A Once in Lifetime Adventure in Walt's Wonderful World-lots of pics-COMPLETE

[Disneygrl36]

Fairly new here but I found your report and loved reading it.

I'm planning on calling the concierge number today to inquire about some of the items on the itinerary but I did have a quick question if you wouldn't mind?

It states on the Disney website, VIP access. Is this access to the rides in Disneyland (as in not waiting in line)? We're trying to decide if we'll be going next August (instead of a Europe cruise - I think this is out). Also, is Walt's Barn and carousel included in the trip itinerary? I noticed you went there prior but also during the tour.

Thank you so much for your help!

I love your phots by the way. So nice!!

Hi!!!! I am glad that people are still finding my report uesful.
We did get lots of fast passes for rides but we did not get access without waiting in line except for Soarin' the morning of the DCA behind the scenes tour & the private Turtle Talk with Crush. We went on the Haunted Mansioin without waiting our first night at Disneyland as well, but I am not sure that is an every time thing.

A visit to Walt's Barn is contingent on the volunteers being able to be there to open it up for you. They do this the day you go to Jim Henson studios. I am not sure if there have been groups that did not do it or not, but they do say it may not always be available. We went to Griffith Park on our own before the tour started as I wanted to make sure to see the carousel (which was closed) & Walt's barn (which we could see through the fence since they were closed) just in case we didn't go. It was great being able to go in Walt's barn though....so much incredible memoribilia.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[aspen37]

Hi Melanie,

I loved your report! It was the best I have read/seen for this trip. I will also be on the ABD that 3guysandagal was talking about.

When you were talking about being in Walt's apartment I have to say that I started to have tears run down my face. I can't wait to be able to see his apartment with my own eyes. I have been to Disneyland many times and I have always wanted to go in his apartment. This will be such a treat. I loved the pin that they gave you signifying that you had been there. I am happy that they do take a picture of the group in the apartment too.

Thanks for the pictures of the stuff you bought at the imagineering store. I have been wondering what the stuff looks like from the store.
I hope we get to see Lucky on our trip. I have been fascinated will him and have always wanted to see him. I was lucky enough on my last trip to see Remy at Chefs de France. He was really cool. I can't imagine how cool Lucky would be to see.

I have to say that your report has made me really excited about this trip.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Hi Melanie,

I loved your report! It was the best I have read/seen for this trip. I will also be on the ABD that 3guysandagal was talking about.

When you were talking about being in Walt's apartment I have to say that I started to have tears run down my face. I can't wait to be able to see his apartment with my own eyes. I have been to Disneyland many times and I have always wanted to go in his apartment. This will be such a treat. I loved the pin that they gave you signifying that you had been there. I am happy that they do take a picture of the group in the apartment too.

Thanks for the pictures of the stuff you bought at the imagineering store. I have been wondering what the stuff looks like from the store.
I hope we get to see Lucky on our trip. I have been fascinated will him and have always wanted to see him. I was lucky enough on my last trip to see Remy at Chefs de France. He was really cool. I can't imagine how cool Lucky would be to see.

I have to say that your report has made me really excited about this trip.

So glad you found my report & enjoyed it.
I am sorry I made you cry but being in Walt's apartment just had such a profound effect on me that I am glad that my description evoked the emotions that I was feeling.
I hope you have a wonderful time. It really is a once in a lifetime experience.
Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help in any way.

P. S. I was thinking about booking Chefs this trip in Oct if Remy is still going to be there because I saw the pics & he looks so cute.

 

[glenpreece]

I LOVED your TR!!! I travel solo to WDW and was looking for a way to DL and LA solo and this is def it!!!! Thanks again for the great report I need to to do this Adv By Disney!!!!!

 

[aspen37]

Hi Melanie,

Have you heard about the family who got to stay the night in the Haunted Mansion last night? Well, a radio station in LA called KLOS had a live webcam in the stretching during the family's stay. You can go to www.markandbrian.com to view some of the footage. But that is not why I'm posting this. Stacia Martin was on their radio program this morning. She is AMAZING! She is a walking Encyclopedia of Disneyland knowledge. I was so amazed. I can't wait to meet her in April!

 

[travelmel]

Hi Melanie!

Rick Springfield is coming to a casino near us... I just giggled and thought of you... ITS AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART.... do do .....

 

[stenogoddess]

Hey Melanie!

Your trip report is awesome! It really convinced me to put down the money and go. My DH and I are going with the Dis group in April. (Hi John, Hi Anna!)
You also talked me into renting a car to go up to the Observatory, etc. What a great idea! I'm glad you had it so I could steal it!

I'm a scrapper too! I love your pages. I'm already designing my pages in my head.

How did you attach your pins in your shadow box?? I tried to do that with my Disney 1/2 Marathon pins and they fell down, so somehow I'm doing it wrong. Any ideas for me!?

Thanks!

PS: New Moon trailer is TOO COOL!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Another couple booked for the ABD Podcast trip. Hello fellow travelers.

I first read Melanie's Trip Report last year, before we even headed west for our first DLR trip. I can honestly say ... Melanie's Trip Report is the reason I booked our upcoming ABD trip. It is full of such great detail and emotion. Being a Disneyphile, I wanted to experience what she experienced. I was on a seesaw debating whether to book this trip due to the cost and our children's ages (9, 6 and 3). Once the Podcast announced the trip, I knew it was a sign. However, I booked it for just DH and myself. We have never been on a trip alone without the children. I can't wait! With all the tours and the behind the scenes peaks at Disneyland, I felt this was definitely a tour for just DH and myself. I didn't want to ruin the trip for other travelers who are forking over thousands of dollars for this trip to have younger children along who can get rowdy at times. If this trip goes as well as I think it will, we plan to take the kids to Italy on an ABD trip in a few years when they can appreciate it better.

Thank you again to Melanie for this great Trip Report!

Jennifer

 

[aspen37]

Hey Melanie!

Your trip report is awesome! It really convinced me to put down the money and go. My DH and I are going with the Dis group in April. (Hi John, Hi Anna!)
You also talked me into renting a car to go up to the Observatory, etc. What a great idea! I'm glad you had it so I could steal it!

I'm a scrapper too! I love your pages. I'm already designing my pages in my head.

How did you attach your pins in your shadow box?? I tried to do that with my Disney 1/2 Marathon pins and they fell down, so somehow I'm doing it wrong. Any ideas for me!?

Thanks!

PS: New Moon trailer is TOO COOL!

Hey Lauren!

Griffith Park is awesome. It's been awhile since I have to the Observatory but I always loved going up there. If it is a clear day you can get some great pictures of LA and the Hollywood sign.

 

[thmar]

Just happened to come across this....all I can say is...WOW!!
What an awesome vacation and trip report! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Disneygrl36]

I LOVED your TR!!! I travel solo to WDW and was looking for a way to DL and LA solo and this is def it!!!! Thanks again for the great report I need to to do this Adv By Disney!!!!!

Glad you enjoyed it & this would be an awesome solo trip for you to do. Put it on your bucket list & GO!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Melanie,

Have you heard about the family who got to stay the night in the Haunted Mansion last night? Well, a radio station in LA called KLOS had a live webcam in the stretching during the family's stay. You can go to www.markandbrian.com to view some of the footage. But that is not why I'm posting this. Stacia Martin was on their radio program this morning. She is AMAZING! She is a walking Encyclopedia of Disneyland knowledge. I was so amazed. I can't wait to meet her in April!

Stacia was so amazing.......& so gracious. I just loved talking to her. Glad you are getting to meet her in April on your ABD.

Hi Melanie!

Rick Springfield is coming to a casino near us... I just giggled and thought of you... ITS AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART.... do do .....

Hey Melissa!!!!!!!!!! We saw Rick at Biltmore in Asheville the last weekend of July. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE him more & more every year.

Hey Melanie!

Your trip report is awesome! It really convinced me to put down the money and go. My DH and I are going with the Dis group in April. (Hi John, Hi Anna!)
You also talked me into renting a car to go up to the Observatory, etc. What a great idea! I'm glad you had it so I could steal it!

I'm a scrapper too! I love your pages. I'm already designing my pages in my head.

How did you attach your pins in your shadow box?? I tried to do that with my Disney 1/2 Marathon pins and they fell down, so somehow I'm doing it wrong. Any ideas for me!?

Thanks!

PS: New Moon trailer is TOO COOL!

Glad that my trip report could convince people to go. It is such a great trip.
Enjoy your time with the rental car.....lunch at the Tam O'Shanter was so good too maybe you should try that.
My shadow box has a cushy board type thing & my pins just pushed right in & have stayed ok.

Another couple booked for the ABD Podcast trip. Hello fellow travelers.

I first read Melanie's Trip Report last year, before we even headed west for our first DLR trip. I can honestly say ... Melanie's Trip Report is the reason I booked our upcoming ABD trip. It is full of such great detail and emotion. Being a Disneyphile, I wanted to experience what she experienced. I was on a seesaw debating whether to book this trip due to the cost and our children's ages (9, 6 and 3). Once the Podcast announced the trip, I knew it was a sign. However, I booked it for just DH and myself. We have never been on a trip alone without the children. I can't wait! With all the tours and the behind the scenes peaks at Disneyland, I felt this was definitely a tour for just DH and myself. I didn't want to ruin the trip for other travelers who are forking over thousands of dollars for this trip to have younger children along who can get rowdy at times. If this trip goes as well as I think it will, we plan to take the kids to Italy on an ABD trip in a few years when they can appreciate it better.

Thank you again to Melanie for this great Trip Report!

Jennifer

You are so welcome Jennifer & I am so glad you & your DH are doing this for yourselves!!!!!!!!!!!! Ya'll are making me blush with all the nice things you are saying about my trippie.

Just happened to come across this....all I can say is...WOW!!
What an awesome vacation and trip report! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for sharing.

So glad you found it & enjoyed it. I really had a great time writing it because it helped me relive the trip.

NOW.............ALL YOU GUYS THAT ARE GOING BETTER BE WRITING TRIP REPORTS SO I CAN RELIVE IT VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOU!!!!!!!!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

NOW.............ALL YOU GUYS THAT ARE GOING BETTER BE WRITING TRIP REPORTS SO I CAN RELIVE IT VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOU!!!!!!!!!

Already started ...

First Disneyland trip was magical. Heading back for more magic! Pre-Trip Report (April 2010)

Jennifer

 

[TnMaryJo]

Hey, Melanie! I just found your trip report today. I have gotten thru about half of it! Where are you guys from? I live in Lenoir City.
I was so excited to see a fellow East Tennessean that loves Disney. I think when you go on this particular ABD tour, you are the ultimate fan. I'm getting there. I am leaving for DL in 2 weeks to run the DL Half Marathon and going to the D23 Expo.
I can't wait to come back and read the rest. Great job!

 

[CinderALLIE]

Hi Melanie,

Just got through re-reading your trip report. Love it. I've had this trip booked since August 08 and you have made me even more excited to go...if that was possible. I love the little pre-trip extras you did (Griffith Park and Tam O'Shatners) and I'm totally ripping you off and doing them also. I already had decided to go to the cemetery to pay my respects to the man who has meant so much to me...and well everyone. It'll be a very sad experience.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Already started ...

First Disneyland trip was magical. Heading back for more magic! Pre-Trip Report (April 2010)

Jennifer

Cool....I will be going over to follow along!!!!

Hey, Melanie! I just found your trip report today. I have gotten thru about half of it! Where are you guys from? I live in Lenoir City.
I was so excited to see a fellow East Tennessean that loves Disney. I think when you go on this particular ABD tour, you are the ultimate fan. I'm getting there. I am leaving for DL in 2 weeks to run the DL Half Marathon and going to the D23 Expo.
I can't wait to come back and read the rest. Great job!

Well hello neighbor!!!! We live in Jefferson City.
Glad you found my trip report. It really is an ultimate fan kind of trip & that would describe me to a t! Have a great time in Disneyland & say hello to Walt for me!

Hi Melanie,

Just got through re-reading your trip report. Love it. I've had this trip booked since August 08 and you have made me even more excited to go...if that was possible. I love the little pre-trip extras you did (Griffith Park and Tam O'Shatners) and I'm totally ripping you off and doing them also. I already had decided to go to the cemetery to pay my respects to the man who has meant so much to me...and well everyone. It'll be a very sad experience.

So glad you enjoyed my trip report....wow a re-read!!!! I hope your trip is as magical as ours was. Glad you are ripping me off--it really was a great mixture of great things to do the day the trip started. The cemetary is really beautiful---I wish we had taken more time to explore as there are some charming little chapels scattered around. Have a blast!!!! Let me know if I can answer any questions. And SO jealous you live in Australia....one of the places I have on my bucket list to visit.

 

[Pooh_Girl]

I found your TR the other night, and just finished it. WOW!!! What an amazing trip you guys had. DH and I were talking about this tour and after reading your TR, we are going to try to make it happen. Thanks for giving such a detailed description of your trip. It makes it really nice for people to get an idea of what ABD is all about. You did a fabulous job.
I also loved your scrapbook pages too!! I'm a huge scrapbooker as well, and it's nice to see other people's creativity.

 

[Disneygrl36]

I found your TR the other night, and just finished it. WOW!!! What an amazing trip you guys had. DH and I were talking about this tour and after reading your TR, we are going to try to make it happen. Thanks for giving such a detailed description of your trip. It makes it really nice for people to get an idea of what ABD is all about. You did a fabulous job.
I also loved your scrapbook pages too!! I'm a huge scrapbooker as well, and it's nice to see other people's creativity.

Pooh Girl....so glad you find my trip report. You will not be disappointed in booking this trip. It is such a wonderful adventure for people who really love Walt & all things Disney. Make sure & share your story when you take the trip.
I am behind on my scrapbooking right now a bit.....need to do our May vacation & a few of our little side trips. I was telling my hubby that I need to get it done before our upcoming Oct Disney trip so I will be free to focus on that when we get back.
Went & browsed your pages & they are great. I just love how scrapbooking allows you to really relive your trip & I don't know about you but I go back & look at mine all the time.

 

[Pooh_Girl]

Pooh Girl....so glad you find my trip report. You will not be disappointed in booking this trip. It is such a wonderful adventure for people who really love Walt & all things Disney. Make sure & share your story when you take the trip.
I am behind on my scrapbooking right now a bit.....need to do our May vacation & a few of our little side trips. I was telling my hubby that I need to get it done before our upcoming Oct Disney trip so I will be free to focus on that when we get back.
Went & browsed your pages & they are great. I just love how scrapbooking allows you to really relive your trip & I don't know about you but I go back & look at mine all the time.

Thanks for the compliments!! Feel free to scraplift anything of mine anytime.
I really hope we get to take this trip sometime, it's so expensive though!! Hopefully sometime soon we will get to go!!

 

[sahbushka]

I'm only on page 5, but I am really enjoying your report!

Sarah

 

[Disneygrl36]

I'm only on page 5, but I am really enjoying your report!

Sarah

Thanks Sarah!!!!