2 WI Adults Spring Break @ Disney A Mar '12 PTR *Update 3/12 We're Back!!*

[JessicaKnits]

I have checked out the menus! It sounds divine!

Hmmm... my guess: DisneyLand?

This is a very good guess...you will have to wait and see! But I promise, you won't have to wait long.

Congrats on the bonus! I can't figure out where you're going, unless it's Hawaii?

D~

This is a very good guess too!

 

[JessicaKnits]

So first, lets talk about them Packers hey? I know I will go back to work on Tuesday with piles and piles of emails from everyone in New York, with various sarcastic quips. I will try to ignore them. And also try to remind myself that I would most certainly have done the same. Then I can tell my boss that I no longer need the day after the Superbowl off, since we won't be playing in that. BUT that means one more day for vacation to Disney. Woohoo! So...I guess we will call that the silver lining. If in fact we were looking for a silver lining. I'm not sure yet.

So, on to more trip planning!

As mentioned before...the itinerary I wanted to go on (Eastern Caribbean with stops in St. Maarten, St. John/St Croix) wasn't available until June. In addition to it being a really bad time at work to leave, Adam reminded me about how the heat and humidity of summer messes with my hair. Its true, it really does. So cross it off the list.

D actually had a very good guess when she thought Hawaii. It was heavily considered, but since it is still on the short list of honeymoon destinations, we decided to forego for this trip. One can only take so many 8 hour plane rides in their life before they never go again. Airfare for the end of April was also crazy ridiculous. Not just ridiculous, but CRAZY ridiculous.

So...then I thought maybe a short trip back to Disneyworld staying at a Deluxe Resort. But, that would be our third trip there, and in such close proximity to our last trip, it wouldn't make sense.

But...It would make sense to go to SoCal.

Let me give you some back story here. Sorry, for going off course a bit here. I actually fell in love with Disney at Disneyland! I never got to go to Disneyland as a kid. We were a beach vacation family, being from North Carolina originally. I got a chance to go to Disneyland for the first time when I had just graduated high school in 2006. It was awesome! It was a "school sponsored" trip, even though technically, we didn't have to follow their rules, which was sort of awesome. So if we wanted to stay out till midnight, we got to, but don't tell the principal!

I was also a horrendous planner!! We only had two days in which we could enjoy Disney. And we didn't make it to the parks until well after noon on both days, and had no semblance of a touring plan. We accomplished very little. But I did however find out that I absolutely LOVED Disney. I was back for another trip 6 months later for Christmas, and then again a year after that for a girls only weekend. I took a break from Disney traveling then. My last trip to Disneyland was in 2007. But it will forever be the place that caused me to fall in love with Disney.

So, since there have been so many renovations that took place since I have been there (even though Cars Land still won't be open) I thought it would be awesome to check it out! Adam has never been to Disneyland before! There are so many rides that I am looking forward to going on again! I didn't realize how much I missed going there until I started looking at all the stuff that there is to do! I'm really looking forward to it all. I did however have a good long cry to find out that Koji's Sushi Bar at the Block at Orange has since been closed. Seriously folks, the Sargeant Chen roll was knock your socks off fantastic. Spicy Kazan doesn't have anything on the Sgt. Chen. It will forever remain only in my memories.

So, now, it is time to change our PTR title to something more fitting for our two trips that we now have planned!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Oooh... That is exciting Jess!!! Awesome! So, what are your dates for the DL trip?

D~

 

[JessicaKnits]

Oooh... That is exciting Jess!!! Awesome! So, what are your dates for the DL trip?

D~

April 22nd - April 26th. Leaving on a Sunday and coming back on Thursday late at night. Gives us 4 nights and 5 days there!

 

[Lidian]

BAM! I'm good.


That's super awesome about your DL trip!!!!

Okay, seriously! We need to hear more! Are you going to write a PTR for DL (here or on another thread)? I've NEVER, EVER been. The furtherest west I've travelled is St. Louis for a weekend. I'd love to hear about the trip (and definitely want to be along for the TR!).

DL is on my wish list ... and I've begged DH, but he won't budge. He claims that we have WDW, there's no point in going to DL. But he just doesn't get it. (Then again, he hates Disney, period, so any excuse for him is an excuse.)

Anyway, can't wait for more!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Congrats on your bonus and the new trip! I hope you will post some DL details - I know so little about it and I am always wanting to learn more!

 

[JessicaKnits]

BAM! I'm good.


That's super awesome about your DL trip!!!!

Okay, seriously! We need to hear more! Are you going to write a PTR for DL (here or on another thread)? I've NEVER, EVER been. The furtherest west I've travelled is St. Louis for a weekend. I'd love to hear about the trip (and definitely want to be along for the TR!).

DL is on my wish list ... and I've begged DH, but he won't budge. He claims that we have WDW, there's no point in going to DL. But he just doesn't get it. (Then again, he hates Disney, period, so any excuse for him is an excuse.)

Anyway, can't wait for more!

I am definitely going to write a PTR for Disneyland, but will probably do so over on the Disneyland board. I will link to it in this trip report. You can't let him talk you out of going just because you go to WDW too!! There are SOOOO many differences, you really can't compare. In Disneyland, you can literally walk between the two parks and Downtown Disney! There area also a ton of different rides! Disneyland has the Indiana Jones ride, which is AMAZING!! And they also have both the Liberty Belle Riverboad AND the Sailing Ship Columbia (its like a pirate ship!). They also have the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Toontown! Oh, and the Under the Seas with Nemo ride, ah-mazing! And instead of Liberty Square, they have New Orleans square, which is AMAZING! And don't even get me started on all of the different restaurants!!

Then over in California Adventure they have the entire Boardwalk area, which is awesome, NONE of the rides there are available in Disneyworld. Except Toy Story Midway Mania, which was under construction when I was there last time! California Screamin' is my favorite Disney roller coaster! And they have Soarin in some other area in the park. Also, the Aladdin musical is incredible! I have seen Broadway shows that aren't as spectacular as the Aladdin one!

So there, that is my list of reasons why you should go to Disneyland in 2 paragraphs or less! And if you need any more reasons, you can easily do Disneyland in about 4 days, as there are only two parks, and also, their dining plan sucks! So you don't have to worry about that either. We will definitely be eating a ton of counter service meals and be venturing off site for a few meals too.

Congrats on your bonus and the new trip! I hope you will post some DL details - I know so little about it and I am always wanting to learn more!

I will definitely post details here! I am so excited about going back again!

 

[Lidian]

I am definitely going to write a PTR for Disneyland, but will probably do so over on the Disneyland board. I will link to it in this trip report. You can't let him talk you out of going just because you go to WDW too!! There are SOOOO many differences, you really can't compare. In Disneyland, you can literally walk between the two parks and Downtown Disney! There area also a ton of different rides! Disneyland has the Indiana Jones ride, which is AMAZING!! And they also have both the Liberty Belle Riverboad AND the Sailing Ship Columbia (its like a pirate ship!). They also have the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Toontown! Oh, and the Under the Seas with Nemo ride, ah-mazing! And instead of Liberty Square, they have New Orleans square, which is AMAZING! And don't even get me started on all of the different restaurants!!

Then over in California Adventure they have the entire Boardwalk area, which is awesome, NONE of the rides there are available in Disneyworld. Except Toy Story Midway Mania, which was under construction when I was there last time! California Screamin' is my favorite Disney roller coaster! And they have Soarin in some other area in the park. Also, the Aladdin musical is incredible! I have seen Broadway shows that aren't as spectacular as the Aladdin one!

So there, that is my list of reasons why you should go to Disneyland in 2 paragraphs or less! And if you need any more reasons, you can easily do Disneyland in about 4 days, as there are only two parks, and also, their dining plan sucks! So you don't have to worry about that either. We will definitely be eating a ton of counter service meals and be venturing off site for a few meals too.



I will definitely post details here! I am so excited about going back again!

No, the problem is DH can't understand that they are DIFFERENT. He sees it as one park vs. four parks. I've explained that DL has two parks, but he still compares it as two vs four on a good day. He truly thinks there are little to no differences. I don't know enough about the differences, other than I know there are tons! Plus, he doesn't want to fly out there, and it's more expensive.

Looking forward to your PTR/TR so I can have DH read, too!

 

[JessicaKnits]

No, the problem is DH can't understand that they are DIFFERENT. He sees it as one park vs. four parks. I've explained that DL has two parks, but he still compares it as two vs four on a good day. He truly thinks there are little to no differences. I don't know enough about the differences, other than I know there are tons! Plus, he doesn't want to fly out there, and it's more expensive.

Looking forward to your PTR/TR so I can have DH read, too!

Haha...men. I will do a good job at pre-trip report writing so that we can convince your DH that DL is a wonderful idea!! Anaheim can actually be a lot cheaper if you do it right. We would never stay onsite at Disneyland, well, maybe if money grew on trees in our backyard. But otherwise, no. You don't get a whole lot of extra benefit for staying onsite. For example, there is no worthwile dining plan. In fact, I'm not even sure why Disneyland offers one, and even more confused why people partake in it.

Also, no extra magic hours. They offer an entry into one park one hour early, one day of your trip. Soooo not worth it in my opinion. I have always stayed off site, and never been sad I have done so. I have stayed at the Hilton, Doubletree Guest Suites, and the Alpine Inn. I will write all about them in our pre-trip report. But the Alpine Inn is no frills but very clean, and often offers a rate of $65/night. They have a short cut to Disney right next door! I haven't personally stayed, but the HoJo (the nicest HoJo I have EVER seen) usually runs promo rates of about $99/night as well. Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast too.

I have always flown into LAX and taken Super Shuttle to Anaheim, it takes about 45 minutes, and last time cost $30/person round trip. I'm sure that has increased. But, point is that you can get a much cheaper airfare going into LAX than you can into Orange County, so you still come out ahead.

I will get into all of this in more detail, I promise!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for the Disneyland trip!!!! That's going to be so much fun! I've always wanted to go back there, we went when I was 6, it looks like such a nice trip!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am so anxious to read your DL PTR... and TR for that matter... I would just love to go, if only for the simple fact that it really was Walt's park... It just sounds so wonderful.

Liddy... I think you should just leave your DH home, and take the kiddos to DL.

D~

 

[Lidian]

Haha...men. I will do a good job at pre-trip report writing so that we can convince your DH that DL is a wonderful idea!! Anaheim can actually be a lot cheaper if you do it right. We would never stay onsite at Disneyland, well, maybe if money grew on trees in our backyard. But otherwise, no. You don't get a whole lot of extra benefit for staying onsite. For example, there is no worthwile dining plan. In fact, I'm not even sure why Disneyland offers one, and even more confused why people partake in it.

Also, no extra magic hours. They offer an entry into one park one hour early, one day of your trip. Soooo not worth it in my opinion. I have always stayed off site, and never been sad I have done so. I have stayed at the Hilton, Doubletree Guest Suites, and the Alpine Inn. I will write all about them in our pre-trip report. But the Alpine Inn is no frills but very clean, and often offers a rate of $65/night. They have a short cut to Disney right next door! I haven't personally stayed, but the HoJo (the nicest HoJo I have EVER seen) usually runs promo rates of about $99/night as well. Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast too.

I have always flown into LAX and taken Super Shuttle to Anaheim, it takes about 45 minutes, and last time cost $30/person round trip. I'm sure that has increased. But, point is that you can get a much cheaper airfare going into LAX than you can into Orange County, so you still come out ahead.

I will get into all of this in more detail, I promise!

Oh, thanks for the details! I've always priced it out staying on property ... but that's partly me and DH who would want that. Obviously, we wouldn't have a car, and then if we had to rent one, then add on top of that parking fees. I never considered staying somewhere else.

I think I've decided to ask DH for a DL trip for my graduation. I originally asked for a WDW trip once I graduated ... but I may change it to DL. It may be the only way I can get there.

I do know that if I can get him to say yes, I'd buy up some guide books and study the DL section on the DIS.

 

[Lidian]

I am so anxious to read your DL PTR... and TR for that matter... I would just love to go, if only for the simple fact that it really was Walt's park... It just sounds so wonderful.

Liddy... I think you should just leave your DH home, and take the kiddos to DL.

D~

D ... I wouldn't survive the plane ride.

DH would HAVE to go to keep me calm for a plane trip. I'm TERRIFIED to fly! So I'll probably have to take something to help me relax ... and a few cases of booze.

 

[JessicaKnits]

Yay for the Disneyland trip!!!! That's going to be so much fun! I've always wanted to go back there, we went when I was 6, it looks like such a nice trip!

Thank you! I am so excited! What better way to get over the no Disney blues than to go back to Disneyland!

I am so anxious to read your DL PTR... and TR for that matter... I would just love to go, if only for the simple fact that it really was Walt's park... It just sounds so wonderful.

Liddy... I think you should just leave your DH home, and take the kiddos to DL.

D~

I can't wait to write it! D, in two days I will be at the 45 day mark, that means only 3 more days for you!

Oh, thanks for the details! I've always priced it out staying on property ... but that's partly me and DH who would want that. Obviously, we wouldn't have a car, and then if we had to rent one, then add on top of that parking fees. I never considered staying somewhere else.

I think I've decided to ask DH for a DL trip for my graduation. I originally asked for a WDW trip once I graduated ... but I may change it to DL. It may be the only way I can get there.

I do know that if I can get him to say yes, I'd buy up some guide books and study the DL section on the DIS.

If you end up staying on site, 2 of the hotels (Grand Californian and Paradise Pier) have entrances directly into the park. Like literally walk out of the hotels doors directly into the turnstyles for the park. Of the three hotels I have stayed at, Alpine Inn is the closest, and I think the Doubletree and Hilton are about a horse a piece away. The Doubletree is more blocks, but the Hilton you have to go around the corner to get to the entrance, so I think it evens out. I have never rented a car, and never felt that I needed one! They have the ART as well, which is the public transportation, I think it is like $15 for 5 days or something, its really cheap, and stops at all the hotels, so you could use that if you wanted more of a "shuttle" to the parks, but again, I have never used it, and was always fine with walking to and from the hotel to the parks, they really are all that close!

D ... I wouldn't survive the plane ride.

DH would HAVE to go to keep me calm for a plane trip. I'm TERRIFIED to fly! So I'll probably have to take something to help me relax ... and a few cases of booze.

Don't feel bad, when I came back from Hawaii I WISH I had been sedated. 8 hours, no thank you!

 

[DMGeurts]

D ... I wouldn't survive the plane ride.

DH would HAVE to go to keep me calm for a plane trip. I'm TERRIFIED to fly! So I'll probably have to take something to help me relax ... and a few cases of booze.

That's what I thought too (although I'll probably be a nervous wreck with out Josh this time)... Thankfully, I've never needed to be medicated.

I can't wait to write it! D, in two days I will be at the 45 day mark, that means only 3 more days for you!

Officially, I am out of the 50's today... 49 days!!! WHOOT!!!

Don't feel bad, when I came back from Hawaii I WISH I had been sedated. 8 hours, no thank you!

I thought for sure, when we went to Europe last year - that 8 hour flight was insane... I was soooo nervous about going over the ocean! Then once I saw the flight plan, I was much better - you actually go over very little ocean. But on the way home, OTOH, because of our flight path going almost over Iceland... we got to see the ash cloud out our window - now that was freakishly scary, and we do have pictures of it.

D~

 

[amazingact21]

I'm joining in! Loved reading all the details about your Marach trip, and now I can't wait to hear about your DL vacation. I barely know anything about that particular park, so I am looking forward to learning a bit more and hearing how Adam enjoys his first trip there.

 

[JessicaKnits]

That's what I thought too (although I'll probably be a nervous wreck with out Josh this time)... Thankfully, I've never needed to be medicated.



Officially, I am out of the 50's today... 49 days!!! WHOOT!!!



I thought for sure, when we went to Europe last year - that 8 hour flight was insane... I was soooo nervous about going over the ocean! Then once I saw the flight plan, I was much better - you actually go over very little ocean. But on the way home, OTOH, because of our flight path going almost over Iceland... we got to see the ash cloud out our window - now that was freakishly scary, and we do have pictures of it.

D~

Now that (the ash cloud) would have freaked the bajeesus out of me. That is when I would have just closed the window shade and pretended it did not exist.

I'm joining in! Loved reading all the details about your Marach trip, and now I can't wait to hear about your DL vacation. I barely know anything about that particular park, so I am looking forward to learning a bit more and hearing how Adam enjoys his first trip there.

I used to know tons and be very on the up n up about the goings on there...but not so much. I have been distracted by Disneyworld so feel very out of the loop. But I am excited for everyone to re-learn with me!

 

[JessicaKnits]

You will remember awhile back that I had written a list of tasks of things to do before we left. Since I am way behind with theme nights, lets review how we did shall we? On a side note, since I am counting down obsessively, today marks !!!FORTY FIVE!!! Days until we leave, 42 days until I am done with work in order to prepare for the trip, and only 29 actual work days until its time to leave...and yes, I do have that all on a little post it countdown at work!

1. Find and purchase a new park bag. Complete! Thanks D!
2. Purchase a new memory card for fancy pantsy new camera. Going to do on Saturday!
3. Purchase rechargeable batteries and battery charger for fancy pantsy new camera. Ditto. Saturday
4. Find and purchase new park sandals. Maybe Teva Mush. I had to resort to tennis shoes last time. Practical, but not fashionable. Why can't I have both? Don't want to over do it on Saturday. Maybe Sunday?
5. Find a way to break in new park sandals in the Wisconsin winter.
6. Get shorts and tank tops out of storage early! Done!
7. Make parking reservation at Pride Parking at O'hare. Need to do.
8. Make park binder to house all of our confirmations, ADR's and schedules. Complete, can't wait to show everyone!!
9. Create and print Ridemax itineraries. Well, Ridemax has their hours out for March, but I still need to complete this task!
10. Place order for Garden Grocer Complete! Order plenty of Chai tea, and some mixers for grown up beverages, cups and 2 cases of water!
11. Order Photopass CD.
12. Order something for Adam from Disney Florist.
13. Book Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Complete!
14. Purchase rain ponchos and remember to pack them this time.
15. Finish Pre Trip Report and Pre Dining Report.
16. Purchase travel size toiletries.

Yikes!! Thats still a lot to do! But, it is winter, and winter is boring, so I know I can get it all done!

 

[Lidian]

I think I missed it... what park bag did you get?

Yes, I'm too lazy to go back and see if/where it was posted.

Your to-do list is looking good!!!

 

[JessicaKnits]

I think I missed it... what park bag did you get?

Yes, I'm too lazy to go back and see if/where it was posted.

Your to-do list is looking good!!!

It was not posted, don't worry! I asked D if she would make a bag for me, and she kindly obliged. I cannot wait to see it!! Will of course post tons of pictures of the bag itself, and me modeling the bag when I receive it!