3 Hotels, 2 Parks, 1 Big Bang of a Surprise = A Trip of a Lifetime!!-update 3/21, pg4

[jeremysdisneymom]

Sunday, November 24, 2013



Here are a few pictures I missed posting from the night before.

Flower displays in front of the hotel.





I assume this was gingerbread. I am not sure. It was when you walked in the front door. It was very pretty.





After a wonderful sleep in very comfy beds at the Disneyland hotel, we were up bright and early. I know it was well before 5 am CA time which was like 8 ours. We still hadn't adjusted to the time change.

I got up early and was showered and dressed and went to the lobby to settle our bill. We ended up using DVC points for all our rooms. It was a lot of points for DL hotel and Paradise Pier but at the time we didn't think there was only going to be but one trip in 2014 to WDW and we wouldn't need them. That was a mistake as we now are planning 3 but I think it was cheaper in the long run. There was no discounts on rooms when we were there so it could be quite expensive. I was surprised that by booking that way, we also didn't pay for parking.

We got all packed up and was heading out to transfer hotels very early.

A few last pictures in the lobby.

The DL tree was different.



Jeremy loved the lobby chairs. (I did too!)



Cool chandelier.



We stopped and got a picture of the sign. There was no traffic so it was easy to do that early in the morning.



It was very easy to get from the DL hotel to Paradise Pier. It might have been two rights and then we were there. I was shocked on the drive to see that where we were walking in DTD the previous night was actually a bridge over the highway.

We got there and found a spot up close to the door.

Cool Mickey stopper to prevent your car from going any further.



Entrance from parking garage.



Cool room for little ones to watch TV.



I am bummed because I know I took a picture of Jeremy in front of their tree but I can't find. I think I must have deleted it. It was very bright aqua green and had fish all over it. I commented on this tree every time we went past it.

Our room was ready so we went ahead and unpacked the car.



And this is my one and only picture from this hotel. I think I must have accidentally deleted several pictures because I know I took more. Our room looked down to the rooftop pool which I didn't care much for. The room was nice and comfy. I would definitey stay here again.

We dropped off our stuff and headed to the parks via the Grand Californian. We were heading to early magic hours at California Adventure. We were so excited that I completely forgot to get pictures at that moment but I know there are more coming in the trip. It was so neat to see the entrance to both parks across from each other.

We didn't have much of a wait. At DL, they take your picture when you first go in the parks and link it to your ticket. You also needed ID to show them the first time. It was strange and took a lot of time to do in my opinion. It seems like it would cost more to do this as well for the extra cast members needed.

There was no special show. I think maybe something came on the speaker to announce the opening but we were all giddy with excitement about being there I couldn't remember.

Note: If you are staying at GC or any of the hotels, don't use their entrance to CA unless you right in front. The cast members there will even tell you not to. It takes forever to go through it and is much quicker to walk to the main entrance.

Buena Vista Street Trolley



We, along with almost everyone else, was heading to Radiator Springs. I had waited for this moment forever. We passed the line of people waiting to get FP for Radiator Spring Racers.

Note: You can't get FP during the extra magic hours at DL like you can in WDW. The machines don't open until normal hours. So the people were in line to wait an hour. I understood why the second day we were there but it seems silly in my opinion.

We finally made Radiator Springs! Jeremy was perturbed. He didn't want to get a picture but get in line.





Lightening McQueen was out and Jeremy actually wanted to get a picture. (That is very rare anymore!)





Even Tom wanted his picture.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

The line was long but manageable for the racers. We were in line for about 1/2 hour and most of it was because the ride was down. This was a common theme this trip. Not sure what was going on with it.





The ride is very cute and fun. I am still chicken to use my camera on a ride that goes fast.

We headed to Luigi's Tires next.





Tom rode on his own tire and Jeremy and I rode together. You have to lean to make the tire move. It was fun.







Cute holiday decor!



Tom set out Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. I think the swirling was starting to make me dizzy in this picture.









We had so much fun in Radiator Springs and it lived up to my expectations. I have more pictures to share later on.

By the time we were done, the park was open to everyone and it was starting to get crowded. The fast pass line was unreal so we decided to head on over to Paradise Pier.







If you have read any of my other reports, you might remember that Jeremy is not much of a thrill seeker. It frustrates Tom as he loves roller coasters. I am perfectly fine with it as I like some but not all. Jeremy had told Tom he was going to conquer his fear this trip. As we got closer to California Screamin' I could hear Tom and Jeremy in front of me debating riding this. Tom had him convinced to conquer his fear. The inner me was hoping he wouldn't as I really didn't want to ride it. But, Jeremy was going to do it so I had to as well.

And for those of you who doubted it, well here is the Ride Picture to prove it.



I did have my eyes closed in the beginning but you can see the smile for picture time. We all loved it!!!

And, at this moment our Disney trips have changed forever. Jeremy discovered something that he now loves. Can you guess what it is?









It has nothing to do with the coaster itself (which he loved too).










The line was getting long................











Give up....he found the single rider line and that was more fun hopping off and on then riding with Mom. My baby had grown up for sure.

So Tom and I watched as he rode forever.

3rd row back on the left.





On top of the hill.



There he goes upside down.



I don't know who was more excited, Tom or Jeremy. Jeremy was loving it. Tom was super proud of him. He now had a roller coaster junkie!

With that, I am going to leave you.

Up next:

A wonderful morning on the Pier
Lunch at an amazing restaurant
A ride that sends me back to the room
My favorite Disney Parade

 

[Crazykrug]

Another roller coaster junkie - got to love that and I bet dad is thrilled

My 4 year old DD has already been on 10 different roller coasters and hopefully this year we can get her on the big coasters here at home at Adventureland (gotta be 42 inches and she is so close).

She is a thrill seeker as we rode TOT at least 10 times on our trip a month ago and we did Star Tours at least 4 times in a row before going to see the Rapunzel show. I could have shed a tear of happiness as she kept asking to go back for more.

now just waiting for DS to get older and bigger so he can ride too (he just turned a year old)

can't wait for the next part of the story

 

[Poolrat]

After a wonderful sleep in very comfy beds at the Disneyland hotel, we were up bright and early. I know it was well before 5 am CA time which was like 8 ours. We still hadn't adjusted to the time change.


Oh yes makes it easy to start your day early but after 3 days I crash hard.


Jeremy loved the lobby chairs. (I did too!)


Those are so cool - I need to add the "hotel hop" to my must do list.



Note: If you are staying at GC or any of the hotels, don't use their entrance to CA unless you right in front. The cast members there will even tell you not to. It takes forever to go through it and is much quicker to walk to the main entrance.

That can be the case. I watched the main gate get let in and have the CMs hold us at the VGC gate .


Note: You can't get FP during the extra magic hours at DL like you can in WDW. The machines don't open until normal hours. So the people were in line to wait an hour. I understood why the second day we were there but it seems silly in my opinion.

Yup. I knew that yet made that mistake at least once

The line was long but manageable for the racers. We were in line for about 1/2 hour and most of it was because the ride was down. This was a common theme this trip. Not sure what was going on with it.

I spent half of one MMH and most of another just waiting. At that point I should have waited in the FP line.

We headed to Luigi's Tires next.

Extra fun if you are wearing a dress or skirt. The air stays on a bit after the ride stops.

And for those of you who doubted it, well here is the Ride Picture to prove it.



I did have my eyes closed in the beginning but you can see the smile for picture time. We all loved it!!!

And, at this moment our Disney trips have changed forever. Jeremy discovered something that he now loves. Can you guess what it is?









It has nothing to do with the coaster itself (which he loved too).










The line was getting long................











Give up....he found the single rider line and that was more fun hopping off and on then riding with Mom. My baby had grown up for sure.

Awesome- so glad he conquered his fear. Maybe not so much fun for you but maybe you can grow to enjoy them too!

Up next:

A wonderful morning on the Pier
Lunch at an amazing restaurant
A ride that sends me back to the room
My favorite Disney Parade

Looking forward to it except the sending you back to the room part---- unless you just got wet.

 

[eandesmom]

Ah single rider line. The discovery! The freedom!

Yes, it's a sniff moment big time!

The E's LOVE single rider!

Frankly, so do I

Wonderful mojo that the room was ready, that makes the move as painless as it could possibly be.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Another roller coaster junkie - got to love that and I bet dad is thrilled

My 4 year old DD has already been on 10 different roller coasters and hopefully this year we can get her on the big coasters here at home at Adventureland (gotta be 42 inches and she is so close).

She is a thrill seeker as we rode TOT at least 10 times on our trip a month ago and we did Star Tours at least 4 times in a row before going to see the Rapunzel show. I could have shed a tear of happiness as she kept asking to go back for more.

now just waiting for DS to get older and bigger so he can ride too (he just turned a year old)

can't wait for the next part of the story

His dad was very happy! Jeremy is excited to finally try Rockin Rollercoaster in April and the ToT at WDW. He really overcame his fears this trip.

Update coming soon.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Yup. I knew that yet made that mistake at least once



I spent half of one MMH and most of another just waiting. At that point I should have waited in the FP line.



Extra fun if you are wearing a dress or skirt. The air stays on a bit after the ride stops.




Awesome- so glad he conquered his fear. Maybe not so much fun for you but maybe you can grow to enjoy them too!



Looking forward to it except the sending you back to the room part---- unless you just got wet.

We found that a lot of rides weren't working during the MMH or they hadn't gone through their morning test run before you could ride. Very odd.

Oh, I bet that would be bad to have a skirt on during the flying tires. Never thought of that. We went by one day after it had rained and it was cool to see the water coming up when the air was on. Looked like upside down rain Jeremy said!

Yep, got wet! Coming soon....

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Ah single rider line. The discovery! The freedom!

Yes, it's a sniff moment big time!

The E's LOVE single rider!

Frankly, so do I

Wonderful mojo that the room was ready, that makes the move as painless as it could possibly be.

I have never done single rider so I will have to give it a try in April. Jeremy is now a huge fan!

Jeremy gets his first real big freedom later in the trip. Thinking back on it I am surprised I was as calm as I was letting him do it. Stay tuned....

 

[TexasErin]

I just found your trip report and I'm enjoying it so much. We are WDW vets also and are headed to DLR for the first time at the end of May.

The kids think we're going to WDW again. I'm going to bring home a cookie cake that says, "WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND" the night before our trip. I CAN'T WAIT TO SURPRISE THEM!!!!

Back to read some more now.

 

[Poolrat]

We found that a lot of rides weren't working during the MMH or they hadn't gone through their morning test run before you could ride. Very odd.

Oh, I bet that would be bad to have a skirt on during the flying tires. Never thought of that. We went by one day after it had rained and it was cool to see the water coming up when the air was on. Looked like upside down rain Jeremy said!

Yep, got wet! Coming soon....

Water coming up --- had not thought of that . Was

as it running like that or just purging the system before they reopened? Running the ride like that could make it a very interesting and wet ride.

 

[awdsmama]

You're killin me here......anxiously awaiting the Big Bang update!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

You're killin me here......anxiously awaiting the Big Bang update!

I am sorry. The stomach virus plagued my house last week. Hoping to load pictures tonight and get another update in. Trust me, if you like Big Bang, you will love that update!!!!

 

[Crazykrug]

His dad was very happy! Jeremy is excited to finally try Rockin Rollercoaster in April and the ToT at WDW. He really overcame his fears this trip.

Update coming soon.

He should love that. There is just something about being a parent and seeing the look when the little one gets on that big ride for the 1st time, makes you want to tear up.

My daughter still talks about riding TOT to this day, guess we are going to have to go down to WDW so she can do the different drop sequences

Can't wait for the next part.

 

[MEK]

Wow - you guys are touring maniacs. I love how much of the park territory you are covering - that's awesome.

That hotel with the beach theme is so super cute. Oops to over-extending on the points. We have all done it. And that's what point are there for - to borrow!

Not only is DL super cute, but seeing it all decorated for Christmas is really special. Beautiful pictures.

I need to go back and read in better detail now. I'm sort of speed reading in my quest to catch up on everyone's TRs.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow - you guys are touring maniacs. I love how much of the park territory you are covering - that's awesome.

That hotel with the beach theme is so super cute. Oops to over-extending on the points. We have all done it. And that's what point are there for - to borrow!

Not only is DL super cute, but seeing it all decorated for Christmas is really special. Beautiful pictures.

I need to go back and read in better detail now. I'm sort of speed reading in my quest to catch up on everyone's TRs.

Have you not changed your ticker or are you going back in February next year? If you are going back, what are your dates? We are planning a trip at the end of February next year. It is going to be a surprise 13th birthday trip for Jeremy. Hoping beyond hope I can keep my big mouth shut and keep it a secret until them.

 

[KatMark]

We are back from our trip to Florida and I am very slowly catching up everywhere.

I loved your photos of the flowers at DTD and your new room.

Jeremy That is awesome that now Tom now has a riding buddy (wish I could find one for my hubby).

Radiator Springs looks awesome; we are looking forward to trying that next year.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

We are back from our trip to Florida and I am very slowly catching up everywhere.

I loved your photos of the flowers at DTD and your new room.

Jeremy That is awesome that now Tom now has a riding buddy (wish I could find one for my hubby).

Radiator Springs looks awesome; we are looking forward to trying that next year.

We loved Radiator Springs. Would love having something like at WDW but I think it is nostalgic in CA since Route 66 ends there (or begins there--whichever way you look at).

Jeremy has become a roller coaster junkie. He can't wait to get to DHS in 3 weeks and try rock n roller coaster. I have a feeling that he might want to go there every day now that he has the fever.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Sunday, November 24 (continued)

I last left you with Jeremy becoming a roller coaster junkie on California Screamin. We had to pull him away from the single rider line so we could explore more of the park.

We headed on around Paradise Pier. Toy Story Mania was up to an hour wait so we skipped it this morning. There is no FP for Toy Story Mania in DL like there is WDW. : There is no mad dash there either.

Next up was Mickey's Fun Wheel. Jeremy wanted to ride the swinging cars. Tom didn't want anything to do with that so he sat this one out. I wasn't thrilled about the swinging but took one for the team and rode with Jeremy.




It was a pretty view to behold on the fun wheel. The swinging didn't even bother me until they let it loose to go round and round and at one point I thought we were going to swing right off that wheel! I would defintely do it again.

After the wheel Jeremy and I headed to Silly Symphony Swings. It was lots of fun and reminded me of the county fairs when I was a kid. No pictures as I am took chicken to hold my camera and swing high in the air.

Tom joined us on the Golden Zephyr. Don't remember much about it. I think we didn't care much for it.

The time difference and early breakfast was starting to wear me down. Tom and I took a snack break and shared a bag of popcorn while Jeremy rode Goofy's sky school. I believe it had a single ride line as well (not sure) but I know he rode it several times. He then jumped on the Jelly Fish ride.



It was more for little kids but he rode it once and then was done with it for the rest of the trip.

Tom and I had rested and were ready to continue. Next up was the Little Mermaid. I love this ride at WDW but I think what I like most about it is the interactive queue. There isn't one of those at DL. This one looped inside the building. Most of the queues at DL were actually outside. Totally different experience than WDW.



Picture to prove that Tom did ride this.

















It was getting close to lunch time so we decided to head back toward the front of the park. We still had some time to kill before our reservation so we headed to Monsters Inc.

(continued in next post)

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

I was looking forward to this ride as there is nothing like it at WDW. The wait said 20 minutes but it seemed to take forever. To the point we almost left because we were afraid we woudl miss our reservation. We stuck it out. The ride was cute, but seemed old and in need of refurbishment. It had an old musty smell in it.

















Randall creeps me out.







It was a cute ride. I like Monsters Inc so I enjoyed it.

We still had some time to kill even with the longer than anticipated wait so I head over to Soarin and picked up some Fastpasses for after lunch.

When I came back, Jeremy was watching the news show in front of Carthay Circle.





He loved this and wanted to stop by every time they were performing. It was cute and the cast would be in character on the trolley whenever it was going around the park. I am hoping to take him to Louisville this fall to see Newsies. I think he would really enjoy it.

For lunch, we ate at Carthay Circle. It was so beautiful in there that I didn't think to take any pictures until we were ordering.



We were on the World of Color dining package. There was a menu for the fall. I know Tom and I had a salad with squash. Jeremy surprised us and ordered some butternut squash tortilla broth soup. I didn't like the sound of it because I don't like broth. It came and Jeremy loved it. Tom and I tried it and it was delicious. He obviously made the right choice. I had tempura shrimp and the boys had some open faced steak sandwich. Dessert was chocolate cake for Jeremy and I and I believe Tom had something with apple in it. Needless to say, I had only had a few bites of dessert. It was very filling and proably one of the best meals I have ever had on a Disney property. The restaurant was very charming and the staff was excellent. We hadn't noticed but evidently our meals took longer than normal to prepare because the waitress brought me three fast passes to use where ever we liked. Wanna guess where Jeremy wanted to use them........

Up Next:

Grizzy River Run turns into Grizzly River Drenching
My new favorite flower
The best Disney Parade I have ever seen

 

[KatMark]

I'm slowly catching up again.

What exactly is Mickey's Fun Wheel? Is that like a Ferris Wheel? If so, I'll never get my husband on it...he is scared of Ferris Wheels.

It goes to show you how little I know about Disneyland. I didn't know they had a Mermaid ride or a Monsters Inc. ride. I'll have to remember that when planning for next year.

I love all of your pictures. Do you remember what other kind of food they had where you ate? Another thing I have no clue on...food at DL.