tksbaskets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2002
It's hard to believe it's almost been a month since our wonderful vacation to Disney Land. We arrived 12/26 and journeyed back home 1/1/2010. I'm hoping you'll enjoy our trip report and perhaps pick up a tip or two to help you with your own magical vacations!
Our family: DH who is my best friend and humors my planning and DIS board addiction! DSs- "Donald" and "Grumpy" who are 18 yo now and freshmen in college. They say if we keep planning the vacations they'll keep coming. I can't imagine Disney without them. Me - you won't see me in many pictures as I'm usually behind the camera but love Disney and have a special affection for DL! We are DVC owners at the Boardwalk. Best decision we ever made for our vacation dollars.
Day 1 - Did someone try to light their pants on fire at Detroit Metro Airport??
We arrived at DTW at 6 am for our 8:55 am flight and could not believe our eyes when we saw the lines for baggage claim and security. Having spent Christmas evening packing (NO one in my family started packing before that) we hadn't quite kept up on national security. After standing in a non-moving line for almost 45 minutes I was lucky enough to secure a sky cap to check our bags. We had just enough time to go through security and pick up a delish - not- breakfast from McDonalds at the airport. Not quite the leisurely breakfast at the Coney Island at the McNamara terminal we were planning on but we were happy to be aboard our flight and on our way to California!
Arrival at LAX
Smooth flight. I had booked Execu-car after reading some reviews here on the DIS boards. When we got our bags I called the number on our information and only waited about 15 minutes to be picked up outside our terminal. We were very pleased with this service and would recommend them to others.
My guys waiting for our 'town car'
Our driver didn't have a personality (I don't think he said two words to us) but the car was clean and we were driven straight to the Grand Californian Hotel!
We last visited the GCH June of 2008 as part of our land/cruise vacation when the Disney Magic sailed out of California. We stayed this visit on points but not in one of the villas. Now that is is an official vacation club there are some 'welcome home' touches.
Arriving at the entrance:
The car says 'Welcome home' and is decorated for the holidays:
We had some holiday magic as our room was ready! We were assigned room 4251 in a brand new section. Some room pictures for you:
Doesn't take my men long to get comfy and secure the TV clicker
Our view (standard view room)
Proof that I do exist as well as showing the great flat screen TV and fridge.
Vanity area:
Do I need to tell you what this is??
After a short visit by the Disney Security Castmembers we had our safe all re-set, our ipods stowed and were ready to head down to White Water Snacks for some much needed fuel!
Up Next: WWS, a bit of DTD, dinner at Storyteller's Cafe, and preparations for our first day at DL!
Our family: DH who is my best friend and humors my planning and DIS board addiction! DSs- "Donald" and "Grumpy" who are 18 yo now and freshmen in college. They say if we keep planning the vacations they'll keep coming. I can't imagine Disney without them. Me - you won't see me in many pictures as I'm usually behind the camera but love Disney and have a special affection for DL! We are DVC owners at the Boardwalk. Best decision we ever made for our vacation dollars.
Day 1 - Did someone try to light their pants on fire at Detroit Metro Airport??
We arrived at DTW at 6 am for our 8:55 am flight and could not believe our eyes when we saw the lines for baggage claim and security. Having spent Christmas evening packing (NO one in my family started packing before that) we hadn't quite kept up on national security. After standing in a non-moving line for almost 45 minutes I was lucky enough to secure a sky cap to check our bags. We had just enough time to go through security and pick up a delish - not- breakfast from McDonalds at the airport. Not quite the leisurely breakfast at the Coney Island at the McNamara terminal we were planning on but we were happy to be aboard our flight and on our way to California!
Arrival at LAX
Smooth flight. I had booked Execu-car after reading some reviews here on the DIS boards. When we got our bags I called the number on our information and only waited about 15 minutes to be picked up outside our terminal. We were very pleased with this service and would recommend them to others.
My guys waiting for our 'town car'
Our driver didn't have a personality (I don't think he said two words to us) but the car was clean and we were driven straight to the Grand Californian Hotel!
We last visited the GCH June of 2008 as part of our land/cruise vacation when the Disney Magic sailed out of California. We stayed this visit on points but not in one of the villas. Now that is is an official vacation club there are some 'welcome home' touches.
Arriving at the entrance:
The car says 'Welcome home' and is decorated for the holidays:
We had some holiday magic as our room was ready! We were assigned room 4251 in a brand new section. Some room pictures for you:
Doesn't take my men long to get comfy and secure the TV clicker
Our view (standard view room)
Proof that I do exist as well as showing the great flat screen TV and fridge.
Vanity area:
Do I need to tell you what this is??
After a short visit by the Disney Security Castmembers we had our safe all re-set, our ipods stowed and were ready to head down to White Water Snacks for some much needed fuel!
Up Next: WWS, a bit of DTD, dinner at Storyteller's Cafe, and preparations for our first day at DL!