Look out California! My spontanious plans:

[NAB]

Wendy we went there last summer for on a road trip.

I think it is a good idea to get prefered seating for World of Colour. Love the show but it is a long time standing. Then people put there kids up on shoulders and them your really can't see. The fountians go high up but they project pictures on them that we couldn't always see.

I waited in a long line that morning to get a "fast pass" thing but we were stuck at almost the back and this was an hour early for the show. Then they coral you like animals.... We were in the yellow section. Were there an hour early we sat on the ground until they wanted to stick more people in the section the they make you stand up.

Maybe they improved since them but be prepared to stand a long time.

 

[UtahMama]

We live in Northern California and my kids go to a regular (not year round) school and they will be back in school for your dates.

In the morning when you are doing things nice and easy for the youngest stockpile fastpasses for when he goes down for a nap.

Oh good. With that and it being an AP blackout date, the crowds should be okay. Mine dont go back until the end of August. I should send my high energy tween boys to acquire all our fastpasses.

As for the nap, I've often said it's kind of a LONG haul to go back to the hotel under the best of circumstances. I'll attempt having him stroller nap...but will be flexible. He's at the age where if he needs a nap, it's late afternoon, then it's REALLY hard to get him to sleep at night at a reasonable hour. I think we'll play it by (mouse)ear.

Hey chickie poo! Ye Haw for you and your trip, and I new he'd come around!

The basket maker lady I think retired on the dis a few years ago.

But I'm sure that you can make up some amazing yet frugal gift bags yourself.

Can't wait and so excited to be a part of this trippie!

Yes! I found light up spinning parade wands (for lack of a better description) that would NOT be a sad cheap substitute at all! Yay. Then a shirt, coloring book, plush toy, lanyard and pins..or just trader pins (for my kids), and treats etc should be cheap to make!!! Disney shopping with coupon codes or sales / ebay / Dollar Stores etc. I have ooodles of time to make a basket full o-magic for each kid (and Travis )

Wendy we went there last summer for on a road trip.

I think it is a good idea to get prefered seating for World of Colour. Love the show but it is a long time standing. Then people put there kids up on shoulders and them your really can't see. The fountians go high up but they project pictures on them that we couldn't always see.

I waited in a long line that morning to get a "fast pass" thing but we were stuck at almost the back and this was an hour early for the show. Then they coral you like animals.... We were in the yellow section. Were there an hour early we sat on the ground until they wanted to stick more people in the section the they make you stand up.

Maybe they improved since them but be prepared to stand a long time.

Ya, I hate trying to see over shoulder riders...so this will be cool. The picnic dinners are fairly reasonable ($15.99 ish, I think, for adults). With the Costco.com package, we get a "free" character meal which the first night we'll partake in.<< in real life, I'd NEVER spend that kind of money on food.


OKAY y'all. My connection to CostcoTravel is unbearably slow. But I got some suites pricing. This is for near-identical perks...only the quality of the breakfast and the distance from the park and the shuttle service are my questions.

4th night "free". "Free" character meal. Lanyard and pins/luggage tags. ToonTown Morning Madness (plus other inconsequential perks that have poofed out of my brain for the moment) OH!!!! and 3 day park hoppers (**blush**):

Embassy Suites Anaheim South Good Breakfast, shuttle every 15 mins $1,856.06

Homewood $1,954.06

Carousel Inn (across the street, which I know is still a trek): $______ (lost my link, DOH!) Wait, this is not on the list. I think.

Portofino ("deluxe continental breakfast buffet") kids suites, which probably wont be enough for 4 kids?? $1,876.06

 

[DisGirlAllie]

Woah! I have clearly not kept up with UtahMama! The last time I heard anything about you I was reading your most recent trip report at least two years ago! It's lovely to see you again Miss UtahMama! Have a wonderful trip and congratulations on your new beau and boy!

 

[UtahMama]

Woah! I have clearly not kept up with UtahMama! The last time I heard anything about you I was reading your most recent trip report at least two years ago! It's lovely to see you again Miss UtahMama! Have a wonderful trip and congratulations on your new beau and boy!

Thanks Allie. My ex was abusive and very (VERY) controlling. It was hard to sugar coat my trip reports with him watching every move I made. He ended up going to the state prison and is serving 10 years to life. (LONG story there). My DBF is awesome and is going to be a funny contributor at TR time, I'm sure. This being a road trip, it promises to be fraught with drama and mayhem with our combined 4 kids. Norah alone will give me enough to write about! (she's 6 1/2 now)

This trip is very fun to plan, even being 4 days long. I'm TRYING to remember my DisneyTrip skillz but am realizing this is a constantly updating quest.

I think I'll attempt to delete my ex D(NOT darling or dear)H pics from the old trip reports. This should be interesting.

 

[UtahMama]

Yayyyy, Travis is gonna post! He's BuzzKillingtonIII

 

[celerystalker]

Photoshop is our friend. Crop him right out of there!

If embassy suites is cheaper, go for it. I know how much you love pretending to be a redneck in fancy places.

 

[BuzzKillingtonIII]

I think I am about to feel like Oprah's "Steadman". Hello all I am Travis (Wendy's BF) wait... She just told me it's DBF. I will start by saying I grew up about 10 minutes from Disney Ca. As a child, my friends and I used to recycle cans so we could take the bus up Harbor Blvd. to Disneyland. Until I met my dear Wendy I thought Disney was just a little half day thrill ride adventure that took my meager allowance and can money; she has reinformed me . Apparently there is this thing there called "magic". Is this Doug Henning magic or the David Blaine kind? Wrong on both I am guessing.

I look forward to bringing my 4 year old son for his second taste of magic; his first is Santa I look forward to being Mr. UM and learning all the tricks and acronyms of this hobby. Hobby? reALLY? I had no idea I am excited to see the magic in Wendy's eyes and can't wait to have fun with all the kids. I am lucky to attend Disney with a professional tour guide and my new family

 

[UtahMama]

I think I am about to feel like Oprah's "Steadman". Hello all I am Travis (Wendy's BF) wait... She just told me it's DBF. I will start by saying I grew up about 10 minutes from Disney Ca. As a child, my friends and I used to recycle cans so we could take the bus up Harbor Blvd. to Disneyland. Until I met my dear Wendy I thought Disney was just a little half day thrill ride adventure that took my meager allowance and can money; she has reinformed me . Apparently there is this thing there called "magic". Is this Doug Henning magic or the David Blaine kind? Wrong on both I am guessing.

I look forward to bringing my 4 year old son for his second taste of magic; his first is Santa I look forward to being Mr. UM and learning all the tricks and acronyms of this hobby. Hobby? reALLY? I had no idea I am excited to see the magic in Wendy's eyes and can't wait to have fun with all the kids. I am lucky to attend Disney with a professional tour guide and my new family

Awwww!!!! My shooger booger sweetie buggie cutie pants!
This is not merely a hobby to those who read this. It's more of an obsession kind of thing. You'll be inundated by my kind of MAGIC very soon. Love you sweetheart! LOVE the pic you chose!!! Makes me want to tan again...and kiss your cheek

 

[UtahMama]

Photoshop is our friend. Crop him right out of there!

If embassy suites is cheaper, go for it. I know how much you love pretending to be a redneck in fancy places.

UGH...they are uneditable. I'm stuck with him contaminating UtahMama. Sigh. Oh well.
Time for NEW memories.
The fact that I stayed at the ISLANDER INN AND SUITES a few times proves my redneckness. It was a tad icky.
There are so many choices to be made. Keeping it simple is not an option, if I know "me".

 

[celerystalker]

Have you told buzzkillington about matchy matchy outfits?
the disboutiquers thread?
That maybe he needs a twirl skirt coordinated for each ride and meal?
Disney (like we do it) is definitely a full time hobby.

I made a celery shirt for the first time I met UtahMama! (plus several other ladies around here)

 

[BuzzKillingtonIII]

Yayeeee! Tee hee!!! In a manly tone of course.

 

[bumbershoot]

Woohoo! another Utahmama trip report Signing on!

Agreed!

Carousel Inn (across the street, which I know is still a trek)

Not a trek at all! Depending on crowds and lights at the crosswalk, MAYBE 5 minutes from the esplanade?

Thanks Allie. My ex was abusive and very (VERY) controlling. It was hard to sugar coat my trip reports with him watching every move I made. He ended up going to the state prison and is serving 10 years to life. (LONG story there).

OH gracious, I'm so sorry!

Glad you have a faboo guy in your life now!!!!

 

[daisy_77]

Hey Ms. UtahMama! I am happy you're happy and have a good guy who's fresh for Disney brainwashing mwhuahahahah

.

I can't wait to read more about your trip plans!

 

[UtahMama]

Have you told buzzkillington about matchy matchy outfits?
the disboutiquers thread?
That maybe he needs a twirl skirt coordinated for each ride and meal?
Disney (like we do it) is definitely a full time hobby.

I made a celery shirt for the first time I met UtahMama! (plus several other ladies around here)

In fact, HE suggested matchy shirts! I think he was joking but I chimed in "HEY THAT'S A GREAT IDEA, SPORT!!!!!" so now he's off-put.
I remember your celery shirt!!!!

Yayeeee! Tee hee!!! In a manly tone of course.

You just manly-Tee-Hee'd...you are one of us now!!!

Not a trek at all! Depending on crowds and lights at the crosswalk, MAYBE 5 minutes from the esplanade?

OH gracious, I'm so sorry!

Glad you have a faboo guy in your life now!!!!

I just learned that CI is not part of the Costco family of Good-Neighbor hotels. I'm still at the same three near identical perk-wise hotels. Do I want to drive or take hotel shuttles (which promise every 15 mins). I dunno.

Embassy Suites Anaheim South is a little cheaper at $1,808, but it's 1/2-1 mi away...which is no biggie. They seem to have the best "free" breakfast. That detail is not important either. Hmmmm.

Homewood, is the most spendy of my 3 prospects at $1,954, but it is very close and is more kid friendly (per Celery's expert advise, which I trust).

Portofino is $1,876, closer to the park and has kids' suites...but are those suites suitable for 4 kids? This isnt as "nice" but I'm one who stayed at the Islander Inn and Suites and didnt bat an eye (after I Clorox wiped every hard surface)

Hey Ms. UtahMama! I am happy you're happy and have a good guy who's fresh for Disney brainwashing mwhuahahahah

.

I can't wait to read more about your trip plans!

Thank you! He's a keeper as I Disnify him!!!

 

[DisGirlAllie]

Thanks Allie. My ex was abusive and very (VERY) controlling. It was hard to sugar coat my trip reports with him watching every move I made. He ended up going to the state prison and is serving 10 years to life. (LONG story there). My DBF is awesome and is going to be a funny contributor at TR time, I'm sure. This being a road trip, it promises to be fraught with drama and mayhem with our combined 4 kids. Norah alone will give me enough to write about! (she's 6 1/2 now)

This trip is very fun to plan, even being 4 days long. I'm TRYING to remember my DisneyTrip skillz but am realizing this is a constantly updating quest.

I think I'll attempt to delete my ex D(NOT darling or dear)H pics from the old trip reports. This should be interesting.

I'm glad you got out while you could! Well, congratulations to you and your new DBF!

 

[bumbershoot]

I know nothing about those resorts, sorry!

But I would highly recommend that you make sure that going the package route is the best for you. We started with a Costco Travel package, and it was only $20 different than through Disney, and that $20 was *only* in the giftcard it included. For whatever reason, their pricing for that particular vacation that we took might have included a character breakfast, but the other parts of the vacation were higher so we did pretty much pay for that breakfast.

And as the vacation got closer, I realized that b/c of the AP rates that were out at that time, buying one AP and staying at the AP rate would have been cheaper overall than doing the package.

So be sure that the package is the financial way to go! Because every vacation is different...

 

[UtahMama]

OKAY....Costco.com was the cheapest. I a la carte'd it, I AAA'd it, and I Dreams Unlimited it...and here's the summary:

2 adults, 4 children. Embassy Suites Anaheim South won after literally 4 days of going back and forth. I think the reviews and the made-to-order omelette/breakfast buffet were a little bit better-ish. All suites were comparable.
*4th night is "free" (Homewood did not offer the 4th night thing)
*"free" $20 gift card for each
*"free" character meal (first night, Goofy's Kitchen, I think)
*"free" pins/lanyard
* Mickey Toontown Morning Madness

My mental add-ons...
*World of Color preferred seating picnic
*Rainforest Cafe
*Photo pass
*Gift baskets at check in for each kid (I will do these)

We still have to fund:
*souvenirs
*gas
*treats and snacks/water (I'll bring as much as I can)
*meals and park snacks (dole whips, mickey bars, etc). I'll bring lots.
*parking passes

I'm glad you got out while you could! Well, congratulations to you and your new DBF!

Thanks!!!!

I know nothing about those resorts, sorry!

But I would highly recommend that you make sure that going the package route is the best for you. We started with a Costco Travel package, and it was only $20 different than through Disney, and that $20 was *only* in the giftcard it included. For whatever reason, their pricing for that particular vacation that we took might have included a character breakfast, but the other parts of the vacation were higher so we did pretty much pay for that breakfast.

And as the vacation got closer, I realized that b/c of the AP rates that were out at that time, buying one AP and staying at the AP rate would have been cheaper overall than doing the package.

So be sure that the package is the financial way to go! Because every vacation is different...

I think I did pretty good. I spent too much time on it mulling over every possible and imagined scenario.

My stupid thing I'm pondering is the parking. I have AAA, but to get the free parking, I would have had to book through AAA. $15 dollars a day x3 days OR resort shuttle $48 total. Lame, I know. Just a dorky detail.

Smart on the AP savings!

 

[poohnpigletCA]

So I know you have checked and re-checked. However, we are looking at the same hotels and I was also looking into Costco. I am finding getawaytoday.com to be cheaper. The ART passes are cheaper and tax is included in the prices you see on the first page, Costco does not add tax until the end.

 

[UtahMama]

So I know you have checked and re-checked. However, we are looking at the same hotels and I was also looking into Costco. I am finding getawaytoday.com to be cheaper. The ART passes are cheaper and tax is included in the prices you see on the first page, Costco does not add tax until the end.

I panicked at this and found this quote: $1668.00 (same hotel, same 4th night free, 3 day park hoppers etc)
Includes $1194.00 worth of tickets

BUT, no character meal. The Disney back packs are tempting though. The price is similar when you add on a character meal. A little better if you consider tax is included. Hmmm. My package is refundable outside of 30 days. I'll investigate more. THANKS for the recommendation!

 

[monymony3471]

Soooooooooooo how's the planning?