Our Magical WDW Adventure ~ 23 Days of Fun, Food, Cocktails... London Trip 2/8

[ariel2007]

Disney Dreams...
... Part 1​

Following on from my top places to visit, I thought I would share with you some of my 'Disney Dreams' . Being a major Disney lover, and avid Disney park fan, there are several things related to Disney that I hope to do and see in the future, and luckily Nick shares these dreams with me (not bad considering he was a complete Disney park virgin when I met him). With Nick on board I have faith that these dreams will come true, and luckily, thats what Disney is all about
So my first 'Disney Dream', like I said before, is related to the top places I want to visit.

Disney Dream Number One...​

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Disney Dream Number One is to visit all 5 Disney resorts around the world. Luckily we have had the chance to visit both Disney World Orlando and Disneyland Paris, both of which we love and both of which we plan to continue visiting.

Disneyland Resort, Paris​

Disneyland Paris was the first Disney Park I ever visited, a surprise by Mum and Dad after years of me wishing to go there. Our visit was a dream come true for me, my first ever Disney Dream granted . We have been lucky to have many visits there, spending time in both parks and staying at a few of the resorts.

Walt Disney World, Orlando​

My favorite place on earth, and another absolute dream come true. Disney World was always somewhere that I thought only the rich people could go to, so only ever dreamed of going there. I was lucky enough though to take a visit with my Dad in 1998, and loved every magical second of it. I thought this would be it for me though until magically one day we booked to go with my Mum, Dad and little sister. Again this was another dream come true, which lead to our next visit, Nick's first ever visit to a Disney park, and luckily he fell in love nearly as much as me. Every visit is a dream come true for both of us, I just can't wait to go again.


We still have 3 more Disney resorts to visit in the future, which we hope to do so by 2020. It seems like quite a long way off now but with all the other places we want to visit, along with continuing visits to WDW, it seems more viable.

Disneyland, California​

Since it is the original Disneyland, and being great Disney fans, we cannot wait to visit there. California is also on our 'Top 10' list of places to visit in the USA as there is so much to see and do there, and the highlight for us would be our visit to Disneyland. We plan to spend at least a few days there so we have time to visit both the Disneyland Park and the California Adventure Park, hopefully staying in the beautiful Grand Californian Hotel.

Tokyo Disney Resort​

Part of the reason I choose Tokyo as a place I would like to visit was because of the Disneyland Resort there. Tokyo itself looks very interesting, and there are some really beautiful places in Japan we would love to visit. Plus Nick really enjoyed the short time he spent there and would love to go back. So visiting would be an ideal mix of seeing the country and visiting another Disney resort. We would love to stay in the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and visit both the Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo Disneysea.

Hong Kong Disneyland​

I can't say I have ever had a particular interest in visiting Hong Kong, but with Disney opening a park there its now another place we have to visit. I am sure we could find other things to do there too, but our main reason to visit would be to visit Hong Kong Disneyland and stay in the Disney Hollywood Hotel.


Coming Up... Disney Dream Number Two...

 

[troobabiee7]

I loved seeing all the diferent Disney castles I have to admit I'm partial to Cinderella's castle (THAT will always be Disney to me) but the others are all so gorgeous. I can't wait to hear all your other Disney dreams!

And have you added your "Top 10 USA Detinations" yet? I want to make sure I didn't miss it... if not, you have to post that list too!

 

[ariel2007]

I loved seeing all the diferent Disney castles I have to admit I'm partial to Cinderella's castle (THAT will always be Disney to me) but the others are all so gorgeous. I can't wait to hear all your other Disney dreams!

And have you added your "Top 10 USA Detinations" yet? I want to make sure I didn't miss it... if not, you have to post that list too!

There all so beautiful aren't they? I do love Cinderella's castle as it means I am at Disneyworld, plus it is so big and beautiful. But Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland Paris is gorgeous. I love the pink and the gold, its so princessy, and they have these beautiful landscaped gardens down the sides. Then inside they have these beautiful murals and a lovely glass shop which sells such beautiful pieces. Then you can walk underneath the castle where there is a cave with a dragon in. It is kind of creepy as he mostly sleeps but sometimes wakes up and growls. Its really cool.

No you haven't missed my USA 'Top 10' yet.

 

[xoktenox]

Wow all the castles are so gorgeous! I agree with Melissa an Cinderella's castle will always be my favorite but the others are so amazing too

 

[ariel2007]

Wow all the castles are so gorgeous! I agree with Melissa an Cinderella's castle will always be my favorite but the others are so amazing too

I would love to see all the castles for real, seeing them in pictures they look gorgeous, but they don't really do that much justice to the real things. The California and Hong Kong ones look quite small, apparently they are quite a bit smaller than the WDW one.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I love Disneyland! I will admit that I was afraid that when (and if) we went I'd end up being bored with only 2 parks but we finally got the chance to go in 2004 and again in 2006 and it was so much fun! It really is amazing that there are so many rides crammed into those 2 parks. Of course, Disney World will always be my favorite (as will Cinderella Castle...none of them compare IMO) but I can't wait to visit Disneyland again! It's a must-visit for any Disney lover.

 

[ariel1025]

Disneyland in California is amazing!! I know a lot of people put it down because it is so "small" compared to WDW. But as long as you expect it to be different I don't think you will be disappointed. I actually went to WDW before I went to DL and I still loved it!!

You should try to go after 2012 because they are adding a lot of stuff to California Adventure that is scheduled to be finished by then. One of the additions is supposed to a ride of "The Little Mermaid" not a show like at Hollywood Studios but an actual ride!!! Sorry, if you already knew but wanted to tell you just in case you didn't. Can't wait to see Dream #2

 

[ariel2007]

I love Disneyland! I will admit that I was afraid that when (and if) we went I'd end up being bored with only 2 parks but we finally got the chance to go in 2004 and again in 2006 and it was so much fun! It really is amazing that there are so many rides crammed into those 2 parks. Of course, Disney World will always be my favorite (as will Cinderella Castle...none of them compare IMO) but I can't wait to visit Disneyland again! It's a must-visit for any Disney lover.

I'm not really worried about not liking DL in California, I'm sure we will love it. We still love Disneyland Paris, despite the fact it is a lot smaller and full of rude ignorant people, and limited atmosphere. We just love it because we love being in Disney. And DLC looks amazing, I know its smaller and theres less to do but I think the beauty of the area will be a real plus, plus I really want to visit California. We were slightly worried when we went to Dollywood that we would compare it to Disney and it just wouldn't compare, but we absolutely loved it, yes its not Disney but its still a great place, I can't wait to go back again

Have you any plans to visit Disneyland in California again yet?

Disneyland in California is amazing!! I know a lot of people put it down because it is so "small" compared to WDW. But as long as you expect it to be different I don't think you will be disappointed. I actually went to WDW before I went to DL and I still loved it!!

You should try to go after 2012 because they are adding a lot of stuff to California Adventure that is scheduled to be finished by then. One of the additions is supposed to a ride of "The Little Mermaid" not a show like at Hollywood Studios but an actual ride!!! Sorry, if you already knew but wanted to tell you just in case you didn't. Can't wait to see Dream #2

No I didn't know about it so thank you for the heads up. As you have probably guessed I love Little Mermaid so that would be great to see. I have seen these old plans they had for Disneyland Paris and there were a couple of rides on there that they planned and never made. One was in fact a Little Mermaid ride and there were these 3D images of what the ride was planned to be like and it looked amazing, its a shame they never made it . Hopefully the one in DLC will be the same.

 

[ariel2007]

Guess what everyone, "WE HAVE SNOW", and not just a little bit, loads of the stuff .

It started yesterday and by the evening it was beginning to lay quite a lot, still snowing by the time we went to bed. By the time we got up today there was loads, and its still going. Apparently London and the South-East are getting the most at the moment (thats us), and its actually caused a lot of problems, particularly in London. Most transport in London including planes, trains and buses have stopped altogether so a lot of people can't get to work and hospitals are struggling with record numbers of calls. Apparently its the worst we have had in something like 18 years. I can't believe a little bit of snow would cause such trouble .

On the plus side Nick and I have been having fun, making snowmen and doing snow angels (ok that was just me, Nick looked at me like I was totally mad ). I will post some pictures in a bit.

 

[Villainess]

Can't wait to see the snow pictures! We had snow here last week, but it was the slushy, wet, heavy, dirty snow that melted too quickly.

I've been to DL twice, and probably a third next Feb. to celebrate my 30th bday; of course I'll have to schedule a trip in 2013 or so to see the improvements and rennovations to DCA!

I have that same Disney Dream - though mine was to visit all the 5 theme parks in one trip - Around the World with Disney! Hopefully, one day!

I would love to visit Italy - and make a special trip to Sicilly to visit the towns where my great grandparents were born. A great great uncle of mine just did this and found the home his father was born in; unfortunately, the owner's weren't home bc he wanted to say hello.

 

[ariel2007]

Can't wait to see the snow pictures! We had snow here last week, but it was the slushy, wet, heavy, dirty snow that melted too quickly.

I've been to DL twice, and probably a third next Feb. to celebrate my 30th bday; of course I'll have to schedule a trip in 2013 or so to see the improvements and rennovations to DCA!

I have that same Disney Dream - though mine was to visit all the 5 theme parks in one trip - Around the World with Disney! Hopefully, one day!

I would love to visit Italy - and make a special trip to Sicilly to visit the towns where my great grandparents were born. A great great uncle of mine just did this and found the home his father was born in; unfortunately, the owner's weren't home bc he wanted to say hello.

Ah that will be a lovely way to spend your 30th, you should definitely go. Have your kids been to DL before?

Yes I would love to do all the 5 parks in one trip too. I said to Nick that maybe we should do that for our honeymoon, as I want to do something a bit different and really exciting. So that would be ideal

 

[CoP Luv]

SNOW!!! That so exciting for you all!

I am actually quick sick of the stuff...since it has been snowing for months already. We got a bit of a warm-up over the weekend but there is still 6+ inches on the ground and it looks like we will be getting a little bit more this week. Glad you are having lots of fun with it all!

I would LOVE to go visit all of the parks one day. I have only been to WDW so far.

California is beautiful. I have only been to Northern California once before (San Francisco, San Jose, Standford University (I went on a college visit), Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite). It was such a great trip. One of my friends just moved to SF and wants us to come and visit. I have started to look at flights and it is cheaper for us to travel across the country than to FL. Which is where I really want to go. For reasons I won't reveal to the Disney Hater...I mean DH.

 

[ariel2007]

SNOW!!! That so exciting for you all!

I am actually quick sick of the stuff...since it has been snowing for months already. We got a bit of a warm-up over the weekend but there is still 6+ inches on the ground and it looks like we will be getting a little bit more this week. Glad you are having lots of fun with it all!

I would LOVE to go visit all of the parks one day. I have only been to WDW so far.

California is beautiful. I have only been to Northern California once before (San Francisco, San Jose, Standford University (I went on a college visit), Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite). It was such a great trip. One of my friends just moved to SF and wants us to come and visit. I have started to look at flights and it is cheaper for us to travel across the country than to FL. Which is where I really want to go. For reasons I won't reveal to the Disney Hater...I mean DH.

Yes its quite a rare treat for us to have this much snow, and for it to actually lay and stay long enough to have a bit of fun. But I can imagine if it was like it all the time we would soon get sick of it. Maybe not Nick though, he was out there building snowmen and snow cats, just like a little kid

I would love to visit all of California, it looks so varied and interesting. San Fran and Yosemite look beautiful, I definitely want to go there. And thats cool you have a friend there you can visit, although you can't miss Disney for too long, you'll go crazy

 

[ariel2007]

Disney Dreams...
... Part 2​

Disney Dream Number Two...

My second 'Disney Dream' is to stay at each and every Walt Disney World resort. One of our favorite things to do when we are at Disney World is to visit all the different resorts. We love to see all the different themings, try the different restaurants, check out the gift shops and the different amenities. And every resort we have visited we have loved and would love the opportunity to stay at. We have been lucky enough so far to stay at 7 of the resorts, some for a day, some for a few, some for longer. And again we have loved each resort we have stayed at, a few of which we would love to stay at again.

2005 at

2006 at

AND

AND

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[ariel2007]

2008 AT

AND

AND

​

 

[ariel2007]

So those are the resorts we have stayed in so far, and these are the resorts we have yet to stay in.

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[ariel2007]

&

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We have visited the majority of the resorts apart from Pop, All Star's Music and Sport, Caribbean Beach, the Swan and Dolphin and Old Key West. And each resort we have visited we have spent some time looking around, and with the exception of Saratoga Springs, have eaten at one or more of their restaurants. Unfortunately we are staying a no new resorts this time (after the whole changing of plans a million times fiasco), but we will be visiting the Swan and Dolphin for dinner, and we can't wait to look around the resort a bit. But hopefully in the future we will have the opportunity to stay in each and every resort, making another 'Disney Dream' come true

Coming Up... Disney Dream Number Three ​

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I still have 10 more pages in your old TR. Ya'll are some Sea World lovin' peeps aren't ya? I didn't like Sea World that much but I went in '99. I guess it's different now.

I like how they added the Hollywood sign decor over at US. That wasn't there last time I went. Across the street from the Drive In rest and behind the Horror Show. Looks a lot better.

I like all of your food pics! You guys did some good eatin'!

 

[ariel2007]

I still have 10 more pages in your old TR. Ya'll are some Sea World lovin' peeps aren't ya? I didn't like Sea World that much but I went in '99. I guess it's different now.

I like how they added the Hollywood sign decor over at US. That wasn't there last time I went. Across the street from the Drive In rest and behind the Horror Show. Looks a lot better.

I like all of your food pics! You guys did some good eatin'!

If its the Hollywood sign I think it is its not actually a proper sign. Its this really cool thing that you place your camera in, take the picture and the sign appears in the background somehow. Its pretty cool.

We love SW, its amazing. Its so relaxed and there is so many beautiful creatures and landscape there. The killer whales are just so amazing. Its Sophie's favorite place, she wants to be a whale trainer there.

 

[manntra]

Geez...I go away for a bit down to the World and what is this about going to California? And all of this snow? I better do some catching up!! We had a great trip (Jan 12-17th, stayed at Saratoga Springs Resort.)
Weather was chilly (although it was -9 at home) and in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Crowds were really low and we had a lot of walk ons which I never get to experience in August or at the times that I go.
We met Cinderell's stepsisters and stepmother! Never saw them before....also saw Devine twice in one day...never saw her before either! I have pictures posted on my facebook but I didn't do a trip report or anything on here....
Oh yeah...also ate at the new TRex restaurant in Downtown Disney...was good..food better than Rainforest (but very similar) and the atmosphere was really neat...there was a meteor shower every 30 min or so...v. cool! Take care!!! I have to get to reading and see what you are up to now!!