"Santa must have heard that we love balloons!" TR *8/27 Update*

[lsulindy]

10 DAYS!

After yesterday's post, I started thinking about the different characters I'm hoping to see b/c they weren't available or we missed them in WDW. Over the day, kept thinking of different characters that people have mentioned in their posts that I'd previously forgotten. So, I decided to write them down in a list so I wouldn't forget any. Then, the list got huge!! Don't think seeing all of them is a real goal. All the posts I see say to ask at City Hall, but I don't think I'm going to whip out this list for them. haha

Characters we've never met that may be available in DL or DCA:

• Tinkerbelle
• Merida
• suzy
• perla
• fairy godmother
• pinocchio
• gepetto
• queen of hearts
• cruella
• peter pan
• wendy
• Mr. Smee
• prince charming
• prince eric
• prince phillip
• snow white prince
• beast
• Bert
• Jessie
• piglet
• rabbit
• eeyore
• mulan (DCA Lunar New Year)
• mushu (DCA Lunar New Year)
• Max
• Evil Queen
• Flik (DCA Bug's Land)
• Jake (Hollywoodland)
• Dug (DCA Redwood Creek Challenge)
• Russell (DCA Redwood Creek Challenge)
• Mr. Incredible (Got Frozone 3 times as we attempted to get Mr. and Mrs. Incredible last trip... The first time we were fine with Frozone b/c we'd never met him. The next 2 times we were next in line when they switched over!!)

Special outfits:

• Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Cowboy Mickey and Cowgirl Minnie (is this only on weekends, don't think we'll make it Saturday, maybe try Friday)
• mardi gras minnie and mickey
• mardi gras goofy
• lunar new year minnie and mickey
• bvs mickey
• bvs chip & dale
• Paradise Pier Mickey in resort wear
• Pilot Minnie (after fly girls show)
• Pilot Goofy (by sky school)
• princess minnie (not doing Ariel's and with the prince promotion going on for True Love week, I'm thinking Princess Minnie probably won't be meeting with the princesses.)

So, then after making the list, I was thinking "We met a gazillion characters last trip at WDW. How can there possibly be that many characters that we haven't seen?" So then I pulled out the WDW album from 2011 and counted characters. We had meet and greets or meals with 65 characters!! WOW! I had no idea it was that many. There were a few repeats in there, but still. Wow! And, in the moment, it seemed like we were missing a lot of them!

 

[PHXscuba]

10 DAYS!

After yesterday's post, I started thinking about the different characters I'm hoping to see b/c they weren't available or we missed them in WDW. Over the day, kept thinking of different characters that people have mentioned in their posts that I'd previously forgotten. So, I decided to write them down in a list so I wouldn't forget any. Then, the list got huge!! Don't think seeing all of them is a real goal. All the posts I see say to ask at City Hall, but I don't think I'm going to whip out this list for them. haha

Characters we've never met that may be available in DL or DCA:

• Tinkerbelle
• Merida
• suzy
• perla
• fairy godmother
• pinocchio
• gepetto
• queen of hearts
• cruella
• peter pan
• wendy
• Mr. Smee
• prince charming
• prince eric
• prince phillip
• snow white prince
• beast
• Bert
• Jessie
• piglet
• rabbit
• eeyore
• mulan (DCA Lunar New Year)
• mushu (DCA Lunar New Year)
• Max
• Evil Queen
• Flik (DCA Bug's Land)
• Jake (Hollywoodland)
• Dug (DCA Redwood Creek Challenge)
• Russell (DCA Redwood Creek Challenge)
• Mr. Incredible (Got Frozone 3 times as we attempted to get Mr. and Mrs. Incredible last trip... The first time we were fine with Frozone b/c we'd never met him. The next 2 times we were next in line when they switched over!!)

Special outfits:

• Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Cowboy Mickey and Cowgirl Minnie (is this only on weekends, don't think we'll make it Saturday, maybe try Friday)
• mardi gras minnie and mickey
• mardi gras goofy
• lunar new year minnie and mickey
• bvs mickey
• bvs chip & dale
• Paradise Pier Mickey in resort wear
• Pilot Minnie (after fly girls show)
• Pilot Goofy (by sky school)
• princess minnie (not doing Ariel's and with the prince promotion going on for True Love week, I'm thinking Princess Minnie probably won't be meeting with the princesses.)

So, then after making the list, I was thinking "We met a gazillion characters last trip at WDW. How can there possibly be that many characters that we haven't seen?" So then I pulled out the WDW album from 2011 and counted characters. We had meet and greets or meals with 65 characters!! WOW! I had no idea it was that many. There were a few repeats in there, but still. Wow! And, in the moment, it seemed like we were missing a lot of them!

I'm pretty sure I remember that you're going to Goofy's Kitchen, right? (too many trip reports swirling around ) I know we saw Pinocchio and maybe Geppetto there.

Eeyore often appears with Tigger and Pooh in Critter Country. It's a set meet-and-greet. When we first got there it was Pooh/Tigger, than after a break it was Pooh/Eeyore/Tigger.

I saw Mr. Incredible in Hollywoodland. He was usually with Elastigirl or Frozone.

For Tinkerbell you can do Pixie Hollow -- she's always there. Your DD will love it!

PHXscuba

 

[rnorwo1]

Hi! We live a little north of BR and always take advantage of our week long mardi gras break also.... Going to WDW next week, but I'd love to go to SD and DL next year... I've been lurking around here trying to figure DL out! Looking forward to your report, have a great time!

 

[lsulindy]

I'm pretty sure I remember that you're going to Goofy's Kitchen, right? (too many trip reports swirling around ) I know we saw Pinocchio and maybe Geppetto there.

Eeyore often appears with Tigger and Pooh in Critter Country. It's a set meet-and-greet. When we first got there it was Pooh/Tigger, than after a break it was Pooh/Eeyore/Tigger.

I saw Mr. Incredible in Hollywoodland. He was usually with Elastigirl or Frozone.

For Tinkerbell you can do Pixie Hollow -- she's always there. Your DD will love it!

PHXscuba

I currently have ressies at Goofy's Kitchen and Minnie & Friends.

I didn't know Elastigirl met at DCA! We missed them in Hollywood Studios as I mentioned, and shortly after that she was retired there, so I thought we'd missed our shot with her. HA! Add another one to the list.

I also read today that someone saw Baloo at Goofy's. We missed Baloo twice in Animal Kingdom. Would be cool if he popped up somewhere for us!

I know some on the list have regular spots, some have semi-regular spots, and some will require luck. We won't devote the bulk of our time to hunting characters, but hopefully with this list, I can keep in mind where to keep an eye out for some!

Hi! We live a little north of BR and always take advantage of our week long mardi gras break also.... Going to WDW next week, but I'd love to go to SD and DL next year... I've been lurking around here trying to figure DL out! Looking forward to your report, have a great time!

Hiya neighbor! I think half my Facebook feed is going to WDW next week. Tell them all I say hi! I'll be sure to report here after to let everyone know how we feel about DL!! Have a great trip!

 

[lsulindy]

One week from now, we'll be in the parks! Ahhh! Can't believe it.

Just got back from what may be our final Mardi Gras parade of the season, and the kids were definitely sad, although so thrilled for Disney at the same time.

Finally got the kids last shirts back from the embroiderer (my neighbor), most were ready for Christmas, but a few weren't. I love them all, and the kids were thrilled to see them. Thinking of packing them all in a carry-on just in case. I think they're the only items that I would be absolutely devastated if we lost. We can buy anything else in CA if needed, but I gotta have those shirts! I thought about posting pics here, but I think it'll just be better to wait and post them on the kids in my TR!!

Haven't started packing yet, I'm usually a last-minute packer. But, I do like to make lists of all the extras (and start collecting them) so I don't forget anything. Need to get started on that!

Looked at wait times this evening on my phone, trying to decide what will be the best "first ride" for us. We'll be arriving on a Saturday evening. Hoping to get into the parks in time for the parade. Send someone for a Space Mountain or Indiana Jones fastpass before or after the parade depending on timing. Then hit a family ride. Don't want something with a too huge line, but do want something that's stereotypical Disney. For our past 2 trips, the first rides were Dumbo and then Tea Cups.

 

[Sherry E]

I've seen Baloo at Goofy's Kitchen during all of my breakfasts there for the last 5-6 years. Of course, unfortunately I had to skip Goofy's entirely on this past December trip (which really made me sad, as I am so used to eating there and it is a 20+ year tradition for me) so I have no idea if Baloo is still making the breakfast rounds. He was not there at dinner the last time I ate dinner at Goofy's (in 2011) - but that could always change.

The characters I always see at Goofy's are Goofy (of course) in his chef outfit, Pluto, Chip and Dale and usually a couple of princesses (I've seen Mulan, Belle, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White). Baloo always seems to be there in the mornings when I'm there. Other characters seem to come and go. Sometimes Captain Hook is there. Sometimes Alice and the Mad Hatter are there. Often times Minnie is there. Sometimes Max (Goofy's son) is there. Sometimes Rafiki or Timon might pop in. Sometimes Honest John (a rarity) might show up!

I don't know if I skipped over it on your list of characters, but Goofy has a special Buena Vista Street outfit too. He was wearing a snazzy green suit when I went to the BVS/Cars Land preview in June.

 

[lsulindy]

I've seen Baloo at Goofy's Kitchen during all of my breakfasts there for the last 5-6 years. Of course, unfortunately I had to skip Goofy's entirely on this past December trip (which really made me sad, as I am so used to eating there and it is a 20+ year tradition for me) so I have no idea if Baloo is still making the breakfast rounds. He was not there at dinner the last time I ate dinner at Goofy's (in 2011) - but that could always change.

The characters I always see at Goofy's are Goofy (of course) in his chef outfit, Pluto, Chip and Dale and usually a couple of princesses (I've seen Mulan, Belle, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White). Baloo always seems to be there in the mornings when I'm there. Other characters seem to come and go. Sometimes Captain Hook is there. Sometimes Alice and the Mad Hatter are there. Often times Minnie is there. Sometimes Max (Goofy's son) is there. Sometimes Rafiki or Timon might pop in. Sometimes Honest John (a rarity) might show up!

I don't know if I skipped over it on your list of characters, but Goofy has a special Buena Vista Street outfit too. He was wearing a snazzy green suit when I went to the BVS/Cars Land preview in June.

Fingers crossed. I hope Baloo pops up at our GK breakfast!!

Honest John would be a new one for us too!

I've seen pics of BVS Goofy, but for some reason I didn't think he was a regular. I saw pics of him, plus Donald and Daisy in BVS clothes around the time of BVS opening, but I didn't think they still met.

Thanks for the info!


5 days to go!!

 

[PHXscuba]

One week from now, we'll be in the parks! Ahhh! Can't believe it.

Just got back from what may be our final Mardi Gras parade of the season, and the kids were definitely sad, although so thrilled for Disney at the same time.

Finally got the kids last shirts back from the embroiderer (my neighbor), most were ready for Christmas, but a few weren't. I love them all, and the kids were thrilled to see them. Thinking of packing them all in a carry-on just in case. I think they're the only items that I would be absolutely devastated if we lost. We can buy anything else in CA if needed, but I gotta have those shirts! I thought about posting pics here, but I think it'll just be better to wait and post them on the kids in my TR!!

Haven't started packing yet, I'm usually a last-minute packer. But, I do like to make lists of all the extras (and start collecting them) so I don't forget anything. Need to get started on that!

Looked at wait times this evening on my phone, trying to decide what will be the best "first ride" for us. We'll be arriving on a Saturday evening. Hoping to get into the parks in time for the parade. Send someone for a Space Mountain or Indiana Jones fastpass before or after the parade depending on timing. Then hit a family ride. Don't want something with a too huge line, but do want something that's stereotypical Disney. For our past 2 trips, the first rides were Dumbo and then Tea Cups.

Pirates of the Caribbean would be a great "classic Disney" ride. Get you in the New Orleans feeling!

PHXscuba

 

[lsulindy]

Pirates of the Caribbean would be a great "classic Disney" ride. Get you in the New Orleans feeling!

PHXscuba

I was thinking of that one! The kids want to do Nemo's subs since there's nothing like it in WDW. It'll just depend how long the line is. I know it gets long, but if it's long most of the time anyway, maybe it's not the worst idea. A lot depends on if we get there in time for the parade. Other suggestions from the kids were It's a Small World, Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, and the Tea Cups. All of which, will be closed of course!

I definitely want it to be something that we can all ride together, and not one that my parents and the baby would have to sit out.

 

[lsulindy]

Well, it was just a formality, but I just received word that my vacation request was officially approved for work.

DS2 is getting very excited for the trip. Now, wherever we're going he says "No, I go Dennylan!" So it's non-stop, "I not go MawMaw house! I go Dennylan!" "I not go store! I go Dennylan!" "I not go school! I go Dennylan!"

He also loves to joke about everything. His new hilarious joke is "I not go Dennylan." Then I dramatically reply "Oh no! That's terrible!! If you don't go to Disneyland, who's going to hi-5 Mickey Mouse?" Then he laughs "ME!! I go Dennylan! I hi-fi Me Mows!" And, he cracks up!

Another fun game he's invented in the car is
"Where Daisy?" I reply "Disneyland"
"Where Pootoe?" "Disneyland"
"Where Nahnuld?" "Disneyland"
"Where Minnie?" Me: "Wal-mart" (Or some other crazy place)
Fits of laughter "NO Mommy! Minnie at Dennylan!!"

I adore that kid! Can't wait to see him in the parks when he meets the big cheese and friends!!

 

[PHXscuba]

Well, it was just a formality, but I just received word that my vacation request was officially approved for work.

DS2 is getting very excited for the trip. Now, wherever we're going he says "No, I go Dennylan!" So it's non-stop, "I not go MawMaw house! I go Dennylan!" "I not go store! I go Dennylan!" "I not go school! I go Dennylan!"

He also loves to joke about everything. His new hilarious joke is "I not go Dennylan." Then I dramatically reply "Oh no! That's terrible!! If you don't go to Disneyland, who's going to hi-5 Mickey Mouse?" Then he laughs "ME!! I go Dennylan! I hi-fi Me Mows!" And, he cracks up!

Another fun game he's invented in the car is
"Where Daisy?" I reply "Disneyland"
"Where Pootoe?" "Disneyland"
"Where Nahnuld?" "Disneyland"
"Where Minnie?" Me: "Wal-mart" (Or some other crazy place)
Fits of laughter "NO Mommy! Minnie at Dennylan!!"

I adore that kid! Can't wait to see him in the parks when he meets the big cheese and friends!!

You gotta get some video of that (now and at DL!)

PHXscuba

 

[lsulindy]

You gotta get some video of that (now and at DL!)

PHXscuba

I need to try more often. He never cooperates when I'm videoing!

 

[lsulindy]

Confession. I'm a little addicted to the seal cam...

http://www.wanconservancy.org/la_jolla_harbor_seal_earthcam.htm

 

[lsulindy]

I have all the kids' custom shirts together in my armoire. And, that's as far as I've gotten with packing!! Trying to catch up on laundry so I can get the rest done. Will anyone notice if DH and I are wearing the same outfit every day of my trip report.

Something had to give, so instead of making cupcakes for dd's birthday celebration at school tomorrow, I just went buy some. They're put together to look like a king cake. Not homemade, but cute and DONE!

Kids were doing Valentine's exchanges today since they will be out of school next week. Pretty happy with how DS's turned out.

Last night DS7 had a basketball game. DH is coach. The rest of us went to my grandfather's assisted living facility where he was King of their Mardi Gras ball. The younger 2 were pages. It was cute and quite fun. There are WAY more women than men in the facility, so this was my grandfather's 3rd time being king. Older DS has always been his page, since he was 2 years old. But, due to basketball, he had to pass the torch.

Tonight we have another basketball game, Bingo at my daughter's school, and then we're supposed to go eat with my sister and her husband to celebrated DD's birthday with them and so that they can see the kids before we leave.

Tomorrow the older 2 are both having parades at their schools. DS will be in his. DD will just be a spectator in hers. Got the wagon and beads loaded up for DS and off to school this morning along with the Valentine's. Between the two parades and DD's birthday celebration, I'll have a pretty full day. Plus having to figure out how to get a full work day in. (I work from home, don't think I've mentioned that!)

I finally fished the kids activity books. I'd started before Christmas, and when I saw that I wasn't going to be finished, I put it aside. I should have given up on it, but I felt that I had too much invested in it already. Got them off to the printers today. No idea when I'm going to pick them up. (Between the parades tomorrow???) I want to upload them somewhere so I can post a link here. I'll have to figure that out when we return.

I also made signs for Jedi Training Academy. DS is so excited about this. Hopefully, DD will warm up and participate too. But, she's scares easily and is unsure...

Have to share the story DD brought home from Kindergarten yesterday.

People keep asking me if I'm ready. Please be more specific. Are you asking if I'm ready to be on vacation in Disneyland? Or are you asking if I have everything ready to go? VERY DIFFERENT ANSWERS!

I gave up on the homemade cupcakes, but I feel like something else has got to give! It just might be DH and my clothes!

 

[PHXscuba]

Take a deep breath! You can do this! I get more done while the kids are sleeping; it's worth staying up late because I don't sleep well right before a trip anyways -- too much on my mind.

Good luck with the final days!!

PHXscuba

 

[lsulindy]

Back from the parades. Activity books are picked up. Trying to finish up work. Last batch of clothes in the wash.

Think the kids are spending the evening (possibly night) at the grandparents' (the ones who aren't traveling with us). I know I can get it done if they're not here!

This time tomorrow we'll be landing at LAX!!!

 

[PHXscuba]

Back from the parades. Activity books are picked up. Trying to finish up work. Last batch of clothes in the wash.

Think the kids are spending the evening (possibly night) at the grandparents' (the ones who aren't traveling with us). I know I can get it done if they're not here!

This time tomorrow we'll be landing at LAX!!!

You should be arriving right now!! Have a great visit and bring us back some pictures!

PHXscuba

 

[lsulindy]

You should be arriving right now!! Have a great visit and bring us back some pictures!

PHXscuba

We've landed!! On shuttle to get rental car. Kids were so great on the plane. Much better than I could have expected!

 

[seashell724]

Excited to read more! Have fun!

 

[lsulindy]

Having an absolute blast. Hit Disneyland Saturday evening after arrival. Got a corndog, saw the parade, rode Alice, rode Dumbo, watched fireworks, then we left but DH stayed with DS7 and they did Star Tours, Matternhorn, Nemo and Astro Oribtors before closing.

Had Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast Sunday morning, then toured Hollywood. I know Goofy's has been getting mixed reviews, but we thought it was great. Saw Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Mulan, Aurora, Perla, Baloo, and Rafiki.

Today we hit California Adventure. Didn't see as many characters as I thought we would, but we hit almost every ride and saw the Pixar parade. Got what I think would have been a good spot for the 8:15 World of Color, but then they came by at 7:45 to say the show was cancelled due to technical difficulty. We'll try again Wednesday.

I got disappointed b/c I thought Lunar New Year ended today and we just missed seeing Mickey twice, and just missed seeing Mulan and Mushu. They were leaving, but DH saw where they were headed so he ran over there and DD got a hug from both of them before they started their processional down the street. But, I missed getting pics. We did get some really awesome pics with Minnie though. The kids were wearing yellow and red today, and it looked great with Minnie's red dress and orange and yellow background. Then just now when I got on the DIS, I see that it's through Wednesday! I already felt very silly for being upset about it. (Well, I didn't get really upset, I just kept kicking myself for not heading back there sooner. Time got away from us and I knew we were cutting it close when we went to head back there from Monster's Inc, then on the way we hit the end of the News Boys show with Mickey and the kids just had to stop and watch... I knew I should stop thinking about it, but I just kept thinking about it.) Now, I feel REALLY silly. DH definitely thought I was being silly. He won't understand at all why I want to go back Wednesday!

That was longer than I planned. Was going to just be highlights before I hit my rant! Can't keep my eyes open anymore!

Tomorrow we hit Disneyland!