Mr., I'll Make a Fan Out of You, June 2017- WDW Lovers Take on Disneyland and the West! (UDx3 1/16)

[ALEXandFAB]

as none of us have any interest in Guardians of the Galaxy as a franchise or a ride.

This was me too. The first Guardians of the Galaxy movie looked kinda stupid and just NOT something that called my attention. At all. I skipped it when my husband and son went to see it. When GotG Vol. 2 came out, they both really wanted me to go with them, so they convinced me to see the first one and if I didn't like it then I didn't have to go with them to see the second. This was my face as I started watching the first movie --> . Well, that didn't last long because I LOVED it!! I'm a convert

I prefer Test Track to this ride.

This is where we must part ways then.

one of the CMs standing by the entrance called me over and said he had a phone call for me. It was Goofy singing happy birthday – made my morning! Love those little touches.

So cool! Things like this is why Disney will always have a piece of my heart.

the sadness of seeing the Peopemover track, but having no Peoplemover to ride.

I have the BEST memories of the Peoplemover. It's a little punch in the gut walking around Tomorrowland and not seeing it there. Even after so many years, I'm not used to it.

Anyway, we decided to get Autopia out of the way next. Ugh. The kids understandably insist on doing the car rides, but it always ranks as one of the least magical times for us grown-ups.

The fumes!!

A few minutes into the show, we realized we could see a lot of the fireworks from bed, so that’s how we finished it.

This is incredible!!

 

[NJlauren]

Late to the party! I think I missed the tail end of your last TR when I stopped coming around the boards a bit! But I'm back and caught up! Looks like tons of fun and you have don't so much already!

Love the costumes as always!

 

[disny_luvr]

I didn't get to read your last update yet, but I just want to make sure you are weathering Hurricane Harvey okay. I'm not sure where you are in Texas, but I wanted to check in on you.

 

[Jfsag123]

Love, love, love RSR so I don't fault you for that choice. But, I have to say that we, not caring about the franchise as well, did Guardians and LOVED it! Now, I think I remember that you don't like ToT at HS so I don't blame you for not wanting to give it a try. I can only take ToT once per trip, it does make my stomach do flips. But in my opinion (and DH and DD, we 3 were the only ones who rode GoG) Guardians is so much better and so much more fun that ToT. For me it's mostly b/c of the music, which is awesome!

That's high praise! I do like ToT at HS, BUT can only do it once per trip at most. Skipped it last time. I hate the drops, but the theme is so good that I will deal it to be able to ride - it's worth it. Since GotG is a theme none of us cared about, we decided to skip. However, you sold it pretty well. We're considering trying to go back to Disneyland in 2019...maybe I'll consider riding

You are not alone my friend. While I prefer RSR over Test Track, DH and at least 1 of my children, maybe 2, prefer Test Track as well.

Thanks for the validation!

Yes, this is the saddest thing about DL. Our family just loves the Peoplemover and we have missed it dearly on our 2 trips to DL.

It was almost physically painful lol

I am loving your trip report! You write so well, I feel l like Im there. And you have a lovely family.

Cannot wait for more!

Thanks so much for the kind words and for following along!

I am with you on this. They need to update the Speedway badly!!!

I was kind of excited when I thought Tron might knock out the Speedway...

Glad you had a good birthday! I would love to do that for each of us one day, but mine and my youngest DD is in July... A little to hot for my liking...

Thank you! DS is begging to go for his birthday since now we've been in a park for my birthday and DD's. His is also in July and he's asking to go to DL in JUly in 2019. We'll see what happens. Planning on WDW in late July for the first time next year due to schedule constraints and I'm already preparing myself for the heat.

 

[Jfsag123]

This was me too. The first Guardians of the Galaxy movie looked kinda stupid and just NOT something that called my attention. At all. I skipped it when my husband and son went to see it. When GotG Vol. 2 came out, they both really wanted me to go with them, so they convinced me to see the first one and if I didn't like it then I didn't have to go with them to see the second. This was my face as I started watching the first movie --> . Well, that didn't last long because I LOVED it!! I'm a convert

A second vote for GotG! I may have to give it a chance...

This is where we must part ways then.

Ha! I understand. P.S. TestTrack4Eva

So cool! Things like this is why Disney will always have a piece of my heart.

Yes! Whenever we talk about favorite moments from trips it usually ends up being little times like this rather than the actual attractions, though we love those dearly.

I have the BEST memories of the Peoplemover. It's a little punch in the gut walking around Tomorrowland and not seeing it there. Even after so many years, I'm not used to it.

As I said earlier, physically painful! Would have loved getting to ride it in Walt's Park.

This is incredible!!

This was totally a magical moment.

Late to the party! I think I missed the tail end of your last TR when I stopped coming around the boards a bit! But I'm back and caught up! Looks like tons of fun and you have don't so much already!

Love the costumes as always!

Thanks and welcome back!

I didn't get to read your last update yet, but I just want to make sure you are weathering Hurricane Harvey okay. I'm not sure where you are in Texas, but I wanted to check in on you.

How incredibly thoughtful - thank you for checking in! I live in Dallas and work in Austin. Up in DFW right now, so completely safe - we've barely even had rain! I know some people further south who are having a much harder time. What a horrible situation.

 

[ariane37]

Kelley!! I am SO glad you posted over on my current report because I did not realize you started this!! But I am now all caught up and thoroughly enjoying it First of all I have to say that Cora has changed so much, she looks so grown up and really looks like you

Other than the heat your road trip looks fun. I don't know that we'll ever get out that way but the musical instrument museum does look super cool with the instruments from around the world and the exhibits of famous musicians. And so jealous of your DL time since it's going on........25 years since my one visit there lol.

Now that I've found you I shall return! Hope you all are safe down there

 

[Jfsag123]

Kelley!! I am SO glad you posted over on my current report because I did not realize you started this!! But I am now all caught up and thoroughly enjoying it First of all I have to say that Cora has changed so much, she looks so grown up and really looks like you

Aw, thank you! It blows me away sometimes when I look at her and realize how big she is.

Other than the heat your road trip looks fun. I don't know that we'll ever get out that way but the musical instrument museum does look super cool with the instruments from around the world and the exhibits of famous musicians. And so jealous of your DL time since it's going on........25 years since my one visit there lol.

Hot and fun for sure. The kids are petitioning for me to plan the exact same trip for 2019 lol. I don't know that they'll get their way, but I'm sure we'll have to make it back out to some of these places at some point in time and the MIM is a big one we want to visit again - next time with a full day!

Now that I've found you I shall return! Hope you all are safe down there

You won't miss a lot, as I'm only really updating when I'm home on the weekends. This working in Austin thing is really cutting into my DIS time! lol And thank you, we are safe, though I have a relative who has suffered a lot of damage to her home. Our new crisis is the gas shortage.

 

[Jfsag123]

Just to check, y'all can still see my pictures, right? I'm still using photobucket and it seems to be working. I have a premium account, but not the crazy expensive one they're trying to push now.

Day 8, June 21, part 1: Disneyland Resort!

Day 3 of Disneyland! DSFIL (stepfather-in-law) dropped DMIL off at the Hojo early in the morning so she could join us for rope drop. He was working during the day, but planned to join us in the parks in the late afternoon. The costumes for the day were Mary Poppins and Bert in their chimney sweep garb. We are BIG Mary Poppins fans. The kids had already worn and outgrown the Jolly Holiday versions of the characters, so DMIL decided to make them these for this year. She is currently working on larger versions of the Jolly Holidays again, as my children refuse to go any length of time without workable Mary and Bert costumes. Alex is already asking to be Bert again for Halloween!

After obligatory children-in-front-of-the-castle photos, we hit up a few of the Fantasyland dark rides again.

Next we decided to check out the Storybookland Canal Boats. When we got on, the CM asked Mary and Bert if they’d like to sit up front, which they were only too happy to do.

This was a really cute ride. I loved the little models of the castles and worlds from the movies.

We also rode Dumbo because the kids insisted. After Dumbo it was time to check out a land that departed this Earth at WDW:

We started with a new (to us) ride.

When we exited, we spotted Goofy so, of course, had to go greet him.

A wonderful photopass CM spotted the kids and started posing them for pictures.

You think…

You wink…

You do a double blink…

Close your eyes and jump!

Alex missed the closed eyes during the jump. No chalk drawing transportation for him.

What trip to Toontown would be complete without a visit to the Big Cheese’s house??

This has always been my motto!

To be continued…

 

[Jfsag123]

Day 8, June 21, part 2: Disneyland Resort!

Back out through the castle we went with a soda for me…

…and a visit to the wishing well for the kids.

And finally the moment we’d been waiting for – Mary and Bert!

Cora’s hair had had it by this point and it was warming up, so it was time to shed the costumes for more functional clothes and begin the search for food!

We stashed the costumes in a locker and headed off for lunch. It wasn’t quite 11 yet, so we had a little time to decide. We settled on Golden Horseshoe and were among the first to walk in as they opened the doors.

I didn’t take a picture of anyone’s food but mine – chili in a bread bowl. Not really a meal for June, but I didn’t want chicken nuggets.

We had grabbed fastpasses a little bit earlier for Indiana Jones and our window was open by the time we finished lunch. This was the first appearance I noticed of signs like this:

The fastpass changeover in prep for Maxpass was starting in earnest. It definitely made for some longer waits in FP lines prior to the checkpoints, as people were confused and often slow to produce their tickets.

Cora was begging to go back to the Redwood Creek Challenge, as she had gotten excited about it the night before. Since we knew we’d be staying in Disneyland Park exclusively after DSFIL got there, we relented and hopped over to DCA so she could do it. I ran over to grab fastpasses for Space Mountain before we headed out.

DH took Cora over to do the challenge whil Alex, DMIL, and I sat in the Pacific Wharf area sipping drinks under the shade of an umbrella – margaritas for DMIL and me and a slushie for Alex.

Pride in her accomplishment of completing the challenge.

Characters we can’t find at WDW! Ok, so we can find them at Move it Shake it, but we can’t meet them!

Next it was DH and Cora’s turn to sit and wait, as DMIL and I wanted to check out Off the Page. We ended up buying some Christmas ornaments I am excited to be able to add to the tree this year. When we came out of the store, we joined DH and the kids to sit for another minute and show them our purchases, when we were approached by some CM’s. They said we looked like a family who was having a great time and really enjoying each other and asked if they could take some pictures of us. DH was wearing the most ridiculous hat combo (mostly because he knows it drives me nuts) of a draped bandana, with a safari hat, with his Donald hat on top. I wish he’d taken that mess off for the pictures! But I love how they came out.

The kids with one of the CM’s. They enjoyed her.

To be continued…

 

[soniam]

I love the Jolly Holliday costumes, but those Chimney Sweep ones are even more amazing. Again, kudos to your MIL for her amazing seamstress skills. Kudos to your kids for having such good taste We love Mary Poppins too. I having been a little worn out after our trip and haven't felt motivated to plan for our short Disneyland trip next summer. However, your trip report is getting me back in the mood.

 

[ArielSRL]

I'm way behind but just read the Carlbad Cavern post. I've been there!! On my 7 week road trip! I did stay in Carlsbad though. Wish I had known about the closer town. I do remember it being a trek from Carlsbad but I only went for one day. Saw the caverns then stayed for that cool bat show! I thought it was incredible!

I think after that I headed NW to Santa Fe and then Taos, which was beautiful.

This is conjuring up so many memories for me! Going back to read more!

 

[ArielSRL]

My DH, who's been in several bands and has several guitars, would've loved that music museum. He probably would've really enjoyed the Johnny Cash exhibit, too.

 

[ArielSRL]

Even though I think I hit 21 different national parks or monuments on my trip, I only did Redwood in CA. Not sure why I missed Joshua Tree but I think I came in from Las Vegas (one of my other commercial stops on the trip) so maybe it would've been out of the way. I really wanted to stop at Yosemite but that was definitely out of the way of my planned route (I did the coastal drive after DLR).

That dog looks like one of ours, Jasper. Oh and nice on the drinks!

I went to Venice Beach after DLR. Interesting place. Your kids had never been to the beach?!? Growing up in GA we either went on vacation to the beach or went to WDW. And those are my two favorite vacation spots to this day!

I really enjoyed Cars 3. I thought it was almost as good as the first. I did like that the girl (Cruz) got to be the hero at the end. I'm enjoying this girl power movement Disney has been on lately.

Yay to Disneyland coming up!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Your trip is making me want to go to Disneyland!

 

[ArielSRL]

Yay to making it to DLR! When I went in 2002, it was over July 4th weekend and not very busy. I couldn't believe it. I absolutely love The Matterhorn! One of my faves. And I really like all those Fantasyland rides that are no longer at WDW, as well as the ones that never were.

I'm glad your MIL got to see the costumes in action! And awesome on the PP photographers.

That's def sad to read about Cars 3 being such a low money maker. I was just telling Will we need to see when the DVD is coming out.

 

[Jfsag123]

I love the Jolly Holliday costumes, but those Chimney Sweep ones are even more amazing. Again, kudos to your MIL for her amazing seamstress skills. Kudos to your kids for having such good taste We love Mary Poppins too. I having been a little worn out after our trip and haven't felt motivated to plan for our short Disneyland trip next summer. However, your trip report is getting me back in the mood.

Glad I could be of service! How was your trip??

I'm way behind but just read the Carlbad Cavern post. I've been there!! On my 7 week road trip! I did stay in Carlsbad though. Wish I had known about the closer town. I do remember it being a trek from Carlsbad but I only went for one day. Saw the caverns then stayed for that cool bat show! I thought it was incredible!

I may know a little something about getting behind lol. I just found out about Whites City due to a fluke, but I'm so glad I did! We thought it was incredible too! I mentioned in an earlier response that the kids are asking to take this same trip again in 2019, which won't happen. However, I'd love to see these places again with them when they're teenagers.

I think after that I headed NW to Santa Fe and then Taos, which was beautiful.

Never been there, but really want to go someday!

My DH, who's been in several bands and has several guitars, would've loved that music museum. He probably would've really enjoyed the Johnny Cash exhibit, too.

Oh, it sounds like our DH's might get along lol. Mine is always longing for another guitar and has also been in several bands.

Even though I think I hit 21 different national parks or monuments on my trip, I only did Redwood in CA. Not sure why I missed Joshua Tree but I think I came in from Las Vegas (one of my other commercial stops on the trip) so maybe it would've been out of the way. I really wanted to stop at Yosemite but that was definitely out of the way of my planned route (I did the coastal drive after DLR).

We're thinking of trying to see some more of the CA parks in a couple of years, Yosemite definitely included. How was Redwood?

I went to Venice Beach after DLR. Interesting place. Your kids had never been to the beach?!? Growing up in GA we either went on vacation to the beach or went to WDW. And those are my two favorite vacation spots to this day!

Crazy, right?? I lived in Virginia Beach, VA, for several years, so the beach isn't super special to me, but I realized how special it can be for someone who's never seen it! Texas of course isn't landlocked, but our gulf beaches aren't the best and are pretty far from us, so we've never bothered to take the kids down there.

I really enjoyed Cars 3. I thought it was almost as good as the first. I did like that the girl (Cruz) got to be the hero at the end. I'm enjoying this girl power movement Disney has been on lately.

Me too! And both my kids seem to be enjoying it as well.

Your trip is making me want to go to Disneyland!

You should definitely make it happen!

Yay to making it to DLR! When I went in 2002, it was over July 4th weekend and not very busy. I couldn't believe it. I absolutely love The Matterhorn! One of my faves. And I really like all those Fantasyland rides that are no longer at WDW, as well as the ones that never were.

I was surprised by the difference in crowd patterns as well. And the Fantasyland rides made me so happy! DLR really does have its own vibe that's special in its own way and I think those classic rides add a lot to it.

I'm glad your MIL got to see the costumes in action! And awesome on the PP photographers.

We were so impressed with the PP CMs! And I think DMIL is even more motivated to sew now lol.

That's def sad to read about Cars 3 being such a low money maker. I was just telling Will we need to see when the DVD is coming out.

Yes, I hope it doesn't discourage them from continuing to tell those kinds of stories. We plan to get the DVD as soon as it's released as well.

 

[ArielSRL]

It seems like you guys got a ton done that first day! I'm with you on Space at WDW. It just doesn't really do it for me anymore. I don't remember if I did it at DLR in 2002 but I'm sure I did. If I can get Will to ride it whenever we go, it's nice that the seats are side by side. Love the silhouettes! Also the room looks nice!

So easy to park hop there. You guys were crazy back and forth! Oh and where is the dancing in line video??

I remember loving Indy and riding it a few times! I don't even ride Dinosaur anymore. And I'd love to try BTMRR there since the refurb.

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[soniam]

Glad I could be of service! How was your trip??

It was good. Hectic and relaxing, all at the same time. Although, I think by the end, we were getting on each others nerves a bit

 

[ArielSRL]

Yay to spending your actual birthday in a park! Mine is Oct 29th so it's a goal but I have no idea when it might actually happen. Maybe after we retire to FL? Lol. Also I am loving the ride comparisons! Sorry the food wasn't up to snuff.

Carsland is probably one of the biggest draws for us just because Will is super-obsessed. For me it's a lot more than that, but Carsland might be what actually gets us there quicker.

And OMG on the fireworks view! So convenient, too!

 

[Frozen2014]

I've commented earlier in your report, but just have to say again how awesome I think it is with your kids costumes! The characters must get a real kick out of that! I think you said your MIL made them? Really impressive!

Looks like an amazing holiday. We just came back ourselves and I can relate to all the rides and stuff ...great reading.