Girls Only Disneyland Trip!! Old thread. New link in first post

[bumbershoot]

CD (that's your new name, CaliforniaDreamer), at least for this post...what's funny is that I had read about the event, but I figured it was just b/c of the anniversary. I didn't get the 9/9/9 and 999 ghosts part at all. Clueless! I've also recently confessed that until only a few months ago, I still thought that Gadget's Go Coaster was somehow connected with Inspector Gadget. How? How do I think these things? How do I miss these things?


What's funny is that each time I go through, except with the 4/3 promotion which would need to be extended through October to hit our earliest possible travel time (for my birthday, of course), and with buying tickets from Undercover Tourist with the Mousesavers discount (if going a la carte), the a la carte option wins financially. Not by much, but still, it wins. That's for the dates we look at; someone going on a different date would probably have a different experience.

And last night while searching, I found that CBR has PIRATE themed rooms. Oh.My.Gawd I want to stay in a pirate themed room there. No, I won't stay in a pirate themed room at DLH, but at WDW? Yes, yes indeed I'd spring for it. If I could.


Sorry to go into WDW territory there.



So my must-go-ons for THIS trip are the movie discussed above...Grizzly...Soarin'...Screamin' if I'm feeling up to it (and if I'm feeling up to it I'm happy to go with any Screamin' newbies or chickens, b/c I was one a total chicken too, and in fact still get VERY nervous about it even though I love it)...what else, what else, what else....

 

[fairykin]

hhmmm.. well i always bring water and some snacks into the park with no problem. I see people sitting on park benches eatting homemade sandwiches..

9-9-9... that's pretty kewl date for a birthdaY, Miss ThaNg! my birthday is 9-14-9..we can be cousins

 

[disney-inspired]

And in Disney, but not DLR or this trip news, we're now heavily into figuring out then whens and wheres of our very first WDW trip! I ask you...HOW do you EVER figure out where to stay on your very first trip???? This is far far worse than figuring out where to stay Sept '07 for our first big family staying-over DLR trip. And then...split stay? Which place first? Package or a la carte? Or go crazy and rent points and stay at DVC?

Aughhhhhh!

I need a trip to DLR.

Hey!

I loved planning our 1st WDW trip. I did everything; mostly because it was for MY H.S. graduation. I loved making all the reservations, finding the hotel, booking flights. That's why I'm aiming to work for the WDTC when I transfer to CSUfullerton. But yes, planning is a lot more in depth and you can't willy nilly a WDW trip!

We did a package and it was the best thing for us.

The main areas of planning are:

When to go?
How many days?
What kind of ticket (parkhopper, water parks & more option, etc)
What hotel to stay at?
Dining plan or NO Dining plan
PS dining reservations
Booking your flight

All I can say is do the research and you'll be just fine!

 

[mommaU4]

I think Ruben and my Robert would get along very well...they both understand the disney madness in us!

Hopefully we can score a quick photo moment too!!! I may not be a full part of the diva group this year but just call me a Diva in training!!!

Definitely! Safe travels and see you soon.

So if anyone is a fan of the movie or, gasp, hasn't seen the movie...you might want to take a little time to see it. I know I'll be trying to work it in.

I love that and will make time to see it for sure.

That sounds good, mini-meet on Beth's birthday!

We tend to go the last weekend of October because of Nevada Day (which is a state holiday, thus a free day off work) but with enough advance warning, I think we could change our plans for this year.

Consider this advance warning. I'll buy the birthday cake.

I really want to go on my bday too. It is 09/09/09. Shouldn't I be at DL celebrating with the 999 ghosts?

Yes, you should.

My mom and i will be at Disneyland for her birthday Oct. 23rd.

See. It's perfect.

 

[fairykin]

hhmmmm... Has anyone heard from CheryL?
i am so worried about her.
i hope she's not going through all this alone.

 

[fairykin]

WeLL then Let's Plan another girL's onLy Trip for the weekend of Oct. 23rd.

 

[cheshiregirl]

Okay, so I know that I'm obsessive compulsive when it comes to this stuff, but I'm taking Beth at her word about the mini meet weekend. I asked Dave if he cared if we went a week earlier this year and he didn't mind, so I checked the Ent Rate and it IS available that weekend. Thus, I went ahead and made a ressie, as they are easy enough to change if plans change. If others are serious about going the weekend of Oct. 23-25, I highly recommend getting online or calling Lorealle on Monday morning!

 

[cheshiregirl]

WeLL then Let's Plan another girL's onLy Trip for the weekend of Oct. 23rd.

I will be there, but I can't make that one a Girl's Only Trip. Both Dave and Ty love Halloween at DLR, so they will be along for the ride. But, we can make it a Dis Divas and Families Get Together OR I can plan to join up for a few things, but spend time with my family too. I would imagine that some other girls would be in the same boat as the Halloween festivities have gotten so popular that I can't fathom everyone leaving the kids behind for this trip!

 

[fairykin]

That would be great if we can take our families. I'm bringing my DH and Mom.

We are in!

 

[DangerMouse]

Sorry to go into WDW territory there.

Molly, I don't mind you going into WDW territory, and I would actually want to follow any pretrip report you might happen to start so I could learn from your planning experience.

I'm completely overwhelmed and fearful of WDW to the point of being completely paralyzed and just can't force myself to plan a trip there.

 

[grizbuzz]

Molly, I don't mind you going into WDW territory, and I would actually want to follow any pretrip report you might happen to start so I could learn from your planning experience.

I'm completely overwhelmed and fearful of WDW to the point of being completely paralyzed and just can't force myself to plan a trip there.

I think you'd love planning a trip to WDW! Get yourself a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld and start digging in -- anything that's not there is on these boards. We just got back from a trip in February and it was great. I definitely like Disneyland better than Magic Kingdom and overall I think DL has more charm than WDW, but it's an amazing place to visit. There's SO much there. Just so long as you don't let the busses and dining plan get you down. Go for it! You'll have fun! And there are so many DL ladies who can help you, if you need it.

 

[stacielee]

Who wanted the packing list?

This is mine, combined with parts of January's.

That was me, thank you!!! Although I won't be bringing any Diet Pepsi!

So cool that you'll have an AP (and a gift card!).

I think Ruben and my Robert would get along very well...they both understand the disney madness in us!

That's my hubby, too. Both my DDs and I have APs; my hubby and DS could care less about having them. BUT my DS turns 18 on April 8, so we'll be there only for that day, flying in in the morning and back home that night. If anyone else is going to be around, let me know.

According to micechat and a recent post by a CM here (at least I think glendalais is a CM), it seems that Disneyland: The The First 50 Magical Years is going on hiatus after March 15th through the fall sometime.

So if anyone is a fan of the movie or, gasp, hasn't seen the movie...you might want to take a little time to see it. I know I'll be trying to work it in...it was sort of the last nail in my Disney-Cynic coffin. It's totally worth the time! (if you walk in right before it starts it's, hmm, 20 minutes? but I always seem to walk in just after they've seated a group, so I get to spend around 40 minutes waiting...they have memorabilia to look at, though!)

And Maynard! You just might get to see Maynard!!

Of course, he's only 4, and can't sign legally binding documents. And if he could, I'd have him sign the statements he's been making recently...like "but I don't want to leave you and papa when I'm a grownup, I want to stay with you!" and "I will love you forever and ever" and things like that. He's in a super-sweet mode right now and I'm loving it. Anyway, so once all those were signed, then I'd have him sign the "I will go on HM and give it a good shot" form.

My mom once told me that I said the same thing to her. I guess I asked her what college was and she told me I would move away and go to school. And I basically told her I would never leave her, EVER!!

So my must-go-ons for THIS trip are the movie discussed above...Grizzly...Soarin'...Screamin' if I'm feeling up to it (and if I'm feeling up to it I'm happy to go with any Screamin' newbies or chickens, b/c I was one a total chicken too, and in fact still get VERY nervous about it even though I love it)...what else, what else, what else....

Space Mountain, TOT, maybe Maliboomer... BTMRR... And if you haven't ridden in the front row of Screamin', you HAVE to try it! It's so different than riding anywhere else. (Thanks, Callie!!)

Okay, so I know that I'm obsessive compulsive when it comes to this stuff, but I'm taking Beth at her word about the mini meet weekend. I asked Dave if he cared if we went a week earlier this year and he didn't mind, so I checked the Ent Rate and it IS available that weekend. Thus, I went ahead and made a ressie, as they are easy enough to change if plans change. If others are serious about going the weekend of Oct. 23-25, I highly recommend getting online or calling Lorealle on Monday morning!

Sounds like a plan!!

Heather, I still don't see a picture... still waiting patiently...

 

[toocherie]

I wanted to let you all know I'm trying to make cards that will have our daily schedules on them this way we all don't have to carry lots of papers through the parks. My idea is to make the cards double sided and then punch a whole in them so we can put them on our lanyards.

So I'm working on shrinking down the daily schedules from the first page. Let me know if you all are interested in this so I can make one for everyone going.


Steph

Steph: I would love a card. Thank you!

I hate to be a pest, and maybe none of you know the answer to my question, but I'm going to ask again.

I really want to pack today, and am worried that the security at the airport will have a problem with my mineral makeup. It is powder in little jars. Does anyone have any experience with this? The TSA website just talks about liquids and the 3-1-1 rule.

Thanks so much ladies!

I just took my Bare Escentuals makeup to Florida and did not put it in a ziploc--it was in my makeup case in my carryon.

Poor CheryL!
Ohmygosh, that was a *horrible* experience.
There comes a time when your parents feel like your children, responsibility wise. It's a real challenge.

CheryL, You did nothing wrong. In fact You did things so right by making special plans for You and Your mother to share. *TIGHT Hugs* It's not your fault.

If You need me to i could hop on a plane and be there to help you. Make a list of the things you need to preplan for your mother returning home.

A support staff for her at home, day/night, home, a portable bathroom chair, will she be able to get in and out of bed, or does she need a hospital bed? Pad Packs to go under her hips, extra support pillows.

I'm so worried about *you*.. Your mom will be getting excellent care however it is so important that You *must* rest and take care of yourself.

thank you (and everyone else) especially you and Michelle (who called and offered to come up and sit with me today at the hospital, but twasn't necessary as reported below)

I will pick up a box from the post office for the person that wanted it and bring to the pizza party. (added) I PM'd you.

Cheryl, I just had chills when I read your story. I could definitely feel what you were going through and I'm so sorry. I hope your mom has a good recovery.

Happy Birthday Debra!

I have flown recently - they don't care about anything but very sharp things and liquids. Don't forget and put a bottle of water in a carry on (as I did). You'll be taking your shoes off.

it's good to have a separate ziplock bag for the trip home in case you lose yours. If you are like me and have to have your special shampoo, be sure you triple bag it carefully because I've had those dreaded shampoo explosions.

And always have your meds in your carry on. In fact, I try to pack in such a way that if they lose my checked luggage, I have the most important things. (I did get my bag stolen once). Don't wait to pick up your baggage (I did, we waited for a friend on a different flight for about 20 min), because they don't check the luggage tags here as you leave.

Okay, sorry, I'm not even a mommy and I went into mommy mode....

(btw, in case it's confusing, I changed my avatar last night - used to be Ariel)

We only checked ONE bag when we went to Florida and guess what--they managed to lose it for 36 hours. Luckily we had everything we needed in the carryons and we had shipped boxes to the resort ahead of time. (We had WAY too many clothes--LOL).

I wanna go in October too! My birthday is October 24 so I can tell Ruben that's what I want for my b-day.
When was everyone planning?



OH!! And guess what?!?!?!?!?!?
I was planning to buy a 5 day park hopper for this trip but I won't need one now! Ruben secretly called his mom and arranged for her to go to Costco and get me a Deluxe Annual Pass! (the one with the $50 gift card!) So now I have an AP again!!!!!! It just arrived in the mail today.

That is soooooo cool. You are a lucky woman.

According to micechat and a recent post by a CM here (at least I think glendalais is a CM), it seems that Disneyland: The The First 50 Magical Years is going on hiatus after March 15th through the fall sometime.

So if anyone is a fan of the movie or, gasp, hasn't seen the movie...you might want to take a little time to see it. I know I'll be trying to work it in...it was sort of the last nail in my Disney-Cynic coffin. It's totally worth the time! (if you walk in right before it starts it's, hmm, 20 minutes? but I always seem to walk in just after they've seated a group, so I get to spend around 40 minutes waiting...they have memorabilia to look at, though!)

Wow...I had not gotten that connection before. This year is even bigger then for HM!



Speaking, sort of, of HM, I finally saw Nightmare Before Christmas. And...I just don't understand why people like it. Songs are too long, can't understand some of the voices, creepy weird scary images....

But at least I understand HMH a bit better now.

And DS *loved* loved loved it. And now he wants to go on it. But I told him that if he can go on that version, he can go on the normal version, and he agreed.

Of course, he's only 4, and can't sign legally binding documents. And if he could, I'd have him sign the statements he's been making recently...like "but I don't want to leave you and papa when I'm a grownup, I want to stay with you!" and "I will love you forever and ever" and things like that. He's in a super-sweet mode right now and I'm loving it. Anyway, so once all those were signed, then I'd have him sign the "I will go on HM and give it a good shot" form.


And in Disney, but not DLR or this trip news, we're now heavily into figuring out then whens and wheres of our very first WDW trip! I ask you...HOW do you EVER figure out where to stay on your very first trip???? This is far far worse than figuring out where to stay Sept '07 for our first big family staying-over DLR trip. And then...split stay? Which place first? Package or a la carte? Or go crazy and rent points and stay at DVC?

Aughhhhhh!

I need a trip to DLR.

Hey!

Molly: as of now everything is still a 'go' for this weekend for me. My Mom will either be in the hospital or in a rehab facility. I may disappear a bit to go visit but otherwise am planning (and need!) this trip with you gals!

WeLL then Let's Plan another girL's onLy Trip for the weekend of Oct. 23rd.

That would be great if we can take our families. I'm bringing my DH and Mom.

We are in!

I am in too, UNLESS the only time I can schedule our 7-day cruise is during that week.

Ok, thanks again for all your prayers and good wishes. My Mom is doing great. She was in a tremendous amount of pain (despite many doses of morphine) and since she was an "add-on" to the surgery schedule the surgery didn't start till 2:30 p.m. (I was at the hospital at 9:30 a.m.--no breakfast) after three hours of sleep!) It turned out that they did not have to replace the hip; instead they inserted a pin (maybe more than one--not sure). The surgery was about 2 1/2 hours. We finally got to see her at 7 p.m. She was awake, alert and able to raise her legs off the bed (she couldn't move prior to the surgery without screaming in pain).

I was not alone--when my Mom had her obstructed bowel three years ago the first day home from the hospital I knew we needed help. One of my clients (who also sees our same doctor) had had a lady taking care of his Mom for 7 years. His Mom had just died in February--my Mom came home in March. I called this lady--her name is Ines--that day and she started the next day and has been with her ever since (much to my Mom's chagrin at times). She is there 5 1/2 days a week and is a companion/caregiver. She is a God-send. I thought about not calling her last night but knew that she would be hurt and angry so I called her and she came to the hospital last night. Then to the Paradise Pier hotel with me at 2 a.m. to get the stuff from the hotel room. Then she came to the hospital at 1 p.m. today and stayed with me until after Mom got out of surgery. I don't know what my Mom would do without her (and frankly, I don't know what I would do without her.) I am a true believer in the fact that God/the Universe/whatever you believe in brings to your life those things you need and I know that's why Ines came into our life.

So, all is well, Mom is on the road to recovery (they're getting her up to walk tomorrow ) and I am exhausted, going to eat something chocolate and going to bed.

And if I haven't said it before, I am truly grateful that through the power of the Internet I have met such wonderful friends as all of you! I can't wait for next week! Girl Power!

 

[bumbershoot]

Molly, I don't mind you going into WDW territory, and I would actually want to follow any pretrip report you might happen to start so I could learn from your planning experience.

I'm completely overwhelmed and fearful of WDW to the point of being completely paralyzed and just can't force myself to plan a trip there.

I have people pushing me, as my mom's only sister lives nearby, along with her daughter, son in law, and two grandchildren...and then my mom's brother's grown daughters live right there in Orlando...if I go out and see them, which I really must do soon, it's fairly obvious that the reunion MUST take place at WDW. Helps that my cousin (aunt's daughter) worked for the Disney Store back before the Children's Place thing and was a true CM, got tickets, etc...she spent so much time up at WDW, and then when she met her true love they pretty much courted in and around WDW. They would go as a group (they were young and are religious, so this isn't meant to have naughty background music, by the way) and just hang out at the various resorts, have snacks, be silly...and that's how they spent the year of their courtship. So that cousin KNOWS the parks (though she didn't know about GACs, even though she and her kids are legally blind due to congenital cataracts). But they enjoy the Value resorts, and while I'm sure that they would be fun, I can't get away from how gorgeous Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs resorts are... (and that's as high up in the moola as we could think of going). Of course, we've also thought about camping there!

That would be a good idea, to do a pre-pre-trip report...but I don't know, I'm askeered of the WDW report people...much cozier in this area, don'cha think? Alas I don't think MaryJo would allow a WDW pre-trip in the DLR report section.

And Maynard! You just might get to see Maynard!!



My mom once told me that I said the same thing to her. I guess I asked her what college was and she told me I would move away and go to school. And I basically told her I would never leave her, EVER!!



Space Mountain, TOT, maybe Maliboomer... BTMRR... And if you haven't ridden in the front row of Screamin', you HAVE to try it! It's so different than riding anywhere else. (Thanks, Callie!!)

Love Maynard!!!

It was that sort of conversation, actually! He said when he was an "old grownup, no, a new grownup", that he would shave his head so he would look like a "new person". I told him that when he was a new grownup that he would be going off to college with new people, and that they would think he was a new person anyway (so no need to cut off what continues to be gorgeous red hair despite all of those people who said it would change to black by the time he was a year, no 2, no 3...now they've stopped saying it, LOL). His eyes got big and he said he didn't want to leave us, and I told him that he would be having fun and learning lots and it would be a great time, but he insisted on not going. So I told him that if we're still in Tacoma then, he could go to my old college her in town, and he really liked that idea. I didn't tell him that they require ALL freshman to live on campus...I can share that later. And that's one of the adorable and sweet convos I've had with the boy recently.

On the other hand, the other day he told me he HATED me. Because I didn't put the jam on the toast right, or something trivial like that. Ach, 4 year olds.


Very first time I rode Screamin' was in the front. Thank goodness it was at night and I couldn't see a thing! I've only ridden in the middle of the...what do you call it? line of cars? train of cars? hm...I haven't been in the front since. Whew.

 

[bumbershoot]

Cheryl, I didn't see you there!

I'm so glad your mom has, not only you, but Ines as well!

Now go get some sleep! I'm sure the adrenaline from the last 24 hours is coming down now, and you're going to need to pass the heck out.

 

[lulubelle]

Oh Cheryl, I am so glad your mom is recovering nicely. Wow, what a scare. Let me know if there is anything AT ALL we can do.

I am sooooo in for the October mini-meet to celebrate Beth's birthday (among others). DH is going on his yearly week long fishing trip that week and DD is going somewhere with her roomies and I was pouting that I would be all alone. Well, now I will be with my DIZ friends at my favorite place in the world! YEAH! I think I will hold out for a sweet AP rate on site. Hummm.

 

[disney-inspired]

Cheryl - So glad to hear your mom is recovering well & so soon. Thank God for Ines, she must be such a comfort and help to you and your mom.

So you all know that a soda in DLR cost $2.96 + tax. Well I bought a six-pack of 16 oz. Coke Zero for $3.00 + tax.

Yay for saving money!

I think I might be renewing my AP but I will be downgrading to the Southern California AP. I'm just not sure of my financial situation, seeing as how I don't have a steady job at the moment and I just can't bear to fork over $308 for a Deluxe AP (or $233 for a So. Cal) at one time. Ugh, I hate money troubles. I still have a month to think about so... crossing my fingers for a steady job! (I do have a summer job coming up... if they rehire me).

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Cheryl - whew. You really deserve some extra pixie dust.

CD (that's your new name, CaliforniaDreamer), at least for this post...what's funny is that I had read about the event, but I figured it was just b/c of the anniversary. I didn't get the 9/9/9 and 999 ghosts part at all.

... the a la carte option wins financially.

... b/c I was one a total chicken too, and in fact still get VERY nervous about it even though I love it)...what else, what else, what else....

"CD" - I love it.

About the resort you pick...wait till you see how FAR everything is there. You're not in DL anymore, Toto.

We ended up going ala carte. We did not want to know that dessert was already paid for (in a meal plan) because it would just encourage us to order it. At least we got the AAA discount on the room.

Back to DL: I love the idea of the film Not a chicken for the thrill rides - I just skip them. I'm more of an Aladdin type.

 

[disney-inspired]

Good news! After Chuck E. Cheese (Mickey's not so successful cousin) we went to the other Wal-mart nearby and I found the white t-shirt in the style I like! I'm so happy! I also picked up a tank top because the shirt is VERY see through and NO, THIS IS NOT A FREE SHOW!
Who would want to see my show in the first place, I don't know!

So my mom tore the bag that I was putting my tote in I have to go save it with some tape.

I ransacked Home Depot of their mickey heads. It was already pretty bare when I arrived. I got my coke zero for CHEAP (about 60 cents for each 16oz bottle!) and I'm quite happy with myself.
I'm going to do a little jig.


oh, and that Sally character has to be everyone I know because they MUST be jealous that I get to play at DLR for three whole days. NANNYNANNY BOO BOO

Ok, jig's over and I have to finish up what's going IN the tote bag and hit the sack because I have to be at church tomorrow at 8:45 - 9am to set up class for Sunday school. I'll check in when I get home in the early afternoon.

 

[Zoemakes5]

Cheryl, I'm so glad your Mom is doing okay! Whoo hoo! The offer still stands, if you want me to come up, I'm there. Tomorrow is totally open for me! Even if you just want a friendly face around, you let me know!