SEPT 24 2005 Enter and Sign in Please

[bpicard9]

Happy Tuesday everyone

Dennis, sending you some sun to warm you up in all your snow.

BTW, has anyone been do Disneyland California recently? We have the opportunity to go at the end of July for a short stay and am looking for any tips/suggestions. It's been 20+ years since I've been and DH has never been. I've started reading through the threads on the DIS, but would love to hear if all y'all have any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[b&j's_mom]

Hello all!

Dennis- Sorry to hear about your snow. Ick.

bpicard9- I wish I knew some ideas for you. We have never been but I would love to take the kids there when we visit friends near disneyland. You'll have to let us know how it goes.

 

[bpicard9]

B&J's Mom and Smilingmouse - Saw your posts on the Dana thread. We booked with Dana, too. Think she's terrific.

 

[b&j's_mom]

We booked with Dana because she was the cheapest, it was just a wonderful bonus that she is so incredibly NICE!

 

[SouthernMouse]

Hello! I've spent the last two hours reading this thread cover to cover and have decided to come out of the shadows and make my presence known. We're travelling buddies with ErinC and her family (she has technically already signed me up in her first post to this thread, I am therefore not eligible for the baton )

We are: DH and DD1 (almost 2 by the time we cruise). We too are from Alabama. We live in the Birmingham area now, Alabaster to be exact. We previously lived in LA (lower Alabama) which is where we had the pleasure of meeting ErinC and her clan.

Can't wait until September!! This will be our 3rd Disney cruise and our 4th cruise overall. Our other was an Alaskan cruise.

As far as football goes, I know that we will have some Auburn gear packed especially since we sail on game day. My DH will probably be wearing his orange and blue when we board the ship.

It's been fun getting to know all of you thus far. Looking forward to reading more between now and September!!

Keri

 

[b&j's_mom]

Welcome Keri!

Wow, you have already been on 2 Disney cruises! Which ones did you go on, Magic or Wonder or both? It's great that you decided to come join us! My family is really looking forward to this cruise, it should be a blast!

 

[cujobugs]

Welcome, Keri! Glad to have you onboard. You must enjoy this cruising stuff as many trips as you have taken. It seems like most everyone on this site is a return cruiser. That is a good sign for a newbie like me.

Bpicard9- We have been to Disneyland twice in last few years. It is awesome. The weather is always cooler than Florida. My main suggestion is pay the extra money to stay at Disneyland Hotel. It is all connected with Downtown Disney which is an exciting place. Close to monorail, etc. We have stayed in Disneyland Hotel on one of our trips and it was simply amazing. This is also where they have the biggest character breakfasts. Make sure to request a room facing the courtyard pool. It is beautiful. Some people request rooms to face the fireworks if you think you are going to be in your room that early at night. We were always still at the park by then.

The second time we went we decided to save money and stay at Holiday Inn at the Park. It just wasn't the same. Only a mile or so from the park, but Disneyland Hotel is just so perfect when you have kids. Well worth the extra bucks for the convenience.

There is also another hotel inside California Adventures. I am not that familiar with it. Although it looked very nice from the outside.

I was a planning queen for that trip. So I can answer absolutely any questions you have. Sort of like this cruise, I think I am obsessed with the planning stage.

Power Alaska: Welcome back from your fishing trip. We just got back from a hunting trip.

 

[SouthernMouse]

Welcome Keri!

Wow, you have already been on 2 Disney cruises! Which ones did you go on, Magic or Wonder or both? It's great that you decided to come join us! My family is really looking forward to this cruise, it should be a blast!

We love to cruise! I know you will enjoy it too! We were on the Disney Wonder for 3 days as part of our honeymoon in 1999. Then we went on the Disney Magic for the 7 Day Eastern cruise in September 2001. We branched outside of Disney for an Alaskan cruise in May 2003. My DH wanted to go somewhere were it was cold and he could see some snow, and we both love to cruise so we thought this would be the best of both worlds. I must say, I am looking forward to getting back on a Disney ship. There's just nothing that compares to Disney !

 

[smilingmouse]

Welcome, Keri! Glad to have you onboard. You must enjoy this cruising stuff as many trips as you have taken. It seems like most everyone on this site is a return cruiser. That is a good sign for a newbie like me.

Bpicard9- We have been to Disneyland twice in last few years. It is awesome. The weather is always cooler than Florida. My main suggestion is pay the extra money to stay at Disneyland Hotel. It is all connected with Downtown Disney which is an exciting place. Close to monorail, etc. We have stayed in Disneyland Hotel on one of our trips and it was simply amazing. This is also where they have the biggest character breakfasts. Make sure to request a room facing the courtyard pool. It is beautiful. Some people request rooms to face the fireworks if you think you are going to be in your room that early at night. We were always still at the park by then.

The second time we went we decided to save money and stay at Holiday Inn at the Park. It just wasn't the same. Only a mile or so from the park, but Disneyland Hotel is just so perfect when you have kids. Well worth the extra bucks for the convenience.

There is also another hotel inside California Adventures. I am not that familiar with it. Although it looked very nice from the outside.

I was a planning queen for that trip. So I can answer absolutely any questions you have. Sort of like this cruise, I think I am obsessed with the planning stage.

Power Alaska: Welcome back from your fishing trip. We just got back from a hunting trip.

Cujobugs,

Can I ask a few DL questions too? I'm planning my ist trip in November...

1. Have you eaten at the BB? If so, how is the monte cristo?
2. What, in your opinion, are the best quick service places at DL and DCA?
3 Where should I go to watch Fantasmic?

Thanks in advance

 

[power_alaska]

Southern Mouse - Welcome from the shadows... Lived in LA for a while too. BUT I am a DARN Yankee so they made me leave. Think it was that Notre Dame shirt?

BPI - Send more sun!!! There are 4-8 inches forecasted for tonight! Becky can I send it to you? I want to play GOLF!!! And go trout fishing and halibut fishing and salmon fishing Have I mentioned that I enjoy fishing? And golf too? I work much too hard to have to put up with snow in April!

Went to Disneyland last year for Valentine's Day dinner with my bride. We stayed at the Grand Californian. Well worth extra $$$. Like Cujo says staying "on-property" is so much better. You can take a taxi from the airport and spend the $$$ saved on a rental car for the extra cost. Walk everywhere - no hassles. Soarin was fun and the Bug's Life too. However, if you have been to WDW then remember that Disneyland is much smaller. BUT it is still fun ...

Cujo - Glad to see you are back safe & sound from the hunt. Good time?

OBTW SouthernMouse - WRONG!!!! Congratulations on baton. Unless, of course, ErinC does not want to relinquish it to you... You openly admit to having Auburn stuff? Real Bama folks!!!
So when you speak pirate is it Ye'all te wok that thar plank ova yonder"?

 

[smilingmouse]

bpicard9--I'm glad to hear that Dana has such a loyal following here on the boards...she certaily deserves all of the praise she receives

SouthernMouse--we're glad you'll be joining us! Can't wait to see ya on board!

 

[SouthernMouse]

OBTW SouthernMouse - WRONG!!!! Congratulations on baton. Unless, of course, ErinC does not want to relinquish it to you... You openly admit to having Auburn stuff? Real Bama folks!!!
So when you speak pirate is it Ye'all te wok that thar plank ova yonder"? [/QUOTE]

If ErinC would like to keep it, I would be willing to let her keep it. I, like ErinC said, wouldn't be your first choice for hosting a party. Unless you like 1 yr old entertainment and no alcohol. She is a pretty entertaining little red head and we do like to have lots of fun though.

Of course I am proud of my Auburn stuff! War Eagle!! Most people don't realize that there are 2 schools in Alabama, but one of them went undefeated last year in football and it wasn't U of Alabama.

I'm glad you can speak Southern Pirate. We should be able to understand each other well on the cruise.

What would ya'll say is the best way to get from WDW to PC to MCO? I've looked into Disney transfers, limos, and rental cars? Just wondering what is best/cheapest? Is there a rental place that we can drop a car off at the port or close by?

 

[power_alaska]

Good Morning Keri!!!

Love kids & no alcohol! Learned my "southern speak" from a brood of southern folks - My Boss of twenty years (Mobile), My secretary of Ten Years (Fairhope) and my wife (Texas - I know not really southern!)

Really don't even care about football. Sacrilege!!! Not sure I have watched a football game since 1996 or so? Of course, I must admit, it was the Turkey Day game between Bama & Auburn. All I remember about it was both team should have been embarrassed by the quality of play. I am sure that Auburn must have won.

I am not really the one to ask about transfers. We are going to try the Disney transfers this time since we are going to WDW for a few days before hand. We are going to try the Magic Express transfer from MCO>WDW. We fly into MCO from ELP. I understand there is a way to rent a car and drop it at the port but I have never done it. We always drove down from LA when we lived there. From earlier discussions, it appears that a Limo may be worth it when you are dealing with a large group. I think that was Cujo. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Okay ... well off to work - IN SNOW!!! I really did like winter in LA. It usually amounted to a 20 minutes frost delay at the golf course.

In case anyone was wondering... Becky/Kim/Julie & all

It is now Wednesday 4/20/2005 at 4:58:58 AM
Event: Magic Cruise to West Carib
Scheduled For 9/24/2005 05:00 PM
5 months 4 days 12 hours 1 minute 2 seconds or
22 weekends or
157 days or
3,780 hours (2,520 waking hours) or
226,801 minutes or
13,608,061 seconds

Dennis

 

[bpicard9]

I was a planning queen for that trip. So I can answer absolutely any questions you have. Sort of like this cruise, I think I am obsessed with the planning stage.

cujobugs - Thanks for volunteering to answer questions. We wanted to stay on property, but we can't swing the cost right now, but at least we get to go see the 50th .

Have been reviewing the boards and tripadvisor and looks like we might stay at the Candy Cane Inn. Seems quaint, not too far, and don't have to cross street with a stroller to get to entrance.

We already have a Southern CA city pass which says we should get an early entry. Do you know how that works? The park states that DL opens at 8:00 on Sat. Does EE mean that we can queue up at 6:30 to get in at 7:00? we'd like to hit Fantasyland early with the tots and get in as many Dumbo flights as possible Does Toontown open at the same time?

I'm trying to figure the best strategy/pace for getting in rides that are toddler/pre-school friendly and using FP for Pooh, Autotopia, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Astro-Blasters. Do you have any suggestions? Do you know how the ride swap works if one parent has to stay with toddler while other goes on ride with older kid, then waiting parent wants to ride after they're done? Does any of this make sense?

Our itinerary is that we arrive Fri mid-day, have all day Sat and Sun. Thanks for any info.

dennis

take care everyone.

 

[cujobugs]

Smiling Mouse- you gave me some hard questions. Maybe Poweralaska can help you more than me. I haven't eaten the Monte Cristo. Sorry. Our favorite fast food place in Disneyland was inTomorrowland. I don't know the name of it though without looking at a map. It was across from autopia. It was nice because they often had shows outside while you eat. Buzz Lightyear was always the star in them. So it kept the kids entertained while eating. I wish I knew the name of it. Sorry. None of the fast food places that we ate were very delicious though. I wasn't too impressed with their fast food.

BPICard9- I agree with Poweralaska. It is worth the money to stay on property. Reconsider. Reconsider. That is the only regret I've had from my last vacation. Disneyland hotel is located in Downtown disney. Very close to monorail. What is nice about the monorail is that it drops you off in the middle of the park. So you are instantly in all the action instead of standing in line to get in the park. Where it drops you off is near Toontown which you said you wanted to visit early. It is so nice with young children who need to nap also. You just go back to the room for a small break, and back on the monorail and back to the action.

As far as the child pass goes......your child has to be unable to go on the ride because of height or age. If you fall in the category, you walk up with your group to the gate of the ride you want to go. You tell the attendant that you need a pass for when they get off the ride. (You need the infant with you) They would give us two passes, one for me and one for a member of our group to ride with me. We were cheaters though and learned the system very quickly. I hate to admit this. While the others were waiting in the long line, we would take the stroller and go to other rides and get passes from them. I would say my family is in line and I needed a parent swap pass. They would give it to me. So we always had extra passes so my kids could ride multiple times without waiting in line. It worked like a charm. Some of the attendants would want to see the rest of the family standing in line, but most of them didn't care and just gave out the passes. Then when your family gets off the ride, you get right back on the ride by way of the fastpass line or back entrance. Your whole family can't get back on, just two people. Does that make sense? It is hard to explain. Use it and abuse it. When the lines are 45 minutes long, you will be glad you did.

Yes, Toontown opens at the same time as the other park. I can't answer the early pass question you have. Sorry.

 

[ErinC]

bpicard9- We did DL in 2001 (I think)- DH had a conference in Vegas and we went a week early and rented a car and drove to LA to see the sights. We were actually there for Thanksgiving and a few days after. This was our first and only trip to DL. I was surprised how short the lines were compared to WDW even on Thanksgiving Day, maybe we were just lucky. We did not stay onsite, but I'm not sure at DL that it really matters all that much. We did priceline for a 2.5 star and got the Residence Inn right across the street. I think we paid $32 a night for it. It had a full kitchen, more of a studio apartment. I think it was a King bed, with a fold out couch. It also included free breakfast, so it was a real bargain. It really worked out well for us. I would check out www.biddingfortravel.com and see what other people have gotten recently and what they are paying. I don't like to bid unless, I can be fairly sure what I might get. I wouldn't bid anything less than a 2*, but usually try to stick with a 3*. If you need bargain accomodations, priceline can help. Hope this helps a little.

I'm glad to see that Keri finally signed in! I will gladly relinquish the party baton to her, since she is such a great friend!!

Power Alaska, do you still have the ongoing list of everyone for the meet? I think I've about lost track of everyone. I don't think Suzanne is ever coming back. Someone brought up her thread again, on the Norwegian wave thread. Geez people let it rest!

 

[power_alaska]

SmilingMouse - Sorry, Never ate at BB or had the MonteCristo... Breakfast & Dinner are usually our main meals. Not really into quick service places, like to take our time and enjoy what we see to the fullest. If we miss something, it is probably not on our "must do" list. Of course, it is just her & I, so we don't usually have to plan for kids & such. Have only seen Fantasmic at WDW. Which was excellent!!!

Bpicard - Not really sure where the Candy Cane Inn is but some of the hotels off property are further than it may appear ... especially with the kids. I just remember that we went out looking for a store and were amazed how far we had to go. Have you checked for "shuttle service" to/from the park. You might want it. All things & $$$ considered equal, that could be a tie-breaker when you have tired kids.

ErinC - Your right... Isn't SouthernMouse "nice" for taking the baton like that? You realize, this entitles her to the "special" Alaska prize? You were SO generous to give up the baton.

And yes, it looks like Suzanne may not be back. I keep hoping that she will pop back in again. I hope she didn't do anything foolish like cancel her trip cuz of those foolish comments. I just don't get it, those folks need to get a grip on what is important. Making fellow shipmates upset is NOT one of them.

Abbreviated List as I have it without a more OCD review is below. Have it on an excel sheet with a little more info. Had planned to sitdwon and add some additional info but I seem to have less time and tasks these days. If there are any corrections or you can fill in some blanks, let me know. Must know how many "moose nuggets" to bring.

fourfoxesinpa/PA/4
kcatoir/OR/4
praisehisname/MD/2
christianweecare/GA/2
goofysgirl/??/5
crazy4cruises/TN/?
cotomom/CA/?
skycon/VA/4
AmyMouse/??/2
CujoBugs/KS/7
SmilingMouse/??/1
Suzanne74/??/3
power_alaska/AK/2
bpicard9/MO/4
B&J's Mom/KS/4
ErinC/AL/5
TxDisneyFan/TX/??
SouthernMouse/AL/4

Am going to wait until we break the next Million Second mark before I post another countdown.

 

[smilingmouse]

SmilingMouse - Sorry, Never ate at BB or had the MonteCristo... Breakfast & Dinner are usually our main meals. Not really into quick service places, like to take our time and enjoy what we see to the fullest. If we miss something, it is probably not on our "must do" list. Of course, it is just her & I, so we don't usually have to plan for kids & such. Have only seen Fantasmic at WDW. Which was excellent!!!

Bpicard - Not really sure where the Candy Cane Inn is but some of the hotels off property are further than it may appear ... especially with the kids. I just remember that we went out looking for a store and were amazed how far we had to go. Have you checked for "shuttle service" to/from the park. You might want it. All things & $$$ considered equal, that could be a tie-breaker when you have tired kids.

ErinC - Your right... Isn't SouthernMouse "nice" for taking the baton like that? You realize, this entitles her to the "special" Alaska prize? You were SO generous to give up the baton.

And yes, it looks like Suzanne may not be back. I keep hoping that she will pop back in again. I hope she didn't do anything foolish like cancel her trip cuz of those foolish comments. I just don't get it, those folks need to get a grip on what is important. Making fellow shipmates upset is NOT one of them.

Abbreviated List as I have it without a more OCD review is below. Have it on an excel sheet with a little more info. Had planned to sitdwon and add some additional info but I seem to have less time and tasks these days. If there are any corrections or you can fill in some blanks, let me know. Must know how many "moose nuggets" to bring.

fourfoxesinpa/PA/4
kcatoir/OR/4
praisehisname/MD/2
christianweecare/GA/2
goofysgirl/??/5
crazy4cruises/TN/?
cotomom/CA/?
skycon/VA/4
AmyMouse/??/2
CujoBugs/KS/7
SmilingMouse/??/1
Suzanne74/??/3
power_alaska/AK/2
bpicard9/MO/4
B&J's Mom/KS/4
ErinC/AL/5
TxDisneyFan/TX/??
SouthernMouse/AL/4

Am going to wait until we break the next Million Second mark before I post another countdown.

Sine this is my 1st DL trip, I am trying to eat at counter service places to save time and money...nonetheless, I'm sure I'll be back to DL again

I'll help you fill in a blank. I'm from MN

I think we need to have an OCD annonomyous meeting...the only problem is planning our meetings will make our OCD worse I guess we are all hopeless

What am I going to do until your next countdown

I'm off to bed

'night all

 

[power_alaska]

Becky: I kno ye tol me ye wur fro MN afore. Sorry. Will fix it.

Wasn't going to publish the countdown because the seconds weren't moving fast enough for me. (Must have something to do with snow!) BUT, since I don't want anyone having withdrawal symptoms, I will publish it a little differently each time. Maybe that will make it move faster?

It is now Thursday 4/21/2005 at 4:41:28 AM
Event: Magic Cruise Scheduled For 9/24/2005 05:00 PM
5 months 3 days 12 hours 18 minutes 32 seconds

Okay so you want to have an OCD Anonymous Meeting? Does that mean that we can generate a 121,212 Step checklist? Do we have agenda? Where do we meet, time, snacks. etc etc Why would you think we have a problem? Can I arrange the chairs?

Dennis

 

[smilingmouse]

Dennis,

Thanks for giving me a "fix"....that withdrawl was killer

About the meting, your checklist length sounds about right I'm just afraid we'll obsess about the details....

Happy Thursday