DIS Dads The DIS Dad's Club

[stopher1]

WOW - go away for a week, and actually DON'T turn on the laptop during that time - and so many new DADS come aboard... and I believe 7 new pages since I last posted... way to go guys!

WELCOME to our new DDC members!

I just got back from a week in sunny southern Cal - and 2 wonderful days at my favorite west coast Disney home... I just wish it could have been longer. There's just so much to do there. Even being there from just 30 min. after opening til closing (8-12 that day...we got in at 8:30)... we still were only able to do about half of what DL has to offer. That's the thing about DL - there are almost double the attractions and shows than at MK in a single park, and often longer operating hours in a single day - and you still can't do it all. Oh well, I get to go back in Nov. I was just feeling bad for the kids. One more day would have helped. Bloodhound - get ready, cuz there's a lot to do!

The whole family got to go this time, and it was great. My DW and kids hadn't been to DL since the 50th celebration in May of '05 - so it was excitement all around. We spent the first day at California Adventure, and the next day at DL. While in Anaheim we stayed at the DL Hotel, and had an awesome time.

We got to take our nephews along to DL on Monday...their first time back to DL in 5 years!!!! (Ya just gotta wonder about their parents and the lack of Disneylove... - but at the same time I really love being the "cool" uncle who actually takes them places and does cool stuff like DL with them! Their other uncles take 'em surfing - but I take 'em to the Happiest Place on Earth!!!!! Much better than some old water! )

I don't know about you guys - but we've never been the type of people to "take a break midday and go back to the resort and swim" ... but we tried it this time. The pool was awesome, yes, but it sure cut into our park time! And a DL the hotel is just a 10 min walk from the parks... I can't even imagine trying it at WDW with the size of the parks, the buses and waiting for the buses on both sides of the "break". Afterwards, we were wishing we hadn't spent the time that way. Oh well, we're attractions people, though, not really sit around by the pool people. Sure we enjoy that on a designated non-parks days... just not when we're enjoying the parks. Man did it cut into the time!

DD is now 42" tall, so we were able to do so much together as a family... no more of mom or dad sitting with her, while dad or mom goes with the boys on something. It was great. We had to coax her onto a few things, but with the exception of only one attraction, she LOVED them all once she got off, and most of the time wanted to go again. She'd been on Soarin' at Epcot last fall and didn't like it - but this time at DCA she LOVED it. Those few extra months sure helped - her smile was enormous, and she wanted to do it "20 million times again".

The boys got to go on Space Mtn ALONE the 2nd time around... it was late at night, and DW, and MIL were all tired, and DD wanted to go on Alice in Wonderland again - so I sent the boys and their cousins on alone... it was such a rite of passage for them. They were so ecstatic afterwards.

WHile we were there we also got to tour the new Grand Californian DVC models, and ride the new OBA, or as Bob would say - the FBA or Fresh BA. It was awesome chill! We loved Toy Story Midway Mania, and can't wait to do it again in just 92 days ... woo hoo, WDW here we come. That will be our first DVC trip home to AKV and are very excited about it.

I'll try to cobble together a trip report, but for those of you who read my solo trip report from my May trip west, you'll remember it took a little time. I promise not to be so detailed again, Bob!

Oh and DisneyFed - I was cracking up at your ketchup/gatorland story... I loved it.

Bloodhound - I'll get you something soon. I know you're in the low 90's or high 80's till you go west yourself...it'll be awesome buddy.

Have a great day DADS!

 

[TheCooksLuvDisney]

WOW - go away for a week, and actually DON'T turn on the laptop during that time - and so many new DADS come aboard... and I believe 7 new pages since I last posted... way to go guys!

WELCOME to our new DDC members!

I just got back from a week in sunny southern Cal - and 2 wonderful days at my favorite west coast Disney home... I just wish it could have been longer. There's just so much to do there. Even being there from just 30 min. after opening til closing (8-12 that day...we got in at 8:30)... we still were only able to do about half of what DL has to offer. That's the thing about DL - there are almost double the attractions and shows than at MK in a single park, and often longer operating hours in a single day - and you still can't do it all. Oh well, I get to go back in Nov. I was just feeling bad for the kids. One more day would have helped. Bloodhound - get ready, cuz there's a lot to do!

The whole family got to go this time, and it was great. My DW and kids hadn't been to DL since the 50th celebration in May of '05 - so it was excitement all around. We spent the first day at California Adventure, and the next day at DL. While in Anaheim we stayed at the DL Hotel, and had an awesome time.

We got to take our nephews along to DL on Monday...their first time back to DL in 5 years!!!! (Ya just gotta wonder about their parents and the lack of Disneylove... - but at the same time I really love being the "cool" uncle who actually takes them places and does cool stuff like DL with them! Their other uncles take 'em surfing - but I take 'em to the Happiest Place on Earth!!!!! Much better than some old water! )

I don't know about you guys - but we've never been the type of people to "take a break midday and go back to the resort and swim" ... but we tried it this time. The pool was awesome, yes, but it sure cut into our park time! And a DL the hotel is just a 10 min walk from the parks... I can't even imagine trying it at WDW with the size of the parks, the buses and waiting for the buses on both sides of the "break". Afterwards, we were wishing we hadn't spent the time that way. Oh well, we're attractions people, though, not really sit around by the pool people. Sure we enjoy that on a designated non-parks days... just not when we're enjoying the parks. Man did it cut into the time!

DD is now 42" tall, so we were able to do so much together as a family... no more of mom or dad sitting with her, while dad or mom goes with the boys on something. It was great. We had to coax her onto a few things, but with the exception of only one attraction, she LOVED them all once she got off, and most of the time wanted to go again. She'd been on Soarin' at Epcot last fall and didn't like it - but this time at DCA she LOVED it. Those few extra months sure helped - her smile was enormous, and she wanted to do it "20 million times again".

The boys got to go on Space Mtn ALONE the 2nd time around... it was late at night, and DW, and MIL were all tired, and DD wanted to go on Alice in Wonderland again - so I sent the boys and their cousins on alone... it was such a rite of passage for them. They were so ecstatic afterwards.

WHile we were there we also got to tour the new Grand Californian DVC models, and ride the new OBA, or as Bob would say - the FBA or Fresh BA. It was awesome chill! We loved Toy Story Midway Mania, and can't wait to do it again in just 92 days ... woo hoo, WDW here we come. That will be our first DVC trip home to AKV and are very excited about it.

I'll try to cobble together a trip report, but for those of you who read my solo trip report from my May trip west, you'll remember it took a little time. I promise not to be so detailed again, Bob!

Oh and DisneyFed - I was cracking up at your ketchup/gatorland story... I loved it.

Bloodhound - I'll get you something soon. I know you're in the low 90's or high 80's till you go west yourself...it'll be awesome buddy.

Have a great day DADS!

stopher,
That was a pretty good mini TR right there. I have never been to DL, but always wanted to.
How was the crowds? It sounds as if it may work well as a summer vacation destination.

 

[stevestoneky]

I'm not sure I meet enough of the 99 qualifications, but I am planning a WDW trip for 1st week of June 2009, and I think I have more disney podcasts than music on my iPod (is that already one?)

Did a Disneyland trip in summer 03, and my mother made the arrangements. This time I'm doing it and WDW seems much much more than DL. Stayed at Paradise Pier for 3? days, and got a good dose of MK & CA.

Will be taking DS8, DD10, DS13, DW40, myself 43, and my mom 67.

Looking at two rooms in a moderate, POR, or staying off-site in a 2br suite. It looks like with the TourGuideMike and Unofficial Guide (ding) stuff that I'm reading that I may be driving to the parks and avoiding the crowds on extra magic days, so the off-site savings will leave extra for parking, kitchen sink sundaes, etc. But if I get to a place where on-site is a good deal, I would prefer that.

 

[stopher1]

I'm not sure I meet enough of the 99 qualifications, but I am planning a WDW trip for 1st week of June 2009, and I think I have more disney podcasts than music on my iPod (is that already one?).

WELCOME!!

Did a Disneyland trip in summer 03, and my mother made the arrangements. This time I'm doing it and WDW seems much much more than DL. Stayed at Paradise Pier for 3? days, and got a good dose of MK & CA.

You're right - WDW is much more than DL simply by sheer size! THere are more parks, there are the water parks, DTD is larger, and of course there are all of the "other" things to do there like boating, fishing, golf, the Petty Driving experience, 22 hotels, etc, etc... you'll have a great time. The PO Riverside is a great mod resort...we've stayed there a couple of times and really enjoyed it.

The DLR (both parks, 3 hotels and DTD area, plus the various parking lots and the parking structure) totals about 500-600 acres vs. WDW's 27,000+ acres - or about twice the size of Manhattan or the size of the city of San Francisco. Quite a difference. BUT, in a park to park comparison - DL, as a single park, beats the MK, as a single park, simply by the sheer number of attractions, shows, restaurants and "things to do". At WDW, the MK doesn't need all of those attractions in a single park, since there are 4 parks to experience. Attractions found in DL are sprinkled through the various WDW parks (i.e. Star Tours is in DHS vs. Tomorrowland). Both are wonderful experiences. WDW is definitely a week+ destination, and DLR is a 2, 3 or 4 day destination.

I hope you have a wonderful time when you get to WDW!!!

 

[stopher1]

stopher,
That was a pretty good mini TR right there. I have never been to DL, but always wanted to.
How was the crowds? It sounds as if it may work well as a summer vacation destination.

Sunday at DCA the crowds were quite light - which was surprising in the middle of summer. The posted wait time for Toy Story Midway Mania was 70 min, but we were stepping into the vehicles in 35. We walked onto Soarin (first thing in the a.m.) - and when we went back by there at about 7pm, the wait time was posted as 45 min.

Monday at DL, the crowds were fuller, but still relatively light for DL in the summer. I got fastpasses for Space Mtn. around 11ish with a return time of 1:30, and the standby line wait was 45 min. When the boys went on it again later that night (around 9:15), the wait was still 45 min. So it was consistent. I've been there in years past with a wait time of well over 1.5 hours.

The counter service food lines weren't all that bad either. Manys a time when the lines might be 12-15 people deep, and this time - at 12:15, I only had 3 people in front of me. All the windows were open which certainly helped, but where we ate no single line was more than about 6 people deep.

I'd read about lighter crowds on various sites in the days leading up to our trip. The economy is taking it's toll to an extent. WDW is a definite destination for people from around the country - as DL once was pre-WDW - but DL isn't quite the same anymore since there's not as much to fill a week there - so it's definitely more of a regional destination. I was seeing gas prices in the $4.69 - 4.93 range while out there (paid $4.74 when I filled up the rental to return it)...which is keeping many people home vs. venturing out to the park.

 

[Bloodhound]

I'm not sure I meet enough of the 99 qualifications, but I am planning a WDW trip for 1st week of June 2009, and I think I have more disney podcasts than music on my iPod (is that already one?)

Did a Disneyland trip in summer 03, and my mother made the arrangements. This time I'm doing it and WDW seems much much more than DL. Stayed at Paradise Pier for 3? days, and got a good dose of MK & CA.

Will be taking DS8, DD10, DS13, DW40, myself 43, and my mom 67.

Looking at two rooms in a moderate, POR, or staying off-site in a 2br suite. It looks like with the TourGuideMike and Unofficial Guide (ding) stuff that I'm reading that I may be driving to the parks and avoiding the crowds on extra magic days, so the off-site savings will leave extra for parking, kitchen sink sundaes, etc. But if I get to a place where on-site is a good deal, I would prefer that.

neighbor

 

[Bloodhound]

 

[Bloodhound]

 

[The Disney Fanatic]

alright Fanatic. I joined the league as "The Incredibles." I haven't played fantasy football in many years....I'm more of a fantasy baseball guy myself. But what the heck. Sounds like fun!

And I'm also psyched as we're just 13 days away from a week at Disney and the Boardwalk!!!!

Alright - I joined the FFL. Never done that, just baseball and auto racing. Don't feel bad for me when I do horrible! I am the "Pabsters".

Working on planning our 2009 July trip now. Our July 2008 trip had to be rearranged to a March 2008 trip - I got a nice present for Father's Day, another daughter! We figured that taking a 1 MO to WDW might not be the best idea for her. So at least we made March work for DD3! I am having withdrawal already. Fortunately, the Disney Visa will be paid off just in time to go again!

This is going to be a great season. It should be a lot of fun with DDC members playing.

Congratulations on the baby Awaldo! My wife and I are working on another too .

 

[TheCooksLuvDisney]

Sunday at DCA the crowds were quite light - which was surprising in the middle of summer. ...
I'd read about lighter crowds on various sites in the days leading up to our trip. The economy is taking it's toll to an extent. ... I was seeing gas prices in the $4.69 - 4.93 range while out there (paid $4.74 when I filled up the rental to return it)...which is keeping many people home vs. venturing out to the park.

So I guess if the economy improves next year than the lines would probably increase proportionately, not sure which is better

Will be taking DS8, DD10, DS13, DW40, myself 43, and my mom 67.

Looking at two rooms in a moderate, POR, or staying off-site in a 2br suite. It looks like with the TourGuideMike and Unofficial Guide (ding) stuff that I'm reading that I may be driving to the parks and avoiding the crowds on extra magic days, so the off-site savings will leave extra for parking, kitchen sink sundaes, etc. But if I get to a place where on-site is a good deal, I would prefer that.

With that group, you may want to look at renting a house nearby. They can be an interesting alternative as most have pools too.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I'm not sure I meet enough of the 99 qualifications, but I am planning a WDW trip for 1st week of June 2009, and I think I have more disney podcasts than music on my iPod (is that already one?)

Did a Disneyland trip in summer 03, and my mother made the arrangements. This time I'm doing it and WDW seems much much more than DL. Stayed at Paradise Pier for 3? days, and got a good dose of MK & CA.

Will be taking DS8, DD10, DS13, DW40, myself 43, and my mom 67.

Looking at two rooms in a moderate, POR, or staying off-site in a 2br suite. It looks like with the TourGuideMike and Unofficial Guide (ding) stuff that I'm reading that I may be driving to the parks and avoiding the crowds on extra magic days, so the off-site savings will leave extra for parking, kitchen sink sundaes, etc. But if I get to a place where on-site is a good deal, I would prefer that.

You may also look into renting Points for a 2bdrm from a DVC member. This may work out about the same as the 2 mods but give you way better rooms. It also would include a full kitchen ,still on-sight and washer /dryer.


you and the misses in the main BDRM ,Mom and DD is the second and the boys could be in there with them or on the Pullout in the living room.

 

[Bloodhound]

 

[colinsdad]

And I'm also psyched as we're just 13 days away from a week at Disney and the Boardwalk!!!!

Hey Buckeye,

I'm heading to the Boardwalk in September so if you have any tips after you get back LMK (you can post here or email me).

Someone recently gave me a fantastic beer tip if staying on/near the Boardwalk that I wanted to share to a group that could appreciate it.

Bring a soft sided cooler in your luggage and make the short walk down to the Hess Station located next to the Boardwalk. They sell beer there at "off-site" prices (about $20 per case, not $4-5 per beer like at the pool). I've heard as long as you don't have glass bottles, you're good to go!

Have a great trip!

 

[chillcoupons]

Welcome to all the new Dads!!!

Stopher welcome back it sounds like you had a great time. I am jealous that you got to ride new Old Band-Aid. I hope you took interior pictures.

I hit double digits today for my November Disney trip!!! I pretty stoked about that.

 

[DisneyFed]

Hey Stopher...back to reality eh??

I guess everyone else suffers SERIOUS let down after a Disney Vacation, just like I do

Glad you liked the Gatorland story---I wish I could video him repeating it in person (of course, the more alcohol is involved the better it gets )

Anyway, welcome new guys!!!!

 

[stopher1]

Hey Stopher...back to reality eh??

Yes, and no...it's more like a partial reality. I'm home and back to work, but the family is not. DW and kids stayed in CA with her folks, and will be there til the 31st (an extra 1.5 weeks for them). So - here I am at home with NOTHING to do! Last year we did the same kind of thing, but they stayed an extra 2.5 weeks and I did all kinds of projects around the house - painted the entire downstairs and part of the upstairs, yard work, stripped / sanded / re-painted a dresser for DD, etc. But this year - our refrigerator died just days before our trip, so the expense of replacing it zapped any project money I had... so, I'm just hangin' out....watching tv, going to probably go to a movie over the weekend - and whether or not I find little things to do remains to be seen - I may just be lazy all week and enjoy the quiet!!! The "gardeners" are still in CA, so I might get out and cut the grass and save myself the money I pay the boys...but maybe not. It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow, so who knows...

 

[DisneyFed]

Oh man...wish I had the house to myself that long

DW will never allow it...she'd be worried the house wouldn't be standing when she got back

She's still trying to figure out how I survived all those years without her

 

[DVC-Don]

How did I ever miss this "guys" thread . I have some reading to catch up on.

 

[Bloodhound]

How did I ever miss this "guys" thread . I have some reading to catch up on.

You are going to love it here...read back and jump right in on a topic

 

[Wherem I Now]

Looks like I'll get my house to myself for a couple of days too. I return from a week on the road tonight but DW and DD's are all visiting family and attending a shower. DW will get back Sunday night and I leave again on Monday.

On a good note, everything worked out this week to take the family with me to FL for a business trip with a few days before to hang out in the WDW area.