The Adventure Continues in Disneyland... Finally Finished...

[kylieh]

Days 5 and 6 added - page 2.

We arrived home on Friday morning after spending 2 weeks in the USA. The first week of our trip incorporating LA and Vegas can be found here...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36411643

For those new to the adventure, the cast:

Me: Quite a few DL visits, our last trip was 18 months ago, then a 20 year gap beforehand.
DH: 2nd visit to DL, 4th to the USA
DD7: 2nd visit to the USA
MIL: 68, first passport and time out of Australia.

Day 1 at DL: Wednesday afternoon.

After a long uneventful drive from Las Vegas we checked in, freshened up a little and headed to pick up our tickets.

Background Info: Homewood Suites now has it's "own" shuttle which is on the same network as Hyatt, Crown, Sheraton, and one other in the Garden Grove area. The service ran to time and was the same cost as the ART. The downside was that it drops at the Silver Zone which is about as far as you can get. On the other hand the ART has drop off/pick up at Stop 1. It picked up at Marriot Suites next door, about 30 meters away from Homewood, but saved maybe 100 meters + at DL. Doesn't sound like much but after a long day it makes a difference.

We caught the Homewood Shuttle around 3.30pm and DD and I went ahead to pick up our tickets. No problems there. MIL uses a walking stick and at least at this early stage, refused to use an ECV or wheelchair :-( which at least made it harder for this day.

First stop - Churro

Then, off to Pirates.

DD, MIL, and a little of DH on the boat before returning to boarding.

Now the order here maybe a little out, it was nearly 2 weeks ago!

MIL was feeling the effects of walking, and was having a hard time. I suggested that DH take MIL into Tiki Room for a rest and a Dole Whip. We would meet up after DD and I completed Indy and Jungle Cruise. Both had really short waits, Indy was about 10 minutes. DH is unable to ride Indy.

In the queue

Jungle Cruise

MIL and DH were nowhere near our meeting spot, so for the first time for both me and DD....

Dole Whip and Dole Whip Float. I asked DD's whip be made a little smaller, and even then she couldn't get through it all.

It was now close to 6.30pm and we were going to leave the park for a sit-down/table service dinner as I wasn't expecting to be able to get anything within the park. Walking past Carnation Cafe I spotted a few empties, and they were able to seat us immediatley. I was very surprised.

DH, MIL, and I all chose the Meatloaf. It was a little grainer than I expected, but generally quite nice. MIL requested her gravy on the side which wasn't a problem.

DD had the Chicken Noodle Soup.

A clip on Tinkerbell drink for DD and MIL

After dinner we headed further down Main Street and the four of us had a quick lap on the Train before heading back for the night. The original plan was for perhaps a couple of hours at the park after the long drive, but we ended up back sometime around 9pm or so.

Waiting for the Train

Next entry... Magic Morning for DD and I, DH joins us later in the day, and rest day for MIL.

 

[nana50]

Loving the report and the pictures. I always love pictures.

 

[6Smiles]

Thank you for posting about Homewood Suites as this is where we are staying in June. I'm aboard to hear all about your trip. Sounds like you had a great time!

Kris

 

[kylieh]

Loving the report and the pictures. I always love pictures.

Thank's Nana50 - more to come.

Thank you for posting about Homewood Suites as this is where we are staying in June. I'm aboard to hear all about your trip. Sounds like you had a great time!
Kris

Hi 6Smiles... we had no problems at Homewood apart from a hickup at checkin. They sent us initially to the smoking floor which we quickly got changed, then a non-accessible room. Both of these were requested with Getaway Today. A quick call to Getaway Today and it was all fixed, we needed to have a room change the following day, they did this all for us. Without that, we had a perfect stay. Rooms were clean, functional, hallways pretty quiet, breakfast not too bad. This was our 2nd stay at Homewood, the last being 18 months ago.

Re the bus, the ART is on roughly a 20-25 minute loop, though you don't know when the bus is coming. The upside is that there is hardly a walk at the park. The Homewood Bus comes to timetable, but there is a really long walk at the park. The ART picks up at Marriott Suites which is very close to the Homewood. There is an ART ticket machine, if you wish to use that option, outside Marriott and it takes credit cards and cash, but doesn't give change. For the first few days we took the Homewood Bus, but decided to change to ART because of the walk at the other end being too hard on MIL. The Homewood Bus tickets are sold at the front counter.

There is also a Target across the road.

ETA - If you catch the Homewood Bus, at peak time, ie first and second buses of the day, try to get to line about 5-10 minutes earler. The bus carries perhaps 30 people and on one occassion others had to wait for the next bus.

 

[kylieh]

Day 2: Magic Morning for DD and I

MIL was exhausted after walking around the park the previous afternoon so DH suggested DD and I go up to the park for MM and they would meet us near the Churro cart in front of the castle around 11am. DD was all in for this plan, so in the morning I woke just after 6am got ready, grabbed some breaky for DD and I and brought it back to the room. I woke DD around 7am. We made the 7.30am bus.

We arrived about 15 minutes later and were around 20 meters back for the 8am entry. It took around 5 minutes to get through the gates. The plan was to head to Peter Pan, but who should we see as we went through the gate...

Yes, Donald. It was also Donald's first picture of the day (he was coming out as we walked passed) so he waddled with DD to his spot.

I loved meeting Donald. We changed our plans for FantasyLand as Peter Pan was now 20+ minutes. So we head to the carousel, and DD was on Mary Poppins' horse.

We purchased some Mouse Ears from the Mad Hatter in Fantasy Land, then Tea Cups. I love this next photo.

We also rode Snow White Scarey Adventures and Pinocchio rides.

DD and I then headed off to be one of the first for Splash Mountain (and picked up some fast passes for later on.) We were one of the first one, and could of rode through for a 2nd go, but we really liked the photo. There was DD and I on the log, and one other lady that you couldn't see in the photo. After purchasing the photo, we bumped into Eeyore.

Back for another ride, and another ride on Splash. Then Pirates, Haunted Mansion, then we met DH. MIL decided to stay at the hotel and rest. Splash was DD's favourite and she wanted to take advantage of the weather while we could, so you guessed it, another ride on Splash for DD and I, with DH joining us. We then popped over the CA and rode Soarin. We must of rode others too, given the time, but I can't be sure what!

We also met Lightning and Mater.

The four of us headed back to the hotel around 4pm for a quick freshen up, then went to Outback Steakhouse for Dinner. Outback is across the carpark from Homewood, perhaps 100 meters. The only food porn from Outback is the Cinnamon Oblivion for desert - they used to sell it at Outback's in Australia, but removed it from the menu around 12 or so months ago. It was my friend's favourite, so I took this picture for him.

Next installment - MIL agrees to an ECV!!!!, DD is Princess for the Day, and Electrical Parade. Here's a preview pic...

 

[ehsmum]

Looks like you had nice weather! Loving it so far, can't wait to read more .

 

[thmar]

Your daughter totally is a princess...loving your TR...looking forward to more.

 

[BecBennett]

I always wondered if the outback steakhouse there was the same as the ones here. Do they give you the complimentary bread there like they do here? Is it the same? I love that bread!!

 

[emum]

Hi Kylie ! Wow, you made another trip - yay ! Sounds like you had a fabulous time, and the weather looks perfect. DD looks so grown up (you're a Gymboree fan, too ? ). How's Alice holding up these days ?

Are you bursting to go back again soon, or have you reached a Disney saturation point ? (or does such a thing not exist ? LOL !)

Keep up the trip report - the photos are great.

As an aside - good to see you here, too Bec - I remember reading your TR a couple of years ago and the rave review you gave Ralph Brennan's - it was the reason we at there in oct. '08.

We're heading back to the US at the end of the year - can't wait !

Cheers,
Sally

 

[Saskiwi]

Great to read another Oz/Kiwi trip report - keep it coming!

Splash Mountain is our favourite too - such fun when the weather is warm enough (although we loved it even on a chilly morning!)

 

[kylieh]

Looks like you had nice weather! Loving it so far, can't wait to read more .

Pretty good weather - we needed jackets at night and on the last day as it was about 18/19C.

Your daughter totally is a princess...loving your TR...looking forward to more.

Thank You.

I always wondered if the outback steakhouse there was the same as the ones here. Do they give you the complimentary bread there like they do here? Is it the same? I love that bread!!

Almost the same menu. Even the bread, but they bring you more when you finish the first. The beer and wine list was different, and they had a larger number of cocktails. The sell Fosters I don't know anyone who drinks Fosters.

Hi Kylie ! Wow, you made another trip - yay ! Sounds like you had a fabulous time, and the weather looks perfect. DD looks so grown up (you're a Gymboree fan, too ? ). How's Alice holding up these days ?

Are you bursting to go back again soon, or have you reached a Disney saturation point ? (or does such a thing not exist ? LOL !)

Love Gymboree. Most of DD's wardrobe for this trip was based upon Garden Friends. It washes well and fits around her bottom nicely. Plus, with DD being 7, but a size 8-10, she's really tall, it's hard to get her age appropriate clothes IYKWIM here. I want to go back. Trying to convince DH we need to go for Christmas, but it won't be this year. I think next Christmas we're going to try to head to NY, and stopping either at DL or MK whilst there. But I was ready to come home when we did.

Alice the Bear is doing well, she purchased a Belle dress and Mouse Ears from Build A Bear.

Great to read another Oz/Kiwi trip report - keep it coming!

Splash Mountain is our favourite too - such fun when the weather is warm enough (although we loved it even on a chilly morning!)

We did a lot of Splash. DD would of happily done loops and nothing else if we let her

 

[kylieh]

Day 3: Princess Day and Electrical Parade

After a quick breakfast we DD was ready for her Princess Makeover. Our appointment was at 9.10am, to ensure we had enough time for photos, and for MIL to make it over for breakfast.

MIL decided to hire an ECV. She realised that it was going to be a bit hard to do all that walking. It made a big difference to us.

Our first stop was BBB. Our Fairy Godmother in Training was wonderful, and thought DD had done all of this before (Side note DD sat still, closed/opened eyes as necessary, etc etc. She's a dancer who has been in a lot of productions, and therefore had a lot of makeup and hair does applied.) The whole experience was about 1/2 hour. I have photopass pics as well, but I'm waiting for the CD.

We took some pics by the Castle and headed over the CA.

In CA we bumped into.... ? DD had a lot of fun taking pics here. We picked up some Fastpasses for Soarin to use later that night.

Our PS for Ariel's wasn't to 11.30 so we went on the carousel first. Take note that it isn't easy getting a Princess onto a SeaLion safely.

It was time then for lunch. We were about the 5th family in line. We met Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, and Snow White.

First, the Princess Pictures.

Now the food. First course was shared platter of salad, fruits, bread baskets.

I've only got a pic of my main - everyone else dipped in really quickly!! I had the chicken.

Desert was a share platter

A couple of notes on lunch - we had the same lunch 18 months ago. Compared to our previous visit we felt more rushed with both Princesses and eating. We had a couple of other character meals this trip, will be in future posts, and this would be the lowest rated of the three in terms of interaction and service. Food quality was fine.

After lunch we headed to the Ferris Wheel and sat in the fixed cars.

We headed back to the hotel for a rest, and DD to change. She liked being a Princess, but now wanted to go on some rides. If you hire an ECV you can park it back at the rental area in the Esplanade and they will charge it and hold it for when you return.

We changed clothes, had a cup of tea, then back to the park for Soarin. I love Soarin. For those who will use an ECV or wheelchair, you go into the theatre and the cast members give you an appropriate place to park it, so it's not far from you at all, and you can ride it out.

Now my mind is a little hazy to the order of things.

I went on Jumpin Jellyfish with DD. Then MIL did the same. This was a big step for MIL. She remembered I told her that she needed to "Wiggle her bottom" to get on the seat, and then she had no probs. I took some pics for everyone at home as they wouldn't of believed it otherwise.

DD and I went on Grizzly River Run. We ate dinner at Whitewater Snacks in GCH. It was so peaceful in there. Fully recommend it for a quick quiet meal. It's about 100 meters inside GCH from the entrance across from Grizzly River Run. We also at some stage went on Toy Story Mania and met Woody

It was getting dark and it was time to stake out a spot for Electric Parade. We got a spot around 7.30pm and there wasn't many front row spots left even at that time.

Here are some shots from the parade.

It was chaos leaving after the parade - we made a plan. DH took MIL, including dropping back the ECV, and I took DD. DD was under strict instructions not to let go of my hand under any circumstances, which she followed. We decided to meet up back at the hotel, which worked well.

Next installment, a little shopping in the morning, then back to Goofy's for dinner... PReview pic of DD dancing with Goofy.

 

[wdwfan22]

I am loving your trip report!! Love the pics of the Electrical Parade. It is one of my all time favorite Disney attractions

Your daughter looks beautiful as Belle. I love the pic of the MIL and daughter on Jumpin Jelly Fish. Priceless!

Looking forward to more!

 

[thmar]

Day 3: Princess Day and Electrical Parade


In CA we bumped into.... ? DD had a lot of fun taking pics here. We picked up some Fastpasses for Soarin to use later that night.

Kenai and Koda ("Brother Bear") (Kenai is the one with the medallion around his neck and Koda is the small one.) If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it.

Great TR!!

 

[heidispidi]

This TR is great! I can't wait for the next installment, having just read the whole lot so far in one hit!

Did your daughter have the Princess package that included the dress, or did you BYO? She looked gorgeous!

 

[erinbharris]

I can't wait to read more!

Our first DL trip is happening this summer and my daughter is 7...so seeing your daughter so happy makes me happy!

 

[kylieh]

Your daughter looks beautiful as Belle. I love the pic of the MIL and daughter on Jumpin Jelly Fish. Priceless!

Thank you - I won't be able to do another installment until tomorrow.

Kenai and Koda ("Brother Bear")

Thank you thmar - I thought they may of been from Brother Bear, but I wasn't 100% sure. I'll let DD know when she wakes in the morning.

Did your daughter have the Princess package that included the dress, or did you BYO? She looked gorgeous!

Thank you - MIL made DD the dress from a pattern a few years old. I think it was Simplicity, but I'm not 100% on sure on that.

Our first DL trip is happening this summer and my daughter is 7...so seeing your daughter so happy makes me happy!

I really enjoy reading trip reports too before I go away, I'm glad you're enjoying this one.

I'll write more tomorrow (Saturday night Sydney time.)

 

[6Smiles]

Thank's Nana50 - more to come.



Hi 6Smiles... we had no problems at Homewood apart from a hickup at checkin. They sent us initially to the smoking floor which we quickly got changed, then a non-accessible room. Both of these were requested with Getaway Today. A quick call to Getaway Today and it was all fixed, we needed to have a room change the following day, they did this all for us. Without that, we had a perfect stay. Rooms were clean, functional, hallways pretty quiet, breakfast not too bad. This was our 2nd stay at Homewood, the last being 18 months ago.

Re the bus, the ART is on roughly a 20-25 minute loop, though you don't know when the bus is coming. The upside is that there is hardly a walk at the park. The Homewood Bus comes to timetable, but there is a really long walk at the park. The ART picks up at Marriott Suites which is very close to the Homewood. There is an ART ticket machine, if you wish to use that option, outside Marriott and it takes credit cards and cash, but doesn't give change. For the first few days we took the Homewood Bus, but decided to change to ART because of the walk at the other end being too hard on MIL. The Homewood Bus tickets are sold at the front counter.

There is also a Target across the road.

ETA - If you catch the Homewood Bus, at peak time, ie first and second buses of the day, try to get to line about 5-10 minutes earler. The bus carries perhaps 30 people and on one occassion others had to wait for the next bus.

Thank You so much for all the information. I have been wondering how accessible the ART is and if it was easy or not. I was and am a little concerned about getting to the park early for our MM day, the rest of the week the ART starts running an hour before the parks open, so I wasn't too concerned about that. What did you do for your MM day?

 

[kylieh]

Thank You so much for all the information. I have been wondering how accessible the ART is and if it was easy or not. I was and am a little concerned about getting to the park early for our MM day, the rest of the week the ART starts running an hour before the parks open, so I wasn't too concerned about that. What did you do for your MM day?

The Homewood Shuttle didn't start until 30 minutes before MM. We were perhaps 20 meters or so back from the gates after we cleared security, and maybe 5 minutes to get through. We used Homewood Shuttle that day, which had an 8am MM time / 9am regular start time. We became distracted by Donald on the way in, so we missed Peter Pan that day, but everything else in Fantasy Land was still pretty much walk-on.

 

[kylieh]

Day 4 - Rest and regular shopping in the morning, Goofy's for Dinner.
After discovering that DL will hold/mind your rented ECV I woke early and went to the park to rent one for MIL. I asked them to hold it on her behalf (no problems,) then I returned to the hotel where everyone was getting ready for the day.

We had a slow start to the morning, and visited some local shops including Discount Dance Supplies for DD. As a side note, for those visiting from Australia (and I'm guessing NZ) if you have a dancer in the family well worth the visit as items such as Bloch shoes would be half what we pay at home. Our next stop was the Disney Character Warehouse. DD got a supply of pins to start her trading, and we picked up a few t-shirts for those at home, around $70 in total. What we did get was quite cheap compared to park prices, but you do need to be on the lookout. http://www.discountdance.com/index.php

It was around lunch time so we took the car back to the hotel and shuttled up to the park. This was the first time we caught the ART. Compared to our visit 18 months previous the ART was a lot easier to manage and dropped us at stop no 1.

MIL claimed her ECV and DD, DH and I rode Pirates while MIL had a look in the shops. We grabbed a quick snack, sorry no pics, then made our way through the crowds to Tomorrow Land to catch the Monorail to DL Hotel for Goofy's for Dinner.

Our reservation was 5pm. We joined the queue for checkin around 4.50pm and there 5 or so families in front! It took around 15 minutes to get through check-in. Turns out there was only one agent working. We then waited for another 5 minutes or so and were called for a pic with Pluto (DL photographer only,) then taken to our seats. If you can swing an opening time reservation grab it as all the characters were out, but not many families to take up their time (see the pic following with Minnie for a good idea of this.)

We saw Goofy, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Mulan and Snow White. Here are some pics, including DD dancing with Goofy and Minnie earlier on (this is why going early is good - at the next dance/birthday cake making you couldn't get near the characters unless you were really lucky.)

After dinner we went back to the park and went on Small World. We missed Small World last time as it was under refurb. MIL needed to use the wheelchair loading as she was unable to step down into the boat. Some may say that people with a disability seem to skip lines, and on a couple of occassions we were ushered very quickly to the front of the line (where MIL couldn't walk.) But the wait for Small World was about an hour as there are two wheelchair accessible boats and there were quite a few people needing assistance that evening. But the wait was wonderful as we were able to watch the front of Small World at different hours. Here are some pics, including some from MIL who was up higher in the boat due to the wheelchair, and therefore a different perspective...

DH and DD out the front of Small World

And some Small World pics...

This is from the perspective of being in the wheelchair.

It was getting late, so we headed up to Main STreet to watch the Fireworks before retiring for the night. Here are a couple of pics.

The next installment - Sunday, a pretty easy day at the Parks.