"I want my soup!" An October 2010 Trip Report UPDATED 7/9 2012 PTR STARTED!

[jenny105]

FWIW, I know that the PP doesn't compare to the WDW resorts in many ways, but we did enjoy our stay there. That said, I'd never pay $350 a night to stay there... or even $200. Believe it or not, we booked via Expedia back in Dec 09 and roomrates were only $100! It was definitely worth that money.

I really think if they themed up the pool area a bit, it would make it much more fun. Considering how shabby the rooms had become at the DLH, PP was a fairly good value to stay onsite. So glad DLH is almost getting toward done w/it's makeover.

Glad to hear you liked DCA. It's definitely improved since opening. I now really like it, and by the time all the construction is done and Carsland is open, it should be awesome!

$100 is a great price for PP! I was willing to pay up to $150 for the extra night but when the CM told me it would cost me almost $250, I turned it down. That just seemed outrageous to me. It's not a bad hotel, I just don't think it's worth the price tag!

I hope to return to DL/DCA once all of the additions are complete. I have no idea when the next time I'll be able to get out there will be though.

I see you're planning your first WDW trip in Sept 2012! I'm planning one for end of Sept/Oct 2012 for my 30th birthday. I'm so excited!

 

[princess_momma]

Idk, I may have to fight you over WDW's ToT. I do love that ride. Test Track is up there on the list too so I may have to settle for that. Deal?

I wish we could've visited the other parks but I was only there for 4 nights and our schedule was jam-packed!

I think you and TT would be a match made in heaven!! So I'm glad you will go for that and back up off my ToT!! haha speaking of ToT, have you seen this? LOOKS AMAZING!! Whenever I have a similiar event, I'll invite you!!

 

[jenny105]

So after our fun free time in DCA, Sheila, Teresa, and I ran back to PP to get some warmer clothes and grab some hot chocolate. We then headed back over to the Grand Californian to meet the rest of our group. From there, we were using the GC entrance to walk back over to the World of Color.

As I said in my previous post, WoC is in the lagoon in the middle of Paradise Pier. You can watch it from either side but the side opposite Toy Story Mania & the midway section is the preferred area. Think of it like Fantasmic, you can book dining packages to get into the preferred section OR you can get a fastpass that will tell you what time to come back and which color section you'll be in. It's all standing room only. We were on the preferred side, toward the back. Be warned, if you stand in the front, you will probably get wet!

That area is so pretty at night.

This was the first time I really felt like I was in Disney! Disney World just immerses you in everything, it really does feel like you're in a different world. Maybe it's because that's my 'home' park but I don't get that feeling from Disneyland. But WoC gave me that feeling. The show was amazing. They use giant water screens, similar to Fantasmic, to project scenes from Disney movies. There are props that come out of the water for certain scenes and fire & water that shoot up around where the audience is standing. My favorite scenes were POTC, Wall-E (you never see ANYTHING Wall-E related in Disney), and UP. They also showed the Lion King scene where Mufasa is killed and that made me cry like a baby. I hate, hate, HATE that scene. I'll admit the Little Mermaid scene was pretty cool too even though Ariel annoys me for some inexplicable reason. A LOT of people were crying by the end of this show. It was just beautifully done. I like Illuminations but if they replaced that with WoC at Epcot, I wouldn't mind! I managed to snap a few pictures, a couple of the UP scenes and one of Aladdin's.

The balloons from UP

The house as it went by

Agrabah

After WoC, we headed back to PP. It had been a long day and we had a big day ahead of us tomorrow. We couldn't be late to become honorary citizens of ToonTown!

Stay tuned...

 

[jenny105]

I think you and TT would be a match made in heaven!! So I'm glad you will go for that and back up off my ToT!! haha speaking of ToT, have you seen this? LOOKS AMAZING!! Whenever I have a similiar event, I'll invite you!!

I can't see any of the pictures at work I'll have to look when I get home.

 

[Rora]

I'm so so excited to hear that WoC was amazing!! AND, love Wall-E. I'm happy he showed up.

Okay, WHY would they show the Mufasa scene? I'd cry even harder (because I'd be crying throughout the whole show.. ).

Ahh. Ariel. Harump. Whatevs. (glad to hear it was impressive though!)

I freaking love the UP balloons!

It just looks so amazing. I hope it stays long enough for me to get out there to see it.

It seems so "Disney". I'm sure Walt is happy!

 

[jenny105]

I'm so so excited to hear that WoC was amazing!! AND, love Wall-E. I'm happy he showed up.

Okay, WHY would they show the Mufasa scene? I'd cry even harder (because I'd be crying throughout the whole show.. ).

Ahh. Ariel. Harump. Whatevs. (glad to hear it was impressive though!)

I freaking love the UP balloons!

It just looks so amazing. I hope it stays long enough for me to get out there to see it.

It seems so "Disney". I'm sure Walt is happy!

I don't think that show is going anywhere anytime soon. It was jampacked while I was there. It seems very popular and the majority of the group I was with absolutely loved it.

I couldn't even watch the Mufasa scene. I had my eyes shut. And then I heard Simba say 'Dad?' and almost lost it. I HATE that part of the Lion King!

 

[princess_momma]

OMG I always cry so hard during the Mufasa scene...and it's Landon's current favorite movie!! I distinctly remember that was the first movie I ever cried during!! I love Mufasa though! He's awesome!!

 

[jenny105]

OMG I always cry so hard during the Mufasa scene...and it's Landon's current favorite movie!! I distinctly remember that was the first movie I ever cried during!! I love Mufasa though! He's awesome!!

The Lion King is one of my favorite Disney movies of all time. I saw that in the theater 3 or 4 times and I was 11 when it came out! Anytime that movie is on, I have to skip through the Mufasa scene or close my eyes and plug my ears up. I haaaattte it.

 

[princess_momma]

Recently, LK was one of Landon's favorite movies and so we watched multiple times a day sometimes...Mufasa's death is just something you never get used to! I choked up every single time!! The killer really is when Simba cries out "Dad?"

Oh man!! I'm going Disney-crazy over here!! I don't know what do with myself!! Inside I'm like this but I'm at work, so I just have to appear like this but I don't know how successful I'm being at that. So it's probably coming across as this to randoms walking by my cube!

 

[jenny105]

Recently, LK was one of Landon's favorite movies and so we watched multiple times a day sometimes...Mufasa's death is just something you never get used to! I choked up every single time!! The killer really is when Simba cries out "Dad?"

Oh man!! I'm going Disney-crazy over here!! I don't know what do with myself!! Inside I'm like this but I'm at work, so I just have to appear like this but I don't know how successful I'm being at that. So it's probably coming across as this to randoms walking by my cube!

I can't believe you're going so soon! I'm so jealous!!! But excited for you at the same time!

 

[princess_momma]

I can't believe you're going so soon! I'm so jealous!!! But excited for you at the same time!

I will send you pictures of course!!

 

[jenny105]

I will send you pictures of course!!

Yes, specifically of my future husband Mr. Test Track please.

 

[jenny105]

Day 3 was another bright and early morning! Breakfast was schedule for 7 am! It was pretty much come in, take what you want, be on your way, and we'll meet up later. Teresa, Sheila, Sara, and I did just that. We had a quick breakfast and headed out to take advantage of Magic Morning in Disneyland Park!

The monorail was the quickest way to get there. It departs from Downtown Disney, which was about a 5 minute walk from our hotel, and drops you off in Tomorrowland. The Disneyland monorail FLIES compared to the one at WDW. It's smaller, the windows open, and the thing literally tilts to one side when you're going around corners. I'll admit, I was a little scared.

We pulled into the station around 7:45. Sheila decided to pose for a quick pic. BTW, ignore the time stamps. They were all off due to the time difference!

We decided to head straight over to Space Mountain since there was absolutely no line and it was across the way from the monorail. Let me tell you, SM in DL kicks the butt of SM in WDW. You sit two across instead of single file and the ride itself feels like it goes much faster. And there aren't two tracks, just one. I loved it! I only went on the updated version at WDW one time so I'll have to go on again to compare. SM in DL has the LONGEST queue in the world though. You feel like you're walking for miles until you get inside the building!

After our journey through Space, it was time for Mickey's Tooontown Morning Madness, which is a cute little show in front of Toontown's City Hall. Mayor Mickey and friends made us honorary citizens of Toontown! The pictures aren't the greatest because they set up a bunch of chairs from the nearby cafe in front of the stage and my view was blocked by umbrellas!

After the show and being given our honorary citizens buttons, we split up into smaller groups for a tour around the park. Basically, they walked us around and told us where the great places are for eating, parade & firework viewing, etc. I snapped a couple pictures along the way.

I've never seen this on Magic Kingdom's main street, have you?? Maybe I've never gotten there early enough.

After our tour, we had a little bit of time before we had to meet back at PP. So we decided to take a quick spin on Buzz Lightyear! The wait was only about 15 minutes. This ride is identical to MK's version except the guns aren't attached to the ride vehicle. You can pull them out of the holder which makes it easier to aim! Sheila beat me at this one too, though I don't have a picture to prove it, so we'll say it was close!

Coming up, touring CA Adventure, Aladdin, and free time!

 

[princess_momma]

Yes, specifically of my future husband Mr. Test Track please.

You got it!!

Oh man I have to make my way over to DL!! I think Buzz sounds SO MUCH easier when you can take the gun out...I hate it being attached to that thing!! I'm very curious about that SM too...I actually very much enjoy the single file cars. Can't wait for more!!

 

[jenny105]

You got it!!

Oh man I have to make my way over to DL!! I think Buzz sounds SO MUCH easier when you can take the gun out...I hate it being attached to that thing!! I'm very curious about that SM too...I actually very much enjoy the single file cars. Can't wait for more!!

Thanks!

The girl working the SM line looked JUST like you! I remember texting you to tell you that.

 

[Rora]

Okay.. the monorail sounds scary...

SM sounds cool in DL!!

How cute you're an honorary citizen of Toontown!!

I've never seen the horse/carriage thingy at WDW either! Maybe back in the day? It looks kind of familiar but I haven't seen it in a long time (if ever).

Okay, it sounds like DL is getting a lot of the rides right.. how smart to have the guns come out of the holder! Why did they not do that for ours?

I'm glad you had fun!!

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

DL sounds like it's so much fun! Although if I go I'll probably be thinking of DW the whole time.

And I'm in total agreement with you about the Lion King. I honestly can't watch it anymore (or have to fast forward through the horrible scene ). So sad!!!!

I haven't been on Space Mountain since 1994 so I'm anxious to try it this year. I really wonder how the two will compare once you go back to DW...

Can't wait to read more!

 

[jenny105]

Okay.. the monorail sounds scary...

SM sounds cool in DL!!

How cute you're an honorary citizen of Toontown!!

I've never seen the horse/carriage thingy at WDW either! Maybe back in the day? It looks kind of familiar but I haven't seen it in a long time (if ever).

Okay, it sounds like DL is getting a lot of the rides right.. how smart to have the guns come out of the holder! Why did they not do that for ours?

I'm glad you had fun!!

I think the exact same thing: 'why didn't they do this in Florida?' Why isn't Indiana Jones in Florida??? We got the shaft on that one. Pirates too!

Disneyland's Main Street feels more quaint, small town. Maybe they have those carriages early in the morning in MK but I've never, ever seen them.

DL sounds like it's so much fun! Although if I go I'll probably be thinking of DW the whole time.

And I'm in total agreement with you about the Lion King. I honestly can't watch it anymore (or have to fast forward through the horrible scene ). So sad!!!!

I haven't been on Space Mountain since 1994 so I'm anxious to try it this year. I really wonder how the two will compare once you go back to DW...

Can't wait to read more!

1994! Blasphemy! Make sure that's the first thing you do this upcoming trip!

 

[princess_momma]

Thanks!

The girl working the SM line looked JUST like you! I remember texting you to tell you that.

I remember that too!! Too funny!

 

[jenny105]

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend. Mine was fun, busy. On Saturday, Kris and I went out to dinner at a place called Off the Hook that overlooks the water. Then we met up with a friend for drinks at a local beach bar. On Sunday, we woke up bright & early and went to Englishtown, which is a huge flea market. We sold a bunch of old junk we never use/wear anymore and made $116! That went right toward paying off our cruise. We're going to do that again in a couple weeks. Monday, Kris & I BBQed at his place and Tuesday I went to a concert in NYC. It was a nice four day weekend. I can't believe it's June already!

On with the TR!

After our Magic Morning at DL Park, we headed back to PP for a seminar. Basically, we went over the different vacation options & packages Disneyland offers. They're trying to turn it into more of a destination rather than a stop over on CA vacations. I don't think they'll quite accomplish it though. It's just too small. WDW you can stay at for a week and not run out of things to do. I'd be bored if I stayed at Disneyland for a week. 3 or 4 days is enough.

Anyway, after our seminar and a buffet lunch, we headed over to California Adventure. They walked us over to the Aladdin show which we had preferred seating for but it was still early so they sent us off on our own for a little while. You know what's right down the street from Aladdin? The Monsters Inc ride! So we took our second spin with Mike & Sully and snapped a few pictures before rejoining the Aladdin line.

The streets of Hollywood

This is what the ride vehicle for Monsters Inc looks like. Cute right??

We met back with our group right outside the doors of the Aladdin show. They took FOREVER to open. You know how WDW lets you in about a half hour before showtime? Well, the doors here didn't open until about 5 minutes to showtime. I'm sure that's not the norm but I was cold and wanted to sit down!

I couldn't take any pictures once I was inside the theater, it was just too dark. We had great seats, in the first row behind the main orchestra section. The show is phenomenal. I've heard they're bringing it to the Fantasy ship and that makes me want to book a cruise on it! The Genie makes the whole show, he has so much energy and jokes about current events (yes, he made a Charlie Sheen reference). The 'Never Had A Friend' number is incredible as is the 'Prince Ali' part. They actually bring Aladdin in on an elephant although not a real one. The parade is just like out of the movie and it passed directly in front of us. All I could say was WOW! And during 'A Whole New World' they fly over the audience on the Magic Carpet. It was spectacular. Disney World doesn't have a show like this, maybe Beauty & the Beast is the closest to it. Aladdin was like a Broadway musical. If anyone is going there anytime soon, DON'T MISS IT!

After we were awed by Aladdin, our guides toured us around the park. At this point, I was just ready to be on my own! All they really showed us was the Blue Sky Cellar, where there are mock ups and videos of the new attractions. I'm not a huge Little Mermaid fan so it was meh for me. The Cars ride looks cool though, it's going to be just like Test Track but obviously themed to Cars. I'd like to get back to Disneyland eventually to experience that. All we could see of what was being built was the Cadillac Range but from what the video showed, it looks like the track for the ride is already laid out.

After they finally released us, we were on our own for the rest of the night! It was time to go back to Disneyland Park!

More to come...

(Sorry for the lack of pictures, more next post, I promise!)