YES, touring Cinderella’s Dream Suite was Amazing!+14 Other Magical Days* Dismeet & Wrap

[ilovebassets]

I'm only on page 13, but as a mother to two boys (ages 1 and 3), can I say how much you're wanting me to go for baby number three to try for a girl so we can do fun stuff like this together?!

You remind me of my mother. At 62, she is still incredibly stylish, fit, and wears a bikini! (But doesn't look like she's trying to look like a teenager.)

 

[emmysmommy]

What a great B-day celebration! I really need to figure out a way to get back to DL.

We love Disney so it seemed like an appropriate way to celebrate!!

Awww, if you figure it out let me know!

What an incredible view!! I can't believe how close the Grand Californian is to the park. It's right there!
Happy birthday, Em!! Both of you ladies looked beautiful at her dinner!

Yes, right there. You walk out the back of the hotel and you are in the park.

Thank you Kylie!

How lucky to be close enough to DL to pop in and spend your birthday! Em looks absolutely beautiful at her birthday dinner. And darn the luck only having a theme park view available too, right?!

I suppose if we can't live close enough to WDW, DL isn't a bad consolation. Thank you! I wasn't going to complain that the TPV was the only one available. We were able to see the coasters being tested in the morning before park open.

Finally caught up! Loved the final installations to your Dream Suite tour! Thanks for sharing!

And what a fun birthday at DLR! Happy Birthday to Em!!

Hi Dave! Thanks I'm glad you are caught up. I sadly can not say the same... I must get caught up with your new TR!

We should have had a Disney themed cake to really make the birthday celebration special.

Loved the intermission so far!!! Your DL weekend looked to be so much fun. I love Space Mtn in DL!! Not so much at WDW. However, Tower of Terror is much better at DHS.

We had those guest anywhere/anytime FPs in 2011. They are so great!!! And I loved the option of entering California Adventure early through the hotel.

Your dinner sounded good. And your breakfast looked good, too! Happy Birthday again to Em!! Fun morning at DL. So nice to be able to head over to the parks for the weekend when you feel a little need for Disney. We have friends that lived in LaHabra and we would stay with them and spend time at the parks. They moved to Reno this past year, though.

I agree Linda. I don't get the ride photo at the beginning of the ride at WDW and it is so rough and jerky. No good! And yes! ToT is better at DHS.

Those special FP were a first for us. Glad to know that they roll them out from time to time.

Awwww man, you lost your Disney accommodations! I suppose if you want to ski in winter you can go stay with your friends in Reno.

I'm so glad you included the DL weekend! I have got to get to DL soon!

Jill in CO

Yes, you do and then I could meet up with you like Camille did!

What a great 18th birthday celebration!!

Thanks Julie! It was a great celebration.

Hi Brenda! I'm sorry I got behind, but I'm all caught up now!!
That suite is just absolutely breathtaking. The bathroom may just be my favourite part -- I'm a tub person. When we build our house, my #1 priority was a special tub. But THAT tub?? Enough to make this tub lover swoon. Stars on the ceiling??? I wonder if I could make my bathroom do that...
Love the pics of your group by the fireplace!
How incredible that you guys got to tour the DS. I can't imagine ever being so lucky! Thanks for sharing your tour with us!

Love the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel weekend intermission. I always love the DL segments, it really makes me want to go there. Your dinner at Napa Rose looks lovely! And what a view from your room!

Hi Wendy! No worries, glad you are caught up.

At least you know what you want ahead of time with your special bathroom! Stars on the ceiling sound like an awesome touch. Just don't use the big plastic stick on glow-in-the-dark variety! I don't think they are as magical.

Napa Rose is such a lovely restaurant and the food is quite good too.

What a great birthday!! I love everything, napa rose, the view from your room, Em's horse sweater... That cake looked delicious!

I like your shots from Indiana jones! I miss Disneyland.

Sounds relaxing to chill out on Route 66 and watch the lights go on. And that animation room...I could sit in there forever. One of my favorite places on disney property ever. If they wanted to bring a copy of anything over to wdw, I would certainly accept a room like that in the animation section of mgm/hollywood studios.

That's so funny that you mentioned Em's sweater. She had just received that from a friend and loved the elbow cut outs. I thought something was wrong with it because the elbows had holes. Apparently that's the style. Who knew!

My hubby was in charge of the cake - it was white cake with raspberry filling. Yum!

I have more horrid photos from Indy! It's ever so slightly difficult to get a decent photo when the car is bucking around.

I've often thought about what you said about the Animation Building being replicated in DHS. They have an Animation Building but it's nothing like DCA's. They just need more couches in the room although people plop down on the floor all the time to just sit and enjoy the "show."

Do they do D23 at DL every year?? Just curious.

 

[emmysmommy]

I may not get to reply to all tonight. I'll be back later to finish up.

Hey Brenda.

Y'all look like you had such a great time at DL. I'm sure it's not as thrilling as WDW, but still!

I'm glad we got to talk that night, we talked right before you went and watched the lighting ceremony for the Carsland.
It was the highlight of my day.

Y'all look beautiful as always, I love your cute little dress and sweater combo, so stinkin cute. And of course Em looked gorgeous in her dress, such a pretty dress on her.

And that cake! Did Michael get that for her or did the restaurant make them? I think I remember you telling me Michael may have gone to get it that day with all his other errands.

Thank you for sharing Em's special day with us.

Hi Camille! Disneyland is great but WDW feels like vacation!

Yes, we chatted right before I headed over to DCA to see the lights turn on.

Thank you. Em bought that dress for her birthday dinner but found that the boning in it to keep it structured was a bit uncomfortable. Fashion over comfort to be sure since it was cute.

You have a great memory! Michael ordered the cake from a local bakery and yes, it was one of the errands that he was running throughout the day. And if I didn't confess already ....getting ready to get to out the door and to the hotel and then to dinner I was running behind and made the mistake of asking Michael what he'd done all day. Oops! In addition to the cake, he'd been to pick up her ring at the jeweler, got her other small gifts, wrapped them and packed... among other things.

Glad to share!

I love the view from your room, it's so cool!

Your meal looks and sounds wonderful, Em is a very lucky lady We're celebrating my eldest DD's 18th in WDW but unfortunately for her the actual day is our departure day so most of it will be spent travelling. The only good side is she can have her first legal drink courtesy of BA at 30 thousand feet

Thank you Jo! It wasn't a boring view for sure.

At least your DD gets to end your holiday with a cocktail on the plane! Very nice!!

Hi Brenda! We're back home now unfortunately, but we had a lovely time at the BC! On check in day, it was in the mid 80's so we did get some SAB time. The last couple days were cold and rainy, but we made the best of it of course. Talking Mickey made my 2 year old's week when he sang and danced the "hot dog song" with her. It brought tears to my eyes, it was so amazing. And now I'm sad because we don't have another trip planned... Good thing I can live vicariously through your reports!

Em's birthday weekend looks great! You're so lucky to have a Disney park so close to you.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Welcome back Jill! Oh, I'm glad you had a good time. Sounds like that mid-80s day was a must do for SAB. I'm sure your DD loved the pool.

I was skeptical of talking Mickey but the interactions that I'm hearing are awesome. How precious that he paid such special attention to your little one. We had talking Mickey try to get our group to be pirates... it was odd but ok, why not.

Alright Brenda I have lurked long enough on your TR's....so I am finally taking the leap and subscribing!

Hi Jenn! Welcome and thanks for joining. I'm so glad that you are here! I just checked out your TR and we were at WDW at the same time in December. I paused to read through your updates through when you arrived so I have to go back and read more.

OOOOKKKAAAYY!!!

So....first off, I'm getting all caught up on the TR.

NEXT......it's a bit away, but we're planning on a Disneyland trip next year! Just my parents and I and all the grandkids. I figured the one adult per child ratio will be good. But I'll be in your neck of the woods.

If someone told me I was seeing the Dream Suite, I would have leapt up and hugged him too!

Good choice on your Dooney! I've agonized on Dooney's forever!

Nice on having it included in your movie contract. I'll have to remember to have them include it in my next one.

The only thing we ever won during the Year of a Million Dreams was magic fast passes. Whomp whomp. My Mom really wanted another DVC contract. LOL.

Just wow. I don't even have words for the suite. That is all. Haha.

Yay, I'm glad you're doing a DL intermission!

Em looked so pretty at her birthday dinner! The dress is so great.

I can't wait to go back to Disneyland!!!!

You do such a great job at catching up! You don't skim at all!

YAY FOR DISNEYLAND next year. We MUST get together. I want to be an honorary part of your family for the day since I'd die laughing. Oh my gosh! Let me know!

Yeah, I'm a hugger, that guy didn't have a chance. It was a wonderful tour and I'm so grateful that Em was there to enjoy it too.

Ha! Yes, the prospect of spending on a Dooney bag automatically makes the selection process that much more difficult.

Em loved dressing for dinner and even more so since she'd just bought that dress for the special occasion.

Happy DL planning!

Thank you for sharing your tour of the dream suite! I'm amazed how many details you were able to capture - including the "botched" photo that shows the detail of the carpet. What a fantastic and magical place - I'm thrilled you and Em were able to experience it!

Thank YOU for reading Jenny.

Ha ha! Yes, that oops photo ended up being great to show the carpet.

Thanks it was awesome.

emmysmommy...

the birthday cake looks beautiful! What flavor was it? Was it good?

Delicious white cake with raspberry filling. Definitely very good!

Not sure if I missed it, but did you bring that cake with you to the restaurant? Looks delicious and pretty!

Okay, i'm such a weirdo, but Em's hair on the Matterhorn...did she do that herself?! LOVE IT! Is that like a french braid? Need to learn how to do this if she did it herself!

Yes, we brought it with us and it was delicious. insert drooling here. My hubby had bell service deliver it to the restaurant and they stored it until we were ready for it. (They wouldn't cut it but that wasn't a problem.)

Em's French braid is no sock bun but yes, that's her own creation! I can barely braid so I'm glad she's got French braiding skills. I was the mom that could only put her hair in a ponytail. Very sad.

 

[natebenma]

I may not get to reply to all tonight. I'll be back later to finish up.

Such is the curse of popularity!

Just breathe, my friend, and catch up when you can.

 

[amazingact21]

Thanks for including this "intermission." I love reading about DL just as much as I do about WDW. And since I've never been to DL, looking at the pictures and reading details, such as how you can tune in to the WoC soundtrack from your room tv, is fascinating.


Looks like it was a wonderful birthday dinner and evening. You two looked very pretty for your dinner. I can't speak for Em, but I know, for me, getting dressed up and eating at a nice restaurant with my mom always made me feel special. One of those moments only mother/daughters know. (Even with other family there, it can still be fun.)


I've heard the lights turning on at dusk in Carsland is pretty cool to watch. I bet it was a nice time to relax and catch a few minutes of solitude.

 

[scottny]

The intermission trip looked great.

 

[peachmermaid]

That's so funny that you mentioned Em's sweater. She had just received that from a friend and loved the elbow cut outs. I thought something was wrong with it because the elbows had holes. Apparently that's the style. Who knew! My hubby was in charge of the cake - it was white cake with raspberry filling. Yum! I have more horrid photos from Indy! It's ever so slightly difficult to get a decent photo when the car is bucking around. I've often thought about what you said about the Animation Building being replicated in DHS. They have an Animation Building but it's nothing like DCA's. They just need more couches in the room although people plop down on the floor all the time to just sit and enjoy the "show." Do they do D23 at DL every year?? Just curious.

I'm a horrible person in that room, I just tend to stand in the middle because I'm so in awe every time. No expo this year, they do it every other year. You have to go next year! It's insane lines but the presentations are worth it.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Brenda,

Now I am catching up on this trip report. Happy Belated Birthday to Emily. She is a very lucky girl to have so many wonderful family memories. I would love to stay at the Grand Californian. It must be really hard to get a reservation there. Em looked very pretty on her birthday. I love her crown and necklace.
Thanks Sue! All hotels were booked since they had a big convention going on at the time. I was hoping for a room at the Disneyland Hotel but this worked out well.

FWIW: Route 66 begins a few blocks from where I work in downtown Chicago and goes past our suburb. I know we are 2,000 miles away, but it somehow makes me feel connected whenever I see the Route 66 sign.

We're like Route 66 bookends! I'll hold down the fort here in CA!

Ha - just my luck. I had originally booked a trip from April 30th to May 6th, then I decided to change it to March because I didn't want to wait that long. I'm sorry I'll miss you again. We went to WDW that same time period in 2011 and it is a great time to visit - low crowds and great weather.

Of course! We usually go to WDW end of Feb/early March. At least you get to go back to WDW sooner.

I loved your Dream Suite Tour. You were really lucky to get to see it. I did a little exploring when we were at MK in January, looking for the door to the suite and checking out the windows. Just knowing where that suite is makes the castle a little more interesting to look at.

Thank you! You'll not look at those windows and the door the same again.

What a great birthday trip for your big 18 year old girl! I love all of the photos Brenda. You and Em are such fun! I can just imagine the giggles.

Thank you Kelli! We have our moments of hilarity for sure. I love those memories.

I so want to go to DLR! What a nice intermission, and it looks like such a lovely stay for Em's birthday. I've spent my past few birthdays at WDW, but I think when it comes time to renew our passes in April, we're going to go with the seasonal passes. Since my birthday's in July, it'll be a black out date Since my nephew is almost three though, my sister will have to buy him a pass too, and it's hard to justify the more expensive one, especially with all the changes still being implemented at Disney World and the future being so uncertain.

Now that I'm finished with that tangent, loved Em's necklace at Napa Rose, so pretty. Looking forward to the second part of the mini-Disneyland TR

- Juanita

Hi Juanita! Waking up anywhere Disney is a treat for a birthday. Darn those blackout dates. For DL there are technically 5 levels of passes and the lowest has practically the entire summer blocked out. Is that the same with the WDW APs? I just want to hang in there long enough to ride the mine train.

I do believe the necklace was Forever21. Nothing but the good stuff for our kid! Like $5!

Yes, my best friend that I've never met but will in September, needs a time out in our -25 below windchill filled evenings.

I am loving your intermission of Em's birthday. I know I said it on FB, but she looks beautiful.

It sounds like a great time thus far and can't wait to hear more.

You do know that Mark and I are planning to come to Disneyland next year, don't you? We may need a tour guide as we have never been.

Your new best friend was being a pill. Darn that's cold!! I hope it warms up to 20! I'm sure you will be glad to go to WDW next month.

Thank you Kathy, I think so too.

And you know that I would be completely thrilled to see you her in DL! I would love to be your tour guide!!

Em looks just lovely in her birthday pictures! What a fun way to celebrate.

Nice view from your room! Love it!

And, of course, I am enjoying all the pictures from the park because its a completely new experience for me. I can't wait to see it for myself - next year!

Thank you Mary Ellen! Disney just seemed appropriate! And it didn't hurt that the view wasn't bad.

If our paths don't cross later this year I hope 2015 is our year to actually met.

Love the Disneyland update! I'd really like to go there someday. Your daughter looks so pretty on her birthday

Thank you Kristy. The DL version of the Dream Suite just may be available during your stay. Wouldn't that be crazy to stay in the DS at both parks?

Still all I can think to say is WOW. What an incredible experience that must have been for y'all.

Grand Californian looks AWESOME.

I need to stop by your TR and check out your latest plans since you are my fellow May Diser!

 

[emmysmommy]

I'm only on page 13, but as a mother to two boys (ages 1 and 3), can I say how much you're wanting me to go for baby number three to try for a girl so we can do fun stuff like this together?!

You remind me of my mother. At 62, she is still incredibly stylish, fit, and wears a bikini! (But doesn't look like she's trying to look like a teenager.)

Hi there! Thank you for reading and welcome!! Be careful, my third child was a third boy! I had to go for number 4 to get a girl. If I can inspire anyone for anything I suppose adding another member to their family is a first.

I can see the compliment in there! My daughter is having a laughing fit because she knows what you mean but she's also seen me in a bikini.... I think that it is adorable that you admire your mother.

Thank you again for reading. I'm so glad you are here.

Such is the curse of popularity!

Just breathe, my friend, and catch up when you can.

Thanks Dee! If I didn't have to work I'd have so much more time to Dis!

breathing in... breathing out...

Thanks for including this "intermission." I love reading about DL just as much as I do about WDW. And since I've never been to DL, looking at the pictures and reading details, such as how you can tune in to the WoC soundtrack from your room tv, is fascinating.

Looks like it was a wonderful birthday dinner and evening. You two looked very pretty for your dinner. I can't speak for Em, but I know, for me, getting dressed up and eating at a nice restaurant with my mom always made me feel special. One of those moments only mother/daughters know. (Even with other family there, it can still be fun.)

I've heard the lights turning on at dusk in Carsland is pretty cool to watch. I bet it was a nice time to relax and catch a few minutes of solitude.

I'm glad to share. There's so many similar attractions yet in a uniquely themed park.

Oh thank you Alicia. We enjoy getting dressed for the nicer dinners. It made the occasion feel special. Heels and make-up any more are a treat since I work from home so much I have no need to brush my hair every day! Just kidding sorta.

I'd never parked myself on Rt 66 to observe so that was a very nice first. You described it perfectly actually.. relaxing and a few minutes of solitude.

The intermission trip looked great.

Thanks Scott. I hope you are staying warm. Can I say here that I had to laugh at your FB post about having to buy new ... ahem.. under things? Great progress!!

I'm a horrible person in that room, I just tend to stand in the middle because I'm so in awe every time. No expo this year, they do it every other year. You have to go next year! It's insane lines but the presentations are worth it.

A lot of people do. It is pretty impressive with all those screens.

Aha! I obviously don't follow along. I see the signs and know when it is coming though. I pay that much attention.

 

[emmysmommy]

**Intermission Part 3**
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel weekend​

Apparently I didn't take a lot of photos after we had dinner the night before so I'll just pick this back up with the next morning for which we took advantage of the EMH.

Early morning at DCA

Hotel guests are able to use the park entrance connected to the hotel VERY convenient.

Apparently no one was going this way...

Still light on the crowds.

For some reason I thought it was a good idea to try and have an action shot. I need a caption here!

And yes... it looks like we were following the crowds to the ONE place that 95% of all the EMH park guests head towards...

We decided to use the single rider line since it was walk on and it was better than a 50% chance that we'd be in the same car, which we were.

Bugsland

Character Photo-op

We met up with a couple friends at the Cove Bar at the Paradise Pier area for drinks and a light lunch.

We used our other complimentary FP on Space Mountain. Our friends seated behind us didn't pass up an opportunity to clown us!

One of our friends helped Em celebrate

In the interest of keeping this brief so I can get back to my regular TR I'll call it a day there. We had a great weekend celebrating this milestone birthday with family and friends. Thanks for hanging in there while I took this off track for a bit.

Back to my regular TR next...

Next TR Post Here

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[JulieODC]

What great photos of DL!! We've never been...but someday!

Great action shot!!

The kiss photo is adorable --- hope you guys have a Happy Valentine's Day!

 

[amazingact21]

Sounds like an enjoyable morning at DCA. Carsland sounds like the TSMM of DL. But hey, that's what single rider is for.

 

[shan23877]

Sounds like a great birthday weekend! The Grand Californian looks beautiful, and the walkway seems like a great perk!

Love the Space Mountain pic.

 

[peachmermaid]

Aw what a fun morning & birthday! Thank you for sharing this intermission with us. I love hearing about disneyland. I love your hoodie too! Soooo cute! Adorable photo with Frozone too, you guys are too cute!

 

[JessM]

What a wonderful trip to Disneyland! I've only made it out there once and only for 5ish hours. I definitely need to go again someday.

I love the SM pic, too cute!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I have to say, that "special entrance" sure is a nice perk for resort guests. Granted I used the Grand to get back and forth from the Parks, but I had to go into DownTown Disney like the commoner I am.

Bahahahaha, Is that your arm I see in the Cars mirror shot? Nice work!!!

Awww, such a great SM photo.

 

[deedee2177]

Really enjoyed the DL intermission!! I've never been, but hope to get there one day!

 

[sunnysideup3]

Glad that Emmy had such a wonderful birthday! You all looked like you were having a blast!

 

[thornton0511]

Love your action shot Brenda! Those are hard to get just right so kudos to you my dear I am in the early stages of planning our first ever family trip to DL in July and it's so overwhelming! I think more so than when I researched for our first trip to WDW and stumbled upon this great place because there just does not seem to be near the resources for DL as there are for WDW. And I get it WDW gets more of a traveling vacation crowd whereas DL is more of a locals spot but ugh! Anyways loving you posts with GCH I want to stay onsite so badly for this trip but talking DH into it is a whole other thing...he wants to stay at the Candy Cane Inn.... but it's not the same....waahh
More importantly though what was that yummy drink from the cove bar....was that rassberries I saw? Yum Yum!

 

[Millie12591]

Looks like fun, but I think I've seen all these pictures before.

Of course I have, on FB!

Y'all look like you had a great time. It's good to run into friends while in one of your favorite places celebrating one of your favorite people.
I can't believe your baby is all grown up now. I thank goodness I have a few more years before we hit that one, but at the same time I'm looking forward to that next phase of my life too. Although I'm not looking forward to the fact Mackenzie will be 18 before she even starts her senior year.

Loving your action shot, by the way, that and the kissing shot on the rollercoaster.