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

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Well, it was park closing and The Big Shop was a MADHOUSE as expected!

Decisions, decisions.

Choice finally made, we stood in the very long line and eventually made our purchase.

Then we said good-bye to Legoland.

There is a gift shop that sells snacks and drinks just before you leave too, I dipped in for a cup of coffee

The shop had quite a few healthier things to purchase - all natural bars and such. A good stop for healthy snacks!

Info:

Map recycle bin. Disney should do this!!!

Ticket prices. AKA - find a coupon.

They were in the process of building a Hilton on property. It of course had a Lego model!

Looks beautiful! I just looked it up, and it looks like it's done. Would be a great spot to stay for a night and do a 2-day pass.

Back in the car we surprised Henry with a few things that I snuck into my arms in the Lego shop.

He loves these!

His selection. Joe sat in the backseat with him on the drive home and put together some of this - but none of the small pieces. Between that and the few Lego Mini's we purchased he was pretty satisfied and not asking every 8 seconds when we'd be back.

I got a magnet - had to!

Another surprise

The drive home went well. We again thought about a few places to stop for dinner, but found ourselves back at Disneyland before we made a decision. So, we ate at Mimi's Cafe! Mimi's is very close to Disneyland and gets great reviews. I would recommend it.

Inside Mimi's. There are a few rooms with different themes, but it's overall just a nice, cozy restaurant. This family pictured here took no fewer than 900 pictures during dinner. One of the guys had a nice camera and documented their entire dinner play-by-play style. And you thought I was bad!

Food!
I ordered a salad, which came with a muffin. Completely the opposite of a salad, but I didn't argue! Yum!

Cobb - no blue cheese.

Joe's - likely orange chicken

Henry's corn dog nuggets (I've raised him well!)

The food was good - not outstanding, but definitely good and reasonable.

Mimi's is located right next to the Howard Johnson, which is a great offsite hotel with a very cool pirate themed water park.

As we drove back to the Paradise Pier we took a few pictures of the area and hotels.

Do NOT eat at Captain Kidd's!

Another good offsite choice with themed Disney rooms.

Back in our room we rested and relaxed and then Joe wondered if we'd be able to see the World of Color from the top floor...or even the roof. So we went exploring.

We were not allowed on the roof (bummer!), but we found a big window in a hallway on the top floor of the Paradise Pier and enjoyed World of Color again from a totally different perspective!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

We must have looked suspicious because before long a security guard was there asking what we were doing! We got to chatting with him, super nice guy, and he watched the show with us for a bit!

Pirates!

It's amazing how high the water goes!

So pretty.

After the show we went back to our room and called it a night. It had been a very fun day. The next day was our last full day in California. We did NOT want to leave, but we planned to make the most of the last day, hopping between the parks and seeing things we hadn't yet!

 

[KristiMc]

Miniland is so cool. I think I could spend hours looking in that area.

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Legoland looks like it would go over big with my DH and DS! I guess we will have no choice but to go someday. I wonder if the one in FL is similar.

 

[blessedby3]

Lots of great pictures! That Mini Land is amazing! Are those little legos glued down? It looks like if a wind came through that all the little people "walking" around would fall over.
Love the World of Color pictures too! I so really want to experience that in my lifetime

 

[onelilspark]

I love the bathroom sign

Geoff was looking over my shoulder when I was on the Star Wars pictures. He said, "did someone recreate Hoth in their backyard?!" No. Not quite.

And I can confirm that the Fairfield is a good choice!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Great pics! I can confirm that the Hojos is a great place to stay!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, Lego Land looks like a lot of fun! All those displays are amazing.

Fairfield Inn, that sounds familiar...I think that might be where we stayed the two times we went. It was so easy to get to the parks (but really, there are a ton of "offsite" places that are so close to DLR).

Cool pictures of World of Color.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Awesome day!! You finally got around to the areas I remember. The red-orange dragon ride!!!! My DH and DD did that ride. DS was too short by an inch and they stick to their guns on height restrictions as well as Disney. I was, of course, sitting in a wheelchair with my ankle in a boot doing nothing. That dragon ride has different level of torture (oh, I mean speed). DH did the gentle cycle with DD but I know he wanted to go all out. I was watching some other adults and they really got whipped around pretty good.

Mimi's was great for breakfast. We headed there when we stayed at the HoJos in 2008. We have a Mimi's not far from our house. Love the Cobb Salad! It is my go-to each time I go there.

And I can totally attest to the Howard Johnson's being a great place to stay for those who don't want to spend the $$$ to stay on property. It's a short walk and we had a wonderful, clean room. They were redoing the pool area the year we were there (for the splash/water park) so we only could use the quiet pool, but even that was really nice.

You guys had quite the long day at Legoland. Henry did really well hanging in there all day waiting to shop!! It helps to have the places the kids can build and play to break up the day a bit.

 

[MEK]

Holy Mega Updates. I have decided not to even try to read until I can see pictures. In fact, I wasn't even going to look until I could see pictures because its such a tease. Can't wait!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Miniland is so cool. I think I could spend hours looking in that area.

Me too! I was completely fascinated.

Legoland looks like it would go over big with my DH and DS! I guess we will have no choice but to go someday. I wonder if the one in FL is similar.

I do believe it is - I haven't done a ton of research on the FL one, but from what I have glanced at, it is. There are often coupons for that one too!

Lots of great pictures! That Mini Land is amazing! Are those little legos glued down? It looks like if a wind came through that all the little people "walking" around would fall over.
Love the World of Color pictures too! I so really want to experience that in my lifetime

Yes, I believe they are glued down, perhaps even nailed down somehow? It's amazing how much detail and work goes into it all!

World of Color is FANTASTIC. I would love to see some sort of version of it at WDW too (there have been rumors, but we'll see!).

I love the bathroom sign

Geoff was looking over my shoulder when I was on the Star Wars pictures. He said, "did someone recreate Hoth in their backyard?!" No. Not quite.

And I can confirm that the Fairfield is a good choice!

I know, isn't that hilarious?! I thought it was so cute.

That's so funny about Geoff!!!!! Was he ready to buy a ticket to visit that person's backyard???!

I think we will try the Fairfield next time, if we don't get a great deal on a Disney hotel/have DVC points. I love the location!

Great pics! I can confirm that the Hojos is a great place to stay!

I want to stay there too! LOL I need many trips to Disneyland...! When Henry is a bit older and into the water parks, we will have to try it!

Wow, Lego Land looks like a lot of fun! All those displays are amazing.

Fairfield Inn, that sounds familiar...I think that might be where we stayed the two times we went. It was so easy to get to the parks (but really, there are a ton of "offsite" places that are so close to DLR).

Cool pictures of World of Color.

The Fairfield is basically right across the street from Disneyland, so I wouldn't doubt it! It's one of the closest. Are you guys planning a return trip anytime?

Awesome day!! You finally got around to the areas I remember. The red-orange dragon ride!!!! My DH and DD did that ride. DS was too short by an inch and they stick to their guns on height restrictions as well as Disney. I was, of course, sitting in a wheelchair with my ankle in a boot doing nothing. That dragon ride has different level of torture (oh, I mean speed). DH did the gentle cycle with DD but I know he wanted to go all out. I was watching some other adults and they really got whipped around pretty good.

Mimi's was great for breakfast. We headed there when we stayed at the HoJos in 2008. We have a Mimi's not far from our house. Love the Cobb Salad! It is my go-to each time I go there.

And I can totally attest to the Howard Johnson's being a great place to stay for those who don't want to spend the $$$ to stay on property. It's a short walk and we had a wonderful, clean room. They were redoing the pool area the year we were there (for the splash/water park) so we only could use the quiet pool, but even that was really nice.

You guys had quite the long day at Legoland. Henry did really well hanging in there all day waiting to shop!! It helps to have the places the kids can build and play to break up the day a bit.

I didn't know that about the Dragon ride! How fun!! If/when we go back, I'll have to try it.

Another vote for the HOJO! Glad to hear it!! I'd like to try a few of the offsite resorts someday.

Henry did do really well with everything - he was begging ALL DAY LONG, but overall was good! He forgot about the shopping for bits and pieces and I was grateful for the play zones that helped him feed his need.

Holy Mega Updates. I have decided not to even try to read until I can see pictures. In fact, I wasn't even going to look until I could see pictures because its such a tease. Can't wait!

Lots of pictures in this one! Come back soon!

 

[Woth2982]

Mini land looks so cool! Definitely the most impressive thing about Lego Land! Although not sure seeing Miniland is worth the price of admission lol. I will just wait til I have a little someone to bring with me. Legoland kinda reminds me of one of the smaller amusement parks we have up in NH.

 

[MEK]

I just saw every picture and I am completely caught up! WOW! Legoland is seriously cool. I had NO idea. I just am blown away by the amount of work that went into that park. And miniland is just amazing. Thank you for all the wonderful pictures.

Isn't there a Legoland in Florida?

The ticket price does seem a little steep as does the price of food. But what an enjoyable day, especially for a little boy who LOVES legos. Where was Henry when I finally gave away all my kids lego sets? I admire people who have the patience to put them together.

Watching World of Color from the hotel window - smart.

 

[mickeystoontown]

LegoLand looks so cool! I enjoyed looking at each and every one of your pictures especially the ones of MiniLand. Oh and the one of Henry in the police car was so cute. He looked like he was racing off to find the bad guy.

 

[eandesmom]

WOW!!!

Mini-land is SO incredibly cool, I had no idea. I'd have spent hours there.

Great update and what a fun idea to watch WOC from up on high!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Mini land looks so cool! Definitely the most impressive thing about Lego Land! Although not sure seeing Miniland is worth the price of admission lol. I will just wait til I have a little someone to bring with me. Legoland kinda reminds me of one of the smaller amusement parks we have up in NH.

Ya, I don't think Legoland is worth the price of admission for just adults. With a child - definitely worth it.... especially with a coupon.

I do agree that parts of it seem like a smaller amusement park you could find somewhere - it's like that, but plussed a bit with the decor and a few bigger rides.

I just saw every picture and I am completely caught up! WOW! Legoland is seriously cool. I had NO idea. I just am blown away by the amount of work that went into that park. And miniland is just amazing. Thank you for all the wonderful pictures.

Isn't there a Legoland in Florida?

The ticket price does seem a little steep as does the price of food. But what an enjoyable day, especially for a little boy who LOVES legos. Where was Henry when I finally gave away all my kids lego sets? I admire people who have the patience to put them together.

Watching World of Color from the hotel window - smart.

Your welcome! Legoland was pretty fun! The giant builds all over the park were definitely impressive.

Yes! There is a Legoland in Florida now. I hope to visit within the next couple years while Henry is still young enough to enjoy it and a Lego freak!

I actually enjoy putting the sets together, but I don't like to just build random stuff - which Joe and Henry do. We just got Henry a HUGE one for Christmas, it will take DAYS to do! I kinda look forward to it...

LegoLand looks so cool! I enjoyed looking at each and every one of your pictures especially the ones of MiniLand. Oh and the one of Henry in the police car was so cute. He looked like he was racing off to find the bad guy.

He WAS racing off to find the bad guy.

WOW!!!

Mini-land is SO incredibly cool, I had no idea. I'd have spent hours there.

Great update and what a fun idea to watch WOC from up on high!

I could have spent hours there as well! It was pretty awesome, the detail was impressive!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Well, it was our last day in Disneyland.

Our trip was coming to an end.

But, no tears yet!! We had a full day in front of us, and today's agenda was to park hop and cover all the things we hadn't yet that was on our "Must Do" list - mainly things that were either unique to Disneyland, or very different.

We were up bright and early again, but this time to pack up our bags and move resorts! We would be spending our last night at the Grand Californian in a Studio Villa. We tried to get more nights using our DVC; however, it just wasn't happening. There aren't many villas at the Grand Californian to begin with and due to the last minute nature of our trip, the villas were pretty much full. I'm glad we got in the last night though, just to experience it.

We packed up and checked-in at the GCV, and learned we had to move our car. However, several of the CMs didn't exactly know where to park. Which was odd. Finally we got a solid word from Bell Services on where to go. So...back to the Paradise Pier parking ramp, and we literally had to move it about 12 feet, into a regular lot (versus a ramp). The valet is directly under the hotel, but the self-parking lot is across the street, actually closer to the Paradise Pier! When we got to the lot we had some issues getting INTO the lot because the bar wouldn't raise...so we sat there and waited, not knowing what to do...then it suddenly worked. Who knows! We were in!

Finally parked, we made our way to the Disneyland gates!

Walking down Main Street USA

Looking back at the train station

I wanted to get back here later in the day!

It still was odd to not see a HUGE castle at this view...

So pretty!!!

We walked to the right of the Castle, past Tomorrowland and the Matterhorn (under construction)

We went right back to Fantasyland to cover a few things we had missed!

First up:

This ride is both indoors and outdoors. Henry was NOT too thrilled with going on this first - remember, he was scared of most every dark ride this trip. But, he braved it.

It was a cute ride! We ALL enjoyed it, even Henry - he got over the darkness once we were inside.

Next up...

it's a small world!!!!

Since we were there in January it still had the holiday overlay. I was really looking forward to seeing this!

I have to get busy with work...so hold tight and we'll soon enter into a little holiday world!

 

[that's nice]

Just stopping in...

It still was odd to not see a HUGE castle at this view...

Where is the castle? I can't see it!



Weird that the CMs didn't know where you should park. Is it because not a lot of people have cars while staying there?

The Alice ride looks really cool!

 

[ladylyons]

It's amazing all that can be done with Lego's. My DH is passing on his Castle Lego set on to our DS this year for Christmas. It's actually a set my DH was given when we was 6 years old so it's going to be fun to pass it on. Still working on DH to get us to Legoland this year. I'd really love to go again and so would the kids!!

Yeah for being back in Disneyland!! We love the It's a Small World Holiday!! It's always a must ride almost every day of every trip for my DD. It's her favorite ride to the Matterhorn. Which sadly she can no longer ride due to them increasing the height requirement. Poor girl still doesn't get why she's not going to get to ride it in 24 short days!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

[COLOR="DarkGreen"C]
We walked right onto the Beetle Bounce and Henry wanted to ride with me, Joe sat this one out.

[/COLOR]

I love this picture... just look at your expression and that of the kiddos (including Henry) -they are all mellow... but you aren't so much... That's the way I feel on Splash Mountain... (even though I do it...)


It's funny when I'm looking through your LL photos... objectively It really is quite a good park... especially for Lego Lovers... if you didn't have Disney to compare it to... It would probably even be a great park...It does look like Henry had an awesome time... (David loved it 3 years ago)

But all of the Disney Lovers out there... (myself included) are spoiled... and Disney raises the park really high...

I'm hoping that you took pictures in the CGVilla... (Did you try for ressies at the 7 month mark? ) I may have missed it earlier but did you hear that the Disneyland Hotel is adding DVCs too? (they must have a higher demand than they're able to meet with the current GC ...

I really think that Disneyland is awesome in its own right... so similar to the Magic Kingdom but different too...