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

[TheTXTaylors5]

We decided to check-out the area near the El Tovar Hotel. We visited this area when were there back in 2002 and remembered it being beautiful. We remembered correctly. The family photo in the first Grand Canyon post was taken at this area. Also, they have the Hopi House (historical site and gift shop) and we caught a Native American dance demonstration. We looked at the onsite photo of the El Tovar Hotel when it was first built (1905) with a horse and carriage out front and all. The exterior has NOT changed at all since being built. That was neat to see.

 

[pmama]

I see you are from Colorado. DH has visited Denver on business and loved it. But, the family has never been there or anywhere in Colorado. We plan to take a roadtrip to Colorado for Christmas one year. We want to rent a cabin and have fun in the snow. Remember, we live in Texas. We are usuallly wearing shorts on Christmas. Could you recommend a "family-friendly" resort that would pretty much guarantee snow around Christmas-time?????? DH was born and raised in Texas (I am a Yankee. ) I know he has a dream to wake up on Christmas morning with piles of snow outside. He didn't have it as a youth. I think he wants his children to experience it at least once in their life.

Jennifer

Are you interested in skiing or not?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We decided to relax and hang out at the El Tovar porch for a bit. Looking out and seeing the Grand Canyon as your scenery was nothing but a perfect way to end our trip.

Where else but at the Grand Canyon are you going to see a Mule Xing sign. We could see the trails where they take the mules. Also, there are some little cabins on the Canyon floor. When the kids are older, we may look into the mule trail ride. It would remind me of the Brady Bunch episode (Anyone remember that or am I showing my age? Then again, I watched the re-runs as a kid in the 70's. )

As we were heading toward the park exit, a wild coyote ran right in front of our minivan. DH had to jam on the brakes. That was such a treat to see. Also, it is DD6's school mascot. So, she thought it was pretty cool. It was so fast, I didn't get a picture. Sorry.

We sadly headed back to I-40 knowing our roadtrip would soon come to an end.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Grand Canyon, AZ - Albuquerque, NM (410.30 miles)

DH made it all the way to Albuquerque, NM. We searched on our GPS for a Holiday Inn Express. We found one right off the highway. Another great BIG room and yummy breakfast in the morning.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Are you interested in skiing or not?

"Bunny Slope"

When I lived in Europe, I went skiing. But, we want to attend a "family" ski school if possible to have the kids learn from a pro. Same as when they get to driving age. We are all for Driving Schools. DS3's coordination is still a little iffy. He had developmental issues early on and was in physical therapy. By the time we go, probably Christmas 2010, he should be ready to hit the slopes.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We had breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe on Saturday, March 14 before leaving town.

I have a Rainforest Cafe coupon link. Maybe, you can use it on your upcoming trip? How was their breakfast? The one around here doesn't serve breakfast.

I hope these help your trip ...

From the Anaheim Orange County website:
Rainforest Cafe - Free Appetizer or Save $5 off two breakfast entrees coupon (Anaheim location)
McDonalds - 10% Discount (food only) (Anaheim location)
Universal Studios Hollywood - $8.00 off General Admission/$10.00 off Front Of Line Pass
Anaheim Gardenwalk - Complimentary VIP Shopping Pass & Eco-tote
Disneyland Resort Express - Save $2 when booking online

Jennifer

 

[pmama]

"Bunny Slope"

When I lived in Europe, I went skiing. But, we want to attend a "family" ski school if possible to have the kids learn from a pro. Same as when they get to driving age. We are all for Driving Schools. DS3's coordination is still a little iffy. He had developmental issues early on and was in physical therapy. By the time we go, probably Christmas 2010, he should be ready to hit the slopes.

Jennifer

Okay, I really can't recommend resorts in Colorado as we never visit them. However, I can recommend some ski towns. Vail/Aspen area is a favorite of celebrities, very pretty. Definitely snow. We also really like Keystone. It is cute, nice ski slopes, and not as far from Denver as others.

We personally love Glenwood Springs for it's Hot Springs. However, it is not as high altitude and you can not "guarantee" snow.

 

[javamoma]

Okay, I really can't recommend resorts in Colorado as we never visit them. However, I can recommend some ski towns. Vail/Aspen area is a favorite of celebrities, very pretty. Definitely snow. We also really like Keystone. It is cute, nice ski slopes, and not as far from Denver as others.

We personally love Glenwood Springs for it's Hot Springs. However, it is not as high altitude and you can not "guarantee" snow.

We go to colorado every couple of months, my sister and her family live in Aspen. Anyway Glennwood Springs is good place to stay because is is WAY WAY WAY less expensive that Aspen yet still close enough that you could drive into Aspen and ski (choose Buttermilk instead of Aspen mountain for newbie sking). But if money is not an option, stay in Aspen at the Little Nell. It's world famous.

My grandmother lives in Ridgway which is just outside of Telluride and we love that area. There is a spa in Ridgway (can't think of the name) and there are tons of places to stay in Telluride.

Another option is Durango and ski Durango mountain. Family friendly and one of the less expensive areas.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Thank you for the Colorado suggestions. I've heard of Aspen and Telluride. They always seems to be advertised in our AAA magazine. With today's weather close to 80 degrees, I can't believe I'm talking about snow. Being a "family trip", we honestly don't want to take them to a 5-Star Hotel. We want a place where they can make some noise and have fun. Also, "The Big Red-Suited Guy" will still be making his late-night toy drop at our room/condo on Christmas Eve. But, the trip itself would be the "major" present from us. Ski instruction fee, ski and boot rentals, tickets, condo/cabin rental, etc... We know the fees will add up. However, seeing the snow driving to California re-lit the idea of making a Christmas trip to Colorado. We're even open to New Mexico, if the area and snow is right.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Albuquerque, NM - Home (North Texas) (616.59 miles)

Day 8 (Saturday)

We left the Holiday Inn Express in Albuquerque around 8 am (we decided to sleep in a little). After our yummy breakast of course. We were back on the road. Knowing our next "major" stop would be home was a little comforting (there's nothing like sinking into your own bed after being away for a week), but I was sad just the same. Come Monday, DH would be back to work, DD6 back at school and our normal day to day events would pick right back up where we left a week earlier. Spending a solid week with the family is always so nice and I hate having to give them back to the rest of the world. You would think by now, we'd all be sick of each other. But, it wasn't like that. We had a great time even in the car. The kids kept busy with Nintendo DS, Gameboy and Leapster. Of course, the DVD player in the minivan was a savior at times. When we'd played enough "I Spy", popping in a DVD kept them entertained for at least an hour and half. One surprise hit during the roadtrip portion was a Mad Libs book I picked up. I use to love those when I was younger. I was in the bookstore searching for Disneyland books and ended up picking up the kids some new books for the trip and picked up a super Mad Libs book. The trip home was pretty uneventful. We pulled into our driveway around 8:30 PM. We were home.

Jennifer

 

[Sherwin]

The water was still drained near Paradise Pier. The lake was a construction site. They had walls all along the way from PP to the mainland with a map of the renovations. We can't wait to see it completed. The water show is suppose to be up and running next year. It was described to us as part Fantasmic! (like at DHS) and part water show like at the Bellagio in Vegas. There are going to be pictures generated onto the water to tell stories. Looks pretty neat. Also, the other major change will be Carsland. The main focal point will be a car ride, kind of like Test Track @ Epcot. But, your car races the guest-filled car next to you. I can't wait to go back in 2011/2012 when it should be completed. My main questions is, where are they getting the land to do the project? Are they taking more precious parking spaces away near the Paradise Pier Hotel? The map was pretty vague of the size of the addition.

Great great TR! Can't believe I didn't read this before.

Apparently, there's speculation that the new World of Color show will be even more spectacular than F!, but we'll see about that (I am loyal to F! ). Fantasmic is a very old show, so we'll probably see lots of new technologies with this one.

Carsland will be taking up space from the old Timon Parking lot, which is wedged in the southeast corner between DCA and the CCI.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I can't believe we were just at Disneyland. It all seems like a dream. A really good dream. Walking down Main Street, riding on PoTC, eating at the Blue Bayou. Those were all just memories now. I was a little sad on Sunday. But, very happy to have experienced the one and only original park. Like previously mentioned, we plan to return. How will I get through these next two or three years until we return?!?!?!?! I am sure these boards will help.

When I look back on this trip, this is what I will remember and cherish ...

On our first night, we made our way to the Fire Station on Main Street to pay our repects to Walt. When I glanced over at DH, he was looking up at the light and had a smile on his face. He looked so sweet and childlike. It was precious. A "Disney Husband" is something to cherish. He gets "it" and that is one more reason for me to love him. We plan to return again and again. I can't wait to return with DH, our children and our grandchildren (many, many years from now. ) Disney just lights a spark within that can't be explained. Behind the Disney gates, anything is possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read this Trip Report. It was fun to re-live our amazing trip. If you haven't been to Disneyland before, I hope it helped. If you were along for the ride, I hope it kept you entertained.

Have a "magical" day and may all your dreams come true.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Great great TR! Can't believe I didn't read this before.

Apparently, there's speculation that the new World of Color show will be even more spectacular than F!, but we'll see about that (I am loyal to F! ). Fantasmic is a very old show, so we'll probably see lots of new technologies with this one.

Carsland will be taking up space from the old Timon Parking lot, which is wedged in the southeast corner between DCA and the CCI.

Thank you for the kind words.

After speaking with a CM, the World of Color show should be amazing. I can't wait to see it. There weren't any Fantasmic! showings during our stay. We have seen the one at DHS and liked it. However, I would have liked to see the DLP version too.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We watched the trip video the other night. It was fun to re-live the walk down Main Street. DH took some pictures with the video camera. I have to download them to the computer and will post some of the random pictures soon.

I got to experience the Nemo Subs without getting up at the crack of dawn. Thanks to my DH's great footage. The ride looks amazing. However, I think DS3 would have freaked a little. It definitely is not a ride for a claustrophobic person. By the time we go back, DS3 should be fine to ride it. Hopefully by then, they figure out how to make the line flow better. To anyone going to DLP with the intention of riding this, get to rope drop on a MM. Then, make sure you haul booty to the ride entrance. Otherwise, you will already have at least a 30 minute wait. When DH and DS8 exited the ride (around 8:35 am), it was already about a 40/50 minutes stand-by wait (and that was on a MM!!!! ).

Good luck!

Jennifer

 

[DizNee Luver]

I have a Rainforest Cafe coupon link. Maybe, you can use it on your upcoming trip? How was their breakfast? The one around here doesn't serve breakfast.

Jennifer

Thank you for the offer, we got one of their memberships but knew we weren't going to stop there this trip.

We found the breakfast to be very good. My son got the breakfast pizza thing (not sure of the name) & it was huge.....we all could have shared it & would have been full. All of the portions were that way. We got right in, served, fed & out the door. A lot quicker than during the dinner & evening!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

A lot quicker than during the dinner & evening!!

Glad to hear. Dinner was so slowwwwwwww! Sounds like a great breakfast option on the way to the parks. Now we know for next time. Thanks for the info.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I have started to get excited for our upcoming WDW trip in June for DH's Birthday. I called the other day to make some additional ADRs and was able to get what I wanted. I couldn't the week before. I have to do that sometimes for WDW ADRs. People cancel all the time or over-book. So, re-checking helps when trying to get desirable restaurants. Things are looking up for that trip. I have a few surprises up my sleeve for DH. He sometimes lurks on here, so I will keep "mum" until we get back and let y'all know how it went. I have been browsing the WDW boards again and can't believe how crowded WDW is this weekend. How is DLR doing out there? It is just as crazy? I'm glad we went to DLR this Spring Break instead of WDW as first booked. The WDW 4/3 deal has enticed a lot of WDW newbies and made the parks close to full capacity. We are going a week before the 4th of July weekend. I hope people either go to WDW around Memorial Day or the 4th of July and leave the other week in June to us. I don't do well in crowds. I like my space. One of my biggest Disney pet peeves is people who walk on my heels in a line. If I stop too quickly, they bump into me. Now, that is just too close for comfort. If I were a multi-millionaire, the first thing I would do is rent out Disneyland for a day. Wouldn't that be nice? I am sure others have thought about it too.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Happy Easter to you and yours!

 

[javamoma]

I have started to get excited for our upcoming WDW trip in June for DH's Birthday. I called the other day to make some additional ADRs and was able to get what I wanted. I couldn't the week before. I have to do that sometimes for WDW ADRs. People cancel all the time or over-book. So, re-checking helps when trying to get desirable restaurants. Things are looking up for that trip. I have a few surprises up my sleeve for DH. He sometimes lurks on here, so I will keep "mum" until we get back and let y'all know how it went. I have been browsing the WDW boards again and can't believe how crowded WDW is this weekend. How is DLR doing out there? It is just as crazy? I'm glad we went to DLR this Spring Break instead of WDW as first booked. The WDW 4/3 deal has enticed a lot of WDW newbies and made the parks close to full capacity. We are going a week before the 4th of July weekend. I hope people either go to WDW around Memorial Day or the 4th of July and leave the other week in June to us. I don't do well in crowds. I like my space. One of my biggest Disney pet peeves is people who walk on my heels in a line. If I stop too quickly, they bump into me. Now, that is just too close for comfort. If I were a multi-millionaire, the first thing I would do is rent out Disneyland for a day. Wouldn't that be nice? I am sure others have thought about it too.

Jennifer

A DLR trip and now a WDW trip so close together??? Hold on. I have to take a break to mop up the drewl on the floor by my computer.
I'll be back later, it's going to take a lot of moppin'!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

A DLR trip and now a WDW trip so close together??? Hold on. I have to take a break to mop up the drewl on the floor by my computer.
I'll be back later, it's going to take a lot of moppin'!

Very funny!

We were intially suppose to visit Disneyland for DH's birthday in June. But the price was right. So, we went in March instead. With the "What will you celebrate?" promo. We just had to spend someone's birthday at WDW. Last year, we visited WDW in April/May for DS8's birthday and September for DD6's birthday. It was only fitting to spend DH's (My BIG kid) birthday at Disney this year. We will never go for mine (July) or DS3's (August) birthday. The crowds and weather will be unbearable during those months. We are chancing it going in June. I have a touring plan already worked out. The biggie for this time of year is to get to rope drop and take advantage of EMHs. Also, I plan to take a break mid-day at the pool and then back to the parks at night. When we were at WDW last year in May and September it was so humid. We went through a case of water the first couple of days. I hope we are not there and thinking ... "Why aren't we at Disneyland?????" From your experience, how humid does California get in June (summer)?

Since joining DVC, we go to WDW more often than expected. We usually make the trek to Florida three times a year. We have made the drive so many times, we could do it blindfolded. Driving through the main entrance gate feels like arriving home. We let our WDW AP expire this past December. We honestly thought we wouldn't be back until the following December (2009). We are such Disney nuts. There's no way we could wait a whole year to visit. We were having Disney withdrawals. DH is always "game" to visit WDW. I don't have to twist his arm too much.

Jennifer