KS*BARBIE*GIRLS
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2006
- Messages
- 11
Characters:
Grumpy-(DH)thirty-something driver to/from airport, luggage handler
did not get to go on trip. (Would rather hunt & fish than see Mickey and Barbie)
Me- thirty-something Second time to Disneyland (first at age 10, ½ day only), Barbie Collector, over packer, over planner.
Mini Me(DD) age 10 First trip to Disneyland, First Plane Ride,
Loves build a bear, club libby lu and Barbie
Our Goals:
Disneyland, DCA, Beach, Barbie Convention, Hollywood.
Hotel: Disneyland Hotel, Bonita Tower, Room #2794
Car Rental: Budget Ford Mustang Convertible!
Airline: Frontier with direct TV at each seat!
Pre Trip: Yes, we did actually plan this 20 months in advance when we found out Barbie Convention 2006 was in Los Angeles and hey that is only 35 miles from Disneyland! Saving spending money, buying coordinating outfits/shoes, reading the boards, gathering tips, deciding when to book airfare, car rental etc. I even made a list of all the restaurants and what they served so we would know where to eat (picky). We saved 2 Quarters and
A Penny combos and stacked them in the m&m tubes for the penny press machines.
Made reservations 65 days out for Rainforest Café
Made reservations 60 days out for the following: Ariels Grotto, Goofys Kitchen,
Blue Bayou, Minnie & Friends, Lilo & Stitch, and Club Libby Lu
Made reservations 30 days out for Fantasmic dessert buffet balcony early show!
(thru vacation planning on F!)
Getting There:
So were off! Its 3:00 in the morning Saturday July 22, 2006 and we are on our
way to the airport! Got to the airport about 2 hours before the flight (good plan).
Frontier airlines is great, we made it through the line, checked our bags and headed
for the gate. We already knew to take off shoes and load everything in the bins,
yes the bottled water and cinnasticks have to go through also. Side note, cameras
were not affected by the screening, (disposable and digital). We had direct tv
in the back of the seat and headphones, Mini Me loved this! I liked having pre-
assigned seats also. We flew into John Wayne airport (SNA), loved that airport!
Easy to navigate, bathroom was #1 on our list and easy to find, then off to baggage
claim. Cant miss that pink luggage with pink and tinkerbell tags! Then off to car
rental, Budget, we were second in line. We reserved a convertible, hey were on
vacation, (tourists!) and the guy said Im going to give you the new car. Hooray
for us, a new (59 miles) red mustang convertible!!! Now off to the Disneyland Hotel!
Disneyland Hotel:
We arrived there from the airport, no casualties (unless you count going across 3 lanes to exit, it was quicker to get there than I thought, thanks to all CA drivers who did not honk and let us know we are #1) We found the 20 min. parking to check in, lines were not too long. We were so excited, our first m/d trip and first real trip anywhere. We were early
like 11 am, but the guy said he had a room ready for us in the Bonita Tower (had requested Marina) and he would upgrade us to pool view from parking lot. YES!!!
Bonita tower is the Best! We went to the separate parking lot by Paradise Pier and the
Tower and elevators to the room are right there. The view was incredible and the waterfalls outside were awesome. If you have the patio doors open you can hear the
Falls, but with them closed it was nice and quiet. The lobby there was great also, I was
so glad we did not get Marina after that and have to walk through the lobby there after the pool. Speaking of pools, Mini Me, aka Little Mermaid loved the Neverland Pool. The slide was great fun and swimming at night before close was fun. You can also get drinks right there at the Lost Bar. (we recommend the paradise punch!) Even in the afternoon when crowds were high you could find room to swim and put your things and they had plenty of towels. Our room had two queen beds, a sofa, desk/chair, and armoire with tv and small refrigerator. There was also a full closet with a safe inside, you can lock up valuables with the key. There was Tinkerbell pixie dust wall border, Mickey hands in the bathroom, Mickey soap/shampoo (mini me took home a collection of those) and the headboards and armoire had Disney scenes on them. The fridge held a half-gallon of milk, Hawaiian punch, and about 6 waters, with two in the freezer part. We went to the Target store to get drinks, snack and the spray on sunscreen.
The walk to Downtown Disney was not bad at all, and it was about 10-15 minutes to the security line for the parks. Walking was usually faster than the monorail, and we loved looking at all the stores anyways. It was nice not to deal with traffic and to be able to take a break there every afternoon. When I win the lottery I am going to just live at Disneyland Hotel!
Downtown Disney:
Our first night we spent all our time in Downtown Disney. We ate dinner at Rainforest, loved it. Definitely make reservations for this, we were seated immediately and got to sit upstairs. Also we had a coupon book from WDTC for the kids meal free there. Went to Build A Bear and built a monkey named Melody. Melody got a princess dress and her own Disney t-shirt and Mickey ears, plus some pink crocs. Later in the week we did Club Libby Lu, (reservations) Mini Me got the princess hair do and pink glitter nails. The package also came with 5 accessories, a tiara, a potion and a backpack to carry it all. (FYI Mini Me saved $300 on her own for this trip!) We loved the World of Disney store, got lots of pirate stuff, ears, eye patch, sword, jewels, and if you spend $70 (like thats hard to do) you can buy the limited edition pirate watch for only $10. (note: make sure you have a long enough suitcase for a pirate sword before purchasing if flying.) Downtown Disney is an adventure itself, musicians, artists, stores, people watching, monorail, you can spend hours there.
Miss Universe Pageant:
We were lucky enough to be invited to Los Angeles on Sunday July 23 for the live airing of the Miss Universe Pageant at the Shrine Auditorium. This building is incredible inside. It was so amazing, 86 countries represented there and people from all over the world. Mini Me now has a picture with Miss USA and Miss Japan. Imagine a week where you are in the same room as Donald Trump one day and Donald Duck the next!
We even found our way there and back, in our new convertible, with no trouble. On the way there Mini Me really wanted chicken nuggets, and magically out of nowhere two blocks from the auditorium a McDonalds appeared. That is the best dressed Ive ever gone to McDs. Our souvenir there was a silver tiara bracelet! Traffic note, it was 28 miles from the hotel to the auditorium and took almost 2 hours driving. You either drive 80mph or 5mph, why bother to post that 55 sign???
Huntington Beach:
Another adventure out on Monday July 24, we hit the Huntington Beach. I typed in the directions to the Rubys Diner at the pier to find this, worked great! Parking was fairly easy, restrooms ok if you really gotta go. The beach was nice, lot of families and lots of surfers. Mini Me loved the big waves, lets go out further she said, then a big wave washed her to shore. She then realized, Mom was right we were far enough. Mini Mes souvenir: shells of course. I wanted to eat at Rubys but no such luck Mini Me wanted to go back to the hotel she loved that hotel. Our directions back to Disneyland Hotel were not so great, but we did make it back.
Disneyland:
Early Entry Rules! Guests at Disneyland Hotel get the early entry everyday it is offered during their stay with a lovely piece of paper you show at the gate. This is the only time to be in Fantasyland! You can ride everything in that hour. We rode, Peter Pan first (every time), also Dumbo, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Tea Cups (several times, gold cup 2x), Matter horn bobsleds, Storybook Land, Alice (several times, loved it), IASW (1 time, how can anyone do this more than once?). We also had tickets to Mickeys Toontown Morning Madness, this is the way to go. All the characters and the Mayor are there in the morning for a ceremony, and everyone gets a button for the honorary citizen, and a family is chosen at random to be the honorary family of the day. This is the best chance to visit the houses and get pictures and autographs. In Tomorrowland our favorite was the Buzz astro blaster, love that you can email your photo home for free! We also enjoyed Honey I Shrunk the Audience, great 3D. We rode Autopia 1 time with fastpass. I thought this would be Mini Mes favorite ride, but it got going and the wheel caught her wrist and spun it, after that I had to reach over and drive and we never went near that ride again. We saw the muppets 3D show also, loved it.
We rode the jungle cruise with captain Jeff, he was so funny, we loved that ride. I got to be the driver on Indy, that was fun! We also saw the Billy Hill & the Hillbillies show, that was so funny and great for kids. I am still singing the tiki song from the tiki room, loved that show. We saw the parade 2 times, best was in front of crystal arcade, Ariel stops there. You need to be right up sitting on the curb or tall people will stand in front of you. When you say hello down in front, they look at you like they do not understand. It was an amazing parade. We saw the fireworks a few times, never in front of the castle, but they were incredible.
Fantasmic Dessert Buffet:
We had reservations for balcony on Wednesday July 26 at 9pm show. We were not sure what time to check in but we got there a little after 8. They took our tickets and started seating about 20 minutes before the show, they do seat in order of purchase not check in for balcony. We were seated first, front row seats 1 and 2. They take your drink order as you sit, we had lemonade. Then once everyone is seated you can go through for dessert. They have fresh fruit skewers, crackers, cheese cubes, cheesecake, a lemon thing that was good, various cookies, chocolate cake, and a fried pastry thing we didnt try. We liked everything we tried. You could get drink refills and more dessert between the show and the fireworks. We stayed to watch the fireworks. There were 2 rows of chairs and small tables in between every few chairs. The view was great, and well worth it. I would not want to have to stake out a spot and fight crowds, but then again with 2 of us it was doable for the price of $59 each.
California Adventure:
Our favorite ride here was soarin, we got a fastpass every time we could for this. We got the front row 5 times and second row 1 time (first is best!). On grizzly we were barely wet on our first ride, and fairly soaked on the second. Mini Me really liked Paradise Pier, it was a toss up between Jumpin Jelly Fish and Mull Holland Madness for her favorite there. We loved the electrical parade. We saw Aladdin and used the preferred seating passes for this, good plan. It was incredible, the genie is so funny. We took earplugs along with us, another good plan. Bugs land is fun also, we road the chew chew, the buggies, and fliks flyers (too cute). Also they have Catch a Flave ice cream where you can swirl flavors, yummy (bubblegum and vanilla). We could have spent more time here.
We loved it!.
Barbie Convention:
We traveled to Beverly Hills for this on Saturday July 29, for the public shopping day. We cant attend the whole convention until Mini Me turns 13. It was held at Century of the Stars Hotel. We paid our entry fee and lined up to shop. Booth after booth of Barbie and everything for Barbie, vintage to new, two huge rooms, I almost needed oxygen!!!
After only two hours and seven new Barbies, Mini Me had to drag me out of there kicking and screaming. She said you wont be able to pack all that back plus all of our Disney souvenirs. She was right, (thanks to the airline for letting me slide with the extra carry on). Also I managed to purchase the new silkstone body French Maid Barbie which caused a little commotion at the airport. The security lady ran my duffle bag of Barbies through the screen several times and said you have an all metal Barbie, I said I had no idea any Barbies were made of metal, but NRFB (never remove from box). Luckily she let us proceed without tearing Barbie apart, nrfb, nrfb!!! Next year Barbie Convention goes to Texas.
Hollywood:
After leaving Barbie Convention unwillingly with Mini Me we headed to Hollywood, the safer part, Hollywood and Highland. They have a great parking garage there in a shopping complex. This happens to be right across the street from Disney Soda Fountain and El Capitan theatre. We went to eat at Johnny Rockets, an old fashion hamburger place with a nickel juke box at each table, it was neat and Mini Me totally approved. Next we walked down one block to the Hollywood Wax Museum. I told Mini Me stick close you never know who or what you will see in Hollywood, like Gene Simmons, Rambo, Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper. The museum was really cool, we knew almost everyone they had in there. Then back to Disney Soda Fountain to look around at the neat stuff and have ice cream of course. We had wonderful sundaes they serve in the old fashion glasses, I had marshmallow, and Mini Me had strawberry with sprinkles, very good.
Food: (aka places we ate)
*Rainforest Café-make reservations for dinnertime in advance, go directly to the blue elephant if you have reservations, do not stand in the line outside. (helpful tip would have been nice to know). I had planet earth pasta and Mini Me had the kid mac n cheese, we both liked our choices. We sat upstairs at the table by the large gorilla. We also ate breakfast there one morning, no reservations but seated quickly. It was great, I had scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and Mini Me had the waffle which she really enjoyed. We also had sunrise punch to drink, very good!
*Carnation Café-had breakfast there no reservations, about a 10 minute wait. I had apple pancakes and Mini Me had junior scramble, both were great. We met the head chef Oscar who came to our table to visit. It is a great place to people watch on main street and nice outdoor restaurant.
*Blue Bayou-make reservations!!! We went Tuesday and they were full that entire day. We made them 60 days out and we were seated first at a waterside table. That is the best, you can watch the boats go by and it is nighttime all day in there. We did the new split plate thing. We both had the wedge salad, even Mini Me liked this. Then we had the pork chop with apples, blue bayou potatoes and asparagus. That was sooooo good!!!
Save room for dessert, you get an edible pirate collectible with it. We had the warm chocolate chip cookie boat with ice cream, yummy. It came with a pirate flag. You also get to keep the menu as a souvenir.
*Minnie & Friends at Plaza Inn-character breakfast-make reservations and go early 8am.
We met Minnie, Fairy Godmother, Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Capt. Hook, and Geppetto. The food and drink were buffet style with many choices, very good. Since we were there early, we got pictures right away. The characters all come around to the tables for autographs and pictures. Tigger was at the next table being silly, he messed up the guys hair and acted like he was eating bugs from it and he tried on his hat-too funny! We loved it!
*Goofys Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel-character brunch-make reservations. We went at 10 for brunch. We met Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Mad Hatter, Chilly Willy and Mary Poppins. Characters come around to the tables and they also did a dance (Macarena)
the Mad Hatter also had pot banging. He dumped out all kinds of pots and pans on the floor and invited the kids to play. Pluto ran by and gave Mini Me a lick upside the head, caught her by surprise! Then Chip snuck up behind me and covered my eyes. This is also buffet style with all kinds of choices, breakfast and lunch. Mini Me liked it because she could have biscuit gravy, and hot dog with mac n cheese. They also had ice cream! At the end you could have a professional photo with Pluto for a nice price. We did this, got a 5X7 of Pluto licking Mini Me on the side of the face, too funny. We loved it!
*Ariels Grotto-DCA-make reservations. We did lunch there, bring your patience, do not force tired little princesses into dresses in the heat and force them down the stairs, yes we did have to witness this. We met Ariel with legs, Cinderella, Aurora (sleeping beauty), Snow White and Belle. They go around to each table at certain times for autographs and pictures, no need to chase them around, they go to each table in an orderly fashion. The meal here is brought in courses. I had soup (icky), chicken pot pie (very good) and peach cobbler (or something that was supposed to be, icky). Minnie Me had the carrots/celery (good) and fish sticks and fries (cute bucket, good) and vanilla pudding (icky). They also serve a plate of cotton candy with dessert. Overall we liked it, the waiter did keep forgetting ketchup, so I took a picture of her still waiting for ketchup which made several people around us laugh. Also the next table was a blonde mother/daughter set also, and they kept giving us each others orders, we did figure it all out. Another thing to do here is before they open if you have a Disney Visa Card you get a free 8X10 photo. We did this and got a picture with Chip and Dale in their sailor uniforms. You just show your card and the photo is free!
*Redd Rockets Pizza Port- buffeteria. I had chicken fusilli? Something that was really good and Mini Me had the kids spaceghetti and meatball, it was served in a Mickey Head bowl, very cute and good. We loved it!
*Pizza Oom Mow Mow- fast food. I had hawaiin pizza, my favorite and Mini Me had the kids meal pasta and meatball served in a neat souvenir case. Very cool surf looking place, we loved it!
*Lost Bar-Disneyland Hotel. I had a cheeseburger fries and so did Mini Me, they were really good! We also had the Paradise Punch drink. We loved this for a relaxing evening meal. You can also order drinks for the pool there.
*Coke Corner- fast food with a side of piano and Dapper Dan. We went here one evening to eat before the parade. They have great chilidogs and cherry diet coke! While dining outside you can enjoy piano music and sometimes the Dapper Dan show. We really enjoyed this; everyone should go there at least for a flavored pop and piano!
*Snacks- Mickey crispy treat, Mickey ice cream bar, Bubblegum/Vanilla swirl ice cream.
Souvenirs we bought:
Gold Mickey Ears, of course, with our name. (the fantasyland mad hatter does this by hand still) Princess Pirate Ears, with pink bandana and one ear pierced. Mickey rain ponchos, we planned to get these and it just happened to rain one morning so we even got to use them. Shot glasses, the 50th, Mickey, Minnie, Pirates, California, and Hollywood. Melody Monkey from Build a Bear. Club Libby Lu accessories and some cool pink shoes. Minnie Mouse dress $40 (Mini Me really wanted this and bought it herself). Hooded Sweatshirts, I got the 50th and Mini Me got a Disneyland regular one. A Mickey Mouse tape dispenser. Pirate sword, eye patch, jewels, and the watch. A box of Potato Head Parts at engineer toys in DCA. Rock candy in the 50th container, Goofy powder. All 51 magic milestones pressed pennies with the book to put them in. (note- We used mini m&m tubes filled with 2 qtr and 1 penny stacks. We used some new shiny pennies and some pre 1982 cleaned with vinegar. We also used some just out of the coin purse because we didnt have quite enough, there are tons of presses there. Two machines were out of order, Opera house and pieces of eights, but we went back on the last day and lucked out they were fixed! All pennies worked fine.)
We had the greatest week ever, the only sad part was leaving! Our whole trip went perfectly thanks to pre planning and lots of good luck. Thanks to everyone on the DIS boards for the great info to help with planning. I hope this report helps others with questions.
Thanks
KS*BARBIE*GIRLS
Grumpy-(DH)thirty-something driver to/from airport, luggage handler
did not get to go on trip. (Would rather hunt & fish than see Mickey and Barbie)
Me- thirty-something Second time to Disneyland (first at age 10, ½ day only), Barbie Collector, over packer, over planner.
Mini Me(DD) age 10 First trip to Disneyland, First Plane Ride,
Loves build a bear, club libby lu and Barbie
Our Goals:
Disneyland, DCA, Beach, Barbie Convention, Hollywood.
Hotel: Disneyland Hotel, Bonita Tower, Room #2794
Car Rental: Budget Ford Mustang Convertible!
Airline: Frontier with direct TV at each seat!
Pre Trip: Yes, we did actually plan this 20 months in advance when we found out Barbie Convention 2006 was in Los Angeles and hey that is only 35 miles from Disneyland! Saving spending money, buying coordinating outfits/shoes, reading the boards, gathering tips, deciding when to book airfare, car rental etc. I even made a list of all the restaurants and what they served so we would know where to eat (picky). We saved 2 Quarters and
A Penny combos and stacked them in the m&m tubes for the penny press machines.
Made reservations 65 days out for Rainforest Café
Made reservations 60 days out for the following: Ariels Grotto, Goofys Kitchen,
Blue Bayou, Minnie & Friends, Lilo & Stitch, and Club Libby Lu
Made reservations 30 days out for Fantasmic dessert buffet balcony early show!
(thru vacation planning on F!)
Getting There:
So were off! Its 3:00 in the morning Saturday July 22, 2006 and we are on our
way to the airport! Got to the airport about 2 hours before the flight (good plan).
Frontier airlines is great, we made it through the line, checked our bags and headed
for the gate. We already knew to take off shoes and load everything in the bins,
yes the bottled water and cinnasticks have to go through also. Side note, cameras
were not affected by the screening, (disposable and digital). We had direct tv
in the back of the seat and headphones, Mini Me loved this! I liked having pre-
assigned seats also. We flew into John Wayne airport (SNA), loved that airport!
Easy to navigate, bathroom was #1 on our list and easy to find, then off to baggage
claim. Cant miss that pink luggage with pink and tinkerbell tags! Then off to car
rental, Budget, we were second in line. We reserved a convertible, hey were on
vacation, (tourists!) and the guy said Im going to give you the new car. Hooray
for us, a new (59 miles) red mustang convertible!!! Now off to the Disneyland Hotel!
Disneyland Hotel:
We arrived there from the airport, no casualties (unless you count going across 3 lanes to exit, it was quicker to get there than I thought, thanks to all CA drivers who did not honk and let us know we are #1) We found the 20 min. parking to check in, lines were not too long. We were so excited, our first m/d trip and first real trip anywhere. We were early
like 11 am, but the guy said he had a room ready for us in the Bonita Tower (had requested Marina) and he would upgrade us to pool view from parking lot. YES!!!
Bonita tower is the Best! We went to the separate parking lot by Paradise Pier and the
Tower and elevators to the room are right there. The view was incredible and the waterfalls outside were awesome. If you have the patio doors open you can hear the
Falls, but with them closed it was nice and quiet. The lobby there was great also, I was
so glad we did not get Marina after that and have to walk through the lobby there after the pool. Speaking of pools, Mini Me, aka Little Mermaid loved the Neverland Pool. The slide was great fun and swimming at night before close was fun. You can also get drinks right there at the Lost Bar. (we recommend the paradise punch!) Even in the afternoon when crowds were high you could find room to swim and put your things and they had plenty of towels. Our room had two queen beds, a sofa, desk/chair, and armoire with tv and small refrigerator. There was also a full closet with a safe inside, you can lock up valuables with the key. There was Tinkerbell pixie dust wall border, Mickey hands in the bathroom, Mickey soap/shampoo (mini me took home a collection of those) and the headboards and armoire had Disney scenes on them. The fridge held a half-gallon of milk, Hawaiian punch, and about 6 waters, with two in the freezer part. We went to the Target store to get drinks, snack and the spray on sunscreen.
The walk to Downtown Disney was not bad at all, and it was about 10-15 minutes to the security line for the parks. Walking was usually faster than the monorail, and we loved looking at all the stores anyways. It was nice not to deal with traffic and to be able to take a break there every afternoon. When I win the lottery I am going to just live at Disneyland Hotel!
Downtown Disney:
Our first night we spent all our time in Downtown Disney. We ate dinner at Rainforest, loved it. Definitely make reservations for this, we were seated immediately and got to sit upstairs. Also we had a coupon book from WDTC for the kids meal free there. Went to Build A Bear and built a monkey named Melody. Melody got a princess dress and her own Disney t-shirt and Mickey ears, plus some pink crocs. Later in the week we did Club Libby Lu, (reservations) Mini Me got the princess hair do and pink glitter nails. The package also came with 5 accessories, a tiara, a potion and a backpack to carry it all. (FYI Mini Me saved $300 on her own for this trip!) We loved the World of Disney store, got lots of pirate stuff, ears, eye patch, sword, jewels, and if you spend $70 (like thats hard to do) you can buy the limited edition pirate watch for only $10. (note: make sure you have a long enough suitcase for a pirate sword before purchasing if flying.) Downtown Disney is an adventure itself, musicians, artists, stores, people watching, monorail, you can spend hours there.
Miss Universe Pageant:
We were lucky enough to be invited to Los Angeles on Sunday July 23 for the live airing of the Miss Universe Pageant at the Shrine Auditorium. This building is incredible inside. It was so amazing, 86 countries represented there and people from all over the world. Mini Me now has a picture with Miss USA and Miss Japan. Imagine a week where you are in the same room as Donald Trump one day and Donald Duck the next!
We even found our way there and back, in our new convertible, with no trouble. On the way there Mini Me really wanted chicken nuggets, and magically out of nowhere two blocks from the auditorium a McDonalds appeared. That is the best dressed Ive ever gone to McDs. Our souvenir there was a silver tiara bracelet! Traffic note, it was 28 miles from the hotel to the auditorium and took almost 2 hours driving. You either drive 80mph or 5mph, why bother to post that 55 sign???
Huntington Beach:
Another adventure out on Monday July 24, we hit the Huntington Beach. I typed in the directions to the Rubys Diner at the pier to find this, worked great! Parking was fairly easy, restrooms ok if you really gotta go. The beach was nice, lot of families and lots of surfers. Mini Me loved the big waves, lets go out further she said, then a big wave washed her to shore. She then realized, Mom was right we were far enough. Mini Mes souvenir: shells of course. I wanted to eat at Rubys but no such luck Mini Me wanted to go back to the hotel she loved that hotel. Our directions back to Disneyland Hotel were not so great, but we did make it back.
Disneyland:
Early Entry Rules! Guests at Disneyland Hotel get the early entry everyday it is offered during their stay with a lovely piece of paper you show at the gate. This is the only time to be in Fantasyland! You can ride everything in that hour. We rode, Peter Pan first (every time), also Dumbo, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Tea Cups (several times, gold cup 2x), Matter horn bobsleds, Storybook Land, Alice (several times, loved it), IASW (1 time, how can anyone do this more than once?). We also had tickets to Mickeys Toontown Morning Madness, this is the way to go. All the characters and the Mayor are there in the morning for a ceremony, and everyone gets a button for the honorary citizen, and a family is chosen at random to be the honorary family of the day. This is the best chance to visit the houses and get pictures and autographs. In Tomorrowland our favorite was the Buzz astro blaster, love that you can email your photo home for free! We also enjoyed Honey I Shrunk the Audience, great 3D. We rode Autopia 1 time with fastpass. I thought this would be Mini Mes favorite ride, but it got going and the wheel caught her wrist and spun it, after that I had to reach over and drive and we never went near that ride again. We saw the muppets 3D show also, loved it.
We rode the jungle cruise with captain Jeff, he was so funny, we loved that ride. I got to be the driver on Indy, that was fun! We also saw the Billy Hill & the Hillbillies show, that was so funny and great for kids. I am still singing the tiki song from the tiki room, loved that show. We saw the parade 2 times, best was in front of crystal arcade, Ariel stops there. You need to be right up sitting on the curb or tall people will stand in front of you. When you say hello down in front, they look at you like they do not understand. It was an amazing parade. We saw the fireworks a few times, never in front of the castle, but they were incredible.
Fantasmic Dessert Buffet:
We had reservations for balcony on Wednesday July 26 at 9pm show. We were not sure what time to check in but we got there a little after 8. They took our tickets and started seating about 20 minutes before the show, they do seat in order of purchase not check in for balcony. We were seated first, front row seats 1 and 2. They take your drink order as you sit, we had lemonade. Then once everyone is seated you can go through for dessert. They have fresh fruit skewers, crackers, cheese cubes, cheesecake, a lemon thing that was good, various cookies, chocolate cake, and a fried pastry thing we didnt try. We liked everything we tried. You could get drink refills and more dessert between the show and the fireworks. We stayed to watch the fireworks. There were 2 rows of chairs and small tables in between every few chairs. The view was great, and well worth it. I would not want to have to stake out a spot and fight crowds, but then again with 2 of us it was doable for the price of $59 each.
California Adventure:
Our favorite ride here was soarin, we got a fastpass every time we could for this. We got the front row 5 times and second row 1 time (first is best!). On grizzly we were barely wet on our first ride, and fairly soaked on the second. Mini Me really liked Paradise Pier, it was a toss up between Jumpin Jelly Fish and Mull Holland Madness for her favorite there. We loved the electrical parade. We saw Aladdin and used the preferred seating passes for this, good plan. It was incredible, the genie is so funny. We took earplugs along with us, another good plan. Bugs land is fun also, we road the chew chew, the buggies, and fliks flyers (too cute). Also they have Catch a Flave ice cream where you can swirl flavors, yummy (bubblegum and vanilla). We could have spent more time here.
We loved it!.
Barbie Convention:
We traveled to Beverly Hills for this on Saturday July 29, for the public shopping day. We cant attend the whole convention until Mini Me turns 13. It was held at Century of the Stars Hotel. We paid our entry fee and lined up to shop. Booth after booth of Barbie and everything for Barbie, vintage to new, two huge rooms, I almost needed oxygen!!!
After only two hours and seven new Barbies, Mini Me had to drag me out of there kicking and screaming. She said you wont be able to pack all that back plus all of our Disney souvenirs. She was right, (thanks to the airline for letting me slide with the extra carry on). Also I managed to purchase the new silkstone body French Maid Barbie which caused a little commotion at the airport. The security lady ran my duffle bag of Barbies through the screen several times and said you have an all metal Barbie, I said I had no idea any Barbies were made of metal, but NRFB (never remove from box). Luckily she let us proceed without tearing Barbie apart, nrfb, nrfb!!! Next year Barbie Convention goes to Texas.
Hollywood:
After leaving Barbie Convention unwillingly with Mini Me we headed to Hollywood, the safer part, Hollywood and Highland. They have a great parking garage there in a shopping complex. This happens to be right across the street from Disney Soda Fountain and El Capitan theatre. We went to eat at Johnny Rockets, an old fashion hamburger place with a nickel juke box at each table, it was neat and Mini Me totally approved. Next we walked down one block to the Hollywood Wax Museum. I told Mini Me stick close you never know who or what you will see in Hollywood, like Gene Simmons, Rambo, Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper. The museum was really cool, we knew almost everyone they had in there. Then back to Disney Soda Fountain to look around at the neat stuff and have ice cream of course. We had wonderful sundaes they serve in the old fashion glasses, I had marshmallow, and Mini Me had strawberry with sprinkles, very good.
Food: (aka places we ate)
*Rainforest Café-make reservations for dinnertime in advance, go directly to the blue elephant if you have reservations, do not stand in the line outside. (helpful tip would have been nice to know). I had planet earth pasta and Mini Me had the kid mac n cheese, we both liked our choices. We sat upstairs at the table by the large gorilla. We also ate breakfast there one morning, no reservations but seated quickly. It was great, I had scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and Mini Me had the waffle which she really enjoyed. We also had sunrise punch to drink, very good!
*Carnation Café-had breakfast there no reservations, about a 10 minute wait. I had apple pancakes and Mini Me had junior scramble, both were great. We met the head chef Oscar who came to our table to visit. It is a great place to people watch on main street and nice outdoor restaurant.
*Blue Bayou-make reservations!!! We went Tuesday and they were full that entire day. We made them 60 days out and we were seated first at a waterside table. That is the best, you can watch the boats go by and it is nighttime all day in there. We did the new split plate thing. We both had the wedge salad, even Mini Me liked this. Then we had the pork chop with apples, blue bayou potatoes and asparagus. That was sooooo good!!!
Save room for dessert, you get an edible pirate collectible with it. We had the warm chocolate chip cookie boat with ice cream, yummy. It came with a pirate flag. You also get to keep the menu as a souvenir.
*Minnie & Friends at Plaza Inn-character breakfast-make reservations and go early 8am.
We met Minnie, Fairy Godmother, Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Capt. Hook, and Geppetto. The food and drink were buffet style with many choices, very good. Since we were there early, we got pictures right away. The characters all come around to the tables for autographs and pictures. Tigger was at the next table being silly, he messed up the guys hair and acted like he was eating bugs from it and he tried on his hat-too funny! We loved it!
*Goofys Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel-character brunch-make reservations. We went at 10 for brunch. We met Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Mad Hatter, Chilly Willy and Mary Poppins. Characters come around to the tables and they also did a dance (Macarena)
the Mad Hatter also had pot banging. He dumped out all kinds of pots and pans on the floor and invited the kids to play. Pluto ran by and gave Mini Me a lick upside the head, caught her by surprise! Then Chip snuck up behind me and covered my eyes. This is also buffet style with all kinds of choices, breakfast and lunch. Mini Me liked it because she could have biscuit gravy, and hot dog with mac n cheese. They also had ice cream! At the end you could have a professional photo with Pluto for a nice price. We did this, got a 5X7 of Pluto licking Mini Me on the side of the face, too funny. We loved it!
*Ariels Grotto-DCA-make reservations. We did lunch there, bring your patience, do not force tired little princesses into dresses in the heat and force them down the stairs, yes we did have to witness this. We met Ariel with legs, Cinderella, Aurora (sleeping beauty), Snow White and Belle. They go around to each table at certain times for autographs and pictures, no need to chase them around, they go to each table in an orderly fashion. The meal here is brought in courses. I had soup (icky), chicken pot pie (very good) and peach cobbler (or something that was supposed to be, icky). Minnie Me had the carrots/celery (good) and fish sticks and fries (cute bucket, good) and vanilla pudding (icky). They also serve a plate of cotton candy with dessert. Overall we liked it, the waiter did keep forgetting ketchup, so I took a picture of her still waiting for ketchup which made several people around us laugh. Also the next table was a blonde mother/daughter set also, and they kept giving us each others orders, we did figure it all out. Another thing to do here is before they open if you have a Disney Visa Card you get a free 8X10 photo. We did this and got a picture with Chip and Dale in their sailor uniforms. You just show your card and the photo is free!
*Redd Rockets Pizza Port- buffeteria. I had chicken fusilli? Something that was really good and Mini Me had the kids spaceghetti and meatball, it was served in a Mickey Head bowl, very cute and good. We loved it!
*Pizza Oom Mow Mow- fast food. I had hawaiin pizza, my favorite and Mini Me had the kids meal pasta and meatball served in a neat souvenir case. Very cool surf looking place, we loved it!
*Lost Bar-Disneyland Hotel. I had a cheeseburger fries and so did Mini Me, they were really good! We also had the Paradise Punch drink. We loved this for a relaxing evening meal. You can also order drinks for the pool there.
*Coke Corner- fast food with a side of piano and Dapper Dan. We went here one evening to eat before the parade. They have great chilidogs and cherry diet coke! While dining outside you can enjoy piano music and sometimes the Dapper Dan show. We really enjoyed this; everyone should go there at least for a flavored pop and piano!
*Snacks- Mickey crispy treat, Mickey ice cream bar, Bubblegum/Vanilla swirl ice cream.
Souvenirs we bought:
Gold Mickey Ears, of course, with our name. (the fantasyland mad hatter does this by hand still) Princess Pirate Ears, with pink bandana and one ear pierced. Mickey rain ponchos, we planned to get these and it just happened to rain one morning so we even got to use them. Shot glasses, the 50th, Mickey, Minnie, Pirates, California, and Hollywood. Melody Monkey from Build a Bear. Club Libby Lu accessories and some cool pink shoes. Minnie Mouse dress $40 (Mini Me really wanted this and bought it herself). Hooded Sweatshirts, I got the 50th and Mini Me got a Disneyland regular one. A Mickey Mouse tape dispenser. Pirate sword, eye patch, jewels, and the watch. A box of Potato Head Parts at engineer toys in DCA. Rock candy in the 50th container, Goofy powder. All 51 magic milestones pressed pennies with the book to put them in. (note- We used mini m&m tubes filled with 2 qtr and 1 penny stacks. We used some new shiny pennies and some pre 1982 cleaned with vinegar. We also used some just out of the coin purse because we didnt have quite enough, there are tons of presses there. Two machines were out of order, Opera house and pieces of eights, but we went back on the last day and lucked out they were fixed! All pennies worked fine.)
We had the greatest week ever, the only sad part was leaving! Our whole trip went perfectly thanks to pre planning and lots of good luck. Thanks to everyone on the DIS boards for the great info to help with planning. I hope this report helps others with questions.
Thanks
KS*BARBIE*GIRLS
Build A Bear is awesome, too. Glad you had such a magical week, thanks so much for sharing, I truly enjoyed your report 
