Grandma's Trip Report - Sept 18 - 23rd

[Sjwillia]

Well - here goes - my first attempt at a trip report. DAY 1

Cast: DD-Julie, DSIL-Dennis, DGS(15)-Tom, DGS(7)-Aidan, DGS(6)-Dylan, DGD(4)-Chloe, and ME-Grandma.

September 18, 2010 – Saturday
DGS7 and I awoke at 3:15 AM with everything packed and ready to go at 4:00 AM. My husband drove us to PDX arriving at 5:10 with Jet Blue boarding passes for all 7 of us in hand. The other 5 had been dropped off and were waiting for us. Breakfast was coffee or juice and a stale airport sweet roll (ugh!). The flight was smooth and uneventful until reaching LGB. A landing was aborted because of visibility – too much fog. We had to circle the airport for an hour and a half until it cleared. Once we were on the ground and the bags collected there was no problem getting a taxi van that would hold 7 people and plenty of luggage – several were waiting at the stand. Cost was a flat $45 fee (plus tip) to the Residents Inn Maingate. It took about 30 minutes.

We checked into the hotel and luckily our room was ready for us. We quickly deposited our bags and headed to Disneyland. We weren’t sure exactly where the ART stop was so decided to walk. We took a wrong turn from the hotel and add a couple extra blocks to the jaunt. We arrived about 1:30. Everyone was starving as the stale breakfast was long ago digested, so we headed straight for Plaza Inn for lunch. I had the fried chicken and it was great. From there we did the following:

Many Adventures of Winnie the Poo
Splash Mountain – DGS6 and DGD4 said they did not want to do it again.
POTC
Mark Twain Riverboat
BTMRR – DGS6 and DGD4 did not like it at all, so that was the last of the fast rides or drop rides for both of them.
IASW [
King Arthur Carousel

Dinner consisted of hamburgers or chicken nuggets at Tomorrowland Terrace and then back to the hotel via ART for sweatshirts and a little down time. No one was able to nap.

RDCT ***My first time***
We made it back to Disneyland about 8:30. The hub looked full for RDCR fireworks but we found a spot in the middle of Main street right where the tracks join from each side of the hub. We sat and waited. The kids were exhausted and fell asleep while waiting, DGD4 in a stroller and DGS6 on his Dad’s lap. DGS7 just curled up on the hard asphalt. RDCT fireworks were wonderful. None of us have seen any Disney fireworks before and those of us awake were very impressed and touched.

Taken from the Mark Twain

It's a Small World

 

[Sjwillia]

September 19, 2010 – Sunday
We got to the hotel breakfast buffet early and it was not too crowded. However, it was not much fun taking picky kids through a buffet line. We decided a couple adults would bring food back to the room on following mornings. That worked out much better for us.

I dropped off a grocery list at the front desk before we headed off to the happiest place on earth. We were all anxious to get going so we walked rather than wait for ART.

Discover the Magic Tour - ***My first time***
At 9:10 AM. DGS7, DGS6 and I checked in at City Hall for our Discover the Magic tour.
The tour starts at 10:00 so we killed some time pressing pennies, making Pinocchio dance, getting a fortune, and picking out candy at the Emporium. This tour was so much fun! It turns out we were the only 3 people signed up. The boys were tentative at first. They wanted to go on RIDES and were not sure what Grandma has signed them up for. This tour is a Treasure Hunt. Each treasure chest found has a puzzle piece with a clue to the next chest. The CM was great! She got the boys totally involved. We were running through Disneyland whooping it up like Indians and making finger hooks and growling ARRRGH at each pirate we came across. The first ride on the hunt was POTC. We went in the exit and were immediately put on a boat by ourselves. The boys were totally impressed and engaged from that point on. The next attractions were Tarzan’s Treehouse and Buzz Lightyear *** My first time***. We went to the KA Carousel but it was down. Our CM guide gave the whole family fastpasses to use later on any attraction because we couldn’t do this ride. We solved the puzzle and ended up in Toontown where we got a slushy. Then a private meeting with Mickey in his house where the boys put the puzzle together for Mickey. This tour was well worth the money.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC TOUR

After the tour, the boys made dual light sabers and then we headed to DCA where we met up with the rest of the family. They had done:
Screaming -DD, DSIL, DGS15 did Child Swap - DGD4 rode the King Triton’s Carousel x2.
Mickey’s Fun Wheel
DGD4 got her face painted.

We met up in Bugsland and did Tuck and Roll’s Drive ’Em Buggies and Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train. The kids played for a couple minutes in the Puddle Park. It was starting to get warm for Oregonians, so we caught ART back to the hotel.

Groceries had been delivered so we made sandwiches for lunch and then went to the pool.

F!
Back to Disneyland about 5:30 PM. We went through the HM with our anytime, anywhere, fastpass. I found a spot for F! We were very close to center one ‘blanket row’ from the rail spot. I just hung out and people watched while the rest of the family went to Downtown Disney in search of dinner. The wait to eat at RFC was too long, so they just settled for something from Jamba Juice. They were back a little before 8:00. I had some glow thingys, fairies and action figures for the kids to play with until the show started. I saw F! on a trip a few years earlier and knew how great it would be. This was a first for the others and they were amazed. The kids still talk about the fire on the water. We stayed put after F! and watched the fireworks again from this location.

Haunted Mansion - Nightmare Before Christmas

Fantasmic

 

[deejdigsdis]

Welcome back! If I remember correctly...you mentioned in your PTR that you might attempt a ride on the Matterhorn this trip. Is that right? Anyway, great start to your TR! The idea of circling the airport for that long sounds miserable. Ugh. Good thing you had visions of Disneyland dancing around in your head to focus on something else. That tour sounded like a lot of fun. I know my boys would love that. The whole treasure hunt thing is right up their alley. Can't wait to hear more...

 

[Sjwillia]

Yes - that was my PTR. The Matterhorn has intimidated me for 50 years. The delay landing was not such a good start but the trip definately got better from there.

 

[Sjwillia]

September 20th - Monday

We were up early and in line at security where there was a hold up while something was investigated. We were in for rope-drop, where we saw Mickey and then headed for Toontown to use our TTMM tickets. The kids met Minnie, Pluto, and Donald and then we watched the opening at City Hall. Everyone got a special button. DSIL bought the younger boys the small souvenir light sabers that change colors and DGD4 picked a spinning light-up Minnie thing. Then kids enjoyed exploring the town.
DGS7, DGS15, DD and I went on GGC. After that the kids went in:
Chip & Dale Tree house
Donald’s Boat
Goofy’s Playhouse.

Tomorrowland was the next stop. We did:
Buzz
Astro Orbiter
Break for lunch of string cheese, frozen go-gurt, and peanut butter crackers. The apples were awful and not touched.
SMGhost Galaxy x2 with fastpass and child swap. DSIL and I took turns with DGS6 and DGD4. They played with the ‘germ ball’ and got stickers from a CM. I have not been on Space Mountain since my kids were little (25 years ago). I remember the stars and loving the feeling of flying through space. In my opinion the ghostly things detracted from what I liked about the ride. I suppose for those who have the chance to ride more often this is addition is interesting.

I was in need of a treat after string cheese and crackers so we went to Gibson Girl. Next:
Jungle Cruise
Tom Sawyer’s Island. The kids burned off some energy and had a great time exploring the caves.
POTC
Indiana Jones x2 with fastpass & child swap. *** My first time*** The little 2 explored the Tarzan's treehouse and shops with DD and me. I have heard great things about the IJ queue but did not get much time to see it as the lines were very short. I thought the ride was fun.
Teacups x2, They were a walk-on. Canal boats closed for the parade right as we got there.
IASW – I didn’t go with the rest of the family as I wanted to check out parade viewing. Really glad I didn’t. They got stuck in one area for about 20 minutes listening to the same song recording over and over. Their eyes were glassed over as they finally got off.

Celebrate a Street Parade
I had ‘preferred parade viewing’ tickets with my package, but they do not even set up the area during off season. It is not needed. Main Street and the Hub, where the parade stops first, were really crowded. The third stop in front of IASW had lots of space. It takes about 30 minutes after the start for the parade to finally get to this area. People were still finding good viewing places as the performance was going on in the hub. While we waited all the kids gathered in the middle of the street and played with their light sabers and glow things.

I have seen 2 other Disney parades plus the Electrical Parade in DCA. This one just does not measure up to my Disney expectations. However, none of the others have seen a Disney parade and without the comparison thought it was great. DGD4 had a wonderful time dancing and doing the conga line. So, while not spectacular, it was fun.

We went to Tony Romas for a great dinner. The younger 2 could hardly keep their eyes open. We walked back to the Residents Inn. DGD4 slept in the stroller and we kept DGS6 awake and walking with lots of tickling and prodding.

I am not going to be able to finish up the trip report for the last 3 days for a couple weeks. I leave for Marseille and Bordeaux in the morning on a business trip. I should be excited, but it will be all work. Now a stop off at Disneyland Paris would be fun - but that is not in the cards I am afraid.

Good Morning Disneyland

Mickey was out and about early and ready for Halloween

TTMM

Tom Sawyer's Island

Celebrate a Street Parade

 

[Sjwillia]

DAY 4 -September 21st - Tuesday
This was our Magic Morning day which started at 9:00. We went directly to PP first and the wait was about 5-8 minutes. I guess we just couldn’t walk as fast as all the other Magic Morning people that day. Next it was:
Dumbo
Alice
Toad
Teacups
Pinocchio x 2

BBB10:30 Appt. for DGD4.
DGD4 wore her new Cinderella dress and ‘glass’ slippers purchased prior to the trip. She chose the princess bun style and a tiara. See pictures. Afterward she picked out wand to complete the outfit.

Pixie Hollow
We met Rosetta and Tinkerbelle. The wait was only about 15 minutes.
Ariels Grotto
We finished our ‘Princess day’ with a 1:00 lunch at Ariel’s Grotto. We met Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, and Snow White. DD and I both had the beef and it was excellent. DGD4 had seashells & cheese. She didn’t like it much but filled up on the appetizers etc.

We met the guys at Redwood Challenge about 2:15.

10:30 DSIL, DGS15, DGS7, DGS6:
Matterhorn
Autotopia
Lunch at Taste Pilots Grill
Soaring
GRR
Redwood Challenge
2:30 - GGR x2. DGD4 was not tall enough so DSIL and I took turns staying with her.
Screaming x2. ***This was my first ride on Screaming. *** I had promised DGS7 that I would go on anything he would. This turned out to be his absolute favorite. I can do it again, but once a trip is sufficient for me.
DGD4 and DGS6 did the KTC. They also met Jesse and a Green Army man.

Pixar Parade -DGS6 loved this. He is a big ToyStory fan
Monsters Inc
Turtle Talk with Crush
The Sorcerers Workshop - we could have spent more time here as the kids really enjoyed it
Zoetrope

Dinner was sandwiches back at the Resident’s Inn.

BBB

PIXAR PARADE

 

[silmarg]

Discover the Magic Tour - ***My first time***
At 9:10 AM. DGS7, DGS6 and I checked in at City Hall for our Discover the Magic tour.
The tour starts at 10:00 so we killed some time pressing pennies, making Pinocchio dance, getting a fortune, and picking out candy at the Emporium. This tour was so much fun! It turns out we were the only 3 people signed up. The boys were tentative at first. They wanted to go on RIDES and were not sure what Grandma has signed them up for. This tour is a Treasure Hunt. Each treasure chest found has a puzzle piece with a clue to the next chest. The CM was great! She got the boys totally involved. We were running through Disneyland whooping it up like Indians and making finger hooks and growling ARRRGH at each pirate we came across. The first ride on the hunt was POTC. We went in the exit and were immediately put on a boat by ourselves. The boys were totally impressed and engaged from that point on. The next attractions were Tarzan’s Treehouse and Buzz Lightyear *** My first time***. We went to the KA Carousel but it was down. Our CM guide gave the whole family fastpasses to use later on any attraction because we couldn’t do this ride. We solved the puzzle and ended up in Toontown where we got a slushy. Then a private meeting with Mickey in his house where the boys put the puzzle together for Mickey. This tour was well worth the money.

QUOTE]

How long did this tour last? I am thinking about doing it when we go in Feb.

 

[Sjwillia]

I have been away for awhile and never finished by report. Thought I would finish it up just in case someone wants to see September information.

Disneyland opened at 10:00. We headed for the 10:30 Jedi Academy first as doing this was a top priority for DGS6 and DGS7. We had small signs and DGS6 and DGS7 wore new Star Wars shirts I brought along. These weren’t really needed as it was not crowded at all. I think ALL the kids that wanted to participate got chosen. Our boys were the first 2 picked and they took the signs. Both boys fought Darth Maul.

The Canal Boats line looked short but the CM said there were only 2 boats operating until later in the day so the wait would be 30 + minutes. We chose to skip it and went on to:
Matterhorn – Me, DD, DGS15, DGS7. DSIL stayed with DGS6 & DGD4. ***My first time*** YES – I finally conquered the mountain that has intimidated me for 50 years!
Snow White Scary Adventures
The Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through
We happened to stumble upon a Princess game and story time near Plaza Gardens. I couldn’t believe our good fortune. Ariel, Aurora, and Cindy played several games of Princess Says and Hide and Seek and then they sat down and each Princess told her story. There was lots of interaction with the kids.

Petting Zoo -DGS6 was thrilled to meet Woody here.
Thunder Mountain. DGD4, DGS6, and I got cotton candy while the others rode.
Splash. DGS6 decided to be very brave and try this one again. DGD4 and I went on WTP.
Jungle Cruise
Space
Lunch at DCA. I had broccoli cheese soup (in a cup)and a bread bowl. DSIL got a spicy Chinese dish and the rest got Mexican. Mine was great! No positive reviews on the Mexican food. DSIL thought his was OK.

Jumping Jellyfish
Mulholland Madness - DSIL, DGS15, DGS7, me
Back to Jellyfish
Silly Symphony Swings – DGS15 & DGS7
Pictures in the Toy Story Box
Kids went into the fish net on the pier. Some of the things they want to do always surprise me. They saw people in this net from across the lagoon and wanted to do it.

TOT w/DSIL, DGS15, DGS7 & me. DD took DGD4 on Lady Bug and Flicks Flyers ***My first time*** I liked it. DGS7 got his ‘I survived the TOT’ shirt.
We saw the short Green Army Men skit.
Screaming x 3 - DSIL and DGS7. DGS15 opted out after the first ride he, had enough. DD, DGD4 and DGS6 on KTC over and over and over again. They seemed to enjoy the ride each time.
Redwood Creek Challenge.
Dinner at the Rainforest Café. We pressed a few pennies there while waiting. We did not get a very good table. It was right by the exit so the kids did not get the full jungle experience.
Walked back to Residents Inn for a good nights sleep.

September 23rd – Thursday
Everyone was pretty tired – kids and adults alike. We had done everything on the ‘must do’ list and so each child wanted to do only their favorites rides again and did not have much patience waiting for the others. Here is how the day went:
Stopped in Frontierland so DGS15 could purchase a souvenir he wanted
POTC
HM
Splash was closed
We rode the train around Disneyland starting at New Orleans square. The kids said good-bye to each land.
Went to Star Trader. Again so DGS15 could spend his $$$.
We had Space fastpasses but the little ones were crabby and DGS7 only wanted to go on Screaming again, so we just headed to DCA.
Soaring
GRR
We ate snacks we brought and bought lemonade
Redwood Challenge. DD and DSIL did GRR. It is DD’s favorite.
Screaming x2 – DSIL & DGS7. Carousel x3- DGS6 & DGD4
Monsters Inc was closed
We saw the last 2/3rds of Drawn to the Magic
Lady Bug x2 – DGD4 & me. Bumper Cars – everyone else
Flik's Flyers
Jumping Jelly Fish
WOCI had hoped to end our trip with a big bang by seeing World of Color. My plans did not turn out as well as hoped. We had 5:10 dinner reservations at WCT with an 8:15 showing of WOC. We arrived before 5:00 and were told they were running a little late. I had that sinking feeling we were going to be in trouble lining up for WOC and that turned out to be the case. The kids waited patiently doing mad-libs and tic tac toe while we adults had some wine to calm our frayed nerves. We were seated for dinner about 5:40 and we ordered quickly. All of the dishes were very good. A couple of the kids were not impressed, but unless it is nuggets or PBJ they don’t like anything. Service was fast until it came time for dessert. We waited and waited and waited. I finally asked at the podium for the dessert and check. It then came quickly but we were way behind schedule by that time. We wolfed down the dessert, unable to enjoy it. The CM told me not to worry, they don’t start letting people in until 7:00 – it was 6:50. It’s true, they did not open the flood gates until 7:00, but of course by then we were well back in the pack. The front railing of course was full. The section right in front of VIP did not have any railing space. We were able to get a rail spot for the kids with us behind them right next to the handicap section in the second tier down from the top.

I am not sure if it was the viewing angle (I am only 4’ 11”), the built up expectations, or the big bucks, but WOC simply did not stir my heart strings like F! and RDCT. That is not to say it is not a great show – it is. I will probably see it again, but next time with a picnic.

September 24th - Friday
Our 6 day hoppers were used up and it was time to pack up and go home. We left our bags at the front desk and headed to DTD. I don’t think I could have survived this day in the parks – well over 100 degrees before 11:00 AM and the start of a tremendous heat wave in Anaheim. We went to the Disney Store. I bought 2 pirate costumes with swords for Christmas presents, a Haunted Mansion Life game for the 4 grandkids on this trip, and a Mickey sweatshirt for me. The kids bought me a very pretty white Tinkerbelle sweatshirt. The kids all spent their $30 gift card they had received for birthdays prior to the trip.

We ate lunch at Rainforest Café. This time we had an upstairs table and the atmosphere was much better. We took our time. With all our $$$ spent we headed back to the hotel. DD and I pulled out our suitcases and rearranged everything to get in all the souvenirs - not an easy task. It was still much too early to catch a cab back to LGB for a 7:00 PM flight back to Portland. What to do - ??? We should have kept out everyone’s bathing suit and swam in the hotel pool to cool off, but poor planning on my part. We ended up going to the hotel play ground. There were a few trees to sit under- still very HOT. The play structure was too hot for the kids so we just sat there drinking water and listening to cranky kids. Lesson learned: Plan on going to the parks the early part of the day you fly home, have one carry-on with everyone’s swim suits, or catch an earlier flight.

About 4:30 we squeezed into a taxi van to take us back to LGB. We planned on grabbing something to eat at the 1 airport restaurant before getting on the plane. I don’t recommend this with a large group. The food was good and the service pleasant but SLOW. They really are not set up for family dining. We ended up eating in a hurry to make the flight. We arrived at PDX about 9:30 PM and, after dropping DG7 off, back at home about 11:30 and in bed by mid-night.

I am ready to start planning my next trip. This time with will be with a step-daughter, her husband, and two boys. Unfortunately not planned until May 2012.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I'm glad you came back and finished this up! Good for you -- you conquered Matterhorn after 50 years. I hope you enjoyed it. Have fun planning your next trip.

 

[Briarrose1306]

Thanks for sharing your TR! I really enjoye reading it. I was curious though, did you have to pay for an extra night at the hotel or were you able to arrange a late checkout (I noticed you were packing at the normal 11am checkout). Glad you had a nice trip!

 

[Sjwillia]

Briarrose,
I obviously have a lot to learn about writing trip reports. My Friday was not very clear. We packed up in the AM prior to heading to DTD. We checked out prior to 11:00 and the desk stored our bags for us. When we got back from shopping, they pulled them out for us and DD took some of them to the unused breakfast room and did the rearrangement. Yes - it was a hassle. A later check out would certainly have been better but I did not even ask. Another lesson learned about travel home day. The hotel did restore the bags while we hung out at the playground.