Pre-Trip Report: Turkey Day with the Mouse 2012

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Oh my word, how lucky are we and our families!!!!!!!!

A Disneyland holiday AND Cars Land, I mean where do you start???!!!

I am like a kid in a candy store ( I even used your terminology there......we call it a lolly shop )

I totally agree with you, this is going to be AMAZING!!! I mean, I was extremely excited to be going for Halloween, but to have all this new stuff is just going to make it all the more spectacular

We still have so much to catch up on since we were last there, some new some old! For example, we still haven't seen World of Color I know right! We were across the road for 3 weeks and kept putting it off for "another night". Well we got rained and poured on so they cancelled a lot of the shows. Needless to say we missed out, but, we will be catching it twice this time round!
Also, we never did go on the Grizzly rapids as it was just too cold. That is on the to do list too for sure.
The Little Mermaid and Goofy's Sky School will be brand new for us and of course Mater and Lightening McQueen land

I have been good though and have not watched the ride through of radiator Springs Racers................I'm hoping I can hold out so it will be a surprise ( not too sure how I will go!!! )

I keep looking at my watch at work wishing it would go faster............

 

[monkey30]

YAY for Carsland, my son was having a bad morning and it turned around just by him watching your link! Sent him off to school happy!

PLanning a second trip for Nov now as well!

 

[mariezp]

Oh my word, how lucky are we and our families!!!!!!!!

You are so right Minnie Sue Oz! I feel very fortunate that we are able to return to Disneyland each year. I am so very glad that we sorta stumbled upon the park as a vacation destination. When I was a child I never would have imagined being able to go somewhere so amazing because we just didn't spend money on such frivolous things. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It was just a different way of looking at things. When I got married we started out making a family vacation a priority. Yeah, we probably spend way too much on vacation but in my opinion the time we share together and the memories I am making with my family will last a lifetime. It just so happens that Disneyland is where we choose to do just that and I am very, very thankful that we found it, that my entire family loves it and that we are able to make it our destination 2 weeks out of the year.

A Disneyland holiday AND Cars Land, I mean where do you start???!!!

No kidding! The holidays have always been amazing in Disneyland. With all the new improvements in CA it is going to be amazing too! This year it's going to be like winning a lottery... well maybe not quite but sorta... you know what I mean.

I am like a kid in a candy store ( I even used your terminology there......we call it a lolly shop )

I am going to have to remember that and use your version sometime. My son will get a kick out of it because he is fascinated with anything language related from different countries.

I totally agree with you, this is going to be AMAZING!!! I mean, I was extremely excited to be going for Halloween, but to have all this new stuff is just going to make it all the more spectacular

Will be interesting to see if CA gets any additional decor for Halloween or Christmas. Seeing all the decorations just adds a little extra dose of festivity to the park.

We still have so much to catch up on since we were last there, some new some old! For example, we still haven't seen World of Color I know right! We were across the road for 3 weeks and kept putting it off for "another night". Well we got rained and poured on so they cancelled a lot of the shows. Needless to say we missed out, but, we will be catching it twice this time round!
Also, we never did go on the Grizzly rapids as it was just too cold. That is on the to do list too for sure.
The Little Mermaid and Goofy's Sky School will be brand new for us and of course Mater and Lightening McQueen land

Isn't it amazing that you can be there for 2 weeks and still come away with things that you missed? I have no idea how people take 3-4 days trips and feel like they have done and seen it all.
Missing entertainment like that is an easy thing to do. I am often guilty of putting stuff off and missing it too. We should know better than that by now because I know I have read posts from some of the wise folks around the DIS that you should NOT wait until the last minute because there is always a possibility of something getting canceled. Plus, as you mention weather can wreck your plans... not to mention that someone in your party can come down sick. Lots of legitimate reasons to see the things you really want to see FIRST.
I'll be hoping you get to mark off some of the things you've missed this time around. I'd say you are definelty going to make up for previously missing World of Color. And, as for Grizzly River Rapids the trick to getting it done when the weather is cooler is to make sure to ride it, of course, right in the heat of the day or right before you you take a break for the day so you can go back to your room and get out of wet clothing. If you like the dark rides at all I bet you will enjoy Little Mermaid. I know I do. Haven't got to see Ariel since she got her new hairdo. And ya know, I have not ridden Goofy's Sky School since it's re-theming yet either. Thanks for reminding me. I need to put that on my list. I think the only other things on my haven't done list are things I have ridden once and don't really care whether I do again or not... like Space Mountain, and Tower of Terror. So NOT my kind of rides. Oh yeah, and the Bugsland show. It would scare my DD so I don't even think about it.

I have been good though and have not watched the ride through of radiator Springs Racers................I'm hoping I can hold out so it will be a surprise ( not too sure how I will go!!! )

You have better resistance than I did! I couldn't help but watch but I understand your way of thinking. In my case I am glad I did simply because it is so much more than I was imaging it was going to be.

I keep looking at my watch at work wishing it would go faster............

I know what you mean I am ready for the next few months to fly by so we can hurry up and get there!!!

YAY for Carsland, my son was having a bad morning and it turned around just by him watching your link! Sent him off to school happy!

Planning a second trip for Nov now as well!

That is great! I am so glad that a link I provided really brightened someone's day! I know it works for me too.

Whoo-hoo! Today is California Adventure's Re-opening Day! Can't wait to see it all! In the meantime, here's a link to an even more in depth look at Buena Vista Street. Gotta say that I think it is going to be awesome!!! Check it out!

A Closer Look at Buena Vista Street
http://micechat.com/5605-closer-look-buena-vista-street/

 

[mariezp]

I've received so many messages and have seen so many posts on Facebook about the Grand Re-opening of California today that I just had to share another of my favorites. Would have loved to have been there in person but youtube is certainly the next best thing. Here's a link to the Re-Opening Ceremony.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi3g3FE4UyM&feature=player_embedded#!


Another link I found today and really wanted to share is one about a fantastic deal when you pre-order the Disneyland Photopass. I will be getting mine soon! Here's the Disney link.
http://www.disneyphotopass.com/dlrphotopassplus.aspx

And, here's a DIS thread which should help to clarify a lot of questions.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2942216


Haven't posted my countdown in a few days.... only 154 days!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Marie -

Thank you so much for the shout out and for posting the link to the Cars Land/Buena Vista Street section of my TR! I appreciate it!

I had to put a plug in for my Cars Land/Buena Vista Street photos in my Halloween & Christmas threads earlier in the week, just so people would come take a look! The folks who put the actual Cars Land Superthread together seem to have forgotten to add a link to my photo report in their thread, next to all of the other DIS'ers' links! And I took a LOT of detailed photos in the 4 piddly little hours I had to preview DCA! Out of the 749 pictures I took for the whole day, the majority of those were from CL/BVS. Probably a good 75% of the pictures (or more) were from the new lands.

Anyway, thanks again - I wouldn't have plugged my TR in your Pre-TR thread, but since you posted the link without any prompting from me then it's okay!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Oh my...................have you checked out the new ears for World of Color...... they are syncronised to the show.............this is so much Disney magic all at once I just think I will burst some time soon!!!

I really truly cannot wait for this.........you will love it!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr18V3grRYs

 

[mariezp]

Oh yes! I saw those glowing ears! They will be amazing.... assuming they are still a part of the show after the summer. One of the ONLY downsides of going in the fall is that it is off season so they often reduce the entertainment offerings along with the hours. Of course, with everything being so new at CA who can even begin to guess what will still be going strong by the time we get there. Guess we will just have to cross our fingers that the glowing Mickey ears are a huge hit and are still a big part of the show indefinitely. Thanks for the link! Now I can watch it any time I want without having to go track it down!



My daughter and I just started taking art lessons together. Our assignment was to bring a photo and see how we do reproducing it. My DD brought one of our dog. Silly me. I took one of the Disneyland castle. Seemed like the perfect subject at the time but now.... do you have any idea just how much detail there is in drawing a castle? A LOT!


Still waiting on airfare to go down. Checking everyday but it still hasn't budged. Come on American Airlines. Give a girl a break!

Only 144 days!

 

[mariezp]

Marie -

Thank you so much for the shout out and for posting the link to the Cars Land/Buena Vista Street section of my TR! I appreciate it!

I had to put a plug in for my Cars Land/Buena Vista Street photos in my Halloween & Christmas threads earlier in the week, just so people would come take a look! The folks who put the actual Cars Land Superthread together seem to have forgotten to add a link to my photo report in their thread, next to all of the other DIS'ers' links! And I took a LOT of detailed photos in the 4 piddly little hours I had to preview DCA! Out of the 749 pictures I took for the whole day, the majority of those were from CL/BVS. Probably a good 75% of the pictures (or more) were from the new lands.

Anyway, thanks again - I wouldn't have plugged my TR in your Pre-TR thread, but since you posted the link without any prompting from me then it's okay!

Hey Sherry! Finally getting a chance to get back to you. My DH has been off work from knee surgery since early June. Needless to say, my days have been a little outta whack! Glad you dropped in to say hi. You are certainly welcome on the plug for your thread.You are always such a wonderful help and great source for information so it only seems natural to send folks your way. And, I knew without a doubt, that inquiring minds would want to also know all about Carsland. What better place than from a reliable source from someone who was actually there? All the photos look wonderful!!! I am trying to wait patiently for November to get here. It is so exciting having so much to look forward too!



Oh my! Curious how many of you out there have read the latest Al Lutz update. (over at Micechat)
http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al062612a.htm

He really had quite a shocker this time around! Guess we will just have to wait and see what happens after all the CA hub-bub dies down a bit and they start doing some serious planning in Disneyland. I for one would indeed miss Nemo and my DD might miss Autopia a little.... but as for Innoventions.... I don't think anyone in our household would be sad to see it go. It certainly would be fantastic to see something bigger and better happen in Tomorrowland.

 

[mariezp]

I appear to be getting restless while waiting for time to pass until our trip gets here. Darn airfare still has not gone down any. Apparently I felt the need to do something vacation related so today I went ahead and pre-ordered my PhotoPass. Now I just need to remember to get lots of photos taken when we get to the park! Should make it an even better deal now that you can add ride photos. Hmmm.... maybe I should start considering a character meal too since you can get those added as well.

Only 136 days!

 

[DreamingofDaWorld]

Those glowing Mickey Ears are amazing! lol We might have to splurge on those for everyone come November. That is the only bad thing about having a big family- big price tag, even for the little things. I also ordered the Photopass + yesterday. I have so many projects & things to do for our trip, just not enough time. Sigh. My work is interfering with my planning time.

 

[mariezp]

Welcome to my trip report DreamingofDaWorld! From the looks of things you are pretty new around here on the DIS so I feel pretty privileged to have acquired one of your first few posts.
Looks like we will be in the park during the same time except I will be arriving a week earlier. Have you and your big family been to DL before? If not, I think you are going to love the park in November. I know we do! I am so ready to be there!!!!
I agree. If they are still doing the glow ears for WOC we may just have to invest in a couple pairs. Pretty neat effect. You just never know what Disney will come up with next!
Yay for ordering your Photopass too. And, I hope you somehow manage to find the time to get your projects done before your trip. Only a few more months to go!




Ran across this interesting info that our own Hyrdoguy posted....

Top Theme Parks in North America & Worldwide Attendance

1. Magic Kingdom - 2011 / 17.1 Million & 2010 / 17.0 Million
2. Disneyland - 2011 / 16.1 Million & 2010 / 16.0 Million

That's a lot of people traveling to our Disney parks!


Then, I was also reading some "gossip" over at Chip & Company about "Spectro Magic to return to WDW next spring". Got me to wondering whether or not the Main Street Electrical Parade might be returning to DL. Gosh, I hope so! I love that parade! Anyway, the article is here: http://www.*********.com/2012/07/disney-confidential-spectro-magic-return-wdw-spring/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+*********+%28Disney+News+%26+Views%29
Be sure to scroll down towards the bottom of the page and read About Anonymouse. Certainly good for a little chuckle.


Almost forgot! Only 133 days!!!

 

[mariezp]

Not much happening on the trip planning homefront but I did not want to let this day pass without saying...


Happy 57th Birthday Disneyland!!!!

Ran across this article about a woman who says she's been to every Disneyland birthday ceremony since opening day. How cool is that???? http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/lechlitner-364178-disneyland-parks.html


And, this article from over at Chip & Company had some interesting facts. http://www.*********.com/2012/07/happy-anniversary-disneyland-fun-facts-dedication-ceremony/

No doubt I was thinking about Disneyland and their anniversary off and on all throughout the day. What a funny coincidence when we watched an old episode of the Muppet Show this evening and the last skit of the show was "dedicated to one of our favorite countries... Disneyland". I have to say I thought it was great but it would have been so much better if the guest star had not added his appearance to Small World. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIh8zkBCNjM

 

[Sherry E]

Marie -

I started a thread devoted to lights, lamps, lanterns, etc. at DLR (in the DL Community section) - I wanted to see all of the photos collected in one place, to really get a good idea of the range of lighting elements around DLR! You have some wonderful light fixture pictures that would make great contributions to the thread (like that Hook light fixture, for example - no one has posted that one yet). Here is the link:

Let There be Light!!

 

[mariezp]

Well, thanks to Sherry I have certainly been enjoying the light fixture thread that she started and enjoying doing my part to add some of my photos. Unfortunately, I have been remiss at posting here at my own thread. However, today is certainly a milestone and I decided that it could not go without a mention of the fact that I only have 100 days left to go until our trip!!! One of my husband's favorite sayings is that I might as well get out the suitcases and start packing when we get down to 100. Believe me if I had the space to lay out our suitcases I would certainly humor him. Sad to say that the poor old things will just have to stay locked up in the closet and I will have to keep tossing things in there as I find them for our trip. Thankfully, I have not started finding too many things this early or I might not be able to get the door shut. So far I have started working on DD's wardrobe and purchased a new pair of shoes for DS.

Still waiting (somewhat impatiently) for an airfare sale. And, have been beginning to mull over dining choices, especially our choice for Thanksgiving day. The guys did agree that I could choose another option instead of Plaza Inn just so long as we went there on another day. Right now I am leaning towards Storytellers Cafe. Must do more research!

Just found out a few days ago that Big Thunder will be going down for refurbishment while we are there. A little sad but it is not nearly as traumatic as having had to miss POTC last year. Thank heavens we will get to ride our favorite ride in just a few months! I would not be surprised if we were to set a new personal record this year on number of rides just to make up for all we missed last year.

I was pleased to read today that the Nemo subs WOULD NOT be going anywhere. Didn't think that it sounded quite right after all the money they had poured into remaking the subs. Doubt that they would think they had gotten their money's worth so soon.
I also did read another interesting article today pertaining to Disney's most recent financial status. Good to know that they are doing well. I figure that just means they will keep making our park even bigger and better!!! Here's the article.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-third-quarter-earnings-20120807,0,745102.story

 

[PHXscuba]

OK Marie, I am joining to read your PTR. I too am sad that it looks like Thunder Mountain will be down during our spring trip -- everyone in our family loves it, especially at night.

Hope you find some good airfare -- seems like the fall deals take their sweet time coming out. I have family in the DFW area and had to fly there on short notice for a funeral in May. If I hadn't been able to cash in some frequent flier miles, it would have been over $700 each from PHX to DFW!!

PHXscuba

 

[mariezp]

Thanks for joining me PHXscuba. My apologies for not having much to fill my PTR with but I am hoping now that our trip is getting so much closer I will have more to report. Even though your trip is not until spring it will be here in no time. I did read today that Big Thunder would NOT be going down as had been rumored. (Here's hoping you get to make some of those night time rides after all! ) However, it appears that Indy will be the one getting a refurbishment during our trip. Either one will not affect me too much as I tend to only ride them once or twice per trip if I am lucky. I am usually more apt to be riding the "kiddie rides" since I tour the park most of the time with my DD who is by no means a thrill seeker. Anyway, according to the source I read... which I do not recall... Indy will be closed through December 7th so you should not have to worry about it being closed during your trip. Bottom line... I guess we should both cross our fingers and hope they don't decide to make any last minute changes and add anything else to the refurb list.

Good grief they robbed you on your short notice flight! I sure home I don't do the wrong thing by waiting for lower fares and end up paying anything near your $700! In the meantime I am still doing the daily airfare search. Will see how much longer I can hold out... especially after hearing about that!




So.... planning is still going slow. I AM very excited because we just went below the 3 month mark (only 90 days to go!) but I am having a rough time finding time to sit still and actually DO much about the details. I do have a pretty good idea of where we want to eat but I would like to narrow it down and have a better idea of a daily itinerary. It seems to work so well for us if we have a set time of day to sit down for a meal. Our Visa rewards and my own hard earned Disney funds are adding up so well I do believe we will probably end up dining in the park 2 times a day instead of the once a day we have usually always done.

Another thing I do know that I want to work into our plans is the new revamped ‘Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps’ Tour. I asked the rest of my bunch and they all agreed that it would be pretty neat to get the chance to see Walt' apartment. A bit pricey...yes.... but it has been awhile since we added a "special event" into our plans so it will definitely be worth it.

For anyone who hasn't heard about the tour here's the info I read...

Disneyland Resort Guided Tours: The New ‘Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps’ Tour

If you love Disneyland history, I’ve got a tour for you. The “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Tour replaces the current “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” tour beginning September 9, and is available to book right now. Traveling through Disneyland park, you will learn about the challenges, excitement, inspiration, and fun that went into creating Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom as well as the story of the life of Walt Disney himself.
The newly re-launched tour includes an exclusive look into Walt Disney’s private apartment, a peek into the lobby of the exclusive, members-only Club 33, a private lunch on Main Street U.S.A., two classic attraction experiences and a collectible pin.
Here are some things you should know about the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour:
The tour is approximately approximately three hours long.
Theme park admission for Disneyland park is required to attend the tour.
The tour leaves from Disneyland Tour Gardens (left of City Hall) every day at 9:30 a.m.
Attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice.
For pricing and booking information (and to find out about a special discount for Disney Rewards Visa and AAA card holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disneyland Resort Annual Passport holders) call 714-781-TOUR (8687). Also, be sure to check out the other Disneyland Resort Guided Tours at Disneyland.com/Tours.
Call (714) 781-TOUR (8687) to book your tour up to one month in advance.

 

[PHXscuba]

OK, I'm hoping you mean you have 90 days to go instead of 190, because I only have a little over 200 until March!!

I am excited to read about the non-renovation of BTMRR. I guess a rumor is just a rumor until Disney deigns to confirm it. But there will probably be something else down ...

The only tour I have done is the Christmas tour, but I thought it was worth every penny I paid. I'm sure they're offering the usual AP, Disney VISA, AAA discounts.

PHXscuba

 

[thebosticks]

Sounds great why do I need 10 random posts

 

[thebosticks]

Now I just need 9?

 

[mariezp]

OK, I'm hoping you mean you have 90 days to go instead of 190, because I only have a little over 200 until March!!

I am excited to read about the non-renovation of BTMRR. I guess a rumor is just a rumor until Disney deigns to confirm it. But there will probably be something else down ...

The only tour I have done is the Christmas tour, but I thought it was worth every penny I paid. I'm sure they're offering the usual AP, Disney VISA, AAA discounts.

PHXscuba

Thank you for pointing that out. lol! Think I will correct that right now! Apparently I keep tacking on an extra hundred to my countdown because I told my DH the same thing yesterday. I must be having a hard time believing our trip is getting so close.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us that they do not add any refurbs during either of our trips.

Loved the Christmas tour.... especially the seats for the parade and the gingerbread cookie! YUM! Tempted to do that one again too but I am thinking we'd be better off doing something new. Although, we have done the Walk in Walt's Footstep's tour I am hoping that there will be enough changes to the "new" tour that it will keep us all engrossed. As much as my whole bunch loves Disneyland it's shouldn't be too much of a problem. It appears the discounted price for a Disney Visa holder or Premium Passport is somewhere between $87.20 and $89. I am thinking it will be worth it to get a glimpse of Walt's apartment. Guess I will have to do some further investigating to see what's on the menu for lunch.



thebosticks, good luck working up your post count!!!