TR w/4000+ Pics/Disney on Ice w/184 Pics!!

[OctoberDisney]

Hi Laurie~
Well, I've read every single day, looked at every single photo and have NOT commented along the way BUT just wanted to say, thanks for sharing. Looks like a GREAT, FUN trip and of course, you've made those of us that get to go soon(ish) so much more excited. My DH and I LOVE LOVE the food porn. Thanks so much for taking the time to take pictures of all your meals. With such a large family, we got to see lots of choices!
I'm sorry your TR is almost done...it's been a really fun read.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Thos little things you saw at that bear resturant are actually for the pigeons/birds. My high school had that along some of the open parts of the roof, it actually works.

Really? I would have never guessed that was what it's for.....lol Guess I've watched too many video clip shows showing burglars coming thru ceiling vents & such......lol

Yay our day!! Boo for the trip being over!! That was fun that day and we DEF have to do it again!! Like I said I think you, michelle, Jess and I all need to go on the ladies trip in 12 for sure! I think it would be so much fun!!

Well you have def inspired me to do a report for my dw trip and now that we are thinking of going to DL in Dec I suppose I should do one for that too although we are only going for a few days but what the heck!!

Glad to know there is still a bit more. We are going to have to find SOMETHING else to talk about. I am going to miss just having a place to chat with you all!!

It was fun....just too short!!! I'd love to do another meet up!!

WDW & DL all within weeks of each other......SO JEALOUS!!

Yay for Jelly Belly day!! Sorry I haven't been checking in over here often Laurie!! I can't believe that this report is closing in on an official ending!

Not a problem.....I haven't been super good at checking in on other peoples either......been focused on getting this one together!!! Sorting all those pictures was a process.....glad to have that done!!

Hi Laurie~
Well, I've read every single day, looked at every single photo and have NOT commented along the way BUT just wanted to say, thanks for sharing. Looks like a GREAT, FUN trip and of course, you've made those of us that get to go soon(ish) so much more excited. My DH and I LOVE LOVE the food porn. Thanks so much for taking the time to take pictures of all your meals. With such a large family, we got to see lots of choices!
I'm sorry your TR is almost done...it's been a really fun read.

Thank you very much!!! I'm glad you decided to comment!!

Last year was the first time we took pics of food & we occassionally got a strange look.....but I don't care......it's fun to look at them after the trips!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

These are the 12 scanned photos from the trip!!

The first 4 are the ride photos we purchased.

Space Mountain~~Nick & Me

Splash Mountain~~Front to Back: Anthony, Michelle's daughter Zoe, Addy, Mike, Tyler & some other guy.....lol

California Screamin'~~
Front Row: Tyler & Me
Back Row: Nick & Derek

California Screamin'~~
Front Row: Nick
Back Row: Mike & Me

Pictures from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique:

Anthony & Addy together:

Adaleah's Beauty Shot.......love this picture!!

Character Meal Group shots:

Goofy's Kitchen~~
Back Row: Me, Derek, Mike, Shyann, Pluto, Tyler, Michayla, Betty, Nick
Front Row: Anthony & Addy

Minnie & Friends Breakfast~~
Back Row: Nick, Betty, Derek, Shyann, Mike, Michayla, Me, Tyler
Front Row: Addy & Anthony

Surf's Up with Mickey~~
Back Row: Mike, Michayla, Me, Mickey, Tyler, Shyann, Derek, Nick
Front Row: Addy (remember this was the meal that Anthony & Betty didn't go to, because Anthony had been up sick the night before)

Knott's Berry Farm (the only picture we purchased or even came across):

Back Row: Tyler, Mike, Me, Betty, Derek, Nick
Front Row: Shyann, Addy, Anthony, Michayla

Jelly Belly Factory Group Shot:

Back Row: Derek, Tyler, Betty, Nick, Shelby, Rosemarie, Katy, Kelly, Me, Michele
Front Row: Shyann, Michayla, Anthony, Mike, Addy, Jessica, Kody, Loren, Kacy

I can't wait for the photopass CD to come in.....will have a ton of pics to share off that!! We had 164 photos done (thanx to Nick who did a ton on his own!!!) When I got done with the borders & such.....I got it up to 533 pics!!!!!

 

[APX]

I sure am going to miss all the food porn.

Great TR once again, best by far.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I sure am going to miss all the food porn.

Great TR once again, best by far.

You can just keep going back & looking at it anytime you're yearning some yummy looking food!!!

Thank you very much!!

 

[WhtMagick]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family with us. The twins are precious! Anthony and Addie have such contagious happiness!!!! What amazing help you have with the older boys (men, eek, sorry!). How in the world you can take pics, organize them, post them and write a trip report of this length is beyond me. Plus, take care of everyone! It's only my DH and I and there's no way I could complete a report like this. I'm a special educator and I have always told my students: if I win the lottery, we're going to Disneyland!!!!! Still hoping for the big win!!! Bless you all, looking forward to all your posts from now on!!!

 

[srauchbauer]

so sad to see your trip come to an end - but no matter how fun the trip was (is) it is always good to go "home". I remember last years trip seven days away from home - the most for us. We were on the airplane heading home and Kate said she couldn't wait to get home and sleep in her own bed alone. Her and I shared a bed during the trip.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family with us. The twins are precious! Anthony and Addie have such contagious happiness!!!! What amazing help you have with the older boys (men, eek, sorry!). How in the world you can take pics, organize them, post them and write a trip report of this length is beyond me. Plus, take care of everyone! It's only my DH and I and there's no way I could complete a report like this. I'm a special educator and I have always told my students: if I win the lottery, we're going to Disneyland!!!!! Still hoping for the big win!!! Bless you all, looking forward to all your posts from now on!!!

Thank you very much!! Doing this TR is like therapy for me.....it gives me a nice break from the routine....plus looking at all the pictures makes me smile!! Disneyland is such a special place for us & getting to do it with all 7 of my kids was definitely something I will treasure for years to come.

Fingers crossed that the numbers fall into place & you get that big win!!!!

so sad to see your trip come to an end - but no matter how fun the trip was (is) it is always good to go "home". I remember last years trip seven days away from home - the most for us. We were on the airplane heading home and Kate said she couldn't wait to get home and sleep in her own bed alone. Her and I shared a bed during the trip.

It was nice to get home to sleep in our beds (even though I found my back wasn't hurting on the motel beds like it does here). But nice to be able to relax, kick your feet up & not have to worry about the kids making too much noise or breaking something that isn't ours......lol

Hate coming home but it does have its good side too!!

 

[kaoden39]

I am so sad for the trip report to end. But, as always I have enjoyed reading it.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, I fell waaaaaaaaaaaay behind but am now caught up just in time for the end! I have had a very stressful few days and this totally brought up my spirits! Too many thoughts to comment on! Loved the girls at the Surfs Up breakfast! Jelly Belly meet was too cool! Sticker shock at the World of Disney but then when you break it down to $50 per person it doesn't seem so bad. Love the BBB pics!

I have truly loved all of your pictures! I thought we took a lot of pics but we are amateurs compared to you!

Thank you for sharing them all!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I am so sad for the trip report to end. But, as always I have enjoyed reading it.

Thank you Michele! I can't wait for the photopass CD to come in!!

Ok, I fell waaaaaaaaaaaay behind but am now caught up just in time for the end! I have had a very stressful few days and this totally brought up my spirits! Too many thoughts to comment on! Loved the girls at the Surfs Up breakfast! Jelly Belly meet was too cool! Sticker shock at the World of Disney but then when you break it down to $50 per person it doesn't seem so bad. Love the BBB pics!

I have truly loved all of your pictures! I thought we took a lot of pics but we are amateurs compared to you!

Thank you for sharing them all!

I'm sorry that you've had a few rough days....hopefully things will calm down for you!! Glad my pics could lift your spirits!!
The twins finally warmed up on our last day.....wish it would have happened earlier in the trip!
Jelly Belly was a blast & a great way to end our trip!!
World of Disney is never a cheap stop for us.....lol
Addy & Anthony loved doing the BBB.....Addy has a career in modeling I think....lol She loves to pose!!

We did take a few pics.....but looking back, I'm glad we did!

 

[DizNee Luver]

DISNEYLAND

This is a break-down of things we did & things we missed. I knew when we left I had missed some things I wanted to do....but it wasn't until we were home that I realized I had missed a TON. So here goes!

DID:

Entertainment~~

Saw the Disneyland Band a few different times but never just sat & listened.

Billy Hill & the Hillbillies....love their show....I did notice it was way shorter than last year. Maybe they've added more shows, so they needed to shorten them in the process. Still a great show, but would have loved a longer show!!

Jedi Training....Anthony got to go see this (finally) & got picked!! Nick was with him, but I didn't get to see this personally.


Character Meet-Ups~~

Princess Fantasy Faire...Addy & Anthony did this with Mike & Betty & then I took Addy. They were able to watch the cornation ceremony.

Pixie Hollow....I took Addy to see Tinkerbell & Fawn. Next trip I'd love to see a different fairy.....lol We always see Fawn.

Mickey Mouse in ToonTown. We took the twins to meet Mickey Mouse during our Morning Madness. We saw him at the front of the house, so didn't actually make it thru the house.


Shows/Parades~~

Celebrate Street Party.....we got to see this entire parade from the Small World area. I enjoyed it for all the characters that are involved. To me, it really isn't a parade (in fact I don't think they actually call this a parade) but since it's the only one they offer.....I guess it's a parade.

Fantasmic.....wasn't sure I was going to get to see this. Nick & I were over there on one of the evenings & got on the Critter Country side & waited for the 9pm show to end (and fireworks) & then moved down to find a spot for the 10:30 show. We actually sat in the smoking section on the waterfront. I wanted to sit on the bench for a bit because my back was hurting. We actually stayed there & had front row seats for the show!! There is a water curtain directly in front of that area. Great seats.....for a great show!!

Magical....the fireworks. I got to see this from our motel balcony a few times, once from critter country area, once from the train station on Main Street & then once to the right of the castle. I love fireworks, but missed not seeing the Remember firework show. The last night we took Anthony & Addy to watch from the castle & it was the one night that neither Tinkerbell or Dumbo flew over the castle. Addy was devistated.....crying because she was looking forward to it & it didn't happen (this was the only time they saw the fireworks in the park). I was kicking myself that I didn't have my camera the night we watched from the Train Station.....they both flew that night.

Next up will be the missed for the above categories!

 

[DizNee Luver]

These are the things we missed.

DIDN'TS:

Entertainment~~

Dapper Dans.....I didn't see them ONCE the entire trip......I don't know if I wasn't around Main Street during the times they were there.....or they were on vacation....lol

Flag Retreat.....Really disappointed that this didn't work out in our schedule. The only problem with doing 2 meals was having the late breakfast & early dinners......that is why I missed going to this.

Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party....this was offered on Friday & Saturday evenings & these were the 2 days we weren't doing Disney days.

Laughing Stock Co.....once when we were passing thru Frontierland....I saw this troupe out & performing, but we were on a mission...so no time to stop & watch.

Character Meet-Ups~~

Minnie Mouse at her house in ToonTown.....we could have done this on our early entry....but after the twins reaction to Mickey....we decided not to try.

Critter Country.....I can't believe we didn't do this. The first time we had taken Addy to this...she cried when she saw Pooh Bear (she was that in love with him). How she allowed us NOT to go is shocking. I feel horrible we didn't do this!!

Shows/Parades~~

TLT Dance Club at the Tomorrowland Terrace. Partly the reason we missed this is by choice. It's usually just loud & no one is wanting to sit & watch.

Next post will be the DID's on the rides!

 

[DizNee Luver]

These are the Disneyland rides & attractions that we DID get to:

DIDS:

Main Street~~

Horseless Carriage....finally rode on one of the Main Street Vehicles this trip. I'm usually pushing a stroller, but when I was without the twins....I was able to get on & ride it up Main Street.

Omnibus.....got a 2nd opportunity to ride one of the vehicles.

Musical Chairs at Coke Corner.....so glad I had read about this opportunity on the DIS. Anthony & Addy had a blast playing this with Alice, The Mad Hatter & the Red Queen.

New Orleans Square~~

Haunted Mansion.....rode this once on the day Michelle & Zoe joined us.

Pirates of the Caribbean.....rode this multiple times. Ruined my brand new white capris the first day on this ride.....lol

Frontierland~~

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.....rode this as many times as I could!! My favorite ride in both parks!!

Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island.....I sat & chatted with Michelle as the kids ran all over the island.

The Golden Horseshoe Saloon......we went in here when we watched the Billy Hill & the Hillbillies show.

Critter Country~~

Nothing.....Nada.....Zilch.....Zip (I already hear the groans that I missed Splash Mtn)

Adventureland~~

Indiana Jones....rode this I believe on the first day & never made it back to ride again.

Jungle Cruise.....love the Skippers on this ride....funny stuff!! I actually thought they had slowed it down a bit. I've noticed during our Spring Break trips that we just fly thru & can't get any pics....but this time, it didn't seem as rushed.

Mickey's ToonTown~~

Mickey's House......during the twins meet up with Mickey.....but only saw a very small portion of the house before you exit out.

Tomorrowland~~

Space Mountain.....got to ride this multiple times during our trip. Actually took my last ride & kept my arms up for the entire ride!!!

Fantasyland~~

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.....Really fun to watch the kids get transformed & also get pampered. I had just as much fun as they did!!

Small World.....our first ride as a family on day one. Classic ride!!

King Arthur Carrousel.....took the twins, Addy & Anthony on for a ride.

Mad Tea Party......did this ride twice. The twins loved this ride.....they love to spin!!

Matterhorn Bobsleds.....Rode this once on our trip.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.....hadn't been on this one since 2005....but made sure I got on it during our Magic Morning.

Peter Pan.....our first ride every trip....but this one!! We did ride it first on our Magic Morning.

Pinocchio's Daring Journey......can't remember the last time I rode this. Probably when Mike & I stopped in 1984 but could be as long as my childhood.

Sleeping Beauty Walk-Thru.....didn't do this last year, but did get thru it this trip.

Snow White's Scary Adventure.....same as Pinocchio....not sure the last time I rode this.


So I did get to all of these......it looks like a lot....but wait until you see the didn'ts coming up next!

 

[DizNee Luver]

As promised....the things I missed (as I sit here kicking myself over a number of these)

DIDN'TS:

Main Street~~

Disneyland Railroad!!! Can you believe I didn't get on the railroad ONCE this trip?! I can't.....grumble, grumble....

Main Street Cinema....didn't step inside this time & I know they were showing a nostalgic clips from opening day.

Fire Engine.....didn't ride this Main Street Vehicle (or get into the Fire House)

Horse-Drawn Carriage....missed this one as well.

Disney Gallery.....LOVED this when it was above the POTC & was looking forward to it reopening in it's new location & then I missed it!

Great Moment's with Mr. Lincoln.....yup....I missed this too!! Was looking forward to this reopening....I know I was a child when I last saw this (or maybe I've never seen it.....hmmmmm)

New Orleans Square~~

Think I'm good here!!

Frontierland~~

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition.....missed this by choice....have no interest in carnival type games (or guns)

Mark Twain Riverboat....Betty & Tyler did this....but I never took a trip around the Rivers of America.

Sailing Ship Columbia....Mike took Betty, Anthony & Addy on this....but I was on baby duty at the motel....so never got on myself.

Big Thunder Ranch....have yet to take the kids back to this.

Critter Country~~

Splash Mountain!!! I wouldn't say I missed this.....lol I've only been on this once & hated it!! I was soaked after the first corner & it just got worse from there. I hate drops &getting wet, so I would have to be super hot to want to ride this again.

Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes......no interest in paddling myself around the river....lol

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.....don't know how we missed this. Addy & Anthony love this ride & the twins would probably have liked it as well!

Adventureland~~

Enchanted Tiki Room.....I am sooooo sad I missed this & missed the twins first time in it. I also missed not getting my Dole Whip!

Tarzan's Treehouse....I waited for the kids on the ground....but avoided the heights & didn't go explore this time.

Mickey's ToonTown~~

Chip-n-Dale's Treehouse.....sat by it, but didn't go inside & look around.

Donald's Boat.....watched the kids go explore but didn't go in.

Gadget's Go-Coaster.....watched the kids ride but didn't ride.

Goofy's Playhouse....the kids played here for a bit & the twins did as well one time....but stayed on the outside & took some pics.

Mickey's House.....didn't really do the tour of the entire house & studio.

Minnie's House....didn't go in & tour it this trip.

Roger Rabbit's CarToon Spin......everyone rode this but me (and the twins)

Tomorrowland~~

Astro Orbitor.....I have NEVER been on this ride.....not sure why??

Autopia.....somehow we were able to keep Anthony from going on this....he loves it but he's about the only one.....lol

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters......I'm the only one that didn't do this ride.....I'm not a huge fan & last year it broke down for about 5 mins with the noise, noise, noise going off as we sat.

Finding Nemo.....or as my family calls it.....LAME-O. Didn't ride it last year (claustophobia) & was told I didn't miss a thing....so we didn't even slow down by this one.

Captain EO......missed it!! Was going to try & see it, because I've never seen it before....but it just didn't work out.

Innoventions......I have YET to make it inside this building....I'm not sure why I avoid it so....but I just haven't been drawn to it.

Starcade......video games?? No thanx!

Star Tours......really mad at myself that I didn't stand in the long line on the 26th....the last day it was open!!

Fantasyland~~

Alice in Wonderland....it got closed down about 5 days before our trip....bummer!! We all like this one!

Casey Jr. Train....was disappointed this was closed during Magic Morning. I think Mike got the twins on this earlier in the trip.

Dumbo......I stayed on the ground & took pictures.....can't remember why I did that....but I'm ok with it.

Storybookland Canal Boats.....another one that wasn't open during our Magic Morning....so we just never got around to riding this.

Well that's Disneyland hits & misses!! I'll post later about California Adventure's yea's & nays.

 

[kaoden39]

Honestly you didn't miss anything on the Disney Gallery. I was very disappointed in it. I felt that it was just an expensive souvenir shop. With fancy designer Disney shirts and expensive picture books.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Honestly you didn't miss anything on the Disney Gallery. I was very disappointed in it. I felt that it was just an expensive souvenir shop. With fancy designer Disney shirts and expensive picture books.

I still love to look & say to myself.....If I could just win the lottery......lol

 

[kaoden39]

I still love to look & say to myself.....If I could just win the lottery......lol

You an me both....

Oddest thing. I went out to my mail today and lo and behold there was a Family Fun magazine. Now I wondered why, and then I read the label. It is because of my AP. Nice to get a surprise.

 

[DizNee Luver]

You an me both....

Oddest thing. I went out to my mail today and lo and behold there was a Family Fun magazine. Now I wondered why, and then I read the label. It is because of my AP. Nice to get a surprise.

Huh.....I have an AP & have been paying for mine......but hooray for you!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Moving on to California Adventure. Here are the things we did do.

DID

Entertainment~~

Drawn to the Magic......this is the only entertainment thing we made it to. Anthony got picked to go on stage which made it that more fun for us.

Character Meet Ups~~

Lightning McQueen & Mater.....we did this while we were taking turns riding Soarin'.

Shows/Parades~~

World of Color....did the dining package thru Ariel's Grotto.....Excellent meal followed by a Fantastic show.....Disney went all out on this one!!

Glow Fest....We didn't actually "attend" this.....we walked on the Hollywood Backlot area & watched for about 2 minutes before leaving. The dancers reminded me of the girls on Laugh-In.....lol

Next will be the things we missed.