pinkprincess30
I may be addicted!
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2011
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Disneyland Trip Report, UPDATED....Scroll down for Day 2, 3 & 4 in DLR (Monday May 9th-Wed. May 11th)
May 8-11th, 2011
Cast:
DH- Husband of 12 years, fairly new to Disneyland, last trip was in 1999. Has been one other time besides that. Both 1 day visits.
DS9- First trip, unexpected adrenaline junkie
DS6- First trip, loves the coasters too, a little more apprehensive, but he pushes through it.
DS5- First trip, we didnt think he would ride anything!
DM-My mom, first trip in 20 years, handicapped due to major leg/foot issues, a scooter-riding maniac. Seriously, watch out.
DD- My dad, a major acrophobe. Even the drops in Pirates was a little much.
Me- Mother of three & new-found lover of Disney parks. It was casual before, but now it's getting serious.
Saturday May 7th:
We arrived in Anaheim at about 12p.m. Our reservation was for the Comfort Inn Maingate. We were told our room would be ready when we called ahead about an early check-in. But it wasnt so we went down the street to Baskin Robins & killed an hour or so. Once we returned, only one of our two rooms were ready. So we swam while we waited. Once we got in to our rooms we found them to be clean, a good size & comfortable. I wasnt aware there would be a microwave, but saw that each room had one so that was nice. Our room had an old fashioned t.v. but my parents room had a flat panel t.v. Everything was just right, but the black marks left on our feet after walking on the carpets was a little off-putting. I am no clean freak but that majorly grossed me out. But no worries, a clean pair of socks and we were in good shape!
Sunday May 8th:
This was our first day in Disneyland. DH was very very sick with the flu. Major bummer! When it was time to make our journey to DLR, he moaned as we walked out the door have fun, Im sorry. Poor guy! We arrived at 6:30 a.m. in time for the Magic Morning Entry. We rented a scooter for DM and were in the park by 7, no lines anywhere! In fact, there was hardly ANYONE THERE. We beelined it for Fantasyland. I regret not taking the time to get pictures with Walt & Mickey, and in front of the castle. I thought our weekdays would be light crowds too, but I was wrong! My parents were slowly making their way down Mainstreet, looking at every little thing that caught their attention. I wanted to yell at them Why are you moving so slow??? Dont you know we have to get down there before everyone else???. Thats when I took a deep breath and realized where I was. So after doing some deep breathing exercises, we made our way there and enjoyed our morning. We walked on to Peter Pans Flight, King Arthurs Carousel, Pinocchios Daring journey, Dumbo & Snow Whites Scary Adventures.
Heres where Ill tell you about DS5. Earlier this year when we went to the fair, all he would ride was the little canoe boats that go in a small circle. Were talking a major baby ride, acheived only by using a death-grip on each side of the boat. ANYTHING more than that and he was like a suction cup on my leg. It wasn't happening. I was really concerned about his fun-factor, and MINE! Lol Anyhoo, he just jumped right on to Peter Pans Flight, our first ride, like it was nothing. As an avid Jake & the Neverland Pirates fan, he LOVED it! He did not do Snow White, but he was game for most everything else in Fantasyland, including the Matterhorn *shock!*
Before noon we did all the previously mentioned rides, plus Mr. Toads Wild Ride, The Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Tarzans Treehouse & Winnie the Pooh. There were so few people there that a few times when the ride was over we were invited to ride again without getting off. Score!
At around noon we stopped in at the Golden Horseshoe to see Billy Hill & the Hillbillies. Let me tell you, this group is great! I love bluegrass, and they are really good. Funny too. My kids loved it, as did my parents so it was a hit all around. While there we took the cheap route and shared a HUGE piece of chocolate cake. It was enough for 6 of us (DD doesnt eat chocolate), for $6.00 and there was leftovers! We drank the milk we had in our little cooler from our Mickey Ds breakfast. After the show the park started to really fill up, so that was our que to head back to the motel for some lunch, swimming and then a nice long nap before returning that night for the fireworks & such.
After our lunch out at the picnic tables at the motel, we went for a swim. Just when I had rounded the kids up (were talking many warnings and a few threats to get them out), DH rounded the corner to get in the pool. He didnt feel a whole lot better, but even getting out of bed was a good sign! I didnt have the heart to tear the boys away from their much-missed daddy, so we stayed and swam some more, sacrificing much needed nap time. It was worth it though. We had not seen DH hardly at all (at least not vertically) in two days. After that we got an hour nap in before grabbing a fast-food dinner and returning to the park for round two, still without DH.
We arrived back at the park at around 7:00 or so (later than we wanted, but life happens) and took in a few rides. We rode the railroad straight to Toontown, which closed at eight so we only had enough time to tour Mickeys House and say hi to the Main Mouse. DS5 was completely star struck. He had been asking Wheres Mickey. (more of a statement than a question) all day. We then rode the Matterhorn again, Its a Small World & The Tea Cups. We did a little window shopping and took a little more time on each ride, as the lines were a tad longer but we still only waited for 20 minutes at the Matterhorn. We decided to forgo the Magic Memories and You show to fit in more rides since we were going to see the fireworks show. They then cancelled the fireworks due to high winds at higher elevations. This was a MAJOR disappointment since Fantasmic! and the parades were not running.
By the time the second The Magic Memories and You was showing again we were over in Tomorrowland and didnt want stop what we were doing to get back for the show.
So we rode Buzz Lightyear (twice) & Space Mountain. I think we waited 30 minutes in the handicapped line at Space Mountain & Buzz Lightyear. Everything else earlier that evening was 10 minutes or less. We ended the night with a ride on the Astro Orbitor. It was a little high for DS5s taste, as the late hour was wearing on him (it was 11:30 heres where the longer nap would have helped us), so he wanted me to sit it out with him. So DS6 & DS9 rode together. The Cast Member was very kind to let them ride twice in a row, switching places so each boy got to be in front one time.
We then headed out for the night, running in to Mickey & Minnie on our way out. I made Minnie mad by suggesting the boys wait for Mickey instead of Minnie, so when she heard me saying they should wait in Mickeys line (even though she had no line at all), she turned on her heel and stomped off to greet some grateful kids!
I thought she was kidding, but she never looked back! I tracked her down and apologized and she was kind enough to take a picture with me, but I think she was just humoring me. 
You know how she can be.
Well, thats day 1. More to come, including lunch at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, and stay tuned to see if DH made it out of bed...dun dun DUN!!!
DAY 2 & 3 (in California Adventure)
Our time in DCA was really great. DH was FINALLY back from the dead. He woke up that morning and decided that with the help of a motorized scooter he would have the strength for a day in the parks! I would have felt bad about his "handicapped" status, except that DCA has no handicap entries (for the most part), AND DM was already in a scooter, so it didn't change our status at all. It was well worth the $50. Without it he never would have made it!
First thing we did was see Aladdin, which was wonderful! I feel very fortunate that we saw it pre-grounding (flying carpet incident). It was so elaborate. It is my opinion that the best place to sit was in the first row BEHIND the aisleway. That way you see the life-sized elephants & other "parade" elements during the show close up. There really is NO bad seat in the house! Second, the kids wanted to do the Tower of Terror. I loved it that A Bug's Land was right next door. DS5 & my dad headed over there, since they weren't too inclined to ride TOT. That day we also did A Bug's Land (all of us), Soarin' over California (2x), California Screamin' (2x), Mickey's Fun Wheel (2x), Monster's Inc. (2x), Toy Story Midway Mania (2x), Grizzly River Run & King Triton's Carousel. We also saw the Playhouse Disney show. It was great that they had elements throughout the park that appealed to the younger kids. Carter (DS5) really enjoyed it when the whole family was doing something that was just for him. We had fun too, of course. We did not see WOC that night, as it was sold out by the time I tried for the "Fast Pass" tickets earlier that day.
I will try to get back on here and add in our final day, day 4. If you're still reading this, THANK YOU!!!
May 8-11th, 2011
Cast:
DH- Husband of 12 years, fairly new to Disneyland, last trip was in 1999. Has been one other time besides that. Both 1 day visits.
DS9- First trip, unexpected adrenaline junkie
DS6- First trip, loves the coasters too, a little more apprehensive, but he pushes through it.
DS5- First trip, we didnt think he would ride anything!
DM-My mom, first trip in 20 years, handicapped due to major leg/foot issues, a scooter-riding maniac. Seriously, watch out.
DD- My dad, a major acrophobe. Even the drops in Pirates was a little much.
Me- Mother of three & new-found lover of Disney parks. It was casual before, but now it's getting serious.
Saturday May 7th:
We arrived in Anaheim at about 12p.m. Our reservation was for the Comfort Inn Maingate. We were told our room would be ready when we called ahead about an early check-in. But it wasnt so we went down the street to Baskin Robins & killed an hour or so. Once we returned, only one of our two rooms were ready. So we swam while we waited. Once we got in to our rooms we found them to be clean, a good size & comfortable. I wasnt aware there would be a microwave, but saw that each room had one so that was nice. Our room had an old fashioned t.v. but my parents room had a flat panel t.v. Everything was just right, but the black marks left on our feet after walking on the carpets was a little off-putting. I am no clean freak but that majorly grossed me out. But no worries, a clean pair of socks and we were in good shape!
Sunday May 8th:
This was our first day in Disneyland. DH was very very sick with the flu. Major bummer! When it was time to make our journey to DLR, he moaned as we walked out the door have fun, Im sorry. Poor guy! We arrived at 6:30 a.m. in time for the Magic Morning Entry. We rented a scooter for DM and were in the park by 7, no lines anywhere! In fact, there was hardly ANYONE THERE. We beelined it for Fantasyland. I regret not taking the time to get pictures with Walt & Mickey, and in front of the castle. I thought our weekdays would be light crowds too, but I was wrong! My parents were slowly making their way down Mainstreet, looking at every little thing that caught their attention. I wanted to yell at them Why are you moving so slow??? Dont you know we have to get down there before everyone else???. Thats when I took a deep breath and realized where I was. So after doing some deep breathing exercises, we made our way there and enjoyed our morning. We walked on to Peter Pans Flight, King Arthurs Carousel, Pinocchios Daring journey, Dumbo & Snow Whites Scary Adventures.
Heres where Ill tell you about DS5. Earlier this year when we went to the fair, all he would ride was the little canoe boats that go in a small circle. Were talking a major baby ride, acheived only by using a death-grip on each side of the boat. ANYTHING more than that and he was like a suction cup on my leg. It wasn't happening. I was really concerned about his fun-factor, and MINE! Lol Anyhoo, he just jumped right on to Peter Pans Flight, our first ride, like it was nothing. As an avid Jake & the Neverland Pirates fan, he LOVED it! He did not do Snow White, but he was game for most everything else in Fantasyland, including the Matterhorn *shock!*
Before noon we did all the previously mentioned rides, plus Mr. Toads Wild Ride, The Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Tarzans Treehouse & Winnie the Pooh. There were so few people there that a few times when the ride was over we were invited to ride again without getting off. Score!
At around noon we stopped in at the Golden Horseshoe to see Billy Hill & the Hillbillies. Let me tell you, this group is great! I love bluegrass, and they are really good. Funny too. My kids loved it, as did my parents so it was a hit all around. While there we took the cheap route and shared a HUGE piece of chocolate cake. It was enough for 6 of us (DD doesnt eat chocolate), for $6.00 and there was leftovers! We drank the milk we had in our little cooler from our Mickey Ds breakfast. After the show the park started to really fill up, so that was our que to head back to the motel for some lunch, swimming and then a nice long nap before returning that night for the fireworks & such.
After our lunch out at the picnic tables at the motel, we went for a swim. Just when I had rounded the kids up (were talking many warnings and a few threats to get them out), DH rounded the corner to get in the pool. He didnt feel a whole lot better, but even getting out of bed was a good sign! I didnt have the heart to tear the boys away from their much-missed daddy, so we stayed and swam some more, sacrificing much needed nap time. It was worth it though. We had not seen DH hardly at all (at least not vertically) in two days. After that we got an hour nap in before grabbing a fast-food dinner and returning to the park for round two, still without DH.
We arrived back at the park at around 7:00 or so (later than we wanted, but life happens) and took in a few rides. We rode the railroad straight to Toontown, which closed at eight so we only had enough time to tour Mickeys House and say hi to the Main Mouse. DS5 was completely star struck. He had been asking Wheres Mickey. (more of a statement than a question) all day. We then rode the Matterhorn again, Its a Small World & The Tea Cups. We did a little window shopping and took a little more time on each ride, as the lines were a tad longer but we still only waited for 20 minutes at the Matterhorn. We decided to forgo the Magic Memories and You show to fit in more rides since we were going to see the fireworks show. They then cancelled the fireworks due to high winds at higher elevations. This was a MAJOR disappointment since Fantasmic! and the parades were not running.
By the time the second The Magic Memories and You was showing again we were over in Tomorrowland and didnt want stop what we were doing to get back for the show.So we rode Buzz Lightyear (twice) & Space Mountain. I think we waited 30 minutes in the handicapped line at Space Mountain & Buzz Lightyear. Everything else earlier that evening was 10 minutes or less. We ended the night with a ride on the Astro Orbitor. It was a little high for DS5s taste, as the late hour was wearing on him (it was 11:30 heres where the longer nap would have helped us), so he wanted me to sit it out with him. So DS6 & DS9 rode together. The Cast Member was very kind to let them ride twice in a row, switching places so each boy got to be in front one time.
We then headed out for the night, running in to Mickey & Minnie on our way out. I made Minnie mad by suggesting the boys wait for Mickey instead of Minnie, so when she heard me saying they should wait in Mickeys line (even though she had no line at all), she turned on her heel and stomped off to greet some grateful kids!
I thought she was kidding, but she never looked back! I tracked her down and apologized and she was kind enough to take a picture with me, but I think she was just humoring me. You know how she can be.Well, thats day 1. More to come, including lunch at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, and stay tuned to see if DH made it out of bed...dun dun DUN!!!
DAY 2 & 3 (in California Adventure)
Our time in DCA was really great. DH was FINALLY back from the dead. He woke up that morning and decided that with the help of a motorized scooter he would have the strength for a day in the parks! I would have felt bad about his "handicapped" status, except that DCA has no handicap entries (for the most part), AND DM was already in a scooter, so it didn't change our status at all. It was well worth the $50. Without it he never would have made it!
First thing we did was see Aladdin, which was wonderful! I feel very fortunate that we saw it pre-grounding (flying carpet incident). It was so elaborate. It is my opinion that the best place to sit was in the first row BEHIND the aisleway. That way you see the life-sized elephants & other "parade" elements during the show close up. There really is NO bad seat in the house! Second, the kids wanted to do the Tower of Terror. I loved it that A Bug's Land was right next door. DS5 & my dad headed over there, since they weren't too inclined to ride TOT. That day we also did A Bug's Land (all of us), Soarin' over California (2x), California Screamin' (2x), Mickey's Fun Wheel (2x), Monster's Inc. (2x), Toy Story Midway Mania (2x), Grizzly River Run & King Triton's Carousel. We also saw the Playhouse Disney show. It was great that they had elements throughout the park that appealed to the younger kids. Carter (DS5) really enjoyed it when the whole family was doing something that was just for him. We had fun too, of course. We did not see WOC that night, as it was sold out by the time I tried for the "Fast Pass" tickets earlier that day.
I will try to get back on here and add in our final day, day 4. If you're still reading this, THANK YOU!!!
