been planning and saving for 3 years - only 2 weeks to go !!!!

[LizfromOz]

Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie to these boards - but I stumbled upon the fantastic community that is Disboards a few weeks ago and have been lurking ever since LOL
After working every spare hour we could and saving for over 3 years it is nearly time for our family -myself, DH, DD11 and DD4 (turning 5 at Disneyland!) to finally board that plane for our trip of a lifetime to the US. We are going to San Francisco, LA, Vegas and - saving the best till last - Anaheim.
We were lucky enough to be able to book a Kid's Suite at Hojo's and we can't wait.

I thought I was cool, calm and collected, but after reading all of the great trip reports and picking up on the general excitement of everyone on these boards, I do believe I have "turned the corner" and am now nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time

We will be leaving Australia on November 1st and arriving in Anaheim November 12th and staying at Hojo's for 10 nights, so I'm sure we will have plenty of time to pace ourselves and see everything Disneyland has to offer. My DH and I visited back in '96 and are sooo excited to be able to show the girls the happiest place on Earth.

Counting down the days..................

Liz

 

[deejdigsdis]

How exciting! The last time my husband and I were there was in 1996 as well. We are in for a lot of changes, huh! We are excited to take our 3 boys for their first time ever this fall.

 

[kylieh]

Welcome along.

Hope you have a great trip - and don't forget to read through the pages and pages and pages of info in the Aussie Trip Planners thread. There is a heap of info there.

 

[welley]

Welcome Liz...

You will have sooooooooo much fun. Especially the places you are visiting.

We did a similar trip 4 years ago (we also flew to Memphis), but around the other way (LA & Anaheim was our first stop). It will be fun.

Have a read of some of the posts and get some really good ideas. Enjoy yourself

 

[Disney Dreams]

Welcome out of lurking. So very excited for you and your family. If you have any questions, now that you have taken the first step to posting once hehe, you can post them on these boards and someone is likely to answer.

Here's to a wonderful upcoming trip! I wish US companies gave as much time off as Australian companies do. You are lucky to have so much time to travel!

- Dreams

 

[LizfromOz]

Thanks everyone for making me feel so welcome. I am sure that I will have some last minute questions - my mind is a whirl at the moment. I've just got to get through the next 2 weeks of work and school and I'll relax (ha!).

I am still in 2 minds whether to try and book reserved seating for Fantasmic - even though it is a bit expensive. Do you think it's worth the money, or should we just try our luck and hope we can get a good spot to see it? I seem to change my mind every couple of hours, and my poor DH just rolls his eyes whenever I mention it!! Any advice would be greatfullt appreciated.

Thanks Liz

 

[queenie82]

Welcome!
You will have an amazing time!! You're doing the traditional west coast trip
Hanging with the mouse is pretty awesome but I'm a sucker for San Fran and those seals as well

Heaps of Aussies have been coming and going over the past month and at least one of them did the Fantasmic seating I think? Certainly a few have booked it.
This is a bit of a discussion about it generally - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2305086
It isn't for me...but many seem to love it.
Either way you seem to wait for over an hour to get a good seat??

 

[chickyann]

Wooohooooo

Can't wait to see your trip report!!!!!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

wow, 3 years??? You deserve the trip of a life time - enjoy!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Welcome to the Dis Boards!

Sounds like you have a really fun trip planned. Please feel free to post whatever quesitons that may pop up in the next 2 weeks. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[FlameGirl]

The fact that you've been scrimping and saving to take this trip with your family for 3 years just warmed the cockles of my heart.

Enjoy every second of your trip. As someone who has done some international traveling, I'd say...go for it (with regard to paying for Fantasmic! seating). When you return home, you'll have the photos and the memories...and you won't miss the money.

Cheers!

 

[fairykin]

I just wanted to wish You safe travel and lots of happy memories made!

 

[jacs1234]

I am still in 2 minds whether to try and book reserved seating for Fantasmic - even though it is a bit expensive.

We're doing it. We stayed up till 1am last friday night so we could book. You better book quick though cause I think they run out of spot pretty quickly. YOu can book 30 days in advance.

It's not everyday we can pop over to Disneyland so we booked Fantasmic. At least there will be one day where we definitely have great spots.

We will be there for 10 days too starting on the 13th of November so we might bump into eachother at the kids pool.

 

[seetheworld]

Wow LizfromOz,

Your post touched me. I am so excited for you! This will be a trip of a lifetime for you all. Ironically, we always wanted to go to Australia and have been twice in the last 5 years. We LOVE it there and cannot wait to return. I wish you the best trip of a lifetime here in CA!

 

[FourOrchards]

How completely exciting!
Can't wait to hear all about your trip. I know you'll have so much fun!
I've always wanted to come visit Australia...we should have switched places!

 

[LizfromOz]

We're doing it. We stayed up till 1am last friday night so we could book. You better book quick though cause I think they run out of spot pretty quickly. YOu can book 30 days in advance.

It's not everyday we can pop over to Disneyland so we booked Fantasmic. At least there will be one day where we definitely have great spots.

We will be there for 10 days too starting on the 13th of November so we might bump into eachother at the kids pool.

Ok jacs, you have persuaded me to book Fantasmic seating (or try to), will call first thing in morning. Are you staying at Hojo's as well? If so, would love to meet up at pool with kids.

Thanks everyone for all of your great advice and kind wishes - 13 more sleeps til we fly out !!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Hi Liz!

I am SOOOOO EXCITED for you!! How wonderful you are able take this amazing trip!!

I believe you will be at DL at the perfect time of year to truly enjoy all it has to offer. Please check in when you return and let us know all about it, ok??

Wishing you SAFE travels to the U.S.!!!

 

[becpee]

We're also flying out November 1st, who you flying with??
We're going via Sydney from Melbourne on V-Australia.
We're also doing a similar trip except for San Fran, we'll just have to save that for next time
Have a great trip, you must be rapt that it's all come to fruition.
Might see you at Disneyland We'll be there from the 12-19 staying at PPH, i'll listen out for the Aussie accent, I think there is going to be a few of us there then.

 

[LizfromOz]

We're also flying out November 1st, who you flying with??
We're going via Sydney from Melbourne on V-Australia.
We're also doing a similar trip except for San Fran, we'll just have to save that for next time
Have a great trip, you must be rapt that it's all come to fruition.
Might see you at Disneyland We'll be there from the 12-19 staying at PPH, i'll listen out for the Aussie accent, I think there is going to be a few of us there then.

Hi bec, we are flying Air New Zealand via Auckland. Yep, I'm ecstatic that we're finally going. I'm pretty sure there will be heaps of Aussies at Disneyland. Gotta love the cheap airfares and rising Aussie dollar!

Have a great trip.

Liz