Back from an amazing weekend tri

[rwhistler92]

DH and I just got back from our trip to Disneyland.
We had a faboulus time.
A few highlights.
We did both egg hunts (but I didn't get my Mr Toad egg )
Went on the California Story and Walk in Walt's Footsteps tours. (I enjoyed the California tour much more than the Footsteps tour)
Ate fabulous food at Carthay, Blue Bayou, Big Thunder BBQ, Steakhouse 55, Carnation Cafe.......
Met Tom and Mary Jo (sorry for interrupting your dinner)
Got to ride Splash multiple times with out getting wet. (It looks great, but what happened to the baby moles?)
Fantasmic with the BB seeting was wonderful. Great view.
It got pretty crazy, but we used FP and went to the shows at we never had to stand in a long line.
The best part was spending time with my favorite person at the Happiest Place on Earth.

I guess we will take the kids next time we go.

 

[corinne76]

Sounds like a fun trip! And how wonderful that you got to go alone.

Did they change something on Splash so that you don't get wet anymore?

 

[rwhistler92]

No, we just got very, very lucky!

 

[corinne76]

Oh, got it
We sat in the back last time and DD (she was 5 at the time) got drenched.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Went on the California Story and Walk in Walt's Footsteps tours. (I enjoyed the California tour much more than the Footsteps tour)...

Could you give some details about what made the California tour better?
Did the Footsteps tour include Walt's Apartment or the Dream Suite?

 

[rwhistler92]

It included the Dream Suite. While extremely nice, it was never used by any of the Disney family. I felt like it was like something I could see in our Parade of Homes. A lot of people out here do elaborate, over the top Disney homes.

The California tour was very intimate. There were only 7 of us. As we walked they played wonderful music from the Carthay Circle sessions album. It really helped set the mood. I loved the pictures and stories shared in Club 1901. I learned a lot about Walt's early life. We rode Toy Story Mania, drew Steamboat Mickey and got a fast pass for RSR because it was down when we went. The guide was great. Very friendly and knowledgeable.

There were far more people on the Footsteps tour. There was no theme music playing and it was a race, at times, to keep up with the guild due to the crowds and the large tour group. I didn't learn much about Walt that I didn't already know. We rode Haunted Mansion, and 1/4 of the railroad and went to Great Moments with Lincoln. We went to the Dream Suite after lunch. I want the master bath. It was amazing! It is all new, completely remodeled after they closed the Disney Gallery. None of the Disney Family stayed there because of Walt's death. Many people were upset because they were told when they booked that Club 33 and Walt's original apartment would be on the tour. Several guides and CM told us that those 2 things would not be offered again.

I feel like the Walt's footsteps tour sounded awesome, 2 years again. They haven't replaced the things taken out of the tour with things of equal interest (in my opinion). I am sure they will add Peter Pan back when it opens, but Haunted Mansion as a replacement, really??? It was a walk on with no wait at all. I guess others got to ride Alice which is a much better choice.

I also think it comes down to the guild. The California guide add tons of information and answered questions. We got to explore and discover. The Footsteps tour was hard to keep up with. Our guide has been working there for along time and knew a lot, but it was more of a strict tour instead of a conversation.

I also think the Footsteps tour gets built up a lot. I guess I had high expectations and felt a little let down. It was great and I am glad I went, but feel something needs to be added to make it extra special. Maybe a quick meet and greet with Mickey before the tour starts, or something like that. It sounds like a lot of conflicting information is going on about Walt's original apartment. All the CM we talked to said it probably will never be on the tour. They are not currently working on it to make it more accessible. They refer to the Drean Suite as Walt's apartment, which doesn't help with the confusion.

They must have greatly improved the California Tour.

Anyway, that is just my opinion. My DH agreed with me. We will be doing the Holiday tour this year, so we will see how it goes.

 

[YukonMommy]

It sounds like you had an amazing time!! It is my dream to ditch my 4 kids and just do Disney with the hubby...one can wish right!?

 

[rwhistler92]

We did ditch our 4 kids. Over Easter!
They were ok with it because they know we have a family trip coming up.
They all had a marvelous time with grandma, which made me feel much better.

It sounds like you had an amazing time!! It is my dream to ditch my 4 kids and just do Disney with the hubby...one can wish right!?

 

[Nonsuch]

Thanks for all the details, we will consider the California Story tour for the next trip.

...Many people were upset because they were told when they booked that Club 33 and Walt's original apartment would be on the tour. Several guides and CM told us that those 2 things would not be offered again...

The Club 33 lobby has been off the Footsteps tour for over a year, so Disney needs to give out more accurate information.

...We will be doing the Holiday tour this year, so we will see how it goes.

The Holiday Tour is excellent, we have done it the last two years. Very worthwhile.