Mom and daughter trip

[eryn the pooh]

Finally recovered enough to be able to get the energy to write a trip report.
This is my first report, just a cautionary warning!

March 25 to April 4

Cast
Me-single mom age 29-my 10th trip to Disneyland and I'm just starting! I am going to school right now to become a travel counsellor so I can help all my friends and family plan the best Disney vacation ever! Research is good!

DD-age 11-her 5th trip to Disneyland After taking her for her first time in grade 1 we have now made it once a year, each time in a different grade. I think shes fallen in love as I have with the magic of Disney.

Now we live in the geographical center of British Columbia, small town called Vanderhoof, which is a 10 hour drive to the Vancouver airport. So my trip report starts on the day we left for the 10 hour drive.

Sunday Mar 25

I wanted to get to bed early on Saturday night so we can get an early start on the drive, but there are so many last minute things to do! I didn't get in bed till 11.
But alarm went off on scheduale at 4:30. I got up and started packing everything into the truck and let DD sleep till the very last minute. Warmed the truck up (it was about -10C) and made a bed in the back seat for DD to try and sleep part way. Gathered her up, and off we went at 4:55. She fell right back to sleep and I stopped at Tim Hortons for a BIG mocha to wake myself up.
I so much prefer driving earlier or later, it's much more peaceful.

So we got to Prince George(1hour) and into a few inches of fresh snow. Another 1 1/2 hours later DD was up as well as the sun. The roads were now clear and so was the sky. DD started counting all the horses as we drove. 16, 17, 18... Man, there are alot of horses here!
Just this past week we had some major rain and mud slides through the Fraser Canyon, which just happened to be the route we were going to take. So we got to Cache Creek, junction to the Canyon or the Cochahalla, and got some gas. Asked the attendent if it was safe and he said it was open and clear so we headed out.
After a ways she noticed a sign that showed a big horn sheep on it, a caution sign. Cool, she says. I say, I've driven this road hundreds of times and never seen one....Hey, whats that guy taking pictures off? A big horn sheep!? Make a liar out of me! So we stop and spend some time taking pictures and videos of a bunch of sheep. Not really the fastest way to get to Disneyland, but hey!
Back on the road. What? A waterfall? Yes, theres many. OK, we can stop, but just for a....half an hour!?
Finally we arrive in Hope(yes, there is hope!) and onto the freeway....and construction...and pushy drivers. Eventually we arrive at the home of some friends who will be driving us to the airport in the morning so we don't have to pay for parking. Friends, so nice to have!

Monday Mar 26

Up and at em. One stop at Tim Hortons and off we go. Our flight is right on time, 12:15, and the pilot says we are even going to make it there about 25 min. early! Yahoo!

One of the greatest parts of a vacation is walking out of LAX into warm weather. Now maybe not warm for some of you but you might recall -10c when I left home. It feels like I've just walked into summer.

We walk across the crosswalk and over to the area to wait for that big Disneyland bus. 10 minutes and here it is. Not that many people on the bus, maybe it's not to busy? Ha ha ha!!

We arrived at the hotel around 3:30, I think.
Our hotel, the Peacock Suites, I got from a friend who has a time share there and couldn't use it this year. I wouldn't normally have chosen it but it was a good deal.
The room we had was very nice. A flat screen TV in the bedroom with a DVD player and king size bed. In the other room was another TV and DVD player and a fold out couch, as well as fridge, microwave, toaster, electric can opener and some dishes. I thought the room was great.

They have 2 hot tubs and 1 really small pool. Both which are under shelter and right near the parking lot. Not to desirable.
The breakfast every morning was fine. Cereals, oatmeal, toast, fruits, doughnuts, boiled eggs.

I didn't really find any of the front desk staff to be very cheery, they all seemed kind of snobby. And the speech I got when I checked in! Well, we want you to come to a dinner, we'll give to Disney Dollars or free dinners, etc... You must come hear our time share speil. Oh, you make UNDER 50,000$ a year? Sorry, never mind!

All the ladies that were cleaning rooms and in the breakfast room were always smiling and nice.

I wasn't sure of the walk to the park so I did purchase a 5 day ART pass to use the shuttle.

The first thing we did was get on suits and jumped in the pool. It felt SO nice to be able to bee outside without our snowsuits on!

Around 6 we started getting hungry so we called a taxi and he took us to VONS where we got some groceries to help out with hunger pains. I wanted to get up early so we ate, watched some TV and were in bed, both in the king size bed, and asleep by 9.

OK, I'm tired now. But return for our first day in the park!

 

[twinmama1999]

Great trip report so far. Waving hi, I'm a fellow BC person too!! Looking forward to reading more.

 

[DLFan]

Hi eryn,

I have actually driven through Vanderhoof. My family used to vacation in Francois Lake every summer when I was a child.

Look forward to hearing the rest of your trip report.

 

[eryn the pooh]

Hello fellow BCr's!

Tuesday March 27

Man, it is so hard to sleep the night before the first day in the park! I was up every hour I think, "is it morning?", "can we go yet?". I finally got out of bed at 6:30 and had a shower. After DD woke up we went to the breakfast room and grabbed some cereal and stuff.
The park opened at 9 today and we did't have our tickets yet so we missed out on the early entry. I wasn't sure just how far away from the park we actually were so we decided to walk to find out.
The sun was shining and a little windy, but hey, it wasn't snowing!! The walk took a good 25 minutes. We walked across the crosswalk and into the shuttle area. First thing we noticed was they painted over the yellow and black lines that used to be on the walkway. My DD always jumped from yellow to yellow in and out of the park. Now it is some triangle things. Aww. She was kinda sad to see that, but not TOO sad. We were here!! Disneyland at last!
We grabbed our tickets and got in a very long line. I was expecting a crowd during this trip so I was prepared.
As soon as we got in we went right to Town Hall and got DD a birthday button. She turned 11 on the 24th. The lady behind the counter also noticed my homemade shirt I was wearing. Cancer Survivor 10 months Cancer free! So she very sweetly congratulated me and gave me a wonderful honorary citizen button! I was so happy, we both got to wear buttons that day!
Now we've always tried to go on a round trip on the Railroad first thing but it was down so we went to the next best thing-Indiana Jones. We didn't ride, we just grabbed a fast pass. And we had not yet seen the new Pirates ride so we went straight there. We LOVED it! I am very happy to see the ride still the wonderful one it's always been with just a little added Jack Sparrow. I especially love the last one with him singing!
And Haunted Mansion was closed last trip so we went right onto that. One of DD's favorites is Big Thunder so we went there next. I can't exactly remember what we did next, I think looked at the ducks on the River. DD loves the clam chowder so we went and looked in Pieces of Eight until the French Market opened. DD bought the pink pirate princess mickey ears. SO cute! Clam chowder is always good. I had fried chicken which I thought was pretty dry but the rice and beans were good.
After lunch we used our fast pass and did Indiana Jones. DD always wants to drive so we always ask to wait and are always very cheerfully accomidated.
Now we have went to build a bear every trip with DD, that would make 4, and now 5. She HAD to go. So we went to downtown disney right to build a bear where she spent 60$ AHH! Of her birthday money.
Well it kind of worked out OK that we were inside because it started to rain and the wind was blowing hard! I saw a garbage can get blown over and actually roll! And you know they aren't round, they're kind off rectangles!
I had wanted to video some of the inside of the Grand California for my sister whos getting married and wants to honeymoon there so we started out that way. There were 2 cast members handing out the blue 'dreams come true' mickey ears to people running away from the rain so we grabbed some and headed into the Grand. The lobby was really busy with people hiding from the storm. And there was a man playing the piano. So beautiful. I am so going to stay there one day!
The rain disappeared as well as some of the wind and we went into DCA to get fast passes for Soarin over California, my personal fav in DCA. Then went and almost walked on Tower of Terror. Man, it's so cool that something so scary is so fun. Muppets 3-D and then went and did single rider on Rockin California Screamin. Great new music, but I love the Chili Peppers. Saw them in Vancouver a few years ago, they were awsome! Anyway, DD forgot her hat and lanyard on the ride so we rushed back and waited while they checked for it, right where she left it. She was pretty scared but it was there.
We walked around the pier to the hat store and had her name sewn onto her pirate princess ears.
Went and used our fast passes on Soarin and then headed back to the hotel to eat and swim.
At about 9 we went back to DL and saw the 50th show with Steve Martin and did Indiana Jones again. Then went back to get some sleep.

I haven't been during the summer or Christmas holiday so I actually have never been when it's REALLY busy. But from my experience's, it was definatly more crowded than some of our past trips. But we worked it out good today with some fast passes, single rider line and getting there early and coming back later.

All in all, a great first day.

 

[eryn the pooh]

Wednesday March 28

Since it was a busy first day DD decided that she would sleep until 9:30! I was creeping around, bumping into things, trying to wake her up, but she was out!
After breakfast we again walked to the park. I think it's much nicer walking in the morning and then taking the shuttle at night.
We got FP's for Space Mountain and Autopia and then saw a short line for Buzz so we went and kicked some space butt! I hadn't known about emailing out picture home until recently so I did that. But, I can't seem to get the pictures. They keep telling me I've given the wrong code. I thought maybe I was putting zero's in the place of O's or the other way around. I don't know? Anyone have a suggestion?
Anyway, after Buzz the line for Star Tours was about 20 min. so we went on that. Wait was a bit longer but not terrible. We went and used our Autopia FP's. DD wanted to drive by herself so I said OK and got a car in front of her. But I just happened to get a car behind a very short new driver who, unfortunatlly, seemed very scared. So she had a real hard time driving and I spent my entire drive stalling out and waiting for her to keep moving. Luckily, when we got off and I mentioned this to the CM they let us go on again, but I just went with DD instead of getting 2 more cars. I think this was very good of them to let us go again instead of sending us to the back of the line. Normally, I don't complain about my experience on a ride, in fact, I never have because it is always so wonderful. But this trip was a little different than my past ones. Maybe it was the spring break crowds, who knows.
We went and did Rockin Space Mountain. I loved it! Way better than the regular, only because all the small flashing lights used to make me sick. But this was great, as well as the music.
Over to DCA and did Tower of Terror and saw Turtle Talk with Crush. It was OK. Then we went and did Grizzly River Run, once together and then 2 times single rider. It was nice out so we dried quickly.
We went back to the hotel for a swim and an early bedtime. Early Entry for tomorrow.

 

[eryn the pooh]

Thursday March 29

Early Entry Morning.

It is so hard to sleep when you're looking forward to something. I asked for a wake up call at 6:30 but I was up at 6:20. I showered while DD slept. I went to the breakfast room and grabbed some food and returned to our room. We walked to the park again. A really nice walk. I actually had found out that going the opposite way I had been actually saved about 10 min so it only took us 15 mins.
We arrived at 7:45 and I was amzed when I saw the lines all the way to DCA!
But when I realized that it was only a few of the gates that had line ups, it didn't look as bad. And the lines went quickly.
We went on Snow White, Pinocchio then Autopia twice. Also grabbed some Space Mountain FP's. Then Buzz, Star Tours and Space Mountain. I was really upset at the lines for the Matterhorn and Peter Pan, they were so LONG! I guess getting spoiled by FP and single rider lines have made me think I can't get in a ling that is an hour long. Thinking back I I'm glad I didn't with DD just bacause she might have gotten grumpy in such a long line, but I definatly would get in those kind of lines if I was there just with adults.
We went over to Frontierland and did the shooting gallery. That was really fun! I learned that I'm in the minority of left shoulder shooters and that I'm actually a great shot!
We grabbed FP's for Big Thunder Mountain RR and Indiana Jones and then DD waited in the Bengal BBQ line while I went over to the little counter window beside the Pieces of Eight store, cant remember if it's french market?
Anyway, grabbed her favorite clam chowder and brought it back to the Bengal BBQ line. DD was just at the front of the line! I grabbed some wonderful skewers, asparagus and bacon and the chicken ones. So yummy. We stood around the counter top to eat. There was major traficc through there. A CM was standing there yelling "keep to your right, two way traffic" and people were just pushing everywhere.
we did the Jungle Cruise after eating. DD waited in that line while I went and waited about 20 min in the line for 2 dole whips! I met her just as she was coming down the stairs in the line. This was her first and I think she's hooked as well!
She grabbed another after the Jungle Cruise as we waited for the Tiki Room show to start. I just love the Tiki room. It's always so uplifting and happy.
We used our Big Thunder FP
s and went to the Big Thunder Ranch to see baby goats. They sure were cute. DD got a baby lamb this spring and so she kept asking for a baby goat as well! She said they could be friends! The wait for Pinoccio was short so we did that again and then went through the castle to the hub.
We came out just in time to catch a ride in a car down to Main Street.
We went over to DCA to get Soarin FP's but there was none left! I think it was around 2 or 3. So we did go on Grizzly River single rider a few times.
Then we went and caught bus #43 across the crosswalk to the character warehouse. I was hoping ti get some groceries as well at the food 4 less just across the street there, but it was CLOSED! Moved to a new location. So we went back to the hotel and I went down to the 7-11. I was actuall surprised at the prices. They were really good. I grabbed everything I needed there.
We went swimming and had supper. Later I wanted to use our FP's so we went back to DL. We actually only got to do Indiana Jones because DD was really tired. So we went back to bed.

 

[eryn the pooh]

Friday March 30th (my bros b-day!)

We both slept in till after 9! Went and grabbed breakie and did a load of laundry and then some swimming. We did't get to the park until around noon.
We went and grabbed some FP's at DCA and then went to the Jazz Kitchen for lunch. I had been wanting to make it here the last few trips and never made it so I was really excited. The girl sat us at a table outside, very nice day. There were a few other people outside, but not packed. We waited and waited... There were 2 servers running around. I noticed 2 more tables fill up with people. I went and mentioned to the girl seating people, after about 10 min., that nobody had served us yet, not even to give menus. She said they know you're here. OK. So I went back and said let's just leave but DD wanted to stay. So I sat down. I noticed a couple sitting across from me, who also had not been served, get up and leave. Now I was a waitress for many years and I definatly was NOT happy with this service. And just as I was about to leave after 10 more min., one server said, have you been helped? Well, she was so nice and sweet, I ordered and we stayed. The food was ok, not any better and the srvice was TERRIBLE! I was so disapointed. But I will definatly go there again to give it another try. You never know whats going on on the inside.
We walked over to the Anne Geddes store, so cute. I called my mom and she went on the internet to the Anne Geddes web site and to the web cam. We waved at her, she was so excited! "I can see you, oh you just waved, oh, Hailey has a teddybear, oh, you're wearing shorts!". It was so COOL to be able to have her see us!
We went to DCA and did our FP's. It was getting really hot our so we did Grizzly River first and then Tower of Terror. I love it. That feeeling is so amazing! It scares me but I love it!
We finished just as the line for Alladin was moving into the theatre so we jumped in there. Our seat was great. And the show was wonderful, absolutly wonderful. And that Genies jokes were great! He is so up to date, he made fun of Brittny Spears. It was great.
We did ToT again, GRR a few more times single rider till it was chilly. I love the locker to put our stuff in, that was great. Used our FP for Soarin.
Can't remember what we did until the electrical parade started but we watched that. It was our first time seeing it. Beautiful. We went to It's a Bugs Life on our way out of the park. And I had noticed that the train was running! So happy. So we went into DL to go on a round trip before bed. Well, we had to get off in New Orleans Square. They were having technical difficulties. Boohoo. Oh, well. We still have 3 days!
So we went and caught the shuttle back to the hotel and jumped in bed.

 

[grimgrningghost]

How close to the character warehouse did bus #43 drop you off? Did the trip involve a lot of walking? I really want to make it there but we won't have a car and this sounds like it might be a good option as long as it doesn't involve lots of walking with shopping bags.

 

[eryn the pooh]

I don't think the walk from where the bus drops off is far. It's not right there but around the other side of the mall. We get off then walk up the side walk a little ways and then across the parking lot. Theres a big electronics store, maybe curcit city(?), and at the end of the store we turn right. Left is the parking lot. Walk along the sidewalk here. We pass a coffee shop, a dollar store and 2 or 3 clothing(cheap!) stores. The character warehouse is either the 2nd to last store or the last store. In the parking lot of this mall there is a taco place and a Tony Romas(?), maybe some other food places as well. Back towards where the bus lets you off there is a target and a whole other mall with lots more food places. Also the bus stop going back is right across the cross walk.
Don't forget the 10% off coupons!

 

[eryn the pooh]

Saturday March 31

Today we went to the San Diego Zoo. Lot's of wonderful animals. When we returned we went for a swim and then walked to downtown Disney and shopped until midnight. We were lucky to just catch the shuttle as it was arriving so we shuttled back and fell into bed.

Sunday April 1

Universal Studios today. We had a GREAT day! All the rides and shows were great and it was not crowded like Disneyland. I think next time I would actually go there for 2 days, just to do some shopping and do some favorite things more than once.
We got back not to late so we went to downtown Disney again and had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, always fun. Our food was good as well and we did some shopping in the store before going back to the hotel to bed.

Monday April 2

Our last full day at the park and the first week of the really extended hours, so I think it was way busier than the week before, even though that was busy!
The train was up and running again so we jumped on that right away and rode it to Toontown. I was surprised because we hadn't even set foot in there even though we had been there a week! It sure makes a difference in the amout of things that can get done when it's busy!
All we did was Roger Rabbit and then went onto Its a Small World and Alice in Wonderland. We still hadn't done Peter Pan or the Matterhorn but already the lines were SO long. And I really did not want to wait for and hour so we went to go eat before the lunch crowds started.
DD went on the Jungle Cruise while I tried to get some FP's. It was just to crowded for me so we went over to DCA and grabbed a Soarin FP and then went across the street to the bus stop to catch the city bus again. We went to the character warehouse and shopped for a while. Then some more shopping at the cheap clothing stores along the walkway. We had a great time piling up on 1$ sweaters and 2$ t-shirts! It was a great break. We walked over to Tony Romas for supper and then bussed back.
We shuttled back to our hotel for a swim. I still had our FP's for Soarin so I was kinda bugging DD about getting back to the park. By the time we left it was about 9:45 and DCA closed at 10. I was complaining about now we weren't going to make it and I wouldn't get to ride my favorite ride. Boohoo. So DD said, well, let's run, come on, we can make it. So we ran all the way from our hotel to DCA! Now I'm not a runner and this was at least 2-3 km's away. But I did it!
We made it into the line up at about 9:55! I was so happy!
Until we got on the ride! Some idiot started taking flash pictures. The CM came over the mike and asked them to please stop taking pictures. And they kept on doing it! The CM came back on and said, "I ff.., if you don't stop taking pictures Im gonna stop this ride right now!" I couldn't beleive it! The CM almost swore AND the idiot was still taking flash pictures. The entire ride. I was so upset. Our last ride of our last night in DCA. As soon as it stopped I went to the nearest CM and said that this was our last ride and some idiot ruined it and she wonderfully said no problem, we have 2 seats right here!
So we got to enjoy it without any interuption. What a wonderful ride.
I really wish that the CM had stopped the ride and kicked that idiot off and started the ride over again so the rest of us could enjoy it.
We went right to the customer service on our way out and told them that the wonderful CM's on Soarin had found us some seats so we could enjoy the ride.

So we went over to DL and used our Autopia FP's. DD had wanted to drive in the dark! The wait was still about 1/2 hour. Then we walked to Adventureland and went on Big Thunder Mountain over and over again until closing time. It was an AWSOME way to end the night. We were just elated walking back to the hotel. Feelings like that are why I keep going back!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

What a great report! You reminded me so much of me when you left early in the morning. I love driving early before the rest of the world wakes up, and I would have stopped to get a taste of nature, too.

I think it's great that you walked from the Peacock Suites to the park. So many people take the ART, when walking would probably take about the same amount of time when you take in the time you have to wait and then the stops along the way.

Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the great report. I'm glad you and your daughter enjoy Disneyland so much. What wonderful memories you are making together. We will be making our first trip to Disneyland since 1999 next month. We are really excited since it will also be our first visit to DCA. Have you and your daughter visited WDW ? Thanks again for the great report.

 

[eryn the pooh]

Thanks so much! I agree that walking actually is shorter than taking ART. Obviously, after a long day in the park walking back sounds like way to much, but I bet we saved more time in the mornings.
I think our next visit will have to be WDW. My parents went a few years ago and my mom really wants to go back. I also want to go on a Disney cruise. I'm actually just finishing up a travel counsellour program and have been hired by a local cruise agency so I think my first FAM will be a Disney cruise!

Last Day

Always so sad. The days go by so fast.
We woke up early and checked out. We made it to the park right at opening and went right to Indiana Jones and got a FP so we could do it as our last ride. We went onto Pirates and then did Haunted Mansion twice in a row. We had not yet done a round trip tour on the train so we got on at the NOS station and rode it around back to NOS. We used our FP for Indiana Jones. It's so hard thinking that it is our last ride until who knows when. I can't wait until I'm in a position to be able to visit 3 or 4 times a year, not just 1.
It was just before lunch so we grabbed our favorite meals to go. Clam chowder with sourdough breadbowl for DD and asparagus and chicken skewars for me. I'm not sure if this is still in the works but I was thinking that that was the last time I'll be eating at the Bengal BBQ? That it will be closing soon to build a bigger resturaunt? Hopefully I'm wrong because this is a favorite of mine.
Anyway, we leisurly walked to Main Street and out of the park. DD grabbed a schedual and asked for them to stamp it with the hand stamp so she could keep that hand stamp for the last day.
Back to the hotel and off to the airport for a 2 hour delay. Not fun.

All in all, it's always a great trip. Even with 6 days I still did not get to do everything I wanted because of the crowds, but it was my choice to do favorites over again. My DD did miss not having a friend with her, and I another adult at times.
I can't wait to go back!