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

[MEK]

EMH at 7am? Nice! How very convenient to use the hotel entrance. The park looks empty.

That Cars attraction just looks so cool. I really can't wait to see it for myself. Very cool.

How fun that your friends met you there to join in the celebration.

 

[teekathepony]

Wow, great DL pics! I want to visit so much. The cars ride looks adorable, and lunch looks really good! Wonderful way to celebrate Em's birthday!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DMGeurts]

What wonderful updates! I am very glad you shared it all with us! It looks like Em had a wonderful birthday!

And... I LOVE your action shot... Very cute!

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

The only thing missing from your action shot is a long cable connected to the helicopter that is hovering overhead, ready to carry you to the next great adventure - James Bond style.

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

we don't mind the intermission!!! Everything looks like such a great time

 

[Fairy Floss]

I've been reading along - enthralled with Cinderella's Dream Suite but so excited to read the intermission!
I am planning our 1st trip to DLR in May .... AND..... We're staying at the Grand Californian.... SO.....
Thank you SO much for the photos and detail

 

[RGirl]

Still here and playing the world’s biggest game of catch-up…..

So think back, about 100 years ago, when you were having issues with AKL………….

I’m glad you got a decent AKL room! I loved that Em went to get you a Diet Coke. Pretty sure Willow already knows when I need coffee….

Love the DIS meets!

WHAT? I had no idea there was a Mr. DeVine! What in the world?????

I love your AKL view - this is why this is one of my top resorts to try next trip - it seriously reminds me so much of when I graduated from high school and my parents took me and my brother on a 2-week safari trip to Kenya. EVERY time I go into AKL, I am taken back to that trip. Can’t wait to stay there one day!

What a fun late-night DHS time! You know we LOVE ToT! And Willow is quietly biding the time until she is finally tall enough for RnRC! Love your ride pics!!!

And…… I am still only half-way through your TR…...

 

[emmysmommy]

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!

I have a few somedays myself Julie!

Ha ha! Thanks. That 'action pose' took only one shot!

Thanks and same to you and your hubby.

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

You got it! Radiator Springs Racers is definitely the TSMM of DCA. Single Rider being a walk on made that one a no brainer for sure.

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

Love the Space Mountain pic.

Thanks Shannon! I don't think there could be a more convenient in/out from the hotel in/out of the park. I've been thinking where can they put a resort at WDW that would be right there in the park?? That would be amazing.

It looks like I'm grabbing my hubby's face and he doesn't stand a chance!

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!

Thanks Jennifer. I think there are about 1,899,345 other gals that have that Minnie hoodie. It is adorable when the hood is up with the Minnie ears.

I was excited to see Frozone. We're never out in the parks early in the morning for the special characters. Frozone was great with the kids before us. He took one kid over to the fruit stand and picked up some crushed ice and was pretending that he made it. Adorable!

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!

Wow! 5 hours is a whirlwind. Definitely spend at least 6 hours next time!

Romance and SM... it just seems to go together sometimes.

 

[khaleesi]

First, happy belated birthday to Em. She always looks good, but her birthday dinner pictures are STUNNNING. I've always wanted to go to Disneyland and if I didn't absolutely hate traveling, I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Been MIA for a while, but I leave for The World in one week!!!! So excited!

Your pictures from the suite tour are amazing and I am so happy for you guys that you got to experience that!!

I LOVE this!!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I always love your pictures from Disneyland. I've only been to DLR twice in my lifetime. The last one was a couple of years ago during a conference in San Diego. Had a great time! As things stand now it appears that both of my major conferences in May and October of 2015 will be in San Diego. So you know what that means! Twice the opportunity to visit Disneyland!

Sounds like it was a wonderful birthday weekend for Em!

 

[KatMark]

Oooh...that special entrance to the park. Does that make it worth staying at the Grand Californian? I am clueless to where to even think about staying next year on our trip. I'll need lots of help from you since it will be a first time for us.

Fun pictures; I especially love the one of you kicking your heels up.

I'm glad Em had such a great 18th birthday.

 

[saintstickets]

Wow Brenda...life takes me away from the DISboards for a few months and you add 60+ pages? It will take me a while to catch up! I love the DL side trip in this TR. I haven't been to DL since 1967...has it changed much? DW and I are going to see our son in Sacramento next summer and we are planning on two side trips to wine country and DL. I love reading about your many visits to DL and WDW. Can't wait for more!

 

[dtr_angel]

I loved the pictures from your trip to DL for Em's birthday! That entrance to DCA is so cool. I can't wait to stay at GC someday!

 

[IheartDDuck]

You are absolutely welcome to be an honorary member of our family when we're there! What we do know is that it's going to be at the beginning of August 2015. Works best with all of the kids different school schedules.

My absolute favorite thing about Disneyland is that entrance directly into the California Adventure. So perfect.

Okay caption......

OMG AN INVISIBLE JUMP ROPE!

 

[DisneyParkLover]

Coming out of lurking to say I love your trip reports. I have read so many on here and have finally mustered up the courage to start my own!

 

[RGirl]

Well, still here, still trying to catch up.

Another fabulous resort! The Yacht Club! Your CL room looks just lovely.

I’m with you on the new TT. I actually usually appreciate change and updating, but I did NOT like the TT. My goodness! Could the queue possibly be more boring???? At least there used to be stuff to look at!!!

Your DHS day with 50s, characters, TSMM, coloring, etc. looked like a ton of fun. And I love the non-rushed, snack, book, being-together time. That’s what it’s really all about! Too bad it is so hard to remember that in the moment.

Okay, will continue to play catch-up until I get there…..

 

[emmysmommy]

I believe this is where I left off for comments. I apologize if I'm missing any but I find in the last week that I've been on the DISboards late at night which may not be a good thing when it comes to paying attention!

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.

It sure is! I made the mistake of trying to use it before 11am as a non-hotel guest. Oops! No can do. I'm a commoner most of the time as well. They don't buy the "do you know who I am?" line.

Why yes, that is my, "I hope you don't notice that I can't get my arm out of the picture special photo"

At fist I thought I had posted the photo below on here because I thought ...hey, how does Rob know about that photo??

Ok then. Now that we know I'm completely loopy.... moving on.

You'll notice for that tricky SM photo I did all the work!!

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

Thank you! And I'd personally welcome you if you did come out here!

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

Thanks Jillian! We had our fun! Em does point out that the birthday weekend was just as much for me as it was for her. The kid has a point!

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!

Ha ha! Yes, one take and we had that jump perfect. Well, maybe not perfect but it was action-ish.

July is a very popular time for DL! You are the 3rd DISer I know making plans for that month. We'll almost need a West Coast Dismeet!

I don't think DL gets as much attention as WDW - or it could be that I tend to focus more on WDW since it is a vacation destination for us. Definitely DL is more of a locals place. Just go on a Friday night almost anytime of the year and 75% of the people passing through the gates have APs.

I don't know much about Candy Cane Inn but there are a lot of hotels within a 2 mile radius. Some of the big chains such as Hyatt and Hilton tend to have some great vacation packages. I've only stayed at the Park Vue Suites and Homewood Suites for off property hotels.

Not to answer that important question.... it was the fabulous Pina Colava. A raspberry smoothie added to a pina colada. Oh soooo good. You'll have to try one in July.

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.

Hi Camille!! Argh! I'm such a bad friend lately..... I've been so busy with work, planning for April/May, early planning stages of a graduation party, and getting back into running more miles per week. Whew! I'm lucky I make it onto the DisBoards until late at night lately. So with that mea culpa, I'm ready to plan October soon.

We have a great group of friends that go to DL with us on a fairly regular basis. We are never short on people to meet up with.

Funny you mention my baby growing up. ON her 18th bday I think she was trying to make me cry since she asked so how is it with your youngest being 18? I swear I held it together until I saw those precious photos of her as a little one at DL. Time goes much too quickly for sure.

Ahh yes, Mackie can sign her own releases and notes her Sr. year! Em texted me last week asking if I could send an electronic signature for one of her papers. She then texted me back and said 'never mind' I'm an adult I can sign my own paper!!

We rehearsed that kissing shot!

Take care my friend.

 

[emmysmommy]

EMH at 7am? Nice! How very convenient to use the hotel entrance. The park looks empty.

That Cars attraction just looks so cool. I really can't wait to see it for myself. Very cool.

How fun that your friends met you there to join in the celebration.

Yes, their EMHs are EARLY. Yawn! At least if we have to get out of the room early there is a special entrance to use.

Radiator Springs Racers and the entire Carsland is phenomenal. Disney Imagineers at their finest.

I was glad our friends joined us for the day. It makes a celebration that much more special.

Wow, great DL pics! I want to visit so much. The cars ride looks adorable, and lunch looks really good! Wonderful way to celebrate Em's birthday!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thank you Wendy!

Radiator Springs Racers and the Cars theme is so well done. I was imagining Test Track when they were building it but I'm glad they took the theme in the direction they did.

You only turn 18 once right? I wanted to make it special. It's better than the pizza party I had when I turned 18.

What wonderful updates! I am very glad you shared it all with us! It looks like Em had a wonderful birthday!

And... I LOVE your action shot... Very cute!

D~

Thanks D~ It was good timing to post an intermission while I get prepared to get the rest of the TR done. It is rather comedic that you can write and finish your TR from the same time and do an extended PTR all in the time it takes me to get 1/2 way through this one!! Oops!

Thanks! I didn't have to practice that action shot - it came natural!

The only thing missing from your action shot is a long cable connected to the helicopter that is hovering overhead, ready to carry you to the next great adventure - James Bond style.

Ha ha!! Very good. I think I see a subtle hint there! I'll get on that.

we don't mind the intermission!!! Everything looks like such a great time

Thank you! I'm glad everyone is being kind and nice and allowing me to update that special weekend.

I've been reading along - enthralled with Cinderella's Dream Suite but so excited to read the intermission!
I am planning our 1st trip to DLR in May .... AND..... We're staying at the Grand Californian.... SO.....
Thank you SO much for the photos and detail

Hi there! Thank you! I'm so glad that you are reading and joining in. Oh. My. Gosh. What a great first trip place to stay. You'll want to come back often!

I'm glad this was timely and that I could share.

Still here and playing the world’s biggest game of catch-up…..

So think back, about 100 years ago, when you were having issues with AKL………….

I’m glad you got a decent AKL room! I loved that Em went to get you a Diet Coke. Pretty sure Willow already knows when I need coffee….

Love the DIS meets!

WHAT? I had no idea there was a Mr. DeVine! What in the world?????

I love your AKL view - this is why this is one of my top resorts to try next trip - it seriously reminds me so much of when I graduated from high school and my parents took me and my brother on a 2-week safari trip to Kenya. EVERY time I go into AKL, I am taken back to that trip. Can’t wait to stay there one day!

What a fun late-night DHS time! You know we LOVE ToT! And Willow is quietly biding the time until she is finally tall enough for RnRC! Love your ride pics!!!

And…… I am still only half-way through your TR…...

You are awesome to hang in there and go back to the beginning!! Great job Roni!

Ahhh yes, the wet carpet incident I think you are referring to. Yes, odd, and then the noisy folk next door.

Kids, I think it is instinctive to cover the caffeine urges for their own good.

Truly, a Mr. Devine. I think he's called Bamboo. He may already have been shelved. Not sure.

Whoa! Wow! Awesomeness! You went to Kenya for your HS graduation? Then you must stay at AKL for sentimental reasons. Your gift sure is better than the hope chest my parents gave me!!

 

[emmysmommy]

First, happy belated birthday to Em. She always looks good, but her birthday dinner pictures are STUNNNING. I've always wanted to go to Disneyland and if I didn't absolutely hate traveling, I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Been MIA for a while, but I leave for The World in one week!!!! So excited!

Your pictures from the suite tour are amazing and I am so happy for you guys that you got to experience that!!

I LOVE this!!!

Thank you khaleesi! Oh my gosh, it's already time for your trip. I declare, I've not caught up on your PTR! I know you have a number of must dos for your trip so I wish you all the fun and magic of this one! Enjoy! Let me know if you do a TR!

Thank you, the tour was definitely a special blessing.

I always love your pictures from Disneyland. I've only been to DLR twice in my lifetime. The last one was a couple of years ago during a conference in San Diego. Had a great time! As things stand now it appears that both of my major conferences in May and October of 2015 will be in San Diego. So you know what that means! Twice the opportunity to visit Disneyland!

Sounds like it was a wonderful birthday weekend for Em!

Hi Dave! I know what that means! Dave is coming to DL! That is super. We'll have to set you up with a mini DL photo safari - one of the items will be Brenda saying hi to Dave on Main Street.

Thank you. I think it was a pretty darn good weekend - for all of us.

Oooh...that special entrance to the park. Does that make it worth staying at the Grand Californian? I am clueless to where to even think about staying next year on our trip. I'll need lots of help from you since it will be a first time for us.

Fun pictures; I especially love the one of you kicking your heels up.

I'm glad Em had such a great 18th birthday.

Well... I wouldn't say it makes it work staying there since that hotel is so darn expensive but it is handy.

I would love to help in any planning you do. Keep in mind that if you want to stay "on site" there's only 3 hotels and the GC is the flagship so the hardest to book and the most expensive. Paradise Pier is cheapest, DL hotel is the classic, old school hotel. And then there's a ton of local boutique hotels and chains. Ahhh we'll have to talk.

Thanks, I defy gravity sometimes.

Wow Brenda...life takes me away from the DISboards for a few months and you add 60+ pages? It will take me a while to catch up! I love the DL side trip in this TR. I haven't been to DL since 1967...has it changed much? DW and I are going to see our son in Sacramento next summer and we are planning on two side trips to wine country and DL. I love reading about your many visits to DL and WDW. Can't wait for more!

Ha ha!! Welcome back to the DISBoards Bill. That's what you get for going on hiatus! I bet you thought this thing would be wrapped up by now didn't you. Me to!

Oh, I would say DL has changed a little since 1967. They still have the canoes that you can paddle around Tom Sawyer Island though.

Napa and Sonoma are two of my favorites up North. That will be fun. But of course DL is way better than wine!

I'm glad you are here and jumping back into reading.

I loved the pictures from your trip to DL for Em's birthday! That entrance to DCA is so cool. I can't wait to stay at GC someday!

Thank you Melissa! It was a fun weekend. And you can't get any more convenient at any Disney hotel anywhere I believe.

You are absolutely welcome to be an honorary member of our family when we're there! What we do know is that it's going to be at the beginning of August 2015. Works best with all of the kids different school schedules.

My absolute favorite thing about Disneyland is that entrance directly into the California Adventure. So perfect.

Okay caption......

OMG AN INVISIBLE JUMP ROPE!

YAY!! If the Yeti can be a honorary member of your travel party I figured I had a shot! Travel timeframe noted. And believe me, I'll be checking back with you.

Yep, perfect park entrance placement. Especially for the lazy butt in me who doesn't want to get up too early to get to the park. You've stayed there a time or two, you know it well.

I like your caption.

Coming out of lurking to say I love your trip reports. I have read so many on here and have finally mustered up the courage to start my own!

Hi there DisneyparkLover!!! Thank you for reading and letting me know that you are following along!

That's awesome that you are doing your own TR. You'll have to let me know your link (I'm lazy, otherwise I'd go find it myself) so I can follow along.

Thank you again for reading!!

Well, still here, still trying to catch up.

Another fabulous resort! The Yacht Club! Your CL room looks just lovely.

I’m with you on the new TT. I actually usually appreciate change and updating, but I did NOT like the TT. My goodness! Could the queue possibly be more boring???? At least there used to be stuff to look at!!!

Your DHS day with 50s, characters, TSMM, coloring, etc. looked like a ton of fun. And I love the non-rushed, snack, book, being-together time. That’s what it’s really all about! Too bad it is so hard to remember that in the moment.

Okay, will continue to play catch-up until I get there…..

I hand it to you Roni! Most people would just say forget it... you are in it!

I've been so harsh with TT but I do have to say that the actual ride I like. If I can get beyond the fact that they should have just said, yeah, we were thinking of Tron when we redesigned this.

I loved that DHS day. Slowing down and enjoying things in the moment, I need more of that.

Honestly, you are awesome for catching up.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Loved the update. We have been missing DL since our friends moved. The last time we were there was before Radiator Springs was finished. But we did get to see World of Color (which was awesome!) Somehow, skiing in Reno doesn't seem as wonderful as DL. But my DH thinks it would be great to go with his friend on a motorcycle run to Tahoe.

We were staying at the DL Resort the summer we had the fastpasses. Any of the resorts get to use the GC entrance for early entry. That was a nice perk. But I have to say, a $$$$$$$ one.

In 2008, we were out for our friends' son's wedding. They got married on one of the terraces at the GC. Very pretty. But because of all the company they had, their house accomodations were full. We stayed at the HoJo that summer for a few nights. It was really nice!! We had a resort view in the tower! So if KatMark ever decide to come out to stay for a DL visit, have them check that out. We had a nice discount as well. And the walk to the parks isn't bad.