Disneyland California (DL Tonight!!!)

[A Small World]

Unfortunately, I can't because the tickets are all sold out.

I'm so upset

I know

 

[A Small World]

7 Cheerleaders today Mr Stitch

 

[ukstitch]

7 Cheerleaders today Mr Stitch

Woohoo! This time next week I'll be running around making sure I've got everything sorted and ready to go

 

[ukstitch]

Hurray - getting even closer now. Down to 6 days to go, so this time next week I will (hopefully) be fast asleep in my bed in Seattle.

It's also just 10 Days until I reach Disneyland - yippee, almost time for another single digit dance

 

[davewasbaloo]

I cannot wait to read your review of the one that made me the Disney Freak I am today. If it is of interest to you, I can post my photo trip report from March this year?

 

[tennisfan]

A lot of people seem to be jealous for that reason

I will of course be writing a trippie, probably placed on the UK trip reports board (the california board seems to not use the 1 day per thread style that I like to write in) and then linked from this thread.


I bought some extra bits for my trip while I was in Southampton this morning. So I've now got some lime green card (one gues what that's for ), a Mickey Mouse binder for all the A4 sheets of paper with notes, reservation vouchers etc, the latest unofficial guidebook and some travel adapters

Also - Woohoo, only 8 days left now, plus my Disney SDD is getting ever closer.

I'm jealous of you having the chance to go to DL not because of Miley's party

Have a awesome time Rob

 

[ukstitch]

I cannot wait to read your review of the one that made me the Disney Freak I am today. If it is of interest to you, I can post my photo trip report from March this year?

Yes please. All images, reports, advice etc welcomed

 

[davewasbaloo]

Ok, earlier this year we spent 3.5 weeks in California as a final blow out before we became slaves to the school timetable (Mikey started school in the summer term). We flew into San Francisco, spent a few days in the city, drove down the coast and stayed at Newport Beach for a week (with trips to Legoland California, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, as well as Knott's Berry Farm), and then we spent 6 days at the Grand Californian at DL.

I can post the other photos, but I figure most would prefer the DL stint. Now remember, I was born and raised in California, so I am very biased - it is my favorite resort of all, but I do wonder if it being my first makes me biased. Though it is my English Wife's fav too. So I am really looking forward to your views. On to the trippy:

We left Newport Beach early on Saturday morning. I dropped Sarah and the kids off at the Grand Californian, took the Caddy to Fullerton to drop it off with the rental company, and they gave me a lift back to the resort.

Upon rejoining the family, I asked where they wanted to start. Sarah asked to go to DCA, so off we went.

The kids had been waiting for a while, so we started in Redwood Creek to get them to run off a little steam. then Golden Dreams, which we all enjoyed (yes, daddy steamed up a little). After a little play time with Push (he took a real shine to Sarah and her panda bag in the stroller), I took Mikey on his first flight with Soarin' - we scored top middle! He was beaming, and my eyes were steaming. Oh to be a homesick Californian with a soft spot with his kids!

It was time to hitail it over to the meet. OMG - wonderful to meet so many people. Old friends, new friends, and brand new acquaintances destined to become friends. Fantastic. Everyone gave us such a warm welcome, it was overwelming! Thank you.

Lunch was pretty darn good too!

After great conversations, food and picture time, we went to DCA and it was mobbed with tween cheerleaders. We enjoyed Monsters Inc (really enjoyable), Muppetvision 3D (Friend of DD made a terrific political joke), and a group ToT session. Then over the esplanade to DL to enjoy the wonders of Remember (my fav pyro show!!!! Awesome!)While waiting, we were serenaded by some great cast members. The show blew me away! Afterwards, we bumped into Maynard and had a little fun. Then goodbyes were said and back to the Grand - my fav hotel in the world!

Here are the pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slide...8td25.38dnay061&Uy=p56h42&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB

 

[davewasbaloo]

Day 2 -

When we arrived at Pirates, we discussed the water trick. So all the biggest LPers sat at the front of the boat. In doing so, I got drenched (honestly, wetter than on Splash Mountain!). We also managed to create quite a wave!!!

Then on to Pooh. But as some of you heard, this is now the Winnie the Pee ride. Much to my embarrassment, Mikey had a little accident on PB's lap - oops. While PB, Mikey and co got changed, we had the pleasure of bumping into Deogges Mom and Dark Beer. The coolest thing meant I could give DM a birthday hug in person on her birthday. It was great.

Then on to the Mansion. I am so proud of my goth kids. They loved it as always! And it was wonderful in some ways as all the Mansion guests seemed to be regular visitors - we were all able to recite the portrait room speech together. A real blast!!! I would feel sorry if there were any mewbies, but as soon as people started to whisper it, the volume got louder and louder. It was like being at a rock concert with everyone singing along. Awesome (ness)!

Next it was time to seperate for a little while. While many headed to DCA for some thrills, we took the kids into tomorrowland (as was once upon a time) for a little Buzz and Star Tours action. Pure joy! Star Tours seemed to be a walk on all the time. A real shame, we all love it (though I think Jess was miffed a little as she is too short but rides in Paris). So while the two Star Wars addict boys got their fix, mama and jess helped Buzz savethe universe. Although I like Buzz, I do miss America the Beautiful!

Then over to DCA for the Corn Dog meet and DEP.

On our way to the meet, Mikey insisted he get Brittany an electric rose as a peace offering. Sadly, he fell asleep before he could offer it to her. Also, we were sad that we already had to say goodbye to other friends (lulu and Dr Frootloop - how about WDW, Tokyo or HKDL meets next?). But that evening, in addition to 999Haunts, PB, Pirate Princess, Tinkeroon and StD, iamsally and mr iamsally, murfsmom, iamadlfan, and oneeyepete; we were joined by Dldug and DLJB!!! Then we managed to hook up with Wendebird and her lovely family! More LP friends, yay!

While the parade started, it seemed like an impromptu hoedown was in order, so we oblidged. We watched the parade with glee and cheers, and then said a sad fairwell to a number of LPers.

Thankfully there were others still in the resort that week. We headed off to the Grand. We wanted to get some milk for Jess, but sadly Whitewater snacks closes at 7pm!!! So Hearthstone Lounge fulfilled the duty. But it was surprising. Thankfully as well room service runs 24 hours (unlike the Floride hotels).



http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slide...8td25.1dv3winyx&Uy=59jfxf&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB

 

[davewasbaloo]

Day 3

Day 3, a real adventure. Originally we had no major plans to see our LP friends. But this soon changed. How could we see Aladdin without the uber fans.

We decided to go for a slow start, opting to get us all a pair of embroidered ears. While deciding what to do next, Murfsmom and iamadlfan spotted us from the monorail and we hooked up. we watched the Jedi Academy, took a whirl in the teacups and then headed for Big Thunder for Mikey, murfsmom and iamadlfan's 1st trips! It was quite a bit of fun.

Then we bumped into the rest of the LP posse, engaged in some pin trading. And Shiva really touched DWB's heart. He presented me with a DL sheriff's badge. Please let me explain the magic behind this one.

As some of you know, i have moved and travelled a fair bit in my life. The one place that felt like home was DL. We lived in Visalia in the Central Valley for a few years, and I was lucky to be kidnapped by most of my family as they travelled down from the Bay Area to DL. My fav travelling companions were my Great Aunt and Uncle (our witnesses at my wedding too). I shared a great memory when I was Mikey's age of being in DL with them when out of the blue they surprised me with a coon skin cap, rifle and sheriff's badge. That to this day I still have that outfit. Well when Shiva gave me another badge out of the blue, I was compelled to hug him. Thank you for another wonderful memory of human compassion my friend ((((HUGS)))).

I miss my family terribly. Most of them have left us now. But there are two legacies for me, DL memories, and the character they helped instill that make me who I am. I am sometimes passionate about Disney because of these great memories of bringing out the best in humanity. Disneyland has never been about characters for me (though they can be fun), but a sense of place and inspiration.

disneyland is a very personal experience for me, almost a religious one at that. I was so worried before going given the experience in WDW 18 months ago, but I found that my DL still exists (even if the trajectory is still a little concerning).

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slide...a8td25.sdur4i8p&Uy=18iia7&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB

 

[davewasbaloo]

We then took a wonderful trip in a horseless carriage with Steph, a great cast member.

Then it was off to see Aladdin. We wrote quite a bit about our trampling, so I shall move on. But regarding the show...WOW. I used to think Paris had the very best shows, and with the exception of Nemo, I always thought WDW's shows were a waste of space. But Aladdin is simply the best Disney stage show in a theme park and is even better than some broadway and West End productions. This show is totally worth the price of admission!

We got Murfsmom strapped up and into a wheelchair, and it was on to Soarin' We had a fantastic flight, but even better was playing human bowling with murfsmom as the ball. We were in hysterics. We then took the ladies to the DL Hotel so iamadlfan and murfsmom could safely correct their car.

We then went to Steakhouse 55 for a great meal. Cocktails, great service, great steaks, lovely desserts and a great Zinfandel! The kids were as good as gold, and we were all able to enjoy a wonderful meal together. I love that Disney nice table services are a great way to have a good meal as a family and nobody thinks twice. And the kids eat far better at these sorts of establishments than junk food places.

As we left, we then headed to the pin store to do some collateral damage. And we met some top drawer cast members.

Yet another great day in DL, finished off with a relaxing milk by the fire in the Great Hall of the Grand.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Day 4 - early entry and more fun in store. We went in early and managed to tackle the FL dark rides in under an hour, and then we hooked up with the clones and family for a breakfast with Minnie at the Plaza Inn. We had a fantastic experience, and were so touched to be included as a part of the clones' traditions.

We had a wonderful time. We then went our seperate ways, enjoyed a spin on the Matterhorn, and then another piece of magic unfolded.

Mikey was chosen to a padawan in the Jedi Academy. And not only did he get to fight Darth Vader, but he was also the final battle with Darth Maul to defeat the dark side. It was such a magic moment for this Star Wars obsessed Dad to see his Star Wars obsessed son act out their joint fantasies! I did honestly cry. How wet?

We enjoyed a spin on the new Space Mountain. Unlike in DLP, this 2nd version is an improvement on the original. Though Paris is still my fav version, this is now my 2nd. We also took in Buzz, the Tiki Room, Indy and a few more attractions before our tummies rumbled.

It was on to Coke Corner for a hot dog fix. Not only did we enjoy a little live rag time magic, but we also got to dance and play with the Mad Hatter, Bert, and a Mary Poppins penguin. We have never had these intimate play experiences outside of DL, and it is this sort of thing that makes DL much better to me than WDW or DLP.

In the evening, we took in Splash Mountain. I prefer this one to WDW's too. That now means where there are two attractions at WDW and DL, I always prefer the DL version, this is without exception!

Now, I also moaned when Pooh replaced the Country Bears as they were one of my favs. But it was nice to take the kids on Pooh while Sarah and I did babyswitch.

While the parade was on (we were saving this for the last night), it was another round of Buzz, Mikey driving his dad around the bend on Autopia, and then the Subs. It was great to see them running again, and the Nemo make over was cute. I do miss the old style though, but this is better than than no subs.

We left via a very quiet Main Street, but the stores were still open. So I had to buy a hand painted watch of the Main Street Train Station with Goofy as a conductor. With the exchange rate and the free gift card Disney gave us, it had to be done!

We then enjoyed the fire at the Grand again!

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slide...8td25.1ppcfkftl&Uy=954cbr&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB

 

[davewasbaloo]

Well Day 5 was our last official day in the parks. We started with the Morning Madness in Toontown, enjoying some play time with the characters and the land, a spin on Roger Rabbit. Jessica Rabbit, hubba hubba!

Then we had to high tail it to the Blue Bayou to make our lunch reservations. We were able to have a wonderful waterside table. The meal was excellent, and we really enjoyed it. The Mint Julleps are still great too!

We had some before the last official meet, so we hopped on the Mark Twain and enjoyed a cruise sat at the bow.

Then on to meet the clones and lesmisfan for a little PotC action. We had a great time together. Although we would have loved to go to TSI with Shiva and Tinkeroon, we wanted to concentrate on what we do not have in Europe (TSI is now very similar to Adventure Isle at DLP).

So it was off to DCA to enjoy Turtle Talk with Crush. We had a fantastic Crush - wonderful. Then on to the Sorcerer's Workshop, Beast's library, and Ursula's grotto. Mama is Jane from Tarzan, Mikey is Tarzan, Jessie is Lady from Lady and the Tramp, and Daddy is Lumiere - but of course!

We were transfixed on the Toy Story Zeotrope however, that thing is blooming amazing!

Then a little ride on Monsters Inc was in order, followed by the factory tours. And because we were honestly interested in the tortilla factory, asking about the production methods and all, the cast gave us a bag of corn tortillas - sweet!

Then it was off to a Bug's land. We really missed all the real crops they used to have in the farm :-(

Bugs land was cute themed. Heimlich was enjoyed by the kids, they were bored with Tuck and Roll, but Francis Lady Bug Boogie and Flik's Flyers were winning attractions for the baloos.

DCA then closed, so it was off to see the 50th exhibit before the parade.

The exhibit was wonderful. Nothing new to learn, and I had seen much of this stuff before. But the way it was put together was great.

The kids got a kick out of it too. The brain washing has totally worked!

And once again, a little tear was shed as I watched the memories fly back through the movie. Not only memories on celluloid, but my personal memories. Memories of my childhood. Memories of my family. Memories of other Disney trips. Introducing Sarah to the magic of Disney parks for the 1st time 9 years ago. Memories of my children enjoying the parks. Memories of an amazing vacation with amazing friends. The realisation that this adventure was soon due to end.

The raw emotion engulfed me, with the relisation that just as time had marched on from Walt's boyhood in Marceline at the turn of the Century to his opening of Disneyland 50 odd years later, my time was passing. I had moved on from being the child, to being the parent. And all being well, the grandparent of the future, sharing DL with his extended family. It occured to me that now here I was in DL, my land. In my thoughts, my age relived fond memories of the past. My children were savoring the challenge and promise of the future. DL is what enabled me, as a professional adult, husband and father to live out my ideals, my dreams, and face hard facts, to create me, the person that I am, an American. And indeed Disneyland is still my source of joy and inspiration (as well as my family of course.

Here it was, DL had brought friends from all over the globe for an amazing LP meet. And for those that could not be here, our friends in the US without the time or health to meet; our friends in the UK, that we left behind; and our friends in the Far east, that we hope to someday meet. It occured to me, that although I do not always agree with the direction of WDI and WDC, DL has been a joy and inspiration that has united our community!

It was with that realisation and the fact we would leave that brought on another tear to this proud father, husband and friend's eye. And yet at the same time I took great comfort that there's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day. That everyone has a laughing place. And that through channels such as LP, though the oceans are wide and the mountains divide, it's a small world after all.

With a warmth in my heart, we marched out of the opera house hand in hand to meet our LP friends one last time on this amazing sojourn.

We met up with the clones for a little parade action. As Family time resonated through Town Square, I looked on with adoration at my beautiful wife, my adorable children, and my fantastic friends. The parade was pretty good, though I was expecting a little more. It felt almost identical to DLP's 15th, but it was indeed fun. And we got to enjoy the Pinnocchio stop with the bungee marionettes.

It was a fabulous finale, to a fantastic fantasy foray!.

We then all returned as a group of friends to share coffee and wine in the Great Hall of the Grand Californian.

My friends, I still love Disneyland. And I will return!

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slide...8td25.3gmakw2zd&Uy=ckyhj5&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB

 

[davewasbaloo]

Day 6, the voyage home.

We got up early on the last day and got packed. we then headed down to a 7:30 breakfast at Story Tellers. Now we have had a lot of character meals over the years. But this was one of my favs. To see the characters from Pocahontas, Brother Bear, the Chip Monks and Pluto made a great change from the usual fab 5, Princesses, Pooh collection. And the food was good too. It was a great way to end our Disney part of the vacation. Then a little shopping in downtown Disney, and the Magical Express bus back to LAX, for a not so Magical time.

Check in was hard and Mikey had to go to the bathroom. due to construction, I had to move two trolleys with luggage and Jess in the stroller, from the check in counter to a luggage drop off counter. Then a silly staff member yelled at me for taking too long.

there were beggars in the airport and the bathrooms were filthy. It made me realise how much America has really changed since I moved to Europe.

After a quick bite to eat, we went through security. Trying to take shoes off of the kids as well, really makes us slow. Thankfully, they opened another security queue for families, so we could take our time.

Getting on the plane, there was a lovely old couple who took nicely to the kids, but behind us was a grumpy guy who said really loudly "I don't know why they let kids fly". I turned to him and said "it's because it's too far to swim!"

That shut him up. The kids were as good as gold and slept most of the way. Sadly I could not.

We had a very rough and turbulent flight where we were not allowed to get up for 70% of the flight, really difficult on the bladder. Thank god Mikey was asleep for most of it.

We landed safely, and the meet and greet brought our car back. The only way to go when travelling with little ones! And we had it washed and vaccuumed while we were away, totally worth while!

Feeling ill from the rough flight, we made our way home and tried to stay up till a reasonable hour. It took about 5 days to warm up as going from 75 degrees to 40 in 11 hours was a real shock to the system. The storms didn't help either.

So now, we are back, paying off the costs of this trip, preparing Mikey to start school, and the 4 year old in me is saying....when can I go to DL?

To all our friends, new and old, to my wife and children, to my elders who taught me to love DL, to the cast, imagineers and Walt, thank you!

And if you have read this self indulgent diatribe, you deserve a medal. Thank you for your perseverence, your comments and your friendship. I hope you enjoyed the ride.

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slide...a8td25.lktszrx5&Uy=b0y0qu&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB

 

[davewasbaloo]

Oooops, sorry, that went on a bit. Any questions, let me know.

I can't remember Rob, have you been to WDW?

Attractions for DLP fans to try at DL:

50th Anniversary Exhibit
Jungle Cruise
Tiki Room (1st AAs ever)
Indy
Haunted Mansion - will have the nightmare overlay when you are there (also the original PotC now with Jack Sparrow)
Splash Mountain
Winnie the Pooh
Fantasmic
Alice in wonderland
Mr Toad's wild Ride
Roger Rabbit Cartoon Spin
Mickey's House
Matterhorn
Subs
DIfferent Space Mountain
Remember is an awesome pyro show

DCA
Soarin
Monsters Inc
Aladdin
The Animation Exhibit
Grizzly
Screaming

Have a great time. BTW - be prepared for everything to be smaller, but that is a part of it's charm. DLP is stunning and beautiful. DL is magic!

 

[ukstitch]

Oooops, sorry, that went on a bit. Any questions, let me know.

I can't remember Rob, have you been to WDW?

A long time ago (1997), so it's changed a lot since I was there.

I'm expecting it to be small - not sure how small to expect it though. Having said that, small is good in my case because I don't have a whole load of time there.

Thanks for those reports - I'll read them properly and stare at the photos tonight

 

[davewasbaloo]

No worries Rob. It is somewhat smaller, but there is more on offer.

DL is about 2/3rds the size of DLP but it has nearly twice as many attractions.
DCA is about 2-3x the size of WDSP and has twice as many attractions.

The distance between the gates is like walking from the DLH to the top of the fountains in Fantasia Gardens.

Downtown Disney is nearly 3 times the length of the Disney Village. The hotels are all about the size of the Newport Bay Club.

So it is smaller than the whole of the DLP resort, but there is a lot crammed in! Also, it does not have quite as many details as DLP, but there are a fair few:

- Keep an eye out for Walt's office over the fire station.
- the canons in Main street are real
- The castle is the size of the Transportation Building in DLP's town square
- In the Indy queue, be sure to bang on walls, pull ropes etc.
- New Orleans Square is the most DLP like area
- Frontierland has lots of hidden gems from DL's past - check out the petrified tree which was a present from Walt to his wife.
- Ask if you can pilot the Mark Twain - they let you drive, and you sign the log book
- On Splash Mountain, a number of the critters you see are cousins of the maintenance droids in Star Tours (they used to be in America Sings - now Innoventions).
- In Pinnochio's Village House restaurant, go into the restaurant and look inside. Over the exit doors, Figaro is pulling the exit sign with a rope (due to a contractor error). In DLP at the Pinocchio Restaurant Figaro has a thumbs up saying they got it right that time.
- Storybookland Canal boat has very different models including an upside down shrub as Ratty's House
- Be sure to take your time in the Roger Rabbit queue, lot's of hidden jokes.
- The matterhorn has 2 tracks, the left (tomorrowland side) is faster. Also keep your eyes open for the tribute to Frank Wells who used to be a keen Mountain climber (and we owe a debt of gratitude for DLP).
- the subs have killer lines (like Crush), best way to ride is get in line 5 mins before park close.
- Buzz is identical to DLP so you can skip. Star Tours I love in English and is often a walk on however.

Worst queues at DL are Indy, Peter Pan, and the Subs.

DL must try snacks:

Near the Tiki Room, Dole Whip - Pineapple Sorbet
in NOS - Mint Juleps (sweet mint drinks)
Anywhere Churros (a DL must - cinnamon mexican dounuts - only sold at Fuente del Oro and Cowboy Cookout in DLP)
Popcorn is salt and butter - not sweet
Also Corn Dogs are awesome - found in a cart on Main Street or at Corn Dog Castle in DCA

Have a great time.

 

[gemmybear83]

Yes you must go to Fantasmic - its amazing I have only seen the WDW version and I know the DL version is a bit different (and I have heard a lot of people say its better!), it actually made cry it was so good! That show is worth the admission fee alone!

 

[Bolanette87]

When I watched the programme about the Basketball court in the Matterhorn the other day, I was impressed to see Mountain climbers on the Matterhorn!! Now thats attention to detail!

Bob xoxoxox

 

[ukstitch]

Yes you must go to Fantasmic - its amazing I have only seen the WDW version and I know the DL version is a bit different (and I have heard a lot of people say its better!), it actually made cry it was so good! That show is worth the admission fee alone!

Closed

IASW is also closed, but that's probably a good thing