Not too shabby for a consolation prize! A Dec 2013 TR! Update 5/3 p. 28 COMPLETED!

[rentayenta]

We just got back today and I misssss DL already!! And your post reminds me of the stuff I forgot... Definitely have to go back again. I forgot the cozy cones, the lighting of Carsland and Award Weiners. Hopefully we can go back in 2 years. I don't think next year will work, as badly as I want it to.

We always forget stuff too. There is never enough time whether it be one day or five days. ​

Mater's ride was SO much fun! That was one of the highlights of our trip. I wasn't expecting it to whip quite so much and went flying into DD. She started laughing and pushed back. Unexpectedly fun ride

I agree. I love that ride. The music is so fun and I love Mater's voice.​

Even though it was drizzling on and off during the day, it didn't stop you or your family from having a great time at DCA. Very nice pictures of the family at DCA. Your drawings of Olaf at the Animation Academy look very nice especially Michael's. It was a good thing that you got RSR FP's so you won't have to wait that long in the stand-by queue.

Very nice updates.

Thanks, I'll let him know. My hubby is a big character doodler (oh tag fairy ) and loves to draw. It was really so much fun.

FPs are the way to go with RSR. Have you done wide right with success?​

Oh, and Carsland? Breathtaking. Amazing. Awe-inspiring. Fantastic. Blows everything WDW has out of the water in my opinion, rides included. What a spectacular ride RSR is.

Can you tell we fell in love with it?

Isn't it amazing! I think it rivals Main St in terms of details. Nothing will ever top Main St in Disneyland but they hit a home run with CarsLand.​

Ok 4:30. I need to remember that! Of course it might be later since it will be lighter out later in April? Tell me about that chili verde cone. I might need one!!!

It was good, spicy, the bread was like a thin non-salty soft pretzel. Joshua and I really enjoyed it.​

Did they tell you ahead on time it was Olaf? I thought you didn't find out until you were in the class. Cool!

They have a board out front with the times. I swear I thought I had a photo but I can't find it. I'll check my phone later but I swore I did.​

The 20% is the Merch/food discount you get with the premium ap.

Fun update, you look like you are having a blast!

Your DVC will get you 10% if you decide against the PAP too.

We really do always have so much fun at Disney. Its unreal. Even on the drive/flight, it's like they know they're going to have the time of their lives and all the stress just melts away. ​

There was a sandwich board outside the building with the times/characters listed

​

The merchandise discount for the Premium AP is at 20%. It is nice that Disney extended the merch discount again for the AP's. The food discount is at 15% at most quick counters and sit down restaurants at the DLR. There are a few places that doesn't get you the AP discount like the Tiki Juice Bar, Napa Rose restaurant, etc. There is a 10% discount at certain stores, restaurants, etc. (that is not owned by Disney) at DTD.

Thanks Bret. I want to move home so we can justify APs! ​

it looks like you had a great day so far and if it finishes with Napa Rose, it was a fabulous day! I'm glad that the rain kept the crowds away.

It was a fabulous day for sure. It was a pretty cool 2 day trip overall. One day at Disney is better than 3 days any place else.​

Your session of drawing Olaf sounds really fun. I would like to do that sometime, but I'm not sure if Fran would be interested. I'll have to try her.

Next time come draw with us. If Fran doesn't want to go, she can fiddle around in Off the Page. Lining up and drawing tAkes no more than about 30 minutes or so. ​

Other than the firefighter figures (as Fran doesn't have the same firefighter reference that you have), I'm a little embarrassed to say how many of those figures that we have ourselves! I just can't wait until we can get them out of their boxes and see then!

Those are the big figs you talk about? I can't even imagine. ​

You got on a lot of rides and got to do quite a bit due to the weather and lack of crowds. I hope you and Michael enjoyed Napa Rose!

I have a list of what we went on. I'll list them all at the end. I didm;t get pics of everything.

Napa Rose was awesome, a little foofoo for me but Michael loves it. They did have a truffle mac n cheese but not the gigantic bowl we all shared. It was a little tin for $12. And no big chunks of truffle but I could taste it. It was too rich for Michael so darn, I had to eat half that night and half for breakfast. ​

I love the Animation Academy building. I could just sit in the cavernous room and watch the movie clips for an hour.

Its so wonderful isn't it?​

I had to laugh at your comment about Luigi's. I've only done that ride solo and it didn't work so well with one person trying to make it go. Uhhh I'm not in a hurry to try it again. On the other hand, they hit a home run with Tow Mater! I love everything about that ride. During the holidays they had a special soundtrack that was a Christmasy version. So cute.

We could hardly made it work with three. I don't know what we did wrong? ​

I'm looking forward to hearing about your evening with Napa Rose. We'll be spending the weekend at the GC hotel with Napa Rose dinner on Friday for our DD's 18th b-day. I sure wish they had AP discounts at that restaurant.

How fun! We forgot to use our DVC discount that night. Happy Birthday to you DD! ​

I love all your photos of the Christmas touches. Your Olafs look great, too. I have yet to do the mater ride, but I love Luigi's Flying Tires. I have to try to catch RSR asthe lights come on. It does look stunning.

Corinna

Whats the trick to Luigi's? Its so cute but I wanted to fly. RSR is truly unreal when it lights up. All of CarsLand with the Christmas lights was simply magical.​

I just love how many wonderful pictures you have of the kids and the entire family. What great memories!

There are just SO many details in that park. I can't wait to see every single one. Soooooo cool! And the Christmas decorations make it that much better.

Glad that the drizzly weather did not keep you away from the parks.

Love the view from your villa.

I'm really looking forward to reading about your dinner date!

We take far too many pictures. I read though that the only picture you'll ever regret taking will be the ones you didn't. That's how I get everyone to smile. ​

I was wondering the same thing, I don't think they ever do that at DHS.

Sandwich board. It's pretty neat. I am bummed and surprised I don't have a pic.​

 

[franandaj]

Those are the big figs you talk about? I can't even imagine. ​

Yup! I know we have Indiana Jones Mickey and Mickey Jedi, but yeah when I say she bought a bunch of big figs, those are the things. Remember that picture Ellen took of us being helped to our car with a dolly?

 

[rentayenta]

Yup! I know we have Indiana Jones Mickey and Mickey Jedi, but yeah when I say she bought a bunch of big figs, those are the things. Remember that picture Ellen took of us being helped to our car with a dolly?

Don't worry, I'll babysit your big figs and kitties when you're out of town. That dolly was all big figurines? Lucky girls!

I can't wait for you to be all moved in and able to showcase all your amazing finds. ​

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks, I'll let him know. My hubby is a big character doodler (oh tag fairy ) and loves to draw. It was really so much fun.

FPs are the way to go with RSR. Have you done wide right with success?​

You are absolutely correct that FP's are the way to go on RSR without having to wait in those long queues. I have went through the standby queue on RSR before (that does not include during the AP preview back in June 2012). Luckily I have never waited more than 45 minutes in the standby queue where I would not even wait more than an hour to go on this ride.

 

[rentayenta]

You are absolutely correct that FP's are the way to go on RSR without having to wait in those long queues. I have went through the standby queue on RSR before (that does not include during the AP preview back in June 2012). Luckily I have never waited more than 45 minutes in the standby queue where I would not even wait more than an hour to go on this ride.

There is so much info out there. I wonder how folks, who don't plan, navigate the parks? They'd spend most of the day waiting. I remember the old days of showing up and not finding out what was closed until we bought our ticket books. It was always so nerve wracking.

I think we waited over an hour when the Nemo subs first came out. ​

 

[mvf-m11c]

There is so much info out there. I wonder how folks, who don't plan, navigate the parks? They'd spend most of the day waiting. I remember the old days of showing up and not finding out what was closed until we bought our ticket books. It was always so nerve wracking.

I think we waited over an hour when the Nemo subs first came out. ​

It is so nice to have the internet in order to plan the days and what to do so we won't have to wait in those long queues at the parks. I wonder the same thing where the guests who don't have a plan and do all the activities they want to do. I can't imagine myself or you without a plan. I have done it before without a plan and it cost time from your vacation which is important.

I have never experienced the ticket books since Disney stopped it in the mid 80s. When I went to DL in the 80s and 90s, my family don't know which ride was down or running so we were in the dark until we arrived at the park and see what was closed due to refurbishment.

I remember back in 2007 when the FNSV opened that year and the wait times were just crazy from the morning to the afternoon. I'm hoping that DL doesn't shut down the FNSV permanently while it is close during it's long refurbishment.

 

[rentayenta]

It is so nice to have the internet in order to plan the days and what to do so we won't have to wait in those long queues at the parks. I wonder the same thing where the guests who don't have a plan and do all the activities they want to do. I can't imagine myself or you without a plan. I have done it before without a plan and it cost time from your vacation which is important.

I have never experienced the ticket books since Disney stopped it in the mid 80s. When I went to DL in the 80s and 90s, my family don't know which ride was down or running so we were in the dark until we arrived at the park and see what was closed due to refurbishment.

I remember back in 2007 when the FNSV opened that year and the wait times were just crazy from the morning to the afternoon. I'm hoping that DL doesn't shut down the FNSV permanently while it is close during it's long refurbishment.

I read its closing too. Will they drain the lagoon or make another water ride? It's a huge space and I'd love to know what they're thinking. Right across from the Matterhorn is prime real estate. The Nemo Subs always seem crowded so I wonder why the potential closure?

I have such find memories of the ticket books. I know I've got one packed away somewhere. E tickets were it! We'd always have a few A, B, and C tickets left but never E's. They were colored. Gosh they were fantastic.

Us without a plan? Preposterous. ​

 

[mvf-m11c]

I read its closing too. Will they drain the lagoon or make another water ride? It's a huge space and I'd love to know what they're thinking. Right across from the Matterhorn is prime real estate. The Nemo Subs always seem crowded so I wonder why the potential closure?

I have such find memories of the ticket books. I know I've got one packed away somewhere. E tickets were it! We'd always have a few A, B, and C tickets left but never E's. They were colored. Gosh they were fantastic.

Us without a plan? Preposterous. ​

The FNSV is closed until late September for the long refurbishment so they can drain the lagoon and do extended work. From what I have read so far on all these different websites and threads (this is just rumors and not facts) that Disney is using the long refurbishment as a cover up to shut down and close the ride permanently. The FNSV is the most expensive cost running ride at the DLR. There are a lot of rumors about the future of this ride and i don't want it to go away since I love the old Submarine Voyage back in the old days and glad that they brought it back.

This website from Miceage will tell you about the rumors surrounding the FNSV and what they are going to with the ride. http://micechat.com/53779-disneyland-update/ It is just rumors and not actual facts.

I would love to be at DL or WDW during the E Ticket era.

 

[PrincessInOz]

How great to have caught the lighting up of CarsLand. That was perfect timing.

Love that the park seems empty with the dark clouds and sprinkles keeping people away. Perfect park weather in my book.

One of these days, I'm going to be able to convince DS to go draw a character. He's not interested; so I haven't been able to take a class for years!

 

[Pinkocto]

What perfect timing at Carsland to see the lights! I must get back for that.

All the Christmas decorations are so cool. Glad the girls are comfortable to separate and have fun on their own.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Whats the trick to Luigi's? Its so cute but I wanted to fly. RSR is truly unreal when it lights up. All of CarsLand with the Christmas lights was simply magical.​

I did it by myself so it would have been lighter and therefore flew OK. I found it pretty easy to move it around as well.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

The FNSV is closed until late September for the long refurbishment so they can drain the lagoon and do extended work. From what I have read so far on all these different websites and threads (this is just rumors and not facts) that Disney is using the long refurbishment as a cover up to shut down and close the ride permanently. The FNSV is the most expensive cost running ride at the DLR. There are a lot of rumors about the future of this ride and i don't want it to go away since I love the old Submarine Voyage back in the old days and glad that they brought it back.

This website from Miceage will tell you about the rumors surrounding the FNSV and what they are going to with the ride. http://micechat.com/53779-disneyland-update/ It is just rumors and not actual facts.

I would love to be at DL or WDW during the E Ticket era.

I have the most vivid memories of that era but unfortunately not a single photo to show for it. My folks were very irresponsible during their divorce(s) and didn't save a thing. It's really such a shame. I'd give anything to have those photos.


Thanks for the link, I'll go check it out. ​

How great to have caught the lighting up of CarsLand. That was perfect timing.

Love that the park seems empty with the dark clouds and sprinkles keeping people away. Perfect park weather in my book.

One of these days, I'm going to be able to convince DS to go draw a character. He's not interested; so I haven't been able to take a class for years!

I agree, the weather was perfect for crowd control. The dark skies made the lights shine even brighter. Drawing at the Animation Academy will be a mist for future trips for us. We really enjoyed it.​

What perfect timing at Carsland to see the lights! I must get back for that.

All the Christmas decorations are so cool. Glad the girls are comfortable to separate and have fun on their own.

They're great with separating from us. When we went to Napa Rose, the three of them toured around. They're really close.

The timing for CarsLand was perfect. I truly couldn't have timed it without stressing myself out. Dumb but good luck.​

I did it by myself so it would have been lighter and therefore flew OK. I found it pretty easy to move it around as well.

Corinna

I'm going to try solo next time. We laughed like hell because we were like the only ones not moving.​

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

This is good so far!!

 

[rentayenta]

This is good so far!!

girl and Should have an update tomorrow night.​

 

[franandaj]

Don't worry, I'll babysit your big figs and kitties when you're out of town. That dolly was all big figurines? Lucky girls!

I can't wait for you to be all moved in and able to showcase all your amazing finds. ​

Yeah, we'll see how it works out I will definitely contact you re house sitting when we get there. Unfortunately we won't even be there until next October so we got a while to go....

 

[PrincessInOz]

Yeah, we'll see how it works out I will definitely contact you re house sitting when we get there. Unfortunately we won't even be there until next October so we got a while to go....

October??

 

[rentayenta]

October??

It'll be here before you know it and until then, we'll keep filling up Olga's wing with awesome DISers.

We've built two homes. I totally understand the letdown of setbacks. It'll be worth it in the end. Promise. ​

 

[petals]

Where did you meet Koda i wanna find him

 

[rentayenta]

Where did you meet Koda i wanna find him

It was years ago but at Redwood Creek Challenge in DCA.

 

[rentayenta]

So sorry for the time between updates but we took a fabulous trip to Mexico. See link.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...413.1073741834.1117416286&type=1&l=0e0f219c9a

Back to Disneyland, my favorite next to the beach.

After enjoy the queue of RSR it was finally time to ride. Some of the actions shots are a little blurry but I'm not too proud to post them.

Continued in next post....​