Hofmanns4
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2007
- Messages
- 514
Hello! We are the Hofmann’s. me- Dannette 37, DH-Bill 36, DD8-Haley and DS2-Ryan.
I wanted to start off by saying how wonderful everyone is here on the DisBoards.
I think because I grew up 10 minutes away from DL, I really have overlooked so much of the park since I have been back now with my husband and now our kids in tow. Reading the things others talk about has really given me a new appreciation for the park. I really felt like I saw DL in a whole new light this trip. I just wish I would have been able to get a fresh Candy Cane. Ever since I read about those my mouth has been watering for one. Next time!
Pre-Trip
Both kids are sick with coughs.
DS2 is really bad and is not sleeping well or napping at all. (Which means we are not sleeping well either!) 2 days before we leave he is diagnosed with bronchitis and the Dr. puts him on a breathing machine 3x a day. Ugh! By Saturday, both kids are much better..whew!
Day 1/ Sat 11/10 –
We pulled into the Grand Californian at about 11:30am. Priority check-in is really cool! The CM came right out to the car and said she had great news, that our room was ready and she was getting them to take our luggage to our room. I thought to myself, if our room is ready, it must be in a really bad location. I had an exact location that I was going to request when we got there. I was not expecting the room to be ready. I asked what the room number was and she said 6108. I was relieved that it was in the general area that I had wanted. I found later that the roof blocked some of the view of the fireworks, but it was still in a good location. I meant to get a picture as the monorail went by and forgot. Here is the view.
The room was close to concierge lounge and the elevators. Being able to get in the room before noon made it feel like we had an extra day free. After the 5.5 hour drive, we were not planning to go into the parks today. We had planned to relax and go visit my Dad for the afternoon. But, after the rumors that Hannah Montana may be there today, we decided to go and hopefully surprise DD8. Needless to say, Hannah was not there until 11/18. Oh well! The park was packed!!! We saw Ryan Seacrest and heard as he repeated several times the same things for the tapings. One cool thing, was that we were trying to leave down Main Street while they were taping and they had us walk behind Main Street. It was really cool to see backstage. There were CM’s every 50 feet or so to make sure we did not do anything we were not supposed to and I did not get any pictures.
We went to DCA that was not nearly as crowded. DD8 and I get in line for the Jumpin Jellyfish. As we were getting in line, DH points and says “Isn’t that the Crocodile Hunter’s family?” We get in line right behind them and when they starting talking to each other, I could tell that they were Australian. Then I notice that all their clothes say “Australian Zoo”. I finally ask “Are you the Irwin’s?” She says yes…and then I felt bad for asking. I said, “I hope you guys have a great time here” She thanked me and I left it at that. I snapped a picture secretively. We saw them a few times and they never had any guides with them.
Day 2/ Sun 11/11 –At 2:24 AM the fire alarm went off at the GC. (This also happened to us in 2005)
I jumped out of bed half asleep and thought it was the alarm clock. I was about to rip it out of the wall when DH says he thinks it is the fire alarm. I look out the door and see people evacuating. We grabbed the kids and headed out the door. Outside, they passed out blankets and about 20 minutes later we got to go back in. Luckily, it did not take too long to get back to sleep. This made for a rough first night.
We went to the park in the morning and hit FL. DS2 loved all the rides. At about 10am, we went to spend the day with my Dad. We took a drive to Seal Beach (windy and cold) but really pretty.
The kids with Grandpa:
Wow, A picture of DH and I all by ourselves….weird.
Also drove by the house I grew up in and my high school (Bolsa Grande). What memories! Went back to the room about 6pm and stopped in the concierge lounge. It was packed! I have never seen so many people in the lounge. Saturday night was the same. I really hope the crowds go down. Makes it not as special when you feel like you are fighting for that free cookie =)
Day 3/ Mon 11/12 –As we were getting ready to go to the lounge for breakfast, DS2 locked himself in the bathroom. We kept telling him to turn the knob to unlock the door. He kept saying “I can’t, I can’t”. Then we hear something drop on the floor and DS2 says “look, it broke” and pushed the knob to unlock the door under the door to us to show us why he can’t turn the knob. It fell off! I call the front desk and tell them and within a minute or two a manager came up to the room. All we needed was a small screw driver to open and DH tried to bend part of a pen to work. The manager was very nice and asked how old he was and when I told him 2 ½ , he then asked if there was water in the tub. There was not, but I had not thought of that. Good thinking on his part. A maintenance guy showed up a few minutes after that and had a screwdriver to open the door. DS remained calm but by the end was starting to yell, “Get me outa here”. All I could think of was that “This will be interesting for my trip report!”
After that, we spent another great morning in the park. I was so excited when we walked in the park and the tree was up. Yippee! We then went to my Dad’s for a BBQ.
Day 4/ Tue 11/13 – Club 33 and Dreamed Day!
It was hot today! I recently found out that I could get into Club 33 thru my work. I have worked for the company for 19 years and had no idea that this was available. We had reservations at noon so we hit the rides before our lunch.
We were on Dumbo and I could see a bunch of people with Dream Ears coming from Snow White. I could not wait for the ride to be over to get over there. We rushed over and got in line at Snow White. I was so excited. I have been mailing in postcards since June and have not won anything. All I really wanted was Dream Ears, so I almost could not contain my excitement. I was so upset when we got off the ride and the Dream Team was gone.
We just missed it. We still had some time before lunch so we decided to hit BTM. We walked out of FL on the side of the castle and I spotted the area of the “secret bathroom”. I told DH we have to stop by the secret bathroom. It was not as hidden as I thought it was going to be. It was nice that the entire family could go in at once. After that, we were heading into the tunnel by Rancho del Zocalo to head to BTM. Surprise!! There was the Dream Team handing out Dream Fastpasses. Woo Hoo! 
I was so excited to have been dreamed. It felt so special to walk around the park and everyone asks where you got it from. That was so exciting. It turned out we really did not need it much this day. The lines were only 10-15 minutes for most rides. But I was still just as happy to be dreamed. 
It was about time for lunch. DS2 was getting whiny. I was hoping that he would be napping during lunch, but no such luck. We really would have liked to go without the kids, but DS2 is too young for the daycare at the GC and I just would not feel comfortable using an in room sitting service. They sat us at a perfect table in a corner with the French Doors on both sides. DS2 get trying to get out the doors. DH gets stressed about DS2 in restaurants. DH ended up taking DS2 out of Club 33. It turned out to be a girl’s lunch for DD8 and I. Eric, the manager, I think, came over and felt so bad about DH leaving. He said that they always have kids in there and DS2 would have been fine. I think if we would have put DS2 in a high chair and got some fruit for him, he would have been good. It is so hard at this age. Anyways, they brought me out a filet for DH in a togo box and gave me another box for desserts. That was totally unexpected. I bought a Club 33 shot glass, travel mug and the charm bracelet. Very Cool! The next reservation I make for Club 33 will be without the kids. Here is DD8 and I at Club 33:
DD8 on the balcony at Club 33:
Day 5/ Wed 11/14 –Another hot day! Surprised DS8 and made reservations the night before for Club Libby Lu at 9am. She was so excited. The picture is not that great, but you can see the smile.
I had my very first Monte Cristo today at Café Orleans. I could only eat half of it. Very good, but very rich. DS2 got a free “infant portion” of Mac and Cheese. Very Cool!
Day 6/ Thu 11/15 – Dreamed 2x
We decided to go to Storyteller’s for the Chip and Dale breakfast. The food was great! My omelet was very yummy too! DH2 and DD8 loved playing with the characters.
Early Entry again! This was going to be the day we ride Nemo! We were in the slow line to get in to the park and felt like we were a mile behind rope drop. I kept telling DH, I think we should skip it and try later. At rope drop, we follow the crowd to Nemo. It takes quite a bit for the line to actually stop. We finally stop a little ways past the 45 minutes sign. It only took us about 25 minutes to get on. DH reminds me all day that he was right about staying in the line.
We went back to FL after Nemo. Again, we see the Dream Team giving out Dream Ears at the end of Snow White. Hardly anyone in line, we get in line and again they are gone when we get out. Bummer! After a few more FL rides we exit thru the castle. DH remembers that I said that I wanted to go to the Tiki Room this trip. It has been many, many years since I have been there. So we head to the Tiki Room. After we get inside, we see someone by the doors leading out with Dream Ears. All I can think about the entire show is if they will still be there when we get out. Needless to say, the rest of the family was not impressed by the Tiki Room. Sure enough, as we left the Tiki Room, we all won Dream Ears! Yippee! My vacation was now complete! DH and DD8 were behind DS2 and I and they got the last 2 pairs. I was so excited and DH says, “maybe we should try the tunnel again and see how lucky we really are”. We head across the way to the tunnel by Rancho del Zocalo and I could not believe it, there was the Dream Team giving away Dream FastPasses. A double whammy! Woo Hoo!
We went an Autopia for the 10th time today. DS2 loves this ride.
At about 3:30 we went on GRR in DCA. We did not need the Dream Fastpasses and got right on. DD8 rode once with DH and then with me. I got soeaked!!! I am the one in the blue Disney shirt on the left looking like I just got a ton of water over my head.
Day 7/ Fri 11/16 –We went to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness. The kids had a great time, but I can’t see someone paying $100 or more on eBay for these tickets. Afterwards, we rode Gadgets Go-Coaster about 5 times. DS2 loves this ride. We rode it earlier in the week and his first time on it as soon as we started up the hill, he raised his arms like everyone else was doing. I laughed so hard at my little dare-devil.
We left the park about 11:30 to grab a bite to eat at Tortilla Jo’s and try to take a nap to stay up for the fireworks. DS2 was the only one that could nap. DH and DD8 went to DCA and I checked the boards. As they were entering DCA from the GC entrance, there was the Dream Team giving out Dream Ears. Unfortunately, the last pair was given to the couple in front of them. They were so bummed. DD8 wanted to give them to her friends as a Christmas present.
We went back to DL at about 4pm. I had been reading that people were thinking the park could hit capacity. It was really crowded. At about 6:30, DH could not take the crowds. He took DS2 and they went back to DCA and watched people getting SOAKED on GRR. I could not believe people were on that ride at night. It was not too cold, but if you were wet, it would be freezing. DD8 and I had a great time hitting some of the rides that DS2 can’t go on. I decided to catch the first 50 years movie that I had not seen before. We just never got around to it each trip. This was very interesting. I loved all the pictures in the lobby and the model of Space Mountain.
At about 8:30, we grabbed a spot off Main St for the fireworks and waited. DH and DS2 were going to watch from our room. The show was wonderful, but I think I like Remember better. It still made a great ending to a wonderful vacation. During the show, DD8 says “look…a hidden Mickey!” There in the tree were 3 oranges in the formation of a Mickey head. Good Eye!
After the show, DD8 and I caught the monorail instead of trying to get out down Main St. We rode in the last car with a great view and waved goodbye to DL.
Here is the picture going on our Christmas Cards!
A few general thoughts:
• I had my lime green Mickey heads on my stroller and my bag and never saw anyone else. Bummer!
• I think the Dreams giveaway would be more known if other CM’s acknowledge winners more. We had only one CM in the concierge lounge congratulate us on our win and say how exciting. Most people, who asked where we got them, had no idea about the promotion.
• GCH Concierge- We prefer the lounge when it is not so crowded. It also seemed like they had the same hot appetizer almost every night. We were there for 7 nights and I only remember 2 different items. I remember our last trip we had lots of different items.
• I can pretty much say that we will not head to the park on weekends anymore. Well, the mornings are great…but it is just so hard to get around some areas when it is really crowded.
• DH really likes DCA. (I am sure this is due to the openness and less crowds). I can’t help but feel like I am missing something at DL while we are at DCA. When we are at DCA, I can’t wait to get back to DL. I can’t explain it.
Thanks for reading our very first, very long trip report!
btw...I re-sized the pictures in photobucket, but for some reason, some of them don't change!
I wanted to start off by saying how wonderful everyone is here on the DisBoards.
I think because I grew up 10 minutes away from DL, I really have overlooked so much of the park since I have been back now with my husband and now our kids in tow. Reading the things others talk about has really given me a new appreciation for the park. I really felt like I saw DL in a whole new light this trip. I just wish I would have been able to get a fresh Candy Cane. Ever since I read about those my mouth has been watering for one. Next time!Pre-Trip
Both kids are sick with coughs.
DS2 is really bad and is not sleeping well or napping at all. (Which means we are not sleeping well either!) 2 days before we leave he is diagnosed with bronchitis and the Dr. puts him on a breathing machine 3x a day. Ugh! By Saturday, both kids are much better..whew!Day 1/ Sat 11/10 –
We pulled into the Grand Californian at about 11:30am. Priority check-in is really cool! The CM came right out to the car and said she had great news, that our room was ready and she was getting them to take our luggage to our room. I thought to myself, if our room is ready, it must be in a really bad location. I had an exact location that I was going to request when we got there. I was not expecting the room to be ready. I asked what the room number was and she said 6108. I was relieved that it was in the general area that I had wanted. I found later that the roof blocked some of the view of the fireworks, but it was still in a good location. I meant to get a picture as the monorail went by and forgot. Here is the view.
The room was close to concierge lounge and the elevators. Being able to get in the room before noon made it feel like we had an extra day free. After the 5.5 hour drive, we were not planning to go into the parks today. We had planned to relax and go visit my Dad for the afternoon. But, after the rumors that Hannah Montana may be there today, we decided to go and hopefully surprise DD8. Needless to say, Hannah was not there until 11/18. Oh well! The park was packed!!! We saw Ryan Seacrest and heard as he repeated several times the same things for the tapings. One cool thing, was that we were trying to leave down Main Street while they were taping and they had us walk behind Main Street. It was really cool to see backstage. There were CM’s every 50 feet or so to make sure we did not do anything we were not supposed to and I did not get any pictures.
We went to DCA that was not nearly as crowded. DD8 and I get in line for the Jumpin Jellyfish. As we were getting in line, DH points and says “Isn’t that the Crocodile Hunter’s family?” We get in line right behind them and when they starting talking to each other, I could tell that they were Australian. Then I notice that all their clothes say “Australian Zoo”. I finally ask “Are you the Irwin’s?” She says yes…and then I felt bad for asking. I said, “I hope you guys have a great time here” She thanked me and I left it at that. I snapped a picture secretively. We saw them a few times and they never had any guides with them.
Day 2/ Sun 11/11 –At 2:24 AM the fire alarm went off at the GC. (This also happened to us in 2005)
I jumped out of bed half asleep and thought it was the alarm clock. I was about to rip it out of the wall when DH says he thinks it is the fire alarm. I look out the door and see people evacuating. We grabbed the kids and headed out the door. Outside, they passed out blankets and about 20 minutes later we got to go back in. Luckily, it did not take too long to get back to sleep. This made for a rough first night. We went to the park in the morning and hit FL. DS2 loved all the rides. At about 10am, we went to spend the day with my Dad. We took a drive to Seal Beach (windy and cold) but really pretty.
The kids with Grandpa:
Wow, A picture of DH and I all by ourselves….weird.
Also drove by the house I grew up in and my high school (Bolsa Grande). What memories! Went back to the room about 6pm and stopped in the concierge lounge. It was packed! I have never seen so many people in the lounge. Saturday night was the same. I really hope the crowds go down. Makes it not as special when you feel like you are fighting for that free cookie =)
Day 3/ Mon 11/12 –As we were getting ready to go to the lounge for breakfast, DS2 locked himself in the bathroom. We kept telling him to turn the knob to unlock the door. He kept saying “I can’t, I can’t”. Then we hear something drop on the floor and DS2 says “look, it broke” and pushed the knob to unlock the door under the door to us to show us why he can’t turn the knob. It fell off! I call the front desk and tell them and within a minute or two a manager came up to the room. All we needed was a small screw driver to open and DH tried to bend part of a pen to work. The manager was very nice and asked how old he was and when I told him 2 ½ , he then asked if there was water in the tub. There was not, but I had not thought of that. Good thinking on his part. A maintenance guy showed up a few minutes after that and had a screwdriver to open the door. DS remained calm but by the end was starting to yell, “Get me outa here”. All I could think of was that “This will be interesting for my trip report!”
After that, we spent another great morning in the park. I was so excited when we walked in the park and the tree was up. Yippee! We then went to my Dad’s for a BBQ.
Day 4/ Tue 11/13 – Club 33 and Dreamed Day!
It was hot today! I recently found out that I could get into Club 33 thru my work. I have worked for the company for 19 years and had no idea that this was available. We had reservations at noon so we hit the rides before our lunch.
We were on Dumbo and I could see a bunch of people with Dream Ears coming from Snow White. I could not wait for the ride to be over to get over there. We rushed over and got in line at Snow White. I was so excited. I have been mailing in postcards since June and have not won anything. All I really wanted was Dream Ears, so I almost could not contain my excitement. I was so upset when we got off the ride and the Dream Team was gone.
We just missed it. We still had some time before lunch so we decided to hit BTM. We walked out of FL on the side of the castle and I spotted the area of the “secret bathroom”. I told DH we have to stop by the secret bathroom. It was not as hidden as I thought it was going to be. It was nice that the entire family could go in at once. After that, we were heading into the tunnel by Rancho del Zocalo to head to BTM. Surprise!! There was the Dream Team handing out Dream Fastpasses. Woo Hoo! I was so excited to have been dreamed. It felt so special to walk around the park and everyone asks where you got it from. That was so exciting. It turned out we really did not need it much this day. The lines were only 10-15 minutes for most rides. But I was still just as happy to be dreamed. It was about time for lunch. DS2 was getting whiny. I was hoping that he would be napping during lunch, but no such luck. We really would have liked to go without the kids, but DS2 is too young for the daycare at the GC and I just would not feel comfortable using an in room sitting service. They sat us at a perfect table in a corner with the French Doors on both sides. DS2 get trying to get out the doors. DH gets stressed about DS2 in restaurants. DH ended up taking DS2 out of Club 33. It turned out to be a girl’s lunch for DD8 and I. Eric, the manager, I think, came over and felt so bad about DH leaving. He said that they always have kids in there and DS2 would have been fine. I think if we would have put DS2 in a high chair and got some fruit for him, he would have been good. It is so hard at this age. Anyways, they brought me out a filet for DH in a togo box and gave me another box for desserts. That was totally unexpected. I bought a Club 33 shot glass, travel mug and the charm bracelet. Very Cool! The next reservation I make for Club 33 will be without the kids. Here is DD8 and I at Club 33:
DD8 on the balcony at Club 33:
Day 5/ Wed 11/14 –Another hot day! Surprised DS8 and made reservations the night before for Club Libby Lu at 9am. She was so excited. The picture is not that great, but you can see the smile.
I had my very first Monte Cristo today at Café Orleans. I could only eat half of it. Very good, but very rich. DS2 got a free “infant portion” of Mac and Cheese. Very Cool!
Day 6/ Thu 11/15 – Dreamed 2x
We decided to go to Storyteller’s for the Chip and Dale breakfast. The food was great! My omelet was very yummy too! DH2 and DD8 loved playing with the characters.
Early Entry again! This was going to be the day we ride Nemo! We were in the slow line to get in to the park and felt like we were a mile behind rope drop. I kept telling DH, I think we should skip it and try later. At rope drop, we follow the crowd to Nemo. It takes quite a bit for the line to actually stop. We finally stop a little ways past the 45 minutes sign. It only took us about 25 minutes to get on. DH reminds me all day that he was right about staying in the line.
We went back to FL after Nemo. Again, we see the Dream Team giving out Dream Ears at the end of Snow White. Hardly anyone in line, we get in line and again they are gone when we get out. Bummer! After a few more FL rides we exit thru the castle. DH remembers that I said that I wanted to go to the Tiki Room this trip. It has been many, many years since I have been there. So we head to the Tiki Room. After we get inside, we see someone by the doors leading out with Dream Ears. All I can think about the entire show is if they will still be there when we get out. Needless to say, the rest of the family was not impressed by the Tiki Room. Sure enough, as we left the Tiki Room, we all won Dream Ears! Yippee! My vacation was now complete! DH and DD8 were behind DS2 and I and they got the last 2 pairs. I was so excited and DH says, “maybe we should try the tunnel again and see how lucky we really are”. We head across the way to the tunnel by Rancho del Zocalo and I could not believe it, there was the Dream Team giving away Dream FastPasses. A double whammy! Woo Hoo!
We went an Autopia for the 10th time today. DS2 loves this ride.
At about 3:30 we went on GRR in DCA. We did not need the Dream Fastpasses and got right on. DD8 rode once with DH and then with me. I got soeaked!!! I am the one in the blue Disney shirt on the left looking like I just got a ton of water over my head.
Day 7/ Fri 11/16 –We went to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness. The kids had a great time, but I can’t see someone paying $100 or more on eBay for these tickets. Afterwards, we rode Gadgets Go-Coaster about 5 times. DS2 loves this ride. We rode it earlier in the week and his first time on it as soon as we started up the hill, he raised his arms like everyone else was doing. I laughed so hard at my little dare-devil.
We left the park about 11:30 to grab a bite to eat at Tortilla Jo’s and try to take a nap to stay up for the fireworks. DS2 was the only one that could nap. DH and DD8 went to DCA and I checked the boards. As they were entering DCA from the GC entrance, there was the Dream Team giving out Dream Ears. Unfortunately, the last pair was given to the couple in front of them. They were so bummed. DD8 wanted to give them to her friends as a Christmas present.
We went back to DL at about 4pm. I had been reading that people were thinking the park could hit capacity. It was really crowded. At about 6:30, DH could not take the crowds. He took DS2 and they went back to DCA and watched people getting SOAKED on GRR. I could not believe people were on that ride at night. It was not too cold, but if you were wet, it would be freezing. DD8 and I had a great time hitting some of the rides that DS2 can’t go on. I decided to catch the first 50 years movie that I had not seen before. We just never got around to it each trip. This was very interesting. I loved all the pictures in the lobby and the model of Space Mountain.
At about 8:30, we grabbed a spot off Main St for the fireworks and waited. DH and DS2 were going to watch from our room. The show was wonderful, but I think I like Remember better. It still made a great ending to a wonderful vacation. During the show, DD8 says “look…a hidden Mickey!” There in the tree were 3 oranges in the formation of a Mickey head. Good Eye!
After the show, DD8 and I caught the monorail instead of trying to get out down Main St. We rode in the last car with a great view and waved goodbye to DL.
Here is the picture going on our Christmas Cards!
A few general thoughts:
• I had my lime green Mickey heads on my stroller and my bag and never saw anyone else. Bummer!
• I think the Dreams giveaway would be more known if other CM’s acknowledge winners more. We had only one CM in the concierge lounge congratulate us on our win and say how exciting. Most people, who asked where we got them, had no idea about the promotion.
• GCH Concierge- We prefer the lounge when it is not so crowded. It also seemed like they had the same hot appetizer almost every night. We were there for 7 nights and I only remember 2 different items. I remember our last trip we had lots of different items.
• I can pretty much say that we will not head to the park on weekends anymore. Well, the mornings are great…but it is just so hard to get around some areas when it is really crowded.
• DH really likes DCA. (I am sure this is due to the openness and less crowds). I can’t help but feel like I am missing something at DL while we are at DCA. When we are at DCA, I can’t wait to get back to DL. I can’t explain it.
Thanks for reading our very first, very long trip report!
btw...I re-sized the pictures in photobucket, but for some reason, some of them don't change!
We were there the same week and were surprised by the hot temps a couple of those days. On one of them, we rode Grizzly Rapids 5 times just to stay cool. 
Hint: never complain to the CM boarding you that you didn't get wet enough. The last time we rode, they stopped our raft right between the 2 geysers and we got hit from from both sides. 
) 
