It's our One Year Anniversary so we're going to Disneyland!! DAY TWO STARTED 7/24!

[ariel1025]

Hey Ya'all!!

So, the master plan of "one a day conquering" on my to do list....yeah, it SOOOO did not happen. Since I am taking several days off for my parent's visit, my work decided to give me ten times more things to do this week to make up for it. Geesh, you would think they pay my bills or something

Well, as a refresher my list looked like this at the beginning of the week:

To Do - Week of April 26:

1. Clean the house for the folks ... oh yeah did I mention my parents are coming to town for my Birthday this week??? I'm super excited and it will help this week go by faster, but it means a SUPER DUPER cleaning is in order. And...yes, I realize that my Mom doesn't really believe that my house is ALWAYS as clean as it is when they visit, but it won't stop me from pretending she does

2. Go through and figure out what summer clothes still fit the both of us from last year. This could mean adding shopping to my list of things to do...but we will hope not...I HATE to shop for clothes!!!

3. If the above does not go as planned....go shopping for summer clothes. It will be warm when we are there right??? What are the average temps??

4. Order park tickets for Candi and I...his parents said they just want to buy theirs when they get there.

5. Find out about transportation from LAX...we have decided not to rent a car the whole time we are there...will update ya on that when I post the itinerary.

6. See if and where the traveling party wants to eat...if it's necessary to make ressies add that to the list...and hold my breathe hoping that it's still available. Did I mention how much it stresses me out to travel with three procrastinators

7. Make an "itinerary." Now, I understand we won't stick to it and I don't care I just want the comfort of knowing we have some sort of an idea of what is going on.

And now it looks like this


To Do - Week of April 26:

1. Clean the house for the folks ... oh yeah did I mention my parents are coming to town for my Birthday this week??? I'm super excited and it will help this week go by faster, but it means a SUPER DUPER cleaning is in order. And...yes, I realize that my Mom doesn't really believe that my house is ALWAYS as clean as it is when they visit, but it won't stop me from pretending she does
I still have to do:
a. Living Room
b. Dining Room
c. Kitchen
d. Bathroom
e. Our Bedroom
f. Guest Bedroom

Yep....the whole apartment


2. Go through and figure out what summer clothes still fit the both of us from last year. This could mean adding shopping to my list of things to do...but we will hope not...I HATE to shop for clothes!!! DONE!!! And, the best news is I only have to go shopping for a couple of tops and a pair of sandals....YAY!!!

3. If the above does not go as planned....go shopping for summer clothes. It will be warm when we are there right??? What are the average temps??

4. Order park tickets for Candi and I...his parents said they just want to buy theirs when they get there.

5. Find out about transportation from LAX...we have decided not to rent a car the whole time we are there...will update ya on that when I post the itinerary. DONE!!! We are going to take the Disney shuttle to and from the airport and rent a car for our beach day

6. See if and where the traveling party wants to eat...if it's necessary to make ressies add that to the list...and hold my breathe hoping that it's still available. Did I mention how much it stresses me out to travel with three procrastinators

7. Make an "itinerary." Now, I understand we won't stick to it and I don't care I just want the comfort of knowing we have some sort of an idea of what is going on.

Sadly, that's all I've gotten accomplished so far. I still have to try and do the remaining things before my parents get here. That only leaves me the rest of tonight and tomorrow until noon

Ok, I'm off to go clean....YUCK!!!

But first I will post another favorite trip picture. Since my sister isn't able to come with my parents tomorrow this picture is my favorite memory from my trip with her to Disneyland in 2005

Thanks for "listening" to my stress out everyone!!

 

[tiggersam00]

Your trip is soooo close Shannon! You must be getting so excited!!!!! I hope it is amazing! Less then 3 weeks!

I can totally relate to the never ending list before you go away, and the cleaning. Yuck, but is so nice to come home to a nice clean house IMHO. And how awesome that all the summer clothes still fit! The day i bust out the summer clothes is always a tough day for me lol! I never know what is going to happen lol!

Are you making any choices about the intinerary yet? I know it can seem crazy when it is so close without definite plans, but I bet you guiys will have a great time no matter what!

 

[blabbermouth]

happy birthday! did you have a good time with your parents? was your house cleaning up to their standards?? any new plans for DL?

 

[ariel1025]

Your trip is soooo close Shannon! You must be getting so excited!!!!! I hope it is amazing! Less then 3 weeks!

I can totally relate to the never ending list before you go away, and the cleaning. Yuck, but is so nice to come home to a nice clean house IMHO. And how awesome that all the summer clothes still fit! The day i bust out the summer clothes is always a tough day for me lol! I never know what is going to happen lol!

Are you making any choices about the intinerary yet? I know it can seem crazy when it is so close without definite plans, but I bet you guiys will have a great time no matter what!

Hi Sam Eeek, I can't believe I am leaving in less than two weeks...I do not feel prepared at all

Oh trust me, this is the first summer that I haven't been TOO scared to pull out the summer clothes. A few items are a bit snug but enough fit to get me through the trip...and it's motivated me to start dieting again...I was doing so good for the wedding and I slowly fell back into what I call "fast food heaven"

We have made some choices on itinerary items...posting soon

happy birthday! did you have a good time with your parents? was your house cleaning up to their standards?? any new plans for DL?

Thank you for the birthday wishes!! I had a GREAT time with my parents, I only get to see them every 6 months or so which made it even better that this time was on my birthday It's funny that you ask about my house cleaning and my parents standards, because they really don't care how clean/messy the house is, it just freaks me out for them to see it messy But, yes, I was able to finish cleaning before they arrived

We do have some new plans for DL...post coming up soon!

 

[ariel1025]

Ok, first things first



LESS THAN TWO WEEKS UNTIL WE LEAVE!!!!!!!!

Ok, I've composed myself now

Clearly, I am super excited that the trip is so close, but I am feeling a little bit stressed out too. Because of all the ups and downs along the way to planning this trip I feel like it's not, well, planned Now, this is partly because we are traveling with Candi's parents and they don't like to plan But, I also feel like the trip got put on the "back burner" for so long that the planning just kind of got ignored. No worries, I have figured out how to solve this dilemma....it's called....

A LIST

You see, lists are my friend. Lists let me feel like I have control! I LIKE LISTS!!

Now, if anybody is keeping track we have exactly 11 days until we leave. That gives me 11 days to feel like I have a plan, all the while convincing everyone else that there is no plan. Sneaky? Yes! Do I care? Nope

Ok, because I know you can't stand it any longer, here is the current list:

1. Make itinerary - we are halfway done with this and we (Candi and I) have come up with some super fun stuff

2. Make a packing list - you see I love lists so much I have "make a list" on my list of things to do

3. Make a list of things to buy for trip - oh lordy, there it is again, another list, now ya'll are thinking I'm pathetic aren't ya????

4. Re-visit the rental car vs shuttle debate - I really thought this one was decided, but I guess it's not

5. Order park tickets - yep, still haven't done it

Alrighty, well, that should keep me busy for a couple of days...wish me luck!!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far...be safe!!

And, because it wouldn't be right to end it any other way....

My favorite souvenir from our last trip to DL....the pick a pearl thing. I let Candi pick it for me and we got a very large, champagne colored pearl. I put it on a simple necklace setting and wear it all the time

 

[ariel1025]

Hey everyone and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHER'S OUT THERE

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We spent the day with my In-Laws which was very nice. We just relaxed with some fried chicken and movies...at my Mother-In-Laws request....sometimes she has the BEST ideas

Anyway, on the way home (they leave in a nearby town) Candi and I "finalized" our itinerary for the trip. This term must be used extremely loosely however....remember I am traveling with NON PLANNERS

Anyway, without further ado

DISNEYLAND ITINERARY - THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Thursday, May 21:

Fly into LAX in the early afternoon

Find the Disney Express shuttle (and cross our fingers that we are there when they are picking up and not right after one leaves, otherwise we wait 30 minutes for the next one to come along. Oh yeah, did I mention I am traveling with Non planners who are also impatient )

Check into Paradise Pier Hotel (restrain myself from camera commando at the moment knowing everyone will be STARVING)

Go to lunch (Options are House of Blues, Rainforest Cafe, or Naples - we figured everyone will want sit down since we will be tired from the flight)

DISNEY LAND!!!!

Dinner (Blue Bayou?????? They just now decided that they DO want a reservation...do these people think I have magical powers or something I will try my best to get a reservation made tomorrow....cross your fingers for me!! Back up options are any of the ones we did not eat at lunch that afternoon)

Time for nighty night after a long, exhausting but super fun day

Friday, May 22:

Probably quick breakfast somewhere (Candi's Dad is a breakfast eater, but nobody else is...any suggestions??)

California Adventure

Lunch will be a quick service restaurant

Dinner (any of the above that we haven't had yet)

End the night at Magic Kingdom (CA closes at 10 and DL at midnight)

Saturday, May 23:

Pick up rental car in the morning from Alamo (anybody know exactly where in DTD this is located?)

Breakfast at Dennys...my FIL LOVES Denny's

Huntington Beach

Lunch at Rubys on the Pier This place looks like so much fun to me!

When we get bored at the beach do whatever we feel like

Dinner at Cheesecake Factory at the Anaheim Garden Walk (anybody know where this is located??)

Parents will probably call it a night, Candi and I will go to the parks

Sunday, May 24 - HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY TO US

Church at the Crystal Cathedral - My MIL cannot go to Anaheim without going to church here

Lunch at this Chinese place they always go to after church - not sure of the name

Knottsberry Farms - yep, it's our anniversary and this is what we chose to do (please don't hate us we promise we will go to DL that night )

Dinner - ???? Depends on where we are when we get hungry

End the night at DL

Monday, May 25:

Quick breakfast somewhere

Check out of hotel and have the front desk hold our luggage

Last time at DL

CRY ALL THE WAY BACK HOME

Ok, so there you have it...let's see how accurate it ends up being

HAVE A GREAT MONDAY EVERYONE!!

 

[JennisSilly]

Okay, so my absolute FAVORITE place to eat (quick service) is in Disneyland- Bengal BBQ. This place is super yummy! It's skewered meats and veggies. The downside, it's always busy, and has limited seating (it's RIGHT in front of Indiana Jones).

Also in Disneyland:

- The bakery on main street has good sandwiches, and of course the refreshment corner has the worlds best chili dogs.

In California Adventure, there are SO many good food options:

- Taste Pilots Grill, they have grilled and fried chicken, hamburgers, salad, and super yummy onion rings.

- Pacific Wharf Cafe: Yummy sandwiches, bread bowl soups, and salads

- Bountiful Valley Farmers Market: Wraps, Fried Mozzerella, and other really tasty options.

I also love to eat at Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian, the ambience is great, normally low key, and really great food.

The Garden Walk is like right down Harbor, off of Harbor and Katella (maybe like 2 miles from Paradise pier).

You'll also be there during the food and wine festival (I'm pretty sure) which means they'll have special signature foods specifically for that!

I'm jealous! We haven't been to Disneyland since November- normally we go at least once a month, but we're saving for our wedding... My family and i were just talking today about this pizza place in Down Town Disney ( OH GO THERE! Napolini- they're pizza is to die for, I swear they put crack in it to make you keep eating it!) anyway, we almost drove out for the day just to eat there!

Have fun!

 

[ariel1025]

Okay, so my absolute FAVORITE place to eat (quick service) is in Disneyland- Bengal BBQ. This place is super yummy! It's skewered meats and veggies. The downside, it's always busy, and has limited seating (it's RIGHT in front of Indiana Jones).

Also in Disneyland:

- The bakery on main street has good sandwiches, and of course the refreshment corner has the worlds best chili dogs.

In California Adventure, there are SO many good food options:

- Taste Pilots Grill, they have grilled and fried chicken, hamburgers, salad, and super yummy onion rings.

- Pacific Wharf Cafe: Yummy sandwiches, bread bowl soups, and salads

- Bountiful Valley Farmers Market: Wraps, Fried Mozzerella, and other really tasty options.

I also love to eat at Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian, the ambience is great, normally low key, and really great food.

The Garden Walk is like right down Harbor, off of Harbor and Katella (maybe like 2 miles from Paradise pier).

You'll also be there during the food and wine festival (I'm pretty sure) which means they'll have special signature foods specifically for that!

I'm jealous! We haven't been to Disneyland since November- normally we go at least once a month, but we're saving for our wedding... My family and i were just talking today about this pizza place in Down Town Disney ( OH GO THERE! Napolini- they're pizza is to die for, I swear they put crack in it to make you keep eating it!) anyway, we almost drove out for the day just to eat there!

Have fun!

Thank you so much for all the suggestions on where to eat. I have written them all down and hope to try some of them while we are there!

Oh and pizza made with crack...I'm so there

 

[ariel1025]

Just to refresh everyone's memory....ok, ok, really because I need to remind myself what to do here was my list of things to accomplish

A LIST

1. Make itinerary - we are halfway done with this and we (Candi and I) have come up with some super fun stuff

2. Make a packing list - you see I love lists so much I have "make a list" on my list of things to do

3. Make a list of things to buy for trip - oh lordy, there it is again, another list, now ya'll are thinking I'm pathetic aren't ya????

4. Re-visit the rental car vs shuttle debate - I really thought this one was decided, but I guess it's not

5. Order park tickets - yep, still haven't done it

I am happy to say that we have accomplished almost all of them.

1. Make itinerary CHECK
2. Make packing list CHECK I am always adding to it though
3. Make list of things to buy CHECK I am always adding to this too
4. Rental car vs shuttle debate CHECK

So, all I need to do is order park tickets Have to wait for payday for this one!

Ok, now that leads me to the title of this post....

One week from today I will be.......packing and getting ready for our morning flight to DISNEY LAND!!!!

This weeks list of things to do include:

1. Order park tickets (on Friday)
2. Buying things on "need to buy" list (this weekend)
3. Tidying up the house (still pretty clean from when parents came - just need to do a few odds and ends)
4. Do laundry
5. Reserve rental car (Friday)

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

ONLY EIGHT DAYS TO GO!!!!

 

[kaoden39]

Woo hoo!

 

[ariel1025]

Woo hoo!

YAY, thanks for the Woo hoo...I LOVE woo hoos

 

[ariel1025]

WE WILL BE ENJOYING OUR FIRST (PARTIAL) DAY IN DISNEYLAND!!!!!!

Estimated forecast is 75 and partly cloudy...not sure I like the partly cloudy portion of the forecast, but I'll take Disneyland anyway I can get it

The park hours are:

DL - open until 9:00 pm
CA - open until 6:00 pm

I'm pretty sure we will just ignore California Adventure this day and head straight to Disneyland.

I'm SOOOOO excited, I can't wait to see our room...I've never stayed at one of the Disneyland hotels before (we stayed at the Hilton both the other times we went).

Oh, and I didn't have any luck getting a Blue Bayou reservation...oh well!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their day.

 

[kaoden39]

WE WILL BE ENJOYING OUR FIRST (PARTIAL) DAY IN DISNEYLAND!!!!!!

Estimated forecast is 75 and partly cloudy...not sure I like the partly cloudy portion of the forecast, but I'll take Disneyland anyway I can get it

The park hours are:

DL - open until 9:00 pm
CA - open until 6:00 pm

I'm pretty sure we will just ignore California Adventure this day and head straight to Disneyland.

I'm SOOOOO excited, I can't wait to see our room...I've never stayed at one of the Disneyland hotels before (we stayed at the Hilton both the other times we went).

Oh, and I didn't have any luck getting a Blue Bayou reservation...oh well!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their day.

You know just because you didn't get your PS for Blue Bayou doesn't mean you won't get in there. Chances are that you may be able to get in that day. I have seen it happen. And there are also a few nice places in the resort hotels like Hook's Pointe and Steakhouse 55 athe the DLH.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Oh my gosh! You're leaving so soon! I hope you have a fantastic time. What a wonderful place to spend your anniversary!!!

Belle is my favorite too. And Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie also!

Is Candi a junior since his Dad has the same name? DBF's name is Jesus and his Dad is Jesus too, but they have different middle names, so he's not a junior. I didn't even knew that's what made you an "official" junior until I asked how come he's not a junior.

 

[ariel1025]

Oh my gosh! You're leaving so soon! I hope you have a fantastic time. What a wonderful place to spend your anniversary!!!

Belle is my favorite too. And Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie also!

Is Candi a junior since his Dad has the same name? DBF's name is Jesus and his Dad is Jesus too, but they have different middle names, so he's not a junior. I didn't even knew that's what made you an "official" junior until I asked how come he's not a junior.

Awww, thank you

Isn't Belle just the greatest? She's so beautiful and smart...I love her!!!

Candi is actually the 4th!!!!! With any luck we will one day be having the 5th

Oh, and it's my goal to get a picture next to the "happily ever after sign" that's in your siggy!! Please tell me it's still there somewhere

 

[blabbermouth]

Oh, thanks for the reminder. I want a pic there too!

My DF is sad b/c his parents named him Jason, and he wanted a Portuguese name! Heehee. But his dad's name is Isaac, so most people don't think of that as Portuguese anyway. His brother's name is Isidro (sp?!) though, and that's pretty sweet.

Yay! Less than a week to go.

 

[JennisSilly]

The sign, is actually painted onto the wall- so it should totally still be there =)

It's located in Disney Animation in Hollywood Backlot Studios in Disney's California Adventure. When you walk in the hall says, "Once upon a time.." and when you walk out it says, "And they lived happily ever after".

Disney Animation is actually really cool, it's a big open room with large screens that various scenes or pictures flash up on, and there are about 4 rooms (exhibits) to go into: Turtle Talk with Crush, Sourcer's workshop is my FAVORITE (aside from Turtle talk with Crush) in there you can do the "which Disney Character am I" inside Beast's library, as well as the "voice over" where you act out or sing a Disney scene. There are 2 other rooms but I can't remember off hand what they are. My favorite shop is also attached to this attraction- it's full of Disney paintings- oh so lovely!

Have fun!

 

[ariel1025]

The sign, is actually painted onto the wall- so it should totally still be there =)

It's located in Disney Animation in Hollywood Backlot Studios in Disney's California Adventure. When you walk in the hall says, "Once upon a time.." and when you walk out it says, "And they lived happily ever after".

Disney Animation is actually really cool, it's a big open room with large screens that various scenes or pictures flash up on, and there are about 4 rooms (exhibits) to go into: Turtle Talk with Crush, Sourcer's workshop is my FAVORITE (aside from Turtle talk with Crush) in there you can do the "which Disney Character am I" inside Beast's library, as well as the "voice over" where you act out or sing a Disney scene. There are 2 other rooms but I can't remember off hand what they are. My favorite shop is also attached to this attraction- it's full of Disney paintings- oh so lovely!

Have fun!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

This makes me so happy. I LOVE the animation studio AND Turtle Talk With Crush and Disney pictures AND NOW THAT'S WHERE THE SIGN IS PAINTED....AWWWW IT'S LIKE DISNEY HEAVEN

Your reply totally made my day

 

[ariel1025]

Geesh, I can't believe I forgot my "One Week From Today" post yesterday.

So....

One Week From Yesterday we will be enjoying our first (full) day in the land of Disney!! We will probably go to California Adventure for at least the first part of the day, but will most definitely end the night at DL.

Hours for the day:

DL: 9:00 am - Midnight
CA: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

The forecast appears to be 75 degrees and sunny

For lunch it will probably be a quick service somewhere...I mean really, who has time to eat on a weekend trip to DL And a special thanks to 'Jenissilly' for all her recommendations

Dinner that night will be one of the following

a) attempt a walk-up to Blue Bayou
b) somewhere in DTD

I can't believe how close it's getting!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

 

[ariel1025]

You know just because you didn't get your PS for Blue Bayou doesn't mean you won't get in there. Chances are that you may be able to get in that day. I have seen it happen. And there are also a few nice places in the resort hotels like Hook's Pointe and Steakhouse 55 athe the DLH.

I'm so sorry I forgot to reply earlier Thank you for the heads up about BB. I kind of figured there was a chance to still get in, but I don't want anybody to get their hopes up. It's easier to say now that we didn't get it and then hope that it will happen when we get there

Oh, thanks for the reminder. I want a pic there too!

My DF is sad b/c his parents named him Jason, and he wanted a Portuguese name! Heehee. But his dad's name is Isaac, so most people don't think of that as Portuguese anyway. His brother's name is Isidro (sp?!) though, and that's pretty sweet.

Yay! Less than a week to go.

Isn't that one of the best picture spot opportunities??? I think so

That's funny about your DF. My Husband hates it because he has a hispanic first name but a very "white boy" middle name