Live from DLR and GCH - NOW!

[sydangel68]

I can't believe that we only have 11 days to go before we leave Sydney, Australia for our Dream Disney Vacation. So I thought I'd start this pre-trip report as so much is going on in my head, it will be good to put it all down.

This is a "DREAM" vacation for me as finally after 40years and at least 6 trips to Disneyland, I am going to WDW. Of course we are still visiting DLR this vacation too, as we have to fly into LA anyway, so why not spend 6 days at my favourite place in the world - Disneyland

I will do the Disneyland part of the trip report here and then for those that want to follow me I will post a link to the WDW part of the trip report.

The cast:
Me - I turned 40 in May this year, it was a busy month for us, we moved house (on my birthday), celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and DS turned 4.

DH - 41 this is his 3rd trip to DLR, we visiting on our Honeymoon and he was hooked. Then we went again in 2006 as a family. He is like me a Disney addict.

DS - 4this is his second trip to Disneyland. We took him when he was 2 years old and he had a great time. This time will be so much better as meets the height requirements of most of the rides. His loves Buzz Lightyear and has recently discovered Star Wars.

Here is DS during our last trip to DLR in October 2006, he really got into the Buzz merchandise and enjoyed meeting Buzz. Interestingly it was the only character that he was happy to cuddle and get close too without either DH or I holding him. The ironic thing was that at that point he hadn't even seen Toy Story. Of course he has now.

I will post a few pics of our last couple of DLR trips here, for comparison later. It will be cool to see how much he has grown and how much DH and I have grown too... and I don't mean lengthwise :rotfl

Back later with Itinerary and Hotel details.

Cheers
Angela

 

[chickyann]

Not long now

Have a great trip.

 

[sydangel68]

Our itinerary goes something like this:

29 August Fly Sydney to LAX (15 hour flight.... ) then 6 days at DLR

We are staying at GCH as I was lucky to get a pin code a month ago. We were previously booked in a Queen Suite (2 rooms) at the Hojo, but really love the GCH and the pin code meant we could get it for the same rate. We have 6 day park hoppers.

4 September Fly SNA to MCO (Orlando) then 12 days at WDW

We are doing a split stay 7 nights at All Star Music in a Family Suite, then 5 nights at the Polynesian Resort. We have 10 day park hoppers with Free Dining, plus an extra day tickets which we had to get due to the split stay so we are covered for 11 days in the parks. Also we plan to spend a day visiting the Kennedy Space Centre.

I am really looking foward to the Free Dining. There will be lots of food porn in that trip report.

16 September we leave MCO and head back to LAX where we have 2 nights before flying home to Sydney. It's actually only 1.5 days as we leave at 11pm in the evening of 17 September.

So that's the Grand Plan, we started planning over a year ago as we wanted to use our Frequent Flyer miles for most of the flights. We were able to get the 2 adult tickets from Syd/LAX return using our miles and also 2 of the MCO/LAX flights using miles also. This made a huge difference with the costs. Oh and did I mention we have Free Dining at WDW .. that will save quite a bit too.

Only 11 more sleeps.

Cheers
Angela

 

[MadiMouse]

I want to hear more! We will be at DLR in exactly 2 weeks and 6 days. Oh, you are going to have a blast!! I cannot wait to read your TR. I guess I am bossy, I am trying to get you to do a TR. I live 6 hours (Driving) from WDW and we are WDW veterans. This will be our first trip to DLR. We are staying at HOJO's. I wish I could get a pin code to stay at one of the three hotels. But for right now, I cannot pass over $78/night.

Did you say 18 hour flight?????? And I am complaining about a 5 hour flight.

I want to hear more!!!!!!!!

 

[CaliLuvinGirl]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH EXCITING! I bet you guys can't wait!!!!!!!!

 

[sydangel68]

One of our goals this trip is to get there for the Rope Drop, I've never done that before. Would also like to take advantage of at least 1 Early Entry.

Last trip we tried to do Early Entry, DH and I got up early and woke DS, loaded up the stroller and off we went, headed straight to Dumbo, bent down to get DS out of the stroller and guess what? He had fallen asleep. We then spent the next 2 hours walking around the park taking pics of him sleeping in front of the various attractions

 

[sydangel68]

It's Friday afternoon and this time next week we will be on the plane bound for LAX. I can't believe it's crept up so quickly.

DS has worked out that we have exactly 7 more sleeps and is actively counting the nights. He even corrected me when I got it wrong last night.

I have the suitcases out but haven't even thought of packing and really have no idea what to take. It's the middle of winter here and the thought of packing swimming suits and shorts just seems wrong.

I think I need to get started as I am working each day until just before we go, so really this weekend is the only chance I will get to do the main part of the packing.

The other thing I need to sort out is all the documents. We have 3 weeks, 4 hotels, 3 lots of car hire and 6 flights to keep track of plus all the ADRs and Priority Seating we have booked. Unfortunately Disney will not send documents to Australia, they will be there for us at check-in so I feel a bit lost. I've made my own personal binders with all our documents and confirmations. I have 1 copy for my handbag and another to pack in our luggage. Does anyone else do this?

I think I will start putting together a packing list now. If only I can stay off these boards.

Here is a pic from our 2003 Honeymoon we stayed at the DLH and spent 2 days in the parks. This was taken at Paradise Pier Lilo & Stitch Breakfast. That little dog I am holding was our vacation mascot that we got at Build A Bear, he went with us everywhere until DS came along

Oh and here is a pic of our family at Disneyland during our Oct 2006 trip, just after the Halloween theming went up at DLR. Yes I look a lot older and bigger But don't M&M look awesome in their Halloween outfits.

Will be back late to share details of our plans for our 6 day stay at DLR and update on the packing situation.

Take care
Angela

 

[PirateFish989]

Have a great time! I can't wait to hear about it when you get back!

 

[sydangel68]

The lovely peple at Disney Vacation Planning, have arranged for our Fantasmic Dessert Buffet viewing, we are going on 31 Aug for the 9.30pm show. We've seen it before, but last time I had to leave as DS was too scared of the noise. This time DH has promised to leave with DS if needed, so that I can enjoy the show. It's been years since I've seen it.

We are also doing lunch at Blue Bayou and have PS for Breakfast at Storytellers. I hope it's as good as I remember it. We were really disappointed in Minnie and Friends and Goofy's Kitchen during our last visit, so are giving them a miss this time. We got very little character interaction and didn't feel the food was worth it.

Packing has commenced, and I am hating it. I keep taking things in and out or the bags. I just don't know what to take. I've really only ever packed for a week away, never 3 whole weeks. I figure we'll do washing at least once a week. There is just no way we can bring enough clothes for 3 weeks and avoid washing, we don't have that many clothes. I figure if we run out I can always use it as an excuse to buy new things

That's my random thougths for now.

Cheers
Angela

 

[sydangel68]

We leave in the morning

The cool part is that we actually leave Sydney on 29 August at 1pm and arrive LAX on 29 August at 10am. Got to love the time zone change, we actually gain time.

Hoping to hit the park by late afternoon as after a 15hr flight, then drive to Anaheim, I am sure we will be exhausted. Hopefully our room at GCH will be available for an early check-in. I've asked them and they said they would give us priority due to such a long flight.

My next post will be live from DLR

 

[emum]

Have a WONDERFUL trip, Angela !

We're planning a similar trip to celebrate our 40th birthdays in two years' time. I can't *wait* to do DL and WDW in the one holiday

I'll look forward to your updates.

 

[sydangel68]

Have a WONDERFUL trip, Angela !

We're planning a similar trip to celebrate our 40th birthdays in two years' time. I can't *wait* to do DL and WDW in the one holiday

I'll look forward to your updates.

Thanks. Good to know someone is reading.

We leave for the airport in just 4 hours

Take care
Angela

 

[sydangel68]

We are here! Coming in live from Grand Californian Hotel ​

Will be back to report on our first 24hrs and post a few pics soon.

 

[emum]

Woohoo ! I'll bet you're having a ball !

If you change the title of your thread to "coming to you live.....", I think there'll be more of us sharing in your excitement

Can't wait to hear your first detailed update

 

[sydangel68]

Today was our 3rd day in the parks, it's been so hectic that I haven't had a chance to write and upload pics, but really want to share 3 amazing things that happened to us today.

1. We were 1st into DCA and rode the first carriage on Toy Story Mania. DH missed out as we didn't expect to get in when we did, we are staying at GCH and he ducked back to the room. We used the GCH entrance to DCA and they let us all in first ahead of those lining up out front. DH joined the line when he could and we then joined him, so rode it twice in the first 45min.

2. We had Fantasmic VIP seats and got there at 7.30pm for 8pm check in and somehow managed to get front row and centre right in front of the island. There were 15 people ahead of me checking in but no parties of 3 and it was just those 3 seats, I couldn't believe it.

3. We walked on to Pirates after Fantasmic (no line at all) rode it and as we were coming off my DS4 asked to ride again, the CM heard him and said sure thing, she then gave us our own boat, just the 3 of us and that's it. She told "Captain Evan" to steer safely. I was just shocked as by this stage there were people waiting in line. I figure we sort of got "dreamed".

The other highlights so far:
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - so far we've ridden this at least 20 times if not more. DS is obsessed.
Star Tours - 11 times
Monsters Inc - 7 times ( this was painful as I really don't enjoy it all that much).
Peter Pan - 1 time
Soarin' - 1 times (single rider, took only 5 min to get on)
Autopia - 1 time
Toy Story Mania - 2 times

Tomorrow we are going to try and ride something other than Buzz, I think Buzz will be broken

Will try and upload pics tomorrow.

Cheers
Angela

 

[Daisybelle]

It sounds like you're having an awesome time!! And you are such a good mama to ride Buzz so many times. I hope your trip continues to be just as enjoyable as your first 3 days! Crowds must not be to terrible, I'm guessing, by how often you've been able to ride on some attractions?

Thanks for the report!

 

[travelmel]

Totally cool! You guys have got a HUGE amount of Disney coming your way! Is the Blue Bayou coming up?? I love that place!!

That's so great that your DS4 loves so many rides..what FUN!

Looking forward to more

 

[MommyLove]

WOW, how exciting!!!

That's so cute that DS made you guys ride Buzz so many times. Looks like he's still Buzz's biggest fan after two years!! But I think what wins you the Parents of the Year award is riding Star Tours 11 times. Holy cow, I would hurl!!

How did DS do on the 15 hour flight?

Thanks for posting live!! We're counting down the days until our trip and it's so fun to read about your time there WHILE you are there!!

 

[sydangel68]

WOW, how exciting!!!

That's so cute that DS made you guys ride Buzz so many times. Looks like he's still Buzz's biggest fan after two years!! But I think what wins you the Parents of the Year award is riding Star Tours 11 times. Holy cow, I would hurl!!

How did DS do on the 15 hour flight?

Thanks for posting live!! We're counting down the days until our trip and it's so fun to read about your time there WHILE you are there!!

Star Tours makes me want to hurl that's for sure. Aghhhhhh!!! Luck for me I was able fix my eyes to a spot on the droid and focus on that the whole time. It helped control things.

DS was great on the 15 hr flight, he slept twice for 4 hours and 3 hours each time, then watched the Qantas kids programs. In retrospect we really didn't need all the books, dvds and other things we took on board to entertain him.

Thanks for reading.

 

[sydangel68]

Totally cool! You guys have got a HUGE amount of Disney coming your way! Is the Blue Bayou coming up?? I love that place!!

That's so great that your DS4 loves so many rides..what FUN!

Looking forward to more

Thanks for reading. We had lunch at the Blue Bayou today...yummmmmmm, it was the first time eating there for me and both DH and I were very impressed with or meals.

We arrived at BB 11.15 for our 11.30 PS and were check in and then seated about 15 minutes later. As requested we had a lovely table by the water.

Our Server was fantastic, she kept the drinks filled, bread topped up and was able to get just strawberries for DS fruit as I explained we doesn't eat grapes. DH had the New York strip, I had the Monte Cristo and DS had the kids meal of chick and pasta (he only ate the fruit ). DS decided that DH steak was yum and so was my pirate punch. In retrospect I should have got him his own steak. Both the gumbo and salad were great.

The monte cristo is so big, I now understand why people share. I am a big eater, but there was no way I could have more than half and I was feeling pretty ill for several hours after, I don't think I am used to food that rich.

We didn't have desert as we didn't want to push it, DS was itching to ride some more things and we had already been there for 1 hour. Will post some pics soon.

Cheers
Angela