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

[Flossbolna]

I am not sure I have posted on your TR yet, but I have been lurking around now and then! Since San Francisico and Yosemite were part of my first ever visit to the US in the 80s, I really loved reading about this. And now Disneyland is great to compare with my recent visit there!

I am not sure if someone already mentioned it, but I once heard that the GCH once had refillable mugs, but they quickly discontinued it as it was overused by the locals who would bring their mug every weekend for free drinks... Of course with the new system they have now at WDW that would no longer be a problem. But I wonder how many guests stay long enough at the hotels that they feel that this would be a good deal, I can imagine a lot of people only stay one to three nights.

 

[dvc4life]

What a bunch of fantastic updates! You really should write for Disney promoting how much fun the parks are and what all there is to do. You just make me feel like I am there with you.


Great job!

 

[podsnel]

We were walkin right down the middle of Main St USA....



Headed for lunch at





And while it reminds you of the Plaza restaurant in WDW, it is an entirely different affair. Here, it is kind of counter service, but nicer, and their specialty is fried chicken.







As you can see, it was packed, lol!



We sat down at a nice table by the window.



Pods and I were sharing-



And the boys each had their own. Pods also grabbed a salad-



No complaints! YUMMMMM.... who doesn't love fried chicken?



Very pretty-





Kind of like the Plaza and the Crystal Palace had a baby!

Tyler wanted some dessert-







We still had more to ride! But not this today- it was still closed for Refurb-



We were going on-







I had built it up pretty big from the night before, I hope they were going to love it as much as me!



They did! Although, pretty hard to tell from this pic! Calm down already, Pods!



Next up-



Where the guns come off the machine- WOW, does that make a difference when you aim! I won, and Pods was the -



LOSERRRRRRRR!!!!!!



Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

After DL, we had to go back to the hotel- our friend Stephen, and his son were coming to visit- our plan was to hang for a while at the pool (they were staying at a good-neighbor hotel). Out of DL, you walk back through-



Which is an incredibly convenient and wonderful thing! After our visit with our old friend tonight, Pods and I were going to-




So we had some time constraints. Back to the villa, this was outside the elevator on our floor-



Up next- a little swimming with our old friend from the beach.....

 

[podsnel]

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.

Oh- BIG difference between DL on this day and DL on Saturday!! And you are correct- not a lot of rides where the WDW version tops the DL one- it's so true!



Hey- her skills are impressive!!

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

Well, it will be amazing when you do!




As if we didn't already have enough.

LOL

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

That makes a huge difference with kids- at least, the well behaved ones!

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.

Which was going on while we were there- so another reason to come back!

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.

No problem- we chose the Pan Pacific because it has luggage check-in for the cruise- and no need for a taxi that morning. We can leave our carry-ons with Bell Services in the morning, check our luggage through to the cruise, go ouyt and DO something, then come back and grab our carry ons and stroll over to the port. It's a mile away from Stanley Park- not really all that much...

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

Me too!!

Love Timmy's smile!

Jodie

Me too again!

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

The weather was gorgeous- so were the lines that day!! I know how you feel about wanting to go back to DL looking at the pics- I feel the same way as I am writing all of this....

 

[pillow]

What a bunch of fantastic updates! You really should write for Disney promoting how much fun the parks are and what all there is to do. You just make me feel like I am there with you.


Great job!

You really could write travel books. With your sense of humor, they would be a hoot to read! I think you should start on that in your spare time.

Jodie

 

[DWGal210]

What a great Disneyland morning! How nice to be right there and walk into the parks. Just incredible!

The lunch looked yummy! I am not a huge fried chicken fan but I have to admit that looks very good!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Great morning! Plaza and CP had a baby good one. It is pretty cool how both parks and DTD are right outside your room! AND the secret entrance to CA rocks! I love how most things in DLR are kind of the same as WDW, but just enough different to give its own charm!

 

[jenseib]

I am loving all the updates.
I just finished writing my DL report (literally like 5 minutes ago, but I haven't posted it yet) and it is bringing back more memories and how exciting the first day is.
I love how calm your boys look on the rides. As you have seen, I look like an idiot in all my ride photos.

 

[rentayenta]

Love this update! Plaza Inn fried chicken is my favorite meal in all of the Disney parks.

And yes, next time, because there will be a next time. I just know our families would have a blast together.

I am getting my Disneyland fix through your report.

 

[Beth D]

Holy updates batgirl! Miss a few weeks, miss a ton!

Love the trees! I'm glad Timmy sucked it up! You gotta do what you gotta do to keep everyone moving!

Glad to see the boys wearing another team besides those awful Yankees! (Ducks) Love visiting other parks!

WOW! Fran, i'd love to go shopping with you one day to help you spend! I love spending other peoples money!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update Ellen !!! The fried chicken looked goooood !!Funny seeing The Plaza as a counter service , but a little fancier with real plates !! Not unless they were very posh paper oneI agree about writing a book , but ITSK would need to be the Co Author

 

[franandaj]

I'm so glad you got to eat the Fried Chicken at the Plaza Inn. That was Walt's favorite restaurant and fried chicken was one of his favorite foods. That's why it's on the menu. It's one of my favorites too. We get the chicken and the Cobb Salad.

WOW! Fran, i'd love to go shopping with you one day to help you spend! I love spending other peoples money!

She loves spending other people's money too. if you want to place any orders, she'll be happy to pick up something at the park and ship it to you, she's your gal.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You guys certainly looked like you were having a blast! I'm eager to try out Space Mountain there now. And I might have to finagle some fried chicken too.

 

[scottny]

Those trees are gorgeous. I have to get out there and see them.
In n Out Burgers is all I miss from living in L.A.
OOH! Walmart. Love stopping there. LOL.
Yeah you’re at DLR.
Nice pool.
That is a nice room you got and what a view.
What a nice dinner with nice ladies.
I love all the art.
She did buy a lot. I think the CM didn’t want her pic taken. LOl.
Sounds like a great first night there.
Beautiful pics of CA.
I was thinking the Plaza and Crystal Palace looked similar. Very nice place and the chicken looked good.
If you like SM there you should try it in Paris. Ooh boy!
All caught up again.

 

[podsnel]

What a bunch of fantastic updates! You really should write for Disney promoting how much fun the parks are and what all there is to do. You just make me feel like I am there with you.


Great job!

I wish you were there with me! And thanks for the compliment- wish that was a job!

You really could write travel books. With your sense of humor, they would be a hoot to read! I think you should start on that in your spare time.

Jodie

You too? Really? Ok- I accept- where's that job offer?

What a great Disneyland morning! How nice to be right there and walk into the parks. Just incredible!

Yes- and when you and I go to AEP there one day, Roomie, you will see how really awesome it is!

The lunch looked yummy! I am not a huge fried chicken fan but I have to admit that looks very good!

Really? I thought everyone loved fried chicken- just can't eat it too often....

Great morning! Plaza and CP had a baby good one. It is pretty cool how both parks and DTD are right outside your room! AND the secret entrance to CA rocks! I love how most things in DLR are kind of the same as WDW, but just enough different to give its own charm!

And it IS truly SO charming- can't stress that enough. But YOU know THAT!!!

 

[podsnel]

I am loving all the updates.
I just finished writing my DL report (literally like 5 minutes ago, but I haven't posted it yet) and it is bringing back more memories and how exciting the first day is.
I love how calm your boys look on the rides. As you have seen, I look like an idiot in all my ride photos.

LMAO!!! You do NOT look like an idiot! You just look like you are having a blast and really enjoying everything to the max!

The first day IS really exciting- I could re-live THAT first day over and over, it was really wonderful-

So what's your next TR?

Love this update! Plaza Inn fried chicken is my favorite meal in all of the Disney parks.

I believe that is what you said about it when I met you there- I remember you had a plate of some very well picked over bones in front of you!

And yes, next time, because there will be a next time. I just know our families would have a blast together.

OH YEA!!! Yes we would!

I am getting my Disneyland fix through your report.

How much onger until you go?

Holy updates batgirl! Miss a few weeks, miss a ton!

Or...miss a few weeks, miss nothing...I have had more time on my hands for this lately.

Love the trees! I'm glad Timmy sucked it up! You gotta do what you gotta do to keep everyone moving!

Timmy had no choice. I am hoping that the Timmy of the Mariposa Grove is NOT on our next upcoming tree adventure- at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver. http://www.capbridge.com/

Glad to see the boys wearing another team besides those awful Yankees! (Ducks) Love visiting other parks!

AWFUL??? Yea, well-

WOW! Fran, i'd love to go shopping with you one day to help you spend! I love spending other peoples money!

LOL!!!!

Great Update Ellen !!! The fried chicken looked goooood !!Funny seeing The Plaza as a counter service , but a little fancier with real plates !! Not unless they were very posh paper oneI agree about writing a book , but ITSK would need to be the Co Author

All the Disneyland Counter Service had real plates- it was soooo nice.

Would love for ITSK to be the co-author- but she hasn't been on the DIS in like 2 years, so that might be a little tough!

I'm so glad you got to eat the Fried Chicken at the Plaza Inn. That was Walt's favorite restaurant and fried chicken was one of his favorite foods. That's why it's on the menu. It's one of my favorites too. We get the chicken and the Cobb Salad.

I LOVE this little fact about Walt! Thank you for sharing it!

She loves spending other people's money too. if you want to place any orders, she'll be happy to pick up something at the park and ship it to you, she's your gal.

Cool! I know you did say this when we were power shopping- but I think I may actually have a request for her- a DL Alex and Ani bracelet? I would love to have one of your POSITIVELY BREATHTAKING castle- they were all out when I was there, i was so disappointed! If she ever sees one while on her travels in silver, I would be THRILLED! Thanks!

 

[podsnel]

You guys certainly looked like you were having a blast! I'm eager to try out Space Mountain there now. And I might have to finagle some fried chicken too.

You definitely need to- all of that- how much longer til your big summer adventure? You know- the one where you meet me at a rest stop on 95?

Those trees are gorgeous. I have to get out there and see them.
You never have? They are quite impressive- need to go onto everyone's bucket list.
In n Out Burgers is all I miss from living in L.A.
When you were scottla? I am not a big LA fan either- sorry. Anaheim was great- just the LA vibe is not for me-
OOH! Walmart. Love stopping there. LOL.
Yeah you’re at DLR.
Nice pool.
That is a nice room you got and what a view.
Thanks! Most definitely felt blessed and spent lots of time out there on the balcony enjoying it.
What a nice dinner with nice ladies.
Definitely! But just wait until brunch/lunch!!
I love all the art.
She did buy a lot. I think the CM didn’t want her pic taken. LOl.
LOL- yu mean because her arm went up- funny.
Sounds like a great first night there.
Beautiful pics of CA.
I was thinking the Plaza and Crystal Palace looked similar. Very nice place and the chicken looked good.
It was delicious-
If you like SM there you should try it in Paris. Ooh boy!
All caught up again.

Paris??? Ok- I need to know- what is the SM like there?????

 

[podsnel]

As I was saying...our good friend, Stephen, of hiking up half-dome then to Glacier Point and sitting on the point contemplating life fame would be joining us for a few days here with his son, B. They were staying off at one of the good neighbor hotels, and were coming over to hang for an hour before Pods and I scooted off for our romantic and much anticipated belated Happy Anniversary dinner at Napa Rose.

A little backround- Stephen and I met waaaaaaaaay back in the day, when he moved in for the summer with a crowd of friends across from where I was living with a smaller crowd of friends in a group of apartments in Surf City, NJ (Long Beach Island). I was going into my Senior year of college, Pods and I were not dating but were friends and he had just graduated from college (as a side note- Pods and I HAD shared our first kiss right before he graduated- AND it must have been one HECK of a kiss, because he drove down to Surf City one night and tried to find me- but, couldn't, although he was on my street and may or may not have stolen a sign from someone's yard because it said Gizzy on it, which is another one of his nicknames, but I REALLY digress...). Not that any of this matters, just providing a timeline, I guess. Stephen was already out in the world working as a super genius in a windowless think tank for Bell Labs and coming down to LBI for weekends. Anyway, OBVIOUSLY we became good friends! Fast forward just a handful of years later, and Pods and I were married and looking to get a season rental down in Beach Haven, NJ- also with a group of friends- SOME of whom were Stephen and his brother and other assorted miscriants from my Surf City days. We were putting the band back together, man. In honor of Turn Back Thursday, I give you my men from 6th St, Beach Haven, NJ circa 1988, with hair and everything!!



Stephen is the handsome guy sitting next to my handsome Pods.

Many years after that, Stephen moved out to Cali for the healthy lifestyle and laid-back environs- and our golden Jersey boy was never to return to his Garden State roots. SO- we were REALLY very excited to spend some time together, with our kids. A bit different than our beach days, but awesome, nonetheless. After the nickel tour (which has led Stephen to believe we are doing really well, but really it's the DVC, not us!) we headed down to swim- well, the kids swam, we talked.



No idea what game they were playing in the hot tub- but it was kind of nice, we were the only ones out here.

Unfortunately, we were soon out of time- Pods and I were going to our special dinner. Stephen & son stayed to hang with our boys and order some pizza and play some arcade games before they left and went back to their own hotel for the night. We would see them again tomorrow though!



Up next- dinner at the famed Napa Rose.

 

[Linda67]

I swear if LA wasn't so far from London I would be on my way to DL right now!
Love your photos and can totally see what an amazing time you are all having
I realised that I didn't comment on your awesome DIS meets - such fun!
I seriously can't get over the artwork and memorabilia in the 1901 Lounge - I would loose my mind!
Great that you got to spend time with such wonderful DIS'ers whose TRs I adore