Lots of Completed Trip Reports....Nov 2009 - April 2014

[tksbaskets]

Day 2. The hours today were once again 9am - midnight. The first shuttle of the day would be leaving at 8:30. Let's just say we weren't on it. We weren't on the 9:00 shuttle...or the 9:30 shuttle...or the 10:00 shuttle...or the 10:30 or 11:00 shuttle. We were on the 11:30am shuttle. So yeah, we didn't make rope drop. I decided to just let Buddy sleep until he woke up, which was pretty late obviously. D wanted to sleep in even longer, so we made plans to meet up with her in DCA later.

So Buddy and I hopped on the 11:30 shuttle -- 3 hours after the first shuttle. I was SHOCKED to find it was standing room only by the time we got on at 11:25. I had never seen the shuttle more than 1/3 full during any of my 7 shuttle rides (between my January and April trips). So this was weird. I was standing and holding the overhead bar while Buddy stood with his arms wrapped around my waist. Not very fun when the driver would brake. Being the seat belt-wearing stickler that I am, I was just waiting for Buddy to pipe up and say something like, "Now why is it OK for us to stand up on a bus and ride to Disneyland on a busy street, but it's not OK for me to not wear a seat belt when we just drive around the corner of a non-busy street to my friend's house???" Well, he didn't say anything. But I'm sure my older 2 boys would have made some comment.

After we were dropped off we headed straight to the stroller rental. Today would be a stroller day. Our next stop was to go into DL and get Space Mountain FPs, and then grab some fruit at the cart on Main Street. (Remember...we missed breakfast at CCI.)

We made our way into Disneyland and I just felt a little...off? Slightly bummed? Out of sorts? It just doesn't feel right to me to go in so late in the day. Missing those early morning counting down and anticipation-building moments on Main Street was a big deal to me. It shouldn't be a big deal. I'm at Disneyland for crying out loud. But it just feels wrong to start the day so late like that.

Fortunately I got over it quickly. We secured our Space FPs and went to the fruit cart as planned. We skipped the locker this morning since we had the stroller to hold jackets/water bottles. I could tell that Buddy was still tired. He was just really quiet. He wasn't willing to choose any fruit, so I chose for him. We ended up with grapes and apple slices with caramel. We headed over to Town Square, grabbed a bench, and settled in to enjoy the Disneyland Band while we shared the fruit.

Love the Disneyland D on the popcorn cart!

Big smile whilst I read what a sluggo you were getting to DL at the crack of 11:30! I feel your pain after our recent adventure at WDW with our 19 yo sons.

I bet watching the band helped you get out of your little funk.

I'm sure you were glad to have the stroller after your action packed day the day before. My legs were tired for you!

I love the popcorn cart photo. I like the reflection of Mainstreet (I think). Of course your flower shots are always wonderful.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I didn't as much as you would think when you mentioned the time you finally got moving and on the shuttle. Sometimes you just have to go at a slower pace. I found myself getting out later than I had wanted to on my 2 solo days in DLR last year - simply because I didn't want to push myself given all the pain I was in. One part of me felt like, "I'm moving too slowly! This is not what I planned! I have to speed it up and get out of this hotel room!" And the other part of me - who was only planning on taking photos and not really going on rides - thought, "Eh...why am I rushing?"

I am still convinced that the Monsters, Inc. ride suffers solely from its location. I don't think the ride is any less interesting than the other dark rides. It's just as good. I think the inside part of the queue is full of cute jokes and details. I think there is only one time I have gone on this ride when there was any kind of a 'line' to speak of. Every other time it was a walk on, and we breezed right through the queue.

I think that if Monsters, Inc. were located smack dab in the middle of Fantasyland or somewhere in DCA or DL that wasn't tucked around a corner and out of the way, it would be packed. I also think that if the Winnie the Pooh ride were right next door to Mr. Toad or Peter Pan, it would also be packed too. But the Critter Country location seems to work against it in luring people to ride and the line is usually non-existent. The Pooh ride is another one that is just as cute as any other dark ride.

I love those posters/signs on the construction walls - especially the Trolley/Mountains of Candy/Rivers of Fudge poster! If there is any place that does construction walls well, it is the Disney Parks. They give you something interesting to look at even when construction is happening.

That totally makes sense about the "poor" location of Monsters, Inc. I love that ride. I think it is extremely well done. I wonder how many newcomers miss out on it because they didn't know it was there.

Yes, I agree about the walls. I like looking at the walls. They had some fun ones referencing the new restaurants in DCA but I don't think I took any pics.

Good thing MI was walk on. Other wise you may not have gotten such great shots.

The picture of the poppies in DL, are really making me hope the ones I planted will bloom.

I like the poppies too. I really love the kind of "wildflower" look they have. They had some really pretty poppies around the flagpole last spring, but this year they had something else. It was a kind of yellow flower that was sort of a dull yellow. They didn't look nearly as nice as the poppies.

Wow! I guess that long first day REALLY wore him out! I have yet to miss park opening and may freak out if I sleep in. But I know we may need to at some point!

I'm looking forward to some fruit from DL for my breakfasts since I won't have a continental option at either of my hotels. (I looked into concierge at PPH but wasn't in the budget!)

You have so many days...I think you'll be OK if you sleep in a time or two. I love Disneyland fruit! Especially the pineapple spears. We got a bad batch of grapes this time. Usually they are firm and juicy. These ones were a little squishy. By the time we got to the bottom of the cup we saw a bit of mold. Yuck!

I am kind of surprise that you didn't get in the park later during the day after you were at the park late the other night. Looks like the long night for Buddy made him sleep longer on day 2. I always like to go to the park when it opens at that time so I can get some of the rides done in the morning and don't have to worry about it later during a crowded afternoon. Thats why I don't stay late at night anymore since I can get to DL first thing in the morning.

The bus during the afternoon shouldn't be that crowded. I'm sorry to hear that you had to stand up on the bus while Buddy was hanging on you. I thought that someone on the bus will let your son sit in one of the seats.

Everytime I go on MI, there is almost no one there and just a walk on. I like this ride and just like Sherry said that if MI was in a nice location, the lines would be decent. Even Winnie the Pooh ride at CC doesn't get a lot of people. At the MK at WDW, the lines for Winnie the Pooh is 5 times longer then DL Winnie the Pooh ride because it is in FL. If those rides were in FL, they would get a good amount of guests in the lines.

Great pics of MS TS when you and Buddy got some fruit in the afternoon.

Keep it up.

My problem is that I like to be there at opening AND closing, plus I don't like to leave during the day to take a break. I feel like I am missing out on everything going on at Disneyland if I leave. I am learning that breaks can be good, though, because then you are refreshed and can enjoy things more than when you are tired.

Interesting to hear that the Winnie the Pooh line is so much longer at WDW. Is the ride basically the same? Do they have Monster's, Inc. at WDW?

Big smile whilst I read what a sluggo you were getting to DL at the crack of 11:30! I feel your pain after our recent adventure at WDW with our 19 yo sons.

I bet watching the band helped you get out of your little funk.

I'm sure you were glad to have the stroller after your action packed day the day before. My legs were tired for you!

I love the popcorn cart photo. I like the reflection of Mainstreet (I think). Of course your flower shots are always wonderful.

You are exactly right...sitting in Town Square and listening to the Disneyland Band play happy tunes was exactly what I needed to snap out of my little funk!

The stroller was a life saver after that first day. The only time I carried Buddy that first day was when we left the park at midnight. I have no idea how his little legs kept up with us on Day 1. But it really did wipe him out. There's no way he could have pulled an open to close day on foot for a second day. I guess that wasn't even possible, though, with getting there at the crack of 11:30!

Thanks, I like that popcorn cart photo, too. The reflection is a fun little bonus that I noticed later.

------------

OK, so I talked to a friend today for about 2 minutes. I knew she was in DL 2 weeks ago for one day and I asked her how it was. I don't think she's been since she was a teenager. Her reply was, "Disneyland is so teeny! We had gone on all the rides we wanted to by 11:30 multiple times. We took about 3 hours to eat our lunch and then we went on rides again." I wonder if my jaw dropped as I listened to her. Who goes to Disneyland and feels ready to leave by 11:30 in the morning? Didn't the park open at 10:00am the first week of May? And she hasn't gone to WDW that I know of. Weird. When I was telling my husband about it I said, "Remind me to never go to Disneyland with her, because that just wouldn't be fun."

 

[mvf-m11c]

My problem is that I like to be there at opening AND closing, plus I don't like to leave during the day to take a break. I feel like I am missing out on everything going on at Disneyland if I leave. I am learning that breaks can be good, though, because then you are refreshed and can enjoy things more than when you are tired.

Interesting to hear that the Winnie the Pooh line is so much longer at WDW. Is the ride basically the same? Do they have Monster's, Inc. at WDW?

I understand what you are saying Deej, a lot of people like to be at the park at opening and closing. It is always a good thing to do and take a break during the day, but you are losing part of the day if you do that. A good spot to take a break is at the GCH hotel lobby which is really nice. I just can't stay in the park a whole day like I have done in the past since I like a rest for the nighttime events. I have found that taking a break in the middle of the afternoon is good for the night activities and all ready to go the next day.

Jeez, the line at Winnie the Pooh at WDW is long and the ride has a FP machine. The DL and WDW Winnie the Pooh ride are completely different. Some people say that WDW is way better then DL. I have rode both of them and I like DL version way better then WDW version.

WDW doesn't have a Monster's Inc ride at WDW, but they do have Monster's Inc Laugh Floor which is a nice interaction show.

 

[skiingfast]

Jeez, the line at Winnie the Pooh at WDW is long and the ride has a FP machine. The DL and WDW Winnie the Pooh ride are completely different. Some people say that WDW is way better then DL. I have rode both of them and I like DL version way better then WDW version.

I like DL's better, though mostly because of it's queue and the landscaping over the building. Though I haven't seen WDW's new queue.

It has interactive stuff for kids which looks great. Probably something that Buddy would enjoy.

 

[Sherry E]

1. Disneyland fruit - I agree! I have always said/thought that the fruit at DLR seems to be exceptional! I thought it was a strange thing for DLR to be 'good' at because, in a way, I would almost sort of expect a theme park to put out withered, wilted, dry, 'seen better days' fruit. But almost every strawberry, every piece of cantaloupe and certainly every big pineapple spear that I've tasted at DLR has been delightful! (And I am including the fruit that I have had at places like Goofy's Kitchen too.) The one or two times when I had fruit that was not as great, I think it was also grapes.

I'm sure fruit is one of those risky things where, depending on weather and the season, it can be absolutely fresh and delicious at DLR one hour and then horrible and mushy several hours later - or just flavorless. So I guess I kind of don't expect DLR to hit a home run with the fruit most of the time, but I am always happily surprised when they do. Those pineapple spears are delicious and refreshing!


2. Midday breaks - in the old days of DLR trips, my friends and I never would have conceived of such a thing. In a way, I DO feel like I am missing out on something by retreating back to the hotel for a couple of hours. I feel like, "I'm spending all this money so I should be there, in the thick of things!" Sometimes I feel like, even if I have to just do nothing but sit on a bench for a couple of hours inside one of the parks, that's what I should do because at least I will be IN the parks...making use of what I paid for! That's a big part of the reason I love staying onsite when I can afford it - because it keeps me in the Disney magic, even during the times I am not in the park.

But, alas, over the years and with age, I have realized that midday breaks are really, really helpful if you can swing them - not just breaks from physical exertion of walking and standing around in the sun for extended hours, but breaks from the sensory overload of it all. I think that even when we don't realize we need a break from that sensory overload (because it's fun!), we probably do. Even though I did a full day - from very early morning to almost-closing time in December 2009 - it was really tiring for everyone involved. It's hard to find people among my friends who are willing to hang in the parks all day, without a break, and into the night. What will happen is, if we don't take a midday break, they will want to go home earlier or I might want to go back to my room earlier. Taking that break actually helps to stretch out the time we spend in the parks later, I think, because we can recharge, reset and refresh.

3. Whatever happened with the friend who was supposed to be staying at the PPH? I remember you asked me not long ago what the 'short cut' directions were from the PPH to the GCH and to the parks because your friend was going. Did she go?

4. You said that one of your friends recently went to DL and thought it was small. She has not been to WDW, so she can't compare the size of DLR to WDW first-hand, right?

How in the world could she say she had gone on everything she wanted to ride multiple times by 11:30?? Even if there were NO other people in the parks anywhere - and there are TWO parks to cover - I don't think I could ride all the rides I would be interested in by 11:30, and multiple times, at that! Is that even physically possible? And I do not go on all the rides, mind you - but I still don't think I could ride all that I wanted to ride multiple times by 11:30, even in one park. Did she only go into Disneyland and not into California Adventure? Did she only ride two things?

This makes me wonder what your friend actually did at DLR. What DID she actually ride? Surely, if you have never been to WDW you would not think that Disneyland is small - especially if you have not been to Disneyland in years. You would not think it was small when there have been things added in and changed. In fact, it might be overwhelming at first.

I am thinking your friend may have skipped over lots and lots of rides and interesting highlights for various reasons. But the thing is, if you only ride the things you think you will be interested in and don't try other things, you may be missing out on something really great! I'm not saying that a roller coaster/thrill ride hater should get on California Screamin', but I mean things like the 'kid rides.' If those are disqualified instantly because they are kid rides in Fantasyland, you could be missing out on some gems (like in the case of Peter Pan and the Pooh ride, for example).

 

[kaoden39]

I love the fruit at Disneyland. And my logical brain tells me that I can get fruit from the grocery store and put it in the fridge at Disneyland and save myself tons of money but it never tastes the same to me as the fruit I buy in the park. Maybe it is being in the park adds to the taste? I don't know, but what I do know is I have never had a bad piece of fruit at the DLR.


I never took a midday break until I had kids. We started when the kids were little. It made it easier to stay until closing. Now that they are older we tried to do the stay all day in the park like I used to and you know it just doesn't work for me anymore on the long summer days. During the shorter hours I can stay from open to close.


Now, the big one. How can someone be bored at Disneyland by 11:30? Seriously? It would take me days upon days to get bored. There is always something I want to look at. I just don't get it.

 

[smile4stamps]

You had a friend who was done with DL by 11:30am? WHAT?!?!

Ok... I guess it could be like my hubby and MIL who just have no interest in going. When I said I was going for 10 days my MIL gives me grief!!

 

[deejdigsdis]

I understand what you are saying Deej, a lot of people like to be at the park at opening and closing. It is always a good thing to do and take a break during the day, but you are losing part of the day if you do that. A good spot to take a break is at the GCH hotel lobby which is really nice. I just can't stay in the park a whole day like I have done in the past since I like a rest for the nighttime events. I have found that taking a break in the middle of the afternoon is good for the night activities and all ready to go the next day.

Jeez, the line at Winnie the Pooh at WDW is long and the ride has a FP machine. The DL and WDW Winnie the Pooh ride are completely different. Some people say that WDW is way better then DL. I have rode both of them and I like DL version way better then WDW version.

WDW doesn't have a Monster's Inc ride at WDW, but they do have Monster's Inc Laugh Floor which is a nice interaction show.

I keep meaning to take a rest in the GCH lobby...but then I always forget for some reason. I've heard such wonderful things about it, but I've yet to step foot inside.

Wow! Winnie the Pooh is a FP ride at WDW? That's interesting. My favorite part of the Winnie the Pooh ride at DL is seeing Max, Buff and Melvin from the Old Country Bear Jamboree. So nothing to do with Winnie the Pooh. I do think it is a cute ride, though. Very bright and fun.

I like DL's better, though mostly because of it's queue and the landscaping over the building. Though I haven't seen WDW's new queue.

It has interactive stuff for kids which looks great. Probably something that Buddy would enjoy.

That sounds fun. It sounds like the long line there really needs something like that.

1. Disneyland fruit - I agree! I have always said/thought that the fruit at DLR seems to be exceptional! I thought it was a strange thing for DLR to be 'good' at because, in a way, I would almost sort of expect a theme park to put out withered, wilted, dry, 'seen better days' fruit. But almost every strawberry, every piece of cantaloupe and certainly every big pineapple spear that I've tasted at DLR has been delightful! (And I am including the fruit that I have had at places like Goofy's Kitchen too.) The one or two times when I had fruit that was not as great, I think it was also grapes.

I'm sure fruit is one of those risky things where, depending on weather and the season, it can be absolutely fresh and delicious at DLR one hour and then horrible and mushy several hours later - or just flavorless. So I guess I kind of don't expect DLR to hit a home run with the fruit most of the time, but I am always happily surprised when they do. Those pineapple spears are delicious and refreshing!


2. Midday breaks - in the old days of DLR trips, my friends and I never would have conceived of such a thing. In a way, I DO feel like I am missing out on something by retreating back to the hotel for a couple of hours. I feel like, "I'm spending all this money so I should be there, in the thick of things!" Sometimes I feel like, even if I have to just do nothing but sit on a bench for a couple of hours inside one of the parks, that's what I should do because at least I will be IN the parks...making use of what I paid for! That's a big part of the reason I love staying onsite when I can afford it - because it keeps me in the Disney magic, even during the times I am not in the park.

But, alas, over the years and with age, I have realized that midday breaks are really, really helpful if you can swing them - not just breaks from physical exertion of walking and standing around in the sun for extended hours, but breaks from the sensory overload of it all. I think that even when we don't realize we need a break from that sensory overload (because it's fun!), we probably do. Even though I did a full day - from very early morning to almost-closing time in December 2009 - it was really tiring for everyone involved. It's hard to find people among my friends who are willing to hang in the parks all day, without a break, and into the night. What will happen is, if we don't take a midday break, they will want to go home earlier or I might want to go back to my room earlier. Taking that break actually helps to stretch out the time we spend in the parks later, I think, because we can recharge, reset and refresh.

3. Whatever happened with the friend who was supposed to be staying at the PPH? I remember you asked me not long ago what the 'short cut' directions were from the PPH to the GCH and to the parks because your friend was going. Did she go?

4. You said that one of your friends recently went to DL and thought it was small. She has not been to WDW, so she can't compare the size of DLR to WDW first-hand, right?

How in the world could she say she had gone on everything she wanted to ride multiple times by 11:30?? Even if there were NO other people in the parks anywhere - and there are TWO parks to cover - I don't think I could ride all the rides I would be interested in by 11:30, and multiple times, at that! Is that even physically possible? And I do not go on all the rides, mind you - but I still don't think I could ride all that I wanted to ride multiple times by 11:30, even in one park. Did she only go into Disneyland and not into California Adventure? Did she only ride two things?

This makes me wonder what your friend actually did at DLR. What DID she actually ride? Surely, if you have never been to WDW you would not think that Disneyland is small - especially if you have not been to Disneyland in years. You would not think it was small when there have been things added in and changed. In fact, it might be overwhelming at first.

I am thinking your friend may have skipped over lots and lots of rides and interesting highlights for various reasons. But the thing is, if you only ride the things you think you will be interested in and don't try other things, you may be missing out on something really great! I'm not saying that a roller coaster/thrill ride hater should get on California Screamin', but I mean things like the 'kid rides.' If those are disqualified instantly because they are kid rides in Fantasyland, you could be missing out on some gems (like in the case of Peter Pan and the Pooh ride, for example).

I've noticed that the pineapple spears are getting smaller. I have the pictures to prove it. They are sooooo good, though. I will continue to pay the same price (or higher) for a smaller spear.

As far as breaks go, I just spend so much time in my everyday life longing to be at Disneyland. So when I get there it is hard to be in a hotel room knowing I could be at Disneyland. I don't rest very well. When I went to DL last October with my mom and sisters we had a plan to return to our room at HoJo and rest up before going to the Halloween Party. I was game for that. I really wanted to enjoy the party in a refreshed state. But once we got to the room and tried to rest, I got really antsy and couldn't. D was able to take a nap while I just tossed and turned.

It was my SIL that stayed at PPH in March. They described the short cut as "awesome" and appreciated that little tip. It was their family's first DL trip and they had a good time. I remember reading a thread on the DIS that week about someone forcing their child to go on TOT. After hearing SIL's family's TOT experience I had to wonder if my SIL and BIL were the subjects of that thread! It was that same week they were there. The 2 oldest kids looked TERRIFIED in the ride picture (ages 11 and 9) but the 5 year old loved it. Same thing in their Space Mountain picture. The older 2 looked like the ride just couldn't get over soon enough.

My friend went 2 weeks ago for a choir-related trip with her teenage son. I understand that they aren't going to be spending a lot of time in Fantasyland with a bunch of teenagers. Especially teenagers who had never been before, so they don't have that "returning to your childhood" aspect that we would have. When she mentioned the "done by 11:30" thing, she did say "and that was both parks!" I know she went on IASW -- she made the kids do that and no one liked it. I will need to talk to her again and get specifics. I'm with you. When I was talking to my husband about it he said, "Maybe you need to see how she did it so you can get more done like she did..." I think he was just saying that for fun, but I'm with you. I told him, "That isn't even possible. 11:30? All the rides you want in both parks multiple times? That isn't possible..." (I made those comments when the kids weren't around so they didn't get the impression that I was calling her a liar! ) I know she hasn't been to WDW since I've known her, which has been 8 years. She's never mentioned having gone before that, so I don't think so.

I love the fruit at Disneyland. And my logical brain tells me that I can get fruit from the grocery store and put it in the fridge at Disneyland and save myself tons of money but it never tastes the same to me as the fruit I buy in the park. Maybe it is being in the park adds to the taste? I don't know, but what I do know is I have never had a bad piece of fruit at the DLR.


I never took a midday break until I had kids. We started when the kids were little. It made it easier to stay until closing. Now that they are older we tried to do the stay all day in the park like I used to and you know it just doesn't work for me anymore on the long summer days. During the shorter hours I can stay from open to close.


Now, the big one. How can someone be bored at Disneyland by 11:30? Seriously? It would take me days upon days to get bored. There is always something I want to look at. I just don't get it.

You know, I thought something similar while eating fruit in DL. I wondered if the exact same fruit would taste as good somewhere else. I decided that for me, atmosphere definitely plays into how something tastes for me. I very much enjoyed my meal at Blue Bayou with my husband a year ago. I loved all the food as we sat at that waterside table. But I KNOW that exact same plate of food wouldn't have tasted nearly as good to me if I was sitting in, say, a garbage dump. OK, that may be a little extreme! If I had that same plate of food at a regular restaurant in a regular old suburban area it definitely would have tasted different to me even though it was exactly the same thing!

When I was growing up we didn't take midday breaks. My parents just plowed through from opening to close with 6 kids. I wonder if they didn't know you were allowed to leave and come back the same day? Sometimes they aren't "in the know" when it comes to stuff like that. When we took our 3 kids for the first time I remember thinking there is no way MY kids would last open to close. They would just need a break. So Buddy really surprised me. I bet it would have been a different story had all 3 boys been there.

I definitely need to talk to my friend again. We saw each other in passing so we only had a couple of minutes to chat. But yeah, that is crazy. I'm sure my jaw was dropped. I told her, "I need days..." and she wrinkled up her nose and said, "Really?" Odd!

 

[deejdigsdis]

You had a friend who was done with DL by 11:30am? WHAT?!?!

Ok... I guess it could be like my hubby and MIL who just have no interest in going. When I said I was going for 10 days my MIL gives me grief!!

I know! Can you believe it?!? It would be fun to see the look on her face upon hearing someone going for 10 days. And with some of that being "alone time." I really need to get the whole scoop from her because I just don't get it.

 

[Sherry E]

Yes, you must get the scoop for us from your friend! I think we are all now so curious as to what her chosen rides were before 11:30 a.m. that we need a detailed, line by line, accounting of what her agenda was that day!!

Because, let's face it - if your friend tapped into some secret of how to do the parks in less than 4 hours, all of the folks who write in and ask on the DIS if it's possible to do both parks in one day have been getting the wrong information! We have all been telling them that you really need at least a good 3 or 4 days to "see everything"!! Who knew that all this time we could be done with both DL and DCA before 11:30?

In fact, just the other day I was e-mailing a friend of mine with a list of things to do/see at Disneyland - but only the things that had been added in since he was last at Disneyland (20 years ago). I didn't include any of the longstanding rides and attractions that are still there, which were there when he was last there...only the things that have been added in the last 20 years. And even that list I made would take longer than a few hours to get through - in fact, as I was typing it up I thought, "Well, it will take at least a couple of days just to see the newer stuff, let alone the stuff that has always been there!"

I remember that thread in which the person forced the child on TOT!

Did your SIL like the PPH overall? I'm in the process of trying to book 6 or 7 nights there (though I will probably chop off a couple of those nights by November) and I am wondering if I will be sick of the PPH by the end of that trip!! I may be sick of DLR by that time too!


Maybe the key to feeling less antsy and restless during breaks would be if you took a semi-midday break on Disney property? Not to shower and nap, of course, but just for sitting and resting. The GCH is definitely a good resting spot - the chairs and sofas are comfy places to rest with a beverage, the lighting is dim and soothing for weary eyes, the music is soft and relaxing, it's a great place to have a conversation with your group that's out of the sun, it's quiet, there's a fireplace - and you saw all the photos I got around the GCH on my trip in December (like the light fixture with the Mickey icons on it)! There are lots of photo-taking opportunities so you don't have to feel like you are missing out on that part of the fun.

And of course, the DLH is festive and whimsical, with lots of fun things to look at like the wall of memorabilia, all kinds of interesting artwork and various topiaries and Hidden Mickeys. It's a good place to go to escape the noise and madness inside the parks, while still enjoying the full Disney feeling.

 

[deejdigsdis]

So we made our way through the cute walls over to...

We spent 1 hour here and did Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies, and Flik's Flyers. I know I branched out from my comfort zone and took on the Teacups, but Francis' Ladybug Boogie looks a lot more spinny to me. Here are some pictures from our time in A Bug's Land.

In line for Heimlich.

Love this watermelon! I can just feel those little squirts right now...

Love the animal crackers too.

I think this ride is so cute, but way too short. And what do you suppose was Buddy's favorite part? Yep, the belching.

When we were waiting in line for the Buggies, Buddy decided he wanted a bug with a mouth like this:

Buddy wanted to be in charge of all the steering. He wasn't crazy about me taking over when we'd get locked up in a corner.

Finally remembered to take another picture of an EXIT sign! What is that now? Two in 17 hours worth of park time?

Hmmm. Looks like I have nothing from Flik's Flyers. I know I got video of that.

We took a bathroom break at the cute little upside down Kleenex box restroom and then found a bench in the shade. I needed to see if my sister had come into the park yet. She had just gotten on the shuttle. I told her to meet us at the entrance to A Bug's Land, but pick up a FP for Soarin' first. At some point I had grabbed Soarin' FPs for me and Buddy. I think it was when we first hit DCA.

Finally D arrived. Just in time for lunch. Can you still call it lunch when it is between 2:00 and 3:00? I suggested Pacific Wharf Cafe. This would be my very first meal EVER in DCA. I have been wanting to try one of those salads in a bread bowl ever since I had seen pics of them around the DIS. D thought that sounded good, so we went over. No line. D ended up getting a soup bread bowl. I can't remember which soup it was, but here is a picture.

She got her food first and went outside to grab a table. I wanted to sit right by the water. She put her tray up on that ledge by the napkin/eating utensils/etc. station, and let go of her tray to grab her stuff. I didn't see it all go down (literally!) since I was still inside, but her tray fell off the ledge and soup went everywhere. Apparently the ledge isn't wide enough to actually hold the tray without you holding onto it as well. When D went to go get a CM, it sounded like this wasn't anywhere near the first time that this has happened. Sounds like they need to change something about the station so it can actually hold the tray while you get your stuff. When I came out with my food and Buddy's Kid's Power Pack I saw the soup splattered all over the ground. No pics, though, as the CMs were very quick about cleaning it up and bringing D another soup bowl. She liked her soup, but said she felt like there was only 3 bites-worth in there. {OK, I just checked the menu at allears and it looks like her soup must have been the Santa Rosa Corn Chowder.}

This was my Chinese Chicken Salad.

It was very good! I felt like I had a lot more than 3 bites-worth. I still wish they would have chiseled out more bread and filled it with more salad, but it was definitely filling. I would for sure order this again.

Buddy, of course, had the Kid's Power Pack. String cheese, Goldfish crackers, yogurt and milk. He ate it all. I have to say these Power Packs were a life saver in the eating department. Whenever he got these -- so everywhere we went that sold them -- he always finished them up.

View from our lunch spot:

After lunch we decided to hop in line for TSMM. I had never seen the line so short before. We walked way past the sign that posted a 30 minute wait. Still, it was the longest line of the trip so far. After we had been waiting in line for a while Buddy said very matter-of-factly, "Mom, you really should have gotten a Fast Pass for this..." Believe me, I would if I could Buddy.

Almost our turn.

TK, I fear I wouldn't be a good partner for you on this ride.

Sounds like a good stopping point for now!

 

[deejdigsdis]

Yes, you must get the scoop for us from your friend! I think we are all now so curious as to what her chosen rides were before 11:30 a.m. that we need a detailed, line by line, accounting of what her agenda was that day!!

Because, let's face it - if your friend tapped into some secret of how to do the parks in less than 4 hours, all of the folks who write in and ask on the DIS if it's possible to do both parks in one day have been getting the wrong information! We have all been telling them that you really need at least a good 3 or 4 days to "see everything"!! Who knew that all this time we could be done with both DL and DCA before 11:30?

In fact, just the other day I was e-mailing a friend of mine with a list of things to do/see at Disneyland - but only the things that had been added in since he was last at Disneyland (20 years ago). I didn't include any of the longstanding rides and attractions that are still there, which were there when he was last there...only the things that have been added in the last 20 years. And even that list I made would take longer than a few hours to get through - in fact, as I was typing it up I thought, "Well, it will take at least a couple of days just to see the newer stuff, let alone the stuff that has always been there!"

I remember that thread in which the person forced the child on TOT!

Did your SIL like the PPH overall? I'm in the process of trying to book 6 or 7 nights there (though I will probably chop off a couple of those nights by November) and I am wondering if I will be sick of the PPH by the end of that trip!! I may be sick of DLR by that time too!


Maybe the key to feeling less antsy and restless during breaks would be if you took a semi-midday break on Disney property? Not to shower and nap, of course, but just for sitting and resting. The GCH is definitely a good resting spot - the chairs and sofas are comfy places to rest with a beverage, the lighting is dim and soothing for weary eyes, the music is soft and relaxing, it's a great place to have a conversation with your group that's out of the sun, it's quiet, there's a fireplace - and you saw all the photos I got around the GCH on my trip in December (like the light fixture with the Mickey icons on it)! There are lots of photo-taking opportunities so you don't have to feel like you are missing out on that part of the fun.

And of course, the DLH is festive and whimsical, with lots of fun things to look at like the wall of memorabilia, all kinds of interesting artwork and various topiaries and Hidden Mickeys. It's a good place to go to escape the noise and madness inside the parks, while still enjoying the full Disney feeling.

I know! I'm sure my friend will wonder about my burning desire to know where she was at exactly what time and how long she stood in line for each of her chosen rides!

Yes, my SIL enjoyed the PPH. Her rate was something like $162 per night and she wondered if she should pay that. They also had $99 3-day Park Hoppers through the military, so I would say they did well. Have you heard back whether or not your dates were "accepted" by whoever accepts them? I think a nice long stay would be a good way for you to end this year.

I still can't believe I've never moseyed on in to the GCH lobby. Between the pictures posted by you and TK, it looks like a wonderful resting spot. In the meantime...I think I may have found a perfect way for me to take an afternoon break "my style" which you will read about on Day 3.

 

[kaoden39]

Your salad looks really good to me. Yum. I have never ridden on the Toy Story ride, I have been on the busiest days my last two trips. Oh well it will still be there when I go back next.

 

[tksbaskets]

After lunch we decided to hop in line for TSMM. I had never seen the line so short before. We walked way past the sign that posted a 30 minute wait. Still, it was the longest line of the trip so far. After we had been waiting in line for a while Buddy said very matter-of-factly, "Mom, you really should have gotten a Fast Pass for this..." Believe me, I would if I could Buddy.

Almost our turn.

TK, I fear I wouldn't be a good partner for you on this ride.

Sounds like a good stopping point for now!

No problem DJ. We'd go into training, know all the ways to maximize our points, and as partners impress the HECK out of our men/boys! It was nice of you to let Buddy double your score Way to take one for the team.

I dream of a line for TSMM like you saw.
TK

 

[mvf-m11c]

I keep meaning to take a rest in the GCH lobby...but then I always forget for some reason. I've heard such wonderful things about it, but I've yet to step foot inside.

Wow! Winnie the Pooh is a FP ride at WDW? That's interesting. My favorite part of the Winnie the Pooh ride at DL is seeing Max, Buff and Melvin from the Old Country Bear Jamboree. So nothing to do with Winnie the Pooh. I do think it is a cute ride, though. Very bright and fun.

The atmosphere in the GCH is very nice and a great place to rest after a long day at the parks. I am kind of surprise that you have never stepped foot in the GCH, you should do that on your next visit to DL. Also if you have a internet device with you like an itouch, iphone, etc. you can get free wifi in the hotel.

You are correct that WDW has a FP machine for Winnie the Pooh ride. MK Winnie the Pooh ride just finished its queue last year and it looks very nice. DL has to leave something that was part of the Old Country Bear Jamboree when DL did the Winnie the Pooh ride. Just like with FNSV with the rock shape sea serpent.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Great update on your TR Deej. You got a lot of done while in a Bug's Land and then went to Pacific Wharf for lunch. Those bread bowls look so good. Not a long 30 min wait on TSMM. The next time you go on TSMM and want to get a high score go on youtube and the videos will tell you where r the secret targets for each stage.

Keep up the good work.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Your salad looks really good to me. Yum. I have never ridden on the Toy Story ride, I have been on the busiest days my last two trips. Oh well it will still be there when I go back next.

That salad was good. DS11 had a field trip this morning to visit the middle school he will be attending in the fall. He wanted to eat lunch at Sizzler before checking back into school. I was very excited when I saw a similar-looking salad at the salad bar. Then I was disappointed because it wasn't nearly as good.

No problem DJ. We'd go into training, know all the ways to maximize our points, and as partners impress the HECK out of our men/boys! It was nice of you to let Buddy double your score Way to take one for the team.

I dream of a line for TSMM like you saw.
TK

That was a crazy-short line. It was so funny given the time of day during a supposedly very busy week.

The atmosphere in the GCH is very nice and a great place to rest after a long day at the parks. I am kind of surprise that you have never stepped foot in the GCH, you should do that on your next visit to DL. Also if you have a internet device with you like an itouch, iphone, etc. you can get free wifi in the hotel.

You are correct that WDW has a FP machine for Winnie the Pooh ride. MK Winnie the Pooh ride just finished its queue last year and it looks very nice. DL has to leave something that was part of the Old Country Bear Jamboree when DL did the Winnie the Pooh ride. Just like with FNSV with the rock shape sea serpent.

I am surprised myself that I've never been in the GCH lobby. It just hasn't seemed very convenient.

I love it when Disneyland keeps some of the old stuff around for those who remember and love the old stuff. One of my favorite parts of RDCT fireworks is the "Remain Seated Please" line from the Matterhorn, since the ride doesn't use that exact line anymore. It's fun to keep those things around in some way.

Great update on your TR Deej. You got a lot of done while in a Bug's Land and then went to Pacific Wharf for lunch. Those bread bowls look so good. Not a long 30 min wait on TSMM. The next time you go on TSMM and want to get a high score go on youtube and the videos will tell you where r the secret targets for each stage.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks Bret. TK also did a write-up in one of her TRs full of hints and tips for TSMM. Very good info.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Just a quick update. I need to load more pictures to Photobucket.

After TSMM Buddy saw King Triton's Carousel and wanted to ride that next. I love the bright colors on this ride.

Buddy chose a fish.

D chose a dolphin. Very fitting. When we were growing up she wanted to someday have a job that involved riding dolphins. Well, that didn't pan out so I guess this is the next best thing!

I just ended up with whatever was closest to Buddy.

We had just enough time to make it over to the 4:45 showing of Aladdin. D took control of the stroller and we were off. As we rounded a corner, who should we run into...

I was happy that I happened to be holding my camera and was able to catch the moment. I haven't gotten into the Duffy craze, but I do think that he is a very cute bear.

Another pic before rushing off to Aladdin.

I'm a lover of the garbage cans around DLR.

We lined up for Aladdin about 10 minutes before they started letting people into the theater. We went in one set of doors and found no seats, so we had to climb even higher. We ended up with the worst. seats. ever! I should have taken a pic of our view. We were almost as high up as you could go, on the far right side. There was a bar right in front of us blocking our view. We kind of had to slouch in order to see. If this had been my first time to see the show I would not be in any rush to get back. The horrible view ruined it for me.

After Aladdin we went cleeeeeeeeeeeear back over to Mickey's Fun Wheel. Non-swinging gondola. Buddy wanted the swinging one but I told him he'd have to wait until next time when Dad was with us. My husband wanted to go on the swinging one when we went to DLR alone, but I'm more of a non-swinging kind of girl. He didn't want to go alone and end up in the same gondola with complete strangers. So now he and Buddy can do that together. Looks like I only have 1 picture from up there.

Up next...Jumpin' Jellyfish. This was a new one to both me and Buddy. In case I haven't mentioned it yet, Buddy had been asking if we could ride Tower of Terror. He never mentioned that at home. It wasn't until he conquered everything in Disneyland that he considered TOT. Now...I've only ridden TOT once. And it wasn't good. I ended up with a headache that lingered for about 24 hours. Ugh. I really wanted to like that ride, too. I was really considering giving it another try. For Buddy's sake. I figured Jumpin' Jellyfish might be a good test-run for me in a very small way. Well, that didn't go over as well as I had hoped. The yucky feeling from being jerked up and down started to settle in. Yeah, from Jumpin' Jellyfish! Forget TOT! It just wasn't going to happen this trip. I felt very bad for Buddy, but I did do Jumpin' Jellyfish twice. That was all I could do. Poor guy wanted to do the Silly Symphony Swings next, but no dice. So TOT is another ride on his list of things to do with Dad next time.

View of the ground while standing in line.

Love the colors!

Views from the ride.

OK, gotta add more pics to Photobucket.

 

[kaoden39]

I love all the pretty colors. I am not fond of the character Duffy but I am wild about the little stuffed bear. He is so adorable, wonderful to hug and a real ham in front of the camera.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I am surprised myself that I've never been in the GCH lobby. It just hasn't seemed very convenient.

I love it when Disneyland keeps some of the old stuff around for those who remember and love the old stuff. One of my favorite parts of RDCT fireworks is the "Remain Seated Please" line from the Matterhorn, since the ride doesn't use that exact line anymore. It's fun to keep those things around in some way.

Thanks Bret. TK also did a write-up in one of her TRs full of hints and tips for TSMM. Very good info.

On your next trip, you got to go in the GCH lobby for a rest.

It is good to remember a part of the old ride where a new one replace it. The "Remain Seated Please" is a nice line for RDCT fireworks. I also like the POTC line part where it is completely different.

That good to hear that TK has a lot of good info.