Note to Self...A Procrastinator's Pre-Trip Report September 12-21

[NWPrincess]

Prologue

My parents and I have been going to Disneyland together since I was a baby. I was born in SoCal and lived there until I was 5. We used to go every month or so...so back in 2006, I was starting law school and had some free time before that event. We decided we'd take a big trip to Southern California to visit family and have some fun.

We got the CityPass and went to all the parks included in it over the course of two weeks, but we loved Disneyland most of all. My mom wasn't interested in going at first, so she mostly hung out at the hotel while my dad and I went to the parks, but my dad had a CM friend at DL who got us in for free for one day, so my mom decided to come along. We talked her into getting an ECV and she had a great time. She hadn't been to DL since the mid-1990s and could not believe how much it had changed...her only regret was that she didn't stay longer.

SO--fast forward to 2008. I was originally planning a short trip with my DBF to show him the magic of Disney since the grinch stole his childhood Disney spirit (I will get it back for him eventually)--BUT I found the great HoJo Entertainment deal, needed a vacation, could get time off and found out I qualified for discount Disneyland tickets as an employee benefit of one of my (yes--I have multiple) part-time jobs. I also had about $400 in Alaska Air credit from a horrible experience flying to Germany with British Airways (another trip report/story in itself).

I called my parents and told them all of this, told them it would be economical for us, and they agreed to go to Disneyland. We just wanted to go to Disneyland this time because it really was the only place we really, really enjoyed with our CityPass, my mom could rent her ECV and it would be cheaper for us.

My DBF and I also recently moved. I'm not complaining because we definately upgraded. I feel safer and better about where we are living, but he also paid for most of it (my precarious financial situation as a law student again). Due to this, sadly, he could not go with us--finances would not allow. BUT he promised to take me to DL just the two of us after the Little Mermaid ride opens up. Maybe he isn't such the Disney Scrooge afterall.

 

[NWPrincess]

The Cast

Me--25 year old law student who has loved Disneyland and Disney since she could walk. Her particularly favorite Disney movie is the Little Mermaid which at the age of 8 had memorized to the dismay of her annoyed mommie.

Dad--undisclosed age, but really chill guy who actually rode every ride with me last trip with the exception of TOT and CA Screamin', but HATED the Sun Wheel (actually, I thought it was scary too!)

Mom--undisclosed age, but is really excited for this trip after last time. Refuses to go on Dumbo, but has promised to go on POTC this time around (she hates the drops). We're still working on her to go on Soarin'.

The Itinerary

September 12: Leave from Sea Tac in the evening for California
September 13: Attend a Family Renuion in said California
September 14: Spend time with Family in the area
September 15: Go to Newport Beach and take the harbor boat tour
Hang a bit at Huntington Beach
Check into the HoJo
Walk around DTD
September 16: Disneyland with MM
September 17: Disneyland
September 18: Disneyland
September 19: Disneyland (you get the point)
September 20: Spend more time with family
September 21: I fly back to Seattle by myself while they continue their journey...

 

[NWPrincess]

Dining

September 15:

Dinner: Ralph Brennan's (PS at 6:30pm) Drunken Chicken and Bread Pudding

September 16:

Breakfast: In Room

Lunch: Red Rockett's Pizza Port Chicken Salad

Snack: Tiki Juice Bar Dole Whip

Dinner: Whitewater Snacks Beef Nachos

September 17:

Breakfast: In Room

Lunch: Blue Bayou (PS at 11:30am) Pork Chop and Cookie Boat

Snack: Pooh's Corner Tigger Tail

Dinner: Pacific Wharf Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl

September 18:

Breakfast: In Room

Lunch: Taste Pilot's Grill BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Snack: Bengal BBQ Safari Skewer

Dinner: Wine Country Trattoria (PS at 4:50pm) Chicken Bruschetta Salad

September 19:

Breakfast: River Belle Terrace Mickey Mouse Pancakes

Lunch: Cafe Orleans (PS at 1:00pm) Monte Cristco

Dinner: Carnation Cafe (PS at 6:00pm) Baked Potato Soup

 

[mommaU4]

Sounds great so far. I'm sorry your DBF can't go with you though.

I hope your mom goes on Soarin! She will love it, especially if you can ask to sit in the first row. I am terrified of heights but even I like that one.

I love how you planned out all your meals too. That's something I would do.

 

[JaneJetson]

Hello! I'm joining your report. Sounds good so far!

I've never been able to plan my meals in advance. I'm a super picky eater and I never know what I'll be in the mood for.

I just know I can't go to DCA without eating the brocolli cheese soup at Pacific Wharf.

And I must get chicken fuseli (sp?) at Pizza Port at some on our trip.

I LOVED the beef stew in a bread bowl at the French Market but it's gone now.

What are these Tigger Tails people are always talking about?

 

[NWPrincess]

Sounds great so far. I'm sorry your DBF can't go with you though.

I hope your mom goes on Soarin! She will love it, especially if you can ask to sit in the first row. I am terrified of heights but even I like that one.

I love how you planned out all your meals too. That's something I would do.

Yeah! I have an audience! Thanks for the comment!

I'm actually not as upset as I was about my DBF not going to DL with me. (1) I think it would be harder having him come along. I mean, him and my mom like different things. I really want to spend time with my mom this time because she missed out when my dad and I went and this trip is really about her this time. I think I'd feel obligated to cater to my DBF (who is more of a thrill-ride, I don't get the "Disney atmosphere" kind of guy ). Now I can focus more on making her time special--she deserves it! (2) it is really easier on the pocketbook now that DBF is MIA. My parents and I will share a hotel room which makes it a LOT cheaper and my parents agreed to pay for food, so this will mean they only have to pay for me!

I've been planning out my meals for months now. Blame it on the food porn on the DIS and having never really eaten at DL before (we always had packed lunches--so the only thing I've ever had was a Dole Whip and Rancho del Zocalo).

 

[NWPrincess]

Hello! I'm joining your report. Sounds good so far!

I've never been able to plan my meals in advance. I'm a super picky eater and I never know what I'll be in the mood for.

I just know I can't go to DCA without eating the brocolli cheese soup at Pacific Wharf.

And I must get chicken fuseli (sp?) at Pizza Port at some on our trip.

I LOVED the beef stew in a bread bowl at the French Market but it's gone now.

What are these Tigger Tails people are always talking about?

I'm planning my meals because there is just so much yummy food--I don't want to miss any of it! I'll make sure to get that Broccoli Cheese Soup and I might get the Chicken Fuselli (don't know how to spell it either) instead of a chicken salad at the Pizza Port.

Tigger Tails are chocolate covered marshmallows sold at Pooh's Corner in Critter Country. They are kind of like (I've never had them, but this is my understanding) an orange cream chocolate with carmel and drizzled dark chocolate. Some people love them and some hate them, but after all I've read about them on the DIS, I've gotta try one!

Thanks so much for your food input. I'm open to suggestions/edits if anyone else has any experience with DL food.

 

[MommyLove]

YAY you're doing a PTR!

When I first read about your DBF not going, I was sad for you (and him) but after you posted the other stuff... well it totally makes sense and I'm so glad for you that you get to spend this special time with just your mom & dad. I would love to be able to do that with my dad. Maybe someday.

Anyhoo... looks like a really great trip! And wow, I'm impressed wth the food planning. We will so not be able to plan food like that, lol. We just run around the parks based on whatever our collective mood is at the moment. All I will be able to swing is a lunch or dinner ressie at Blue Bayou the day before, heh.

As far as the Tigger Tails, something I think is similar but WAY better are the things you can get at Marceline's Confectionery in DTD. It is marshmallows and to-die-for-carmel covered in milk chocolate on a stick. So much better imo than the orangy stuff on the TT's. You can proably get them somewhere else in the parks at the candy stores, but I've only ever tried to get them at Marceline's.

 

[mommaU4]

Yeah! I have an audience! Thanks for the comment!

I'm actually not as upset as I was about my DBF not going to DL with me. (1) I think it would be harder having him come along. I mean, him and my mom like different things. I really want to spend time with my mom this time because she missed out when my dad and I went and this trip is really about her this time. I think I'd feel obligated to cater to my DBF (who is more of a thrill-ride, I don't get the "Disney atmosphere" kind of guy ). Now I can focus more on making her time special--she deserves it! (2) it is really easier on the pocketbook now that DBF is MIA. My parents and I will share a hotel room which makes it a LOT cheaper and my parents agreed to pay for food, so this will mean they only have to pay for me!

I've been planning out my meals for months now. Blame it on the food porn on the DIS and having never really eaten at DL before (we always had packed lunches--so the only thing I've ever had was a Dole Whip and Rancho del Zocalo).

That makes sense. It's probably for the best then that you are able to go with your parents and spend quality time with them, and then go with your DBF at a later date. Besides that will give you more to look forward too.

The bread pudding at Jazz Kitchen is so good! You will love it. You might want to try a chimichanga while you are there. Or a corn dog. Those two are dirt cheap and yet some of the best food in the park, imo.

 

[MommyLove]

Oh! And another food comment... I'm sure you've heard of them, but the huge turkey legs are to die for. They must marinate them cause the meat is so flavorful. And they're big enough to share so they're very economical too.

Now I'm sitting here drooling for a turkey leg! Glad I only have to wait ONE MORE WEEK!

 

[JaneJetson]

I don't think I'd like the tigger tails because I'm not an orange flavor kind of person.

I usually ask for the chicken fuseilli (still not clue on that spelling...haha) without the chicken. I just like the pasta and sauce. And if I'm extra hungry I also get a side salad.

One snack I loved in the park (not sure if they still have them because it's been a couple years) was at the candy place (or whatever it is) on main street. They had this chocolate covered honeycomb type stuff. So yummy!

For snacks we usually get cookies and hot chocolate or mochas. But now that Nestle isn't a sponsor I don't think the cookies will be as good at the blue ribbon bakery.

I don't care for the turkey legs. But I do LOVE the way they smell...haha.

I would love to go to Disneyland with my parents. When I lived in socal, my mom came out for a visit and we did two days in the park (my husband...fiance at the time...was there for part of it but not the whole time because he had to work.) Then in June 2006 everyone was in town for our wedding so we spent a day in the parks with my parents. But I feel like we didn't see much because it was so crowded and my dad isn't a fan of walking. We actually spent more time at DCA. I'd love to go back with them again and get my dad on some more Disneyland rides. I'm really sad we didn't go on Space Mountain because he would have loved it.

Okay...I'm babbling.

 

[mommaU4]

We're going to have her adding to her food list to the point she won't be able to do anything but eat!


I tried the Tigger Tails and didn't like them much either, BUT I'm not a fan of orange. I know other people think they are to die for. I personally loved the Apple Pie Caramel Apple. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[MommyLove]

We're going to have her adding to her food list to the point she won't be able to do anything but eat!

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen.

 

[NWPrincess]

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen.

That's SO sweet that I inspired you to take a trip with you dad! I don't think there is anything as special as Disneyland with your parents. One of the most special moments I had with my dad last trip was when we were waiting in line for Peter Pan one morning and this little girl was looking at us (we looked kind of weird my dad and I in line for Peter Pan) and my dad looked at her and said, "This is my daughter and when she was your age, I took her on this ride just like your dad is." The way he said it was so sweet and I felt like the luckiest daughter in the world!

I hope that this trip with your dad works out! Disney is about sharing it with the people you love.

 

[NWPrincess]

I don't think I'd like the tigger tails because I'm not an orange flavor kind of person.

I usually ask for the chicken fuseilli (still not clue on that spelling...haha) without the chicken. I just like the pasta and sauce. And if I'm extra hungry I also get a side salad.

One snack I loved in the park (not sure if they still have them because it's been a couple years) was at the candy place (or whatever it is) on main street. They had this chocolate covered honeycomb type stuff. So yummy!

For snacks we usually get cookies and hot chocolate or mochas. But now that Nestle isn't a sponsor I don't think the cookies will be as good at the blue ribbon bakery.

I don't care for the turkey legs. But I do LOVE the way they smell...haha.

I would love to go to Disneyland with my parents. When I lived in socal, my mom came out for a visit and we did two days in the park (my husband...fiance at the time...was there for part of it but not the whole time because he had to work.) Then in June 2006 everyone was in town for our wedding so we spent a day in the parks with my parents. But I feel like we didn't see much because it was so crowded and my dad isn't a fan of walking. We actually spent more time at DCA. I'd love to go back with them again and get my dad on some more Disneyland rides. I'm really sad we didn't go on Space Mountain because he would have loved it.

Okay...I'm babbling.

Yeah the turkey legs kind of scare me too. I saw another trip report where someone got sick on one of them.

It's hard to pick what to eat when there is so much good stuff!

I hope you get a chance to go again with your parents. Since I'm older, I don't get to see my parents as much and a day at Disneyland with them is a pretty perfect day!

 

[NWPrincess]

We're going to have her adding to her food list to the point she won't be able to do anything but eat!


I tried the Tigger Tails and didn't like them much either, BUT I'm not a fan of orange. I know other people think they are to die for. I personally loved the Apple Pie Caramel Apple. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Maybe they should make a Ridemax program for the food stands...

 

[NWPrincess]

Detailed Schedule (somewhat)

I should have a more detailed one once I get around to doing my actual Ridemax Schedule(s), BUT I am also doing an excel document listing all the rides with ride times each day by the hour (see Hydroguy's sticky on Ridemax).

Obviously, this will also depend on my mom. She says she wants to go on (most) of these rides, but we may change it up a bit or relax more depending on whether she is having a good or bad day (she has COPD--so it will depend on that).

We also plan to see shows, etc., but this will depend on the schedule. I plan on doing this through Ridemax's breaks, etc. Or maybe we will just see the shows on the fly.

Monday, September 15:

7:50 am: Leave Cousin's house for Disneyland
9:00 am: Pick up Disneyland Tickets
9:40 am: Drive to Newport Beach
11:00 am:Harbor Cruise on Newport Bay
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00 pm: Drive to Huntington Beach
1:17 pm: Huntington Beach
2:00 pm: Drive to Howard Johnson Anaheim
2:30 pm: Stop by to pick up groceries for breakfasts
3:00 pm: Check into Howard Johnson Anaheim
5:00 pm: Drive and Park at Downtown Disney
6:30 pm: Dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

Tuesday, September 16:

7:00 am: Get up/Breakfast in Room
8:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
9:00 am: Disneyland Early Entry--Mom rents ECV
1. Peter Pan (2x)
2. Dumbo
3. Matterhorn
4. Alice in Wonderland
5. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
6. Mad Tea Party
7. King Arthur’s Carousel

Othe DL Rides (not in any particular order):
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2. Indiana Jones
3. Splash Mountain
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Enchanted Tiki Room
6. Space Mountain
7. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
8. Star Tours
9. Disneyland Railroad
10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Other DCA Rides (not in order):
1. Soarin’ Over California
2. California Screamin’
3. Toy Story Midway Mania
4. Grizzly River Run
5. Mission Tortilla Factory Tour


Wednesday, September 17:

8:00 am: Get up/Breakfast in Room
9:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
10:00 amisneyland
11:30 am:Blue Bayou

DL Rides (not in Order):
1. Finding Nemo
2. Buzz Lightyear
3. Space Mountain
4. Star Tours
5. Pinocchio
6. Snow White
7. Storybook Land Canal Boats
8. Monorail
9. “Honey I Shrunk the Audience”
10. Disneyland the First 50 Magical Years

DCA Rides (not in Order):
1. Tower of Terror
2. Maliboomer
3. Mulholland Madness
4. Orange Stinger
5. Golden Dreams

Thursday, September 18:

8:00 am: Get up/Breakfast in Room
9:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
10:00 amisneyland

DL Rides (not in order):
1. Mickey’s House
2. Gadget’s Go Coaster
3. Roger Rabbit
4. Indiana Jones
5. Splash Mountain
6. Jungle Cruise
7. Main St. Cinema
8. Innoventions
9. Mark Twain Riverboat
10. Raft to Tom Sawyer Island
11. Tom Sawyer Island

DCA rides (not in order):
1. Monster’s Inc.
2. Bread Factory
3. Muppet Vision
4. Disney Animation
5. It’s Tough to Be A Bug
6. Sun Wheel
4:50 pm: Wine County Trattoria

Friday, September 19:

7:00 am: Get up
8:00 am: Leave for Disneyland (Dad drops us off then walks back)
9:00 am: Disneyland
9:00 am: Riverbelle Terrace
10:00 am: Get in Line for Fantasy Faire
10:30 am: Princess Fantasy Faire
1:00 pm: Café Orleans
6:00 pm: Carnation Café
7:00 pm: Suburban Legends (Tomorrow land Terrace)
8:30 pm: Get a spot on Main Street to watch the Fireworks
9:25 pm: “Remember…Dreams Come True” Fireworks

 

[mommaU4]

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen.

Awww, that's great. Good for you.

Maybe they should make a Ridemax program for the food stands...

Hey, I'd subscribe to that!

 

[NWPrincess]

Ok, that totally had me LOL!! Really!!

You know, the whole "going with the parents" thing really inspired me. I mentioned I'd love to go with my dad. I've been wanting to ever since I first went on Soarin' knowing how much he would DIG that ride. I know he'd really have a good time and be amazed at all the changes since the last time he was there (in the 70's!). We'd have a good time together. But he's not getting any younger (he'll be 76 in January!) so what am I waiting for? He's in really great shape - he still goes camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hikes Half Done at Yosemite, and goes snow skiing every winter... he's a stud. But if we don't make plans, when will it happen? I know I'd regret it if we never did it. So I just called him and told him and I want to do it. Some time betweeen Nov-April. Just him and me. So he's starting to save and now we're going to try to make it happen.

BTW, my dad REALLY loved Soarin'. He wanted to ride it over and over...

 

[NWPrincess]

Weather

This is starting to get crazy, but I thought I'd post the weather forecast while we are there:

Monday: High 82 Low 57
Tuesday: High 83 Low 58
Wednesday: High 84 Low 59
Thursday: High 84 Low 61
Friday: High 84 Low 62

Ok...maybe I'm obsessing too much or going Disney bonkers, but I wonder about these things!