California Dreamin'-A 14 Day Odyssey to San Fran,Yosemite & DL! 8/2013 COMPLETE!1/9!!

[podsnel]

Once inside the park, it felt familiar, but different. I kind of felt like I was having an out-of-body experience, to be honest! Look! See?



I slowly made my way up Main St, taking it all in. It is surreal the first time you experience it. No pics, I was too busy enjoying the moment of visiting a Disney park for the FIRST time again.

Don't get too many chances to do that!

I went up to the castle, and it was time for another FB post-



Something like DREA!! THE CASTLE IS HUGE!!!!!

Get ready, MEK- because as soon as your friends from your non-DIS life find out you are going to DL for the first time, they will CONSTANTLY feel the need to make you aware-

Ya know, the castle is MUCH smaller there.



I heard that so many times in the year before I went. SO many times. It got to the point I was making stuff up-

"No it's not- it's actually bigger per cubic inch it's all done with mirrors and stuff but technically speaking, it's much larger. Cool, huh?"

I don't think anyone believed me, but I figured it was better than smacking everyone.

I found Jenny etal finishing up their dinner at the Plaza. They were all having a FABULOUS time, and were ready to ride- what did we end up with? I am very excited to say, my first ride in DL was Space Mountain. During the fireworks. Which of course you can watch when you are on line, because in DL, you mostly wait outside.









There was constant chatter- it was wonderful- have you met Jenny? She is the Disney energizer bunny- zip-zip-zip- just awesome! And her kids? OMG- the best! It was the most entertaining wait in a queue I have ever had!





I got to ride with Chloe-



And Jenny, Gabby and Josh rode in another car-



LOLOLOL!!!! So funny!! Oh- and the ride? Ten MILLION times better than SM in WDW- it is smoother, you get to ride with someone next to you, and the music is perfect. AWESOME!!!



Next- we went to



It was kind of nice- like I had tour guides in DL. Me likey!







It was so sweet, and an original, and I was very glad we went on, because my men of the He-Man Woman-Haters club (not really, but you know what I mean) would never have given that one a spin. Speaking of a spin-



That we did not ride, but it is pretty outside under the lanterns, isn't it? I'm not worried- I will live on this ride I am sure when I bring Sean.

Next was Pinocchio? Snow White? Both? Not sure now- but I did take a pic while we waited-



Such a fun family, I am so happy we got to spend time together, I only wish my kids could have been there too! It was time to call it a night- Jenny etal was headed back to the beach, and I was going back to VGC. Thanks for being my tour guides, all of you- Alison and Fran too!- made my very first day at DL completely magical.



Walking to the villas-



And then back to that completely ROCKIN view-





The boys reported they had an excellent night, it was a ton of fun- yay us!

Up next- oh, so MANY great things in DL!

 

[podsnel]

Holy shopping!

Yea I know!!


I can't believe it's been almost a year since we met.

Yup! Hope we can hang out again sometime...

I agree with the Holy Shopping - What fun!!

Yay for meeting up with DISfriends!!

It was a lot of fun!

LOVE all the 1901 stuff! How cool.

I had much less regret about missing the museum in SF after 1901- there was a ton of memorabilia in that little space-

 

[franandaj]

Yup! That's my Gal! Shopping up a storm! I hate to say it but we have had at least two more experiences like that, once by ourselves. I literally had to drop her off at the DL pickup on Harbor with all our loot, get the car from the Parking garage and come get her and the loot, because it wouldn't fit on the tram.

Another night we were with Bret (who isn't following over here, but has an epic never ending TR on the DL boards, and again we were escorted by a CM to our loading area.) Yes we have even brought our own dolly and strapped it on the back of the scooters knowing we are going to take that much back out of the park. I'm not sure if I should hang my head in shame or stand proud for her abilities, but in about two updates on my current TR she does it again at Darth's Mall. I helped a little bit, but again mostly her....

One great thing is that now that we are in the new house all this stuff can come out of their boxes and finally be on display!

I'm so glad you got to spend the rest of the evening with Jenny and her clan, they are a lot of fun. We really haven't seen them in all their glory, they have been a bit subdued in the few times we have met up with them, but I can tell they are tons of fun!

I'm glad that your night with all the DIS ladies started off your DL portion of the trip with a bang! We had a great time with you and an even better time with you and Drea! Looking forward to how you spent the time with your Man Clan!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Finally made it back to catch up! I must say I wasn't impressed with the tree pictures until the first one with the tiny human by the tree! Wow that thing was ginormous! Just looking at the photos of trees with nothing for perspective doesn't give one a true idea of everything.

The In & Our burger blew my mind wonderful looking, I could go for one now!

The scenery on the drive from Yosemite is much like the scenery on the way to the Grand Canyon, nothing, then wow!

Ah the mothership! I've been dreaming of going there since I was 7 years old & Walt was giving us a tour on the Mickey Mouse Club show. I knew we could never afford something like that, but a small child could dream! WDW fulfills the dreams, but Disneyland could bring me to my knees. The villa was so nice & every time it would look at the view I probably would burst into tears. I get emotional over stuff like that!

Hopefully I will be able to chime in in a much shorter time frame.

 

[DWGal210]

What a fun night at DL! Looks like you all had a great time and got to hang out with some fun people.

That view from your room is incredible. Just amazing.

 

[jenseib]

Space mountain is about 5000 zillion times better at DL. So smooth there!
Wow your friend really knows how to shop. What did she buy and for who? I think I need to become her new best friend.

 

[podsnel]

On the morning of our first full day in Disneyland, Pods and I were up before the boys and tip toed out of the room and over to White Water Snacks for some take out breakfast. I wanted to get a refillable mug, but couldn't find them, so I asked a CM. "Oh, we don't have those". Huh? I could buy a generic plastic mug as a souvenir (of what, I am not sure, because it was not like it said Disneyland, or GCH on it- it was just characters). But the mug did not have any refill bennies. Hmm. Ok- not a big deal, but seemed strange considering EVERY other Disney property (I am talking HHI, Aulani & Vero Beach) has them.

Anyway....we purchased a Fruit Plate 7.99



Which was really nice and worthy of the state of California for sure; and then 2 California Breakfast Burritos-
Scrambled Eggs, diced Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon and Red Bliss Potatoes 6.99





They were very large and an excellent value, especially because we split them between 4 of us. We got into the parks at a decent hour that morning, for us, I mean- I think it was 9am? SOOOO easy, once again, to enter via the private and exclusive GCH entrance into CA. Our first choice- ToT-









I have almost this same antique tea cart-



Although mine is a little fancier and hopefully a WHOLE lot less dusty! Timmy was all smiles this morning-



Even though this is not his favorite ride-



Tyler is soooooo cooooool



So fun!!



But here is one of the very few rides we were on that was maybe not as good as the one in WDW- it only goes up and down, it does not travel out. Know what I mean? Still a riot though! Back outside-



LOVE that Disneyland and CA still have all these vehicles going around. It really adds something to the feel of the parks. So, I don't know why or how it happened, but my photo card scrambled up my photos- so, sorry if some of these are out of order, but they ARE from this day-





We weren't quite sure where to head next. So for the first time in like 100 years, Tyler pulled out a map-



When he was little, he used to pull out the map ALL the time, and walk following along in WDW. It was so cute to see it again! (Although he didn't think so when we pointed it out to him)-



Next we hit Soarin- this was going on across the street-



It is a completely different queue, but OMG ALWAYS a short line! Excellent!!





Look! There's Timmy on his bike!



Half Dome!! We are back!



Outside other people were taking photos with Flight Attendant Minnie- not us of course. We are way to cool for THAT. Insert HUGE roll of eyes here.



Next up was



And really?? 10 MINUTES??? Yes, really. 10 minutes was all it took to get on the ride. Keep in mind, this was a Thursday. The stan by times would completely change over the weekend. But today...WOOHOO!!!!




Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

We liked it SO much, we all got right back on again!





Next up was



This is very similar to WDW in that there is ALWAYS a line- but it was a bit shorter at 30-40 mins I think. And we got to wait outside, like you do for many of the rides in DL





I was giving a lot of thumbs up on this trip- I guess I liked it there. LOL.

Afterwards-







At this point, we were staring to get hungry, and wanted to have lunch over in DL. On the way over-



Of course, everyone was WOWed by the amount of time it took to get from one park to the other.





Whoops! Out of pics and need to get some work done- see ya real soon!

 

[KristiMc]

Loving these updates .

That is great that Tyler pulled out the map. It's nice to see the little kid we remember in them once in a while.

Alaska is getting so close for you . I just booked us for the Pan Pacific for 6-7-15. A little far out and not even sure of our travel plans yet but at least I have it if we want it (I can cancel up to 2 days out). I learned over the weekend that the Women's World Cup will be in Canada starting on 6-6-15 (and Vancouver is one of the cities), so I am going to try to book airfare as soon as I see something decent. Don't want to be fighting for flights with all the soccer fans.

 

[podsnel]

Yup! That's my Gal! Shopping up a storm! I hate to say it but we have had at least two more experiences like that, once by ourselves. I literally had to drop her off at the DL pickup on Harbor with all our loot, get the car from the Parking garage and come get her and the loot, because it wouldn't fit on the tram.

Another night we were with Bret (who isn't following over here, but has an epic never ending TR on the DL boards, and again we were escorted by a CM to our loading area.) Yes we have even brought our own dolly and strapped it on the back of the scooters knowing we are going to take that much back out of the park. I'm not sure if I should hang my head in shame or stand proud for her abilities, but in about two updates on my current TR she does it again at Darth's Mall. I helped a little bit, but again mostly her....

Here is where normally I would say I can only imagine- but, I don't need to imagine it, because I have seen it in person! Never have I seen so many CMs hoppin around all at once, lol!! I think they should always give you a personal escort to your car- I am sure you MUST qualify for this perk after emptying their shelves. By the way, do they shut down for an hour to re-stock after you leave, or just close for the day because they have met their yearly quota?

One great thing is that now that we are in the new house all this stuff can come out of their boxes and finally be on display!

It must have been so much fun to put everything out!

I'm so glad you got to spend the rest of the evening with Jenny and her clan, they are a lot of fun. We really haven't seen them in all their glory, they have been a bit subdued in the few times we have met up with them, but I can tell they are tons of fun!

I'm glad that your night with all the DIS ladies started off your DL portion of the trip with a bang! We had a great time with you and an even better time with you and Drea! Looking forward to how you spent the time with your Man Clan!

It was a great way to spenf the first night- and I was due for a mostly testosterone free evening at that point-

Finally made it back to catch up! I must say I wasn't impressed with the tree pictures until the first one with the tiny human by the tree! Wow that thing was ginormous! Just looking at the photos of trees with nothing for perspective doesn't give one a true idea of everything.

Yes, I know what you mean- it was the biggest downside of riding the tram- not being able to stop and stick a person next to everything to provide some perspective on how incredible and awe-inspit=ring it was.

The In & Our burger blew my mind wonderful looking, I could go for one now!

Most people could!

The scenery on the drive from Yosemite is much like the scenery on the way to the Grand Canyon, nothing, then wow!

Interesting, huh? How that happens- flat nothing until you get to WOWOWOWOW!!!

Ah the mothership! I've been dreaming of going there since I was 7 years old & Walt was giving us a tour on the Mickey Mouse Club show. I knew we could never afford something like that, but a small child could dream! WDW fulfills the dreams, but Disneyland could bring me to my knees. The villa was so nice & every time it would look at the view I probably would burst into tears. I get emotional over stuff like that!

Emotional? Sorry- not sure what you mean.

Hopefully I will be able to chime in in a much shorter time frame.

No worries!

What a fun night at DL! Looks like you all had a great time and got to hang out with some fun people.

That view from your room is incredible. Just amazing.

Yes to everything you said!

Space mountain is about 5000 zillion times better at DL. So smooth there!

Excellent. I looked it up- and that IS the official amount of times SM in DL is better! You nailed it Jen!

Wow your friend really knows how to shop. What did she buy and for who? I think I need to become her new best friend.

Alison and Fran were in the process of buying a new house- so looking to fill it with all kinds of art/memorabilia.

 

[podsnel]

Loving these updates .

That is great that Tyler pulled out the map. It's nice to see the little kid we remember in them once in a while.

Yes, especially because lately he has been very teenager- I-Know-Everything-Mom's-an-idiot-ish.

Alaska is getting so close for you . I just booked us for the Pan Pacific for 6-7-15. A little far out and not even sure of our travel plans yet but at least I have it if we want it (I can cancel up to 2 days out). I learned over the weekend that the Women's World Cup will be in Canada starting on 6-6-15 (and Vancouver is one of the cities), so I am going to try to book airfare as soon as I see something decent. Don't want to be fighting for flights with all the soccer fans.

Did you pay the scary rack rate? We are staying there too- but booked on Hotwire. Paid $200 for the night, I think (but it's a city view- however, I will be looking at mountains and water for a week, so I am ok with saving $350+ and looking at the city instead). Many, many pax on our meet thread did it after I did the hotwire thing there- it is a little scary, but basically it is the hotel in Coal Harbor with a 5 star rating and 85% approval rating.

 

[KristiMc]

Did you pay the scary rack rate? We are staying there too- but booked on Hotwire. Paid $200 for the night, I think (but it's a city view- however, I will be looking at mountains and water for a week, so I am ok with saving $350+ and looking at the city instead). Many, many pax on our meet thread did it after I did the hotwire thing there- it is a little scary, but basically it is the hotel in Coal Harbor with a 5 star rating and 85% approval rating.

No - I'm reserved with the AAA rate. It is $202 before tax - ends up being $234 or so. Once we have our flights, I might cancel and try it through Hotwire.

 

[rentayenta]

It was so wonderful to be able to spend the evening with you. We had a really great time. I love sharing our park with others. Next time, we'll get the families together.

Aren't the Storybook Boats darling? They're so Walt Disney. I'm glad you got to experience them. I'm sure they get looked over often.


Love WWS at the GCH. Can you believe how cheap it is?





Alison, us subdued? I think we're always mellow because we haven't rode anything together. Great meets but very mellow venues. You'll see my kids in full form when we ride stuff and are active. They're kids, they're not going to be animated watching us old people chat.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Lots of great updates. I can't blame you for wanting to get into a park immediately. Spend time in a Disney park AND get a DIS meet in the process? Why would you do anything else? So glad you had a good time with Jenny and co.

Now I'm really looking forward to trying out DL's Space Mountain.

So how does California Screamin' compare to the RnR coaster?

 

[shan23877]

Coming out of lurkdom to say how much I'm enjoying your TR(s). I've gone back to read several of them at Roni's recommendation. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[franandaj]

You guys got on a lot of rides in a short period of time. That's what I love about going midweek. By the weekend, it gets pretty crazy! Love the DCA Soarin' queue compared to WDW's, so much more interesting! You're right ToT is definitely one ride where the WDW version is better, but there aren't a lot of rides that bear that distinction.

Here is where normally I would say I can only imagine- but, I don't need to imagine it, because I have seen it in person! Never have I seen so many CMs hoppin around all at once, lol!! I think they should always give you a personal escort to your car- I am sure you MUST qualify for this perk after emptying their shelves. By the way, do they shut down for an hour to re-stock after you leave, or just close for the day because they have met their yearly quota?

It must have been so much fun to put everything out!

"have" We're still moving/building the cabinets to put it all in!

It was a great way to spenf the first night- and I was due for a mostly testosterone free evening at that point-

Alison and Fran were in the process of buying a new house- so looking to fill it with all kinds of art/memorabilia.

As if we didn't already have enough.

Alison, us subdued? I think we're always mellow because we haven't rode anything together. Great meets but very mellow venues. You'll see my kids in full form when we ride stuff and are active. They're kids, they're not going to be animated watching us old people chat.

Right, I guess I've really only seen them in a restaurant environment and not in their "natural habitat".

So how does California Screamin' compare to the RnR coaster?

I'm not Ellen, but they are two totally different coasters. Since Screamin' is outside you don't get the surprise of where you are going feel, it also covers a lot more land space than RnRC. There are lots of long sloping drops and there is only one upside down loop. It's right in the middle as opposed to the beginning. It's modeled after the seaside wooden roller coasters that used to be in parks up and down the California Coast. That said, it's my favorite coaster at the CA parks, SM is a close second and BTMRR is also close and up there, especially with the cool refurb.

 

[pillow]

No - I'm reserved with the AAA rate. It is $202 before tax - ends up being $234 or so. Once we have our flights, I might cancel and try it through Hotwire.

Hi there. We're on the 7/6/15 cruise, so I'll be doing exactly what you're doing soon. I haven't decided about the Pan Pacific (although thats a great price you found - maybe cause its before July 1 and rates are lower). I might want to be closer to Stanley Park. The more I read about it, the more I think I could just pitch a tent and live there! I'm looking at the Lord Stanley hotel, but it gets mixed reviews. Sorry Ellen . . . hijacking your thread.

Disneyland sure has changed a lot since we were there in 2006. We obviously need to go back!

Love Timmy's smile!

Jodie

 

[Linda67]

Argh, your pictures are making me want to go back to DL so bad!
Very cool that your midweek lines were so short and it looks like you had great weather

 

[podsnel]

No - I'm reserved with the AAA rate. It is $202 before tax - ends up being $234 or so. Once we have our flights, I might cancel and try it through Hotwire.

OMG- don't risk losing that rate! I guess you are booking so early thay have them-or maybe because you are in June and I am in August. I booked after our cruise in January, the AAA rate was over $500 for the night!

It was so wonderful to be able to spend the evening with you. We had a really great time. I love sharing our park with others. Next time, we'll get the families together.

So happy you said the next time!

Aren't the Storybook Boats darling? They're so Walt Disney. I'm glad you got to experience them. I'm sure they get looked over often.

Yes- so cute, and your kids TRULY enjoyed them.
So sweet!

Love WWS at the GCH. Can you believe how cheap it is?

No- I can't! That burrito was a DEAL girl!

Alison, us subdued? I think we're always mellow because we haven't rode anything together. Great meets but very mellow venues. You'll see my kids in full form when we ride stuff and are active. They're kids, they're not going to be animated watching us old people chat.

LOL- my kids would have been the same- all zoned out and mellow...

Lots of great updates. I can't blame you for wanting to get into a park immediately. Spend time in a Disney park AND get a DIS meet in the process? Why would you do anything else? So glad you had a good time with Jenny and co.

Definitely! A great night!

Now I'm really looking forward to trying out DL's Space Mountain.

My friend, you will LOVE it!

So how does California Screamin' compare to the RnR coaster?

Like Alison says a few posts down, they are different-to me, mostly because one is in the dark and the other is outside, so it changes your perception of the whole ride- but CS is REALLY amazing, I think you might like it just a little...

Coming out of lurkdom to say how much I'm enjoying your TR(s). I've gone back to read several of them at Roni's recommendation. Can't wait to hear more!

Awww...thanks!! I need to go read yours!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

DLR is not so much into the dining like WDW - no mugs, no DDP -I think there is a version of dining, but not a popular option. ADRs at like 2 weeks or something. Very different, but again it feels more laid back to us.

More fun DISmeets!

I'm glad to see Timmy is feeling happier now. Glad you loved Screamin' it's one of my favs. I'm so enjoying your TR - just feels like home.