More WDW people *not* heading to DLR, a PTR update 3/5/12

[franandaj]

In listening to some DIS Disneyland podcasts, I am really interested in going to DLR around Halloween (and I haven't even been there at all yet)!

Really though, if I had to pick a holiday time, it would be Christmas, my favorite holiday I loved being at WDW last year in December, and my whole family would enjoy the overlays at HM and IASW. We are big Nightmare Before Christmas fans around here, and we have watched the DVD extra about the HMH probably more times than we have watched the movie

Since we are going back to WDW in 43 days (since it is a surprise trip for the kids, no ticker), I am trying to decide what items I should bring home from the Owner's Locker to take to California next year. We got the locker in the first place because there were some items (Brita water pitcher, glow sticks) that seemed silly to haul back and forth. However, it is also silly to buy new things to take to California that we wouldn't use at home. Our next trip after this one will likely be Universal +/- a Disney cruise in 2013, and we probably will be driving, so I will probably end up taking some items from the locker back home after this trip.

I would bring the Brita pitcher, we have one in our WDW locker as well. When I go to DL, I buy Crystal geyser and make ice cubes with it and put it in my stainless steel water bottle. I bring those to WDW and fill them up with water from the Pitcher. I do have to say the water from CA tastes WAAAAAAY better than Orange County Florida's water, it's like sulfur.

I don't know what else you have in your OL. I have all sorts of stuff that wouldn't need in CA because I don't cook out there, but I have measuring cups, spoons, trash sacks, basically a lot of the comforts of home I have there. I even have Worcesteshire Sauce, cider vinegar and vanilla! I bring the spice box with me because I use it other places. We also have some basic HA items and I use a contour pillow when I sleep and those take up the bulk of the locker, but you can certainly cram stuff in there!

 

[franandaj]

Since we are going back to WDW in 43 days (since it is a surprise trip for the kids, no ticker), I am trying to decide what items I should bring home from the Owner's Locker to take to California next year.

So what are your WDW dates? We had a major medical malady here and had to cancel our F&W trip to WDW and are now going the first week of Dec for Christmas, it sounds like we might overlap, but since you have no ticker I can't figure it out! You can see from my ticker we're at SSR and will be there 8 nights.

 

[sarahk0204]

I have to tell you the water in the Disneyland area has an awful taste. I usually get bottled water. Does the Brita help with that? Your WDW trip is getting so close!!

I would bring the Brita pitcher, we have one in our WDW locker as well. When I go to DL, I buy Crystal geyser and make ice cubes with it and put it in my stainless steel water bottle. I bring those to WDW and fill them up with water from the Pitcher. I do have to say the water from CA tastes WAAAAAAY better than Orange County Florida's water, it's like sulfur.

I was wondering about CA water! This just solidifies my decision to bring the Brita pitcher home for next year!

So what are your WDW dates? We had a major medical malady here and had to cancel our F&W trip to WDW and are now going the first week of Dec for Christmas, it sounds like we might overlap, but since you have no ticker I can't figure it out! You can see from my ticker we're at SSR and will be there 8 nights.

I saw your ticker elsewhere, and I was wondering about that. We are there 12/12-12/19, so will we just miss each other?

 

[sarahk0204]

Oh, now I see that your ticker has changed again! I hope everyone is staying healthy, and that you just couldn't resist the lure of VGC!

 

[franandaj]

Oh, now I see that your ticker has changed again! I hope everyone is staying healthy, and that you just couldn't resist the lure of VGC!

No we're not doing good, just canceled the December trip today. Until the morphine haze lifts we won't be doing any more planning at this point the idea will be to pay $175 to get the frequent flyer points back in our account, but need to do that by Jan 10. Hopefully the morphine haze will lift by then.

 

[sarahk0204]

I am so sorry to hear that.

 

[sarahk0204]

We're back from WDW, and my 7 month window for DVC is this coming Friday! I'll be on the phone bright and early to book VGC. Happy Holidays to everyone!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Happy Holidays to you too. Hope you enjoyed the World.

 

[franandaj]

I'll look forward to hearing that you get your room!

 

[sarahk0204]

Just got off the phone with DVC MS, and we got it! We are booked for 3 nights in a 1 bedroom at VGC.

I was a little worried with Carsland opening, but I called the first day I could at the first moment I could, and we got it!

Now I get to obsess about something new - tickets! I am looking at a couple of options. Since we will also be in San Diego, the ticket that includes Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, as well as 3 days at DLR, is appealing. However, we need to decide whether we want to go to Universal as well or refrain from packing too much into this trip (DH's concern ) Legoland would be cool too, especially for DS, but we may have to do that at the end of the San Diego part.

So, here is a possible itinerary:

Drive from Illinois.

Sunday: Visit the Grand Canyon, and drive some more.

Monday: Arrive at DLR with a grocery stop and possibly a Disney Outlet stop along the way. Check into VGC, make a fast dinner in the room, enjoy the resort - swimming, etc. - and possibly visit DTD.

Tuesday & Wednesday: DLR!

Thursday: Switch day! Check out of VGC and into HOJO for 1 night. Yes, a bit of a hassle, but it meant that we could squeeze in that WDW Christmas trip, so well worth it. We may do the WOC dining package at Ariel's for that evening.

Friday: Check out of HOJO, maybe a late breakfast at Storytellers or Goofy's kitchen. Then we will make our way to San Diego, checking into our hotel downtown.

Saturday through Tuesday: I attend my conference, while DH and the kids enjoy SD. They might do the Zoo or Sea World without me.

Wednesday: Possibly spending the day at 1 more attraction - Legoland - before driving back home.

 

[kaoden39]

I have heard that Universal is not nearly as good in California as it is in Florida. If I may suggest what about trying Knott's Berry Farm? It is much closer to Disneyland and it is a fun park. Here is a link to Knott's.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Congrats on getting into VGC!


Your plans looks great. My family tend to travel commando style; so I won't provide any advise on whether you should be adding Universal, Knotts or anything else to your itinerary.

 

[sarahk0204]

I have heard that Universal is not nearly as good in California as it is in Florida. If I may suggest what about trying Knott's Berry Farm? It is much closer to Disneyland and it is a fun park. Here is a link to Knott's.

Point taken about Universal. We have never been to either (hoping for a Florida trip in 2013). The new Transformers ride sounds interesting, but I don't know if I want to deal with what could be very long lines for a new attraction.

Knott's does sound like fun, but from what I've heard, it is pretty similar to a theme park close to us (Six Flags Great America). It is one of the attractions on the Go LA card (as is Legoland), so it may be something to consider. Thanks!


Anyone have any opinions on Aquarium of the Pacific? Our friends who went to CA last year really liked it, and my kids loved visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta in 2010. So many choices!

 

[franandaj]

I had a great post composed for you yesterday and then my computer instantly powered off as I hit send.

I would skip Universal, it's a long drive through the most congested part of the city. I'd give a vote for AotP, it's a nice sized place, not huge and overwhelming. It's right in the middle of a nice entertainment area too. My only problem is I get so hungry there looking at the lobsters and other tasty fish!

 

[kaoden39]

Point taken about Universal. We have never been to either (hoping for a Florida trip in 2013). The new Transformers ride sounds interesting, but I don't know if I want to deal with what could be very long lines for a new attraction.

Knott's does sound like fun, but from what I've heard, it is pretty similar to a theme park close to us (Six Flags Great America). It is one of the attractions on the Go LA card (as is Legoland), so it may be something to consider. Thanks!


Anyone have any opinions on Aquarium of the Pacific? Our friends who went to CA last year really liked it, and my kids loved visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta in 2010. So many choices!

I think like franandaj I would go with AoP. We have a Six Flags 25 miles from us and I have been to Disneyland more in the last 10 years than I have beeen there. There is a dirty feel to it for me.

 

[sarahk0204]

DH and I had a conversation today about our California plans. He really wants to not be so commando this trip, reasoning that if we like CA, w can always come back!

So, he would like to concentrate on DLR. We still have an Orlando trip planned for 2013. Since that trip will likely not be a Disney trip, he reasons that we could do Universal, Sea World, and Legoland in Orlando. The San Diego Zoo is still a possibility, but he doesn't want to go without me, so that means I would have to play hooky from my conference.

I still think that the Aquarium would be fun, and it would be a nice way to ease into our trip if we went there first. I have a cousin who moved to Apple Valley, so I am going to try and see if we could visit her family on Sunday and stay nearby. Then we could get to Long Beach on Monday (probably trying to drive after rush hour, if that is possible) and then making our way to VGC by afternoon check-in time.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I like San Diego; and the zoo is located in Balboa Park. There are at least 10 - 15 museums in BP....some of them offer free entry on a Tuesday (they do rotate). You might want to check out what musuems are there, which ones are opened and if any appeal to you DH and kids. Might be a nice way for them to spend some time whilst you are in the convention....aside from the zoo.

 

[kaoden39]

I am all for a non-commando trip. My DH and I are going next month and we have no dining plans. He didn't commit to wanting to eat any place until yesterday. They just don't get it.

 

[sarahk0204]

I like San Diego; and the zoo is located in Balboa Park. There are at least 10 - 15 museums in BP....some of them offer free entry on a Tuesday (they do rotate). You might want to check out what musuems are there, which ones are opened and if any appeal to you DH and kids. Might be a nice way for them to spend some time whilst you are in the convention....aside from the zoo.

Interesting! I have bookmarked Balboa Park, although the free Tuesdays appear to be for residents and military personnel.

I am all for a non-commando trip. My DH and I are going next month and we have no dining plans. He didn't commit to wanting to eat any place until yesterday. They just don't get it.

At least he is going to eat Your trip is coming up fast! Have fun!

 

[kaoden39]

Interesting! I have bookmarked Balboa Park, although the free Tuesdays appear to be for residents and military personnel.



At least he is going to eat Your trip is coming up fast! Have fun!

Thank you. Yeah it seems like I started the plans forever ago.