Mommy and Daughter Disneyland Trip (8/19 completed!)

[mommaU4]

YES! Another update!!! I loved it. I'm so glad we got to meet up and do that dinner with the other ladies. Maddie was so well behaved during that meal! She really impressed me as I know how hard it is for a tired toddler to sit still during a "grown-up" meal.

I'm sorry you met so many rude CMs. We encountered one while we were there which is more then we usually do. I do believe the heat has a lot to do with it. I know I personally am a witch when it's hot, and I would imagine it's the same for many of them.

Of course, that's NOT an excuse, they have a job to do and need to do it in a pleasant way. But it's another reason we avoid DL like the plague during the summer. This June trip was unusual for us, and it was hot and crowded enough! I'd never be able to go in July or August.

Anyway, I loved your update and now the next time we eat at Carnation Cafe, I have to try that soup!!

 

[quest4dl]

Another great update! We ate at Carnation Cafe on the 10th and although we had a PS it took about 20 minutes to get seated. My DS7 was getting hungry (and he is a bear when he's hungry) and since he wanted a hot dog, I decided to book it over to Coke Corner and grab one for him. Of course, my family was just getting seated as I returned with hot dog in hand. I apologized to the waitress for bringing other food into the restaurant but she was very pleasant about it. I ordered a bowl of the potato soup and the chef salad and ds7 ate most of my soup! Even ds11 who doesn't like soup at all (and he eats most everything else) liked this soup!

We might have crossed paths in DCA. We ate dinner at The Vineyard room from about 5:30 pm. to 7 p.m. We also ended up in Main Street trying to get ice cream but the line was too long - of course this was just before the fireworks so our timing wasn't good. It was busy on the 7th but shockingly it was busier on the Monday - the 9th!

 

[mommaU4]

January, I forgot to say I love the pic with the black cat. It looks kind of spooky/Halloweenish with that background and it's eyes glowing. And you know I love any Halloweenish. In fact, your pic inspired me to change my avatar (again! LOL).

 

[mt mommy]

Nice TR. Your daughter is the cutest little thing!!!

 

[chickyann]

I'm loving your trip report, your daughter is a real cutie

 

[daisy_77]

Nice TR. Your daughter is the cutest little thing!!!

I'm loving your trip report, your daughter is a real cutie

Thanks guys!! I love my little peanut!
I will try to have another update (last one ) sometime within the next few days.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey there!

Just found your report when I randomly decided to peruse the DL boards. So glad that I did! Your little Maddie is darling, I laughed at all her character pictures, too funny!

 

[mommaU4]

 

[DisneyJade]

what happened to the last installment? i loved reading about your trip. i want to know how it ends! haha

 

[travelmel]

There was one part that I forgot in my last installment---


Cinderella (she was sweet but Maddie was not interested):

QUOTE]

That made me laugh out loud... that is TOO funny! I love the "I'm tryin' to eat this biscuit and this princess won't leave me alone" look!

 

[travelmel]

There was one part that I forgot in my last installment---

After we got the Tinker Bell Twist we headed to the Hyperion Theatre for Aladdin. We had gotten preferred seating passes that I won on eBay and I was dying to see this show. So we gave the CM our stubs and he sent us to a holding pen with some other preferred seating peeps. We waited for about 20 minutes and then they let us in. Maddie was so excited to see Jasmine! I asked the CM leading us in if we could wait to sit in the Mezzanine. He told me that all preferred seating is in the Orchestra area. Um...okaaay. I was sorta bummed because I wanted to see Aladdin and Jasmine flying on the magic carpet from up high. Well, the show started and as soon as they had the Cave of Wonders with the big tiger mouth, Maddie freaked out. She was screaming that she was scared and that she wanted to go home. So, I tried to play it cool and say it is all pretend and that Jasmine was going to be showing up soon. She just kept screaming and I felt like the worst mom in the world. We got up and left. The CM with a flashlight asked if we were coming back and Maddie screams out "NO". We started walking toward the exit to go back to the room. After about 10 minutes she asked if we could go back and see Jasmine now.

We headed to the room and Maddie jumps out of the stroller and immediately starts taking her dress off to take a nap. She tells me that she is sooo tired and needs sleep. I guess you had to be there. LOL

While she slept, I took a shower and got some more of our stuff put away. I got her Belle dress ready for dinner with Ariel and the other princesses. I was a bit nervous about this meal because DD can be weird about characters. Especially princesses. She will pick one to like and the rest get the cold shoulder. She did this at WDW. She met Belle and that is all she wanted. The rest could eat dirt. Well, this time was no different.

Our dinner ressie was at 7:00. I woke Maddie up at 6:00 pm. I got her all prettied up with her gown, glittery nailpolish, glittery hairspray and a little crown comb to stick up in her hair. She looked adorable! I love that my little girl likes to dress up. She loves makeup and clothes. Unfortunately she also has the attitude that accompanies being a diva.

We got to Ariel's Grotto at 6:50 pm. We checked in and the CM said it would be about 10-20 minutes. That was fine. We sat on the bench next to the front entrance and waited and waited. And waited. I noticed that they were seating people who were just walking up. I looked at the time...it was 7:45 pm! I walked up and asked the same CM when we were going to be seated. She just looked at me confused and said I can seat you now. I told her that we had been waiting for almost an hour. She didn't care. She said someone messed up. No apology and no button for DD. I was none to happy with that CM. That bad feeling kinda disappeared when DD saw Ariel. She ran right up to her and gave her a huge hug. Ariel was telling DD that she loved her hair and that she has red hair too. Maddie was almost speechless. She did tell Ariel that she loved her. It was really sweet. Well, after the picture taking, we got seated at the worst seat in the place. It was this table that was super wobbly right were the servers come out with food. We were also sitting right up on the table next to ours. A bit awkward since they were uncomfortable with us sitting that close to them. THEN, when their server came up to them he bumped Maddie and she fell hard off her chair. I was not pleased with the service at this restaurant. I never got a refill and they brought our meal out five minutes after they brought out our appetizers. I just felt disappointed and frustrated. Not being seated, DD falling, crappy service....I am trying to forget it. Our other character dining experience the next day almost has this one beat...but that will come later. First the pics:

Ariel (this is my camera--we ended up buying the $32 picture):

Cinderella (she was sweet but Maddie was not interested):

Aurora (I was started to get embarassed at this point) :

Belle (she still digs Belle ):

Snow White (this pic says it all ):

The food was alright. I got the House salad, fish and chips and the chocolate cake. Maddie got the veggies and dip, chicken nuggets and yogurt parfait. I will most likely not come here again. At least not until Maddie is older or if we are with her cousins. I thought about complaining to the manager, which is not something I normally do. I was po'd about how we were treated. I decided not to because I would rather use our last 20 minutes until the park closes to get a spot for the Electrical Parade.

Up next: The Electrical Parade!

I'm sorry to repost but I saw your comment over on MommaU4's TR and I had to go back and show my husband this post. Tears were coming out of my eyes... I swear these are like the funniest set of pictures I've ever seen in a TR. Seriously, that little girls is SO DARN CUTE!!! cute is such an understatement. TOO FUNNY! Giggles giggles giggles.

Meliss

 

[daisy_77]

goodness! I am so sorry that I haven't finished this yet! It has been a busy summer...I will try to finish ASAP!

I hope I still have some readers.

 

[daisy_77]

I'm sorry to repost but I saw your comment over on MommaU4's TR and I had to go back and show my husband this post. Tears were coming out of my eyes... I swear these are like the funniest set of pictures I've ever seen in a TR. Seriously, that little girls is SO DARN CUTE!!! cute is such an understatement. TOO FUNNY! Giggles giggles giggles.

Meliss

Thank you!

She was so not having the princesses (except Ariel) .

I appreciate you reading!

 

[wendylady36]

goodness! I am so sorry that I haven't finished this yet! It has been a busy summer...I will try to finish ASAP!

I hope I still have some readers.

I'm still here, waiting patiently!

 

[mommaU4]

Hey January! I'm still here too. I know how busy you've been.

 

[reyasmommy]

Thank you for sharing, I love all your pictures. Your DD always has the best facial expressions.

I hate to say it, but after reading your TR, I think I'm totally going to skip the character meals yet again. We have never been to one because I couldn't justify spending that much money for breakfast. This year we are going to DL with my DD (2) Neice (3) and Nephew (1) and I really wanted to take them to a Character breakfast, but I don't think I'm going to chance it. ~~ Plus last September my DD was terified of most the characters, so I guess it just wouldn't make to much sense to spend the money.

Great TR, thanks for keeping me entertained.

 

[daisy_77]

Thank you for sharing, I love all your pictures. Your DD always has the best facial expressions.

I hate to say it, but after reading your TR, I think I'm totally going to skip the character meals yet again. We have never been to one because I couldn't justify spending that much money for breakfast. This year we are going to DL with my DD (2) Neice (3) and Nephew (1) and I really wanted to take them to a Character breakfast, but I don't think I'm going to chance it. ~~ Plus last September my DD was terified of most the characters, so I guess it just wouldn't make to much sense to spend the money.

Great TR, thanks for keeping me entertained.

I think that the age of the child really makes a difference. My daughter was happy just looking at everything and soaking it all in. The atmosphere alone was enough stimulation. You as a mom and aunt, know what your kid(s) will enjoy. And if you skip the character meals that is just more moolah for treats and toys.

Thank you so much for reading!

 

[daisy_77]

I think I left off at us getting churros and going to bed. The next day was out last full day so I wanted to make sure we both got rest so we could make the most of our day. I set the alarm for early so I could give us enough time to get ready and make that long trek from the Carousel Inn to the Paradise Pier for our breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Beth and her beautiful family!

Well morning came quickly for us. I was pretty excited for this morning...I would get to see Beth again. I met Beth in 2006 at the ladies only Dis Meet in WDW. We had so much fun! We stayed at Coronado Springs and had great roomies.
**I highly recommend any lady over 18 to look into attending the Disneyland Ladies Only Dis Meet happening in March 2009. Here is the link to the chat thread, if interested http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1830448**
Anyways...back to where I was...
I put Maddie in this cute outfit I bought off of eBay. She wore it last year in August when we had our family reunion at Disneyland. I can't believe it escaped without any stains or holes. Amazing for a 2 year old.

Then:

Now:

So, we headed to Paradise Pier to meet with Beth and her family. I must say that was the nicest walk! It was nice out and so quiet. Once we got to the Paradise Pier I realized we were early so we hung out in the gift shop. Maddie was loving life in there! She was touching everything. She even knocked down some frames. Thank goodness she didn't break anything! She knew we were going to see Stitch. She loves Stitch! Backstory: When we took Maddie to WDW in 2007, we were picked to open the Magic Kingdom. It was amazing!! It was one of my favorite memories. Stitch was one of the characters we got to meet before we opened the park. Maddie had never seen Lilo & Stitch. But she fell in love with Stitch. He kept picking on DH and Maddie was cracking up so hard. I had never seen her laugh as hard as she did with Stitch. He was her new bud. Well, after we got to open the park, we got some pics taken with Mickey by Photopass photogs. Maddie grabs Stitch by the hand and takes him over to where we were going to get pictures. Here are some pics:

Poor Mickey...gettin the shaft!

Well, the love for Stitch continues to grow.

I took Maddie potty and to wash up because I knew Beth would show up soon. I walked out and I spied a family who looked familiar. But I didn't see Beth. I kind of looked at the family without trying to look like a psycho. I was smiling at her DH and kids...I know that they thought I was off. Her DH was probably thinking who is this lady staring at me and my kids and smiling. Weirdo. Suddenly, I see a beautiful, familiar face come out of the bathroom. It was BETH!! Woo hoo! She was in the bathroom when we were in there and we both had no clue. lol. Well, she introduced me to her family and off we went to get seated.

We were seated promptly and lookie who came right over:

Two of Beth's DD's:

Ah, that Stitch..

Well, I hurried and got Maddie and I food from the boo-fay. I knew that the characters would be coming round the mountain soon. There was no getting that kid to eat after seeing Stitch. Lilo came by, Minnie came by, Goofy...nope, she wanted Stitch. And everytime he came by she turned into this crazy goof. Rolling all over the floor, acting silly. It was a bit embaressing since I didn't know Beth's family very well....I didn't want to look like the mom who can't control her child but this kid is so unenthusiastic about most things and to see her happy and having fun with her buddy Stitch, I just couldn't tell her to stop. I did however ask her to stop rolling on the floor. That was a bit too much enthusiasm.

Let me just say this place is really great. The food is excellent, the service was good, and the character interaction was perfect. It was the best character meal we had at DL. I was not disappointed and will definitely come here again. It is worth it for me to go again just for the pineapple scones with the pineapple preserves.

After breakfast, Beth and I said our goodbyes for the time being. I think she had to go find a parking spot and we were going to meet at the DCA. Well, Maddie and I made a pit stop at the PP giftshop and I got her a little Stitch doll. She sleeps with it every night and takes him everywhere. I am looking forward to our next Disney trip when she gets to see him again.

We walked through Downtown Disney and we stopped at the World of Disney. I got her a Minnie Mouse hat. She wanted it so bad and I really had not gotten her much. It is really cute. We headed into California Adventure. It was starting to get realllllly warm. And crowded. It was not looking good. We walked over to Disney Animation. I love this place. I can't believe I have never taken the time to look at this place.

We went on Monsters, Inc. next and then headed towards a bug's land. First we stopped and got some pics of Maddie by the wave thingy.

As we were heading to a bug's land I saw Beth's DH, son and one of her DD's. They were waiting for Beth to get a rental stroller. I told him to tell her I was going to a bug's land and that we could meet there.

Maddie played in the water and then we got on Flik's Flyers. She loves that ride.

Continued in next post....

 

[daisy_77]

As we were gliding in the air, I saw Beth and her twins walking around. I yelled and waved (yep, I am crazy that way) and she spotted me. I must say her girls are just too cute and sweet. Maddie really liked them. Her girls and Maddie and I hopped on Francis' Ladybug Boogie (I think that is what it is called). It was fun...Maddie said it was dirty and tried to clean it by licking her finger and scraping.

Oh my.

Back to business...

She was watching Beth's girls almost the whole time. She was having a blast! DCA has a lot of fun things for young kids. She could have spent the whole day playing just in a bug's land. The water and rides on a real hot day was a treat! And it wasn't as crowded as the rest of the park. After a ride of Heimlich's Chew Chew, I was needed a Tinker Bell Twist---stat! Unfortunately, it was too early and the stand that sells them was not opened. Drats!! So, even on a super hot day, the stands don't open until later (I believe it is 11:00 am).

So we headed over to Paradise Pier area. The kids rode King Triton's carousel. Maddie loves all things Ariel and mermaid...so it was a hit with her.

At this point, Maddie and I were both so hot. I was sweatin! We walked with Beth and her DD's to the Pacific Wharf area (I am so bad with names, I think this is what it is called). She met her DH and other kids there and Maddie and I headed back to our room for a cool off and nap.

We both took a shower and nap. It was niiiice. We were ready to head to Disneyland and to have some dinner at Cafe Orleans. There were many people heading to Disneyland. We mosied on down to Cafe Orleans and checked in.

There was a small wait. They were turning some people away because they were so busy. We got an awesome table right up along the railing. We were able to people watch and look out onto the water. I was keeping my eye out for Beth and company. They were going to watch Fantasmic and were getting a seat early. I ended up seeing them later on.

Maddie got the Chicken Drummettes. It came with noodles with red sauce. She loved this! She wanted more noodles and less chicken. I had the Monte Cristo. It was okay. It was a lot of food! I am not sure I will order that again. I may just order some Pommes Frites and beignets. We had a nice dinner and lingered for a bit before we headed over to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

We saw Beth and her family on our way to Fantasyland. She invited us to sit with them for Fantasmic. I would have loved to, but Maddie does not like fireworks or loud noises, so I declined. Thanks anyways, Beth! That was a sweet offer!

We topped off our night riding the Casey Jr. Train, Peter Pan, Dumbo (over and over), the Teacups, and Buzz.

We got stuck in Fantasyland when the fireworks started. Maddie freaked. She did enjoy the part where Tink flies around, but we spent the rest of the time hiding out in the restroom until they were over.

When they stopped, she wanted to ride some more rides. Namely, Dumbo. We rode it a few more times and headed out. On our way out we saw Beth again. Tomorrow was our last morning. We would be heading to LAX at around 11:00am.

Continued in next post...

 

[reyasmommy]

The most precious picture EVER!