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

[Flossbolna]

I was away for a while and now got to read several updates at once! Lots of great pictures of the Disneyland resort and it seems like all of you had a great time there!

I am still hoping to be able to go there this fall and your updates certainly made me even more excited about the possibility (especially since by fall all those construction walls will have disappeared... However, I think the walls were done very nicely - much nicer than those at WDW's MK for the new Fantasyland...).

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow brill update (as usual). I am NO fan of ferris wheels the park seems really big - is it larger than DHS? Lookiong forward to more - especially as I have never heard of World of Colour(?)

I think DCA is a bit bigger than DHS, it feels more spread out in the Paradise Pier area too...which is nice. The Bug's Land and Backlot areas are a bit tighter.

Ooooh, World of Color is AMAZING! You just wait!!!

Yeah we're thinking we'll probably do a split stay. First night or two at the GCH and the rest at the PPH. I can't help it, I just LOVE the look of the PPH and being able to easily afford a park view makes it that much better!!

Yeah I am not the best note taker either, I have a TR going but it's easy to remember because it was just one day at the parks, a quick fix before we wait out the loooonnnnng four months until we're back again. ....Hey, that's a long time for us! We used to go at least once a month!

GREAT update too! I will definitely have to see Aladdin next time, love that Henry thought "chicken. nuggets" was so funny. How cute! The construction was confusing to us last time too. We didn't make it over to the Hollywood section of the park at all because it was temporarily blocked when we were near there. Reading this gets me so amped up for the honeymoon. I miss it so much!

I understand about that 4 month wait! It's been 6 for us since Disneyland and I'm ITCHIN'. We went about every 3 months for the past two years and I feel like an addict going through withdrawal.

Aladdin is FANTASTIC. Definitely go see it!!!!

We love the Aladdin show. We have decide to go to Disneyland but not sure were going to hit up the show. We are only going for three days and Cars-land is what we really want to hit up at DCA. Hubby well take care of getting the house stuff done when he gets back to VA Beach.

I'm so looking forward to Cars Land being open next time we go! The owner of the agency I work for is getting to go for the preview!!! I'm SO excited for her and cannot wait for her pictures!

checking back in again after all my college work. I need to go back and catch up to your thread though.

HEY YOU!!! You are still in FL right? And working still at Epcot? I need to catch up on your blog (I miss it and your hilarious stories of Park Guests!!)! I need to know your schedule for June 7, perhaps we can see you!

Wow...is all I can say. I got behind, but loved reading all the updates. You have done so much already on this day. I really hope to see the Aladdin show one day. I have heard too it was fabulous. You got some really awesome shots there too.
I would say no way jose to the ferris wheel too. I just don't like those things. Skip is selected to ride those with Claire.
I can't wait to see the Little Mermaid ride at WDW...I hope they get a move on it and finish it up early....by the beginning of Nov would be fabulous!

I can't wait to see the Little Mermaid ride at WDW either, I wonder how different-if any-it will be. I just want that area open to see it and walk through! I am hoping for mid-October. I wonder if we will get invited to a preview there too....wouldn't that be cool if it happened to be while you were already there???

Thank you for the link to the Zeotrope for Toy Story. That is so cool. I loved to see that, but didn't remember where it was. The Aladdin show is really great, and worth the wait in line. Funny story about the chicken nuggets, and Henry wanting to repeat it all the time! I love DCA, and your pictures are reminding me how much I enjoyed it. I am sure it will be even better once all of the construction is complete.

Your welcome! The zeotrope truly blew my mind! It's incredible. I can't wait to go back to Disneyland to see all the new things, Buena Vista Street is going to be awesome with the red trolleys and all that!

finally caught up!!!

Love love love the Zoetrope, that was a highlight of our visit. Sadly Aladdin wasn't showing on our DCA day so I've still not seen it, next time! We wanted to eat lunch there but we made the mistake of trying to eat during peak lunch time and the line went out the door! Another next time

Your cruise plans and FE/Pillowcase look great! I will be very curious to hear how the Hilton is, that could be a good option for us, definitely struggling with what to do on our Nassau day as well. We've booked the Aquaventure but I'm having a hard time with the price and am fairly sure we will cancel.

Several people from my cruise group are going to the Sheraton...it has waterslides - link to their Facebook. I *think* a day room is $99. One gal has gone several times and they love it. It's a short bus ride from the ship. We chose the Hilton (which has a smaller pool and beach, your kids might prefer the Sheraton) because of it's proximity to the ship and we can do some stuff in town, the Pirate Museum and walking tour from Frommers. We almost did the Aquaventure, but ya...that price tag is absurd!

What awesome updates!!! I love the links.

Aladdin show... simply my favorite of all time. I think that it is what made me fall in love with Disney parks and the thing I miss most when we go to WDW. Sure, I miss POTC and the wonderful exterior of IASM... but the Aladdin show (maybe because there is nothing like it in WDW) is what I miss most. When I first saw that show, I was hooked. It brought the story to life in such an awesome way. Genie was funny when we saw too... and it was before iphones.

I can definitely see why that show made you fall in love with the Disney Parks! We really enjoy the B&tB show at DHS too, but Aladdin is still a step up. Nemo and Lion King at AK are close, in my opinion though.

I love the Aladdin show. It was my fav at DL. I wish I could hop on a plane and go right now!

Happy Mother's Day

I'll join you on the plane!!

Loving your report.

Aladdin was our very favorite attraction during our visit last December. I loved it so much I had tears in my eyes.

Aladdin was my first Disney movie and I still know all the songs by heart so it was such a treat. I remember when I visited DHS back when it was still MGM in 1996 and they had an Aladdin parade in the park. It was so cool.

Also love the pictures of Henry with Mater and Jake. He is too cute.

Q

Oh that is neat! I would have loved to see an Aladdin parade! The show really is incredible - it's perfect for all ages. I love that Henry still quotes it.

More replies later, I have to go get the boy from PreK!

 

[abbie13_15]

Such a great trip report!!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow - what a great update. That show looks amazing and the renovations to the park look equally amazing.

Henry is just too funny ....Chicken....Nuggets! Love it!

Henry's pictures are wonderful. He just has the greatest look at his face and he is too cute with Mater.

The show really is amazing, and despite the meh reviews of DCA (pre-refurb) what we saw we REALLY enjoyed! I know it will be so much more when the refurb is complete with Buena Vista Street and Cars Land though!

Henry really enjoy "Mickey Mouse's House California" I think he felt like a big boy without using the stroller!

I am loving this report. Your pictures are amazing, as always and so detailed you feel like you're walking a long with you. I gotta admit seeing those Carsland walls would just about kill me. I can't wait to see what they do there and then get upset that it isn't at WDW. Who knows? Maybe we'll make the trip someday. It just looks like you all are having a blast!

I really tried to capture enough pictures and detail so it would feel just like that! I know many of my "regular readers" haven't ever been there, so I wanted to take you all along on the trip with me.

Later in the day, during our TA class I tried to sneak a peek at Cars Land...but ya, I cannot wait to see it all!!! Can you imagine how our boys would react to it??!

Wow Brook you have been an updating machine!! Love seeing all the different lands. Yay you conquered the Ferris Wheel. Great views from up there. I am enjoying reading along.

And now I took a big long break! This past week disappeared from under me. I hope to squeeze in an update today.

Happy Mothers Day Brook! Glad you had a nice relaxing and fun day!

I love the video clips you posted! That Aladdin show looks amazing and Alexa is ready to go on that Little Mermaid ride The Monsters Inc street show is so cute. I love Monsters Inc I had never heard of the Zoetrope...that was incredible. Is that an actual show? It looks like it is in the middle of a store or something. Pretty cool!

The Zoetrope is just in a room, not really a show-more of an exhibit. Kind of like if it were in One Man's Dream, you just walk in and see it. We really enjoyed this part of the day especially since there were so many unique Disneyland things. I LOVED the Monsters Inc show, I wish they would do that with the DHS parade!

I just heard from a friend who was at DLR this weekend that they've already replaced the Little Mermaid's dole-whip hair in the big Under the Sea scene! Sounds like there's been enough negative feedback that it was changed out. My friend said it was a big improvement, but he kind of missed the wackiness of the spiral hair!

I hadn't heard that, so of course I had to Google it! Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytaWJ86pzg8 I can't say I love the new hair either, but it does look better than the Dole Whip overall. The "pony tail" look isn't ever worn by Ariel in the movie, is it?

Milk-carton-flower pots are the best! I have had my fair share. Happy Mother's Day Brook!

Thank you!!!

I was away for a while and now got to read several updates at once! Lots of great pictures of the Disneyland resort and it seems like all of you had a great time there!

I am still hoping to be able to go there this fall and your updates certainly made me even more excited about the possibility (especially since by fall all those construction walls will have disappeared... However, I think the walls were done very nicely - much nicer than those at WDW's MK for the new Fantasyland...).

Hello you!!! Good to see you again!!!

I hope you are able to make it this fall. It will be very exciting without all the construction walls. I actually prefer WDW's walls to DCAs, I like the concept art and the 3D elements to it. To me it felt like Disneyland was much less concerned about the show element when it came to construction. On our last day at the Parks we even heard construction going on during the middle of the day at the Matterhorn. I've never heard that at WDW, so I was surprised!

Such a great trip report!!! Thanks for sharing.

Your welcome! Thank you for reading!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off after the Aladdin show, we emerged from the theater and headed toward A Bug's Land. I knew there were a few toddler-friendly rides in this area that we could squeeze in before I went off to school.

Yep, school on vacation. Disney school hardly counts as school though, right?!

On our way we saw the ToT

While I enjoy this ride, it's not a "must do" for me, and it's pretty similar to WDWs from what I know, so we passed it by.

This whole land is REALLY cute. Lots of great details.

Up first

This is a balloon type ride, where you fly around in a basket.

I loved all the different types of boxes we were sitting in

The lights in this area are so cute!

Soon, we were flying!

It's a really cute ride, Henry loved it!

Elements like this really make you feel like you are a bug!

Another look at one of the lights

Next up was Francis' Ladybug Boogie, which is basically like the teacups, but a bit more tame.

Not a lady!

My handsome men. Ha!

Joe had us flying, as usual!

Another winner in Henry's book!

We had time for one more ride before I had to head off to class...

Great splash area!

Gotta love this bench

Here we are!

Bumper bugs!

I'd say it was a hit!

Boom!

The cars move pretty slowly, so older children likely wouldn't find this as entertaining.

After our ride it was time for me to GO, there was one more ride

that we wanted to do in A Bug's Land, but we put it on the list for our last day.

On the way out

I took off in front of the boys, it was almost time for school, our class was meeting at ESPN in DTD so I had quite a walk in front of me. The boys went off to the hotel for a swim!

Up next: Disney school

 

[onelilspark]

On our way we saw the ToT

While I enjoy this ride, it's not a "must do" for me, and it's pretty similar to WDWs from what I know, so we passed it by.

The one at DCA is fairly different. The ride vehicle at HS actually moves out into the "other dimension" and then you go into the elevator shaft. The one at DCA doesn't move out of the elevator shaft.

The one at HS is easily better.

 

[blessedby3]

I LOVE TOT!!! Its my favorite ride at DHS! Interesting to hear its different in DL. That Bugs Life area looks so cute I love all the little things they did in that area to make you feel like a small bug
I cant wait to hear about your school

 

[jenseib]

I love Disney school!!!!

did you have any problems with all the pins on your lanyard? I am trying to decide which to wear when we go in Nov...I want to have some of those special few that we have gotten at AEP....and I do have locking backs, so they should be safe. But I don't want them to become annoying either.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Well, if you gotta go to school, I'm thinking Disney school would be the best. I am loving the Bug's Life section of the park since Bug's Life is one of my favorite Disney Pixar movies.

 

[Queila]

Those rides look so cool.

We were in Disneyland last December sans Beatriz so we did not even go into the Bug's Life "land" but the more I read you TR the more I realize we HAVE TO bring her there.

You leave me no choice Brooke.

Cannot wait to read about Disney school. Hope you are able to share lots of details with us.

Have a great week!
Q

 

[eandesmom]

Oh I loved that area of the park when the E's were little, made me very nostalgic!!!

 

[MEK]

What cute little rides. The park continues to delight me with all the new pictures. Very cool.

So what DID you learn at school?????

 

[Caretames1]

Joe had us flying, as usual!

Ok, my favorite picture do far! Pure Fun!


I really did not enjoy school when Iwas younger, but Disney school... that I would have been good with!


Bug's Land looks awesome! I now hope someday I can go to DL.

 

[basketkat]

The Aladdin show looks/sounds really neat! I can't wait to see it for myself!

The Bug's Life land looks SO cute!!!

 

[monkey30]

I would love to do Disney school, but I would be a TA long enough before we go!

 

[MotoWifey185]

Oh man I think Disney can make anything better. I should go take all of my homework there so I can have something to look forward to when I am finished! I am trying to write a 3 page paper about The Truman Show right now and the DIS boards is more appealing. I could write a 3 page paper on here in no time. I could finish my TR! Ugh stupid Truman Show (Good movie though )...

Oh and I have to say it again.... OMG HENRY IS JUST TOOOO CUTE!!! That picture of him in the Lady Bug warms my heart and I can't wait to see Disney through the eyes of my own little ones some day.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I've literally been putting off reading this trip report for so long because my desire to go to Disneyland is THROUGH THE ROOF. And I know once I start reading, it's going to make me want to go even more. However, I'm feelin' like tonight is the night!

Quick question - How did you get a job as a travel agent specializing in Disney? Did you major in something specific in college to become a travel agent? Because that's the kind of job I would honestly LOVE to have. I would love to hear how you got there!

I heard In-N-Out Burger is a necessary food stop in California! I don't think I got to try it the one time I was there and I was very sad!

Paradise Pier is SO cute. Oh my gosh. I love how it's decorated!! And AHHH the Grand Californian is BEAUTIFUL.

You have no idea how much I want to go to Disneyland right now. I hope I can go within the next couple years!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

One week from today we will be throwing our last minute items into our suitcases and zipping them closed. A car will arrive outside our house and Henry will be elated to ride in it. It will drive us through Queens, over the Queensboro Bridge, and into Manhattan. All the way across the island, likely through Central Park, until we arrive at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

A porter will retrieve our bags and we'll thank our driver as we walk through the doors of Pier 88.

We've all been there before. But this time, we get to join the security line.



ONE WEEK!

We originally booked this cruise over a year ago. It might be the longest we have ever waited for a vacation. And a few times, we weren't sure it would happen. I even cancelled it.

But, I kept hoping - and kept my ticker! And it all worked out! I've gotten to know several people from my cruise group via the DIS and Facebook. I cannot wait to meet these wonderful men and ladies...and their adorable kids! Henry will have instant friends.

My Fish Extender gifts are almost complete. One more item to purchase and include. My magnets are made. My packing list is ready to be hung on the wall and worked on. Swimsuits purchased. Formal night clothing planned. Henry and I have played "we're going on a cruise" more times than I can count. He knows the sound of the Magic's horn and hums it multiple times a day.

We are ready!

One week!

Last night we went to the port to watch the Magic sail away on her frist NYC cruise. I heard the music of the sail away party. I heard them shout "Good-bye New York!" and I teared up.

One week!!!!!

Here are a few pictures:

As the Magic pulled out of port and was turning south

The Magic is in the distance

In case you didn't see my posts on Facebook, or see the news yesterday, the Magic is now sporting the world's largest bumper sticker and this is what it looks like:

Needless to say I LOVE it!!!!

Here is a video-if you listen closely you can hear them shouting "Good-bye New York! We are outta here!" (and at the beginning you can also hear Henry singing the Taxi Cab song since he saw the water taxi )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn6xxNXPp10

 

[jenseib]

I bet you are about ready to jump out of your skin!!! I can feel your excitiment....heck I am excited about it. I can't wait to hear about it.

My Dis group isn't too active yet...but we do have several months yet....

 

[brookelizabeth]

The one at DCA is fairly different. The ride vehicle at HS actually moves out into the "other dimension" and then you go into the elevator shaft. The one at DCA doesn't move out of the elevator shaft.

The one at HS is easily better.

Oooh, I didn't realize that. Then I'm REALLY glad we didn't take time to do it! When I first rode at DHS that was the part that truly amazed me-I did NOT expect it to move out of the elevator shaft!

I LOVE TOT!!! Its my favorite ride at DHS! Interesting to hear its different in DL. That Bugs Life area looks so cute I love all the little things they did in that area to make you feel like a small bug
I cant wait to hear about your school

A Bug's Land is really cute, very well themed!

I love Disney school!!!!

did you have any problems with all the pins on your lanyard? I am trying to decide which to wear when we go in Nov...I want to have some of those special few that we have gotten at AEP....and I do have locking backs, so they should be safe. But I don't want them to become annoying either.

I love Disney school as well! (tho, this class wasn't quite as good as what we got in WDW, IMO!)

I did have some problems with all those pins. It was heavy and I was always nervous I would lose one - I kept eyeing the locking backs, but never bought them. Sometimes the pins would get hung up on the camera strap and it was a bit annoying! I think I am going to take the pins off for the cruise. I think I'm more of a 'display the pins at home' type of person than wearing them. Henry is starting to trade, so I'll let him carry the weight.

Well, if you gotta go to school, I'm thinking Disney school would be the best. I am loving the Bug's Life section of the park since Bug's Life is one of my favorite Disney Pixar movies.

I agree! Disney school is the best!

Those rides look so cool.

We were in Disneyland last December sans Beatriz so we did not even go into the Bug's Life "land" but the more I read you TR the more I realize we HAVE TO bring her there.

You leave me no choice Brooke.

Cannot wait to read about Disney school. Hope you are able to share lots of details with us.

Have a great week!
Q

happy to enable! Beatriz would love that section though, it's adorable!

Oh I loved that area of the park when the E's were little, made me very nostalgic!!!

It's a great area for the younger ones. Henry loved every single ride, and they really are cute!

What cute little rides. The park continues to delight me with all the new pictures. Very cool.

So what DID you learn at school?????

Isn't it great? It was so fun to be in a new Disney park with details I didn't know about everywhere!

You'll see very soon what school was all about!

Ok, my favorite picture do far! Pure Fun!


I really did not enjoy school when Iwas younger, but Disney school... that I would have been good with!


Bug's Land looks awesome! I now hope someday I can go to DL.

Isn't that pic fun? I thought it was so sweet. He LOVES to spin, the faster the better-just like Joe! And they laugh at me while I say "slow down! slow down!"

The Aladdin show looks/sounds really neat! I can't wait to see it for myself!

The Bug's Life land looks SO cute!!!

Do not miss Aladdin! It's fantastic!!! It was a definite highlight of the trip!

I would love to do Disney school, but I would be a TA long enough before we go!

Disney school is always a lot of fun - I have done the Agent Education Program at WDW and the class, both have been great experiences!

Oh man I think Disney can make anything better. I should go take all of my homework there so I can have something to look forward to when I am finished! I am trying to write a 3 page paper about The Truman Show right now and the DIS boards is more appealing. I could write a 3 page paper on here in no time. I could finish my TR! Ugh stupid Truman Show (Good movie though )...

Oh and I have to say it again.... OMG HENRY IS JUST TOOOO CUTE!!! That picture of him in the Lady Bug warms my heart and I can't wait to see Disney through the eyes of my own little ones some day.

I SO understand! I can write about Disney Parks anytime! Pages and pages! I love that my passion is my career.

Thank you for your sweet words! We really had a lot of fun with the bugs!

I've literally been putting off reading this trip report for so long because my desire to go to Disneyland is THROUGH THE ROOF. And I know once I start reading, it's going to make me want to go even more. However, I'm feelin' like tonight is the night!

Quick question - How did you get a job as a travel agent specializing in Disney? Did you major in something specific in college to become a travel agent? Because that's the kind of job I would honestly LOVE to have. I would love to hear how you got there!

I heard In-N-Out Burger is a necessary food stop in California! I don't think I got to try it the one time I was there and I was very sad!

Paradise Pier is SO cute. Oh my gosh. I love how it's decorated!! And AHHH the Grand Californian is BEAUTIFUL.

You have no idea how much I want to go to Disneyland right now. I hope I can go within the next couple years!!

:: Glad you finally dove in!

How I became a TA...I sent you a PM.

In-N-Out is AWESOME. Joe and I still talk about the burgers. Next time we are in CA, or any state with them, we WILL be stopping again!

The Disneyland Hotels are all VERY beautiful, I was impressed with them all. You'll get to see the Disneyland Hotel very soon... I hope you get to go to Disneyland as well, it is worth the time, money and energy to get there if it's a long distance. It's truly awesome!