25th Ann.-2 TR w/over 1500 pics!!!!

[kaoden39]

Yuck. And I do mean yuck. I will not stay there and I would so email, call and really give them a piece of my mind.

Sorry for the second post.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I just can't get over what pretty eyes your girls have!

Man, you guys saw a TON of characters at Minnie's! We're eating there at the end of this month and your pictures made me really excited! What time was your seating at?

Poor baby got dirty from the carpet! I can't believe it was that filthy! What a yucky hotel, it really sucks when you stay at a place like that, we've done it before. Let us know if their corporate says anything when you email them.

I can't wait for more pictures!

The twins have really beautiful blue eyes.....thank you for noticing!!!

We had the 9:30 seating (which is the last time you can have the full 90 mins).....we thought it was a great time.....lots of characters wandering!!!

It was sooooo nasty & the poor thing had to sleep on it as well. The beds were clean (ok, the bedding was......was afraid to look under the sheets) & hard as a rock......so the floor wasn't any harder than what we slept on but gross.......I put down 3 thick blankets for her to be on.

Yuck. And I do mean yuck. I will not stay there and I would so email, call and really give them a piece of my mind.

I definately am going to look them up, but funny thing is.....I don't think they'll care...... 99% of the America's Best Value motels on our trip were all run down dumps. But I will let you know what happens.....if anything.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Ok, back to ToonTown:

Inside the Gag Factory Store:

Next up......what happened at Disney Casting?????????

 

[kaoden39]

Toontown is so cute.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Toontown is so cute.

It was a great place to get tons of pics.....love to look around in there!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

We went back over to wait for Mike by IASW & Derek got a couple more pics of the Matterhorn:

He also got some pics of the girls:

A couple pics of IASW:

About 10:50 we see Mike coming up.....he's shaking his head no!! What?????? He said he didn't even get to interview! You go in & fill out some preliminary paperwork, watch a video & then take a computerized test on Customer Service. He gets done & a CM comes out & informs him that he didn't pass the test & thanked him for applying. The gal with 3 pages of criminal history & tatoo's everywhere passed the test & would interview...... that doesn't make any sense!!! We drove 715 miles & no interview???? We were all in shock & very disappointed. Mike said the questions had answers of: agree, disagree, strongly agree & strongly disagree.....he said things like you believe in showing up for all your shifts & showing up on time were all strongly agree, but questions that dealt with co-workers work habits he said he tended to go middle-ground since he was not applying for management. He said, it's not my job to judge someone else....I don't know their situation. Derek says he's taken those types of tests before & they're looking for strong opinions on things & figures Mike answered to many in the middle area.

We decided since no one had eaten yet to head over to DCA & find some food. We ended up going to the Taste Pilot's Grill.....one of our favs!! Derek grabbed Soarin' FP's as I ordered our lunch.

After lunch, Derek went & rode GRR on single rider & we headed to the baby center to feed the girls. We spoke with 2 very sweet CM's on our "adventure" & they told Mike he needed to persue this & speak to a manager over there. They went as far as dialing the number & handing him the phone. He got put on permanent hold before ever speaking to anyone, so they told him to drive back over there. I agreed, we did not do this as part of our vacation....we just had a great vacation a month ago & were there for this interview. So we walked thru DTD & waited at the DL Hotel lobby for Mike to grab the car at the parking garage.

We went back over to the Casting Center & Mike was able to speak to one of the managers. They spoke for over 30 minutes & she would have hired him on the spot. She was very impressed with him, our family, etc. Unfortunately, they don't have the right answers to the test (some program brought in) & she was frustrated they couldn't even consider an applicant if they failed that test. She said he could try again in 6 months. He told her, I'm not sure that would change anything......he told her that I was as honest as I could be on it & obviously that wasn't what they were looking for. People that take these tests all the time, slide thru the process & good people.....really good people, don't even get considered over a "glitch". We felt better that he at least got to speak to someone & maybe she'll go back to a manager's meeting & say "we need to reconsider this testing system....we're missing out on potential great employees"......we can always hope.

Here are a couple random shots while we were at DCA:

They've started painting the sun on California Screamin':

 

[DizNee Luver]

So I'm a little off on my pics......oops!!

Out in front of the DL Hotel:

These are the girls while we waited at the Casting Center for Mike:

A pic of the CM parking lot by the Casting Center:

After our stop at the Casting Center, we ran back to the motel to change......it was supposed to rain in the afternoon & be cool.....it ended up being quite warm & clear. The guys decided they would run down to Knott's Berry Farm to apply there (they interview on the spot). We got there & they picked a job off the board they were hiring for. Derek picked ride operator & the managers were gone this week....so no interview (so the luck continues) & Mike put down food service. He was taken to a room where a young gal asked him why he wanted to work there & a couple more questions.....Mike said she was bored & not even paying attention to him. She told him that the application would be passed on to the food service. He came out & both Derek & him agreed that Knott's Berry Farm is NOT Disneyland. We figured that was a waste of time & gas.

We went back & parked again & rode tram to DTD. It was time for the girls to eat, so we went back to the GCH lobby.

We had cancelled our PS at PCH Grill.....we just didn't want to be tied to a time with the girls. We ended up going down to the ESPN Zone. We had about a 30 minute wait. The twins were doing fine until we got seated. They both started howling & by the time the food arrived, we were all going nuts. Mike asked for a box for his dinner & took the twins out to the stroller & walked them to a quiet area to calm them down. When they quit crying, he sat down & ate his dinner. Derek & I ate fast & left as quickly as we could. We felt really bad, that Mike had to leave.

The food was good.....Mike had the cheesesteak & wasn't impressed with his, but Derek & I like ours (Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger & Turkey/Avocado Wrap)

Derek & I met back up with Mike & the girls were in a great mood....all smiles & clapping to the music. We headed back to DCA to use our Soarin' FP. Mike & I rode (the slowest & most screwed up we've seen the lines & loading) & then Derek chose not to use his.

We needed to get back over to DL before the fireworks so we could pick up our goodies to bring home. Mike decided to wait for us by the fire station on Main Street as Derek & I made a mad dash to the Candy Palace. We picked up some Smores & Rice Krispy bricks.
We then ran into the Emporium to pick up a gift for Addy & Anthony. We met Mike & I asked him where we should watch the fireworks & Mike said he was tired & wanted to go back to the motel....... ????????? The girls were asleep & we could have rode some rides after the fireworks with out them screamin'. Needless to say I was disappointed that we were leaving. Mike took the tram to get the car as Derek & I took the twins to the 15 minute parking lot to wait for him. We watched the fireworks from there, but it just wasn't the same.

Mike picked us up & we left Disneyland.....again.....sad, just sad!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Wednesday, April 8:

We slept in (ok, till 7:30am) & then packed the car. We went down to the Grove at Orange to pick up some Krispy Kreme Donuts to take home. These are Derek's favorite donuts. We ordered some to eat there & then got 2 dozen to take home. The manager was super nice & had us wait to get our to go donuts until we were leaving (that way they were warm & fresh). He packed up our 2 dozen & thru another dozen to get us home!!!! A free dozen.....it was very unexpected & of course put a smile on Derek's face.

We headed north & never looked back. It only took us about an hour to get thru LA.....what a nice change that was!!! The traffic was much better than it was on Sunday. The twins traveled good again today. We didn't see anything exciting this trip, just the norm. It started raining in Redding & didn't quit until we crossed over into Oregon. We made it home about 11pm....the twins went right to bed & so did we!!


SUMMARY:
The twins with their sensory issues made for a very long, tiresome trip. They did not like being out of the house & being at the parks, DTD, a restaurant, the motel was stressful for them. Their safe haven was in the stroller or in their car seats. With the horrendous motel conditions, they became very phlegmy, which causes Michayla to throw up during her feeds. She threw up 3 out of 4 meals each day on the trip. Nothing worse than when she gives you back 6 ozs all over her clothes & yours (especially when travelling). Both girls had running noses we were wiping the entire trip. They cried 50% of the time we were in the parks. They were overstimulated.....too many people & too much noise. This was not super enjoyable because of all the extra work involved in having babies there. I'm not sure how people do it all the time with little babies....... normal babies would be a lot of work there, but add in the sensory issues & tube-feedings just complicated it that much more.
We were very disappointed to make this trip & not get "officially" interviewed & to be leaving with no jobs. It made for a very long drive home. We have no clue what to do next. We've had no luck in finding employment here & we can't survive on the adoption assistance we receive. So we know there's a plan for us, but I'm sure hoping we'll see it soon.....we're tired of wandering what's next.
No trip to Disneyland is ever bad....just different degrees of enjoyment. I'm glad we got the opportunity to expose the twins & we now know what we need to work on to help them adjust to the outside world. I always feel the magic when I walk thru the gates, but it just seemed like the magic faded after Mike's job interview failed. It didn't sour us to Disneyland or the desire to still work there, it just took the wind out of our sails (that were feeling a bit tattered & worn after a couple long, hard days with the twins).
I thank God everyday for the blessings in my life & know, something will come our way. I can't help but be happy when I look at my beautiful children, my loving husband & when I hear a Disney song. We'll just wait for Tink to fly by & sprinkle us with some of her pixie dust.....we're ready to fly!!!

 

[kokotg]

I'm so sorry the job didn't work out (I hate those kinds of tests; I always overthink them instead of just telling them what they want to hear, too).

But I loved seeing all the pictures of your trip and your girls!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm so sorry the job didn't work out (I hate those kinds of tests; I always overthink them instead of just telling them what they want to hear, too).

But I loved seeing all the pictures of your trip and your girls!

I'm positive my hubby overthought the questions...he tends to do that....very frustrating!

Thank you, we didn't get very many this trip, we spent a lot of time calming the twins, so our plan of walking around & taking pictures did work out so good.

 

[charmama4]

First off, love the girls!!! I'm glad that they had their moments of magic. Their eyes are gorgoeous and love love the curly locks!!

The motel....yuck!! Can't say anything more about that except, "stick it to the girl!!!" find them and complain till something gets done. That's just inexcusable for a business.

The pictures of Toontown were great. It's funny when I go there, I rush everyone, so I can get out to the food or the other rides. But your pictures captured those neat little hidden treasures of Toon Town, thanks for sharing those.

Lastly, thanks for the food porn. Needed my fix!!! The food at StoryTellers Cafe looked yummy and those baked goods looked divine!!

 

[disneyland89]

Well if he gets close with the recipe feel free to pass it on

Day 2 looked like a real blast and I can't wait to see all of those old photos of Disneyland and the people who made it come together. And I had been wondering about the balcony seating for Fantasmic and it was very cool to hear a good report about it AND get to see the goodies you get!

Day 3 seemed to be a pretty hectic one with changing hotels, but y'all still did quite a bit in the park. Your boys seem to really be up to the challenge of taking care of their younger siblings like they said they would And I agree about the shorter walk from the hotels on Harbor. We stayed at the Best Western Park Place (right next to the Tropicana) and they're both right across from the entrance. Good choice.

Loved all the food pics btw, you have a good eye for pics that bring on the hungries! Looking forward to more adventures!

I know this is super late.....and there might already be an answer somewhere in all this (I've come in late and am trying to catch up) but I have the Blue Bayou Gumbo recipe! And would be more than happy to type it up and share if anyone is still interested. You can get recipes from all the DLR resturants from City Hall too.(or so I've heard)

 

[DizNee Luver]

I know this is super late.....and there might already be an answer somewhere in all this (I've come in late and am trying to catch up) but I have the Blue Bayou Gumbo recipe! And would be more than happy to type it up and share if anyone is still interested. You can get recipes from all the DLR resturants from City Hall too.(or so I've heard)

We found a recipe from one of the former chefs for the gumbo & the Monte Cristo sandwich...... thank you for the offer!!!!!

 

[kaoden39]

I'm sorry about the job, I know about those tests. I worked for a company that used a system like that it does make you miss out on a lot of great employees.

Maybe when the girls are a little older they will be able to handle the stimulation more.

On the job thing Six Flags Discovery park in Vallejo is probably hiring right now. They can always look online. The Lord has an amazing way of being there when you need him the most.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm sorry about the job, I know about those tests. I worked for a company that used a system like that it does make you miss out on a lot of great employees.

Maybe when the girls are a little older they will be able to handle the stimulation more.

On the job thing Six Flags Discovery park in Vallejo is probably hiring right now. They can always look online. The Lord has an amazing way of being there when you need him the most.

So is Derek right in thinking they want you to have a "strong" opinion on the answers???

I'm sure there are places down there hiring, our problem is being here & them being so far away...... going back this time killed us financially until the first of next month....... I know something will come our way....just when?

 

[happysmyly]

Thank you for 2 days of fabulously wonderful enjoyment of one of the best trip reports I've read on these boards--I loved your details and all the pics!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this with us.
I am so sorry that the interview ended up with no interview--they really do need to look at that process.
Congratulations on the adoption coming through during this crazy time--we had a foster son (11 yr) a few years back who had severe crowd and noise issues combined with developmental delays--and we worked with him with crowds at home and after several trips to DLR he got to the point where he was able to walk across the street himself (at parade time) through the crowds and get a popcorn--it was a HUGE success for him and he just beamed all the way back to our seats - and that same trip we were eating at Pilots and he wanted to go to the table on the other side of the window to hear a group that was singing by the entrance to Soarin--it was the first time in his life that he had ever been 'alone'. So - even though the trip with the twins was hard--when it does 'click' finally for them (and we both know it will--especially how you described how much they're already progressing in your loving home) it will be so much cooler for them and for you. What an exciting adventure to be a part of!
God bless you with the job search--whatever is supposed to come through will--and it will happen at the 'right' time.
Bless you for the great trip that you shared--fabulous trip report!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Thank you for 2 days of fabulously wonderful enjoyment of one of the best trip reports I've read on these boards--I loved your details and all the pics!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this with us.
I am so sorry that the interview ended up with no interview--they really do need to look at that process.
Congratulations on the adoption coming through during this crazy time--we had a foster son (11 yr) a few years back who had severe crowd and noise issues combined with developmental delays--and we worked with him with crowds at home and after several trips to DLR he got to the point where he was able to walk across the street himself (at parade time) through the crowds and get a popcorn--it was a HUGE success for him and he just beamed all the way back to our seats - and that same trip we were eating at Pilots and he wanted to go to the table on the other side of the window to hear a group that was singing by the entrance to Soarin--it was the first time in his life that he had ever been 'alone'. So - even though the trip with the twins was hard--when it does 'click' finally for them (and we both know it will--especially how you described how much they're already progressing in your loving home) it will be so much cooler for them and for you. What an exciting adventure to be a part of!
God bless you with the job search--whatever is supposed to come through will--and it will happen at the 'right' time.
Bless you for the great trip that you shared--fabulous trip report!!!

Thank you so much for the compliments on the report!! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Your story about your foster son brought tears to my eyes!!! It brings me joy to see these kids come to life in front of our eyes. The doctors in the beginning with Michayla were pretty negative of what she'd be able to accomplish, but she has proven them all wrong!!! We always held out more hope than anyone & that is why we gave her HOPE as a middle name. Shyann's middle name is Faith. Because we all need a little of both to get thru these tough times.

Thank you for the encouragement!!

 

[happysmyly]

I completely know what you mean--the whole Disney magic thing that you talked about feeling once you walk on property--I'm the same way (as are many Dis'ers, I'm sure)--it's truly a magical place that can really touch the minds and hearts of these special children--in ways that nothing else (but a loving family) can...
One of my best friends has a son with severe autism--and he connected with characters when he wouldn't connect with anyone else.
Hang in there--those fabulous pics you took and your very detailed trip memories will help you relive the magic when you need it during this 'transition' time.

 

[puggymom]

I just got caught up.

So sorry about the non-interview, I hate standardized tests, I don't think they allow the person to be seen, IYKWIM.

As you said no trip to DLR is a bad thing, you have some great pics there.

Good luck on the job hunt.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I completely know what you mean--the whole Disney magic thing that you talked about feeling once you walk on property--I'm the same way (as are many Dis'ers, I'm sure)--it's truly a magical place that can really touch the minds and hearts of these special children--in ways that nothing else (but a loving family) can...
One of my best friends has a son with severe autism--and he connected with characters when he wouldn't connect with anyone else.
Hang in there--those fabulous pics you took and your very detailed trip memories will help you relive the magic when you need it during this 'transition' time.

We love reliving our trips thru our pics. We always put together slideshow DVD's with Disney music of course & we get great joy at watching them.
They are uplifting when we need it.

I just got caught up.

So sorry about the non-interview, I hate standardized tests, I don't think they allow the person to be seen, IYKWIM.

As you said no trip to DLR is a bad thing, you have some great pics there.

Good luck on the job hunt.

Thank you I think we're going to need it.....hard to find anybody hiring. We'll keep our options open & see where we get led......still want to go south, but that might not be meant to be for us.