Here Now - few thoughts/observations

[DisneyJamieCA]

Definitely feels hotter and more crowded today, although we had a very quiet morning. It has worked out well as we finally did some things we've never done before, like ride the Mark Twain. Taking a break now and will back into the parks a bit later.

There have been numerous debates on here about the "Disney bubble" while staying onsite and I've always been of the mind set when it's in the budget to stay onsite, we will, but it's not the end of the world if we don't. I still believe that, but this trip has shown more of the less than desirable area. We are staying at Hojo and always cross at Manchester and walk the Disney side of Harbor. Both mornings there has been what appears to be a homeless man sitting half on the sidewalk, half on the grass, picking at scabs and whatever else he is doing. Last night, walking back to the hotel, he is at the bus stop with his lady friend and they're both drinking. This afternoon, we walk by and he is again at the bus stop with his friend and he's snorting some sort of drug (or appeared to be - I'm not an expert, but he was using a rolled up paper to snort something). Obviously this one in a city of many and not the end of the world, but definitely led to some interesting conversations and teachable moments with my kids. I still love this hotel, but I'll take the crowds in DTD over this any time!

 

[707MickeyGirl]

There have been numerous debates on here about the "Disney bubble" while staying onsite and I've always been of the mind set when it's in the budget to stay onsite, we will, but it's not the end of the world if we don't. I still believe that, but this trip has shown more of the less than desirable area. We are staying at Hojo and always cross at Manchester and walk the Disney side of Harbor.

I'm soooo sorry to hear this... because I'm taking my DGD in December and we'll likely stay in the kids suite at HoJo's. We've stayed there before and didn't have any problems on our walks back and forth. Our December trip is 8 nights and it would cost over $1200 more to stay at even the least expensive on-site hotel, so I have to ask myself if it's worth spending over $1200 more to avoid walking past some undesirable (albeit benign) scenery. But then again, we are frequent visitors to San Francisco and my DGD sees plenty of undesirable scenery there so maybe I'm worrying over nothing.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I'm soooo sorry to hear this... because I'm taking my DGD in December and we'll likely stay in the kids suite at HoJo's. We've stayed there before and didn't have any problems on our walks back and forth. Our December trip is 8 nights and it would cost over $1200 more to stay at even the least expensive on-site hotel, so I have to ask myself if it's worth spending over $1200 more to avoid walking past some undesirable (albeit benign) scenery. But then again, we are frequent visitors to San Francisco and my DGD sees plenty of undesirable scenery there so maybe I'm worrying over nothing.

I would not change your plans. The hotel is still just as wonderful and honestly, we could avoid this couple if we walked on the hotel side of Harbor. In all of our stays there, this is the first time we've run into something like this.

That said on our way back to the parks this evening, they were still on the bench, this time drinking and spewing curse riddled insults at all of us who obviously have mansions and yachts. I'll let you know if they're still there on our way back.

While a big deal, it isn't earth shattering. It just reminds me that for me, I believe in the " Disney bubble". It doesn't mean we can stay onsite every time though.

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I would not change your plans. The hotel is still just as wonderful and honestly, we could avoid this couple if we walked on the hotel side of Harbor. In all of our stays there, this is the first time we've run into something like this.

Thank you, Jamie. I'd prefer to stay on-site every time as well but it's just not in my budget. Especially this trip, because it looks like my DGD7's best friend is going to be coming with us. I love taking my granddaughter to the parks, and I know having her best friend along with us will make it even more special for her, but I'm starting to question my sanity... two 7 year old girls? What was I thinking? I'm glad I've got a kids suite booked!

 

[kylie71]

I must admit, I'd rather take ART than walk past that bus stop... Last time we stayed at the Fairfield, 2 bums followed us as far as the McDonalds...... at which point I was almost running for the entrance to Millie's just to get near people....
It was after dark, and just my sister and I. First time I ever felt uneasy ever!
Why doesn't Anaheim do something about that people that hang out at that bus stop?????? With the new Courtyard Inn open, that sidewalk will be more busy... which is a good and bad thing, at the same time.

--Lori

 

[JadeDarkstar]

This is scary. I will be in BWPPI but wow. I did see a few ppl on the Disney side of the road right at the entrance in to Disney land park from the cross walk. How ever the guy and girl (two different nights) didn't seem near as bad as the two you keep seeing. If you saw drugs id almost call the cops and tell them anomalously what you saw and where.
Why can't Disney do something or the rest of the hotels. This is sick and disgraceful and disrespectful to every one else. GO to a homeless shelter or for Gods sake at least get away from DL area.

Now i'm wishing we could stay onsite.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Thank you, Jamie. I'd prefer to stay on-site every time as well but it's just not in my budget. Especially this trip, because it looks like my DGD7's best friend is going to be coming with us. I love taking my granddaughter to the parks, and I know having her best friend along with us will make it even more special for her, but I'm starting to question my sanity... two 7 year old girls? What was I thinking? I'm glad I've got a kids suite booked!

Actually, having two seven year old girls may really be easier that having just one with you! It can actually give you a little bit of a break from the high energy because they can entertain each other. My friend and I took our eight year old daughters together in January and it was great! The girls were so excited to experience the parks together and made lifelong memories. It was also nice for some of the rides we didn't really want to ride, we could just send the girls on it and relax and chat while they rode it together.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Wanted to give a quick update of our final two days...

My oldest two requested that we start walking on the hotel side of Harbor, so I can't tell you if that couple was out anymore or what they may have been up to.

Parks feel like they got more crowded than they had been over the weekend, but still wasn't unbearable. Monday night, I decided to try to a late dessert at BB instead of dinner. While our service was wonderful, and we even got a waterside table, I don't think this is something I will try again. There are only 3 dessert options - half our group was happy, the other half let down and it still cost us $60 after the AP discount. I'm don't think it will be on our list next time, but if it is, we'll go for the full meal. After we were done, we got seats for PTN - scored great seats at about 10:15 right outside the entrance to Pixie Hollow. Because it's so narrow there, we were able to use the fence for a back rest while still having front row.

Tues, we started at DCA and at park opening, Screamin', King Triton's Carousel and TSMM were all down They all opened up about an hour later. Tower of Terror was down a lot and when it was up, they weren't handing out FPs because of the back log. I think we finally got FPs at about 5 with a 8:15 return time. Saw Aladdin which is was as wonderful as always. Oh, this morning they were handing out FPs for E&A almost right away and we waited about 20 mins in line once we returned. We saw WOC and I LOVE it!!! It made me cry. We got yellow FPs and this side seemed so much less stressful than blue (which we've had on prior trips). Even when we returned at about 7:45, there were 3x the number of people in the blue "pre-line" than there were in yellow. We were able to get a rail spot in the top section. My youngest is 42" now and conquered Goofy's Sky School & GRR this trip

Saw Laurence Fishburne in Starbucks in DCA. His wife ordered in front of me, with their plaid.

Although I'm sure I'm guilty of it as well, cell phones and iPads are the downfall of society I can't tell you how many people hold them over their heads to tape, blocking the view of everybody behind them. There were two women in Playhouse Disney who taped the whole show, about 1/4 of the way back from the stage, by holding their iPads over their heads, which meant that all the kids behind them couldn't see. Or people sticking them out during parades/shows. You learn to deal with it, but it would be nice if people thought of who was around them before doing it.

Spent our final morning in DTD - I didn't realize that the Lego Store gives AP discounts, so that was great! As does Earl of Sandwhich. All in all, we had a great trip and I can't wait to go back.

 

[Butterfly123]

Wanted to give a quick update of our final two days...

My oldest two requested that we start walking on the hotel side of Harbor, so I can't tell you if that couple was out anymore or what they may have been up to.

Parks feel like they got more crowded than they had been over the weekend, but still wasn't unbearable. Monday night, I decided to try to a late dessert at BB instead of dinner. While our service was wonderful, and we even got a waterside table, I don't think this is something I will try again. There are only 3 dessert options - half our group was happy, the other half let down and it still cost us $60 after the AP discount. I'm don't think it will be on our list next time, but if it is, we'll go for the full meal. After we were done, we got seats for PTN - scored great seats at about 10:15 right outside the entrance to Pixie Hollow. Because it's so narrow there, we were able to use the fence for a back rest while still having front row.

Tues, we started at DCA and at park opening, Screamin', King Triton's Carousel and TSMM were all down They all opened up about an hour later. Tower of Terror was down a lot and when it was up, they weren't handing out FPs because of the back log. I think we finally got FPs at about 5 with a 8:15 return time. Saw Aladdin which is was as wonderful as always. Oh, this morning they were handing out FPs for E&A almost right away and we waited about 20 mins in line once we returned. We saw WOC and I LOVE it!!! It made me cry. We got yellow FPs and this side seemed so much less stressful than blue (which we've had on prior trips). Even when we returned at about 7:45, there were 3x the number of people in the blue "pre-line" than there were in yellow. We were able to get a rail spot in the top section. My youngest is 42" now and conquered Goofy's Sky School & GRR this trip

Saw Laurence Fishburne in Starbucks in DCA. His wife ordered in front of me, with their plaid.

Although I'm sure I'm guilty of it as well, cell phones and iPads are the downfall of society I can't tell you how many people hold them over their heads to tape, blocking the view of everybody behind them. There were two women in Playhouse Disney who taped the whole show, about 1/4 of the way back from the stage, by holding their iPads over their heads, which meant that all the kids behind them couldn't see. Or people sticking them out during parades/shows. You learn to deal with it, but it would be nice if people thought of who was around them before doing it.

Spent our final morning in DTD - I didn't realize that the Lego Store gives AP discounts, so that was great! As does Earl of Sandwhich. All in all, we had a great trip and I can't wait to go back.

Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences! Your yellow FP WOC spot is our favorite spot to watch the show from. I agree that the blue section seems like more of a stampede.

What time did you go for dessert at Blue Bayou? I had been pondering this, as a regular meal there is so pricey for five people. Three dessert options isn't a lot for the $$$. I guess I'll ponder it a little more.

It sounds like you had a great time. I'm excited to be there next week!

ETA...What were the three desserts they had at BB?

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences! Your yellow FP WOC spot is our favorite spot to watch the show from. I agree that the blue section seems like more of a stampede.

What time did you go for dessert at Blue Bayou? I had been pondering this, as a regular meal there is so pricey for five people. Three dessert options isn't a lot for the $$$. I guess I'll ponder it a little more.

It sounds like you had a great time. I'm excited to be there next week!

ETA...What were the three desserts they had at BB?

We went to BB at 9:10. When I requested waterside, the hostess said she could put it in and we could wait, but that they stop serving at 10, so should a group take too long, we could wait and still not get it. Since we have small kids, we decided to just go with what they could give us. About 5 minutes later, they called our name and we got the 6 top water side I will say the hostess was fine when I said we only wanted to dessert, the seater was fine, but the waiter seemed annoyed at first. He quickly recovered and was pleasant for the rest of the time. The three desserts are a Meyer's lemon creme brulee (I had this and it was AMAZING), chocolate cake and a berry tart. The chocolate cake was too rich for my 3 kids who ordered it, but DH liked it. None of us ordered the tart, so I can't speak to that.

Have fun on your trip!!!

 

[ten6mom]

The three desserts are a Meyer's lemon creme brulee (I had this and it was AMAZING), chocolate cake and a berry tart. The chocolate cake was too rich for my 3 kids who ordered it, but DH liked it. None of us ordered the tart, so I can't speak to that.

I can't believe I missed the lemon crème brulee when I was just there earlier this month! Maybe we will have to work in a dessert only for this weekend....

Glad to hear it was as amazing as it sounds!

 

[chickapin parterre]

....or windy December....wife says, why don't we do Summer at disneyland....what, to pay for the heat we have now in our backyard. naw, I will take an overcast Calif morning anytime.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I forgot to add that on Monday night, we were walking along the parade route about an hour before the 8:50 PTN and there were CM telling people waiting that they needed to have their entire parties in their spots 30 mins before the parade or the spots being held would be taken and that all blankets would be picked up, even if there was one person waiting with them. We didn't stay in the area to see if this was followed though, but thought I'd give the heads up.

 

[Tanz]

We got yellow FPs and this side seemed so much less stressful than blue (which we've had on prior trips).

What time did you get the yellow FPs? Thanks for sharing your experience JamieCA!

Although I'm sure I'm guilty of it as well, cell phones and iPads are the downfall of society I can't tell you how many people hold them over their heads to tape, blocking the view of everybody behind them.

My thought exactly, especially as there are plenty of recordings on YouTube! But my wife disagreed, as she likes to do exactly that herself! Oh well... ;-)

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thanks for your update - remember, cups of ice water is free, so keep cool & hydrated this week.

 

[Brancaneve]

Definitely feels hotter and more crowded today, although we had a very quiet morning. It has worked out well as we finally did some things we've never done before, like ride the Mark Twain. Taking a break now and will back into the parks a bit later.

There have been numerous debates on here about the "Disney bubble" while staying onsite and I've always been of the mind set when it's in the budget to stay onsite, we will, but it's not the end of the world if we don't. I still believe that, but this trip has shown more of the less than desirable area. We are staying at Hojo and always cross at Manchester and walk the Disney side of Harbor. Both mornings there has been what appears to be a homeless man sitting half on the sidewalk, half on the grass, picking at scabs and whatever else he is doing. Last night, walking back to the hotel, he is at the bus stop with his lady friend and they're both drinking. This afternoon, we walk by and he is again at the bus stop with his friend and he's snorting some sort of drug (or appeared to be - I'm not an expert, but he was using a rolled up paper to snort something). Obviously this one in a city of many and not the end of the world, but definitely led to some interesting conversations and teachable moments with my kids. I still love this hotel, but I'll take the crowds in DTD over this an

 

[soma151]

I drive from Sacramento so it's just under 6 hours non stop. But that's means it takes us closer to 7 when you add in potty or stretch breaks (or gas if you need to stop on the way for that). I have left Sac between 2 and 3 am and made it to the PPH a little before 9:30 am.

Now it is likely a little shorter drive from the Bay Area I would guess but still depends on where you are leaving from and what freeway you have to take. But you would likely have to leave in the middle of the night to get down to Anaheim that early in the morning.

WOW, 6 hours really? I was raised in Tracy and did the drive a few times as a kid before I5…15 HOURS. I live a hour outside Portland Oregon and can get to Tracy with the grandkids in 9 to 10 hours? Never thought of driving? But 6 hours? WOW? I get Spirit Air to San Diego $54 round trip and drive up to Disney. Its like $250 to L.A. on Alaska. We have a very large party going this trip and getting a bus from San Diego. I hate Spirit but for that price we can put up with them.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

What time did you get the yellow FPs? Thanks for sharing your experience JamieCA!

I want to say we got them at about 9:45am on an 8am opening. And they were for the first show.

Thanks for your update - remember, cups of ice water is free, so keep cool & hydrated this week.

Yes, we did this all of the time! Places like Red Rockets Pizza Port will let you take any size cup you want as well!

WOW, 6 hours really? I was raised in Tracy and did the drive a few times as a kid before I5…15 HOURS. I live a hour outside Portland Oregon and can get to Tracy with the grandkids in 9 to 10 hours? Never thought of driving? But 6 hours? WOW? I get Spirit Air to San Diego $54 round trip and drive up to Disney. Its like $250 to L.A. on Alaska. We have a very large party going this trip and getting a bus from San Diego. I hate Spirit but for that price we can put up with them.

We've flown a lot recently, but our last two trips we drove. On both we were able to make it from the North Bay (Sonoma County ) to the Hojo in 6.5 hrs, leaving between 3-4am.

Call the police on the guy for SHAVING? IS THAT AGAINST THE LAW? I wonder what it is you teach your children? Due the the out/sourcing of lots of American jobs lots of people you would never expect are homeless in America? Or do you tell them the inflated american housing market due to the banks and government wanting to keep tax money and homes sales high? People can't afford places to live? I wonder if any of those homeless people are really Angles in disguise just testing you and seeing what you do? I would think seeing a homeless guy outside the most expensive amusement park in the world would be a good teaching time to you're children. Like honey we are very lucky to have a home to live in and money to come to Disney, these people need our help. Maybe we can help one of them next time we walk by with a kind word or a little money? Or better yet donate to a homeless shelter so they wont have to sleep on the street? Any of this ever cross your mind?

I know this wasn't directed at me, but since I brought up the subject originally, I feel compelled to respond. I was never passing judgment on the homeless and have never had a problem with the people along Harbor. THIS trip I did. Yes, the open drug use bothered me as did the public drunkenness, but calling the police honestly never crossed my mind. I did use it as a teaching moment, but not as you suggested and no, there was zero chance of me engaging this particular couple. I did put my (perceived) safety over any soctal obligation. I also understand that mental illness and addiction are not usual among the homeless population, but that is not always an excuse for inappropriate and aggressive behavior.

That said, we do volunteer work with the homeless and my older children spent part of yesterday making no sew blankets for homeless children as part of a community service project.

To defend the person you attacked, I think you are the one who made the assumptions and judgements.

 

[jlp879]

ETA...What were the three desserts they had at BB?

From Blue Bayou dessert menu. Choice of one of the following:

[URL='http://land.allears.net/blogs/lauragilbreath/fant0115/fant0115_07.jpg']Traditional Creme Brulee

8-Layer Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Apple-Cranberry Galette
[/URL]

 

[AHGB]

If you love chocolate, you should really enjoy the chocolate cake. I did. The creme brulee is very nice too. Have not tried the galette.