10 Mths of WDW Planning leads us to~~DISNEYLAND!! Report Completed~Pic Heavy!!!

I don’t know how I got so far behind – just came back to see that I’m 2 months behind post-wise! I’m picking up on your last DCA evening:

What a bummer that Radiator Springs Racers was broke down :-[ Fantastic pictures of the scenery and the town itself though. And then to hear it running and wait only to have it be down again, ugh! At least you have those FPs for next time.

Nice pictures at the front of CA, we still haven’t seen all of the changes – haven’t even seen World of Color yet. So sorry you were stuck outside and damp for dinner and that the service was so bad :headache:

I like that sunrise park and mountains shots. The good thing about the rain is that it clears away some of the smog so you can catch shots like that.

Build-a-Bear looked fun, good one getting the Grinch! Lego store looked like fun as usual, so great that they let you build things and just play in there.

Nice that you got that DISmeet and those clothes :goodvibes

Cute shots of the stuffies all dressed up, and very nice that you gave Tyler that solo time in the parks while you all kicked back.

More great shots of CA from your room. The shot of the pier with the Radiator Springs plateau in the background almost looks like a miniature!

Loved the group pic at Tortilla Joes, everyone looked so happy :-]

Tyler got some great shots in DCA that evening :thumbsup2

Storytellers looked like a nice laid back way to end the trip with lots of good food – good choice. The character interactions looked like a lot of fun, especially Chip.

Willows is a good half-way point for sure, good choices with food and lodgings. We have a Black Bear Diner here in town now, you really get your food on in that place!

The drive through Shasta/the pass looked good, nicely timed! :thumbsup2

LOVED all of the PhotoPass pics, so many great smiles! I especially liked the interaction between Pluto and Michayla, so cute! And of course the great pics with Santa.

What a wonderful TR Laurie! I know it wasn't what you had originally envisioned, but it was a magical experience unto itself with lots of great moments and holiday memories to last a lifetime :santa:

Thank you for keeping the TR open so I could post!!!! :goodvibes
 
I don’t know how I got so far behind – just came back to see that I’m 2 months behind post-wise! I’m picking up on your last DCA evening:

I don't even want to talk about how far behind I am on your trip........ :rolleyes1

What a bummer that Radiator Springs Racers was broke down :-[ Fantastic pictures of the scenery and the town itself though. And then to hear it running and wait only to have it be down again, ugh! At least you have those FPs for next time.

It was a drag since it was our last ride of the trip and we had only gotten on this one other time. The kids were pretty bummed out.

Nice pictures at the front of CA, we still haven’t seen all of the changes – haven’t even seen World of Color yet. So sorry you were stuck outside and damp for dinner and that the service was so bad :headache:

Wow....you've never seen World of Color?? Has it been that long since you've gone or did you just miss seeing it on your last trip down there??

I like that sunrise park and mountains shots. The good thing about the rain is that it clears away some of the smog so you can catch shots like that.

Build-a-Bear looked fun, good one getting the Grinch! Lego store looked like fun as usual, so great that they let you build things and just play in there.

Nice that you got that DISmeet and those clothes :goodvibes

I always love meeting up with DIS friends on these trips and the clothes were so generous and very appreciated!!

Cute shots of the stuffies all dressed up, and very nice that you gave Tyler that solo time in the parks while you all kicked back.

More great shots of CA from your room. The shot of the pier with the Radiator Springs plateau in the background almost looks like a miniature!

Mike got some great shots with his fancy camera

Loved the group pic at Tortilla Joes, everyone looked so happy :-]

Tyler got some great shots in DCA that evening :thumbsup2

Storytellers looked like a nice laid back way to end the trip with lots of good food – good choice. The character interactions looked like a lot of fun, especially Chip.

Willows is a good half-way point for sure, good choices with food and lodgings. We have a Black Bear Diner here in town now, you really get your food on in that place!

Black Bear Diner is a favorite of ours!!!

The drive through Shasta/the pass looked good, nicely timed! :thumbsup2

We really did luck out on the timing!!

LOVED all of the PhotoPass pics, so many great smiles! I especially liked the interaction between Pluto and Michayla, so cute! And of course the great pics with Santa.

What a wonderful TR Laurie! I know it wasn't what you had originally envisioned, but it was a magical experience unto itself with lots of great moments and holiday memories to last a lifetime :santa:

Thank you for keeping the TR open so I could post!!!! :goodvibes

We had a wonderful time (I knew we would.....I mean, it is DISNEYLAND!!) The WDW trip just seems to be out of our reach....but with Derek going back....maybe we can get down there on his discount.

We're looking at doing the Southern California "Adventures by Disney"....just Mike & I!!
 
Wow....you've never seen World of Color?? Has it been that long since you've gone or did you just miss seeing it on your last trip down there??

The last time we were there was in October of 2009, at that point the lagoon was still drained and they were putting in all of the plumbing & lights. DCA has pretty much had a complete facelift since then!

Mike got some great shots with his fancy camera

Indeed he did! :thumbsup2

Black Bear Diner is a favorite of ours!!!

I can tell you it is a dangerous place to have in your own town though, such good food but such a staggering calorie count! :eek:

We had a wonderful time (I knew we would.....I mean, it is DISNEYLAND!!) The WDW trip just seems to be out of our reach....but with Derek going back....maybe we can get down there on his discount.

We're looking at doing the Southern California "Adventures by Disney"....just Mike & I!!

WDW is a harder one to swing for sure, in my final thoughts I actually lay out the next few years (up through 2019) and there’s not another WDW trip anywhere on the horizon for us. But DLR is so great on its own, especially with all of the changes they’ve made in DCA. I can't wait to explore the classic DL and the all new DCA :woohoo:

Those discounts can make a real difference, I hope that works out. And either way the Adventures by Disney trip sounds pretty awesome! :cool1:
 


The last time we were there was in October of 2009, at that point the lagoon was still drained and they were putting in all of the plumbing & lights. DCA has pretty much had a complete facelift since then!

Ah, you will love it and CarsLand and Buena Vista Street too......lol

Indeed he did! :thumbsup2



I can tell you it is a dangerous place to have in your own town though, such good food but such a staggering calorie count! :eek:

We used to go to the one in Medford when we were living there.

WDW is a harder one to swing for sure, in my final thoughts I actually lay out the next few years (up through 2019) and there’s not another WDW trip anywhere on the horizon for us. But DLR is so great on its own, especially with all of the changes they’ve made in DCA. I can't wait to explore the classic DL and the all new DCA :woohoo:

Those discounts can make a real difference, I hope that works out. And either way the Adventures by Disney trip sounds pretty awesome! :cool1:

Hopefully we'll be able to take advantage of Derek's discounts and finally make that WDW trip!! (we just might have to do a few days each time instead of a 2 week trip) The ABD trip is right up our alley and I really hope we get to do it!!
 
Thanks so much for such a detailed TR- your family is beautiful! :lovestruc
 


Wow! I just spent several hours reading your trip report and I wanted to say thank you! I've really enjoyed getting to know you and your family a little bit and loving all the pictures. We are going to experience the holidays in DL for the first time in Dec 2014 and I couldn't be more excited!

Can I ask - how crowded was it when you went in dec 2012? My son is autistic and has some issues with crowds and getting overstimulated but he's 12 now and I think we will be okay. I'm just hoping that the week we chose to go - dec 6-13th won't be too bad with crowds.

I love your precious moments doll - I collect precious moments figurines and I just might have to get one of these!

Thanks again! I loved reading it!
 
Wow! I just spent several hours reading your trip report and I wanted to say thank you! I've really enjoyed getting to know you and your family a little bit and loving all the pictures. We are going to experience the holidays in DL for the first time in Dec 2014 and I couldn't be more excited!

Can I ask - how crowded was it when you went in dec 2012? My son is autistic and has some issues with crowds and getting overstimulated but he's 12 now and I think we will be okay. I'm just hoping that the week we chose to go - dec 6-13th won't be too bad with crowds.

I love your precious moments doll - I collect precious moments figurines and I just might have to get one of these!

Thanks again! I loved reading it!

Your first couple days (the weekend) will be very busy......the Candlelight Processional is held the first weekend in December and brings LOTS of people......but the weekdays will slow down....some. I have gone three times at about that same time and it's doable. Planning ahead, getting up early to take advantage of smaller crowds, taking breaks when needed, checking in to see if you can get a disabled assistance card (go to City Hall first thing and explain your sons needs & your concerns) and watching for cues from your son on what "speed" to take the parks. If you do that, you should be fine!!
 
Great! I see that dedesmith32 found her way to you:thumbsup2 I recommended to her (in her TR) that she seek out this TR, in particular, as I thought it would be most relevant to her for her family's upcoming weeklong holiday trip. (I try to hook up people with specific TRs and/or threads that I think will be especially helpful to them, as I know that so many threads can get overlooked or skipped when the boards are active!)
 
Great! I see that dedesmith32 found her way to you:thumbsup2 I recommended to her (in her TR) that she seek out this TR, in particular, as I thought it would be most relevant to her for her family's upcoming weeklong holiday trip. (I try to hook up people with specific TRs and/or threads that I think will be especially helpful to them, as I know that so many threads can get overlooked or skipped when the boards are active!)

:worship: Thanks Sherry!! I will help anyway I can!! :goodvibes
 
:worship: Thanks Sherry!! I will help anyway I can!! :goodvibes

No problem!

You will see that in this specific post I have your 2011 and 2013 Holiday Tour recaps linked (look under Main Street, and then Holiday Tour) -- and, believe me, I don't link every single tour recap I see. There has to be some sort of substance to it -- either by way of commentary, or a particular observation, or photos, or all of the above -- for me to put it there.

Of course, I also have your 2011 and 2012 TRs linked in my Trip Reports/Reviews section of the Superthread, and I will be adding in a link to 2013's TR as well -- when I edit that post (I have been going down the first page of the Superthread, post by post, revising, adding, tweaking, etc., but I still have more to do!).
 
No problem!

You will see that in this specific post I have your 2011 and 2013 Holiday Tour recaps linked (look under Main Street, and then Holiday Tour) -- and, believe me, I don't link every single tour recap I see. There has to be some sort of substance to it -- either by way of commentary, or a particular observation, or photos, or all of the above -- for me to put it there.

Of course, I also have your 2011 and 2012 TRs linked in my Trip Reports/Reviews section of the Superthread, and I will be adding in a link to 2013's TR as well -- when I edit that post (I have been going down the first page of the Superthread, post by post, revising, adding, tweaking, etc., but I still have more to do!).

Awesome!!! That Superthread is a full time job....lol :laughing:
 
I've spent the last day reading through this TR and I loved every minute of it! You have a beautiful family and I enjoyed seeing your kids having a great time. Addy seems to be a little diva and reminds me of my 5 yo DD. And Shyann and Michayla are absolute sweethearts! I love her interactions with "Doggy" and Tink! Just adorable. You seem to be an extraordinary person and I hope to be able to get to know you more and possible meet up with you if we are ever in the parks at the same time! Have a blessed day! I'm hopping over to your "Nick, Marie, The Diva's & Me" thread now!:thumbsup2
 
I've spent the last day reading through this TR and I loved every minute of it! You have a beautiful family and I enjoyed seeing your kids having a great time. Addy seems to be a little diva and reminds me of my 5 yo DD. And Shyann and Michayla are absolute sweethearts! I love her interactions with "Doggy" and Tink! Just adorable. You seem to be an extraordinary person and I hope to be able to get to know you more and possible meet up with you if we are ever in the parks at the same time! Have a blessed day! I'm hopping over to your "Nick, Marie, The Diva's & Me" thread now!:thumbsup2

Thank you so much.....I'm glad you enjoyed my report. Addy is definitely a diva......she thinks she is above all.....lol princess: The twins are so much fun....lots of work, but it's heartwarming to see them explore their world and let us go along for their journey. Have you ever thought of joining us ladies on the Dis Diva's Trip? We go every year the last weekend of February. We start as early as Wednesday & go thru Sunday. We have a Meet-n-Greet dinner/party, scavenger hunt, little in room get togethers, etc. It started with about 20 ladies and it has grown to over a 100 earlier this year!! Lots of fun & a great way to meet some of your dis friends. (you get to leave everyone at home and take a break!) :p
 

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