DL Vet goes to WDW ~ F&W, ToT 10 Miler, & more! *Updated 5/25: Egg Hunting in DCA*

[smile4stamps]

Right! I totally get what you're saying. Luckily at work we can be on the internet so it actually would have easier if I was still on graveyard -- I would have been wide awake! But I just did a long-term shift trade and I'll be on dayshift for the rest of the year. That shift starts at 6:30am so I was super tired when my alarm went off!

Kona's breakfast sounded yummy so that's why I went with that. I think DD10 will really like Beaches and Cream. It will also be kind of a break from the "fancier" food. I can't wait to hear what you think of Sanaa! I admit I'm on the fence a bit about that one even with the great reviews and since I'm staying at Kidani Village, it's a chance for me to conveniently try a restaurant that's inconvenient for most WDW guests.

I used to go on the internet at work but I was informed I was online too often... Um... is it my fault I am fast at charting and my patients are sleeping?!? I ALWAYS give first attention to my patients.

I've had Sanaa on the horizon for a long time. It gets good reviews but it's always kinda scared me! Then we watched the latest Disney Food Network show and it was featured on there and caught my husbands eye so that cemented it in our plans.

 

[meggiebeth]

Glad I found your PTR! Great looking plans, and glad to see you're trying out SSR. It is pretty similar to Beach Club and Yacht Club in the respect that they are all light and traditionally themed. The theming is very subtle at SSR, but if you like DTD it sounds like a great place to stay- it's about a ten minute walk, depending on where you stay. (We are lucky enough to have gotten SSR at a 45% (2011) and 35% (2013) discount plus free dining in the uk, so it remains very popular with Britons. )

Are you going to request a location for your stay? We always find that to be great- some areas really are far away from all the action.

I'm sure you'll love AKV- the theming is very impressive. Surprisingly, we didn't much like the darkness of the resort (like the Poly), although we haven't stayed there, only visited for meals.

Some day I'd love to stay at the Beach Club in a villa- the location is just fabulous. Apart from that, I find SSR to be just as good. Be sure to try the Paddock pool- it serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners along with delicious ice cream.

P.s. Your DD is adorable- your whole family is! Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[meggiebeth]

So -- ADRs when you live on the west coast and are no longer on graveyard shift -- are no bueno

I really wanted a CRT before park opening for one of our MK days, so there I was, up at 2:45am, to make it. The disney website was funky -- if I wanted to make reservations for my entire stay, past the 180 day mark, I couldn't make them by pressing the make dining reservations link ... even though I was logged on to MDE. I had to go into my itinerary, hit "make plans for this day" link for each day. It was a pain in the butt!

Success though! I got an early CRT reservation for my 2nd MK day, so we'll be dining in the castle before park opening The fact that you have to pre-pay and my DD is now DD10 -- whew, that's expensive. I'm just not gonna think about it too much

Other ADRs which are semi random I think .. just a hodge podge of things I was interested in, plus convenience for our plans.

Sanaa
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM

Liberty Tree Tavern
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2014
Time: 11:55 AM

Pioneer Hall
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2014
Time: 8:30 PM

Yachtsman Steakhouse
Date: Monday, September 29, 2014
Time: 5:10 PM

Kona Cafe
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Time: 7:30 AM

California Grill
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Time: 7:00 PM

Cinderella's Royal Table
Date: Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Time: 8:05 AM

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Date: Thursday, October 02, 2014
Time: 5:00 PM

50's Prime Time Cafe
Date: Friday, October 03, 2014
Time: 11:00 AM

Some great choices- we've eaten at most of them. The HDDR is fantastic and very fun- eating in the castle is also somewhat indescribable.

Oh, and LTT is also really good... Not sure if it's normal in the US to make salads sweet, but that was a bit of a shock to us!

 

[tdashgirl]

Glad I found your PTR! Are you going to request a location for your stay?

Glad you found it too!

As for SSR, I haven't submitted a room request. I'm not too worried about it since it's only 1 night.

I'm hoping we will really enjoy AKL. I know the location is a turn-off for many people but I think we're going to make it work and really enjoy the theme-ing.

 

[tdashgirl]

So, once you make your 1st round of ADRs, there's not much else to do but dream about your trip . I have done a couple of things. I added my Raglan Road reservation for our DtD/ToT day, and the biggest thing...

Wednesday, 10/1 at 8:15pm ~ Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party Reservation
​

I followed along in the Party ADR thread and saw all the drama about them not taking reservations yet. We went out of town during spring break (to Disneyland to get my Disney fix ... I'll share some photos when I get them downloaded) and while I was there I saw that the late Sept/early Oct reservations were now open. I didn't try while we were in Anaheim, but this morning at work I decided to check out MDE and see if anything was there. 8pm and 8:15pm were both available for the date I wanted, so I snagged a 8:15pm. I'm hoping the advance purchase price is worth it!

 

[tdashgirl]

DD10 and I needed a Disney fix, and got a random bid for vacation days off during her Spring Break. So APs in hand and a local hotel booked (I admit -- I love how easy this is in DL vs. WDW ... you can find a hotel within walking distance, last minute, within budget -- fairly easily) off we went.

We left home around 9am-ish, and one short stop at McD's halfway for a bathroom break and lunch snack, we were in Anaheim around 3pm. Room was ready at our Best Western -- we stayed at the Stovall's which is on the Paradise Pier Hotel side of the resort, off Katella.

We unpacked, relaxed for a bit, and decided to head into the parks.

Here's the walk -- prettier than Harbour, IMO! You can see Mickey's fun wheel and California Screaming ... The trees are lit up with white lights at night and you go through the largest Hidden Mickey

We went through the Grand Californian to DCA. Priorities, people -- here's our 1st stop.



This is the beer garden attached to the Wine Country Trattoria Restaurant. It's a hidden gem -- it's hardly ever busy and I'm not the biggest beer person, but I LOVE the Hangar 24 Orange Wheat they sell here.

Menu:


And our selections:


Finished our drinks and walked to DD10's favorite ride, California Screaming. Only a 10 min wait, so we hopped on. Terrible ride photo with the sun reflection, but here goes ...



OK, gonna post before the DIS loses it ... To be continued!

 

[tdashgirl]

Next door at TSMM -- same story, about a 10-15 min wait. I've heard that the DCA version of this ride has a much less fabulous queue than WDW's. It is pretty boring. But since the ride is the same, I doubt I will do a run for this ride at WDW.

Here's DD10 in the queue



and photos she took in the queue









After the ride (DH is still the best at this ride and DD10 and I get the darn beaver everytime) we decided to head into Cars Land and see what the single rider line for RSR was like. But 1st things 1st -- time for a refresher beer. We headed to Pacific Wharf and met up with the beer truck.



No photos, but I got my favorite Endless Summer Light. I forgot what DH got.

This view is always fun going from Pacific Wharf into Cars Land.





We did single rider -- with our lucky number -- about 10 minutes. I didn't even look at our individual rider photos, sorry There will be a group one later in the trip!

After riding, we cruised around Cars Land for a bit. I love the details here. I think these plantars are so cute:



DD10 also wanted popcorn, so we got Dill Pickle flavor from one of the Cozy Cones ... which is weird but yummy.



Arrival Day to be continued ...

 

[tdashgirl]

We did some more wandering around DCA and then decided we were hungry and time to head into DtD. Our destination:



We went into the bar while waiting for a table, they had a piano player



And I love the ceiling!!!



I ordered a Hurricane, and I forgot what DH ordered! Right now can you tell who takes the photos (ME)



I was disappointed with the Hurricane. Just sweet and not strong at all. So when we were sat down for dinner, I ordered this:



A real mint julep, which was delicious. I ordered the Cornmeal Crusted Catfish - Cajun rice, bacon-braised turnip greens, citrus butter sauce.



This tasted very light and tasty. I was happy with my choice.

DD10 got the soup of the day, I can't remember what this was, sorry. But I remember that she enjoyed it and the cornbread it came with was yummy also.



DH ordered the Southern Fried Chicken - Tasso ham and herb bread crusted mac & cheese, bacon braised turnip greens, lemon-pepper gravy. He liked it, but he asked if he could get all dark meat, and the server said all the chicken is served "French cut" and there is no other option.



We were too stuffed for dessert, so we decided it was time to go back to the hotel, relax, and sleep away the night in preparation for tomorrow's adventures ...

Continue to the next day...

 

[tdashgirl]

Arrival Day is done, now on to the rest of the trip!

Unfortunately, at this point in the trip, my memory card/camera started acting really wonky. Which foiled my plan of documenting my trip -- since I was left with just my old iPhone, which doesn't have a lot of memory -- I have to be selective on what photos to save! So from here on out, just a hodge podge of DLR experiences, in semi-chronological order ​

Arrival at DL just before rope drop. This photo cracks me up because I'm like "Stop, let's take a photo!" and you can see DH heading to the turnstiles and pointing at the one he wants us to hurry up to



This photo got all wonked up, but I love the pretty spring flowers at DL, so I had to keep and share it.



A mellow Main St.



I know that there are haters, but I *LOVE* that there is a Starbucks on Main St.



I'm glad they kept this though ... the party line phone.



It's me! I made DH take a photo. We made a bee-line to BTMMR since it had been closed for-eva!!!



Happy to check out the HM in non-HMH mode. We like the Jack Skellington overlay, but it's nice to see it back in original mode.



We love DL lines between 8 and 10 am.



Healthy breakfast time



DL Mint Julep (so different from the Ralph Brennan version but still good) and Mickey shaped beignets



Breakfast always tastes better with a view like this



Continue Reading ...

 

[tdashgirl]

We did Matterhorn single rider -- the new cars are growing on me, although I do miss the memory of holding on tight to DD10, sharing the seat, back when she was 3.



DD10 and I both thought the Olaf apples were adorable. We ended up buying one to take home at the end of the trip.



Our DD18 goes to school in Orange County, so we picked her up for an afternoon/evening at DL after she got out of class. Sisters re-united!



We're at the Sonoma Terrace beer garden in DCA ... which is the aforementioned hidden gem ... you can get a great seat for the Pixar Play parade moments before it starts.



The rest of the family went to ride ToT, which I only go on once in a blue moon. I think the ride is really cool, but it makes my stomach hurt when it drops in the most unpleasant manner. So I wandered over to the MadT party which was just getting warmed up with the White Rabbit DJ.



When the band came on, the rest of the family joined and we watched for awhile. They were really good, it surprised me since the previous times I've dropped by the show, I haven't been impressed. Maybe it was this particular set of players. Looking at my photos again, I realized I didn't get one with Alice. Sigh. Iphone photo problems.



DD10 and I rode Space together and I have no idea what we were thinking for this ride photo. Spaced out???! I seriously don't remember.



Click to continue on to the Easter Egg Hunt!

 

[tdashgirl]

This trip we decided to do a new-to-us DL experience, the Easter Egg hunt. For DL, the maps were sold on Main St, around $5. For that, you get a map with the egg locations, stickers to place on the map when you've found them, and a "prize" at the end -- which is a random plastic Disney egg. I'll share our prize, but first, here are the eggs "hidden" around DL.

Goofy egg above the old ice cream cone shop on Main St.



Mickey Egg tucked away in the windows of Main St.



Tinkerbell hidden in the meadows of the Matterhorn.



Mr Toad hiding in the trees above the Mad Teacups.



I see a White Rabbit ...



This one is fun... Thumper by IASW topiaries.



Is this Chip or Dale? At Rancho del Zocolo Restaurant.



Donald at Splash Mountain.



A couple in New Orleans Square (my favorite land): Pluto and Daisy.





The Chip or Dale conundrum by the Jungle Cruise ...



Minnie inside one of the Main St Stores.



Disneyland complete!! DD10 with our completed map and prize ... one of those darn chipmunks.



DL TR Continued....

 

[Leshaface]

Oh my gosh! Why didn't you send me the link to this?! I'm behind but i'll catch up now and subscribe

 

[Leshaface]

Yay all caught up!

So your DH sounds like my DH about Disneyland. He definitely tolerates it but enjoys DCA more probably because of the beer and wine But as soon as we went on our first WDW trip in 2008, DH was the one who was hooked, so hopefully your DH will be the same!

DH just yesterday commented about renting a car for our trip. He really liked having the freedom of the car, but also liked knowing he could take a bus if we wanted too.

I think your resorts stays are perfect! SSR was such a great location for DTD. I think you'll like it. But you'll LOOOOOOVE AKL!!!

What is Pioneer Hall?? Your ADR's look fabulous! I really want to do Sanaa, Beaches and Cream and Raglan Road.

I've never even thought about staying off Katella before. I should look into that one day!

I love that hidden mickey overhead!

Your pics of DCA make me miss it so much.

I'm not gonna lie...I love that there's a Starbucks too

Olaf apples!

Are they starting the tea party earlier now? Does it still go into the night?

How fun that they have an Easter Egg hunt. So cute!

 

[tdashgirl]

Oh my gosh! Why didn't you send me the link to this?! I'm behind but i'll catch up now and subscribe

Hahah! Well, welcome! I really just created it to keep me occupied while I wait Glad you're here

Pioneer Hall is the Hoop Dee Doo Review! I know, I thought it looked weird on my ADR list from the MDE website too.

Yeah, I think we will do a mix of car/buses. And we are really looking forward to AKL. I think DH will love WDW, at least I'm hoping he will!

I think the T party started somewhat early because it was "spring break" season when we went. I was totally surprised by how much I liked it!!!!

 

[tdashgirl]

I just saw on the Disney parks blog and was reminded in another PTR ... Eat to the Beat happens while I'm there. Here's the schedule for my trip dates:

• Sept. 26-27 – Christopher Cross
• Sept. 28-29 – Hanson
• Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Air Supply
• Oct. 3-5 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas

The only artists I recognized are Hanson and Air Supply and I'm curious about Hanson but otherwise I'm kinda meh.

Edited -- I googled Christopher Cross and listened on YouTube. I was instantly brought back to my childhood running around with neighborhood friends at one of my parent's parties/BBQs. Sailing, Arthur's Theme, Ride like the Wind...whoa. Seriously, flashback.

 

[Leshaface]

I just saw on the Disney parks blog and was reminded in another PTR ... Eat to the Beat happens while I'm there. Here's the schedule for my trip dates:

• Sept. 26-27 – Christopher Cross
• Sept. 28-29 – Hanson
• Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Air Supply
• Oct. 3-5 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas

The only artists I recognized are Hanson and Air Supply and I'm curious about Hanson but otherwise I'm kinda meh.

Edited -- I googled Christopher Cross and listened on YouTube. I was instantly brought back to my childhood running around with neighborhood friends at one of my parent's parties/BBQs. Sailing, Arthur's Theme, Ride like the Wind...whoa. Seriously, flashback.

You don't know Starship? "We Built This City" please YouTube it and you should know.

I'd see all of them except for Hanson. That one song was soooo annoying and it stuck in your head for long periods of time.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Your time in Disneyland looks like it was ton of fun!

I can't tell which one is Chip or Dale either but I'm sure there is a small something different.

Jealous you'll be there during Hanson!

 

[Leshaface]

Your time in Disneyland looks like it was ton of fun!

I can't tell which one is Chip or Dale either but I'm sure there is a small something different.

Jealous you'll be there during Hanson!

I had to look it up again, because I forgot the difference between them as well. Dale has a red nose and his has two large teeth. Chip has a small brown nose with a tooth in the front

Now just remembering is going to be tough

 

[tdashgirl]

You don't know Starship? "We Built This City" please YouTube it and you should know.

I had to google them also

Your time in Disneyland looks like it was ton of fun!

I still have more to share

I had to look it up again, because I forgot the difference between them as well. Dale has a red nose and his has two large teeth. Chip has a small brown nose with a tooth in the front

Now just remembering is going to be tough

Right??! That's the hard part, remembering

 

[MightyGitis]

Now I'm singing We Built This City. Lol.