After 50 years he deserves it..After 16 years I deserve it! Now a Trip Report

[Ferry Joy]

It started when we returned from our trip to WDW in September of 2006. I asked my man what he wanted for his big 50th birthday and he foolishly said "let's go to Disneyland".
Well my favorite place in the world next the World (Disney) is here on the DIS!
So I began studying everything Disney I lurked everywhere, reading trip report after trip report. Wishing and Dreaming.
Weirdly I did little in the way of coming to any decisions. I made no reservations, nothing. I did however start to panic.
I had asked anyone and everyone in the family if they wanted to go too. In the end the only one interested was DD27 (there are six - 3 boys 3 girls - blended family). She said she could miss one day of school so if we wanted to go the best time was in Novemeber over the Rememberance/Veterns day weekend. Her teacher decided she wanted a really long weekend, so there would be no classes on te Monday! Whippee! But as it was now late September I needed to get planning. With help I finally booked a hotel PPH ordered passes (Disney) and arranged a special Goofy meal and if you knew DH you would see why that was perfect!
I had been following flights and the prices had been rising and rising. I really started to panic. Enter DH BF. He took over and found us cheap tickets and used his points to purchase them!! DH BF!
Finally I could relax and get back to my obsession. Reading trip reports and skulking the Question and answer pages. Now I get to plan, plan, plan my days!

 

[Ferry Joy]

So who are the cast of characters?
DH - 50 as of Octoer 8th He coudln't for the longest time remeber how long we had been together, so he started saying it all the time, as in ""Yes my dear partner of 16 years" etc.

DD27 - Student at UVic and my dear step daughter of 16 years

DDBF - he is a new miz but very enjoyable company and seemingly ready for anything
DD11 - best behaved child ever! I guess after three mischievous very active boys anyone might seem well behaved but she really is. She also shares her mothers fear of heights - no TOT for her!

ME - 46 years old, tries to be a planner but it doesn't always take! Loves Disney, especially Tinkerbelle.
So there we are.

 

[travelmel]

I asked my man what he wanted for his big 50th birthday and he foolishly said "let's go to Disneyland".

Sounds familiar!!!!! (see my siggie)

SUBBING!!

 

[Ferry Joy]

I loved your"Flippant Trip"!!
I have to agree he was being flippant, and he did seem surprised we were going. LOL I told him that for my 50th that I would like to go to Nashville. (really I want to go to Disney), but I think it would be fair. DD11 and I are already planning a trip for jer 16th birthday, when will take DGS2. So. I'll have a good reason to lurk some more on the DIS. He he.

 

[travelmel]

I loved your"Flippant Trip"!!
I have to agree he was being flippant, and he did seem surprised we were going. LOL I told him that for my 50th that I would like to go to Nashville. (really I want to go to Disney), but I think it would be fair. DD11 and I are already planning a trip for jer 16th birthday, when will take DGS2. So. I'll have a good reason to lurk some more on the DIS. He he.

I'm glad you liked the flippancy! I finished up the DL portion last night (FINALLY!)

Nashville.... is there an amusement park near there? I love Disney but I also love to plan, PERIOD. Just love it. lol

 

[Ferry Joy]

We got back late Sunday from a very busy weekend in Port Alberni. We were there for our DGS's 11th birthday. We also brought our DD11 our DGS2 and DBF and her DS13. Put that together with other DGS9, seven of their friends, four sets of grandparents (you gotta love divorce ), one step daughter and three good friends and you have a loud, messy family birthday party! Our DD30 loves to throw big parties. We got up early Saturday to attend DGS9's hockey practise.That afternoon we went to DGS11 soccer game, bowled then back to the house for a party and big turkey dinner, fireworks (thank Goodness for the firepit) and eventually bed. Then up again the next am for the 730am hockey game.
I don't know why they have to have it so early both mornings.Then rushing to Victoria for our ferry ride home.
Now I am back to work and ready to plan my Disney days!

We will catch the 540pm sailing to Tsawwassen then drive to Seattle, where we will stay at the Executel Hotel for the night. The next morning our flight is at 1045am. The hotel provides a weeks parking and an airport shuttle for a reasonable price. This is where we stayed before and it was great. They also have a continental breakfast this time which is even better.
DD27 and BF are flying from Victoria to LAX the night before so she will be at the hotel waiting for us.
We will check in at the PPR, with a park view, relax and then go to dinner at the Rainforest Cafe where we have a PS for 630. Look around at DTD.
Rest of the weeks rough schedule:
Saturday - DL
Sunday - Universal and Goofy's kitchen for birthday dinner
Monday - DCA
Tuesday - DD27 and her BF will be leaving so this day is open to what ever park DD11 and DH want to go to
Wednesday - some Christmas shopping at a mall - Any suggestions?
Thursday - anything we feel we have missed
Friday - Fly back to Seattle and drive to Tsawwassen
Saturday - Ferry back to Galiano and Vote for our local Trustee's

 

[travelmel]

I'll have to think about the Mall thing... nothing jumps out at me. It sorta depends on what you're looking for.

When you say Universal.. do you mean Universal Studio's? Have you been? Have you researched? Do you need any questions answered about that place? We were there last Christmas (and i have pictures ) Let me know.

I love how much time you will have...you're certain to enjoy it all.

 

[Ferry Joy]

I have never been to Universal although DH has (years ago). I don't really know anything about it. We're not big on roller coasters, but we're game for anything else. Any suggestions are helpful, as I have never thought to plan that part of my trip......what a dummy.

 

[Ferry Joy]

Well there is only 5 days until we leave and I have yet to pack anything. I think I have all my papers in a binder ready to take but the more I think about the actual packing the more panic I feel. I am now sarting to worry about wind, because I missed my parents 50th anniversary party as it was too windy for the ferries to sail. I think if DH is ready I waould like to leave thursday mornign and visit family before heading to the states.
Things I need to remember are:
Disney binder
Disney box (tickets etc.)
Passports
Camera
camera batteries

My mind is a blank. I'll have to finish it later when my brain begins to function properly.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Woo!! I'm in!!!

 

[travelmel]

I have never been to Universal although DH has (years ago). I don't really know anything about it. We're not big on roller coasters, but we're game for anything else. Any suggestions are helpful, as I have never thought to plan that part of my trip......what a dummy.

*If you like "I Love Lucy" (and we DO) you will definitely want to check out the small exhibit dedicated to her at Universal Studios. We took LOTS of pictures and hung out there having a great time. We looked for souvenirs but didn't find any near the Lucy area... BUT we did find them in another part of the park... it was in the "downtown themed" type area.. I can't remember what it was called. But if you want Lucy memorobilia that's the store to get it. I bet if you ask a CM (?) there they would be able to point you in the right direction. We got Lucy shirts, lucy "predica-mints" (cheap souvenirs) and other cute stuff.

Actual set pieces!

*The Terminator 3-D is REALLY loud... REALLY LOUD... REALLY, REALLY LOUD But we liked it. The special effects are/were cutting edge.

They'll be Bach

*BackDraft was a HUGELY large wait. It's a very short attraction/show but the kids enjoyed it and if you haven't seen it it is definitely interesting.

*Don't wait until dark to take the "back lot tour" because you can't see anything! It was sucky.

*If you arrive early (rope drop), just like at DL... make your way to the back of the park first. Just barrel through to the Jurassic Park and Mummy the Ride attractions. The rest of the people will be side-tracked and the lines for these attractions will build very quickly. Get in there and do them first!

*The Simpsons ride wasn't open when we went.. I bet it's fun.. I would actually think about doing that first now that I think about it.

*The walk through "Haunted house" attraction is pretty cute. Do it late though when the crowds are down.

*There's an area (Spongebob themed, I think) that is for kids to get wet in...might be nice if it gets hot

*Shrek 3-D was cute but now that I think back on it I don't remember anythingg about it and it was only last year.. meaning, not that memorable.

*They sold hot chocolate that was re-fillable. That was a good deal.

that's all I can remember right now.

There weren't as many things to do as say Disneyland.. but we were able to have fun from open to close. You'll see everything you want to see in one day, most likely. Try to remember to take in the ambiance. My kids are still talking about this pic!

The Ghost with the Most

Outside of Universal Studios is "Citywalk" (the original Downtown Disney) which is nice.... BUT it's outside the park and therefor did not feel as safe to us at ALL. There was a chase of gang members while we were there. I left immediately.

 

[Ferry Joy]

Thanks Travelmel that is very helpful. DH has been there but about 15 years ago. The only thing I remember is the Jaws shark part. Also, DH wants to eat at Mel's dinner, but I have a feeling it might not be there anymore as no one but us old folks remember the show.
The only other thing I wanted to see was the Hollywood sign. I didn't see it last time we were there, so hopefully the bus goes past.
DD11 and I were going to start packing tonight but I have had so many last minute work meetings we have put it off until tomorrow, but at least the laundry is being done.
Living on an island does make things difficult as I can't run out and buy much, so whatever I have, will have to do until we hit town. My other DD26 is probably already packed, she is so organized! I should have got her to pack for us LOL. This time I am planning on under packing, cause I always end up with too many clothes. We are going to have one matching shirt for al, which made it easy to find one another in a crowd -Lime green to honour DIS. You guys are all so amazing. I can't wait until I return so Ican help people too! LOL I just need an excuse to keep coming back. That and planning our next trip. DH doesn't realize what he has unleashed a 46 year old Disney monster.

 

[travelmel]

Thanks Travelmel that is very helpful. DH has been there but about 15 years ago. The only thing I remember is the Jaws shark part. Also, DH wants to eat at Mel's dinner, but I have a feeling it might not be there anymore as no one but us old folks remember the show.
The only other thing I wanted to see was the Hollywood sign. I didn't see it last time we were there, so hopefully the bus goes past.
DD11 and I were going to start packing tonight but I have had so many last minute work meetings we have put it off until tomorrow, but at least the laundry is being done.
Living on an island does make things difficult as I can't run out and buy much, so whatever I have, will have to do until we hit town. My other DD26 is probably already packed, she is so organized! I should have got her to pack for us LOL. This time I am planning on under packing, cause I always end up with too many clothes. We are going to have one matching shirt for al, which made it easy to find one another in a crowd -Lime green to honour DIS. You guys are all so amazing. I can't wait until I return so Ican help people too! LOL I just need an excuse to keep coming back. That and planning our next trip. DH doesn't realize what he has unleashed a 46 year old Disney monster.

I did read a couple of things on the UStudios website

1) Mel's Diner is still there! There is an all-you-can-eat pass is available online for $20 adults ($18 if bought online) and $10 for kids under 48". That buys you an entre, side, and dessert per time you chose to go through the line. The catch is that you can only eat at 3 of the 9 restaraunts on property. Mel's is included, though! Beverages, however, are not included. Check out there website for more details on that.

2) front of the line pass for rides and attractions (Man I wish we were rich!) is $99 per person.

As far as the rest of LA did you read MommaU4's TR when she went to the area? It is really good and helpful, too.

 

[travelmel]

here's a link to a TR of US

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1643189&page=6

 

[Ferry Joy]

I have read MommaU4's trip report. Glad I don't have a lovely mother in law like her! I'll have to go back and read it with different eyes now!

 

[travelmel]

ONE DAY LEFT!!!

arty: arty: arty:

 

[Ferry Joy]

Thanks, I've been so busy getting all my work at both jobs ready I haven't had much time to get excited, but now we are. Tomorrow one day of school and then we'll catch the ferry. Now I've started my worry mode....what if the wind blows and the ferry can't sail...what if they won't let us across the border. I am trying to shut that voice down. Does everyone have one?
We just finished packing and DD11 is off to bed for school in the am. She is lucky, because we are on a four day school week, she is only missing four days of school. They've given her some work but it's not too much. Writing a daily journal and some grammer tomorrow she'll find out what her other teacher gives her. It's pretty easy for them to give her work as there are only 28 kids in her school - two classrooms. She is in a fourth grade to eighth grade class. I don't know how hte teachers do it?
Anyway I'm going to put her to bed, then relax. Tomorrow I want to finish all my work projects and then I am free to leave! Woohoo!

 

[travelmel]

woo hoo!

Don't worry, it's most likely (oh, forever the optomist LOL) going to go off without a hitch!

Lucky for your DD that her homework load will be light. At this point (6th and 7th grade for us) I don't think I could possibly have the girls skip school because their school is way over-hard. Blech, I hate it!

Have a wonderful time!

Don't forget the food porn!!!!!



Here's a little graphic I developed for those who are having trouble sleeping on their departure night........ (*To be Cont)

 

[travelmel]

After dis-ing all night she finally gets to bed!

Rising bright and early she heads down the road

Her joy is impossible to contain as she makes her way through the parking lot!​

Rope Drop!

The Happiest Place on Earth awaits

H A V E

A

M A G I C A L

T R I P ! ! ! ! ​

-Melissa

 

[Ferry Joy]

I spent the morning working at the ambulance station preparing for being away for a week. Then as I drove home throught the pouring rain, and I really do mean pouring, I pulled into the driveway and there is my DH on the roof cleaning the gutters. I didn't say anything but I did worry about him falling off and not being able to go on our holiday. LOL!
After lunch I finished the laundry and made sure the house was clean. Finally it was time to pick my daughter up from school and whip her home for a shower. DH had his shower and I kept puttering around getting last minute items. Then suddenly it was time to go to the ferry and I hadn't mananged to drag myself into the bath yet. Can you say idiot.
As we arrived at the ferry terminal we noticed that the wind was blowing.

Two things about blowing wind are
1. ferries have trouble docking at Sturdies Bay when the wind is blowing and sometimes sailings are cancelled (It was almost cancelled that morning - but I didn't know until then)
2. I am scared when the ferry rides are rough
Luckily the ferry docked and we sailed to Tsawwassen without any problems. It wasn't even rough!
We completed our banking and headed straight to the border. It was very quiet and we made it through the border in about 5 minutes. Our drive to our hotel in Federal Way was horrible. It was raining so hard that the wipers were going full blast and it was still hard to see. A couple times the car was hydroplaneing due to the rain on the freeway.
We finally made it to where the hotel was supposed to be but it wasn't there. We drove around and I went into a bar to get directions and they sent us to a hotel that the was the address I had written down, but wa snot the correct hotel. Luckily the clerk was able to send me to the correct hotel. We arrived at 1115 pm. We checked in and then went to get supper at the IHOP. We were hungry and tired so the food was really good. DH had the bacon cheese burger , DD11 had the Veggie omelette with pancakes and I had the chicken and spinach crepe which was great! We headed back to the hotel, there was no parking so we had to park at Corporate Air Alaska and we finally hit the hay at 1230 am.