What do you mean? There’s more to the US East Coast than NYC '07 TR? Homeward bound

[franandaj]

That is one heck of a long day! I don't know how you folks do it! Even 4 years later the lines for Nemo are still ridiculous, however with everyone in line for Star Tours now, perhaps it's not so bad. Hmmmmm

 

[tiggrbaby]

Your son was so cute as a Jedi warrior! What sweet memories!

 

[Lulu83]

Love your latest update! You all must have slept well that night.

We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn in January and really loved it, especially the welcome basket they left for us (and the candy cane shaped pens!)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Loving the latest update. I think it is amazing how much you accomplished on one day. wow.

I am LOVE LOVE loving the floats in the parade, so much cuter than the floats i saw.

That's the thing about Disney. They keep changing the parades every so often so there is always something different to see.

Just caught up on it all!! New York looks fantastic. It is definitely on my must do list. I also loved the story of the micro brewery. I want you to know I am taking notes on all these trips for future reference.

Boston looks very interesting historic. I don't know if the kids would love it though. The east coast looks like a place I would like to explore one day, especially for those lobster dinners which look delish!

I love looking at Disney photos. The ones of Disneyland bring back some very recent fond memories.

I love your trip reports!

Thanks! Nice to see you back on the boards!

That is one heck of a long day! I don't know how you folks do it! Even 4 years later the lines for Nemo are still ridiculous, however with everyone in line for Star Tours now, perhaps it's not so bad. Hmmmmm

Well...we just figure that we won't be back for a while....unlike some that live like 20 minutes away....with annual pass options!! (You know I'm only jealous!! )

Your son was so cute as a Jedi warrior! What sweet memories!

Tiggrbaby - I figure these will be memories we will have for life. DS still remembers this trip because he got to fight Darth Maul.

Love your latest update! You all must have slept well that night.

We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn in January and really loved it, especially the welcome basket they left for us (and the candy cane shaped pens!)

It is a lovely place to stay. DH and I keep wanting to head back to stay there...but there are so many more equally lovely options to consider in Anaheim. I have to admit that we have been choosing Residence Inn over CCI lately. The breakfast at RI cannot be beaten.

 

[PrincessInOz]

California Adventure – And we’ll have Fun, Fun, Fun?

We woke up early the next morning to maximize our time at the parks.

There had been one oversight that DH and I needed to address - California Adventure. This park had opened in 2001; and despite having had 2 trips in between, DH and I had not quite made it into DCA yet.

In 2003, DS was then 3 years old and it was his first trip to Disneyland. We hadn’t yet worked out if DS was ready for theme parks; so we figured one day was probably enough to allocate out of the holiday time.

In 2005, we’d spent 10 days at WDW and hadn’t really planned on stopping in Disneyland. We visited family in San Diego and they convinced us to go for 1 day as it was the 50th Anniversary year for Disneyland.

Plus DH and I had read the mixed reviews that DCA had garnered and figured we weren’t in a hurry to rush through the Golden Gates.

So it was for this trip….we’d read that DCA didn’t quite need a full day and we’d gotten up early to get through the gates and hit the new Nemo attraction.

We got to the gate prior to rope drop and it seemed like the entire crowd had the same idea. We were all heading for the Nemo attraction. With a 5 year old and my mum with us, we made it to the attraction somewhere towards the back of the throng and were dismayed by the size of the queue that had already formed.

Still we persevered and 30 minutes later, we were loading into one of the submarines.

I had remembered riding this attraction as the Submarine Voyage years ago and was keen to see how the revamped version ended up.


There was still coral…

…with a diver thrown in for the Nemo theming.

The projections of Nemo and Dory were a welcomed addition. It certainly made the ride more engaging…particularly for the little ones.


And I was surprised that this image of the EAC worked out!

Nice ride – I’m not sure I would rush back in a hurry; nor queue up for more than 10 minutes to enjoy this attraction. But to each their own.


We decided to catch the train back to Main Street….

….walked across the promenade, and made our way into DCA.

DS was a huge Cars fan in 2007.

You could almost say that he was awe-Lightning-struck!

I can only assume that we hit Soarin’ at this stage; because there would be no other reason for us taking this route and heading in the opposite direction afterwards.

Given the flow of pictures, I guess we headed towards BugsLand next.


We found Flik.

..and the Fun Fair.

I suspect DH had more Fun than DS on the bug cars.

(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


We must have headed for a drenching next….

yes…a bahookie I’m proud to call my own!


I also remember getting on the swinging gondola.

Strangely, I remember enjoying the swinging gondola a lot in 2007….can’t say I felt the same enjoyment in the January 2011 trip!

I’m guessing that we might have also checked out Paradise Pier; but there are no pictures in my collection.


We do have a lot of pictures from the Redwood Creek Playground. We seemed to have spent a bit of time there. It was either a really hot afternoon or that there really wasn’t a lot to keep our interest up at DCA in 2007.

We caught the Big Brother show.

And then just hung around the playground.

DS even participated in the duck race.

We caught the Pixar Parade on our way out.

I wish I could remember what we did afterwards; but I’m guessing that we might have gone shopping that evening.



Disney California Adventure in 2007 was a park where we thought there were 2 clear winners – Soarin’ and Bear Mountain. I don’t think either DH nor I went on Screamin’ that visit.

The addition of Toy Story Mania happened around 2009 and I look forward to the time when Carsland opens. In my opinion, this park may then be worth a full’s visit then.

 

[Mum from oz]

Looks like a great day at DCA. Our family really enjoyed the Bugs Life area. Brandon especially is fonder of the tame rides. We took a stationary gondola on the "Mickey Wheel". We never came across that playground when we were there. I'm sure the kids would have loved it. I am hoping Cars Land is open by the time we are in the USA next year.

 

[Lulu83]

Enjoyed your latest update! We never made it to DCA so it was great to see your photos.

Your son is very cute, he's always smiling and looks like a very happy boy! (hopefully that hasn't changed since this trip now the teenage years have gotten closer lol)

 

[usnuzuloose]

Okay. I have caught up now, due a certain trial, You scared me with the skyline views. I am afraid of heights. But they are still great views. I hope to go to NY, Boston, and Conneticut some day. I love the 38 car I have the small scales. I love the pics of Boston and all the buildings and the history. Harvard was awesome to see. So much to see and do. I guess if I do go I better sleep in Thanks for sharing.

 

[shushh]

Been absent for a while but always love your work!

Read the DCA section with great interest as we will be going there for the first time this coming October. I haven't even had time to read up on a plan of attack. Do I need a plan of attack?!?

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Another great update. We loved Bugsland too, so fun and of course Soarin in amazing. Grizzly River Run was the family fave but the scary rides aren't for us and when we went in 09 the line for TSM was ridiculous without fastpass so we didn't do it.

Thanks for the great pics.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Been absent for a while but always love your work!

Read the DCA section with great interest as we will be going there for the first time this coming October. I haven't even had time to read up on a plan of attack. Do I need a plan of attack?!?

I assume that you'll want to see World of Colour? If so, then are you planning on getting a fast pass first thing in the morning or getting one of the picnic packs? We ended up with the picnic pack so that we would have a more than decent chance of getting in the blue section. Your other option is to do a sit down dinner.

The fast pass for WoC is distributed at the machines near the Grizzly Bear run. Most people now split themselves into two parties or go early, i.e. enter the park at least 30 minutes before rope drop. They then run over to the WoC fast pass and then run over to Toy Story Mania. TSM is not covered by fastpass at Disneyland. Queues can be long but mostly around the 45 minute mark; on a moderately busy day. Most people try to hit it early.

So, assuming that you're getting the picnic (dinner) pack to score your WoC fast passes, then you probably want to get to TSM earlier rather than later...depending on how busy the parks are gonna be. We were there at rope drop and made a beeline. We were on the ride within 15 minutes. I believe that Soarin' fast passes are also distribute before rope drop...you might want to check on the DLR section of the board to see if this is the case or not. If so, just do a slight detour to collect the Soarin' fast pass before you head to TSM. If not, then you might need to come back and get the Soarin' fast passes after TSM.

I will also assume that your kids won't be going on Screamin'; but that you and/or DH might consider it. Screamin' is right near TSM.

For the younger kids, Bugs Life is great. It has a non-spinning "teacup" type ride, a ride in a 'hotair' balloon contraption that is pretty mild, the bumper cars and a mini train. There is also the 4-D movie in that section.

I don't know whether the Paradise Pier area will be fully opened when you go. There were lots of fairground attractions there. Some better than most and DS wanted to do the games there ($ extra).

Grizzly Bear is another ride that issues fast passes. The stand-by can be 40 minutes or longer; especially if it is hot. The playground is right where Grizzly Bear is.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot is where Aladdin plays. Well worth seeing.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Looks like a great day at DCA. Our family really enjoyed the Bugs Life area. Brandon especially is fonder of the tame rides. We took a stationary gondola on the "Mickey Wheel". We never came across that playground when we were there. I'm sure the kids would have loved it. I am hoping Cars Land is open by the time we are in the USA next year.

I'm hoping to visit again when Carsland opens as well!

Enjoyed your latest update! We never made it to DCA so it was great to see your photos.

Your son is very cute, he's always smiling and looks like a very happy boy! (hopefully that hasn't changed since this trip now the teenage years have gotten closer lol)

My DS is still a happy, gentle, placid boy that rarely has a temper tantrum. It is changing a little now that he is getting older...and more used to getting his own way. But we're talking to him about what is acceptable behaviour in the hopes of navigating some boundaries now for the teenage years.

I'll let you know how it goes.....in about 4 years or so.

Another great update. We loved Bugsland too, so fun and of course Soarin in amazing. Grizzly River Run was the family fave but the scary rides aren't for us and when we went in 09 the line for TSM was ridiculous without fastpass so we didn't do it.

Thanks for the great pics.

We've been pretty lucky with TSM lines. We hit it early in the morning and once, when we were walking past, it was just re-opening after a mechanical breakdown. We ran in and were about the 10th group back on!

 

[franandaj]

It's funny our days at DCA are very different. I had never been to a Bug's Land until 2010 when I ended up there for a food demo that ended up being canceled. I love ToT and Screamin', but the Winery attraction is one of my favorites!

Read the DCA section with great interest as we will be going there for the first time this coming October. I haven't even had time to read up on a plan of attack. Do I need a plan of attack?!?

I assume that you'll want to see World of Colour? If so, then are you planning on getting a fast pass first thing in the morning or getting one of the picnic packs? We ended up with the picnic pack so that we would have a more than decent chance of getting in the blue section. Your other option is to do a sit down dinner.

So, assuming that you're getting the picnic (dinner) pack to score your WoC fast passes, then you probably want to get to TSM earlier rather than later...depending on how busy the parks are gonna be. We were there at rope drop and made a beeline. We were on the ride within 15 minutes. I believe that Soarin' fast passes are also distribute before rope drop...you might want to check on the DLR section of the board to see if this is the case or not. If so, just do a slight detour to collect the Soarin' fast pass before you head to TSM. If not, then you might need to come back and get the Soarin' fast passes after TSM.

I will also assume that your kids won't be going on Screamin'; but that you and/or DH might consider it. Screamin' is right near TSM.

Soarin uaully opens earlier than the rest of the park. I think they let people in around 9:30, so you could get FPs for Soarin and then join the hoards of people headed over to TSMM. I have had lines of as little as 25 minutes depending on the time of year and time of day, but morning first you will have the shortest wait. However, if you are not in the first group of people whom the CMs walk over there, the line will be huge within 10-15 minutes. Alladin is a must see! The show is so good! I could probably keep myself entertained there for a whole day, especially if I was taking someone who had not been there. In fact we will be doing that sometime in the near future with a friend who has not visited other than a few trips for lunch.

I like to do the single rider line at Screamin', that ride is too intense for Fran and you can usually get in and out in 10 minutes or less. The Little Mermaid Ride is now open too.

I'm not sure you need much of a plan of attack, but more you should know what attractions there are, which ones have the longest waits and you can play most of it by ear.

 

[shushh]

PIO, frandandaj, thank so much for the advice. We'll be staying at the GCV so hopefully will be a lot easier to get there right at rope drop. And yes, we are planning to order the picnic for WoC. Thanks for reminding me to put in on my calendar 30 days out! It will be nice to just wander around after hitting TSM. We can live if we miss out on soarin' but the children LOVE TSM.

 

[franandaj]

PIO, frandandaj, thank so much for the advice. We'll be staying at the GCV so hopefully will be a lot easier to get there right at rope drop. And yes, we are planning to order the picnic for WoC. Thanks for reminding me to put in on my calendar 30 days out! It will be nice to just wander around after hitting TSM. We can live if we miss out on soarin' but the children LOVE TSM.

You might want to check out the Grand Californian Superthread or perhaps it was the Villas at the Grand Californian owners thread. If you're actually staying there, you might not need to order the picnic dinners (which I've heard are not that great). Either way, on one of those two threads I've heard people mention that they have someone distributing FPs to the guests at 9AM at the GCH entrance to DCA. Evidently by just handing out the passes, it takes up some of the backlog at the FP distribution machines. I think they supposedly even ask you if you want 9PM or 10:15 show tickets. You might check it out. That way you wouldn't have to spend $15 each for a sub par meal.

 

[DVCAustralia]

shushh, you should be entering from the 'private' Grand Californian Hotel/Villas entrance and so you will have a much clearer path almost the whole way to TSM. With Soarin' in the same park as TSM it is not necessary to FASTPASS it as early. Aladdin is a MUST see, preferably twice so you can do the mid-level (in particular you will see the magic carpet better) and the ground level (in particular the characters go through the aisles up to the stage).
I was last there before WofC started, but I recall them saying that the WofC fastpass distribution is right at the GCH entrance.

 

[shushh]

You might want to check out the Grand Californian Superthread or perhaps it was the Villas at the Grand Californian owners thread. If you're actually staying there, you might not need to order the picnic dinners (which I've heard are not that great). Either way, on one of those two threads I've heard people mention that they have someone distributing FPs to the guests at 9AM at the GCH entrance to DCA. Evidently by just handing out the passes, it takes up some of the backlog at the FP distribution machines. I think they supposedly even ask you if you want 9PM or 10:15 show tickets. You might check it out. That way you wouldn't have to spend $15 each for a sub par meal.

shushh, you should be entering from the 'private' Grand Californian Hotel/Villas entrance and so you will have a much clearer path almost the whole way to TSM. With Soarin' in the same park as TSM it is not necessary to FASTPASS it as early. Aladdin is a MUST see, preferably twice so you can do the mid-level (in particular you will see the magic carpet better) and the ground level (in particular the characters go through the aisles up to the stage).
I was last there before WofC started, but I recall them saying that the WofC fastpass distribution is right at the GCH entrance.

Thanks again!!! Will go investigate this further. Sorry hijack our thread PIO...

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks again!!! Will go investigate this further. Sorry hijack our thread PIO...

In regards to the use of the word "our".......


Why are you apologising? There's no way you could be accused of hijacking a thread that belongs to "us"....


(And you know I don't mind!)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Legoland - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood


Legoland. The park that people either love or don't get.

It's just a park that is trying to be good...
Oh Lord! Please don't let it be misunderstood.


Having a boy that loved playing with Lego, it is only natural that Legoland is/was a firm favourite with this family in 2007.

Afterall....what's not to love?


I get to build and play with Lego until my parents are bored....

I get to have my picture taken with Bionicles....

...even if my parents won't buy me enough Lego to make this at home!

Even some of the rides are fun.

Yes, mum. I know it's not a Disneyland rollercoaster...but it's plenty scary for me!

I get to use my imagination....

...see some live action theatre...

...and goof around with Dad.

Are you sure we're not in Harry Potter World?

I don't ever wanna be in Slytherin House!

Where in the World are we?

I didn't know we were going to Vegas on this trip!

Yes - we loved Legoland then. It was a park where we could take things slower and chil-lax out a bit. I may not remember much of the attractions or the day but I do remember feeling happy that my DS was having such a great time.

I know it's not Disneyland and it's not for everyone. But not every theme park has to be a Disney park.

Afterall, if it were....none of us would ever consider going to the theme parks in the Gold Coast...nor to Universal.....nor to Wet n Wild.......nor SeaWorld!






post script We did head back to Legoland in 2009. My DS was 2 years older and had outgrown the Lego phase. Whilst it was still a good day, it was obvious that we no longer needed to visit this park anymore. I would still recommend this park to anyone who has kids that LOVE playing with Lego or are just that little bit more timid about going on huge rollercoaster rides. In my opinion, this park is just perfect for the under 8's!