woodynjessiesmomma
and baby Buzz too
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
- Messages
- 487
First of all, thanks for the tips and answering my questions. I first found Dis planning my family's first trip to DL a couple years ago and it was great but I knew too much info without knowing how to execute it well. We had fun but I was so overwhelmed. With a little more experience and not having to account for kids this trip was amazing! When my oldest saw all the pictures he was sad we are going to WDW with my aunt and cousin rather than DL next so I might try to squeeze in a DL trip again soon 
When: January 2nd-6th
Where: DLH for 4 nights and the parks for 3 days
Who: my friend (M) and myself (no kids or husbands). We felt a little guilty but my family just went to WDW and now my friend is planning a trip to DL and WDW for her family. We both have 3 kids and it was kinda nice to do what we wanted on the trip and not be focused on keeping the kids together and such. M's first DL trip and her birthday.
Why: because I missed the Aladdin show 3 times when my family was there in 2013 and I always said I'd see it the next time we were there. When the closure was announced I had to get there, but DH didn't want to go on another trip so we made it a girls trip.
Day 1: M's husband drove us to the airport at 5am. It was early, but still exciting. The flight to SNA went smoothly and we got our rental car. Initially we were planning to meet M's aunt in San Diego but we were a little tired and tried to meet them mid way but then the aunt decided to come to the park with us the next day. We did get a free upgrade with Alamo so that was nice but we ended up barely driving so in the end I wish we would have skipped the rental.
We were able to check into DLH around 1pm and our room was ready so we rested, then walked around DTD, at at Rainforest Cafe, shopped, then back to the room. We drove around the area since we could and went to Target down Habor for a few supplies, then decided on Roy's Hawaiian Fusion for Aloha Hour/dinner and the Ebi roll and potstickers were amazing.
The police had the road back to our hotel blocked so after several u turns and calling the hotel we finally found our way back around 8pm. M's family was very excited to FaceTime with her and we crashed shortly after that as it was late Central time especially for being up so early
Day 2: I wanted to start at DCA to see Aladdin and this was the only day of our trip that Soarin would be open. We made it to the park shortly before 8am, I was selected for the metal detector (I'm almost always selected for extra screenings). Something kept beeping around the zipper of my jeans but eventually they decided I was ok, it was kinda weird.
We started down Hollywood Blvd and a cast member called us in to meet Elsa without a wait. Then on we went to ToT and then M's aunt met us and we rode ToT again. We walked over to Carsland and got in line for RSR at the wait was around 30 minutes. M had her 1st visit button and birthday button on as I had asked for them at the hotel. They gave me an I'm celebrating button. In Sarge's shop we got Citizen buttons for all of us and a 1st visit button for M's aunt. She has been to DL but never DCA. Then we graves FP's for RSR and the return time was already 6:30pm at it was maybe 10:30 am. I'm not completely sure on the rest of the order. I think we rode Ariel and Soarin. We are lunch at Ariel's Grotto and M's aunt brought tiaras for us to wear. It was kinda fun getting to be the kids. The food was fine and the princess interaction was much better than when I had been with my family. We also are inside this time which was nice. We met Ariel initially and then Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jasmine, and Tiana. After lunch we grabbed Aladdin FP's. We were hoping for the 4pm show but they went quick and we got 6pm tickets. M and I had made last minute reservations for Carthy Circle WOC package when she saw it that morning so our evening was getting packed. Then tried for California Screamin but as we were headed down the stairs the ride was stopped and evacuated. We rode Mickeys fun wheel and then met Buzz in passing and took pictures with Jessie. After that the Feliz Navidad parade was going on so that was neat to see. Then we went back to Soarin and used our free FPs from the CS incident. We never heard exactly what happened and eventually it was going again. The we rode Monsters inc and watched the Frozen Sing a long. We peeked at Olaf but the line was way to long for us. At this point M's aunt was tired and decided to leave. M and I got in line for Aladdin and chose the mezzanine because the orchestra level already looked pretty full. We waited outside about 30 minutes before they started letting in. I forgot Abu wasn't in it but otherwise I loved it! The Genie was great just as I had read. I just can't imagine Frozen would have the same appeal to all ages, boys and girls, but it's too late for that I guess. After the show we passed off our RSRs FPs to some people as we made our way to Carthy Circle. Dinner was wonderful but by the time we were done we were too tired to stand up for WOC so we went back to the hotel.
The walk through DTD was crowded but still nice compared to the traffic and all off Harbor that my family did previously. Still offsite is so much cheaper it's totally worth it, but DTD was a nice walk and kept us in the Disney Spirit.
Day 3: Again we headed for the parks as the extra hour was ending, but we were able to enter through the monorail which was fun and easy this time of morning. We rode the Nemo sub which was not the most exciting way to start but Hyperspace mountain was closed and was off and on the whole day.
We did some shopping, walked up Main Street and took pictures in front of the castle, then walked through Sleeping Beauty's castle. Then we went to breakfast with Minnie at the Plaza. The food was good and we were starving as our reservation was for 10:45. Minnie was in the sun room near our table so we waited before grabbing food. While we waited we met the Fairy Godmother, Max, Chip, Dale, Captain Hook, Winnie the Pooh, and Eyeore. Minnie was so close but was then escorted away. At first we were told she would come back but she never did. At the end another table of adult and our table had never gotten to meet Minnie. She had other engagements but a cast member took us to the front of the park and said we'd get to meet her right away but a different cast member told us to go to Minnie and Mickey's houses in Toontown. When we got back there the waits were pretty long so we just rode Roger Rabbit, looked around and then headed for F! FPs. and rode BTMRR. BTMBBQ smelled amazing but we never found a reservation. As we were cutting back and forth in this area we saw a group of suits with tablets and we assume it was something to do with SWland. After that we made our way for PotC and I grabbed FPs for HM. After those rides we thought about the Matterhorn but the wait was 80 minutes. I grabbed FPs for IJA while I was on the phone with my husband and didn't realize they were for 10:45 at night
we got an early dinner as a walk up to Cafe Orleans, shortly after that they were turning away non-reservations. The food was pretty good but there was far too much reading on the Monte Cristo for me, I'm really not a fan of this sandwhich in general but I felt like I should try it as much as I read about it here. At this point the sun had set so we walked over to IaSW holiday and the line was about 35 minutes but it was so neat watching the lights on the facade and we met a nice family in line. Really everyone we met at the parks were very nice. M was wowed by all the birthday wishes and welcomes because of her buttons. I don't remember if we did anything else. A little before 8 we started hanging around the stand by area for F! because those FPs were for the later show and we were already tiring. We ended up with pretty good spots for F! which was nice since we waited more than an hour before they let us into the viewing area. It was my first time to see the DL version and it was great. M loved it and that made me happy because DH was disappointed in the show when I finally got him to see it a few months ago at WDW. The Peter Pan part was so much fun. After the show we quickly scurried with the crowed for the fireworks. M really wanted to see it in front of the castle and we got decent spots for getting there minutes before. After the fireworks we slowly made our way out and stopped by Starbucks to get the DL mug for our friend that couldn't go with us. It was supposed to have rained this day and while it was more humid it didn't rain on us at all. The next day was a different story.
Day 4: We finally used our PHs and got to the parks to make use of our extra magic time. We got to DL at 7am and I got sent to the metal detector again, no issues this time. M never got selected. We went right for the Matterhorn and then started in FL with PP and the other dark rides and the IaSW again. And the rain started. Yay for SoCal! Our boat came out of SW and what had been a sprinkle was a pretty good downpour so we scrambled for the ponchos out of my bag. Storybook Canal was on my to do list this day but it never opened during our time there :-( just an excuse to go back another time, it was under refurbishment that last time I was there. At some point after the rain started we got to ride IJA and watch the Enchanted Tiki Room, both were fun. It was the first time I've seen the Tiki Room, sadly no Dole Whips were served at that time inside or out.
We rode the train from Toontown to Tomorrowland and got in line for Hyperspace Mountain. The SW theme doesn't appeal to me but it was still fun. We also saw Storm Troopers marching around (but that may have been the day before). In line for SM we overheard a mom and son talking about meeting characters in the Mr Lincoln area because of the rain. We had about an hour until our lunch at Blue Bayou so we decided to go either see the Lincoln show or see what characters may be hanging out. First we saw Daisy meeting then Mickey and Minnie came out together, then Goofy and Pluto popped up on the other side, Cinderella was hanging out too, and as we finished with her Cruella Deville arrived. We met 7 characters within 20 minutes! It was such a Disney rush. After that we decided to head on to lunch as we weren't sure if we had time for the show at this point. We stopped in a few stores along the way and then had a great lunch at BB.
We headed to DCA after lunch. We rode TSMM, got FP to the 4:30 Aladdin, and actually rode California Screamin. I finally remembered the Disney Visa M&G so we saw Daisy in another outfit then got the DCA Starbucks mug for our friend. The rain was slowing at this point but RSR was still down. We got to the Aladdin line early as we wanted orchestra seats behind the parade. Again friendly people in line and many lamenting the end of the show. We loved it again. Then we went to Wine Torratoria (sp?) for another WOC package with plans to actually use it. The food was good but the service not so great and it was loud and chilly inside. After dinner we rode RSR though single rider and it was beautiful after dark. We went by the photo shop and got our prints. We may have done something else but all I remember was WOC winter which had way too much Frozen for me but was still kinda nice, someday I'd like to see the regular WOC. We made our way out through the Grand Californian and saw the fireworks from DTD. It was a nice end.
Day 5: We slept in and packed up our room. We left for Long Beach about 9am and it was very overcast. We saw the Queen Mary from across the bay, walked around a little and got back in the car just before the rain hit. We got to the airport and through security to find out our flight was delayed due to weather in Las Vegas. As we wanders and grabbed food and snacks the power went out for about 10 minutes and our flight was so bumpy SW didn't serve drinks due to safety concerns. Once in Vegas our other flight was delayed as well but smooth otherwise. Finally home and my friend picked me up and brought my ODS with her. My family was waiting up for me at home and M's husband picked her up as his mom was with their boys.
This trip was just right for us on rides, rest, and enjoying shows and food. We are planning a massive 2 family trip to WDW for the 50th in 5 years
When: January 2nd-6th
Where: DLH for 4 nights and the parks for 3 days
Who: my friend (M) and myself (no kids or husbands). We felt a little guilty but my family just went to WDW and now my friend is planning a trip to DL and WDW for her family. We both have 3 kids and it was kinda nice to do what we wanted on the trip and not be focused on keeping the kids together and such. M's first DL trip and her birthday.
Why: because I missed the Aladdin show 3 times when my family was there in 2013 and I always said I'd see it the next time we were there. When the closure was announced I had to get there, but DH didn't want to go on another trip so we made it a girls trip.
Day 1: M's husband drove us to the airport at 5am. It was early, but still exciting. The flight to SNA went smoothly and we got our rental car. Initially we were planning to meet M's aunt in San Diego but we were a little tired and tried to meet them mid way but then the aunt decided to come to the park with us the next day. We did get a free upgrade with Alamo so that was nice but we ended up barely driving so in the end I wish we would have skipped the rental.
We were able to check into DLH around 1pm and our room was ready so we rested, then walked around DTD, at at Rainforest Cafe, shopped, then back to the room. We drove around the area since we could and went to Target down Habor for a few supplies, then decided on Roy's Hawaiian Fusion for Aloha Hour/dinner and the Ebi roll and potstickers were amazing.
The police had the road back to our hotel blocked so after several u turns and calling the hotel we finally found our way back around 8pm. M's family was very excited to FaceTime with her and we crashed shortly after that as it was late Central time especially for being up so early
Day 2: I wanted to start at DCA to see Aladdin and this was the only day of our trip that Soarin would be open. We made it to the park shortly before 8am, I was selected for the metal detector (I'm almost always selected for extra screenings). Something kept beeping around the zipper of my jeans but eventually they decided I was ok, it was kinda weird.
We started down Hollywood Blvd and a cast member called us in to meet Elsa without a wait. Then on we went to ToT and then M's aunt met us and we rode ToT again. We walked over to Carsland and got in line for RSR at the wait was around 30 minutes. M had her 1st visit button and birthday button on as I had asked for them at the hotel. They gave me an I'm celebrating button. In Sarge's shop we got Citizen buttons for all of us and a 1st visit button for M's aunt. She has been to DL but never DCA. Then we graves FP's for RSR and the return time was already 6:30pm at it was maybe 10:30 am. I'm not completely sure on the rest of the order. I think we rode Ariel and Soarin. We are lunch at Ariel's Grotto and M's aunt brought tiaras for us to wear. It was kinda fun getting to be the kids. The food was fine and the princess interaction was much better than when I had been with my family. We also are inside this time which was nice. We met Ariel initially and then Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jasmine, and Tiana. After lunch we grabbed Aladdin FP's. We were hoping for the 4pm show but they went quick and we got 6pm tickets. M and I had made last minute reservations for Carthy Circle WOC package when she saw it that morning so our evening was getting packed. Then tried for California Screamin but as we were headed down the stairs the ride was stopped and evacuated. We rode Mickeys fun wheel and then met Buzz in passing and took pictures with Jessie. After that the Feliz Navidad parade was going on so that was neat to see. Then we went back to Soarin and used our free FPs from the CS incident. We never heard exactly what happened and eventually it was going again. The we rode Monsters inc and watched the Frozen Sing a long. We peeked at Olaf but the line was way to long for us. At this point M's aunt was tired and decided to leave. M and I got in line for Aladdin and chose the mezzanine because the orchestra level already looked pretty full. We waited outside about 30 minutes before they started letting in. I forgot Abu wasn't in it but otherwise I loved it! The Genie was great just as I had read. I just can't imagine Frozen would have the same appeal to all ages, boys and girls, but it's too late for that I guess. After the show we passed off our RSRs FPs to some people as we made our way to Carthy Circle. Dinner was wonderful but by the time we were done we were too tired to stand up for WOC so we went back to the hotel.
The walk through DTD was crowded but still nice compared to the traffic and all off Harbor that my family did previously. Still offsite is so much cheaper it's totally worth it, but DTD was a nice walk and kept us in the Disney Spirit.
Day 3: Again we headed for the parks as the extra hour was ending, but we were able to enter through the monorail which was fun and easy this time of morning. We rode the Nemo sub which was not the most exciting way to start but Hyperspace mountain was closed and was off and on the whole day.
We did some shopping, walked up Main Street and took pictures in front of the castle, then walked through Sleeping Beauty's castle. Then we went to breakfast with Minnie at the Plaza. The food was good and we were starving as our reservation was for 10:45. Minnie was in the sun room near our table so we waited before grabbing food. While we waited we met the Fairy Godmother, Max, Chip, Dale, Captain Hook, Winnie the Pooh, and Eyeore. Minnie was so close but was then escorted away. At first we were told she would come back but she never did. At the end another table of adult and our table had never gotten to meet Minnie. She had other engagements but a cast member took us to the front of the park and said we'd get to meet her right away but a different cast member told us to go to Minnie and Mickey's houses in Toontown. When we got back there the waits were pretty long so we just rode Roger Rabbit, looked around and then headed for F! FPs. and rode BTMRR. BTMBBQ smelled amazing but we never found a reservation. As we were cutting back and forth in this area we saw a group of suits with tablets and we assume it was something to do with SWland. After that we made our way for PotC and I grabbed FPs for HM. After those rides we thought about the Matterhorn but the wait was 80 minutes. I grabbed FPs for IJA while I was on the phone with my husband and didn't realize they were for 10:45 at night
Day 4: We finally used our PHs and got to the parks to make use of our extra magic time. We got to DL at 7am and I got sent to the metal detector again, no issues this time. M never got selected. We went right for the Matterhorn and then started in FL with PP and the other dark rides and the IaSW again. And the rain started. Yay for SoCal! Our boat came out of SW and what had been a sprinkle was a pretty good downpour so we scrambled for the ponchos out of my bag. Storybook Canal was on my to do list this day but it never opened during our time there :-( just an excuse to go back another time, it was under refurbishment that last time I was there. At some point after the rain started we got to ride IJA and watch the Enchanted Tiki Room, both were fun. It was the first time I've seen the Tiki Room, sadly no Dole Whips were served at that time inside or out.
We rode the train from Toontown to Tomorrowland and got in line for Hyperspace Mountain. The SW theme doesn't appeal to me but it was still fun. We also saw Storm Troopers marching around (but that may have been the day before). In line for SM we overheard a mom and son talking about meeting characters in the Mr Lincoln area because of the rain. We had about an hour until our lunch at Blue Bayou so we decided to go either see the Lincoln show or see what characters may be hanging out. First we saw Daisy meeting then Mickey and Minnie came out together, then Goofy and Pluto popped up on the other side, Cinderella was hanging out too, and as we finished with her Cruella Deville arrived. We met 7 characters within 20 minutes! It was such a Disney rush. After that we decided to head on to lunch as we weren't sure if we had time for the show at this point. We stopped in a few stores along the way and then had a great lunch at BB.
We headed to DCA after lunch. We rode TSMM, got FP to the 4:30 Aladdin, and actually rode California Screamin. I finally remembered the Disney Visa M&G so we saw Daisy in another outfit then got the DCA Starbucks mug for our friend. The rain was slowing at this point but RSR was still down. We got to the Aladdin line early as we wanted orchestra seats behind the parade. Again friendly people in line and many lamenting the end of the show. We loved it again. Then we went to Wine Torratoria (sp?) for another WOC package with plans to actually use it. The food was good but the service not so great and it was loud and chilly inside. After dinner we rode RSR though single rider and it was beautiful after dark. We went by the photo shop and got our prints. We may have done something else but all I remember was WOC winter which had way too much Frozen for me but was still kinda nice, someday I'd like to see the regular WOC. We made our way out through the Grand Californian and saw the fireworks from DTD. It was a nice end.
Day 5: We slept in and packed up our room. We left for Long Beach about 9am and it was very overcast. We saw the Queen Mary from across the bay, walked around a little and got back in the car just before the rain hit. We got to the airport and through security to find out our flight was delayed due to weather in Las Vegas. As we wanders and grabbed food and snacks the power went out for about 10 minutes and our flight was so bumpy SW didn't serve drinks due to safety concerns. Once in Vegas our other flight was delayed as well but smooth otherwise. Finally home and my friend picked me up and brought my ODS with her. My family was waiting up for me at home and M's husband picked her up as his mom was with their boys.
This trip was just right for us on rides, rest, and enjoying shows and food. We are planning a massive 2 family trip to WDW for the 50th in 5 years
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