deejdigsdis
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You're back! I'm really enjoying your report and pics so far. I especially like your carousel picture at night. I'm curious to hear about the horrid-ness of Fri and Sat.
The Franco bunch's first summer vacation Trip report from Summer 2013
- Thread starter Markie Mouse
- Start date
Markie Mouse
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We woke up a little late from being tired and sore. We left to the park around 8am so we got there just after they opened the gates. The lines were already building up and the stress level went up as soon as we entered the park. Old ladies getting grumpy at Photopass people for taking too long with castle pics, PP was already a 30 min wait, and Matterhorn had a line wrapped around the mountain.
My DW takes my DD on Dumbo while I feed my DS and as Im sitting there we see CM's making a queue for Mr Toads. I couldn't believe it, it was supposed to be closed for refurbishment. I call to my wife as soon as saw it and stood in line while they rode the flying elephant.
A few more shots from the Queue
Some random shots after the ride
My DW takes my DD on Dumbo while I feed my DS and as Im sitting there we see CM's making a queue for Mr Toads. I couldn't believe it, it was supposed to be closed for refurbishment. I call to my wife as soon as saw it and stood in line while they rode the flying elephant.
A few more shots from the Queue
Some random shots after the ride
Markie Mouse
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After 1 1/2 hrs in fantasyland we decided to head over DCA and head straight to TSMM and get the bad news I received all day, its down for repairs. My DW tried to get me on California Screamin' but I chicken my way out of it and she has to go at it alone. We then see Jessie and Woody come out for photos.
After we get done, we sat at the pier , relaxed and people watched
Then I snapped this
We then walk around a bit after my DW gets off screamin. We see grizzly is only a 5 min wait and decide to save it for later. Then proceed to Bugsland and come upon These characters.
As we enter I see Bugsland is decorated, not much but something.
We get on the Heimlich Chew Chew train or as my DD calls it "The Watermelon Ride"
Not shots while on the ride because I didn't want watermelon scent juice on my camera. We then stay around bugsland and chill out. We walk over to HToT and we don't see a line so I hold my breath and walk to the queue only to see its a 50 in wait inside so we agree to come by around WOC so the line will be smaller. We then walk to see about Aladin and there is already a line at 11 for the first show at 12:30ish. So we agree its not worth it as we have already seen a couple times so we walk to Monsters Inc and get in line.
After Monster we all decide lunch sounded good. My DW see's the turkey leg cart and has to get one. Me, my DSis, and my DD all choose Corn Dogs so we all sat down at award Wieners and have lunch.
After lunch my DW heads to the bathroom to change my DS and she runs back and tells my Max is taking pics, which is awesome because my DD recently became a huge fan of the Goofy movie.
Then stitch creeps up and we have to get some shots. I wish a I would have been recording video because this character experience had to be the cutest. He grabs my DD's pen and realizes its Angel, Stitch's GF in the show and he starts to jump in excitement and hugs & licks the pen. My DD break down laughing it was awesome.
After the pic he hugged my DD then licked her too. We get our FP's for soarin and WOW its only noon and the FP return is not till 6:40PM. So we head over to Grizzly.
After grizzly I decide its to the hotel we go as I am not walking around DLR with wet socks. This is day 3 part 1, I will do more later today.
After we get done, we sat at the pier , relaxed and people watched
Then I snapped this
We then walk around a bit after my DW gets off screamin. We see grizzly is only a 5 min wait and decide to save it for later. Then proceed to Bugsland and come upon These characters.
As we enter I see Bugsland is decorated, not much but something.
We get on the Heimlich Chew Chew train or as my DD calls it "The Watermelon Ride"
Not shots while on the ride because I didn't want watermelon scent juice on my camera. We then stay around bugsland and chill out. We walk over to HToT and we don't see a line so I hold my breath and walk to the queue only to see its a 50 in wait inside so we agree to come by around WOC so the line will be smaller. We then walk to see about Aladin and there is already a line at 11 for the first show at 12:30ish. So we agree its not worth it as we have already seen a couple times so we walk to Monsters Inc and get in line.
After Monster we all decide lunch sounded good. My DW see's the turkey leg cart and has to get one. Me, my DSis, and my DD all choose Corn Dogs so we all sat down at award Wieners and have lunch.
After lunch my DW heads to the bathroom to change my DS and she runs back and tells my Max is taking pics, which is awesome because my DD recently became a huge fan of the Goofy movie.
Then stitch creeps up and we have to get some shots. I wish a I would have been recording video because this character experience had to be the cutest. He grabs my DD's pen and realizes its Angel, Stitch's GF in the show and he starts to jump in excitement and hugs & licks the pen. My DD break down laughing it was awesome.
After grizzly I decide its to the hotel we go as I am not walking around DLR with wet socks. This is day 3 part 1, I will do more later today.
TheColtonsMom
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Well I am hooked just subscribed can't wait to hear what happens next
Markie Mouse
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After changing we headed back to Disneyland and headed back to Toontown
My DW and DD got on gadgets go coaster. My DD loved it and while I waited for her to get out of the 40 min wait I snapped a few shots
We walked around Toontown for awhile and then pushed our way out of there towards BTMRR. We happened to be walking into parade crowds and it was horrid. It took us 30 min to cross from toontown all the way to adventureland. People stopping in the walkways, people jumping out of lines over our stroller with 2 babies in it. It was a madhouse. We finally got to BTMRR and we at least were able to walk on twice. We then walked on pirates and I feel real bad about it. My DS had fallen asleep and we did not realize it till we got in the boat. The initial drop woke him up and he has been waking up since in the middle of sleep screaming as if he was falling. We got off and headed towards Tomorrowland to use our FP we had gotten for SpaceMountain and saw Buzz had a 15min wait so we jumped on that. After that we headed to SpaceMountain. I got on the front with my DW then I got back on with my DSis and got the back. I prefer the back. We realized it was getting close to 6:40 and headed to DCA to get on Soarin. I started to feel ill from our dinner we had at the hotel. Never will I eat at that Subway near Castle Inn. It got everyone sick. And I mean everyone. We all had to make bathroom stops before Soarin. I walk in and see no line so I walk in, hand the CM my FP, but I have to stop at the yellow line for 5 min. She takes my ticket and tells me to go right. As soon as I turn I see a long line ahead. It would not have been bad but 10 min of standing in line while your stomach is being turned insideout is not fun. I get off and go to get my wife and have to make a u-turn back to the restroom. Afterwards I head back onto Soarin with my DW. We both loved it. I like the smell of pine during some scenes. We head over to TSMM because mousewait said it was open now. I had to take a pic of this though.
We were planning on getting on TSMM then head over to HToT but did not anticipate a 55 min wait for TSMM during WOC.
We get off and its 9:30pm and we head to HToT then I get a punch to the gut from Subway again. We then resume our journey around 9:48 and we start making our way through the crowd only to get there at 9:59pm and they had already closed the queue for HToT.
I felt relieved I didn't have to get on but also felt bad because my DW really wanted to get on it.
We head over to Disneyland and my DSis decides to retire early and head back to the hotel with my DS. So its just me, my DW, and my DD. We head over to IASWH and see the 30 min line and got excited for the photo op but realize my camera was in the stroller my DSis took with her. The time just walking together with my DW and DD was magical. It was the only time I felt the Christmas magic while at the park. We get off around 11:20 and check mousewait and HMH has a 20 min wait. We rush over there with my DD and hop in line. Again, very magical just waiting in line with family and staring at decorations. After we get off, its 12:01 and we walk around the park looking at decorations. My DD starts whining she is tired, so I suck it up and carry her all the way out of the park, back hurting and all. I wish Disney looked more like it did at 10pm-midnight throughout the day. Its really beautiful being able to move around, not worrying about people with little to no awareness bumping, tripping, or shoving you. While me and my DW walk back, we both came to the conclusion we have to go during offseason with just us 2 as we never had a honeymoon. But we say during offseason would be better. This was our 3rd night and while there were magical moments they day was stressful and crowded. No more DLR during christmas, spring break, or summer. Offseason only! If only I knew how bad the next day would be, I would have enjoyed this day a little more.
My DW and DD got on gadgets go coaster. My DD loved it and while I waited for her to get out of the 40 min wait I snapped a few shots
We walked around Toontown for awhile and then pushed our way out of there towards BTMRR. We happened to be walking into parade crowds and it was horrid. It took us 30 min to cross from toontown all the way to adventureland. People stopping in the walkways, people jumping out of lines over our stroller with 2 babies in it. It was a madhouse. We finally got to BTMRR and we at least were able to walk on twice. We then walked on pirates and I feel real bad about it. My DS had fallen asleep and we did not realize it till we got in the boat. The initial drop woke him up and he has been waking up since in the middle of sleep screaming as if he was falling. We got off and headed towards Tomorrowland to use our FP we had gotten for SpaceMountain and saw Buzz had a 15min wait so we jumped on that. After that we headed to SpaceMountain. I got on the front with my DW then I got back on with my DSis and got the back. I prefer the back. We realized it was getting close to 6:40 and headed to DCA to get on Soarin. I started to feel ill from our dinner we had at the hotel. Never will I eat at that Subway near Castle Inn. It got everyone sick. And I mean everyone. We all had to make bathroom stops before Soarin. I walk in and see no line so I walk in, hand the CM my FP, but I have to stop at the yellow line for 5 min. She takes my ticket and tells me to go right. As soon as I turn I see a long line ahead. It would not have been bad but 10 min of standing in line while your stomach is being turned insideout is not fun. I get off and go to get my wife and have to make a u-turn back to the restroom. Afterwards I head back onto Soarin with my DW. We both loved it. I like the smell of pine during some scenes. We head over to TSMM because mousewait said it was open now. I had to take a pic of this though.
We were planning on getting on TSMM then head over to HToT but did not anticipate a 55 min wait for TSMM during WOC.
We get off and its 9:30pm and we head to HToT then I get a punch to the gut from Subway again. We then resume our journey around 9:48 and we start making our way through the crowd only to get there at 9:59pm and they had already closed the queue for HToT.
I felt relieved I didn't have to get on but also felt bad because my DW really wanted to get on it.
We head over to Disneyland and my DSis decides to retire early and head back to the hotel with my DS. So its just me, my DW, and my DD. We head over to IASWH and see the 30 min line and got excited for the photo op but realize my camera was in the stroller my DSis took with her. The time just walking together with my DW and DD was magical. It was the only time I felt the Christmas magic while at the park. We get off around 11:20 and check mousewait and HMH has a 20 min wait. We rush over there with my DD and hop in line. Again, very magical just waiting in line with family and staring at decorations. After we get off, its 12:01 and we walk around the park looking at decorations. My DD starts whining she is tired, so I suck it up and carry her all the way out of the park, back hurting and all. I wish Disney looked more like it did at 10pm-midnight throughout the day. Its really beautiful being able to move around, not worrying about people with little to no awareness bumping, tripping, or shoving you. While me and my DW walk back, we both came to the conclusion we have to go during offseason with just us 2 as we never had a honeymoon. But we say during offseason would be better. This was our 3rd night and while there were magical moments they day was stressful and crowded. No more DLR during christmas, spring break, or summer. Offseason only! If only I knew how bad the next day would be, I would have enjoyed this day a little more.
Markie Mouse
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Heres a clip of what was to come at 11am.
kaoden39
<font color=peach>Prayers and pixie dust from your
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Oh my do I know those kind of crowds. What a mess it was. I was really sick on a trip in 2007, and the que for Roger Rabbit was so long and hot for me that day. I to this day cannot bring myself to go back on RR and I am not sure I will ever be able to.
Markie Mouse
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Day 3 we decide to sleep in a bit. We head to DLR around 8:30am and go straight to Nemo. Its only a 25 min wait which is short for what it would be through out the day. I got a few good shots in line.
We get off and head towards NOS to get on HMH but the line is ridiculous. Its stretched all the way back to the Train Station. We say forget it then head to Pirates but the line is just as bad as HMH. We begin stressing out and start arguing so we all agree on a time out and we head on the Mark Twain. Boy Was that a good idea. It was so relaxing and peaceful.
I took over 100 pics on the ride but figure no one wants to see those. If you do maybe I'll add them later.
Rested and relaxed we head towards Pirates even though the line stretches outside the queue its moving fast. After we get of it about 11:45 and we feel hungry. Time for Monte Cristos. Im told 15 min wait and got excited. I put my name down and wait.
After 45 min of waiting with screaming, crying, hungry kids we get a table.
We ordered the Monte Cristos, I get Ham, turkey, cheese and my DW gets cheese only. My DD ordered the chicken pasta, and we get an order of pomme frites. It looked, smelled, and tasted excellent but instantly it did not feel right. I get a grumbly feeling in my stomach after only 2 and so does my wife. We had already ordered the Mickey beignets so we had to get a to go box because we all felt ill after lunch.
We then head over to TomorrowLand to get on Space Mountain but to our dismay, guess what? Its down for repairs. So we head to see about Buzz. Its a 55 min wait. So after that we head to AdventureLand to get on Indy, guess what? Its down! So me and DW take DD up Tarzan's tree. I get up first and see the jaguar. I hear it breathing and something felt wrong. My DW and DD get up and look at it. My DW takes my DD up to read it, and.... RAWWWWRRRR!!!! Right on my ear, my DW screams as does my DD. I wanted to punch whoever was behind it because it was not funny at all. We come back down and head back over to see about Space and it is still down. We then figure might as well get some autographs. So it's off to Pixie Hollow.
We walked into this along the way.
We get off and head towards NOS to get on HMH but the line is ridiculous. Its stretched all the way back to the Train Station. We say forget it then head to Pirates but the line is just as bad as HMH. We begin stressing out and start arguing so we all agree on a time out and we head on the Mark Twain. Boy Was that a good idea. It was so relaxing and peaceful.
I took over 100 pics on the ride but figure no one wants to see those. If you do maybe I'll add them later.
Rested and relaxed we head towards Pirates even though the line stretches outside the queue its moving fast. After we get of it about 11:45 and we feel hungry. Time for Monte Cristos. Im told 15 min wait and got excited. I put my name down and wait.
After 45 min of waiting with screaming, crying, hungry kids we get a table.
We ordered the Monte Cristos, I get Ham, turkey, cheese and my DW gets cheese only. My DD ordered the chicken pasta, and we get an order of pomme frites. It looked, smelled, and tasted excellent but instantly it did not feel right. I get a grumbly feeling in my stomach after only 2 and so does my wife. We had already ordered the Mickey beignets so we had to get a to go box because we all felt ill after lunch.
We then head over to TomorrowLand to get on Space Mountain but to our dismay, guess what? Its down for repairs. So we head to see about Buzz. Its a 55 min wait. So after that we head to AdventureLand to get on Indy, guess what? Its down! So me and DW take DD up Tarzan's tree. I get up first and see the jaguar. I hear it breathing and something felt wrong. My DW and DD get up and look at it. My DW takes my DD up to read it, and.... RAWWWWRRRR!!!! Right on my ear, my DW screams as does my DD. I wanted to punch whoever was behind it because it was not funny at all. We come back down and head back over to see about Space and it is still down. We then figure might as well get some autographs. So it's off to Pixie Hollow.
Markie Mouse
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I give my DW my camera and she gets in line. Me, my DS and my DSis wait outside the queue and realize the CM putting up the rope for the Parade. There are good seat right in front of me so decide hop the rope and hold some seats.
Here are the pics my DW took.
My DD was so excited about meeting Terrence.
She wasn't so excited about Tinkerbell as she has met her about 4 times already.
I keep stressing about my DW making it in time because people were literally stepping on my jacket, my wifes backpack and once my hand to get a spot. Finally they announce the start and she comes walking towards me. I get my camera back and its almost dead. I manage to get a few good shots.
We then head over to Space Mountain and its open finally. We get on with our FP's I got earlier(which I forgot to mention, we also got FP's for BTMRR) me and my DW get on and talk about coming in Feb for our DD 4th B-day which will most likely happen as Thurs was incredible and we want to recapture that magic. I get off and get back on with my DSis. My DW had taken my DD to Princess Fantasy Fair while we go on BTMRR. I get off and head to switch with my DW in line for the Princesses. It takes me 15 min just to get there. As I get in line with my kids my DW is at the front of the line so we experience it together with the kids. My DS flirted with every princess it was so cute. After my DW and I head back to BTMRR it took us about 15 min again due to parade traffic. My poor DSis was waiting for a half hour. After they get off, we head to hotel to rest up and change. And rest up we did. We went back around 4 and did not come back till 8pm. It was perfect as soon as we walked back in the park, it began to snow. We get a good spot and my DD eyes light up. It brought tears to my eyes because her honest joy was what we came here for.
We then head back to see what we can do and I check mousewait. Everything was at a 50+min wait. With only 3 hours left in the park we decide to get shopping done. I get a couple cool shots as we head over to my DD favorite store. The princess doll store.
I then take the kids back while my DW and DSis shop as the souvenir shop is no place for a stroller on a busy saturday night.
These next 2 pics describe how we all felt.
Well that does it. All in all it was a good trip but only due to how awesome Thursday was. I really wish there was more Christmas decorations in certain places because we all agreed, other than IASWH and HMH nothing else felt special or unique to DLR at Xmas. I am still glad I decided to go though as I got a lot of memories from it but now I really need to see if off-season makes a big difference with crowds. Thanks for all who have read. Don't know if I'll ever do one of these again as I really didn't like looking at my trip through a lens. Maybe next time it will be filled with pics form a P&S camera only.
Here are the pics my DW took.
My DD was so excited about meeting Terrence.
I keep stressing about my DW making it in time because people were literally stepping on my jacket, my wifes backpack and once my hand to get a spot. Finally they announce the start and she comes walking towards me. I get my camera back and its almost dead. I manage to get a few good shots.
We then head over to Space Mountain and its open finally. We get on with our FP's I got earlier(which I forgot to mention, we also got FP's for BTMRR) me and my DW get on and talk about coming in Feb for our DD 4th B-day which will most likely happen as Thurs was incredible and we want to recapture that magic. I get off and get back on with my DSis. My DW had taken my DD to Princess Fantasy Fair while we go on BTMRR. I get off and head to switch with my DW in line for the Princesses. It takes me 15 min just to get there. As I get in line with my kids my DW is at the front of the line so we experience it together with the kids. My DS flirted with every princess it was so cute. After my DW and I head back to BTMRR it took us about 15 min again due to parade traffic. My poor DSis was waiting for a half hour. After they get off, we head to hotel to rest up and change. And rest up we did. We went back around 4 and did not come back till 8pm. It was perfect as soon as we walked back in the park, it began to snow. We get a good spot and my DD eyes light up. It brought tears to my eyes because her honest joy was what we came here for.
We then head back to see what we can do and I check mousewait. Everything was at a 50+min wait. With only 3 hours left in the park we decide to get shopping done. I get a couple cool shots as we head over to my DD favorite store. The princess doll store.
I then take the kids back while my DW and DSis shop as the souvenir shop is no place for a stroller on a busy saturday night.
These next 2 pics describe how we all felt.
Well that does it. All in all it was a good trip but only due to how awesome Thursday was. I really wish there was more Christmas decorations in certain places because we all agreed, other than IASWH and HMH nothing else felt special or unique to DLR at Xmas. I am still glad I decided to go though as I got a lot of memories from it but now I really need to see if off-season makes a big difference with crowds. Thanks for all who have read. Don't know if I'll ever do one of these again as I really didn't like looking at my trip through a lens. Maybe next time it will be filled with pics form a P&S camera only.
Markie Mouse
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Thanks for reading it. I guess not too many people found my TR entertaining so thank you to all who did.
kaoden39
<font color=peach>Prayers and pixie dust from your
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So many times people lurk and don't comment. Sometimes because they are too shy to. Obviously I am not shy. Look at my post count.
deejdigsdis
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Thanks for doing a report! I really enjoyed it. You got some fantastic pictures. That one of your little girl (I think before the parade started) was wonderful. That's too bad about the crowds. I really hope you can go for your daughter's birthday and feel better about your experience.
Markie Mouse
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Well, going back for my DD B-Day didn't work out but we have decided to go in Sept. as my DD starts Pre-school and my Bro ends it with senior year. Me and my wife have begun the panning and saving. The dates are Sept.12th-18th and we may have some extra cast members join us along the way. I won't have the same camera, as I had to give it back. The good news is I'll have a decent P&S. To begin I guess I could talk about the new cast. My little brother (by age not by size) was born at the smallest size of any of us kids and earned the nickname peanut. He is anything but that now at 6' 295lbs. He is going only as a part of a deal to get his grades up. On top of that, my cousin has also been inspired by what I'm doing for my brother and extended the same offer to his brothers. So they might be joining us on the trip for a couple days. Then a couple days later my dad is asked by my daughter if he could come because she really wants his GF to come. LOL. And last but not least my mom tells me her vacation is coming to her in may so she will most likely use it and come with us. So this could end up being one of the best trips ever. I will keep it updated as new details come along. And hopefully you guys can help me along the way.
To start, has anyone used Dreams Unlimited? I was planning on using Getawaytoday.com as they have good prices but not the cheapest. The thing I really like about Getawaytoday is they include tax+fees so the price you get is out the door price. Does anyone have any good tips for planning trips and saving money, or even has good insight on which travel company has the best deals? Thanks!
To start, has anyone used Dreams Unlimited? I was planning on using Getawaytoday.com as they have good prices but not the cheapest. The thing I really like about Getawaytoday is they include tax+fees so the price you get is out the door price. Does anyone have any good tips for planning trips and saving money, or even has good insight on which travel company has the best deals? Thanks!
kaoden39
<font color=peach>Prayers and pixie dust from your
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We used Dreams Unlimited in 2007. They were great. I recommend them highly. Our trip was beautifully planned.
Markie Mouse
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Well it looks as though we may have to postpone or seriously alter our trip as we received the news we are expecting. Gotta love life!
kaoden39
<font color=peach>Prayers and pixie dust from your
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Well it looks as though we may have to postpone or seriously alter our trip as we received the news we are expecting. Gotta love life!
How wonderful to be having a baby!! Congratulations!!
deejdigsdis
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Well it looks as though we may have to postpone or seriously alter our trip as we received the news we are expecting. Gotta love life!
Congratulations!
TheColtonsMom
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Well it looks as though we may have to postpone or seriously alter our trip as we received the news we are expecting. Gotta love life!
Whoo Hoo for the new addition! Another future Disney fan in the making... You can still go to Disney pregnant (I did) just have to stick to things like the Jungle Cruise & IASW... but it is a wonderful time for a laid back trip that includes more shows and more sit down meals... stuff you miss when you are frantic to get all the rides in!
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