No way Jose! We are going to Disneyland! 3/13 - Movin' on Up!

[Belle83]

I am loving your trip report! Makes me miss Disneyland, it's been far too long since I've been to DL.

 

[KatMark]

Well, since I missed the last update to your DW TR, I'm not surprised I had no idea this was going on.

Mark has landed safely in Vegas and I have six days to myself. I'll come back later to catch up.

 

[micandminforever]

I know I am almost a month late, but I am finally here. I need to go back and read.

 

[photographymom517]

Oh Brook!!! How on earth did I miss this report?!

I just realized a few days ago that you started a DL report & just now had the time to read it!

I stayed up last night with the intention of getting to your report, but I ended up catching up on Jen's Universal one until 2am! (Figured I better catch up on hers before she leaves in 3 days! )

Going back to read now!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Anyone still here???! I'm so sorry it's been almost a month. March was VERY busy with pretty much zero free time! April is looking to be much, much calmer and I am SO ready to share the magic of Disneyland!

Great update! I will get there someday. Way to go making it to rope drop .

We struggle so much to make it to RD at WDW, it was a thrill actually making it!

I'm so glad that you ended up taking the long way to Disneyland because we (and you) got to see the Grand Californian. It does look like the Wilderness Lodge on steroids! So very beautiful!

As I looked through the pictures, I found myself comparing everything to WDW. They look alike yet they don't.

It seems like your day is off to a fantastic start!

We were pretty pleased with our scenic tour too! And, don't worry, more pictures of the GC coming up later in the report! It's truly beautiful - such a nice resort!

Getting caught up on all my trips!

Whew, 5 hours in a plane! We are flying to San Francisco this summer and I really dread it. Sound like Henry was a trooper!

Love the pictures of PP and especially Henry jumping on the bed!! Too cute.

How odd that rope drop is so different between the parks.

I had no idea DL had a Pinnochio ride. I am already learning a lot from your trip.

I might like Astro Orbitor at DL. The height plus speed makes it one of my least favorites at WDW.

Can't wait to read more!

The Park Opening was completely different! I expected some sort of show, but it really is nothing. I suppose it's because it's a "locals" park - or maybe they do something that I don't know about on regular mornings, but not on Magic Mornings?

I think the DLR Astro Orbiter still has the speed like WDW's, but being on the ground might still help for you!! It might make it seems slower too...

I love your comment "The Wilderness Lodge on Steroids" ....

This is really helpful - it has been awhile since I was in Disneyland - and of course there was not DTD or CA then. Really makes we want to go! Paradise Pier looks a lot nicer than I imagined too - so maybe a split stay, because it has always been my dream to stay at the Disneyland Hotel!

It's true! The Wilderness Lodge is STUNNING, but the Grand Californian is AMAZING! We really loved it, and thankfully that is where DVC is, so we'll get to stay there again!

The Paradise Pier is VERY nice. It was Henry's favorite, he still talks about it! If you can get a room discount there when you go, it makes the price tag a bit more bearable.

Grand Californian Hotel is just lovely. I loved how connected everything is and what a great walk to the parks. I also love are the parks are right across from each other.

The MK is so beautiful. Very similar, yet different as well. Very cool that Star Tours is in the park.

The castle and main street are so magical. I hope I get a chance to visit one of these days.

We loved those aspects of DLR too. It was so nice just walking right out and being there - no bus to deal with, the monorail is a RIDE basically instead of a mode of getting from here to there. It's so much easier. You don't even have to walk through bag check when you park hop!

Wow Brook! I have been soaking up every word and picture you posted Everything looks like so much fun! All the buildings look so much smaller than the ones at WDW...even the castle looks small. Thanks so much for all those pictures. I love walking through the park with you guys I didnt realize they have Mr. Toads Wild Ride. That was a must do when I was growing up in FL in the '70's. My friends and I loved it then I cant wait to read more

The buildings and castle are much smaller - everything is just on a smaller scale, so it's the same feeling...but a bit different. The castle is teeny compared to Cinderella's set up so high! I do believe the DLR Mr. Toad's is the same as WDW's old one!

Oh wow, it's the same but it's different. So neat Brook! I haven't had much interest in Disneyland honestly but your pictures are changing that. Great, great update!!

I have nothing but RAVE reviews of DLR, seriously - we had a fantastic time. I can't wait to share more of it! Perhaps you'll find yourself booking at trip...

I haven't been to Disneyland since 1988.....everything looks so tiny compared to WDW... BUT, I do remember that everything seemed much more detailed (like Animal Kingdom is) at Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom.

(If you haven't already thought of it) I travel with glow sticks on ribbons for the kids. They get one during the day so when we end up in a dark part of a ride or show they have their little light. It's just enough to light up my face or their seat area and comfort them. I put a caribeaner (sp?) on the ribbon so they can attach it to their belt loop or the stroller between rides

It really is small compared to WDW's Main Street, just so compact! I can see why Walt wanted more land. It evokes a slightly different feel. I like how WDW's lands are more spread out, and you transition from one to another a bit more smoothly.

LOVE your glow stick idea! Henry had NEVER been scared of the dark rides until this trip, so this was far from my mind - but I'm stealing this idea for our next trip, just in case!!! EXCELLENT idea Heidi! You seriously have the best ideas woman!

Love the pic of you flying on Dumbo!

I get really into it! They are just spinner rides, but those type are some of my favorite!

 

[loveysbydesign]

Still here and impatiently waiting for teh next installment

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yay Brook made it to rope drop!! And then the gate would not work??
Too funny!!

Wow it does look just like WDW when you first walk in.

I am enjoying seeing all the DL differences.

Isn't it just typical?! The first time I get to see MK's morning show, they don't do the song and dance. My first RD at DLR and the turnstile doesn't work! Figures!!!

It really does look very similar to WDW at first...but VERY different as we get deeper into the park!

Holy Updates Batwoman! I have the family looking over my shoulder and enjoying this!

The GC is HUGE! I like the theming, I like the WL, and would love to stay there someday.


Please no one hurt me, but we here all agree that the castle in DL doesn't seem as impressive as the castle in WDW.

It' neat to see all the similarities and differences between DL & WDW.

Too bad Henry got leery of the dark rides, hopefully he'll change his mind again!

How fun that everyone is reading along!!!! I hope they enjoy the peek into it all more as I go on!

The Castle really isn't as impressive - it's smaller scale plus is right on the ground instead of up high. I DO like that it's just easy to walk right through it, and it's still very pretty....but it's not quite as majestic!

I am loving all of your detail! Awesome updates!

Thank you! I really want to be sure to include detail here since I know many of my readers have never been!

I'm loooooving this trip report so far! Believe it or not, I've never been in PP or GC, so I enjoyed looking at the pictures of those hotels! I just think the Fantasylands of the DL and WDW can't even compare. Disneyland's version is so beautiful and un-concrete looking. Those tracks in Tomorrowland used to be a ride called Rocket Rods. I have some fabulous pictures of 15 year old me waiting in line to ride them, and I remember the ride kept breaking down.

I'll have more of the hotels too as our trip goes on! Have you seen the new DLH rooms? They are beautiful!!!!

Disneyland's Fantasyland is charming and quaint. We really liked it! (and we loved NOS!) Since we were a bit disoriented/distracted when walking through it, trying to find our way, I can't picture it as a whole in my head, so hopefully when we return I'll get a better overall feel of it too.

Oh! I remember reading about Rocket Rods!!! It wasn't around for very long, was it?

I am enjoying your report so very very much. It is bringing back some very fond memories... I am conflicted by them. Some like the fact that dumbo has water makes me nostalgic. Some though, like the size of the castle and how it doesn't sit so prominent in the skyline of the park.. make me remember why I have been choosing to go to WDW. Still, it is nice seeing those familiar places that made me fall in love with Disney as an adult.

And... dtd. It is a slightly different beast there in DL. I do like that the hotels are right there. No need to bus all around.

I like the castle at DLR for different reasons than MK's - there are pros and cons to both. I think the Dumbo at MK is going to be awesome from the pictures I have seen. Can't wait to see them both going with the circus tent in full swing too!

We LOVED that we coud walk through DTD and straight to the parks! It was nice having all the DTD options right there, but the Quick Service locations need to have more seating for the busy weekend nights. More on that later in the trip report though.

Thanks for explaining the layout... It's clear to me now.



Ok. Stop me if I'm wrong. Cup 1 was 100% full of coffee. Cup 2 was 50% full of coffee. Couldn't you have just poured 25% from cup 1 into cup 2 and had 2 cups that were 75% full of coffee. That would leave room for your sugar, cream, etc? Maybe I'm looking too deep into this...

You guys had a great view from your room.... I love the palm trees too!

The GC looks absolutely amazing!

WTG being at the gates!!! Boo to your gate not opening!

I feel like I know Main St. pretty good from playing Epic Mickey!

That castle doesn't give the 'wow' factor as Cinderella's castle does in MK. It looks so tiny.

I love all your pictures (as always!)

How funny how Henry changed in a few months.. maybe he thought they were different because you weren't in WDW? I've been trying to talk Juliana into riding TOT in November... so far I've been unsuccessful.

Tim, that woud be LOGICAL with the coffee! As soon as I told Joe about the coffee situation, he just suggested we go out for some. It was just an excuse to get a fancy coffee though, I know his tactics!

Oooh, Epic Mickey! I forgot about that game. I'll have to check it out sometime, maybe it will help me missing DLR so much.

The castle definitely isn't as awe inspiring. It wasn't until we got home that I realized I didn't have many pictures of it - where as in WDW I can't help but take 48,000 pictures of it despite my 2.4 million already taken on previous trips. The castle is nice, and I enjoy just walking through it and no stage on the front..but....it's not nearly as majestic.

Do you think you'll convince Juliana? You've got a few months, keep trying!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Ohh gosh, awesome updates!! I miss it soooo much and I can't wait for our weekend trip at the end of this month. I love all of the pictures you include. And no tomatoes coming from me, I'm not a fan of Mr. Toad either. Oh and wowww inside the GCH is absolutely gorgeous.. I may be hooked. But then again I love the beach feel of the PPH. And if we stay there we could definitely afford a park view. Haha decisions decisions!! I can NOT wait to read more, get on it missy!

Well, its almost the weekend and the end of the month, so that means you are at Disneyland right now (or will be soon)!!!!!!! I hope you have a magical time!

Did you try the GC? It's a tough call with the view since at the Paradise Pier Theme Park View you can watch WoC from your room! I think you need two trips to try them both.

The last time I was at Disneyland was in 1996, and now looking at your pics, I totally don't remember it. I guess it's because of the 7 trips to Disney World since then are clouding my memory. It's amazing how different and how similar they are at the same time. You should do a blog and compare ride to ride at both locations. And other things. It would be great information for your friends and also your clients. And you always take the best pics and best notes, that I'm sure the blog would be awesome.

The trip report is great so far. Keep it coming.

Cindy, that is a FANTASTIC idea for a blog! I just might do that!! We got to almost everything that is either only in DLR, or just different from WDW's. The Haunted Mansion was under refurb, and it was too chilly to ride Splash, so I *think* those are the only two we missed. :scrtachin

Hi Brook,

I've been following your other travel report and followed you over here to read the Disneyland report. Loved this update so much I had to come out of lurkdom!

I was at DL in 1982 at age 5, so of course I remember almost nothing of it! Waiting for something to jog my memory. We have like 2 photos from that trip.

We live on the East Coast, so our family goes to DW; would LOVE to take them to DL some day.

Great update!

So glad you posted, it's good to "meet" you!!! We got super cheap flights from JFK that spurred the whole trip, so watch for deals and maybe you'll find yourself booking a DLR trip!

Yay for Rope Drop! I agree that the buildings look smaller. But I love all the trees.

Alex LOVED Tower of Terror when he was littler but then got scared of it... I think they realize that there is something to be scared of. I hope Henry made out OK with the rest of the rides.

The trees were sooooo pretty. I have seen older pictures of MK with the trees, and I understand why they took them out, but it really does add something when they are there.

I am hoping Henry is over the fear for our possible 1-day trip in June and our week trip in October. He might be brave by October because he'll have friends along...we'll see! I'm taking Heidi's suggestion of a glow stick on a ribbon though, just in case!

Thank you for the link to the map! I've never been and am totally confused by the closeness and smallness of the area! Well done for making Rope Drop - am I being dense or does the park not open until 10am? After WDW it all seems really small but there also seems to be so much of it waiting to see if it is going to get croweded.

Your welcome! That map helped me a ton when planning for the trip. It is strange that everything is so compact when you are used to WDW. It all didn't make total sense to me unti we got there and I could experience it.

Yes, I do think the park openend at 10 AM for the regular public - it was the off season. During higher peak times it opens earlier. 10 AM is perfect for us though.

Could they have made that castle any smaller It looks tiny compared to the WDW one.

Henry made a comment about it being so small too! It really is tiny compared to Cindy's. Cindy's looks even bigger being on the hill like it is too! It was nice to just walk right through though, we enjoyed that!

Oh I am having twangs of longing for the west coast. I love being on East Coast time in LA, I went to Goofy's kitchen on my own last year and was able to be a walk up because I was up so early!

Funny you say that...we didn't do Goofy's, but we did do PCH one morning! It was fantastic being on east coast time though, a HUGE perk for us!

You have me cracking up at this last update!! You made it to rope drop!!!

Loved the update. I hope Henry isn't afraid of the dark rides for the whole trip and he gives them a try! Glad you were able to ride them, though.

I know! Miracles DO happen, right?!?! Trust me, I was totally impressed with us! LOL!

I was thinking the same thing. Since you knew you'd be getting more coffee anyway...why not have 3/4 cup each and then refuel later on in the travels? Then again, I don't drink coffee...maybe 3/4 cup wasn't going to be enough for you?

My kids are THRILLED with your DTD pics! I can always count on MeMom and Brook to take pics of things other people don't.

Can't wait for more!

I'm a huuuuuge coffee drinker. 3/4 cup is no way enough for me. I drank all that the little machine put out, plus the cup we bought. Joe just wanted an excuse to buy a fancy coffee.

Glad you are all enjoying the pics! I tried really hard to capture the overall feel of the parks and DTD. More DTD pictures too as the report goes on, we were there everyday!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You guys and your coffee!

Yay for making rope drop!!!

I love hearing how some of the rides are the same, and some are so different. I can't wait to see for ourselves!

Must have coffee! Especially me after having hardly any sleep.

It was really fun to experience the same rides in a different way and compare them. It was like seeing it all again for the first time.

Holy cannoli mother of updates! That was a smashing lot of pictures!

Couple of comments.

Wilderness Lodge on Steriods. Yep, that's about right!

Mr. Toad just ok? I won't flame you. I'm sure if I went on it now and had never been before I'd probably feel the same but it has a huge spot in my heart as one of my first rides ever (that I remember anyway).

Peets inside HD huh? I'll have to remember that, we always get coffee at the bookstore and I didn't know about the Peets.

I'd probably like Astro Orbitor a LOT better on the ground. That is the one ride that totally freaks me out.

You have me really really wanting to go on Pinocchio!

We took a TON of pictures this trip, get ready for BIG updates!

I know, I WANTED to like Mr. Toad because of his reputation! Perhaps I just had my standards too high?

We did coffee at the bookstore later in the trip. LOL But yep, they have it at HD. Pretty good stuff.

I couldn't believe Pinocchio put me in tears! I don't think a ride has ever done that before, and I'm not some huge Pinocchio fan either - it's a great flick, but it's not a big favorite or anything! It's just such a well-done ride, totally impressive. Hopefully next time we are there, I can convince Henry on.

Joining in! DH and I are planning a trip to DL without the kiddos (gasp!) in July for our anniversary and reading this is great! We're DVC owners at WDW and have been there quite often but have no experience with DL. I was there for one day when I was about 13 and hardly remember it; DH has never been. So reading this TR is perfect for giving us info and getting us excited for our trip! Looking forward to more!!
-KSL

:: Thanks for reading along! I hope my TR answers some of your questions. I had a TON before we went! Let me know if you do have any and I'll try to address them to the best of my ability. I think you'll love it though, just be prepared for CROWDS in July with it being summer plus Cars Land just opening.

You know, I didn't get Mr Toad's ride either. It's dark (no pun intended) and for being in Fantasyland, I can see why they removed it from WDW.

Whew! Glad I'm not the only one! It has such a huge following, I was expecting something great...but it just fell short for me.

Wow! The Grand Californian is gorgeous on the inside! Love all that stained glass!

Hurray for making it to Rope Drop!

Poor Henry not liking the darkness of Peter Pan. I hope that gets better!

Okay, I will try not to say anything about you not being a huge fan of Mr. Toad. I am like Cynthia, since it is one of my earliest memories of Disney trips, I think I am biased.

It is such a stunning resort!!! We were in awe every time we walked through!

So many people love Mr. Toad, I know I'm in the minority! I will ride it again next time we go, with lower expectation, so perhaps I will like it more a second time around!

Wow...mega updating! I love it though. The pictures are fabulous and you guys got some great angles of of the castle. I soaking up all this info...Hopefully a day will come when we can go there as well. I do dread the long flight though.

I'm trying to be as detailed as I can be, I know DLR is a complete mystery for so many people. I hope you get to go sometime! The flight is worth it.

subscribing!!

::

I'm on board...loved your Disney World Trip report...can't wait to hear what you think of Disneyland...haven't been there yet...not sure if I can give up my Disney World love for a trip to California.

:: Thank you for following me over here! I think if you ever tried DLR you'd find it just as magical! They are completely different, yet are still wonderful places, there was very little that I missed, and I know going back to WDW I will miss some things at DLR.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am in .


GCV looks so great. I am getting so excited and my trip isn't for 6 months.


I am with Cynthia and Jackie. Mr Toad holds special memories. I remember riding it in WDW right before it closed and I was like Not quite how I rememebred it but that last scene makes me crack up every time.

You are going to love DLR! I wish I was going back in 6 months...sigh. I have been trying to keep an eye on cheap airfare because I know that would pretty much cinch the deal for a return trip!

I'm here and loving seeing Disneyland through a WDW addict's eyes

One of these days we'll make it there!

So glad y'all got to see how the other half of the country does Disney!!

Henry is lookin SO Big all of the sudden! Which is silly of me really. I see his pics on Facebook all the time, but man... when did our boys grow up!?

I've been reading your TRs since he was 1!! CRAZY!

Hope y'all had a wonderful time. Can't wait to read the rest of it.

I'm slowly finishing my Two TRs for one.... I'm determined to finish it before I start a PTR! Maybe that'll motivate me.

Big from our fam to yours!

I know! The boys have grown so quickly right before our eyes, haven't they??? Henry amazes me daily with how much he grows up.

It is CRAZY to think that our first trip was when he was 14 months old and that was my first "real" TR (I did most of our honeymoon, but never finished!). I can't wait to see YOUR kiddos at Disney again soon!

Wow!! Lots of wonderful pictures and my oh my, how things have changed since I was last there! I guess it's good and bad. I remember when Disneyland had an actual parking lot right in front of the park (where DCA is now).

Thank you for the shots of the GF!! I am taking a trip to California for a wedding, and staying in San Diego. I'm trying to convince my cousin that we need to go and stay there for a couple of nights. I told her I would take care of the room cost, being DVC members now.

I do remember Astro Orbiter being elevated. You had to take an elevator up just like you do in WDW. I truly hope we'll be able to go, but I'm wondering if it will still feel the same.

Yum, second breakfast!!!

You know, I was wondering where they got the land for DCA - that makes total sense! How crazy to have a parking lot in front of it...I can even imagine that now. Sure would be easy though.

Have you convinced your cousin? I hope so! You'd both LOVE it. It is beaaaaautiful. Hopefully next time we go we can stay more than just one night in the Villas too. DLR overall has a very different feel, but still completely magical! You won't be disappointed at all!

You're visiting my happy place! I've lived on the West Coast for almost all my life and Disneyland is my "home" park.

I find the comments from the WDW folks funny...yes, DLR is quaint and much smaller than WDW's Magic Kingdom Park, but I like that more intimate feel. I like being able to walk from our hotel to either park (DL or DCA) in a few minutes, so we can take a break in the middle of the day easily. I agree that Cinderella's castle is more impressive, but I just love Sleeping Beauty's outline. Brings back happy memories. Plus, I love the fact that Walt Disney himself walked throughout Disneyland and had a hand in creating so many of the experiences we all love today.

I suppose if I'd been to WDW more than 3 times in my life (yeah, sad, huh?), I'd probably feel differently. Don't get me wrong, I love WDW and am looking forward to taking my family there someday (although I'm dreading the looooong flights from Oregon to Florida). My family just adores Disneyland and loves our trips there - I wish we could afford to go more than every couple of years, but the DIS keeps my Disney dreams alive between trips. I'm so happy that you're enjoying DLR!

I've loved reading all of your WDW trip reports as well - they're so detailed and have lots of gorgeous photos, and you have a beautiful family! Henry's just a doll.

We too loved that we could walk back to the hotel so easily. On our last night we even took a break for ONE hour. No way would that happen at WDW, only maybe if we were staying at the CR. It was great being able to easily park hop too. That is a huuuuuuge perk. On the last night we chatted about if we missed anything from WDW and the list was small. I know we will have that chat next trip to WDW too, things we miss from DLR! Both locations are amazing!

And thank you for your sweet comments about my family and Henry!

I haven't been to DL since 1996. But from what I'm seeing so far, I think I might would like it a little bit better than DW. Because of the size. Unfortunately I live in the south and therefore driving distance from FL and with airfare costs, DL is just not as accessible. But hoping to get my DS there soon. And it will be interesting to see which one he likes the best.

While having 4 different parks is fantastic, the ease of two parks, within walking distance, is attractive for us with little ones! The commute on the buses and such does get tiring and just adds to the day for our kids. It was so much easier to take a break too!

Henry likes both, somedays all he talks about is "Mickey Mouse's House California" and other times, it's Epcot. He calls all of WDW Epcot lately!

I could have sworn that I subscribed to this when you started it..but then after a while without seeing any updates, I had to go searching, only to find that you have had several updates so far! So here I am, better late than never, and all caught up. It's really interesting to see how many things are the same and how many are so different!

Glad you are here! I have done the SAME thing. I think sometimes the subscription just doesn't work for some reason or another. Who knows. And you really haven't missed much yet!

Looking so very forward to hearing about the rest of your trip!

And I hope to start sharing more on a regular basis now!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I just caught up on this TR and read your last one which was very interesting. So, I'm joining in for this one too! Can't wait to read more about your trip.

:: Thanks for reading along here too!

I'm so glad you are doing a DL report!

I can't wait to share it all! I am missing Disney terribly these days, so hopefully this will be a good 'fix'!

Glad the map helped Brook!

LOVE all the palm trees and the pics of Henry jumping on the bed are awesome!!

It helped a TON, I use it all the time too for everything! We were pretty happy with our Standard view of all those beautiful palm trees - and from living in NYC, busy roads don't phase us a bit.

Love this pic! You can tell how excited Henry is with his little pointy finger

He was soooo excited, me too!!!!!

Love the update Brook!!

WL on Steroids!! but WOW does the GC look beautiful!! We plan on going out to Hawaii with the boys in a few years and plan to make a 2 day pit top at DL and I so want to stay there. The location can't be beat!

bummer about the turnstile... seriously!

I have never been to DL but wow does it look so "little" But I can't wait to go out and visit it!

as usual, your report is fabulous! I feel like I am there with you!

LOVE your Hawaii plans! It will be a perfect layover!

It is a much more compact resort overall, but that can be a big benefit in some ways! It's quaint, but magical.

I really tried to make it feel like you guys would be right with us when we were taking pictures - that was my goal!

I am loving your trip report! Makes me miss Disneyland, it's been far too long since I've been to DL.

I reallyyyyyy want to get back there too! I have to stalk the airfare a bit more.

Well, since I missed the last update to your DW TR, I'm not surprised I had no idea this was going on.

Mark has landed safely in Vegas and I have six days to myself. I'll come back later to catch up.

Eeek! Sorry about that Kathy! Glad to have you here now though!!

I know I am almost a month late, but I am finally here. I need to go back and read.

:: You haven't missed much, so don't worry!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh Brook!!! How on earth did I miss this report?!

I just realized a few days ago that you started a DL report & just now had the time to read it!

I stayed up last night with the intention of getting to your report, but I ended up catching up on Jen's Universal one until 2am! (Figured I better catch up on hers before she leaves in 3 days! )

Going back to read now!!!

You are a busy Momma, no worries! I have SO many reports to catch up on, I was doing pretty good, but March killed that again. One of April's short term goals is to catch up again. Think I can do it???

Still here and impatiently waiting for teh next installment

I will be working on it, starting....NOW! (Henry should be waking up soon though, so it likely won't be posted until tonight/tomorrow!)

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off with attempting to get a Child Switch for Space Mountain, but finding out the system works a bit differently and we should just get one right before we were going to ride. So we next went toward

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

I was really looking forward to seeing this, since I have read so much about the old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride that used to be at WDW, the subs, and people getting very excited about Disney re-using these for this new Nemo attraction. We hopped into line, and this was probably one of the longest we had all day. This is a slow loading ride.

Henry was pretty excited. At first.

Then he saw the subs go underwater and got nervous. He had a million questions about it all as we slowly made our way through the queue.

Eventually it was our turn, our little man was nervous, but willing to try it.

Down the tight little spiral staircase we went!

We were seated right near the staircase - it's not too big in there! You sit on hard metal benches and my knees were right up agains the wall. I am tall, but even still, it's a tight fit!

The sub driver is in the middle standing.

Henry was a bit nervous - and remained so throughout the ride. Because of his nerves, he had a TON of questions about everything. It's a pretty long ride and between Henry being nervous and talking to me the entire time, me trying to be excited about it for him in hopes he'd just relax and enjoy it, and then me being uncomfortable with the limited space, I was just ready to be done with it by the time we were halfway through. I feel like I pretty much missed out on the experience of it all. While it was a neat ride, I don't think I'd be disappointed to skip it next time! And of course, at the end of the ride we just sat there for a good 5 minutes - not moving. I imagine they were loading the sub in front of us, but Henry was really NOT enjoying being stuck there underwater!! We were all ready to get off when we finally could!!! Here are some pictures throughout our journey.

It's all very pretty!

Henry did get a bit excited when we started to see the familiar characters from Finding Nemo!

The rest of my pictures, of the actual Nemo parts, didn't come out!

Back on mainland, one last look at the subs - it is pretty impressive that they are ACTUAL submarines!

By this time our stomachs were growling. It was definitely time for the famous Wozniak Second Breakfast.

I LOVE breakfast. And on vacation, I almost always have two! (In real life I try to behave....*try*)

Let's head this way, back through Tomorrowland.

A quick stop to meet a Storm Trooper!

There were two, and they made Henry NERVOUS! He wanted to see them, he is obsessed with Star Wars, but was scared about those big guns! He almost decided not to meet them, but I'm glad he was brave! It was a fun meet! And this was when I noticed the non-line/no-character handler. People just sorta mass around the characters and casually take turns for pictures. No one cut in line, everyone behaved. There was NO character handler anywhere to be seen! And this was pretty normal for the rest of the trip! Only a few characters had an official line or handler. Only one time did we have a problem with a family cutting in line. At Disneyland the characters, by themselves, just walk around too! It's kinda neat! This might not be the case when it's busier, but during the off-season I enjoyed how this brought the feeling of them living there instead of it feeling like they worked there. Does that make sense?

Anyway! After the meet & greet with the Storm Trooper I ran up the big ramp again in front of Space Mountain again grabbed a FastPass. No clue why we didn't do this when catting with the CM about the Child Switch! Newbie mistake I suppose.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

And now, finally! it was time for that second breakfast! Where to?

The Jolly Holiday of course!!

This little cafe opened only a few weeks before our trip! I was very excited to see all the little details in person. I know LL is likely busy with her new baby and not on the DIS, but I thought of her the whole time we were there!

Love the Mary Poppins on the weather vane!

Outdoor seating

And this one made me think of Pat. Here too!

We chose to eat outside!

Henry's choice. Yes, that is CHOCOLATE rice krispies with pieces of Fruit Loops in it, half dipped in a sugary coating. Toothache much?!

Joe's choice

Mine! I love me a WDW chocolate croissant, so I had to try the DLR version!

Well, while the cafe itself is practically perfect in every way, the food was just okay. Perhaps it is what we chose, while it filled the spot, none of our selections were memorable in any way. I would eat here again because of the excellent location, the nice outdoor seating, and it's just stinkin' cute - but I would expand my horizons to different choices in hopes of better eats.

Next up: Cute Bathrooms and a Giant Whale

 

[Caretames1]

I wouldn't be able to get my family in that sub! John would freak,as he's wayyyy claustrophobic! and Kadence hates to e sealed up like that, plus if it was dark for-get -it!

We saw Darth Vader and a few Storm Troopers a few weeks ago at a hockey game and Kadence wouldn't go near them! Too big and scary!

2nd breakfast, love it!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh that made me nostalgic for 20,000 leagues, I loved that ride! I will definitely be going on Nemo next time we make it to CA, not that I have a clue when that will be. Although I imagine I'll fit a lot "differently" into that sub than I did at 14 or in college.

I heard on a podcast recently that Jollly Holiday seems to vary by time of day, if you go during the busy time, food is fresher and thus better? though with the pastries not sure it would matter. It is absolutely adorable.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Umm, I can see why Henry was a bit nervous about getting on the submarine. While I'm not claustrophobic, it looks like a pretty tight squeeze and I'm not sure I'd like sitting there for long.

Too bad the second breakfast wasn't as good as you expected but the setting was beautiful.

 

[glennbo123]

My family visited Disneyland when I was about 4 1/2. 20,000 Leagues is about the only thing I remember. I think I liked it, but was probably a little claustrophobic too.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

I'm sorry the Nemo ride wasn't a success. I remember the original version, and also when they took it "out." They just had open water. I think they were trying to figure out what to do with it. Luckily Nemo came along!

Mmm, second breakfast!! The choices looked delicious, too bad they weren't as good as they looked. I do love all the details. How big is it inside? I'm trying to place what it used to be....

I haven't convinced my cousin yet. She's worried that we won't be able to do anything with Madelyn. I am definitely trying hard to convice her of the contrary.....

 

[annmarieda]

Awe.. you are making me want to go to DL!!! So much has changed. Isn't it interesting though how things can be different from WDW though, like the lines.. who would think that the sort of "free for all" that takes place in DL would work...but I don't remember every having an issue. I think you are right about making it feel as though they live there though... very good point.