These are NOT the rooms that I paid for! 3 Resorts in 10 days - Trivia Answers 9/3

[emmysmommy]

Bonus Installment of our recent Disney's Grand Californian Hotel stay

July 16th through July 21st
​

Some background for this get away which is really a stretch to say "get away" since Disneyland is only 20 minutes from our coastal Orange County house.

I attend an annual conference for my company that is hosted at the Grand Californian Hotel. This year I was the "booth girl" which meant that not only was I hanging out in the Expo hall most of the day but I was also attending some cocktail receptions in the evening. My boss suggested that I may as well stay over for a couple nights. Who am I to argue with that?

The conference rate was so exceptional that I booked 3 additional nights on my own dime. When Em heard I was going to stay at the GCH she wanted to tag along and experience a semi solo trip since she would be on her own most of the time. Sounds like a great plan to me. She gets to have fun and I get some company in the evening.

It just so happened that it was our anniversary was on the 22nd so Michael (yes, my hubby) swapped places with Em for Saturday night.

So with that... here's a photo tour and maybe a few comments.

There is a story to the photo below.... it may have lost its hilarity by now but I'll explain. Michael had dropped Em and me off at the hotel, we had dinner together (noted in the photo above) and then he left. I texted him that he had left his sunglasses in the room when there was a knock on the door several minutes later. I assumed it was him retrieving his glasses. Wrong! I ran to the door and called out in my most playful tone, "Is it a maaaan??" Throwing open the door I was completely taken aback to see that it was a hotel staff member delivering information for my conference. Uh yeah... fail!! The guy laughed and said he hadn't had any guests that excited to see him yet.

Em and I went over to Disneyland park to catch the fireworks:

And then to play for a bit...

This photo was in the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln exhibit in the Opera House building.

The next morning was Disneyland's 58th Birthday and I wasn't going to miss being a part of that since we were there! I didn't have to be at my conference until 10am so it worked out well. It was extra magic hours for hotel guests at California Adventure so we started our morning there.

Hoping over to Disneyland when the park opened they didn't have an elaborate opening ceremony as one would expect, however they had all the CM lining the street with their big Mickey hands waving to guests and wishing they a special welcome for the special day. Everyone was saying Happy Birthday!

Oscar, the legendary CM from Carnation Café, was out in the middle of Main Street greeting guests. He's is an original CM from 1955!! Em was about 10 years old when we first met him. He's such a sweet man.

Then

Now​

A special Birthday Button!

Michael was lonely at home so he came to join us for dinner and some play time in the park.

More to follow...

Next Grand Californian Trip Update​

 

[MEK]

So cool that you live so close to DL. How wonderful that you got to attend a conference there and that Em got to tag along. Looks like a fun time!

Back to the WDW weather - Brrrrr! I have been there when it was that cold and I was happy I remembered to pack a pair of gloves for night time use.

Too bad about Via Napoli, but Beaches and Cream sounds like a great alternative. I STILL haven't eaten there, but I have a plan to remedy that in October.

I'm sure it was fun watching the set up for F&G. I have never been there in February, but I hope to someday.

Love all the updates. Great pictures, especially the ones with Gaston!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

OK, 46 degrees is pretty chilly, I'll give you that.

OMG Brenda, you KILL ME!!!!! Thank you for that lovely picture of the fiancée. You just made my day!

Wow, people are really bundled up.

Haha, I love that video and pictures with Gaston. So comical.

AHHH TWO NEW... um... updates!

OK, I will give you credit for at least trying to ride the ferry.

Wow, that's some serious transportation issues.

Haha, light whip cream. That's just so funny to me. It's like at McDonald's "I'll have 3 Big macs, 4 large fires... and a Diet Coke."

AHHH THREE NEW... ah never mind. That doesn't work as well.

BAHAHA, I remember that photo "Is it a maaaan?" story from FB I think. And yup, it's still funny!

OMG Oscar!!! That is so cool.

 

[khaleesi]

I had my credit card out waiting to hand it to the flight attendant (another guy, not the one that I had chatted with.) He just waved my credit card off and said no problem. I was really confused. We were not in first class so you can’t fool me into thinking the food is gratis! After the cart had passed, the other flight attendant that I had talked to earlier came back with his hand held credit card machine dohickie. He told Em that she needed to pick a cookie and a bag of chips and offered me a cocktail… huh?? He said that due to my son’s service he was comp’ing our meals. How incredibly nice of him! I declined the cocktail (Really I did!) but Em picked a triple shot cookie and a bag of chips.

I needed a Disney fix this morning since the Feb 2014 park hours still aren't available so I randomly picked your trip report to read. I'm excited to read it, but THIS made me smile!!!! How awesome!!!

 

[WDWaddictt]

Awesome updates!!

Love all the pictures!

 

[SAT887]

I do want to try the GFC on one of our next trips... We went for dinner once and we were less than thrilled, however breakfast looks exceptionally tasty!! I tried to get DH to do the Gaston meet & greet in December - he said he was too much of a jerk to meet his girls hehe (well he used another not so dis friendly term) I hope you are able to make it on the ferry on your Next trip (August?) we really enjoy parking at the TTC and using it Also, the beginnings of F&G look so nice!!

Loved your DL update and photos (and all the ones on FB) and the "is it a Maaan?" Still funny - I bet you were the best delivery that guy made that evening! Or at least the most entertaining

 

[francis6306]

I want to try Beaches and Cream!

I love your DL update! I'm so happy for you that you were able to get a room and really enjoy the Disney treatment so close to home!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We'll be there from the 20th though the 24th when we move over to BLT. Our overall dates are 8/16 through 8/30.

I’m looking forward to your next trip report. I don’t suppose they’ll give you the Admiral’s suite again.

I can’t remember seeing this door. Is it on Main Street?

Next we went to Innoventions for one of Emily’s favorites, The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. We had our eyes set on a bedroom make-over and I'm glad to say that we successfully reached our goal and were able to get that canopy bed and green shag carpet. I mean, if you are going to do it, why not do it in style?

This is one of those hidden gems that most people don’t know about. Isn’t it fun? I took my 5 year old grandson through this adventure. He enjoyed it but the whole time I wished that I could play it by myself. Maybe I’ll take DH with me when we go in December.

Oscar, the legendary CM from Carnation Café, was out in the middle of Main Street greeting guests. He's is an original CM from 1955!! Em was about 10 years old when we first met him. He's such a sweet man.

Em hasn’t changed much.

That is nice that your DH joined you at Disneyland. Does he ever go to Orlando with you?

 

[khaleesi]

Finished reading the whole thing. So much fun!! February can't come soon enough. And most people will think I'm crazy, but I would be very happy with mid-40º temperatures!

 

[katt789]

Aw, the 1st was our last day in the parks! And we had an early early flight the next morning so I could get back to work so we didn’t even do a breakfast before leaving!

I will definitely go to Ohana again, the food was delicious, I would’ve wished we had a seat in a different place, specifically where you could see Wishes, ahaha, but hey, can’t win them all!

I may of may not have read that as -46 degrees and was all “uhmmmm” baha

Aahahha, bet Rob liked that shout out! Aw! What a nice surprise! Awesome pics with Gaston! I’m so glad he’s out for greets now, he’s just hilarious!

I heard that it was super cold that day, I’m glad we left…though, we did come home to snow, baha! It was definitely a “winter wear” day for the characters, on the 1st even all the Move It Shake It and Dream Along girls all had coats on!

Beaches and Cream is so delish! I know Mom would LOVE it too so I hope we at least can pop over there for a snack in Sept as I know a full meal might not happen. AH! You guys not only sat in the same spot as we did, but I definitely had the grilled cheese ! BEST NOMS EVER! Seriously, grilled cheese is like, the best thing on the planet! Aw, how cute that Em got a balloon! Yay!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Catching up again! I love the EPCOT Center construction pic, and it's so awesome that you got to see an original DL cast member. I'll have to be on the lookout for Oscar if I ever make it to Carnation Cafe (haven't been there yet). In fact, I've never seen the DL fireworks either! As expected, your updates are making me miss DL.

There were two other things in your updates that caught me off guard: (1) the fact that B&C uses light whipped cream, and (2) Jasmine owns a coat.

 

[rachel09985]

Brrr! It really was cold there!

I have never seen the show inside the American pavilion. That is so unpatriotic of me! I love that creepy Belle and Beast ornament!

I love your disneyland update. I so need to go there someday. I need like 5 more weeks of vacation time to do everything I want to do! My problem is that I don't want to use my WDW vacation days to go to disneyland! Haha.. 1st world problems..

OH YEAH- You should tell your husband that my boyfriend is driving to Green Bay wisconsin at 1am tomorrow just to watch the green bay packers practice!!! Haha, now that is dedication. Those packers fans...

 

[princess_momma]

I really need to make a trip to the GF Cafe! YUM! Looks so good! And also Beaches N Cream! I feel like this is all I ever say on TR's! "I need to try that restaurant!" Why do they all have to be so tempting?!

Love the Disneyland pics too! How fun that you get to be so close to there AND have annual conferences there! I'm jealous!

 

[emmysmommy]

So cool that you live so close to DL. How wonderful that you got to attend a conference there and that Em got to tag along. Looks like a fun time!

Back to the WDW weather - Brrrrr! I have been there when it was that cold and I was happy I remembered to pack a pair of gloves for night time use.

Too bad about Via Napoli, but Beaches and Cream sounds like a great alternative. I STILL haven't eaten there, but I have a plan to remedy that in October.

I'm sure it was fun watching the set up for F&G. I have never been there in February, but I hope to someday.

Love all the updates. Great pictures, especially the ones with Gaston!

I was excited that my boss suggested a room for a couple nites at the conference. It didn't take me more than a second to say I'll book it now!! Em immediately said she'd go and have some solo time so I'm glad it worked out for her as well.

I probably looked silly but I had gloves, a scarf and two jackets. I mean it wasn't the Artic but cold for me is in the 40s! You'll see the gloves and scarf make an appearance soon.

Yes, make plans to eat at Beaches & Cream in October! It is a small place so peak period dining can result in a long wait. We went around 2pm so it wasn't really a problem.

Thanks! Gaston was better than expected. (Reminds me of your TR title, sorry Gaston but they are more interesting than you!)

OK, 46 degrees is pretty chilly, I'll give you that.

OMG Brenda, you KILL ME!!!!! Thank you for that lovely picture of the fiancée. You just made my day!

Wow, people are really bundled up.

Haha, I love that video and pictures with Gaston. So comical.

AHHH TWO NEW... um... updates!

OK, I will give you credit for at least trying to ride the ferry.

Wow, that's some serious transportation issues.

Haha, light whip cream. That's just so funny to me. It's like at McDonald's "I'll have 3 Big macs, 4 large fires... and a Diet Coke."

AHHH THREE NEW... ah never mind. That doesn't work as well.

BAHAHA, I remember that photo "Is it a maaaan?" story from FB I think. And yup, it's still funny!

OMG Oscar!!! That is so cool.

Thanks Rob, I'll take the weather woosie pass from you! It's funny that as bundled up as we were there were other people in shorts and Ts. My guess is that they are not from where I live!

Gaston was perfect! And those fake muscles were so inspirational!

I will let you know in 3 weeks how successful I am in getting on that Ferry!

Oye! Sad to admit that the "is it a maaaaan" moment isn't the only time that I've had that type of goof.

Oscar is legendary!

I needed a Disney fix this morning since the Feb 2014 park hours still aren't available so I randomly picked your trip report to read. I'm excited to read it, but THIS made me smile!!!! How awesome!!!

Hi khaleesi!! THANK YOU so much for reading and commenting! I'm completely honored!

That flight attendant was so kind and generous. My son enjoyed hearing that and admonished me for skipping the cocktail on his behalf!

Awesome updates!!

Love all the pictures!

Thanks so much!!

I do want to try the GFC on one of our next trips... We went for dinner once and we were less than thrilled, however breakfast looks exceptionally tasty!! I tried to get DH to do the Gaston meet & greet in December - he said he was too much of a jerk to meet his girls hehe (well he used another not so dis friendly term) I hope you are able to make it on the ferry on your Next trip (August?) we really enjoy parking at the TTC and using it Also, the beginnings of F&G look so nice!!

Loved your DL update and photos (and all the ones on FB) and the "is it a Maaan?" Still funny - I bet you were the best delivery that guy made that evening! Or at least the most entertaining

Sarah we've had awesome breakfasts at GFC every time we have been there - 6 times now. We did dinner there once and it was good as well. However, 1 bad experience can wreak it. Reference my HBD meal last summer!

Ha ha! That would be funny if your DH had met Gaston and given him a hard time. I wonder what the character would say??

Yes, next month (actually 3 weeks) I will make it my mission to catch that ferryboat.

Oh my gosh! At least it's not as bad as flashing my BIL when I thought it was my hubby... I could get a reputation here and I swear I'm innocent.

I want to try Beaches and Cream!

I love your DL update! I'm so happy for you that you were able to get a room and really enjoy the Disney treatment so close to home!

Hi Christen! Your girls would love the ice-cream at Beaches & Cream.

Thanks! It was so nice to actually walk back to the DL hotel late at night instead of going to the parking structure and hopping in our car!

 

[emmysmommy]

I’m looking forward to your next trip report. I don’t suppose they’ll give you the Admiral’s suite again.

I can’t remember seeing this door. Is it on Main Street?

This is one of those hidden gems that most people don’t know about. Isn’t it fun? I took my 5 year old grandson through this adventure. He enjoyed it but the whole time I wished that I could play it by myself. Maybe I’ll take DH with me when we go in December.

Em hasn’t changed much.

That is nice that your DH joined you at Disneyland. Does he ever go to Orlando with you?

Hi there! Ha! I doubt we'll see an upgrade like that in our lifetime again. I have no expectations of anything other than what we booked. I can't be a pixie dust hog!

I didn't recall seeing that door either but from my other photos before and after that it looks like it is on Main Street near the Main Street Fashion Apparel store on the left as you are walking up the street.

I love spending time in Innoventions. They have such great interactive games, including Em's favorite, the Great Piggy Bank Adventure.

Awwww.....That photo of Em and Oscar was taken 6 years ago.

My hubby has only been on 2 of our WDW trips, the last time was August 2012. Since I have 4 more weeks vacation time than him I have to burn it somehow so Em and I go on girl trips. Mostly WDW.

See my evidence:

Finished reading the whole thing. So much fun!! February can't come soon enough. And most people will think I'm crazy, but I would be very happy with mid-40º temperatures!

I'm so glad that you enjoyed reading.

Honestly, when it is blazing hot next month I will be missing those 45 degree temps!

I see that you will be at WL in the fall. That will be a new resort for us this trip. It may be a problem if we love it since then I have yet another resort to fit into our rotation.

Aw, the 1st was our last day in the parks! And we had an early early flight the next morning so I could get back to work so we didn’t even do a breakfast before leaving!

I will definitely go to Ohana again, the food was delicious, I would’ve wished we had a seat in a different place, specifically where you could see Wishes, ahaha, but hey, can’t win them all!

I may of may not have read that as -46 degrees and was all “uhmmmm” baha

Aahahha, bet Rob liked that shout out! Aw! What a nice surprise! Awesome pics with Gaston! I’m so glad he’s out for greets now, he’s just hilarious!

I heard that it was super cold that day, I’m glad we left…though, we did come home to snow, baha! It was definitely a “winter wear” day for the characters, on the 1st even all the Move It Shake It and Dream Along girls all had coats on!

Beaches and Cream is so delish! I know Mom would LOVE it too so I hope we at least can pop over there for a snack in Sept as I know a full meal might not happen. AH! You guys not only sat in the same spot as we did, but I definitely had the grilled cheese ! BEST NOMS EVER! Seriously, grilled cheese is like, the best thing on the planet! Aw, how cute that Em got a balloon! Yay!

Hi Kat! Awww man! So we'll have to track each other if we end up booking the same dates another time! I know you are going in September... any other time in the next 6 months? I ask because I think of you as practically being a WDW resident with all of your travels!

We're on the same page with 'Ohana and Beaches & Cream.

It was record setting cold temps the day we left (3/4) so I definitely needed my jacket. For those of you used to freezing weather it was probably no big deal. What a way to be welcomed home - shoveling snow!

Catching up again! I love the EPCOT Center construction pic, and it's so awesome that you got to see an original DL cast member. I'll have to be on the lookout for Oscar if I ever make it to Carnation Cafe (haven't been there yet). In fact, I've never seen the DL fireworks either! As expected, your updates are making me miss DL.

There were two other things in your updates that caught me off guard: (1) the fact that B&C uses light whipped cream, and (2) Jasmine owns a coat.

I took so many more photos in the temporary Character Spot pavilion where that Epcot construction photo was taken. I'm fascinated with those early years photos.

What?? You didn't see the fireworks at DL? I know you saw WoC. You missed seeing Dumbo fly!

Yes, you'll need to return to CA and say hi to Oscar!! He may retire any day so you'll have to come quick!! But Carnation Café had a recent reno and changed their menu. I've mostly had breakfast there but I did have dinner and their awesome burger!

That's so funny that I shared a few Disney secrets with you for once. That never happens!

Brrr! It really was cold there!

I have never seen the show inside the American pavilion. That is so unpatriotic of me! I love that creepy Belle and Beast ornament!

I love your disneyland update. I so need to go there someday. I need like 5 more weeks of vacation time to do everything I want to do! My problem is that I don't want to use my WDW vacation days to go to disneyland! Haha.. 1st world problems..

OH YEAH- You should tell your husband that my boyfriend is driving to Green Bay wisconsin at 1am tomorrow just to watch the green bay packers practice!!! Haha, now that is dedication. Those packers fans...

Hi Rachel! I know what you mean. Good thing DL is local because WDW definitely feels like vacation. There's so much more to see and do.

I told Michael about Corey's Packer excursion - his quote: He's got the life!

I really need to make a trip to the GF Cafe! YUM! Looks so good! And also Beaches N Cream! I feel like this is all I ever say on TR's! "I need to try that restaurant!" Why do they all have to be so tempting?!

Love the Disneyland pics too! How fun that you get to be so close to there AND have annual conferences there! I'm jealous!

Hi Kimmy! I can completely relate to the "just one more new restaurant to try." I just made another change to our August ADRs due to another Dining Review! I'm so easily influenced!

Thanks! It is good to live so close and to have a conference at that location!

 

[emmysmommy]

Saturday March 2, 2013: Day 8, Part 3 ​

After lunch we wandered over to our new favorite resort, the Yacht Club, to re-visit the gorgeous lobby and ahem to make use of the ladies room. There was a sign in the restroom that amused me. It said to please remain with your child at all times. Em told me that she was pretty sure it didn’t apply to 17 year olds when I tried to set her on the big girl potty!

After taking some photos around the YC and BC resorts we hopped on a bus to MK so we could walk back to the CR/BLT. I’m in no danger of having a shortage of photos of our journey back to our resort but I will limit them here so as not to bore.

Once back in the room I must not have set the camera down because here is a photo from the entry looking into the living room:

The highlight of our day was our dinner reservation at Be Our Guest. Since Wishes fireworks were at 8pm it would give us enough time to watch the show before our 8:15 dining reservation. We donned our jackets and walked over to MK and timed the finale of the fireworks perfectly by viewing it from the bridge to BoG restaurant. It was an awesome location…. Except for the fact that you have some fireworks in front of you and the higher altitude fireworks behind you. My attempt to video the fireworks looks rather crazy!

Here's the fireworks from various locations in Tomorrowland walking towards FL:

When we checked in I requested a table in the West Wing where the rose and Beast’s changing portrait are located. It is a very dark room and has special effects of thunder and lightning but it was the perfect place to dine to bring the experience to life.

More to follow for dinner at Be Our Guest

Continued Next Post

​

 

[SAT887]

Ooo! I can't wait to hear more about BOG! We have an ADR for our MNSSHP in September. However, we decided our new favorite viewing place for fireworks is by the carousel/FLE...

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Bahaha, those Disney bathrooms are just full of amusing items!

Another one of my goals is to watch Wishes from various different locations like that. I've already covered the TTC, so Fantasyland may be next.

 

[blueiis99]

Om gosh. Finally caught up!! What a wonderful TR. and side reports..... Loving it all! Your pics and commentary have kept me entertained for hours! Thank you so much for doing this!!

I have to say I just love your outfits. So comfy and stylish! (Do tell me where you shop!!).

 

[peachmermaid]

Wow!! What a fun update! How nice of E to make reservations at GF since you like it so much! I love that you guys have favorite servers. Oh disney, you are so wonderful. Breakfast looks like it was super yummy!!

That gaston...he is at the top of my list of characters to meet. Him and those ladies of Main Street! I love the sash that lady is wearing!

Wow, those are some looonnnnng lines! What a nice CM to try to help you out. I'm sorry you missed via Napoli. What a bummer. But beaches and cream looked yummy too.

I've never seen the great piggy bank adventure. Looks like it would be fun!

Thanks for giving us a mini update on your trip to the grand Californian. Sounds like it was fun & memorable! That guy & you aren't going to forgetting each other any time soon. Happy anniversary! I'm glad you guys got to spend some time together!