10 Mths of WDW Planning leads us to~~DISNEYLAND!! Report Completed~Pic Heavy!!!

[DizNee Luver]

I was sad to read that you had to cancel WDW. I was really hoping it would work out.

Your DL plans sound great.

Me too......spent many a day planning that trip, but it just wasn't meant to be this time. I'm happy taking my family back to their special place (and of course mine)!!

 

[PHXscuba]

I feel for you having to cancel your WDW trip. I spent a whole year planning our WDW trip and I probably would have gone postal if I had to scrap it all. Hopefully backing off now and postponing that dream will allow you to do it right when you are able to do it. At least you didn't lose a lot of money with reservations, etc. And the second time through when you plan again will be so much easier!!

Your girls look so sweet in their princess dresses. They will be charmed whether they go to DL or WDW!

PHXscuba

 

[DizNee Luver]

I feel for you having to cancel your WDW trip. I spent a whole year planning our WDW trip and I probably would have gone postal if I had to scrap it all. Hopefully backing off now and postponing that dream will allow you to do it right when you are able to do it. At least you didn't lose a lot of money with reservations, etc. And the second time through when you plan again will be so much easier!!

Your girls look so sweet in their princess dresses. They will be charmed whether they go to DL or WDW!

PHXscuba

I think postponing was the best option......we had scaled back so much, it was not as "dreamy" a trip as originally planned. Also having anxiety about how the twins would handle everything and us not knowing the lay of the land.....I feel going to check it out before taking all the kids is actually a good plan!! Yup, I'm gonna keep telling myself that!!!

Shyann is able to name quite a few Disney characters, so I think she's gonna be a lot of fun when she spots them!!!

 

[mnmrmustard]

I'm on board! Cool itinerary, hope things get settled and you can get more park days. Great pics of the kids, they look like they really enjoyed those dresses!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm on board! Cool itinerary, hope things get settled and you can get more park days. Great pics of the kids, they look like they really enjoyed those dresses!

YAY!!!! Welcome Mike!!
The twins LVED being little princesses!!

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

As an avid reader of many of your previous TRs, I was so sorry to hear you had to cancel your WDW plans but on the otherhand at least you get to enjoy Disneyland and California Adventure. I would love to see the new and improved California Adventure ... just think of all the wonderful things to see and enjoy!

Here's a little pixie-dust to help make sure that this trip is the best ever! And I hope your problems with the IRS are all resolved quickly.

 

[DizNee Luver]

As an avid reader of many of your previous TRs, I was so sorry to hear you had to cancel your WDW plans but on the otherhand at least you get to enjoy Disneyland and California Adventure. I would love to see the new and improved California Adventure ... just think of all the wonderful things to see and enjoy!

Here's a little pixie-dust to help make sure that this trip is the best ever! And I hope your problems with the IRS are all resolved quickly.

Thank you for joining me again!!! I'm sorry the WDW trip didn't work out, but I've always been a strong believer in "if it doesn't happen, there's a reason". Last year, when we had our family Halloween time trip planned, again had an issue with the IRS and we had to cancel. We were heart broken.....but we figured out why we weren't supposed to go, when I got the call that my step-mom had passed. (that would have been towards the end of our trip). I don't think I would have wanted to be celebrating at the parks after getting that kind of news.

I think WDW would have been too much for the twins to handle at this point......going to DL at least gives us a fighting chance to make a successful trip. We are very comfortable there and everything is so close that stepping out of the parks for an hour here and there won't totally disrupt everyone's good time. At WDW, if we had to leave the parks.....everyone would have to leave and we might not make it back.

So I hope this trip will be a go and the IRS will finally get us our adoption credit to us. I can tell you after the year we've had......we all need this trip and I'm not sure I could tell my kids that we're not going......again!

 

[kaci]

Goodness, your kiddos are too cute! And that picture of the twins hugging

Looks like there's a lot of overlap in our trips. We're going to be at the Hojo 12/11-18, we're also going to be hitting the Tar Pits and the Page Museum and I think we're also going to go over to the Natural History Museum for my dino loving boy to get his fix

 

[DizNee Luver]

Goodness, your kiddos are too cute! And that picture of the twins hugging

Looks like there's a lot of overlap in our trips. We're going to be at the Hojo 12/11-18, we're also going to be hitting the Tar Pits and the Page Museum and I think we're also going to go over to the Natural History Museum for my dino loving boy to get his fix

Thank you!! I have that picture as my wallpaper on the computer!! (it doesn't happen very often, so when it does....its that more special!)

Nice plans!! We thought it would fun to re-visit some favorites but try some new things too! We love the HoJo and as of now, is our plan on where to stay.....unless I can work something out at one of the resorts!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I have GREAT NEWS!!!! I finally broke down and called the IRS (again) and today was good news!! They approved our adoption credit on October 4th. Its not showing yet for a specific check run date, but should in the next week or so. Best guess is we'll see the check by the end of the month or into early November!!! I can't tell you how thrilled we are, knowing this is almost over and we are FOR SURE GOING ON THIS TRIP!!!!!!!!! (especially with the plans DL has in changing the holiday season next year)

Thank You Everybody for your pixie dust, prayers, good thoughts and shoulder for me to cry on as we dealt with this 36 wk nightmare!!! Finally, we're getting a break.....a much needed break.........

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Yay! So happy you got some answers finally!!! And you get to go on your trip!!

What are these changes to the holiday season next year???

 

[DizNee Luver]

Yay! So happy you got some answers finally!!! And you get to go on your trip!!

What are these changes to the holiday season next year???

I know.....doing a happy dance!!!

So rumor has it (under good authority) Disneyland will go to a party where the snow, castle lighting, fireworks and parade would be shared. There's even some speculation about the Candlelight Processional being a part of it as well. So tradition is going to disappear for the almighty dollar....... The reindeer won't even be here this year, as they're already starting to phase things out. So I'm glad my family is getting to go & experience it all......it might be the only time we go.

 

[Sherry E]

That's good to hear, Laurie!

If I recall correctly, according to your very first post in your holiday TR from 2011, your check was "in the mail" on that day - it was like October 20th or 21st or something - and you were expecting it to arrive a week or two after that.

Wouldn't it be funny (in a frustrating way; not in the comical way!) if this year's check arrived right around the same time? It almost makes me wonder if those pesky IRS people purposely wait until certain points in the year to cut all checks!

 

[DizNee Luver]

So the day is getting even better......I called Disney Travel to inquire about 2 rooms vs a suite at the PPH. Mike and I have been lucky enough to stay at the PPH, but none of the kids have.......and we LOVE it. The plan is to stay at HoJo's for the first 7 nights and then end on our last night at the pier. Out of curiousity, I asked about the amount for our entire stay. YIKES!!! In our conversation I asked if Derek would need a ticket since he was a CM at WDW.......she said, "you're son is a CM"?? I said yes.....she said "hold on, let me price that with his discount". I asked, he can use his discount for rooms at Disneyland, and she said he could. WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, he can't use the discount on a suite, but we could get into 2 Premium View, Concierge for an AMAZING price!! Derek would have to check in with us and provide his CM ID. So this would change our check in dates.......doable. So I thought I would compare the difference in price between 2 rooms at the PPH for the 8 nights, adding in 3 adult 5 day PH, 3 child 5 day PH & 1 Premium AP vs 7 nights at the HoJo's with 5 day PH's, 1 night at the PPH & upgrade 1 PH to the Premium AP..........
Are you ready for this????? The difference would be an addt'l $276!!!!! Are you kidding me?? We could stay top end, park view with concierge benefits, early entry everyday of our stay and only run us $276 more???? Oh you know that we will be going this route!!!!!!

So it looks like we'll be checking in on Sunday December 9th and leaving Anaheim on Monday the 17th. Derek knows he has the 9th-10th-11th off and will try to trade a few more days to get at least the 12th & 13th. I'm pretty excited.....just need to get enough together for the deposit!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

That's good to hear, Laurie!

If I recall correctly, according to your very first post in your holiday TR from 2011, your check was "in the mail" on that day - it was like October 20th or 21st or something - and you were expecting it to arrive a week or two after that.

Wouldn't it be funny (in a frustrating way; not in the comical way!) if this year's check arrived right around the same time? It almost makes me wonder if those pesky IRS people purposely wait until certain points in the year to cut all checks!

LOL......that wouldn't surprise me........ I'm just happy this will be over in a matter of weeks now......the end is near!!!!!

 

[DisneyStitch626]

I know.....doing a happy dance!!!

So rumor has it (under good authority) Disneyland will go to a party where the snow, castle lighting, fireworks and parade would be shared. There's even some speculation about the Candlelight Processional being a part of it as well. So tradition is going to disappear for the almighty dollar....... The reindeer won't even be here this year, as they're already starting to phase things out. So I'm glad my family is getting to go & experience it all......it might be the only time we go.

Really??? This kinda blows. We are hoping to go next season, but i don't know about paying extra for this "party" to see everything. This is pretty disappointing.

So the day is getting even better......I called Disney Travel to inquire about 2 rooms vs a suite at the PPH. Mike and I have been lucky enough to stay at the PPH, but none of the kids have.......and we LOVE it. The plan is to stay at HoJo's for the first 7 nights and then end on our last night at the pier. Out of curiousity, I asked about the amount for our entire stay. YIKES!!! In our conversation I asked if Derek would need a ticket since he was a CM at WDW.......she said, "you're son is a CM"?? I said yes.....she said "hold on, let me price that with his discount". I asked, he can use his discount for rooms at Disneyland, and she said he could. WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, he can't use the discount on a suite, but we could get into 2 Premium View, Concierge for an AMAZING price!! Derek would have to check in with us and provide his CM ID. So this would change our check in dates.......doable. So I thought I would compare the difference in price between 2 rooms at the PPH for the 8 nights, adding in 3 adult 5 day PH, 3 child 5 day PH & 1 Premium AP vs 7 nights at the HoJo's with 5 day PH's, 1 night at the PPH & upgrade 1 PH to the Premium AP..........
Are you ready for this????? The difference would be an addt'l $276!!!!! Are you kidding me?? We could stay top end, park view with concierge benefits, early entry everyday of our stay and only run us $276 more???? Oh you know that we will be going this route!!!!!!

So it looks like we'll be checking in on Sunday December 9th and leaving Anaheim on Monday the 17th. Derek knows he has the 9th-10th-11th off and will try to trade a few more days to get at least the 12th & 13th. I'm pretty excited.....just need to get enough together for the deposit!!!

Omg, wow!! That is awesome that you can get that great of a deal using Derek's discount!! Hopefully you can book! Glad this day is turning out so great for you! You all need the pick-me-up!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Really??? This kinda blows. We are hoping to go next season, but i don't know about paying extra for this "party" to see everything. This is pretty disappointing.



Omg, wow!! That is awesome that you can get that great of a deal using Derek's discount!! Hopefully you can book! Glad this day is turning out so great for you! You all need the pick-me-up!

I know, I thought the party idea would be fun.......but after reading about people going to the Halloween party and not being happy with crowds and such.....I'm thinking DL really isn't "built" for that kind of thing. I'm sorry they're looking more at dollar signs vs tradition. I really am not happy with the powers that be running things right now. Seems to be a bit greedy and forgetting about us lower income families that would like to enjoy the parks too!!

Derek's discount is really something I hadn't even thought about using at DL. After canceling our WDW package, we booked 2 rooms using his discount there.....didn't even consider it for here. I figured their discounts were only good for their "home" park. I sure hope to take advantage of this deal. I've never, EVER thought about adding concierge before......so this really would be quite a dreamy trip!!

 

[kaci]

Wow! Congratulations on your amazing deal at PPH!! How exciting

 

[6Smiles]

I have GREAT NEWS!!!! I finally broke down and called the IRS (again) and today was good news!! They approved our adoption credit on October 4th. Its not showing yet for a specific check run date, but should in the next week or so. Best guess is we'll see the check by the end of the month or into early November!!! I can't tell you how thrilled we are, knowing this is almost over and we are FOR SURE GOING ON THIS TRIP!!!!!!!!! (especially with the plans DL has in changing the holiday season next year)

Thank You Everybody for your pixie dust, prayers, good thoughts and shoulder for me to cry on as we dealt with this 36 wk nightmare!!! Finally, we're getting a break.....a much needed break.........

Laurie I am so thrilled for you and your family!

Kris

 

[6Smiles]

So the day is getting even better......I called Disney Travel to inquire about 2 rooms vs a suite at the PPH. Mike and I have been lucky enough to stay at the PPH, but none of the kids have.......and we LOVE it. The plan is to stay at HoJo's for the first 7 nights and then end on our last night at the pier. Out of curiousity, I asked about the amount for our entire stay. YIKES!!! In our conversation I asked if Derek would need a ticket since he was a CM at WDW.......she said, "you're son is a CM"?? I said yes.....she said "hold on, let me price that with his discount". I asked, he can use his discount for rooms at Disneyland, and she said he could. WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, he can't use the discount on a suite, but we could get into 2 Premium View, Concierge for an AMAZING price!! Derek would have to check in with us and provide his CM ID. So this would change our check in dates.......doable. So I thought I would compare the difference in price between 2 rooms at the PPH for the 8 nights, adding in 3 adult 5 day PH, 3 child 5 day PH & 1 Premium AP vs 7 nights at the HoJo's with 5 day PH's, 1 night at the PPH & upgrade 1 PH to the Premium AP..........
Are you ready for this????? The difference would be an addt'l $276!!!!! Are you kidding me?? We could stay top end, park view with concierge benefits, early entry everyday of our stay and only run us $276 more???? Oh you know that we will be going this route!!!!!!

So it looks like we'll be checking in on Sunday December 9th and leaving Anaheim on Monday the 17th. Derek knows he has the 9th-10th-11th off and will try to trade a few more days to get at least the 12th & 13th. I'm pretty excited.....just need to get enough together for the deposit!!!

Laurie -

We come in on the 14th, DTD in the afternoon on the 15th, but we'll be in the parks on the 16th and 17th. It would be great if we could finally meet.

Kris