QueenDoOver's Completed (REALLY!) TR for Jack and Nathan's Surprise Bday Trip

[fairykin]

aahhh what a great family you have!
The pictures are wonderful.. more more!

Last year at christmas we booked the limo and it was really nice. With large groups it works out great!

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hi Dawn!
Thanks so much for coming on over

I am having major hotel remorse. I have been reading and checking prices and researching etc, and really think I need to change. It is my friends first and possibly only trip, so I don't want to have this be a major bummer for us. I know I can deal with it, but not sure about them, and they are counting on me to plan this all right, kwim???

I do have a resi at HOJO's for $90 a night, and think we will end up there. I have seen Quality Inn, down from Hojo's on Manchester for $59 a night, but then I compare that to HOJO's and for the price, it is worth it to just go HOJO, which is a known and loved quantity. Maybe the entertainment rate will come up at the last minute

 

[bumbershoot]

Check their site every day, and look for posts by DangerMouse! She seems to stalk their ent rate page.

 

[QueenDoOver]

Well here is my planning update: I was fanatically reviewing hotels and looking for that awesome deal with the closest location etc. I was on Travelocity and found what I thought was a great rate at the Ramada Maingate. I checked the reviews and they were pretty good. Since it was a non refundable reservation at the rate quoted, I really did my research before booking it. Upon receipt of my confirmation, I saw the address and realized I had accidentally booked the Ramada Limited Maingate. Man was I ticked! I immedietly called Travelocity and also the hotel. So far, the manager won't even call me back. I have put a dispute on my credit card charge and contacted Ramada Customer Service. I am hoping to have the booking cancelled, and the funds credited. But I know one thing, I won't be staying in that dive I accidentally booked that is miles away from the Maingate.

Lesson learned, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is! Just stick with HOJO!!


Second update: Our dear little Jack has been diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. First priority is to get him stable in his new life. Second priority is to figure out how to adjust our plans to keep his trip magical, but minimize the bad food choices, and make accommodations for managing his blood sugar while at the parks. This is all new to us and I really hope that he will still be able to go. We also will be celebrating his birthday. Anyone know about diabetic friendly birthday options? (I know they can adjust the insulin to accomodate the sugar, but guess that lower sugar/carb options are better?)

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hello Everyone, I have not done an update for a while, as I have been busy trying to figure out how to make the trip work with Jack's diabetes, and dealing with all the other things that come up in Life. Most recently, in regards to our trip is Jack's additional diagnosis with Celiac Disease. That means no gluten for him. Apparently 1 in 10 kids with Juvenile Diabetes also suffers from Celiac. Dang, the kid just can't catch a break!

Anyhow, I have been in contact with the head chefs at Disneyland. They are as helpful as they can be, but from a "protective" corporate perspective. They won't give carb counts, but will let you read labels, and when you are at the park, you can pick up a current "gluten free" restaurant guide. They won't send them to you because it does change frequently. But come on folks! It would be nice if you could see the typical offerings and where they are at so that you could plan your priority seatings, ya know???

Here is the info, if anyone needs to contact the chef:

Chef Bill Orton
714-781-4802
Bill.Orton@disney.com


My Work Around is that one of my dear disney divas who is going to the park next week is going to pick up the gluten free list and fax it to me. At least then we will be able to do a bit of strategic planning. Thank you Heather!

We have put our heads together and come up with a new plan that is not so centered around all the previously mentioned treats. ( can you believe how much our entire trip is changing??)

I will do a new post with just the new plan.

Thanks to anyone reading along and your tips are welcome!

 

[QueenDoOver]

Park Hours and "The Plan"

Thurs: We will only just have time to go to the TOT Party. I will be making a game plan for that, after I do a little more investigating. Suggestions are welcome.

In General, we will try to focus on the fun and not the candy. I will limit my sons consumption (which will be good for him too) and perhaps make it a plan to save our candy to take home and hand out to trick or treaters.

Fri: Park Hours DL 8AM to 12AM DCA 10AM to 6PM(based on last year)

Given that we will be at the TOT party the night before, probably until 10, getting to sleep by 11, I am guessing that we won't be hopping out of bed at 6 the next morning. So, on this day, I will take it easy. I know the parks may be busy though, and will gather up fast passes as our day allows.

I am guessing we will be at the parks around 9 (but hey, if the kids wake up, we may just throw ourselves together and get down there, even if we aren't in line early). We will go into DL and because it is their first time there, I am planning on letting them dilly dally and get photos and see characters, etc. (but, I think I will take a run down to Space Mountain and grab a set of FP's)

We decided to do the Welcome Tour. I will call and book it a month in advance, which I just realized will be my birthday, Sept. 9th and I will actually be in Disneyland, so perhaps will make our reservation right in person! I will let them know that we will need to go a slower pace and accommodate Jack's need to test his glucose levels and snack etc. Hoping it will perhaps just be the 4 of us on the tour so that we are not inconveniencing anyone else. That is Jack's actual Birthday, so it will be a great way to start off our day.

Summary Plan:
Arrive at will, dilly dally, but gather fast passes
10:00 Welcome to DL Tour, Birthday Buttons for the Boys
12:30 Tour Over
2:00 BBQ Lunch We had debated about not doing this after it stopped being a character meal, but it does have lots of gluten free options and is diabetic friendly. I expect we will have tons of left overs to store in our HOJO refrigerator. We will get seated and then I will run to Plaza Inn and pick up two birthday celebration pirate chests, which are always available and they always have gluten free cake too! (They don't have this option at the Celebration BBQ, strange, huh?)

If we are done by 3:30, we may skidaddle over to the Jedi Training and try to get picked. Other wise we will perhaps hit a few attractions, and then try the 4:35 show.


Sat: Park Hours DL 8AM to 12AM DCA 10AM to 10PM(based on last year)

Carrie and Jack will have a magic morning, so on this day, I will get them there in time for that, to do FantasyLand. Probably not early to stand in line though. Nathan and I will go with them, and see if they will also let us in (I have heard of this happening), but if not, no big deal. We will be prepared for the wait with a Nintendo DS or something. We Currently have a Minnie and Friends seating at 10:00.

If we have not done Jedi Training yet, we will try again until the boys get chosen.

Surely we will park hop this day for sure, and explore DCA more.

We will plan to eat dinner at Plaza Inn and save a spot to watch the fireworks from (sitting down in comfort, that is).



Sunday: Park Hours DL 8AM DCA 10AM (closing doesn't matter to us)

We have to be back at HOJO by 3:00 to meet Harold and get to the Airport.
__________________

 

[bumbershoot]

So are you still going? I hadn't realized how close to my b'day you were going! And now that I'm heavily considering a b'day trip...it's worth noting when you're going.

Did you ever get the Ramada thing taken care of?

How is Jack doing? The one thing about his diagnoses is...he's going to have such a GOOD diet, compared to most of us. So that's one way to look at it!

 

[QueenDoOver]

So are you still going? I hadn't realized how close to my b'day you were going! And now that I'm heavily considering a b'day trip...it's worth noting when you're going.

Did you ever get the Ramada thing taken care of?

How is Jack doing? The one thing about his diagnoses is...he's going to have such a GOOD diet, compared to most of us. So that's one way to look at it!

Hi Molly! I just got caught up on your report updates. It is hard to believe the way some folks conduct themselves. Very hard to believe.

Anyhoo...we are flying out on your actual birthday, but still, you should come, you should come! Are you thinking of going solo or bringing E? How can I help enable you? If going solo, you could come Saturday, we'll get a cot and you can sqeeze into our room at HOJO's. Then you could spend Sunday at the parks and I am sure you will have some local friends come spend the day with you, or solo is always fine. I am happy to report that a couple of the dis gals are ending up in Anaheim on my solo bday trip, so I will have company after all, which is just lovely. Then you could fly home Sunday night, late. No need for any childcare or disruption to Robert's work schedule etc.

There, does that do it for you??? Or you could use points to get the villa, and then add us to it, collecting our hotel fees to pay for your airfare, so then it would cost you even less out of pocket.

See how helpful I am??

Yes, in regards to Jack's diet, he will be eating a much healthier diet and by proximity, so will we all, to an extent. Already, my son, who is a major carboholic and big sweet tooth is learning to skip that stuff, at least when with Jack.

Okay, the ramada thing! Yikes. Finally after at least 10 calls, Travelocity finally got the manager on the phone. The agreed to refund me 2/3 of the reservation. I'm still not happy, but I thought I was going to get stuck with all of it. So, I am waiting to get the credit, and then I am going to be filing some complaints. First of all it was very deceptive in my opinion to have two hotels with basically the same name, and by the way, one of them named "maingate" happens to be 3 miles away. Also, there is no reason for the rate to be non refundable, as it was not a great rate for that hotel. It was simply a bate and switch, and I don't think it is a good management decision on the part of Travelocity to book rates like that. Secondly the fact that the manager would never call me back and there was nothing that Travelocity could do. I will never ever book with Travelocity again. Not to mention that all of the employees that helped me are clearly in an overseas call center, India if I had to guess and that sort of galls me too, and is not a business practice that I plan on supporting. So there you go, my rant.

I also cancelled my Super 8 reservation and decided that we had to suck it up and go with the higher HOJO rates. I just can't risk the unknown on this trip. But do let me know how I can help you make your 40th bday wish possible

 

[QueenDoOver]

We are nearly to our 30 day mark. Actually this coming Tuesday is 30 days from our fly in day, and Wednesday is my birthday and is 30 days from our welcome to DL tour. So I am really starting to get excited. I did decide to plan a secret(so that I don't have to answer to all the non disney people that don't get it) one day trip to DLR by myself on my actual birthday, so the bonus here will be a one day trip report within the pretrip report.

Last night I did buy the tickets on the gay days website for my friend. They got an adult 3 day hopper and a kid 3 day hopper for $278. This was about $50 less than any other site. Great for those going in the first part of October as they have to be done by Oct 11.

Stay tuned, if anyone is reading

 

[BillyFan]

I'm still reading!

I was wondering what happened with your hotel situation, and I'm glad it's mostly cleared up. You should definitely keep pursuing it though. That is ridiculous that they won't refund the entire amount!

 

[sahbushka]

Hi Tracey! I am reading along! I hope your birthday trip is great and I am glad that things are still a go for the boys trip!

Sarah

 

[QueenDoOver]

Here is my mini trip report from my one day birthday trip:

I woke up at 2:39AM having a hot flash. I knew you would all want to know about that! Finally fell back to sleep at 3:30 or so only to wake up at 5:15 to start getting ready. Finished packing my bagalini and was out the door at 6 AM as planned. I only made it two blocks when I realized I had not finished my hair. No product in it at all A quick u turn and about 5 minutes of rat, spray, scrunch and I was out the door, lookin good!

Traffic was fair, and I made it through parking the car, shuttle, security and to loading with 5 minutes to spare. But I did make it I was a little concerned upon boarding when I was seated 3 rows behind a terrified, screaming 2 year old. Finally, upon take off the little guy got worn out, and I was able to set my head back and fall sound asleep. I can never sleep on planes, so this was awesome! I woke up in time to get a cup of coffee and had a brief discussion with the flight attendant about offloading procedures, and upon discovering that rear offloading was not guaranteed, was granted permission to change seats to an empty in the very front of the plane. So, just before final securing of the cabin, I introduced myself to my new seatmates, who did not even bother to try to be pleasant. But hey, I was the first "coach" passenger off of that plane, so it was worth it.

Are you guys getting the feel here??? Yes, a totally awesome day, where everything went my way and I am sure it was all due to 09/09/09.

So after skipping gleefully to the curb of the little Long Beach Airport, experiencing and surviving the first wave of heat, texting and calling with The Donna Disneyland Express, I was ensconced in my beamer and whisked off to the Magic Kingdom.

Okay, let me cut to the chase, because it's a school day. I was so happy to hear that Donna and Vicki were going to be in Anaheim for the D23 convention, and wanted to spend the day with me. Donna and I got to the parking structure at noon, and we got into the park pretty quickly, strolled up to the guest services window and grabbed my birthday fun card, I stopped off at the tour garden and with no line at all booked my tour for next month, while Donna did a quick merchandise exchange. The park was awesome, with very low crowds. The temp was a bit much for me, but I have no heat tolerance at all. We strolled and looked. There are some really cute Halloween shirts out, but I did not buy one, as I could not decide and then never did, as I ran out of time. Next, we headed to Buzz to get fast passes for later. But, no fast passes because Buzz was a walk on!!! Can you believe it??

New paragraph here because this was a big birthday moment indeed. I had studied Stacielee's tips (THANK YOU!), and though I didn't remember all of them, I tried to employ as many as possible. For the first time ever, I broke 100,000. My new all time high is 354,000! Whoo Hooo!

Here is a little photo to help you understand my excitement:

Let's start with my all time low:

And now, a slight improvement:

And yes, I even hit the 30,000 point:

Finally, after reading Stacielee's tips, a birthday victory:

Donna and I hopped on again, and I did not do as well the next time, but I was still smiling. Darn gun!

We did stop and shop on the way out, and it was here that I snagged my treat of the day, the 999 pin. I knew I wanted to buy a pin that day to commemorate my day, but didn’t know what they had. I think it would have been cool to have the Haunted Mansion with the 999. I do like Chip and Dale, so still liked the pin.

The next item on my agenda was Inoventions. I had never been in that building. My kids never wanted to go, and it just had not happened. So we went. I thought it was really cool, and think my kids would like it. I sang "I just can't wait to be king" at the top of my lungs (thankfully no one heard) during the musical demonstration, and had a great time. Best part was that it was air conditioned! Afterwards, I was in need of some moisture on my lips and when I smeared my Burts Bees wax moisturizing berry tinted stuff on, I discovered that the hot temps had really done a number on my stick. I don’t know what Donna was really thinking but she was the picture of patience as I wiped and smeared the pink stuff all over the place.

When I was finally presentable, it seemed to be time for a Mickey Ice Cream, which Donna joined me in and even treated me to. I was feeling like the disney birthday princess by now! While we were nibbling we strolled past Nemo and around the Matterhorn and I had a good look at the art kiosk where they make your initials or name out of fairies, pirates, princes, or princesses. Those are such cool pics. Anyhow, sussed out that to do the one I would want for the family would end up being about $300 framed. Guess I will just keep looking at them in the parks. Donna had been sitting on a bench, juggling her mickey bar and texting on her I-phone with Vicki. Apparently she must have looked on the brink of a mess because one of the maintenance crew came up to her and gave her one of those lovely large thick papertowel napkin things that they carry. I sure would love to have a supply of those in my car for all those kid messes that seem to happen! As a matter of fact I could have used one just 10 minutes earlier to help master the melted lip gloss problem.

In need of a quick trip to the restroom, I asked Donna if she knew where the secret bathroom was. She led me to the Queen of Hearts bathroom across from the matterhorn. I am pretty sure that is not the secret bathroom, although it used to be the secret place to watch the parade. I like this bathroom and happily went into the 3 of hearts, as I recall. We primped a bit and then headed out to go meet Vicki, who we ran into in short order. Although I had not met Vicki before, she was quickly fitting like an old shoe, and I could tell that we were going to get along just fine.

I think at this time we wondered past the castle, where I waited in line and then shoved another family aside so that I could have my birthday picture in front of the castle by the photopass guy. He was super nice and even took the time to have me put my bag down and look decent. Gotta love that! I probably would not have bothered, but I can throw these pics in with our other pics from our Oct 8th trip, if I play my cards just right.
Here they are:

We wandered on through Frontierland and past the shooting range, and it felt really strange not to stop and shoot, but on we went. I did get to ride Big Thunder on my birthday and it is still my favorite. It was here in Frontierland that Donna did something really cool for me for my birthday. I can’t disclose any details, but it was one of the best parts of my day and something I will never forget! Yippee Eye Aye for Donna!!

I really wanted to check out the BBQ, so we headed on over and went through the stinky petting zoo, and there were real animals and it still stunk. I was way under impressed with the BBQ and quickly decided that I would be cancelling our birthday celebration luncheon that we had scheduled there in October. Now, the question is, what to replace it with???

It was really now time to slip on over to Café New Orleans and have some lunch in anticipation of my birthday beignet. Of course that was the real reason to eat there! I ordered the blackened chicken ceasar and while the chicken was lovely, the ceasar itself had no flavor at all. I was content to just eat the chicken, but Donna is so kind and asked our server to get me something else and we decided on a side of asparagus and that was just great. Donna had a gumbo crepe or something like that and I know it was really spicy. We all shared an order of pomme frites and they were lovely. Vicki had that lovely side salad that they do with the candied pecans. It always looks so good. Don’t know why I didn’t order that! Anyhow, it was fun. We had a rail side table and did a ton of chatting. I spoiled myself and ordered the Glow in the Dark Tinkerbell drink, which some of you may remember I tried to order on the last ladies trip and ended up sending it back. Well, I guess I can’t say that I spoiled myself because dear Donna and Vicki were so sweet and bought my lunch. Thanks again gals! You did spoil me all day long and it was so memorable.

Wow! This is a lot of words and I am so sorry it is so long. But I am mostly writing for myself because I truly don’t want to forget a single detail. Feel free to skip along and no hard feelings at all on my part.

After stopping by the pin store and the restroom, we headed over to Haunted mansion. I was so excited to see it open because when we parked the CM had told us it was closed. I love that ride and it brings so many memories back to me about my first trip with my Grandpa. I get that feeling of amazement at the quantity and the quality of the theming and seeing it for the first time. About then was when I realized I was truly down to my last hour, and had to start prioritizing. We went to Pooh Corner because I wanted to buy some treats to take home to my girlfriends, who I am having lunch with on Friday. We had shared quite a few moments sharing Pooh Corner treats on our trip last Feb. and I want to bring them back a little of that lovely caloric magic. We went up to the train station and rode the rail back to mainstreet. The smoke from that train seemed pretty bad to me on that warm day. In retrospect, I sure do hope that it did not cause Donna or Vicki any additional respiratory distress!

At mainstreet I had 30 minutes to get over to the Disneyland Hotel to catch my shuttle back to LAX. I quickly grabbed a postcard and addressed it and forged the autographs and a note to two little girls that have just booked their first trip to Disneyland. I think Mickey would forgive me. I didn’t have a stamp but Vicki promised she would get one for me and mail it off. Then we quickly hustled out the exit and headed back to the hotel. I’m telling you, we were hustling as by now I only had about 20 minutes and that is some trek. I kept telling Vicki and Donna that they did not have to walk me, but they were so kind and stayed with me until I was on the bus. Honestly, I had never taken that bus, and I was a little nervous about the whole thing, so I was glad to have them. Note to all: I really enjoyed the Disneyland Express. It was very comfortable and the driver was excellent and felt really safe. When I have used shuttle express, I have had a few scary moments I tell you. Anyhoo....My plane was supposed to leave at 8:45 and I had debated waiting to take the 7 o’clock shuttle, but in the end was too nervous to wait that long and took the 6:00. It worked out great actually. We arrived at the airport and the security check was super fast and the gate was close by. I got there and saw that there was a flight leaving in 20 minutes, so I asked if I could go on that one, and 5 minutes later was sitting on the plane. I was so glad to get home earlier (11:30 by the time I got home, but it would have been 1:00am).

I truly had a wonderful day and felt like I was surely the luckiest lady in the world. I did have to stop for gas and since it was 09/09/09 for another hour I decided to buy 9 scratch lottery tickets. Believe it or not, 5 of those tickets were winners! It was for a total of $7, but hey, I’ll take it!

So there you have it. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to go to DL for my birthday and to get to spend it with two very lovely, intelligent women who I am honored to call my friends. It would only have been better had all of the Divas been able to join me.

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hi Tracey! I am reading along! I hope your birthday trip is great and I am glad that things are still a go for the boys trip!

Sarah

Thanks Sarah! Glad you are here. Really can't wait to hear about your trip. I know you will have a wonderful time.

My current dilemna is where do we celebrate the boys bday lunch or dinner now?? (I am cancelling the BBQ) Any ideas?

It will be the same day as our welcome tour.

 

[QueenDoOver]

Guess What? There have been some changes!! Well, basically, I have changed the hotel again! We will be staying at Paradise Pier. The AP rates were just too good to pass up. I do love to stay there, and I love the walk to the parks via the Grand California. The kids love the pool and slide and then there is the fireworks from the pool level. I love the room service breakfast, and want to try Lilo and Stitch one morning too. I guess it was meant to be. I had wanted the DLH, but they were not available one of our nights. I keep thinking I will try to switch there if an opening comes up, but not sure if I really want to given all the things I love about PPH. I guess I will see how it goes.


And...I am pretty sure that we are going to have the boys birthday dinner at Goofey's Kitchen. A big part of that decision is all the gluten free choices they have. We can even order a gluten free cake, so I think that is what we will do. That will make it a really great meal for Jack and Carrie.

Welcome Tour tickets are purchased and in my wallet, breakfast vouchers are in my wallet, DL tickets are purchased and need printing. Now, as long as I don't lose my wallet and my computer doesn't crash, all is well.

I am struggling with keeping the surprise. I want to tell them so badly because I know how excited they will be. Nathan in particular has asked me several times if we can't go to Disneyland for the weekend and please can't we take Jack.

 

[bumbershoot]

Wow, what a day! That sounds terrific.

I'm dying to know about Frontierland, though. OK, I'm not dying. But you got me all curious.

Why are you (and hubby, I assume?) wearing ponchos inside the Buzz ride????

So did they give you the b'day beignet? Did you have to ask for it, or was it just given with the birthday button that I assume you got but didn't see mentioned b/c I was skimming in anticipation of the rest of your day?

 

[BillyFan]

Wow Tracy, your trip plans are just getting better and better!

 

[BillyFan]

Oh, andI want to know what the most fabulous Donna did for you in Frontierland, too!

 

[QueenDoOver]

Wow, what a day! That sounds terrific.

I'm dying to know about Frontierland, though. OK, I'm not dying. But you got me all curious.

Why are you (and hubby, I assume?) wearing ponchos inside the Buzz ride????

So did they give you the b'day beignet? Did you have to ask for it, or was it just given with the birthday button that I assume you got but didn't see mentioned b/c I was skimming in anticipation of the rest of your day?

The poncho picture is from last Feb. It was s super stormy day, but I brought rain suits so we just forged ahead in true northwest spirit. I guess we could have taken our hats down in Buzz.

I did get my beignet, but we did have to ask for it twice. It was not as good as the regular ones that come with those yummy dips though

Wow Tracy, your trip plans are just getting better and better!

I know! I can hardly stand it! I know it will be a wonderful trip and honestly my dear friend Carrie deserves this trip more than anyone I know.

Oh, andI want to know what the most fabulous Donna did for you in Frontierland, too!I'm dying to know about Frontierland, though. OK, I'm not dying. But you got me all curious.

Sorry Gals! I could tell ya, but then I'd have to kill ya!

 

[bumbershoot]

I did get my beignet, but we did have to ask for it twice. It was not as good as the regular ones that come with those yummy dips though

Ah, well....that eases my sudden urgent need to eat there ON my b'day then....

 

[bumbershoot]

Totally did not even notice the switch to PPH...your ponchos distracted me!


How very cool! We will HAVE TO meet up in the GCH lobby on, say, the 11th or something? I mean, if not before, of course. But the lobby would just be so easy, since you'll likely be walking through there.