Live! from the VGC

[blackjackdelta]

OH! Saw the fireworks tonight! Fabulous! Tink is incredible and I'm left wondering if it's a real person.
QUOTE]

Tink is a real person. Glad you are having a great time. We have 75 days left, love your postings.

Jack

Jack

 

[jwwi]

So cool that you were able to catch a sneak peek of WOC. Sounds like your room is in a great location.

I love live reports. Have fun.

 

[IlliniMouse]

We're back in our room. It's good to be back! Today was a NON-Disney day.

This morning we headed down to Legoland for the day. DS is a HUGE Lego fan, so he's really been looking forward to this. Took the I-5 which wasn't too awful bad. We left just a little before 9. We reached Legoland in about an hour.

Legoland started off on bad ground with me. There was only one ticket booth open out of I think 4 of them. Both sides were open...but were very slow! I'll bet there were 6 people in front of us and we stood there for almost 20 minutes! I used our AAA membership for a 10% discount, and that didn't take long at all. So what took so long to get that line moving befuddles me. Park was open from 10-5 today. It was after 10 before we got in the park. We hit every land and were leaving around 4. DS didn't want to ride on a bunch of stuff. He's going on 12, so alot of it is too kiddish for him. But, some of the things we thought he'd ride, he did not. Lines were not long except for the Skycruiser we waited about 40 minutes to ride that. Mini-land was my favorite area by far. Very cool. Lunch was at the pizza/pasta place by the Duplo land. DS had penne pasta with marinara, DH and I split a pizza, and the 3 of us split a family order of breadsticks(4). DH and I had fountain drinks, and DS bought a refillable souvenir cup and the total was around $40. Plenty of food for all of us. I had to try their Apple Fries which are warm apples cut to look like fries and coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture with some sort of vanilla flavored whipped cream to dip in. Yummy! Legoland is an amazing tribute to Legos and creativity, but I can now say "Been there, done that." I think it's more enjoyable for kids a bit younger than DS 11.5

From there we started making our way towards Huntington Beach. I wanted to eat at Ruby's Diner on the pier. So, we hopped on the Pacific Coast Highway and away we went. I was thinking I'd see more of the ocean, but from what I understand this area isn't the place to see that along the PCH. However, I was thrilled to go through the beach towns and look at the little shops along the way. There are some really cool looking ones. DH and DH were drooling over the car dealerships. We had to whip a u-turn when I spotted a Sees Candy Store. My Mom requested the lollipops, so we went and got her some. I had no vision in my mind on what Huntington Beach would look like. I had seen a pic of Ruby's, so I kinda knew what that would look like, but I had NO idea how big the beach would be. They were getting set up for a volleyball tournament (I'm guessing) starting this weekend, so that was cool to see that happening. Got to see surfers, people fishing off the pier, and best of all I got to walk barefoot on the beach and dip my feet in the ocean. I couldn't smell the ocean on the pier, but once we got down on the beach I could. That's an amazing smell and one I sometimes have dreams that are so vivid I can smell the ocean. My camera went dead while we were at Ruby's, so no good pics from the pier.

From there, we went to Anaheim Garden Walk which was a bit of a disappointment. I had looked at the directory online, but I thought it would have more shopping. The restaurant options are great, but they need more stores in there!

California weather has me CONFUSED! Today the forecast was for upper 60's in the Legoland area. I was thinking I'd be freezing because that's how I've been at night here. Instead, I got sunburned!!! I look like someone having hot flashes. One minute I'm flinging my coat off and searching for shade and a bit later the coat is back on and I'm seeking the sun. If anyone were stalking me, me odd behavior has freaked them out and they decided to stay away from the crazy person!

I have a few thoughts on DLR compared to WDW, but I'll put that in a different post since we spent today outside of the area.

 

[IlliniMouse]

I've been thinking about why people like Disneyland over WDW or vice versa. I've seen people mention it's all about what they are accustomed to, and I really think that's a huge part of it now that I have experienced both places.

When I came out here I knew not to think it would be the same as WDW. There would be some things the same, some things different. I also respect and am humbled by the fact that this is Walt's park. This is were it all began. Without DL, there would not be a WDW.

When "comparing" the parks, it's really hard. Whichever one is your "home" park, the other park will be having some tough shoes to fill. Let's face it-Disney is done really well whether it's in Cali or in Florida. I found myself thinking that "your" park is like a classic movie. And the "other" park is like a remake of it. Think Willy Wonka, or Alice In Wonderland. Both verisons are good, but there's alot of differences that vary alot depending on the individuals interpretation.

I know I get a little protective of WDW when people have went there and said they didn't have a good time. I want to ask them how much planning they put into it, etc., but I have to stop myself. When they talk about the cost of it, I have to stop from telling them what a value I think it is! I think those are the people who have been hexed and just don't get it!

I have to finish my week out here, but I'm going to do some ride comparisons. I've already decided I like POTC here better, but the one at WDW also rocks! And there's something about riding the teacups under those chinese lanters that just makes it more magical. I'll spend the rest of the week doing my "research". Serious business that requires proper rest. So, off to sleep I go! It's a Magic Morning tomorrow and we're going to the Carnation Cafe for breakfast and I'm meeting a friend that I've known on the internet for 8 years that I've never met. I'm so excited to meet her! She and her husband are meeting us for lunch. Tortilla Joe's I think is where we're going.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I'm really enjoying your live report!

You're right about California weather being weird. This year we had the coldest May on record. June can be a mixed-bag of being very hot or downright chilly. We have this phenomenon known as the "June gloom." The days start out overcast and cool and the sun finally breaks through for a warm afternoon. We took a trip to DL in mid-June several years ago. We live in the SF Bay Area which is usually cooler than Southern California. I was looking forward to a nice, warm summer trip. We ended up wearing jackets much of the time and looking for coffee instead of soda! Last year, we went the week before July 4th and it was much warmer. If you want to ensure warm weather, I think the key is to avoid June since it can be so unpredictable.

I also have to say I'm jealous that you had some Legoland apple fries! We've been there twice and had the apple fries both times. They're wonderful!

Thanks for keeping us updated on your trip. I hope you continue to have a great time!

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

How do you like disneylands space mountain?

 

[superme80]

Awesome report so far!

 

[IlliniMouse]

Thanks for following our trip! We're having a great time.

DL Space Mountain...DH rode it and said it's good. He said it's hard to give a good comparison between WDW & DL versions since when we were at WDW last fall SM was closed and being redone. So, it's been since 07 that he rode the one in WDW and that isn't the version they have there now. He said the one at DL has some tight curves and that it was fun. I'm iffy about riding things that whip people around too much-I have a bad neck so I usually make others ride stuff and give me their impression before I'll ride! (Although I went on Indiana Jones with everyone else and survived! LOL)

Ok...so...this morning was a Magic Morning. We have NEVER made it to park opening at WDW because of the time change. Yeah, it's only an hour for us, but I'm the only one who is awake and ready to go early. I still had a hard time getting my slugs up and going this morning, but we made it before 7! "Bob" opened the park with two families from Arizona this morning. Our first stop was Finding Nemo. That's a cute ride! It was then on to Autopia, which my son LOVES. THEN I did the UNTHINKABLE! I made DS and DH go to Fantasyland. Had to ride Peter Pan, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and DUMBO!!! Peter Pan is a cute ride, but I can't say I'd wait for a long time to ride it. We all liked Mr. Toad's Wild Ride alot better! Dumbo is something I have been waiting to ride. I have never been able to ride it at WDW because the line is always too long. So I was super excited to do it here! Did the teacups and then it was off to the Carnation Cafe for breakfast. I had the Cinnamon Roll french toast which was freaking incredible! I would have licked my plate, but people would have seen that. I didn't want to be labled the "plate licker" in any families memories of their DL trip!

Got alot done in a short amount of time, so we went to CA for opening. For anyone who is wondering it is 180ish steps from DL turnstiles to CA turnstiles. (A little Jeopardy trivia!) My plan was to hit Toy Story Mania right away. It was everyone else's idea, too. The line was super long by the time we got there. DH went on California Screamin and we found out Toy Story was down and they didn't know how long it would be. I talked DS into riding Triton's Carousel with me. I had a seahorse! DH them went on the Maliboomer and loved it. My thought? "OMG there's puke splatter guards on them!!!" We can see that ride from our room and it looks so much tamer from a distance. Standing underneath and watching is a whole different perspective! Then it was on to Soarin', one of my all time favs. It is exactly like the one in Epcot, but the staging area is totally different. In WDW it's more futuristic looking, where here it's more of a history to planes. Then we walked through the Redwood Creek challenge which is a nice surprise. It's alot bigger than I expected!

From there we were off to meet my friend for lunch at Tortilla Joe's. We do not have them where we live, so I always love a new place to eat! Great food, great friends!

Went in search of food after our friends left. Tried ESPN, but the Lakers were playing, so they said it could be a long time until we got a seat. We ended up going back to DL and ate at the Plaza Inn. I had seen those chicken dinners and had to have one. Very yummy! DH and DS had pasta. One with alfredo, one with marinara. From there it was off to Buzz and then the Haunted Mansion. The fireworks were going, so we went into the Gibson Girl for ice cream. DS had the mint sundae, I had the chocolate mocha almond in a waffle cone, and DH had vanilla in a cup. (He's our non adventurous person when it comes to eating. He'll go on any ride, but when it comes to food-nope!)

Ok...this ice cream talk reminds me I've only had ONE Mickey bar since I got here. I need to remedy that. How many can I eat in two days???

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Heres a tip go ride the boats in river of america ask a cast member if you can go ride with the captain.

The captain will let you drive the boat and blow the whistle and ring the bell its a way fun and a great view.

Also when fireworks are going to start go over to a small world they project images on a small world while the fireworks are going off. Ask a cast memeber over at small world if they do this for sure they did it for the halloween ones Im pretty sure they do it for all.

 

[PoohNFriends]

IlliniMouse - Thanks for your dedication to DIS and sharing your live trip report with fellow Disney Lovers!
We just booked a GCV studio stay on Tue at our 11 month mark so I have a ton of waiting to do. But I hope we're lucky enough to get a nice view like your family has! Although, I'd be happy with a view of a parking structure as long as I know the magic of Disney is out there waiting for me!

 

[tksbaskets]

Great trip report. I'm really enjoying it. We are DVC members too and have stayed at GCH on points but not at the villas. Sounds really nice. Thanks for sharing!

 

[IlliniMouse]

We're home! So many things to talk about!

Friday...we attempted to go to the Country Buffet on Katella for breakfast, but found out it's only open on weekends for breakfast, so we went to Denny's. From there we went to DL. We had to hang around the Main Street area because we were meeting people there. It was a surprise for DS who had no idea they were coming. He knew there was a surprise, but had no idea what it was, so he kept asking for hints. I wouldn't give him one. DS and I walked out of a store and there was DH holding someones baby. I think DH was thinking "What the heck is Dad doing with someone's kid" when he realized we KNEW that baby!! He was so excited.

While we were hanging out there catching up a bit, there were characters galore out. I got my pic taken with Cruella! I've never seen her at WDW. DH needs to go to photography lessons. He thinks taking one pic and you're done. Ummm...no. You're supposed to keep snapping so you have ones to choose from! Anyway, Mickey and Goofy were out, and then we saw Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Red Queen, Mad Hatter and Chip or Dale. While walking past the Plaza Inn I saw Captain Hook, Eeyore, and Rabbit. I can't get over how many characters are out and about at DL.

Our first ride that morning was IASW. I have never ridden that and never would have, but that's the first ride we took the baby on. She loved it. She was all bouncy and wide eyed looking at everything. I have no idea what I missed in that ride. I was too busy watching the baby. (She's 9 months) The day was all about DH's cousin and her family having a great day. They had never been to DL, and we wanted them to have a good day. Their baby is so good that it was no problem hanging out with her while they go to do some bigger rides. They rode Space Mountain twice, Indiana Jones, and Buzz. The baby went with us for Pirates and Haunted Mansion. She fell asleep on the HM! We had dinner at Redd Rocket's. Three of us had salads-all different varieties and they were all good. DH has pizza, DS had pasta. We watched the fireworks, and then walked to DTD to go the Haagen Daas. We then went to our room for a little bit and WOC was going. And this time it was the real deal. Full volume music, and upon closer examination, the viewing area was packed with people. We went up to the viewing area up above and were able to watch for quite awhile until we were told we weren't supposed to be up there. OOPS! We could see people at Paradise Pier watching from their rooms. So, we went back down to our room and finished watching it. Definately not as great of a view, but still amazing.

 

[IlliniMouse]

And then came Saturday...the day we checked out of the GC and moved over to BW Anaheim Inn. DS was sad. I was, too. The GC is a beautiful hotel and it's convenient to everything.

So. we loaded up the car and headed back down to the Country Buffet. It was open, and we were thoroughly stuffed by the time we left. The 3 of us ate for under $20. So, if anyone is looking for an inexpensive breakfast buffet, head down Katella and go here on Sat or Sun. Next stop was CA. I had to go on Soarin'. It is my all time favorite ride. 10 minute stand by time. I couldn't believe it. I took a pic of the sign. LOL Toy Story was next. 40 min wait. We had passed the area where we got our glasses, but had not made it into the building the ride loads in quite yet when the ride went down. Ugh!!! So, we high tailed it across the park to make the first Aladdin show. I had heard what a great show it is, so I was pretty excited about seeing it. DS didn't care one way or the other, and I think DH was thinking "OMG. I have to sit through a play" DH was pleasantly surprised and loved the Genie. AWESOME AWESOME show! Love it! DH rode ToT and then we headed back to TSM to see if it was running yet. On the way we did the tortilla and bakery tour. TSM was up and running-40 min wait again- so we got in line. Got up to where we were the next people to get loaded in the vehicle and they sent CM's off to test. And the next two cars they sent off empty. I was standing there thinking " I am so going to freak out if this ride goes down again when we're the next to board." But, the ride didn't go down and we got to go. Did Soarin' again, had our pics taken by the entrance and then DS wanted to pose in the letters outside of the entrance. (Suprised me! He's not into having his pic taken)

We were then off to DTD to do the last of our shopping before we checked into the BW. Now, DS has been talking NON STOP about getting a skateboard after seeing the place in DTD. So, this was the day he got to pick the one he wanted. He still had enough money to pay for one. Meanwhile, I was picking up picture frames at the World of Disney Store. On the way back I saw some purses at a kiosk that were cool. I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I bought 2 of them. Not the Dooney & Burke ones by far, but they're fun!

And then we were off to the BW. I'll put that in a different post since some folks were wanting a report on that. Walked down to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and then went to DL. We did Buzz, and I stood and watched the band that was playing while the boys rode Autopia. DS loves that ride! From there we went to watch Fantasmic.

I'll start off my saying Fantasmic was my least favorite of the 3 night time shows at WDW. And having to stand and wait and watch the show at DL was a turn off for me. I'm short and had a really hard time seeing anything. BUT, what I did see what phenomenal. I have to say this one is better than at WDW. I was dead tired waiting for this, and we needed to be up in 5 hours to head to the airport, so we exited while the fireworks were going, and stopped at Cold Stone Creamery on the way to our hotel. Standing there ordering my ice cream I realized I had still only had one Mickey bar the whole time we were there. Guess I better start planning my next trip, huh???

4 am we were checked out of the BW and heading to LAX. Always hard leave, but since joining DVC, I know we'll be back!!!

I have lots of pics, so I'll have to add them in as I have time! Thanks for joining us on our trip!

 

[nana50]

Thanks for the great report. It almost feels like I'm there. Hurry up with the pictures!

 

[ACDSNY]

Great trip report, thanks for sharing!

 

[lulubelle]

Wonderful, detailed report. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Sweet! Great report. Can't wait to see pictures!

 

[BunnieGene]

Thank you so much for the report...you really made me feel like I was there!

 

[HydroGuy]

Glad you got to enjoy Aladdin and Fantasmic. They are truly magical shows at DLR!

 

[Duchie]

Thanks so much for your TR! And thanks to VallCopen for the info on booking. I plan on calling at the 7-month window, but that happens to fall on July 4th - anyone know if MS will be open that day?