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

[JessicaKnits]

With so little time left before we leave, I thought I was doing pretty good as far as getting everything done and organized. So I decided a few weeks ago that I would order a $500 Disney gift card for our trip, to use for tipping, souvenirs, adult beverages, our tea, etc. It was alledgedly sent to us last week, but so far we haven't gotten it. I emailed on Monday, because there was no tracking order included with the order online or the email confirming it was on its way. I found it odd that anyone (especially Disney!) would send something so valuable with no way of tracking it if it became lost. I simply just wanted to know what the tracking number was, so I could incessantly stalk the package.

Well, they emailed me back that there was in fact a tracking number (didn't share with me what it was) but that they would update my account within 48 hours so that I could track the order.

48 hours come and gone and no tracking number. So I called this time, perhaps they could look it up for me. Then I found out that Disney gift cards are not actually produced by Disney, but a third party company, and they didn't have a way of tracking what that company had sent.

So, I got really upset. And to make matters worse, the CM on the phone was completely unconcerned that a $500 gift card has gone missing. She just said "Oh, well it can take 15 business days once it has shipped to arrive." Um...not unless the post office has resorted delivering things by pack mule. Has anyone heard of such a thing? 3 weeks for an envelope to arrive?!

Anyhow, this was an unacceptable solution to me, so after two calls to a supervisor, they finally agreed to reissue a replacement card to me and have it overnight delivered.

So apparently, this is going to be our wrench. And to add insult to injury, I had my very first anxiety dream about vacation. In the dream, we managed to fly to Disney without luggage, and also were impressively late for our first character breakfast!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Ugh - I'm sorry you've had so much trouble with the GC, and that the CM was so unconcerned! I'm glad you've finally got it straightened out, though.

 

[JessicaKnits]

I promised myself I would not start to PTR about Disneyland until after we had returned home from Florida. Really, I did. But...sometimes we tell little white lies, even to ourselves.

I wanted to tell a little bit about our Disneyland trip. Partly because I need a break from Disney World planning, and partly because I just can't hold it in any longer.

We have our dates locked in, and after a minor date tweak due to airfare changes, we are officially locked and loaded for May 8th - May 12th (a Tuesday thru a Saturday.)

Right now we are not staying onsite, because it just isn't that great (no dining plan, no Extra Magic hours in the evening) and because currently, it is way too expensive. That of course does not mean that I will not be stalking the Disneyland website daily (Ok, so I admit it, sometimes I stalk hourly...) for a great deal onsite. We are officially going in low season, so maybe we will have some pixie dust thrown our way.

I mulled over hotels for what felt like years (actual time: weeks.) I have stayed at 3 different properties in Anaheim. There was The Doubletree (amazing, lovely, incredible, a bit of hike from the park, but at the top of our budget.) And there was the Alpine Inn (picture fake snow sprayed on top of a fake log cabin facade.) It was clean, and a GREAT bargain, but I am not sure I am willing to regress back into the budget hotels of my college days. Well, it would have to be a really really good deal! And lastly, there was the Hilton. I am pretty loyal to Hilton hotels, but I had a rather disasterous experience there when I stayed for a conference. I won't re-hash it all here, but it resulted in me and 2 other individuals being "upgraded" to a "suite". The "suite" was once a suite, but the 2 bedrooms had been given to other parties, so that left us with a living room with 3 rollaway beds for 3 nights, at almost $400 per night.

So, where will we end up staying?

You will have to wait and find out!

For flights, I had the last of my United Airlines vouchers to use, hence why we ended up changing our dates for better airfare. We could have kept our dates and flown Virgin Atlantic from Chicago to LAX, but I couldn't justify spending money on tickets when I had $150 worth of credit left. So, it is with United again! Now, when I fly for work, I always fly with United, and always out of Green Bay. I always have to connect thru Chicago. For some reason, that Chicago to Green Bay or Green Bay to Chicago segment always goes awry. There have been freak wind storms, random pilot strikes, overbooking by 10 passengers on a plane that only holds 30 to begin with, all sorts of fun stuff. So, I have found it quite worth it to fly with them, as they usually end up paying for my flights to other, non-work-related places. Its also one of the reasons why we are driving down to Chicago again instead of flying out of our local airport.

When we are going to Disney World, we are staying at the Hilton right at the airport the night before our flight. For some reason, the lowest rate available anywhere near the airport the night before our flight is $140. As of right now, we will just leave really really REALLY early (think 1:30 AM) so we can get to Chicago, park the car, and be ready for our 7 AM flight. It was originally 6:30, but they have already changed it already. Maybe by the time we actually go they will change it back!

Once we arrive at LAX (now scheduled for 9:25 AM), we have to take a lame Super Shuttle since Disneyland does not offer any type of Magical Express service. Again, I say, LAME! No video that gives you Disney excitement!

So, we must Super Shuttle it up to Anaheim to our hotel. We will leave our luggage with bell services and off to the parks we will immediately go!

Oh? Where are we leaving our bags you ask?

That would be here!

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is the Anaheim Hilton. We are arriving early enough that I don't think we will run into the problem that the only room left at the inn is someone else's living room.

But mainly, I selected this hotel because they have a ton of restaurants within the hotel. Think mall-style food court. Since we won't have a dining plan and since my beloved Carnation Cafe will be closed when we are there, we won't be eating in the park, and will need quick, easy, access to breakfast.

And thats all we have planned so far!

Try not to be so shocked. Do not worry. Eventually, this trip will sound a lot more like the hyper-planned, extremely detailed trips that I know and love. Ok, maybe that is me trying to reassure myself more than you. But it will! Really! It takes a lot of getting used to, the lack of things to plan in comparison to a trip to Disney World! And PS, can you believe you can only make ADRs 60 days in Advance?! CRAZY TALK! Inconceivable!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Ugh - I'm sorry you've had so much trouble with the GC, and that the CM was so unconcerned! I'm glad you've finally got it straightened out, though.

Thank you! I am sure it will all work out and that the replacement will arrive hopefully Monday, but for sure by Tuesday. I am trying to become more accepting of the fact that the CMs world does not revolve around my happiness and desire to have everything perfect and in order. But, she could have at least acted a little concerned. Maybe this happens all the time? At any rate, I would have been mad if Joe Schmo Ebay-er shipped something worth that kind of money with no tracking number, let alone Disney, the most amazing and perfect company in the world. It was just...puzzling and confusing. And all I can say is, I hope they make it right.

And sorry to anyone that may be named Joe Schmo...I am sure that you are a perfectly capable Ebay-er!

 

[DMGeurts]

I really can't believe that Disney would ship a GC with out tracking...

My next door neighbor purchased me a Donald figurine when she was on a cruise a few years ago... It's adorable - but I already had it. So, I called Disney - it was like pulling teeth to get them to take it back (all I wanted was to exchange)... my neighbor had even given me her receipt from the cruise ship. Long story short - while being treated like I stole this item - Disney would NOT exchange it for me - they submitted an order that I had to pay for in full (fine) - then they would send me a GC that is ONLY good in the parks for 1 year from the date of issue. The GC was $19, sent to me certified mail, I still have it - and I am taking it with, if it works, it works - if it doesn't, then I am out $19... It's been 2 years since it was mailed to me, but since it it only good inside the parks and I haven't been there...

Sorry bout the soap box...

Anyways, your DL plans sound fun... I've never been to DL - and I would love to go sometime, so I've been looking forward to your plans...

D~

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about your gift card drama! Hopefully the replacement arrives soon! How frustrating though!

Yay Disneyland!!! I'm sure this time it will work out better for you guys and you will have a nice room of your own!

 

[wdwgirl03]

So jealous you get to go to both Disney World AND Disneyland. It's been 5 years since I last went to DL. I'd love to go back!

Bummer about not being able to stay onsite but atleast there it's not as huge a deal since there are so many hotels right across the street. But I would definitely be looking for good deals too!

 

[JessicaKnits]

On Day 2 we are having pre-park breakfast at The Wave. I am SOOOOOOOO excited about this one!!

Then its off to Epcot for rope drop.

Here's our itinerary!

Test Track
Living with the Land Boat Ride
Spaceship Earth
Seas with Nemo and Friends
Seas Aquariums*
Circle of Life*
Soarin
Journey Into Imagination*
Gran Fiesta Tour*
Maelstrom
Break
Lunch at Le Cellier
Free Time
Dinner at Rose & Crown*

* Indicates something that is NEW to us on this trip!

 

[JessicaKnits]

I really can't believe that Disney would ship a GC with out tracking...

My next door neighbor purchased me a Donald figurine when she was on a cruise a few years ago... It's adorable - but I already had it. So, I called Disney - it was like pulling teeth to get them to take it back (all I wanted was to exchange)... my neighbor had even given me her receipt from the cruise ship. Long story short - while being treated like I stole this item - Disney would NOT exchange it for me - they submitted an order that I had to pay for in full (fine) - then they would send me a GC that is ONLY good in the parks for 1 year from the date of issue. The GC was $19, sent to me certified mail, I still have it - and I am taking it with, if it works, it works - if it doesn't, then I am out $19... It's been 2 years since it was mailed to me, but since it it only good inside the parks and I haven't been there...

Sorry bout the soap box...

Anyways, your DL plans sound fun... I've never been to DL - and I would love to go sometime, so I've been looking forward to your plans...

D~

Lol, it wasn't soap boxy at all. I guess I have never had to call Disney Store customer service ever before, so I had this illusion they would be as bright and sunshiney as everyone else Disney is. It just wasn't the case. I hope your gift card works!

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about your gift card drama! Hopefully the replacement arrives soon! How frustrating though!

Yay Disneyland!!! I'm sure this time it will work out better for you guys and you will have a nice room of your own!

I am sure too! I should have mentioned that was like 5 years ago, so I am pretty much over it and recovered from the whole experience!

So jealous you get to go to both Disney World AND Disneyland. It's been 5 years since I last went to DL. I'd love to go back!

Bummer about not being able to stay onsite but atleast there it's not as huge a deal since there are so many hotels right across the street. But I would definitely be looking for good deals too!

Its been 5 years for me too! I can't believe how much has changed. I am bummed we can't go in the summer for the opening of Cars Land. Maybe next year?

 

[JessicaKnits]

Today's challenge is...

Your favorite photograph from your park visits.


It is hands down this one!

Perfect job by the photographer!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Sorry for the barage of posts today, but my lunch plans with a friend got delayed so I have the time!

For our Ratatouille theme night, I tried to recreate our dinner from Les Chefs de France from our last trip. It went...ok.

Homemade french onion soup. Sorry for the weird looking cheese. I didn't have any oven safe bowls, and even after putting everything in the microwave, and a variety of other tricks, it wouldn't melt how I wanted. Although it was melted and not solid.

Then it was time for dessert!

Since I still had some leftover crepes from Aristocrats, and I did have an amazing apple crepe at Les Chefs, it was time to re-create.

My grandma taught me that if you make an apple crisp or pie, that you should sautee the apples in a pan with apple cider before you bake. So I took her advice and oh my word! YUM-O! You guys have to try it, its so amazing.

Then I "made" caramel sauce. Super easy too. Unwrap a bag of caramels, put in a bowl with a small can of evaporated milk and microwave until smooth. So so so so good.

Here is the original...

And my version...

Not too shabby!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Yay for so many great updates!

I can't believe the difference in planning a DL trip and a DW trip! Wow! I guess that's because it's more of a locals park? Your hotel choice sounds great.

You continue to amaze me with your movie nights! That crepe looks and sounds delicious. I might just have to try that! After visiting the caramel shop in Epcot, I am now craving caramel daily (I didn't even really like it before) so that caramel sauce looks so good right now!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Yay for so many great updates!

I can't believe the difference in planning a DL trip and a DW trip! Wow! I guess that's because it's more of a locals park? Your hotel choice sounds great.

You continue to amaze me with your movie nights! That crepe looks and sounds delicious. I might just have to try that! After visiting the caramel shop in Epcot, I am now craving caramel daily (I didn't even really like it before) so that caramel sauce looks so good right now!

The difference really is hard to get used to! I am soooo used to being up at quarter to 5 on our ADR day, ready to go, with cell phone on standby just in case...and apparently ADRs are no big deal there because everyone is local. So if they can't get in to one place its no big deal, they just go next week.

As for the caramel, you definitely have to try it! I used werther's caramels in that sauce and it is to die for! I ended up using the last of the crepes to just spread caramel on the inside and have with ice cream...so bad for you, but so delicious!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Your favorite photo from your favorite ride.

Ah, an oddly very specific choice, which also forces me into choosing a favorite ride now!

There we go. That settles it. Tower of Terror, and that is my favorite picture.

 

[JessicaKnits]

Your Favorite Park Entertainment.

Answer:

Not sure if this really qualifies, but it is highly entertaining to me!

Really any of the roaming folk in DHS. I think they are all hilarious and so animated and stay completely in character at all times. This is Mr. Otto Von Bon Bon and he is demanding that I stop taking pictures of him.

 

[JessicaKnits]

Your favorite Disney Park Holiday.

I have never actually been during an "official" holiday season, but if I had to pick one that I would want to go to, it is absolutely the Christmas season!!

 

[JessicaKnits]

It's finally here ya'll!!! We are TEN DAYS (YES TEN!!) from Disney! I did our online check-in this morning. Part of me wishes this was a bit more exciting. And part of me wishes that I had waited at least a few more days to do check in to help bridge the gap between now and leaving.

For those of you that haven't done, its pretty straight forward. You enter in your email, your credit card if you want to (I did not as I want to add my gift card to our room, which STILL has not arrived) and confirm any room requests. There wasn't a section that you could enter in additional room requests but the ones that I had requested already were there for me to check off (Casitas section, highest floor possible, and close to a bus stop.) We paid extra for the preferred king, so I now know that we will definitely be in Casitas 1,2 or 3.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for being checked in!!!! Your trip is coming up so soon!

 

[DMGeurts]

Yay for checking in... I think we can check in tomorrow or Friday???

D~

 

[JessicaKnits]

Yay for being checked in!!!! Your trip is coming up so soon!

So excited!

Yay for checking in... I think we can check in tomorrow or Friday???

D~

I think you are Friday! I tried to check in right after midnight since I couldn't sleep (not because of online check in though!) and it wouldn't work. I had to wait till I got in to work at about 9 PM.