**** Official 2014 AUGUST - Disneyland thread ****
- Thread starter wakica
- Start date
Rubygoose
Everybody's got a laughing place
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I just submitted my final assignment for my course! My next two classes don't start until the second week of September, so I ca get right into summer mode now! 
Of course, our beautiful Victoria summer has decided to turn all cloudy on me today, and it's likely to rain tomorrow.
I ordered a portable phone charger from e-bay and it finally arrived today. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but I'm pretty sure it was only $3 or $4 and it was from China with free shipping. I saw one at Walmart here but it was $25. This one didn't come with any instructions, just the canister and a cord. I plugged it into my phone and it looks like it works, but I'm not sure how I actually charge up the charger. It didn't come with a cord to plug it into the wall, but I think the wall plug for my phone will work. I thought maybe it just took regular batteries, but I can't really see what the battery looks like. I'm guessing it's a rechargeable battery. Anyone know about this? I don't want to plug it in and end up frying it!
Of course, our beautiful Victoria summer has decided to turn all cloudy on me today, and it's likely to rain tomorrow. I ordered a portable phone charger from e-bay and it finally arrived today. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but I'm pretty sure it was only $3 or $4 and it was from China with free shipping. I saw one at Walmart here but it was $25. This one didn't come with any instructions, just the canister and a cord. I plugged it into my phone and it looks like it works, but I'm not sure how I actually charge up the charger. It didn't come with a cord to plug it into the wall, but I think the wall plug for my phone will work. I thought maybe it just took regular batteries, but I can't really see what the battery looks like. I'm guessing it's a rechargeable battery. Anyone know about this? I don't want to plug it in and end up frying it!
nervous1sttimer
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2012
- Messages
- 758
I have a portable charger and it charges via USB cable connected to my PC. There are indicator lights on the side to show when it is fully charged. Then I just connect it to my phone with a different USB cable and turn it on! I bought it to take to WDW in February and only needed to use it once or twice, but it's a handy tool for long park days!
Rubygoose
Everybody's got a laughing place
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2012
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- 1,633
Mine doesn't have any lights, so I guess I'll have to just plug it in and cross my fingers!
disneymath
DIS Veteran
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- Jun 10, 2006
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- 1,896
So glad to read this ... We have the beach bus tour booked next week! Any advice or tips to share?
Sounds like you had an awesome time.
tiffjoy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2010
- Messages
- 1,126
First day today!!! We got a lot accomplished (for us- two little girls and we go at their pace).
We were up and out of our hotel, the Anabella (which we are enjoying) in time to get to the gates for Magic Morning at exactly 8:00. This is actually a first for us, so I was very pleased. As has been reported regarding MM, it was quite crowded. I had prepared my DH for this so we weren't surprised. We road Alice (LOVE the refurb on that one!!!), Dumbo, and teacups twice before 9:00. PP was too long, and Storybook land boats weren't running (didn't realize that about MM), so those were the only misses in my plan.
Then my DD4 and I headed to BBB while DD2 went with DH to meet Tinkerbell. She was dressed up as Tink, and they happened to run into the elusive Peter Pan! DH got a cute pic (see my Instagram if you want a peek! Equestrianesse) They then met the fairies and were done to meet us by 10, when DD4s appt was getting to the photo point.
DD4 had saved her money for months to do the Castle package. There were racks of Anna and Elsa dresses, which I had told her likely wouldn't be there, so she wanted Elsa. I had to spoil a surprise and tell her I bought her Elsa from the Little Dress Up Shop and she was getting it tomorrow for our A&E M&G. I showed her a picture and pointed out the differences between the two Elsa dresses to be sure she was ok, and she was. She selected Rapunzel instead.
The experience was ok. It was loud and boisterous. Not relaxing at all. Our FGMIT was just ok. She didn't try to talk to DD at all, which granted can be hard as DD is shy in overwhelming situations, but she didn't even try to realize that. The FGMIT to our one side was soooo much better. I was bummed. We also waited 20 minutes after our scheduled time even though we checked in early. No one helped us pick a dress, either. It felt very rushed and thrown together. Definitely lacking in magic. I think DD was slightly disappointed, but she made the best of it and had fun. We waited for pictures. Then we waited to meet the princesses. It was A LOT of waiting. It didn't feel like it saved us time to meet the princesses, and there was no difference in the interaction. I wouldn't do it again, but it also wasn't my money, so we shall see what Dd decides. At any rate, she wore her dress and hat all day and carried Pascal everywhere was was quite pleased.
For anyone seeking Anna or Elsa dresses, they had a ton. So many people were in there first thing buying them up but there were a lot.
When that was done, we waited for the 11:00 (ish? Not sure of the time now) showing of Rapunzel at the Fairy Tale Theater. We stayed afterwards and met Rapunzel and Flynn and they were fantastic. Another lady whose DDs had done the BBB next to us asked my DH who we were staying- if there was something going on. He said, "I'm staying because my wife told me too. And if she did, there's probably a very good reason." Lol.
We then saw Belle and went to meet her, but she was going on break. We decided to do a FL ride and come back. We ran into Captain Hook in FL and DD4 got his autograph. He was very debonair. I always love him! We then split because DDs wanted different rides- DD4 road Casey Jr Train with DH and DD2 road the carousel with me. Headed back over and met Belle, who was so so especially after Rapunzel, but the girls were happy.
I called Disney dining while we were waiting to see on getting into the Carnation Cafe. Tip- they can only book am hour out. Didn't know that. So we walked over, and I told DH backup plan would be Plaza Inn. They were able to seat us outside right away (inside 45 minute wait). The girls each got the Tink drinks and shared the Mac and cheese. I got the fried pickles app and chili for my entree. DH had the catch of the day, which I believe was Mahi Mahi. We all loved everything. DH said it was the best meal he has had in the parks, which is high praise as he was a wee bit perturbed with my selection at first. The service was amazing, and we said as much to our server. The highlight for me was Chef Oscar stopping by and chatting for a few. He is so nice! Check off of my Disney Bucket List!!
By this time, it was 2:15. Dd4 decided to go back for a swim given the choices, so we grabbed a Splash FP for the evening then headed back to our hotel. It's a plesant walk, much better than down Harbor. But every time we cut through the GCH, the girls have to stop and watch a Disney cartoon! It's funny.
Dd2 slept the whole way to get the FPs plus back to the hotel, so she woke when we got to our room and was also ready for a swim.
We were back in the parks by 5:15 and decided to do dinner first at the French Market. Stew for me, Shrimp Pasta for DH, and pasta with sauce for DD2. Dd4 picked at everything but wasn't much hungry. Beignets for dessert.
Then we split up again. DH and Dd4 did Splash and BTMRR. Dd2 and I did Pooh and the RR. Then we met up and I used the child swap pass to do BTMRR again with Dd4. We all agreed the refurb is amazing! We love it. DH did Casey Jr train with DD2.
Dd4 and I then did Mr Toad while DD2 did Dumbo and teacups twice with DH.
It was 8:30 at this point, so we changed the girls into pajamas and headed back to the hotel. Another early day tomorrow with fingers crossed for that nerve wracking A&E M&G!!!
We were up and out of our hotel, the Anabella (which we are enjoying) in time to get to the gates for Magic Morning at exactly 8:00. This is actually a first for us, so I was very pleased. As has been reported regarding MM, it was quite crowded. I had prepared my DH for this so we weren't surprised. We road Alice (LOVE the refurb on that one!!!), Dumbo, and teacups twice before 9:00. PP was too long, and Storybook land boats weren't running (didn't realize that about MM), so those were the only misses in my plan.
Then my DD4 and I headed to BBB while DD2 went with DH to meet Tinkerbell. She was dressed up as Tink, and they happened to run into the elusive Peter Pan! DH got a cute pic (see my Instagram if you want a peek! Equestrianesse) They then met the fairies and were done to meet us by 10, when DD4s appt was getting to the photo point.
DD4 had saved her money for months to do the Castle package. There were racks of Anna and Elsa dresses, which I had told her likely wouldn't be there, so she wanted Elsa. I had to spoil a surprise and tell her I bought her Elsa from the Little Dress Up Shop and she was getting it tomorrow for our A&E M&G. I showed her a picture and pointed out the differences between the two Elsa dresses to be sure she was ok, and she was. She selected Rapunzel instead.
The experience was ok. It was loud and boisterous. Not relaxing at all. Our FGMIT was just ok. She didn't try to talk to DD at all, which granted can be hard as DD is shy in overwhelming situations, but she didn't even try to realize that. The FGMIT to our one side was soooo much better. I was bummed. We also waited 20 minutes after our scheduled time even though we checked in early. No one helped us pick a dress, either. It felt very rushed and thrown together. Definitely lacking in magic. I think DD was slightly disappointed, but she made the best of it and had fun. We waited for pictures. Then we waited to meet the princesses. It was A LOT of waiting. It didn't feel like it saved us time to meet the princesses, and there was no difference in the interaction. I wouldn't do it again, but it also wasn't my money, so we shall see what Dd decides. At any rate, she wore her dress and hat all day and carried Pascal everywhere was was quite pleased.
For anyone seeking Anna or Elsa dresses, they had a ton. So many people were in there first thing buying them up but there were a lot.
When that was done, we waited for the 11:00 (ish? Not sure of the time now) showing of Rapunzel at the Fairy Tale Theater. We stayed afterwards and met Rapunzel and Flynn and they were fantastic. Another lady whose DDs had done the BBB next to us asked my DH who we were staying- if there was something going on. He said, "I'm staying because my wife told me too. And if she did, there's probably a very good reason." Lol.
We then saw Belle and went to meet her, but she was going on break. We decided to do a FL ride and come back. We ran into Captain Hook in FL and DD4 got his autograph. He was very debonair. I always love him! We then split because DDs wanted different rides- DD4 road Casey Jr Train with DH and DD2 road the carousel with me. Headed back over and met Belle, who was so so especially after Rapunzel, but the girls were happy.
I called Disney dining while we were waiting to see on getting into the Carnation Cafe. Tip- they can only book am hour out. Didn't know that. So we walked over, and I told DH backup plan would be Plaza Inn. They were able to seat us outside right away (inside 45 minute wait). The girls each got the Tink drinks and shared the Mac and cheese. I got the fried pickles app and chili for my entree. DH had the catch of the day, which I believe was Mahi Mahi. We all loved everything. DH said it was the best meal he has had in the parks, which is high praise as he was a wee bit perturbed with my selection at first. The service was amazing, and we said as much to our server. The highlight for me was Chef Oscar stopping by and chatting for a few. He is so nice! Check off of my Disney Bucket List!!
By this time, it was 2:15. Dd4 decided to go back for a swim given the choices, so we grabbed a Splash FP for the evening then headed back to our hotel. It's a plesant walk, much better than down Harbor. But every time we cut through the GCH, the girls have to stop and watch a Disney cartoon! It's funny.
Dd2 slept the whole way to get the FPs plus back to the hotel, so she woke when we got to our room and was also ready for a swim.
We were back in the parks by 5:15 and decided to do dinner first at the French Market. Stew for me, Shrimp Pasta for DH, and pasta with sauce for DD2. Dd4 picked at everything but wasn't much hungry. Beignets for dessert.
Then we split up again. DH and Dd4 did Splash and BTMRR. Dd2 and I did Pooh and the RR. Then we met up and I used the child swap pass to do BTMRR again with Dd4. We all agreed the refurb is amazing! We love it. DH did Casey Jr train with DD2.
Dd4 and I then did Mr Toad while DD2 did Dumbo and teacups twice with DH.
It was 8:30 at this point, so we changed the girls into pajamas and headed back to the hotel. Another early day tomorrow with fingers crossed for that nerve wracking A&E M&G!!!
We did have a great time! The beach tour was our fav of the two, the owner of the company Tom was our driver and he was so nice. You visit Laguna Beach which was mainly a picture taking stop for us as the water was icy cold and it was overcast and cool that morning. We then went to Newport Beach after sun had come out and my teenage boys loved it here! There was some great waves for them to play in and they braved the cold water for about two hours. Last stop was Huntington where we mainly shopped and relaxed. It was a full day but so very worth it. (If you think about it tell Tom the Louisiana family says hello!)
zaz
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2010
- Messages
- 387
Today was our relaxed day. We also did the oc beach tour! It was fun and we quite enjoyed it.
Tomorrow is our early morning. i hope our plan will work, we are hoping to meet with Anna and Elsa first thing, and then go to our appointment at BBB... That only gives us about 2 hrs staying in line.
It's my daughter's birthday and she is very excited about her hair and the meeting. If it's all we do tomorrow, she'll be satisfied.
Tomorrow is our early morning. i hope our plan will work, we are hoping to meet with Anna and Elsa first thing, and then go to our appointment at BBB... That only gives us about 2 hrs staying in line.
It's my daughter's birthday and she is very excited about her hair and the meeting. If it's all we do tomorrow, she'll be satisfied.
Aladora
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2011
- Messages
- 5,333
Happy birthday to your daughter!
Sounds like the trips are all going really well so far, 5 days until we are there, can't wait!
I just have to get through 2 days of work, waking up at a stupidly early hour on Saturday to volunteer at the Dragon Boat Festival, get my eyebrows waxed Saturday afternoon, mani and pedi on Sunday, hair flat ironed on Monday, remember to register my son for swim lessons after 12:00 on Monday but before we have to leave at 1:00pm...oh, and pack!
nervous1sttimer
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2012
- Messages
- 758
I am REALLY overthinking our touring plan, but crowd levels and EMH are messing with my head.
Is there a big difference between Wednesday and Thursday crowds?? I was planning to hit DL and hop to DCA on Wednesday and then have an off/Legoland day on Thursday. But if I do that, we will have no opportunity to enter DCA on a non-EMH day at rope drop. I am seriously considering moving the off/Legoland day to Wednesday so we can hit DCA at rope drop on Thursday.
Will it really make a difference either way? I don't know which way to go.
Is there a big difference between Wednesday and Thursday crowds?? I was planning to hit DL and hop to DCA on Wednesday and then have an off/Legoland day on Thursday. But if I do that, we will have no opportunity to enter DCA on a non-EMH day at rope drop. I am seriously considering moving the off/Legoland day to Wednesday so we can hit DCA at rope drop on Thursday.
Will it really make a difference either way? I don't know which way to go.
Rubygoose
Everybody's got a laughing place
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- Jul 11, 2012
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- 1,633
Is this for next week or the week after? Apparently the race crowds start arriving on Thursday the 28th, so that may make that particular Thursday busier than the Wednesday. The only benefit of getting into DCA at ropedrop with an empty park is you'll get onto either Toy Story of RSR with a bit of a shorter wait. They don't form a line for RSR FPs anymore, so people who are offsite are not at such a disadvantage now.
tiffjoy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2010
- Messages
- 1,126
We definitely felt today is much busier. We arrived for rope drop at DCA (non EMH day) and the park really picked up in crowds by 10am. Definitely still doable but when we hopped over to DCA for lunch yesterday and spent the afternoon there, it was far less crowded.
nervous1sttimer
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2012
- Messages
- 758
Ok, good points! Thanks for both replies. I do mean the 27th vs the 28th, and we are there for the races too so I guess I just figured others were also coming earlier, but I'm sure you're right and Thursday will be much busier. It kind of makes me shudder thinking about our plans for Friday the 29th!
Either way, I'll stick with our original plans. Thanks again!
Either way, I'll stick with our original plans. Thanks again!
gcage
Ready for a Grey Goose slushie
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2007
- Messages
- 57
Can't wait!
We switched from BWPPPI to the Disneyland Hotel since I'm not sure when we'll be able to do Disneyland again.
We switched from BWPPPI to the Disneyland Hotel since I'm not sure when we'll be able to do Disneyland again.
Rubygoose
Everybody's got a laughing place
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2012
- Messages
- 1,633
Can't wait!
We switched from BWPPPI to the Disneyland Hotel since I'm not sure when we'll be able to do Disneyland again.
Awesome! You'll LOVE DLH!
scrapshappen
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2011
- Messages
- 1,011
Rubygoose
Everybody's got a laughing place
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2012
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This thread has been pretty quiet today, probably because so many of you are having an amazing time at DLR!
Wishing safe travels to
ILoveWD and Karenann who are on their way tomorrow, as well as belle'ssister,
scrapshappen, Flowerem, and jkolkemo on Sunday. I appologize that I missed a few people earlier this week.
A heads up for fellow Canadians... I went to the bank today to get some US cash. I asked for $25 in one dollar bills since we only need cash for tips and I have a little bit of cash already from the last time we were in the US. But the teller said they only carry 20's and 50's now. I'm not sure if all banks are doing this now or just mine.
Wishing safe travels to
ILoveWD and Karenann who are on their way tomorrow, as well as belle'ssister,
scrapshappen, Flowerem, and jkolkemo on Sunday. I appologize that I missed a few people earlier this week.
A heads up for fellow Canadians... I went to the bank today to get some US cash. I asked for $25 in one dollar bills since we only need cash for tips and I have a little bit of cash already from the last time we were in the US. But the teller said they only carry 20's and 50's now. I'm not sure if all banks are doing this now or just mine.
hyperminimalism
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 9, 2014
- Messages
- 302
Officially back home this morning at 5 am! Good god, the drive takes a lot out of you, and we don't stop for anything but gas, food, and potty breaks. 15 hours in a car stinks. I want to post my review of the trip, but I can't seem to find the right place to do that in. Perhaps because I'm exhausted and out of it, but if anyone could kindly direct me in the right direction, it'd be much appreciated. :3
BriannaRuth
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 29, 2012
- Messages
- 2,163
We got back day before yesterday ... finally starting to recover! Stayed at the Grand, had a great time with lots of pixie dust! On our first day, within 5 minutes of walking into the park around 2pm, someone handed us their Star Tours FPs. And on one of our DL days, we were chosen as Opening Family! That was really fun, and we got a "anywhere you want" FP on top of it. My final bit of pixie dust was receiving a Mark Twain pin for free! When I asked about getting a Mark Twain pin, a CM at one of the stores opened up a package of 6 pins that were supposed to be annual pass holders only (I'm not!) and just gave me one!
To whoever asked ... the photo shop on Main Street is open.
To whoever asked ... the photo shop on Main Street is open.
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