The Haircut that became a surprise DL birthday trip (Nov 7-11 2008) - Final day added

[hulamom]

I'm realy enjoying your TR. I like your DH photos a lot too. Question: Did he use a tripod for the long exposure night shots like Rocket Rods?

Thanks! DH does use a tripod for most night and time exposure pics. But for DL, he didn't want to have to carry one around with him. So, instead, he would prop up the camera on top of something or usually hold it against the side of a wall or lamp post.

The indoor ride shots are more challenging for him as you can't keep still with the ride moving (like for POTC). So those are a little more blurry or grainy. However, during the HM ride, it kept stopping, so he was able to take a lot more pictures inside.

-- Hulamom

 

[hulamom]

Monday, November 10th (The Meltdown)

While today was an early start, we had a more relaxed day to just do the things we missed the first 2 days and repeat the favorites. Despite trying to get everybody out and at the gates at opening (8am), we ended up heading out the door around the time of opening. Oh well, better late than cranky (that will happen much later).
Here's our fabulous parking lot view from the DLH:

Since this morning was not an early entry morning and we hadn't gone on Nemo yet, we decided to hop onto the Monorail into Tomorrowland to try to get a semi-short (aka, not horrendously long) line for Nemo. Our result was a 30 minute wait. Not bad. Not great, but not bad considering. While the rest of the ohana waited, I skipped over to Indy for FPs. Indy had been down for much of our 1st 2 days so we wanted to try to catch it on our last. Luck would have it, FPs were being distributed for 9:30am. I skipped merrily back to the Nemo line where everybody was about 1/3 of the way through. The ride was fun, but I don't think worth waiting longer than we waited. The similar ride at WDW was better, IMHO.

After Nemo, it was just about 9:30, so I ran over to Space Mtn and grabbed FPs for later that morning. Then it was on to Indy. DH and I did the kid swap thing, so DD got to ride twice in a row. 3 years ago, DD was able to ride Indy, but it really scared the socks off of her. This time, she loved it. I still have to close my eyes at the part where the arrows fly past. During that time DS walked on the treehouse with DH and sat and had a snack with me.

One thing to note here is that we only used 2 of our 4 FPs. When DD and I went on first (and DH grabbed a kid switch pass) we turned in 2 of our FPs. Then, when DH and DD went on with their kid switch pass, the CM only asked for the switch pass. Thus, saving us 2 FPs for later. It wasn't intentional, and just happened that way.

Admission time: despite growing up in California and visiting DL more times than I can count on my fingers, I have never been to the Tiki Room. Yes, we know the song by heart, but we've never been there (DH hasn't either). So, here was our chance. Yes, it was completely cheesy to watch animatronic birds and flowers sing and dance, but it was a complete hoot! I sang along ("Oh god, Mom's singing again!"). DH thought there would be hula dancing... no dear, that's the luau show at WDW. DD recognized one of the songs ("Hawaiian War Chant") to which she hula dances.

Next, we decided to test some theories. We wanted to go on Soarin' again one last time. So, while DH took the kids onto Autopia I ran over to DCA. Theory #1: that I could get FPs for all of us (I held everybody's park tickets) even though I was the only one to enter DCA. Since our tickets were activated already at DL, that theory worked (thanks Hydroguy!). Theory #2: that the FPs between DCA and DL were disconnected. Since our FP time for Space Mtn. hadn't come up, but I was able to get FPs for Soarin' (thanks again Hydroguy!). Success! I just love this sort of thing... I'm such a geek! Back to DL (I'm getting serious mileage out of my running shoes). Everybody was still in line for Autopia, so I went in through the exit (no, I'm not going to cut!) and stood on the bridge so I could take pictures of them as they return with their cars. This pic that DH took was much more interesting than my above the car pics:

After all that running, I was getting hungry for lunch. DS wanted to watch the Jedi Training Academy again (but still not wanting to participate) so we found a table at the Tommorland Terrace. DH wasn't quite hungry yet, so I got food for myself and the kids. I got a salad with chicken, and half-way through my salad I saw that there was a giant bug sitting (well, more like squished) on one of the lettuce leaves. Ew. Okay, I lost my appetite. I brought the salad back, and showed the CM. He offered to replace it. Since I wasn't hungry any more, and DH hadn't eaten yet, I asked for one without chicken (DH is vegetarian).

At some point during the Jedi show, I ran to get FPs for Big Thunder Mtn. (another favorite we all wanted to do again).

After that "less than appetizing" lunch, we headed to ride Space Mtn. My favorite ride, and DS declared it was now his favorite ride. Pretty good for a 6 year old! Next was Peter Pan, another favorite, though the line was slow (about 40 minutes).

After Peter Pan, we had a little fun run-in with Captain Hook.

But the kids' won that battle and we headed over to Winnie the Pooh. Before heading to DCA, I asked if anybody wanted FPs for something later that evening. Space Mtn. was the winner, so I grabbed FPs. The time was 10:30, which meant no more FPs for us -- but I still had Soarin' and Big Thunder FPs in my pocket so we were still ahead.

Before entering DCA, we had to stop and pose at the Big O.

Soarin' over CA was fun as always and this time we got to ride on the front/top row.

Next, DH wanted to try the Monsters Inc. ride: Mike and Scully to the Rescue. For some reason, DS was adamant about *not* riding it. Not wanting to cause stress, I stayed back with him. We found Wall-E's cardboard cutout and he posed for a few pictures.

After DH and DD were finished riding Mike & Scully, DS wanted to go to Playhouse Disney, which DS adamantly did *not* want to see. Just can't please everybody today, it seemed. So since she and I had missed Crush the other day, I took her over there only to find that we just missed it and the next show wouldn't be for another 30 minutes. She didn't want to wait, so we found DH and DS back in line at Playhouse Disney. I have a wonderful picture of her expression in Playhouse Disney, but she'd completely disown me if she found out I posted that.

As we were walking out of Playhouse Disney, we ran into the family of one of DS's friends. It's always so funny when you see somebody you know at Disneyland. Anyhow, the boys had fun running around a bit.

It was getting close to dinner and we wanted to go back to the hotel to change into warmer clothes, so after changing we decided to try the PCH Grill. It was practically empty when we got there (it was 5:30). But that meant that the nice waitress spent lots of time talking with us. DS got to make his own pizza which he loved. I had a chicken sandwich that was okay and DH had pasta. He said that pasta was overcooked.

After dinner we headed back to DL to ride Big Thunder (with our FPs from earlier) and Pirates. That's when I realized we still had FPs for Indy, so we were able to do that again as well (again, only needing 2 to do a kid switch pass).

Next, things got ugly.

DS had been waiting patiently while first me and DD rode on Indy, then DH and DD rode. We promised him ice cream afterwards, not realizing how close it was to the fireworks. DD was starting to whine about wanting to go on the Mattherhorn one last time (this was our last evening), but we said after ice cream. We headed down Main St. and seeing that the ice cream parlor was really crowded, we went to the Carnation place across the street. DS wanted an ice cream sandwich or bar, so DH stood in line. When he got to the front, they were out of sandwiches and bars. DS, who can be rather stubborn, insisted on that and wouldn't take plain ice cream. So, I tried to find him some along Main St., but as the fireworks were about to start, the carts were either out or closed and the parlor's line looked to be an hour long. I went back to the family, by this time, *my* ice cream was melting. DS said he'd take a scoop of ice cream, but now the Carnation window had closed. Major tears. He wouldn't take my ice cream. By now, DH is upset and threatening to leave the park. DD starts crying because she wants to ride on the Matterhorn. DS is bawling because he wants ice cream and he does *not* want to ride the Matterhorn, and people are starting to look at us.

So, we grab all our ice cream (mine's more like milkshake at this point and frankly I have no appetite) and we head toward Tomorrowland. I finally found a cart that was selling ice cream bars and profusely thank the CM that she saved my son's evening. She smiles and says "That's why we're Disneyland!". But by now the fireworks have started and we're sitting a the Tomorrowland terrace watching an fairly obstructed view of the fireworks. DS is eating his bar and DD is still going on about the Mattherhorn. That's is when my un-proud moment as a parent occurs. I became one of those parents who yells at her kids at Disneyland. And I made DS cry more while eating his ice cream. "Just beautiful" DH said. I shed my own tears, looked at the semi-obscured fireworks and decided to try to turn it around so we didn't end our DLR experience on that note.

I grabbed DS into a big hug and told him I was sorry and asked if his ice cream was good. Thank goodness for the mood turnarounds of 6 year olds, but he gave me a big smile. Then I told DD and DH to go ahead to the Matterhorn that I'd stay back with DS. After they left, DS said he wanted to go on Buzz, so we went and he got his highest score. Then we ended our evening all together riding Space Mountain. I still feel guilty about it all, but at least we turned it around and made things happy again.

We headed out through Main Street, saying farewell to DL for now.

Next, hula dancing with Lilo, finding Mickey, and the long drive home.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks! DH does use a tripod for most night and time exposure pics. But for DL, he didn't want to have to carry one around with him. So, instead, he would prop up the camera on top of something or usually hold it against the side of a wall or lamp post.

The indoor ride shots are more challenging for him as you can't keep still with the ride moving (like for POTC). So those are a little more blurry or grainy. However, during the HM ride, it kept stopping, so he was able to take a lot more pictures inside.

-- Hulamom

Cool! I was going to say that pumpkin patch picture in HM came out really nice! I tried to get a few shots of those but it's difficult when the ride is moving. I really like his fisheye lens shots as well. Normally I don't care for them (like when used for landscape type shots I'd rather see the landscape how it's supposed to look) but it worked very well for those self & family ride shots that he used them on. It helped to capture more of him, the family and the ride all at the same time. I'd never seen a fisheye lens used in that context. Kudos to him for thinking of it! Okay back to the TR...

 

[Yakety76]

I am so glad your night turned out all right. It is hard when the kids start getting overly tired and have just had it. Don't be too hard on yourself. It sounds like you were able to turn it all around and end the night on a positive note.

Great pictures of your kids battling Hook!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Monday, November 10th (The Meltdown)
So, we grab all our ice cream (mine's more like milkshake at this point and frankly I have no appetite) and we head toward Tomorrowland. I finally found a cart that was selling ice cream bars and profusely thank the CM that she saved my son's evening. She smiles and says "That's why we're Disneyland!". But by now the fireworks have started and we're sitting a the Tomorrowland terrace watching an fairly obstructed view of the fireworks. DS is eating his bar and DD is still going on about the Mattherhorn. That's is when my un-proud moment as a parent occurs. I became one of those parents who yells at her kids at Disneyland. And I made DS cry more while eating his ice cream. "Just beautiful" DH said. I shed my own tears, looked at the semi-obscured fireworks and decided to try to turn it around so we didn't end our DLR experience on that note.

I grabbed DS into a big hug and told him I was sorry and asked if his ice cream was good. Thank goodness for the mood turnarounds of 6 year olds, but he gave me a big smile. Then I told DD and DH to go ahead to the Matterhorn that I'd stay back with DS. After they left, DS said he wanted to go on Buzz, so we went and he got his highest score. Then we ended our evening all together riding Space Mountain. I still feel guilty about it all, but at least we turned it around and made things happy again.
We headed out through Main Street, saying farewell to DL for now.
Next, hula dancing with Lilo, finding Mickey, and the long drive home.

Don't beat yourself up over it. Between my DS and DH (who is not as big a Disney fan as we are -- I know; I don't get it either ). We've had a few near meltdown moments and my DS was a young tween and Dh was a grown adult! Sometimes I wondered who was melting down more DH or Ds???? But in the end we always come back missing the park and DL experience and try, try again! I Love your TR, love the pics and your honesty. Also, I was wondering what all this talk about WW is about. You look perfectly in shape and awesome! You sure don't look like you need to lose weight at all. I do, however. Got any WW tips for me? Need to lose about 50lbs. Thanks for any info on how you did it.

 

[hulamom]

Cool! I was going to say that pumpkin patch picture in HM came out really nice! I tried to get a few shots of those but it's difficult when the ride is moving. I really like his fisheye lens shots as well. Normally I don't care for them (like when used for landscape type shots I'd rather see the landscape how it's supposed to look) but it worked very well for those self & family ride shots that he used them on. It helped to capture more of him, the family and the ride all at the same time. I'd never seen a fisheye lens used in that context. Kudos to him for thinking of it! Okay back to the TR...

I read your comments to DH who was really happy to hear them and asked me to thank you!

I agree that sometimes using the fisheye lens for landscape shots makes it look too distorted when you just want to see how it actually looks.

-- Hulamom

 

[hulamom]

Don't beat yourself up over it. Between my DS and DH (who is not as big a Disney fan as we are -- I know; I don't get it either ). We've had a few near meltdown moments and my DS was a young tween and Dh was a grown adult! Sometimes I wondered who was melting down more DH or Ds???? But in the end we always come back missing the park and DL experience and try, try again! I Love your TR, love the pics and your honesty. Also, I was wondering what all this talk about WW is about. You look perfectly in shape and awesome! You sure don't look like you need to lose weight at all. I do, however. Got any WW tips for me? Need to lose about 50lbs. Thanks for any info on how you did it.

Again, thanks for the compliments! Actually, I hit my WW goal weight about 7 weeks ago and am now a proud lifetime member! I lost 30 lbs total. It was a slow process... it took me about 2 years total (with a slight break when I was in between jobs). I don't have any magic, but do have to say that WW was the only thing to really work for me. I basically stayed on track with those points (having those online etools helped). I like WW because you can eat anything and don't need to prepare special foods just for yourself. I know other programs have worked well for other people, but for me, WW worked.

You can go online or join a meeting (I do WW meetings at work) to find out if it's for you.

But at DL, I basically didn't count points. Heck, I was on vacation and was going to enjoy myself! We ate breakfast in our room and I stuck with healthy choices as much as possible, but I definitely indulged. All that walking and FP collecting helped!

Now if I can just stay away from that pumpkin pie, and stuffing, and mashed potatoes tomorrow...

-- Hulamom

 

[hulamom]

Time to head home - Tuesday, November 11

After so much planning and waiting, our trip was just about over. Why do those things that we love just fly by so fast? Alas, all good things must come to an end...

Before checking out that morning, we had breakfast at Lilo & Stitch's at the PPH.

The food was okay, but I don't think anybody ate enough to justify that price. I did love the smoothie and the banana french toast. DD got another birthday cupcake and singing waiters.

The highlight for DD was when Lilo lead some hula lessons. Actually, a CM lead the lessons while everybody followed. At first, DD didn't want to join. She made me join too, if she was going to. Sure, I'll embarrass myself!

When we were up there, I pointed to DD and told the CM that DD was a hula dancer. She shot me one of those "Mom, you're embarrassing me!" looks. But, afterwards, the CM and Lilo asked DD for lessons to make sure they were doing it correctly. DD actually told the CM that a few of the hand motions he used were incorrect, and they were so gracious about it and thanked her. She then gave a little demo of her own, to their encouragement.

As we were back in the room, packing up to check out, DS announced that he never got Mickey Mouse's autograph. What? We saw Mickey at his house and took pictures with him (and Mickey even left an autographed photo for him at checkin). But that was *before* he got his autograph book and he still wanted Mickey (since, as DS said, he's the boss of Disneyland). He said that we'll just have to go back to Disneyland. Um, no we can't. We don't have any more days left on our tickets, and besides we have to drive home.

As I was checking out at the front desk, I asked if there was any place where we might find Mickey outside of the parks. The front desk CM suggested Goofy's Kitchen, so I took DS there to see. At Goofy's, we were sadly informed that Mickey wasn't there. *BUT*, the CM told me with a glint in her eye, that she thinks Mickey was taking a nap back behind the restaurant and she could see if he wouldn't mind waking up for a minute to sign his book. DS seemed okay with that, but asked if he could come out and say hi. Quick thinking, she said that he was still in his pajamas and wouldn't want to come out like that. DS accepted that. While she was off getting Mickey's autograph, another CM chatted with DS asking himi questions, which I thought was so sweet. The first CM came back with his book, complete with Mickey's autograph, which pleased DS completely. I thanked the CM profusely and asked her to please thank Mickey for waking up for us.

Nice that one of our final memories of DLR included a little bit of magic in only the way Disney can.

We got the car packed and headed to Downtown Disney for some shopping at the World of Disney store. Finally, we were off for the long drive up north!

Thanks to those who have stuck around to read my ramblings!

-- Doreen (aka Hulamom)

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks for a great trip report! And thank your hubby once again for the awesome photos! I love a TR w/ lots of photos!

 

[kjh73]

Hi..I just have a question...for the birthday cupcakes and bags...did you have to call ahead or just did you just request when you arrrived at the restaurant? I enjoyed reading your trip report!!

 

[hulamom]

Hi..I just have a question...for the birthday cupcakes and bags...did you have to call ahead or just did you just request when you arrrived at the restaurant? I enjoyed reading your trip report!!

Hi,
I had them add in the cupcake and party bags when I made the PS reservation with Goofy's Kitchen.

-- Hulamom

 

[kjh73]

Thanks!!