"Amuck, amuck, amuck!" A Pre-TR (link to TR in the first post)

[mommaU4]

Me too! It was my husband who by the way was told on Sunday night while we were camping that I wanted to do the ladies only trip in March and he said as long we can afford it it is totally OK!

Really?

 

[chelseagirl_lv]

Hello from Las Vegas! I have been reading your pre-trip report, and I am loving it! I am too planning a trip to DL for my DS's birthday. Great finds on disneyshopping! I went to the Premium Outlets last weekend and found those princess shirts for $5 each! What a steal! Have you been to the Disney Character Warehouse? I went a month ago, I thought it was pretty cool.
Good luck with your planning.
Anne

 

[mommaU4]

Hello from Las Vegas! I have been reading your pre-trip report, and I am loving it! I am too planning a trip to DL for my DS's birthday. Great finds on disneyshopping! I went to the Premium Outlets last weekend and found those princess shirts for $5 each! What a steal! Have you been to the Disney Character Warehouse? I went a month ago, I thought it was pretty cool.
Good luck with your planning.
Anne

Hi Anne! Thanks for reading along! When is your DL trip? Being there to celebrate a birthday always makes it extra special.

I love Disneyshopping and can't wait for the Halloween items I ordered to hurry and arrive. I'm not very patient. LOL Sounds like you got some good deals too! And the Character Warehouse is great. We try and go there every few weeks since I know their merchandise is always changing depending on what shipments they get in.

So what part of Vegas are you in? And are you as ready for some cooler temps as I am???

 

[mommaU4]

More Halloween funnies with Maxine. (Hallmark character) I just love her sarcasm!

 

[chelseagirl_lv]

Cooler temp?? Absolutely! This weather is insane. What is it going to be today, 108? I dont even need to use my barbeque, just throw the meat on the sidewalk and watch it cook

I live out in Southern Highlands. I love this neighborhood, it is very quiet. My trip to DL is tenatively Oct 23-36. I am still playing around with the dates, and it may change. I am tossing around the ideas of going for 4 days or 5 days. I love planning for something that is going to be a very rewarding trip, especially for the little ones. I have not been to Disneyland in about 8 years. The last time I was there, I was pregnant with DS. It is definitely be a great trip.

Where are you staying for your trip? I am looking at the Marriott Suites or the Residence Maingate, not sure on which one yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I dont want to be totally reliable on the ART, and would be nice to have the hotel within walking distance from the park. Decisions, Decisions.

 

[kaoden39]

I am in the San Francisco bay area and they forecasted 108 for here. I am not a happy camper. When it is 108 here it is beyond beastly.

 

[mommaU4]

Cooler temp?? Absolutely! This weather is insane. What is it going to be today, 108? I dont even need to use my barbeque, just throw the meat on the sidewalk and watch it cook

I live out in Southern Highlands. I love this neighborhood, it is very quiet. My trip to DL is tenatively Oct 23-36. I am still playing around with the dates, and it may change. I am tossing around the ideas of going for 4 days or 5 days. I love planning for something that is going to be a very rewarding trip, especially for the little ones. I have not been to Disneyland in about 8 years. The last time I was there, I was pregnant with DS. It is definitely be a great trip.

Where are you staying for your trip? I am looking at the Marriott Suites or the Residence Maingate, not sure on which one yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I dont want to be totally reliable on the ART, and would be nice to have the hotel within walking distance from the park. Decisions, Decisions.

LOL at the grilling on the sidewalk! It's so true though. And tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter.

We moved here to Vegas summer of 2007 but I'm still not familiar with all the different areas. I've heard of Southern Highlands, but just not sure where it's at. We are about 5-7 minutes away from the Red Rock Casino, if you know where that is. It's a nice area, but the heat has made this summer seem like torture! LOL

October is such a fun time to be at DL! You'll have a great time but it's not quite the off season it used to be with all the Halloween parties, decorations and activities now, so if you can swing the 5 day trip then I'd do that. Give you more time to see it all.

As for hotels, I'm booked at the HoJo and at a hotel closer to Knott's. I still can't decide which one I'll end up at since I like them both! LOL But for you, I think HoJo would be perfect.

It's a favorite with DISers and we stayed there in June. It's a nice hotel, simple but clean and within walking distance. The price isn't bad especially if you have one of those Entertainment Books and can get the entertainment price.

Also they have a new play area called Castaway Cove that I bet your DS would love! Here is a link to check it out if you want: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=205

Good luck! Deciding is always the hard part for me.

 

[mommaU4]

I am in the San Francisco bay area and they forecasted 108 for here. I am not a happy camper. When it is 108 here it is beyond beastly.

Oh wow, really??? I didn't think it ever got that hot up there, especially by the water. Yikes.

 

[kaoden39]

Oh wow, really??? I didn't think it ever got that hot up there, especially by the water. Yikes.

We are at the Suisun Bay and yes we get that hot darn it. Sometimes if we head to the actual ocean when it is this hot we can get high eighties there cooler in temperature but as far as being actually cooler um no. Every summer when it gets hot senior citizens die in San Francisco because they just don't have the air conditioning in the city because they just don't normally need it.

We are exactly in between Sacramento and San Francisco so we get the fog from the city some mornings during the summer and then the heat from Sacramento. That is why I swear by layers.

 

[dwheatl]

I am in the San Francisco bay area and they forecasted 108 for here. I am not a happy camper. When it is 108 here it is beyond beastly.

It was 108 at 5:30 in San Jose. Then, I had to come home and make playdough, and we do not have air conditioning. I am one sweaty Betty!

Wow, the pool area at the HoJo looks fun. It was really boring last time we stayed there (many years ago).

 

[chelseagirl_lv]

LOL at the grilling on the sidewalk! It's so true though. And tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter.

We moved here to Vegas summer of 2007 but I'm still not familiar with all the different areas. I've heard of Southern Highlands, but just not sure where it's at. We are about 5-7 minutes away from the Red Rock Casino, if you know where that is. It's a nice area, but the heat has made this summer seem like torture! LOL

October is such a fun time to be at DL! You'll have a great time but it's not quite the off season it used to be with all the Halloween parties, decorations and activities now, so if you can swing the 5 day trip then I'd do that. Give you more time to see it all.

As for hotels, I'm booked at the HoJo and at a hotel closer to Knott's. I still can't decide which one I'll end up at since I like them both! LOL But for you, I think HoJo would be perfect.

It's a favorite with DISers and we stayed there in June. It's a nice hotel, simple but clean and within walking distance. The price isn't bad especially if you have one of those Entertainment Books and can get the entertainment price.

Good luck! Deciding is always the hard part for me.

Thanks on the reference for HoJo's. I will definitely check the site out.
I know exactly where you are at, I work at the hospital on the 215 which is right down the street from you. Where I live: do you know where the South Point is: I live right across the I-15.
I just saw that hotel rates for some reason are a little cheaper on the weekend of Halloween. How weird. I am assuming the parks will be packed that weekend. I am not sure whether we will participate with the Mickey or Treat festival, but I am definitely bringing the costumes for the kids. I have not decided on what I want to be, I was thinking Pirates of the Caribbean for myself and DF (Whether he likes it or not).
Anyway, keep us posted on your plans, sounds like you have pretty much everything under control and planned out perfectly! Have fun!

 

[kaoden39]

It was 108 at 5:30 in San Jose. Then, I had to come home and make playdough, and we do not have air conditioning. I am one sweaty Betty!

Wow, the pool area at the HoJo looks fun. It was really boring last time we stayed there (many years ago).

I heard abput the 108 in San Jose from someone I know. I feel so bad for you because 108 in San Jose than it is here. I don't understand why of course but I know from experience. We don't have air conditioning either so we have been suffering.

 

[DisneyLaura]

Update: I just got a call from the manager! It was cool because on my caller ID it showed up as Disneyland calling! Anyway, I was able to make the reservation for 5:30 which is when we wanted. Whew! Now all dining plans are set. [/B][/COLOR][/B]

We started yesterday

Looky what came in the mail today!

Mickey travel bottles from the Disneyland hotel!! They really are cute. Love the Mickey ear lids.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know they arrived safe and sound (didn't even leak or spill!) and to say thank you for not only remembering that I like travel size items, but also for taking the time and effort to send them out to me. That was really sweet of you. (see, I am easily pleased! lol)

I want those too

Are you trying to scare me?? My son is already on the phone way too much with a girl. I mean for over an hour. Doesn't bother me though. Keeps him from picking on his sisters.

Ah, your work desk. Ok, got it.

Ok how old are your DS's? Mine is 9 and he had a girl calling him a lot two years ago because I think she liked him but it went right over his head.

Oh, and I just had to post this. Yesterday we went to Sam's Club and they are already getting Halloween treats out. We bought some individually packaged pretzels in a big Halloween tub. So cute. And some fruit snacks in Halloween shapes. (spider, cat, bat, ghost, pumpkin and witches hat)

I want these too

Ugh, I am so ready for summer weather to be over!!!!!!!!

How the heck am I supposed to get into a Fall mood when it's going to be 105 here today and 108 (with a real feel of 110!) on Friday?!?!?

I spoke with my mom, who lives in northern MI, the other day and she mentioned the leaves were starting to turn colors already. I miss that so much. Of course, I don't miss what comes after Fall...... all that SNOW!

So sorry about the heat there. It's around 75 here today in CT. We've had a pretty mild summer, only had to use the central air about 4 nights. It goes down to at least 60's, that makes me very scared for this winter though.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not, but my MIL called again just yesterday to ask the date we want her to watch the kids in October! With her, that's a good sign. It means she's actually thinking about it and is going to check her calendar.

So while it's not for certain yet, it looks more and more like we'll be able to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour after all!!!

(still keeping my fingers crossed though, lol)

I have my fingers crossed for ya too

More Halloween funnies with Maxine. (Hallmark character) I just love her sarcasm!

I love her too

 

[mommaU4]

We are at the Suisun Bay and yes we get that hot darn it. Sometimes if we head to the actual ocean when it is this hot we can get high eighties there cooler in temperature but as far as being actually cooler um no. Every summer when it gets hot senior citizens die in San Francisco because they just don't have the air conditioning in the city because they just don't normally need it.

We are exactly in between Sacramento and San Francisco so we get the fog from the city some mornings during the summer and then the heat from Sacramento. That is why I swear by layers.

I'd swear by layers too in that case.

That's so sad about the senior citizens. I understand about not everyone having A/C though. When we lived in MI our house didn't have any. You just didn't really need it most of the time.

But on those few summer days when it was humid and the temps would raise above 90 degrees......yikes! It was hot and nasty. We had like 7 fans and would sleep with the windows open all night.

Here in Vegas I think every house has A/C. I just don't see how you could survive without it with the temps we get around here. We've run ours 24/7 since May.

 

[mommaU4]

It was 108 at 5:30 in San Jose. Then, I had to come home and make playdough, and we do not have air conditioning. I am one sweaty Betty!

Wow, the pool area at the HoJo looks fun. It was really boring last time we stayed there (many years ago).

Ugh, you poor thing! Did you walk around with next to nothing on?? How could you stand clothes on when it's that hot? Just make sure you close the blinds first or the neighbors will get a free show. And there are no free shows, everyone pays.

How's the first week of school going? It already feels a lot longer for me. LOL Still trying to get into a routine I guess.

The pool area at HoJo was totally redone! The pics I've seen look amazing and they still have the garden pool (also redone) which is just a regular pool if you don't want to be where all the play equipment and kids are.

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks on the reference for HoJo's. I will definitely check the site out.
I know exactly where you are at, I work at the hospital on the 215 which is right down the street from you. Where I live: do you know where the South Point is: I live right across the I-15.
I just saw that hotel rates for some reason are a little cheaper on the weekend of Halloween. How weird. I am assuming the parks will be packed that weekend. I am not sure whether we will participate with the Mickey or Treat festival, but I am definitely bringing the costumes for the kids. I have not decided on what I want to be, I was thinking Pirates of the Caribbean for myself and DF (Whether he likes it or not).
Anyway, keep us posted on your plans, sounds like you have pretty much everything under control and planned out perfectly! Have fun!

I do know where South Point is. My in-laws took us there for a lunch buffet once, and Ruben and Adam went to see a monster truck show there.

I am so bad with directions. I don't know street names or area names, but if someone says it's near such and such landmark, like you did with South Point, then I get it.

I'm one of those who gives directions like "Turn right at the Dunkin Donuts, go straight past Target, make a left at Blockbuster and another left at the big tree."

I hope you do decide to go to the Halloween party. I think it will be a lot of fun. And your POTC themed costume idea sounds cool.

 

[mommaU4]

Ok how old are your DS's? Mine is 9 and he had a girl calling him a lot two years ago because I think she liked him but it went right over his head.



So sorry about the heat there. It's around 75 here today in CT. We've had a pretty mild summer, only had to use the central air about 4 nights. It goes down to at least 60's, that makes me very scared for this winter though.

I have one DS Adam, and he's 13. The rest are all girls, much to his dismay. He wanted a brother. LOL Anyway, I would have freaked if he'd gotten phone calls from girls at age 9!!

I think when I was nine, I was still playing with dolls. These kids today grow up so fast. I guess it's harmless. Just some phone calls, but I want it to stay that way. At least until he's 18.

Your weather sounds heavenly! 75 is perfect. I hope your winter is pretty mild though. Do you get bad weather in the winter?
My mom said in MI they had to actually use the heat a few nights this summer!! It was just really cool. And now she said the leaves are already starting to turn. She wasn't too happy about that, but that's my favorite part. I miss that. All we have here is cactus. LOL

 

[DisneyLaura]

Your weather sounds heavenly! 75 is perfect. I hope your winter is pretty mild though. Do you get bad weather in the winter?

Well cold wise it gets bad some days below 0. Snow wise not so much lately, could be worse. A couple of years ago it snowed every other day for a week.

 

[mommaU4]

These pics were posted on another thread I started on the DL board about the Mickey's Trick or Treat party. I am bringing them over here because I just love them so much!!!

If you see this MaryJo, thanks again so much for posting these! It's really made me so excited to be there!!

Here are some pics we took at last year's MHT

The entrance to California Adventure

Entrance to Disneyland

There were so many things around the park that added to the whole atmosphere, plus all the barrels of CANDY, sliced apples, raisins...!

Here are some guests we saw. This year, Kelly (Daisuke on the boards) is going dressed up in some *** Play thingy.

This couple looks sooo cool!

Tigger was hilarious in Hollywood Backlot. He was acting very much the rascal during pics.

 

[mommaU4]

More of MaryJo's pics she posted:

I got a kick out of these guys.

The 100 Acre Woods came to the park

I could have stayed for a long time listening to these scarecrows. They were so funny, and entertained the crowds. Here they are taking the pic "with attitude."

Even Kelly took a pic with them

And the scarecrows were besides themselves when they saw this family approach. It was so funny.

Chip & Dale

Jasmine & Prince Ali went as themselves in a small, but cute parade.

The park is all purty

The princesses daringly (I say daringly because of all the villains around!) greeted young guests.

There were so many characters to greet the guests. We saw Wendy & Peter Pan when we were at Pacific Wharf playing games.

And here's Donald

I almost had more fun watching the people dressed up than the actual park.

CMs

Probably my favorite costume. Sooo cute!

-----

Note that Kelly took all the pics. I have a habit of saying that I took a pic, and she ... um... always proves to me that SHE took the pic! lol