PHXscuba's Club 33 Christmas

[PHXscuba]

I don't know that my "AP Bucket List" is a definitive list of things that should be done at Disneyland -- there are a lot of things I love that aren't on that list, but I got to do them in March already. I'm sure I will still ride Star Tours, eat a Tigger Tail, see the fireworks, etc. The list is more focused on things I didn't get to last trip, or have never done, or could only justify doing if I were there solo or at least with just grown-ups.

If you remember in my TR, I ate at Flo's when I wasn't feeling too well and just had a kids meal. The food did look really good and I'd like to try a real meal on a future trip!

The Plaza for breakfast is a character meal and I am trying to get away from them given the price -- and my family are not big breakfast eaters either. I have heard that the Minnie and Friends Breakfast has a ton of characters!

PHXscuba

p.s. Thanks to Lynne for my 400th TR post!! Although I think I made about half of the posts, it's still an accomplishment for my first ever TR!

 

[kaoden39]

I am not fond of the character breakfasts either. To me the cost isn't really worth it. If I want to eat breakfast in the park I am more apt to want to eat at the Carnation Cafe or the Riverbelle Terrace. They both have great breakfasts at a much cheaper price.

I think that having a bucket or a wish list is fun. It is a great way to build excitement towards a trip.

 

[PHXscuba]

I am not fond of the character breakfasts either. To me the cost isn't really worth it. If I want to eat breakfast in the park I am more apt to want to eat at the Carnation Cafe or the Riverbelle Terrace. They both have great breakfasts at a much cheaper price.

I think that having a bucket or a wish list is fun. It is a great way to build excitement towards a trip.

... and I am definitely the list-maker type. If I don't have a few things mapped out they don't happen. I let myself get distracted during the last trip and missed the day that the Voices of Liberty were out. I loved them at WDW and now they have gone back and I won't get to see them at DLR. Some things only happen at certain times or on certain days, especially during the off season or at holiday times.

I might add a couple characters to my list. My family isn't big on waiting in a lot of lines for them, but I might if it's just me, just for fun!

PHXscuba

 

[kaoden39]

Characters are so much fun! I know what you mean about having lists so you don't forget things. The last time we were there the lists stayed in the bottom of my purse. There were so many things that we didn't do. One thing we did do was the Lily Belle and I am so glad we did.

 

[PHXscuba]

Ooo! I am going to put the Lily Belle on my list. It might not happen, but I won't think to look for it or ask unless I write it down.

Maybe I will try to meet some villains if I go at Halloween time. They are always so much fun. I'd love to chat with Cruella de Ville!

PHXscuba

 

[PHXscuba]

From the crazy Disney-life at my house:

DD13 and DS8 are both watching The Little Mermaid up in the loft. The power of Disney to bring siblings together!

DS8 saw a Hidden Mickey in his friend's woodpile today. And told me his favorite Disney ride is Expedition Everest at Disney World. He said he is looking forward riding Rockin' Rollercoaster at WDW someday. I have no idea how long until we will go back to WDW, but we will!

My one girly indulgence is a regular pedicure and I picked out a fun red and white glitter to go over blue polish (patriotic!). Only then did the pedicurist tell me the sparkle was OPI Minnie Style, from the Minnie Mouse collection (you can Google it). Even when I'm not trying, I can't ditch Disney!

PHXscuba

 

[Lynne G]

From the crazy Disney-life at my house:

DD13 and DS8 are both watching The Little Mermaid up in the loft. The power of Disney to bring siblings together!

DS8 saw a Hidden Mickey in his friend's woodpile today. And told me his favorite Disney ride is Expedition Everest at Disney World. He said he is looking forward riding Rockin' Rollercoaster at WDW someday. I have no idea how long until we will go back to WDW, but we will!

My one girly indulgence is a regular pedicure and I picked out a fun red and white glitter to go over blue polish (patriotic!). Only then did the pedicurist tell me the sparkle was OPI Minnie Style, from the Minnie Mouse collection (you can Google it). Even when I'm not trying, I can't ditch Disney!

PHXscuba

Cute! I put some small dark blue rinestones to make a mickey head on DD's sparkly clear polished toe. She loved it. I am not creative with nail poilsh. We have an OPI Disney polish set. It is bold colors. Only because I had a coupon at the store it sold at. Expensive.

We have some Disney movies, but they don't get played that much anymore. Went to the movies to see Ironman 3 a few week-ends ago. It was good, though I thougut a bit too long and too corny at times. Oh well, the kids really enjoyed it. My kids will watch the same movie most of the time, even though they are 4 years apart in age and boy and girl.

Yeah, the other day, DD was plotting what rides she wants to do in CA. She didn't try the Mickey Wheel the last time, but she wants to this time. I hate ferris wheels, but I told her if she wants the swinging seats, I'll be watching.

For us, the flying cost is so much cheaper to Orlando than the west coast. Interestingly, we may be Orlando bound next year, as USO seems to be a permanent add on to where ever else we stay the majority at. Depends I guess on what discounts WDW does in '14. WDW is so much larger than DL.

 

[PHXscuba]

Cute! I put some small dark blue rinestones to make a mickey head on DD's sparkly clear polished toe. She loved it. I am not creative with nail poilsh. We have an OPI Disney polish set. It is bold colors. Only because I had a coupon at the store it sold at. Expensive.

We have some Disney movies, but they don't get played that much anymore. Went to the movies to see Ironman 3 a few week-ends ago. It was good, though I thougut a bit too long and too corny at times. Oh well, the kids really enjoyed it. My kids will watch the same movie most of the time, even though they are 4 years apart in age and boy and girl.

Yeah, the other day, DD was plotting what rides she wants to do in CA. She didn't try the Mickey Wheel the last time, but she wants to this time. I hate ferris wheels, but I told her if she wants the swinging seats, I'll be watching.

For us, the flying cost is so much cheaper to Orlando than the west coast. Interestingly, we may be Orlando bound next year, as USO seems to be a permanent add on to where ever else we stay the majority at. Depends I guess on what discounts WDW does in '14. WDW is so much larger than DL.

Ugh, Mickey's Not-So-Fun Wheel. The swinging cars are really an ... experience. If you hate Ferris wheels definitely do not do the swinging cars! I got lucky that my family decided to do it while I was getting RSR FPs.

The prices of flying 6 people to Orlando vs. driving to CA is a big reason we go to Disneyland every year or two, and WDW rarely. Although I'm already missing WDW even though we were just there less than 2 years ago. (I've GOT to stop reading Disney blogs!) I'd like to take one more big family trip right after DS16's graduation in a year, but the location is very much up in the air. I don't even want to discuss it with DH yet for fear he will just latch onto one idea and then I will be locked into it! DS may get a vote, but it's not a blank check by any means.

PHXscuba

p.s. Reading what I wrote above, I may do a post on Disneyland-related blogs/sites I use.

 

[kaoden39]

I actually rather like Mickey's "Fun" Wheel. Only if I am in the stable car or at least mostly stable car. The other one forget it, it will never happen.

 

[cptmemo]

I have now read through this entire thread. Super excited for our family trip in 2 weeks. Thanks for sharing so much about yours! yay!

mary

 

[PHXscuba]

I have now read through this entire thread. Super excited for our family trip in 2 weeks. Thanks for sharing so much about yours! yay!

mary

... and I am super-jealous that you get to go so soon! I will be in SoCal in July but probably can't sneak off to DLR without a mutiny. At least during the fall I can tell the kids they have to stay in school!

Have an awesome trip; I hope reading about ours kept your excitement up!

PHXscuba

 

[rentayenta]

I love the Disney touches in daily life. From pedicures to movies to Mickey pancakes and hidden Mickeys. Makes the time between trips less painful. I'm on a Mouseworld, Live 365 Radio kick. When the Indy theme comes on, I get absolutely giddy.

Love your AP bucket list. Getting another AP to Disneyland is on my bucket list.

 

[PHXscuba]

This post is more "icing" than trip-specific, so read at your own peril.

The time between my Disney trips sometimes seems like forever (draw out that word to about 10 whiny syllables and you'll sound like DS8). So I pass the time by reading Disney stuff online. Probably more than I should.

The DIS boards are hands-down my go-to site for the best, most up-to-date accurate information on Disneyland. By regularly reading the Disneyland forum, many of my questions are answered before I even think to ask them! A lot of blogs I read are about Disney, but many are mostly focused on Disney World. Most of you probably know the biggies: Touring Plans, MouseSavers, the official Disney Parks blog, AllEars menus.


These I will mention are mostly focused on Disneyland and have some interesting extras for a Disneyland fan:

Mouse Troop -- Bonus points for posting fairly regularly. Usually just a little nugget from the parks for a Disney fix. He's had some funny cartoons in the past.

Tours Departing Daily -- Beautiful HDR photography. Some of their photos are downloadable for computer/device wallpaper.

Mice Chat blog -- Some great behind the scenes articles. I like that they are more Disneyland-centered with a side of WDW. They are also one of the few to also cover Knott's, Sea World, and Magic Mountain.

DaveLand blog -- Great old photos of Disneyland for those of us who grew up at/near the park.

Some others I like to read regularly for all things Disney are Disney Tourist Blog, Disney Food Blog, Theme Park Insider and Couponing to Disney (more couponing than Disney, but we have the same goal!)

One more off-the-wall choice: Easy WDW. It has absolutely nothing to do with Disneyland, but if you have any interest in WDW it is hilarious. It's like an ongoing trip report from your goofy brother-in-law. Kind of an acquired taste, but the writing is funny and the pictures really make you feel like you are there. He also has great common-sense touring plan ideas.


PHXscuba

 

[Lynne G]

I guess I must have a quirky sense of humor, but I really enjoy Josh's blog. Some of his pictures are beautiful. Advice is helpful too.

I will have to check out some of the other ones you listed. I am not the most eager surfer.

Putting away DD's stuff the other day, and saw her Minnie ears. Memories. Do not think she will wear again. Cute when she was younger. When she saw the world of color bracelet, I told her we can bring it to use in the park. Of which she promptly said, couldn't I buy a different color? I said I was not sure as it was in our picnic meal. Since I did not think the meals were good or worth the money, not doing again. That did not dissuade her. One is enough, so even if we do see it, it will be a no.

 

[PHXscuba]

I guess I must have a quirky sense of humor, but I really enjoy Josh's blog. Some of his pictures are beautiful. Advice is helpful too.

I will have to check out some of the other ones you listed. I am not the most eager surfer.

Putting away DD's stuff the other day, and saw her Minnie ears. Memories. Do not think she will wear again. Cute when she was younger. When she saw the world of color bracelet, I told her we can bring it to use in the park. Of which she promptly said, couldn't I buy a different color? I said I was not sure as it was in our picnic meal. Since I did not think the meals were good or worth the money, not doing again. That did not dissuade her. One is enough, so even if we do see it, it will be a no.

I know nothing about the WoC bracelets but that seems like a DIS-type question someone might know if you asked.

I have never had a pair of Mickey ears! I'm sure my frugal parents thought they were a waste of money when I was a child, and now I have trouble convincing myself that I should spend souvenir money on something that will mostly just get dusty. My kids have never asked for them as a souvenir, although DD13 has a plushy Minnie headband (seen on me in the very first post of this TR). Hmmm ... maybe a headband-style of ears would be more practical. See, this is why we interact on the DIS, to inspire good ideas! ... and spend more money and time at DL!

PHXscuba

 

[PHXscuba]

OK, mini update, if only to keep the thread from falling off the page!

We are sweltering here in AZ (over 105 most days this week) and I would love to be in CA!! DH and DS(now 17!) are headed to Catalina for a week at the Scout camp there to do SCUBA. Younger kids and I will probably go for a week in July but likely no Disneyland. I have a museum pass that we will probably use to get in free at several in OC and LA.

I finally have mostly-official info from DS17's band for the fall! It took them a long time figure it out because they were waiting on the district for a final budget, district was waiting on the state, etc. The last two weeks in September still look good for me to sneak away to DLR and call it a birthday trip (I think as long as you're within a week or so of your birthday it's a birthday trip!)

The band usually goes to CA for their fall tour and does a competition there, plus time at DL two of the last three years. The band info said no Disney this fall because it would raise the trip price almost $200 per kid! I guess it's the ticket plus the bus plus extra time in CA. Interesting side note: In our district, they can't do "entertainment" on field trips during school hours, so they couldn't go to the park until 3:00 even if they had time!

I am going to give you some bonus photos of my kids. They are Disney-related because they did the Cinderella ballet for the recital this year.

DD11 was a village girl for ballet and also a jester at the ball with her crazy tumbling friends. We have to get her feet (and the rest of her) to grow in the next year if she wants to be on pointe!

DD13 was the dance instructor trying in vain to get the stepsisters ready for the ball. She was also a village girl for clogging and a lady of the court. My friend backstage with me said she looked like she was born for pointe shoes and I will have to agree with her.

DS17 is amazing. His sisters talked him into being the prince because we have no big boys in the studio. His role is more being dragged around by the stepsisters and escorting Cinderella than real dancing. Someone was giving me a little grief about him being in the dance and I told them I thought it was one of the manliest things he could do -- make a girl's dream of being a princess come true.

I made the programs, stage-manage in the wings, and direct traffic. The hardest part about being backstage is that I can't cheer when they are amazing. But there is definitely some silent celebration dancing going on!

Thanks for indulging me if you made it to this point ... I am busting with pride for my kids.

PHXscuba

 

[PHXscuba]

Some random Dis-ness from around here ...

I finally got the movie "Enchanted" on DVD last week and it has been watched twice already. I think it's underrated -- it's a sly twist on the "classic" tales and has one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful love songs, "So Close." Even when I don't watch the whole thing with the kids, I keep my ears open and have to watch that scene.

DD13 and her cousin are running "Princess camp" at our house several afternoons this week. That means I have a half-dozen little girls in Disney princess dresses sitting on my living room floor right now playing Princess and the Pea (why hasn't Disney made that into a movie, btw?)

DS17 and DH are in Catalina right now, Under the Sea with the fishies doing SCUBA diving. I am missing my two drivers this week.

Sneak peek: I found a frame at Kohls for my collection of trip photos! Soon I will post a picture and re-post the photos I used in it. It will hang in the loft with the other family trip frames.

Have a magical day!!

PHXscuba

 

[kaoden39]

I have a bit of Dis-Ness to add just for fun. We are busy planning for the house rebuild and part of that is planning on how we are decorating the rooms. We are going to do two of our three bathrooms Disney. The upstairs bathroom is going to be Villain related and the bathroom our daughters will be using is going to be Disney Princesses.

 

[PHXscuba]

I have a bit of Dis-Ness to add just for fun. We are busy planning for the house rebuild and part of that is planning on how we are decorating the rooms. We are going to do two of our three bathrooms Disney. The upstairs bathroom is going to be Villain related and the bathroom our daughters will be using is going to be Disney Princesses.

OOO Villains! I'm seeing lots of red and black, the Queen of Hearts, from Alice, Jafar, Cruella, Captain Hook, Chernabog, Shan Yu. Or purple -- Malificent, Ursula, Facilier, Yzma, etc. The great thing about a bathroom is that you can do it up a bit because you don't spend a lot of time in there. And keeping Disney alive in the day-to-day keeps us all going when the trips are far apart!

Lats fall, I wanted to redo the bathroom my sons share in classic Mickey -- red, yellow, black, and white -- but DS17 vetoed it. Instead it's boring blue and brown stripes.

I am sad both of my DDs aren't into princesses anymore. It's such a short time they stay little.

Good luck with the rebuild!

PHXscuba

 

[kaoden39]

I am leaning towards the purple side. But, I am building it around these decals on the walls. I am going with white walls and putting the decals on them. I plan to accent with a dark purple if I can find one. My girls are 19 and 20 so there is still hope for you on the Princess love.


I am great for colors of the paint and all that but when it comes to my cabinets and flooring through out the house I am overwhelmed. I went to Lowe's to get ideas of different cabinets yesterday and left with 5 catalogs and I am more confused than I was to begin with. I need to decide what I am going to do because demolition is going really well now that they started it.