Disneyland or Bust: A Mother-Daughter Coastal Road Trip

RGirl · Mar 28, 2015

courtneybelle said:
Crush from Finding Nemo!!!

Nice!!!!

RGirl · Mar 28, 2015

The Contest: First person to provide the movie title from which the chapter heading comes gets a point; two points if the character who utters the line is also identified. If the first person doesn’t name the character, the first poster to do so will get a point.

Current Standing:
Courtney (courtneybelle): 19 points
Jill (jedijill): 22 points
pkondz: 15 points
Megan (MonsterWDWmom): 2 points
Shannon (shan23877): 8 points
Lori (STLMickeyMom): 4 points
petals: 1 point
Rob (DisneyKid4Life): 6 points
Dugette: 6 points
Kathy (KatMark): 2 points
Andy (afwdwfan): 4 points
Rory (Woodskeeper): 1 point
Gracefulskinny: 2 points

"Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."

Day 13A - Wednesday, 6 August 2014 - Disneyland Resort

After our late night, we planned to sleep in. And we did. Kind of. Willow was up at 7:30. I did make a half-hearted effort to convince her to go back to sleep. It was not very effective, but we were pretty slow this morning. We got showered and ready to go. Willow was feeling quite royal this morning, choosing the Anna Coronation Gown and some BBB make-up.

We didn't manage to mosey out of the hotel until about 9:45 this morning!

We did have an understanding (of sorts) that we would not be riding a bunch of rides today because of our late start but would instead find some other things to occupy our interests. (Willow did not know this, but I had a little special treat planned for her this afternoon.)

Our first stop was Starbucks for an iced latte and cocoa.

As you can see, bag check and the front gates at DCA were pretty much mobbed at this hour.

But we still managed to be in the park by about 10:15. We decided to ride the trolley for the first time - I, for some reason, did not take a picture of the actual trolley exterior for some reason, but I know I posted one another day - good luck with that.

Hey, no dancing, Willow!

I disobeyed you!

The trolley takes you from the front of DCA to right near ToT. When we got dropped off at ToT, we noted a wait time that was more than we cared to experience, so we obtained some FPs. Of course, Willow then wanted to check on the RSR single rider line, so we headed into Bug's Land, which leads to CarsLand. As we entered, we ran into Flik who led us and a few others to his meet-and-greet spot. Willow was the first to meet with him, and he was suitably impressed with her royal self.

Up Next: Day 13B

courtneybelle · Mar 28, 2015

I know this one too! Winnie the Pooh from...uh...Winnie the Pooh

RGirl · Mar 28, 2015

Hey there DIS friends!

Spring has sprung here in Washington State. Willow and I went out to look for signs of it in our yard today. I thought I would share what we found. (My apologies to any of you who still have snow. )

This is how Willow was feeling about it all!

More updates coming up soon - I AM going to finish this thing and start the January report. In fact, I may get that one underway this weekend.....

Dugette · Mar 28, 2015

RGirl said:
And Willow was in a bobsled and ready to go at 10:03.

Wow, a ONE minute wait! :thumbsup2

Well played. Way to go, Single Rider Line.

RGirl said:
Isn't Tomorrowland pretty at night?

I love WDW Tomorrowland at night - one of the reasons I love the Peoplemover - just looking at the pretty lights. DL's looks beautiful too!

RGirl said:
As we entered, we ran into Flik who led us and a few others to his meet-and-greet spot. Willow was the first to meet with him, and he was suitably impressed with her royal self.

I love those magic character moments that you don't plan and they end up being so cute and into it. :lovestruc

RGirl said:

Great picture! :flower1:

I can't tell for sure, but are those Anna and Elsa leggings? I just bought Izzy a pair and they look familiar.

Looking forward to the rest of the report and the start of the new one! :goodvibes

STLMickeyMom · Mar 29, 2015

I LOVE willow's happy spring picture! amazing picture!

your late night at the park looks so fun! we just discovered that we love the WDW speedway, so i'm sure we'd like the DL version too. tomorrowland looks so amazing at night. love all those lights. really I just love any of the parks all lit up at night.....sigh.....

I can't believe you met flik! we've never seen him. cute!

can't wait to hear what the secret surprise is later!

and did I read new TR coming??!!??!!!

DisneyKid4Life · Mar 29, 2015

HA, I remember those single rider cards at Dland. I found that so odd, and yet so quaint at the same time. It took me a while to get used to that. Do they still do hand stamps when you leave a park by the way?

I'm still not a big fan of Astro Blasters (seriously... a red dot), but I did like Dland MUCH better for that exact reason. Being able to actually pick up the gun adds so much to the experience. I don't know why they haven't done this at MK

What??? Seriosuly??? No dancing on the trolley?? The nerve.

Awww Flik. I remember when he used to meet at Animal Kingdom. Thank goodness I got a picture with him when I did.

I love all of the ear shots, but this one in particular is precious. In her glory right there I bet.

RGirl said:

Um... Gee Roni. Thanks so much for your Spring update.
It's sprung here too!!

I'm sure it's under there somewhere. :crazy2:

pkondz · Mar 29, 2015

RGirl said:
But we were not headed back to the hotel!

No? Are you sure? It's getting late out ya know.

RGirl said:
our first stop would be the Matterhorn, which had been eluding poor Willow all day. And jackpot! The ride was actually running AND the single-rider line was open!

Score! and Double score!

RGirl said:
We entered the single-rider line at 10:02...
And Willow was in a bobsled and ready to go at 10:03.

One minute! Nice!

RGirl said:
Of course, we headed right back around to the single-rider line, as we clearly had to make up for the lack of Matterhorn earlier in the day.

Well, it only seems natural and normal that you would do so.

RGirl said:
DL's (much better) version of the Tomorrowland Speedway.

It could hardly be worse. :sad2:

Personally, I think they should close the speedway around nine or so and run it like a real go-kart track for the rest of the evening.
You know, where you have to have a valid driver's licence and have 35MPH carts.
That you have to actually drive!

RGirl said:

You'll see this again... when she's about 16. :drive:

RGirl said:
We love Buzz's ride at Disneyland because the guns actually come off the vehicle - makes for much better aiming.

I can see that. I've been on other rides where you can pick up the gun.
No crouching over.

RGirl said:
No dancing, Willow!
I disobeyed you!

She's going to get ejected from the park!
Banned for life!

RGirl said:
We were back at the Disneyland Hotel before midnight.

That's not too bad.
But I bet you guys were pretty much out like a light when your heads hit your pillows.

RGirl said:
After our late night, we planned to sleep in. And we did.

Vacation sleep in. Ahhhhh....

RGirl said:
Willow was up at 7:30

.... oh.

RGirl said:
choosing the Anna Coronation Gown and some BBB make-up.

Very pretty.
And again... a sign of things to come.

RGirl said:
We didn't manage to mosey out of the hotel until about 9:45 this morning!

Definitely not rushing this morning.

RGirl said:
I had a little special treat planned for her this afternoon.

Oh?

Yes, I'm curious.

RGirl said:
As you can see, bag check and the front gates at DCA were pretty much mobbed at this hour.

There's something to be said for rope drop, isn't there?

RGirl said:
But we still managed to be in the park by about 10:15.

Well that wasn't bad at all.
From leaving your hotel to inside the park in 30 minutes?
Not bad.

RGirl said:
Hey, no dancing, Willow!
I disobeyed you!

I would too.
It's a trolley for Pete's sake!

RGirl said:
Willow was the first to meet with him, and he was suitably impressed with her royal self.

Love that he's bowing to her Majesty.

All those pics with those two are really nice.

RGirl said:
Up Next: Day 13B

Can't wait! :goodvibes

RGirl said:
(My apologies to any of you who still have snow. )

Yeah. Thanks for not rubbing it in... at all.
(We just got another dumping a couple of days ago.)

RGirl said:
This is how Willow was feeling about it all!

What a terrific picture!
You should frame that one.

RGirl said:
In fact, I may get that one underway this weekend

Oh boy! Can't wait!

Thanks for all the updates! :goodvibes

afwdwfan · Mar 31, 2015

RGirl said:
Did you happen to notice if there was still a seated option when you were there??????

I didn't notice any seats anywhere. They had a roped off area front and center that they weren't letting anyone into as we entered. I don't know who it was reserved for, but as we were ushered past an hour before showtime, there were no chairs. Everyone already in there ahead of us was sitting on the ground. I guess they could have potentially had seats somewhere on a higher level that I didn't see?

RGirl said:
Which package did you do? Okay - I know I have to wait for your TR, but I want to know!!!!!! It was worth a try!

We did the Aladdin's Oasis dinner to go package.

RGirl said:
We were going to enjoy a late night tonight, and of course, our first stop would be the Matterhorn, which had been eluding poor Willow all day. And jackpot! The ride was actually running AND the single-rider line was open!

Wow! That was a short wait. I'm glad she finally got to ride!

RGirl said:
Of course, we headed right back around to the single-rider line, as we clearly had to make up for the lack of Matterhorn earlier in the day.

Hey, you can never get enough of a good thing. Not that I'd know how good the Matterhorn is. :sad2:

RGirl said:
Isn't Tomorrowland pretty at night?

RGirl said:
We checked on Space again, but the wait was still listed at 45 minutes, and we did see a ton of people heading in. We decided to skip it. But I did have to agree to one more single-rider ride on the Matterhorn.

Wow! Too bad you couldn't use single rider there. But Matterhorn seems like a good alternative.

RGirl said:
We were back at the Disneyland Hotel before midnight.

Not a bad night at all. Way to stay up late Willow!

Hopefully you're up by noon tomorrow. :rolleyes1

afwdwfan · Mar 31, 2015

RGirl said:
After our late night, we planned to sleep in. And we did. Kind of. Willow was up at 7:30. I did make a half-hearted effort to convince her to go back to sleep. It was not very effective, but we were pretty slow this morning.

There's no time for sleeping in at Disneyland. Just wait till you find out what time I woke up every morning... :rolleyes1

RGirl said:
We didn't manage to mosey out of the hotel until about 9:45 this morning!

That's just wrong.

RGirl said:
As we entered, we ran into Flik who led us and a few others to his meet-and-greet spot. Willow was the first to meet with him, and he was suitably impressed with her royal self.

An early character meet. I'd say I'm surprised, but that would be a lie. :rotfl:

RGirl said:
Spring has sprung here in Washington State. Willow and I went out to look for signs of it in our yard today. I thought I would share what we found. (My apologies to any of you who still have snow. )

How is it that a state that borders Canada is more spring like than we are right now? I mean, there's no snow, but I haven't seen anything blooming anywhere around here. Mid-60's today though, so we're getting there!

RGirl said:
More updates coming up soon - I AM going to finish this thing and start the January report. In fact, I may get that one underway this weekend.....

This coming weekend or the weekend that just passed without you starting it? :rolleyes1

pkondz · Mar 31, 2015

afwdwfan said:
This coming weekend or the weekend that just passed without you starting it?

No. This weekend -> May 20, 2017.

:rolleyes1

KatMark · Mar 31, 2015

Okay...I am way behind with going away for several days and work issues with one of my bosses leaving. In any event, I'm going to slowly try to catch up everywhere and just going in order of what is on the top of my page...and you were at the top Roni.

Sorry to hear the Matterhorn was down.

Lunch sounds yummy and looks good too...but the popcorn looks even better. A nice afternoon nap is always a nice thing.

The Beauty & Beast Show looks cute, but I hate sitting on the floor at my age...always need help getting up (so glad I've not had to do Playhouse Disney for that reason).

I'm glad you finally got to see Fantasmic. I can't compare either...because I haven't been to DL. :rotfl2:

I do like the sound of the chairs though. And so glad you got so stay in those seats for the fireworks.

Twice on the Matterhorn and then the Speedway and then back on the Matterhorn. Can't ask for better than that.

Your spring flowers look beautiful. Thankfully ALL of our snow is now gone.

courtneybelle · Apr 1, 2015

Hi Roni!!! I'm back for a catch up post...

Bummer you guys couldn't get on the Matterhorn. But that frozen apple drink looks delicious, and Beauty and the Beast!!! That show looks so fun!

Wait...you've never see the WDW version of Fantasmic? Thank goodness you've got that planned for next trip!!

Such a fun night at Disneyland, and you finally got on the Matterhorn!

Aww such a cute meet with Flik!

Ooooo grass. Not familiar with the concept, but spring looks lovely.

RGirl · Apr 1, 2015

courtneybelle said:
I know this one too! Winnie the Pooh from...uh...Winnie the Pooh

Two more points!!!!

Dugette said:
Wow, a ONE minute wait! Well played. Way to go, Single Rider Line.

Yeah, that was pretty sweet!!!

Dugette said:
I love WDW Tomorrowland at night - one of the reasons I love the Peoplemover - just looking at the pretty lights. DL's looks beautiful too!

It really is beautiful, isn't it? I love the Peoplemover - that is one thing that is definitely missing from DL.

Dugette said:
I love those magic character moments that you don't plan and they end up being so cute and into it.

Me too - so much fun!!!

Dugette said:
Great picture! I can't tell for sure, but are those Anna and Elsa leggings? I just bought Izzy a pair and they look familiar.

These ones are Elsa alone, I think. And then she also has a pair with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Sven. Aren't they the cutest things???? I bet Izzy loves hers!

Dugette said:
Looking forward to the rest of the report and the start of the new one!

Thanks!!! I'm scared - less than 4 months to complete these reports!

STLMickeyMom said:
I LOVE willow's happy spring picture! amazing picture!

Thank you! That is pretty much my favorite picture I've ever taken.

STLMickeyMom said:
your late night at the park looks so fun! we just discovered that we love the WDW speedway, so i'm sure we'd like the DL version too. tomorrowland looks so amazing at night. love all those lights. really I just love any of the parks all lit up at night.....sigh.....

Oh, Lori - I think you would LOVE DL's Autopia. I am not a fan of the Speedway at all, but the Autopia is very cool - it's a longer track, much more to look at, and it just doesn't seem to stink as much (don't get me wrong, it still stinks, but maybe not as much ).

STLMickeyMom said:
I can't believe you met flik! we've never seen him. cute!

Willow met him in AK once - I think when she was 4. We were surprised to run into him! But very happy about it!

STLMickeyMom said:
can't wait to hear what the secret surprise is later!

I think you and your girls will really like it.

STLMickeyMom said:
and did I read new TR coming??!!??!!!

Yep - started already at this point. I will post a link soon, but I think you already have it.

RGirl · Apr 1, 2015

DisneyKid4Life said:
HA, I remember those single rider cards at Dland. I found that so odd, and yet so quaint at the same time. It took me a while to get used to that. Do they still do hand stamps when you leave a park by the way?

I love the single-rider cards. I TOTALLY do not understand what they are for, but they are hilarious to me.

You know, Rob, I'm not sure about the hand stamp. Wait - yes, I'm pretty sure they do. We had APs the last three trips, so we just zoomed on out, but now that I'm thinking about it, there were definitely CMs there stamping hands. I remember the first time we went a few years ago, I didn't know about the hand-stamping, and no CM offered it to us when we exited DL. We went over to DCA, and they couldn't let us in because no stamp. I was all, Um, what??? Finally, the CM decided that she would accept the pictures on my camera as proof that we had been in DL that day since Willow was wearing the same clothes. What in the WORLD??? How can the system be that antiquated with everything else they have going on there? It's just weird. I suppose they are just waiting to upgrade until the switch to MBs and FP+, something I cannot even imagine at DLR being such a locals park. I hope they don't do it - I LOVE DLR trips because I don't have to plan anything. Blah, blah, blah. Oops - went on a little tirade there!

DisneyKid4Life said:
I'm still not a big fan of Astro Blasters (seriously... a red dot), but I did like Dland MUCH better for that exact reason. Being able to actually pick up the gun adds so much to the experience. I don't know why they haven't done this at MK

I'm with you - it's just not the ride for me. I CANNOT tell which dot is mine, and even when I'm sure and have it super-imposed on something that should give points, it doesn't seem to actually do that. I MUCH prefer doing it with a lift-able gun though - I feel like I have a chance at least. BTW, I don't - I still suck. But I FEEL better....

DisneyKid4Life said:
What??? Seriosuly??? No dancing on the trolley?? The nerve.

Ridiculous, right????

DisneyKid4Life said:
Awww Flik. I remember when he used to meet at Animal Kingdom. Thank goodness I got a picture with him when I did.

So he is completely absent from AK now? That's sad. I know Willow met him there once - I think maybe when she was 4? He's a great meet.

DisneyKid4Life said:
I love all of the ear shots, but this one in particular is precious. In her glory right there I bet.

I really liked that one too. And yes, she just LOVES anything that moves fast and jerks around. I'm really worried about when she reaches the height requirements for all those hideous Universal coasters. I know that she will want to do ALL of them. There are quite a few that I just don't think I can do because of the heights. I guess there is a reason that I got a very tiny, slow-growing kid!

DisneyKid4Life said:
Um... Gee Roni. Thanks so much for your Spring update.
It's sprung here too!!

I'm sure it's under there somewhere.

UGH!!! I know you won't believe this, but I really did feel bad about posting the spring pictures because I know so much of the continent is having a terrible long winter. But I couldn't help myself - I finally invested in a really good camera, and those were the first pics I took, and I just loved how much better they are than anything I ever took with my point-and-shoot, despite that I was just using the "automatic" setting because I haven't learned the ins and outs of "real" photography yet.

pkondz said:
No? Are you sure? It's getting late out ya know.

Impressive and surprising, huh?

pkondz said:
Score! and Double score!

Miss Willow was very excited. And, I think, relieved after having found the single-rider line closed so many times.

pkondz said:
One minute! Nice!

pkondz said:
Well, it only seems natural and normal that you would do so.

You know us so well!

pkondz said:
It could hardly be worse.

Personally, I think they should close the speedway around nine or so and run it like a real go-kart track for the rest of the evening.
You know, where you have to have a valid driver's licence and have 35MPH carts.
That you have to actually drive!

Yeah, I agree. Before she was old enough to figure these things out and would just see the cars and want to do it, I would always tell her the line was too long. I know that's horrible!!! But I REALLY don't like that attraction - the exhaust situation is very hard on my not-very-good lungs. I relented at DL (after having done the MK version once, I think) and was pleasantly surprised. While waiting down on the track, the exhaust is not great, but the actual ride is much more fun - a lot longer, a LOT more visual aesthetic, it's just better.

pkondz said:
You'll see this again... when she's about 16.

I just truly hope that she gains some driving skills between now and then.......

pkondz said:
I can see that. I've been on other rides where you can pick up the gun.
No crouching over.

Honestly, we are terrible at this game either way, but I feel better about it somehow when I can actually move the gun around and have a chance of hitting something.

pkondz said:
She's going to get ejected from the park!
Banned for life!

pkondz said:
That's not too bad.
But I bet you guys were pretty much out like a light when your heads hit your pillows.

Willow definitely was. I, as usual, stayed up way too late downloading pictures, writing notes, and then having to take some time to relax and read my book.

pkondz said:
Vacation sleep in. Ahhhhh....

.... oh.

*sigh*

pkondz said:
Very pretty.
And again... a sign of things to come.

pkondz said:
Definitely not rushing this morning.

No kidding! I have no idea what we did with all that time. I think we were both just slowing down after almost a full two weeks on the road and at DLR. Eventually you have to wear out a little!

pkondz said:
Oh?

Yes, I'm curious.

I can tell you that Willow really enjoyed it!

pkondz said:
There's something to be said for rope drop, isn't there?

pkondz said:
Well that wasn't bad at all.
From leaving your hotel to inside the park in 30 minutes?
Not bad.

For WDW maybe. Remember, it takes maybe 10 minutes (at most) to get from our hotel to the park gates.

pkondz said:
I would too.
It's a trolley for Pete's sake!

Right???

pkondz said:
Love that he's bowing to her Majesty.
All those pics with those two are really nice.

I thought so too. That particular PP photog did a very nice job.

pkondz said:
Can't wait!

Thanks!!!

pkondz said:
Yeah. Thanks for not rubbing it in... at all.
(We just got another dumping a couple of days ago.)

I really am sorry. Really. I was just so excited to try out my new camera and then so thrilled with the pictures I got even before learning how to use it to its maximum abilities.

pkondz said:
What a terrific picture!
You should frame that one.

Thank you! It is my favorite picture I have ever taken.

pkondz said:
Oh boy! Can't wait!

Thanks for all the updates!

Thank YOU! And I realize I didn't quite get the other TR started that weekend, but I came VERY close, didn't I???

RGirl · Apr 1, 2015

afwdwfan said:
I didn't notice any seats anywhere. They had a roped off area front and center that they weren't letting anyone into as we entered. I don't know who it was reserved for, but as we were ushered past an hour before showtime, there were no chairs. Everyone already in there ahead of us was sitting on the ground. I guess they could have potentially had seats somewhere on a higher level that I didn't see?

If they had had any seating like they did last time, I think you would have noticed - they had racks of folding chairs out for quite some time before actually arranging the seating. That's disappointing. I am actually willing to pay for a chair at these kinds of things.

afwdwfan said:
We did the Aladdin's Oasis dinner to go package.

THANK YOU!!! I am now going to go look this up and then eagerly await hearing about the reality of it.

afwdwfan said:
Wow! That was a short wait. I'm glad she finally got to ride!

Me too! She deserved that no-wait experience after being so patient all day.

afwdwfan said:
Hey, you can never get enough of a good thing. Not that I'd know how good the Matterhorn is.

Seems like it is always being refurb'ed in January.

afwdwfan said:
Wow! Too bad you couldn't use single rider there. But Matterhorn seems like a good alternative.

No kidding!

afwdwfan said:
Not a bad night at all. Way to stay up late Willow!

It was a really fun night - we both enjoyed all of it!

afwdwfan said:
Hopefully you're up by noon tomorrow.

You know, if either of us (well, better both of us) could sleep in at all, these late nights might be a bit easier.

afwdwfan said:
There's no time for sleeping in at Disneyland. Just wait till you find out what time I woke up every morning...

Actually, there is no sleeping in for us anywhere! Even with the time change you were up crazy-early, huh? That's nuts!

afwdwfan said:
That's just wrong.

At this point, I can't remember how that even happened. I think maybe after two weeks of road-tripping and DLR and getting up early and staying up later than normal life, we were just getting worn down.

afwdwfan said:
An early character meet. I'd say I'm surprised, but that would be a lie.

afwdwfan said:
How is it that a state that borders Canada is more spring like than we are right now? I mean, there's no snow, but I haven't seen anything blooming anywhere around here. Mid-60's today though, so we're getting there!

afwdwfan said:
This coming weekend or the weekend that just passed without you starting it?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA - I nearly spit water all over my computer. So all day Sunday, I kept thinking about the fact that I had made this statement. And yet, all day, both Willow and I were just DEAD. There was nothing that could have inspired me to even turn ON the computer. Actually, I thought I did pretty well by mustering the energy on a weeknight to get the thing started - I felt so guilty!!!!

RGirl · Apr 2, 2015

pkondz said:
No. This weekend -> May 20, 2017.

Hey, hey, hey!!! I did reasonably well!

KatMark said:
Okay...I am way behind with going away for several days and work issues with one of my bosses leaving. In any event, I'm going to slowly try to catch up everywhere and just going in order of what is on the top of my page...and you were at the top Roni.

Well, I like being at the top of anything!!!

KatMark said:
Sorry to hear the Matterhorn was down.

Willow was pretty disappointed, but she's a Disney parks veteran - she knows it happens.

KatMark said:
Lunch sounds yummy and looks good too...but the popcorn looks even better. A nice afternoon nap is always a nice thing.

Willow and I are just HUGE fans of popcorn. And Disney popcorn is particularly yummy. I could happily just have that for lunch.

KatMark said:
The Beauty & Beast Show looks cute, but I hate sitting on the floor at my age...always need help getting up (so glad I've not had to do Playhouse Disney for that reason).

Oh, I don't do well with the floor-sitting either. And this one only invited kids to sit on the floors. There were benches throughout, and Willow chose to sit there with me instead of the floor. Disney Jr. - that is awful for me. I'm glad we have only had to do it once. With my back, floor-sitting is just not good, but I have a young child, so I have to make the attempt. It ain't pretty or pain-free. But do NOT worry about this theater - there is proper seating.

KatMark said:
I'm glad you finally got to see Fantasmic. I can't compare either...because I haven't been to DL. I do like the sound of the chairs though. And so glad you got so stay in those seats for the fireworks.

It was a really great experience. Probably even worth the ridiculous price I paid for it!

KatMark said:
Twice on the Matterhorn and then the Speedway and then back on the Matterhorn. Can't ask for better than that.

It was a GOOD night!

KatMark said:
Your spring flowers look beautiful. Thankfully ALL of our snow is now gone.

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that. I know that so much of the country has just had a ridiculous winter.

courtneybelle said:
Hi Roni!!! I'm back for a catch up post...

Hi Courtney!!!! I'm so happy to see you back!

courtneybelle said:
Bummer you guys couldn't get on the Matterhorn. But that frozen apple drink looks delicious, and Beauty and the Beast!!! That show looks so fun!

The drink was VERY refreshing. And it was really fun to see a sort of old-school vaudeville version of BatB - VERY fun!

courtneybelle said:
Wait...you've never see the WDW version of Fantasmic? Thank goodness you've got that planned for next trip!!

Oh, I know! It's positively shameful. The time change just KILLS us at WDW. I have always forced these RD days on Willow, which means we're getting up at 3AM our time. Staying out late after that is just not happening. I hope things go better this summer, but Willow is a kid who needs her sleep. And Maddie is a night-owl not making quite the same time-change adjustment. I think there's a possibility that there may be nights that Willow and I have to call it over and head in, but you never know! We do have a relaxing DCL cruise afterwards to recover. I do think we will manage to see Fantasmic! at least.

courtneybelle said:
Such a fun night at Disneyland, and you finally got on the Matterhorn!

Poor Willow - she was just rejected over and over again this day with the Matterhorn. I was happy that our last hour in the park could include two rides on one of her faves!

courtneybelle said:
Aww such a cute meet with Flik!

Flik was great. Of course! And the PP photographer did a GREAT job - didn't just sit there and watch until there was a posed photo but instead took pics though the whole meet. I wish they would all do that!

courtneybelle said:
Ooooo grass. Not familiar with the concept, but spring looks lovely.

Ugh - I'm sorry. I was so excited about the coming of spring and finally having a truly good camera. I knew it was unfair when I posted, but I couldn't help it.

RGirl · Apr 2, 2015

Hey there, DIS Friends! I wanted to let you know that I have gone ahead and started the TR for our little 8th birthday trip to Disneyland. I sure hope you will join in over there too! For those motivated by competition, there will be another shout-out competition on this TR - inspiration for me to get it finished before this summer's big trip! Here's the link:

“I Miss Walt” - A Mother/Daughter Return-to-Disneyland Trip

The Contest: First person to provide the movie title from which the chapter heading comes gets a point; two points if the character who utters the line is also identified. If the first person doesn’t name the character, the first poster to do so will get a point.

Current Standing:
Courtney (courtneybelle): 21 points
Jill (jedijill): 22 points
pkondz: 15 points
Megan (MonsterWDWmom): 2 points
Shannon (shan23877): 8 points
Lori (STLMickeyMom): 4 points
petals: 1 point
Rob (DisneyKid4Life): 6 points
Dugette: 6 points
Kathy (KatMark): 2 points
Andy (afwdwfan): 4 points
Rory (Woodskeeper): 1 point
Gracefulskinny: 2 points

"It's sandwich day."

Day 13B - Wednesday, 6 August 2014 - Disneyland Resort

When I last left off, we had met Flik in Bug's Land.

And from there, we headed to CarsLand as Willow wanted to check the wait time for the RSR single-rider line.

It was about 10:45, and the posted wait time for RSR single rider was 20 minutes. We, of course, got in line.

We were, as usual, assigned to the same car - Willow rode in front with two kids, and I rode in back with their parents. We had a great ride!

We were off the ride at 11:15, and we headed back over to ToT to use our FPs.

Willow was dancing even without the prohibition.

After ToT, we decided that we had better get something to eat since Willow's surprise was scheduled for 12:50, and it was already noon. We stopped at Award Wieners in Hollywood Land where I got a hotdog, and Willow got herself another Power Pack. We carried them up the street a bit where we found a nice shaded spot to sit on a ledge near a back-stage entrance (exit?). The food was tasty.

This ended up being a really nice spot to have lunch because there was really no one else around except for the occasional CM heading backstage. At one point, I was checking my phone to try to figure out the exact time for Willow's surprise. So, of course, I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings at all. When I looked up, Mickey was strolling by giving me a wave. Willow said that he had stopped, kissed his glove, and patted her head. Awwww.

Up Next: Day 13C

RGirl · Apr 2, 2015

"Were I a betting man - and I'm not, I stay away from games of chance - I'd wager I'm in the company of visiting royalty."

Day 13C - Wednesday, 6 August 2014 - Disneyland Resort

After our lunch encounter with Mickey Mouse, Willow and I headed out of DCA and into DTD.

Where were we headed?

Studio Disney 365! Not long before our trip, I had read that this place (which I had not even known existed) was offering Elsa- and Anna-inspired hair styles! Can you imagine????? Well, of course, I was immediately on the phone making an appointment for Miss Willow. (Since this summer visit, this place has undergone a MAJOR transformation - and I will share that with you in my currently running January TR. )

We arrived at Studio Disney at about 12:30, a little early for our 12:50 appointment, which gave us time to look around a bit.

This place is really neat - they have the same nail and make-up supplies as BBB and, like BBB, give them to the child at the end of the make-over. They have a little book of hairstyles from which to choose, and they are all really cute and quite intricate - actually, much more interesting than the ones the BBB offers. Of course, Willow was just AMAZED when she discovered that she was booked for the Elsa-inspired style. And THRILLED, I might add.

Willow was in the chair and getting made over by 12:45. And the girls who were in charge of the make-overs here were just sweet as can be. Willow had so much fun with them.

This place is a pretty good value too - a fraction of the cost of the BBB. And they did a GREAT job!

And the finished product was great! Willow absolutely loved the braid, bun, and blue streak.

And this style was absolutely made to last - as you will see, Willow was able to keep it in for quite some time.

Up Next: Day 13D

pkondz · Apr 2, 2015

Argh!!!
I know the first one is Lilo & Stitch, but I don't know who says it. Lilo?
And no clue on the other.

So I googled and I've never seen that one.

Disneyland or Bust: A Mother-Daughter Coastal Road Trip

Change Is Good

Change Is Good

What foolishness would you like to see?

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DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Brace yourself for immediate disintegration

DIS Dad #460

DIS Dad #460

Brace yourself for immediate disintegration

DIS Veteran

What foolishness would you like to see?

Change Is Good

Change Is Good

Change Is Good

Change Is Good

Change Is Good

Change Is Good

Brace yourself for immediate disintegration

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