Disneyland or Bust: A Mother-Daughter Coastal Road Trip

[jedijill]

Have a fantastic trip!

Jill in CO

 

[burly]

Just jumped back on the Dis and I love your trip report.
Chapter links are awesome!!!
Have fun, looking forward to more..


KIM

 

[afwdwfan]

Have great time! Let me know how the crowds are.

 

[KatMark]

Hope you are having a blast

 

[hstrickland]

Hi there Roni!


Happy 2015... (a little late ) Hope y'all are having a FABULOUS trip!!!!! All caught up now! This morning I was up early as usual, had my coffee brewed, took the puppy out and got him fed...then immediately thought "I have to catch up on Roni's TR!!!" So now I have.



Every time I read your stuff about DL, it sooooo makes me want to go!!! Not any time soon, though. Oh well...I'll just live vicariously through your TR



The crowd looked rather slim. And you're right about Pirates of the Caribbean...I've heard it was much better. When my parents went a couple of years ago, they said the exact same thing. Funny how the teacups are not covered. BTMR looks very similar to WDW - is it?



I was sooooo hoping to see Willow in the Minnie Mouse dress But she still looked adorable as Sopia! I totally love the photo shoot Much cuter than WDW for sure...especially the carriage shot. Ok, here's a kinda question about the Fantasy BBB. Faith is going to do it on our June trip. I was actually a bit surprised that she still wanted to do the dress up thing - but happy about it. Is it as "magical" as the parks? I know they turn it into the Pirates League on Pirates night, so I can't imagine how they make the transformation???? Guess I'm picturing just a basic room that they do hair and make-up in.



The Indiana Jones ride...I didn't know it was a new attraction. It looked great until you said "similar to the Dinosaur ride" That thing gives me a headache I wish DHS would get rid of the Indiana Jones show and do something more like the DL ride. The show is a bit dated to say the least.




Your DL portion of the TR is off to a great start (no surprise, though) I always enjoy y'all's adventures. Glad Willow got to do her rollercoaster rides. Looking forward to more


Have a great weekend!
Heather

 

[RGirl]

Hi Roni and Willow,

first off, even if it is a little late .........

​

Thanks Karin! I hope the New Year is treating you well.

As always, I just love all your updates, but there is far too much to comment on individually, so let me just say that I WANT to go to DL right now. Unfortunately it is not in the cards in the near future, but we must make plans for it soon.

Oh, I so hope you get to go sometime soon. We would have to come visit you there!

Willow, what a wonderful princess you are! Doesn't matter which princess you are, you are always the fairest of them all.

Willow: I've never heard that compliment before! Thank you!

You are bringing up a sweet princess there, Roni. I only warn you, the way she looks you are going to have your hands full when she gets a little older.

I have no doubt - I feel like my hands are already very full with her though! Thank you - I sure think she's pretty great.

Luvin all your updates esp the pics with Pluto. Looks like you had a great Christmas as well.

Thank you! My gosh - I desperately need to catch up on your TR. I'm so sorry!

 

[RGirl]

Oh, dear Lord... That sounds good.

They are insanely good. ONCE a year.

Oh, yes. Keeping pickles in our fridge for any length of time only happens if I accidentally buy ones that she doesn't like.

And those are few and far between.

That's so funny. And totally understandable - pickles are the best!

Huh. I wonder what they use now.
Couldn't possibly be anything weaker...

Well, I didn't break into the oven to figure it out, but it did manage to cook some dime-sized "cupcakes" that Willow thought were excellent.

I'm glad you like my comments Willow! And I'm glad you liked my card to you!

I did like your card!! Thanks!!

Willow: You're welcome!

Disney snobs!!!!

Can't deny that....

Seems reasonable.
I will almost certainly never get to ride it.

Willow: What does that mean? You'll never ever get to ride it? Have you never been to Disneyland? If you haven't, then I feel bad for you.

Love the *sigh*



blur



big rock, probably some sky



blur again



more rocks. more sky.

Yup.... *sigh*

What can I say? *sigh*

But not a pkondz ride!
pkondz does not do spinning rides.

Nope.
Nada.
Not gonna happen.

Willow: Just like my uncle. He won't take rides that spin. Because, you know, he could do, you know....

See?
If I was writing this TR it would be like this:
"After we left the Teacups, it was about time to revisit what I had for breakfast."

Willow: For us, not gonna happen!

Really!

Times have really changed.
Before they had meet 'n greets with the princesses, I'm pretty sure every girl wanted to meet Minnie.
She's now been relegated to a minority role, I think.

Oh, don't doubt Willow's love for Minnie - she always has to meet her. And, in fact, last time we were at WDW, I made her a Minnie dress complete with hair bow and a matching apron to the one Minnie wears at Chef Mickey's.

I already read your comment on this, but still, good for Willow being self assured enough to do this on her own.

Thank you! It's nice to hear from people like you and Rob who actually think it's a good thing to teach kids some independence.

I read that and gave silent thanks that my girls are too old for this now.

Then thought... "If I ever have granddaughters, I know I'll be taking them."

And you will love every second of it!

Sorry, maybe I'm dumb, but... Who's Sofia the First???

Willow: Good question! She's a girl that became a princess and is in one of my favorite shows on Disney Channel. She wears a purple dress with some white on it. And she has a magic amulet. And she has a beautiful crown. And everything on her is purple. And she has purple high-heeled shoes. You should watch it! Oh, she has brown hair.

Wow! That's really a nice touch!

And might I add that you looked absolutely beautiful?
Even more so than you usually do.

Willow: Thank you! When my hair's down, I kind of worry about the back of my hair, but when I have it up in a bun, I kind of like it that way. And you should see the new Elsa look that I have [later in this TR].

Whew! Thanks for all the posts!

Thanks for hanging in here with us and always taking the time to comment.

 

[RGirl]

More fun updates, Roni. Willow sure looks excited holding her single rider ticket. Fun picture on Space Mountain (yet another ride I can't do anymore).

Thanks Kathy! It was certainly a great first Disney park day! (With plenty more still to come. We tend to overdo first days every time.

Willow, you make a beautiful Sophia the First. I have to say I like the extras that they have at the BBB in DL. Very cool.

Willow: I thought so too - it was hard to decide, but I liked the Sofia one. Thank you for the compliment!

The Matterhorn... I was soooo looking forward to riding it. Darn refurbs. Thanks for the pictures though.

Ugh - I know. This month was not the first January trip we have done with the Matterhorn has been under refurb.

I sure hope you enjoyed your time at DLR!!!! Are you doing a TR??????

I'm glad that Willow finally decided on a dress. And you, thinking you could talk her out of it... yeah, right.

The BBB is always a very important experience with MANY hard choices.

I'm glad she got to enjoy her DL BBB experience!

Thanks - it was really neat! I liked that it was different from the WDW one - I really wasn't expecting that. I guess I just didn't think about it.

 

[RGirl]

I was just going to stop by to wish you a wonderful trip! I hope you have a fantastic time and happy birthday to Willow!

Thank you!!! We had a ton of fun - can't wait to share it with everyone here. And now I need to get caught up with everyone else's TRs and get this one FINISHED!

Have a great and fun trip!!

Thank you! We had a blast!

Have a great trip with lots of magical moments!

Thank you! It was so fun!!!!

Have a fantastic trip!

Jill in CO

Thanks! We did - can't wait to tell everyone about it.

Have great time! Let me know how the crowds are.

Thanks! Sorry - didn't manage to get on the DIS while we were away. I hope crowds were okay for you. We found them pretty high compared to other January trips, but we usually go later.

Hope you are having a blast

Thanks Kathy! We had so much fun!

 

[RGirl]

Just jumped back on the Dis and I love your trip report.
Chapter links are awesome!!!
Have fun, looking forward to more..


KIM

Hi Kim! Thanks so much for joining in. I hope you will continue to read along and comment - it's great to have you here.

Hi there Roni!

Hi Heather! It's great to "see" you!

Happy 2015... (a little late ) Hope y'all are having a FABULOUS trip!!!!! All caught up now! This morning I was up early as usual, had my coffee brewed, took the puppy out and got him fed...then immediately thought "I have to catch up on Roni's TR!!!" So now I have.

We had a great trip - thanks!

I'm so glad you were able to get a moment to stop by. It's so hard to stay caught up with everyone, isn't it???

Every time I read your stuff about DL, it sooooo makes me want to go!!! Not any time soon, though. Oh well...I'll just live vicariously through your TR

Thanks Heather! I love telling all my WDW friends about the wonders of DLR - it's such an amazing place. I truly hope that you get to experience it one day.

The crowd looked rather slim. And you're right about Pirates of the Caribbean...I've heard it was much better. When my parents went a couple of years ago, they said the exact same thing. Funny how the teacups are not covered. BTMR looks very similar to WDW - is it?

Oh, Pirates is so much better at DLR - we don't even need to ride it at WDW because it's disappointing.

BTMRR is similar, but not identical. Previously, I had said that I liked the WDW version better as it was a bit more smooth. After last year's refurb, though, I don't think I would say that. We both really enjoyed DL's version this time, and we loved the new mine-blasting segment that they added - it was really fun.

I was sooooo hoping to see Willow in the Minnie Mouse dress But she still looked adorable as Sopia! I totally love the photo shoot Much cuter than WDW for sure...especially the carriage shot. Ok, here's a kinda question about the Fantasy BBB. Faith is going to do it on our June trip. I was actually a bit surprised that she still wanted to do the dress up thing - but happy about it. Is it as "magical" as the parks? I know they turn it into the Pirates League on Pirates night, so I can't imagine how they make the transformation???? Guess I'm picturing just a basic room that they do hair and make-up in.

Yeah - we were both really impressed with DL's BBB and the photo shoot.

The BBB on the Fantasy is very good. It is not a basic room at all - they really do manage to transform it (they cover the chairs and change the signage and stuff - it's pretty amazing). Willow REALLY enjoyed going there on the Fantasy - I think it feels VERY special to get to do something like that on the ship. I'm sure she'll want to do it this summer again.

If I can remember, I'll try to get you some links to our experiences there from my 2013 TR - Willow did the BBB and the Pirates' League on the Fantasy that trip.

The Indiana Jones ride...I didn't know it was a new attraction. It looked great until you said "similar to the Dinosaur ride" That thing gives me a headache I wish DHS would get rid of the Indiana Jones show and do something more like the DL ride. The show is a bit dated to say the least.

Oh, it's not really new - Willow has just never been tall enough for it before.

I have read that it is the same track as Dinosaur, and I think that's accurate. But it definitely feels like a totally different ride - the theming is a billion times better.

Your DL portion of the TR is off to a great start (no surprise, though) I always enjoy y'all's adventures. Glad Willow got to do her rollercoaster rides. Looking forward to more

Thanks Heather! I can't wait to share more - I need to get this thing rolling along a little faster. I have another TR to write now that we're back!

 

[pkondz]

So, obviously you're home now, so... Welcome back!

Well, I didn't break into the oven to figure it out, but it did manage to cook some dime-sized "cupcakes" that Willow thought were excellent.

Mmmm.... dime-sized "cupcakes"....



I remember the "cakes" my sister used to make.

Willow: What does that mean? You'll never ever get to ride it? Have you never been to Disneyland? If you haven't, then I feel bad for you.

Nope. I've never been to Disneyland.
But don't feel bad for me, I've been lots of other places.
Plus I'm going to be in Disneyworld in just a few more weeks.

Willow: Just like my uncle. He won't take rides that spin. Because, you know, he could do, you know....

Yup. And I would, too.
Well, maybe not... but I'd feel miserable for quite a while.

Willow: For us, not gonna happen!

So I see!

Oh, don't doubt Willow's love for Minnie - she always has to meet her. And, in fact, last time we were at WDW, I made her a Minnie dress complete with hair bow and a matching apron to the one Minnie wears at Chef Mickey's.

What a great pic! Had I seen that before???

Thank you! It's nice to hear from people like you and Rob who actually think it's a good thing to teach kids some independence.

Oh, I agree.
Look up snowplow parents.

Willow: Good question! She's a girl that became a princess and is in one of my favorite shows on Disney Channel. She wears a purple dress with some white on it. And she has a magic amulet. And she has a beautiful crown. And everything on her is purple. And she has purple high-heeled shoes. You should watch it! Oh, she has brown hair.

Thanks, Willow.

Willow: Thank you! When my hair's down, I kind of worry about the back of my hair, but when I have it up in a bun, I kind of like it that way. And you should see the new Elsa look that I have [later in this TR].

I tried to put my hair in a bun... but it just looked like an overly extravagant comb over. (Ask your mom about that, she'll explain.)

 

[RGirl]

The Contest: First person to provide the movie title from which the chapter heading comes get a point; two points if the character who utters the line is also identified. If the first person doesn’t name the character, the first poster to do so will get a point.

Current Standing:
Courtney (courtneybelle): 8 points
Jill (jedijill): 20 points
pkondz: 10 points
Megan (MonsterWDWmom): 2 points
Shannon (shan23877): 6 points
Lori (STLMickeyMom): 4 points
petals: 1 point
Rob (DisneyKid4Life): 2 points

"Let's Make Some Magic!"​

Day 10G - Sunday, 3 August 2014 - Disneyland Resort

When I last left off, Willow had just finished her princess photo shoot as part of the BBB Castle Package. At DL, the Castle Package also includes a personal escort for the little princess over to the Royal Hall where you get to skip the line and go right in to meet the princesses!

Princess Willow visited with Snow White first.

​

Wait, what??

Oh, there she is.

​

Next up was a very exuberant Ariel. These two princesses chatted for a long time. And we got one of those above-and-beyond PP photographers who actually took pictures of the interactions instead of just the posed pics.

​

Here, they were talking about how big their dogs are.

​

They finally took time to pose for the cameras.

​

Finally, Princess Willow got to chat with her old friend Cinderella.

​

We had big plans this afternoon, and I knew that we needed to get some kind of refreshment before we started our next adventure. Our next appointment was at 2:30, and it was already about 1:30. So we were going to head towards the front of the park (where we needed to be before long) and get something to drink - it was crazy-hot and very humid (again - really???? - this is SoCal, NOT Florida, people!). But almost immediately, Princess Willow spotted another princess she had to visit!

​

Yep, Merida! And this Merida was NUTS! In a good way, of course. She was the highest-energy princess I have ever seen at any Disney park. She was goofing around with all the guests and having a great time. She tried to get Willow to teach her how to curtsey, but nearly fell over instead.

​

Finally, they stopped goofing around and posed for some princess-y pictures.

​

And said their good-byes.

​

Up Next: Day 10H

 

[courtneybelle]

The Genie from Aladdin?! Going back to read now...

 

[dizneeat]

Lots of beautiful princesses! My favourite? The smallest one! What a poser!

 

[courtneybelle]

First, welcome back from Disneyland!!! I hope you had a magical trip (I'm sure you did…Olaf was there, after all!) and the transition back to "reality" has been OK.

Skipping the line?! That is AWESOME. Total royal treatment right there.

Haha, I was like, where's Willow? Behind Dopey? Hiding in the well?!?!

Willow's got the princess skirt-holding pose down pat.

My girl Merida!!! Love that hug picture

 

[jedijill]

Doh! Courtney beat me.

Willow looks great in her princess dress...lots of good princess meets! Merida sounds like a good one!

Jill in CO

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Well gee Roni, I know it's not the answer you were looking for, but I was going to say the title was said by me.

Wait, what?? was exactly what I was thinking about those first two Snow and Dopey photos. Because I would pretty much die if she met in that spot.

That's so lovely that the package includes the princesses. And Ariel was the standout. No shock here.

Awww I really want to meet Merida. Her set up in MK is just way too long of a line for me. And it's still a while before another Princess movie, so I don't see anyone replacing her and moving her to a less popular spot (or something with FP) anytime soon. I love that Merida was so into it and so much fun. It makes such a difference in the experience.

 

[queenbetsey]

Great update as usual. Great pics as always too.
I think we are going to start saving for BBB for the granddaughter (she is still on the young side) Your post really made it look like fun. I also love those cute little cupcake tshirts. think I just may have to teach myself a new trick (leave it alone Ponzi with my sewing machine. After seeing all the cute stuff you make for miss willow inspired me to start sewing again. Thankfully I have a cute granddaughter so I have someone to sew for again. thanks again for the great update I am always happy to see "our" park get some dis love.

 

[KatMark]

What beautiful pictures of Willow with the princesses. They are perfect. And I LOVE when the PP takes more than just the pose. The interaction with Merida looks absolutely wonderful. One of these days we have to stop and meet her.

 

[RGirl]

Nope. I've never been to Disneyland.
But don't feel bad for me, I've been lots of other places.
Plus I'm going to be in Disneyworld in just a few more weeks.

Willow: I wish I could be there in a few weeks! But I’m going there this summer!

Yup. And I would, too.
Well, maybe not... but I'd feel miserable for quite a while.

Willow: I wouldn’t because I like spinning rides.

What a great pic! Had I seen that before???

I don't think so - that was from our 2013 trip and TR; I don't think we were DIS-acquainted back then.

Oh, I agree.
Look up snowplow parents.

Oh, for crying out loud!

I tried to put my hair in a bun... but it just looked like an overly extravagant comb over. (Ask your mom about that, she'll explain.)

Willow: