(More than)A FIVE years of Trips! -- TR Started! Day One - updated 6/10

[KrazyKat4DIS]

Welcome back! Can't wait to read your TR!!!

 

[blabbermouth]

Yay! Welcome back. Look forward to your report!

 

[hurleysweety]

Thanks for all the welcome backs! I'm so excited to be writing this!

Day 1

We left the house early - around 5:50 AM! We stopped for gas and we were on the freeway at 6:00 AM. No traffic or any setbacks. We stopped to pick up some breakfast at Jamba Juice and Chic-fil-a on the way. I wasn't feeling good at this point (nervous tummy, perhaps?) but felt better after eating. At around 9 AM, I couldn't believe that we were already so far into our drive! I remember thinking - I should be at work right now, but instead I'm in California and going to Disney!

We hit some traffic coming in on the CA-91, I believe. But we were fine once we had passed some certain areas. It was a pretty easy drive - but directions were a little sketchy at one point, luckily I decided against the directions and I was right at one point. Did this on the way back too... DH also was a saint on his birthday and let me listen to a Disney podcast for a good 45 minutes that reviewed every counter service restaurants in DL.

Arrived at our hotel around 11:40 AM and promptly checked-in. No problem or questions asked. We were asked if we had a car to park there overnight and filled out a paper permit thing. No mention of a fee at this point. Keep that in mind for later– We were given a room with a queen size bed, which was expected because Priceline guarantees double occupancy only. However, I believe that many rooms have double beds. Also, good to mention that the sofa in the living room pulled out into a bed. It was a pretty small space, so with the bed in there, it would have been cramped. I would not recommend this space to more than 2 adults. If there are more people, they would have to be small - like baby small. Although with baby means much more luggage, so maybe it safe to say 2 adults is plenty.

Here are some pictures that I took, these are somewhat similar to those on the part of my PTR, so sorry for the repeats!

Looking from the window towards the door - in the living room. It is a narrow and long space.

This is the bathroom. I really liked that the sink is separate from the toilet and shower. Opposite is a mirrored door closet, with plenty of wooden hangers. (The real kind that you can actually remove, not like the tricky ones that you have to pull up on to get out).

And alas, the comfy bed which I delightfully fell asleep on each night and afternoon as soon as my head hit the pillow–and that never happens!

Also, for those observant–what do you notice about this picture?

After that we were off to the park! We were so ready to get all of our AP stuff out of the way. We parked, more on that later, and then went to the ticket booth. Short lines (maybe a 5 minute wait, shortest we saw the entire time we were there) and okay service. Older lady who wasn't very "magical" to us. Didn't even wish DH happy birthday. Seemed like we were more of a pain. And all she did was give us the Deluxe vouchers to enter the turnstiles and our $50 gift card. She seemed even more displeased when we needed to get DH's $69 gift card. So sorry we're celebrating lady!

Went to the turnstiles and went straight to the bank, which is located on the right side of main street right as you walk in. Also had a 5 minute wait here. Took some "lovely" pictures (super excited faces) and had a very pleasant CM. Also, met a couple here who were celebrating their 61st Anniversary at the window next to us! They were renewing their APs and I got the courage up to talk to them and found out they got married on May 30th! One day before our anniversary! So of course, they made a big to do about all this, super nice people. I told DH they were my heroes for still coming to DLR after all these years. DH reminded me for the bazillionth time that we wil not be doing passes every year and we need to see other parts of the world. I reluctantly agreed for the millionth time and quickly forgot the though. They then made sure the CMs gave us anniversary pins too, as well as DH's birthday pin. We paid with our gift cards and then went on our way!

We were both hungry so we fast walked it over to Tomorrowland Terrace. It was at this point that I realized how much DH didn't remember the layout or anything at all about DL. He kept saying, "I'm following you..." and I would get all nervous that I was going the wrong direction - since I was too proud to pick up a map at the entrance. And I refrained from using the maps most of the trip - even to find bathrooms. Only looked once the entire time. DH called me the Disney Nazi - more on that later too. Food was good - DH had grilled chicken sandwich with fries and I had a kid's chicken nugget meal. Both were the perfect amount and we were ready to take on the Land!

We didn't really follow the ridemax plan since we had planned to meet DizneyDaz her daughter at the Jedi Training Academy for photopass picture fun! We met the greatest Photopass photographer, RP and then agreed to meet at a time that he could take some fun pictures for us. We rode matterhorn, about 20 minute wait, since it was DHs most favorite ride. Then went through the castle - not very exciting for us - to waste some time.

Took some awesome Darth Vader pictures, thanks to RP and then headed over to get fastpasses or something and then to Toy Story Mania!!! It was so much fun to actually meet someone from the DISboards! Its like, hey DH, these people I talk about are REAL!

Check out the picture:

We were so excited to be there that we actually waited in a 40 minute line for it!! I think we then must have gone back to DL or maybe I'm just losing my mind. I guess we were having too much fun. So at some point we ate dinner at French Market Cafe. Not because we really planned to or because it sounded so good - just because it was there and we were hungry. We split the plate in hopes of having German chocolate cake for DH's birthday on main street later that night (we heard they had it on the podcast, which was a lie ) We split the Roast Beef dinner - which included potatoes and veggies and cheddar cornbread. The meal was great and filled both of us up. Also split the 32 oz drink since it was on special. Cost was around $16 total with AP discount. The people in front of us got three meals and spent over $60. I though that was ridiculous. I would never pay that much for cafeteria style food - even at Disney! If we did this over again, we should have left the parks and given ourselves a break after a long day of driving. We would have gone to Outback Steakhouse, right in front of our hotel instead.

The Roast Beef

The deserts - of which we didn't eat because we wanted the non-existent German Chocolate Cake

We then walked around DTD after stopping for a moment to see the Celebrate parade. I felt bad for all the people who had lined up, knowing that the parade didn't stop in front of where they were. Guess they didn't look at the map - because it seemed to explain it well.

And that was Day 1 - and yes, I do love to write a lot - because I talk a lot

 

[kaoden39]

Sounds great. That seems awful pricey for three people to me, but the roast beef looked like enough for two people if you are gonna have desert.

 

[nemofanatic]

can't wait to read your next day report

 

[blabbermouth]

Mmm... that roast beef looks good!! Too bad about the choco cake.

Looks like a pretty decent hotel, although kinda seems like there's too much furniture stuffed into it.

Cute Darth Vader pic!

Can't wait for your next instalment!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Great TR so far!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I love the Darth Vader pic!!!

Keep it up!

 

[hurleysweety]

Mmm... that roast beef looks good!! Too bad about the choco cake.

Looks like a pretty decent hotel, although kinda seems like there's too much furniture stuffed into it.

Cute Darth Vader pic!

Can't wait for your next instalment!

Roast Beef was good! However, the line was so long, it was only about lukewarm by the time we ate it. The sauce it was in was a tad salty - but DH didn't even taste that.

There is definitley too much furniture in it. Its so oddly arranged to that they are parts of the room that you don't even use/walk on.

Great TR so far!

I love the Darth Vader pic!!!

Keep it up!

Thanks for all the comments and about the Darth Vader pic too, we loved taking them! Love that Disney magic!

 

[hurleysweety]

May 8th
We woke up early this morning to make it to the park by 8 AM for 8:30 turnstile opening and 9:00 AM rope drop. I had remembered reading somewhere on the DISboards that parking opened one hour beforehand, but I wasn't sure. I'll write a whole thing about parking after the main TR is finished. I felt very uninformed about what to expect with parking and the trams and all that jazz. When we arrived, it appeared they were not letting anyone in - it was around 7:58. But before we knew it we had parked and made it to the first tram. We were in line by 8:15 and we were on our first ride, Mr.Toad's by 9:00! We actually kind of followed our RideMax plan today - but its hard to know in advance what rides you will want to ride. And when you will need a break, or need to stop and eat something.

Around 9:30ish we scheduled a break to go eat at River Belle Terrace. DH was so excited to get Mickey Mouse pancakes. As we soon realized though, and as I thought, it was a singular pancake - which would not fill up DH enough for breakfast! We had a very small wait in line - and only one side was open. I have some pictures, so here we go. Food porn!

First up, the pancakes being, "made" on the "griddle" which, upon further inspection, is what I believe to be a large warming area. Seems the pancakes are a little to perfect to just be "made" on the spot. Nonetheless, I believed they were perfectly fresh when I saw this on our visit.

Quick snapshot in line of the Mickey Mouse Pancake
Mickey Mouse Pancakes - Our original Mickey Mouse shaped Pancakes... for the Child in all of us. $6.99

DH made the comment at this point, "Oh look at all those workers, probably whispering about another one of those crazy people in line taking pictures of the food again..." My reply, "Oh good, we're famous!"

My food:
Mark Twain - Scrambled Eggs, Country Style Potatoes, & Choice of Bacon or Sausage and a biscuit. $7.99

DH's food:
Steamboat - Three Fluffy Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Choice of Bacon or Sausage. $7.99

Oh, and btw, we realized after a small 30 second search that the syrup is on the table -

Food Review: Very good! Our most favorite place we ate during the entire trip. We were totally stuffed afterward and completely satisfied that with what we paid for it. We drank water, btw, the entire trip with all our meals and saved a ton! Drinks = expensive!

After this we rode some more rides - Buzz, Indy, Pirates. Here are some pictures from along the way:

Crowds at 10:30ish

Some kind of event that was awarding winner's their prizes - it was an enviroment challenge and the contestents were 5th graders, I believe. All over the park Thursday, Friday, and possibly Saturday too their were special things going on such as "Winner's Dinner" at Aladdin's Oasis and "Winner's Breakfast" at the Golden Horseshoe.

Some of the frozen treats available:

Okay - part one of day 2 is done! More to come, so much more!

 

[KrazyKat4DIS]

Can't wait!

Now I am hungry! And I just ate lunch! Those ice cream treats look so good right now!

Great update!

 

[blabbermouth]

Those breakfasts look yummy! The Mickey pancake is just SOOOOO cute, probably couldn't bear to eat it!

 

[Desert Dwellers]

So much fun to read! I love all the food photos. That really is helpful information to share.

Looking forward to Part Two/Day Two.

 

[Docter419]

You two are awesome. This TR reminds me of my Honeymoon spent in Disneyland. Its was the best. I'm sure you feel the same way!
And tell your DH not to worry. The tower of terror sucks. Drop rides are worthless!

 

[hurleysweety]

May 8th, Part 2.

Oh man...my browser closed and I lost all my work...I'll try my best to redo it all AGAIN...this will be the 3rd time at this attempt for part 2!

I left some stuff out of my last report. I took quite a few pictures on Pirates (which I have yet to take the time to edit so you can actually see them. Also have some other pictures from the morning.

Ah, yes, my fictional love...I'm a little obsessed with Pirates

And then some pictures leaving Pirates - the ride, the movies, trend...haha

Pretty Flowers!!

Standing in line for Indy:

By far, my most favorite pic from the trip - no idea why. I laugh every time I see it!

We left around noon to take a nap so that we could see the 4:15 showing of Aladdin in DCA. It was the perfect time to nap.

DH was still sleepy waiting for the parking tram:

After getting back into the parks, we both knew we couldn’t wait til after the show to eat, so DH got his favorite, a turkey leg, from a cart on the way to stand in line. And I, still full from breakfast, opted for the strawberry-banana smoothie at Schmoozies.

We got in like 45 minutes before the show. We probably had 20 people in front of us. By 30 minutes before the show, the entire orchestra level was almost filled up. This is how close we were.

At the 20 minute mark, crowds were steadily showing up. The balcony line started about 12 minutes before the show started.

We were so glad that we decided to show up early. I was a little concerned about the number of people who had preferred seating, but, we still got the most perfect seats!

After Aladdin we wasted some time before our ESPN zone reservation. We were going to ride toy story, but the 40 minute wait was too long!

SPOILER ALERT: Up Pre Parade

Then over to Boardwalk games to check out the new card machine:

Each game cost 250 points for the basic game (there is a pitching game where you can get 8 balls for 600 points, I think, and then 3 balls for 250) Also a game where all you do is pick up a duck and depending on what it says, you win that size of prize. Go figure...no one was playing it?!!

The prizes, which are not anything spectacular. They look pretty cheap and easy to find at, dare I say, IMO, a dollar store.

And the mickey sun wheel! We didn't ride it, cuz of DH's whole thing with heights, but it was very cool to take many many pictures of!

And just took our time to get to the Grand Californian hotel entrance so that both of us could see it for the first time. Amazing!

A window display on the way from the Grand Californian to DTD. Just had to snap a quick pic!

Then right outside ESPN zone there was a high school steel band setting up! How fun! We listened after we ate.

And that is part 2 for Day 2. I know, I know. I take forever, but as a designer, I go through and edit each photo, it takes a LOOOONG LOOOONG time!

Next up: ESPN Zone review with pictures AND the final part of Day 2 - don't worry, we left the parks at like 10:30, so only 4.5 hours left to document before day 3! Hope I'm getting better at this, not faster by any means, though!!

 

[hurleysweety]

Can't wait!

Now I am hungry! And I just ate lunch! Those ice cream treats look so good right now!

Great update!

I didn't have one, but DH has to have a mickey ice cream sandwich every time we go!!

Those breakfasts look yummy! The Mickey pancake is just SOOOOO cute, probably couldn't bear to eat it!

I know! I felt the same way! It was fun to watch all the kids in the restaurant eat it with such happiness!

So much fun to read! I love all the food photos. That really is helpful information to share.

Looking forward to Part Two/Day Two.

Thank you! Glad I could help!

You two are awesome. This TR reminds me of my Honeymoon spent in Disneyland. Its was the best. I'm sure you feel the same way!
And tell your DH not to worry. The tower of terror sucks. Drop rides are worthless!

Aww, I'm glad it reminds you of your honeymoon! I made a PTR for our honeymoon but got so distracted that I never finished it, because..well, oh yeah, I was planning a wedding! And I never did a TR for it, although I wish I had. I had a ton of pictures of food and everything...darn! Maybe someday I'll get the energy up to do it!

Haha!! Love your comment on the tower of terror, will be sure to share it with him!

 

[disneyland89]

Me and my fiancee were getting ready to eat at the Rain Forest right after the band set up! You guys must have been in ESPN Zone while we were eating at Rain Forest.

 

[blabbermouth]

Another good update. Great pics, you don't have to be such a perfectionist for us though!!

I like steel drums, don't know how I'd feel about an entire high school band of them though.

Was your smoothie any good? Those turkey legs are so scary, lol.

 

[hurleysweety]

Me and my fiancee were getting ready to eat at the Rain Forest right after the band set up! You guys must have been in ESPN Zone while we were eating at Rain Forest.

How funny! Did you notice how overly confident some of the boys appeared while others looked like they were going to pee their pants? DH and I found this hilarious. Some looked so excited to be there, like they were a CM doing their daily performance. Poor other boys looked so embarrassed and ready to crawl in a hole to get away from the people. Maybe they thought Disney would give them a position if they looked excited and confident enough? Need any 16 year old face characters???

Another good update. Great pics, you don't have to be such a perfectionist for us though!!

I like steel drums, don't know how I'd feel about an entire high school band of them though.

Was your smoothie any good? Those turkey legs are so scary, lol.

Aww, thanks! I know I shouldn't edit all my pics, but for some, its like a fun thing to me. Until I realize I've spent 30 minutes on one picture and realize I have like 10 more to do to get through part 2 of day 2. Okay, crazy lady, lets get moving here. We're loosing interest fast!!

The steel drums were so cool. I wish we weren't so cold and we could have enjoyed listening to them more!

The smoothie was WONDERFUL! Cold, sweet and refreshing. it was also claimed to be made with low-fat yogurt and something else that appealed to the health nut in me. But it was a little too sugary to taste that healthy. DH liked it too.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm starting to get caught up......great update & great pics..... You both look like you had a blast!!!!! It makes me long for DL!!!!