July 2, 2005 - WE ARE THERE!!!

[4fosterkids]

I got the Passporter's DCL cruise guide for my birthday a few weeks ago, and here are the lodging suggestions they have for staying near the Port of LA:
Best Western Sunrise Hotel 310-548-1080
Holiday Inn San Pedro 310-514-1414
Marina Hotel 310-514-3344
and Sheraton LA Harbor 310-519-8200
I don't know what makes them pick certain hotels over others, but they tend to have great info.

Jill F

 

[Vanvmom]

Anna- Yes the hotel is clean (or at least is was in 2001). The pool is WAY too small for the size of the hotel. There is a McDonalds in the parking lot. If you look at a map of DL, it is across the street from where Space Mountain is (that gives you the approximate distance from the entrance). Don't worry, it only seems long at midnight while walking with tired children. There is a cafe/pizza place on the 3rd or 5th floor of the hotel. They have tons of floors (we were close to the top floor) and the doors all open to the outside of the building (not sure if that means it is a hotel or motel). I got nervous about the kids being too close to the railing, but then my youngest was only 2 at the time so that probably explains my nerves. I'm sure it will be fine for your family (the loveseat folds out to a bed). The staff was very friendly, and they let you borrow the rolling luggage carts to take your items to your room. It has a very nice lobby. If you are lucky, you may even get a good view of the fireworks

I've never been to WDW, and I hear DL is a very different experience. Of course if it is Disney... it is all wonderful anyway!

Thanks everyone for all of your helpful advice. I will check out the zip lines link later today, and talk with our group to see where everyone wants to stay.

 

[Vanvmom]

Angie - about the weather... we've been many times all throughout the year. It is always hit or miss. We always either bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt, or budget to buy one there (being a happy shopper, I prefer to just buy something if I get cold). Shorts are fine, but sometimes a Santa Ana breeze picks up in the evening and it gets cool (especially if you haven't quite dried off after Grizzly River Rapids or Splash Mountain).

 

[XLT800]

Glad you found us and hope you join us for our dis meet on Saturday. I am traveling with Tchrmom ( Fran ) DD 10 and DS 13. I am surprised tchrmom is not on the computer, as I am out of town this week.

Maybe she will not read all this nonsense about cool weather. It is bad enough that I will have a suitcase for shoes, now I will need one for long pants, light weight jackets and sweatshirts just in case it gets cool
Maybe I could by sweat shirts and mail them home before we leave for the cruise.

Hope everyone is ready for a long weekend. We will have sunny skies, pool temp is 90 and the gulf temp is 87. Looks like a couple of days on the beach with the jet ski for me

Dave

 

[jgiants21]

Vanvmom - Welcome to you and your family It is great to have another family added to our group. I will add your info to our list and will post the updated list this weekend. We are also a family of 4 from NC driving down the night before. We will be leaving late in the evening as my DW has to work on Friday, and will be staying outside of Bakersfield. We will drive in the next morning to the peir from there. It cost $11 per day to park at the peir. I also wish something is schedule for July 4, as it is my son's birthday.

Sherry, I also find Rock N Roller Coster one of the best! I have read that Space Mountain may open 2 weeks before July 15. I hope so as we will be in DL for 3 days after the cruise. Here is a link to the article I read http://miceage.com/allutz/al052405c.htm

Anna, SuperShuttle is a large Co and if very reliable. I do not know much about Golden Express. Sorry to read about the cold , it has been 75/80 in our area.

Candy Cane is a great place to stay. My family have stayed there many times and enjoyed it each time. The breakfast is delightful next to the pool.
I would suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater for inside the air condition rooms or for the evenings. Sorry Dave, I guess that means more suitcases for you. Now don't go breaking your back! Jill, I just recieved the Passporter for the West Coast Cruise - packed with great info. I am glad we purchased it. Even my DW and DD have had a great time reading it.

Jim

 

[LegalBriefs]

Hello all! or, more accuratly, Hello again! I posted back in October, but have not been on this board since October... Well, that is due in large part to the fact that this is not my next Disney Cruise, I will actually be on the Innaugural West Coast Cruise leaving this Saturday... so, if you all have any questions, please feel free to ask, though, honestly between now and my return the best place to reach me will be private messages (which you are more than welcome to copy and paste here if you feel they'd be of help to others...!).

I look forward to getting to know all of you!

PS- I will be on this cruise with one of my best friends named David (His wife is letting him out on parole!) and we have the "Roy" Suite, so maybe we can plan a little gathering there...

 

[DareTooDream]

Jim, thanks for the link to the article!

Azptcruiser, flying would be great. We can't make up our minds about what to do after the cruise - we're kind of winging it.

We also like the Candy Cane - don't have any experience with Fairfield.

Angie, yep it's Peoria AZ. When I give my address out (ordering things etc) I always stress AZ so they don't absent mindedly write IL. I like it when they ask for the zip code first and it fills in the city and state for them

Jill, I gave in and ordered the Passporter. I'm glad to hear you like it.

F.Y.I. I did pm Legalbriefs and asked him about special events for the 4th of July. That's so nice of him to offer. And, to offer a possible get-together

Sherry

 

[AnnaS]

Vavvmom - I am happy to read about the Fairfield. Our group of "children" (mine and Wendy's) hopefully won't complain walking , youngest is 12 1/2 and oldest will be 20 (I think on the cruise). The only one I see possibly walking is Wendy's Dad. Hopefully we won't be spending too much time at the pool since we have never been to DL and who knows when we might be back.

Welcome back Legalbriefs. - The "Roy Suite" - well if we cannot have a gathering to fit our growing group (lost count), you will have to give us a tour. I definitely want to see it.

Jim - will ask Wendy to get a quote also from Supershuttle. Okay - no luggages out yet, but I did get out our DVC backpacks and that waist thingy

 

[wdw1014]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for breifing me on California Temperatures. I thought that at least one sweatshirt per person would be a good idea but, was worried about overpacking. So, now I know.

I am totally blown away, thinking that we have a chance to see the "Roy" Suite. What a once in a lifetime offer. Thank's Ron

It is supposed to reach 75 degrees here today. So keep those warm thoughts coming, they seem to be working!

Have a great day everyone. Angie

 

[Vanvmom]

One more packing question...I've heard mixed responses from people. For dining at Palo, what is the required attire for men? Tie of course, but is a jacket mandatory? You can see that as the wife I would like to monopolize the use of the luggage

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

We had a pretty good time yesterday at DL. It was hot so the kids got a little grumpy. I don't think you'll need a jacket in July but I guess it could be a tad cool at night. We saw the "Block Party Bash" at Ca Adven. It was OK. If you have to choose between this and Fantasmic, DL parade or Dl fireworks definetly do one of those. If you happen to be there when the "parade" is stopping it's cute to watch and my 2yo loves Monsters Inc so she was thrilled to see Boo. It's not a typical parade. It stops at certain places along the parade route and does a show for about 10-15 minutes.

I didn't see the ?? about Space Mountain before I left but they don't give that info out until it happens. It could be opening tomorrow and they wouldn't tell you today it was going to happen. We might brave it again in the next few weeks and I'll let you know if I get any good info...

Glad you all are so informed about the places to stay aroung the Dl resort area. Living here, I have no clue about that stuff. We stayed one night at DL Hotel a few years ago and my kids still talk about it. We might be staying 1 night at the Grand Californian. I have it reserved but I have to talk myself into going to my class reunion there and I really feel no need to do that. Talk to you all later. Can't wait to here from all the first WC cruisers so we can see what we are in for!! Amy
---Legalbriefs, What a nice gesture..Hope we can work it out.

 

[Vanvmom]

Amy- The friends we are cruising with have stayed at the GC, and we saw their room. It was wonderful! The rate for AP holders was not that bad either as I remember (I think they were offering an off season special). We have relatives in your area (Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach). My sister-in-law belongs to a playgroup that meets in the park once a week for a few hours in the morning. Sure beats the playdates we have in parks up here! My nonsolicited 2 cents is: go to the reunion. I went to my 20th last summer. I was pretty worried about going to mine (such a long story there) but ended up having a lot of fun. It was fun to talk with friends I'd lost contact with over the years.

Thanks for the DL updates too! We're still debating about when to renew our APs. We were there for the soft re-opening of Matterhorn after it's most recent revamping. We're not sure if we want to go for it and renew now to go visit before and after the cruise, or just wait until fall and renew then. Too many decisions...

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

Amy- The friends we are cruising with have stayed at the GC, and we saw their room. It was wonderful! The rate for AP holders was not that bad either as I remember (I think they were offering an off season special). We have relatives in your area (Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach). My sister-in-law belongs to a playgroup that meets in the park once a week for a few hours in the morning. Sure beats the playdates we have in parks up here! My nonsolicited 2 cents is: go to the reunion. I went to my 20th last summer. I was pretty worried about going to mine (such a long story there) but ended up having a lot of fun. It was fun to talk with friends I'd lost contact with over the years.

Thanks for the DL updates too! We're still debating about when to renew our APs. We were there for the soft re-opening of Matterhorn after it's most recent revamping. We're not sure if we want to go for it and renew now to go visit before and after the cruise, or just wait until fall and renew then. Too many decisions...

We're just down PCH in HB

They've really jacked up the prices of the AP's. It used to be $200 for the most expensive (Premium) pass..now it's that much for the Deluxe AP plus $50 for parking. We may even have to decide if we want to renew at those prices. About the reunion...I have even been in some weddings of people I don't talk to anymore!! I definetley wasn't going until a member of the Reunion comittee bought the house at the end of my street!! I guess I can't hide now!! She's SOOO enthusiastic about it and it would be hard to face her and her DH if we didn't go. The only thing going for it is having it at the GC hotel and the reunion rate is much better than AP rate. I checked both. We could hang out with the kids at the pool and then go to the reunion..!!??I agree..Too many decisions. Have a nice weekend. Amy

 

[needalatte]

We are the friends who are traveling with Vanvmom and family. Betsy (40), Larry (42),and Eric (10). We are unofficially adopting any one of the VanV kids to sleep in our room on any given night since we have an extra bed and they have an extra kid!! Also unofficially, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary, but the real thing isn't until August.

We're in room 2624--amazingly, right next door to the VanV family! Early dinner, too. In fact, our trip is pretty much identical to theirs because Wendy has been my travel agent for this trip. She just books two of everything (thanks!!)

I've got tons of questions, but they can wait. I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi.

Amy--we stayed at the GC last year--loved it, but it's a bit pricey for us to do very often. (There may have been an off season special that Vanvmom referred to, but I don't remember specifics. I do remember that we paid for it with my bonus.)

 

[4fosterkids]

We had a pretty good time yesterday at DL. It was hot so the kids got a little grumpy. I don't think you'll need a jacket in July but I guess it could be a tad cool at night. We saw the "Block Party Bash" at Ca Adven. It was OK. If you have to choose between this and Fantasmic, DL parade or Dl fireworks definetly do one of those. If you happen to be there when the "parade" is stopping it's cute to watch and my 2yo loves Monsters Inc so she was thrilled to see Boo. It's not a typical parade. It stops at certain places along the parade route and does a show for about 10-15 minutes.

I didn't see the ?? about Space Mountain before I left but they don't give that info out until it happens. It could be opening tomorrow and they wouldn't tell you today it was going to happen. We might brave it again in the next few weeks and I'll let you know if I get any good info...

Glad you all are so informed about the places to stay aroung the Dl resort area. Living here, I have no clue about that stuff. We stayed one night at DL Hotel a few years ago and my kids still talk about it. We might be staying 1 night at the Grand Californian. I have it reserved but I have to talk myself into going to my class reunion there and I really feel no need to do that. Talk to you all later. Can't wait to here from all the first WC cruisers so we can see what we are in for!! Amy
---Legalbriefs, What a nice gesture..Hope we can work it out.

Hi Amy
We've stayed at the Grand Calif. a few times, and we just love it. It is much different then the DL hotel and Paradise Pier. We took the kids one time, when DH had his company picnic at DL, and our room had bunkbeds. It was really cool, the kids loved it.
As far as reunion goes.....don't miss it. My 20th was a blast, and all that high school stuff was in the past. Everyone just had fun getting together and finding out what everyone has done. My 25th is next summer and I'm looking forward to it already.
Sherry - glad you got a passporter too, I'm only 1/2 way thru and exhausted with all the info! Have you used one before for travel? Its my first.
I've been reading the repositioning cruise posts over the last week, and loving all their pictures and stories. Great pic of the Magic in Cabo today.
We are getting very excited...its getting closer and closer!
Jill

 

[tchrmom]

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to get serious about cruise packing! Looks like I have to find a way to sneak in some sweatshirts for DD and me, before XLT notices.


Welcome to Vanv and needalatte!
Welcome back to Legalbriefs!

Vanvmom, I'm not sure if anyone answered your Palo ? I just quickly skimmed the last few posting......but yes, men do need a jacket for Palo. Also, may I suggest that you order 2 chocolate souffle's when you are asked. (Just my opinion)

Everyone have a great Friday!
Anna, here's wishing you warmer weather
Fran

 

[Vanvmom]

Just another Palo question... can anyone tell that I don't get out much without my kids in tow Sorry about that tangent...so... back to the question: I've heard wonderful things about all the Palo meals. The web site will not allow me to make more than one Palo reservation. Anyone else have this experience? Does the system limit you to one pre-book, and for more you have to book once you are on the ship? Not trying to be greedy here, just looking to enjoy more experiences.

 

[Disneynut1955]

Hello everyone! My name is David and I am the friend of LegalBriefs joining him on the cruise. We will both be in the Roy Disney Suite and hope to meet everyone while we are on the cruise. I would welcome the chance to do something special for Independence Day and was curious to know the plans of others. Maybe we can have a party of some sort while on board. We should have some good information from Ron when he returns next week from going on the inaugural cruise from California. I will provide updates as I get them.

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

Hello everyone! My name is David and I am the friend of LegalBriefs joining him on the cruise. We will both be in the Roy Disney Suite and hope to meet everyone while we are on the cruise. I would welcome the chance to do something special for Independence Day and was curious to know the plans of others. Maybe we can have a party of some sort while on board. We should have some good information from Ron when he returns next week from going on the inaugural cruise from California. I will provide updates as I get them.

Welcome Disneynut1955...Pretty much just figure out a time and I'm sure most of us would love to join you guys for a Dis party. I would be excited to just get a look-see of that suite!! Talk to you soon. Amy

 

[jgiants21]

Wow! another busy day on our thread.. I know we all feel the excitement of this cruise to Mexico

First - Welcome back LegalBriefs - we are glad you found us again. We can't wait to hear from you how you trip goes next week. Have a magical time - PARTY - PARTY Yes we are in for the meet in the famous Roy Disney Suite - Let me know if we can bring something for the party. I would be glad to bring a couple of bottles of some good Napa Valley Wine - Disneynut1955 (Dave) - WELCOME & thanks for the invite.

Second - A big hi to needalatte and family.. Glad to have you with us - If you want to adopt my son (12 on the cruise) you can have him too. Just joking.. Also - Happy Anniversary - My DW and I will be celebrating our 20 this September (14th)...(However this is our celebration also) Spent our 15 at DW as well as our Honeymoon.

Fran, congrats on getting through another year of shcool I am sure you get a great feeling at this time each year. Now Dave will really be concern as to the growth of his luggage.

Vanvmon, You can only make one Palo reservation for Dinner, Brunch and Tea per Stateroom. However, needalatte can also make a reservation for her stateroom and invite you. This would enable you to have two reservations for each sitting. You can also put yourself on the waiting list when you arrive on board.

I quess I should go make all the updates to our list now...So much happening. Everyone who is taking a trip this weekend - have a great time. For us, the family will be going to Great America on Sunday.

Jim