My first Trip Report!

[ScrapperKimmyD]

I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to do this. I just typed up some stuff to help me remember when I go to journal my photos.

Don is my DH, Emma is my 9 yo DD and Elsa is my 7.5 yo DD.

We left on Saturday, November 18 and came home on Friday, November 24.

Saturday

Left home after a quick lunch with Rochelle and her kids. Stopped for dinner at Anderson’s Split Pea. Got to Dolphin’s Cove that night.

Sunday

Don picked up somet Lebanese food & Starbucks (which is WAY more expensive there than it is here!) for breakfast in the condo.
Character Outlet for shirts and key chains, tree topper and other stuff.
Downtown Disney – saw the after-wedding site at paradise Pier and the waterfall area
Stopped into Lego store
Had lunch at Rainforest Café
Picked up tote bag at Disney travel
The world of Disney store
Tried beignets at Jazz Express on our way back to condo
Don picked up some Lebanese food for us after the girls went to bed.

Monday

Got up early enough to do the early entrance into Fantasy Land. Don dropped us off across the street and the girls and I walked in from there. When we got there, the plaza was pretty much empty. We stopped to get some photos at the C and A of the California where there’s a Mickey and Goofy hanging off. Then I was able to get a picture of the whole California with no one in the picture.

We spent the first hour of the morning riding Dumbo, the Carousal, Peter Pan, Pinocchio with the only wait being about 10 minutes for Pirates. Then we headed over to Toon Town. That’s when I found out that we didn’t have the vouchers for that. I thought it was on our tickets. That was a bit disappointing. I figured we could try to get our Minnie and Friends breakfast that day instead of on Wednesday when our reservations were, and then do Toon Town Madness on Wednesday. We were able to walk right in and eat. Later that night, I found that we didn’t actually have Toon Town Madness on our itinerary like I thought we did. That was very disappointing. The next time we go, my girls will probably be too old for it. Well, maybe not!

At the breakfast, we were able to meet Max, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Hook, Eeyore and the Fairy Godmother who told us Elsa reminded here of Cinderella. Don was very disappointed in the food – not a lot of choices for vegetarians, although I had a wonderful omelet! However, the mini bagels and croissants and rolls and such were not very good at all. I don’t think we’ll ever bother eating there again, especially for the price!

Since there was no line at Astro Blasters, we rode that next. The line was still short, so we did it a second time. Then we headed over to Innoventions for a while. We’ve never really spent any time in there. We tried to do the aging thing – I looked horrible and it didn’t even work for Elsa. But, I thought it was pretty neat that they used a Creative Memories album and stickers for their memory album in the video. And I noticed some Mickey ears on one of the chairs in the video – a hidden Mickey?

Next we stopped over at the Tomorrow Land Terrace to see the last half of the Jedi show and eat some lunch... My girls were glued to the show and really wanted to go back and get picked! While we were eating lunch our friends, the Sattelmayers, were in the area and stopped to say hello.

On our way out the park, we ran into Mary Poppins, Burt and the Penguin and the Queen of Hearts, then found a hidden Mickey on Main St. at the Casting Agency.

Before leaving the park, we stopped at the rest rooms near City Hall. As I was walking in, I saw someone I thought I knew and almost said “Hey! What are you doing here?” But then I realized that even though I knew her, she didn’t know me. It was Ming-Na! I quickly did my business, then rushed out to tell my family. She was still in there changing a baby boy’s diaper or something like that. I told Don and Emma to stand on the stairs and I would get ready to take their picture right as Ming-Na was walking out. But, Emma walked right back in there and went right up to her and said “My mom said you did the voice of Mulan”. They were walking out together and I heard Ming-na say “She’s right.” Then she stopped to say hello to us and chat a bit and asked if I wanted to take a picture. Of course, I did! Even if I wasn’t trying to set it up w/o bothering her, it still would have looked like I was because I had my camera strap around my neck, holding my camera in my hand – just like I did all day, everyday! Fortunately, she was gracious and I got a great shot of her with Emma.

Went over to DCA and did the Block Party Bash – didn’t have the right vouchers for that either, but they let us sit in the priority section anyway. Emma got up and danced with the CMs at one point.

After the parade, we ran into the Sattelmayers again near the Beach Party Bash where the girls played ball with Santa, then rode Tower of Terror with them. As we were standing waiting to get on the ride, I thought the gal in front of me looked an awful lot like Lisa Welchel from Facts of Life, but I couldn’t get a really good look at her. Then I noticed a cast member standing in line to ride the ride too, or maybe she was just there to help us all get one – I wasn’t really sure. Then as we were getting off the ride, I saw that it was indeed Lisa Welchel – she sat right behind me! Of course, I bought the photo!

Then we headed to Monster’s Inc. Don and all the kids rode in one car and Roz told them “next time bring me a churro”. I sat behind the other parents and Roz told them he was winking at her, but he’s not her type.

That was it for the day. We headed back to the condo, gave the girls some Taco Bell and put them to bed. Don & I had left over Lebanese food – YUM!

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

Tuesday

Got there near opening. Rode Autopia first (30 minute wait – the longest wait of the trip). Saw Sattelmayers at end of it and waited for them to finish. We all decided to head toward Toon Town and saw that the lines for Small World were so short that we went on that. The crowd came in behind us. On our way there, we met Gepetto and Peter Pan. There was no line to Go Coasters, so we rode that – the crowd came in after us. Next we headed to Roger Rabbit, but Don, Elsa and I had to go back to the restrooms to help Elsa find her sunglasses. We scooted on past everyone in line and met back up with our party in time to ride with them. Karina rode with Emma and Elsa which I think was a surprise to her parents that she wasn’t afraid to go on it w/out them.

Two of the older kids in our group rode Splash Mountain, then we parted ways. We went to lunch at Rancho del Zocalo, then headed to the Mark Twain Riverboat where we had a special treat. We got to ride up with the skipper of the boat. He gave us a tour of the river and let the girls pilot the boat a bit and blow the horn and ring the bell. Then he gave them a pilot’s certificate. As we were getting off the boat, (the last people to do so) Mickey, Pluto and Goofy were walking on and waved hello to us. We saw Goofy relaxing at the front of the boat. Not sure where Mickey and Pluto went to.

After that, we got on a raft to Tom Sawyer Island. The girls had never been there. We found a couple of hidden Mickeys and the girls had a great time playing in the caves.

After we got back to the main land, we headed over to the Jasmine and Aladdin story time. Don and I got front row seats and the girls got right up front on their carpets. The apprentice story teller was wonderful with his Indian accent. Then the real storyteller got up and started to tell his story and Jasmine and Aladdin came in at the appropriate times and had everyone spellbound. Some kids got to participate and one of the cast members at the main entrance had a lot of fun playing with the girls.

Next we went to the Tiki Room before heading for home.


Wednesday

In close to opening. Met Alice in Wonderland. There was no line for Pirates, so we rode that.
Breakfast at Café Orleans. I had the Monte Cristo cheese sandwich, Don had the California scramble and the girls had the Mickey waffles. We also had some Mickey shaped Beignets. I’d heard they were fabulous, but we weren’t that impressed with them. The raspberry sauce is what made them edible.

Then we jetted over to DCA for the Character Meet and Greet where Mickey twirled Emma around and Goofy played with Elsa while I got things ready. They took some very cute pictures of the 3 of us – Don was getting fast passes for Soarin’ Over California and missed most of it.

We caught brief glimpses of Lightning McQueen and Mater.

On our way out of DCA, we stopped to watch the High School Musical Pep Rally. Emma got up and danced with them when they picked people to do that. The girls really loved watching that show!

We then headed back to Tomorrow land so the girls could do the Jedi training. On the way there, we ran into The Queen from Snow White. We managed to get her to sign the autograph books. She noticed Snow White on Elsa’s shirt and said “who is that?” Then she said “I’m much fairer than her, don’t you agree?” When Elsa nodded “yes”, she said “Good answer.”

Then we finally got over to the Jedi Training and the girls got picked! Emma had the line used on her that said “yes, keep smiling. It confuses them.” When we saw that they were picked, we were practically jumping up and down we were so happy! They did a great job. I think wearing Disney shirts and holding up signs that said “I want to be a Jedi” and “I soooo want to be a Jedi” really helped!

Princess Fantasy Fair was next – had lunch while waiting for it to start. Missed the hair-do part, though. That was probably a good thing, though.

Holiday tour at 4pm. Didn’t know I needed to get vouchers at the Guest Relations outside the park. Ran out at about 5 minutes til 4 – talked to a CM about getting right back in rather than standing in the line to get in. He assured me I could come back in through the exit. There was a line at GR that wasn’t moving at all. I asked the people in front if they were trying to get to the 4pm tour. She told me no and that we are all having our difficulties, but mine seemed a bit more urgent, so she let me go in front of her.

Got to the tour in time. We skipped Haunted Mansion so guide gave us a special pass to walk right onto another ride. Priority seating on Small World. Had priority seating for parade with hot chocolate and gingerbread cookie and got a special pin. The family that was chosen to be the Grand marshalls for the parade sat right next to us for the rest of the parade.

Used the special pass to ride Star Tours. Elsa didn’t want to ride it, so we were going to do the parent swap thing. They let Don & Elsa walk through and wait on the other side while Emma & I rode it. Once the Elsa heard the music – and that it was the same as at the Jedi Training – she said “oh, I recognize this music! And she really wanted to go on it then! So Emma & I got off and waited while Don & Elsa rode it.

Used our fast passes to ride Astro Blasters.
Ate a little something at Bengal BBQ and heard the fireworks. Headed over to Frontier Land to see the 10:30 show of Fantasmic. Met up with Ericksons when that was over. Rode Pirates with them. Elsa didn’t want to ride it again, so she sat out with Don. It was very late when we were done with that, so we headed back to the condo.

Thursday

We got to DL in time to ride the train to New Orleans Square. We had reservations for the Blue Bayou. Don had the Thanksgiving meal, Elsa had the Mac n Cheese, I had the prime rib. Emma wasn’t hungry, so she didn’t order anything. She ate a roll and a little of Don’s food. We ordered the Crème Brule trio for dessert. Our waiter filled our little treasure chest with Pirate’s Booty – gold chocolate coins! I’d heard that the food was more expensive, portions smaller and not as good. We found everything to be absolutely wonderful! Everything we had was delicious and none of us were able to finish what we got. We had wonderful food, wonderful service and a wonderful atmosphere! We’ll definitely do that again some time!

There was no line at the Jungle Cruise, so we did that, then Tarzan’s Tree house. While Don and the girls were there, Captain Jack Sparrow walked right by me! Wish I’d taken his picture!!!

We rode the train back around to the main entrance. We told Elsa she could sleep if she wanted to and we’d just stay on the train to let her do so. But, when we got to Tomorrow land, she perked right up and insisted that we get off to get fast passes for Space Mountain, so she and Don got off the train to do that while Emma and I rode it to the front. We shopped a little while waiting for them – turns out they got sidetracked by the Jedi show – Elsa had to watch that before they could meet up with us.

Headed over to DCA – Played at the Redwood Creek Trail, went to Hollywood Backlots and met Woody, and the girls and I rode Monster’s Inc. again. This time Roz told the people in front of us to bring her a churro. She told Emma and Elsa, who were in the front row, “Is that your sister? You better be nice to her!”

Then we got some dinner and ate it while waiting in line to see the Aladdin musical. Sat in the front row, just left of center. We looked for the hidden Mickey in the curtain and even asked a cast member if she knew where it is. She said she looks for it 4 times a day and still hasn’t found it. I took a picture of it anyway so I could keep looking for it.

Don didn’t think he could handle Soarin’ Over California and Space Mountain, and Elsa didn’t really want to ride it, so they sat out while Emma and I rode it. This time I did see the hidden Mickey on the golf ball.

Then we headed back over to DL.

Watched the fireworks from Main St., then met up with Erickson’s at Space mountin. It was closed, so we were going to do another ride, but then it opened, so we all ran onto it. We had the kids sit in front and we adults were in the back. Blue was screaming all the way, except to ask BA if she was okay with him screaming. When she didn’t answer, he kept doing it – until she smacked him in the stomach. She could barely get off and needed fresh air. Then we all went to Autopia – BA & I rode together and at one point Tyler stopped his car and waited for us. We almost bumped him, but stopped in time. A little bit later, there was a cast member standing in the rode, telling us to stop. He told us next time don’t bump the car before he let us go.

Then we headed to Story book Canal with Jessie & BA. We stopped at the hub to get some photos and gave some Pirate’s Booty to them to take to their family.

Elsa was so tired that Don carried her out of the park.

Friday

We got up with BARELY enough time to get dressed and over to Paradise Pier for breakfast. We were about 10 minutes late, but it wasn’t a problem. We met Lilo, Stitch, Minnie and Pluto. Max was there, too, but he didn’t stop and see us this time. There were a few times when the kids could get up and dance or play a game with the characters. Emma got up almost everytime. Elsa only got up to play the game. On the way out, I stopped at the store to use up the last bit of our Visa Reward dollars. While I was doing that, Don took the girls to see Santa who was sitting right outside the store. Then we went back to the condo, packed up and headed out.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

WOW, so many cool things you did! I loved that you met Ming-Na and that she was so gracious. And how cool to do the princess dress up thing and the Jedi Training Academy! Those were not available when we went, so I have only seen a few photos here on the DIS. I'm hoping they'll still offer the JTA when we go again next fall.

And why is Roz always requesting a churro? Do you suppose Albort is trying to drum up more business???

So glad you had a great time!

PS. Where did you get Lebanese food? We LOVE Lebanese food!

PPS. Awesome write-up, Kimmy! Great job.

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

I think one place was called Cedars. I'll email (since I STILL have no voice) DH and ask him since he's the one that got the food.

and...thanks!

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

Well, I asked DH and this is what he wrote...


I got Mana'eesh Za'atar at a Lebanese restaurant that serves breakfast (many Arabic bakeries do):
Cedar Bakery & Restaurant
930 S Brookhurst St
Anaheim, CA 92804
714-991-5888

A typical Lebanese breakfast, it`s a kinda of pita bread baked with an herb called "za`atar" (thyme) mixed with sesame seeds and olive oil into a paste that's spread over the Lebanese bread called "khibbiz". You can also order it with goat cheese; then it`s called Mana'eesh Jibneh. It looks something like a pizza except it has no tomato sauce. It`s one of the cheapest breakfasts & a traditional one! You can find Mana'eesh at any local bakery almost everywhere. It`s pronounced Mana`eesh in Lebanese accent, but you'll also see it spelled "Manakeesh".
I got Kafta Kabob, Falafel, Hommus, Tabouleh and Khibbiz (also spelled Khubz) at a Palestinian restaurant:
The Olive Tree Restaurant
512 S Brookhurst St, #3
Anaheim, CA 92804
714-535-2878
The food from The Olive Tree was some of the best I've every had. They have a much heavier use of parsley in their falafels & tabouleh, and the tabouleh was also very tangy with more lemon juice than Lebanese varieties often do. The hommus was also smoother and milder. We both just loved that dinner!

For more info on Lebanese foods, you can check Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_cuisine
Both restaurants above are in the "Arab City" section of Anaheim, on Brookhurst, beginning around Ball Rd and going north for a few blocks (also known as "Gaza Strip" or "Little Gaza"). There are numerous Arabic businesses. Among the more interesting are the clothing shops and the hookah cafes where people smoke flavored tobacco in shared water pipes.

For more info on this area, see:
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22132955_ITM.:
dg ♫

 

[abby]

great trip report, loved reading of all your fun.

 

[lulubelle]

Great report Kimmy!
You guys sure packed a lot into each and every day.
Thanks for all the detail and taking the time to write.

 

[Dsnylndlvrs]

Great report! Sounds like an awesome trip. So funny to think we were there at the same time/same location on a couple days! Some of what you wrote for Monday and Tuesday made it clear we were right around each other.

Anyway, glad you had a great trip!

 

[kelmac284]

Loved your report. We are doing the holiday tour next month. What did you think? Was it worth it? Did you get the plastic cups with your cocoa that you could save or were they just the normal throw aways?

Thanks for any info you can give and again loved your report!

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

The tour. Hmmm...parts of it were very fun. Most of it, actually. Most of what our guide told us wasn't new information for me, though - traditions around the world. Some of it was new, though, and that was interesting.

There were 3 groups that all went out at about the same time. Whenever one group ran into another group, the first one to notice would do something. Our group would call out "Happy Holidays!" One group would start singing Jingle Bells - and they had a wee bit trouble carrying a tune. Our guide, Kelly, was so patient with the kids in our group! There were my 2 and another little boy and she was just great with them! Of course, they loved her and all fought over who was going to sit next to her!

The cool parts - walking right onto IASW and HM and the fact that she gave us a pass to get right onto any other ride we wanted to since we didn't do HM.

At one point near the beginning, we stopped in one of the shops and got a bit of fudge.

At the end, we got a gingerbread cookie and hot chocolate in the travel mug for YOAMD that we got to keep. We carried that over to our seating - padded folding chairs in a roped off section at the end of the parade. We could see them going backstage - and the honorary Grand Marshals were sitting next to us right outside the roped off section.

After we sat down and before the parade started, Kelly would ask us questions and whomever answered correctly first got the tour pin. She quickly ran out of questions and then just started handing the pins out to everyone else.

It was nice to do once, but I don't know that I'd do it again. Our friends did that one and the Walking in Walt's Footsteps tour. I'll be getting the scoop from her on Monday while we scrapbook our trip!

 

[samkj]

Great report Kimmy! I loved reading about your trip. I think we'll have to try Blue Bayou on our next trip!

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

thanks!

I've always wanted to eat there, but we never had the money to do so.
THIS time, I had $350 Disney Visa Reward Dollars so I went for it! I'm so glad we did - that was the BEST meal we had the whole trip!

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Now I really want to visit DLR. Waiting for plane tickets prices to be released and hope this can be doable for us in 2007.


Thanks for taking the time to write, sounds like you had a wonderful time. If we are luckey enough to go, I,ll have to make a PS for the Blue Bayou, sounds delish.

 

[CindyH]

We'll be going during this time next year. I am amazed at your memory, the details make it really interesting! How great that you recognized all those people, I'm so oblivious I probably would have passed them all by.

Was your Thanksgiving meal at BB lunch or dinner? You mentioned that your DH got the Thanksgiving meal, what was included? Thanks!

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

I started writing everything down soon after I got home. Once I get to writing, it just starts flowing. and I often go back and add more in as I remember it. There's more I could add, but just haven't done so yet.

We had lunch at BB. The Thanksgiving meal DH got was on the menu in place of the ribs and was probably about the same price. Our final cost was about $85.00, I think - and that was with only 3 of us ordering! But it was definitely worth it! I think we can keep costs down next time by not ordering dessert and maybe just having water if funds are tight the next time we go.