Nick, Marie, The Diva's & Me!! Finally Finished 10-20-13!!

[ksromack]

I'm missing it too.........

I can take it or leave it on the Dole Whips......it's nice to share with my hubby when we're going into the Tiki room......but otherwise, it's not something I'm going to go out of my way to get (or stand in a ridiculously long line).

Does DL have the dole whip floats? I fell in love with the vanilla dole whip and pineapple juice float at WDW! I can taste it right now!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Does DL have the dole whip floats? I fell in love with the vanilla dole whip and pineapple juice float at WDW! I can taste it right now!

Yes they do, but I don't think it's vanilla ice cream.....it's still the pineapple ice cream with pineapple juice. I myself didn't like it together.

 

[DnA2010]

Hi Laurie,

On vacation this week with my mom and sister (left the DH and DSD at home) while we have a mother daughter trip (Las Vegas, stop at the Grand Canyon, and now in Phoenix for a couple of days) but our condo has internet so I had to pop on Dis and your TR is the first thing to check

I really hope you can figure out something so that you can visit WDW...I really think you and Mike need a trip to yourselves! Are there any respite services that might be able to help combined with N/M/family?

When I saw the group photo I saw you right away hiding there

When Derek goes back to WDW, what is he up to this time? Still Quick service, or did he get a different placement?

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Laurie,

On vacation this week with my mom and sister (left the DH and DSD at home) while we have a mother daughter trip (Las Vegas, stop at the Grand Canyon, and now in Phoenix for a couple of days) but our condo has internet so I had to pop on Dis and your TR is the first thing to check

I really hope you can figure out something so that you can visit WDW...I really think you and Mike need a trip to yourselves! Are there any respite services that might be able to help combined with N/M/family?

When I saw the group photo I saw you right away hiding there

When Derek goes back to WDW, what is he up to this time? Still Quick service, or did he get a different placement?

Sounds like a fun trip!!!! How nice that you fit me into your time away!!!

There might be options we could look into for respite......but these kiddos have problems with me being gone and then if I were to leave them with "strangers".....I think would just make things worse. I might have people thru church and even the school classroom aids, that might be able to help some......but until we get a little closer, it's hard to get commitments.

Derek is going back for a start day of May 13th and again his program will run until January 3rd. This time he'll be doing "Transportation". When he interviewed, they asked why he didn't put down Quick Service again. He said, because I did it for 7 months and wanted to experience something different this time. Transportation could be small shuttles, boats, trams or trains. (he's really hoping for trains or boats). He's excited to be going back!!

I think KELLY/kelmac had asked about Derek going back........that he didn't enjoy his time there. He didn't enjoy his assignment and always working the night shift. He did enjoy all the friends & experiences he had there. He would rather work for WDW and vacation at DL. So he wants to use the program to go back and then a roommate he had last time, is also going back & they will room again. They both want to find a place and then stay on and work for WDW after the program. Neither plan on returning home. I think Derek felt he needed to come home for a while. With all the loss our family experienced last year and then all the issues with Michayla and Anthony.....I think he came home for me......but it's time he lived his life. Now that he knows that......he's free to pursue this again.

 

[ksromack]

Yes they do, but I don't think it's vanilla ice cream.....it's still the pineapple ice cream with pineapple juice. I myself didn't like it together.

Oh rats! We had the option of pineapple or vanilla dole whip with the pineapple juice...I read somewhere here on the DIS (prob on the WDW side) that the pineapple WITH pineapple juice was just too sweet......and I think I would agree with that. The vanilla dole whip with the juice was perfecto!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Since I wasn't able to get an ace bandage from First Aid, Nick ran back to the hotel to grab my pain pills and look in the hotel gift shop to see if they had one. As he did that, Marie & I looked thru the shops from the Photo Shop and spilling out by the flag pole. Marie & I did make a purchase~~~I got the Limited Edition Tinkerbell Half Marathon Dooney & Bourke & then I let Marie pick one out......and so Nick wasn't left out.....we got him the iPhone cover.

Now I will say, this is my 2nd Dooney & I'm really disappointed in this one. The zipper pocket lining we found wasn't even connected (like the sewing had totally missed) and the lining is shredding & I keep finding pink threads everywhere. When we got home, I called Disney Merchandise....hoping they still had a couple so this could be traded out......but since it was a limited edition......they were out of stock. So I could return it for a refund......but I love the design and so that isn't an option. I think I'm going to take some pics of it & send it to Dooney & Bourke (that is, if I can figure out who to contact) and let them know that I expect a little better quality in a $195 purse.

The Flag Retreat was already underway, so we stood and watched part of it.

We eventually found a bench to sit down & watch the rest of the ceremony.

Nick found us & was able to get these pics as the Disneyland Marching Band was leaving the flag pole.

We headed to Coke Corner to get the specially made cherry cokes (Coke has made a cherry syrup that you can only get here) and the kids (lol.....kids) had a Mickey pretzel.

We found a table outside by the piano and got to enjoy some ragtime music.

This duck was enjoying the chips and crumbs dropped by the guests.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Oh rats! We had the option of pineapple or vanilla dole whip with the pineapple juice...I read somewhere here on the DIS (prob on the WDW side) that the pineapple WITH pineapple juice was just too sweet......and I think I would agree with that. The vanilla dole whip with the juice was perfecto!

Well that vanilla would be good......the 2 pineapple flavors together actually clash in my opinion.

 

[DizNee Luver]

After enjoying our cherry cokes, we headed into Adventureland & decided to ride the Jungle Cruise. I didn't even attempt taking pictures, as the lighting would have made it really hard to get anything. We had the best "Captain".....her name was Melissa......I just love those corny jokes! When we finished, we headed across the pathway to the shops. I've never stopped and looked in these shops before. We decided to have some fun with the hats. Nick used his phone to get these pics.

Nick & Marie found Aladdin's Lamp while I was checking out with the purchases I had made for the family. (I love having the package service to the hotels!!)

We headed up to Critter Country & took a ride on the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. I love this ride & all the bright colors!!

As much I as love this ride......I couldn't wait to be off of it. They seated a couple behind us (now, there's like no line & hardly anyone waiting.....so not sure why they decided they had to add strangers to our ride vehicle).........the guy had to be drunk or on drugs. He was "tripping out" and dropping the "F" bomb every 3rd word. If I hadn't been at Disneyland.....I probably would have turned around and clocked the guy. You can only take "WHOA", "DUDE", "OH MAN", and the whole slew of vulgarities spewing out of his mouth, for so long before your nerves (and ride experience) is totally ruined.

To cheer me up, we headed into Pooh Corner to look around (I love shopping). I found a few more purchases (and again had them sent to the hotel) and we headed out of the store. We found another Pressed Penny machine for Marie to do. (she was collecting them).

We had time to ride Haunted Mansion before we would need to line up for the Fantasmic Dessert Seating check-in. I got a few pics inside, but most of them were blurry and unusable.

I just LOVE how this one came out.......just weird!!

 

[ksromack]

Excited to hear about the Fantasmic Dessert package! We did the Wishes Dessert Party at WDW and I loved it! !

 

[DizNee Luver]

Excited to hear about the Fantasmic Dessert package! We did the Wishes Dessert Party at WDW and I loved it! !

I've researched the Wishes Dessert Party and I like the "seating" better for Disneyland......but I much prefer the WDW buffet of desserts instead of the pre-made trays you get. And I believe that Disneyland is more expensive than the Wishes party.

 

[DizNee Luver]

After getting out of the Haunted Mansion, we noticed a couple people in line for the Fantasmic Dessert Seating check-in.....so we joined them. I think we had 5 groups/families in front of us. We started chatting with the couple in front of us and found out they were from North Bend, Oregon. That's where we lived for 10 yrs. 2 of our grown boys (including Nick) graduated from North Bend. Just goes to show you what a small world it really is!!

They open check-in....I can't remember what time that was?? (7:30/8pm??) You show your tickets and you must have your entire party in the line to be checked in. You are shown a seating chart & you can pick your seats. The have 3 sections with 3 rows. So if you can't get in the first row......go for row 3.....that way, if you need to stand to see......you can. Row 2 is kinda stuck. We got in section 2 (off from center) in row 1. After checking in, you're told to come back at 8:30 to be seated for the 9pm show. We decided to just hang out in the area as it was getting quite congested and there were people trying to find seats to watch Fantasmic. (some people will throw down blankets 3+ hours prior to show time). So we found a spot to sit & people watch. It would have been more enjoyable doing so if a large group hadn't decided to sit right on top of us & talk LOUDLY!!!! Oh well.....we didn't have to wait too long before we could be seated for the show. At 8:30, we headed back to the podium and were shown to our seats, given our tray of desserts and we gave our drink order. The tray consists of sweets, cheeses, crackers & grapes. A nice mix......but one of the treats is a macaroon & I'm allergic to coconut. So not getting to pick what I get kinda sucks.

In 2005 our family did this, but we did the seating on the balcony of what used to be the Disney Gallery above the POTC attraction. It's now the Dream Suite.....so not used for Fantasmic viewing anymore. It was seating for about 20 people and there was a small dessert buffet set up that you could help yourself too and enjoy seconds. The seating used now, used to be the cheaper "reserved" section for the show with the dessert trays.

As we waited for the show to start, Nick was talking with the 2 ladies seated beside him. Come to find out, they're from Florence, Oregon. So about an hour away from North Bend. lol Really......it IS a small world!!

Showtime!!!

Now for you WDW vets.......if you haven't seen the Disneyland version.....we use the Rivers of America and the Columbia Ship for a Peter Pan section. (I believe this is where you would have the Pocohontus part). I love the lighting, unfortunately.....faces all white out.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Since the Mark Twain Riverboat was down for refurbishment, the finale has the characters all out on Tom Sawyer's Island. I missed not seeing Steamboat Willie at the helm!

FANTASMIC DESSERT SEATING~~$60 per person. IMO IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY, GETTING AN ACTUAL CHAIR TO VIEW THE SHOW, NOT HAVING TO GIVE UP HOURS OF PARK TIME TO SECURE A SPOT AND YOU'RE TREATED TO A NICE SNACK TRAY AND DRINKS DURING THE SHOW. YOU HAVE A GREAT VIEW AND YOU'RE NOT CROWDED!!

If you are there for the first show and there are fireworks, you will be allowed to stay in your seats and enjoy the fireworks. They play the sound track and depending on your seat.....you might even see Tinkerbell when she is flying over the castle.

 

[DizNee Luver]

We'll finish up the fireworks.

At this point, I needed to find some dinner. I didn't open my dessert tray & would take it back to the room. Nick & Marie wanted to hit more rides and headed to DCA while I ventured into the French Market. I've never eaten here before and it was GOOD!!!! I had the Red Snapper over potatoes and vegetables. It had a tasty red sauce over the whole thing. It really hit the spot!! I tried to look up the official name and it's not listed on allears????

After finishing my dinner, I made my way out of the park and back to the PPH. Here's one more picture of the Fantasmic Dessert Tray.......the big cookie was my favorite!!! (it was raspberry filled)

So Nick & Marie went to DCA and rode Soarin'.

They went to check out the Mad Tea Party and thought it was just loud.....lol They did a little window shopping in the Buena Vista stores and then headed back to Disneyland. They decided to ride Astro Orbitor.....Nick decided this wasn't a very comfortable ride to do.

They did the Astro Blasters next.

Then did one last ride for the evening on Star Tours.

They headed back to the hotel, where I was already fast asleep. This ends Day 3!!

THE FRENCH MARKET~ RED SNAPPER DINNER, HOT COCOA IN REUSABLE MUG, TAX AND A 15% AP DISCOUNT~~$18.07

 

[ksromack]

I ventured into the French Market. I've never eaten here before and it was GOOD!!!! I had the Red Snapper over potatoes and vegetables. It had a tasty red sauce over the whole thing. It really hit the spot!!
After finishing my dinner, I made my way out of the park and back to the PPH. Here's one more picture of the Fantasmic Dessert Tray.......the big cookie was my favorite!!! (it was raspberry filled)

THE FRENCH MARKET~ RED SNAPPER DINNER, HOT COCOA IN REUSABLE MUG, TAX AND A 15% AP DISCOUNT~~$18.07

That dinner looks great and the price is decent too! I'm a sucker for reusable mugs! I do like the idea of having a seat for Fantasmic. We waited a really long time to see it at HS but you make friends with people you are standing with while waiting. It was very very crowded when we went (second week of December), but it was free . I'm going to have to hope he doesn't ask how much it was! . You can reserve the Fantasmic dessert party how far in advance?

 

[DizNee Luver]

That dinner looks great and the price is decent too! I'm a sucker for reusable mugs! I do like the idea of having a seat for Fantasmic. We waited a really long time to see it at HS but you make friends with people you are standing with while waiting. It was very very crowded when we went (second week of December), but it was free . I'm going to have to hope he doesn't ask how much it was! . You can reserve the Fantasmic dessert party how far in advance?

The dinner was very tasty!!

You need to reserve at 8am (pacific time), one month out to get one of the spots. So if you want Sept 22, you would call on Aug 22. The seats go fast (even at $60 a piece). You will need to pay for them when you call in. The day of the show, you'll pick up your tickets at City Hall after showing ID to claim them.

 

[Sherry E]

If a Christmas party ends up happening inside Disneyland this year -- and we're still waiting to find out the status on that -- depending on which nights it is held it could possibly affect Fantasmic schedules in December (when Kathy is going).

So the dessert packages for whichever nights Fantasmic would be happening in December may book up even faster than usual, if that's possible, because it may be on a limited schedule. It will be interesting to see what happens!

 

[DizNee Luver]

If a Christmas party ends up happening inside Disneyland this year -- and we're still waiting to find out that status on that -- depending on which nights it is held it could possibly affect Fantasmic schedules in December (when Kathy is going).

So the dessert packages for whichever nights Fantasmic would be happening in December may book up even faster than usual, if that's possible, because it may be on a limited schedule. It will be interesting to see what happens!

Limited schedules do make it even harder to get those seats.....but you have some time before you have to worry about it. Hopefully Disneyland will be a little better in letting everyone know their plan a head of time.....and not like this last year.

 

[Sherry E]

Limited schedules do make it even harder to get those seats.....but you have some time before you have to worry about it. Hopefully Disneyland will be a little better in letting everyone know their plan a head of time.....and not like this last year.

You are not kidding about that! Disneyland Resort is always really bad about announcing details of events and letting people begin to plan well in advance. As much as it seems like DLR is trying to emulate WDW in how certain things are done, they can't seem to get on board with letting people know specific information really early like WDW does! If they could announce things much earlier in the year, more folks would be enticed to come out for a visit (not that DLR is hurting for visitors, but you know what I mean - presumably, they want more business all the time)!

Last year the Parks Blog told us in August that the Candlelight Ceremony would have a 20-night run, but we didn't find out how to try to enter the AP lottery, who the narrators were or any other specifics on the event until much later, like in October/November. All of those details should have been ready in August, when the Blog was posted.

How are people coming from other countries or states that are on the opposite side of the U.S. supposed to be able to plan out their schedules in advance (in a stress-free way) when they don't find out concrete details until such a short time before the season begins? It's crazy. I think that DLR is still stuck in the mindset of being a park for locals that doesn't require much planning, and yet they are trying to do more things like WDW does them.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I agree 100% Sherry......it drives me nuts not being able to plan anything until 6 weeks prior. I'm not sure why they feel they need to keep schedules/plans under wraps, like it's national security stuff.

 

[PHXscuba]

How are people coming from other countries or states that are on the opposite side of the U.S. supposed to be able to plan out their schedules in advance (in a stress-free way) when they don't find out concrete details until such a short time before the season begins? It's crazy. I think that DLR is still stuck in the mindset of being a park for locals that doesn't require much planning, and yet they are trying to do more things like WDW does them.

I couldn't agree more. I believe there are a lot of things Disneyland does better than Disney World, but advanced notice for special events (and everything else) is NOT one of them. If they want to turn the park into a "vacation destination" it is hard to sell that to people with the current lack of information out there. like park hours online only about 6 weeks in advance.

For example, Knotts Berry Farm has their hours posted through the end of August. Magic Mountain and Universal Studios have park hours through the end of 2013. Disneyland -- May 5. Not even to Memorial Day. I'd rather see a conservative set of park hours posted 4-6 months ahead and then go back a few weeks before and add hours if their number-crunching warrants it, like they do at WDW.

Sorry for hijacking!

PHXscuba