I woke up very early today. Can you guess why? Because I'm going to
Disneyland!!!! You'd think after nearly 45 years and too many visits to count I wouldn't get so goofy excited but I do. Every. Single. Time.
I knew the GCV would transfer our luggage to the DLH because remember, I'm the queen of the spilt stay.
Check out time wasn't until 11:00 but Disneyland's hours were 9-midnight. I was Dec. 20 and tomorrow was Chloe's 15th birthday. Today we'd celebrate her big day, número 15, at Disneyland.
With just another one dayer at the Happiest Place on Earth, we all chose a favorite that we couldn't live without and planned from there.
My clan was completely passed out and I was wide awake by 6:00 and over to the DLH by 6:30 to check in. I thought it'd be much easier for me to go over alone than to drag everyone over with me or even worse leave to check in later.
I left the GCV and headed to the DLH through DTD. I think there couldn't have seen but 3 people on my way over. The sky was bright blue without a cloud in the sky.
The tree at the ice rink in DTD:
Look, the streets are still wet from the morning wash down:
I'm getting closer:
And closer:
Once inside the lobby, there was a small line. I shouldn't have been surprised but I was. Isn't this the cutest tree. It's so old school:
And have you ever seen cuter chairs? I love these!
Side view of the cutest tree ever:
Once it was my turn, I spoke with the sweetest CM. I don't recall his name now but I did leave a letter of compliment that morning.
Lo and behold, our room was ready. I had asked for the Adventure Tower and a DTD view and our CM did the best he could. After checking in, I ran up to see the room, quickly, as I needed to get back to wake up my crew. It wasn't the greatest view but it wasn't of the parking lot either. It was of DTD though just on the 2nd floor not the 4th so we saw more trees than DTD but I was happy. Still no complaining here as I paid for a standard view when I booked using our DVC points. Score!
A sideways map of the DLH:
The hotel happenings:
And the Magical Times:
I was back to the villa by 7:20 and woke everyone up. They bounced up, showered, and we called bell services. They came and got our luggage within no time and we were on our way.
I didn't get any more photos of the the GCV this morning. We had Disneyland on the brain! The plan this morning was the same, to go to Guest Services, pick up and pay for our one day/one park pass. This is the way to go on short trips. I had no idea how fun and stress free not hopping can be.
I went ahead while Michael and the kids stopped to grab coffees, juice, and a pastry. I passed on the pastry. I don't love Disney pastries.
Look what I have:
The rest met me in line about 10 minutes before opening.
So here is where the story gets GOOD!
As we are chatting and enter through the turnstiles, go under the left side of the bridge, and start slowly down Main St, I spot the CANDY CANE line. I had read that they might do candy canes today but totally spaced it. We were at the end of Main St near the Emporium when it hit me. I literally ran to the Candy Palace and they still had wrist bands. I seriously could have died from happiness right there. I have wanted one of these for years. Literally.
So here's the deal with the candy canes. You can get one per wristband at $12.99 a cane. I didn't want to be greedy but really wanted two so both Michael and I got wrist bands. I was so happy and the CM was so cool. The CM seemed to appreciate my excitement. My kids were a little embarrassed but guess who didn't care? ME! Gabby told me that two ladies walked by and made fun of me for being so excited. Whatever. It's not my issue if they don't get it like the rest of us.
Green wrist bands securely around my happy little wrist it was time to hit some rides. Our must-dos included HMH, Splash, IASW, Space, and Indy.
Gotta make the kids breakfast.....be back with more.....
I'm not the happiest camper.
Does your DH travel to the states a lot for business?
Michael's schedule is so insane and so last minute, I'm trying to navigate it but dang it's hard sometimes. 
I wish I was with him. Their resort is insane.
Sending love to my/our wingmate.
On both counts. Hope you get some info sooner than later. Waiting is torture. 
