"I Want to walk where Walt walked." WDW Nut makes a Pilgrimage-TR Wrap-Up 5/14

[deejdigsdis]

I'm loving all your pictures! My son still talks about that huge Mickey Cookie he had from Blue Ribbon Bakery.

 

[that's nice]

Great updates!!!!!

Your BFs dinner looks awesome! I wish I could eat some of that right now... And it is 12:30 here. And that dessert... MMMMMMMMMMMM.

Love your pics and descriptions!

Main St. looks so weird without a castle.. well I mean one that is visible! LOL

ANOTHER SWEET????? You guys are nuts!!!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Love the comparisons! DS is now bummed about the corn dogs and Little Leota! Seriously we are soooooooooo looking forward to being about to make our own comparisons!

Anxiously waiting for more!

 

[haley's mom]

I am so glad I found this thread. I too am WDW vet going to DL for our first trip inOctober. Keep the report coming

 

[BippityBoo]

OK---2 Posts to comment on...yay

Thank you so much for the shout out I am so happy that you got a cozy seat outside and you were able to feel like you were in New Orleans! (even if your only reference was Port Orleans ) Your food looked good...ESPECIALLY your dessert. To-die-for!!! Fantastic. I really hope that you can make it to New Orleans one day. As a lover of food, it is simply a must do vacation. I think you would love it!

When I read that you forgot your tickets, I got sooo nervous for you I am SO happy they were able to issue you some. Very cool that you got the buttons!

I am so interested in seeing DL. I have heard some comparisons, but with pictures, I can totally tell the difference!! A "Main Street" with no castle in the background!? It just felt strange even seeing a pic of it!! It was soooo tiny! Crazy.

I would love to know what was inside the Pinocchio ride. Did the whale chase you? I have always been scared of whales because of that movie The Haunted Mansion was beautiful outside. I would LOVE to go on a longer pirates that wondered through New Orleans...how awesome

I LOVE your updates...keep them coming

 

[franandaj]

Interesting comparisons. I like WDW's Pooh ride better, but I like our little Leota at the end...it's nice that after you've "finished" the ride you get one more little bonus. I guess when it's what you're used to, you like it more.

I'll be interested to hear what you have to say about Soarin'. I love ours so much more, I finally went on WDW's in January and besides a boring queue, I had other "issues" with the finish of the ride. Nothing to do with Disney, just myself and my own problems!

 

[Bdchili]

WOW, what a trip. I am glad you guys enjoyed it. Well so did we. Loved DLR! I gotta say the Magic Kingdom clearly had a feel of, "This is Walts' place" at least to me. Little details like the bench that he sat on when he first thought up the idea of a park where Dads with three kids, like myself can enjoy themselves as well, to Orleans Square. I really enjoyed the quaintness. Yes the park is much smaller in places, but it had this feel of, "it's just big enough".
I don't know that any direct comparison between DLR and WDW is truly fair to either resort. In my opinion, DLR is about the Parks and the idea. WDW is about the Disney experience, which includes the Parks. WDW is still my home because that is what I know best and I love the feeling of truly being able to forget you live in a world of multiple things to raise ones blood pressure, by simply turning off of I4 and driving miles form all of it.
To all the DLR vets, you guys have something great and it is the origin of something that has changed the way families spend time together. So Kudos, to DLR for making our trip incredible! BTW, if I ever get enough posts and figure out how to post photos, I have a few myself. We stayed at the GCR and WOW, out view was fantastic.

 

[kaoden39]

WOW, what a trip. I am glad you guys enjoyed it. Well so did we. Loved DLR! I gotta say the Magic Kingdom clearly had a feel of, "This is Walts' place" at least to me. Little details like the bench that he sat on when he first thought up the idea of a park where Dads with three kids, like myself can enjoy themselves as well, to Orleans Square. I really enjoyed the quaintness. Yes the park is much smaller in places, but it had this feel of, "it's just big enough".
I don't know that any direct comparison between DLR and WDW is truly fair to either resort. In my opinion, DLR is about the Parks and the idea. WDW is about the Disney experience, which includes the Parks. WDW is still my home because that is what I know best and I love the feeling of truly being able to forget you live in a world of multiple things to raise ones blood pressure, by simply turning off of I4 and driving miles form all of it.
To all the DLR vets, you guys have something great and it is the origin of something that has changed the way families spend time together. So Kudos, to DLR for making our trip incredible! BTW, if I ever get enough posts and figure out how to post photos, I have a few myself. We stayed at the GCR and WOW, out view was fantastic.

Well you need to start visiting threads and build up those posts. Why not do a trip report that is a great way to do it and then you can posts pictures that I know I for one love to see.

 

[Bdchili]

Oh the pressure! I will need to get my sea legs a bit on the BOARD, but I gotta say, the postings here are absolutely invaluable, when visiting a new resort. On a side note, I am a DVC member at BLT and we stayed at GCH, but not in the Villas. Our rooms were on the 5th floor (5341 & 5343), incredible view and accessibility. We were 30 ft from an elevator and once on the ground floor another 30 ft to the entrance to DCA! Walking past Cali Soar'n every morning and grabbing a fast pass was AWESOME!

 

[franandaj]

if I ever get enough posts and figure out how to post photos, I have a few myself. We stayed at the GCR and WOW, out view was fantastic.

I know you can post links after 10 posts, photos might be the same. Start a trip report, and to the first one in just text and see if you can post your photos after the first post. I would love to see photos, I have three weeks until F&W starts and I get to stay at the VGC. Seeing your TR would help the time pass more quickly!

 

[Bdchili]

Alright, silly question. Whats the easiest way to get the photos to the resolution that is low enough to post?

 

[franandaj]

Alright, silly question. Whats the easiest way to get the photos to the resolution that is low enough to post?

What most people do is use an outside source to host their pictures like photobucket.com or flickr. These sites will give you "code" to put into your post for each picture. Make sure if you use photobucket, when you create your account that you choose to upload your photos at a size that will show up nice and big here. I didn't understand that and my first Dining Review has little pictures. I changed the upload size for my F&W review and they are much easier to see.

 

[onelilspark]

Loving your report so far!

We're flying into Long Beach too, so thanks for the heads up about the steps. It would stink if it was raining, but I bet it's pretty neat to step off the plane and immediately be greeted by that beautiful Southern California weather!

Ralph Brennan's looks awesome - it's definitely on my "must" list. Especially those crawfish mashed potatoes, and dessert!

Just be sure to have your sunglasses ready! I had on my glasses for the flight and I was totally unprepared to step out into sunshine! (Not that I'm really complaining!)

I'm patiently waiting for more..........

I'll try to do another one this weekend!

I love your comparisons between WDW and DL. Definitely agree about DL's Pirates being better. I can't make the comparison between the HMs since the 2 times I've been there it's been the Nightmare before Christmas version.

I'd love to see the Christmas overlays come to WDW, I think it'd be really neat.

I'm loving all your pictures! My son still talks about that huge Mickey Cookie he had from Blue Ribbon Bakery.

It was pretty tasty when we finally got around to it! Besides...it's MICKEY!

Great updates!!!!!

Your BFs dinner looks awesome! I wish I could eat some of that right now... And it is 12:30 here. And that dessert... MMMMMMMMMMMM.

Love your pics and descriptions!

Main St. looks so weird without a castle.. well I mean one that is visible! LOL

ANOTHER SWEET????? You guys are nuts!!!!

Haha...he really liked that meal. I do like sweets. If I didn't eat so much sweet stuff, I would be skinny. Problem is...I like chocolate!

Glad you're along for the ride!

Love the comparisons! DS is now bummed about the corn dogs and Little Leota! Seriously we are soooooooooo looking forward to being about to make our own comparisons!

Anxiously waiting for more!

Haha, there's lots at DL to discover! We wound up going to the Blue Ribbon Bakery THREE times! (Not an easy feat when you're only there 3.5 days!)

I am so glad I found this thread. I too am WDW vet going to DL for our first trip inOctober. Keep the report coming

Hopefully you'll find things that will help you! And I can't suggest it enough: get the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland! It really helped me get a feel for the parks. I don't do any touring plans, but I always check out which rides are listed 1 and 2 so I hit those first.

OK---2 Posts to comment on...yay

Thank you so much for the shout out I am so happy that you got a cozy seat outside and you were able to feel like you were in New Orleans! (even if your only reference was Port Orleans ) Your food looked good...ESPECIALLY your dessert. To-die-for!!! Fantastic. I really hope that you can make it to New Orleans one day. As a lover of food, it is simply a must do vacation. I think you would love it!

When I read that you forgot your tickets, I got sooo nervous for you I am SO happy they were able to issue you some. Very cool that you got the buttons!

I am so interested in seeing DL. I have heard some comparisons, but with pictures, I can totally tell the difference!! A "Main Street" with no castle in the background!? It just felt strange even seeing a pic of it!! It was soooo tiny! Crazy.

I would love to know what was inside the Pinocchio ride. Did the whale chase you? I have always been scared of whales because of that movie The Haunted Mansion was beautiful outside. I would LOVE to go on a longer pirates that wondered through New Orleans...how awesome

I LOVE your updates...keep them coming

The whale scene we were past in about 10 seconds, it wasn't long at all. Pleasure Island took up most of it.

I think that's the weird thing about the castle, you just expect to see it off in the distance, and when you're there you kind of can, but it just doesn't have the same feel as Cinderella's castle. (My favorite though is Sleeping Beauty, so I liked seeing her castle!)

I love the buttons at Disney. I have no clue why. I also want to plan my wedding during the off-season at Disney so I can go and get the Anniversary buttons. I think I've officially lost it n

I hope that I did get an authentic feel of Lousiana/New Orleans when we went to the Jazz Kitchen. If not, it sure felt that way!

Interesting comparisons. I like WDW's Pooh ride better, but I like our little Leota at the end...it's nice that after you've "finished" the ride you get one more little bonus. I guess when it's what you're used to, you like it more.

I'll be interested to hear what you have to say about Soarin'. I love ours so much more, I finally went on WDW's in January and besides a boring queue, I had other "issues" with the finish of the ride. Nothing to do with Disney, just myself and my own problems!

True about Leota, I hadn't thought of it that way! Soarin' was our first ride of day 2, but I need to get through breakfast first! I'm gonna make you wait

WOW, what a trip. I am glad you guys enjoyed it. Well so did we. Loved DLR! I gotta say the Magic Kingdom clearly had a feel of, "This is Walts' place" at least to me. Little details like the bench that he sat on when he first thought up the idea of a park where Dads with three kids, like myself can enjoy themselves as well, to Orleans Square. I really enjoyed the quaintness. Yes the park is much smaller in places, but it had this feel of, "it's just big enough".
I don't know that any direct comparison between DLR and WDW is truly fair to either resort. In my opinion, DLR is about the Parks and the idea. WDW is about the Disney experience, which includes the Parks. WDW is still my home because that is what I know best and I love the feeling of truly being able to forget you live in a world of multiple things to raise ones blood pressure, by simply turning off of I4 and driving miles form all of it.
To all the DLR vets, you guys have something great and it is the origin of something that has changed the way families spend time together. So Kudos, to DLR for making our trip incredible! BTW, if I ever get enough posts and figure out how to post photos, I have a few myself. We stayed at the GCR and WOW, out view was fantastic.

You definitely got the feel that it was "Walt's place." And I loved that! To me, the Disney fanatic/freak that I am, it just made me so happy to see all of it. We did the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour (which was on the last day...so I have a ways to go!) and it was neat to hear about some of the things that aren't so readily apparent.

Well you need to start visiting threads and build up those posts. Why not do a trip report that is a great way to do it and then you can posts pictures that I know I for one love to see.

YES YES! A trip report! It has been decreed.

Oh the pressure! I will need to get my sea legs a bit on the BOARD, but I gotta say, the postings here are absolutely invaluable, when visiting a new resort. On a side note, I am a DVC member at BLT and we stayed at GCH, but not in the Villas. Our rooms were on the 5th floor (5341 & 5343), incredible view and accessibility. We were 30 ft from an elevator and once on the ground floor another 30 ft to the entrance to DCA! Walking past Cali Soar'n every morning and grabbing a fast pass was AWESOME!

We loved the atmosphere of the Grand Californian. I wish it were cheaper to stay there!! ...I'm sure with kids it must have been great, it's so close to everything. One day I'll have DVC!

I know you can post links after 10 posts, photos might be the same. Start a trip report, and to the first one in just text and see if you can post your photos after the first post. I would love to see photos, I have three weeks until F&W starts and I get to stay at the VGC. Seeing your TR would help the time pass more quickly!

I think photos are after 10 as well.

Alright, silly question. Whats the easiest way to get the photos to the resolution that is low enough to post?

What most people do is use an outside source to host their pictures like photobucket.com or flickr. These sites will give you "code" to put into your post for each picture. Make sure if you use photobucket, when you create your account that you choose to upload your photos at a size that will show up nice and big here. I didn't understand that and my first Dining Review has little pictures. I changed the upload size for my F&W review and they are much easier to see.

If you find the photos are too big after you load them in, you can adjust the resolution on Photobucket. It's the one I use. You can also do webshots, it gives you options from 100-600 resolution.

 

[jwwi]

Really enjoying your TR. I have been to DL so totally understand the comparison of the castle. Love your comparisons of the rides WDW vs DL. And really enjoy all your pictures of the sweet treats.

I am interested in reading all about your trip because I will be going in July.
I have a few questions. I am considering staying at GCH (reasons: may not return to DL anytime soon, summer special rate and would love to experience a premier resort experience). But am also considering HOJO. I will be spending some time alone in the parks, while my boys go to All Star game/home run derby, so I am wondering safety wise which choice may be best. I also have to keep in mind transportation for them to the game, but it looks like they could take a cab easily. Did you like the pool area, was there free breakfast, and a refrig in room? Did you ever walk to any off Disney property restaurants, were they close? I love WL at WDW, and have now stayed there 3 times, so obviously I would love GCH. Any help would be wonderful.

 

[franandaj]

so I am wondering safety wise which choice may be best.

I don't think there are really any safety concerns with either hotel.

was there free breakfast, and a refrig in room? Did you ever walk to any off Disney property restaurants, were they close?

Any help would be wonderful.

There is no free breakfast, but there are mini fridges in the rooms. There are plenty of off property restaurants pretty close by. There's a couple just down the street from the GCH on Katella, Coco's and another coffee shop place, I pass it all the time, but it's name escapes me. Tiffy's? Then across the esplanade where you enter the parks is Mills, Mimis, McDonald's, and at the Garden Walk about 3-4 blocks or the ART bus stops at it, there are a ton of restaurants.

 

[onelilspark]

Really enjoying your TR. I have been to DL so totally understand the comparison of the castle. Love your comparisons of the rides WDW vs DL. And really enjoy all your pictures of the sweet treats.

I am interested in reading all about your trip because I will be going in July.
I have a few questions. I am considering staying at GCH (reasons: may not return to DL anytime soon, summer special rate and would love to experience a premier resort experience). But am also considering HOJO. I will be spending some time alone in the parks, while my boys go to All Star game/home run derby, so I am wondering safety wise which choice may be best. I also have to keep in mind transportation for them to the game, but it looks like they could take a cab easily. Did you like the pool area, was there free breakfast, and a refrig in room? Did you ever walk to any off Disney property restaurants, were they close? I love WL at WDW, and have now stayed there 3 times, so obviously I would love GCH. Any help would be wonderful.

I would think that GCH is probably safer...it's closer to the parks and you don't have to cross any roads. That being said, I don't think Hojo is unsafe. There's always a lot of people walking back and forth, plus it's well lit.
I didn't really check out the pool area, it looked nice though. There's a refrigerator, but no free breakfast. There were plenty of places that you passed on the way to the parks. And there was also a microwave in the room.

 

[kaoden39]

And honestly I think that the walking distance from Hojo's and GCH depending on where you get your room is about the same. I have had friends that have stayed at Hojo's alone and felt perfectly safe.

 

[onelilspark]

We managed to sleep in to a decent hour, but soon enough we were up and ready for our Character Breakfast!

...it took a little persuading to get my boyfriend to agree to the character breakfast, I was awfully excited. There was a Magic Morning going on, but it was still pretty dead around the park area:

In order to get to Storyteller's, which is in the Grand Californian, you need to walk through the area between the parks and then into Downtown Disney.

We decided on Storyteller's since it had a regular menu plus the buffet. I'm not a huge fan of buffets, so I thought this was great! The folks there were super friendly. Of course, we were wearing our "First Visit" buttons, so they asked us how we were liking our trip and gave us some tips. Good people!

Koda was the first one who came around:

Then it was time to decide on breakfast:

Of course, I got a Mickey Waffle, after all, no vacation is complete without one! The waffle was really good, more so than usual.

My boyfriend got the banana stuffed French Toast. He's a big fan of Tonga Toast at Kona in the Poly at WDW, so it was close enough!

Next around we saw Turk (of course I was feeding him all the names of the characters!)

Then Meeko, of course he was really eying the berries still left on our plates!

And finally Dale:

Chip was there too, but we didn't stick around for him. We really enjoyed Storyteller's. I loved the way the room was decorated too! I would highly recommend Storyteller's for a Character Breakfast that is a little low key & laid back.

Final picture for today is of the GC pool area:

We were done around 815...the plan for the day was to go to DCA, but it wasn't open yet! What will we do?? ...stay tuned...

 

[kaoden39]

My daughter is the same way about the Mickey pancakes in the park. To her it isn't a trip unless she has it. Every trip we have breakfast at the Riverbelle at least once per trip.

 

[onelilspark]

I don't think there are really any safety concerns with either hotel.



There is no free breakfast, but there are mini fridges in the rooms. There are plenty of off property restaurants pretty close by. There's a couple just down the street from the GCH on Katella, Coco's and another coffee shop place, I pass it all the time, but it's name escapes me. Tiffy's? Then across the esplanade where you enter the parks is Mills, Mimis, McDonald's, and at the Garden Walk about 3-4 blocks or the ART bus stops at it, there are a ton of restaurants.

And honestly I think that the walking distance from Hojo's and GCH depending on where you get your room is about the same. I have had friends that have stayed at Hojo's alone and felt perfectly safe.

Thanks to you both for responding! My knowledge is definitely limited!