trek that started Christmas Day and look forward to your impressions of DLR at Christmas! I have found I really love the Aussie TRs so I am onboard and totally willing to see/hear about ALL of your trip not just the DL part.

While you were in the Bay area did you get to go to the Disney Family Museum? I have not been there but hear it is amazing!

Hi there Sherri and thanks for joining in!!!

Unfrtunately we did not get to the Disney museum. It was way over the other side from where we were staying and on the day we had it in our schedule, it would have been closed before we got there

But, it is definitely a must see on our next trip. Not sure when we will get to San Francisco next as our trip coming up in October doesn't allow for visiting San Francisco.

I never thought we would get back to DL so soon, but as we bought Premium AP's, they will be still be current for Halloween and we thought...............why not!!!!

We actually have tickets to Universal and Six Flags that we didn't get to use last trip, so have them up our sleeve as well!!!

I will be posting more this evening! Never realised just how long it would takeme to upload all the photo's into photobucket!!!

Cheers for now
Sue

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Wow those pictures are great! And are those seriously apples in that store??? What the???

Yep, they sure are real apples!!! Sort of like our toffee apples, but with caramel instead of the toffee!!! AND if you think those look good, just wait until you see the Disney themed ones!!!

You can buy sooooo many yummy treats at DLR. Make sure you check out Marcelines in Downtown Disney..................amazing and you can even stand and watch through the window to see what they are making!!

I am glad you are enjoying the pics........................loads more to come!!!

Cheers for now!

Sue

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Minnie Sue--this looks like a great start!! I'm so looking forward to all of your adventures in the USA!

Your family looks so lovely and fun-loving!!

Lovin' the pictures so far--your pink Minnie shirt is soooo cute!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

Weclome and thanks so much for your kind words!!!

I do have a wonderful little family.....just the 3 of us and we are all about having a good time!!!

And I am so glad you are liking the pictures...........makes it all worthwhile if you know people are appreciating them!!!

Oh, and as for the Minnie shirt, I picked it up at the Disney character outlet store in Las Vegas for $10.00!!! Gotta love a bargain!!!

Cheers for now

Sue

 

[aussie shaz]

Hi There. I am anxiously awaiting more posts, as we have our big USA holiday planned for August. We'll be doing Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and San Diego. How did the jetlag go? We are flying direct from Melbourne, so I guess it's about the same length of flight. Not sure if I should plan anything for the day we arrive, or just play it by ear.
So exciting to read another Aussies trip report. Not sure others realise what a huge thing it is to visit Disneyland from here. It's definately been a dream of mine since a kid, and hope my kids enjoy it as much as I hope we all do.
Shaz

 

[Edwine]

Looking at these pictures make me more impatient to visit Disney land as soon as possible. Starting from pictures of mickey to the food and resorts all are calling me strongly!!!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Off to see more sights of beautiful San Francisco today and what better way to get around than on an open top bus!

Now coming from Australia, it did seem odd that it was November and it was cold! It was so cold in fact we all bought beanies and they had blankets to use on the bus!

We drove around the pier area and then headed over towards the bridge. I must say, going across the Golden Gate bridge in an open top bus was certainly breathtaking. It's an amazing thing when it feels like the pictures you have seen so many times before are right there before your eyes!

Taken whilst on the bridge

We made a stop at a lookout where we got a great view. You could see Alcatraz and the bay area from here not to mention a great view of the bridge itself.

We could also see this tunnel and we were told that if we went through and just kept going we would end up in Canada!!!

We then continued on to a little town across the bridge called Sausalito which was just so pretty. In fact if you have ever heard the Otis Redding song "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay", it was actually written on a dock in Sausalito!!

Then it was back into the city and time to find somewhere for lunch! Now, one of the things that I had been looking forward to was Seafood chowder. We found a restaurant called the Blue Mermaid and I tell you what, it didn't disappoint!!

Fish and chips for DH

Seafood Chowder in a sour dough bowl for me!!! YUMMO!!!

So after a very filling lunch, we set off to find another San Francisco icon.......the cable car!

So, on we got and rode in to Union Square. Now, as this post gets further along, you will come to realise that I LOVE shopping. So much so that we actually packed 2 extra suitcases with us.

And then a wonderful love affair began................I found MACY"S!!!! Oh my................I just love this store. It was like a shoppers paradise and compared to Aussie prices, it was heaven! I bought myself a beautiful Guess watch that we have priced here in Australia and it was 3 times what I paid for it in Macy's!!!

The other wonderful thing is that Macy's overlooked an area complete with an 80ft Christmas tree and an outdoor ice rink.

I was reduced to tears when DH and DD made me close my eyes in the middle of the store and they led to me to a window where when I opened my eyes, this was the sight I saw......

As mentioned earlier on, I love Christmas. We have a huge display in our house every year and snowmen are my thing. As it is summer here for Christmas, I was just in awe of all the wintery decorations and of course Snowmen everywhere.
And what is Christmas without the big man in the red suit???!!! So, outside Macy's there was a red suited gentleman who was ringing his bell to raise money for the Salvation Army. He spoke to DD on our way past and when he realised we were from overseas, he asked if she would like to be an honorary bell ringer!!! He then announced to the whole street who she was and where she was from and got her to start ringing the bell! Lots of people stopped and said hello.................it was just one of those special moments that just happen!

Laura getting bell ringing tips!

Ring, ring, ring!!!

We spent the evening wandering around Union Square and just taking it all in! We then got a cable car back to the wharf area and went to iHop for tea! It was good and the meals were just soo big!

We then wandered around the pier for a while and found the biggest cookie I had ever seen. It had a snowman on it so I just had to take a picture!!!

We then headed back to the motel. One of the things we loved about the Sheraton was the fire pits they had outside. It just so realxing to sit with a coffee in the cold and warm yourself by the fire....................this was the life!!!

And something special to finish with today. Every now and again we will have a surprise member of our family drop in for a visit ( see below!!! )

Introducing.....GIRL.

This is one special mouse. For those of you that have children, or maybe yourself when you were little, lots of us have that one special friend that is just above all others. Well, Girl is to Laura like Jessie is to Emily in Toy Story. She was given to DD on her very first Christmas and of course accompanied us on the trip. She actually had her own special day for her Birthday while we were there................................but that is much later!!!

Here she is at the airport!!!

We actually saw lots of other families taking pictures and filming their special friends at DL so it was nice to know that others like to make special memories too!!!

And now for tonights Disney photo....

Thanks for joining me! Stay safe................until next time...........Cheers!

Sue

 

[Bungle]

That seafood chowder looks so yummy. Even though we drive past san fransisco all the time we have never stopped. I might have to now! Can't wait for your next installment.