Five miles from DL

[NostalgicDad]

I sit here in my hotel room in Cypress, Ca, only 5 miles from DL, but will not be going to DL. I'm out here in the LA area all week on business and my kiddos have given me strict instructions that I am not to even think about going to the park without them. I've had thoughts of venturing to DTD and snapping some shots, though (yes, I always have my camera with me). That's not going into the park so maybe the kids would let me off the hook if I brought them back a Disney souvenir. I can still hear them giving me the business though. Maybe I'll just sneak a trip over there and not say anything......no, I wouldn't feel right about doing that either. What to do, what to do. Perhaps I'll just take in some other sights and try not to think about DL (yeah, right).

One thing I did different on this business trip was fly into SNA. Uh, why haven't I done that before? I usually fly into LAX and never really have any problems but SNA definitely gets my vote. Very clean, organized, and easy to navigate, not to mention the proximity is very convenient. I believe I'll be seeing this airport again on subsequent trips.

Anyway, I just felt the need to post something since I'm so close to DL when I'm usually posting on this board while I'm ~1300 miles away.

 

[famograham]

Awwww! That sucks!

I'd be mightily tempted to take a day or two and just keep them to myself! A private little secret!

 

[Disneyluvr2]

Don't you just love SNA!??? It's my favorite "Disneyland" airport. Like famograham, I'd be awfully tempted to take a little trip to the park and just keep it to myself. I'd at least go to DTD if nothing else!!! We won't tell!!! It will be our little secret!

 

[PrincessSitka]

Just Go

 

[Sienna]

We won't tell.

 

[scanmom]

just don't tell!! Or, tell and let your kids know that you missed them being there. It doesn't hurt kids if their parents get to do something without them every once in awhile. It helps them grow up, and see that other people besides them are important too!! And, a Disney souvie will help ease the green eyed monster when you get home!!

 

[NostalgicDad]

I sense a common thought process here and it's not looking good for the kiddos!

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Go! No question!

 

[pixiewings71]

My last trip (last weekend of Jan) was without the kids. Yes, they were jealous but they understood. If you want/need to go just go and have fun!! Or, do the DTD and just enjoy that.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would go just to take more great photo's and to ride Soarin.

Jack

 

[NostalgicDad]

I would go just to take more great photo's and to ride Soarin.

Jack

Now that you mentioned Soarin', that might just put me over the edge!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

My husbands Grandmother lives in Cypress, so ya you are close by! I'd be tempted too, but I think it's nice you won't without your family!

 

[DevilDuckie]

Sometimes a secret is a precious thing. Imagine a day of Disney all for yourself that you can look back on and smile privately any time you have a bad day. Don't tell the kids. Just go and make it your special personal trip.

 

[only1mouse]

Go!!! Go!!! You'll have a great time. I do this when I have to drive to LB (which amazingly I have tomorrow, so this is what I will be doing tomorrow night). I use the excuse that I''d rather hang out in DTD than drive back to Camarillo (where I work) and I'm only here during the week and home to Portland on the weekends. While my kids at first didn't think it was "fair" they get over it very quickly!

 

[LuvEeyore]

Go and enjoy the day--no kids, no arguements over which ride first. Eat where ever you want to!! Most of all--enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DLovinFam]

I'm going for the first time w/o my two youngest kids in May. My oldest is marching in a DL parade, so of course my best friend and I have to go see them! (her dd is marching too) My two youngest (ages 6 and 12) were a little sad at first when they found out I was going, but they seem fine with it now. They will get to go in June. They just don't know it yet.

I was so happy to hear that you love flying into SNA! That is where my friend and I are flying into and it's comforting to know that it's easy!

I understand how you feel, but us big kids need our Disney fix from time to time too and it would be such a shame to be so close and not go.

 

[scrappinmom]

omigosh, you need to just go! Whether you tell the kiddos or not is up to you!

Just think of having a few hours, a half day to yourself in DL! Look for the hidden mickey's, talk a long walk, ride a few rides.....

No doubt I would do it.....I'd get the kids something & tell them "next time we go I have to show you ......"

 

[NostalgicDad]

Ok, well I made the big decision. Since I'm posting here this late in the day it must mean one thing.........I had a great day at DL today!

First things first though, it felt really weird being there alone. I felt myself looking for my kids at several points throughout the day. You never know how much you miss them until you see other families interacting. But, with all the magic in the air, even a lonely parent can have a great time by themselves.

I got to the park at 10am and it was cloudy, breezy, and really cool. The sun came out a little after noon and it turned out to be a beautiful day although a bit on the chilly side. The crowds were a little more than I would have expected but really not bad at all compared to what I'm used to. My prime objective was to take pictures. There was no shortage of that! I managed to snap 600+ in about 10 hours. I stashed my tripod in a locker then made good use of it after the sun set. I'll be posting some soon after I get back home this weekend.

But, the highlight of the day was getting dreamed! Two dream team members were handing out Special Dream Time events next to the castle where the wishing well is. Basically I got to be in the park after closing for an hour. It doesn't sound like much but it really is pretty cool. Even though there were a lot who got one, it was like walking around an empty park with no lines on any of the rides.

After dark it felt really brisk so I was ready to head out since I only had a light jacket. I used up my bonus hour and said goodbye to DL. Since I never know when or if I'll be back, I was glad I went. My kids and DW have souvenirs on the way so hopefully they won't kick me out of the house. I really wasn't planning on going until I posted here. Thanks for all the nudging. You guys put me in the Disney magic today. That's always a good thing.

 

[scrappinmom]

YEAH ! I'm glad you went!!! & double YEAH for getting dreamed!

I do agree that it would be weird to go w/o the kiddos ....I'm going to DL in 2 weeks w/o mine too....& mine have only been to DW ...BUT I've promised to bring back goodies, and to "scope" out what we have to do...& had to promise to bring them someday soon!

Glad you went for it & gladyou had a great time!

 

[CinderellaDreamer]

It sounds like a wonderful day! And how cool that you got that dream of an extra hour!

I'm glad you went. You will have a wonderful memory from that day forever.