Spring break at DL---are we crazy??? 3/20-3/29 PTR--updated 4/8

[Michelle2]

And our first visit to Club 33!!

Links to Trip report:
General Observations and Summary:
Day 1: Saturday, March 21--Arrival at Laguna Beach
Day 2: Sunday, March 22--First park day
Day 3: Monday, March 23--relaxing beach day
Day 4: Tuesday, March 24--
Day 5: Wednesday, March 25--Club 33 day
Day 6: Thursday, March 26--
Day 7: Friday, March 27--last day

I have gone so many trips without doing a trip report, but like pmama said in her pre trip report, the anticipation for going to DL this particular trip is driving me crazy and its fun to share it with others that might find it enjoy the journey too! I also hope that with going at a busier time, that maybe it can help someone in the future. I know I have been having a blast reading others' reports---to me, they are so much fun...and informative!
My trip reports are usually a little long and not very witty, so I warn and apologize in advance, I just love the details and tell it how I see it!

Our background:
Me: 37, like everyone else on here, a lover of all things Disney! I am known to my family as the Disney geek/guru/freak/queen/fanatic/the planning "commodore".
Actually I have a rather sordid affair with Disney, sometimes I love them, sometimes I hate them and they make me want to pull my hair out. But obviously its not enough to keep me from going back again ...and again and again.....My love always wins out. It's corny, but true.

DH: will turn 39 right before this trip. He likes Disney, but mostly humors me in it. He likes that it is a great family vacation, but I think he would like to eventually do something different. I try to keep things changed up by doing different Disney things so that he and the kids still have new things to do. (different cruise ports, alternate parks, etc.)

DS16: Typical teenage boy, he has more fun when others come with us. He doesn't like to do FL or kiddie things much anymore. Hates having his picture taken.

He sure didn't mind having his picture taken here with Aly and AJ (where's the rolling eyes smiley?) LOL

DD14: Probably the most like me in loving Disney. She is really laid back and always has fun and enjoys everything and everyone.

DD12: Drama queen, but loves the thriller rides like ToT and Screamin.

DS6: Our personal Stitch...pretty much sums it up.

DS6 and DD14

I grew up in LV, so I grew up going to Disneyland at least once a year since I was 1 or 2. We first went as a family with the kids in 1996, and took our first trip to WDW in 2003, and our first cruise on the Magic in 2005.
DH and I have also been to Disneyland Paris in 2001 and the 2 Disney parks in Tokyo in 2006. But of all the parks I have been to, Disneyland is my favorite, and none of the others quite give me that giddy exciting feeling like DL does.
To me, there are so many things that DL has that are better, so we are so excited to be going back! I will try and post pictures soon.

Edited to ADD: I forgot to list that my DM, 2 Dsis's and a brother in law are coming along with us on this trip. I was able to get them into Club 33 along with us, so they could not pass it up, even though it is a spring break time. LOL We have gone with them before, and they are tons of fun to have along!

Here is a picture of my 2 DDs and one of my Dsis from our trip there in August:

Also, my kids love going with other people, and it will give the older ones chances to go off and split up when they want to do different things...I have found that with Disneyland, the more the merrier! I used to be overwhelmed by group sizes, but we tried it a few times and SO enjoy our trip even more when others are with us (especially the kids.)

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm looking forward to reading more & seeing pics!!! We went to DL last March during spring break.....super busy, but we still found magic there & couldn't wait to go back!! DS16 sounds like our older boys.....they do one morning of FL with us to please me, but don't expect to find them there any other time.....
Will sit patiently & wait for more!!

 

[Michelle2]

I'm looking forward to reading more & seeing pics!!! We went to DL last March during spring break.....super busy, but we still found magic there & couldn't wait to go back!! DS16 sounds like our older boys.....they do one morning of FL with us to please me, but don't expect to find them there any other time.....
Will sit patiently & wait for more!!

Thanks DizNee Luver, we are hoping that it will be manageable. I still think it will be different than years past since so many spring breaks will be spread out into April due to Easter, but we will see! I figure if I can handle summer, I can handle anything!

My son is the same, he will do one morning, and that's about it. The good thing, is that my mom, 2 sisters, and bro in law will be there, and they will be able to seperate and do things with my older 3 since our youngest son still loves the Fantasyland stuff.

 

[Belle Ella]

I can't wait to read more and see pictures! You'll be getting there a week before do, and I totally know what you mean about the anticipation this time around. I can hardly contain myself.

Thanks DizNee Luver, we are hoping that it will be manageable. I still think it will be different than years past since so many spring breaks will be spread out into April due to Easter, but we will see! I figure if I can handle summer, I can handle anything!

Very good point about the spring breaks. Mine from school isn't actually until sometime in April. I actually like that they're all more spread out now, but I can't ever imagine it being like it was during the summer when we've gone. And like you said, once you've had that experience, you should be able to handle it all!

 

[Michelle2]

Planning:

We will be staying at Park Vue Inn during our DL stay, and I have heard good things about it on this board, and from family. I had the Hojo booked, but the closeness of this hotel won out. We have stayed at the BW Park Place Inn, Carousel Inn, and love being so close...can't beat it! We used to only do onsite Disney hotels, but found since the locations offsite are just as close and have better dining options for our kids and wallet, we have started staying off site.
As long as the parking is free this trip since we will have a car, and is close, those are the most important. I think the breakfast will be good to have too!

We will be driving down to visit family when the kids get out of school on Friday, March 20. We are hoping to get down there by 11 pm or so.

Saturday, March 21: Spend a half day with family, and then head down to California! Check into Laguna beach condo for 4 nights.

Sunday, March 22: Beach Day and relax!

Monday, March 23: I have almost talked DH into adding on a DL day here. (My mom and sisters won't be arriving until the next day.) Since it is way less to add on a day than a one day's admission elsewhere, we are probably going to do it. Even though it has been awhile since we have done California's versions of Universal and Sea World, we love Florida's parks alot better!!

Tuesday, March 24: DL/CA day
Mom and sis's and bro in law will probably be there later at about 10 or 11 am or so. We are hoping to have lunch at Carnation Cafe or a counter service today.

Wednesday, March 25: DL/CA and CLUB 33 day!!
We have ressies for lunch, and cannot wait!

Thursday, March 26: DL/CA day. We will do our MM today.

Friday, March 27: Last DL/CA day.

Saturday, March 28: Leave DL
Travel back to Las Vegas to break up the trip and visit family again, and then head back home Sunday.

 

[Michelle2]

I can't wait to read more and see pictures! You'll be getting there a week before do, and I totally know what you mean about the anticipation this time around. I can hardly contain myself.

Very good point about the spring breaks. Mine from school isn't actually until sometime in April. I actually like that they're all more spread out now, but I can't ever imagine it being like it was during the summer when we've gone. And like you said, once you've had that experience, you should be able to handle it all!

I totally agree. Now if it was last year with Easter being on the Sunday after our spring break, or next year with Sunday being after spring break, then no way! LOL

 

[DizNee Luver]

I think you'll miss a lot of the spring breakers..... I've read in these forums that a majority of the spring breaks (in Cali) are in April. You will get to see the new parade!!!! It is officially on the schedule now for March 27!! So since that's your last day, make sure to schedule it in. Take lots of pics for us that will miss it!!!!!!

 

[Michelle2]

I think you'll miss a lot of the spring breakers..... I've read in these forums that a majority of the spring breaks (in Cali) are in April. You will get to see the new parade!!!! It is officially on the schedule now for March 27!! So since that's your last day, make sure to schedule it in. Take lots of pics for us that will miss it!!!!!!

SCORE!!! It was NOT on the calendar last I looked, so thanks so much for filling me in on that! Definitely will catch it, no matter if anyone goes with me or not, I will be sure to be there and take lots of pics!

I know what you mean about the majority of the spring breakers... I keep trying to tell my family (and myself) that. LOL

 

[Michelle2]

Another Disney planning day! I am so excited because there are so many people that are heading to Disney this week and the next, it makes me think that I better get going and plan dining reservations for the places we were thinking of. PLUS, I want to make a neat planner/binder like DisNee Luver! I must admit it would be nice to have alot of info on file incase I needed it. Menus would be nice.....Usually most trips we spend too much time thinking of where everyone feels like, and then getting there and its not what we thought, or things changed.

Places where we are thinking of this trip:
Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, and we will probably do the rest just counter services. (Bengal BBQ, Golden Horseshoe--Billy Hill and the Hillbillies and Corndog Castle a MUST )

We usually do Blue Bayou, but we wanted to keep costs a little lower this trip, even though my mom and 2 sisters and bro inlaw are still doing it. We also do a character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen, but my kids are outgrowing those things a little, and besides my DS6 there won't be any little kids this trip

 

[DizNee Luver]

PLUS, I want to make a neat planner/binder like DisNee Luver! I must admit it would be nice to have alot of info on file incase I needed it. Menus would be nice.....Usually most trips we spend too much time thinking of where everyone feels like, and then getting there and its not what we thought, or things changed.


We also do a character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen, but my kids are outgrowing those things a little, and besides my DS6 there won't be any little kids this trip

Thank you very much on the nice comment about my binder

I had to laugh when I read that your kids were kinda outgrowing the character meals..... My 19 yr old had his lip sticking out about not getting to go to the Lilo-n-Stitch breakfast that I had to call Disney Dining & add him & his 22yr old brother..... I didn't realize you could outgrow them!! My hubby & I were going to go to them even when the kids weren't coming on this trip!

 

[wvnative]

Oooo how exciting! I think reading everyone else's TR's is just making me that much more excited for our trip to be here. Your trip and ours will overlap just a bit.

Cafe Orleans is on our "must try" list. I just need to check with my partner in crime for this trip and see what she thinks before I call to get a PS. She's coming over tonight so we should be able to get that nailed down. I've already got PS's for breakfast at Carnation. I love their breakfasts. lol

I too am looking forward to the Street Party. It'll be our second day there so I'm sure we'll be able to check it out.

There are no character meals on our agenda this time, but it's a cost saving measure. My kid, who I normally travel with, is 18 and I can't do DL with her without doing a character meal. She just won't hear of it. lol

 

[pmama]

Too funny to read my DIS name on your first page! It's true though. This is the only place you'll find where people share in your enthusiasm. What an adorable family you have. I love that picture of your youngest DS with the seal.

I'll be interested to see how it goes for you in March. I've been considering upgrading to annual passes so we can return Spring Break 2010. Subbing to read more.

 

[Michelle2]

Thank you very much on the nice comment about my binder

I had to laugh when I read that your kids were kinda outgrowing the character meals..... My 19 yr old had his lip sticking out about not getting to go to the Lilo-n-Stitch breakfast that I had to call Disney Dining & add him & his 22yr old brother..... I didn't realize you could outgrow them!! My hubby & I were going to go to them even when the kids weren't coming on this trip!

I sure didn't outgrow them, and wonder why my kids can be such duds sometimes. LOL I am jealous of everyone who has older kids that want to go. I would do almost anything for them to be like that!

Oooo how exciting! I think reading everyone else's TR's is just making me that much more excited for our trip to be here. Your trip and ours will overlap just a bit.

Cafe Orleans is on our "must try" list. I just need to check with my partner in crime for this trip and see what she thinks before I call to get a PS. She's coming over tonight so we should be able to get that nailed down. I've already got PS's for breakfast at Carnation. I love their breakfasts. lol

I too am looking forward to the Street Party. It'll be our second day there so I'm sure we'll be able to check it out.

There are no character meals on our agenda this time, but it's a cost saving measure. My kid, who I normally travel with, is 18 and I can't do DL with her without doing a character meal. She just won't hear of it. lol

I am so excited we will overlap! And again, I am so jealous about having older kids want to go to the character meal. We have not been to Goofy's kitchen since 2005 and I really miss it!!

Too funny to read my DIS name on your first page! It's true though. This is the only place you'll find where people share in your enthusiasm. What an adorable family you have. I love that picture of your youngest DS with the seal.

I'll be interested to see how it goes for you in March. I've been considering upgrading to annual passes so we can return Spring Break 2010. Subbing to read more.

I could not help but agree with you, and had to give credit where credit was due! LOL
I have been really enjoying your PTR and planning too! You have an adorable family as well, and I will look forward to reading more about your adventures.

Thanks everyone for the good feedback!

 

[Michelle2]

I was getting excited today, so I wanted to post some more DL pics that we took a few months ago in August.

This was a hour after Toontown opened....I was so surprised by the lack of people there yet! Same with Fantasyland. We were off of 2 or 3 rides in the morning on an EE day, so the park had been open for about half an hour, and this is what it looked like:

DS6 giving it an extra big TUG!

And our favorite entrance!!

DS6 and Minnie

Some of the Electrical Parade. We were glad we saw it in August, because it will not be going on while we are there in March.

Pete's Dragon and Cinderella:

 

[DizNee Luver]

That's amazing the park was that empty in August!!! How'd you luck out??? That's great.....hoping we see a day or two like that on our trip!!

 

[Michelle2]

That's amazing the park was that empty in August!!! How'd you luck out??? That's great.....hoping we see a day or two like that on our trip!!

I know! It totally shocked the heck out of me!
It was our first time going in a "busy" season, and I totally planned for the WORST, but it wasn't bad at all....don't know if it was the week we picked, or not, but it was great.

Oh, it did get more crowded in the afternoons, and getting stuck in the bottlenecks after parades and fireworks were done totally reminded us that it was summer.....LOL

 

[Michelle2]

I just bought the famous Disboards baggallini messenger bag. I have always had an over the body type bag, but it wasn't quite big enough and I didn't like the color. I have heard rave reviews and studied some dis threads on it with some pictures of how it fit people, and took the plunge. I was able to find some pretty good discount codes and free shipping on it too.

Oh, we bought our 4 day hopper tickets yesterday!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Me likey the bag...... and the color is awesome!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

Me likey the bag...... and the color is awesome!!!

I totally second that!!

 

[pmama]

I just bought the famous Disboards baggallini messenger bag. I have always had an over the body type bag, but it wasn't quite big enough and I didn't like the color. I have heard rave reviews and studied some dis threads on it with some pictures of how it fit people, and took the plunge. I was able to find some pretty good discount codes and free shipping on it too.

Oh, we bought our 4 day hopper tickets yesterday!

I'll be looking forward to hearing how the bag works for you. My DH usually carries a awfully big bag around that he likes. If I'm going to be w/o him for a couple days I'd like a smaller handier bag.