First and foremost, I need to apologize for the long space between updates. Like everyone here, life gets in the way. But I'm here with an update.
for still reading along.
Because we all knew we'd be staying at the GCV and DLH, we asked the kids to not rifle through their bags and throw their stuff all over which like most kids, is normally what they do.
We were up bright and early. I didn't have the best night's sleep but I never do before Disney. I feel like a little kid on Christmas; too excited to sleep.
The plan was to be in the car, on the road (only a 15 minute drive) by 7:30 am. We wanted to stop at Starbuck's, self- park at the GCV, and check in before going to Guest Services to pick up our one day/one park tickets. Because we only had two full days this trip, we chose the one park per day option and I can tell you it was the right decision. I won't park hop again on trips that are two days or less. I can't tell you how much time we save not hopping. Now that FP return times are enforced, I find not hopping allows us to tour at a much more relaxed pace and see more of the parks.
As per usual, some photos were taken with my iPhone and others with our camera. It's a Sony A57. I think that's the official name. Is been a great mid line camera for us.
We arrived at a nearby Starbucks within minutes and as we waited saw a Garden Grove fire engine. DH is a firefighter so we like to see other engines:
With music from
Princess and the Frog playing on the iPod, it was Starbucks time:
Starbucks in hand we arrived at the GCV in no time. We take Katella to
Disneyland Drive. Ahhhhh what a heavenly sight to see:
After giving our name and getting our Welcome Home, we pulled in, unloaded the MDX, and Michael went to self park. Now I'm not cheap but $22 for valet, before a tip, is a little steep. I know it's Disney and the prices rarely shock me but that's bit much.
Michael was back in no time. We always do the same thing: I check in while Michael entertains the kids. I don't know why but we've done it like that forever.
At this point, Chloe had the camera out and started snapping away.
He doesn't looked please with Chloe's photo taking though gave her a half smile:
I think the carpet needs a good scrubbin:
Don't you just love the big wood beams? I think the GCV is one of the prettiest and most welcoming resorts I've been to.
Michael tried to take this shot so many times with his phone and this is the best he could capture. I'm not sure why he didn't use the Sony?
Now I had requested a villa on the third floor or higher. The CM told me that she had us on the first floor and our villa was ready. I kindly told her we'd be happy to wait for something higher up and would wait. She went in the back room and after a few minutes came out and said she could get us a villa on the 3rd floor with a decent view of DCA. I was great with that. In retrospect a pool view would have also been good. Next time I won't be so picky.
She was very nice, gave me in the ins and outs of the GCH, and we were on our way. She said we'd be notified via text when our villa was ready. Fine by me, we had a park to explore. She gave Chloe a birthday button and us the Celebrate buttons as we were celebrating with Chloe. Chloe's birthday was in two days. Close enough.
The skies were very grey and there was a 70% chance of rain in the forecast. I wasn't all that bummed because I knew it would keep my wimpy local Cali friends away. LOL! We had grabbed umbrellas from my friend before leaving and of course I had my poncho.
Continued in next post.....