The Trip Is On!!! Trip report starts on pg. 39

[DizNee Luver]

CHARMAMA!!!!!!!! It's been forever since we saw you on here!!! Welcome back!! I think the last time we saw you was for your trip report (did you finish it??) Glad you popped back in & hope you stick around for a while!!!

Yea another trip?!!!!!!! Hope you have a great time!

I'm following you & Michele arriving on March 3 for the girls trip & then hubby will join me for 3 days of anniversary fun......NO KIDS!!! Gonna be really weird, but oh so needed!!

 

[kaoden39]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

*just paying forward the enabling*

You know that I will want a picture!



Re: Duffy ~ he is adorable! I love his hidden Mickey face!

I'm glad you didn't cave and give it to Jason ~ it will mean so much more after Duffy goes to DL and meets all the characters and THEN comes home to live with him. You are not a mean auntie! Quite the opposite.

Thank you. I think it will be more fun for him this way I think. And I will send pictures to them through out the trip. And I think that having the book and Duffy will make it more fun for his imagination.

ahhh the love of Disney!!!! It's contagious at my house! The kids love the rides and hubby loves the pins, it's a win win for us. I would love to plan a kidfree trip one of these days though. Maybe for my b-day...hmmmm.

Although I would love love love to be able to stay at DLH this time, alas it is not in the cards. Trying for an inexpensive trip this time. Eating less at the parks and more outside of or in our room. But, we are staying at the Anaheim Plaza. We are getting a 2 room family suite (4 queens- connecting rooms) for $106 a night. I like the rooms because they are much bigger than the norm. It is an older hotel but, they are clean and my hubby and I think the beds are comfy. Plus with 6 of us (9this trip) the extra bathroom is a MUST!!!!

We did, however, get AP and looking forward to using them ALOT!!!! We managed to visit DL 3 times last year and now that we are at Travis AFB, it just makes more since to get an AP.

We are leaving the base Tuesday (22nd), checking in the hotel and chilling at Downtown Disney. Eating dinner at Rainforest Cafe and doing some shopping and later to have some benighs (sp??). We will be visiting the parks Wed-Fri. and leaving Sat. am. Our original plan was to be at the parks on Mon-Wed. but our friends want to take advantage of the military appreciation tix and there is a black out day on Pres. day. So we just slid over our dates. No worries. The kids are on that furlough week from school so it really didn't matter, ya know.

I checked the Anaheim school district calendar and it looks like there is only one "track" that is off during that week. So, I'm thinking it should be good. Compared to New Years crowd (We celebrated our anniversary!!) it should be light!! I"m thinking just sit me down on a park bench with a churro and a cup of my (free) refill of joe and let me soak in the Disney magic!!

Soo, grown up time....with grown up food and grown up conversation. What a concept!! Good for you. What else do you have *not* planned?

We are neighbors!!! I live in Fairfield!!! This is so funny!!! Do you like the area? This has been a crazy winter weather wise. How long have you been on Travis?

Oh so you guys will be getting there while we are still there. I think it is just crazy that they put blackout dates on the military appreciation tickets. Out of curiosity they don't blackout Veteran's day do they? Bella Ella was there for New Years and from her pictures it looked crazy busy.

We went in June, there were 9 of us. It was crazy busy because the WoC was just opening. DH and I spent a lot of time alone, and we did what we wanted. If we wanted to sit on a bench on Main Street and watch the band march down the street we did.

We are actually pretty open except for the meals that I reserved for us. I hate to sound bad but I am looking forward to time without the kids, and DH. I think we will all appreciate each other much more.

It seems to me like you got a good rate for your room. The only reason we are staying at the DLH is because of the AP rate. I don't have to pay for a parkhopper so the money I save on that can go into the room. We were going to stay at the Ayre's and that wasn't really priced bad at all, but D has never stayed onsite so that is what we are going to do.

 

[kaoden39]

CHARMAMA!!!!!!!! It's been forever since we saw you on here!!! Welcome back!! I think the last time we saw you was for your trip report (did you finish it??) Glad you popped back in & hope you stick around for a while!!!

Yea another trip?!!!!!!! Hope you have a great time!

I'm following you & Michele arriving on March 3 for the girls trip & then hubby will join me for 3 days of anniversary fun......NO KIDS!!! Gonna be really weird, but oh so needed!!

Hi Laurie!!

 

[charmama4]

CHARMAMA!!!!!!!! It's been forever since we saw you on here!!! Welcome back!! I think the last time we saw you was for your trip report (did you finish it??) Glad you popped back in & hope you stick around for a while!!!

Yea another trip?!!!!!!! Hope you have a great time!

I'm following you & Michele arriving on March 3 for the girls trip & then hubby will join me for 3 days of anniversary fun......NO KIDS!!! Gonna be really weird, but oh so needed!!

aaaaah. It has been along time. No didn't finish the TR. And we have been 3 times since then and planning 3 more in the future (if DH doesn't deploy that it, ugh).

A girl's trip...sounds like fun. One of these days I'd like to do a trip like that. I just feel real guilty when I think about not bringing the kids, sometimes....that is. Anniversary?? way cool, how many years will it be? We celebrated our 7th at DL on the Thundermountain ride watching the fireworks!!!!! It was beyond COOL!

look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip.

 

[charmama4]

Hey neighbor!!! Love Travis and the area. LOVE LOVE (not like) LOVE being 7 hours from DL (oh and our extended family down in SD) opposed to 24 hours when we were in Cheyenne!!! It'll be a full year on the 12th that we've been here. Already did some touristy SF things and looking forward to trying some tent camping this summer. Kids met a lot of new friends right away and love their schools.

The weather is crazy here. I heard that all the fog we have had is NOT normal, so what gives?

The black out dates are a bummer, but for a 3 day hopper at $99.... Wouldn't that be a riot if Veteran's day was a blackout? I'll have to check.. I know that Christmas (2 weeks) and 4July week is along with Pres. day.

New Years WAS crazy and I guess because of all that rain during Christmas break people stayed away but when the skies were clear...... oh man the parks were insane!!!!! We prepared the kids for the craziness and dont' expect of a lot of ride times and the amount of people. Somehow we managed to ride a lot of rides. Those fastpasses are a God send!!! People were in high spirits as well. I did not feel the stress at all!!

Wasn't WoC incredible? I can't wait to see it again and with DL newbies it'll be even better! We got fastpasses for that too, hehehehe

It doesn't sound bad at all that you are looking forward to a kidfree trip. You deserve it! One of these days I'll get the chance and sure for a second (split second) I'll feel guilty but then I'll *run the numbers* and see how much money I *wont'* be spending!!! I would love to spend a couple of days with just hubby and me just like we did before he went into basic training. That was really nice.

I"m real excited for you and your friend on the opportunity to stay at DLH what a blessing!!!! Like I said before, pix pix pix!!

Sooo, how many days????

 

[kaoden39]

We get a certain amount of fog but the low fog that we have had recently is unusual. And the lack of rain in January is unusual but we had so much before that we should be okay. We are a good distance from DLR. Do you love being so close to San Francisco, and being able to do the touristy things at your pace and not having to rush?

You know there are a couple of great campgrounds over in Marin county? Two nice ones less than 60 mile away. Of course they usually require reservations but the make great day trips too. There is also one near Napa, and a few up in the Lake Berryessa area. We are actually in the perfect location, there are so many wonderful things within driving distance.

I will take as many pictures as I can. I hope we get one of the new rooms. They are remodeling one tower at a time so who knows. I do know that I need to call the hotel today to make sure that they have us down for two beds. And to request a new room, I am keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

We did not see WoC when we there in June. People were lining up at 5am when we were there in June for the fast passes and I am sorry but I was not getting up that early on vacation. Also it might have been different if I was staying onsite or within walking distance of the parks but we stayed over at Stovall's Best Western and that walk is a bit more than I want to do in the dark. I did see it online when they streamed it live the first showing. I am pretty excited about it.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Laurie!!

Hi Michele, sorry was just excited to charmama make a return to the threads!! lol

aaaaah. It has been along time. No didn't finish the TR. And we have been 3 times since then and planning 3 more in the future (if DH doesn't deploy that it, ugh).

A girl's trip...sounds like fun. One of these days I'd like to do a trip like that. I just feel real guilty when I think about not bringing the kids, sometimes....that is. Anniversary?? way cool, how many years will it be? We celebrated our 7th at DL on the Thundermountain ride watching the fireworks!!!!! It was beyond COOL!

look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip.

I didn't think you had finished, in fact I remember Michele & I getting concerned when you seemed to disappear.....so very glad to see you on here again!!!

I feel a bit guilty about not taking the kids, but we had planned our 25th anniversary in 09 to be kidless & we broke down & took them all with us....so this time I put my foot down & said.....adults only!!

I need the break.....I'm house bound & really need to get out so I can recharge the system. The kids are handfuls & my stress level is causing me to age five times as fast as normal. I looked at a picture of myself from last week & wondered who that old person was.....I don't remember getting that old!!

So I'm doing the DIS Girls Only Trip.....first time....been following that thread & have friended most of them on Facebook.....so I'm really excited to finally get to meet them in person!! Mike is flying down at the end of that trip so we can spend 3 days alone to celebrate our 27th anniversary.

Will miss the kids like crazy & will be very happy to be home after the trip.....but really looking forward to not be pushing a stroller, changing diapers, tube feeding, running to the bathroom every 30 mins & riding what ever we want, when we want!!!

I'm glad Michele is getting the opportunity to take a break as well........she just was supposed to do it a couple weeks later...... Love ya Michele!!!

 

[kaoden39]

It's okay Laurie. I was just saying hi!!

 

[charmama4]

We get a certain amount of fog but the low fog that we have had recently is unusual. And the lack of rain in January is unusual but we had so much before that we should be okay. We are a good distance from DLR. Do you love being so close to San Francisco, and being able to do the touristy things at your pace and not having to rush?

You know there are a couple of great campgrounds over in Marin county? Two nice ones less than 60 mile away. Of course they usually require reservations but the make great day trips too. There is also one near Napa, and a few up in the Lake Berryessa area. We are actually in the perfect location, there are so many wonderful things within driving distance.

I will take as many pictures as I can. I hope we get one of the new rooms. They are remodeling one tower at a time so who knows. I do know that I need to call the hotel today to make sure that they have us down for two beds. And to request a new room, I am keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

We did not see WoC when we there in June. People were lining up at 5am when we were there in June for the fast passes and I am sorry but I was not getting up that early on vacation. Also it might have been different if I was staying onsite or within walking distance of the parks but we stayed over at Stovall's Best Western and that walk is a bit more than I want to do in the dark. I did see it online when they streamed it live the first showing. I am pretty excited about it.

I actually do like being close to SF and all of the great wineries as well. My FIL turned me on to wine and everytime they visit we try and hit a few wineries and taste. We checked out Fisherman's Warf but yet to do any of the museums. I was floored when I heard of the Walt Disney Museum!! Must get there, must!! Went to Napa and walked around the older neighborhoods and gandered at all the old homes. Beautiful just beautiful. I missed Larry's Produce last season and looking forward to this coming for some yummy fruits and veggies. We are trying to do all we can like the Jelly Belly factory and such because we don't know how long we will be for, ya know.

I saw pictures of Samual P. Taylor SP and it just looks wonderful and I hope we can make that one week. I know that there are some more campgrounds near, maybe you can PM me with some of them, I would appreciate it greatly.

I saw some pictures of the renovated DLH rooms and let me just say, WOW!!! When we stayed there in '09 we were impressed and now with the renovation I would like to plan to stay again. I think if I do that it would be for a night and not to include a park visit. Just staying at the hotel and spending the day at the pool, eating with the characters and shop at DD. Oh but that will have to wait.

I'm sure if you call and make a request it shouldn't be a problem. If the offseason so your chances are higher. They aren't taking down Mickey's sorcerer's hat are they?

Oh that's right you did say you went in June and WoC was a no deal. (5am?! jeesh!!) So this will be your first viewing (in person)? Fastpass....that's all I got to say about that!

Will ya be bringing a shopping list too?

 

[kaoden39]

I am going to call I just need to decide if I am calling the hotel itself or reservations. I think I will call reservations first and go from there.

I have a shopping list of course. My kids want me to bring them home cupcakes from the cupcake shop that is in DTD. My hubby wants me to bring me home. Both of those request seem pretty easy to me.

I have to buy two Duffy's. My niece is giving me money to get her one and I am getting one for her son too. Other than that not really, I am soooo tempted to buy myself one of the purses.

 

[Trentmom]

I am going to call I just need to decide if I am calling the hotel itself or reservations. I think I will call reservations first and go from there.

I have a shopping list of course. My kids want me to bring them home cupcakes from the cupcake shop that is in DTD. My hubby wants me to bring me home. Both of those request seem pretty easy to me.

I have to buy two Duffy's. My niece is giving me money to get her one and I am getting one for her son too. Other than that not really, I am soooo tem

pted to buy myself one of the purses.

think i missed it

what are you calling reservations or hotel for? room request?

 

[DisneyStitch626]

I am excited to see the photos you get of Duffy. And to hear how Peanut likes him when you bring him home for him to keep.

Those bags are so tempting. I walked out with one by the end of my trip too. I think I have one of the same ones Jazz has. Not sure which one you saw the other day, but I have the white sketch one, and she mentioned once that she has that one too. I love mine. It was my big splurge for my birthday. I also bought a watch, but it was about $100 cheaper than the purse, lol.

 

[kaoden39]

think i missed it

what are you calling reservations or hotel for? room request?

The room request. We have the reservation and I have paid two thirds of my share already.

I am excited to see the photos you get of Duffy. And to hear how Peanut likes him when you bring him home for him to keep.

Those bags are so tempting. I walked out with one by the end of my trip too. I think I have one of the same ones Jazz has. Not sure which one you saw the other day, but I have the white sketch one, and she mentioned once that she has that one too. I love mine. It was my big splurge for my birthday. I also bought a watch, but it was about $100 cheaper than the purse, lol.

I saw Jazz's yesterday at breakfast and it is adorable. I love the Minnie ones with the bow.

I am thrilled that Jason will like him. He fell instantly in love.

 

[Trentmom]

Oh okay...cool

So what is good location or type of room there?

gathering information for future

 

[kaoden39]

Oh okay...cool

So what is good location or type of room there?

gathering information for future

The Dream Tower is the best tower. There is no such thing as a bad view in the Dream Tower. One side faces the pool and the other faces DTD. I really hope we get the Dream Tower. The other towers are the Magic Tower and the Wonder Tower. The lobby is in the Magic tower where the shops are and one side has a pool view and the other side you might see the fireworks but I am not sure. I have only had the pool view out of it. The Wonder tower used to have a waterfall at the base that you could see on one side as well as the pool and a parking lot city view on the other side. I hope that helped.

 

[Trentmom]

The Dream Tower is the best tower. There is no such thing as a bad view in the Dream Tower. One side faces the pool and the other faces DTD. I really hope we get the Dream Tower. The other towers are the Magic Tower and the Wonder Tower. The lobby is in the Magic tower where the shops are and one side has a pool view and the other side you might see the fireworks but I am not sure. I have only had the pool view out of it. The Wonder tower used to have a waterfall at the base that you could see on one side as well as the pool and a parking lot city view on the other side. I hope that helped.

Yes, it did. Hope you get what u want

You are at almost 2 weeks..so exciting

 

[kaoden39]

Yes, it did. Hope you get what u want

You are at almost 2 weeks..so exciting

Thank you Kelly.

When I called earlier I talked on the phone with Israel, and he told me that we were already down for two queen beds and he put me in for a request to get the Dream Tower. I am so excited!!

 

[Trentmom]

Thank you Kelly.

When I called earlier I talked on the phone with Israel, and he told me that we were already down for two queen beds and he put me in for a request to get the Dream Tower. I am so excited!!

awesome

 

[kaoden39]

awesome

How are you this evening Kelly?

 

[charmama4]

CHARMAMA!!!!!!!! It's been forever since we saw you on here!!! Welcome back!! I think the last time we saw you was for your trip report (did you finish it??) Glad you popped back in & hope you stick around for a while!!!

Yea another trip?!!!!!!! Hope you have a great time!

I'm following you & Michele arriving on March 3 for the girls trip & then hubby will join me for 3 days of anniversary fun......NO KIDS!!! Gonna be really weird, but oh so needed!!

yup another trip for fun. have AP now and kids are out of school for a week so eh.....let's go to DL!! I would like to plan a partial trip NO kids but that will be in the future. Good for you for getting away for just some girl time and then some HUBBA HUBBA time!!!

I am going to call I just need to decide if I am calling the hotel itself or reservations. I think I will call reservations first and go from there.

I have a shopping list of course. My kids want me to bring them home cupcakes from the cupcake shop that is in DTD. My hubby wants me to bring me home. Both of those request seem pretty easy to me.

I have to buy two Duffy's. My niece is giving me money to get her one and I am getting one for her son too. Other than that not really, I am soooo tempted to buy myself one of the purses.

OK so what's the deal with the cupcakes? What makes them sooo special? Do tell, do tell.

Thank you Kelly.

When I called earlier I talked on the phone with Israel, and he told me that we were already down for two queen beds and he put me in for a request to get the Dream Tower. I am so excited!!

Doing the for ya!!!!