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

[3DisneyKids]

On the Disney bus. Great story!! Kids are flipping out!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

oh - E! Are they texting you from across the airport?

 

[adsrtw]

Yay! So glad the kids know. The suspense was killing me.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Seriously they didn't know. We've been calling it the San Diego trip. So they didn't even think disney. So fun!

 

[HockeyKat]

Kat- I'm totally living vicariously thru you right now. Loving the TR. So - I have to know- did you sing loudly and off key on Space?

HAHA!! No, no singing. I thought of you though!

So we watched the fireworks from the "Observation Deck" in BLT. Totally awesome. They have a lounge up there so we watched with a martini in hand.

From there we took the monorail to the GF and had dinner at Narcoosee's. Just missed the last monorail back so trudged our way over to the bus stop to do the loooonnng DTD round trip. We asked the bus driver when he got there if he was stopping anywhere other than DTD (as sometimes they combine the MK resort bus loop at night), and he asked where we were going. We said Contemporary, and he TOTALLY took the bus off-service and took us straight to the Contemporary! When we got off the bus said "Belle" on the marquis.

Now am watching the castle change colors for a bit, then off to bed soon. Tomorrow is a brief Epcot jaunt, lunch at Tutto Italia, then off to home.


Nancy, yay on Seth coming home!

E, woooo on getting to CA!!

 

[3DisneyKids]

LIVE from the Disneyland Hotel!

Kids are nestled in and sound asleep. They should be. By the time we got in our room, it was 11:15 Eastern. They were WIPED, but so completely excited.

Working on Day 1 TR now!

 

[3DisneyKids]

DAY ONE--Pictures will be added later

So, today is Riley's 11th birthday! Where does the time go? He knew that we were leaving today, but the girls didn't. And all of them only thought this was a "San Diego" trip. They didn't know about the Disneyland portion at all.

I told the girls that I would be picking them up at school at 11am to go out to lunch for Riley's birthday, but the real plan was to go to the airport. Their teachers were totally in on it. Once we got in the car and headed out, they quickly realized that we made the turn to the highway--which we wouldn't take if we were just going out to lunch. So at that point, the cat was out of the bag and the squealing began! Yes! Kelly even had happy tears. So precious. Our Californina vacation was underway!

The drive to the airport was uneventful, which is good. Zipped through security and went to the gate. Short wait and we were on our way. This was to be a LONG flight. 7 hours total. While we didn't have to change planes, we did a have a touch down in Chicago for about 20 minutes. I have to say that they were SO well behaved. Really, really good. The last hour they were antsy, but that's about it. And hell, I was antsy by that point, so I couldn't exactly blame them!

My biggest fear of this whole trip was navigating LAX with the kids without another adult. I was worried about the size and more importantly, not knowing where I was going. I had read the directions on the DIS about how and where to get the Disneyland Resort transportation, but having never done it, I had no idea how far it was from where we would be, etc. And by this time it was after 9pm Eastern, so I knew the kids would be tired.

I have to say that it was SO EASY. OMG, way easier even than MCO, and I find that to be a pretty easy airport (despite the fact that Nancy and I got lost from one another...) Seriously, we got off the plane, it was less than an 1 minute walk to Baggage Claim, and then another 1-minute walk to get the bus. So so so easy. Everything was well marked and easy to find. We had a short moment of stress, though. The DL bus only comes once an hour (after 6pm) and I knew we only had about half an hour to get our luggage and get to the bus stop. So we were waiting for our luggage...and waiting...and waiting. Finally, 2 of our 4 bags came. We had 15 minutes to get to the bus (and at this point I knew it was only a minute away) and the conveyor belt broke. So we had to wait. Clock was ticking. With 7 minutes left before our bus was due, they announced that all of the remaining luggage would be coming out on the other carousel. OMG, they had to move it all. This was going to take forever! Fortunately, we had good luggage karma, and got our last 2 bags quickly. So with 4 minutes to spare, we were out the door and off to the bus.

Now at this point, the kids have no idea still about DL. I just told them that we were waiting for the hotel bus. We are standing there and all sorts of buses are driving by and pulling up to the curb. And the kids are asking, "Is that our bus?" "What about that one?" And I just said, "I'll know our bus when I see it...."

And sure enough, after only about 2 minutes, a big bus with all of the Disney characters painted on the side pulls up. And I turn to them and say "Now THIS looks like our bus! I told you I'd know it when I saw it!" And they STILL don't clue in. Kelly pipes up with "Yeah, but we aren't going to Disneyland..." And I say, "Wanna bet?" OMG, the squealing and jumping! They Could. Not. Believe. that I pulled this off. I honestly think that they still don't believe it.

Note: If you ever do DL, I highly recommend the resort bus service. Unlike Florida, this is not free. But it was SO easy. Literally door to door. It picks you up right outside of baggage claim and brings your right to resort check in. I found a coupon online for $5 off per person, so we saved $20 to boot. Total was $50 for the 4 of us. And like I said, considering it was so easy and door to door service, I thought it was well worth the price.

There was no traffic on the famous I-5, so we cruised right in. Check in had another minor hiccup. They said I was at the wrong resort. Um, no. They had me registered at the Paradise Pier. Fortunately, I had my DVC confirmation letter and gave it to the CM at the desk. Within minutes it was straightned out and we had our room keys.

Let me tell you, this resort is freaking OUTRAGEOUS. So beautiful. Honestly, I have been here only a couple of hours and it is already WAY up on the list as one of my favorites. I like it better than all of the mods at WDW. And better than many of the deluxes as well. Holy freaking MAGIC. Talk about being immersed in it! Everything. You know how all Disney resorts are themed to something, right? Well, this resort is themed to...DISNEY. So the touches are everywhere and it is so well done.

More importantly, it is really high quality. A truly great room. I will post pics soon. But for those who speak DVC, the standard room here is basically like a DVC Studio but better, imo. There are 2 queen beds, a side chair, a full couch that pulls out to another bed, a desk and chair, and then a tv cabinet (flat screen) that also houses a mini-fridge, coffee pot, etc. A really good set up for families or anyone, really. Just well done. And again...just BEAUTIFUL.

So now the kids are asleep and I am getting ready for tomorrow and drinking a Corono, for which I was carded, thank you very much.

We are all SO excited to be here!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

So now the kids are asleep and I am getting ready for tomorrow and drinking a Corono, for which I was carded, thank you very much.

OMG that place IS magic

So, so happy for you. I totally ADORED DL. Have a super trip!


Rainy here - and cold. Just plain gross today. I'm headed to the gym now, then housework (bleh) before Seth comes home early this afternoon. We're planning on going out for a late lunch with his GF and her dad (with whom he is hitching a ride from Vermont!)

And, hopefully today will finally be the day that I take my bike to the shop for it's tune up.

 

[3DisneyKids]

OMG, it's early here and the kids are up. 7am here in Cali and the parks open at 10! They all got 8-ish hours sleep, so hopefully that'll be enough. Having some breakfast before we do a little resort exploring before heading to the park. We "have" to walk through DTD to get to the parks, so I am glad to have the extra time to just stroll over while window shopping.

Weather for today...75* and bright sun! PERFECT.

Full TR late tonight. But you can follow our day on FB!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

WOW, lots of great things happening on here

YAY Nancy Seth comes home!! Have a great day.

Kat, LOVE LOVE LOVE the TR keep them coming

Paula, hope you have a nice time in NY even if your there for work.

Amiee, So happy for you. Guess that time as a lab rat helped!!

E, OMG Great way for the kids to find out about DL. LOVE the pics of the room. Have a wonderful time!!

AFM, had a fight with DH this morning then I came on the thread and to read all your wonderful things going on has made me feel better.
Thank You!!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

AFM, had a fight with DH this morning then I came on the thread and to read all your wonderful things going on has made me feel better.
Thank You!!

sorry to hear about the fight. Never fun.


E - jumping out of my skin with excitement for you guys!

 

[adsrtw]

No time for a proper post, but I'm loving the dueling TR's.

Remember when we sang at Jellyrolls?

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Hi all
Well I did 1mile run and 1 mile walk on my lunch. Starting to feel better.
Why do men suck so much at times. UGGG! But going to therapy tonight right after work.... KOHLS 30% off coupon! Getting me some shoes. HA HA HA. I know that WILL make me feel LOTS better

 

[AKASnowWhite]

But going to therapy tonight right after work.... KOHLS 30% off coupon! Getting me some shoes. HA HA HA. I know that WILL make me feel LOTS better

Retail Therapy! Yes! That's just what the Dr. ordered!

Well - Seth is home For a kid who really couldn't have anything to speak of in his dorm room, he sure has created quite an explosion of stuff!

Oh - and in the "yes, we always knew you were talented" department - I managed to smash my pointer finger and my thumb tonight. With a wooden mallet. While pounding uncooked spaghetti. ( I was trying to smash it up for a rice pilaf dish ) AND I wasn't even drinking. maybe I should have been

going to go write in my journal now. My food has been kind of wonky and definitely not measured today, but I'm writing it down as best I can.

 

[goofyfan-12]

Hi everyone!

E - Glad to hear you made it to DL safely and drama free. Have a great time!

Kat - Sorry to hear that you are en route home. Safe travels!

Nancy - I am looking into that bike ride. Need to check the routes to see what the hills look like (I so suck at hills) and then check the calendar to see what is going on that weekend. Looks like fun though.

NYC was cold, damp and a bit wet, but we had a blast! The building we toured was beautiful, but lunch afterwards was so much fun. We ate at The Park in Chelsea which is a restaurant located in a former taxi depot. Great space and great food. Even better drinks... We then checked out a new park in the city called the High Line. It is an elevated rail line that they converted into a beautiful park. I need to download some pics to share tomorrow (my cord for the camera is at work). The only downside was the train got delayed coming back and I had to cancel my training session tonight. Boo... Guess I need to work that much harder tomorrow.

Jo - sorry to hear about the stress from the fight. Hang in there and yes, shoes do make you feel better so indulge in a pair.

Catch you all later!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Sounds like a fun trip to NYC Paula!

And speaking of shoes - Meg? Did you end up getting new running shoes?

 

[3DisneyKids]

OMG what an amazing Disney day! Will write it all up, of course. We are just getting in now. Opened and closed the park, with a nice pool break in the middle. Just incredible.

More later.

 

[adsrtw]

Love it. Can't wait to hear.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Sitting here, looking out over the pool, drinking a beer. Kids are asleep. Bliss.

 

[lisaviolet]

Hi all.

Hope everyone is well.

I'm up 1.3. (Thanks Paula - it becomes easier and easier)