*****Official February 2015 Thread! Come check in and chat!*****

[MissAriel94]

Ten more days until we go to Disneyland. I can't wait! My and my mom live in LA but don't have a car so we are getting there by Metrolink and are getting around the area by Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART). We did this before in December and it worked out pretty good but we're already experts in riding in buses so it was second nature.

Next thing we have to get done before our trip is to get some Disney shirts. I just got an email from the Disney store with a coupon for 25% off your purchase so we're gonna take advantage. It's online too so if you go to the website it'll show you how to get some Disney loot at a discount.

 

[lindyv321]

Sounds like everyone is having or had a wonderful time in the parks! Time seems to have slowed down for me now that we are so close to our trip! I am going to start packing this weekend or at least gathering all the clothes up to be packed next weekend. 6.5 more days of work for me!

I am hoping the crowds aren't horrible but based on everyone's comments it sounds like they will be manageable. We are going to do the early morning entry and I expect that just like last time we will only get 2-3 rides in which is fine.

 

[minneylovesmicky]

We got home late last night. Overall, we had a lovely trip. The travel days/flying were a bit rough though. Originally we thought we might go back to Disneyland next year. But after the awful flights, we may stick to vacations within driving distance for a few years instead.

To me, crowds were much worse than previous January/February trips we've taken (or when we lived nearby) - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 (for reference.) But I'd heard that even the "slow" season just isn't that slow anymore. I still think this time of year is probably one of the best times, crowd wise. So while it's crowded, in my opinion, it's the best it's going to get. We were in the parks last Wednesday and Thursday. Then this Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Sunday and Monday were the worst as far as crowds and lines go. The other days, the lines weren't too bad but the walkways were pretty congested in some areas.

Our son is 16 months old and I think he had a pretty good time. He loved meeting characters and he enjoyed some of the better lit dark rides like Buzz and It's a Small World.

Other than the flights, the only bad part for us was that our son got really sick of being in his stroller. And because he's not the steadiest walker yet and it was so crowded, there wasn't really anywhere for him to walk. So he was forced to stay in his stroller. We went back to the hotel every afternoon so he could nap and/or play and walk around the room. Then we'd head to the parks for a few more hours. But by 7pm he was just pissed off and we'd have to head back for the night. So if I had it to do over again, I think I'd wait until any future child is steadier on their feet. We had back of days for April but I really didn't want to use them because the flight options were awful and I knew it would be way too hot.

Speaking of weather...even February was too hot for me for a few hours each day. I was sweating to death in shorts and a t-shirt but I saw people in sweatshirts and pants. Ugh. The nights were nice where I needed a sweatshirt. But the heat of mid-day was pretty awful. I was glad our last park day was Tuesday because yesterday was gross.

We got to go on almost every ride we wanted at least once. And then we rode some multiple times. I think we were able to do a bit more than I expected. Though we did skip a few things because we knew our son wouldn't enjoy them.

Glad you got home safe and sound, sound like you still had a good time, regardless of the little one, kids don't always go by the book - unfortunately.

Agree with you on the weather Yesterday was so hot, we wandered up to bubba gumps for lunch, then we waited to in till later in the day to go to Disnyland.

We fly out tonight, not looking forward to that - 14 and half hours in the plane..ooh the things I do.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I can say with 99% certainty I will never fly anywhere that requires that long of a flight. Partly because we could never afford it. And also because I really don't think I could handle it. I have a hard time with our 3 hour flight. Sucks that there are so many places I may never see in my life. But it is what it is.

 

[AZMermaid]

13 months was our hardest age (so far) for the reasons you said. He wasn't walking at all yet (but he was very close) so it wasn't like he could crawl around. He didn't want to be held, Ergoed or in the stroller. It was exhausting. His favorite spot was the little playground in Toontown and playing in the curtains in the hotel room! 2 years 3 months was better but he still was difficult (and he was in general an easy toddler- horrific the first 6 months but easy after that). My daughter was just 2 years 11.5 months on this trip and she was really good. She walked a lot and didn't complain or fuss more than she normally does.

 

[Gisele]

That would make sense for NEXT week, but not this week.

What can I say? Lol
It is my understanding some schools are out this week.
Unfortunately, the more ride attractions that are closed it really does impact the other attractions. I have observed this first hand.

 

[minneylovesmicky]

I can say with 99% certainty I will never fly anywhere that requires that long of a flight. Partly because we could never afford it. And also because I really don't think I could handle it. I have a hard time with our 3 hour flight. Sucks that there are so many places I may never see in my life. But it is what it is.

I was always adamant I would never ever get on a plane, in my life time. For a sporting competiton my daughter was in, she needed to fly over to the other side of Australia....she was only 9 and needed me to go with her...that led to many other domestic flights.

I was then adamant I would never fly over seas, and like you, I was resigned to the fact there was so many countries I would never see. Fast forward to my daughters final yr of highschool and as a graduation gift, I told her I had been saving since the day she started kindergarten and she had to pick somewhere amazing to go....well she picked Disneyland..."but I know that won't happen, as you won't get on a plane for that long and over the ocean" was what she told me...well what could but say "no, I will be right lets go" (whilst having a major panic attack inside)

I was ready to jump off after 6 hours...she was ready to jump after 8...we are both not looking forward to the flight home, it leaves at 10.20 tonight and lands at a bit after 8am Saturday Australian time. So that makes it sound sooooo much longer. We then have a 5 hour wait for our next flight to get us to Canberra, then drive the rest of the way home...


I must admit, I don't think long haul flights are for me...

 

[Satye1]

We had a flight when my daughter was 1.5 yrs that grounded us too as a family for a few years of driving vacations. I also have fears of flying, thus we have never been to WDW, however as we have started flying a little more often now (once every other year) I am building the courage to make the flight to WDW one day.

 

[Monica D]

We'll be there next week. Not thrilled about some of the closures and crowds, but will try to make the best of it. We do have some meal reservations as we have a large group, and we're a little concerned about the wait times. So far it seems like a lot of people from the Bay Area are headed down there as well; my SIL thinks it will be worse than usual because there is so little snow here so the winter crowd is making other plans.

 

[ClaraOswald]

13 months was our hardest age (so far) for the reasons you said. He wasn't walking at all yet (but he was very close) so it wasn't like he could crawl around. He didn't want to be held, Ergoed or in the stroller. It was exhausting. His favorite spot was the little playground in Toontown and playing in the curtains in the hotel room! 2 years 3 months was better but he still was difficult (and he was in general an easy toddler- horrific the first 6 months but easy after that). My daughter was just 2 years 11.5 months on this trip and she was really good. She walked a lot and didn't complain or fuss more than she normally does.

Henry mostly ran around in our hotel room. And then at night we took him into Pixie Hollow to walk around, which he liked. But then it was almost worse when he went back into the stroller. One night we let him walk in Innoventions. And one day he walked while holding our hands in Downtown Disney (must have been a fluke because no other time he'd hold our hands.) My mom actually wants to go with us next time because she loves Disneyland so that would be super helpful. But...not sure when we'll go back. Before the awful flights home, we thought we'd try to go next year. But now, I don't think so.

We had a flight when my daughter was 1.5 yrs that grounded us too as a family for a few years of driving vacations. I also have fears of flying, thus we have never been to WDW, however as we have started flying a little more often now (once every other year) I am building the courage to make the flight to WDW one day.

I used to fly multiple times a year when my husband and I were dating long distance. But now that my trips are so far apart, I seem to get more nervous. Add a kid into the mix, and I'm going nuts.

 

[AZMermaid]

We have six hour flights to Aulani in June. That will be by far my kids longest flights. They are older now, but so far, we have been lucky to not have any major crying (no more than 5 min a flight, maybe 10 if you count whiney fussing). I am over-planning stuff to do for those 12 hours already!

 

[momsmail]

6 days until we fly! 5 days until our vacation actually begins! I am officially off of work for 18 days, aahhh, feels great.

 

[Satye1]

18 days!!! Now that is something to celebrate! I will get 11 blissful days!

 

[Aladora]

We're at SNA waiting for our flight home. All in all it was a fantastic trip, I'll do a mini report when I am home and on my computer!

 

[ClaraOswald]

I started my trip report over here - http://www.disboards.com/threads/february-2015-our-sons-first-visit.3365481/
Day 1 is on page six. No photos yet but I will hopefully be adding some this weekend when I have time to go through them all. I took around 700 on my regular camera and then some on my phone too.

 

[lindyv321]

Found out today we are closed for Presidents Day so only 4 more work days for me!!!

Does anyone know if the magic shop and silhouette store are still open on Main Street?

 

[Aladora]

Found out today we are closed for Presidents Day so only 4 more work days for me!!!

Does anyone know if the magic shop and silhouette store are still open on Main Street?

Silhouette is definitely open, not sure about magic.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

We got back almost a week ago. I haven't been on the boards since. We had a good time but I have to agree with Jill, crowds were much heavier than I have seen in February's past. That's usually when we go. I started to think it was a lot of the closures. If you think about it, half the people in line for Big Thunder would have been at the Matterhorn and some people in NOS would have been in Critter Country. It just made for some very congested areas that's all. It was neat to be there when the Superbowl players were there for the parade. I'm totally not a football fan by my DBF and son enjoyed it. The weather was perfect, we loved escaping the cold, and when I say cold I say high 50's to low 60's lol. The second day there I ended up with THREE yes THREE enormous blisters on my foot. I've never had issues walking in Disney before but this time I about died. Needless to say my fit bit challenges were fun that week. LOL I had so much foot pain by the end of the nights I was nearly in tears. It hurt worse to just stop, if I kept moving I was ok. We absolutely loved cars land. The detail was just amazing. I really take the time to notice the details. We did RSR many times and most were single rider but we had fun knowing that we often raced against each other. I turned 40 while I was there and was treated to so many nice surprise. We stayed at Park Vue and I got candy and a free mini ice cream cake from Cold Stone. LOVED the hotel too. Second time staying there and that breakfast just can't be beat. I got free popcorn at the park for my birthday, free dessert at almost every sit down restaurant we went to, except Rainforest Café which was a miserable experience. Food was good but the service was a pain. the highlight of my trip, my birthday lunch at Blue Bayou. Impeccable service and the food was absolutely wonderful. That steak literally melted in my mouth. Oscar from Carnation Café greeted us as we arrived a little early for our reservation. He shook my hand, leaned in for a hug and made sure we were seated very quickly. He came and sat with us after we got our meal and I got a picture with him. I enjoy chatting with him on every trip. Great man and a real Disney icon.

A few things I noticed this trip....not as many cast members trading pins. I didn't see one teal lanyard for kids only.
The pins they did have were honestly pretty crappy. That was really disappointing compared to past trips. My son still had fun thought. I only traded a few
People DO NOT watch where they are going. I saw a girl get taken out by a scooter. She stepped right in front of it, fell and was in a lot of pain. I mean a lot of pain. Those of us that saw it helped her up and she insisted on moving on alone.
Get to RSR early, ride it then get your FP. I didn't think waiting in the FP line at opening was worth it.
If you want to see any of the Frozen characters, GO EARLY. Those lines were two hours and ridiculous.
The snow area to meet Olaf was super cute. I loved the sledding part.
There were a lot more CM's in CA Adventure this time.
Disneyland almost seemed a little on the "forgotten" side but I think Cars Land has really taken CA up a notch or two. It needed something like Cars Land.
Loved the Big thunder Ranch BBQ. Super filling and really good.

I think that's about it. Any of you going be sure to take moleskin. I didn't know what that was until we got home.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

We got back almost a week ago. I haven't been on the boards since. We had a good time but I have to agree with Jill, crowds were much heavier than I have seen in February's past. That's usually when we go. I started to think it was a lot of the closures. If you think about it, half the people in line for Big Thunder would have been at the Matterhorn and some people in NOS would have been in Critter Country. It just made for some very congested areas that's all. It was neat to be there when the Superbowl players were there for the parade. I'm totally not a football fan by my DBF and son enjoyed it. The weather was perfect, we loved escaping the cold, and when I say cold I say high 50's to low 60's lol. The second day there I ended up with THREE yes THREE enormous blisters on my foot. I've never had issues walking in Disney before but this time I about died. Needless to say my fit bit challenges were fun that week. LOL I had so much foot pain by the end of the nights I was nearly in tears. It hurt worse to just stop, if I kept moving I was ok. We absolutely loved cars land. The detail was just amazing. I really take the time to notice the details. We did RSR many times and most were single rider but we had fun knowing that we often raced against each other. I turned 40 while I was there and was treated to so many nice surprise. We stayed at Park Vue and I got candy and a free mini ice cream cake from Cold Stone. LOVED the hotel too. Second time staying there and that breakfast just can't be beat. I got free popcorn at the park for my birthday, free dessert at almost every sit down restaurant we went to, except Rainforest Café which was a miserable experience. Food was good but the service was a pain. the highlight of my trip, my birthday lunch at Blue Bayou. Impeccable service and the food was absolutely wonderful. That steak literally melted in my mouth. Oscar from Carnation Café greeted us as we arrived a little early for our reservation. He shook my hand, leaned in for a hug and made sure we were seated very quickly. He came and sat with us after we got our meal and I got a picture with him. I enjoy chatting with him on every trip. Great man and a real Disney icon.

A few things I noticed this trip....not as many cast members trading pins. I didn't see one teal lanyard for kids only.
The pins they did have were honestly pretty crappy. That was really disappointing compared to past trips. My son still had fun thought. I only traded a few
People DO NOT watch where they are going. I saw a girl get taken out by a scooter. She stepped right in front of it, fell and was in a lot of pain. I mean a lot of pain. Those of us that saw it helped her up and she insisted on moving on alone.
Get to RSR early, ride it then get your FP. I didn't think waiting in the FP line at opening was worth it.
If you want to see any of the Frozen characters, GO EARLY. Those lines were two hours and ridiculous.
The snow area to meet Olaf was super cute. I loved the sledding part.
There were a lot more CM's in CA Adventure this time.
Disneyland almost seemed a little on the "forgotten" side but I think Cars Land has really taken CA up a notch or two. It needed something like Cars Land.
Loved the Big thunder Ranch BBQ. Super filling and really good.

I think that's about it. Any of you going be sure to take moleskin. I didn't know what that was until we got home.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I agree with your thoughts, for sure!

And I really enjoyed following along with your trip on Instagram!!

Did you guys get any dessert at Big Thunder BBQ? We got the smores bake. It was rich but really good!