Short Trip Report! :)

[Jaina]

DH and I just got back from a fun (if warm) trip to DLR! We went June 29th-July 1st. Crowds weren't as bad as we expected. Is there any way to find out how many people are in either park for any given day? We were just curious... They definitely built as the day went on, but mornings were pretty fabulous. The longest we ever waited was 30 minutes for Toy Story the first time we went on it. Loved it! That was DH's favorite (other than the ToT, as always) I think, especially since he blew me out of the water most of the time (which was exciting for him, since I always kill him on Buzz). We rode everything we wanted to several times, and saw the fireworks and street party parade twice each. Very cool. I wasn't a huge fan of Nemo, as I was ever so slightly claustrophobic and had a touch of motion-sickness during it, randomly, but I'm glad we got to go on it. My favorite ride of the trip was Screamin', but we loved so many of them!
My only sadness was the empty Pier at CA (it is normally one of our favorite places in the evenings, because the water is so beautiful, and not terribly crowded) and my only difficulty was sore feet and a little too warm for me. The feet improved slightly when I bought some Mary Jane Crocs at the Disney Character Warehouse and switched them back and forth with my sneakers. The heat wasn't THAT bad (I'm from AZ, but overheat easily...) especially since we went back to our hotel (Quality Inn and Suites at the Park on Katella) and shopping/ate dinner outside from like 1 to 5:30 every day. The last day we had already checked out of our hotel though, and stayed from 8 to 6. I ended up with some heat rash type stuff on my lower legs and forearms - very weird, and even DH (who doesn't burn easily and therefore doesn't wear sunscreen) was feeling the sun. It kind of wiped us out. Just goes to show - take that rest in the middle of the day!
Anyway, we had a fabulous time, and took home some fun souvenirs for our 1- and 2-year old. I used a lot of the knowledge learned her on the Dis to make a trip a little more knowledgeable and enjoyable. It was fun to chat with some AP-holders during the fireworks and be the one to tell them to watch for Dumbo when I hadn't been in 3 years, and they drive down about once a month. My DH started teasing me, because I said "On the Dis..." or "The DisBoards say..." a little too often, I guess. So thanks everyone, for helping me know what we were doing and helping us have a great time!

 

[Mugglemama]

sounds like you had a good time!

any idea when they're going to fill the lagoon back up with water at DCA?

 

[Eeee-va]

How fun! I'm sorry you got tired and also a little sick during Nemo (how funny; I didn't like Screamin' for the same reason ).

I would be interested to know how crowded the parks are this year versus typical summers. I don't know if crowds are down or not, but I was expecting HUGE crowds so I found them quite reasonable compared to my awful expectations.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

 

[disneydreamer74]

Glad to hear that you had a great trip! I am also relieved to hear that the crowds are dissipating somewhat.whew!! I can totall understand the need to relax at the hotel in the afternoon. Last summer we went in August and the temps were high 80's - low 90's. Now being that I am an Arizonan as well I should be plenty use to the heat. But I think being in direct sun most of the day makes the difference. When we decided to take afternoon breaks it made a world of difference.
How did you find the rooms to be at Quality Inn? I have heard mixed reviews on that hotel. thanks for sharing your trip!

 

[Jaina]

Sorry for the questions I didn't answer - within 20 hours of getting home from Disney, we went to our family's cabin for the 4th of July weekend. No computer (or cell phone reception, actually) up there!

I understand they are refilling the lagoon/pier thing at CA after Labor Day this year.

We were happy with the rooms at the Quality Inn. They weren't anything special (old, refurbished) but we had no complaints, and the staff was super friendly and helpful. The free breakfast was decent, and the walk wasn't terrible. Not good, in the evenings, when your feet hurt, but still not terrible. The beds were comfortable, I thought, and we slept well. We didn't every have the energy to try the pool or jacuzzi.

 

[Sherry E]

As one person who overheats easily to another - I can feel your pain about that problem. I have also developed strange heat rashes and things. It drives me nuts when friends say (on an 80-degree day or so), "It's not that hot...It's not that bad..." Well, it is not bad to THEM. Meanwhile, ever since I was little the sun really did a number on me - bad, bad sunburns all my life and I overheat quickly so I feel like I am burning from the inside out! Steam is coming off of my head! Then once I get into an air-conditioned room, it takes me 45 minutes to cool down!

This is why December at Disneyland is my favorite time!! Nice and comfortable in the daytime - like 60 degrees - and a crisp 40 degrees or lower at night! My kind of weather!!

I am glad you had a great time at DLR. My friend almost stayed at Quality Inn last year but was scared off by the bad reviews, so she switched. It is good to hear it is not bad if anyone ever needs to stay there in a pinch. I know the prices are good!