DVC Mike Live from Disneyland (5/17-5/22/09)

[DVC Mike]

I arrived at the Disneyland Resort in California on Sunday morning, ready to spend 7 nights here. I checked into the Grand Californian Hotel, but my room wasn’t ready yet (it was ready at 3pm). The GCH is beautiful, and I’m glad I added on points here. The construction of the new wing is coming along.

I spent the morning wandering around. I went to Disneyland and picked up my annual pass. I took the train around Disneyland Park and rode the monorail. I didn’t do any attractions today – I just explored Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the hotels.

The best thing about DLR is that everywhere I want to go is just a short walk away. I don’t need to wait for a bus or a boat. I walk out of one door of the GCH and I’m in DTD; I walk out another and I’m in DCA.

I had lunch at Wine Country Trattoria with some folks from MousePlanet and DISBoards.

I walked over to the model rooms for Disney’s Villas at the Grand California. It was nice to see them in person. The rooms look great!

Tonight, I’m having dinner at the Napa Rose – the best restaurant on property.

Tomorrow, I’m going to hit Disneyland!

I didn’t take too many pictures today, but I’ll post the few that I did take.

 

[DVC Mike]

GCH Entrance, with the villas under construction:

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The view from my DCA view room at GCH:

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DTD with the GCH rooms

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[DVC Mike]

VGC construction

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VGC Model

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[DVC Mike]

The Disneyland Hotel

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Walking around DCA

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[CarolMN]

Thanks so much for the report and the pictures. Looking forward to hearing how your solo trip progresses. Hope your DW is recovering quickly!

 

[Teachckg]

Thanks Mike! I look forward to more!

 

[disney4metoo]

DVC Mike,

Welcome Home to California! What is the temperature today in Southern California?

Have a great trip!

 

[culli]

Keep it coming Mike!!! I have only been to Disnyland once when I was in the Marines out there but wondering what the appeal to DL is over WDW? I could see if I lived on the West Coast area or maybe spending a few days there... I'm excited to see Mike's report because I'm sure his report will get me to take a trip out there...would be cool to go and bring the kids to MCRD in a few years if we get out there I guess!

 

[Disneypirate85]

ALLRIGHT...Mike has arrived!
Just subscribing Mike and SO looking forward to this trip report. DW has been asking to go to DLR so can't wait to get your feel for it, pressures on ya now lol.....Have a great time, Shawn

 

[toocherie]

Nice to meet ya today Mike--hope the rest of your trip is great!

 

[HayGan]

Thanks for the great report and photos - can't wait to see more!!!!

Hope your DW is doing better

 

[Hunclemarco]

Never been to DLR before. I know by the end of your tr i'll have a good feel of the place. As someone else said before, hope your wife is doing better. Thanks again for sharing your report with us.

 

[wulfekamp]

When I grow up I want to be like DVC Mike. No one does a better trip report. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Wow! I love your pictures.

You are really making me think about a trip to Disneyland. I love the decor in the GCV!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Make sure you see Fantasmic while you are there. It is so much better at DL than WDW. Is the Aladdin show still running in Cal Adv? I love that show.

What are they putting in where Libby Lu used to be? I see it is barricaded for construction in your photo.

 

[stopher1]

Thanks Mike for sharing... can't wait for the rest throughout your stay. I too hope your wife is doing better. And oh yeah, have to disagree with you though on your original post... you said you didn't do any attractions today, yet you rode the train and the monorail... both are attractions. Can't wait though til you give us your opinions on the real attractions, and the various photos you'll post. Wish I were there right now myself. Have FUN!!

 

[dvc at last !]

I am in for your TR ---

waiting for more !

 

[DVC Mike]

DVC Mike,

Welcome Home to California! What is the temperature today in Southern California?

Have a great trip!

The weather is nice. Highs for the next couple days are 79-81 and lows are 58-60. Clear skys and (wait for it)... NO HUMIDITY like WDW.

 

[DVC Mike]

Make sure you see Fantasmic while you are there. It is so much better at DL than WDW. Is the Aladdin show still running in Cal Adv? I love that show.

Sadly, Fantasmic is not scheduled for this week, so I'll miss it. That's one of the disadvantages of not visiting DLR during the summer or other peak period.

The Aladdin musical is still running in DCA.

 

[DVC Mike]

For the dinner at Napa Rose, I asked to sit at the Chef's table so I kept busy watching them prepare all the meals. Wow, is all I can say. Several of the chefs spoke to me during brief breaks in preparing the food.

I had the asparagus-encrusted Halibut as the main course. It was delicious.

Since DL is open until midnight, I'll be heading over there to catch the fireworks.