Show me the water!!! Trip report Jan 31-Feb 11,2013*Pictures added*

[Susie63]

I have been patiently watching my ticker and it has finally reached the one month mark!!!! I love reading trip reports and wished that I had written one for our first trip, but at the time I was using the Disboards solely as a learning tool. Boy... did I learn! I spent months reading and occasionally asking questions, that I thought might help us navigate the parks a little easier. I think I had less than 50 posts by the time we boarded our plane in Edmonton,Alberta. So here is a little back story of our first adventure and the love I would develop for Disneyland.

We loved our first trip to Disneyland, in February of 2010. My daughter was 8 and I had been chomping at the bit to make the trip to California and experience Disneyland together,for the first time. The other participant was my DH, who was known as "Grumpy", at the time. To say he had less than zero interest in travelling to Anaheim, would be an understatement. I have read many threads since then, about dragging an unwillingly family member to Disneyland, in the *hopes* that the magic would grab them, and they would be magically transformed.

We stayed at the Disneyland hotel for 8 nights and it was awesome. We spent the first 2 nights in a suite,on the 12th floor,in an unrenovated room. I am so glad I had the opportunity to see the Tinkerbell border and the beautiful carved armoire. We then moved to a new renovated suite and were thrilled with the newly renovated room.
I never could have guessed how totally absorbed I would become with this amazing place called "Disneyland". To say I drank the kool-aid, would be accurate.

Our days were wonderful and relaxed and we had a very laid back holiday in a mostly empty park. DD was pampered at BBB and loved being a diva princess....but loved being a jedi knight even more.
All too soon our trip was over and as we sat on a bench outside the DLH, waiting for the bus, my husband gestured to a man wiping down the signs in the parking lot and said "Only at Disneyland, would you see someone washing signs in a parking lot."
After our return, when I would ask if he had a good time, the answer was always....it was okay...

Two weeks later a commercial came on for Disney, and at the end when it was for WDW he said, "Oh...it's for Disneyworld".BUSTED. He did have fun!!! That's why we called him Grumpy.
After that, he would go on about the horticulture and logistics etc.Yeah...he's a nerd.....but he also drank the koolaid.

 

[Susie63]

Let's go again!!!!

I always shake my head when newbies ask, "How many days should I plan for our 1st trip" and people reply with 3 or 4,and now with Carsland, it is 5 days. We were there for 8 days and still didn't see eveything.

California Adventure was under construction. Ariel's was being built as was the World of Color. Carsland wasn't even a blip on the radar. The Golden Gate bridge was still standing behind the big,beautiful CALIFORNIA letters guarding the gate to DCA. I cannot comprehend the changes we will encounter, as we walk through those gates later this month.

The Matterhorn was being refurbed and Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road was non operational every time we went by, or the line was so long,we just passed.

The one thing I could not wait to see though was the Rivers of America. Drained and boarded up,I could only imagine what it would be like. I could see the Mark Twain and the S.S. Columbia in dry dock,as we rode the train around the park. I knew I would be back to see the boats on the water and watch Fantasmic!

We decided that we would return in February of 2012. Once again the Disney piggy bank came out and the planning began. Now I became a full time Diser. I spend more time on here than I should, but I LOVE IT!!!!!

Planning was in full swing and then my octagenarian in-laws, decided to make one last trip back to Holland, in July of 2011...and I decided my husband should accompany them, as he had never seen where his mom and dad grew up.I bought his plane ticket for $2200.00, gave him $600 spending money and kissed my trip to Disneyland goodbye. Am I glad I did it? Of course...but I was still dreaming of Disneyland.

 

[Susie63]

So....it is decided. We are going back in 2013, so I can see the ROA. I didn't mind missing out on some of the attractions ,but not seeing the water....was like eating the best food of your life....and the waitress takes your plate, just are you are about to eat the last bite.

After reading thousands of posts. I thought we would try the accomodations on Harbour. I read all the hotel reviews and discussions about cleanliness, location,price,ammenities etc. and even bedbugs!!!! So began the discussion of, "where should we stay". I told DH about a few of my choices,to which he replied, "If we are going to DL..we are staying in one of the resort hotels". Uh oh! KA CHING!!!!

The way holidays work in my house is....I plan them and tell DH when to get in the car. He doesn't care,other than to tell his boss when he is leaving and when he will be back. However I had already booked 12 days off. Two travel days and 10 in the parks,with a couple days of pool time and shopping. I did not anticipate that he would not even consider staying outside the resort....even if it is...just across the street for heavens sake. Nope...not gonna do it!

Since 10 nights at any of the resort hotels is going to cost a small fortune,I thought I would give DVC rentals a try. Yes..even on the days when there were not many DL posts,I would read DVC posts and sometimes WDW posts. I can never,ever go to WDW!..but that is another story.
So I tried a DVC rental place and they could not secure points for me. Then I found an owner with enough points, and so now, I get to stay in a Grand Californian Villa!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

I managed to get a pretty good deal on plane tickets. Well,by Canadian standards anyway. Competition does not exist between airlines here as we have...2. So $1500 later....we have flights,hotel and now for park tickets. When I booked and paid for our DVC rental last March...Canadians could stilll get 8 day hoppers. We all know what happened to those. Now I am stuck with the option of 2 separate hoppers, or an AP. OUCH!!! My budget has completely imploded now. Then I read that someone had cashed in points for hoppers for a reward program here in Canada called Airmiles. After 2 months of really trying to collect points,I had enough for 3, free 5 day hoppers. So,I will pay the difference and upgrade to AP's and spend 11 days in the parks.WOOHOO!!!!

So...the planning is done. I have a few dining reservations. Cafe Orleans on the day it re-opens and Blue Bayou...just because it is so cool! I can't wait to get out of snowy Alberta. It has been brutally cold this winter and I am ready for some California sunshine...or rain...whatever! I"ll be in DISNEYLAND!!!!

 

[Susie63]

I finally have some time to write down my thoughts and adventures from our trip. It certainly was one we will never forget!

January 30,Thursday

The day has arrived. Time to tidy the house and pack those last minute necessities. Our plane will be leaving at 6:50 am so the alarm is set for 4:30. However, at 3:30 I am up and drinking coffee and reading the Disboards. Time is passing ever so slowly. Breakfast is packed as we will be so tight for time clearing US customs in Calgary. It is all I can do to let everyone sleep till 5. At least we are only 10 minutes from the airport so it is a quick commute. My wonderful FIL is so kind to drive us to the airport ,so we don't need to worry about cabs or parking.
I have a small panic attack at the airport when DD's passport doesn't want to scan. At last we have success and we are California bound!
Touchdown at LAX is right on time and we only have a 2 minute wait and the Disneyland Resort Express bus is pulling up to the terminal, and we are on our way!!!
A quick stop at the DLH for the agent to take our payment and we are off to the Grand Californian! Check in is quick and after we drop our bags at bell services, it is off to pick up our rental car. A little shopping for groceries and back to the resort.

We hope to get an early sitting at Goofy's kitchen at 4 pm but it doesn't open till 5, so we are off to the Earl of Sandwich. Yummmm! It was the first of a few trips : )
Since our villa is ready, we call bell services and drop everything we don't need and head to DCA. Mickey's Wheel of Death in a swinging car is a must,although poor DH does it just for us. Screamin is walk on so we quickly get that out of the way and we are off to Cars Land. I was so looking forward to walking in to Cars Land and seeing the neon lights with the Cadillac range in the background but I got messed up and we went through from the wharf. We only spent one day in DCA on our last trip 3 years ago, so it didn't take much to get me turned around.....and sleep deprivation didn't help. I was dissapointed with myself but that was quickly disspelled by the beauty of Cars Land.
Stand by for RSR was 45 minutes and even though we were exhausted, we sucked it up and enjoyed the beautiful evening and the queue line was so fun. RSR was a blast and I am glad we rode it at night first!

January 31,Friday

Time to change rooms! When I booked our room at the Villas waaaaaay back in March,we were supposed to arrive today. However,the flights were so much more expensive to fly on a friday, that it ended up being cheaper to book an extra night in a villa. Our first room was 2516..with a view of bushes ,so I was at the front desk at 5:45 on friday morning. You know....there are not many people around at that time. I had a lovely chat with the front desk staff for about 20 minutes and then off to get a coffee, in the cafe in the lobby. I did get a Paradise Pier view,3510,but not the one I had hoped for. We loved it anyway. I could still see Mickey's wheel and laughed so much at the people screaming on Goofy's Sky school. I think one lady was addicted to that ride, because her scream was like nothing I have heard before....and she rode it often....hahahaha!

At 7 am I couldn't take it anymore and went back upstairs and tried to quietly get ready. We are not morning people and only did EE 1 morning out of 11. After we all got ready, we headed to Disneyland! They had taken our pictures for our 5 day at the GCH entrance the night before,and they asked us to sign our hoppers at the DL gate....but she gave us each the wrong one, so no ones picture matched the signature. It ended up being kind of funny because DH signed DD's ph and everytime we hopped ,they would call him Julia and then give him a wierd look. It didn't cause us any problems though,and we were never ID'd.

Finally,the moment I have been waiting for the last 3 years has arrived and I walk through that tunnel to my happy place. I love this place! It actually brings tears to my eyes.

DD leads the charge and we are off to do her bidding. The first ride must be POTC and it is walk on!!!!! That is pretty much how our whole day went!
After spending the day in DL we hop over to DCA at 5:45 and grab some blue fp's for the WOC 2nd show. Then we are off to Ariel's for dinner. It was a surprise to DD ,who loves Ariel, and she was so excited to meet her.Dinner was wonderful and we sat outside by the water. Then it was back to Mickey's WOD, but DH bows out this time. He is not feeling too well so DD and I are back on the swinging gondola. Love this ride!

When we were in DCA 3 years ago,the lineup for TSMM was never under an hour when we were there,and now it is 25 minutes. We had owned the Wii game, but traded it in because the game was so boring! I cannot same the same for the ride! We laughed our heads off and I won with 132,000 pts. Not bad for my 1st time out I thought!

DH quickly went back to the hotel to grab some coats, as it was starting to cool off, before WOC started and arrived just as they were letting everyone in. I had a GAC which allowed me to sit on a bench,but our view was partially blocked by one of the black light towers. We loved the show and DD now had a new favorite. One more ride on Ariel's and time to call it a day.

Feb 1,Saturday.

Today is grocery shopping day and time to search out some things we can't buy in Canada. DD and DH both love the Skylanders game, but are unable to get some of the characters in Canada yet, so with the GPS in hand, we are off on a wild goose chase. We do actually manage to find what we need and stop off at Target to stock up. I came home with a whole duffel bag of stuff we can't get here. Wow.....food is so cheap in the US.

After reading about In n' Out, we decided to give it a try. Burgers,fries and a shake for everyone was only $20. Now I wanted to move here! That would cost me at least $35 at home. DD and DH each got a t-shirt for $10 each and we were off to the hotel. I love driving and really liked all the U turns. DH was making fun of me because I would make U turns for no apparent reason. I am easily amused!

After putting everything away we are off to Dl again. Our touring style is to do whatever interests us at the moment,but we are not park hoppers so we spend a lot of time checking out stores or relaxing with a beverage and watching the people. We enjoyed the Mardi Gras festivities and brought lots of gold,green and purple dollar store beads with us. DD had lots of fun giving them to people with birthday buttons. While I was waiting for her to descend from Tarzan's treehouse a beautiful young lady came out with a pink birthday sash and a tiara. Around her neck were 3 strings of Mardi Gras beads. I sat by the queue for POTC and gave them to all the little girls who had birthday buttons on. It was lots of fun and we gave away about 60 bead neacklaces.

We enjoyed the Mardi Gras food at the French market. I LOVED the fritters and the banana's foster beignets were to die for! I think we sampled those about 5 times on our trip.lol

I had completely forgotten about the Golden Horseshoe Review, and I had sent DH on a quick run to pick up tickets when we entered the park. It would be one of the last shows. I am so glad we were able to get in because this show was so much fun. Miss Lilly reminded me of my older sister so I really had a good laugh. Even DD loved it and DH was pretty happy with the girls!

At about 7:15, it was time to scout out a location for the fireworks. I quickly learned that 1 1/2 hours is not enough time to secure a bench. I brought foam gardening pads with us,that we kept them in the backpack. Since they weighed nothing, they were perfect for those moments when your seat happened to be the ground or a stone wall. BRRRRR!!!!! DD helped a young man stocking a food cart in the hub with pop and he brought her a popcorn when he was done. That was a nice gesture and she was thrilled!

RDCT was beautiful,but we had a partially blocked view and I vowed that next time I would have a better view.

February 3,Superbowl Sunday.

I really wanted this to be a laid back holiday so I surprised my family with a full day cabana rental. Rental hours are usually from 10-6 but because the game would still be on, they extended the hours. This was one of our favorite days. It was a beautiful warm day and DD spent much of it in the pools. She brought all her new friends that she met, over to meet us and the kids thought the cabana was fun. All 4 of the cabanas were filled and everyone certainly enjoyed themselves during the game. It was only a 3 minute walk back to the room, so I made sandwiches and brought snacks down for the game. I felt kind of bad because they had brought on extra CM's just for the cabana's that day and I don't think anyone used them. The fridge was stocked with water bottles and there was a lovely bowl of fresh fruit for us.
It would the only day in the pool as the weather took a nosedive after that. By half time,everyone had closed the curtains and blankets were required to keep warm. We still had fun, and with the power outage at the game, it was after 8 before we left. We made sure we had everthing cleaned up before we left ,as we felt bad because it was so late. They had decorated our cabana for the game and we took the decorations with us. They gave us the cutest little footballs on our lounge chairs out ,and a bouquet of balloons in the colours of the team we were cheering for. That was a nice touch. It was worth every penny we paid for it!

 

[lsulindy]

We're getting close!

 

[Susie63]

February 4,Monday

Today was my day to explore the ROA. I was amazed at how much we had missed when it was drained. Although we didn't see Fantasmic...again....or ride the Mark Twain, I loved the S.S. Columbia. The scenes along the river were great and New Orleans square had a whole different feeling when I could see the water. DD was dissapointed that we couldn't go to the island but a quick trip on POTC and all was forgotten.

February 5,6,7.Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday.

There was not much we didn't see at DL & DCA. If it was open....we went in.
Except Innoventions...we didn't need to do that again or Pixie Hollow or the Princesses. DD was more interested in riding the Matterhorn 50 times and rode in the single rider line more times than I can count

We saw every show,looked in every store and at all the memorabilia exhibits we could find. We even did the lobby at the DLH.

Our one disappointment was Great Moments with Mr.Lincoln. DH had wanted to see that 3 years ago,but we ran out of time. This year the Voices of Liberty were rehearsing there and we couldn't go.

One would think that after 2 trips totalling 19 days in the parks,we would have seen everything...but no...we still have a bucket list.

The one thing I promised myself for this trip,is that I would do the Hollywood Tower of Terror. I am deathly afraid of heights, but more so of big drops. My family didn't believe me and when we finally got into line,they were truly shocked. I figured if I spent all this money...to come all this way to California, I wasn't about to let paranoia get the best of me. I really can't tell you what the queue was like...and I asked every CM if I could sit next to the wall so I could have an extra handhold.
It was crazy!!! After zipping up to the top and those doors opening and then closing....all I could hear was hysterical laughter and screaming! Mine was the laughter and DD was screaming. At one point, I thought I sounded like some deranged witch. It was the best ride I had been on!
I was the only one though....nobody would go back on with me I did pull fp's with the hope that I could change their minds later,to no avail I sure had fun though!

We loved both parades and saw them multiple times as well as Phineas and Ferb's dance party and DJ's dance thingy. DD participated in both...but once was enough.

Mid week in February is so nice. Almost everything has no more than a 15 minute wait(with the exception of Cars Land) and it really is the best time of year for us.

 

[Lyn-CA]

So....it is decided. We are going back in 2013, so I can see the ROA. I didn't mind missing out on some of the attractions ,but not seeing the water....was like eating the best food of your life....and the waitress takes your plate, just are you are about to eat the last bite.

After reading thousands of posts. I thought we would try the accomodations on Harbour. I read all the hotel reviews and discussions about cleanliness, location,price,ammenities etc. and even bedbugs!!!! So began the discussion of, "where should we stay". I told DH about a few of my choices,to which he replied, "If we are going to DL..we are staying in one of the resort hotels". Uh oh! KA CHING!!!!

The way holidays work in my house is....I plan them and tell DH when to get in the car. He doesn't care,other than to tell his boss when he is leaving and when he will be back. However I had already booked 12 days off. Two travel days and 10 in the parks,with a couple days of pool time and shopping. I did not anticipate that he would not even consider staying outside the resort....even if it is...just across the street for heavens sake. Nope...not gonna do it!

Since 10 nights at any of the resort hotels is going to cost a small fortune,I thought I would give DVC rentals a try. Yes..even on the days when there were not many DL posts,I would read DVC posts and sometimes WDW posts. I can never,ever go to WDW!..but that is another story.
So I tried a DVC rental place and they could not secure points for me. Then I found an owner with enough points, and so now, I get to stay in a Grand Californian Villa!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

I managed to get a pretty good deal on plane tickets. Well,by Canadian standards anyway. Competition does not exist between airlines here as we have...2. So $1500 later....we have flights,hotel and now for park tickets. When I booked and paid for our DVC rental last March...Canadians could stilll get 8 day hoppers. We all know what happened to those. Now I am stuck with the option of 2 separate hoppers, or an AP. OUCH!!! My budget has completely imploded now. Then I read that someone had cashed in points for hoppers for a reward program here in Canada called Airmiles. After 2 months of really trying to collect points,I had enough for 3, free 5 day hoppers. So,I will pay the difference and upgrade to AP's and spend 11 days in the parks.WOOHOO!!!!

So...the planning is done. I have a few dining reservations. Cafe Orleans on the day it re-opens and Blue Bayou...just because it is so cool! I can't wait to get out of snowy Alberta. It has been brutally cold this winter and I am ready for some California sunshine...or rain...whatever! I"ll be in DISNEYLAND!!!!

Posted from Disboards.com App for Android

 

[Susie63]

February 8, Saturday

I had read about the Y.E.S.(Youth Education Series) last year and I thought that would be a great Disney experience for DD. Unfortunately our first choice was cancelled because of low enrollment,but we substituted a different course. Instead of a physics class she did a leadership class,which dealt with Walt Disney's leadership strategies and how to make things work with a diverse crowd...and how to be part of a team.
Part of the course was a boat ride, with just the class ,through POTC. Armed with flashlights ,they had to ask each other 20 questions and report the answers when they got off the ride. It was not an easy task as there are a few distractions
They were a few crazy moments as they dodged the hail and downpour....and they also rode Space Mountain after the power came back up and the minor flood was cleared up. DD and DH both loved it and couldn't wait for the next class on Saturday.

Today was a rainy kind of day and as we walked by the Golden Horseshoe, we popped in for a quick break. I am so glad we did as the Laughing Stock company was appearing and the Mayor was looking for a husband for his...ahem...daughter! If you haven't seen this...it is laugh out loud funny. Even DD loved it!

Blue Bayou reservations were at 6 pm and we waited an extra 20 minutes for a waterside table. We loved the food but it was a little on the light side for DH. I had the filet and lobster tail and it was really good. We only drink water with our meals so the bill came in at $140.00 with tip....and that included 2 desserts.

I had planned on being in the hub for fireworks early but it didn't work out that way. It didn't end up being a problem as I found a bench on the right side of the hub at 7:45. I had shammies to wipe down the bench and used our foam cushions as added warmth. It was a great view.

One of my favorite things about Disneyland is the attention to detail and the customer service,which is second to none. As I sat on the bench a CM noticed a small puddle in the hub and proceeded to shine her flashlight on the water and warn everyone not to get their feet wet. It wasn't long before another CM joined her with a flashlight to make sure no one got their feet wet. This went on for about 10 minutes until 2 CM's showed up with brooms and a squeegee to whisk that puddle away. Only at Disneyland

to be continued....

 

[Susie63]

February 9,Saturday

Today is the second class for DD and it is Designing a Disney Story. This was also a hit and the class had grown from 3 kids to 10! DD's classmates from the day before were also in attendance and we kept running into them all over the parks in the next couple of days. Lovely people from Sacramento
Although we had seen Turtle Talk with Crush 3 years ago,we didn't really explore the Animation Academy. That place is amazing! We were fascinated by the Zoetrope. I could have watched that forever!
DD and Dh had done the art class and drew wonderful pictures of Donald Duck. So they wanted me to join them and we learned to draw Minnie Mouse.It was a lot of fun and the animator was awesome.

Cafe Orleans opened today after their refurb? and we had reservations for 2 pm. I am so glad because the parks were very busy. We walked around for a bit but decided to head back to the hotel and pack. We decided to go back into DCA and get some fp's for WOC. We toodled around and snacked and people watched. It was just a very laid back day.

We did line up early for the 2nd show of WOC and we were near the front of the line. We managed to get a great spot along the rail(thanks Hydroguy for the map) and enjoyed the show even more. One last corndog and time for bed. Tomorrow is our last day in the parks

February 10,Sunday

Since we had upgraded to deluxe AP's on day 5,we decided that we would take advantage of the APEE at Disneyland. I had never been to a rope drop so I though there were a lot of people heading into Fantasyland. That is when I spotted the CM's and security guards. One woman was arguing with a CM that Disney's website said that EMH was for DL that day. So I chimed in and told her that EMH was in DCA that day. OOOOh the look that she gave me! I just smiled at her as she stormed away. That poor CM! What a tough job.
I showed her our AP's and we walked into an empty Fantasyland. I don't think there were 50 people in there. We did every ride in Fantasyland in 45 minutes.

SoCal traffic!!!


DD wanted to get her face painted and after that strolled onto Autopia. It was sunny and beautiful in the morning but then the rain came out of nowhere! We hoped onto the monorail and went to Earl of Sandwich for breakfast. The rain stopped and we popped back over to the monorail. DD asked if we could ride in the front and she was granted her wish. Our conductor was fun and asked if DD liked rollercoasters. Since it was our last day he gave her 2 fp's for any ride except the Matterhorn for 6 people. WOW! More Disney magic
A few more spins on our favorite rides and I am off to the hub to get my front row seat! Except....there was a parade and the hub was already packed and the benches were full. AAAAAAHHHHHHH! So I sent DD and DH off to entertain themselves and I waited and watched....and sure enough,when the parade left,so did most of the people. DD and DH walked onto all the rides they wanted so they passed on the fp's to a couple of families who had no idea what fp's were.
I had my front row seat for RDCT It was perfect and I enjoyed my last evening in the park with a view of Walt and Mickey and Sleeping Beauty's beautiful castle. It was so serene!
Tonight I cried when Tink flew across the sky and I was so happy! It is hard to explain why I love DL so much,but to every child who grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights,Tinkerbell carries me back to my childhood when she flies above that castle!

It has been a long day and I had a couple things to pack so I head back to the Villa and DD and DH head back over to POTC. I stroll down Mainstreet and take one last look from the train station. Goodbye Disneyland! I will be back.
Off through the tunnel and as I exit, I turn and send up my thanks to Mr.Disney for giving my family such a wonderful place to enjoy our precious holidays together.

I hope you enjoyed my TR if you managed to read all the way through. It is long. I won't bore you with our trip home on monday. As always that day is not one that any of us want to replay. I can honestly say that 11 days in the parks was not too much. When I walked through that tunnel I felt completely fullfilled. It was perfect!

 

[basketballmom]

I loved your report! We will be there in 18 days. We usually go in the summer, so this will be a whole new experience. My three daughters (21,17,13) and I love Disneyland so much! I completely understand how you feel. My husband, on the other hand, loves us...so he lets us go. He tags along about every three years. He is actually coming on this trip!

 

[Susie63]

Thanks basketballmom. So fun to have an upcoming trip with the whole family! Hope you have a magical holiday

 

[wiigirl]

I loved your TR.

 

[Susie63]

I loved your TR.

Thank you. I hope to add some pics soon!

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

What a great report! 11 days sounds amazing!

 

[Susie63]

What a great report! 11 days sounds amazing!

Thank you

 

[eargal]

Wow! What a nice long trip you had! I love the idea of a cabana day.

 

[julydeya]

Thanks for sharing your report!

 

[Susie63]

Thank you.

 

[Susie63]

Well....the holiday glow has worn off. 30 days and I am already planning for next January before our AP's expire. Time for a new ticker

 

[albertamommyof4]

sounds like a awesome trip. Have fun planning next trip. I too am from Grande Prairie so i know what you mean about the cold long winter and wanting to get away lol.