brenda1966
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2004
- Messages
- 1,998
July 2007
The Subs are Back!
We (me and DD age 5) arrived in Anaheim in the afternoon on a Saturday so we headed over to California Adventure (CA) since we knew Disneyland (DL) would be mobbed. We grabbed fastpasses for Soarin and headed back into the Bugs Life area to get wet, grab a cherry slushie, and ride the kiddie rides. The rides were mostly walk on and we rode the spinning lady bugs several times until I couldnt take it any more!
As we headed over for the 6pm Aladdin showing we got trapped by Block Party Bash so we watched that at the Monsters Inc section and were still able to get over to Aladdin in time. We sat in the 2nd row Mezzanine. Aladdin and Jasmine and the Genie all flew on the magic carpet (which I dont think was functioning last year when we saw it). It was wonderful. We walked over and rode Monsters Inc several times and it was a 5-10 minute wait at most (and thats because of all the Aladdin traffic). By this time it was a tad bit windy so I feared the fireworks would be cancelled. We decided to stay and watch the Electric Light Parade that evening and then try to make the mad dash over for the Fireworks. We sat back in the park, in between the Golden Dreams theater and the Zephyr ride. There were so few people back there that you didnt need to save a spot seating was wide open. We watched until the Petes Dragon float, my favorite, and then scooted over to DL. We made it in plenty of time and got a spot on Mainstreet to watch the show. By this time the wind had died down and the fireworks started on schedule. It was the perfect way to end our first evening in the parks.
Sunday morning and Nemo:
We knew this was our best opportunity to get on this ride without waiting 2+ hours, so we got in line at the park at 7:20 for the 8am opening. As luck would have it, another line opened right next to us so we were probably 8th in line, but we were the first stroller so we got to line up right at the stroller gate, get our ticket pre-scanned and were the first set of people through the gates. People were running at full speed it was utter madness! By the time we got to Mainstreet, CMs were telling us to walk and the pace slowed, but it was still heart-attack inducing. Boy, its a long power walk back there! I think the CMs did a good job of routing people the right way. It was a bit confusing and frustrating as they made us weave through the entire maze of ropes to contain the 2+ hour line. There were a few line jumpers, but mostly it went smoothly. It was hard to tell just how far back in line we were as we weaved through the ropes, but it turns out we were real close to the start as we were loaded into the second sub at about 20 minutes after 8. Mission accomplished! I think the ride is much improved over the subs of old and we both really enjoyed it. It was a glorious site to see those subs plugging along in the lagoon.
Since it was still early we were able to catch some rides in Fantasyland before heading over to the Princess Fantasy Faire. I wanted DD to see the Coronation and the storytelling (and had already decided we would not stand in line to meet Princesses). DD enjoyed the Coronation and dancing. She stayed down on the floor picking up the streamers and dancing around while I took her picture. This turned out to be a good thing! As we were hanging out there a CM approached and asked if wed met the Princesses. I said that we had last year at Ariels Grotto, but that we wouldnt be standing in that long line. She offered us a pass to meet Sleeping Beauty and Snow White without any wait after the Storytelling. Im not sure if this was a Magical Moment, but it felt like one! I also think having DD dressed up like a princess helped. After watching Belles story we presented our pass and were led behind a curtain on the stage to the awaiting princesses.
We then left for our character brunch at Goofys in the DL hotel. Im not sure Id do this again. Ariels Grotto has a spoiled me in two ways: first, I dont have to leave the parks and second, they serve me. Buffets are hard with a kid and no other adults along as I felt like we didnt want to leave the table too much and miss a character. We did get to meet some new characters like Peter Pans Wendy and Goofys son Max (who kept kissing DD on the head). We also saw Belle in her blue and white dress for the first time, in addition to seeing Baloo, Pluto, Goofy, and the Mary Poppins Chimney sweeper Bert. I liked the mixture of characters, both fluffy and face characters, and DD enjoyed interacting with them. But, Im kind of looking forward to outgrowing the character meals. I just dont know if they are a good value for the cost (and the small amount of food we actually end up eating). We rode the monorail over and that was a new experience for us at DL, but I was annoyed that I had to fold the stroller unlike at WDW where you just roll it on. It also felt like we wasted a fair amount of time just traveling over to the DL hotel and back.
After our lunch we headed back to the room for a well needed nap. I needed one! We headed back into the park around 5pm, caught the Dreams Parade and then used our Buzz and Space Mountain fastpasses. DL was mobbed. We decided to eat chicken skewers at the Bengal BBQ one last time before it closes. The line barely moved, but they were good so it was worth the wait. It was time to try and secure a spot for Fantasmic. DLs greatest downfall in my mind is the lack of seating for this show, but by chance we lucked upon a table and chair outside of the New Orleans restaurant. I wasnt so sure wed be able to see Mickey standing on the lower stage because you had to remain seated in this area, but we could see fairly well and I would gladly sit there for the show again. We both love the show and stayed seated and watched the fireworks. By this time DD was very tired and we went straight back to the hotel.
Monday morning was our early entry morning. It was refreshingly cool and cloudy all morning and this really helped us retain our energy as we toured around Fantasyland. We were able to ride most things a few times before the crowds started to grow. We rode Small World, Roger Rabbits Spin and then headed over the grab a Splash fastpass and ride Pooh a few times. It was then almost 10am and time to head over to CA and catch the remaining rides and shows there. We grabbed a Soarin fastpass and headed back toward the Sun Wheel o death. DD previously loved this ride, but was a bit scared this time. Perhaps that means Ill never have to ride it again?! One can only hope. We did have another nice surprise while we were loading onto the Sun Wheel the CM asked DD if she liked Tinker Bell and gave her a trade quality pin that said where dreams come true. She was thrilled. We then headed over to the Brother Bear area. Wed never been back here and I wanted DD to see the show and meet the characters. By this time the clouds had rolled out and the sun was bearing down upon us. It was getting HOT. We really enjoyed climbing around in this area and seeing the beloved bears. DD rode the zip line at least a half dozen times and just loved it. The CMs were great about helping her get on and not sending her down too fast.
It was lunch time and DD still seemed to have a lot of energy so I decided wed skip the nap today, stay in the parks and finish up CA and then leave prior to dinner for a swim in the pool and an early bedtime. This plan worked out really well. After a quick lunch we headed over to Muppets 3D, a new film for DD. She really liked it. We then went to Turtle Talk with Crush and looked around at the interactive animation centers while we waited. The A/C felt great! DD got to ask Crush a question and talk with him a bit, which was a thrill for her. As we are walking out of CA DD says shes ready for Splash Mountain so back to DL we head to ride. We headed out of DL and back to the hotel for a swim, quick dinner and to bed. No fireworks for us tonight although I could hear them boom-boom in our room, but DD was fast asleep by then.
Tuesday morning we had a few hours prior to catching Supershuttle to LAX. We had a bit of trouble getting through the DL gates as the computer was rejecting all of the plastic card passes as expired. We had to wait a few minutes while they issues is paper passes. It was time to head to Pirate island! But first we had to catch a few ride favorites like Pirates and Haunted Mansion. At this point Im very glad we walked all the way back into DL the prior day to ride Splash because it was down for repairs much of the morning. We head over to Pirate island around 9:30 and it is already blazing hot out. We walk through all the little caves and really enjoyed touring the island. Captain Jack was not at his meet and greet location any of the times we walked by there, so that was a disappointment. But we did get to see him up close in the show. We got to sit right down in front as there was plenty of seating as no one wanted to sit in the sun and bake. DD loved the show. While the island has a lot of shade, there isnt anywhere to go inside and cool off, so while well go back to the island, well always do it early in the day when it is cooler.
We still have a bit of time before we have to leave so we watch the Aladdin and Jasmine storytelling, walk through Tarzans tree house, and see the Tiki birds. One last ride on the carousel (which had a person on every horse and a line thats how crowded the park was), and we are off to LAX. Supershuttle did make a few out of the way stops on its way to LAX, but they ended up providing DD with a nice little air-conditioned nap so it worked out well.
People think we are nuts for needing a 4 day hopper pass to see Disneyland, but even with all the time we spend in the parks, there were still classics we didnt even ride like Autopia, Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain, the Train, most of Toontown. We dont ride most of the midway rides at CA, nor the water ride, nor see the Bug movie and DD is still too scared to ride Tower of Terror. Theres also so much entertainment we dont stop to see. It really is amazing just how much there is to do there.
A bit about our hotel, the Carousel Inn: Of course I cant say enough about the location. This is the closest Ive stayed to the gates of DL and its just wonderful. The rooms were pretty with hardwood floors. Its kind of a strange set up as most room are on the second floor with cars parked below on the first floor, but we got one of the rare 1st floor rooms in the back of the hotel. The air conditioner was quite loud, but we turned it off at night so it was fine. The continental breakfast had a lovely view of both parks, but it wasnt open for early entry, however it was great for the other mornings. The rooftop pool was very small, but the water was warm and towels were provided. The staff was very courteous and helpful. Wed definitely stay here again.
Overall it was a fantastic trip to DL. I just adore Fantasyland there. It is so charming and quaint and perfect for DDs age group. We got to try some new rides and activities and still had time to hit all the favorites. We saw many characters without standing in line to meet them. We saw all the parades, fireworks and Fantasmic. DD managed to shop, spend her Disney dollars and enjoy the experience without any tantrums over over-priced dresses. It was magical!
The Subs are Back!
We (me and DD age 5) arrived in Anaheim in the afternoon on a Saturday so we headed over to California Adventure (CA) since we knew Disneyland (DL) would be mobbed. We grabbed fastpasses for Soarin and headed back into the Bugs Life area to get wet, grab a cherry slushie, and ride the kiddie rides. The rides were mostly walk on and we rode the spinning lady bugs several times until I couldnt take it any more!
As we headed over for the 6pm Aladdin showing we got trapped by Block Party Bash so we watched that at the Monsters Inc section and were still able to get over to Aladdin in time. We sat in the 2nd row Mezzanine. Aladdin and Jasmine and the Genie all flew on the magic carpet (which I dont think was functioning last year when we saw it). It was wonderful. We walked over and rode Monsters Inc several times and it was a 5-10 minute wait at most (and thats because of all the Aladdin traffic). By this time it was a tad bit windy so I feared the fireworks would be cancelled. We decided to stay and watch the Electric Light Parade that evening and then try to make the mad dash over for the Fireworks. We sat back in the park, in between the Golden Dreams theater and the Zephyr ride. There were so few people back there that you didnt need to save a spot seating was wide open. We watched until the Petes Dragon float, my favorite, and then scooted over to DL. We made it in plenty of time and got a spot on Mainstreet to watch the show. By this time the wind had died down and the fireworks started on schedule. It was the perfect way to end our first evening in the parks.
Sunday morning and Nemo:
We knew this was our best opportunity to get on this ride without waiting 2+ hours, so we got in line at the park at 7:20 for the 8am opening. As luck would have it, another line opened right next to us so we were probably 8th in line, but we were the first stroller so we got to line up right at the stroller gate, get our ticket pre-scanned and were the first set of people through the gates. People were running at full speed it was utter madness! By the time we got to Mainstreet, CMs were telling us to walk and the pace slowed, but it was still heart-attack inducing. Boy, its a long power walk back there! I think the CMs did a good job of routing people the right way. It was a bit confusing and frustrating as they made us weave through the entire maze of ropes to contain the 2+ hour line. There were a few line jumpers, but mostly it went smoothly. It was hard to tell just how far back in line we were as we weaved through the ropes, but it turns out we were real close to the start as we were loaded into the second sub at about 20 minutes after 8. Mission accomplished! I think the ride is much improved over the subs of old and we both really enjoyed it. It was a glorious site to see those subs plugging along in the lagoon.
Since it was still early we were able to catch some rides in Fantasyland before heading over to the Princess Fantasy Faire. I wanted DD to see the Coronation and the storytelling (and had already decided we would not stand in line to meet Princesses). DD enjoyed the Coronation and dancing. She stayed down on the floor picking up the streamers and dancing around while I took her picture. This turned out to be a good thing! As we were hanging out there a CM approached and asked if wed met the Princesses. I said that we had last year at Ariels Grotto, but that we wouldnt be standing in that long line. She offered us a pass to meet Sleeping Beauty and Snow White without any wait after the Storytelling. Im not sure if this was a Magical Moment, but it felt like one! I also think having DD dressed up like a princess helped. After watching Belles story we presented our pass and were led behind a curtain on the stage to the awaiting princesses.
We then left for our character brunch at Goofys in the DL hotel. Im not sure Id do this again. Ariels Grotto has a spoiled me in two ways: first, I dont have to leave the parks and second, they serve me. Buffets are hard with a kid and no other adults along as I felt like we didnt want to leave the table too much and miss a character. We did get to meet some new characters like Peter Pans Wendy and Goofys son Max (who kept kissing DD on the head). We also saw Belle in her blue and white dress for the first time, in addition to seeing Baloo, Pluto, Goofy, and the Mary Poppins Chimney sweeper Bert. I liked the mixture of characters, both fluffy and face characters, and DD enjoyed interacting with them. But, Im kind of looking forward to outgrowing the character meals. I just dont know if they are a good value for the cost (and the small amount of food we actually end up eating). We rode the monorail over and that was a new experience for us at DL, but I was annoyed that I had to fold the stroller unlike at WDW where you just roll it on. It also felt like we wasted a fair amount of time just traveling over to the DL hotel and back.
After our lunch we headed back to the room for a well needed nap. I needed one! We headed back into the park around 5pm, caught the Dreams Parade and then used our Buzz and Space Mountain fastpasses. DL was mobbed. We decided to eat chicken skewers at the Bengal BBQ one last time before it closes. The line barely moved, but they were good so it was worth the wait. It was time to try and secure a spot for Fantasmic. DLs greatest downfall in my mind is the lack of seating for this show, but by chance we lucked upon a table and chair outside of the New Orleans restaurant. I wasnt so sure wed be able to see Mickey standing on the lower stage because you had to remain seated in this area, but we could see fairly well and I would gladly sit there for the show again. We both love the show and stayed seated and watched the fireworks. By this time DD was very tired and we went straight back to the hotel.
Monday morning was our early entry morning. It was refreshingly cool and cloudy all morning and this really helped us retain our energy as we toured around Fantasyland. We were able to ride most things a few times before the crowds started to grow. We rode Small World, Roger Rabbits Spin and then headed over the grab a Splash fastpass and ride Pooh a few times. It was then almost 10am and time to head over to CA and catch the remaining rides and shows there. We grabbed a Soarin fastpass and headed back toward the Sun Wheel o death. DD previously loved this ride, but was a bit scared this time. Perhaps that means Ill never have to ride it again?! One can only hope. We did have another nice surprise while we were loading onto the Sun Wheel the CM asked DD if she liked Tinker Bell and gave her a trade quality pin that said where dreams come true. She was thrilled. We then headed over to the Brother Bear area. Wed never been back here and I wanted DD to see the show and meet the characters. By this time the clouds had rolled out and the sun was bearing down upon us. It was getting HOT. We really enjoyed climbing around in this area and seeing the beloved bears. DD rode the zip line at least a half dozen times and just loved it. The CMs were great about helping her get on and not sending her down too fast.
It was lunch time and DD still seemed to have a lot of energy so I decided wed skip the nap today, stay in the parks and finish up CA and then leave prior to dinner for a swim in the pool and an early bedtime. This plan worked out really well. After a quick lunch we headed over to Muppets 3D, a new film for DD. She really liked it. We then went to Turtle Talk with Crush and looked around at the interactive animation centers while we waited. The A/C felt great! DD got to ask Crush a question and talk with him a bit, which was a thrill for her. As we are walking out of CA DD says shes ready for Splash Mountain so back to DL we head to ride. We headed out of DL and back to the hotel for a swim, quick dinner and to bed. No fireworks for us tonight although I could hear them boom-boom in our room, but DD was fast asleep by then.
Tuesday morning we had a few hours prior to catching Supershuttle to LAX. We had a bit of trouble getting through the DL gates as the computer was rejecting all of the plastic card passes as expired. We had to wait a few minutes while they issues is paper passes. It was time to head to Pirate island! But first we had to catch a few ride favorites like Pirates and Haunted Mansion. At this point Im very glad we walked all the way back into DL the prior day to ride Splash because it was down for repairs much of the morning. We head over to Pirate island around 9:30 and it is already blazing hot out. We walk through all the little caves and really enjoyed touring the island. Captain Jack was not at his meet and greet location any of the times we walked by there, so that was a disappointment. But we did get to see him up close in the show. We got to sit right down in front as there was plenty of seating as no one wanted to sit in the sun and bake. DD loved the show. While the island has a lot of shade, there isnt anywhere to go inside and cool off, so while well go back to the island, well always do it early in the day when it is cooler.
We still have a bit of time before we have to leave so we watch the Aladdin and Jasmine storytelling, walk through Tarzans tree house, and see the Tiki birds. One last ride on the carousel (which had a person on every horse and a line thats how crowded the park was), and we are off to LAX. Supershuttle did make a few out of the way stops on its way to LAX, but they ended up providing DD with a nice little air-conditioned nap so it worked out well.
People think we are nuts for needing a 4 day hopper pass to see Disneyland, but even with all the time we spend in the parks, there were still classics we didnt even ride like Autopia, Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain, the Train, most of Toontown. We dont ride most of the midway rides at CA, nor the water ride, nor see the Bug movie and DD is still too scared to ride Tower of Terror. Theres also so much entertainment we dont stop to see. It really is amazing just how much there is to do there.
A bit about our hotel, the Carousel Inn: Of course I cant say enough about the location. This is the closest Ive stayed to the gates of DL and its just wonderful. The rooms were pretty with hardwood floors. Its kind of a strange set up as most room are on the second floor with cars parked below on the first floor, but we got one of the rare 1st floor rooms in the back of the hotel. The air conditioner was quite loud, but we turned it off at night so it was fine. The continental breakfast had a lovely view of both parks, but it wasnt open for early entry, however it was great for the other mornings. The rooftop pool was very small, but the water was warm and towels were provided. The staff was very courteous and helpful. Wed definitely stay here again.
Overall it was a fantastic trip to DL. I just adore Fantasyland there. It is so charming and quaint and perfect for DDs age group. We got to try some new rides and activities and still had time to hit all the favorites. We saw many characters without standing in line to meet them. We saw all the parades, fireworks and Fantasmic. DD managed to shop, spend her Disney dollars and enjoy the experience without any tantrums over over-priced dresses. It was magical!
