A Quest for Lanterns! - PTR Sept 23-29 Updated 9/10 with Disneybound and MHP outfits

Woodskeeper · Apr 25, 2015

The past weeks have been slightly stressful. In addition to moving, I am working yet another 10 days straight. It's been a year since I had a decent vacation and the wear is starting to show. Only 2 weeks til I have a week off from work and all the time to research Disneyland I want!

This week we also found out that cousin Matt booked his flight and will be joining. We're figuring out rooming options, and I feel bad because I had said when he asked to come along that he needed his own room. I just can't imagine having 4 adults (all with pretty strong personalities) in one room. And when we booked the trip, it was originally for 3, so adding in the cost of an extra room after committing doesn't seem right. Maybe I'll do the math again... having 2 rooms is really the best option though-- 2 showers! Of course, for DLH we're all in agreement to split the one room--too expensive! Oh! Now I have an idea... Stay tuned, will work on that.

The other thing that happens when you have someone new join the group, is you get new ideas for what to do. Our big question mark is Studio Tour day. With a rental car, there are suddenly several options. We're thinking El Capitan and Soda Shop (pins!) after the tour, and possibly the WB Studio shop. Matt also expressed a desire to go to the beach (more to see it than to lay out). All of this will depend on if we need to get back to the MHP or not.

So lots of moving pieces, once again, a lot dependent on that pesky tardy Entertainment Schedule.

RGirl · Apr 29, 2015

Woodskeeper said:
Only 2 weeks til I have a week off from work and all the time to research Disneyland I want!

Hang in there! You can make it! (I know too well how BADLY one can need time off.)

Woodskeeper said:
Oh! Now I have an idea... Stay tuned, will work on that.

Oooooh, can't wait to hear!

Woodskeeper said:
So lots of moving pieces, once again, a lot dependent on that pesky tardy Entertainment Schedule.

It's annoying how late DLR puts out their schedules. Thank goodness it doesn't require the level of planning WDW does - the combination of late schedules and early planning would be a disaster! :laughing:

Woodskeeper · May 6, 2015

RGirl said:
It's annoying how late DLR puts out their schedules. Thank goodness it doesn't require the level of planning WDW does - the combination of late schedules and early planning would be a disaster!

I agree! How disastrous would that be?!? I'm glad I'm going in September versus the summer, especially the 22nd of this month-- with all of the 60th events and crowds, I can imagine a bit of planning distress!

BTW - I found your PTR for the summer trip! With a lack of computer it's hard to reply on my iPhone, but I wanted to let you know I am reading! Sounds like you guys are going to have a blast!!! Hopefully I can make it over there to comment tonight before I fall asleep!

Woodskeeper · May 6, 2015

So, when we last left of, I was in a bit of a dilemma with room arrangements now that we're adding a 4th adult. While writing my post, I had a stroke of brilliance, and once I presented the idea to the rest of the group, everyone agreed it was the most fair. So I know you're know all itching to know the new plan!

If you'll remember, the plan for the original three was to stay at the PPI for the first 4 nights in one room, and then switch to the DLH for the last two nights in one room. When Matt joined, the plan changed so that we would have 2 rooms at PPI for the 4 nts (he would pay for the extra room himself), and then the four of us would split the price for one room at DLH for 2 nights. Well, now we've compromised. PPI will remain the same - with the three girls splitting one room, and Matt paying for his own for 4 nights, but then Matt won't have to pay at all for the room at DLH. This way, the three girls are paying exactly what we were planning on paying if it was just us three, and Matt is paying the extra for him joining--the extra room. Plus, since we're basically letting him squat in our room at DLH (not really, he's on the reservation, haha), we are buying access to the shower in his room at PPI. With total cost, Matt is paying less than $100 more than the three of us. Everyone wins!

Now on to some disturbing news.... I read this week that Royal Theater is no longer showing the Tangled show and has instead replaced it with all Frozen, all the time.... >____< This is in addition to the sing-a-long at DCA. I'm getting frustrated with how much Frozen is taking over... and I found out about this late at night after a long week of work... so I reached my boiling point and wrote a letter...

Let me preface this by saying, I work in a job where I read complaint letters... I know there is little anyone can do, other than say your comments will be sent to the appropriate parties. I know one letter won't take Tangled out of hiatus, and I know that Frozen is king (queen?). But I was still driven to finally reach out to the company, because this is the Lantern trip, and they took away an opportunity for me to see another lantern scene.... minimal as it was. A couple days letter, I received a nice voicemail and subsequent email from someone on the Guest Relations team offering to speak about my letter. I was stunned that I didn't get the cookie cutter email response I was expecting. I called back, but had to leave a voicemail, and then received another voicemail saying "We really wanted to reach out and let you know that your comments will be sent to the appropriate parties...." hahahaha. Well, at least they said it personally? I think I'll call them tomorrow all the same, even if just to thank them for following up. They must be shaking their heads, a 26 year old whining that they're replacing a show... I've included the email below, in case anyone was interested in reading:

Good Evening!

My name is Rory, I'm a resident in Orlando, FL and a WDW annual passholder. I'm visiting this September with my cousins as an early birthday trip, and to see everything for the 60th.

I started planning as soon as I saw the preview for the nighttime entertainment for the 60th-- specifically the lantern scene from Tangled. I am a huge fan of that scene, and collect both artwork and memories involving it. Much to my delight, Disneyland had much to offer with Tangled, blowing WDW out of the water (since we really only have the Tangled toilets...). I was most excited about the Royal Theater show!

I know it's currently in hiatus to show more Frozen sets. Words cannot begin to describe my disappointment. Since the movie premiered, Frozen has slowly iced over the majority of WDW, and it's a shame that DLR is now experiencing a frost of their own. I understand its appeal, I do, but it's heartbreaking to see it take over so much.

I've heard that it's possible the Royal Theater will bring back Tangled, and I'm really hoping it does so by September. I surely know that this one little letter, submitted on a form, read by someone without any say in the matter can hardly do anything. (I respond to email forms where I work too, trust me, I know!). I enjoy Frozen as much as the rest of the world, but I just wanted to "See the Light" too, you know?

Thank you for reading this, and whoever you are, I hope you have a great day!

kaoden39 · May 7, 2015

Good for you!! I'm ticked as heck that Frozen is getting that foot hold!! I'm actually shocked that they reached with something more than a form letter email.

Woodskeeper · May 8, 2015

kaoden39 said:
I'm actually shocked that they reached with something more than a form letter email.

Me too! I was fully prepared for the email, and even more so because she tried to reach me several days after! I was shocked at how caring they were, and it truly reminded me why I love this company. I mean, Frozen... and so much Frozen, but for the most part, I think they realize they're starting to freeze out some of their biggest fans, and I fully expect everything to even out in the next few years... I hope! Hahaha.

Woodskeeper · May 8, 2015

Quick update: I finally connected with Disneyland Guest Experiences on the phone and spoke with a lovely lady who really made me feel valued. She and I had a great quick conversation about how Frozen is taking over and there's nothing we can do about it, hahaha. Hospitality - we look out for each other! It just goes to show you how great Disney guest relations is!

Tomorrow I get off work at 9:30, and then I'm off for 9 days! I am so excited - going to the beach and WDW several times, as well as treating my mom to a lovely experience at a 5-Star Hotel. I know this is all East Coast stuff, but would anyone here be interested in hearing about these mini-trips? Be warned, I have exactly one beach outfit, hahahaha.

kaoden39 · May 8, 2015

I'd love to hear about it!

RGirl · May 19, 2015

Woodskeeper said:
BTW - I found your PTR for the summer trip! With a lack of computer it's hard to reply on my iPhone, but I wanted to let you know I am reading! Sounds like you guys are going to have a blast!!! Hopefully I can make it over there to comment tonight before I fall asleep!

As you may have discovered, we pretty much suck at a PTR. I am confident that the actual TR will be much more riveting. :laughing:

Woodskeeper said:
If you'll remember, the plan for the original three was to stay at the PPI for the first 4 nights in one room, and then switch to the DLH for the last two nights in one room. When Matt joined, the plan changed so that we would have 2 rooms at PPI for the 4 nts (he would pay for the extra room himself), and then the four of us would split the price for one room at DLH for 2 nights. Well, now we've compromised. PPI will remain the same - with the three girls splitting one room, and Matt paying for his own for 4 nights, but then Matt won't have to pay at all for the room at DLH. This way, the three girls are paying exactly what we were planning on paying if it was just us three, and Matt is paying the extra for him joining--the extra room. Plus, since we're basically letting him squat in our room at DLH (not really, he's on the reservation, haha), we are buying access to the shower in his room at PPI. With total cost, Matt is paying less than $100 more than the three of us. Everyone wins!

Perfect!

Woodskeeper said:
Now on to some disturbing news.... I read this week that Royal Theater is no longer showing the Tangled show and has instead replaced it with all Frozen, all the time.... >____< This is in addition to the sing-a-long at DCA.

I don't get this. DLR gave over an entire area of DCL to Frozen, and it's great for anyone who wants to do Frozen stuff - they have EVERYTHING there. There was no need to oust Rapunzel and Eugene. What in the world? My kid LOVES Frozen, like all kids (I guess), but even she would think this was deranged.

Woodskeeper said:
I know this is all East Coast stuff, but would anyone here be interested in hearing about these mini-trips?

You know I love mini-TRs within TRs (and PTRs) - do it!!! :thumbsup2

Woodskeeper · May 28, 2015

RGirl said:
As you may have discovered, we pretty much suck at a PTR. I am confident that the actual TR will be much more riveting.

But the videos were adorable =D I'm quite excited to read about your trip!

RGirl said:
I don't get this. DLR gave over an entire area of DCL to Frozen, and it's great for anyone who wants to do Frozen stuff - they have EVERYTHING there. There was no need to oust Rapunzel and Eugene. What in the world? My kid LOVES Frozen, like all kids (I guess), but even she would think this was deranged.

I think they did get rid of the majority of the area in DCA, though they still have the sing-a-long and meet and greet. Still, you know me and Tangled... haha. Hopefully something will change for Sept!

Woodskeeper · Jun 2, 2015

I'll preface this with an apology: I had actually written out a nice mini-TR from my days off. It was a little longer than I intended, and definitely a bit self-indulgent, but it was nice. Then my very old, very slow computer crashed, and by the time I got back to it, it disappeared. I wish, dear online friends, that I had the energy to write it again, but with being back at work, and all this lovely planning for September, I'm afraid I'll only be able to share a couple photos:

Before our trip to Palm Beach, I spent an afternoon reading in MK:

And then it started raining, so I hid under my umbrella for a little. Oh, look! What are those on my umbrella? Coincidence?

It wasn't a crowded day at MK, very nice and relaxing. A good visit before summer hell.

Now, on to the Palm Beach trip. Here are some of my favorite photos:

And some of the amazing food:

This is a deconstucted creme brulee, with custard balls in a caramel syrup (the consistency of water, with a full caramel flavor), and edible flowers

The best chorizo tacos ever

And a delicious room service meal:

It was a lovely, relaxing trip, and just what I needed to get through the summer!

Woodskeeper · Jun 2, 2015

And some Disneyland updates, since that is really what you all are looking for:

Delta decided to move my flight time from 10AM to 7AM... originally this was a bad thing, because the other two flights everyone else is coming in on arrive at 12P and 1P, while mine will arrive about 9:30A. But then I realized, I can take the Disneyland Express to my hotel, drop my bags, and get an early start in the parks on my own! I've done all the WDW parks by myself, but not DL or DCA, so it'll be a nice treat to take photos and single riders lines for a few hours. It's only $15 more to add a 5th day to the tickets, so why not? My cousins also decided they'd like to get an early start and walk around, get a feel for the area, etc. Jess and I did this on our last trip (I had free tickets then), and it was a great intro to our trip, just spending a couple hours walking around.

I'm also thinking of going with the WoC and Fant! Dining Packages again. I will do some calculating. Fant! is a definite, but we'll see with WoC.

Thoughts? If you had a few hours just to yourself at the DLR, what would you do? What would you ride? What would you eat? So many options!

kaoden39 · Jun 2, 2015

Love the pictures from your mini trip! I see your Ereader, I would be lost without mine. Only I graduated to an iPad, and now I'm hooked!

I have no real input on whether to do the Fantasmic or the WoC meals. Confession time the only time I have ever seen WoC is on the computer. Yes, I know Disneyland fan fail. My reasoning is simple, the first year of World of Chaos as I've been known to call it since we had a trip to the DLR the week it opened. Now, this was my return trip after almost dying right after our trip in 2007. I planned and planned for this trip. I didn't realize at first that it was opening that week or believe me that we would not have gone. Long story short (too late) people were in line by 3 am to get into DCA to get fast passes for it. The whole resort was a mess! Great trip though even if it was crazy busy, even if it was so hot that my then 13 year old son hung out in Great Moments with Mr Lincoln for the air conditioner. Aw memories!

If I had time alone in the parks I would ride the train around the parks and then decide what land I wanted to be in the most! Honestly, I'll admit it in this scenario I would go straight to New Orleans Square for a mint julep and listen to some jazz and hope to see Tiana! I could sit on a bench on Main Street and watch the characters interact with everyone and visit with them myself and still have a ball!

Woodskeeper · Jun 2, 2015

kaoden39 said:
Love the pictures from your mini trip! I see your Ereader, I would be lost without mine. Only I graduated to an iPad, and now I'm hooked!

Thanks! I have the Kindle Fire HD and the Kindle Paperwhite. I can't live without either! The Fire HD ended up being my favorite tool for Netflix/Hulu etc. I found I was having difficulty reading it outside (plus taking it to the theme parks), so then I got the Paperwhite, which is so light, and can be read in any lighting situation. I love it. Hahaha.

kaoden39 said:
I have no real input on whether to do the Fantasmic or the WoC meals. Confession time the only time I have ever seen WoC is on the computer. Yes, I know Disneyland fan fail. My reasoning is simple, the first year of World of Chaos as I've been known to call it since we had a trip to the DLR the week it opened.

And you're traveling again when the new WoC, fireworks and parade are starting! Haha, at least you know ahead of time and can prepare this time around! I loved WoC when I first saw it, but I cannot remember much other than "Ooooh pretty!"

kaoden39 said:
If I had time alone in the parks I would ride the train around the parks and then decide what land I wanted to be in the most! Honestly, I'll admit it in this scenario I would go straight to New Orleans Square for a mint julep and listen to some jazz and hope to see Tiana! I could sit on a bench on Main Street and watch the characters interact with everyone and visit with them myself and still have a ball!

Train is a great idea, and one of my favorite attractions at WDW. I did actually have Mint Juleps in mind, as I plan on having several for this trip, hehe. I also plan on taking a lot of photos for Instagram, and probably sitting in a corner with my Mint Julep editing them =D

kaoden39 · Jun 2, 2015

Woodskeeper said:
Thanks! I have the Kindle Fire HD and the Kindle Paperwhite. I can't live without either! The Fire HD ended up being my favorite tool for Netflix/Hulu etc. I found I was having difficulty reading it outside (plus taking it to the theme parks), so then I got the Paperwhite, which is so light, and can be read in any lighting situation. I love it. Hahaha.

And you're traveling again when the new WoC, fireworks and parade are starting! Haha, at least you know ahead of time and can prepare this time around! I loved WoC when I first saw it, but I cannot remember much other than "Ooooh pretty!"

Train is a great idea, and one of my favorite attractions at WDW. I did actually have Mint Juleps in mind, as I plan on having several for this trip, hehe. I also plan on taking a lot of photos for Instagram, and probably sitting in a corner with my Mint Julep editing them =D

I love New Orleans Square for sitting and watching the world or land as it were go by. It's shady over there so if it's hot you can cool down a bit.

One main difference this year is that WoC is not completely brand new this year and it isn't opening day either. That really helps. The last trip we went it was the last of the Christmas holiday overlay so there were the crowds wanting to see Haunted Mansion NBC before it closed. I'm hoping to avoid all that this time.

Woodskeeper · Sep 2, 2015

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the lack of updates! If you read from earlier, you knew I was doing all my posts from my faulty computer, and there were one too many crashes to continue writing this properly.

As of this week, I have a new, beautiful MacBook Air. So the updates can continue now! And trust me, there are a LOT of updates!

First, let's talk about itinerary. Below is our finalized itinerary, quite generalized from the actual Excel sheet. Keep in mind, we are getting 5 day PH, plus a MHP ticket each.

Day 1 - Wednesday, Sept 23

Me - Arrive at LAX at 9:30A
Cousins - Arrive at LAX at 10:30A
Friend - Arrives at LAX at 11A
Catch Disneyland Express to Best Western PPI, drop bags off, pick up tickets and enter DL.
Early dinner at Cafe Orleans - 4PM
Possible plan to see fireworks and Paint the Night from Small World area, but very dependent on how tired we all are.

Day 2 - Thursday, Sept 24

DCA for opening. Radiator Springs in AM.
Lunch at 12:50PM Carthay Circle with WOC Dining
Hop over to watch Mickey and the Magical Map
Break at DTD to pick up rental car for next day and bring to parking lot at hotel
Break in room
DCA for WOC at night

Day 3 - Friday, Sept 25

Leaving early to drive to Burbank
Shop at WB Studio Store
Private Tour at Walt Disney Studios (!!!!!!)
Ghiradelli Soda Shop and Studio Store in LA
Drive back to Anaheim
Break in room, change for dinner
Drop off rental car
Dinner at Steakhouse 55 at 6:30PM
Shop at DTD
Early night at hotel

Day 4 - Saturday, Sept 26

Magic Morning at DL 7AM
Break in the early afternoon
Entertainment Day!
Soundsational/Paint the Night/Disneyland Forever from Main Street

Day 5 - Sunday, Sept 27

Early checkout of PPI
Drop bags and get EMH Access from DLH
EMH at DCA, morning at DCA
Hop to DL when wanted
Break in early afternoon to get sorted in DLH room
Blue Bayou Fant Dinner Reservations at 4:20PM
First show of Fantasmic, Disneyland Forever from Rivers of America
Watch Season Premiere of Once Upon a Time on computers

Day 6 - Monday, Sept 28

EMH at DCA
Breakfast at Ariel's Grotto - 9:30AM
Complete any DCA must do's, return to hotel to swim
Dress in Halloween Costumes
Enter DL at 3PM for MHP
3p-6p complete any DL must dos
Enjoy party
Drinks at Trader Sams

Day 7 - Tuesday, Sept 29

Breakfast and last minute DTD shopping
Transportation to LGB Airport
Flights home, etc.

So that's the official itinerary. We're at just under 3 weeks till our trip, and certainly can't wait!

Recently I've been looking at Haul videos on YouTube, and now I want to buy so much....

Let me know what you think!

Woodskeeper · Sep 11, 2015

Let's get down to business.... to discover the fun outfits I've chosen for this trip!

Now, these outfits were literally months in the making. We had decided to DisneyBound for 3 days as Princesses, Heroes and Villains. Well, I actually forgot about most of that and only had a Princess DB in mind, as well as my Halloween Costume for MHP. About a month ago I was reminded... so, now I think I have a handle on all my outfits, plus some bonus shirts and dress options for dinner.

So, first let's start with a shirt I got for the first day. A friend saw this on TeeFury and told me I *had* to get it. It's perfect!

I mean, was a more perfect shirt ever designed? I don't think so...

So Day 2 is in the parks and will be our Heroes day. I've DB-d Peter Pan more than I can count, but this time I decided to DB his shadow, thanks the the Whosits and Whatsits addition of the Shadow Beanie.

So it's a grey shirt, black pants, the beanie, star earrings, a thimble and feather necklace and the Wishes Alex and Ani bracelet for a small splash of color and pixie dust.

Close up of the jewelry and hat.

Then, Day 3 is our Walt Disney Studio Tour Day. You'll recognize this hat from my trip to Palm Beach mentioned earlier in this post. No Disney theme, but I just love this outfit.

The night of the tour we're going to Steakhouse 55 for dinner and dressing up a little. I have my choices down to 2 options.

Even though it's more of a sundress, I'm probably going to stick to the Purple. 1) Purple is my favorite color and 2) I mean, doesn't it just scream Lantern scene?

Day 4 will be spent almost entirely in Disneyland Park and is therefore our Princess Day. As no surprise to anyone really, I'm choosing to DB Rapunzel.

And a close up of the jewelry/accessories:

And how I plan to do my hair that day!

Day 5 is going to be our Fantasmic Day, so that's the day for Villain DB! It also happen to be the day Once Upon a Time premiers its new season, so I chose to be Hook from OUAT (Kind of a villain...)

The black shirt is HUGE so I could cut it a little, but there was just no editing to make it seem normal in this photo...

And a close up of the jewelry:

Simple jewelry, pirate earrings and a hook necklace.

So, for our last day... crying already... for our last day we decided to do an Inside Out theme... not DBing persay, but all wearing shirts for Inside Out. Jess decided on Sadness, Matt wanted Anger, and Mare is doing Joy. I wanted Disgust, and as Fear was not represented, and purple is my favorite color, I decided to represent both.

I'm glad you now have that picture of Disgust, because guess who I'm going to MHP as?!?!

This costume is my baby. I searched for weeks for a dress that sort of matched and found this one on Modcloth. I couldn't find dark green leggings in my size, so I spent a couple days dying them to get the right color. The scarf was a second purchase, as the first one was the wrong color. The shoes I had. The wig I found on eBay and I made the belt myself out of ribbon and felt.

I can't wait!!!!

What do you think? Who do you like to DB as?

DISCLAIMER: these photos were taken in poor lighting and sort of a sporadic decision. My TR photos, I promise, will be better quality.