tinkerbell60
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2004
I knew I was late - but 4 pages- wow! Looking forward to learning a lot about Disneyland - have not been there since the late 80s - oh, that is scary to realize!
No way Jose! We are going to Disneyland! 3/13 - Movin' on Up!
- Thread starter brookelizabeth
- Start date
petals
Irish Princess because Cinderella said so!
- Joined
- May 18, 2010
Joining in! 
Can't wait to read the Disneyland trip report. Never been there
Can't wait to read the Disneyland trip report. Never been there
DisMomAmy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2007
Thanks to your facebook alert I was able to read your intro last night on my phone while I sat at swim practice. I'm so excited to read along. We've never been to Disneyland so I'm really looking forward to seeing it through your report.
And I enjoyed your wrap up on your last TR... it's interesting to see how the touring plans/styles change from trip to trip based on your previous experiences. I think we struck the right balance in November but I'm nervous that our April trip won't live up to that one.
And I enjoyed your wrap up on your last TR... it's interesting to see how the touring plans/styles change from trip to trip based on your previous experiences. I think we struck the right balance in November but I'm nervous that our April trip won't live up to that one.
annmarieda
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2010
Followed over from Disney Mom... I think it is about time I follow a DL TR! Looking forward to reading all about your adventure
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Thanks for reading!!!
I saw that, thanks so much. Sounds like fun.
It's a fun group, chatting ladies, chatting about Disney. Can't get much better.
NOPE! It won't help! Let's see how many updates it takes until you are booking...
Who hoo! I'm here!
We moved from Ontario to BC last summer so of course, this year's Disney trip is going to be a west coast trip!! We leave for a three week "tour" of like 8 statesand our 4 days in Disneyland are smack dab in the middle. In fact, we're going to be eating with Ariel and her pals on the day my DD turns 9!!
Anyway, ya think you can have this TR wrapped up by July 14th? We leave the next day!
Looking forward to hearing ALL about what to do and what not to do on our trip!
That sounds like a FANTASTIC trip you have planned!!!! Wow!!!! Love it!
I do hope to have this wrapped up before June 2 when we cruise!
It was a BLAST. We truly had a fantastic time every single day! Henry keeps asking to go back to see it all again.
Here! And looking forward to finding out more about DL - it's on our 'bucket' list
:
: I hope to give you lots of good details for when you plan your trip!I knew I was late - but 4 pages- wow! Looking forward to learning a lot about Disneyland - have not been there since the late 80s - oh, that is scary to realize!
Glad you found me!!! I am sure it has changed a LOT since the late 80s! You'll have to go back soon!
I'm so glad to finally be started too - I even have the first update written. Things are busyyyyy with work now, so I'm updating while waiting on hold with Disney.
Im in...I just finished reading your trip report about Marriage lol great title by the way...
Thanks!
It was so true of that trip. We both gave and took! I so very much want another 2 week trip. 
Joining in!
Glad you found me!!! :
:Yay!! I can't wait to hear about your trip to my favorite Disney park!!!!
I can see why it is your favorite!!!
Aren't smartphone the best thing ever? I've DISed in so many places because of it!
And yes, it took many, many trips, but we have had some really smooth trips hitting our groove! Disneyland was like cake. I hope the next WDW trip is too!
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Followed over from Disney Mom... I think it is about time I follow a DL TR! Looking forward to reading all about your adventure
:
: Glad you are reading! Disneyland is so so different...yet very similar at the same time.I'm here! So excited to "come along" to DL; it's been such a long time. I look forward to your pics & tales bringing me back.
It will be a fun read I'm sure to reminisce about it all!
Hello Heidi! Thanks for reading along!
Hi! New reader alert! I just finished your last TR and what can I say, I'm hooked
:
: Thank you for reading and posting!!!! I hope you make it to Disneyland...you won't regret it! 
loveysbydesign
I can pinch a penny so hard you can hear it scream
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2005
Comin' along for the ride!
KathyRN137
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2006
Hi Brook!
Trying to get back to my DISroots... so glad you posted the link to this TR on FB! Wow... Henry sure is getting big!
Looking forward to all the fun stuff,
Kathy
Trying to get back to my DISroots... so glad you posted the link to this TR on FB! Wow... Henry sure is getting big!
Looking forward to all the fun stuff,
Kathy
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Wednesday, January 11
Joe and I woke up a bit earlier than normal and sent Henry off to school, as we do every weekday. We hadnt mentioned the D-Word (DISNEY!) in a couple days, so he was unsuspecting that today was THE Day! While Henry was at school we finished up things around the house and the last minute packing - it all took longer than we expected, doesn't it always?! But we got it done! Joe went and picked up Henry from school and we took off shortly after at 11 AM...about 30 minutes later than I wanted to.
We took the bus near our house to the train, and it actually arrived fairly quickly - that bus NEVER runs on time, so it was a pleasant surprise!
The transition to the train was easy, but the ride took a bit longer than expected. We finally arrived at the stop that connects to JFK, but then we also need to take the AirTrain to get to JFK...and that too took longer than expected. We needed to hurry and pray for short lines! Thankfully the terminal wasnt too busy.
Henry hitched a ride on the suitcase as we zipped through JFK!
The JetBlue gals that checked us in were incredibly friendly and sweet with Henry....it helped improve our frantic and nervous moods.
We were pushing time, but we had to get something to eat considering our flight was over 5 hours long and right over meal time. $42 later we had 3 sandwiches, a yogurt, grapes and two drinks.
At least it all tasted good!
We went straight to the gate and we were the very last people to board the plane, which I dont mind a bit! I am already going to spend enough time in that little seat, Im more than happy to board last!
There was a slight delay before we took off to arrange baggage under the plane, but soon we were taking off.
Five hours in front of us.
With a 4-year old.
Hoo boy.
My bag was stocked. Books, MagnaDoodle, the iPad, coloring crayons, stickers and more. JetBlue also has TVs in the seat. Wed be okay, right?!!
Right?!?!?!
We had some really nice stewards on the plane who were more than generous with the snacks. The insisted we take more than a few! We all watched movies, ate (and ate, and ate!), I worked and napped.
Henry played with nearly everything in the bag. It seriously could have gone disastrously with a 4-year old, but it actually went very well!!
We were soon flying over the mountains
I was SO excited to see the mountains! I've never seen them before!
and we knew we were close. Henry started to get a bit antsy at the end of the trip, but we all were!
And before I knew it, the pilot was announcing we were in our final decent. It was almost over. That was a breeze! Weve had 3 hour flights that were much worse!
We landed at 7:42 PM and literally walked off the plane.
There was no terminal!
The JetBlue terminal at Long Beach is under refurb and it was so strange - a bunch of temporary (until May 2013!) buildings housed everything... Baggage claim was even outside.
At least it was easy to find our way around!
Soon we had all our bags, Henry and I hugged a palm tree
and were across the street at Alamo for our rental car. I had snagged a nice rate of $134 for the week. Since we had a couple off-site days planned we wanted the car, otherwise we would have likely hired car service or taken a taxi. Parking at the Disney Resorts (and most off-site) does have a fee, so its quite the additional expense.
Long Beach (as well as LAX and John Wayne) is very close to Disneyland, about a 30 minute drive and VERY easy to get to. Long Beach to Disneyland is literally 2 roads. I wasnt too nervous about the drive.
Anyway, back to Alamo, the agent told us all he had left were minivans or Tahoes.
Say what?
Yikes.
I dont drive regularly, so having a BIG vehicle in LA traffic had me a bit nervous. We chose the Tahoe
and loaded up our stuff. I was completely intimidated by that thing...but I had to admit, it was very nice and comfortable.
Soon we were pulling out and my nerves calmed. I quickly got more confident with Carzilla, it was actually pretty easy to handle and had some nice get-up-and-go...necessary for LA drivers!
Before we had left I had Google Mapped where a Target was and we found it without any problem. We picked up some breakfast foods and water for the hotel room and were surprised at the lower costs. I figured the area would be on par with NYC, but it was a bit cheaper! Score!
Next stop was In & Out Burger, we were HUNGRY! I have heard of this place for yearsssss and trying it was a Must Do! Plus we were more than ready to get some food in our bellies.
The place was hoppin'!
There were no free seats when we walked in, but we figured we'd either eat outside or just wait for a table...but a young boy saved us a table.
It was SO nice and unexpected! He saw us coming in with a young child and grabbed the booth when it opened. I was in awe. So, so kind.
Excited!!!!
YUM! Soooooo good, and $15 for all three of us to eat! Cheap! We talked about going back before we left California, but we never did.
And finally, finally, finally it was time to go to our hotel, Disney's Paradise Pier (PP...he he. I have a 4-year old boy, potty humor!). Henry ended up falling asleep in the short car ride from In & Out to PP.
Overall, the drive from the airport to the Disneyland Resort area was very, very easy. We avoided the highways (recommended) and there were a lot of stoplights, but it was simple. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend driving if you prefer, or have off-site activities planned.
Continued in next post
Joe and I woke up a bit earlier than normal and sent Henry off to school, as we do every weekday. We hadnt mentioned the D-Word (DISNEY!) in a couple days, so he was unsuspecting that today was THE Day! While Henry was at school we finished up things around the house and the last minute packing - it all took longer than we expected, doesn't it always?! But we got it done! Joe went and picked up Henry from school and we took off shortly after at 11 AM...about 30 minutes later than I wanted to.
We took the bus near our house to the train, and it actually arrived fairly quickly - that bus NEVER runs on time, so it was a pleasant surprise!
The transition to the train was easy, but the ride took a bit longer than expected. We finally arrived at the stop that connects to JFK, but then we also need to take the AirTrain to get to JFK...and that too took longer than expected. We needed to hurry and pray for short lines! Thankfully the terminal wasnt too busy.
Henry hitched a ride on the suitcase as we zipped through JFK!
The JetBlue gals that checked us in were incredibly friendly and sweet with Henry....it helped improve our frantic and nervous moods.
We were pushing time, but we had to get something to eat considering our flight was over 5 hours long and right over meal time. $42 later we had 3 sandwiches, a yogurt, grapes and two drinks.
At least it all tasted good!We went straight to the gate and we were the very last people to board the plane, which I dont mind a bit! I am already going to spend enough time in that little seat, Im more than happy to board last!
There was a slight delay before we took off to arrange baggage under the plane, but soon we were taking off.
Five hours in front of us.
With a 4-year old.
Hoo boy.
My bag was stocked. Books, MagnaDoodle, the iPad, coloring crayons, stickers and more. JetBlue also has TVs in the seat. Wed be okay, right?!!
Right?!?!?!
We had some really nice stewards on the plane who were more than generous with the snacks. The insisted we take more than a few! We all watched movies, ate (and ate, and ate!), I worked and napped.
Henry played with nearly everything in the bag. It seriously could have gone disastrously with a 4-year old, but it actually went very well!!
We were soon flying over the mountains
I was SO excited to see the mountains! I've never seen them before!
and we knew we were close. Henry started to get a bit antsy at the end of the trip, but we all were!
And before I knew it, the pilot was announcing we were in our final decent. It was almost over. That was a breeze! Weve had 3 hour flights that were much worse!
We landed at 7:42 PM and literally walked off the plane.
There was no terminal!
The JetBlue terminal at Long Beach is under refurb and it was so strange - a bunch of temporary (until May 2013!) buildings housed everything... Baggage claim was even outside.
At least it was easy to find our way around!
Soon we had all our bags, Henry and I hugged a palm tree
and were across the street at Alamo for our rental car. I had snagged a nice rate of $134 for the week. Since we had a couple off-site days planned we wanted the car, otherwise we would have likely hired car service or taken a taxi. Parking at the Disney Resorts (and most off-site) does have a fee, so its quite the additional expense.
Long Beach (as well as LAX and John Wayne) is very close to Disneyland, about a 30 minute drive and VERY easy to get to. Long Beach to Disneyland is literally 2 roads. I wasnt too nervous about the drive.
Anyway, back to Alamo, the agent told us all he had left were minivans or Tahoes.
Say what?
Yikes.
I dont drive regularly, so having a BIG vehicle in LA traffic had me a bit nervous. We chose the Tahoe
and loaded up our stuff. I was completely intimidated by that thing...but I had to admit, it was very nice and comfortable.
Soon we were pulling out and my nerves calmed. I quickly got more confident with Carzilla, it was actually pretty easy to handle and had some nice get-up-and-go...necessary for LA drivers!
Before we had left I had Google Mapped where a Target was and we found it without any problem. We picked up some breakfast foods and water for the hotel room and were surprised at the lower costs. I figured the area would be on par with NYC, but it was a bit cheaper! Score!
Next stop was In & Out Burger, we were HUNGRY! I have heard of this place for yearsssss and trying it was a Must Do! Plus we were more than ready to get some food in our bellies.
The place was hoppin'!
There were no free seats when we walked in, but we figured we'd either eat outside or just wait for a table...but a young boy saved us a table.
It was SO nice and unexpected! He saw us coming in with a young child and grabbed the booth when it opened. I was in awe. So, so kind.
Excited!!!!
YUM! Soooooo good, and $15 for all three of us to eat! Cheap! We talked about going back before we left California, but we never did.
And finally, finally, finally it was time to go to our hotel, Disney's Paradise Pier (PP...he he. I have a 4-year old boy, potty humor!). Henry ended up falling asleep in the short car ride from In & Out to PP.
Overall, the drive from the airport to the Disneyland Resort area was very, very easy. We avoided the highways (recommended) and there were a lot of stoplights, but it was simple. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend driving if you prefer, or have off-site activities planned.
Continued in next post
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
....and....I lost my post.
And I don't have time to re-do it!
Hang tight in the car on the drive over to Paradise Pier and I'll be back tonight!
And I don't have time to re-do it!
Hang tight in the car on the drive over to Paradise Pier and I'll be back tonight!
Pinkgirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2011
Hi I lurked all the way through your last trippie - wow those hyper links are cool - but thought wowser, made it in at the start of this baby so better come out of the shadows and say Hi
I have never been to California, but OH has, so I am really looking forward to this report. I've also never heard of In n Out Burgers so its all new to me.
I lurked all the way through your last trippie - wow those hyper links are cool - but thought wowser, made it in at the start of this baby so better come out of the shadows and say Hi I have never been to California, but OH has, so I am really looking forward to this report. I've also never heard of In n Out Burgers so its all new to me.
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