The vacation of a lifetime!

[tinkermomma]

I just wanted to say that my thoughts are with you and I think you're doing an amazing thing by making this trip as thorough and as "once in a lifetime" as you are.

As for photos, I think that's a really fun idea but you might want to consider doing digital scrap books while you're there only for the neatness factor in the hotel room. So many photo sites and programs offer it now: iphoto if you have a mac, photobucket, snapfish (the last two both send awesome discounts for their photobooks too), mpix, etc... Unless of course putting the photos in is a huge part of the fun for you... then disregard this as a weird neatfreak suggestion

I remember that there was a super thread here when I first started posting here called Disneyland Secrets which has a LOT of it's history or other random facts, er, some urban legends. BUT there are some really neat things you can hunt down while you're there.

What I love about you spending 15 days is you can really immerse yourself in the animation of your favorite films and the imagineering...

Do:
Ride the Lilly Belle
Steer the Mark Twain
The Disney Gallery
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar
Silhouettes on Main Street (They are beautiful and make for great decor)
Jedi Training Academy
Autopia and/or eat at Plaza Inn (outside) during the Fireworks

Eat:
Dole Whip (obviously)
Loaded Baked Potato Soup at Carnation Cafe (I made this recently and actually it was divine)
Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue
Flo's V8 Cafe Looks like some yummy updated 50's comfort food.
Breakfast on the Veranda at River Belle Terrace. I like to imagine I'm sitting right where Walt himself enjoyed the view (because he did from what I hear)
Carthay Circle Theatre and Restaurant (because it's a really neat bit of history and the food looks AH-mazing from one foodie to another PLUS you can get World of Color viewing with it)
Napa Rose at Grand Californian
Club 33 You never know.... Someone may PM you since your trip is so far out and it truly is so special, and plus you didn't ask

I'm sure I'll think of some more after I actually get to visit for the first time in 5 years

 

[disneegrl4eva]

As much as I love DLR, I can't imagine spending 15 days there and 12 at the parks. Especially with 5 year olds who can't do all the rides. I'm just saying that is a lot of time and I suspect 6 days at the parks will be more than enough for your family - even on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

So since you are posting here looking for input, and you have a lot of time to plan before April, consider branching out and doing other things.

Best of luck to you!

im totally on hydroguy side with this one...DL is not very big...now if you were doing wdw??? then oh yeah totally!! but 6 days with nothing thrown in but DL? trust me you are going to wish you hadnt...and anyone that knows me, KNOWS that I love DL and go all the time but more than 6 days?? You will have done everything and seen everything you wanted to...I would totally rethink that...maybe consider home base being in anaheim but go to Sea World (hour or so away) go to LA and Universal Studios (hour or so away) do some beach hopping (loads of beaches down there) and since you have a little one, maybe you could do LegoLand (hour away)...just some things to think about

 

[barbaraann]

I wish that I could afford a two week trip. Living as far away as Chicago, I usually come for at least a week. My trip, that starts tomorrow is an exception, and it is only for 4 days in the park.

A trip this long will most likely have it's pitfalls. You don't want to plan too much, but without some planning you just might miss some of the things that you really want to do. It's hard reaching that delicate balance. I guess attitude has a lot to do with it.

All you can do is arm yourself with as much information as you can.

I usually start out each of my days in the parks, with a general idea of what I wish to accomplish. I can then also be totally spontaneous, when and if, I run across something totally new and unexpected.

I guess if I had two weeks, I might try all the sit down restaurants. I could totally explore a different land each and every day. I could collect autographs, and pose with characters, to my heart's content. On many past vacations, I have had characters sign my hat. I get a plain white hat, and a laundry marker, and I ask the characters to sign. I usually end up with lots of signatures, and a great souvenir. I always get great comments, especially if I wear the hat.

Sometimes people will get a park map, and circle the rides as they ride them. Then by the end of their vacation, they look to see if they have ridden all the rides, and also seen the inside attractions such at Tiki Room, and Mr. Lincoln.

 

[Riahsha]

larina
What is the typewriter about?


revwog1974
Thank you very much! We think the trip length is just right for us also. If it was just about riding then we would only need about 2 days, but we want to experience everything!

We're definitely going to do the photopass along with plenty of online journal"ing".

Poking around the Creative DISigns board, eh? I just spent all day there! Thank you for letting me know about it! Got some wonderful ideas and plenty to do now.


barbaraann
Thank you for all the information about your upcoming trip! Would you share a TR when you return, please? Would love to see any pictures you'd be willing to share also.

I thought about doing the different lands on different days or at least different mornings. I'm probably going crazy overboard, but I really hope the boys remember this and with all I'm putting into it they should. I bought them different outfits for each of the lands. I've also been working on getting their treats to give them while there.
For Adventureland there's an Indiana Jones shirt, brown pants, a costume of his hat and satchel. I knew what they'll be asking for when we're there and I don't want to spend Disneyland prices for their goodies when I can get them before we leave. So in my suitcase is a toy Indiana Jones whip for each boy.
They have Jedi outfits for Tomorrowland and in my suitcase is toy light sabers.
Cowboy outfits for Frontierland including boots and hats. I didn't forget the buckets of cowboys and indians. They're in my suitcase because I don't get into giving children toy guns.
Pirate outfits for New Orleans Square and Tom Sawyer Island (I heard they turned it into Pirate's Lair...making a treasure "goodie" map for their treats), Prince outfits for Fantasyland (taking them to BBB for their Knight treatment as their treat), Davy Crockett outfits with coonskin hats for Critter Country with Alamo playsets, Mickey Mouse outfits/their ears for Toontown with classic Disney buddies playsets. I think you get the point.


nunzia
I definitely put the silhouettes on the list.


tinkermomma
The biggest thing about the photos was getting the boys' thoughts on everything while they still have feelings about it. We had a week of family movie nights once and at the end of the week asked them if they liked the movies. They said yes to all of them, but couldn't tell us what any one of the movies was about. I'd hate to have that happen for Disneyland. I can understand they won't remember everything, but if we keep a family journal/scrapbook with pictures, drawings, etc. then they have something to look back on to help them. I figure I can just put my digital photos into Microsoft Word and enter journal entries. That way nothing is forgotten. Then we can put it all together when we get home and have fun reliving our trip.
We're going to be so tired at the end of every day I can't see staying up late to work.

Thank you for all the ideas!


disneegrl4eva
Thank you for the advice, but we'll be staying with Disney.
Watching Pocahontas right now.

 

[Isatricia]

I made autograph books for my girls with cartoon pics of each of the characters we might see. I made the page 6.5 x 7.5 and will be putting the pages in a scrapbook. The autograph page will go on one side and a picture of that girl with the character will go on the facing page. The characters loved the personalized pages.

 

[cyclenut]

Some things to consider for your epic adventure.

MORNINGS IN THE PARK:
I said you like to sleep in and with that many days in the park, you certainly shouldn't feel like you need to rush, but you really should plan on more than just one MM in that time. The park is extra special in the morning as everything is just waking up. I would spend the first early morning taking in rides and attractions while the line is short. I would spend the second morning taking lots of pictures with the family along main street, near Walt's statue, at Sleeping Beauty's Castle, over by Small World, in front of the Rivers of America, places like that. Take in the sights and sounds of the morning and then head back to your room and rest. Catch a nap, enjoy the pool and then prepare for late afternoon/evening.

NIGHTS IN THE PARK:
I know you don't want to go "open to close" but you really should spend at least one night staying out late. Look for the day that the park stays open the latest and plan on that being your late night.

SLEEP:
I know that the vacation is going to mess with the biological clock of your young children. While I recommend the above for maximum DLR enjoyment, you know your kids best. Some at that age need to stay on their routine sleep pattern. You are enjoying a marathon, not a sprint. It sounds like you are very much aware of this.

BEACHES:
You may not like the sand and being you lived in San Diego, you probably already know what that is like, but if you are not visiting the park on Saturday in April, consider heading down to the beach during the day. The weather will be cool and the water will be cold, but you can create a lot of outstanding memories out on the pier and just wondering down the sand. Make a drive out to Huntington Beach or head over to Seal Beach Pier. Enjoy a nice dinner down there and watch the sunset before heading back. Very relaxing way to recharge before another six days in the park.

KNOTTS BERRY FARM:
This is really a great little park. It has been cleaned up a lot in the last year with a new park president, but has maitained some of its original charm. Camp Snoopy will be perfect for the kids. Consider this as an option for one of your non-Disney days. While you are at it, do the Knott's Chicken Dinner, the dinner that created the first theme park in America. If you don't want to go into the park, think about visiting Independance Hall and wondering through the shops and still enjoy the dinner (plan about 3-4 hours for all of this). You don't need park admission for any of those things. Independance Hall is a wonderful learning experience that I think even your young kids will enjoy, even if they don't undestand the significance. Knott's is just a few minutes away from DLR.

TOM SAWYER ISLAND:
I know this is technically called something else right now, but it will always be Tom Sawyer Island to me. Someone mentioned spending several hours there. I think that is an EXCELLENT idea. One tip. There are a few picnic tables over by a restroom that is on the island. They have a great view of the dock for the Columbia and Mark Twain. We enjoy sitting there while the kids play. While your kids are a bit young to run about on their own, you could consider taking shifts between you and your DH. The best way to describe how to get to these tables is this. When you get off the raft, head to your left and then head into the cave that is on your right (past the waterfall). The cave lets out at the other side of the island and you'll find the restrooms and picnic tables right in front of you.

MEALS:
Disney has really stepped up their menu in the last few years. The food is not the best you'll eat, but it is pretty good. Expect to spned more, but you probably already know that. I like to plan lunch at the Blue Bayou. It is a bit cheaper than dinner and it gets you way from the hottest part of the day, in air conditioned comfort. Plan for a late lunch at 2pm if you like. that works well if you had a big breakfast. It is a very memorable experience. Plan on it. We love Goofy's Kitchen, I see that has already been suggested. Rainforest Cafe is a must for one meal, in DTD. Your boys will love it. I may have missed that if it was suggested. Leave your dining plans open for DCA until after you've read more about Cars Land, but I really like the counter service place they put in recently on the west end of the park (sorry, can't remember the name). They have some really tasty options there. If you want dining options outside the park, there are a few threads for that. I'm a local and we dine out a good deal. If you don't mind driving 15-20 minutes, there are a LOT of choices.

SOUVENIERS:
I like the suggestion that if you see something you REALLY want, go ahead and get it. Most shops carry themed murchandise, so look around. One shop on Main Street has cooking and kitchen gadgets, including the forms to make perfect Mickey pancakes while another in Critter Country has quite a bit of the Pooh merchandise. World of Disney has most things you can find inside the park, in one shop, but there are a few unique items so if you really like it, go ahead. I also recommend a trip to Build a Bear and/or Ride Makerz. Both in in DTD and you can spend a good deal of time in there. Build-a-Bear is pretty well known but the DTD store is unique in both size and merchandise. Here is an idea. Before you spend a day in the park, go to Build-a-Bear and build yourself a bear. They have a couple that are unique to Disney, pick one of those. Make it an additional member of the "family". You can make your own recording too to keep in the bear. Take it with you to "experience" Disney with you. It can become an additional keepsake for them to remember the trip months and years later. More real than just a photograph.

I didn't cover much about the rides. There is plenty of information out there about them.

To me, it is all about just going and experiencing the parks as a family. Just wondering through slowly from place to place without a care in the world. No hustle. No bustle. No schedule. Whatever happens, happens.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mugglemama]

We came home about a week ago from 8 days in the parks. From our most recent visit, here are my best suggestions:

1) I know packing a ton of stuff is a hassle...but if possible, I'd bring more than one type of shoe. Our last 5 day trip, I wore cheap Old Navy flip-flops every single day and never had a single problem...but for some reason, after just ONE day of them on this trip, I could barely walk. I ended up shelling out $40 for a pair of Disney Crocs at the World of Disney store, and while that helped the bottoms of my feet, by the end of *that* day, the Croc flip-flops had left the tops of my feet bruised, and very swollen. I'd been trying to avoid sneakers because we were riding water rides. However, by the third day, I had no choice (and thankfully had brought my Nike running shoes!). I had to wear the Nike's for the entire duration of the trip (fortunately, it was hot enough that even though my feet got wet on some rides, they dried relatively fast and I didn't end up with additional blisters.

2) I, personally, would entirely skip all Magic Mornings and rope drops. We have found the MM's to be more busy than non-MM days, and rope drops were such negative experiences for us on this trip that we finally stopped going to them (which turned out to be such a good decision for us...we started arriving about 15 minutes after rope drop, to a much less chaotic and *pushy* environment). I know many people swear by MM's and rope drops...and I used to be one of them...but things have changed, IMHO.

3) I definitely second the suggestion to have your silhouttes done together. Maybe even consider getting two or more copies so that each of your sons will have one to put in their own home when they grow up? I wish I'd done them for my children to give them as they begin to leave home.

4) We've never really gone to much effort to get the pressed pennies...although on this most recent trip, my daughter did something really cool...this trip was kind of centered around her boyfriend, who is 19, and who had dreamed his whole life of going to Disneyland, and this was his very first time there. Our first time on POTC with him, he commented over and over about how much he loved a particular scene (the one with the skeleton at the wheel, and the lightning flashing behind it...) and it turned out, that there was a penny pressing machine for that exact scene! So, she got it, and then when they got home, she turned it into a necklace for him. They bought a TON of stuff during this visit, but I'm pretty sure that pressed-penny necklace was his favorite souvenir.

So...in summary, the best suggestions I have to offer are: multiple types of shoes; consider ditching MM's and rope drop insanity; silhouttes; and pressed pennies.

I hope your trip is AMAZING!!!!

 

[Riahsha]

Isatricia
Great idea! What did you use for the cover?


cyclenut
Thank you for all your tips!
I'm actually looking forward to having two vacations in one. I want us to be the die-hard ride enthusiasts during a MM and also have the time to do special things like skipping fireworks one night to ride BTMRR to maybe catch some while on the ride.
I didn't know there were picnic tables on TSI. That sounds great! I love to people watch!
We had planned on spending time at the beach when we head to San Francisco. The poor boys are going to have it bad enough with the long drive to CA (we're not flying) so we wanted to keep extra driving to a minimum. San Francisco is already a part of the vacation, so thought of taking in a morning sunrise and searching for shells on the beach like I did when I was little. Don't worry, bringing the light jackets.
I had planned Rainforest Cafe for our first Saturday night when we get there (we'll be arriving Saturday afternoon), before our first day in the park. The boys spent their last birthday having a party at Chuck E. Cheese's, so yes I think they'll love this also.
I have gift cards I've been carrying in my purse from Build-a-Bear since the boys were babies. Sounds like the perfect time to use them!
I agree, websites covering the rides are more than plentiful.


Mugglemama
1) We each have sneakers, sandals, and water shoes we were bringing.
2) That's why I figured we'd do one MM just so we know about it. I agree, every day of that would make for a dreadful vacation.
3) The silhouettes would be for the boys. We'll be getting the artist portraits for our walls.
4) The boys would love the pressed pennies, but I heard they took quite a few of them out. Is that wrong?

 

[hootey]

Random thoughts: You ought to love the disney hotel, the rooms, the pool/jacuzzi/waterslide area is great. When you check in, be sure to inquire about the character schedule for the hotel main lobby for your stay, great one on one time with the characters(great pictues). The small cafes near the swimming pool areas are usually not crowded, have great food, & are inexpensive.
Be sure to use the disney guest souveneer service, when you purchase an item in either park, tell the clerk you are a DLR guest and would like to have the item sent back to your hotel. They will hand you a form to fill out and have the item sent to the consier(?) desk at the hotel for pickup the next day. Free, this service is great. You do not have to carry bagged items around all day. My wife loves this and uses it a lot, even the ride photos.
Using the DCA entrance in the Grand is a great time saver, as well as cutting through the Grand going back to the disney hotel from DCA. The same goes for the monorail station in DTD. The monorail is great for going into or out of the park from the DLH. We use it a lot, especially after the fouth or fifth day when you don't feel like standing in line at the main entrance.
We have saw the "Crush" show in DCA many, many times and never saw the same show twice. It is an interactive show with the kids and parents both. Same again for "Billy Hill & the Hillbillies" at the Golden Horseshoe in disney. It is never the same show, sometimes they ask members of the audiance to join them on stage. The food and the rootbeer floats are all good as well.
Twelve days too much???? Maybe not enough. All our best..

 

[Isatricia]

Isatricia
Great idea! What did you use for the cover?


Mugglemama
1) We each have sneakers, sandals, and water shoes we were bringing.
2) That's why I figured we'd do one MM just so we know about it. I agree, every day of that would make for a dreadful vacation.
3) The silhouettes would be for the boys. We'll be getting the artist portraits for our walls.
4) The boys would love the pressed pennies, but I heard they took quite a few of them out. Is that wrong?

I printed the autograph books on card stock and had them spiral bound at Office Max. The cover was a a similar page with a clipart of the Disneyland Castle and says Disneyland. I put their names on the front in a large font and "Celebrating her X birthday" as this trip is their main birthday gift this year. We also took multiple colors of Sharpies so that they could pick the best color for the autograph on that page.

We took 2 pair of sneakers for each of us and a pair of crocs for the girls and I (DH doesn't wear shoes like that). We alternated back and forth on which pair of sneakers we wore each day and wore the crocs at the hotel when we got back. We feel that it is important to have good supportive shoes when doing a lot of walking - not only to prevent blisters but to also ensure good posture while walking. Most sandals and flip flops do not offer these things. Not a one of us got any blisters.

When you have the silhouettes done, you will automatically get 2 copies (in reverse). I framed 1 copy and put the other copy away to put in their scrap books. I would recommend that you do a separate silhouette done with each boy and you as a memento for each.

We did the MM on the first morning that we could but we did not rush to be there right at opening. We got to the DL 10-15 min late and we still had plenty of time to see all of Fantasyland in that length of time. We were there a week after Easter this year and if I remember correctly, your trip is planned for about that same time. The parks were not overly crowded because spring breaks were over and the busy summer season had not started yet.

 

[cyclenut]

OK ... so I KNOW this was not part of your plan and I want to you have the best experience possible at our "local" place, DLR. We love it!

I don't know if you have considered any other option before choosing to spend the entire time at DLR, but there is something you could consider that is more creative and gives you a full Disney immersion experience, incorporates your San Francisco trip and is incredibly relaxing, but it does require some additional flexibility.

There is a Disney Cruise leaving from Los Angeles from May 20 to May 27. This cruise is a one-way trip to Vancouver, Canada from LA (really San Pedro), stopping for two days in San Francisco and one night in Victoria.

So, you would have to fly out instead of drive, and change up your vacation plan, but here is how it would work.

Fly to DLR, take a shuttle to the resort and spend your first 6 days at DLR. You can take your time and soak up the sights but you don't need to worry too much about getting your fill of character breakfast or character meet ups. You'll get that opportunity aboard the ship! When you are done, board the ship for your 7 day Disney Cruise and head up the coast. You'll stop for two nights in San Francisco where you can rent a car, use public transporation or do the "official" Disney shore excursions.

Then you could fly out of Vancouver. If you want to avoid getting passports, all you have to do is take the train back from Vancouver to Seattle and fly out of Seattle. All you need then is a Birth Certificate and ID.

The cost for the cruise, for a 2 adults and two children is:

Deluxe Inside Stateroom
Category $3,038.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $945.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $945.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $574.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $574.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $303.48
Total Price $3,341.48

OR

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
Category $4,004.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $1,428.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $1,428.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $574.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $574.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $303.48
Total Price $4,307.48

The $1,000 more gets you a larger "family" stateroom and a balcony. The prices are from the Disney Cruise web site.

I know it means a change in your plans, but if you had not considered a Disney Cruise before or don't know much about what they offer, I highly recommend you check out the Disney Cruise section of the DIS. There is so much to learn there but I can tell you that one thing you will get is the family time you treasure as well as some alone time with DH.

You can bring an item on board to be autographed and all of the characters that are traveling with you will sign it, and there are quite a few. You can have a character breakfast, on board and experience some excellent dining as well in the main dining room. Plus there are some great shows and plenty of opportunity to either relax or engage in the life on board.

Just wanted to throw that option out there ... in case you had not considered it. Usually a Disney Cruise can seem quite expensive, but when you consider all you get for the money, it isn't too bad.

 

[Mugglemama]

Isatricia
Mugglemama
1) We each have sneakers, sandals, and water shoes we were bringing.
2) That's why I figured we'd do one MM just so we know about it. I agree, every day of that would make for a dreadful vacation.
3) The silhouettes would be for the boys. We'll be getting the artist portraits for our walls.
4) The boys would love the pressed pennies, but I heard they took quite a few of them out. Is that wrong?

Hmmm....I don't know the answer to this. I hadn't heard that quite a few had been removed.

The ones I remember seeing in DL were: POTC and Splash Mountain. I'm sure there were others, I just don't remember where they were. I'm sure somebody around here will know the answer, though!

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hello! First of all, congratulations on your remission and your positive outlook. Cancer sucks but I firmly believe that a positive outlook is your best defense. I totally understand your desire to make this a memorable trip for your family and I am sure that as your trip get's planned you will find tons of ways to make it magical.

My family has done several trips some of which have been at the Paradise Pier and some at Disneyland Hotel and some at the Hojo. We have loved each stay, for different reasons. With the amount of time that you will be there, I can see that staying onsight would be prohibitive, but if you can (and an annual pass may help!), I would plan some portion of your trip on sight, as a splurge, maybe the last few nights. It is truly a magical experience.

You could book 6 days on a package to get the perks. We enjoyed ToonTown Morning Madness! Then book the rest of your hotel yourself, and then after using your Magic Morning you could upgrade to Annual Pass then.

We did do one trip, 9 days staying at HOJO. It was a wonderful trip and not too long by any means. We actually took time to swim and relax and see shows and do shooting gallery etc, etc I think you will have a wonderful time.



One thing I have not seen mentioned is to ride the Lilly Belle. That is one of my favorite memories.

Again, wishing you a magical trip.

Tracey

 

[Isatricia]

We got quite a few pressed pennies. There were some that weren't available because they are located in the Penny Arcade that is currently closed for refurbishment.

 

[Riahsha]

hootey
Thanks for the advice!
I would love staying at the Disneyland Hotel, but not sure it's in our budget at this time.
Mmm...rootbeer floats.


Isatricia
That would be great to have something so personal for them, good deal!
Easter is the last day of March next year and our first day in the park is April 15th. Timing is about right, yes.
Any idea when the Penny Arcade will be open again? I guess I can search online and find pressed penny locations and we can spend some time hunting them down one day instead of just getting them as we pass them. They wouldn't be too excited by a hidden Mickey hunt as they get really frustrated just by I Spy games, but they would love treasure hunting for those machines!

cyclenut
April is the only time DH can get away from work next year. As the boys will be in preschool in April and can be easily taken out for 3 weeks, DLR is the best choice for us and something I've wanted to do.
Thank you though.


Mugglemama
Thank you!


QueenDoOver

Hello! First of all, congratulations on your remission and your positive outlook. Cancer sucks but I firmly believe that a positive outlook is your best defense.

I completely agree and that's why I'm planning this trip.
I put a request in for TTMM passes on the thread for that, so fingers crossed. I had just figured the HoJo as less expensive with a nice water area we will use more than once. I plan on us doing several things at the DL hotels like restaurants, etc. I gotta check them out even if I can't stay there.
Is Lilly Belle different from the others?

 

[Goofy_Mom]

My two cents on the pressed pennies, SO AWESOME!! My kids love to do them and the machines are EVERYWHERE!!!

If you google for disneyland pressed penny machine, on the top part of the list is a website link for the locations of all the machines in DL and DCA. Now that the Penny Arcade has reopened it appears that the machines in that area have been moved. The rumor I heard was that they are at the Mr. Lincoln building somewhere.

You can find the machines in most of the stores. In NOS there is a pressed quarter machine with Jack Skellington. Most the machines in DCA are pressed dimes. Happy hunting.

 

[Riahsha]

Goofy_Mom

Thank you so much!!! I can use the locations to make a decent treasure map and the pennies are their treasure!

 

[halfmonkey]

I was wondering what you all think about pictures. We'll be using our digital camera and thinking of bringing our printer and photo paper. Already planned on bringing the laptop. I want us to make our photo/autograph albums while we're there. Something great for the evenings to relive the days and not forget anything, especially with the boys' young age. If I wait until we get home they will agree with everything I say instead of having any real opinions. I want this to be something they remember.
Is that good or do you have a better idea?

dana278
Thank you very much! We'll be sure to stop in there. I heard about the portraits in NOS also and am thinking of getting those.

arthur06
Whatever you can do will be nice. Let us know about the new lands.

Have you thought about bringing or buying a camcorder?

 

[Riahsha]

halfmonkey
Yes, we have a camcorder and will be bringing that also.

 

[hootey]

One of our favorite ways to take a break. We get a coke or bottle of water for everyone and get on the Disneyland train. We ride it all the way around the park numerous times. Gives you a chance to rest your feet, have a cold drink, and see what the people are doing all around the park. We rode it for an hour and half one day. Just an idea from someone that goes for six to ten days at a time and believes in relaxing while on vacation......