Not too shabby for a consolation prize! A Dec 2013 TR! Update 5/3 p. 28 COMPLETED!

[mvf-m11c]

Finally got to read your first update to your trip report and I'm enjoying it. Very nice pictures when on the road. The picture with you and M is a. Ice one.

 

[dolphingirl47]

What was the best part? I think the countries in Epcot all decked out for Christmas would be unreal. The CP would be pretty terrific too and the Osbourne Lights. Thanks for crossing your fingers. ​

Without a shadow of doubt, the best part was seeing Whoopi Goldberg narrate the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. I have started my trip report if you are interested.

Corinna

 

[MEK]

I was subbed to this, but now I am wondering if I lost my sub. Anyway - I should be resubbed now!

 

[MEK]

Your house did look so pretty as your were leaving. I know you hate it there, but it still seems like a semi-cool place to live. One of my dear church friends moved to Cottonwood Canyon with her family a couple years ago and she is really adjusting well. From the Chesapeake Bay to Cottonwood Canyon. I love her Christmas card pictures because she can always get one with snow.

So you are the designated driver? Love it! Looks like a fun road trip. And your friends house does look beautiful. How nice that you had a lovely home to crash at before your arrival to DL. Catching up with friends is always the best.

 

[rentayenta]

Finally got to read your first update to your trip report and I'm enjoying it. Very nice pictures when on the road. The picture with you and M is a. Ice one.

Thanks Bret and Happy 2014! I like to take a lot of pictures even with the iPhone. They say: they only pictures you regret taking are the ones you didn't. ​

Without a shadow of doubt, the best part was seeing Whoopi Goldberg narrate the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. I have started my trip report if you are interested.

Corinna

I found it. I love Whoopi.​

I was subbed to this, but now I am wondering if I lost my sub. Anyway - I should be resubbed now!

Glad you're back friend. ​

Your house did look so pretty as your were leaving. I know you hate it there, but it still seems like a semi-cool place to live. One of my dear church friends moved to Cottonwood Canyon with her family a couple years ago and she is really adjusting well. From the Chesapeake Bay to Cottonwood Canyon. I love her Christmas card pictures because she can always get one with snow.

So you are the designated driver? Love it! Looks like a fun road trip. And your friends house does look beautiful. How nice that you had a lovely home to crash at before your arrival to DL. Catching up with friends is always the best.

Some people love Utah. If I enjoyed winter sports, I think I'd like it more but I really don't enjoy being cold. It's a beautiful place but there are lots of beautiful places. I am grateful and don't want to sound beeyotchy but I am over living here.

I was the DD for about 5 hours; Michael couldn't take much more. It was so nice to see my friend and then return to her after our Disneyland portion of the trip. It's the best of both worlds that way. Michael says fish and guests stink after 3 days (I think Ben Franklin said it before him) so he really liked the way we spilt the trip.​

 

[tlenzendorf]

Joining in as my DD15 and I leave for our very first trip to DL in 14 days! I've been scouring TRs and yours caught my eye. I feel you on the cold and snow, we've had quite a bit of snow already in Madison and blistering cold starts tonight. Monday's high is -11! Low Sunday is -20, neither of those include wind chills. Yikes!

 

[rentayenta]

Joining in as my DD15 and I leave for our very first trip to DL in 14 days! I've been scouring TRs and yours caught my eye. I feel you on the cold and snow, we've had quite a bit of snow already in Madison and blistering cold starts tonight. Monday's high is -11! Low Sunday is -20, neither of those include wind chills. Yikes!

Hi and How exciting, your first trip. So Cal will be so warm, even if it rains, compared to those temps. It rained on our first day, update coming, and it wasn't cold. Where are you staying? How long is your trip?​

 

[tlenzendorf]

Hi and How exciting, your first trip. So Cal will be so warm, even if it rains, compared to those temps. It rained on our first day, update coming, and it wasn't cold. Where are you staying? How long is your trip?

We arrive late on the 16th, are doing parks from open til close 17th-19th and have an early flight home the 20th. It's going to be a whirl wind of a trip, especially with marathon and holiday crowds. We are staying at the Anaheim Plaza Hotel. Looks to be a pretty short walk.

Looking forward to the next post!

 

[rentayenta]

We arrive late on the 16th, are doing parks from open til close 17th-19th and have an early flight home the 20th. It's going to be a whirl wind of a trip, especially with marathon and holiday crowds. We are staying at the Anaheim Plaza Hotel. Looks to be a pretty short walk.

Looking forward to the next post!

Sounds perfect! I think the Plaza is a close walk. There's a thread around here with a great map.


Update coming tonight. ​

 

[rentayenta]

First and foremost, I need to apologize for the long space between updates. Like everyone here, life gets in the way. But I'm here with an update. for still reading along.

Because we all knew we'd be staying at the GCV and DLH, we asked the kids to not rifle through their bags and throw their stuff all over which like most kids, is normally what they do.

We were up bright and early. I didn't have the best night's sleep but I never do before Disney. I feel like a little kid on Christmas; too excited to sleep.

The plan was to be in the car, on the road (only a 15 minute drive) by 7:30 am. We wanted to stop at Starbuck's, self- park at the GCV, and check in before going to Guest Services to pick up our one day/one park tickets. Because we only had two full days this trip, we chose the one park per day option and I can tell you it was the right decision. I won't park hop again on trips that are two days or less. I can't tell you how much time we save not hopping. Now that FP return times are enforced, I find not hopping allows us to tour at a much more relaxed pace and see more of the parks.

As per usual, some photos were taken with my iPhone and others with our camera. It's a Sony A57. I think that's the official name. Is been a great mid line camera for us.

We arrived at a nearby Starbucks within minutes and as we waited saw a Garden Grove fire engine. DH is a firefighter so we like to see other engines:

With music from Princess and the Frog playing on the iPod, it was Starbucks time:

Starbucks in hand we arrived at the GCV in no time. We take Katella to Disneyland Drive. Ahhhhh what a heavenly sight to see:

After giving our name and getting our Welcome Home, we pulled in, unloaded the MDX, and Michael went to self park. Now I'm not cheap but $22 for valet, before a tip, is a little steep. I know it's Disney and the prices rarely shock me but that's bit much.

Michael was back in no time. We always do the same thing: I check in while Michael entertains the kids. I don't know why but we've done it like that forever.

At this point, Chloe had the camera out and started snapping away.

He doesn't looked please with Chloe's photo taking though gave her a half smile:

I think the carpet needs a good scrubbin:

Don't you just love the big wood beams? I think the GCV is one of the prettiest and most welcoming resorts I've been to.

Michael tried to take this shot so many times with his phone and this is the best he could capture. I'm not sure why he didn't use the Sony?

Now I had requested a villa on the third floor or higher. The CM told me that she had us on the first floor and our villa was ready. I kindly told her we'd be happy to wait for something higher up and would wait. She went in the back room and after a few minutes came out and said she could get us a villa on the 3rd floor with a decent view of DCA. I was great with that. In retrospect a pool view would have also been good. Next time I won't be so picky. She was very nice, gave me in the ins and outs of the GCH, and we were on our way. She said we'd be notified via text when our villa was ready. Fine by me, we had a park to explore. She gave Chloe a birthday button and us the Celebrate buttons as we were celebrating with Chloe. Chloe's birthday was in two days. Close enough.

The skies were very grey and there was a 70% chance of rain in the forecast. I wasn't all that bummed because I knew it would keep my wimpy local Cali friends away. LOL! We had grabbed umbrellas from my friend before leaving and of course I had my poncho.

Continued in next post.....​

 

[rentayenta]

On the way from the GCH to Guest Services:

Chloe wants a Westie or Slam Van so I'm sure thats why she took this:

Bye bye DTD:

And hello to what would be a fairly empty day in DCA:

We got through security in no time. I headed to Guest Services while the rest took photos.

Gabby:

Chloe and Michael:

An unamused Joshua and camera hungry Gabby:

And one more just to hammer home my point. Haha!

Looking back at Disneyland:

And the crowds start to form:

I think she was hoping for a shot of the Monorail:

Guest Services where I was:

A light:

Sisters:

A Monorail zooming by:

DCA:

A panoramic:

Random:

A one day/a park ticket:

Next up: would it rain and would we stay?​

To be continued........



​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great way to start at DLR. Lots of family shots.

 

[rentayenta]

Great way to start at DLR. Lots of family shots.

We took over 1,000 photos in 2 days. Don't worry, I won't share them all.

Chloe really likes taking photos and I like her doing it. It stinks when we split because I miss a lot but she's great at taking them without my prompting.​

 

[Pinkocto]

The resort looks GORGEOUS!!!!! I have to stay there during the holidays!

You guys weren't wasting time that's for sure

I hope you stay even if it rains

I agree, valet it too much, I couldn't do it.

 

[franandaj]

Glad you guys got going so early! Whose nails were those and what did that mean?

 

[rentayenta]

The resort looks GORGEOUS!!!!! I have to stay there during the holidays!

You guys weren't wasting time that's for sure

I hope you stay even if it rains

I agree, valet it too much, I couldn't do it.

It is such a beautiful resort. It has such a wonderful vibe; Disney and luxury. I could live there. I'd be a squatter but I could live there.

The self lot was close to the GCV but even closer to the DLH so we didn't have to move our car when we moved resorts. It was such an easy, stress free process.​

Glad you guys got going so early! Whose nails were those and what did that mean?

We weren't about to waste a single minute. You know us. It's to go go on vacation then crash at home.

Chloe's. LOTR or Lord of the Rings. She's a huge fan of the books and films. Hobbit too. She's my geek sister. ​

 

[mvf-m11c]

Very nice start at the DLR and in the lobby of the GCH with the holiday decorations.

The family pictures at the Esplanade when you were getting the tickets were very nice.

 

[eandesmom]

Slowly Slowly making my way around and getting caught up!

I'm glad the drive was so uneventful, that is the best kind! While I am not a Vegas person, at ALL, Mandalay is lovely to stay at.

I love the Reedy Creek story! What a wonderful gift, of the coin, can you frame it or put it in a special box of some sort? How neat! I felt like we drove by one of the stations 100 times on our trip how perfect that he wandered in and met M.

When is your next WDW trip? I think we all need to make a private Google doc so we can keep track of everyone's trips. I'd love to be a part of one of the BIG fun WDW meets.

I think Cynthia should be in charge of the document as she thrives in that kind of stuff. Me, not so much. ​

I can barely keep track of my own stuff!

My next trip is end of May/beginning of June.

Bums me out that we just miss each other!

After giving our name and getting our Welcome Home, we pulled in, unloaded the MDX, and Michael went to self park. Now I'm not cheap but $22 for valet, before a tip, is a little steep. I know it's Disney and the prices rarely shock me but that's bit much.

The only time I do valet anywhere is if I'm in a serious time crunch...or someone else is paying, or I am schlepping a lot of stuff solo. $22 though...that would be normal hotel valet here, possibly even on the lower side!

Michael was back in no time. We always do the same thing: I check in while Michael entertains the kids. I don't know why but we've done it like that forever.

We do the same, although I'm not sure how much entertaining Jeff actually does! seriously, I swear it took me 30 minutes to check in at BWV and they are all jsut sitting there on the couch despite instructions to change after the red eye and get the bags ready to check with bell services.

Don't you just love the big wood beams? I think the GCV is one of the prettiest and most welcoming resorts I've been to.

Michael tried to take this shot so many times with his phone and this is the best he could capture. I'm not sure why he didn't use the Sony?

Now I had requested a villa on the third floor or higher. The CM told me that she had us on the first floor and our villa was ready. I kindly told her we'd be happy to wait for something higher up and would wait. She went in the back room and after a few minutes came out and said she could get us a villa on the 3rd floor with a decent view of DCA. I was great with that. In retrospect a pool view would have also been good. Next time I won't be so picky. She was very nice, gave me in the ins and outs of the GCH, and we were on our way. She said we'd be notified via text when our villa was ready. Fine by me, we had a park to explore. She gave Chloe a birthday button and us the Celebrate buttons as we were celebrating with Chloe. Chloe's birthday was in two days. Close enough.

Aw, it's still a cute picture and it looks gorgeous for the holidays!

You have arrived! Rain, schmain, it does help with the crowds and at holiday time...that can be a darn good thing.

 

[dolphingirl47]

The Grand Californian looks great all decked out for Christmas. I can't wait to see this for myself.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Very nice start at the DLR and in the lobby of the GCH with the holiday decorations.

The family pictures at the Esplanade when you were getting the tickets were very nice.

They had fun waiting for me. When we realized people were already being let in, they came over and rushed me.

The GCH was the perfect way to begin the Disney portion of our little vacation. It got us right in the mood.​

Slowly Slowly making my way around and getting caught up!

I'm glad the drive was so uneventful, that is the best kind! While I am not a Vegas person, at ALL, Mandalay is lovely to stay at.

I haven't stayed there but it's on our next time list. The Venetian was amazing. We love it there. We've stayed in everything from Circus Circus to The Venetian and in between; the Luxor, Mirage, TI, Orleans, The Golden Nugget etc....so far The Venetian wins by a landslide.​

I love the Reedy Creek story! What a wonderful gift, of the coin, can you frame it or put it in a special box of some sort? How neat! I felt like we drove by one of the stations 100 times on our trip how perfect that he wandered in and met M.

Isn't it the coolest? the coin is going in his fire/AirMed shadow box until we go back. He was told to bring it with him to show so he can get the underground/backstage tour.​

I can barely keep track of my own stuff!

You're like a planning goddess girl!​

The only time I do valet anywhere is if I'm in a serious time crunch...or someone else is paying, or I am schlepping a lot of stuff solo. $22 though...that would be normal hotel valet here, possibly even on the lower side!

We usually valet but $22 seemed high. Maybe SLC is just cheap? We dropped off the bags and then he parked, no schlepping that way.​

We do the same, although I'm not sure how much entertaining Jeff actually does! seriously, I swear it took me 30 minutes to check in at BWV and they are all jsut sitting there on the couch despite instructions to change after the red eye and get the bags ready to check with bell services.

30 minutes? What took so long?​

Aw, it's still a cute picture and it looks gorgeous for the holidays!

You have arrived! Rain, schmain, it does help with the crowds and at holiday time...that can be a darn good thing.

You guessed it, we stayed and it totally helped with the crowds. It was a fantastic day but more details to come.​

The Grand Californian looks great all decked out for Christmas. I can't wait to see this for myself.

Corinna

Its gorgeous, you're going to flip. It's just so beautiful.​