Gerweniel
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2005
- Messages
- 496
I don’t recall much of the walk back to the hotel, but I know for sure we slept well once we arrived, even with the freeway noise. Next morning was our DCA day. There were mumbled plans of getting up for rope drop at DL to do Fantasyland and all the attractions we missed like Peter Pan and Snow White, but alas, it was not to be.
I woke up at a Disney commando horrifying time of 6:30am and it wasn’t until 8:00 that we left the room. DS2 wanted pancakes and I knew I saw an IHOP across from the entrance to DL. I’ve been to a few IHOPs in my life; good inexpensive eats.WRONG!!!!!! Not at this IHOP. I am not naive, and I knew they’d be more expensive than a regular city's IHOP but WARNING to any large families with hungry kids. We had 3 normal breakfasts, no sides, nothing fancy but pancakes and eggs, juice for the boys and coffee for me…$54.00 bucks. Yep, with tip, just about $60.00. I was not a happy mom. I’ve fed the three of us for a week on that in the past. Anyway, lesson learned.
We got to the entrance of DCA and it was close to opening. They were letting folks into the park. RideMax said to immediately proceed to get FastPass for Soarin, so we were headed in that direction. Again, the day was a perfect SoCal day.
I neglected to mention that we utilized Disney Photopass in Disneyland and in California Adventure and a few shots of the 3 of us are excellent. It amazes me why Disney doesn’t promote Photopass more, and why people don’t use it more, because folks were actually looking with disbelief at the photographers as they were explaining how it works. They found it incredulous that the cards and the pics were free, of course until you decide to buy them from online. We use it at every park and it is the only time I get shots of my sons and I together, so they make special memories for us.
Anyway, we were happy that the park at that time didn’t seem crowded at all. We watched the opening of Monsters, Inc by an excited little girl, who got a magical memory certificate. You don’t even know how cool it is at age 43 to be surprised and delighted with a new Disney attraction! And I’d been seeing a bunch! The next step was the Animation building and I am telling you I could have sat my fanny down and watched the magic mirror in that room for hours. I was TOTALLY blown away. OH how I wish they would bring the Animation room to the Disney Studios in Fl.
We found what Disney character we are most like. Hehehe I am the Queen of Hearts. Quite appropriate. We were too early for Crush and would not get to see him on this trip. But all in all, I thought the Animation place was incredible.
There is a shop nearby that sells 3D sort – of - holographic images in crystal blocks. They were the coolest things and I wanted to have both DSs faces in one. I nearly passed out when the artist told me the price and I dejectedly moved on. There are so many ways to blow mass quantities of cash at Disney it is mind boggling.
We made it to Soarin for our FastPass time and it was excellent in its native environment. We did Grizzly River which we liked less than Kali, but the free locker system there is a great perk and something I was really thankful for. About now, the park was getting crowded, the boys went on Mullholland Madness and we braved the non-swinging cars of the SunWheel.
I could kick myself for not going on California Screamin’. My boys loved it and I chickened out, as I was feeling a tad queasy. They said that was the best coaster they have been on. (and they’ve been on some doosies)
We made our way over to the Mission Tortilla factory and the Sourdough bakery. YUM. The bad reviews for these attractions are unfounded. I was chuckling when Rosie was in the movie, but it was entertaining and they were yummy. Golden Dreams was next. I loved it. So many surprises!
I wanted to try a glass of wine at one of the restaurants, but was a bit confused and intimidated as where to go, so we made our way to DTD for our early dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel to celebrate again, DS2’s 13th b’day.
I had read mixed reviews of this character dinner and I knew it was pricey. All that information was irrelevant to me because it was in the Disneyland Hotel and it was as close to Mr. Walt Disney as I was ever going to get. Entering that hotel was a very emotional experience for me. My sons were also overcome with reverence (for a few minutes at least).
I have to tell you we had a BLAST at Goofy’s Kitchen. I mean a laugh out loud, wonderful experience. We met Snow White, Goofy of course, Minnie, and then the best characters we’ve ever met at any character meal. The Mad Hatter and Alice. These two were so talented and funny and they spent so much time with us. DS2 was recording it and we are fortunate to have it all on video. Maybe I’ll post a link to it because they were hysterical. What a great time! Oh- the buffet was great also! (be careful if you order wine tho $$$$)
Well, after being so superbly entertained, the trek through a densely packed DTD wasn’t going to daunt us. I looked at our DCA times guide and saw something that I hadn’t noticed before…….Electrical Light Parade….. now wait a minute……Electrical Light Parade????? That is in Paris now no? .Here I am the Disney freak, have a Mickey antenna topper and my ringtone is “Yo Ho, Yo Ho a Pirates Life For Me! And there is the famous Electrical Light Parade at DCA?????? I can’t believe I never knew it.
Ok, ok, so my last memories of DCA are clouded behind teary eyes watching a parade I’d never think I’d see at a place I had only dreamed of since childhood. I video taped the whole thing. My sons loved it. The music was, well, you know the Electrical Light Parade song ( I think its called Baroque Hoedown) and it was absolutely awesome. At the end, the DL fireworks started beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and went on for the entire walk back to our hotel. Those DL fireworks are the best I’ve ever seen in my life. The finale was happening just as we entered our room and Disneyland bid farewell to us. As I’ve said before, you either get the Disney magic or you don’t. We were full of magic. I am tearing up now just thinking of it.
The next morning was filled with packing and checking out. We ventured to the Disney Character Outlet and got a few things then headed south to San Diego.
As I reflect on the trip now, there are many things that I would do differently, but the prominent thing is I’d make sure my sons have enough sleep and food and spend much more time at Disneyland and DCA. There is so much that we missed and so much magic yet to be found.
My thanks to all the Disney Cast Members who helped out, spent time, gave a smile and spread the magic.
I also have to thank the tons of folks who post on this Disboard who have given such excellent tips and advice.
Our next adventure is our first cruise ever and first Disney Cruise on the Magic in December. ( I have so much overtime to work….sheesh)
Thanks for reading about our trip,
I woke up at a Disney commando horrifying time of 6:30am and it wasn’t until 8:00 that we left the room. DS2 wanted pancakes and I knew I saw an IHOP across from the entrance to DL. I’ve been to a few IHOPs in my life; good inexpensive eats.WRONG!!!!!! Not at this IHOP. I am not naive, and I knew they’d be more expensive than a regular city's IHOP but WARNING to any large families with hungry kids. We had 3 normal breakfasts, no sides, nothing fancy but pancakes and eggs, juice for the boys and coffee for me…$54.00 bucks. Yep, with tip, just about $60.00. I was not a happy mom. I’ve fed the three of us for a week on that in the past. Anyway, lesson learned.
We got to the entrance of DCA and it was close to opening. They were letting folks into the park. RideMax said to immediately proceed to get FastPass for Soarin, so we were headed in that direction. Again, the day was a perfect SoCal day.
I neglected to mention that we utilized Disney Photopass in Disneyland and in California Adventure and a few shots of the 3 of us are excellent. It amazes me why Disney doesn’t promote Photopass more, and why people don’t use it more, because folks were actually looking with disbelief at the photographers as they were explaining how it works. They found it incredulous that the cards and the pics were free, of course until you decide to buy them from online. We use it at every park and it is the only time I get shots of my sons and I together, so they make special memories for us.
Anyway, we were happy that the park at that time didn’t seem crowded at all. We watched the opening of Monsters, Inc by an excited little girl, who got a magical memory certificate. You don’t even know how cool it is at age 43 to be surprised and delighted with a new Disney attraction! And I’d been seeing a bunch! The next step was the Animation building and I am telling you I could have sat my fanny down and watched the magic mirror in that room for hours. I was TOTALLY blown away. OH how I wish they would bring the Animation room to the Disney Studios in Fl.
We found what Disney character we are most like. Hehehe I am the Queen of Hearts. Quite appropriate. We were too early for Crush and would not get to see him on this trip. But all in all, I thought the Animation place was incredible.
There is a shop nearby that sells 3D sort – of - holographic images in crystal blocks. They were the coolest things and I wanted to have both DSs faces in one. I nearly passed out when the artist told me the price and I dejectedly moved on. There are so many ways to blow mass quantities of cash at Disney it is mind boggling.
We made it to Soarin for our FastPass time and it was excellent in its native environment. We did Grizzly River which we liked less than Kali, but the free locker system there is a great perk and something I was really thankful for. About now, the park was getting crowded, the boys went on Mullholland Madness and we braved the non-swinging cars of the SunWheel.
I could kick myself for not going on California Screamin’. My boys loved it and I chickened out, as I was feeling a tad queasy. They said that was the best coaster they have been on. (and they’ve been on some doosies)
We made our way over to the Mission Tortilla factory and the Sourdough bakery. YUM. The bad reviews for these attractions are unfounded. I was chuckling when Rosie was in the movie, but it was entertaining and they were yummy. Golden Dreams was next. I loved it. So many surprises!
I wanted to try a glass of wine at one of the restaurants, but was a bit confused and intimidated as where to go, so we made our way to DTD for our early dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel to celebrate again, DS2’s 13th b’day.
I had read mixed reviews of this character dinner and I knew it was pricey. All that information was irrelevant to me because it was in the Disneyland Hotel and it was as close to Mr. Walt Disney as I was ever going to get. Entering that hotel was a very emotional experience for me. My sons were also overcome with reverence (for a few minutes at least).
I have to tell you we had a BLAST at Goofy’s Kitchen. I mean a laugh out loud, wonderful experience. We met Snow White, Goofy of course, Minnie, and then the best characters we’ve ever met at any character meal. The Mad Hatter and Alice. These two were so talented and funny and they spent so much time with us. DS2 was recording it and we are fortunate to have it all on video. Maybe I’ll post a link to it because they were hysterical. What a great time! Oh- the buffet was great also! (be careful if you order wine tho $$$$)
Well, after being so superbly entertained, the trek through a densely packed DTD wasn’t going to daunt us. I looked at our DCA times guide and saw something that I hadn’t noticed before…….Electrical Light Parade….. now wait a minute……Electrical Light Parade????? That is in Paris now no? .Here I am the Disney freak, have a Mickey antenna topper and my ringtone is “Yo Ho, Yo Ho a Pirates Life For Me! And there is the famous Electrical Light Parade at DCA?????? I can’t believe I never knew it.
Ok, ok, so my last memories of DCA are clouded behind teary eyes watching a parade I’d never think I’d see at a place I had only dreamed of since childhood. I video taped the whole thing. My sons loved it. The music was, well, you know the Electrical Light Parade song ( I think its called Baroque Hoedown) and it was absolutely awesome. At the end, the DL fireworks started beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and went on for the entire walk back to our hotel. Those DL fireworks are the best I’ve ever seen in my life. The finale was happening just as we entered our room and Disneyland bid farewell to us. As I’ve said before, you either get the Disney magic or you don’t. We were full of magic. I am tearing up now just thinking of it.
The next morning was filled with packing and checking out. We ventured to the Disney Character Outlet and got a few things then headed south to San Diego.
As I reflect on the trip now, there are many things that I would do differently, but the prominent thing is I’d make sure my sons have enough sleep and food and spend much more time at Disneyland and DCA. There is so much that we missed and so much magic yet to be found.
My thanks to all the Disney Cast Members who helped out, spent time, gave a smile and spread the magic.
I also have to thank the tons of folks who post on this Disboard who have given such excellent tips and advice.
Our next adventure is our first cruise ever and first Disney Cruise on the Magic in December. ( I have so much overtime to work….sheesh)
Thanks for reading about our trip,
Funny thing is that our breakfast at the riverbelle terrace was cheaper than IHOP. 
Thanks for sharing!
