The Disneyland Snowball Effect

[Leofoenget]

Oh yes. "while you guys are camping, I'm gonna just run up there real quick for a day" Next thing I know, it's 3 days in a hotel, (2 @ DL 1 half way there because I'm driving alone) blah blah blah. Nothing is ever simple, super FUN but never simple.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Oh, living in northern CA, you simply must. If you can.

You would be so dangerous to take shopping, I can tell! You are like my friends who talk me into buying the whole store!

I can already feel the AP thing snowballing because I wouldn't want just the reg. AP- no, I'd want the one with no blackout days and free parking! I always visit my sister in the summer and at Christmas, so blackout days won't work. And I've always wanted to see the Haunted Mansion at Christmas.... And I'm trying to figure out a way for just DH and I to go alone for our 20th anniversary next June and stay on site....

Watch out! I think I see another snowball coming down the hill fast!

 

[Sherry E]

You would be so dangerous to take shopping, I can tell! You are like my friends who talk me into buying the whole store!

I can already feel the AP thing snowballing because I wouldn't want just the reg. AP- no, I'd want the one with no blackout days and free parking! I always visit my sister in the summer and at Christmas, so blackout days won't work. And I've always wanted to see the Haunted Mansion at Christmas.... And I'm trying to figure out a way for just DH and I to go alone for our 20th anniversary next June and stay on site....

Watch out! I think I see another snowball coming down the hill fast!

Yes, you cannot have any blackout days on the AP you are going to get when Haunted Mansion AND Small World are revamped in holiday splendor. (Small World is supposed to be open again by November, if I recall.) Small World has a faint scent of peppermint as you sail through the candy factory segment of the ride.

To further illustrate the power Disney has over its guests and the almost subliminal influence it has over us in creating this 'fever' and making us do all kinds of illogical things while in the throes of madness, I remember reading that when you walk down Main Street, the smell of peppermint is pumped out of the vents of the candy store so it wafts onto the street, infiltrates your senses and makes you want to buy candy - not because they are making anything out of peppermint at that moment. It is a diabolical plot involving a piped-in aroma solely created for the purpose of opening your wallet. So I am CONVINCED they have a hypnotic hold over us as soon as we set foot in the parks. There is something they pipe into the air in the parks that makes us lose our minds and want to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND! It is, truly and literally, the Disney Magic! And not only do we spend, but we want to go back to the parks again and again and thus, the snowball effect takes hold.

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

I am starting to experience the snowball phenomenon myself.....and THIS board is to blame!! I began planning a simple three-day return visit for my family, as a follow up to our 2006 trip which I really hadn't put any planning into - we just went! This time around, a friend (who knows of my Disney mania ) gave me the link to this board and now our trip is going to include: staying at Hojos; a MM experience; PS at the Blue Bajou AND Ariels Grotto..... We are going to do the FP thing which we totally bagged last time....We are going to try Dole Whips and Tigger Tails and experience the Bengal BBQ - I can't believe how much we missed last time!
Man, my family isn't going to KNOW what hit them!! Oh wait, yes they will....A Disney snowball!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I read some where that they pump popcorn smell too, but have no way to confirm that. Dole Whips don't interest me, but someone has a picture of a Tinkerbell Twist in the sig line that looks pretty good.

 

[kaoden39]

The trip always snowballs out of control and I wouldn't have it any other way because if it did then I probably wouldn't be going to Disneyland then.

 

[Sherry E]

I read some where that they pump popcorn smell too, but have no way to confirm that. Dole Whips don't interest me, but someone has a picture of a Tinkerbell Twist in the sig line that looks pretty good.

Yes, popcorn too. I like Dole products in general, but don't care that much about the Whips. Bengal BBQ used to sell these great whips that were lemon and orange sorbet swirled and mushed together. Those were the BEST and I got SO mad when they stopped selling them. I could live on those and the chicken skewers for a week.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I've discovered a new law of nature: No matter how casual of a trip to Disneyland you plan, it will snowball into a bigger and bigger trip.

We started off with going to see my sister who lives about 60 or 90 min. from DL. Well, we may as well run over to DL for two days.

Well, even a short trip requires photos and my old camera is bigger than I wanted to drag around. So I just bought a new tiny Cannon (love it).

Then we thought maybe 3 days is better so we don't have to rush. And then we thought maybe we should just stay at a hotel in the area so we don't have to drive so far in rush hour traffic.

So, now I'm looking at hotel prices somewhere in the area. We have a car, we will get free DL parking with our tickets from AAA. So non walking distance is fine. No small kids who need a nap.

Has this happened to anyone else? - It must have! BTW, if anyone has a favorite hotel in the area I'd be interested. I wasn't paying much attention to this when I thought we were staying at my sisters.

Old thread but I just had to add my own snowball experience. PinkBudgie, maybe it's something genetic because I seem to have the same problem.

You know we weren't sure that DS3 would be ready for DL yet because whenever we take him somewhere that we think will be interesting to him (local zoos or the aquarium) he is more interested in looking at the "circles" on the ground (a.k.a. drains, utility covers, manhole covers, etc) than he is the exhibits. Well, one recent trip to the LA zoo we were so excited because he actually looked at the animals! So I start thinking maybe we sould plan a trip to Legoland because that park is geared toward smaller kids and it's cheaper than DL. Well, while researching a trip for DH and I to go to SeaWorld I happened upon these boards again and thought I would just wander over to see what is going on in the DL section. Hmmm.... DL is much closer to us than Legoland....

So here I am addicted to this site and the lure of Disneyland just becomes too great for me to resist! (You people and your Disneyland mania! ) It's probably been about 4+ years since we've been able to go DL, even for a short trip because DS has numerous medical issues and we haven't been able to get away. (He's doing a lot better now so we have more freedom to go out and do things). I start thinking it would be fun to get APs again but to save money we should just get the very cheapest SoCal passes. Wait, those passes have too many blockout days! Better do the more expensive SoCal passes. What's that I hear? Costco has the Deluxe passes with a $50 gift card? Better do that since it's only $44 more dollars than the other pass (if you subtract the amount of the gift card). Everyone see the snowball coming?

Needless to say, DH and I went to Costco today and bought our Deluxe passes. Now I just have to wait for the right time to go. DS might have for an intensive therapy program at CHOC for 3 weeks in November so I don't want to activate them until after that is over. Meanwhile I will get my Disney fix by frequenting these boards. Oh and of course there are many things I need to by to prepare for our upcoming year of DL fun. I already have my Baggalini! It can sure get expensive reading these boards!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

ya mine became much bigger then had planed but hay it fits and we have 8days till we go and im so excited this will be a good trip
but now ive decied yes we can do BB for lunch capt bane says he just wants me to stop changing my mind

 

[Sherry E]

...I already have my Baggalini! It can sure get expensive reading these boards!

Tell me about it. I, too, am the new owner of a Baggallini - I just received it a couple of days ago and am trying to get comfortable with the position of it. I like that it has all the compartments and is waterproof, but I would like it to rest on my hip, at my side, rather than on my back or my stomach. SO it will take some adjustment. But anyway, I got it as a direct result of being on DISboards! And then, I got some LGMH's - thanks to the wonderful Prettyprincessbelle - and I am trying to figure out how and where to attach those to the Bagg. Not to mention that my evil plan is to get an AP - if no other problems pop up in the next few days to prevent it - and I can only justify the AP by saying that it will give me discounts on future trips/hotels and food and STUFF. It is a vicious, endless cycle. And I know it is wrong, so wrong, to be scheming and strategizing to get to DLR when roadblocks keep getting in my way, but I think I have prevailed, and in 5 days I will see the fruits of my labor! Evil, evil Snowball Effect.

 

[Capt.Bane]

Would someone stop her...Me I'm the guy INSIDE the snowball!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Would someone stop her...Me I'm the guy INSIDE the snowball!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Major snowball effect for us too. It all started with me having to go to San Francisco for a 3 day conference. I'll try to make a long story short...

DH and kids always travel with me and we usually stay a couple of extra days wherever my travel takes us. Since we're in California, how long of a drive would it be to DL? Let's go there for the couple of days instead of staying longer in SF. How much would it cost to fly instead of drive? As long as we're making this a longer trip how about going to San Diego too? Let's fly from SF to SD, drive to Anaheim, then fly home from there. Have you ever heard of Legoland? Three days at DL is not enough. I don't need to attend the conference anyway, I'll just go for my presentation and then we can leave. Let's use some DVC points to stay at the Grand Californian. The kids need to do some character meals at Disney. How about Dine with Shamu too? We need PS's every day so we can eat at some good places.

So it started with a 3 day conference. Now I'm going to tour San Francisco during the day and just do my presentation one night. Here's our itinerary:

Oct. 1st: Fly to SF and tour
Oct. 2nd: tour SF, give presentation at night
Oct. 3rd: Fly to SD, got to SD Zoo by noon
Oct. 4th: SeaWorld, Dine with Shamu?
Oct. 5th: Legoland, drive to Anaheim
Oct. 6th: Storyteller's breakfast, DCA & DL dinner at Cafe Orleans
Oct. 7th: DL
Oct. 8th: DCA, lunch at Wine Country, Dinner at Goofy's
Oct. 9th DL, breakfast at Minnie's, dinner at Blue Bayou
Oct. 10th: DL, fly home in afternoon

And there actually were things we excluded: staying one more night and going to Mickey's Trick or Treat Party, going to Knott's Berry Farm and Universal. We had to show some restraint.

 

[Sherry E]

Major snowball effect for us too. It all started with me having to go to San Francisco for a 3 day conference. I'll try to make a long story short...

DH and kids always travel with me and we usually stay a couple of extra days wherever my travel takes us. Since we're in California, how long of a drive would it be to DL? Let's go there for the couple of days instead of staying longer in SF. How much would it cost to fly instead of drive? As long as we're making this a longer trip how about going to San Diego too? Let's fly from SF to SD, drive to Anaheim, then fly home from there. Have you ever heard of Legoland? Three days at DL is not enough. I don't need to attend the conference anyway, I'll just go for my presentation and then we can leave. Let's use some DVC points to stay at the Grand Californian. The kids need to do some character meals at Disney. How about Dine with Shamu too? We need PS's every day so we can eat at some good places.

So it started with a 3 day conference. Now I'm going to tour San Francisco during the day and just do my presentation one night. Here's our itinerary:

Oct. 1st: Fly to SF and tour
Oct. 2nd: tour SF, give presentation at night
Oct. 3rd: Fly to SD, got to SD Zoo by noon
Oct. 4th: SeaWorld, Dine with Shamu?
Oct. 5th: Legoland, drive to Anaheim
Oct. 6th: Storyteller's breakfast, DCA & DL dinner at Cafe Orleans
Oct. 7th: DL
Oct. 8th: DCA, lunch at Wine Country, Dinner at Goofy's
Oct. 9th DL, breakfast at Minnie's, dinner at Blue Bayou
Oct. 10th: DL, fly home in afternoon

And there actually were things we excluded: staying one more night and going to Mickey's Trick or Treat Party, going to Knott's Berry Farm and Universal. We had to show some restraint.

But you know what? Even though it is a classic case of the Disney Snowball Effect, it actually looks like a really full, well thought out itinerary! You are getting Northern California and Southern California in, as well as a few really good character meals and several days in DL/DCA, you are staying at the GCH (which is my favorite), you are eating at some of the favorite DLR restaurants and you are dining with Shamu! What could be better? So next trip you can do Knotts and Universal and maybe squeeze in Six Flags and Catalina Island or something. And you never know - the TOTP MAY still have tickets available on the night you are there, so you MAY be able to have a last minute addition to your busy itinerary!

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I'm also a victim of the Snowball Effect. Otherwise how do you explain how our 7 day trip to DL in Feb turned into a 15 day trip instead?? It all started when we figured out what it was going to cost to fly versus drive....hmm it's only 1300 miles to DL, and will save us a pile of money . Hence our trip to DL being extended to 15 days. Three long days driving to get to DL, 7 days in DL, and then 6 days to get home. HMM....I've always wanted to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium...what's that hubby wants to check out some vintage wreckage yards while we are in CA?? And so the snowball continues to roll downhill, faster and faster. I got a chuckle recently, as when hubby went down to WDW for his unions convention, after ignoring the advice I was giving him for DL, he was able to check out somethings he would not have thought of, thanks to his overplanning wife . You either gotta love the snowball effect or hate it, depending on your situation. Have a great evening!!

Trish

 

[greewe]

Well, we've been hit head on by the snowball! It started as a 4 day tag a long to DH's conference. Well that just happened to be the same week as one of my DS's springbreak. Of course we couldn't leave him at home alone! Well my other DS spring break is the week before. We can't just take one son and not the other. So now we are up to 9 days-4 one week and 5 the other. Oh no! One son is staying 5 days and the other only 4days. We have just got to be fair...so now it's 10 days! The conference hotel is Marriott, but wait...the Disneyland hotel is only $10 a night more. Must stay there. And on and on it goes!

 

[Sherry E]

I am glad this thread was resurrected by Lavender. It reminds me of how amusing it is to read everyone's stories of succumbing to the Snowball Effect. Keep 'em coming!

 

[TiggerNZ]

Well my snowball started because of my travel agent...... I was booking flights back the the UK over Christmas from New Zealand, and the lay-over happened to be LA - so she said "why not be the best mum in the world and take your son to DL" and the rest is history really.

To begin with was going to be a 1 night stop, now is 2 nights with character meals and all kinds....I have booked HoJo but am debating changing to a DL hotel......probably stay where I am to save money for all the shopping I'm bound to do.

Lucky I don't live closer, you'd never get me out of there.......

 

[fairykin]

Yes Yes!

I am experiencing Disney Trip Snowball Big Time!

First my DH and I decided to go to Disneyland to celebrate our anniversary, so we booked Disney package for the Grand Californian.

Next we decided to invite DH's parents, and booked a package for them at the Grand Californian.

Then we decided to invite my mother, and booked her a package at the Grand Californian.

I know you think we are through but ooooOOooooOOoooH No! We decided to take our three grandchildren, so we added them to the packages.

Still think we are through? Nope..not yet. We decided 3 weeks ago to buy premium annual passes for DH and I.

Now.. i am wanting to upgrade my mother and the three grandchildren's passes for the december trip into annual passes.

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that no information on DVC comes to me or who knows i might have to have that.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...Needless to say, DH and I went to Costco today and bought our Deluxe passes. ...

And you might as well add the parking because if you go X times, you save money. And, since you have your pass, you should buy all the cool holiday Disney stuff that will be for sale because you get a discount now. And hey! If you are doing that, why not get gifts for others at the same time? You'll save money that way...

Would someone stop her...Me I'm the guy INSIDE the snowball!

Ummm.... you just asked the room of addicts to stop our newest partner. I am afraid you will find no help here! But.... may I ask what your favorite Disney character is, you know, since you are here. Not that I would EVER suggest you buying anything with said character to get ready for your trip.....

It's a great addiction, ain't it? hehe

- Dreams

P.S. I hope everything is ok with you DS.