A Daily Dose of Disney Drama! 5/02/13 PG 53 THE END

[PrincessCaitlin]

Originally Posted by POLY1985

So excited for you!!! Sorry about Andrew. Hoping you'll do a TR for that - I've never been there either so it would be really interesting to read your prospective.

Thank you!

Andrew and I plan to go to WDW for Thanksgiving

We will be doing a TR!

Originally Posted by Jazzabelle508

First off as someone who just went to disneyland for the first time in 17 years last summer but is VERY knowledgable and experienced in all things disney world I can tell you disneyland is amazing!!! it is VERY different from the world though. I have a whole list of things that are different in disneyland from disney world so I post it here if you want. My best tip for you as far as touring goes is take advantage of disneyland's small size and park hop often. park hopping here is MUCH easier in disneyland than disney world. Since you are staying on property I would recommend not using public transporation and walk around disneyland. the distance you would walk using transportation is pretty much equal

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

Originally Posted by Jazzabelle508

Here's just some of my personal opinions about Disneyland. Hope you find it at least a little helpful. We stayed offsite and were there right when Carsland opened but I'm guessing that part of the park will still be crowded so I recommend going there right away on mornings where your in DCA.

Things we preferred in California over Florida

1) Pirates of the Carribbean (alot more details, longer and just a neater experience)

2) Small World (Outside area is really amazing, longer ride, starts out outside and includes disney characters)

3) Space Mountian (includes music, less bumpy)

4) park hopping (much easier here, doesn't even take 5 minutes to go front the front of one park to the front of the other one)

5) Disneyland railroad (more of an attraction)

6) animation academy (they list what characters will be drawn in each session outside the building all day)

7) fantasmic (Doesn't include pocahantas section, has peter pan, easier to view and doesn't have that horrible line to get in. You can actually watch the fireworks show from the same spot you watched fantasmic as well).

8) the summer weather (Unlike florida there isn't any humidity, everyday was perfect weather, needed sweatshirts at night but even then it was perfect weather. Eventually we stopped looking at the forecast because everyday's weather was the same!)

9) too town (especially now but even true pre-rennovation)

Favorite Disneyland attractions

1) pirates

2) small world

3) space mountian

4) magical fireworks show (disneyland's summer fireworks show)

5) toontown

6) Disneyland railroad

7) Matterhorn (reminded me of everest but older)

8) star tours (same as WDW but the gift shop in my opinon was better so there you go)

Favorite DCA attractions

1) monsters inc (Roz talks to you at the end, we made many trips over to the ride just for that, I also liked the queue for the ride and the whole thing was just so fun!)

2) little mermaid (just like the one in new fantasyland but it is really fun and it was here first so it is fun to compare the two. btw you can get pretty decent world of color viewing from here if you go there anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the show. One hour might be enough time. We found the viewing over here was MUCH better than the perfered viewing.)

3) animation academy

4) the swings (They are super cute and based on silly symphonies which is important to wdw history but never gets its proper amount of attention)

5) Carthay circle (We ate here on one of its very first nights being open and were VERY impressed! Make sure to stop by the lounge for a nice drink (not sure if they have gluten free drinks but its always good to ask. Just being in here is 100 percent worth it!)

6) radiator springs racers (This ride was VERY cute but make sure you either go in the singel rider line or use a fastpass because otherwise the line can be over three hours. single rider was about 45 minutes in comparison and fastpass times go quick so get to the ride right away if you want these)

7) Mickey's fun wheel (This is a super cute twist on the classic ferris wheel. It is such an iconic part of DCA that I would be remiss if i never brought it up. You can get great views of disneyland from here. word of warning: anyone with a fear of heights or has any potential of not being comfortable with the swings moving should either skip the ride or wait with the rest of your party for a stationary swing. We learned this lesson the hard way and it almost ruined the rest of our day)

8) paradise pier (In my opinion this is the best part of the park. I spent alot of time over here whether it was walking to my next destination, experiencing the rides, games, and shows in this area or even just relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Point is this part of the park is my absoulte favorite part of the park, i perfered to to carsland personally, and you absoultely need to maximize your time here.)
9) Aladdin show (I think this is still there but I'm not 100 percent sure. The show is longer and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the park. I was very impressed with the quality of the show and since we didn't get to explore the greater california area this made me feel like I didn't miss out on the hollywood glamor, actually DCA in general gave me that feeling)


General Disneyland Observations

1) Significantly Smaller than Disney World. everything is walking distance from each other and unless you are staying off property then you probably will only use public transportation to get to and from the airport.

2) More "real world". This one is pretty self explanatory but this comes right down to the less-family oriented visitors. There are a ton of day visitors who live locally as well. Basically the disney vacation bubble is really hard to stay in and is pretty much non existant unless you stay on property and block out the real world intrusions. This does help the vacation though because most disney world fans who visit disneyland are really into comparing and contrasting. We personally didn't have a ton of super grumpy people but there was less of a magic vibe amongst both guests and cast members.

3) Focuses more on "older Disney stuff" than Disney World. Both parks paid alot more attention to the older disney movies (right down to the projects walt did when he first started out). I personally liked this because it made the experiences I had so much more unique from disney worlds more modern feeling. Don't get me wrong they still had modern disney stuff 2 but they defintiely are influenced by old disney in a way that disney world isn;t simply because the resort is newer.

4) more historical. This one is pretty obvious. Disneyland park is the only one walt saw opened and walked around himself and you definitely see walt reflected in everything in Disneyland much more than at any of the other disney parks (He is reflected to some degree in every park though)

5) Dining isn't as much of an experience. Disneyladn Dining does have its staples but overall it doesn't provide as many food items and restaraunts to be excited about. The foods that are most common are much more generic than at disney world. They do still accomadate special diets and stuff though and between being able to park hop easily no one would find themselves unable to eat anything.

6) Staying on property isn't as important as it is in WDW. Annual pass holders get alot of special treatment in the parks but resort guests don't get anywhere near as many perks as disney world guests. Other than the occassional deal or extra magic hour it really doesn't impact the experience one way or another. If you can afford them or are on DVC or something then the opportunity to stay in one of disneyland's resorts is much more realistic and by all means enjoy your resort.

7) Annual Pass more of a big deal. I touched on this in my previous note but everywhere we went we were asked if we were annual pass holders and we told if we had annual passes for DLR then we would get a bunch of perks.

8) Cast members are generally less friendly with some exceptions. We defintely did have some magical cast member moments but for the most part the cast members in disneyland aren't as friendly as the ones in disney world are.

9) generally cooler weather

10) more "day only" visitors. many people visit locally so crowds defintely are as universal for a whole period. These crowds usually leave around dinnertime though so nights are pretty much always at least a little less crowded.

11) No Fastpass time limit (not a vaild point anymore)

12) park hopping is easier (see above comments)

13) Different highlight attractions Disneyland had several attractions unique to that resort and many of these are staples in the resort. They also emphasize different attractions that it shares with wdw than wdw emphasizes. For instance POTC and Small world are bigger deals in DL.

14) Monorail is just a form of transportation. You can use it to get to disneyland park from DTD and back to disneyland but thats it. In WDW the monorail has its own fandom and is a huge deal and is more of an experience but in disneyland it is nothing more than a well themed transportation system. They did decorate them to look like cars land characters but that isn't enough of a reason for it to be worth riding (at least for me it was).

15) less of a vacation destination, more of a part of a broader vacation but can certainly be made into a vacation destination for us mega disney fans. See comments about day visitors

16) Public transportation is easier. Since you are staying at a disney resort this is a mute point but for people who are staying off-site the transportation system is much smaller. Each hotel is on a different route with two or three different hotels and you are always at that route numbers stop. We were route 7. The busses for us weren't as crowded as they are in wdw and it was a really pleasant experience. You do pay a fee but it is very small and it is a one time fee for a bus pass. People really bonded at these bus stops and we defintely got to now several people well over that week since we always saw each other at our bus stops. The bus rides are pretty short as well. The parking at DLR supposibly isn't very easy and is a big hassle so if any of you ever stay off property and have access to a shuttle use it.

17) multiple airports to fly in from, DLR has three different airports people can fly in from and can get transportation from.

18) castle is smaller. When you first walk in there is a strong likelihood you won't be able to see the castle at first because it is blocked by trees. My mom and I made several despicable me jokes about the castle "disappering".

19) more quaint. disneyland in general has a more quaint feeling toward it. It is smaller so is has a very small town vibe.

20) cute and fun but Disney world is more my type of place but I would go back.

Thank you so much for posting this!

Originally Posted by declansdad

Cool, we have only looked at going there once but we always end up back in Florida.

That's what I have heard from a lot of people. I don't think one park could replace another but they compliment each other well

[MEK]

Congrats on planning your first DL trip. You guys should check out this TR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2885475. It's a really good overall of all things DL.

Happy planning!

[dawnbu40]

Originally Posted by MEK

Congrats on planning your first DL trip. You guys should check out this TR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2885475. It's a really good overall of all things DL.

Happy planning!

Thank you and thanks for the link. My travel agency decided to take a group trip to DL so it seemed like the perfect time to give it a try.

[magichusky]

I love those Fairy Hollow pics! Periwinkle looked super buff actually- so inspirational! Caitlin could totally pull it off as one of the fairies in the hollow. Andrew could be... Aladdin??

How exciting for your upcoming trips!! I visit DL frequently and here are my must-do's in order (the best ones are at the top!):

1) Enchanted Tiki Bar at DL Hotel (keyword "Enchanted". I like to order non-alcoholic pina coladas and just sit in here: the volcano erupts every once in awhile and the ship in the bottle gets shipwrecked, plus other crazy stuff!)
2) Buy a "Matterhorn Macaroon" from the Jolly Holiday Bakery.
3) Have a moment in front of Walt's old office above the fire station (the light is always left on for him).
4) Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes!

[pkondz]

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Hi All! Caitlin got back from Louisiana last night and she had a wonderful visit. She loved getting to see their new apartment and just spend some "couple time" with Andrew.

Phew. That's a relief. After reading about all the drama, it's nice to hear she had a good visit.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

She now has just 7 more weeks of undergrad studies (she's starting her Masters in May) and she will graduate!

Go Caitlin!

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

We have made some changes to our plans though. (if you know us, you know this is to be expected)

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

It turns out that Dale and Andrew can't join us so we'll get one last Mother/Daughter trip!

With accompanying TR?

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

She chose the GF so we are splurging and staying in the Main Bldg with a theme park view.

Nice!

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

He likes to get up and exercise and if I recall correctly he was exercising in the room before 6am

You know the one about "I love exercise. I could sit and watch it for hours."

Yeah.... not at 6am, thanks.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

(she wanted Andrew's first MK ride to be Space Mtn)

Good choice.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Andrew and I ended up getting max scores in the very first room Yep, his first time on and he maxed out the game. Pretty cool!

That guy is getting sooooo spoiled on his first trip! From now on every trip will be: "Yeah that was okay, but remember the first trip? Now that was great!"

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Now Caitlin was still extremely weak and in pain so this was a no go for her.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

While the guys rode I pushed Caitlin around Tomorrowland so she could take some pics.

Ya know, I never thought you could push Caitlin around... but if you say so.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

(ugh I hate that crane!)

You just had to ask.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

(you'll notice Cait refused to get her pic in the wheelchair so she was constantly up and down which added to her exhaustion)

Poor Caitlin. Not the best trip for her.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Once the meet and greet was over I told my dad I had a very special treat I wanted to get him. I took him over to Aloha Isle and introduced him to the famous Dole Whip Float. Our preferred float is the pineapple whip with orange juice so I got one to share. My dad loved it! While we enjoyed our float Andrew wheeled Caitlin around Adventureland so she could get some pictures.

Pineapple whip with OJ? Oooh, that sounds good. Gotta try that one. Glad your dad loved it, but not surprised. Did Andrew get a chance to try one?

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

I realized my dad hadn't been in any of the pics yet so I took the camera from Cait and got one of her and her grandpa.

Nice pic.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Dead men tell no tales....

Tell that to a forensic pathologist...

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Yoho,YoHo a pirate's life for me...

Really Dawn? I never knew.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

We then headed on over to Caitlin's favorite

Such an intelligent girl.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Don't you love how they updated this queue?

I wouldn't know....


someday, someday...

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for posting!

[dawnbu40]

Originally Posted by magichusky

I love those Fairy Hollow pics! Periwinkle looked super buff actually- so inspirational! Caitlin could totally pull it off as one of the fairies in the hollow. Andrew could be... Aladdin??

We've always said if Caitlin worked at WDW she would be a fairy and you're right, Andrew would make a good Aladdin

How exciting for your upcoming trips!! I visit DL frequently and here are my must-do's in order (the best ones are at the top!):

1) Enchanted Tiki Bar at DL Hotel (keyword "Enchanted". I like to order non-alcoholic pina coladas and just sit in here: the volcano erupts every once in awhile and the ship in the bottle gets shipwrecked, plus other crazy stuff!)
2) Buy a "Matterhorn Macaroon" from the Jolly Holiday Bakery.
3) Have a moment in front of Walt's old office above the fire station (the light is always left on for him).
4) Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes!

Thanks for all the great tips!
The Tiki Bar is on our list and I love Mary Poppins so we will be visiting the bakery

[dawnbu40]

Originally Posted by pkondz

Phew. That's a relief. After reading about all the drama, it's nice to hear she had a good visit.

I left out the part about her being pulled over by 2 MP police cars and 2 MPs on motorcycles though (seriously!)

Go Caitlin!










With accompanying TR?

I think we might keep this trip to ourselves and not do a TR. Since it will be our last week together for 3 months it is bound to be emotional so we might skip the TR. We'll just have to wait and see how we feel about it. We will be doing a DL one though

Nice!



You know the one about "I love exercise. I could sit and watch it for hours."

Yeah.... not at 6am, thanks.

Agreed!

Good choice.



That guy is getting sooooo spoiled on his first trip! From now on every trip will be: "Yeah that was okay, but remember the first trip? Now that was great!"

Other than the sick bride he had a great time





Ya know, I never thought you could push Caitlin around... but if you say so.

It wasn't easy but I managed

You just had to ask.



Love it! Dale kept saying to me "why don't you just edit it?"

Poor Caitlin. Not the best trip for her.

Nope. She is ready for a redo.

Pineapple whip with OJ? Oooh, that sounds good. Gotta try that one. Glad your dad loved it, but not surprised. Did Andrew get a chance to try one?

Andrew wasn't interested. Dad and Caitlin and I shared it though.

Nice pic.

Thank you

Tell that to a forensic pathologist...



Really Dawn? I never knew.



Such an intelligent girl.



I wouldn't know....


someday, someday...



Thanks for posting!

You're welcome

[PrincessCaitlin]

After we were done seeing 999 happy haunts it was time for some lunch! I was actually feeling hungry this time so that was a plus The Columbia Harbor House was right around the corner so we headed there.

I ordered



Anchors Aweigh Sandwich - white tuna with lettuce and tomato on toasted multigrain bun with potato chips $8.99

It was very good! But now that I am gluten free it looks gross

Mom ordered



Fried Fish Basket - Served with steamed fresh broccoli or French Fries $7.49

She enjoyed her meal was well!

Andrew had



Grilled Salmon - served with couscous and steamed fresh broccoli $10.19

He inhaled this along with a piece of fried fish so I am guessing he enjoyed it

Grandpa had




New England Clam Chowder $4.69

Which did not measure up to the one at ESPN sports but was still good.

After lunch it was time for the boys to use their BTMRR fast passes so mom and I relaxed for a bit before heading outside and stumbling upon this group.



They were playing "When I'm Human" from Princess and the Frog. We have watched that movie a couple times in preparation for the big move and the first time I went down a bartender sounded exactly like Ray the firefly from it and I sort of geeked out










After their set we moved over to one of the stores around the BTMRR area.



We also saw Andrew's doppelganger




After the boys finally found us which took quite a bit of time and Mom and going over there and walking/wheeling throughout the area. We headed over to It's a Small World.



Because every person should be subjected to this ride at least once


We also got a shot of the new Fantasyland gate area.



Then we decided we should head back to the room for some relaxation time before our Halloween party.


Up Next: Trouble in Paradise and rain lead to one heck of a MNSSHP!

[dawnbu40]

Is anyone still reading? No one has commented on Caitlin's update from Friday so I am thinking we lasted too long and lost our readers.
Hope some of you are willing to stick it out with us!

[SusieBea]

I'm still reading and enjoying. i'm just not a frequent "commenter." I'm also thinking people may be on Spring Break.

[TinksThree]

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Is anyone still reading? No one has commented on Caitlin's update from Friday so I am thinking we lasted too long and lost our readers.
Hope some of you are willing to stick it out with us!

I saw the first sentence and thought I had read that update but apparently not! I am a few days behind catching up with work after spring break. I am so slow with my updates my readers have disappeared too but also I have noticed a lot of TRs I am following aren't moving fast either. So maybe real life is messing up the Disney magic!

[RunningGirl]

Snuck that one past me as well! I try to keep a check on things.

Grandpa's clam chowder looks pretty tasty, I have to say. Planning a trip, so it makes me want to add CHH to the itinerary! I was thinking CR's instead, but hmmm....

Too funny with the doppelganger. It's so good that I thought at first it WAS Andrew and you were making a joke with the wooden statue!

But if Caitlin is now gluten free and ate that sandwich for lunch, I'm expecting some bad news ahead.

[TinksThree]

Columbia Harbor House is one of our favorites! I love sitting by a window on the 2nd floor!

Yes everyone should ride iasw at least once...unless your teenage daughter hates it then it is used as punishment for sulky attitudes!!

Next update sounds ominous.....!!!

[dawnbu40]

Originally Posted by SusieBea

I'm still reading and enjoying. i'm just not a frequent "commenter." I'm also thinking people may be on Spring Break.

Thank you. Glad to know we still have readers

[PlutosMommy]

Still reading!