First DLR Trip was magical! TR (3/09) Heading back for more magic! TR w/pics (4/10)

[KCmike]

Thanks Hound. We did stay there last June. We signed up on their website for email offers and we get them regularly. The first three deals we've gotten from them are:

1. DEL DEALS 2009!

An exclusive email-only offer for our special guests.

Book a room now and receive a guaranteed upgrade and free self parking, plus kids eat free at select restaurants throughout the resort*

Rates from $239 per night*
Taxes and $25 daily resort charge not included

BOOK NOW

Del Deals 1 - 50% off 2nd night
Del Deals 2 - 50% off Spa +25 % off retail
Del Deals 3 - 50% off 2nd room

They do like to nickel and dime you with fees and the restaurants are all upscale with the prices to match. The island though is amazing. We found several great restaurants, pizza place, and diner that were all loved by the family. The access to the beach is the best thing about the Del. The pool has saltwater in it and I believe it was heated. They have an ice skating rink in the wintertime. We got a kick out of watching "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe because it was filmed at the Del. Jack Lemmon is great in that movie too. If you have any questions I can do my best to answer them.

PS. Warning!!!! My kids still talk about that trip. They want to go back this summer in the worst way. We are trying to do Northern California this year (Yosemite which we keep talking about every year!) and yet the kids still want to go to the del.

 

[Sarah84]

Just joined your pre trippie

Sounds like a great trip you have planned so far, your itinerary looks good. I too am off to DLR this year for the first time but not untill september. Look forward to reading more about what you plan

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just joined your pre trippie

Sounds like a great trip you have planned so far, your itinerary looks good. I too am off to DLR this year for the first time but not untill september. Look forward to reading more about what you plan

Welcome!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

PS. Warning!!!! My kids still talk about that trip. They want to go back this summer in the worst way.

I am so glad to hear that.

Our children love the water (ocean, pool, bathtub, etc ... ). This seems like the perfect resort for us. Initially, I was setting aside one night in San Diego on our way to Anaheim. Now, I may plan two nights at Hotel del Coronado. DH will appreciate it too. After driving from TX, he'll need a few days to relax before heading to DLR and the chaos of being in the parks.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DH (Bill) came home yesterday with a little package for me. He has a co-worker that is from Hong Kong. He just came back from home. Guess what Bill asked him to get??????? That's right, Hong Kong Disneyland pins!!!!!

Thanks to a friend/fellow DISer we have Disneyland Paris and Tokyo pins. We have numerous WDW pins. Only one left ... Disneyland California. Little does Bill know.

I plan to make a shadow box for the kids and put the Disney park pins in them.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Doing the hotels booked "happy dance"!

I booked our hotels for San Diego and Las Vegas yesterday. In San Diego (technically Coronado), we are staying at the Hotel del Coronado. With DH's work schedule, I could only work out one night in SD. Better than nothing. In Vegas, we are staying at the Paris hotel and casino. Thank you for everyones input on San Diego. Looking at the pictures from the Trip Report, Hotel del Coronado seemed "perfect".

Yea!!!! Everything is all booked. Can we go now?!?!?!?!? These next few months are going to be torture. Then again, planning is always half the fun for me.

Jennifer

 

[Sarah84]

Congratulations on booking your hotels, so lucky to be staying in Hotel del Coronado it looks lovely

I love the planning too, i have spent so much time planning my trip for september

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Believe it or not, I just bought our Disneyland souvenir t-shirts yesterday. There is a temporary store that set-up shop near us (Disney items up to 80% off). They will be there for the next 30 days. DH saw the banner driving home from work on Friday. I was out and about in the area and stopped by. Walking into the building, I was like a kid in a candy store. The merchadise was "authentic" park merchandise. Yes, authentic real Disneyland-logo merchandise. I was shocked. I thought it was going to be crappy rip-offs. It was like the shopping gods put this store there just for me. Most of the merchandise was from Disneyland, there were a few items from WDW. They had t-shirts, sweatshirts, pin-trading pins, 2008 Disney park scrapbooks, authentic park autograph books, cups, mugs, authentic stuffed animals (with the special tags you know they are from the parks), etc... They plan to get more merchandise this week. I plan to go back. I got everyone a Disneyland t-shirt (or two ), Mickey doll with a Disneyland flag and a Disneyland pin-trading pin.

Here are some photos, so you can see exactly what I got:

If this comes to your town, check it out! You won't be disappointed. Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

 

[mikayla73]

That's great! What a lucky find!

 

[mariezp]

I will make sure to give a full report when we get back.

DH has been talking about going away for Christmas this year. I loved reading your TP and it has me interested in visiting DLR during the holidays too. My children would love Santa's Reindeer Round-up. Besides the HM being decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas decorations, do they do anything else special for the holidays at DLR? Do they have any special parties (like MVMCP at MK)?

Jennifer

I am going to hold you to that!
I am glad you enjoyed the trip report! It's always fun to know when someone else read it.
DL is so pretty during the holiday season! I think next time we go we will go for Christmas. As per my report, we did have fun times at the Reindeer Roundup. It will be nice to have a new BBQ place there, assuming this new birthday celebration place will be open.
The HM is pretty fun. My DD loves the NBC overlay and I have to admit that after I have been through it both ways I missed the music when it was just in the original version. DL does not have a MVMCP. They do the Candlelight Processional. They have special treats, lights, carolers and the snow but no other special events that I am aware of for Christmas. Still, something special about being in the park at that time of the year.

Congrats on making the Hotel del Coronado happen! I am turning green now!


Whoo-hoo! Great finds for you! Now... can you spill the beans on where the Disney store was? My DD went to the last one when it was in the area and I know she will want to hear about this one! Do you ever shop on Disneyshopping.com? They have some sweet deals on kids t-shirts pretty often too.

I was checking out your new tickers and it looks like we may be in WDW about the same time! Well..... that is assuming I can figure out what to do to plan a trip. It's like taking a trip to a whole new universe compared to DL! I am still deciding on dates but I am thinking maybe November 29-December 12. Any tips you can offer a beginner?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

IWhoo-hoo! Great finds for you! Now... can you spill the beans on where the Disney store was? My DD went to the last one when it was in the area and I know she will want to hear about this one! Do you ever shop on Disneyshopping.com? They have some sweet deals on kids t-shirts pretty often too.

The temporary Disney store is in Lewisville off I-35E. It is in the same shopping center as Garden Ridge and Toys R Us. I have bought a few items off Disneyshopping.com (Okay, a lot of items! ). I always head straight to the Outlet section. I've gotten pajamas for the kids for as little as $2.99 before. That sight is great! We have a local Disney Store Outlet at the Grapevine Mills Mall. They are ALWAYS having 70% off sales. Our favorite Disney Outlet is on our way to San Antonio. I can't remember if it is in San Marcos or Roundrock (I think San Marcos). It is the BEST Disney Outlet we have ever been to. If you are ever on your way to San Antonio, check it out!

I read reports that the Disney Outlet near Disneyland is NOT that good. Is that true? Is it worth the trip?

I was checking out your new tickers and it looks like we may be in WDW about the same time! Well..... that is assuming I can figure out what to do to plan a trip. It's like taking a trip to a whole new universe compared to DL! I am still deciding on dates but I am thinking maybe November 29-December 12. Any tips you can offer a beginner?

We arrive at WDW on Thanksgiving this year. We've been to WDW for the past four years for Thanksgiving, the week after Thanksgiving and attend a MVMCP. This year, we are hopping on a 4-Night Wonder cruise the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Then, back to WDW on Thursday for a few days. Being at WDW with all the holiday decorations always gets us in the Christmas spirit.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Here's a link to the company that offers the liquidation sales.

Jennifer

 

[mikayla73]

Thanks for the info. Looking at the locations it's the same people with the outlet store in Fullerton. I need to make sure to stop there when we are at DL this weekend. We got a great fold out map that is HUGE of DL from that store last time we went. It was marked way down so we bought it. We need to frame it and hang it up ... it is beautiful full color and thick paper. I'd love to find another one to hang up at work. I also wouldn't be worried about the one we have getting messed up... sorry probably too much info! I just can't help it I just love talking DL!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

With our trip slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwly approaching. I have to humor myself on the DISboards somehow. Initially, that is why I started this thread.

Some "Taylor Tidbits" ...

DD6 recently started soccer. She has her first game this upcoming Saturday. I can't wait to see her out there.

Currently, we are battling with a VERY stubborn three year old. I am ashamed to say, DS3 is not 100% potty-trained yet. What is it with boys? DD was so easy to train. But, the boys have been difficult. Any tips? He has to be FULLY trained by our Disney cruise in November. He hated Flounder's during our last cruise. He cried just walking down the hallway. So, we couldn't leave him in there. He was inconsolable. One night, they made an exception in the Oceaneer's Club and let him stay while DH and I ate dinner at Palo. I do not want to go through that experience again.

DS8 wants to take up the guitar. DH used to play and DS8 wants to be like his Daddy. Also, DS8 wants to start up with karate again. He took a break while playing football last year. Time has just gotten away from us and now he needs to get back with it. So, I'll be a busy chauffeur these next few months.

For DH's birthday last June, I bought him a motorcyle riding training course. He had always talked about getting a bike. So, I figured the class let him know I was okay with him getting a bike. He saved and bought a bike this past fall. He likes it. But, has already started hinting at getting a new bike or making modifications on his current bike for longer trips. He has co-workers that also have bikes. On Sundays, they take rides through the countryside. He wants to take an overnight roadtrip this spring. I'm fine with it as long as when he gets back, I can go out for a "Girls Only Night".

Recently, we rejoined the gym. However, I feel like I need to lose some weight before walking through the door. I know that seems weird. But, I always feel better going to the gym healthier.

I'm off to catch some zzzzzzzz

Jennifer

 

[Brady's Mom]

I had to laugh (commiserate) at the potty training problem. I have potty trained 4 boys and didn't even start until after they were 3. I just knew they weren't ready. He should be fine by Nov. though! You could always "bribe" him with how great it will be that he is big and won't have to go to the same place he did on your last cruise. It could work.

My DH loves his motorcycle and constantly wishes for a Harley! LOL Too bad he's not getting one of those anytime soon! It is great in the spring, summer and early fall, though, because our gasoline costs are VERY low.

Good luck with the driving everyone to their activities, I estimate that I spend about 2 hours in the car every day. I drive our boys to a charter school that is 20 minutes away and then our DS 12 to some Martial Arts classes at a gym that he and I belong to. I drive myself to the same gym every morning for kickboxing classes. My 4 year old tells me constantly how boring it is to drive in the car. I don't blame him though, I get pretty bored myself! At least he doesn't have to come with me for my 6 am class!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I drive our boys to a charter school that is 20 minutes away

Our DD6 goes to a Charter School too. DS8 was on the waiting list. But, never got in this year. So, he is homeschooled. They just had re-enrollment a few weeks ago and the school assured me that DS8 is guaranteed a spot for next school year. He is VERY excited. Only ONE student from this year did not re-enroll. I found that amazing. When the school opened it 2007, they offered K-4. Then, this year they expanded to 5th grade. This past winter, they announced at the Christmas Program that they are adding 6th grade for next school year. I think their ultimate goal is to offer K-12. I would be so happy if all three kids could be in such a great intimate school together until college. The atmosphere of the Charter School was night and day from DS8's old Public School. Also, it feels more like our children are going to a private school without the cost. Whoever thought of Charter Schools was onto something. I saw the Principal the other day and she said when they offered open enrollment to the public, there were parents waiting outside the building at 6:30 am to enroll/get on a waiting list for next school year. I am so glad we got in when we did.

Jennifer

 

[pmama]

Just followed you over from the "WDW vets/ Disneyland newbies thread." I noticed that our next two trips are very similar in time frame but do not overlap. We will be going to DL the end of May for DD's birthday and are doing a 4 night Disney cruise and visiting WDW in December. Now, I'll have to go back and read your PTR!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just followed you over from the "WDW vets/ Disneyland newbies thread." I noticed that our next two trips are very similar in time frame but do not overlap. We will be going to DL the end of May for DD's birthday and are doing a 4 night Disney cruise and visiting WDW in December. Now, I'll have to go back and read your PTR!

Since you'll be at DLR before us, you'll definitely have to tell me how it goes. I am such a planner that I am a little freaked about the whole new environment of DLR (I'm just as equally excited. ) I honestly can't wait to see the Fire Station with the light on. That is what I am most looking forward too. WDW has brought so many great memories to our family. I am VERY thankful to Walt for his vision of such great parks and true family entertainment. I know the WDW parks like the back of my hand. I am so neurotic, I printed a DLP and DCA map and have started to memorize them. Does anyone else print the park maps ahead of time to familiarize themselves with the parks?

We disembark the Wonder on December 3rd. Is that when you embark? We could wave in passing. However, as much as we love Disney cruises, we may try and sneak into your suitcases.

Sorry the thread is already so long. I can get wordy.

"Happy Reading!"

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Poor DH, little does he know. I caught him pricing a WDW trip for DD6's Spring Break in a few weeks. I think he needs a Disney "fix" (and break from work ). However, ALL the onsite resorts are booked. I didn't think that was a good sign crowd-wise. It will be a madhouse. I guess a lot of people took advantage of the 4/3 deal. We may be able to go, but stay off-site. Does anyone recommend any hotels near WDW? In the past, we have always stayed on-site. Oh wait! I take it back, they DID have rooms at the Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone stayed at either of those resorts? I know they are not owned by Disney, but enjoy the same on-property perks as other Disney guests. Also, any off-property hotel recommendations are appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help. Who knows, we may be in Orlando in three weeks.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I have to give my DH some praise. Somehow, he got us into the All Star Movies resort the week of March 16th. So, we are off to WDW in three weeks!

DH reallly wanted to stay on-property. Somehow, he made it work. We've only stayed in a Value (ASMU) one other time for just one night (we got to WDW a day early). So, we know what to expect. It's a glorified motel with a Disney price. I honestly didn't care where we stayed. We'll be at the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Jennifer