Solo day and family trip... two, two, two reports in ONE!

[bumbershoot]

Robert had just been told, at around 6am, that we were the Big Kahuna Family.

We were being upgraded to a suite, first off. The rest of the stuff we got or found out about later, because of course the room wasn't ready and DS and I were outside. I imagine things would have happened right then if we'd been in the building.

When we finally got back to the hotel at proper check-in time, they gave us a folder. Inside that folder was info! So being the Big Kahuna Family means you get a complimentary picture (the CM comes out and takes a picture of you, then they print it later and give it to you), a picture frame (a PPH themed paper folder frame), a "Collectors Paradise Pier pin" (very simple, I like it very much, and they gave us FOUR), Turndown Service (I turned that down when she knocked, but certainly took the massive handful of chocolates she gave me, along with the single red rose in a bud vase), Mickey Rice Krispie Treats on the first night (the CM told us about that when we got our room and we asked for a substitution of something else b/c we don't eat marshmallows), and a "Special Voicemail Message from Goofy".

Pretty fun!

Oh, and we also got a signed black and white picture of Mickey Minnie Donald Goofy and Pluto in front of the castle.

And plastic leis, which I wish they'd given to us at check-in b/c we would have worn them to the parks, but they didn't (they seemed a bit scattered). And really, those are no different than what we got just by eating at the Lilo/Stitch b'fast last year, so people would probably have just thought we had a character meal.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh gosh, why not just talk about the room now? No reason to be chronological ALL the time, right?

When we at last were able to check in, we really needed our luggage! Alas the phone wasn't working (hubby had problems with it each day) to call Bell Services, or they just weren't answering, so I rushed downstairs (taking the Evil Glass Elevator of Doom) to get them to bring up our bags. You can see a preview of why our stuff was needed so very much at that time in this picture. It's the first view of the room we had, though you can see I was the third person to go in there!

In the other trip report from May that I read, they were put in a suite on the 15th floor. It was a strange suite, b/c there were double doors that could be closed off, but then there were two ROOM doors. To get to the sitting room you needed your keycard, and to get to the bedroom you had to have it too.

That was not the case in our suite.

First, we were not on the very very top, 15th, floor.

Our suite required only one room door to be opened, and we came directly into the sitting room part of it (see above). As I walked past the bathroom, I saw this scrumptious couch to the right.

I went back to see the bathroom in the sitting room.


Walk in, and this is straight ahead, then to the right. I tried to put the pix side by side but it doesn't seem to be working, so now they are just one after the other.

Vanity and sink.

Cute but nasty-smelling (IMO) toiletries.

As you can see there's a toothbrush there. Used the t'brush (helped DS brush his teeth when he was being a PITA about it) as well as a little box containing qtips and cotton balls.


Then I continued to explore.


From the sitting room, this is the first view of the bedroom (which is a typical PPH bedroom from my experience).

Walked in, and to the left was the desk with sunshine mirror over it and the window.

Beds to the right after going in the adjoining door.

Looking back towards the window, and there's the queen pull-out sofa (not sure THAT is normal in a regular room, but our normal room last year definitely had a sofa there).

Hubby called me into the bedroom's bathroom, where he pointed out the towel animals. We are strangely happy when we have those, b/c we only had two sad days of them on our honeymoon cruise, when cruisecritic people led us to expect them all the time. We had a brand new, rather bad, room steward on that cruise. So these were happy-making.

And lastly, the mickey sticker on the washcloths.

 

[toocherie]

Molly--I am soo excited that you got to be The Big Kahuna Family! I've always wanted to get that (don't know why--just sounds neat) but unlikely since it's usually either just me or me and one other person. (I was actually hoping for it when some of the Disboard Ladies and I were staying at PPH a few months ago, but alas, no). Anyway, can't wait to hear more about your trip and sorry I missed you guys.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi Cheryl!

The passporter trip report I read from May was a two-person couple, no kids, so I know it can happen for just adults. I have no idea how they choose it, though, so I don't know if it has to be more than one person or not. When I was single and fancy-free I was my own family, gosh golly!

It doesn't seem that it's part of the YOMD, so there might be ample opportunities to get it in the future.

This trip has messssssed me up, though...the loveliness of the few hours at the Hilton (aka posh hotel) and the suite, combined with watching the family back in November get "family of the day" for the next day at DLH, has caused a yearning to stay onsite. 3 days of feeling fancy has changed my brain! Help!

 

[bumbershoot]

We were all tired, so this picture is about as excited as we all looked, even though our feelings were truly spilling over with joy.

We headed over, now that the bags were stored and the car was parked. I don't know why I took this picture, but there was a reason at the time. Perhaps it was the early morning light? The construction workers with their huge coolers of food? How construction of DVC villas was going? I dunno, but here ya go.

When we first stayed at PPH, as some might recall, I *thought* I knew the back way, but I didn't. We figured out that hubby had something to do with that; he's the one that noticed the big signs inside PPH pointing to DTD, and he convinced me that they must have marked the secret way. He was VERY hesitant at that time to try a different way, so we just followed the signs, and walked waaaaaaay more than we needed to on that trip.

Once we got back from that trip, I figured out the error I had made, and 3 months later when we stayed at Anabella we took what was basically that route. But this time it was our first stay at PPH where we could use the secret way, and we rejoiced every time.

I don't really like being in GCH b/c it's so stinkin' dark and I can't see (side effects of Lasik), but I like it a whole lot more than having to walk all the way around the theater, Compass Books, the Lego Store, etc.



We were so tired for much of the trip I am having a hard time remembering everything. I know that we weren't on time for MM on Saturday, and I believe that the gates were already open. But I could be making that up, LOL.

We went in and decided to go on Nemo. This was the "line".

It almost looks like they aren't allowing people in with strollers anymore, but maybe I'm wrong about that. It felt right to park the stroller first then get in line, and that isn't how it felt when we first went on it in September of last year.


The light that morning was lovely.

Alas, Nemo was a bust. Although I didn't suffer from my usual claustrophobia, Eamon had a pretty big problem with just how LOUD it was. It was too early, he was too tired, and he refused to eat that morning. The plan had been that we snack on MoJo bars in the early AM then later have breakfast, but E refused food that early. Augh. So he spent most of the ride with his ears covered, and Robert had to warn E loudly of the angler fish. Had to have a chat with Robert later that although reminding our guy was fine, he needed to do it quietly, so as to not RUIN it for others.

So with Eamon not enjoying Nemo, it was hard for us to (though Robert did indeed enjoy it), and it was a bummer of a way to start of our first morning.

And after that, anything that was loud was refused. In Tomorrowland, you can imagine how THAT went!

He absolutely refused Buzz just as soon as we walked into the building, and the same thing happened with Star Tours. Those are his absolute favorite rides (or, at least, they were) so it was shocking.

After those refusals, there was really only one thing to do. Yep, Mickey Mouse Pancakes.

Off we went to the RiverBelle Terrace, where we enjoyed a pancake and a no-meat Mark Twain.

You might notice something missing there...yep, no coffee. So there we were, tired, with a kiddo who was easily spooked, and the parents having no coffee. I don't know what we were thinking and neither does hubby. It was a mistake that we made up for, though.


Wow, we ate that food fast. The receipt is marked 8:23, and the next picture is marked 8:34! Wow.

How do they make sure these ducks are out of the water for Fantasmic???


It's funny I took this picture, because while we watched Fantasmic on Sunday I noticed people on the balcony over towards the right of the picture. I don't even know what's up there! It's not over Pirates so it's not the Dream Suite, and I thought Club 33 was on that side of things too. What's over there???

 

[bumbershoot]

We went over to get HMH fast passes, just in case. Eamon didn't really enjoy that, b/c he was worried we were taking him onto the ride.


So what else could we do to help a tired and overwhelmed kid, now that he had been fed, and fed the food he wanted most of all on this trip? OK this is going to sound funny, but Pooh!

We went twice in a row b/c there was no one in line. That was fun. I always enjoy that. I'm sort of serious and sort of sarcastically parent-ish when I say that. I mean, if you're going to go on something multiple times, you might as well just stay on the ride, right? And it's not an unpleasant ride.

Though it's loud, and I don't quite know why E liked that but not Buzz. Eh, it worked.

After the second time went into the shop at the end of the ride to check out something (not sure what) while E and R played.

(someday I'm going to have to scan Robert's 1st grade picture in and compare it to E's hair when I haven't gelled it into submission (that happens rarely), so you can see that there's really no hope, nothing I can do other than buzz it (and then E looks like R NOW), to make it stay out of the Bowl look. I promise I do NOT cut it with a bowl like MIL used to do to her sons!)

Well, I don't know what it is about that silly old bear, but it did the trick! 4 times on it and E was as good as new.

Oh sure there was some heavy wrangling at the shop there, and he came away with three pressed pennies (or maybe 4), but that's fine.

It's there that I saw the Disney Mammoth Crocs that I should have bought myself. Drat.


Love this lampy thing.

Since E isn't ready to do Splash and I don't like Splash, and hubby didn't want to get soaked that early, it was time to move on from the Critters.

 

[dalepool]

Your son is so cute-- errr handsome. I have read your other trip reports and I am amazed at how grown up he looks.

I do have a question --- My grandson does not like loud noises either, he says it hurts his ears. Is this the same as your son? If it is do you know if it has a treatment? There are times I think it is just the difference between being 56 and 4-- well almost 5.

Following your trip report is a lot of fun. Heck, I feel like i travel with you all and boy does that save me a lot of money .

Anyway waiting for next installment.

Patty

 

[kaoden39]

I love wha tthey do with the towels. That is so cute.

 

[bumbershoot]

We liked it too, kaoden.

Patty, when he is overwhelmed his ears sometimes get sensitive. I finally remembered on Sunday night that I had my own disposable earplugs (hubby snores and I bought the pack originally for the Madonna concert) that squish really small then expand in your ears. I can't remember right now what ride we used them on, but he enjoyed it much much more when he had the earplugs in.

I find Disneyland to be quite noisy as well, and sometimes it's just too much. But I'm a grownup and can try to deal; I just figure the little ones haven't figured out coping mechanisms other than aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh yet.

For a future trip, I'm going to get him his OWN earplugs that fit his little ears, and I hope it will make it much easier for him on the loud rides.

 

[bumbershoot]

I never really notice the train going by through Critter Country.

I mentioned before that Eamon won't go on Haunted Mansion. Well a couple weeks before our trip we went to an electronics store where they were showing Nightmare Before Christmas. E was fascinated. We tried really hard to get it from our local library, but for some reason the Tacoma Public Library system doesn't even have the movie! I don't quite get that, but whatever.

I have a feeling that IF he could have seen the movie and IF he liked it, he might have been brave enough to go on it.

As it was, he recognized the design, and as we paused at one of the NBC carts so hubby could drool, E fell madly in love with...Avalon if you're out there send your daughter away....these bad boys.

It wasn't even 10am, it was a bit cold, his hands were chilly, and we figured "this isn't really a souvenir, rather, it's needed...it's clothing", and bought them. So that pic was him, wearing them backwards (he REFUSED to wear them with the bones and JS on the tops of his hands), while waiting to go on the Carrousel.

Then he added the Mickey pirate ears just in time for teacups.

I went on the ride once. That was enough. They spun it. I laughed my head off all while wondering if was going to be ill. They thought I was mad, but I just thought it was really really funny, and I didn't need anymore cowbell, er, teacups!

On DS's request we visited the bathrooms back near Alice, and I noticed the light fixtures. Before I thought "hmm, bathroom, shouldn't take a picture" I took this.

From there we decided to visit IASW. On the way, we spied...


Oh wait. While preparing for the trip, I asked both dudes in my condo what they wanted to do. DS of course was disappointed that Jack Sparrow is gone, but he understands that Jack had to go to Singapore. Other than that, he wanted to meet Captain Hook, Mickey Mouse, and Peter Pan.

MM proved elusive, but he's met him a few times before and can be found in the future.

Captain Hook was being held captive over in Minnie's breakfast, we believe, because we didn't see him.

When DS said he wanted to meet Peter Pan I thought "oh noooo, he's never out!" though I have seen pix of him out, but I don't have that kind of luck with characters.

Well, on our way to IASW, hubby piped up with a sighting, and lo and behold, it was PP. He had a crowd around him but was deftly leading everyone to a picture spot. He had one serious hanger-on, an itty bitty girl dressed as Peter Pan, which was *a-dor-a-ble*.

He really liked her and kept her nearby. He was able to see other people by telling her that this one little area "over there" was a perfect spot for Captain Hook and that she needed to keep a lookout. She was little enough that this:

1. kept her busy
2. didn't scare her
3. gave her something to do for *at least* half an hour, seriously

While she was looking for Hook, he called people up.

Soon it was Eamon's turn, but unfortunately, his excitement had turned to a strange attitude! Look at the body language. He is the definition of tension.

Then I noticed him looking over to his left...

And I got it. He was old enough AND young enough that he truly believed Captain Hook might be over there. He was afraid. Poor dude.

I went up really quick and told PP that he thought Hook was over there. Peter is fast on his feet, because he told Eamon that the girl Peter Pan was the lookout, and she would tell them immediately if Hook showed up, so he was not to worry.

This allowed him to relax enough to *almost* smile, but at least pose, with PP.

Since I absolutely hated the whole character thing as a kid, I know that E is doing better than I did, and every time he can work things through and come out of fear I'm just tremendously proud of him, b/c being so shy and fearful that you can't deal with Mickey Mouse kind of sucks.

We went over to IASW, but found out it was closed! Drat.

As we slowly walked back, PP was still there, and so was his little double. She was still busily looking over to see if Hook was there. Seriously good attention span on her!

I don't remember where we were heading, but we stopped by the Jedi Academy so Eamon could watch the whole thing. We were totally mentally prepared for him to participate, so taking the time to watch was good.

I so love the teacher! I know that there have to be *at least* two teachers, but we only saw the one guy, the hilarious Asian guy, and I can't imagine the Academy with anyone else. His lines are just too funny. We ended up seeing it twice, and I know he recycles lines, but each time it's amusing. Like with the littles ones, if he gets a kid who isn't really following, he'll say something like "as we can see, life is better in slow motion". I love his quick patter, and his Iron Chef like flourish at the beginning.

Watching it was valuable! Why? Eamon decided he didn't want to be anywhere near Darth Maul, and since we couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't fight Maul if he were picked, he absolutely refused to do it. OK "refuse" makes it sound like we were urging him. Not at all. We just wanted him to know that if he was ready to do it he could, but he made the decision that he wasn't ready.

He's not the only one startled by Maul! If you ever watch from outside the area, you'll see children reacting when he comes over to the spectators. He startled an 8/9 year old boy into jumping back! So E was not alone.


Even though he didn't want to battle a Darth, he did want to see his buddy Rex! Alas, it was approaching 11am when everyone not on the Dis has just entered the parks, so this is what we got to deal with>>>

Robert looks like he got a mohawk there, LOL.


I didn't even know that the line had extra, that there was another area of the building. Sure did find out, though! Luckily there was a family behind us there for their first time. They were here for a "mom blogger" convention; the mom has a blog (cannot recall the name), one of the types where you put links up and get paid small amounts of money for each time someone clicks on the links. You try products, write them up, etc. Some people do really well, and it seemed she was one of them. They got 3 day hoppers as part of the convention.

They had *just* gotten to the parks, one of her sons had been part of Jedi Academy, then they went on Star Tours as their very first ride. It was fun talking to her!


Showing off hubby's pictures, since these came out well>>

gol, wonder what's happening on Coruscant, yes?

The flight went well, considering it was Captain Rex's first time. We were put alllll the way in the back, almost in the middle, and it was very exciting back there! It's interesting the way the ride changes depending on where you sit.

I sure would love to know exactly how they make some of the forces on that ride....

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

but he understands that Jack had to go to Singapore.

That is just too cute.

I'm glad you guys found PP. I really really like *THAT* PP that Eamon met.

And I don't blame him for being afraid of Maul. That guy scares me too. His eyes are red. Ew.

 

[borntoshop96]

I was reading your Trip report (enjoyed reading it!!) when I came across this post.
I was flying into San Diego about 2 weeks after 9/11 happened (actually I was supposed to fly on 9/11 in the evening) when we got ready to land, the pilot got on the pa system and assured us that although we were flying VERY close to the buildings it was normal and that we should not be alarmed. If he had not done that I think the passengers (me included) would have freaked out!!

 

[bumbershoot]

PPB, and he has spikey things coming from his head! Bleah!

BTS, can you even imagine being on that flight? I really do wish the SD pilots would mention *something* while flying in, but then for some reason I never look out the window while flying in there, so I haven't been startled by it, I just get startled when driving around SD and seeing those planes!



Poor Eamon-dude is all sick. And I have NO coffee and have to run out to get some postage so I can do some last-ditch Year of a Million Dreams main-in entries. Which means very bundled up, rain-cover-on, stroller-walk. I'm seeing E's new gloves in his future, along with some scarves. Brr.

 

[kaoden39]

I love the Singapore excuse that was great. My 12 year old son was sitting at the computer with me earlier while I read that and he got a huge kick out of it. And E is so cute looking for Hook. Poor guy I hope he feels better.

 

[bumbershoot]

The Singapore idea was all Robert's. I was ready to launch into a more truthful explanation (the fairies booted Jack! LOL) but Robert stepped in. He likes making things easier, and it was indeed a cute explanation.

I'm just glad there's not Disney in Singapore, or I know a certain kiddo who would be urging us to go there!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

And having Jack going to Singapore is certainly a better explanation than the other rumor as to why Jack left Disneyland for a little while.

 

[bumbershoot]

Though Jack might have had just as much fun at DLR as he had in Singapore in the movies (or rather the back story to the movies).

Um, wait, I think that was one of the problems!


I still blame the fairies! Did they really need so many? All anyone really cares about is Tinkerbell. Send the others pixies away and bring back our Jack. NOS wasn't the same *at all* without him around, it was actually a tangible lack. If that makes any sense.

 

[kaoden39]

The Singapore idea was all Robert's. I was ready to launch into a more truthful explanation (the fairies booted Jack! LOL) but Robert stepped in. He likes making things easier, and it was indeed a cute explanation.

I'm just glad there's not Disney in Singapore, or I know a certain kiddo who would be urging us to go there!

I can so see it. But Mommy....

And having Jack going to Singapore is certainly a better explanation than the other rumor as to why Jack left Disneyland for a little while.

My husband Scotty found and article online about that being the reason. And the sad thing is I can actually believe it. Some people have no pride. That reminds me of a comversation my kids were talking about today. They are 12, 14 and 15 and they were discussing how nice the idea of purity rings was. It pleased me a great deal.

Though Jack might have had just as much fun at DLR as he had in Singapore in the movies (or rather the back story to the movies).

Um, wait, I think that was one of the problems!


I still blame the fairies! Did they really need so many? All anyone really cares about is Tinkerbell. Send the others pixies away and bring back our Jack. NOS wasn't the same *at all* without him around, it was actually a tangible lack. If that makes any sense.

I think Jack was a nice addition to NOS even though I already liked it. I think that it's mistake to get rid of Jack for some silly fairies. I remember the good old days when Tink was the only fairy they needed. And knowing Tink I can't imagine she's too happy about sharing the limelight with any other fairies.

 

[Sherry E]

What I wonder is, now that Jack is gone because of some lusty women who can't control themselves (most likely), are there any pirates of any kind over on Pirate's Lair? Wasn't there a PhotoPass spot over there? We were not able to go to Pirate's Lair in October because they had it closed down for Miley Cyrus' birthday thing, and I had planned to go over there this month to hit the PhotoPass spot. But if there is no one there to take pictures with, we may skip it! Or maybe DLR is keeping all the 'unattractive' pirates who don't provoke women to solicit indecent acts over on the Lair for photo ops to make up for the loss of Jack Sparrow...

 

[bumbershoot]

And knowing Tink I can't imagine she's too happy about sharing the limelight with any other fairies.

I can imagine the look she gives when no one is looking!

(OK all the images I'm finding are the cute smiley, post-makeover, Tinkerbells...)

And...nevermind, you guys can go watch Peter Pan and see the various angry expressions she makes. google has been brainwashed!