For the first time in forever...I'm not in WDW! July 2014 Dland DR; UD 12/16

[vettegirl]

Loving the DL reviews! Flos is on my must try list for sure. Also great WOC review!

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[rachel09985]

Oooh my, those biscuits look AMAZING!!!

They wre

mini churros yum

Mini ones are better!

Love your review!!!!!

Thanks!

This brings back so many memories of DL for me! Good thing we are going back in January.

It's too bad you didn't like your drink at Trader Sam's. I'm not sure I tried that one but there are some good ones on their menu.

I can't wait to go back! This time we are staying at the DL Hotel for the beginning of our trip and then ending at the Grand Californian on DVC points. I can't wait to stay at the DL Hotel! It is quite a bit of a walk compared to some of the hotels on Harbor where we stayed last trip though.

Thanks so much for sharing

Thanks for reading! Enjoy disneyland at hotel. I would love to go back and stay at the disneyland hotel but not sure that will happen. You trip sounds glorious!

Enjoying your report! We went to DLR last summer (2013) and spent a few days in LA first. I think we did nearly all the same things as you.

Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for reading it! LA was fun! I was surprised the traffic wasn't that bad but the city traffic was worse.

Loving the review!!! It looks like you guys had an amazing trip to Cali!!!

We did!

I am feeling SO homesick.:

I grew up going to Disneyland and haven't been there since 2005! It is 'home' and we are going to hopefully be there next year!

There is a special magic when you stand on main street, looking at the firehouse knowing that upstairs Walt and his family and friends were able to watch the goings on of main street from their windows!!

The real honest to goodness American Indians, who had tee pees and did pow wows with the guests during the days!!

I love New Orleans square and remember the Monsanto house of the future, skull rock, the pirate ship which was actually a restaurant that sold tuna fish sandwiches, as well as Aunt Jemimas restaurant, where my 8 year old self KNEW I'd met the real Aunt Jemima!! My first ever Mickey pancake!! When she told me that she had made it just for me, I knew it was her for sure!!

I also lost my Mary Poppins hat on POTC on the second day it was open and it was played on the opening of Wonderful World of Disney in the opening montage every Sunday night for years. That was my first trip and I have been hooked ever since.

Sorry for the hijack but you brought these memories back!! Thank you!!!: I'm looking forward to more!!!

Aw, thats for the great memories! I am so glad you get to go back to disneyland where you made all those great memories. Thanks for reading.

I like that one too, but maybe it's because one of my best friends is in the ride.

Seriously.

He was a software developer at Pixar when the movie was made, and he played George (the monster with the pink sock), who makes an appearance in the ride.

Ok, now that is cool!!!!

 

[rachel09985]

Loving the DL reviews! Flos is on my must try list for sure. Also great WOC review!

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Thanks! Flo's should definitely be on your must try list. I really enjoyed it. WOC was amazing...they need that in WDW.

 

[rustyanchor]

Great reviews! Now I want to go to Disneyland just so I can try one of those biscuits...

 

[superme80]

Monsters Inc is a favorite of mine as well. Great update!

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow - how did I miss this? oops!

I love the beach trips. I don't think of the Pacific as especially pretty for the beaches until you drive down to Laguna and then it is just so gorgeous. When you were in Newport Beach you were near us.

So many notes about the food ... I can't remember them all other than Carthay Circle, I had the same entrée and loved it - especially the corn. I agree about the cheddar apple pie at Flos... what's up with no melty cheese? Trader Sams is hard to get a seat at that place but it is fun. I suppose it would be better if you enjoyed your drink.

Oh, and Plaza Inn, one of my favorites for the biscuits and their desserts. I didn't really think about it but your observation of the quick service places that have real utensils and plates is different than WDW. Rancho del Zocalo, French Market, Flos V8, and Plaza Inn all fall into that category.

I'm looking forward to your next updates....

 

[rachel09985]

Great reviews! Now I want to go to Disneyland just so I can try one of those biscuits...

You absolutely do! They were delicious!

Monsters Inc is a favorite of mine as well. Great update!

Thanks!

Wow - how did I miss this? oops!

I love the beach trips. I don't think of the Pacific as especially pretty for the beaches until you drive down to Laguna and then it is just so gorgeous. When you were in Newport Beach you were near us.

So many notes about the food ... I can't remember them all other than Carthay Circle, I had the same entrée and loved it - especially the corn. I agree about the cheddar apple pie at Flos... what's up with no melty cheese? Trader Sams is hard to get a seat at that place but it is fun. I suppose it would be better if you enjoyed your drink.

Oh, and Plaza Inn, one of my favorites for the biscuits and their desserts. I didn't really think about it but your observation of the quick service places that have real utensils and plates is different than WDW. Rancho del Zocalo, French Market, Flos V8, and Plaza Inn all fall into that category.

I'm looking forward to your next updates....

No worries for missing it! I have to finish this report before our WDW trip in 24 days! EEK! Yeah, I think I do actually enjoy the Florida beaches more, especially the gulf! But, the Laguna beach was sooo pretty! The real utensils is not what I was used to, but I liked it. I think there is only a couple of WDW places that use real utensils.

 

[rachel09985]

This morning was a magic morning at Disneyland. The park opened at 8 so I thought we were able to get in because we purchased more than a 3 day park hopper. However, apparently, to get the magic morning you have to pre purchase online before! We purchased the tickets at the park the first day. Oh well! So we sat on a bench and waited for about 45 minutes for the park to open. It was hot because we were right in the sun.

Once the park opened our first ride was Small World. The prior day the wait was soo long so we decided to do it first thing in the morning.







This was definitely better than WDW because I loved the addition of the characters. However, I thought the track was weird inside. It was like a tube we were in.

We also went through the castle walkthrough. If you are claustrophobic don't do this! The walkways were tight. It was a cute little walkthrough with lots of nostalgia.





Now for food pics! Our reservation was at Cafe Orleans around 12pm. I requested to sit inside because it was just so darn hot.

Ironically, I started with the gumbo. I couldn't not get the gumbo! I got a cup.


New Orleans Gumbo - Cup
A rich, flavorful Stew with Chicken, Andouille Sausage, and Tasso Ham served with Cajun-style "Dirty Rice"
$6.49




This was delicious! Honestly! It was one of the best soups I have ever had. It was so good!

We also started with the pommes frites.


Pommes Frites
Traditional French Fried Potatoes tossed with Parmesan, Garlic, and Parsley served with Cajun Spice Rémoulade
$5.99



These were super good. There was a lot of parm and garlic on them, but I loved them. Corey was a little unsure as he likes things plain but I loved them, especially with the sauce.

We then went with the granddaddy entree- the Monte Cristo. I know I had to get this because it was their specialty. However, after this heat I wasn't so sure.


Monte Cristo Sandwich
Sliced Turkey, Ham, and Swiss fried in a light batter and served with Berry Purée dusted with Powdered Sugar
$17.99



Ugh, this wasn't good. I wanted to like it but I just couldn't. It was sooo greasy and rich and just too much especially when it was 95 degrees out. I know I shouldn't have got the french fries too but it was just too much. I only had one wedge and didn't even finish that wedge. MAYBE I would try this again if it was cooler outside.

Overall, it was still an enjoyable time. It was a little too rushed. We were in and out in about 45 minutes. I liked this restaurant but next time might get something else.

After Cafe Orleans we headed to watch Mickey and the Magical Map. This was a very cute show. I liked how all of the characters were involved. It isn't something that i would be dying for at WDW but I think it would make a cute addition at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. I really liked the theatre here!





Since we were close to toontown, we headed into toontown for another must do.

After taking pictures in the houses



we headed into the long line to meet Mickey! The wait was about 50 minutes. There are cartoons in the waiting area, which is nice for kids.

This was special because it was black and white steamboat mickey! So cute! He loved my shirt.

 

[rachel09985]

I think next we went on Splash Mountain. We ended up riding with a cute family but the dad went to splash his wife and ended up soaking me! GRR!




Sometime during this day I ended up running into the Dis celebrity- emmysmommy aka Brenda and her husband! I have already met Brenda last December so was excited when she suggested we meet up. She is the sweetest and friendliest person ever.She instantly makes you feel comfortable talking to her!

We went on Space Mountain and sweated our butts off while waiting on the roof. It was about 45 minutes or so and it was HOT. I really hate all of the outside queues at Disneyland!

For some reason my photo was missing from my photopass CD.

We went on Mr Toad next! This was an interesting ride! Brenda was so kind to take a photo of Corey and I in the outside vehicle.



We also took some photopass pictures, which I love!

Just the girls!



Girls and Guys



We made dinner plans at Naples, which is owned by the same people at Via Napoli, so we were excited because we love that restaurant. We got sat right away so there wasn't a wait thankfully.

I started with a caesar salad. It was flavorful and good but it was just drenched in dressing! Way too much!



Corey and I split the pepperoni pizza and it was delicious! It tasted just like Via Napoli. We loved it!



We had such a great time at dinner with Brenda and Michael and Corey loves you guys now! He wants to see you again in WDW again! Corey has a lot in common with Michael! So, thank you again Brenda for inviting us to dinner and getting Corey out of his shell!

After saying goodbye Corey and I went back to Disneyland and headed into Jolly Holiday for our dessert. I got the lemon strawberry cupcake and Corey got the cheesecake brownie.





Unfortunately, neither of us really liked our desserts that much. My cupcake wasn't good and I thought that was their signature cupcake. It was just a bit dry. However, I did like how the topping wasn't too sweet. Corey just said his cheesecake brownie was just okay.

We walked around the park for a while at night and saw the fireworks, Magical!. They almost didn't happen because of the wind. I learned that that is common here. The fireworks get canceled a lot.



However, 5 minutes before they were supposed to start, they announced the fireworks were on!





I thought Dumbo was supposed to fly around during this but it was just Tinkerbell. But, wow they really do fly them around the castle a lot. That was crazy watching that!

On the way out of the park we stopped at Jolly Holiday again so I could get the matterhorn macaroon.



Oh my heavens, this was amazing. It was sooo gooey and delicious. That white chocolate with the "snow" on top was the best. This was soo good I couldn't stop eating it and it was right before bed.

Coming up is our last day in Disneyland

 

[vettegirl]

Great update! Brenda and Michael are so much fun, we just love them I have never eaten at Cafe Orleans, and a monte cristo is something that I just don't think I can handle. Like you said way to rich! Glad you liked Naples, we had it a few years ago and it was terrible pizza. Looks like they have improved based on your review. Love the Matterhorn Macaroon!! The Jolly Holiday Bakery is one of my favs.

 

[princess aleya]

Great updates!! Sorry you didn't enjoy your desserts they looked really good.

 

[rachel09985]

Great update! Brenda and Michael are so much fun, we just love them I have never eaten at Cafe Orleans, and a monte cristo is something that I just don't think I can handle. Like you said way to rich! Glad you liked Naples, we had it a few years ago and it was terrible pizza. Looks like they have improved based on your review. Love the Matterhorn Macaroon!! The Jolly Holiday Bakery is one of my favs.

They are fun! Yes, the pizza was actually good! I don't think it was as good as Via Napoli but it tasted very similar. I loved the Jolly Holiday as well! I wish WDW had something as good as that with as much variety.

Great updates!! Sorry you didn't enjoy your desserts they looked really good.

They were just ok! But the macaroon was delish!

 

[poohangel]

Never been to Cali before so I am happy that you have a review on this board.

 

[rachel09985]

Today was our last day at Disneyland

Thankfully, we had a full day because our plane didn't leave until midnight!

Before we went on any rides we stopped at Jolly Holiday and I had this quiche. It was delicious! I don't remember what exactly was in it but it was very good.



This morning we went on all of the fantasyland rides when the park opened. Luckily, most of them had no wait.

First ride was the new Alice in Wonderland. This was only the 3rd day since it was refurbished and we LOVED it!! I wish all dark rides were as good as this. It was awesome.









Then we went on



which was very creepy. I hated the circus area. I barely even remember that movie!



We saw Olaf on the way out!



Then we went on Snow White. Both Corey and I could not believe how weird this ride was. It was like it ended too soon. Was WDW's really like that!? LOL! All of a sudden you see her dead and then the ride ends.



Pretty pink castle!



I got to see the new Club 33 that wasn't quite yet open.



After this we went on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Wish WDWs was like this. The special effects scene is awesome!



Then we went on Splash Mountain and had our own boat!





After Splash we had my lunch, at Hungry Bear. I got the fried green tomato sandwich along with the lemon cupcake.





The sandwich was pretty good with the exception of the bread. It was just way too thick for that sandwich. I liked the flavor of the bread, I just wish it was thinner and softer. The sauce was excellent though!

The cupcake on the other hand was amazing. Hands down the best disney cupcake I have ever. The frosting was this light whipped honey tasting frosting. I thought it would be too much, but it wasn't even too sweet. It was awesome. The inside of the cupcake had this lemon curd creme stuff. It was sooo delicious!! All in all a pretty good lunch!

Corey didn't know what he wanted so he got two skewers of chicken from Bengal BBQ.



He didn't like these as much. The taste was still good but he got some really gross pieces of chicken this time.

On the way out of Disneyland to California Adventure we stopped for some photopass shots.

 

[vettegirl]

Two of my favorite things in the whole world you had at my beloved Hungry Bear. I always get the fried green tomato sandwich with onion rings, I agree the bread could be better but I still love it! Brenda introduced me to that cupcake and it's amazing!! Man I miss DL . We were there in September but didn't go into the parks.

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[abbydancer]

Today was our last day at Disneyland



Then we went on Snow White. Both Corey and I could not believe how weird this ride was. It was like it ended too soon. Was WDW's really like that!? LOL! All of a sudden you see her dead and then the ride ends.

It is a strange ending. I think when I was a kid, the ride was longer, and they cut it to make the ride next door (Pinnochio maybe).

BTW, we go to WDW next month, and I'm thinking it's time for Disneyland. Thanks for a great report.

 

[princess aleya]

The cupcake was so cute, glad to know it tasted as good as it looked.

 

[rachel09985]

Never been to Cali before so I am happy that you have a review on this board.

Thanks! Before this trip, I haven't either!

Two of my favorite things in the whole world you had at my beloved Hungry Bear. I always get the fried green tomato sandwich with onion rings, I agree the bread could be better but I still love it! Brenda introduced me to that cupcake and it's amazing!! Man I miss DL . We were there in September but didn't go into the parks.

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Yes, the sandwich was tasty! I loved the sauce and fried green tomatoes.

It is a strange ending. I think when I was a kid, the ride was longer, and they cut it to make the ride next door (Pinnochio maybe).

BTW, we go to WDW next month, and I'm thinking it's time for Disneyland. Thanks for a great report.

Interesting! Have fun in WDW! I am thinking it is time for me to go back to Disneyland. We loved it!

The cupcake was so cute, glad to know it tasted as good as it looked.

It sure did!

 

[rachel09985]

We went to California Adventure for a little bit to say our goodbyes there. On the way back in Disneyland I wanted to get dinner at Rancho del Zocalo.

I think I got the chicken tacos. They were pretty good but nothing memorable.



Corey didn't know what he wanted for dinner so he decided to eat a quick dinner at Carnation Cafe. We got right in.





I got a root beer float and it was delicious!



Corey got a cheeseburger.



He said he really liked the cheeseburger and especially liked the seasoned fries.

His dessert was the peanut butter sandwich from the chocolate shop. He liked it. He actually got it to have during the parade.



Our last fun before we had to go to the airport was to see the Mickey's Soundsational Parade. This was a fun parade! Definitely not as fun as Festival of Fantasy but still solid. The outfits were neat.

The Anna and Elsa floats kick off the start.



















Fun parade! Although we chose to sit on the side where the sun was still shining down. Dang, that was hot!

Our very last thing of the day was for me to ride the teacups. Corey won't do this since it spins but I do. Corey was the photographer.





Pure Happiness



On the way out we took some more castle photos.





The last thing I did was get a mickey chocolate ganache tart to eat at the airport for my midnight snack.



This was soo good and a great farewell to our amazing time at Disneyland.

Thanks for reading along! Luckily about a couple weeks after this I found out I was going to SoCal for work. Of course I had to tag a long a disney day or two. So, surprise reviews coming up soon from my extra 2 days in Disneyland!

 

[princess aleya]

I really enjoyed reading your report!! Can't wait to hear about your quick trip for work.