Pre-Trip Report – Gidget is Going to Disneyland!

[Gidget]

Hello!!! While I am familiar with DISboards, I only just registered, but let me tell you I’m loving every minute of being “official” and now here is my very first pre-trip report!!!!

Let’s start with the Who, When, Where, Why and What:

Who:

Me – Gidget - 36 – Mama to 4, love, love, love all things Disney, planner of trips, organizer of all - I love being in charge!

DH – 42 - I guess you can say he’s my Moon Doggie – Tolerates my Disney habit, facilitates trips (he drives), fixer of all things that needs fixing. Oh and BIG, BIG, BIG Four Wheelin' - Off Roadin - Rock Crawlin dude!!! He goes where no man, woman, child, animal large or small, should go.

DD 13 – LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Jack Skellington – huge fan of Tim Burton – would like to move to Disneyland and live in NOS (will be turning 14 during our trip!!!)

DD12 – Collector of Minnie dolls & Disney snow globes, my Sun Wheel partner (non motion), my 2nd in planning and organizing - also loves being in charge – a mini me!

DS 10 – Stitch & Goofy fan – a little skeptical of Tower of Terror (hope he try’s it this trip) LOVES California Screamin’ - go figure.

Hey that’s only three kids – oh DS18, also loves Disney, alas not along for this trip.

When:

August 17-22, 2009

Where:

Disneyland Hotel (I can’t believe it – I’m too excited)

Why:

We’ve been away from Disney tooooooooo long – October 2007 – I know, so long ago – please talk amongst yourselves, while I take a moment to compose….

What:

Why 5 days of Magical Goodness of course!!!!!

We knew we were going to Disneyland this year, because I’m fixin’ to explode if we don’t. Everyone had an opinion as to when. DH "Christmas time", both DDs "Not during school" – they have too much to make up when they go – I know, middle schoolers, sheesh. DS says, “Anytime is a good time”. So at the time Christmas break it was decided!

We usually stay in our motorhome at Anaheim Resort RV Park - huge shout out to the folks there! Great RV Park, quiet, secluded not far from Disneyland – love it, love it, LOVE IT!!!! But I thought, maybe I could talk DH into a magical stay in the DLH – we now take you back in time to that day:



Me: DH, I know we had originally thought Christmas time would be the best time for our Disneyland trip.

DH: yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa????

Me: But look at this deal on the website. (The sound of horse hooves and Cinderella’s carriage can be heard/seen arriving)

DH: Wow, that is completely reasonable…(Dumbo then dramatically flies by with the 5 day for the price of 3 promotion)

Me: You know it would be for both DD and my birthday (we are a week apart) I would be willing to sacrifice our San Diego trip (originally planned for August) and forego going to Disneyland in December, if we can book this trip in August!

We then had a family vote, pretty much 4 to 1, Disneyland in August here we come!!!!

Tomorrow I start making my dining ressies!!!

Next up – gameplan!!!

 

[DLR29]

First of all....

to the DIS!!! I know you will find (especially the DLR) the boards very helpful and friendly.

Sounds like the start of a great trip. Since you haven't been since 07, you most definitely HAVE to ride Toy Story Midway Mania at DCA. It's the most addicting, fun, and unique ride ever. You'll want to ride it over and over, I guarantee. And how cool that you'll be celebrating 2 birthdays! And what better place to go?

 

[PirateFish989]

I agree with DLR29 - Toy Story Midway Mania is AMAZING! The best ride/game ever. It can't compete with anything else.

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[kaoden39]

Hello Gidget!

I am belted in and going to come along on this trip!

 

[Gidget]

First of all....

to the DIS!!! I know you will find (especially the DLR) the boards very helpful and friendly.

Sounds like the start of a great trip. Since you haven't been since 07, you most definitely HAVE to ride Toy Story Midway Mania at DCA. It's the most addicting, fun, and unique ride ever. You'll want to ride it over and over, I guarantee. And how cool that you'll be celebrating 2 birthdays! And what better place to go?

I agree with DLR29 - Toy Story Midway Mania is AMAZING! The best ride/game ever. It can't compete with anything else.

Looking forward to reading more!

Hello Gidget!

I am belted in and going to come along on this trip!

Thank you!!! Everyone on DIS seems like one big happy family! And Family gives the best advice!!!! Toy Story Mania is definitely very high on our list! We are such Disney fans, Disneyland is the best present we could ask for!!

We can't wait - Part of getting ready for the trip includes trying to re-watch as many Disney movies as possible before we go!!!! We currently have 110!!!


Thanks to everyone for joining!!!!! I hope I don't disappoint!

 

[Gidget]

: When we last met, we had decided to visit “The Happiest Place on Earth” in August 2009 and we booked the DLH through Costco Travel, which happened to include in the price a character breakfast of our choice (when pricing through AAA, it was the SAME price – I was sold!!!

Now – I must make a confession – we did not last go to Disneyland in 2007 – it was 2006. I don’t know how I made such an error (maybe it was a coping mechanism to help me deal with how long it really has been).

We had gone at the end of 2005 around Christmas time and bought annual passes, so we went 2 more times before they expired in 2006. Here are some pics from Christmas and around Halloween 2006 which was fabulous!!!:

Key for pics:
DH - John
Me - Martha
DS-Brandon
DD - Halie
DD - Bri
DS -Jacob

Jacob, Bri & Halie

A Wild Ride!!!

Bri, Halie, Me, Jacob

Bri & Jacob

Brandon, Halie, Me, John Jacob Bri & Dear Friends

October 2006

BR: Brandon in shades, Halie, Minnie Mouse , Bri & Jacob - also present dear friends!!

John & Me

Where they belong!

So now since we have not been to Disneyland since 2006 that means we have two rides that will be new to us – Nemo and Toy Story Mania!!!! Woo Hoo!

Our plan is to drive down from Vegas early (6am or 7am) Monday, August 17, stopping in Barstow for some yummy Del Taco (I swear they are the best in the world – Lenwood exit – try it some time!!) (and also stopping off to recycle our cans – gotta love California CRV) and then get to Anaheim as quickly and safely as possible and check in.

I am still not too sure what we will do then – we do have 5 day passes – but I know that Mondays can be busy and we won’t be there to open the park like we usually do, so if we can get in our room maybe we will take a swim or head into DCA or shop. The kids are also very excited to check out the hotel – so that is something we have to do as well! I would love to see the ELP that evening – I think that would be a great way to start the trip!! Please all advice would be appreciated!!!!!

Next up Tuesday - MM:

PS: On DD’s 14th bday, we will be having lunch at Blue Bayou (making PS ressie tomorrow) and on Saturday morning breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen (that way we won’t have to rush to get to the park - since we will be leaving!!).

PPS: Boy posting photos was harder than I thought!!!

Now for some laundry!

 

[kaoden39]

We went in December of 2005 and we stayed at the DLH and it was wonderful. I think booking through Costco is the way to go. I mean you are paying the same amount of money but getting the character meal in the whole process.

 

[Gidget]

We went in December of 2005 and we stayed at the DLH and it was wonderful. I think booking through Costco is the way to go. I mean you are paying the same amount of money but getting the character meal in the whole process.

I can't wait for DLH!!!! The kids and my husband have never stayed there and I haven't stayed since the early 80's!

Costco rocks!!! The character meal included in the package totally clinched the deal for me!!!

 

[kaoden39]

I can't wait for DLH!!!! The kids and my husband have never stayed there and I haven't stayed since the early 80's!

Costco rocks!!! The character meal included in the package totally clinched the deal for me!!!

Well, the DLH is getting a little old around the edges but I love the old lady. I would rather stay there than anywhere else. We have a trip planned for December and we are going to stay at Hojo's. I have been reconsidering planning it for like February so we can stay at the DLH instead. I love all the pixie dust and such at the DLH.

 

[Gidget]

I have made two dining ressies - Blue Bayou on DD13 - 14th Bday - 11:30am - requested waterside - totally will be there early to have a good chance!! And Saturday morning 8:40am - Goofy's Kitchen!!!

We are kicking around a reservation for Rainforest cafe - we have never been and I think we would enjoy the atmosphere, but I have read poor reviews and a co-worker said DON'T DO IT. He swore the food is horrible. Any advice?

The rest of our meals will be CS and maybe off property at some local fast food. We will play it by ear. I am definitely bringing snacks, cereal, milk, pb & j, etc., to help offset costs. We are soooo used to staying in the motorhome and having most meals there - this will be a bit of a challenge. Oh well, thank you Disney Rewards! Not going for sooooooo long, they have added up, so we will definitely use them for meals and souvenirs!!

So for Tuesday - MM - woo hoo!!! We will definitely be up and ready and at the gates saying "open, open, open!!!" We decided to start our day in Fantasyland - Peter Pan first, always first, and then I'm not sure - should we trek over to Nemo and check out the line, stay in Fantasyland and do all the rides there, then head over to Matterhorn, Space, Buzz, etc., etc., - that's where Ridemax could come in. Should we try it? I'm leaning towards it - never have in the past - but I like organization....I'll have to think more on that - have another family vote, get the kiddie's thoughts. Also, included in our package is Toon Town early entry - I was thinking of maybe taking advantage of it on this day - I need to do some more research!!

Soon to come - more pre trippie fun!!! We are getting ready to go camping for a week!!! We can't wait - but I have a ton of pre camping trip stuff still to get done.

 

[Gidget]

Well, the DLH is getting a little old around the edges but I love the old lady. I would rather stay there than anywhere else. We have a trip planned for December and we are going to stay at Hojo's. I have been reconsidering planning it for like February so we can stay at the DLH instead. I love all the pixie dust and such at the DLH.

DLH has been around a loooooooong time, I think the first time I stayed there it was 1977, 1978. It was magical and I totally remember the lush grounds, koi ponds!!! I've read some not so flattering reviews, but then I have read awesome reviews that convinced me that I made the right choice!!

 

[kaoden39]

We haven't had Rain Forest since 2005 and it was good then. You know there is a fast food place at the DLH called Croc Bit N Bites. We swore by it in 2007, it was so nice to pick up the food there and take it upstairs to our room. Another great place was at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Cafe. They have a little take out place connected to their restaurant that has some nice take out meals that we also carried back to our room.

The thing with Croc Bit N Bites is they have Nachos that are big enough to share with someone else. And fries are pretty good. I think the biggest attraction to those for me is that I didn't have to get in my car and go anywhere else. I like to bring snacks and I usually bring Diet Pepsi. If you prefer Pepsi products you better bring them because the only sodas you will find on the resort is Coke products. Another thing people bring is water.

 

[DLR29]

Regarding the Rainforest Cafe, it's not amazing food, but certainly not horrible. The prices might be a bit steep for the quality of the food, but you are also paying for the wonderful atmosphere. Our family likes it, and we are even Rainforest Cafe club members.

For MM, I recommend using it all to do the Fantasyland rides, especially Peter Pan (peter pan always first, you got it), Mr. Toad, Matterhorn, and Alice. Save BLAB and Space for later because you can always grab a FP if the line is too long. And by the time that you finish Peter Pan, Nemo's line might be a bit lengthy. Try Nemo first thing on another morning (MM or not), late late at night, or during a parade (although the line spikes like crazy when the parade finishes, so be careful of your timing).

 

[Gidget]

We haven't had Rain Forest since 2005 and it was good then. You know there is a fast food place at the DLH called Croc Bit N Bites. We swore by it in 2007, it was so nice to pick up the food there and take it upstairs to our room. Another great place was at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Cafe. They have a little take out place connected to their restaurant that has some nice take out meals that we also carried back to our room.

The thing with Croc Bit N Bites is they have Nachos that are big enough to share with someone else. And fries are pretty good. I think the biggest attraction to those for me is that I didn't have to get in my car and go anywhere else. I like to bring snacks and I usually bring Diet Pepsi. If you prefer Pepsi products you better bring them because the only sodas you will find on the resort is Coke products. Another thing people bring is water.

Great tip about Croc Bit N Bites, I didn't know - It has gone into my planning journal!!! The only place we ever eaten in DTD is Tortilla Joes, which we will probably hit again!!

I'm a coke-aholic so that is fine by me!! DH is a Pepsi fan, so I will bring some for him (luckily the kids do NOT drink soda - how we accomplished that I will never know) and I am bringing 2 flats of water - better to be safe than sorry!!

Regarding the Rainforest Cafe, it's not amazing food, but certainly not horrible. The prices might be a bit steep for the quality of the food, but you are also paying for the wonderful atmosphere. Our family likes it, and we are even Rainforest Cafe club members.

For MM, I recommend using it all to do the Fantasyland rides, especially Peter Pan (peter pan always first, you got it), Mr. Toad, Matterhorn, and Alice. Save BLAB and Space for later because you can always grab a FP if the line is too long. And by the time that you finish Peter Pan, Nemo's line might be a bit lengthy. Try Nemo first thing on another morning (MM or not), late late at night, or during a parade (although the line spikes like crazy when the parade finishes, so be careful of your timing).

I think we will try Rainforest Cafe - probably for a lunch on our way back to DLH - I'm totally excited about the atmosphere - the kids are going to love it!!

I think trying Nemo on Wednesday, first thing, is what we are going to shoot for. But we will eye the line whenever we go by, just in case!

Thank you both for al the great advice!!!

 

[kaoden39]

I really enjoyed Rain Forests breakfasts. And it is entertaining too. Every place has a bad moment.

 

[Gidget]

We are back from our week of camping in Utah (and then work got in the way ), but no fear I have been Disneyland Dreaming all this while! Today I believe I will start working on my lists for Disneyland - I can't believe it is getting soooo close.

Post more later!!

 

[Gidget]

We left off pretty much at Tuesday Magic Morning. BTW I'm sooooooo excited as the days are bringing us closer and closer to DISNEYLAND!!!! My co-workers love how I bring up my countdown number of days until we leave in random conversations!!!

I'm still debating on whether or not to use Ridemax. It intrigues me especially since we are going to be there at such a busy time. Oh the days of when the kids were little and not in school!!! But anywhoo, the plan is to start off in FantasyLand, then probably ride the Matterhorn, check out Nemo Line and then head over to Tomorrowland. We will try and get Space Mountain, Buzz, Star Tours and Autopia in and then grab the train for a trip around Disneyland....not really, my plan is to get off in NOS and do Haunted Mansion, check out Splash (or get fastpasses), Pirates, Tom Sawyer Island (another new one for us, with all the Pirate additions!!!)

Depending on the time - we will continue on or head back to the hotel for lunch and swim, nap etc. As I'm typing this, I'm seeing Ridemax in my future. I think that is something I will have to download this weekend!!!

Once all fed, refreshed from the pool, showered and napped, I think we will head over to California Adventure - check out fastpasses for Soarin', check the line for Grizzly, ride if not too long and then head over to Mullholand, Fun Wheel, Screamin' and then around to Bug's Land. Here I think I will pause and regroup until I download Ridemax and see what that plan entails. Have a great evening all!!!

 

[kaoden39]

I have never used Ridemax. I like to meander and enjoy my trip around Disneyland and not stress.

 

[Gidget]

I have never used Ridemax. I like to meander and enjoy my trip around Disneyland and not stress.

We usually do the same - but I thought this time I may try it and see how it goes! We do have 5 days in the park, so I think we will be able to do everything - I think my issue right now is that I am obsessing about Disneyland. I need to, as the kids say, chillax!!!

 

[nerdylightbulb]

We usually do the same - but I thought this time I may try it and see how it goes! We do have 5 days in the park, so I think we will be able to do everything - I think my issue right now is that I am obsessing about Disneyland. I need to, as the kids say, chillax!!!

But, if you are going to obsess I can think of nothing better to obsess about.