Our nine day trip to the Left Coast, with five of them at DL, a first for WDW Vets

[RweTHEREyet]

Wow your pictures are fantastic! And I can't believe that gum incident!!! Glad they gave you a free dessert to make up for it.

That was very nice of them to do that for us, and they had no need to. I mean it wasn't like we had bad food or bad service or anything under the control of the restaurant. It wasn't their fault, and we weren't upset or complaining or anything. It just happened.

It does take a real jerk to do something like that though and I have wondered if they kicked the person out of the park when they caught him.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Day 3 of DL, Tuesday, continued~~

We also hit Toontown and rode Roger Rabbit's Toontown Spin. Won't make that mistake again. It was jerky and really set off my equilibrium issues. I loved the movie and even though I had read the description and knew it might be a bumpy ride, I just had to try it once, but that was it for me, don't need to experience that one on future trips. I had to get something cold to drink to keep from getting sick and even though it was time for lunch, there was no way I could get any food down after that ride. Because I wasn't feeling the best, we really didn't check out much more of Toontown and we will have to definitely go back on our next trip. If nothing else, there seemed to be lots of great photo opportunities.

I sure wish I could be drawn like her~~

We ran into one of our favorite furry friends while we were there in the area~~

A couple more favorite shots~~

We strolled around the park for a while, just enjoying the scenery seeing Disney sights we had not seen before. Somewhere around this time, I realized that I no longer had my lightweight cotton jacket with me. I thought back and the last time I recalled having it was in Toontown, not sure if I left it on Roger Rabbit or possibly where we sat for a while and had a cool drink or what. It was the only lightweight jacket I had brought, one of my favorites and I wouldn't find anything like it in the parks. Anaheim weather is tricky, cool and cloudy in the morning so you need a light sleeve, then warm, then cool again. I knew it wouldn't turn up but it was worth a stop at City Hall to put in a report for the Lost and Found.

We worked our way over to California Adventure and to the entrance of the Grand. We had gotten a text to check back in with the Front Desk so that our room keys could be re-issued and we could connect with the rest of our party (this becomes important the next day), but no room no. was given out. We weren't meeting up with anyone else and we were the only two in our party, so we were a bit confused about what this was about.

Stopped at the front desk and we were told that there must have been a mistake made, and they confused us with another party. We were then given our room no., and I immediately knew that we were on the first floor and that our view would be the construction fence that was between the Grand Californian and the new Little Mermaid attraction under construction. I must have had the most pitiful look on my face because the CM offered to let me speak to the room controller. She came out and said nothing available, zip, nada, nothing at all as only 7 DVC rooms had checked out that morning. She offered to move us with no fee to another room tomorrow. I declined as we were already moving too much. I know my face looked really pitiful, but it was disappointing enough to have moved from a huge room to the smaller studio, and then to know the view was not going to be very good just made me very unhappy. I know, I know, I was at Disney, get over it.

I pouted all the way to the room, and then found it was almost the first room once you walked past the bank of elevators in the DVC side. I was worried there would be noise from the elevators, but we never did hear any noise from that area the rest of our stay.

Here is the view we left this morning~~

and here is our view for the next 3 days~~

Not that bad a view, not a dumpster or a parking lot view or anything like that, just not what I had been enjoying earlier this morning. It would have been far better to go from the studio to the one-bedroom with the great view instead of like we did, but that darn waitlist just never came thru and this is just the way it turned out and this is the second waitlist that didn't work out for me. Going to have to do something to keep this from happening on future visits.

We waited for Bell Services to deliver our bags and the groceries that they had refrigerated for us. They were delivered very quickly. We chilled for a while and then thought we better make some decisions about dinner. Didn't want to go back the Parks, didn't want to head out to DTD either. So, we opted to give Whitewater Snacks a second chance. In January we had eaten breakfast there one morning, and it was one of the worst biscuits this southern gal had ever eaten in her life. Dinner consisted of a cheeseburger and a chicken sandwich with pomegranate lemonade that we fell in love with. Food o.k., not great, not bad, so maybe WWS had slightly redeemed itself.

Back to the villa to take it easy for the evening. It seems that some of the adrenalin high of the trip was wearing off, and our East Coast time zone was catching up with us as we would get tired early every evening. We had no problem getting up in the mornings, but evenings we couldn't manage to stay up too late.

When it got dark we definitely heard WOC being tested, and you could see the water shooting up over the top of the construction fence. We unpacked and got settled in for the remainder of the week. Miss the big refrigerator, king-sized bed and washer and dryer, and miss my huge park view, she said like a pouting two year old.

It was a quiet rest of the evening, but tomorrow morning would bring some excitement bright and early.

 

[DSNY4ever]

You crack me up- I was expecting some awful view

But I know what you mean- once you know what you are missing it's hard to "downgrade."

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I will keep my fingers crossed for you on getting that VIP tour all worked out. I hope it falls into place for your.

As far as the boat goes, they do make For Sale signs... just sayin'

Oooh...the signs have been on it for a while. Not a lot of biters on a $35K boat in this economy. LOL!

Still loving your report. I wondered what the Storybook Canal thingy was about. I guess it's just all those little buildings/scenes. I'd do it at least once. IaSW looks so much better than WDW. I love WDW's version (I'm a doll collector...what better place for a doll collector than a ride jam packed full of dollies!!!) so I'm sure I'll adore DL's.

DL's Toontown looks awesome! I supposed we'll have to do some Disney "homework" before we go out to DL. My boys have never seen Roger Rabbit. LOL! I know when my mom was going to WDW in May with my brother for the 1st time in 14 years I kept telling her to do her "homework" and watch the movies I listed for her so she'd get the attractions/shows. When she got home she said Festival of the Lion King & the Nemo musical shows were okay, she thinks she missed a lot of the significance in the stories because those are two movies she's never watched. She shoulda done the homework!!! LOL!

Sorry about your downgraded blues. I think your view wasn't horrible although not as wonderful as what you previously had. I suppose it could've been worse. What if they'd not had any availability even in the studios for those last 3 nights?! Gah!!! The horror! Honestly, from your report and all the investigating I've been doing the GC/VGC seems like the best location. Hands down.

Can't wait for more!!!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Oh, no problems on the studio availability. I already had it booked. I originally booked the studio for the whole time, then decided to go for the one-bedroom, and it was only available the first two nights. So we had Sunday and Monday in the one-bedroom and Tuesday-Thursday in the studio. I had waitlisted the one-bedroom for the rest of the trip, and that is what didn't come thru. Frankly, I don't think wait lists will come thru at VGC like they do at the WDW DVC properties, there just isn't that much inventory to work with.

Maybe summertime weather will bring some boat people around for you..

 

[RweTHEREyet]

DL, Day 4, Wednesday

Wake up to the phone ringing, geez, it must be late for the phone to be ringing, but who would be calling.

Me: Hello
Caller: This is Robert, the hotel manager, and we have a problem with your address in our computer system, is it a Street or a Drive.
Me: It is neither (at that point I notice it is only 7:00 a.m.)
Caller: See, that is why we have to get this straightened out quickly.
Me: And you are calling me for this at 7:00 in the morning of my vacation to do this?
Caller: Yes, we need to get it corrected right away.
Me: Why don't you tell me what you are showing in your records...
Caller: no response and hangs up.

I sat there on the side of the bed for a minute not sure just what had happened, but I knew I was not happy about getting that phone call, especially so early.

I called back to the operator and said I wasn't sure who I wished to speak with and explained what had just happened. She exclaimed, Mrs Miller, I am so sorry, I put that call thru to your room. She went on with "He said he had been put thru to your room earlier and we can't challenge callers too much or our Guests can get upset." She then said that some calls had started the week before and that the operators had been warned about them. I asked her just what they were after, and she said that if they got someone to confirm an address, then they would try and verify credit card information. Identity theft.

Since the hotel had texted us the day before about meeting up with the rest of our party, I almost confirmed the address, thinking they still had us confused with some other Guests. Thank heavens, I am not a morning person and was pretty cranky with the guy that called and I challenged him on the address.

At WDW, when you call for an operator, you never know just where you are reaching. At DL, it appears that the hotel operators are located in one spot, and it was just coincidence that the same gal answered his call as well as my call, too, or maybe we would have never known what in the world was going on.

She felt very badly about this happening and offered us complimentary breakfast. I didn't respond because I didn't feel she had done anything wrong, and we talked a minute more about the guy calling. She said the callers pick a common name and then when there is a Guest with that name actually registered, the operator has no choice but to put them thru. This guy picked the name, Lisa Miller, my DIL's new name. While she and my son were not staying with us, I had added their names to the reservation so they could park at the hotel when they came to get us without having to pay for parking and evidently the hotel listing shows everyone in the room, not just the main name on reservation. She (the hotel operator) was also able to turn around and ask the other operators if they had put a call thru to a Lisa Miller and they all said no, they had not. The guy just got lucky with the name he chose.

The operator then insisted on offering us breakfast and wanted to make a reservation right on the spot for us. I agreed (sounded better than the Raisin Bran Crunch I had planned) and she said, so there are four in your room, and I said well, could we do breakfast for two this morning and then again for two on Friday. She said sure, booked it, and said that there would be vouchers waiting for us at the front desk.

We got ready, headed to the front desk to pick up the vouchers.

Don't you just love all the lighting fixtures at the front desk and through the lobby. I think these are adorable.

We gave them our name and were handed another of those adorable pink envelopes with Tinkerbell on it. I checked, and sure enough there were four vouchers, so off we were to make our 8:20 reservation at Storytellers with time to spare. According to the back of the voucher, we could have also chosen PCH Grill and somewhere else, can't remember, but we were thrilled with Storytellers. Love the atmosphere in Storytellers, the rich woods and warm colors. We were seated right away, and the place wasn't that busy, but when we were leaving, people were waiting outside the doors for their table to be called. It appears that getting in there before 8:30 is the way to go. Breakfast was great--especially the Mickey waffles and the eggs benedict --characters were fun and the best part was the vouchers included all gratuities, etc. , no bill for us. We did leave additional gratuity for our server.

Back to the villa to pick up cameras etc. and to head out for the day. We spent most of the day in DL. I wanted to ride the Mark Twain.

and we also did ~~

and~~

Pirates is much better at DL, but you DL people have heard that tons already, right? Haunted Mansion, while I loved the exterior, makes me think of the Deep South, the ride was basically the same, missing the footsteps. Also the little lady saying "come baaack, and don't forget your death certificate" or whatever she says, is not located in the same spot. You think she isn't there at all, and they she shows up right before you leave the ride. I missed her the first time, saw her the second time.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Wednesday continued~~
and~~

While we didn't do this, I thought the sign was just adorable. I was worried people might look at me funny if I went in to see the pixies, but next trip I am going to do it. The little kid in me wants to see what all is in Pixie Hollow.

Can't wait to have a little princess to do stuff like this with.

What's for lunch? I had heard that many people really like Carnation Cafe' so we thought we would check and see if there was a long wait or not. We ended up being about 3rd in line for a table and we were seated in about 10 minutes. We each had the turkey sandwich and soup and pomegranate lemonade. Soup was very good as everyone had highly recommended. Total bill was $24.00 after the 15% AP discount. I am loving that discount, and unlike WDW, you are often asked if you have AP so they can give you the discount. At WDW, it seems you have to beg them to give discounts you are entitled to. (May have said that already once before, but it really made an impression).

Somewhere along the line we stopped in at City Hall to see if my lost jacket had shown up. I thought that Lost and Found was located right there, but I learned it is actually to the left of the Californian Adventure entrance, as you face CA. But City Hall made the phone call for me, and no it had not turned up. I didn't think it would, but it was worth a shot. So, I knew I could write that one off, and I also knew I couldn't replace it as it had been purchased last year and was no longer available. Well, better a jacket than a wallet or a camera, which I have been known to lose two in two trips.

Then we headed to ~~

and saw the Captain EO Tribute, which we used to stand in line for hours to see at WDW. Glad I got to see it one more time. (So appropriate I am posting this part of the trip today as it is one year to the day that he died.) Regardless of anyone's personal feelings about MJ, we did lose a brilliant entertainer when he died.

I talked DH into doing Autopia, as he didn't know just what it was. I thought it was a lot better than WDW's Speedway. Both of our cars kept stalling. They are not a comfortable thing for an adult to drive. The route is fun, the signs are cute, and I understand that doing this at night is a great idea because you see so many sights all lit up and from a different perspective.

We then headed to catch the monorail and got these shots along the way:

We asked to ride in front and were told it was first come, etc., so we decided to wait until we could be in the front. We love doing this at WDW, and I am not sure if they are letting people up front yet after the accident, so let's do it here. It is a very different experience in the front of this monorail than it is at WDW, especially with the banks and turns this one takes. We rode round trip, and along the way, it dawned on me that California Adventure was built around this monorail. The monorail was there first, and I am guessing it used to be all parking lot underneath what is now the California Adventure part. It is so strange to me to be on the monorail and to be riding past the outside World, Harbor Drive is it maybe, and the hotels, etc. It makes me appreciate WDW being totally protected from the outside world--thank you, Walt for your vision and foresight.

When we arrived at DTD, we were able to stay in the front cab to ride back, and when we got back to Tomorrowland, we disembarked and got in the section behind the one we were in so someone else could enjoy the ride up front, but we did head back to DTD and to the villa for a rest.

It was funny, sometimes when we road the monorail, they announced it was a one-way trip only and other times they didn't. We are so used to the monorail being a mode of transportation and not as much a "ride that this seemed different, not worse or better, just different. It is also so strange to have the windows open.

While we were taking our little break, DH gets a phone call and it turns out to be Lost and Found, and my jacket has shown up. Woohoo, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, it was almost closing time for Lost and Found and we new we wouldn't make it over in time on foot, so tomorrow that would be our first stop. Love some of that Disney magic. I truly didn't expect to get that jacket back.

What to do for dinner? It is nice not to freak, like you do at WDW, when you realize that you don't have an ADR for dinner because at DL it does not mean you will be waiting for an hour or so to eat something other than counter service. We decided to head to DTD to see what might strike our fancy. It wasn't going to be the Jazz kitchen, ESPN or Rainforest as they just didn't strike our fanc for some reason. House of Blues had something going on, because there were 200-300 waiting to get in, but we never heard what it was.

We settled on Naples and upon asking at the podium they said the wait would be about 10 minutes. We enjoyed watching them hand toss the pizzas and put them in the brick oven while we were waiting for our table. Pizza topping choices in CA are a bit different than back home, but we settled on a pepperoni and sausage with chicken on half. It was delicious. There were about 3 large slices left over and I had them box them up for me. I didn't think we would heat them up in the studio, but I thought I might know somewhere they would be appreciated and wouldn't go to waste. The AP got us a 10% discount here. :slyasafox

Inside Naples, part of the Patina Group~~

I did a little bit of shopping at DTD, picking up some birthday presents and other gifts I needed to get. Love Basin, but was surprised at how small it is compared to WDW. I was also surprised at Marceline's, thought it would be bigger. Actually, it seems odd to me to have so many non-Disney businesses in DTD, not just restaurants, but businesses like Sephora and Ann Geddes, etc. Just doesn't seem right for some reason. Not wrong really, just different from what I am used to.

Back thru the Grand Californian DTD entrance and into the hotel. First stop was at Bell Services to see if I could talk anyone into some Naples left over pizza. The guys jumped on it and I was glad to share. We always leave our leftover (unopened) food items for the Cast Members when at WDW, but I am not sure that DVC Members in on the Left Coast have gotten into that yet. Also, a lot of Left Coast DVC members drive to DL and aren't concerned about getting their stuff back on a plane.

Another quiet evening, and the feet were starting to appreciate it.

Tomorrow: I am definitely on a mission and Guests Behaving Badly, and oh no, she really didn't just do that.

Thanks for sticking with me so far, not much left to go.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Well, I for one, am sorta bummed at the prospect of not much left for your report. I've really enjoyed it!

That's terrible you got woke up by a potential thief. Leave it to Disney to turn lemons into lemonade, tho! Glad y'all scored a nice breakfast w/the characters. The prices of those breakfasts floor me considering the comparison to the cost of Chef Mickeys or Crystal Palace. Either way, I'd spring for it at least once if not twice. We love us some character breakfasts!

Sounds like another fun day! I'm also quite impressed that you don't have to book meals 6 months ahead of time to be able to eat sit-down meals. Having to plan that way takes the spontaneity out of the mix. Some of our all-time best, most relaxing WDW days were the ones we walked out of our room not knowing where we'd end up. There's a stress factor in having to be in a certain place at a certain time day after day or else. Ya know?

You got your jacket back!!! Congrats to you! Wish I'd gotten our camera back from the Dinosaur ride back in '07.... <---feelin' sorry for myself...LOL! Whoever ended up with my camera could've had the camera. Priceless pictures of my boys on their fishing excursion with Daddy lost forever...

I don't think you'd be weird going into Pixie Hollow. The first time I saw it at WDW we were in there for **me** since I'm the only we have in the family (besides my little girly toy schnauzer baby). I love meeting the fairies and can't wait to see DL's Pixie Hollow. It looks so much more amazing than WDW's although I do like the little pixie dust zipping around in WDW's.

I was wondering how the pizza at Naples was while reading menus the other night. Hand tossed & brick oven bakes is just what I'd be looking for!

I **wiiiiish** the hubby's boat would sell. Sheesh! Boats are like the yin or yang of swimming pools: swimming pools=holes in the ground you toss your money into / boats=holes in the water you toss your money into. You don't even get to make a wish!!!

Was looking around the other night and saw a website/service advertised on a couple sites that rents DVC points from owners wishing to get a return on unused points. They claim to have availability in all DVC resorts. It'd be a good way for us to stay at the VGC for a sampling of all it has to offer without the commitment. That's if they can accommodate VGC reservations. I would loooove to have the in-unit washer & dryer. All our trips we generally do 4 loads or more every 3rd or 4th day.

BTW, no more cockpit rides on the monorails at WDW. I read that the reason DLR still did them was because of a difference in the design of the cabs. The nose cones in the ones in Cali are reinforced, etc. whereas the ones in Florida are all fiberglass. I wouldn't expect co-piloting to return to WDW until those monorails are all replaced which isn't in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately. We've got great footage of co-pilot rides from the TTC to Epcot. I did it regularly when I was a kid when we'd go out to the parks every weekend (I grew up in Orlando). I'm glad my boys had the chance to do it before the accident last year. To be able to do it again out at DLR would be another must-do for us!

Thanks again for sharing your trip with us in such detail and with all the amazing pictures! Lovin it!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Off topic, I apologize...

...but ya gotta find out from your son where exactly we could go to stand outside next to an Oakley sign (preferably for their offices) so we can take pics. I know it's silly but we're avid Oakley wearing people and have been for a long time. Plus, it's just funny to have those random pics like that. ((Somewhere on my external drive I have a pic of me standing by the sign for the QVC offices in San Antonio with my arms Barker's Beauties style to 'sell' the sign....LOL!))

 

[mickeycruisemaniac]

You are going to just love VGC. I found no fault at all. Sure there are always things we might change if we had a do over, but all in all, this is my favorite DVC resort and as you can tell by my siggie, we own at a couple of them. Do you own there, renting from an owner or staying on cash?

When are you going in October, we have a trip penciled in for the middle of the month, but haven't talked to our DS about it yet. He travels a lot in his job, and I am not sure what his schedule is looking like. It would be funny if we were there at the same time.

Good chance you will have a park view at VGC. The majority of the villas are a park view, with a small percentage having a pool view, which is what we had for our short stay in January, and that view was just fine, too. I would not be unhappy with any of them.

We own at VB, and booked right at the 7m window. We are going at the end of October, but before Halloween. How funny if we go at the same time, I will have to watch for that
Thanks for the great report.

 

[franandaj]

I'm glad I found this report and I love to hear your comparisons to WDW, especially since they are not all "down on DLR", so many of them are. I love WDW, but ever since purchasing at the VGC and staying there, I have found a new love for the place. I used to just come in for 1/2 a day, have lunch, hit a ride or two and leave and started to become jaded, but after owning there and being able to have the immersive experience, I am loving just as much if not more as WDW!

I do have to say that your assesment of F&W is accurate, our festival is much more based on the wine aspect as opposed to the food and that might be why I like it better! Actually, I think our Festival is more geared to the locals. There is much more weight placed on the Signature events, and I know a lot of people who went to all the Winemaker Dinners! The Napa Rose Cooking School is the highlight for me every year, and I don't think the Festival would be the same for me without it. I plan to do the first cooking school every year and I plan my DVC stays that way!

I do wish we could have that stroll and savor aspect, but the darned CA Food police ruin it! I do have to say that there is a big difference in DCA during F&W even though you might not see it, not being a regular and all. Like that big Chef's Showcase tent right in the main hub, usually isn't there throughout the rest of the year! I agree that this year having the wine & spirit tastings in Studio 12 really made it out of the way to find, but I think it was a better location than in the past even if it was out of the way. They could have the tapas (which they had 2 years ago, but not last year). I think in CA all prepared foods must be prepared in a licensed kitchen, otherwise they can only sell, premade things like Mickey Bars, Churros, Corn in a baggie, etc.

As a PP said, they are still working things out, but it gets better and better each year. I'm looking forward to your future days. I think the other thing you keep commenting on about the AP discounts, there are many, many more AP holders since DL is such a local park. I think the CMs have learned to ask about the discount because it saves them time in the long run, if someone forgets until after the sale has been rung up, it is a real PITA and then more people are delayed. Because so many are AP holders, it's just easier to assume they are than assume they aren't!

I'm glad you are an owner now, I too think it is one of better resorts. Granted I have only stayed at my other home SSR (THV too), BWV and AKV, but I really love the spaciousness and layout of the 1br. I've only stayed in studios at the VGC and don't plan to stay in studios in FL if I can help it, but it's such a nice place, I can't wait to add on more points and hope that I can do it before they sell out!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of it!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Off topic, I apologize...

...but ya gotta find out from your son where exactly we could go to stand outside next to an Oakley sign (preferably for their offices) so we can take pics. I know it's silly but we're avid Oakley wearing people and have been for a long time. Plus, it's just funny to have those random pics like that. ((Somewhere on my external drive I have a pic of me standing by the sign for the QVC offices in San Antonio with my arms Barker's Beauties style to 'sell' the sign....LOL!))

In what part of the country are you wanting to take your picture? It woud be cool if you could get to their offices in Foothill Ranch, really cool facility, and they have an actual tank in the front yard.

Yay on being Oakley wearers, they are really better for your eyes than other brands.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I'm glad I found this report and I love to hear your comparisons to WDW, especially since they are not all "down on DLR", so many of them are. I love WDW, but ever since purchasing at the VGC and staying there, I have found a new love for the place. I used to just come in for 1/2 a day, have lunch, hit a ride or two and leave and started to become jaded, but after owning there and being able to have the immersive experience, I am loving just as much if not more as WDW!

I do have to say that your assesment of F&W is accurate, our festival is much more based on the wine aspect as opposed to the food and that might be why I like it better! Actually, I think our Festival is more geared to the locals. There is much more weight placed on the Signature events, and I know a lot of people who went to all the Winemaker Dinners! The Napa Rose Cooking School is the highlight for me every year, and I don't think the Festival would be the same for me without it. I plan to do the first cooking school every year and I plan my DVC stays that way!

I do wish we could have that stroll and savor aspect, but the darned CA Food police ruin it! I do have to say that there is a big difference in DCA during F&W even though you might not see it, not being a regular and all. Like that big Chef's Showcase tent right in the main hub, usually isn't there throughout the rest of the year! I agree that this year having the wine & spirit tastings in Studio 12 really made it out of the way to find, but I think it was a better location than in the past even if it was out of the way. They could have the tapas (which they had 2 years ago, but not last year). I think in CA all prepared foods must be prepared in a licensed kitchen, otherwise they can only sell, premade things like Mickey Bars, Churros, Corn in a baggie, etc.

As a PP said, they are still working things out, but it gets better and better each year. I'm looking forward to your future days. I think the other thing you keep commenting on about the AP discounts, there are many, many more AP holders since DL is such a local park. I think the CMs have learned to ask about the discount because it saves them time in the long run, if someone forgets until after the sale has been rung up, it is a real PITA and then more people are delayed. Because so many are AP holders, it's just easier to assume they are than assume they aren't!

I'm glad you are an owner now, I too think it is one of better resorts. Granted I have only stayed at my other home SSR (THV too), BWV and AKV, but I really love the spaciousness and layout of the 1br. I've only stayed in studios at the VGC and don't plan to stay in studios in FL if I can help it, but it's such a nice place, I can't wait to add on more points and hope that I can do it before they sell out!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of it!

I would love to do the cooking school next year. I have already booked VGC for a week in mid-May, but I am not sure just how to make sure I am able to get in the class before it fills up.

Regarding the immersive experience~~I am all for it. We only stay on property at WDW and with only two trips behind us to DL, I cannot imagine not staying on property although it would be far easier to do at DL than WDW. To not have to take a bus or monorail or to have to drive to get the Parks is something that WDW regulars just cannot imagine. It just saves so much time in your day that you can use for shopping and eating. At WDW, it just means you have to spend at few extra days to get it all done, which is a good thing, too.

We have stayed in all DVC resorts with the exception of Vero Beach, and VGC is quickly becoming my favorite, although it will take a lot to knock Old Key West off the top spot--totally different experience, but they are the largest of all the villas and have full-sized fridges and washer/dryers. OKW was our first DVC resort and will probably always be our most favorite because of that. I know you are aware that you need to move quickly if you wish more VGC points before they are gone, good luck with that decision.

I certainly hope nothing I have said would come across as "down" on DL, but it is hard to not make comparisons. I really feel that the imagineers for WDW were able to learn from the DL experience, and it would have been a shame if they had not made a lot of things better than DL, but DL will also be the original and the first. So far, I love both resorts for various reasons and feel so lucky to be able to visit both. Each park gives a different experience and should be enjoyed for what they have to offer, imho.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

DL, Day 5, Thursday

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you that have stuck around for my ramblings. I think I have done this report more for myself than anything else, but I do hope that there are some WDW vets out that are thinking about a DL trip that may be picking up some useful tips and information.

Popcorn, Dole Pineapple Whip, Mickey Bar, they do have these in DL, don't they?

How had I gotten so far along in this trip with none of the above food items? This had to be rectified soon. So here were my missions for the day:

get my jacket back
Dole pineapple whip
Disney popcorn
premium Mickey bar

Out thru DTD where we saw this familiar site, it had been parked along the curb most every day during our stay. Looks like the electric cars we have seen over at Celebration.

We started out with a stop at Lost and Found to pick up my jacket that I had left somewhere in Toontown a couple of days ago. We were greeted by

and a helpful cast Member, retrieved the jacket and we were soon on our way. I was really thankful to whoever turned it in as I didn't expect to see it again.

We then headed into DL and I wanted to catch another ride on Indiana Jones. It is at this point I find out that my DH is not overly fond of the ride, not sure why, he won't say if it is the jerkiness or if it just doesn't appeal to him. It is one of the few thrill rides (considered so by me anyway) that I can ride and enjoy. We head around to get a FP and possibly the stand-by line wouldn't be too bad. Almost as soon as we got the FP, the ride went down. We then went around to check out Frontierland a little more.

I have to say, I think this is one of the prettiest areas of all DL, in particular the area around Rancho Del Zocarro (right name?) the flowers and the murals on the walls of the buildings are just lovely. I wish we had tried the restaurant, but maybe next trip.

Made our way back around, got my Dole pineapple whip, which I have to say is different than WDW. They do not have the pineapple/vanilla swirl that I love, DLs is simply pineapple all the way. I still enjoyed every bite. Back to check on Indy, still down, so we went around to Snow White~~

and took a few more shots around the castle, here is one of my favorites~~

Back to Indy and it had just gotten back up and running, so I got in my final ride:

I remembered from my research that the Golden Hourseshoe sometimes had shows, so we headed back to Frontierland and it seems we got there just as a show was ending. We got a seat up front and waited for the next one. Not quite ready for lunch we just had lemonades and shared some fries, also got the 15% discount off food here.

The show that day was Billy Hill and the Hillbillies and we enjoyed it tremendously. It is nothing like the show we used to have at the Diamond Horseshoe at WDW, but still a good one and makes me wish we still had a show at WDW.

These guys really put on a fun performance~~

Here is the new paddle wheel on the newly refurbished Mark Twain, she is a fine looking vessel~~

Got my scoop of popcorn (same container as WDW, and I am ready for some new designs as I bring them home and enjoy popcorn at the office) and another task crossed off the mission list.

We took a ride with this lady on her little yellow car and she told us a lot of the history behind it. I saw her driving it every day we were in DL, back and forth from the train station to the hub. She could not tell us how many trips she makes a day, but she said she was either at the train station or the hub about every 5-7 minutes.

One difference we noticed in DL and WDW is that they only run the main street transportation at WDW in the mornings and when it is not terribly crowded. DL runs their transportation the entire day, at least during daylight hours.

We left DL and strolled thru CA. We started looking for something for lunch. I wanted to eat at the Trattoria, but when we got there, it was closed for refurbishment, getting ready for the WOC and the special offerings, I guess. I just thought I had seen it open earlier in the week, but I may be mistaken.

We then went around to the wharf area to potentially get a soup bread bowl. Made a stop in the ladies room and you won't believe what happened next.

As I approached the sink to wash my hands, there was an elderly woman standing there in a beautiful traditional yellow Sari. As I got up close, I noticed something sitting on the counter between our two sinks. Once I got closer, I saw that this woman had taken out her teeth :bugeyed:, full set of uppers and lowers and they were just sitting on the counter by the sink. Not on a paper towel, but directly on the counter while she was rinsing out her mouth. This may not bother some people, but it grossed me out. I am just not used to seeing peoples chompers sitting there looking back at me.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Day 5, Thursday, continued:

After laughing a good bit about what I had just seen, we grabbed a quick bite of lunch at the Farmers Market. Kind of surprised I was still hungry after the teeth incident. We both had the lemonade and a chicken wrap with grapes, etc, as I recall. It was tasty and we both enjoyed it. I unrolled mine and just ate the filling. There were also some fries included, but they weren't crispy, so I passed on those. Lunch total for the two of us with 15% discount was $18.75.

From there I wanted to check out Bugs Land to see if It's Tough to be a Bug was any different than WDW. Nope it is jut the same, fun as usual, but Bugs Land is cute as can be. Very well done, kid friendly and such a pretty area.

I loved all the flowers that were planted. They were in full bloom and just beautiful. They probably stay in full bloom year round in this climate, where they would only last for the summer here at home. There were even some lemon trees that had the biggest lemons on them. Not Disney lemons, but real lemons, and I was sorely tempted to reach over and pick one, but if I had seen someone else doing that I would have thought ugly of them, so I left all the lemons right where I originally saw them, attached to a limb.

Sure wish I could say this was in my yard. I do love flowers, but the thing I grow best is crabgrass.

The above is bug speak for "Cast Members Only".

From there went in the direction of Soarin'. We watched the people fall down GRR for a while and enjoyed the landscaping and theming around GRR. I have heard the drop on GRR is worse than our Kali River Rapids, and has made me a bit afraid to give it a try. My excuse is that there wasn't a day that I was prepared to get too wet , so maybe I will give it a try on another trip.

We approached the Soarin' area and there was Aviatrix Minnie in her adorable costume. Some people are jealous of Minnie, but I think she is adorable and I was thrilled there was an opportunity to get a picture with her. After all these years, to find a character in a costume I had not seen before was a treat, and I was so excited to get in line for this.

After we had been in line for about 5 minutes or so, the Cast Member tells us that Goofy will be coming out shortly and taking Minnies place. You could tell that everyone was wanting their pic with Minnie, and we were encouraging those in front of us to move along quickly so we wouldn't miss out. Oh boy, I was next. The people in front of me went up, got their pictures, and here comes Goofy. Oh geez, come on, let's hurry up here.

I rushed up to the Photopass person to hand him my card and he is fiddling with getting a new card for the people that were ahead of me. He finally took my card, and I turn around, and here is this woman and her daughter standing there with Minnie, smiling so nicely for the camera. okepoke: And then Minnie leaves. What in the world just happened? I cannot tell you how bummed I was.

I stood there with my mouth open and then I think I said something not very pleasant at all, but I don't remember what it was. The woman turned and said something like she thought I was with the other people, all the while, she is scurrying away as fast as she can with her daughter and looking over her shoulder as if I might come after her :box: I sure thought about it, but then I figured it would be better if I just pouted. Pouted like a two year old because I knew this opportunity would not happen again during this trip. Second pouting episode of this trip for me, but that is far better than showing my temper. My mistake was trying to hand the photographer my Photopass card before the picture was taken, and I promise I won't be doing that again. Pouted all the way thru the lobby.

Back to the room and a little break and then we needed to figure out what we would be doing for dinner We eventually agreed that we both could go back to Naples for some more of that delicious pizza. This time we were seated upstairs. It had been closed last night for a private party. Ordered the same thing, it was almost as good, not quite, and the bill was $5.00 more, go figure. The only reason the pizza was not quite as good was that the crust was a little crispy, very dark brown in some spots. I now understand that is common for neapolitan pizza, and it has been suggested that I make sure we ask for it not to be as charred the next time.

There was a group of four, what I think were high school girls sitting at the table next to us, extremely loud and rude. They ticked off the balloon animal guy, he stomped off, and they seemed to give the waiter a hard time too. We almost clapped when they left.

We needed to do some last minute shopping, for ourselves this time, so I didn't take the leftover pizza with us to give to the bellmen. Felt bad about it, but I knew I could not shop while carrying a pizza box. Ended up buying one Minnie t-shirt and two sweatshirts with the huge "55" patches on it. All in all, shopping at WDW is far better, imho, than at DL. I had to search hard for anything I wanted to buy, and that normally is not the case at all. It could be that WDW is just so much bigger and that there are so many more opportunities there. A lot of people at WDW complain that the rides always dump them out into a gift shop, but that isn't a problem for me.

We enjoyed all the live music they have at DTD. I don't recall ever seeing performers at WDWs DTD, but every night we went into DTD, there were performers there and they were usually selling their cd's. etc. There was a fellow playing the hammer dulcimer right outside WOD, and that was just delightful. I wish I had bought one of his cd's, but I was tired and ready to get off my feet.

Shopping done, back to the room to think about packing up as we were checking out tomorrow and will only have a half day in DL before our son picks us up for the weekend.

But, is our Disney vacation really over? We have done a lot, but who is ever ready to leave no matter how much time they have?

 

[franandaj]

I would love to do the cooking school next year. I have already booked VGC for a week in mid-May, but I am not sure just how to make sure I am able to get in the class before it fills up.

If you already know the dates that you're going to be there, around mid January check www.disneyland.com/foodandwine and by then they should have the registration date listed. Be sure to be there at 10AM Pacific Time when registration opens with your credit card in hand. That's how I've gotten in each year.

Also if you bought an AP they may offer AP holder the opportunity to register for selected events (winemaker dinners and taste) early at a discount. They'll send you the link in that email if they do it again. The cooking school wasn't offered for early discount registration, but as long as you do it as soon as it opens, you'll be OK. Only one session this year sold out in three hours, the others were open for a couple weeks before they filled up.

Supposedly the first weekend will be April 29-May 1 next year.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Right now we have the third week of May booked, so I guess if I looked at this year's schedule I could get a good idea of what to expect for classes for that same week next year.

We have not even eaten at Napa Rose, but from all I have seen and read, I think the cooking class would be a wonderful experience.

 

[franandaj]

Right now we have the third week of May booked, so I guess if I looked at this year's schedule I could get a good idea of what to expect for classes for that same week next year.

We have not even eaten at Napa Rose, but from all I have seen and read, I think the cooking class would be a wonderful experience.

The cooking school is almost every Saturday during the festival. The only Saturdays that it was not offered, Chef Sutton was doing a WineMaker Dinner that evening. I would suggest that if you do it, plan to eat at the Restaurant on your stay before the class. Sit at the Chef's Counter for the best view of what goes on.

I think you had read my F&W TR where I had pictures from the three years that I have done the cooking school. It was the most awesome experience!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yes, I did, and that is what instigated my interest.

I have my villa booked for Sunday-Thursday, not because of cheaper points as I know that the points chart has changed for next year, but it worked well for us last trip to fly in, spend the weekend with my son and his wife, spend the week at DL while they were at work, and then spend the following weekend with the kids again.

If the class starts early, I may need to think about changing my ressie to add the following weekend, too, rather than driving in from Rancho Santa Margarita. I just think it would be easier to be staying on site the day of the class.

 

[franandaj]

If the class starts early, I may need to think about changing my ressie to add the following weekend, too, rather than driving in from Rancho Santa Margarita. I just think it would be easier to be staying on site the day of the class.

The class starts at 10 (probably not early for you coming from the East Coast!) and it says that it will go until 1PM, but every year I've been there until 3PM whether it is just lingering with classmates, getting autographs from the staff, or whatever, if you plan to leave by 1PM, you'll be disappointed, that is usually when we begin the dessert demo.

I agree with you that the Sweet Sundays are a bit overpriced, I did it last year and thought at $40 it was overpriced, at $70 we took a pass this year.