Nothing to See Here...

[funatdisney]

I, too, agree with other here. What really spoke to me was her willingness to meet with you by changing her plans and rearranging her schedule. I think she really wants to see you.

 

[Sherry E]

Ooh I think I need to go shopping in Disneyland..... Honestly that sounds like a great idea to me. I am not sure I could go to DTD and not actually go to at least one park. Even if it was just to run to a store.

And you forgot Tigger Tails from Pooh's Corner.

Michele - True! It would have to be something that is ONLY found in one of the parks and not in World of Disney, Marceline's or any of the hotel gift shops, and Tigger Tails would fit the bill...although, don't they sell a version of Tigger Tails (maybe called something different) in Marceline's? I think Mr. Potato Head fits the bill. I know there are plenty of other things too, that can only be found in the parks...but they are escaping me right now!

If it turns out that I actually see my friend and her family and the plan goes through, it would mean that she switched things around to accommodate me. In that case, I would not run off into one of the parks at all - unless she told me she wanted something from one of the shops or something that could only be ontained beyond the gates. Or unless she and her husband, son and dad wanted to do something that I had no interest in and they said,"Go hang out in the parks and we will meet up with you later." There's just no way I could run off for any other reason if she alters her plans for me.

I don't think you were out of line either. After 10 years a little alone catching up time is in order. A huge group of people you don't know would not be the way to see someone after that long.

Isn't her little one really little like no ticket young... Maybe she would let you dash in and take him for a ride on the carousel in DCA? Although maybe she would want to be there for his first sojurn into the parks.

Maybe the Others who want to see the little on have offered to pay for Goofy's (if it is family that is possible) and she actually can do 2 character meals in 2 days. If she is willing to adjust her plans to see you then she wants to see you let her adjust as she deems fit.

Sherri - My friend's son is 4. I think they are only free up until 3, right? And yes, I think you're right...she would want to be there for the child's first ride and his first step into DL, I'm sure. Even if she did not need to be there for that, I think her husband would definitely want to be there.

One of the things I am planning on doing is dragging them (via the short cut) across the street to the PPH so their son can take a photo with the Surfer Goofy statue in the lobby...because if they do, indeed, come back here later this year to stay with me at the PPH, that statue will not be there. It will be replaced by the big, gorgeous PPH Christmas tree!

What's interesting is that they didn't always remove the Surfer Goofy statue during the holiday season. The Christmas tree at the PPH was not always quite as tall, grand and lovely as it is now, and they actually had the tree sitting in a different area of the lobby. I think this may have been back in 2007 or so? I'm trying to remember. It may have been pre-2007, in the earlier days of the PPH. In any case, they used to leave the Goofy statue where it is and put the Christmas tree elsewhere. But now he is replaced during the holidays - and I have to say I don't mind because I love that tree!

I don't think they are going to do 2 character meals in 2 days. The Others (makes me think of the TV show, "Lost") may have offered to pay for them. Not sure about that. It is just really cutting it too close to arrange a "big" group meal at Goofy's this close to the arrival date. They didn't think it through. I think my friend just got caught up in everyone's excitement to see her son meet characters and she said, "Okay! Come join us!" And she didn't really think beyond that point until I stepped in and told her that it would be tough to get a big group into Goofy's at this late stage, and that arranging it for later this year would be better.

You were not out of the line with your friend. It is very nice to do a nice catching up with someone that you haven't seen in quite some time. Even though she has change her plans, she is doing the best plan to enjoy her time with you. A big group of people that you don't know is not a good way to see someone that you haven't seen someone in a long time. I hope everything goes well for you and your friend.

Thanks, Bret! It has been a very long time since I've seen my friend. We always used to eat at Goofy's on our DLR trips in the early '90s. It just seemed to make sense that we get together without a bunch of other people around. I felt bad for saying I was going to back out, but I feel better now that everyone here seems to agree with it.

Sherry,
Like others have said, it sounds like your friend does want to spend time with you. I hope you have fun!

Linda - Thank you! Well, assuming the plans go through, then my friend would be back out here later this year for a holiday trip into the parks and I would see them then (in fact, I would probably be sick of them and they would be sick of me because we would be sharing a confined space in a PPH hotel room).

But...life always throws curveballs at us and can ruin plans, as you know, and I am guessing that my friend must know in the back of her mind that there is a small chance they will not end up coming out here in late November/early December and plans could change. (I hope they don't change because that's when we were supposed to be going to Club 33!) So I think that she may want to rearrange things to see me just in case they don't get back out here later this year.

I, too, agree with other here. What really spoke to me was her willingness to meet with you by changing her plans and rearranging her schedule. I think she really wants to see you.

Liza - True. Very true. I think it's also that it will be less stressful for my friend to not get involved in a planning a big group character meal on such short notice right now. So she probably thought about which scenario would cause her the least amount of stress! (Can't say I blame her - she's been sick and there's been a lot of stress happening in her family lately.) And just going with me is going to be less stressful than going with rounding up a bunch of people.

Also, having me there is beneficial because of the AP. AP discounts on food, merchandise, free parking in the M&F lot, etc. Gotta love that AP, right?!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Two questions - can someone fill me in?


1. I've never been over to GardenWalk. I know it's very close to DLR, but how do we get there? Like if we were in DTD and were going to walk over to GW, which way would we go? Otherwise, if we did not walk and instead drove, is there a parking fee or is it free for a certain number of hours?

2. The current AP holder 20% discount on merchandise at DLR - does that apply to World of Disney and the hotels' gift shops too, or only the 2 parks?





(Right now, my friend is saying that it will be just the 5 of us [but I know her dad and husband so it's not as weird going with them as it would be going with strangers] at DTD. I assume Goofy's is in the mix, too. I have no clue what she is planning to do to satisfy all of the other people anxious to see her son meet characters.)

 

[amamax2]

Gardenwalk is super close to Disneyland! Literally minutes away. Just go out of DTD on the side where the park entrances are, turn right on Harbor. Walk 1/2 block to Disney Way (for reference, I think this is the old CM entrance). Cross the street and walk up Disney Way past a couple of buildings and there you are. This side of Gardenwalk has the movie theater, bowling alley then stores, and finally, as you walk through to the other side, all the restaurants.

There is a parking garage - first hour free, second free w/validation, after that $3/hr, but it really is so close, I would just walk it if you can.

As far as the AP discounts, yes, we have definitely gotten them at hotel gift shops and I *think* World of Disney. Yay!!

 

[Sherry E]

Gardenwalk is super close to Disneyland! Literally minutes away. Just go out of DTD on the side where the park entrances are, turn right on Harbor. Walk 1/2 block to Disney Way (for reference, I think this is the old CM entrance). Cross the street and walk up Disney Way past a couple of buildings and there you are. This side of Gardenwalk has the movie theater, bowling alley then stores, and finally, as you walk through to the other side, all the restaurants.

There is a parking garage - first hour free, second free w/validation, after that $3/hr, but it really is so close, I would just walk it if you can.

As far as the AP discounts, yes, we have gotten them at hotel restaurants and at World of Disney. Yay!!

Thanks, amamax2, for the speedy reply! I would definitely walk to GW. But I'm a walker anyway (despite the pain in my leg!). I find that a lot of people I know who are so used to driving can't fathom walking to certain points, so I have to be prepared in case my friend doesn't want to walk. She has been sick recently and probably doesn't have her energy 100% back yet. They may want to drive. One of the reasons why she didn't want to go into the parks now is because she wasn't ready for all the walking yet.

But the LUSH store is in GW, and that's a big draw!!! (We love our bath and body products!)

I've used my AP for discounts on food and at the shops at the hotels before - but there is a specific 20% discount for merchandise that's been going on since last year (that's a higher discount on merchandise than usual, for an indefinite period of time), and I wasn't sure if it was applicable at World of Disney too, or only in the parks. You know how sometimes their discounts are limited to just certan places... But hopefully it will be accepted at WoD too. I don't see why not.

If not, and my friend sees something she likes, well, then, I will just have to run into the park(s) to get the 20% discount!!!

 

[mvf-m11c]

It is only about around a 15 minute walk from DTD to the GW. That is a short walk to the GW from DTD and is shorter when you are at the main gate.

You know that the WoD store does not have all the merchandises in stock than in the park, so sometimes I have to go back in the parks just to get that certain item. I forgot Sherry, which AP do you own?

 

[Sherry E]

It is only about around a 15 minute walk from DTD to the GW. That is a short walk to the GW from DTD and is shorter when you are at the main gate.

You know that the WoD store does not have all the merchandises in stock than in the park, so sometimes I have to go back in the parks just to get that certain item. I forgot Sherry, which AP do you own?

Thank you, Bret! If I ever stay at DLR for longer than my usual trips, I might take a stroll over to GW and spend a few hours. I just haven't made it there yet, so I was totally clueless about how close or far it was! From what you and amamax2 describe, it sounds like it's no big deal at all.

I have a Premium AP. So the 20% discount will be helpful if my friend sees a toy or knick knack she wants to get for her son.

You're absolutely right - as enormous as the World of Disney store is, there are many things they don't have that can only be found in one of the parks (like Mr. Potato Head) or in one of the hotel gift shops (like hotel-exclusive pins and things). They have a lot in WoD, but they don't have everything. And sometimes, if they DO have something, it's too hard to find it because the store is so huge!

Plus, the Buzz Lightyear cup/bottle that looks like a toy is not sold in WoD. It's only sold in the parks, as far as I know (the last place I saw it was in ToonTown). I think my friend's son might like that.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thank you, Bret! If I ever stay at DLR for longer than my usual trips, I might take a stroll over to GW and spend a few hours. I just haven't made it there yet, so I was totally clueless about how close or far it was! From what you and amamax2 describe, it sounds like it's no big deal at all.

I have a Premium AP. So the 20% discount will be helpful if my friend sees a toy or knick knack she wants to get for her son.

You're absolutely right - as enormous as the World of Disney store is, there are many things they don't have that can only be found in one of the parks (like Mr. Potato Head) or in one of the hotel gift shops (like hotel-exclusive pins and things). They have a lot in WoD, but they don't have everything. And sometimes, if they DO have something, it's too hard to find it because the store is so huge!

Plus, the Buzz Lightyear cup/bottle that looks like a toy is not sold in WoD. It's only sold in the parks, as far as I know (the last place I saw it was in ToonTown). I think my friend's son might like that.

Your welcome. I only have went to the GW only once ever since it exists. I did once parked at the GW when the TS lot was full and the DLR used the GW parking lot as a second parking area.

All of us AP holders are lucky that the DLR decided to extend the AP merchandise discount towards the end of this year.

It is a pain sometimes when the WoD store doesn't have the item that the parks or hotel has. Also the Emporium or Greetings from California Store does not have all the items that are inside the park. Thats why in order to find that specific item, you have to go to those lands to find that specific item. Luckily, we can get AP discounts at these other stores around the resort unlike WDW which has a limited choice of stores you can use the AP to get a discount. I remember that the AP discount is good for the major stores at the parks and it is good at the WoD store.

The Buzz Lightyear cup will be a nice gift for your friends son. I thought that item might be in Tomorrowland.

 

[kaoden39]

I got the discount at WoD and D Street, and Marceline's in DTD.


I think that although they have similar candy the only place you can get the Tigger Tails is Pooh's Corner. That alone is a reason to go in Disneyland, and lets not forget Duffy and his accessories is in DCA. All little ones love teddy bears.

 

[DizNee Luver]

2. The current AP holder 20% discount on merchandise at DLR - does that apply to World of Disney and the hotels' gift shops too, or only the 2 parks?

Most definitely get the AP Discount at WoD & the 3 resort hotels........I never leave home without it.......lol Since I tend to do a mega-MEGA shopping at WoD, that 20% has been a lifesaver.......lets just say the biggest savings I got there on one of our trips was $170!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

My friend e-mailed me back and said that, after reading my e-mail, she switched her plans around so that we could spend the day at DTD and Goofy's for breakfast (she knew I didn't want the dinner) - just us. She said I could show her the new stuff in DTD and at the hotels since she was last there. But she said it would have to be on a day other than May 8th - like either May 7th or May 9th.

Just go with that. She wants to see you. OK? OK.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

I got the discount at WoD and D Street, and Marceline's in DTD.


I think that although they have similar candy the only place you can get the Tigger Tails is Pooh's Corner. That alone is a reason to go in Disneyland, and lets not forget Duffy and his accessories is in DCA. All little ones love teddy bears.

Oh I totally think that little guy needs a Duffy to snuggle on his way home!

 

[kaoden39]

Oh I totally think that little guy needs a Duffy to snuggle on his way home!

You're reading my mind.

 

[Sherry E]

Most definitely get the AP Discount at WoD & the 3 resort hotels........I never leave home without it.......lol Since I tend to do a mega-MEGA shopping at WoD, that 20% has been a lifesaver.......lets just say the biggest savings I got there on one of our trips was $170!!!

Yikes, Laurie! What a bill that must have been to get $170 off!! Holy moly!

Just go with that. She wants to see you. OK? OK.

Molly - I am going with it! Although, as Sherri (TheColtonsMom) pointed out a while back, there is the possibility of being stood up or flaked out on because there is a history of that. I am making myself available for whichever day they want to head to DTD (which now sounds like it won't be May 8, but possibly the 7th or 9th), and I have made it clear that I am okay if they have to rearrange or cancel plans to please pushy family members, BUT there is a track record of being stood up or backed out on in the past, so....even though I think my friend wants to see me, I am also not getting my hopes up until we are on our way to DTD. Anything could happen between now and a week from now!

Oh I totally think that little guy needs a Duffy to snuggle on his way home!

Sherri - You know, I showed my friend photos of Duffy - both in his stuffed form and in his character/photo op form in DCA - a while back, and at first she sounded as if she wanted one for herself. Then she appeared to lose interest fast. I think Duffy is the sort of thing she would have to see in person to decide if she liked him or didn't like him, and whether or not she would get one for her son. I don't think they would blindly send me to get a Duffy. Now a Mr. Potato Head is a different story, of course!

 

[kaoden39]

Sherry, maybe you should show her a few of the pictures I took of Duffy throughout the parks.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, maybe you should show her a few of the pictures I took of Duffy throughout the parks.

Yes, she would definitely enjoy those - she is pretty easily influenced, so if she saw random photos of Duffy cavorting around DLR, she would probably be interested again. I showed her the Duffy page on Facebook and she seemed to lose interest again!

At this rate, I still have a sneaking suspicion the plans might fall through for next week, so we shall see.... I don't even know for sure that they will come out here in late November/early December, but if they don't, they are missing out on a GREAT PPH rate...because as we all know, it ain't never gonna be cheaper than that!


Oh, by the way, I am still trying to figure out what to do about the PC crisis. My friend Heather sent me a few more of the Unchk folders...and there were no readable files in them! So she is thinking that we have uncovered everything that is going to be recovered from this PC. I still kind of want to keep looking because I'm still missing photos and a few other important documents, but nothing more is showing up so far. There are still more folders to check, so who knows?

I managed to get 2 of my flash/thumb drives to work properly so I could save some stuff on them - but not much. I ordered a couple more flas drives but that still won't be enough.

I may still have to take you up on that zip drive later, Molly, but I will let you know for sure!



Oh, and I finally got my notice from Chase that they were discontinuing my Disney Debit Rewards, and they already credited me back a whopping $1.25, but it seems like my time frame in which I can still earn points and claim Rewards is more limited than what I thought. I was thinking I had until the end of the year to claim the Rewards, but it's sooner than that. Stupid Chase for taking away the rewards.




(Ugh...am I the only one who is bothered to no end by Jacob in "American Idol"? Eeesh. He is so over the top with dramatic facial expressions. I hope he does not win.)

 

[kaoden39]

I hope that you do manage to get together with your friend at least later in the year.


I wish the computer problems were cleared up for you. That is just so hard to deal with.

 

[bumbershoot]

Although, as Sherri (TheColtonsMom) pointed out a while back, there is the possibility of being stood up or flaked out on because there is a history of that.

Ohhh, well yeah that creates a little nervousness.

A couple weekends ago we cleaned for two days because Robert's friend was going to visit. His girlfriend was away for the week and he was lonely. We were looking forward to the visit, and made the condo gorgeous...and he didn't show! He overscheduled, went to an afternoon going away party and overindulged, finally officially canceled on us at 9pm. Oh wait, he said he could still come by...uh, no. We are a little beyond the stage of visits starting after 10pm! (he was still up in Seattle)

So...been there done that (though at least we were at home!).

 

[Sherry E]

I hope that you do manage to get together with your friend at least later in the year.


I wish the computer problems were cleared up for you. That is just so hard to deal with.

Everything is easier with money, that's for sure. If you have money sitting around, you can throw it at the situation and solve the whole problem. But between getting a whole new system, getting the software I need to load onto it, getting someone to come and set up the whole mess for me and possibly needing to get things like an external hard drive and a new printer - even though I don't want a new printer - because my older printer may not be compatible with a new PC....it's a lot of $$$ to come up with at once.

I'm trying to not stress or panic and just keep a cool head about the whole thing. Stressing is never good. I am trying to not think about photos and documents that were lost somewhere on my PC and may never be found.

Trying to think happy thoughts......Disneyland trips...happy Hidden Mickeys...happy gingerbread cookies with mouse ears...."True Blood" back on the air in 2 months...Bradley Cooper...cupcakes and ice cream.....dolphins, sunsets and seals in Catalina...fluffy white kittens (like in the new Fancy Feast commercial - that is the cutest kitten I have ever seen in my life)....Toy Story Midway Mania.... the new Little Mermaid ride...happy happy happy happy thoughts!!

 

[Sherry E]

Ohhh, well yeah that creates a little nervousness.

A couple weekends ago we cleaned for two days because Robert's friend was going to visit. His girlfriend was away for the week and he was lonely. We were looking forward to the visit, and made the condo gorgeous...and he didn't show! He overscheduled, went to an afternoon going away party and overindulged, finally officially canceled on us at 9pm. Oh wait, he said he could still come by...uh, no. We are a little beyond the stage of visits starting after 10pm! (he was still up in Seattle)

So...been there done that (though at least we were at home!).

Oh dear...that's the worst - when you go to great effort and someone backs out, such as making the condo gorgeous. (And after 10 p.m. is practically the next day!) I have had that happen - where I practically redecorated the whole apartment and made it shiny for a guest...only to have them back out on me...without even a phone call explaining why. Yep, I have been backed out on a few times in life, so I won't believe that my friend is acually showing up until we are standing in Downtown Disney.

I have to get back to your pre-TR, Molly. I was just reading your update about the Disney Visa dining thing and Kona and all that. I can't believe that trip is coming up so soon (compared to when to the last WDW trip was). Time flies!