PTR: And now for something completely different - a WDW Family does DLR *(new October 9th)*

[TheMaxRebo]

I am jumping on board! I am looking forward to learning from your experiences as well. We really hope to do a DLR trip once our little guy gets a bit older. Our dream would be to do the ABD Backstage Magic tour but if we can just pull ourselves away from WDW and make it out to DLR, it'll be a miracle! I have plenty to catch up on since I am a little late to your PTR so I am looking forward to reading more.

Thanks for joining. Judi and I have talked about doing one of those ABD tours - specifically the one that the DISUnplugged group does that combined the backstage tour with the San Francisco/Napa Valley tour .... some day, when our house isn't sucking the money out of us

Ok I have major catching up to do. I give you credit for your dedication after baby #3! And also for the trips with the baby. I can't believe how long it has been since I've been on the boards. I pan to re read your report from WDW and the DL pre trip and catch up when the older kids go back to school to try to build my confidence that a November trip for us with the 4 month old is doable. It's my only time to travel non peak since I go back to teaching in January. We also want to DCL next August. And since I'm not working for four months I feel like we are flushing $$$$$$. #Disneyproblems

Yeah, Disney has a way of just sucking money - but the experiences almost always make it worth while. I think you can definitely do a trip with a 4 month old (we did a trip when Olivia was 8 months old) and in someways it is easier than with toddlers (depending on how they sleep of course. Just have to take it a bit easy and be flexible - can't go commando style or anything - but sometimes that is nice as it forces you to stop and notice the Disney details

We're back from an amazing trip! I am writing a TR http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-one-where-the-elephant-farts.3440368/

You had me at Elephant farts!

Been gone the whole month of July between taking a small family vacation to Wisconsin Dells and taking Jaden to the Junior Olympics in Virginia I am just now playing catch up. First I have to say where did the time go???? It seems as your baby girl was just born!!!! A year??? Already???? Second I feel for you and having to change your plans. That can be hard on people like us that plan a year in advance planning every detail. I think you did a fabulous job with your new schedule!!! Getting so close for your guys!!!

I know - time goes so fast. Like each day can seem long but then a month goes by and you are like "wait, what?" Emma is definitely her own person now with lots of opinions and took to walking like a fish in water - always all over the place.

Thanks! Almost done getting details set - but a few to go as they still haven't posted October hours and therefore a few meals can't be booked yet (nuts to a WDW planner!)

Jumping on to your thread! Excited to see what you've planned and what you and your family will be visiting at DLR.

It's so different that WDW, but it's the original. Walt walked there. Very cool.

Thank you! Hoping to just enjoy it and take it for what it is an not do comparisons. I love the history of the parks and of Walt so pretty sure that aspect of DLR won't be missed on me

Wanting to know how your plan goes. We are WDWers and this will be our first time to the Land. Going in March. Will you post your trip report here or will you link your trip report here?

Thanks for joining. As of now my thought is to do a separate thread for the trip but I will definitely post a link here.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 16 -All Meals Booked
​

Hi everyone, hope you have been having a good summer. We are winding down - about 1.5 weeks left until this kids go back to school.

First a couple of quick life updates:

Olivia has finished camp and we have set her social calendar for the year: she is signed up for dance (Hip-hop jazz on Mondays, Ballet on Tuesdays), girl scouts on Wednesday, and religious ed on Thursdays - so she will be busy (just need to figure out what to do with Pete). Also found out her teacher last week and one of her good friends will be in class with her so that is good. It is a new teacher so don't really know much about her - but Olivia loves school and had voluntarily been working on 1st grade problem books, so I think it will be fine.

On the kitchen front, we are still not totally there (still need the back splash and toe kicks, etc.) but we have a usable kitchen and has been so nice to cook and have a sink - you know, the little things. Happy with how it is looking too:


Also, we recently celebrated Judi's 35th birthday! For it we had a family dinner out but then Judi and I attended an event at a local brewery (Captain Lawrence) called Mother Shucker which included all you could drink beer (plus highly boozy pina coladas) and all you could each oysters and pork products. It was a lot of fun and I learned that some pork cheek with spicy bbq sauce inside a cinnamon and sugar doughnut tastes really, really good




Soooooo, back to actual trip plans. We've done a few purchases and booked a few more things, so largely set for the trip now:
- Since I enjoyed putting together the video from our last trip I decided to get a GoPro to take more video this trip - hopefully it works out
- We also booked our rental car while out there (try to go through USAA for that as there are some discounts and then there is no extra charge for multiple drivers and some insurance included, etc. - just less to think about)
- Ordered Photopass ... figured it included prints at a few of the restaurants we are going to and figure if I am focused more on video having this will hopefully provide for some more still pictures.
- and I got all the meals fully booked

As a WDW veteran/uber planner it was driving me a little bonkers that they still haven't fully released October hours for Disneyland Resort. Finally this morning at least I was able to book the last few ADRs I wanted as that opened up so that is making me feel a bit more at ease. I know getting ADRs at DLR isn't as tough as at WDW, but a few I was hoping to get at specific times, and just feel better having those confirmation numbers in my spreadsheets

I'll go through more detail when I do my "1 month from today" posts (TM @Dugette ), but below is quick overview including all meals:

San Diego Portion:

Saturday, October 10th:
- Travel day. We don't land until ~8pm so will likely just grab something at the San Diego Airport or on the way or at the hotel or something. Any suggestions are appreciated

Sunday, October 11th:
- 1st brunch at Snooze - an AM Eatery in Del Mar (they don't take reservations) ... we'll then head to the Del Mar beach for the rest of the morning
- 2nd brunch at Brunch Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff - we have a 12:30 reservation ... then spending the afternoon in La Jolla (beach, park, etc.)
- Dinner at the Double Standard Kitchenetta with reservation at 6:30 and will spend the evening checking out the Gaslamp district

Monday, October 12th
- no specific plans for breakfast but will head to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Escondido
- Most likely just eat lunch at the park
- Dinner is booked for 6:00 @ the Stone Brewing World Bistro
- I hope to maybe hit up another brewery this day (there is one right next to Stone called Off Beat Brewing, so maybe hit that before dinner as the Safari park closes at 5pm ... I may have planned out that hour in between on purpose I'd really like to get to one of Balast Point's locations, but just don't think we can fit it in.


Disneyland Portion:

Tuesday, October 13th
- Get on the road fairly early, goal is to stop at the Pizza Port in San Clemente. Figure the kids will enjoy the pizza and I will enjoy the beer

- Afternoon at the pool/checking out hotel and then heading to Disneyland Hotel
- Goal is to have early apps and drinks at Trader Sam's at around 4:30 or so
- Then heading to DTD to check it out/shop a little and then more apps/light food/dessert and drinks at Uva Bar and Café

Wednesday, October 14th:
- Got an 8:10am ADR for the Plaza Inn for breakfast with Minnie and Friends - so hoping to get some pictures of a more empty park entry, but we shall see. Should be a good meal to start off the actual Disney days and have heard of nothing but great character interaction here
- Lunch just at counter service ... either something in DLR or after we switch over to CA for the afternoon at Pacific Wharf and/or Paradise Garden Grill
- Lobster Nachos for afternoon snack @ Cove Bar
- Dinner at Flo's V8 (goal of tonight is to watch the lights go out on Broadway, um, I mean, come on in Car's Land)

Thursday, October 15th:
- This is our magic morning at DLR so will just snack in the room and snack in the park as needed
- Lunch at Blue Bayou (got an 11:00 ADR so hoping that helps with getting a waterside table)
- Dinner is up in the air - either just grab something in park or DTD - goal tonight is to watch Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever

Friday, October 16th:
- Breakfast a bit up in the air - maybe grab something at DTD
- Lunch is at Ariel's Grotto - 12:40 ADR
- Dinner is at Carthay Circle with WOC package, ADR at 5:30 (hopefully that time works ok) - focus of the night, obviously is WOC

Saturday, October 17th:
- Breakfast at Steakhouse 55 with 7:50 ADR. Hopefully will leave a bit more time to explore DLH as needed
- Then head down to the San Diego Airport - probably just grab lunch at the airport as we have a 1:01 flight

So might be a bit crammed into a week but definitely have some open times and will be flexible with taking breaks at the hotel (definitely want pool time)

Please speak up if I am just blind and missing something that is obviously stupid - or if you just have other thoughts

 

[KatMark]

Part 16 -All Meals Booked
​

Hi everyone, hope you have been having a good summer. We are winding down - about 1.5 weeks left until this kids go back to school.

Wow...a lot of kids here went back two weeks ago or at the least a week ago.

First a couple of quick life updates:

Olivia has finished camp and we have set her social calendar for the year: she is signed up for dance (Hip-hop jazz on Mondays, Ballet on Tuesdays), girl scouts on Wednesday, and religious ed on Thursdays - so she will be busy (just need to figure out what to do with Pete). Also found out her teacher last week and one of her good friends will be in class with her so that is good. It is a new teacher so don't really know much about her - but Olivia loves school and had voluntarily been working on 1st grade problem books, so I think it will be fine.

Busy, busy...I remember those days of almost nightly activities for the kids.

On the kitchen front, we are still not totally there (still need the back splash and toe kicks, etc.) but we have a usable kitchen and has been so nice to cook and have a sink - you know, the little things. Happy with how it is looking too:
View attachment 120604

The kitchen is looking really good.

Also, we recently celebrated Judi's 35th birthday! For it we had a family dinner out but then Judi and I attended an event at a local brewery (Captain Lawrence) called Mother Shucker which included all you could drink beer (plus highly boozy pina coladas) and all you could each oysters and pork products. It was a lot of fun and I learned that some pork cheek with spicy bbq sauce inside a cinnamon and sugar doughnut tastes really, really good

View attachment 120605

Happy Birthday Judi (a little late). And I would have been drinking those highly boozy pina coladas).

Soooooo, back to actual trip plans. We've done a few purchases and booked a few more things, so largely set for the trip now:
- Since I enjoyed putting together the video from our last trip I decided to get a GoPro to take more video this trip - hopefully it works out
- We also booked our rental car while out there (try to go through USAA for that as there are some discounts and then there is no extra charge for multiple drivers and some insurance included, etc. - just less to think about)
- Ordered Photopass ... figured it included prints at a few of the restaurants we are going to and figure if I am focused more on video having this will hopefully provide for some more still pictures.
- and I got all the meals fully booked

As a WDW veteran/uber planner it was driving me a little bonkers that they still haven't fully released October hours for Disneyland Resort. Finally this morning at least I was able to book the last few ADRs I wanted as that opened up so that is making me feel a bit more at ease. I know getting ADRs at DLR isn't as tough as at WDW, but a few I was hoping to get at specific times, and just feel better having those confirmation numbers in my spreadsheets

I'll go through more detail when I do my "1 month from today" posts (TM @Dugette ), but below is quick overview including all meals:

San Diego Portion:

Saturday, October 10th:
- Travel day. We don't land until ~8pm so will likely just grab something at the San Diego Airport or on the way or at the hotel or something. Any suggestions are appreciated

Sunday, October 11th:
- 1st brunch at Snooze - an AM Eatery in Del Mar (they don't take reservations) ... we'll then head to the Del Mar beach for the rest of the morning
- 2nd brunch at Brunch Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff - we have a 12:30 reservation ... then spending the afternoon in La Jolla (beach, park, etc.)
- Dinner at the Double Standard Kitchenetta with reservation at 6:30 and will spend the evening checking out the Gaslamp district

Monday, October 12th
- no specific plans for breakfast but will head to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Escondido
- Most likely just eat lunch at the park
- Dinner is booked for 6:00 @ the Stone Brewing World Bistro
- I hope to maybe hit up another brewery this day (there is one right next to Stone called Off Beat Brewing, so maybe hit that before dinner as the Safari park closes at 5pm ... I may have planned out that hour in between on purpose I'd really like to get to one of Balast Point's locations, but just don't think we can fit it in.


Disneyland Portion:

Tuesday, October 13th
- Get on the road fairly early, goal is to stop at the Pizza Port in San Clemente. Figure the kids will enjoy the pizza and I will enjoy the beer

- Afternoon at the pool/checking out hotel and then heading to Disneyland Hotel
- Goal is to have early apps and drinks at Trader Sam's at around 4:30 or so
- Then heading to DTD to check it out/shop a little and then more apps/light food/dessert and drinks at Uva Bar and Café

Wednesday, October 14th:
- Got an 8:10am ADR for the Plaza Inn for breakfast with Minnie and Friends - so hoping to get some pictures of a more empty park entry, but we shall see. Should be a good meal to start off the actual Disney days and have heard of nothing but great character interaction here
- Lunch just at counter service ... either something in DLR or after we switch over to CA for the afternoon at Pacific Wharf and/or Paradise Garden Grill
- Lobster Nachos for afternoon snack @ Cove Bar
- Dinner at Flo's V8 (goal of tonight is to watch the lights go out on Broadway, um, I mean, come on in Car's Land)

Thursday, October 15th:
- This is our magic morning at DLR so will just snack in the room and snack in the park as needed
- Lunch at Blue Bayou (got an 11:00 ADR so hoping that helps with getting a waterside table)
- Dinner is up in the air - either just grab something in park or DTD - goal tonight is to watch Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever

Friday, October 16th:
- Breakfast a bit up in the air - maybe grab something at DTD
- Lunch is at Ariel's Grotto - 12:40 ADR
- Dinner is at Carthay Circle with WOC package, ADR at 5:30 (hopefully that time works ok) - focus of the night, obviously is WOC

Saturday, October 17th:
- Breakfast at Steakhouse 55 with 7:50 ADR. Hopefully will leave a bit more time to explore DLH as needed
- Then head down to the San Diego Airport - probably just grab lunch at the airport as we have a 1:01 flight

So might be a bit crammed into a week but definitely have some open times and will be flexible with taking breaks at the hotel (definitely want pool time)

Please speak up if I am just blind and missing something that is obviously stupid - or if you just have other thoughts

Plans are sounding good and glad you got your ADR's done. I still have no clue where we are eating except for Napa Rose (I think that is the name of it) with Brenda and Michael. I will be reading carefully your thoughts on ALL DL food.

 

[DisMom1981]

Fans of the Captain Lawrence brewery. We attended a fun party there last year.

Plans sound great- can't wait for this TR.

 

[Imagineer5]

Looks wonderful, glad you were able to finally get those things booked! I know that feeling of just wanting things down on paper! Glad you were able to spread out your ADR's a bit. Love that you're spending your last morning at DL at Steakhouse 55, that will be such a nice way to end the trip.

 

[Imagineer5]

PS with the GoPro is that one you wear on your head? I was looking into them but don't know about wearing a go pro on rides and such, or is it just handheld?

 

[NJlauren]

That kitchen! It looks amazing (even without the final touches!

Those places all look yummy and fun! I'm going to need to follow along for reviews so I know what we need to add into our plans!

Lobster nachos need to check this out too!

Your trip is in the 45 day weather outlook, yes this is something I actually follow and love....

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad you finally have a working kitchen, it looks great!

Congrats on buying a GoPro, look forward to your trip video!

Plans/meals look good, things have come together very nicely for this trip

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Sounds like a great trip. Your meals should be great, and the plan makes sense. The flexibility will be good, and I do think you'll be impressed with how close everything is to allow you to hop around. We can't wait to see how it goes.

 

[hokieinpa]

I'm so glad the plans are filling out for you! I know that makes the planning animal inside of you rest a little easier at night! All of your ADRs in San Diego and Disney sound wonderful!

I'm excited to see trip videos with the Go Pro!

And I'll have to check a car rental through USAA next time we need it. We use them for auto insurance but I had no idea they had special offers for car rentals!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Plans are sounding good and glad you got your ADR's done. I still have no clue where we are eating except for Napa Rose (I think that is the name of it) with Brenda and Michael. I will be reading carefully your thoughts on ALL DL food.

Hi Kathy, I found exploring dining options at Disneyland to be both overwhelming but exciting as there were a lot of different options compared to WDW and it seems like, overall, the counterservice options are better than at WDW so I wanted to keep some meals open for that.

That is great that you will have dinner at Napa Rose with Brenda and Michael. I really wanted to fit in Napa Rose but was just proving too challenging especially if we wanted to find a babysitter, etc. .... oh well, just another reason to plan another trip!

Fans of the Captain Lawrence brewery. We attended a fun party there last year.

Plans sound great- can't wait for this TR.

I really enjoy Captain Lawrence (though miss the old location where tastings were completely free) - we've been to some good events and some less good (past one they way oversold and there were >2hr lines for food)

Thanks!

Looks wonderful, glad you were able to finally get those things booked! I know that feeling of just wanting things down on paper! Glad you were able to spread out your ADR's a bit. Love that you're spending your last morning at DL at Steakhouse 55, that will be such a nice way to end the trip.

PS with the GoPro is that one you wear on your head? I was looking into them but don't know about wearing a go pro on rides and such, or is it just handheld?

Thank you Lauren - glad to have it done too. I am glad it worked out with Steakhouse 55 as I really wanted to check out the restaurant and the hotel so this should fit in good ... hopefully we aren't too tire that morning though - i.e., kids aren't too cranky

So the GoPro I got can be put in a harness on your head or chest but I am just planning on holding it. I got a handle (not an extendable slefie stick or anything) that also floats so that should help with pool time as well. We shall see how it goes. Have to make sure I take time to practice with it a bit before hand.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

That kitchen! It looks amazing (even without the final touches!

Those places all look yummy and fun! I'm going to need to follow along for reviews so I know what we need to add into our plans!

Lobster nachos need to check this out too!

Your trip is in the 45 day weather outlook, yes this is something I actually follow and love....

Thank you! It has taken quite some time but we are happy with how the kitchen is turning out

mmmm, Lobster Nachos

Thanks for the tip about the 45 day weather forcast. Still missing the last couple of days from our trip, but so far looks like around 87 when we arise but then going down to low 80's or even only upper 70's. Definitely will have to think about making sure we have sweatshirts, etc. for the night time activities (at least for Judi and the kids)

Glad you finally have a working kitchen, it looks great!

Congrats on buying a GoPro, look forward to your trip video!

Plans/meals look good, things have come together very nicely for this trip

yes, you don't truly appreciate having a kitchen sink until you don't have one for 5 weeks

Thank you - hoping things work out. Exciting but nervous going to a new place. Have this bad fear that at some point I just won't know what to do next as far as attractions, etc. - but I think we'll be ok

Sounds like a great trip. Your meals should be great, and the plan makes sense. The flexibility will be good, and I do think you'll be impressed with how close everything is to allow you to hop around. We can't wait to see how it goes.

Thanks! Definitely have been hearing how great it is with how close everything is and I can get it in the abstract but until I am actually there probably won't fully appreciate it. Will be fun to just be able to run over to the other park or walk back to the hotel for mid-day swim break, etc.

I'm so glad the plans are filling out for you! I know that makes the planning animal inside of you rest a little easier at night! All of your ADRs in San Diego and Disney sound wonderful!

I'm excited to see trip videos with the Go Pro!

And I'll have to check a car rental through USAA next time we need it. We use them for auto insurance but I had no idea they had special offers for car rentals!

I think only because a few I wanted specific times (i.e., as early as possible for the breakfast, and wanted to get the WOC package, etc.) I was anxious to get everything set. definitely one less thing to worry about

You can sometimes find cheaper through other discounts but having coverage for multiple drivers is a big thing for us so we like to go through there. Just do a search for "car rental discounts" on the USAA website and it should bring up a link

 

[NJlauren]

Thank you! It has taken quite some time but we are happy with how the kitchen is turning out

mmmm, Lobster Nachos

Thanks for the tip about the 45 day weather forcast. Still missing the last couple of days from our trip, but so far looks like around 87 when we arise but then going down to low 80's or even only upper 70's. Definitely will have to think about making sure we have sweatshirts, etc. for the night time activities (at least for Judi and the kids)

Oh my those looks good!

I can't speak for LA but in SD I would have sweatshirts handy. I told my DH last time to bring one he thought I was nuts and grabbed one at the last second and was happy to have it a night or two.

It really is perfect weather hot but not humid during the day and cooler at night. After our trip we understood why so many of our friends went and never came back!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Oh my those looks good!

I can't speak for LA but in SD I would have sweatshirts handy. I told my DH last time to bring one he thought I was nuts and grabbed one at the last second and was happy to have it a night or two.

It really is perfect weather hot but not humid during the day and cooler at night. After our trip we understood why so many of our friends went and never came back!

That's actually my favorite weather and why I love Autumn so much in the Northeast. Hot enough for shorts during the day but you often need a sweatshirt at night - though Judi gets colder much more often than I do so definitely will ensure she brings some warm clothes

 

[MarbleBob]

​

On the kitchen front, we are still not totally there (still need the back splash and toe kicks, etc.) but we have a usable kitchen and has been so nice to cook and have a sink - you know, the little things. Happy with how it is looking too:

Wow the kitchen really looks great. What a headache, but it's cool that you ended up with a beutiful new kitchen!

Also, we recently celebrated Judi's 35th birthday! For it we had a family dinner out but then Judi and I attended an event at a local brewery (Captain Lawrence) called Mother Shucker which included all you could drink beer (plus highly boozy pina coladas) and all you could each oysters and pork products. It was a lot of fun and I learned that some pork cheek with spicy bbq sauce inside a cinnamon and sugar doughnut tastes really, really good

Happy 35 to Judi!

- Since I enjoyed putting together the video from our last trip I decided to get a GoPro to take more video this trip - hopefully it works out

We have a GoPro and have had a lot of fun with it. Specifically for all sorts of weird things that you normally wouldn't think of, like putting it on model trains and remote control cars! I'm sure you'll have a blast with it in the parks and find fun ways to incorporate it into everyday life too.

- Ordered Photopass ... figured it included prints at a few of the restaurants we are going to and figure if I am focused more on video having this will hopefully provide for some more still pictures.
- and I got all the meals fully booked

Photopass is totally worth it at DL. Especially with all the cool Diamond Celebration photo spots. (Stay tuned to my TR, as we'll be sharing a bunch of our photopass photos soon.)

As a WDW veteran/uber planner it was driving me a little bonkers that they still haven't fully released October hours for Disneyland Resort. Finally this morning at least I was able to book the last few ADRs I wanted as that opened up so that is making me feel a bit more at ease. I know getting ADRs at DLR isn't as tough as at WDW, but a few I was hoping to get at specific times, and just feel better having those confirmation numbers in my spreadsheets

I'm a planner too, so I feel your pain about wanting the data for your spreadsheets and being curious about park hours.

I don't know why, but this reminds me of the old joke that it was named after the kid who dropped his waffle at the beach. "Sandy Eggo".

I think your agenda looks pretty awesome.

 

[DisMom1981]

We may have been at the same Capt Lawrence event? A year ago this past May? We ended up having our own piZza delivered- there was no way we were waiting in line for the food. But the beer was enjoyable.

 

[annie170]

The kitchen looks great! Oh, the joy of having everything functioning once again! On a different note, I can't tell you how many people I know that own that turquoise Ikea cart. It must be a good seller for them.

Happy belated birthday to Judi!

Funny how different school calendars can be. In Northwest Indiana, we've been back to school for two weeks now. Olivia's schedule brings back memories of transporting kids daily. I do miss those days, but now the grandkids are starting activities, so it's all good.

I know nothing about DL, but would love to visit one day. Your plans sound good, especially 1st brunch and 2nd brunch!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Wow the kitchen really looks great. What a headache, but it's cool that you ended up with a beutiful new kitchen!

Happy 35 to Judi!

We have a GoPro and have had a lot of fun with it. Specifically for all sorts of weird things that you normally wouldn't think of, like putting it on model trains and remote control cars! I'm sure you'll have a blast with it in the parks and find fun ways to incorporate it into everyday life too.

Photopass is totally worth it at DL. Especially with all the cool Diamond Celebration photo spots. (Stay tuned to my TR, as we'll be sharing a bunch of our photopass photos soon.)

I'm a planner too, so I feel your pain about wanting the data for your spreadsheets and being curious about park hours.

I think your agenda looks pretty awesome.

Thanks Matt - getting there with the kitchen, but will be really happy when 100% done

Definitely want to spend some time experiementing with the GoPro before the trip. I got the model with the auto low-light detector function so want to test that out - hope that feature will allow it to work better on dark rides, etc.

I've seen some of the Diamond celebration photo ops, though wasn't sure which were just for the actual anniversary date and which ones are up for the whole year - but definitely want to get some!

Thanks - glad to get your take on the plans since you obviously have had experience recently with planning for multiple locations and travel, etc.

We may have been at the same Capt Lawrence event? A year ago this past May? We ended up having our own piZza delivered- there was no way we were waiting in line for the food. But the beer was enjoyable.

Yup, that would be the event. We wound up waiting in line as a bunch of us Dads met up there, some of whom we hadn't seen in quite some time - so we figured either we would be chatting off to the side or in line, so might as well just wait in line and then we took turns as runners to get more beer ... definitely had a few in me by the time we got to the front of the line. Was glad they sent out an apology e-mail after the fact - but was hoping that would have come with a discount for the following year or something, but no dice

The kitchen looks great! Oh, the joy of having everything functioning once again! On a different note, I can't tell you how many people I know that own that turquoise Ikea cart. It must be a good seller for them.

Happy belated birthday to Judi!

Funny how different school calendars can be. In Northwest Indiana, we've been back to school for two weeks now. Olivia's schedule brings back memories of transporting kids daily. I do miss those days, but now the grandkids are starting activities, so it's all good.

I know nothing about DL, but would love to visit one day. Your plans sound good, especially 1st brunch and 2nd brunch!

I know - it really is nice to have things that work now!

yeah, New York historically has gone back late. I think it is tied to August generally being the hottest month of the year here and most schools don't have air conditioning (or at least didn't) so they wanted to avoid having the kids in the class rooms during August. With Labor Day being a bit later this year some schools starting this week but we don't start until next week.

Big fan of brunch and figured this would work out as it really is just going to be breakfast and lunch - just with similar menus for both

 

[afwdwfan]

Hi everyone, hope you have been having a good summer. We are winding down - about 1.5 weeks left until this kids go back to school.

Wow... our schools started a month ago. Ridiculously early, IMO.

On the kitchen front, we are still not totally there (still need the back splash and toe kicks, etc.) but we have a usable kitchen and has been so nice to cook and have a sink - you know, the little things. Happy with how it is looking too:

Looks good! I'm glad that you're back in your kitchen now!

Since I enjoyed putting together the video from our last trip I decided to get a GoPro to take more video this trip - hopefully it works out

Cool idea!

As a WDW veteran/uber planner it was driving me a little bonkers that they still haven't fully released October hours for Disneyland Resort. Finally this morning at least I was able to book the last few ADRs I wanted as that opened up so that is making me feel a bit more at ease. I know getting ADRs at DLR isn't as tough as at WDW, but a few I was hoping to get at specific times, and just feel better having those confirmation numbers in my spreadsheets

I know! It's a totally different monster out there.

1st brunch at Snooze - an AM Eatery in Del Mar (they don't take reservations) ... we'll then head to the Del Mar beach for the rest of the morning
- 2nd brunch at Brunch Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff - we have a 12:30 reservation ... then spending the afternoon in La Jolla (beach, park, etc.)

I love it... 1st brunch, 2nd brunch. That's my kind of meal planning.

The plans, as a whole, look good. Should be a fun trip!

 

[sunnysideup3]

Yum, those nachos look delicious!
And I love the Star Wars meme

I love how your kitchen turned out. I love a farm sink and hopefully will have one when we re-do our kitchen.... someday.....

Your plans look great! I want to come along just for all the dining options, they sound delish. And lots of beer options...