At Disneyland now 10/8- photo links added 10/19 p.2

[MeLaNie9]

Would also love to here your fireworks tips - we are seeing the last show of the season I think on Nov1 pm. We are doing the fireworks (9:30pm) then the Fantasmic dessert package for 10pm. We have never been to DL before - just wondering where to watch the fireworks from to then get over to our Fantasmic spot quickly.

 

[rentayenta]

I do have photos and will post some when we get home.


For the fireworks they make you stand to watch them unless you get a bench so even if you have a seat, you will have people standing in front of you. Even if you grab a seat on the curb, you have to stand a good half hour prior to the show- maybe even longer. If you don't mind sitting on the ground I would get a spot closest to the castle, facing it so when you are asked to stand, about 30-45 minutes before, at least you won't have anyone in front of you but be warned you will need to get there a good solid 2 hours, even more for the weekends. You could also grab a table at the Plaza Inn. Again, you may want to stand while the show is on but prior you could sit. It's not standing during the 12 minute firework show that's the issue, it was watching people packed in, without breathing room, having to stand prior that frogged me out.


I was extremely grateful that we watched the fireworks on Wed. and weren't needing a prime spot for last night as the crowd levels were insane. Having 2 shows of F! didn't help and the 10:30 show of F! seemed almost as crowded as the first. We saw people saving their spots as early as 6 pm for the first F! show.

We had a great spot in to the front left of the Plaza Inn, if you are standing facing it, that a CM led us to. I keep trying to type out exactly where it was but it even confuses me so I will post a photo when I can.

 

[rentayenta]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2271514&page=33



Just wanted to add the pics. Here is the link.

 

[DangerMouse]

Great pics Jenny. OMG, you look awesome. Whatcha been doin to look so good?

So I gotta know, what did you think of Nemo?

 

[Leofoenget]

It's just not cool to call someone's hometown "butt ugly." I agree that the area directly around Disneyland is not pretty, but I've seen butt ugly and Anaheim is not.

I agree. I think Anaheim is very well kept up and while it might not be "pretty" like San Francisco at sunset, it's not the ghetto either. Belive me I have been all over LA and if you want to see "butt ugly" I can find plenty of places that fit the bill.

 

[rentayenta]

Great pics Jenny. OMG, you look awesome. Whatcha been doin to look so good?

Thanks Callie! Yoga, walking, and smaller portions. No diet food and dessert or booze except on the weekends and even then, only a little.

So I gotta know, what did you think of Nemo?

I actually really liked it; more so than the Nemo at WDW. But ya know, they could have stuck just about anything in those Subs and I would have loved it. Sometimes I am loyal to a fault. I rode them 2x in 3 days.


Let me tell you what I did not enjoy: Space Mt Ghost Galaxy. Real evil and Disney just don't work for me.

 

[DangerMouse]

Let me tell you what I did not enjoy: Space Mt Ghost Galaxy. Real evil and Disney just don't work for me.

Well, I'm not surprised you liked Nemo. After all you IASW! I think they are nice, classic DL rides. I just like a little thrill with my classic Disney which is why Splash Mountain is my favorite!

You're the 3rd person who has said to me about SMGG. The word "demonic" was used. Makes me not so sad that I missed it!

So, you upgraded to AP's? I knew you couldn't stay away from your home park! Thanks for coming back and sharing here on the DL board!

 

[rentayenta]

Well, I'm not surprised you liked Nemo. After all you IASW! I think they are nice, classic DL rides. I just like a little thrill with my classic Disney which is why Splash Mountain is my favorite!

Splash is the best!!!!! I am such a dork, the thrill means very little.

You're the 3rd person who has said to me about SMGG. The word "demonic" was used. Makes me not so sad that I missed it!

You did not miss out, truly. I rode it once and was over it. It belongs at Universal.

So, you upgraded to AP's? I knew you couldn't stay away from your home park! Thanks for coming back and sharing here on the DL board!

We did!!! I have missed Disneyland so much and cannot wait to go back. The plan is next June and then October before the passes expire. I would love to sneak in a Spring trip but unless I win the Lotto, it's not gonna happen.

for welcoming me back!

When is your next trip? HoJo's? Is the new pool rad?

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I agree that anaheim isn't the prettiest, but nicer than it used to be! And compared to the wdw...well you can't lol anyway I wanted to say that I also didn't like smgg. Neither did dh and we are thrill junkies!

 

[rentayenta]

I agree that anaheim isn't the prettiest, but nicer than it used to be! And compared to the wdw...well you can't lol anyway I wanted to say that I also didn't like smgg. Neither did dh and we are thrill junkies!

Ya know, I have never noticed any of the drive on ME from MCO to WDW. And because we never leave WDW property, we never see any of Orlando.

I think the commercials for Ghost Galaxy are misleading in a way. I know the commercial highlights all of Disneyland/DCA during Halloween but the vibe they give has a villains focus not an evil focus.

 

[kymom99]

I'm so glad I found your thread. I had been thinking about a trip to DL next fall when my son is on fall break (our first time to CA!). Then I read about how crowded the parks were last week and I got discouraged.....but....I found out that next year the break will be a week earlier. That would be the week you were there. Sounds like we could be in luck and may have more managable crowds.

Just pray that my husband gets a job soon so we don't have to spend all our reserves!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm so glad I found your thread. I had been thinking about a trip to DL next fall when my son is on fall break (our first time to CA!). Then I read about how crowded the parks were last week and I got discouraged.....but....I found out that next year the break will be a week earlier. That would be the week you were there. Sounds like we could be in luck and may have more managable crowds.

Just pray that my husband gets a job soon so we don't have to spend all our reserves!

If you can swing going during the same time next year, I say do it!!!! The crowds were minimal until that Friday which was 10/9 this year. The weekdays were awesome!!!

Pixiedust coming your way on your DH landing a new job!!!

 

[DangerMouse]

When is your next trip? HoJo's? Is the new pool rad?

Ready for a shocker? I have no DLR trip planned.

Crazy, I know! But just this summer we made a huge move from Phoenix to the Pacific Northwest, so just hopping in the van and driving a few hours to our Happiest Place isn't possible anymore.

Before we moved, I promised dh a DLR hiatus to try to wait until DCA is complete before going back. I had kind of burned myself out over the last couple years, and it seems like the AP overcrowding issue needs to calm down a bit before I really want to return anyway. The crowds and heat my last couple visits have been really REALLY bad.

Right now, I'm seriously thinking (aka planning without dh really knowing) about a trip to WDW and Universal Studios/IoA in Nov. 2010. My oldest dd is a Harry Potter fanatic, so Universal is a must visit for us once the WWoHP is finished.

 

[rentayenta]

Ready for a shocker? I have no DLR trip planned.

Crazy, I know! But just this summer we made a huge move from Phoenix to the Pacific Northwest, so just hopping in the van and driving a few hours to our Happiest Place isn't possible anymore.

Before we moved, I promised dh a DLR hiatus to try to wait until DCA is complete before going back. I had kind of burned myself out over the last couple years, and it seems like the AP overcrowding issue needs to calm down a bit before I really want to return anyway. The crowds and heat my last couple visits have been really REALLY bad.

Right now, I'm seriously thinking (aka planning without dh really knowing) about a trip to WDW and Universal Studios/IoA in Nov. 2010. My oldest dd is a Harry Potter fanatic, so Universal is a must visit for us once the WWoHP is finished.

Makes total sense. I didn't know you moved. Are you loving the Northwest? Totally different from Phoenix. We were just in Chandler 2 weeks ago. It was 85* and the locals said it was a cool down. It was fabulous.

I understand on the burn-out. Even too much of a good thing can be too much. The DCA construction is a total bummer and just think, when you go back, DCA will have the WoC and Carsland.

When you start planning for WDW, let me know. I have spent many an hour researching WDW. The new Harry Potter World at Universal is supposed to be awesome!!!!! I think Universal takes a couple days to enjoy but I haven't been in years and never to the one on Florida.

Your plans sounds great. Wait until you see how many places there are to stay at WDW.

 

[firefox2]

Geez.....Anaheim is not butt ugly. Harbor Blvd in the DLR area is less than special thats for sure. But Anaheim is not ugly. A few blocks up are gorgeous historic homes. Closer to my area are beautiful neighborhoods and lovely parks. The area around the park is for tourist, and not so pretty. But compared to what it looked like years ago.....its a total improvement. Sorry, but Anaheim is not butt ugly. Just sayin.

I agree, I LOVE Anaheim, but......most people who would say they think it's ugly have never seen "downtown Anaheim" either

 

[rentayenta]

Glad everyone is enjoying the photos!!!

 

[DangerMouse]

Are you loving the Northwest? Totally different from Phoenix. We were just in Chandler 2 weeks ago. It was 85* and the locals said it was a cool down. It was fabulous.

Wait until you see how many places there are to stay at WDW.

We love it up here in the wet and cool! Glad to be away from the heat, smog and dirt.

I think I've already decided that we're going to stay off site at Windsor Hills in a townhouse and maybe splurge one night in one of the US hotels in order to get the front of the line pass.

 

[rentayenta]

We love it up here in the wet and cool! Glad to be away from the heat, smog and dirt.

I think I've already decided that we're going to stay off site at Windsor Hills in a townhouse and maybe splurge one night in one of the US hotels in order to get the front of the line pass.

I have heard GREAT things about Windsor Hills. The pics are awesome!!!! How fun!!!!

I am glad you like it up there. I did notice the smog in Phoenix. Utah gets pretty dumpy too.