High Season DL Adventures--Aug 09 TR--Complete!

[Hawleys]

A quick refresher...we arrive at LAX around 9:30am on August 8th and we are taking the Disneyland Express to the Hojo. I'm hoping that we will get to the hotel by 11 or 11:30am to drop off our bags. Or maybe check in but it will be so early that I'm not really holding my breath on that one. The old plan was to drop off the bags, grab a bite to eat, get our park tickets (we have vouchers from Ares travel so we have to wait in line) and then jump on the bus to head off to Buena Park for to surprise the nephew with a 3:30 show at Medieval Times.

I got a call from Medieval Times a few days ago to let me know that the 3:30pm show had been canceled. We have been rescheduled for the 6:30pm show. At first I was kind of bummed but then I realized that this will leave us several hours on Saturday afternoon to go to the parks.

So here's the big decision--should we go to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure? What says the wisdom of the Dis?

Disneyland is, well, DISNEYLAND! But it could be wicked crowded on a Saturday afternoon and we will have no fastpasses.

DCA will be less crowded and fastpasses will still be available. Do you think we could have a good time spending 3 or 4 hours at DCA? I was thinking about going to see Alladin. It might be nice to relax in some AC after being up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

On our last visit we stayed away from the parks on Saturday, it was July 4, so I can't say how bad a Saturday could be. But I didn't think the crowds were bad on Sunday.

My family really liked DCA. Along with Aladdin, Disney Animation is a great place to relax out of the sun. We really enjoyed the Animation Academy. The Muppet 4-D show is pretty fun as well. I think you could find a lot to do at DCA to fill four hours.

 

[Hawleys]

My family really liked DCA. Along with Aladdin, Disney Animation is a great place to relax out of the sun. We really enjoyed the Animation Academy. The Muppet 4-D show is pretty fun as well. I think you could find a lot to do at DCA to fill four hours.

Disney Animation is a great idea!

 

[yupikgal]

Hawleys, we will be getting there on the 8th also, same time, 930a, but to the John Wayne airport, which (hopefully) should get us to our hotel by 1030? I'm just guessing. I haven't planned as far ahead as you have, I don't even know how we are getting to our hotel yet (Fairfield) maybe the Supershuttle? We haven't been to DL for 10 years, looking forward to it!!! We will probably also do DCA Saturday, since we've never been and the last time we were there it was just in the process of being built! Probably eat lunch there, I assume, since it will probably be that time of day by the time we get in. Any suggestions for places you've researched? I still have to buy our park passes! I'm waaaayyyy behind! I did buy our baseball (Angels) game tickets for an evening game for Monday the 10th! Yippeee!!

 

[Disneygal27]

I just read your trip report, and it has me super excited for my first DLR trip (Aug 9-14 ) I think you'd have a great time at DCA for a few hours, even if you can't get on tons of headliner attractions, it seems like they have lots of little attractions to enjoy, plus just the fact that you're at the park.....

also, what did you end up getting your nephew for the pre-trip surprise? if he likes to draw, perhaps some sort of disney drawing kit would be an idea (not only for pre-trip excitement, but to keep him entertained on the plane, or during midday breaks). can't wait to hear how things turn out for you!

 

[Hawleys]

Hawleys, we will be getting there on the 8th also, same time, 930a, but to the John Wayne airport, which (hopefully) should get us to our hotel by 1030? I'm just guessing. I haven't planned as far ahead as you have, I don't even know how we are getting to our hotel yet (Fairfield) maybe the Supershuttle? We haven't been to DL for 10 years, looking forward to it!!! We will probably also do DCA Saturday, since we've never been and the last time we were there it was just in the process of being built! Probably eat lunch there, I assume, since it will probably be that time of day by the time we get in. Any suggestions for places you've researched? I still have to buy our park passes! I'm waaaayyyy behind! I did buy our baseball (Angels) game tickets for an evening game for Monday the 10th! Yippeee!!

Hi yupikgal! Yay for the Hojo! I'm kind of obsessed with planning so don't worry, you are not behind at all. The Disneyland Express runs a big coach bus from John Wayne to Disneyland area hotels including the Fairfield Inn (http://graylineanaheim.com/airport_info.shtml) but Supershuttle may be cheaper depending on how many people you have.

I think we are also going to go to DCA on Saturday afternoon. I have never eaten at DCA but lots of people here like Whitewater snacks for counter service and Wine Country Trattoria for sit down. Here is a link to an article about Whitewater snacks that has directions since it is located in the Grand Californian. http://www.passporter.com/articles/whitewatersnacks.asp

Going to an Angels game sounds great!

 

[Hawleys]

I just read your trip report, and it has me super excited for my first DLR trip (Aug 9-14 ) I think you'd have a great time at DCA for a few hours, even if you can't get on tons of headliner attractions, it seems like they have lots of little attractions to enjoy, plus just the fact that you're at the park.....

also, what did you end up getting your nephew for the pre-trip surprise? if he likes to draw, perhaps some sort of disney drawing kit would be an idea (not only for pre-trip excitement, but to keep him entertained on the plane, or during midday breaks). can't wait to hear how things turn out for you!

Hi Disneygal27. I am also WAY excited for our trip. I'm playing with Ridemax right now. We're thinking about hitting either Alladin or Animation building on Saturday afternoon and hopefully a couple big rides too. Maybe California Screamin' and Grizzly River Rapids.

Will you make it to the parks at all on August 9th or is that a travel day for you? What is the first thing you are going to do?

Here's what we have for DN's pre-trip surprise package.

Gum
Skittles
Yes and Know Invisible Ink book
Spiderman Comic books
Disney stickers

I went to Target in hopes of finding Disney-themed Pez but our Target didn't have it. I also looked at the Dollar Spot at Target but almost everything was princess themed. So...we got a big drawing book of manga (anime) characters, a drawing pad and a tracing pad.

We also ordered a puzzle of the Disneyland map and sent it to Grandma. DN is staying with his Grandma for the week before he comes down to visit and she loves puzzles so they are going to make it together. We're sending a paper map, too.

 

[yupikgal]

hi Hawleys, and thanks for your reply! I just made reservations with Supershuttle for the morning that we get in, so that's done! yay! I got $2 off with a coupon from the OC Travel Guide that I had received a while back, the discount code is: M3DNL if anyone is interested. $2 is a drink in the parks, right? ; ) I paid $38 for all for of us, one way since we will be flying out of San Diego when we leave.

The White Water snack place sounds great, thanks! I will continue to update as I add more to my schedule! Two more weeks!! Wow...it seems like it was so far off, and now it's almost here!

 

[Hawleys]

hi Hawleys, and thanks for your reply! I just made reservations with Supershuttle for the morning that we get in, so that's done! yay! I got $2 off with a coupon from the OC Travel Guide that I had received a while back, the discount code is: M3DNL if anyone is interested. $2 is a drink in the parks, right? ; ) I paid $38 for all for of us, one way since we will be flying out of San Diego when we leave.

The White Water snack place sounds great, thanks! I will continue to update as I add more to my schedule! Two more weeks!! Wow...it seems like it was so far off, and now it's almost here!

Sounds like you got a great price for transportation. Your plans are coming together. Every $2 counts.

Almost here! I can't believe it. I have been dreaming about Disneyland every night.

We are putting the finishing touches on the package for our nephew. DW made a really cute card last night with the Matterhorn poster on the front (it is his favorite ride). She put some stickers of Mickey on it that look like he is climbing the Matterhorn and riding the ride.

On the other side she printed up a "Disneyland Mission". (Sorry for the huge photo I wanted you to be able to read the text.) All credit to DW who made this.

 

[Hound 109]

I just came across this report.

Not only an excellent report.....but a shout out to an opinionated canine Dis'er.

Early Entry at 7am (whoo hoo!) First up is Peter Pan (thanks to the Hound for this tip). Then both sides of the Matterhorn as this is DN’s favorite ride from his trip to DL at age 6. After that, I’m hoping to drag him on some of the Fantasyland rides that I have never been on (Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio). He will be almost 10 in August so we’ll see if he can be convinced. He may think he is too big. Then some of the other rides that are open during EE (Buzz, Space?).

If you're gonna do Dumbo (fwiw...i couldn't get DS 10 to ride it last time), you should consider it immediately after Peter Pan. It's a crazy slow loader (but a fast ride). THEN do both sides Matterhorn. (then Alice, then Toady & Pinocchio last....or save the wooden head for later).

If you slam thru PP, Dumbo, Matterhorn, Alice & Toady, you should have enough time for Buzz (maybe twice)...then maybe SM (but most importantly get a FP for SM at 8:00...whether you ride SM standby at 7:52 or 8:03).

& if Matterhorn was his fave 3-4 years ago, be prepared for BTMRR (or even SM) to be his fave now. (look at my report below in my link for a creative way to ride BTMRR many, many times .

A quick refresher...we arrive at LAX around 9:30am on August 8th and we are taking the Disneyland Express to the Hojo. I'm hoping that we will get to the hotel by 11 or 11:30am to drop off our bags. Or maybe check in but it will be so early that I'm not really holding my breath on that one. The old plan was to drop off the bags, grab a bite to eat, get our park tickets (we have vouchers from Ares travel so we have to wait in line) and then jump on the bus to head off to Buena Park for to surprise the nephew with a 3:30 show at Medieval Times.

I got a call from Medieval Times a few days ago to let me know that the 3:30pm show had been canceled. We have been rescheduled for the 6:30pm show. At first I was kind of bummed but then I realized that this will leave us several hours on Saturday afternoon to go to the parks.

So here's the big decision--should we go to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure? What says the wisdom of the Dis?

Disneyland is, well, DISNEYLAND! But it could be wicked crowded on a Saturday afternoon and we will have no fastpasses.

DCA will be less crowded and fastpasses will still be available. Do you think we could have a good time spending 3 or 4 hours at DCA? I was thinking about going to see Alladin. It might be nice to relax in some AC after being up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight.

I believe in options.....& in walking thru Walt's Tunnel first. So....if even for a quick 30 min. in & out, I'd go into DL first:

- Walk down Main St.
- Take some pics.
- Soak it in.......but........only after one of you runs over to Buzz or BTMRR to pick up FPs for later. (Which would be available)
- Maybe have a Dole Whip....or Ride Pirates or the Jungle Cruise?

- If crowded, hop the 100 yards back over to DCA. Then return to DL later in the evening to ride a couple of rides & watch the Fireworks (or not).

Looking forward to reading the travels of the Hawley clan....especially since she's a mega planner like others i know.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

Wow, just over a week to go.

Loved your mission card, I'm sure your nephew will, too. Make sure to save it for the scrapbook.

 

[Hawleys]

Wow, just over a week to go.

Loved your mission card, I'm sure your nephew will, too. Make sure to save it for the scrapbook.

Thanks Desert Dwellers! I hadn't though about doing a scrapbook but that would be an awesome post-trip gift. We already sent the card off to him. I'll have to see if he is willing to part with it for scrapbook purposes.

I have been doing the single digit dance. But at home where no one can see what a dork I am.

I get some interesting reactions when I tell people that I am taking a vacation to Disneyland with my nephew. Seems to be pretty split down the middle.
Excitement: Oh, that sounds fun! What a lucky nephew!
Shock and Horror: Four days in Disneyland with a child?!? I would rather take a one week intensive remedial statistics class!

It's nice to know that the folks reading this trip report are genuinely excited and understand how much fun the planning part of the trip can be too.

 

[Hawleys]

I just came across this report.

Not only an excellent report.....but a shout out to an opinionated canine Dis'er.

If you slam thru PP, Dumbo, Matterhorn, Alice & Toady, you should have enough time for Buzz (maybe twice)...then maybe SM (but most importantly get a FP for SM at 8:00...whether you ride SM standby at 7:52 or 8:03).

& if Matterhorn was his fave 3-4 years ago, be prepared for BTMRR (or even SM) to be his fave now. (look at my report below in my link for a creative way to ride BTMRR many, many times .

Looking forward to reading the travels of the Hawley clan....especially since she's a mega planner like others i know.

Welcome Hound 109! I have read your one-day commando trip report...in fact, I've read it multiple times AND showed it to my wife to explain the concept of commando Disney touring. For the record, she prefers the term "informed spontaneity".

After much discussion with DW about what Baedyn will want to ride and looking at posts from other folks with boys the same age, our EE/MM plans are shaping up like this.
Peter Pan first
Matterhorn both sides
Teacups and/or Toad
Other FL rides if B. is interested and depending on the time
Buzz
Space

We will be grabbing a Space FP at 8am and then heading over to ride BTMRR. Probably twice in a row. Then off for a Splash FP, WTP and making our way to Pirates and HM. After that, plans get a bit looser, as we have an 11:30 PS at Blue Bayou. I want to get another Splash FP and we may go to Tom Sawyers Island or take another ride on BTMRR. After lunch, we will probably ride Splash with a FP and then take the train to Toontown to grab a Roger Rabbit FP and poke around. Then take the train to NOS and exit via IJ for one more FP.

I don't think we can go quite as commando as you and your son because Baedyn doesn't know the park as well. But I'm going to give it a good try!!!

Yea for mega planners!

 

[Hawleys]

Yesterday, my MIL received the Disneyland map puzzle that we had sent for her to put together with Baedyn.

Today, we got a rather irate email asking us what were we thinking sending her a 1000 piece puzzle with pieces that are all 1/2 inch big. And the kicker is that the puzzle does not have straight edges, it is curved to match the shape of Disneyland.

I sheepishly wrote back that we had of course ordered the puzzle from the internet and had no idea it would be so hard. Caveat emptor!

(Very small voice) I also asked for a picture when it was done.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

Yesterday, my MIL received the Disneyland map puzzle that we had sent for her to put together with Baedyn.

Today, we got a rather irate email asking us what were we thinking sending her a 1000 piece puzzle with pieces that are all 1/2 inch big. And the kicker is that the puzzle does not have straight edges, it is curved to match the shape of Disneyland.

I sheepishly wrote back that we had of course ordered the puzzle from the internet and had no idea it would be so hard. Caveat emptor!

(Very small voice) I also asked for a picture when it was done.

Oh, I got a chuckle out this. Maybe the puzzle will be a post-trip activity, too.

Last night my son informed me on our next trip to DL, we will be eating at the Blue Bayou. So I'm thinking Blue Bayou should be a hit with your nephew.

 

[Hound 109]

I like "informed spontaneity"! In fact, I'm going to use it....i bet ol' HydroGuy will get a kick out of it as well.

Welcome Hound 109! I have read your one-day commando trip report...in fact, I've read it multiple times AND showed it to my wife to explain the concept of commando Disney touring. For the record, she prefers the term "informed spontaneity".

After much discussion with DW about what Baedyn will want to ride and looking at posts from other folks with boys the same age, our EE/MM plans are shaping up like this.
Peter Pan first
Matterhorn both sides
Teacups and/or Toad
Other FL rides if B. is interested and depending on the time
Buzz
Space

Excellent plan! (especially if you skip Dumbo).

We will be grabbing a Space FP at 8am and then heading over to ride BTMRR. Probably twice in a row. Then off for a Splash FP, WTP and making our way to Pirates and HM. After that, plans get a bit looser, as we have an 11:30 PS at Blue Bayou. I want to get another Splash FP and we may go to Tom Sawyers Island or take another ride on BTMRR.

If time permits, consider a canoe ride. I think they open up at 11am (but check). The launch is right next to the Hungry Bear. The kid would love it & you can work up an appetite for BB. (or do it after lunch)

After lunch, we will probably ride Splash with a FP and then take the train to Toontown to grab a Roger Rabbit FP and poke around. Then take the train to NOS and exit via IJ for one more FP.

If you haven't penciled in Storybookland, (& if the line isn't too long) give it a try when you're over there near toontown. It's a great (& relaxing) ride. Then just walk over to Indy (& jungle cruise....& have a dole whip afterward.

I don't think we can go quite as commando as you and your son because Baedyn doesn't know the park as well. But I'm going to give it a good try!!!

Yea for mega planners!

Nah....don't wear them out. The trick is guideing them gently w/o them realizing they're being guided.

 

[Hawleys]

Nah....don't wear them out. The trick is guideing them gently w/o them realizing they're being guided.

DW has taken to responding to things I say about Disneyland with "Sir, yes sir!" and a salute.

Her other favorite is "Ok Bert".

I'll do my best to be gentle.

 

[Hawleys]

Last night my son informed me on our next trip to DL, we will be eating at the Blue Bayou. So I'm thinking Blue Bayou should be a hit with your nephew.

I certainly hope he likes it! I will report back.

 

[Hawleys]

Just to put the nail in the puzzle coffin, we got this email from my MIL today.

"Attached are photos of the 1000 piece puzzle map of Disneyland,
the Magic Kingdom, partially solved by Agent Bebop and Agent Coolcat
with the assistance of agents in training B and B. It is
important to note this mission took approximately twenty hours of time.
Agents did receive a 1000 piece puzzle as promised, but two pieces were
identical, and only one of the identical pieces fit and played nicely
with the others. Imagine the disappointment in discovering the piece
needed to completely solve the puzzle was not included - but the agents
assumed it wasn't good marketing to put 1001 pieces in a 1000 piece box.

Perhaps Agent Cupcake and Agent Fizgig could seek out the disposition of
the piece needed to solve the puzzle - and request the missing piece be
sent to Agent Coolcat."

My observant readers will have of course noticed that there is a single PIECE missing from the completed puzzle.

To further document her failed mission, my MIL included this photo of the duplicate pieces.

 

[Hawleys]

We are just four days away from our trip! I laid awake for over an hour last night around 3:30am just thinking about Disneyland.

Starting to think about all the silly things we need to do before we leave
like cleaning and laundry and giving the key to catsitter and packing. Yikes!

We did all the laundry this weekend so we'll probably get by with just doing a small load before we leave. Ditto giant housecleaning this weekend leaves us with some small tidying to do before taking off.

I've written my packing list and DW has prepped her iPod with music that DN likes, including his favorite music for going to the sleep...the Little Mermaid soundtrack. She promised to go over all the camera stuff tonight while I am at dance class.

Oh and my sister sent me Disney dollars as a late birthday present.