In Search of My Body - Not the One I Ate, VOL 8...It's Never Too Late To Start Again!

[3DisneyKids]

No pics yet--just takes too much time!

Day 3

Edited, added pics, and reposted below.

 

[3DisneyKids]

OMG, 6:30 am here and I am up! Yuck. Just couldn't sleep, no other reason, really.

Yesterday was wonderful and so relaxing. You can't beat the GC for a hang out by the pool and drink day, really.

Today we were SUPPOSED to get up and head down to San Diego. But then my husband arrived. And as he put it, he got the "four fingered fever." He wants to do a park! So I think we will head back to CA and do F&W and show him that park. Of course, Jeff is talking about park hopping so he can do the highlights in both parks...

Did I mention that HE is the one who suggested we add on more DVC points?!?!?

Trip is fabulous! I am going to go and try and add pics to yesterday's TR.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Day 3

We woke up and said good-bye to the lovely Disneyland Hotel and walked the two minutes to the Grand Californian to check in. We knew our room wouldn't be ready, but we were planning to spend the day in the park, so it wasn't an issue.

If I loved the DL Hotel, well then I just don't have the words for the GC. Seriously, the nicest place we have ever stayed, bar none. 5 star all the way. Some lobby pics....

We got our keys, all sorts of gifts for the kids, lots of Welcome Homes and DVC love. And then we strolled to the back of the lobby and right to the turnstyles of California Adventure! It was incredible! OMG, our resort has a private entrance to a theme park! Incredible. We really just couldn't get over that. And what was even better was that the park opens at 10--but guests of the GC get to enter at 9:30. And you walk out of the hotel, through the turnstyles, and you are literally AT Soarin'. And it was running for the GC guests. So of course we jumped right on, we were the first riders of the day. And we did it THREE freaking times in a row. SOARIN. Privately. Well, there were maybe 20 people. Like nothing I have ever experienced at Disney.

Then it was time for "regular" park opening, so we went to line up at the "hub" so that we could follow the throngs to TSM. As always, loved it! You might notice from my pics how many of the ride queues and rides themselves are outside whereas their Florida counterparts are all inside. The kids find it amazing. We had a blast on TSM and went to get FPs so we could do it later in the day, but guess what? TSM is NOT a FP attraction here. And we were in the park first thing, so we got on it with no wait, but by the time we were done, the wait was already 40 minutes. And it wouldn't get shorter for the rest of the day. So just one round of TSM for us.

On the way out of TSM, we found a friend and had to say hello!

Ooops. Uploaded the wrong one to Photobucket. Have a better one of Jesse with all three kids.

Then we walked over it's a bug's land and did a lot of the little rides there. This is definitely the kiddie area of the park. But we were one of 3 families in that part of the park, so the kids got all sorts of love and attention from the CMs, which made it worth being there. On a crowded day, I wouldn't waste time there. Good for the infant - 5 year old set though.

But we found more friends here!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Next it was time for the Hollywood Backlot part of the park. Here we did the Monsters, Inc. ride (3 times--kids loved it and again we were on it alone), we saw Turtle Talk with Crush (and Kelly and I both got chosen to talk with Crush!), and then we watched the Aladdin stage show. OMG, hands down the best live show at any of the Disney parks. Such a high caliber of performers since everyone out here is struggling to be an actor and all of that. SO so so good. One of the highlights of the day.

And just look at how empty!

And a vending machine for us! Look at the names of what is in there--

And again, we found some friends who wanted to hang out with us.

Lunch was counter service--as there are only 2 TS restaurants in the entire park and neither one had great menu options for us. Then Soarin' again since I had grabbed FPs earlier. Back to the Pardise Pier section of the park where we did Mulholland Madness (little coaster) and a couple of other rides.

At this point, we were getting ready to leave, so since Soarin' was on our way back to the hotel, we did it one more time (that is FIVE times in one day people!) and we also did Grizzly River Rapids--which ended up being another major highlight of the day! Fun, fun, fun ride! Beats Kali River Rapids, imo.

This park is way under-rated. We didn't do most of the thrill rides due to Kelly not meeting height requirements or Riley not feeling comfortable (not a thrill-ride lover), but their e-ticket rides are:

--Soarin
--TSM
--Tower of Terror
--Californina Screamin (huge coaster with loop)
--Mickey Wheel (not your average ferris wheel! OMG!)
--Grizzly River Rapids

Then there are all of the lesser rides as well. Compare that with DHS and this park wins hands down.

In any case, we did the rapids three times in a row, till we were good and soaked, and then walked literally 30 seconds (I timed it!) to the resort. Up to our room, which was ready by this time, and changed for the pool. I was STUNNED by our villa. OMG, nicest DVC ever. We haven't stayed in BLT yet, but we have been everywhere else. Nothing compares.

And there are two more bedrooms and two more bathrooms. It is incredible! And I don't think I mentioned the view!!!! HOMG. Check out my FB page since I haven't uploaded the pics here. We are literally INSIDE the theme park. It is just beyond description.


Kids played in the pool till Jeff got here at 6:30. Then we had a nice evening all of us. Walked around and showed Jeff where everything was, etc. Last night after the kids were asleep (in their own room!), Jeff and I decided to add on more points! Exciting! And HE asked if we could cancel our San Diego resort for the second half of the trip and just stay here!!! (He loves Disney, but not like me and the kids, so this was a huge shocker.) He said he would rather stay here and drive back and forth to San Diego a couple of days to do the stuff down there that we want to do. Tried, but no luck. They are booked solid. And as much as I love this place, there are some downsides, which I will post about later. I'll do what Kat did and do some pros/cons of resorts.

Today is our hang out day. Shopping at DTD this morning and then hang out by the pool all afternoon. Life is good!

 

[adsrtw]

Sounds like so much fun!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Erika,
I am so happy for you. Every picture your kids are beaming!! Thats AWESOME!!!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

This park is way under-rated.

OMG yes. WAY under-rated. And I honestly think that it is because unless you STAY on Disney property when at DL you lose a LOT. In Orlando, eh. While it's not quite the same experience on property or off at WDW, it's not the huge, vast difference that it makes at DL.

Glad you are having a fabulous time!


I'm here, enjoying an absolutely stellar Saturday. Picture perfect. AND - are you all ready for this? I am actually home ALONE for a couple of hours. That almost NEVER happens.

 

[HockeyKat]

OMG yes. WAY under-rated. And I honestly think that it is because unless you STAY on Disney property when at DL you lose a LOT. In Orlando, eh. While it's not quite the same experience on property or off at WDW, it's not the huge, vast difference that it makes at DL.

Glad you are having a fabulous time!


I'm here, enjoying an absolutely stellar Saturday. Picture perfect. AND - are you all ready for this? I am actually home ALONE for a couple of hours. That almost NEVER happens.

I think that there is a vast difference for on property vs off property in Orlando/WDW if you are staying at a monorail or Epcot area resort (i.e. Poly, GF, Contemporary, BC, or BW). Mods, values, lodges, I think it does add to the experience but maybe not as much.

Glad you are having a good Sat!

I am in an electrical closet in a hospital in Savannah. Exhausted. Off to do more scavenger hunting on malfunctioning equipment, whee.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I think that there is a vast difference for on property vs off property in Orlando/WDW if you are staying at a monorail or Epcot area resort (i.e. Poly, GF, Contemporary, BC, or BW). Mods, values, lodges, I think it does add to the experience but maybe not as much.

yes. Boardwalk villas where we stumbled home from Jelly Rolls is more like a DL experience. All Stars is a very different HOTEL experience than, say Motel 6, but from a location standpoint, not a big difference. From my personal experience I find "off property" at DL is, well, not as "pretty" as off property at WDW.


I am in an electrical closet in a hospital in Savannah. Exhausted. Off to do more scavenger hunting on malfunctioning equipment, whee.

ooooh. Lucky Kat.

 

[goofyfan-12]

Kat - you sound like me crawling around attics and basements. Hope you found what you are looking for.

Ugh - had an absolutely horrible workout this morning with Jesse. I actually had to stop at one point because I was nauseus. Can't blame the workout because it was nothing special or particularly difficult. I think I was just way over tired going in. The fact that I ate almost all carbs yesterday instead of my usual balanced diet didn't help either. Got home from the gym and became one with the couch for the betterpart of the day - not quite the day I had planned but I guess I needed the rest.

I am off to cook my dinner (if you consider mcrowaving something cooking).

Have a great night.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

OMG, Bad Kid Story!!

So today had a nice day with the kids, did bubles outside for hours, went to Alexa's game, then out for hotdogs, then to the store, then for ice cream
While at ice cream less than an hour ago, waiting for ev er for them to give me a scoop of vanilla and a scoop of strawberry. Well for no reason that I know of the baby (2 1/2) full out punched Alexa (5 1/2) in the eye.
So now the baby is so so very upset because she can not have her ice cream.

I just felt like I need to share that.

Will my kids ever stop fighting?????

 

[HockeyKat]

Nancy, EXACTLY. BLT was probably even more DL-on property like, as you are a short walk to the MK, and we could see it from the balcony.

Kat - you sound like me crawling around attics and basements. Hope you found what you are looking for.

Ugh - had an absolutely horrible workout this morning with Jesse. I actually had to stop at one point because I was nauseus. Can't blame the workout because it was nothing special or particularly difficult. I think I was just way over tired going in. The fact that I ate almost all carbs yesterday instead of my usual balanced diet didn't help either. Got home from the gym and became one with the couch for the betterpart of the day - not quite the day I had planned but I guess I needed the rest.

I am off to cook my dinner (if you consider mcrowaving something cooking).

Have a great night.

Sorry about the bad workout... very likely overtired. Sounds like you needed that rest and relaxation day badly!!


Yup, crawling around all over the place. No attics, but plenty of basement time. I am here with three guys (and am the only tech female in the office anyhow), so I got to go into the NICU, women's center, labor and delivery and such, where they/patients feel more comfortable without the male presence.

 

[DisneyGalUK]

Hi Everyone!

Just a fly-by from me, I seem to be so busy lately!

E/Kat - Love your TR's

Jo - Sorry you are having drama

Paula - NY sounds like a great day, even if it was for work! (I would love to say I have to go into NY for work! )

Nancy, EE, Meg, Ronda, Sunny, Jess, Liz, LisaV (if you are lurking!), anyone I have missed - Hi

Im a samer this week. Same old story, blah blah blah, not enough water, blah blah blah. No one to blame but me so Im over it and back on!

I got fitted again (for the 800th time) for my bridesmaid dress (scary bride-to-be!) and it still fits. Which is good, but also a little disappointing, because if I had gotten off my bummocks and done more than minimal exercise and actually drank some water then I would be nearer to my goal and I would be having my dress altered. As it is I am still 12lbs away from goal.

Pity party over. Back on. Going for a glass of water

Have a great Sunday everyone

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Hi Kelly,

Hey be happy the dress fits and its not tight,
And 12lbs from goal is not that far, YOU CAN DO IT.

(who am I to talk, I have not lost even 1 lb in over a month)

I hope you have a good day!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

<sigh>

Busy times for me as well. I've become a slave to committments that I really wish I hadn't made

Last week I said my goal was to improve upon my lack-luster journalling performance. So, instead of the lame-o TWO journal entries, this week I think I have sky rocketed all the way up to THREE! Well, it will be 4 if I get my act together and write down today's stuff.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

<sigh>

Busy times for me as well. I've become a slave to committments that I really wish I hadn't made

Last week I said my goal was to improve upon my lack-luster journalling performance. So, instead of the lame-o TWO journal entries, this week I think I have sky rocketed all the way up to THREE! Well, it will be 4 if I get my act together and write down today's stuff.

you crack me up.
Well I just entered 40 point for today on WW and called it a day.
I did not eat all that bad, but I snacked here and there so 40 for the day should do it and that will use up all my Extra points for the week!!

 

[poppinspal]

So I'm here, I'm alive. Work has been keeping me busy, we're a little over a week away from our end of the year curriculum night and that means more work for me. My free time has been spent with Ryan.

I bought some new running sneakers, I'm going to be returning them this week. I got fitted at a running store, they felt ok when I tried them on but one run in them and me toes were killing me! Not ok.

Ryan and I also had our first fight today. We sort of resolved it before I left his house but I don't feel better. He said he's going to call tonight and I'm sure he will eventually but my whole family is out and I have way too much time by myself. Yes, I'm letting this weigh on me and upset me. I'm working on it.

Ok back to read what you all have been up to and especially to see Erika's trip report which I got a taste of via facebook.

 

[poppinspal]

So I'm just going to focus on the two trip reports.

Kat- Sounds like you had a good time, always great to get away even for a quick trip. Reading your report made me wish to be in WDW right now.

Erika- I've never been to Disneyland. (Or past Minnesota to be honest.) Reading your report definitely makes me want to go out and experience the left coast's Disney. It also sounds like you guys have had a wonderful trip. My parents surprised us with a trip to WDW when I was in middle school and I remember the trip to this day. I'm sure your kids will always remember it.

I hope the rest of you are doing well and enjoying the last of your weekend. Is it next weekend yet?

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

So I'm here, I'm alive. Work has been keeping me busy, we're a little over a week away from our end of the year curriculum night and that means more work for me. My free time has been spent with Ryan.

I bought some new running sneakers, I'm going to be returning them this week. I got fitted at a running store, they felt ok when I tried them on but one run in them and me toes were killing me! Not ok.

Ryan and I also had our first fight today. We sort of resolved it before I left his house but I don't feel better. He said he's going to call tonight and I'm sure he will eventually but my whole family is out and I have way too much time by myself. Yes, I'm letting this weigh on me and upset me. I'm working on it.

Ok back to read what you all have been up to and especially to see Erika's trip report which I got a taste of via facebook.

Meg, what was the fight about? Vent here!

 

[poppinspal]

Jo- It wasn't really a fight. I got a little upset with him last night before bed. (Yes, sometimes I spend the night at his place.) We were trying to talk it out but it wasn't working so he just rolled his back to me and fell asleep. This morning when we woke up he was obviously not feeling well, he was tired from working three nights of double shifts and he just acted as though nothing happened. I probably could have handled it better but I didn't, I got more annoyed and short with him. We sort of made up. He hugged me good bye and said he'd call tonight so we could make our plans for tonight.


Here I am hours later still waiting for my call. He's a good guy so I know we'll work it out. I'm just not handling it well. I'm not used to him not checking in. Of course I have no distraction right now but the tv or books so I'm worrying more then I should. I'm also just read to call him but I don't want to upset him more.