20050618 - June 18, 2005 - Magic to Mexico

Hollyster2 said:
I got my excursion confirmations. It lists the arrival and departure times as;

PV- 8:00 am- 7:30 pm

MZ-8:00 am- 8:00 pm

CSL-7:30 am- 3:30 pm

I don't know if that is what they will be, but I just received this in the mail today. :wave2:
Yep - those were the times listed on my excursion documents and also my latest confirmation (showing I've paid off my cruise).
 
Very cool news on the new show! I would guess that will still be showing on our cruise in June! :goodvibes
 
:cool1: :cool1: :cheer2: :jumping1: :cake: :bday:

Let's hope that the new show is just the beginning of many birthday surprises. :bounce: :Pinkbounc
 
Hey gang,

I need some help here...planning, planning!
Anyone ever eaten at the Carnation Cafe and if so, need your honest (yup even if bad) input.
Also, please provide any suggestions (or warnings) for other eatery places in DL and CA. I am planning for the 60-day PS list and wanted your input and experiences with any particular places.

Thanks in advance! :teeth:
 

OK, here's my rundown. Note that all of these places are your typical Disney Mega-bucks (cha-ching!)...

The good:
Blue Bayou (DL, sit-down) - pricey (even for Disney), but 4-Star food, in my opinion. Note that you can make reservations here (and I HIGHLY suggest reservations if you plan to eat there) up to 60 days in advance. Check the Disneyland web site for the number. This is the restaurant that looks out onto the beginning of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

New Orleans Square has a couple of restaurants, both good. Pastas, Sandwiches, good desserts, etc.

Blue Ribbon Bakery, Main St. Cone Shop - Great places for sweets. I like the Pecan rolls at the bakery. Coffee drinks are decent, too. In CA, the corresponding places are in the train right near the Golden Gate Bridge. Note: The bakery in CA roasts their own coffee.

San Andreas Shakes or Burrrrbank Ice Cream (CA) - I personally like the shakes, but the Ice Cream is good, too. I'm not a fan of the "add a flavored syrup" concoctions at Catch a Flave.

River Belle Terrace - a really nice place for breakfast in the morning. Sit outside. Not as enticing for other meals.

Goofy's Kitchen (DL Hotel) Character Brunch: Again, reservations help, but if you have young(ish) kids who like characters, you'll see a slew of 'em. There's a very good selection of food, even if it is serve-yourself, and the characters will take the time to stop and chat, pose for pics, etc. This worked out well, as we could see the characters while we ate, instead of waiting in line in the park at Mickey's house, or where ever the characters were.

Ariel's Grotto (CA) - Similar to Goofy's kitchen in terms of characters, but with wait staff - this a nice place to have a mid-day lunch and enjoy the characters, if you're into that sort of thing. Food was good.

CA Pier restaurants - These are good choice when everyone wants something different. Burritos, chicken strips, Pizza are all available.

The pretty-good:
El Zocalo - Given the wealth of awesome Mexican food in the surrounding area, this isn't bad, but it's not that great. I would recommend the place (name escapes me) in CA instead.

Plaza Inn - Standard Continental faire, but a Disneyland original.

Redd Rocket's Pizza Port - Pizza. Not bad. Not great.

Taste Pilot's Grill (CA) / Fantasyland - Burgers and Salads. This has some of the better selections of burgers and chicken sandwiches between the 2 parks, in my opinion.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (Downtown Disney) - New Orleans style food that's pretty good. If a full-blown meal is too much, you can get PoBoys and Beignets (best Beignets I've had outside of Cafe du Monde in New Orleans) in the small cafe just to left of the main restaurant entrance.


Mediocre:
Rairforest Cafe (Downtown Disney) - Crowded, no reservations available, mediocre food. Cool ambience, though.

Brea Bakery - Muffins, Coffee, sandwiches.

Avoid:
The Vineyard Room (CA) - Given the prices, my experience here was pretty poor.


Places I've been meaning to try:
Pacific Wharf Cafe (CA)
Lucky Fortune Cookery (CA)


Lastly, if you'd like a 5-Star dining experience with an incredible wine list (no, I'm not a lush - Hi, Rae Ann!) you should try the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. (Once again, make reservations!) Tell your waiter what kind of wine you like - he'll find something perfect for you. Creme brulee is very good, as are the steaks, seared Ahi, seafood, etc. Of course, given that you'll be on the cruise, going to Napa Rose may be sensory overload. :teeth:

I'm probably forgetting a few things, and my "good" choices will tend to be some of the more expensive places, vs. the fast-food style places that are abundant.

If you'd like me to try someplace specific, let me know - I'll probably be going in the next month or so, and I'll try to make a point to try it out and let you know how it turns out.....

Best wishes,

DBinMV
 
DBinMV said:
Lastly, if you'd like a 5-Star dining experience with an incredible wine list (no, I'm not a lush - Hi, Rae Ann!) you should try the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian.
I haven't tried Napa Rose yet (I'd like to experience it WITHOUT the kids) but I've heard rave reviews about that restaurant. And no I'm not a lush either...although it may seem that way right now 'cause I just had 2 martinis with lunch. LOL. :teeth:
 
We think the best burgers are at Hungry Bear restaurant at DL and Tastes Pilot Grill at CA. Otherwise DBinMV has everything correct! WE do like the Pacific Wharf. Good salads and soups in Yummy sourdough bowels. Excellent corn dog stand with deep fried cheese at CA also. Sorry for butting into your cruise thread, but every bit of info helps!
 
:wave2: One place we like in downtown disney is Tortilla Joe's. They offer walk up window service(loved the carne asada burrito). Or you can get sit down service inside.(dh recommends the chili verde).
 
It's a mere 7:17 AM here on the "East side" (I ate my "usual" breakfast about an hour and a half ago now) and I am already hungry for lunch!!! :mickeybar

BB was definately on the "to-do" list but now with DBinMV's emphatic review, I guess I'll be checking the count down for the 60-day date! Great list--and of places that I had not yet considered. Thanks very much, Dave, for the response, it's appreciated! I was glad to see you enjoyed Ariel's as that is something that my youngest (DD-9) will probably enjoy. She's still young enough to enjoy the characters' magic, but getting (ever) closer to that "outgrowing" stage. Darn that goes fast! And too, thanks for the "heads up" on the Vineyard Room...

Rae Ann - You go girl! That's surely a "power lunch"! ;) And yes, the adults in my cruise party do enjoy the "libations" at dinner (well, we sure did on each nite of the Wonder cruise :goodvibes ) which is not something we do with every meal in our daily lives (although I could get used to it).

Pppiglet - Since I often "lurk" around your board (well, you guys leave just the week before us!) I am not feeling like you are "butting" in! I'll bet you all are pretty excited too!

Most everyone on this cruise is anxious to find out some details, but DCL is keeping everyone in suspense! Arrrrrr! pirate: I'm really a pirate at heart, and am wishing that they wouldn't do away with pirate nite, but rumors on other threads is not promising. I would hope that DCL would provide some information as to any "themes" so that if passengers wanted to "dress" appropriately, then they'd have a chance to prepare/pack beforehand.

Ok, so my teen is excited about our vacation - but he has managed to get me to agree to go with him on CA-screamin' (yah, that's what I WILL be doin') and I am such a roller-whimp! :earseek: Well, at least I do have one consolation - NO ToT! Been there (WDW) done THAT! Mission:space I will do again- ToT= NOT!! We live 10 minutes from Kennywood Park and I never rode the "Phantom" or it's successor. No, haven't been on R&R at MGM either!

Thanks one and all -- for your views and kindness towards this Pennsylvanian!
 
Vacationbug...you are going to LOVE CA Screamin! It is the best roller coaster I have ever been on! A little bit of everything in it.
 
You're going to enjoy CA Screamin'! It's one of my favorite rides at CA Adventure.
 
...to say BTMR or SM? I've been on both of those and done fine. I don't consider either Splash or "dinosaur" to be a coaster. So I'll admit, I didn't ever go on a coaster until 1999 when I first went to WDW (at age 38!)!! :blush: I'm just a bit nervous.... :rolleyes1

:sunny: :sunny: Wow! We had very beautiful (albeit unseasonable!) weather Tuesday and yesterday (Wednesday). Yes, two whole days of sunshine AND temps in the 60's and 70's! What a treat! Of course you guys can guess what we got today -- yep you win! The clouds and of course our favorite - rain :umbrella:

"My Boys" will be doing a scout campout this weekend in the rain (and cold - temps are supposed to drop), while me and my girl will be watchin' Mulan II, and other such "girly" things (she's been wanting to see it for so long!)
 
Big fan of CA Screamin' here! :teeth: My six year old now loves that ride, and hopes to conquer Splash Mountain this summer. Also, I will know I am on vacation when I am holding a fruity drink with an umbrella in it. Big joke around here on how darn fond I am of the colored paper umbrellas. :umbrella:
I have been known to pout when it is forgotten. ;)
 
You've all been rather re-assuring regarding my fear of Screamin'! :flower:

Okay, Holly-- I'll be looking for the fruity umbrella drink sipper to identify you! :goodvibes
 
I haven't been on ToT because............my DH is a big chicken. LOL. I don't know what the big deal is, he went on Knott's Berry Farm's Supreme Scream several times and that's 30 stories high! If you're adventurous, Supreme Scream is a great way to see the views of Orange County.

When we were in WDW in 2001, we were right next to the ride, watching people scream as the doors opened. DH saw that & changed his mind about riding! When the CA Adventure TOT opened I asked if he'd go with me & he said no! As soon as I find someone to go with me, I'm there!
 
....of ToT! I guess I don't like the straight up and down jolting. Little Miss was brave and she remembers more about the ride than I do.

She remembers that her tears went UP! (Poor little thing she was shaking and trembling [me too] afterwards) I did look out over the park...that was cool, but it's just the sudden down-thing. At least in a coaster I can see what will happen next! Aieeeeeee!

I guess we were all a little "shook up" on that one...but I think DS did enjoy it! Not so the hubbie (and he is the one who wanted to try it)

The theming on ToT was great...thoroughly enjoyed that! ...And of course to "reward" our combined bravery, we all ate :mickeybar our favorite treat!
 
If you want to play a little joke on your son, tell him to look sideways at the horizon as you go through the loop, instead of straight ahead at the track. If you have a queasy stomach, DO NOT do this. :bounce:

I made this suggesstion to my wife (she's a coaster nut like I am) and she couldn't ride it for 3 hours afterward....Your son might not be so quick to ask you to do it again. :rotfl2: Watching the horizon flip is pretty cool, though.

I had forgotten about the Hungry Bear, probably because it's been closed the last few times I've been there. That's a good place, too.

DBinMV
 
Ha! Dave, you are a cruel man!!!! :rotfl:
May I suggest the same for Mission:Space? Don't turn to watch your kids' facial expressions! Hubbie had turned his head to watch our "little Miss" and felt like your poor wife the next few hours!

I was so excited I broke a nail pushing the buttons! :earseek: Little miss was a-whooping and havin' a blast. The older one - he's more low key, but he was thrilled. We did it twice time last year. Fun, fun. Lines were long tho -even with FP!

All the signs they have posted at M:S really un-nerved me, but the ride was fun. I know I will never be an astronaut, so this was a neat way to experience some of that.
 
Good morning everyone! The weather has been nice in S. California. The high is supposed to be a little over 80 degrees today. :sunny: :sunny:

I've taken the day off of work but I won't be doing anything fun. :guilty: I'm having my last wisdom tooth taken out. Yikes. I hate having dental work done but I'll be fine - as DH says, I'm a "tough cookie".

It seems like some of the other cruisers are trying to see who's going to be the first to the port. On our last cruise we went to the port at 12 and just walked right on. We were on the land/sea vacation so we didn't have to check in at the port. What time are you planning to get to the port?
 
Hey Rae Ann- sorry to hear 'bout your wisdoms. I got all "three" of mine out at 24 (only had three = not so smart, huh? :teeth: ) Here's wishing for your speedy recovery. :wizard: Do the ice on/ice off thingy. It worked for me - no bruising!

To embark: We're doing the Disney transport, since we're without a car and somewhat reluctant to drive in CA. Since we're doing a "land/sea" through DCL, I'm hoping we will be able to walk onto the ship when the bus gets us there. Either way, I'll be on vacation, and I am promising to myself to be calm and relax in regards to whatever happens. :rolleyes:

We did do the REAS pkg (for our 20-something anniversary), so hopefully when we find out some details (grrrrrr.... :listen: ) about when is what, we can book Palo and other such things (spa, brunch) ahead.

I found some cool highlighters at the local dollar store - they are "scented". Fun for the trip, I thought. Next I have to find a small notebook for the cabin log.

When do you guys start packing? I've been gathering little items here and there. Still debating the snorkle issue (don't know if I want to lug them around).

Cheerio!

PS... hey it didn't wind up raining yesterday (darn weatherpersons...only job I know where you're wrong 50-75% of the time and don't get fired) but was lovely enuff to allow a nice walk home through the park. Supposed to rain today, but not 'till after 6 PM. I'm starvin' Marvin...it's lunchtime and I'm running out. Have a great one everybody!

:wave2:
 




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