A Mermaid's 7th Birthday Weekend Trip Report

[pepe3penelope]

A Mermaid’s 7th Birthday Weekend Trip Report

The reason for the title: I just finished a TR for our vacation last month titled “A Mermaid & Shark in the Pools?!?!” because DD loves to be in the pool so much that she is a mermaid. DD3 loves the pools so much as well & he calls himself a shark when he’s in the pools.

Our Disney family are locals to Disneyland & we LOVE, LIVE, & BREATHE Disney! We just had a “Staycation” last month and stayed at VGC. I just booked on Monday night a great rate at Paradise Pier Hotel. We are sooooo excited!!! We will only stay for one night in a standard view room, but will take full advantage of TWO full days on property!!!

I anticipate that our mini-trip will include the pools, restaurants, pools, DTD, pools, & relaxing in the room. Hmmm, did I mention that we'd be at the pool? (ha, ha, ha...I said this as well with last month's TR). I DOUBT we will even step foot in Disneyland or California Adventure. I know, I know, I know….such blasphemy!!! Not trying to brag, but we are annual passholders and can come on weekends. HOWEVER, staying on property is such a fun privilege!!!

Sorry about all the exclamation points, but clearly I’m way too excited!

Here’s the link to July’s TR: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3297545

Here are some photos of that vacation:

At Surf's Up Breakfast with Mickey & Friends at PPH:







DD & DS with their build a bears: a dolphin dressed as a mermaid & a spider man bear dressed as spider man!





Mickey dancing with DD as Pluto was signing her autograph book...so cute!



DD & DH toasting while in DLH cabana:



AND THIS PHOTO SUMS UP HOW MUCH SHE LOVES BEING IN THE POOL...look at the concentration as she slurps her smoothie. One of those times I have to force her out of the pool in order to drink and snack.



Awww...look how happy they look!



And, for those of you who had been following my previous TR...YES, I will be bringing my favorite yet famous couple: Princess Ariel and Prince Eric. They LOVE to be included. I must say they are pretty photogenic as well. Here are some photos of them hamming it up!

Apparently, they love margaritas!!!



They really loved the beignets!



They also had a great time at the character breakfast!







They had so much fun that they had to take some naps with DS!



Hope you join in on the fun and planning!

 

[MinniesCupCake]

awesome so far

 

[crystal1313]

How fun! PPH is my families favorite onsite hotel. Will you be renting a cabana at GCH or DLH this time?

 

[pepe3penelope]

How fun! PPH is my families favorite onsite hotel. Will you be renting a cabana at GCH or DLH this time?

I'm looking forward to staying there!

Sadly, no cabanas this time. We really blew the budget last month with doing two cabanas. This Sunday DH and I are going to the Anaheim Angels game vs Oakland A's for his birthday (got us awesome seats). Then the weekend of the 6th is the PPH trip. The following weekend we at hosting a party for friends.

Glad to have you along for the fun!

 

[pepe3penelope]

awesome so far

Welcome & thank you for joining! So glad to have you!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Love it!!

 

[pepe3penelope]

Love it!!

Hello! Welcome aboard!!! So glad to have you!

 

[pepe3penelope]

I found a coupon code from my Mousesavers email...15% off on Orbitz for all 3 onsite property hotels. I originally booked PPH but for $50 more I got DISNEYLAND HOTEL!!!!!!

It is still a standard view room. I later called Disneyland Hotel directly & they found the reservation. I made sure the request stated 2 queens since the 1 King isn't sufficient. The CM on the phone guaranteed it would have to be 2 queens because of the room occupancy. I asked her if the room would include the sofa bed and she said it depends on other reservations that would require 5 in their room.

We are DVC members, but this is a cash reservation. No free onsite parking!

We have done the Chip and Dale Character Breakfast at GCH and Surf's Up with Mickey at PPH. Although we LOVED them both, I'm not sure yet if we will do another character meal.

I would like some opinions from you experts:
1. I have heard that the character experience can be hit/miss at Goofy's Kitchen (characters vary, they may not see you depending on where you are sitting, service may not be so great).
2. What has your experience been for character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen? Are the characters usually the same as for breakfast?
3. Does anyone have any photos of examples of the standard view? I think it's supposed to be parking lot or street. I'm curious to see what they would look like.

BTW, can you believe I just made a reservation for a half day CABANA on the 1st day (what a nice luxury to have until the room is ready)?!?!? Turns out it is considered non-peak so the rate is cheaper than last month's rates. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'll keep this, but I don't want to lose the spot. I will have to think about this. I haven't told DH...I really think he'll say, "OK, it's up to you" as in "Are you crazy?". We'll see.

 

[pepe3penelope]

I just got off the phone with Disney Dining and I booked dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. I told the CM it is for DD's birthday. She noted it in the system and stated that she will get the birthday cupcake and button!

I did confirm that each adult is 37.00 and each child is 16.00 plus tax plus gratuities. I also confirmed that we can get the discount with the annual pass and DVC card. Then she said, "But you can't use both simultaneously for the discount.". I told her I already knew that then I said, "I wish I could. Wouldn't that be nice?" Seriously, I wish.... oh, well!

Busy weekend...DH's birthday is tomorrow, taking him to see Anaheim Angels vs. Oakland A's on Sunday (kids will be at our friends' house), Monday home BBQ. Then I have to get ready for the following weekend's birthday celebration for DD!!!!

 

[pepe3penelope]

I talked to a CM at DLH and made a request to be in the Fantasy Tower. We are booked for a Standard View room. We are willing to give up a daybed in order to get a chance at a view. The CM said it's possible to get a view of DLP and fireworks at night! Here's to hoping for pixie dust!

Tonight I will cancel our PPH reservation.

 

[pepe3penelope]

Yesterday was DH's birthday. Today I'm taking him to see the Anaheim Angels Vs. the Oakland A's. He is soooo excited! He is such a sports fanatic and baseball is his favorite sport. He's been actively involved in Fantasy sports leagues since he was about 18 years old (you name it: football, basketball, & baseball). In fact, the commissioner of the basketball league always has their draft at our house every year. (Another : I have another TR going for my birthday next month for Friday, October 24th. The basketball draft is the next day!!!)

We used to go to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Anaheim Angels games before the kids came along. (Sorry, but it's too long for me to see the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...I think that's their official name.)

In 15 minutes we leave to pick up some pastry goodies at Café 85 degrees (a famous bakery that is based in Taiwan or Hong Kong). Drop off the kids and drive to Anaheim. The goal is to drive , park, and walk to the gate when it opens at 11am for the 12:35 game start time.

DH loves to watch the players practice and secretly is hoping he can get a baseball signed. We went to Sport Chalet to pick up a spanking brand new baseball. His glove is also already in the backpack in case he is able to catch a ball.

I didn't want to bring the kids because I knew we wouldn't be able to see/enjoy the game. I know them.... they won't be able to sit still in the sun.

Since they aren't coming, I splurged for pretty good seats. Behind 3rd base, behind the Angels dugout, 3rd row!!! DH said it's possible we may be on TV...I hope not!

I'm not bringing the nice camera, but we will definitely take pictures and I'll post about our side day trip later!

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Hi pepe3penelope!!!!!!

Just checking in to say "Hello"!

How exciting that you were able to find a cheaper rate and switch to the DLH!(We like PPH best, but the DLH is so fun, and geared for children!)

That will be very convenient, especially since you are renting a Cabana for a half day!

Sounds like your plans are shaping up nicely.

Hope your DH had a great Birthday, and that you enjoyed the game!(Were you on TV?????)

 

[pepe3penelope]

Hi pepe3penelope!!!!!!

Just checking in to say "Hello"!

How exciting that you were able to find a cheaper rate and switch to the DLH!(We like PPH best, but the DLH is so fun, and geared for children!)

That will be very convenient, especially since you are renting a Cabana for a half day!

Sounds like your plans are shaping up nicely.

Hope your DH had a great Birthday, and that you enjoyed the game!(Were you on TV?????)

Thank you for sticking around, Chesirecatty!

We had a truly awesome time at the game. It was sooooo hot and humid though! The kids definitely would have been complaining the whole time! The seats were great (we had gotten them on StubHub...which ironically you can see their building from the stadium parking lot). I'll post later!

BTW, we did record the game, but we haven't watched it on TV yet. So, to be honest, I have NO IDEA if we were on TV or not!

 

[pepe3penelope]

Today was a busy day. In hindsight, I shouldn't have allowed 4 of us sleep in today, but I was sooooo tired (I think it was also because of the heat & humidity from the Anaheim Angels game yesterday.).

Both DD and DS got haircuts today.

BTW, they also start school on Thursday.

After the haircut, we went to the Bobaloca store next door for our drinks with boba (sooo hot and humid again). DH took the kids home and cleaned the grill.

I went to Target, Ralphs grocery store, & the local Korean grocery for meats to grill today.

After lunch, I was on a frenzy getting ready for this weekend!!! I was like a packing fiend. Granted this is only for 2 days & 1 night. The results: all the clothes, swimwear, hats are packed; snacks & drinks for the pool are already set aside. I will work on the toiletries tomorrow.

This time around it will only be a large rolling suitcase & small rolling suitcase. Until the room is ready, we will lug around my large purse, snack/drink bag, backpack w/extra clothes for after the pool, & small knapsack with non-pool shoes. Believe it or not, for me that's great because I NOTORIOUSLY overpack. Personally, I think DH is impressed!

 

[pepe3penelope]

Our trip is for tomorrow morning. It's PST 11:12pm. It's been a crazy week...DH's birthday Saturday, Sunday birthday celebration at Anaheim Angels game, Monday Labor Day. Busy work week. To top it off, I bought a new car yesterday!!! Was dealing with a lot of car stuff today. Had dinner with family and my parents to celebrate DD's Sunday birthday since they won't see her on Sunday.

We arrive home at 8pm and found our house was BURGLARIZED!!! We live in a quiet double cul de sac neighborhood and all the neighbors know each other. We rushed the kids to our neighbors. Turns out they were robbed at 1:30 and we believe our house was first. The Owner's mother saw him leaving the bedroom and got his license plate. Turned out to be a rental car! She identified his photo from a photo lineup.

We called 911 and by the time they came and left it was after 10pm. Poor DD who will 7 is frazzled and scared. We are trying to comfort and reassure her. I told the kids they can sleep with me.

Luckily no one was hurt. He took 95% of my jewelry, including my wedding ring and engagement ring. We buy our Disney gift cards at Target for the savings and they're GONE! He took DH's nearly 20 year collection of coins.

Everyone, please be safe! I was so mortified and violated. I don't feel the same way about our neighborhood. I'm sure I'll never see my valuables again. I know it's "JUST STUFF.". But, you know what? It was MY stuff, DH's stuff, our home, our sanctuary.

We are still having our birthday weekend at the Disneyland Hotel. I hope we get some SERIOUS PIXIE DUST!!!

In the future I intend to post about the Angels game and our birthday weekend! Thank you for sticking around!

 

[pepe3penelope]

After yesterday's HORRIBLE NIGHT, I finally slept around midnight. However, I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep at 4:45. Ironically, when we had our VGC vacation in July, I woke up at the same time, unable to sleep due to sheer excitement. I am very sad, very, very, very sad right now. I sat for a moment and had just realized that there was even more jewelry that this man took from me. What is so disheartening is that they are jewelry I had bought in Cozumel during our Disney Cruise Line vacation last year to the Western Caribbean. One piece was so unique, I loved it. I know we will probably never visit there again. Wow...I have a headache now.

I truly love my DISboards and truly love anything Disney related. It makes me happy. So now, back to our show...I want to let all of you know how the game was!

Sunday, August 31, 2014

We slept in, got all of ready, and stopped by Cafe 85 degrees Bakery to bring to our friends' house. It's a famous bakery from, I think, Taiwan or Hong Kong. So yummy, soft, and fresh. We got to their house to drop off the kids around 9:45 and left to hit the road at 10:15. We were on the freeway by 10:21. The car was reading outside's temperature at 83 degrees already. We got off the freeway at 10:48 and made it through the stadium entrance at 10:52.





As we are walking to the gates to enter, I took this photo:



When we were planning the day, I told DH that it'll be a busy game and we should line up early at the gates. He likes to watch the players practice, but more importantly he wants to get a baseball signed. He looked at me like I was crazy when I suggested we line up 30-40 minutes earlier than he wanted. Seriously?!?!?! Look at this line!!!




By the time, we finally snailed through security, the ticket gates, and walked over to our section, there we were so many people hovered over the first row at the field! One player was signing, but he only did so many signatures then moved over another section. We couldn't get to our 3rd row seats because these people WOULDN'T MOVE!!! DH realized he wouldn't be able to get signatures so we looked at the stores. The large store was so packed and the line snaked to the exit door. Forget that!

We left to check out our food options. DH decided he wanted good old stadium hot dogs. I opted for carne asada waffle fries. So yummy! It was like nachos because it has melted cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos. I ended up getting a hot dog because this was so small. Here are the other options at this vendor, but the one I got is the one at the top.



When I met up with DH, he showed up with THREE hot dogs in his tray!

It was soooooooooo hot during this game. I put on sunblock but I kept sweating. Watching the game, you could see so many people fanning themselves. I found out later in the day my arms and right temple got sunburned.

Here are some highlights:





Turned out to be an AWESOME game. This game was game 4 out of 4 with the Oakland A's. The Angels had already won the last 3 out of 3 games and were in 1st place. They almost had a shutout. It was so fun and DH was really in his element. I was so happy that he was so happy. The final score was Angels 8 and A's 1.









ESPN was doing a show when we exited the gates because the Angels had swept the A's, winning 4 out of 4 games!



Here are our tickets. BTW, we paid more for these tickets because DH said they're usually from season ticket holders. Got them from Stubhub. Look at what we see as we are walking back to our car!





We picked up Chinese food and had dinner with our friends. Turns out she baked birthday cupcakes and the kids helped decorate! So sweet!



We hung out and left around 8:15 and the kids crashed in the car! They had so much fun and were sooo tired!

Up next: Let the Birthday Weekend Commence!!!

 

[Cheshirecatty]

pepe3penelope….

I am so incredibly sorry about your house being broken into, and for the loss of your possessions!

Yes, they are only "things", but nevertheless, things which you are emotionally attached to.

How horrible for you, and for your children.

We've had things taken from our garage(when I left the garage door open), and from our backyard once, but never from inside our home.

For a theft to happen anytime, would be terrible, but right on the eve of the Birthday trip is just awful!

I'm so glad you had a good time at the game, in spite of the heat, and I so hope that you can forget enough, to at least enjoy your trip a little bit.

 

[pepe3penelope]

pepe3penelope….

I am so incredibly sorry about your house being broken into, and for the loss of your possessions!

Yes, they are only "things", but nevertheless, things which you are emotionally attached to.

How horrible for you, and for your children.

We've had things taken from our garage(when I left the garage door open), and from our backyard once, but never from inside our home.

For a theft to happen anytime, would be terrible, but right on the eve of the Birthday trip is just awful!

I'm so glad you had a good time at the game, in spite of the heat, and I so hope that you can forget enough

(

Thank you very much, Chesirecatty! As always, you are always very kind and eloquent.

Yesterday's experience has left me sooooo emotional! From the time I woke up to the time we left, I think I must have cried 5 times and teared up as many times! Then as I was checking in the lobby, I was explaining our experience very briefly and I could NOT stop crying. Every time I was able to compose myself, I'd start up again.

The CM's were so kind and generous. I'm waiting until my TR update to explain more thoroughly. I just have to say that Disney came through for this family that already LOVES Disney through and through.

Right now we are relaxing in our awesome room. DS is getting a bath and DD is watching on the Disneyland Channels that shows different stories. We have her early birthday dinner later at Goofy's Kitchen.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I hope the trip goes well. Sorry to hear about the stress with your house

 

[Angrose]

Hi, I have been following your trip reports and have enjoyed reading about your Disney adventures, but have never commented. I just want to say how sorry I was to hear about the burglary. What a terrible thing to happen to such a sweet family!
You know, it's probably a blessing that you had this trip planned so you would not need to be in the house and could distance yourselves for a few days. Sounds like Disney is taking care of you!
I hope the rest of your stay is wonderful!! Happy birthday to your daughter!