No way Jose! We are going to Disneyland! 3/13 - Movin' on Up!

[Pinkgirl]

Love the updates. Disneyland is just so different from the World. The CMs sound very similar to those at Paris, they just dont get themeing and being in character.

Teacups with no lids - whats that all about, doesnt it rain in Disneyland?

 

[PirateKate]

I'm so surprised that Henry is suddenly afraid of so many rides! I've always thought that being scared of rides happens more to kids who are new to Disney, not kids who have gone on rides since they were babies.

All those trips sound awesome, especially the cruise!

 

[photographymom517]

Oh my goodness, Brook!!! I am going to have nightmares tonight thinking about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea!!!

I seriously remember it from waaay back when (when I was 5 actually) and I was terrified! I am scared to death of drowning, so submarines are just NOT for me! I completely understand why Henry wasn't sure about it -- honestly I'm not sure I could even get into one of those things without having a panic attack! I totally give him credit for riding Nemo! He's braver than this girl!!!

I love seeing your pics of Storybook Land!!! From the DL TR's I've read, Storybook Land & ToonTown look like my two favs!!!

Neat bathrooms! I like the pretty lights in there! Very Alice!!!

Going to read your blog now about your D.C. trip!!! (I haven't been since the late 90's so I'm excited to see how its changed!)

Good luck with the move & the search for a new apt (and doors!)!!! I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to find something in NY!!! I know we had a heck of a time selling our old house and buying our new one -- and there isn't much of a demand around here! I would be all nerves worrying about it!!! When I read your post about the move, Joe's new job, Henry going to a new school, etc. I just thought your attitude about it all is truly amazing!!! You're such a positive person regardless of whats going on around you! I will pray that you find a place that is perfect for you guys!!!

 

[claryche]

Good luck on the apartment hunt. I can't even imagine. I watch selling New York on HG TV all the time and it's scary. So I said a little prayer for you.

I also feel for you as far as schools. I know that it isn't nearly as hard as it is in my town. But I know how hard it was for us deciding on where to send Logan and whether we stay in our smaller home and send him to a private school or what do we do. I really think we made the best choice and I know that if you do your research (which I know you will do) and then say a little prayer then what is best is what will happen for you guys. The right school can mean so much and I'm so grateful for the school that we picked. In fact, get this, Logan had an actual sleepover at his school. We dropped him off at 6pm on Friday and picked him the next morning at 8am. There aren't many kindergarten teachers out there that would do something like that. So I wish for you to find the best school for Henry and for you guys as a family.

 

[MEK]

I have to comment on the life update first - Did you say you DON't have a door on your bedroom? How will Henry ever have a little brother or sister with that arrangement? You must get that corrected.

I started reading you DC blog and your trip sounds great. It has given me so many ideas because I really want to visit there soon (its been far too long).

The cruise plans sound awesome! That is going to be so fun. I love how you have your plans all figured out.

I hope things work out well with Joe's job and your new apartment search and Henry's school. I can believe school is such a stress in NYC. Sounds not fun!

 

[lovegrumpy]

Good Luck with the Apt hunt. I would love to live by Central Park. We only seen half of the park and loved it.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love the look of the boat ride! I think Alexa would be terrified too of going into that whale. She is pretty skiddish about most things--unfortunately! The Casey Jr. looks fun too! It is funny to see people in those train cages
I am SO enjoying seeing your Disneyland trip...and SO dreaming that one day I will get there

Hopefully both our kids toughen up a bit! Joe and I are both into thrill rides, and for one trip Henry was too (well, the ones he could do), but not so much anymore...

Aren't those little train cages hilarious? It was NOT comfortable in there!

I was just dreaming of our return trip to Disneyland yesterday. We loved it SO MUCH! I hope we can get back in 2014.

Great update! Lovin it and dying to go to DLR!

I hope you get to go! It's fantastic!

A meet up sounds great if we can work it out! We will have to compare stuff as it gets closer
We actually have driven the past 3 trips as flying with 6 gets VERY expensive so this WDW trip is probably the cheapest we have done! We got tickets for $932 (for 8 day base x 5 ) and our BC room is $833 for the week...so $1765 for 5 of us for 7 nights. Our food is aleady taken care of from rewards cards (Disney Visa rewards, Opening a Chase Freedom card that gave us $300 cash back, DVC tour $40 gift card, Disney Movie Reward points for Gift cards). The only other things we have to purchase are our MNSSHP tickets and gas down and back and parking per day
I am used to our trips costing $3000 plus without airfare...so I am happy with this one
I thought you got all crafty on me!! The people who made those for you did such a great job! So cute. I dont have a crafty bone in my body either. I wish I did with Kayla's wedding coming up...that crafty bone sure would have come in handy

WOW! What a bargain for the trip!!! We have spent that much on a trip with only three of us! That's the way to do it though, you'll have less stress about the financial part of it all and be able to enjoy it more!

Sounds great about the meet-up! There is a group on Facebook of DISers going during that time, I'll just added you! There are a TON of us! I think we are doing a Mega Meet one of the days...

Brook, I think our October dates line up! Morghan and I will be there Oct 15th-19th. I'd love to meet you!

I hope you can find a new, awesome apartment!

That big kid on the circus ride is hilarious! I wonder if that's his mom smiling at him?

YAY! There are so many DISers down there during our dates! I love it! I'll add you to the F&WF DIS group on Facebook too! It will be so fun meeting up!

I was thinking the same thing about that woman smiling at him. Either it's payback or he has a little sibling...

You must be busy at the moment making plans for trips and plans to move!

We've done the Storybook boat ride equivalent at DLParis - there was definitely no whale and I don't remember any narration but it was a long time ago, on our very first Disney (pre-children) trip, and we tried EVERYTHING DLParis is very small in comparison to WDW and, I guess, DL.
I know we didn't go on it again when we took Alice a few years later, but we went at a really quiet time and I have a feeling it was closed. And probably not memorable enough for us to mind

I enjoyed those pictures of the cruise ship - it is just enormous! We have talked to the girls about taking a cruise one day and I have been reminded about it at least a couple of times recently when the cruise adverts pop up on screen in our local Disney Store!

I also had fun reading about your plans for your October trip and found it really interesting seeing you plan for two families with different interests. We took my parents to WDW last August and had some juggling/balancing to do to keep everyone happy, but reading your comments about Fantasmic made me realise how hard that must be sometimes as a TA - making recommendations that suit everyone's different tastes

I have been busy! Mostly in catching up on the DIS and working though! I had over 1,000 emails from the DIS in my email, and I'm down to TWO! I cannot believe I'm finally caught up, it has literally been over a year. There are a couple threads I'm not fully caught up on, but close! (and I'm sure a dozen more TRs that people are writing that I'm not subscribed to...)

Ahhh, DLP! We hope to visit in 2014. Fingers crossed it happens!

It is a bit of a challenge planning for different tastes, but I try to keep it simple with a "Top 3" type list for each person, or find a few things that everyone agrees on and make those the "Must Do" type rides. Thankfully, depending on a family dynamic, there are obvious rides that jump out for the younger set and the older children. The hardest part comes when a few like thrills, and others don't!

Hi Brook!

I've been following along with this TR but finally decided to post. I think I've already said this but you're really making me want to go back to Disneyland! It's been 5 years and with all the new additions I need to go. haha

Great pictures of the Fantasy. I am so jealous you are going on a cruise soon. It seems like everyone on the DIS is doing a cruise. So incredibly jealous!

haha, I knew it wouldn't be long before you announced another Disney trip! I knew you had your cruise but was wondering when your next WDW trip would be. A 2-BR sounds great-we stayed at one at SSR and it was amazing. YAY for your first party! I am not really a Halloween person either but it's such a fun event. Definitely a must-do!

I soooo want to go back to Disneyland too! I hope we are able to in 2014 again. DLR, DCL, and DLP is the hope for 2014. A girl can dream, right?

I am SOOOOOOO excited to cruise! I cannot believe how quickly it's coming up! I think it's going to be a perfect type of trip for us where I can be busy with activities like I enjoy, and Joe can sit around and do nothing like he enjoys. Plus, we have a verandah. I cannot wait to gaze out at the ocean on our sea days.

You know me! I CANNOT stay away! For a while we didn't have the cruise OR a WDW trip booked. I was going crazy! LOL Then, both got booked within just weeks of each other!

The party looks like a lot of fun. Henry will really enjoy the trick-or-treating. I am a bit nervous he will get scared from the spooky voices during the fireworks (I watched them online), but I'll prep him for it. He's a bit of a timid little man, so things like that spook him. Though, he is in a villains phase...so who knows!

"Where's Jonah?" haha!! I love it!! I have a picture of me when I was somewhere in the range of Henry's age sitting right by that same little door. I should try to find it. Then I have one of me again when I was 15 with some intense eyebrows sitting by it with my cousin. Ah... memories.

If you find them, post them!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love your TR. Henry's expression on the teacups is absolutely priceless. <3

Yay for your cruise! That'll be awesome! And so soon!!

Hooray for OKW and AKV too! Those will be great trips!

Hope the new apartment works out, doors included!

Thank you!

I'll keep everyone updated on the apartment hunt. I tried to get in touch with a broker last week, but she was out of her office. I just need to call her...we can likely start seeing places next week!

Love the updates! You have some great trips coming up!
I love all of the details around the Alice ride...can't wait to hear about it!

The Alice ride area was REALLY cute! I think I have a couple more pictures later in the trip of that area too. Since I am the "eyes" of the family and Joe is legally blind, I couldn't exactly soak up all the atmosphere of the parks since I was focused on finding certain places and not getting us turned around - but even that little area struck me as adorable! From the bathrooms to the tea cups!

I had a feeling you were going to write that he was scared on those other rides, because I remember that stage....they go from toddlers riding thrill rides to being scared on sedate rides.

Seeing people in those circus train cars looks like a hoot!

When, oh when, do they get over the fear??? I am SO hoping we have more success in June. While Henry will ride the ride, even though he's scared, he whimpers almost the entire time and I have to sooth him on every single ride. I feel like an awesome mother all day long having my scared child ride.

I can't beleive Henry is afraid of everything...but then again I can, because Claire has gone through phases like that too.

I love your pillowcase and FE...you made it yourself? I am so not talented like that.

I'm gaining hope that this stage of being scared of everything will end soon. Please Lord, please!

Oh no! I did not make it myself! I ordered it! I don't even own a needle let alone a machine. I'm scared to do iron-ons! I must have worded it funny above, you are the second person that thought I made it myself...!

Althought Kadence is still got some scaredy cat-ness in her. she is getting way better. I've got her convinced that EE is the same as BTMR! Hopfully she not kill me after the ride is over...


I can see how that whales mouth would be a bit much for younger kiddos. Especially, knowing the story of Jonah.


I do like the bathroom doors! Very cute!

EE is the same at BTMRR!!!!! Oh, that's funny! Hopefully she will just enjoy it though!

Yes, Henry was completely convinced that he was going to eat us, just like Jonah. I instantly thought, "Hmmm...maybe we should have just stuck to Noah!"

It was super fun meeting Joe, Henry and you when you were here in DC! Hope to see you all again soon.

Ahhhh! That's your DIS name!!!! I could NOT remember it when writing my update! It was so fun meeting you as well!!! We will return to DC, we had such a great time!

Poor Henry!

The bathrooms are cute! I love Disneyland's Fantasyland.

Your FE and pillowcase are adorable!

Disneyland's Fantasyland is awesome - I hope WDW's is greatly improved with the new additions!

I was really pleased with the FE and pillowcase too! I told the gal that made them to pick the colors and stuff, I LOVE that they are nautical inspired! She did such a great job.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'll keep you guys in my prayers. I hope that you find the apartment that fits your needs and is in a great location.

I know that you are super excited about the cruise! I've been getting some great tips on my pre-trip report from people who have been on cruises before.

I really enjoyed the Disneyland installment. I remember the age when Hunter wasn't quite sure if he liked an attraction or not. We could always tell if he "really" liked it by asking if he was ready to get back on it again. If he said "not right now", then we knew he liked it but was a little scared.

Thank you for the prayers! They are truly needed. It's a tough decision and such a process.

Oooh, share your favorite tips please! I know quite a few from research and learning (by being a TA), but there are always new ones out there! We finally decided (I think) on what we will do on our Nassau day, I just need to book it still!

That's just how Henry is! I hope he outgrows the fear soon.

Your life is so exciting with all the changes and trips. I hope everything works out just like it should.

Henry is just so super cute. I love all the questions he asks. Such an inquiring mind.

It is a bit exciting--but it all keeps me BUSY! It's good though. I really look forward to having the move over though.

Oh ya, Henry VERY much is a question asker. He never stops!

Love the updates. Disneyland is just so different from the World. The CMs sound very similar to those at Paris, they just dont get themeing and being in character.

Teacups with no lids - whats that all about, doesnt it rain in Disneyland?

It really is very different in many ways than WDW, but has the familiarity of WDW too...it's strange!

It does rain in Disneyland, but not as hard as in Orlando. The weather is much less extreme in California, so they can have it out in the open. A LOT of rides load outside! It's pretty neat!

I'm so surprised that Henry is suddenly afraid of so many rides! I've always thought that being scared of rides happens more to kids who are new to Disney, not kids who have gone on rides since they were babies.

All those trips sound awesome, especially the cruise!

I know! Especially since we had a whole trip where he LOVED Test Track and other thrills! Now he's scared of Casey Jr.

Sigh.

Hopefully this phase is over quickly though!

Oh my goodness, Brook!!! I am going to have nightmares tonight thinking about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea!!!

I seriously remember it from waaay back when (when I was 5 actually) and I was terrified! I am scared to death of drowning, so submarines are just NOT for me! I completely understand why Henry wasn't sure about it -- honestly I'm not sure I could even get into one of those things without having a panic attack! I totally give him credit for riding Nemo! He's braver than this girl!!!

I love seeing your pics of Storybook Land!!! From the DL TR's I've read, Storybook Land & ToonTown look like my two favs!!!

Neat bathrooms! I like the pretty lights in there! Very Alice!!!

Going to read your blog now about your D.C. trip!!! (I haven't been since the late 90's so I'm excited to see how its changed!)

Good luck with the move & the search for a new apt (and doors!)!!! I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to find something in NY!!! I know we had a heck of a time selling our old house and buying our new one -- and there isn't much of a demand around here! I would be all nerves worrying about it!!! When I read your post about the move, Joe's new job, Henry going to a new school, etc. I just thought your attitude about it all is truly amazing!!! You're such a positive person regardless of whats going on around you! I will pray that you find a place that is perfect for you guys!!!

I actually did almost drown when I was about 12 years old. I'm surprised I'm not scared of things like that! But, I am still scared of wave pools, where it happened. I will NOT go in over my head and haven't been in one in years.

You know...I wonder if that is where my fear of water slides stems from. Hmmm...it was a big water park, in the wave pool. I wonder if my brain associates the two.

I'm doing therapy on myself outloud on the DIS. I need to think about that some more though, maybe I can get over the fear!!!!

Anyway, thank you for the kind words about everything going on! I honestly don't even think about it ALL usually, so it doesn't overwhelm me. When I step back and look at it I am in wonder at how much we have going on at once though! LOL I know it will all work out, just a matter of time...! I look forward to the move being complete and being settled!

Good luck on the apartment hunt. I can't even imagine. I watch selling New York on HG TV all the time and it's scary. So I said a little prayer for you.

I also feel for you as far as schools. I know that it isn't nearly as hard as it is in my town. But I know how hard it was for us deciding on where to send Logan and whether we stay in our smaller home and send him to a private school or what do we do. I really think we made the best choice and I know that if you do your research (which I know you will do) and then say a little prayer then what is best is what will happen for you guys. The right school can mean so much and I'm so grateful for the school that we picked. In fact, get this, Logan had an actual sleepover at his school. We dropped him off at 6pm on Friday and picked him the next morning at 8am. There aren't many kindergarten teachers out there that would do something like that. So I wish for you to find the best school for Henry and for you guys as a family.

Selling New York is fairly accurate for all of NYC, even with our budget being about 1/389290282902th of what those sell for! Can you imagine?! I once saw a place on those that the rent was $12,000 PER MONTH! Seriously!? Insane! It's beautiful, the location is superb, and the views...but some people don't make much more than that in a year! I live here and am in awe of some of the wealth...it's a bit crazy! But, the actual process is similar - find a broker to show you a place, and they go fast! Real Estate does not linger here.

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words about the schooling! We have made a decision - we have him currently enrolled in the public school down the street, but he's #14 on a waiting list for a charter school that we really like, and have several friends going to. I'm confident he'll get in there. It's right on the train, so pretty much no matter where we end up, we will be able to get him to school pretty easily.

All subject to change should we end up in Manhattan.

I have to comment on the life update first - Did you say you DON't have a door on your bedroom? How will Henry ever have a little brother or sister with that arrangement? You must get that corrected.

I started reading you DC blog and your trip sounds great. It has given me so many ideas because I really want to visit there soon (its been far too long).

The cruise plans sound awesome! That is going to be so fun. I love how you have your plans all figured out.

I hope things work out well with Joe's job and your new apartment search and Henry's school. I can believe school is such a stress in NYC. Sounds not fun!

Oh you are too funny! And yes, it's true! NO DOOR! (but no plans for a sibling either...so... We have recently discussed adopting again though...I do NOT ever want to be pregnant again. I had a rough delivery that I don't ever care to repeat! I would love to adopt a 3 or 4 year old though)

I hope to get another DC post up this week! Our first day was REALLY long, after that we did a lot less! We were so sore and tired after that day!

Good Luck with the Apt hunt. I would love to live by Central Park. We only seen half of the park and loved it.

It is such a beautiful park! We love it too! The thought of running in the park makes me actually want to run. Astoria has a really nice park too, but it doesn't quite compare to Central Park!

 

[jenjolt]

Your cruise is going to be here before you know it, of course so will mine LOL!! I can't wait to hear about your trip!!!

Good luck with the apartment hunt, I hope you find the perfect one!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

When I left off we decided to leave Fantasyland and venture into Frontierland. We almost instantly ran into Woody and Jesse! There was a small group of people in a make-shift line/crowd, but we knew it would go quickly. At first Henry had no interest, but after I encouraged it just slightly, he agreed to meet them.

Just as we were about to take our turn a family ran up and jumped in front of us.



We just let it go. The "line" was barely a line, there was no character handler, and what was waiting 3 more minutes while they took their 1.2 million pictures?

After they left, Henry timidly walked up...and Woody instantly messed with Henry's hair and then put his hand in front of his face, which made Henry roar with laughter. Thank you Woody for noticing my scared little man and making him comfortable!

High-fives and hugs were given

It was a very successful meet!

We kept walking and and came to BTMRR, I definitely wanted to try this since I had heard it was different than WDW's, but we were getting hungry, Henry was NOT having the "crazy train ride" and the FPs were closed, so we just skipped it for now, we'd be back!

We breezed right through Frontierland and found ourselves back in the hub. Our stomachs were growling, I wasn't sure where we should eat...

Then I spotted it.

The Little Red Wagon.

I had read about this before our trip. This is where we WOULD be eating! The Little Red Wagon serves hand-dipped corn dogs, and if you've read my reports before you know of my love for Casey's Corn Dog Nuggets (aka, Golden Nuggets of Joy). I HAD to compare the two! What kind of TR writer would I be if I didn't?!?!

So it was settled. Joe was totally up for a corn dog, as was Henry.

And as was half the park.

This is probably the second longest line I waited in all day!

It does take a while. But it was a great opportunity for Henry and Joe to scurry off to the bathroom. Eventually three orders like this:

were in our hands!

We sat in the nearby outdoor seating for the Plaza Inn, which many people were doing.

See that smile? Yep! I was a happy girl. These did NOT disappoint! They were hot, very fresh - you could tell they were just dipped in that little red wagon...unlike Casey's that are likely from a bag in the freezer!

However! Who wins the Great Corn Dog Throwdown? I am still loyal to my Golden Nuggets of Joy. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd choose the Nuggets. There is just something about them. But, if you are doing to Disneyland and you like corn dogs, don't skip this place!

After eating we came across a CM who had a lanyard of pins. Henry had just recently taken an interest to the pins and I told him he could trade if he wanted to.

He took a look at the lanyard, found one he liked and made the trade!

Me removing the exclusive DVC pin...pro-pin traders would be freaking out! LOL The CM asked me twice if it was okay that he traded that one! It was fine, we had several of that pin, plus, this was my baby's first pin trade!

It was a very sweet moment! Henry traded for a Scar pin.

We slowly walked down Main Street

This was on my Must-Do list...one of the very few things we didn't make it to! Next trip!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Just before we left the park we saw Pinocchio and Gepetto with no line! Henry was VERY excited to meet them!

Another great meet!

We spied a small kiosk right at the gates and wanted to take a look at postcards and magnets...and of course hats!

He laughed when he saw this hat and couldn't stop giggling while wearing it!

Fitting!

No hats for Joe...

While standing there I took in some of the scenery. It was truly beautiful. All morning I had been focused on covering Fantasyland and trying to navigate our family since I'm the "eyes" with Joe's low vision. It was the first moment I really stopped and soaked it in.

I can hear the music playing... (which by the way, we loved the Main Street soundtrack! It has just recently added a song from Up and it was fantastic)

Wait a second! Is that sign smoking?!

Yes it is!

Seriously cool.

In the tunnel, under the train

We started our journey back to Paradise Pier. We took it really, really slowly and soaked in the sun and atmosphere.

Looking over toward DCA.

And back to Disneyland.

As we approached DTD, I wanted to really capture how close the parks were together, to show everyone how EASY DLR is! So, we've just stepped out of Disneyland Park, almost in DTD, I turned around and took this shot of the plaza:

Literally just to your left are the Disneyland gates and just to your right are the DCA gates. Park Hopping is awesome. No security check between the two either! And DTD is just a few more steps away. And your hotel is so close too, either off-site or on-site! It is truly one of the best things about Disneyland. It's easy. So easy with the little ones!

And we are now in DTD! So quick.

The trams from the parking lots come up over here.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Henry had been asking for a treat, very specifically a chocolate covered banana! He had seen a picture of one this morning at Haagen Daaz when we got our coffee, so we stopped for a treat.

I believe we all shared these.

This time we walked all the way through DTD instead of going through the Grand Californian.

Ralf Brennan's and the QS Jazz Kitchen. Ralf Brennan's gets very good reviews.

The themeing is superb!

Rainforest Cafe

Keep walking straight - and there is the Disneyland Hotel!

Hang a left...

There is a straight route and a more "scenic" path, we chose the scenic this time!

Reflection as we passed the Disneyland Hotel.

You can see the Paradise Pier

The walk actually only takes about 15 minutes, but we made it last about 30!

A few pics walking back to our room

Chase at Disneyland too.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Henry wanted to play in the arcade and the TV room every time we passed!

In the elevator

Elevator bank

Back in the room the boys went straight to bed and were snoring in minutes.

Me on the other hand? The one that hasn't slept in pretty much two days?

Did I sleep? Nooooo!

I grabbed my laptop and went into the hallway to make a few work phone calls. While I was sitting there a Mom across the hall did the whole "slowly close the door and pray the 'click' doesn't wake up the kids" thing - we shared a laugh because I had just done the same thing!

Joe woke up at some point, but Henry kept on snoozin'. Around 3 PM we opened the curtains in an attempt to wake him up and it was this time I realized I had made a BIG mistake.

I had planned on running over to DCA to grab a FP for World of Color when the park opened at 10 AM. I was so wrapped up in our fun at Disneyland, I blanked it completely! I was certain the FPs would be gone for the day by the time we would get there, but it was worth a shot since it's so easy to park hop.

Would we get FPs? Or would my plan be thrown out the window?

Up Next: Is that a cat?!

Henry wants to post some smileys :

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Ahh I love the Little Red Wagon! Best corn dogs EVER!

Sometimes it's nice to just take it all in.

I LOVE park hopping at Disneyland! It takes like 2 minutes to get from one park to the next! It's awesome.

The scenic route looks beautiful!

Can't wait for more!

 

[ClaireW]

This update reminded me a lot of DLParis - the way everything is just so close and convenient for families with little ones.
We took a trip there when DD was just 2, a few months after her baby sister was born, and she could pretty much take charge of where we might go and what we might ride because it was so easy to criss-cross the parks, and from one park to another. And we were close enough to our hotel to get some well earned naps after all that!
The plus point for DL in California though? The sunshine!!

If your 2014 DLP trip works out keep me posted - I haven't got any plans to go back but you never know when that fuzzy Disney math might strike

And these latest photos have got me thinking about looking at flight times to California - we're 8 hours or more from the UK to Florida already but a trip to LA, Grand Canyon, Disneyland, etc is definitely on the bucket list

And thanks for the tip about planning for must-do's on family trips. Your 'top 3' strategy is something I remember from your earlier trip reports and a great idea. That, combined with the fact that we've taken a trip two years running and another to come, and we've bought into DVC, is making me a lot more relaxed about what we do each day

 

[Poolrat]

Sounds great about the meet-up! There is a group on Facebook of DISers going during that time, I'll just added you! There are a TON of us! I think we are doing a Mega Meet one of the days...

Can't wait for the October trip Ladies.....

It really is very different in many ways than WDW, but has the familiarity of WDW too...it's strange!

I look forward to exploring it all.

I actually did almost drown when I was about 12 years old. I'm surprised I'm not scared of things like that! But, I am still scared of wave pools, where it happened. I will NOT go in over my head and haven't been in one in years.

You know...I wonder if that is where my fear of water slides stems from. Hmmm...it was a big water park, in the wave pool. I wonder if my brain associates the two.

I'm doing therapy on myself outloud on the DIS. I need to think about that some more though, maybe I can get over the fear!!!!

I can understand why you would have that fear. Power of the water in a wave pool and water slide are similar. Totally understandable.

Knowing what the fear is will help you get over the fear. Also maybe learning some "what ifs" that you can use so you can "Think so you don't sink" will help too. When you are ready I can help.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Ahh I love the Little Red Wagon! Best corn dogs EVER!

Sometimes it's nice to just take it all in.

I LOVE park hopping at Disneyland! It takes like 2 minutes to get from one park to the next! It's awesome.

The scenic route looks beautiful!

Can't wait for more!

They were delicious! We will definitely eat there again. Yum, yum! I loved that they were so fresh!

We truly loved the compactness and simplicity of the Disneyland Resort. I think it's a HUGE plus for parents with little ones. We were busy our entire trip, yet felt so relaxed. That is not always the case at WDW.

This update reminded me a lot of DLParis - the way everything is just so close and convenient for families with little ones.
We took a trip there when DD was just 2, a few months after her baby sister was born, and she could pretty much take charge of where we might go and what we might ride because it was so easy to criss-cross the parks, and from one park to another. And we were close enough to our hotel to get some well earned naps after all that!
The plus point for DL in California though? The sunshine!!

If your 2014 DLP trip works out keep me posted - I haven't got any plans to go back but you never know when that fuzzy Disney math might strike

And these latest photos have got me thinking about looking at flight times to California - we're 8 hours or more from the UK to Florida already but a trip to LA, Grand Canyon, Disneyland, etc is definitely on the bucket list

And thanks for the tip about planning for must-do's on family trips. Your 'top 3' strategy is something I remember from your earlier trip reports and a great idea. That, combined with the fact that we've taken a trip two years running and another to come, and we've bought into DVC, is making me a lot more relaxed about what we do each day

Yes! Sounds like DLR and DLP are very similar in that way! We loved that too! It's just so easy!

about fuzzy Disney math! I will keep you posted! It has been a goal for a while now. I want to visit Germany and DLP. It will need to be a 2 week vacation, so finding time for that will be tricky, we'll see how it pans out.

The Grand Canyon is on our bucket list too. I was trying to squeeze it in for this trip, but it just wasn't going to happen.

It is true that knowing you will come back helps ease you into a more relaxing touring approach! It helps me a TON. It also helps, as my DH has learned, if we have that trip on the books...if it is just lingering out there of "we will come back", it doesn't help me much! I need a date!

Can't wait for the October trip Ladies.....

I look forward to exploring it all.


I can understand why you would have that fear. Power of the water in a wave pool and water slide are similar. Totally understandable.

Knowing what the fear is will help you get over the fear. Also maybe learning some "what ifs" that you can use so you can "Think so you don't sink" will help too. When you are ready I can help.

There are SO many people going in October! It's going to be a BLAST!!!! Are we taking over the pub that one day? We will LITERALLY end up taking over the whole thing!

You are exactly right in knowing what the fear is helps you get over it. I've had more than one irrational fear that I have left in the dust, just by realizing what it is and where it comes from. I am hoping I can do the same with the water slides. With water slides my fear is that I will flip over the side. Tube ones don't scare me a BIT! They are fun! I've even done the "roller coaster" Crush N Gusher type, I was nervous about it, but had a BLAST! But the open ones...yikes! I'll do them, but it's not fun. It literally cannot happen though, right? No matter how large or small a person is, or how fast they are going? They won't flip out the side? The giant family tube raft slides are the worst for me...I see that giant tube go up on the side and I literally envision my body spiraling off the side and into the ground! It's completely irrational! It's impossible right? Just knowing if there are ZERO cases of anyone ever flipping off the side (by riding a slide as instructed, not by being a dufus, I'm sure there are those instances!), that will help me a ton in my fear I think!

Why do you have to ride laying down? I always want to sit up, I feel like I'm more in control. Ah, control. I think that's another thing -- on a water slide you have no control really, the water does. That's a thing I like to have. And I think moreso with water due to my almost drowning incident.

BTW, with that incident, I have no idea who saved me! I was choking and gasping and trying to crawl up the tiled wall when suddenly hands were around my waist a female voice told me what to do so she could help me. After I was pushed up the ladder, I looked back and never saw her. I don't think it was a lifeguard because legally they probably would have had to make sure I was okay... crazy, huh?

I need a couch to lay down on and you at my shoulder with a notepad...

 

[Woth2982]

Such great updates! Poor Henry is going through his scared of rides phase. I remember when we went when I was 3 I BEGGED my dad to bring me on this really fast ride, and naturally I hated it and cried the whole time that I wanted to get off, they actually stopped the ride and asked if I wanted to get off, and my dad said No she is fine lol. I think that would be considered child abuse these days lol. I just love MS in DL. It seems much more authentically "old" there, the look Walt was going for, for sure. Cannot wait to get back in September!

 

[Poolrat]

There are SO many people going in October! It's going to be a BLAST!!!! Are we taking over the pub that one day? We will LITERALLY end up taking over the whole thing!

I guess I need to get back on FB and look at the plans. I will go wherever and do whatever. Love to be a part of a huge meet.

You are exactly right in knowing what the fear is helps you get over it. I've had more than one irrational fear that I have left in the dust, just by realizing what it is and where it comes from. I am hoping I can do the same with the water slides.

Good to hear, have a seat on the couch Brook.

With water slides my fear is that I will flip over the side. Tube ones don't scare me a BIT! They are fun! I've even done the "roller coaster" Crush N Gusher type, I was nervous about it, but had a BLAST! But the open ones...yikes! I'll do them, but it's not fun. It literally cannot happen though, right?

Tha's right Brook, you will NOT flip over the side on a body slide.
That's why if you look you normally see it is higher and curved back so you don't.

No matter how large or small a person is, or how fast they are going?

That's right, no matter how large or small, or how fast....

They won't flip out the side?

They and YOU won't flip out.

The giant family tube raft slides are the worst for me...I see that giant tube go up on the side and I literally envision my body spiraling off the side and into the ground! It's completely irrational!

Not irrational, actually a pretty common fear I hear. I would get the question all the time if I was up on the top of our body slide.

I know Teamboat Springs has higher walls around the curves. Those engineers design those to keep you in, I promise!!!

It's impossible right?

It is pretty impossible.

Just knowing if there are ZERO cases of anyone ever flipping off the side (by riding a slide as instructed, not by being a dufus, I'm sure there are those instances!), that will help me a ton in my fear I think!

As far as I know- I do get amusement accidents/incidents news around the world emailed to me... No one has ever flipped out of a slide after building, installing, loading, dispatching and riding it correctly. Feel better?

Why do you have to ride laying down? I always want to sit up, I feel like I'm more in control.

Most slides perfer you ride laying down to get you to slide better. Also sitting up, most people tend to grab the sides of the slide and even grabbing the edges are dangerous and slowing down or stopping may will disrupt dispatch and can cause a collision. Also with your head higher up, going around a curve may cause you to lose you balance and fall against the side hitting your head.
You can slow yourself down a bit by relaxing your legs and body and pressing your whole body against the surface of the slide. I usually tell people to dig thier heels in and arch their back slightly for a faster to ride so do the opposite to slow down.

Ah, control. I think that's another thing -- on a water slide you have no control really, the water does. That's a thing I like to have. And I think moreso with water due to my almost drowning incident.

Its a thing I like to have too. Biggest thing about water, unless you are going over the edge of a waterfall, let the water carry you. On a slide it will take you where you want to go. In a wave pool it will carry you to shallow water. Remember to take a breath and which way is up.

BTW, with that incident, I have no idea who saved me! I was choking and gasping and trying to crawl up the tiled wall when suddenly hands were around my waist a female voice told me what to do so she could help me. After I was pushed up the ladder, I looked back and never saw her. I don't think it was a lifeguard because legally they probably would have had to make sure I was okay... crazy, huh?

I would hope a lifeguard would need a report or something. When we took our camp to an outdoor waterpark for a field trip, I grabbed a boy in the wave pool who was having trouble. I picked him up and brought him to where he could stand.
Usually the I can help you is a lifeguard statement. Maybe an "off duty" or just a woman who is/was trained and got you to a ladder. A guardian angel.

I need a couch to lay down on and you at my shoulder with a notepad...

I think you just had your first session Good job Brook. Now pay your co-pay at the window....