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

[Aladora]

Hey - has anyone not bought tickets yet? Flight Centre (Canada) is offering free park hopper upgrades! So bummed that we won't be able to book them as it has to be with a package but maybe someone else hasn't already booked airfare etc....

Bummer, I've already booked flights and hotel but not hoppers!

 

[AZMermaid]

Well, I can take one food thing off my list - skewers from Paradise Garden Grill. Apparently they changed their menu. And they changed it to the one from nasty Taste Pilot's Grill. Just what we need...more places that serve burgers and chicken nuggets. This makes me angry. I really wanted those skewers. They were at the top of my list.

What? I love that place! My DH and kids get the pizza and I get me some skewers and hummus. Major bummer.

 

[AZMermaid]

The water MIGHT not be drained according to the CM I spoke to. And if it is, it MIGHT not be drained for the entirety of the refurb period.

Sounds like you got the CM I talked to who would not even confirm the Ariel's Grotto refurb that was listed on their own website. It was like hitting my head against a wall!

 

[AZMermaid]

On the DL site they have some sort of special Mexican food menu for Viva Navidad listed (that sounds pretty good). Are they changing it after the Holiday season (so, like now).

 

[ClaraOswald]

Yeah, pretty sure those CMs are out of the loop on a LOT of things.

I will be surprised if the water isn't drained. I wouldn't think they'd announce to the public it will be drained if that wasn't the case.

 

[jasy]

What? I love that place! My DH and kids get the pizza and I get me some skewers and hummus. Major bummer.

BOOO, Paradise Garden grill was my favourite place to eat in DCA....

 

[tygersclaw]

While I am a bit disappointed that the castle may be covered up, cie le vie. It's DISNEYLAND!! BOOOOYAAAAAH!! Let's do all that there is to do in the 3 days we are there!!

It has been a 58 year wait for me to see it the first time, and this is my DD first visit as well.

I am not really all that concerned about the closures/refurbs even though this is my first ever visit to anything Disney as well as my DDs first visit.

I am going to experience Disneyland through my DDs eyes, her expressions, and her joy of visiting the "Magic Kingdom". I will experience the magic of DL through my DD, and that will make me all warm and fuzzy inside.

If it was not for my reading on the forum about the closures, I would probably not know any better. and as this is our first visit to DL, DD will not know the difference if something is closed or not, and if she asks the question, I will answer her honestly.

And for me, well I also do not know the resort, what is supposed to be and what is not supposed to be part of the Disney experience. For me, it is all about the expression(s) of my 5 yo DD, and the joy, and memories this trip will create for her.

My DD is into everything Frozen (we watched the movie 3 times a day everyday through Christmas break) so if she can still see Elsa and Anna and Olaf, I know she will be happy and so will I. She already owns a Elsa doll as well as a Anna doll and a Olaf so if she can get some autographs and a hug from each, PERFECT!!!

If she can meet Cinderella, Snow White and the other Princesses, once again...PERFECT!!

I may be looking at this as a "glass half full" aspect, but, it is what it is people. Complain all you want about the closures, but the other 10,000+ people in the park will all be making the best of the situation, and really, that is all we all can do.

So, go to DL. Say hi to all of the characters and get autographs, hugs whatever. Ride the rides that are open, eat and drink Disney, enjoy the entertainment and take home the GOOD memories of your vacation.

I am soooo looking forward to this trip and I am not worried about the closures, unless I end up living out the movie National Lampoon's Vacation where I pull into the parking lot and a moose tells me that Wallyworld is closed.

Chill everyone...and make the best of this terrific family resort...and just enjoy a wonderful family vacation.

If you want to go when everything has been refurbished and is open, and can do so, then you will see a very special Disneyland Park decked out for their 60th Anniversary and trust me, it will be exceptional in a very Disney way.

Just my humble thoughts...

 

[Aladora]

While I am a bit disappointed that the castle may be covered up, cie le vie. It's DISNEYLAND!! BOOOOYAAAAAH!! Let's do all that there is to do in the 3 days we are there!! It has been a 58 year wait for me to see it the first time, and this is my DD first visit as well. I am not really all that concerned about the closures/refurbs even though this is my first ever visit to anything Disney as well as my DDs first visit. I am going to experience Disneyland through my DDs eyes, her expressions, and her joy of visiting the "Magic Kingdom". I will experience the magic of DL through my DD, and that will make me all warm and fuzzy inside. If it was not for my reading on the forum about the closures, I would probably not know any better. and as this is our first visit to DL, DD will not know the difference if something is closed or not, and if she asks the question, I will answer her honestly. And for me, well I also do not know the resort, what is supposed to be and what is not supposed to be part of the Disney experience. For me, it is all about the expression(s) of my 5 yo DD, and the joy, and memories this trip will create for her. My DD is into everything Frozen (we watched the movie 3 times a day everyday through Christmas break) so if she can still see Elsa and Anna and Olaf, I know she will be happy and so will I. She already owns a Elsa doll as well as a Anna doll and a Olaf so if she can get some autographs and a hug from each, PERFECT!!! If she can meet Cinderella, Snow White and the other Princesses, once again...PERFECT!! I may be looking at this as a "glass half full" aspect, but, it is what it is people. Complain all you want about the closures, but the other 10,000+ people in the park will all be making the best of the situation, and really, that is all we all can do. So, go to DL. Say hi to all of the characters and get autographs, hugs whatever. Ride the rides that are open, eat and drink Disney, enjoy the entertainment and take home the GOOD memories of your vacation. I am soooo looking forward to this trip and I am not worried about the closures, unless I end up living out the movie National Lampoon's Vacation where I pull into the parking lot and a moose tells me that Wallyworld is closed. Chill everyone...and make the best of this terrific family resort...and just enjoy a wonderful family vacation. If you want to go when everything has been refurbished and is open, and can do so, then you will see a very special Disneyland Park decked out for their 60th Anniversary and trust me, it will be exceptional in a very Disney way. Just my humble thoughts...

There is no way I could agree with you more!

Also, ice skating at Disneyland, how fun is that going to be?!?!

 

[MG3G]

GAH - Help - lol.
I'm having a first world problem... I booked our hotel first out of everything and now I don't know what to do. We are supposed to be at the Desert Inn and now I can get a better deal at the Castle Inn - I'm not really familiar with either - which would you chose and why? Oh and would it make a difference if the price was a few hundred dollars???

THEN Aladora - Have you been able to get an actual NUMBER for the price of tickets from Flight Centre? Can you please post or pm me with it? It's like pulling teeth to get a number without a package. I'll consider their package too but I want to know how much 5 day non-hoppers cost and I can't get a straight answer - lol.

 

[ClaraOswald]

On the DL site they have some sort of special Mexican food menu for Viva Navidad listed (that sounds pretty good). Are they changing it after the Holiday season (so, like now).

Today is the last day for the Viva Navidad menu. Supposedly it will be changing over to the menu from Taste Pilot's Grill.

While I am a bit disappointed that the castle may be covered up, cie le vie. It's DISNEYLAND!! BOOOOYAAAAAH!! Let's do all that there is to do in the 3 days we are there!!

It has been a 58 year wait for me to see it the first time, and this is my DD first visit as well.

I am not really all that concerned about the closures/refurbs even though this is my first ever visit to anything Disney as well as my DDs first visit.

I am going to experience Disneyland through my DDs eyes, her expressions, and her joy of visiting the "Magic Kingdom". I will experience the magic of DL through my DD, and that will make me all warm and fuzzy inside.

If it was not for my reading on the forum about the closures, I would probably not know any better. and as this is our first visit to DL, DD will not know the difference if something is closed or not, and if she asks the question, I will answer her honestly.

And for me, well I also do not know the resort, what is supposed to be and what is not supposed to be part of the Disney experience. For me, it is all about the expression(s) of my 5 yo DD, and the joy, and memories this trip will create for her.

My DD is into everything Frozen (we watched the movie 3 times a day everyday through Christmas break) so if she can still see Elsa and Anna and Olaf, I know she will be happy and so will I. She already owns a Elsa doll as well as a Anna doll and a Olaf so if she can get some autographs and a hug from each, PERFECT!!!

If she can meet Cinderella, Snow White and the other Princesses, once again...PERFECT!!

I may be looking at this as a "glass half full" aspect, but, it is what it is people. Complain all you want about the closures, but the other 10,000+ people in the park will all be making the best of the situation, and really, that is all we all can do.

So, go to DL. Say hi to all of the characters and get autographs, hugs whatever. Ride the rides that are open, eat and drink Disney, enjoy the entertainment and take home the GOOD memories of your vacation.

I am soooo looking forward to this trip and I am not worried about the closures, unless I end up living out the movie National Lampoon's Vacation where I pull into the parking lot and a moose tells me that Wallyworld is closed.

Chill everyone...and make the best of this terrific family resort...and just enjoy a wonderful family vacation.

If you want to go when everything has been refurbished and is open, and can do so, then you will see a very special Disneyland Park decked out for their 60th Anniversary and trust me, it will be exceptional in a very Disney way.

Just my humble thoughts...

Well, I have a bit different perspective. The ONLY character my son knows is Winnie the Pooh. So having the ride and meet and greet closed royally SUCKS. I will not "chill" about that. I'm sure you'd be slightly unhappy if all of the (lame) Frozen stuff was closed for your visit.

Those of us "complaining" aren't telling you or anyone else they need to be unhappy. So please show us the same courtesy by not telling us how WE should feel.

Also...most of us have stated MANY TIMES that even though we are annoyed with the closures, we still plan to have fun. I feel like a freaking broken record but apparently that's necessary.

 

[ClaraOswald]

GAH - Help - lol.
I'm having a first world problem... I booked our hotel first out of everything and now I don't know what to do. We are supposed to be at the Desert Inn and now I can get a better deal at the Castle Inn - I'm not really familiar with either - which would you chose and why? Oh and would it make a difference if the price was a few hundred dollars???

THEN Aladora - Have you been able to get an actual NUMBER for the price of tickets from Flight Centre? Can you please post or pm me with it? It's like pulling teeth to get a number without a package. I'll consider their package too but I want to know how much 5 day non-hoppers cost and I can't get a straight answer - lol.

I haven't stayed at either. Is the room size comparable? I see you have a larger family so if one has more space, I may go with that one. But I am all about saving a few hundred dollars. I think the Castle Inn is a bit longer walk too so I'm not sure if that would sway you.

 

[MadameRebecca]

The ONLY character my son knows is Winnie the Pooh. So having the ride and meet and greet closed royally SUCKS. I will not "chill" about that. I'm sure you'd be slightly unhappy if all of the (lame) Frozen stuff was closed for your visit. Those of us "complaining" aren't telling you or anyone else they need to be unhappy. So please show us the same courtesy by not telling us how WE should feel.

I agree with you. Even though we'll still go and make the best of it, telling us to 'chill' is quite frankly, annoying. I feel for you with the Winnie the Pooh situation. My daughter doesn't really have a favourite character being 11months old, but as a mother I'd be sad if she couldn't experience characters/rides because of closures.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I agree with you. Even though we'll still go and make the best of it, telling us to 'chill' is quite frankly, annoying. I feel for you with the Winnie the Pooh situation. My daughter doesn't really have a favourite character being 11months old, but as a mother I'd be sad if she couldn't experience characters/rides because of closures.

My son is only 15 months. He doesn't watch movies or anything. But he has a stuffed Pooh bear that he loves. And months ago (before we knew of the closure) we showed him pictures and stuff of Pooh and he would get so excited (still does.) So yeah...it's disappointing. Maybe I should start at "February - Annoyed with Closures" thread or something so then people who want us to 'chill' and just not open the thread.

 

[MadameRebecca]

My son is only 15 months. He doesn't watch movies or anything. But he has a stuffed Pooh bear that he loves. And months ago (before we knew of the closure) we showed him pictures and stuff of Pooh and he would get so excited (still does.) So yeah...it's disappointing. Maybe I should start at "February - Annoyed with Closures" thread or something so then people who want us to 'chill' and just not open the thread.

Great idea. Sadly I think people would still post comments in it.

Is your son walking yet?

 

[tygersclaw]

THEN Aladora - Have you been able to get an actual NUMBER for the price of tickets from Flight Centre? Can you please post or pm me with it? It's like pulling teeth to get a number without a package. I'll consider their package too but I want to know how much 5 day non-hoppers cost and I can't get a straight answer - lol.

From the Flight Centre website...


5-Day
5-Day Disneyland Resort 1-Park per Day Ticket
Adult from: $295
Child (3-9yrs) from: $278
taxes & fees included
Pricing can change at any time.
For best pricing available please contact your Flight Centre consultant
Call 1866 940 0219


5-Day
5-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
Adult from: $334
Child (3-9yrs) from: $317
taxes & fees included
Pricing can change at any time.
For best pricing available please contact your Flight Centre consultant
Call 1866 940 0219

 

[ClaraOswald]

Great idea. Sadly I think people would still post comments in it.

Is your son walking yet?

True. I think from now on, I'll just go gripe in my pre-trip report thread.

Yep! He took his first steps on his own in mid-November. He was really shaky and would only take one or two between my husband and myself. But a few weeks ago he started walking on his own a lot! He loves it. He's still not 100% steady, by any means. But he's doing really well. I'm sure he'll continue to improve before our trip though I don't think he'll be a super proficient walker in the parks. I figure he'll be in his stroller a lot. And my original fear of having to hold him in line...well, we will. Because otherwise he'll have to stare at butts. And he'd probably want to run away anyway. But at least he can physically stand on his own now.

 

[MadameRebecca]

True. I think from now on, I'll just go gripe in my pre-trip report thread. Yep! He took his first steps on his own in mid-November. He was really shaky and would only take one or two between my husband and myself. But a few weeks ago he started walking on his own a lot! He loves it. He's still not 100% steady, by any means. But he's doing really well. I'm sure he'll continue to improve before our trip though I don't think he'll be a super proficient walker in the parks. I figure he'll be in his stroller a lot. And my original fear of having to hold him in line...well, we will. Because otherwise he'll have to stare at butts. And he'd probably want to run away anyway. But at least he can physically stand on his own now.

How exciting. I think my daughter is close to walking. She's letting go of furniture and standing on her own for a few seconds and has taken a couple of steps between furniture. She'll be in the stroller too but I'll make sure we have 'stroller free' breaks. Are you packing food for your son or will you make do with park food?

 

[Aladora]

GAH - Help - lol.
I'm having a first world problem... I booked our hotel first out of everything and now I don't know what to do. We are supposed to be at the Desert Inn and now I can get a better deal at the Castle Inn - I'm not really familiar with either - which would you chose and why? Oh and would it make a difference if the price was a few hundred dollars???

THEN Aladora - Have you been able to get an actual NUMBER for the price of tickets from Flight Centre? Can you please post or pm me with it? It's like pulling teeth to get a number without a package. I'll consider their package too but I want to know how much 5 day non-hoppers cost and I can't get a straight answer - lol.

I've stayed at both and the two big differences are room size and location. The Castle Inn is further than DI&S and depending on how many people in your group, the largest room at Castle Inn seems to have two queen beds and 1 king.

I prefer the DI&S because for me you cannot beat location and as a bonus, their wifi is awesome.

As for Flightcentre, they have updated their prices online here: http://www.flightcentre.ca/vacations/disneyland and it seems as though the 5 day non hoppers are $295 for Adults and $278 for ages 3-9, your 2 year old will not need a ticket unless she has turned 3 and you have not updated your signature yet!

 

[KalamityJane]

True. I think from now on, I'll just go gripe in my pre-trip report thread. Yep! He took his first steps on his own in mid-November. He was really shaky and would only take one or two between my husband and myself. But a few weeks ago he started walking on his own a lot! He loves it. He's still not 100% steady, by any means. But he's doing really well. I'm sure he'll continue to improve before our trip though I don't think he'll be a super proficient walker in the parks. I figure he'll be in his stroller a lot. And my original fear of having to hold him in line...well, we will. Because otherwise he'll have to stare at butts. And he'd probably want to run away anyway. But at least he can physically stand on his own now.

I couldn't do DL without our soft structured carrier. We did it when middle DS was 6mo and again at 17mo and it was so convenient for taking him in lines and on rides! I plan on using it again because youngest kid will have just turned 2. It's awesome for the not great walkers. Ergo and Boba are 2 of the bigger names but I also have a Kinderpack that is amazing

 

[ClaraOswald]

How exciting. I think my daughter is close to walking. She's letting go of furniture and standing on her own for a few seconds and has taken a couple of steps between furniture. She'll be in the stroller too but I'll make sure we have 'stroller free' breaks. Are you packing food for your son or will you make do with park food?

Our son has some swallowing issues but he's getting better with "adult" food (cut into tiny pieces, of course.) So I think we are going to try to find things he can eat at the restaurants in the parks. Though I am annoyed that the few "toddler meals" I've seen are just mac and cheese and applesauce. He likes that...but not for every meal. And then all of the kids meals come with carrots and apple slices...which he cannot handle yet. So I feel I may be eating the carrots and apples while he gets the "main" part of the kids meal and then whatever he can eat off of mine or my husband's plates. What are you planning to do about food for your little one?

I've stayed at both and the two big differences are room size and location. The Castle Inn is further than DI&S and depending on how many people in your group, the largest room at Castle Inn seems to have two queen beds and 1 king.

I prefer the DI&S because for me you cannot beat location and as a bonus, their wifi is awesome.

As for Flightcentre, they have updated their prices online here: http://www.flightcentre.ca/vacations/disneyland and it seems as though the 5 day non hoppers are $295 for Adults and $278 for ages 3-9, your 2 year old will not need a ticket unless she has turned 3 and you have not updated your signature yet!

Is the wifi free, do you know?