Sissy, the 4 Boys, & the Fairy Grandparents Visit Disneyland
- Thread starter djmeredith
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djmeredith
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The La Brea tar pits and museum. Wooly Mammoths and other animals were trapped in the tar pits long ago so lots of bones and fossils have been found there. I've seen them before and thought the boys would enjoy seeing them but we just ran out of time.
pepe3penelope
Princess Ariel at Heart
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Loved your update! DH loves the dodgers! Showed him your pics! His birthday was yesterday. Dodgers are at San Diego today. In fact, we are on our way to see the Angels play the Oakland A's. DH is so excited cuz the Angels are in 1st place!!! I'm posting about it in DD's birthday DLH TR for next weekend. 
djmeredith
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Hollywood !!!!! Midori and I started talking about our venture around the strip while looking at your pictures..
It was neat to see the actual stars on the sidewalk instead of seeing it on T.V.
Glad you shared it with us.
It is cool seeing it in person. Midori is at a better age to appreciate it than my nephews. I honestly wouldn't recommend Hollywood for families with younger kids. Even though my nephews expressed interest in seeing the Hollywood sign while I was planning the trip, they really could've cared less once we got there (pretty typical for their ages I guess). They were more excited by the mall and the toys in the Disney soda shop than anything else.
I'm really enjoying reliving my trip through this TR, so thanks to everyone who is following along!
For anyone else who experiences the post Disney trip blues, I've found something to help pass the time. I've been reading the Kingdom Keepers books! Yes they are juvenile fiction, and no they are not stellar works of literature, But they do bring a bit of Disney magic to your day!
I had read books 1-3 a while back and decided to read the rest of the series to hold me over until my next Disney parks visit.djmeredith
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Birthday Celebrations and Baseball July 27, 2014
We were up early to begin our celebration of Drakes 11th birthday. Before heading off to our breakfast date with Mickey, we let Drake open his gift.
Birthdays are a big deal in our family so we celebrated all day long!
Next up, the Surfs Up Breakfast with Mickey and Friends.
Our reservation was for 8:20 and I was surprised to find no one waiting when we arrived. Within a couple of minutes we were ushered in for our photos with Mickey.
Then we were shown to our table where our server arrived quickly to take our drink orders. Having experienced character meals at WDW, I will compare our experience here for the WDW vets. The restaurant was very quiet compared to all the character meals Ive had at WDW. The restaurant and buffet are much smaller than any of the WDW character meals. The quality of the food and the choice selection was good. However, the boys hardly ate anything (I think they were too excited)!
We saw Daisy, Minnie, Stitch and Pluto. The characters didnt seem to have any set pattern for visiting tables, but rather wandered around and visited tables that called to them. Again, this was quite different from the WDW character meals Ive experienced. It wasnt necessarily a negative, but it was more difficult to know when to be at your table for a character visit. Once the characters did make it to our table they were willing to stay a long time so we had lots of good interaction.
First up was Daisy.
Next was Minnie.
Then Stitch.
Nico was the only one who wanted to join in the dance party. I had read that several or all of the characters would participate in the dance party, but only Stitch did during our time there. They also only did the dance party one time during our approximately 45 minutes in the restaurant. I thought this photo was really cute because the little girl next to Nico looks like Lilo from the back.
After we returned to the table from the dance party, our server brought Drake a cupcake and sang Happy Birthday with a couple of other servers.
And then Pluto visited.
Stitch came back by to visit the birthday boy.
I had been so busy helping the kids get their autographs and photos that I had not had much chance to eat. Of course, the boys were finished eating as soon as the last character left the table (actually long before that). None of them ate more than 1 small plate of food. I knew they would get hungry very soon so I encouraged them to fill up, but they were all excited to get going. They had all been cranky throughout breakfast which also made it difficult for me to eat. I was still hungry, so I sent them to get Mickeys autograph while I quickly ate another plate of food.
I'm sad that I didn't get any photos of my parents and the kids with the characters. The kids loved the character interaction, but it was a whirlwind experience for me and I didn't even realize that my parents never got in any of the photos until much later.
Overall, I would recommend this character breakfast if you have the extra money and enjoy character interaction, although I would not recommend stretching your budget for the experience. I purchased the dining vouchers through Orbitz so that helped save some money.
I think this meal would be best for younger children. Also, if you are used to the character dining experiences at WDW, you may be disappointed because this one did not have the same air of excitement. I will also mention one other negative thing I noticed: a couple of the characters costumes appeared worn at this breakfast, as in noticeably dull/worn in spots. That is something I have never, ever noticed on any character before. Im sure the kids didnt notice, but I was shocked when I noticed it. It just took something away from my experience.
After leaving the restaurant, we took a look around the gift shop (the boys ALWAYS wanted to shop). Then Drew had his photo taken with his favorite character, Goofy.
Finally, we headed back to the condo so the boys could change clothes before heading to the Angels game.
We were up early to begin our celebration of Drakes 11th birthday. Before heading off to our breakfast date with Mickey, we let Drake open his gift.
Birthdays are a big deal in our family so we celebrated all day long!
Next up, the Surfs Up Breakfast with Mickey and Friends.
Our reservation was for 8:20 and I was surprised to find no one waiting when we arrived. Within a couple of minutes we were ushered in for our photos with Mickey.
Then we were shown to our table where our server arrived quickly to take our drink orders. Having experienced character meals at WDW, I will compare our experience here for the WDW vets. The restaurant was very quiet compared to all the character meals Ive had at WDW. The restaurant and buffet are much smaller than any of the WDW character meals. The quality of the food and the choice selection was good. However, the boys hardly ate anything (I think they were too excited)!
We saw Daisy, Minnie, Stitch and Pluto. The characters didnt seem to have any set pattern for visiting tables, but rather wandered around and visited tables that called to them. Again, this was quite different from the WDW character meals Ive experienced. It wasnt necessarily a negative, but it was more difficult to know when to be at your table for a character visit. Once the characters did make it to our table they were willing to stay a long time so we had lots of good interaction.
First up was Daisy.
Next was Minnie.
Then Stitch.
Nico was the only one who wanted to join in the dance party. I had read that several or all of the characters would participate in the dance party, but only Stitch did during our time there. They also only did the dance party one time during our approximately 45 minutes in the restaurant. I thought this photo was really cute because the little girl next to Nico looks like Lilo from the back.
After we returned to the table from the dance party, our server brought Drake a cupcake and sang Happy Birthday with a couple of other servers.
And then Pluto visited.
Stitch came back by to visit the birthday boy.
I had been so busy helping the kids get their autographs and photos that I had not had much chance to eat. Of course, the boys were finished eating as soon as the last character left the table (actually long before that). None of them ate more than 1 small plate of food. I knew they would get hungry very soon so I encouraged them to fill up, but they were all excited to get going. They had all been cranky throughout breakfast which also made it difficult for me to eat. I was still hungry, so I sent them to get Mickeys autograph while I quickly ate another plate of food.
I'm sad that I didn't get any photos of my parents and the kids with the characters. The kids loved the character interaction, but it was a whirlwind experience for me and I didn't even realize that my parents never got in any of the photos until much later.
Overall, I would recommend this character breakfast if you have the extra money and enjoy character interaction, although I would not recommend stretching your budget for the experience. I purchased the dining vouchers through Orbitz so that helped save some money.
I think this meal would be best for younger children. Also, if you are used to the character dining experiences at WDW, you may be disappointed because this one did not have the same air of excitement. I will also mention one other negative thing I noticed: a couple of the characters costumes appeared worn at this breakfast, as in noticeably dull/worn in spots. That is something I have never, ever noticed on any character before. Im sure the kids didnt notice, but I was shocked when I noticed it. It just took something away from my experience.
After leaving the restaurant, we took a look around the gift shop (the boys ALWAYS wanted to shop). Then Drew had his photo taken with his favorite character, Goofy.
Finally, we headed back to the condo so the boys could change clothes before heading to the Angels game.
pepe3penelope
Princess Ariel at Heart
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- Jun 13, 2013
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- 1,441
OMG!!! So you and the gang actually DO make it to an Angels game!!! 
Can't wait to hear about that installment. We LOVED going to the game yesterday. The Angels swept the Oakland A's. DH was soooo happy! 
Loved your update! I haven't had the pleasure of going to WDW. I'm just familiar with Disneyland Resort's Character experiences. It seemed like you had a great time. It's too bad your parents weren't able to get pictures. However, I'm sure they also just wanted to make sure the boys were having a great time.
We loved our experience at Surf's Up with Mickey. I agree that sometimes it's very hard to enjoy the moment or even just enjoy the food. Meeting the characters is like a whirlwind experience. I had a hard time getting DD to focus on eating whenever we do one. They're just too excited!
Can't wait to hear about that installment. We LOVED going to the game yesterday. The Angels swept the Oakland A's. DH was soooo happy! Loved your update! I haven't had the pleasure of going to WDW. I'm just familiar with Disneyland Resort's Character experiences. It seemed like you had a great time. It's too bad your parents weren't able to get pictures. However, I'm sure they also just wanted to make sure the boys were having a great time.
We loved our experience at Surf's Up with Mickey. I agree that sometimes it's very hard to enjoy the moment or even just enjoy the food. Meeting the characters is like a whirlwind experience. I had a hard time getting DD to focus on eating whenever we do one. They're just too excited!
Dismamx2
Mouseketeer
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- Apr 9, 2011
- Messages
- 313
I am enjoying all your updates
We only did 1 character meal; dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. It was great, a lot of fun but I agree it doesn't have the same WOW factor as character dining at WDW.
We also had lunch at Johnny Rockets at the Hollywood & Highland Centre and didn't think much of it. The only thing we all liked were the milkshakes.
I drove up to Canyon Lake Drive/Mulholland Hwy to get as close to the Hollywood sign as possible but my girls just wouldn't get as exited as me about it
Looking forward to reading more
We only did 1 character meal; dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. It was great, a lot of fun but I agree it doesn't have the same WOW factor as character dining at WDW.
We also had lunch at Johnny Rockets at the Hollywood & Highland Centre and didn't think much of it. The only thing we all liked were the milkshakes.
I drove up to Canyon Lake Drive/Mulholland Hwy to get as close to the Hollywood sign as possible but my girls just wouldn't get as exited as me about it
Looking forward to reading more
djmeredith
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 9, 2005
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- 1,860
Birthday Celebrations and Baseball (Continued) July 27, 2014
After a quick stop at the condo so the boys could change clothes, we were off to Angels Stadium. The boys wanted to get there when the gates opened so that they could try to catch homerun balls during batting practice (a tradition we started at the Orioles/Yankees games over the last few years).
We had to wait about 20 minutes for the gates to open.
Once inside, the boys and I headed for the outfield seating so the boys could try to catch balls.
We found out when we got in that the Angels dont have batting practice before Sunday afternoon games, but Detroit did. A few balls came to the outfield, but none were close to where the boys were waiting. Since they werent having any luck, the boys decided to go down by the Angels dugout and try to get autographs.
They did get a couple of autographs on their caps, but were disappointed they couldnt get Mike Trouts autograph.
It was another HOT and sunny day so I was very glad I chose seats in the shade! This was the view from our seats:
I laughed because Drake was playing a baseball game on his iPod while we were at a live game.
We were able to meet up with the family from Drakes baseball team again and after the game all the kids ran the bases.
After a long, hot afternoon at the ballpark, we all went back to the condo for a nap before heading out for dinner. Drakes birthday dinner tradition is Buca Di Beppos so he was excited to find one around the corner from our condo.
We had a super fun time at dinner. In fact when we got home, all of us said that dinner was our favorite time during our whole trip. After dinner, we headed home and were in bed early for an early morning start at Disneyland!
After a quick stop at the condo so the boys could change clothes, we were off to Angels Stadium. The boys wanted to get there when the gates opened so that they could try to catch homerun balls during batting practice (a tradition we started at the Orioles/Yankees games over the last few years).
We had to wait about 20 minutes for the gates to open.
Once inside, the boys and I headed for the outfield seating so the boys could try to catch balls.
We found out when we got in that the Angels dont have batting practice before Sunday afternoon games, but Detroit did. A few balls came to the outfield, but none were close to where the boys were waiting. Since they werent having any luck, the boys decided to go down by the Angels dugout and try to get autographs.
They did get a couple of autographs on their caps, but were disappointed they couldnt get Mike Trouts autograph.
It was another HOT and sunny day so I was very glad I chose seats in the shade! This was the view from our seats:
I laughed because Drake was playing a baseball game on his iPod while we were at a live game.
We were able to meet up with the family from Drakes baseball team again and after the game all the kids ran the bases.
After a long, hot afternoon at the ballpark, we all went back to the condo for a nap before heading out for dinner. Drakes birthday dinner tradition is Buca Di Beppos so he was excited to find one around the corner from our condo.
We had a super fun time at dinner. In fact when we got home, all of us said that dinner was our favorite time during our whole trip. After dinner, we headed home and were in bed early for an early morning start at Disneyland!
Dismamx2
Mouseketeer
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- Apr 9, 2011
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- 313
[URL=http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/DisneySissy/media/Disneyland%202014/IMG_1976_zps27002d77.jpg.html said:[/URL]
Wow- the size of this dessert
Glad you all had such a great day djmeredith
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 9, 2005
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Sorry I haven't posted in so long; these trip reports take way more time than I ever realized! I've been busy getting ready for my trip to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Friday. I'm taking Drew and Nico for a quick weekend trip. We are going to the party and then spending 2.5 days at Universal Studios Orlando.
Monday July, 28 DISNEYLAND
We were up early and at the gates before opening. After waiting about 15 minutes, the gates opened and we made our way in. We headed straight for Fantasyland.
We stopped for a great shot in front of the castle with NOBODY in the background!
Fantasyland was practically empty just as I had read it would be immediately after opening. We did Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland first.
Next up was the Teacups, which my Dad skipped because he doesnt do spinning rides.
Matterhorn was still a walk on when we reached it, but the line was building quickly when we exited. Mimi and Poppy sat this one out since it had a reputation for being jerky.
Next up was Dumbo!
A Dumbo selfie:
By this time, the crowds in FL were picking up. We skipped Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the Storyboat Canal. The boys saw the whale and wanted to do Storyboat, but I told them I didn't think they would like it so we skipped it. I regret doing that because that was one of those moments where I put my planned itinerary ahead of spontaneity when the kids asked to do something. Lesson learned!
Next, we headed to Toontown. I was excited for the kids to see it since none of them remember the one at WDW. Mickeys house was our first stop!
Drew being silly:
We rode Gadgets Go Coaster, which was cute but a little too tame for our speed, lol. A quick rest in the shade:
The boys enjoyed exploring Donalds boat.
Then we sent Mimi and Poppy to get Space Mtn FPs while the boys and I finished up in Toon Town.
We went over to Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin. The sign said a 10 minute wait, but it ended up being about 30. The boys have never seen the movie and I havent seen it since it came out. None of us really cared for the ride, but I think the longer than expected wait may have affected our opinion somewhat.
Next up: Space Mountain!
Monday July, 28 DISNEYLAND
We were up early and at the gates before opening. After waiting about 15 minutes, the gates opened and we made our way in. We headed straight for Fantasyland.
We stopped for a great shot in front of the castle with NOBODY in the background!
Fantasyland was practically empty just as I had read it would be immediately after opening. We did Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland first.
Next up was the Teacups, which my Dad skipped because he doesnt do spinning rides.
Matterhorn was still a walk on when we reached it, but the line was building quickly when we exited. Mimi and Poppy sat this one out since it had a reputation for being jerky.
Next up was Dumbo!
A Dumbo selfie:
By this time, the crowds in FL were picking up. We skipped Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the Storyboat Canal. The boys saw the whale and wanted to do Storyboat, but I told them I didn't think they would like it so we skipped it. I regret doing that because that was one of those moments where I put my planned itinerary ahead of spontaneity when the kids asked to do something. Lesson learned!
Next, we headed to Toontown. I was excited for the kids to see it since none of them remember the one at WDW. Mickeys house was our first stop!
Drew being silly:
We rode Gadgets Go Coaster, which was cute but a little too tame for our speed, lol. A quick rest in the shade:
The boys enjoyed exploring Donalds boat.
Then we sent Mimi and Poppy to get Space Mtn FPs while the boys and I finished up in Toon Town.
We went over to Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin. The sign said a 10 minute wait, but it ended up being about 30. The boys have never seen the movie and I havent seen it since it came out. None of us really cared for the ride, but I think the longer than expected wait may have affected our opinion somewhat.
Next up: Space Mountain!
pepe3penelope
Princess Ariel at Heart
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- Jun 13, 2013
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- 1,441
Loved it! That was so neat that all of you has a great time in Fantasyland & Toontown. I loved the shirts the boys were wearing & loved that two of them were wearing their Angels baseball caps. That castle photo pass picture was amazing (loved how no one else was in the background!). At 3 & 7, my kids love Fantasyland, but they don't care for Toontown anymore. DH & I can't ride Matterhorn anymore either because our backs can't take the pain afterwards!
crystal1313
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 25, 2012
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So fun! I make my parents sit out the Matterhorn too. I'm not a huge fan because it gives me a headache most of the time, but DS6 loves it so if he asks, I take him on it. LOVE the PP+ photo at the castle. I hope you have that one in a frame!
LOVE the PP+ photo at the castle. I hope you have that one in a frame!
WDWJonasGirl
Mouseketeer/Directioner
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- May 1, 2011
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I love it so far!
RHMH
FTW Texas
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- Jun 5, 2011
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- 3,574
Sorry - I've been MIA
Your trip report is so amazing and your pictures capture so many special moments.
Thanks for sharing.
BTW - Midori was asked to go to the homecoming dance.. WOW!!, she is so excited.
We have been shopping for shoes and a dress.. I think we finally found one.... OMG 2 weeks of shopping..
Your trip report is so amazing and your pictures capture so many special moments.
Thanks for sharing.
BTW - Midori was asked to go to the homecoming dance.. WOW!!, she is so excited.
We have been shopping for shoes and a dress..
I think we finally found one.... OMG 2 weeks of shopping..djmeredith
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 9, 2005
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- 1,860
Thanks! I was surprised the boys enjoyed Toontown as much as they did since most of them are older.
So fun! I make my parents sit out the Matterhorn too. I'm not a huge fan because it gives me a headache most of the time, but DS6 loves it so if he asks, I take him on it.
Thanks for joining in!
What an amazing Aunty you are! Looks like a fun trip
Thanks, I love spoiling my nephews! I'm leaving tomorrow morning with 2 of them for a birthday trip to WDW for the Halloween party and then a couple of days at Universal Studios. They've been dying to go to Universal because of the Marvel super heroes, but we couldn't go to Orlando and not visit WDW.
Sorry - I've been MIA
Your trip report is so amazing and your pictures capture so many special moments.
Thanks for sharing.
BTW - Midori was asked to go to the homecoming dance.. WOW!!, she is so excited.
We have been shopping for shoes and a dress..
Thanks Bob! How exciting for Midori, I'm so happy for her!! I'm cracking up at you talking about the effort to find her outfit. Typical teenage girl.
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