This Disneyland gal is going to see the World! A Jan/Feb 2016 PTR - T-8 Days until Disney!

[NPRinLA]

This Disneyland gal is going to see the World!

Hello everyone and welcome to my first ever PTR!




My name is Allie and I am a Disney addict. I have been lurking on the pages for a few years now and (very) infrequently comment to some of them. So, I’ve decided to finally get out of the shadows and start my very own trip report. I’m so excited about my upcoming trip and sharing it with all of you, who seem like friends now.



Basic Info:

What: A 7 Day, 6 night trip

When: January 31st -February 6th , 2016

Where: 6 Nights at the Wilderness Lodge

Why: To celebrate my 30 *Cough *Cough * -ish Birthday!



And who am I you may ask…

I am a Disney fanatic who feeds her growing addiction by working in politics. I am also an avid sports fan (Hockey being my second biggest obsession) and lover of all things Jane Austen. I have a large collection of Vinylmations and am just starting to forge my way into the Pin Trading arena. I’m quite the nerd, I know. I grew up four hours from DL and went several times a year growing up. I didn’t realize how much I missed and loved it until I jointed the military and was shipped off overseas for a number of years (Fun Fact, this is also why I love Donald so much. He’s pretty much the greatest Sailor the world has ever known. So he’s just like me, only I wore pants when I was in the Navy). Anyhow, fast forward to getting out of the service, I ended up going to College in the Los Angeles area and became an annual passholder. I have been a passholder since moving to LA and go at least once a week. So, when I’m not working on saving the world and enjoying a Dole Whip on a warm Southern California Day, I spend the rest of my free time Disney Dreaming, which led me to you fine folks!



Favorite Character(s): Donald! Then probably Duffy.

Favorite Movie(s): Peter Pan, Beauty & the Beast, Wreck It Ralph

Favorite Princess: Toss up between Belle and Tiana. Also possibly Merida and Mulan… It’s so hard to choose.

Favorite Park: Epcot

Favorite Park Treat: Popcorn

Favorite Ride: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

So what spurred such a trip across country to “The Motherland”?


I have taken a grand total of three trips to the World. The first two went terribly wrong. I was with two different groups of people who didn’t really want to be there and complained the whole time.



The third time, I had gone through all of the work of actually sitting down and planning the perfect trip, with whom I thought (at the time) was the perfect boyfriend. A few months before the trip, cue breakup.

But then I realized that I’m a big girl, I can totally go on a solo trip. And so that’s what I did. I ended up having an amazing trip! I upgraded everything and added extra perks that I hadn’t planned for with the two of us. It was probably one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.


My last trip was in 2014, and I’ve spent the past year going through withdrawals. So after some planning and pouring over every travel guide I can get my hands on, I finally booked a trip for February of 2016!! Although, I’m not sure what’s worse, Disney withdrawals, or the waiting game when you already know your trip is coming up.




I am so excited to have you here, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride! February can’t get here soon enough!​

 

[NPRinLA]

HELLO ALL!! So it’s been a two weeks since my first post. Life has kinda gotten in the way of my updates and I’m promising right here and now to be much more diligent about posts. I promise!



Now, I know that I’ve really dropped the ball on this and now have to play catch up. But I’ve got a few decisions to make REALLY quickly.

First up: As of right now I’ve got a room booked here….​

But I’m really worried that all of the construction is really going to affect my trip. This is my first time staying at a Deluxe room, and since I’m shelling the extra money for a deluxe room, I’m afraid that the ambiance is going to be ruined and I’ll regret it. Thoughts? Have you stayed at a resort and had it affect your trip?

Big Issue #2 that I need to address is my dining plans! ​

​

I’ve got 3 days to hash this all out. So let’s get to it! I have officially booked the Deluxe Dining Package. I really enjoy the signature dining restaurants and try to get to as many as I can in each trip, so I’ve decided that the deluxe plan is the way to go. Here’s what I’ve got planned out so far:​

Sunday 1/31 - Arrival Day
D: Ohana

Monday 2/1
B: Tusker House
L: Yak & Yeti
D: Jiko

Tuesday 2/2
B: In Room
L: Tutti Italia
D: Flying Fish

Wednesday 2/3
B: In Room
L: Beaches & Cream
D: Yachtsman

Thursday 2/4
B: In Room
L: Be Our Guest
D: CA Grill

Friday 2/5
B: In Room
L: Chefs de France
D: Narcoosee

Saturday 2/6 Departure Day
B: In Room
L: Raglan Road

Thoughts? Suggestions? I was debating between Artist Point and maybe switching it with Flying Fish, Yachtsman or CA Grill? I haven’t eaten at Yachtsman or CA Grill, but from the reviews I’ve read they’re kinda hit or miss.

In the meantime I have been very busy and excitedly planning my D23 trip. I can’t wait! This will be my first D23 Expo and I think I may have underestimated the craziness. Also, I was stuck in terrible traffic, so I made a stop at the mall to wait it out. I picked up a Vinylmation at the Disney Store and look what I got:



It’s the variant Michael! When I opened the box I ended up throwing him aside because I already have the non-variant Michael. It wasn’t until I was putting him in my trading bin that I noticed he was the variant! Very excited! Stay Tuned, lots more updates and planning coming up!​

 

[NPRinLA]

Hello Everyone!

A few days since my last post and a lot has happened! First off, I got my dining all booked up.



Minus a few hiccups.... But for the most part this is what we're looking like:

Sunday - Arrival Day
MK (if my flight is on time)
Dinner at Ohana

Monday - Epcot Day
Lunch - Tutto Italia
Dinner - (?)

Tuesday - AK Day (My Birthday!!!)
Breakfast - Tusker House
Lunch - Yak & Yeti
Dinner - Jiko

Wednesday - HS Day
Lunch - Beaches & Cream
Dinner - Yachtsman

Thursday - MK
Lunch - BOG
Dinner - CA Grill

Friday - MK/Epcot Day
Lunch - Chefs de France
Dinner - Narcoossee's

Saturday - AK Day (Departure Day)
Lunch - Raglan Road

So I was able to pretty much get all of my dining choices. The only snag was that I had initially wanted to do Flying Fish on Monday for dinner, but the restaurant starts it's refurbishment that day for about six months. So now I need to find a replacement. I was initially thinking Artist Pointe, but I wanted to stick to somewhere around Epcot. Any replacement suggestions?

I'm still debating about switching hotels. It looks as though most of the renovations are going to be taking place at the DVC site, but it's so close, I'm still worried that It will bleed over into the main lodge. I do need to start thinking about this soon though, because I don't like waiting for the last minute.

In other Disney news, I spent the weekend at Disneyland! That morning I had just received a bonus check from one of my clients... so I splurged on a small extravagance on this....



I absolutely love it! I had seen it at the park and always admired it, so I decided to do something for myself and just buy it. It's the perfect size and I love how much it carries. I don't like to carry large purses at Disney, but because I wear glasses, I have to usually go with something larger or walk around with my prescription sunglasses everywhere. So this fits my glasses cases perfectly! Love Love Love it!

And they go great with my shoes, which I'm still trying to break in.



I'm trying to desperately find the Villainesses Vans Shoes, but I can't seem to find them anywhere! If anyone knows where I can find them, please (PLEASE) let me know. With that plead, It's time to go. Until next time!​

 

[NPRinLA]

Today is the Day....​

Hmmm... No friends reading yet ... Is this mic on? Mic check. That's okay, I plan on powering through. Onwards and upwards.

So, today is the Day! D23 starts today! Unfortunately I had a small monkey wrench thrown into my plans. It would seem that work had other plans for me this weekend. I was told that I need to head up to San Francisco for the weekend for a work event. Unfortunately I don't have the kind of job that I can tell my boss "I'll pass on that trip", so I'm writing this update from my hotel in San Francisco. *Sigh* Luckily, a co-worker stepped up to handle the work events on Saturday and Sunday, so I'm flying home tonight. I plan on being at the Anaheim Convention Center bright and early tomorrow morning. I only had to give up one D23 day... so it could be worse. But I keep seeing all of the wonderful D23 posts on Instagram and Twitter and I can't wait until I'm there! Stay tuned! I plan on interrupting this PTR with a mini D23 Trip Report!

 

[captaindavidhook]

I am here and reading! Playing catch up but following and yes the mik is on and I am listening...

 

[CQuinn]

Also here! Going to catch up

 

[sara1215]

I'm here too! A solo trip sounds super fun! And I love that D&B!

 

[CQuinn]

Okay I am caught up and so in love with your new purse! Beautiful! It's too bad about missing the first day of the D23 expo but awesome that you got to experience the rest of it!!
Have you considered the Animal Kingdom Lodge? It has a similar design (aka gorgeous) since it's the same architect and you can have giraffe outside your window. I'm dying to stay there again. I know some people don't love the location but I never had an issue when I stayed there.

 

[simplyton]

Following along
hoping to be onsite at WDW from 29th January onwards

 

[NPRinLA]

Yay! I have readers! I Love you all!! Thank you for reading!

I am here and reading! Playing catch up but following and yes the mik is on and I am listening...

Thank you for coming along!

I'm here too! A solo trip sounds super fun! And I love that D&B!

Thank you! I had wanted something that would be unique to DL for my trip to WDW. And I was looking for a cross body bag that wouldn't be too small or bulky. It's Perfect!

Okay I am caught up and so in love with your new purse! Beautiful! It's too bad about missing the first day of the D23 expo but awesome that you got to experience the rest of it!!
Have you considered the Animal Kingdom Lodge? It has a similar design (aka gorgeous) since it's the same architect and you can have giraffe outside your window. I'm dying to stay there again. I know some people don't love the location but I never had an issue when I stayed there.

Thank you! I love it too! It's my new baby. Missing the first day wasn't ideal. Luckily I found a friend to take the tickets, so at least someone got to enjoy the day. But It was SO overwhelming. I'm planning on posting an update on D23 this evening, but it was pure joyous mayhem! And I can't wait to do it again!
I am considering the Animal Lodge. My Travel Agent is suggesting it if I wanted to switch. I'm looking at that or the Beach Club. But I'm originally from the Sierra Nevada's, so I had my heart set on the WL, which I think would remind me of being home. Maybe I'll wait until the promotions come out to make a decision.

Following along
hoping to be onsite at WDW from 29th January onwards

Same time as me! Thank you for reading!

 

[Hawkeyegirls]

Following along! My 30 was this year too and celebrating at Disney would have been awesome!

 

[NJlauren]

Here! I am doing the opposite trip then you, usually go to WDW going to DL in May 2016! Excited to hear about your planning and your trip!

 

[Rob Charles]

That trip you have planned sounds fantastic so far. Wish I could join you!

 

[NPRinLA]

Hi Everyone!


It’s been a while since my last post. I know, I’m the worst!





Since I last left, I was awaiting my trip back home for D23. Well D 23 has come and gone, and it was…


​

AWESOME!! But before I begin, I must warn you… This trip I was soooo terrible at taking pictures. And remembering and having a detailed memory of D23. I realized that for my WDW Trip in Feb, I’ll definitely need to take a travel journal of some sort. With that… Let’s begin!


I got in from my flight on Friday at around 11 pm, and I was EXHAUSTED! It had been a long day and I don’t think I was really prepared for the magnitude of what the next two days would be. I woke up at around 4:30, thinking that I was the early bird… but boy did I not get that worm. I don’t know if it was the hectic few days prior to D23, or my lack of eating properly, but as I drove out to Anaheim (Which from my apartment in LA is only around 30-45 min)I had to pull over to throw up on the side of the freeway. My stomach was not having it. I stopped at a 7 Eleven at around 5:45ish and drank some Alka-Seltzer. I instantly felt better, but I was already behind schedule. This would definitely come back to haunt me.


I was staying at the Anabella Hotel, which was conveniently located next door to the convention center. The room wasn’t ready at that time in the morning so I headed out to convention. I was traveling and working crazy hours the months leading up to D23 weekend, so I really didn’t have time to plan what I was going to do. And I suppose in my mind, I assumed that I was just going to stroll up and manage to get into every panel I wanted and be only a few people from the entrance in line (I really don’t know who I think I am sometimes). I was so sadly mistaken. The line for only the Gold/Silver D23 membership was outrageously long! It wrapped around the convention center numerous times and all the way to the back of my hotel! I walked right by the line thinking, “Wow, they should really get a gold membership for early entry…” Until I realized that that WAS the early entry. Easily 5,000 people were in that line. And to top it all off, it was only 6:30 and we were having a heat wave. It was around 90 degrees out. So needless to say, I didn’t get into any panels that day.


But as I finally made it to the front of the entrance, I saw this:





I was so excited! I entered the convention and I was hit with immediate sensory overload! There was so much to see and so much going on, I didn’t know where to begin. There were lines everywhere and so many booths. I started out in the members lounge and made my way over through the Star Wars area. They had costumes for the upcoming movies and some really great items that are going to be released at the parks.





I made my way through about half of the emporium which had independent vendors selling different Disney memorabilia. There were some really interesting pieces, but I had my eyes set on the Disney Store. When I found the line to the Disney Store, I was told the line was 6 hours long.



I’m sorry, I really REALLY love all things Disney… but I just couldn’t. So I sadly went to grab some lunch. Lunch was just a salad from Chipotle… nothing out of the ordinary. When I made my way back into the convention center, I did a bit more shopping, visited some of the Disney travel and entertainment booths (Including the DISBoards and DISUnplugged Booth!). Finally I decided that I was going to have to bit the bullet and stand in line for the Disney Dream Store.





After an two hours in line, I made it in! This is where I grabbed most of my Disney Swag. I grabbed some Alex & Ani bracelets, some shirts, a Pin… and I believe some other items as gifts. I’ll show pics of my haul at the end. After collecting my items, I decided that I really wanted to go to the Mickey’s of Glendale Imagineering store. So I settled in for a 3 hour wait. The line again was outrageous, but still not as bad as the Disney Store. I picked up a few items here too, mostly limited edition Imagineering pins. Then I was ready to call it a day. I looked a mess for standing in line in the hot sun that morning and after my stomach not being agreeable most of the day I walked back to the hotel and took a swim before heading to bed.

 

[NPRinLA]

D23 Day Two!

The next morning, I again woke up at 4:30. This was the last day of D23, so I was determined to get into a good panel and get a shopping pass. When I got in line, I was (Thankfully) in the shade with maybe only 50 people in front of me… or so I thought. Yes, It was true that I was 50 people from the door, but after further review, there was a line of people who snaked back and forth. Realistically, I was probably more like number 800. Either way, I was better off than the day before, so I had high hopes.

When the doors opened I made a beeline for the Panel tickets. Had a friend stand in line for the Shop Passes and I was going to race over to them after I got the panel tickets… we got neither tickets. The panel tickets were pretty much gone. And so I sadly walked over to the shop pass line only to get maybe 10 people from the front to hear “Sold Out”.



It was back into the Disney Store Line I went. I spent the next 3 hours there. It was a sad use of my time really. I did though (with my friends saving my space in line) take a minute to check out some of the concept art for the Shanghai Disney.




I really should have taken more pics. It definitely looks like it’s going to be amazing! New Bucket List Item created!


After checking that out, I headed back in line to wait… and wait… and wait. Finally they let us in. I’m not going to lie… I was completely prepared to spend some $. Until I saw what was in there. It was by far the smallest store, and honestly, there wasn’t much there that I wanted. I was so bummed and sad that I wasted a half day in line for a few vinylmations (and not even all of the ones that I had wanted because they were already sold out). I’m not going to lie, I was really let down. I was convinced that with the type of line the store had, there had to be some really great things in there. Not so much. It’s okay though, I did get some vinyls and a vinyl D23 limited edition Tsum Tsum.




After I left the store, I got back in line for the final round of Panel passes. I finally was able to get tickets to the Disney Adventure panel, which talked about the new Star Wars cruise, the new bungalows at Poly and some of the new vacation adventures they were planning. It was a nice panel, but I was still bummed about not getting some of the other panels that I wanted to see. Lesson Learned, you really must plan these things out. It was a lot like going to WDW with no plan or ADR’s. It was a tough day. After the panel I walked through the rest of the emporium , checked out some of the costumes, and hung out with some friends. I did get a chance to buy a few items, check out some cool memorabilia. The crowds were dying down, and it was getting time to go. I was upset with myself for not being better organized.


At around 6 pm, it was time to leave. I headed out of the Convention center, and headed to DL for some dinner. All in all it was a great weekend. I definitely feel that I needed the third day, but what can you do. Below are some more pics that I took.

I just bought an Instax prior to the trip, so I made a tiny collage.


A real Life working 'Fix It Felix Jr' game!


Me attempting to Disney Bound. You can't tell but I'm wearing a yellow bow in my hair.


Great Baymax Cosplay...complete with voice box!



D23 Swag (The Stitch 2015 Pin was what they handed out at the DISUnplugged booth):




I got this WDW magazine calendar. If you haven't checked out their magazine,it is filled with SPECTACULAR photos! And this calendar came with lots of great stickers and reminders to help plan your Disney Trips!


And ended the weekend here:


I definitely learned a lot of what I can do for the next time, and I can’t wait for 2017! Until my next update... just curious, how do you guys remember your trips? Do you keep a journal and update it as your day goes by, or at the end of the night? Enjoy!



​

 

[NJlauren]

Sorry the weekend wasn't all you imagined!

I didn't/don't keep a journal I just used my pictures and memories.... I have a hard enough time taking pictures I couldn't also do a journal! Maybe if I only updated it at night but not as the day went on no way! But that's just me.

 

[captaindavidhook]

Sorry that you got sick but for the most part I would say it looks like you had such a fun time! I love the Stitch pin. How cute is that? Do you collect and trade pins? The pic of Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers is very cool. My god that looks freakin amazing. I don't keep journals at all but that is the only way I would remember my trips if I did and update it after every day. Even now I get confused about what I did last trip on which day.

I would say that don't be yourself for not being organized. I am sure there are quite a few people out there who are saying the same thing. It happens but looks like you made the best of it. Love the pictures.

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Ha ha I love it! I did the same thing with my new report. I literally thought I was writing it for myself! Ahh Disneyland how I miss it, after growing up in So Cal and spending most weekends there. But now I'm on to bigger things, our 1st WDW trip! Can't wait to keep reading your report. I'd better go get caught up!!!

 

[NPRinLA]

Sorry the weekend wasn't all you imagined!

I didn't/don't keep a journal I just used my pictures and memories.... I have a hard enough time taking pictures I couldn't also Jew a journal! Maybe if I only updated it at night but not as the day went on no way! But that's just me.

I think if I took a journal, I'd be too excited and distracted to actually keep up with it. I'd get too distracted with keeping up with it that I won't enjoy the trip because I'd be stressing about the notebook. I just wish my memory was better.

Sorry that you got sick but for the most part I would say it looks like you had such a fun time! I love the Stitch pin. How cute is that? Do you collect and trade pins? The pic of Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers is very cool. My god that looks freakin amazing. I don't keep journals at all but that is the only way I would remember my trips if I did and update it after every day. Even now I get confused about what I did last trip on which day.

I would say that don't be yourself for not being organized. I am sure there are quite a few people out there who are saying the same thing. It happens but looks like you made the best of it. Love the pictures.

Thanks! I just stared pin trading recently. I held out as long as I can, but I finally broke down. But I haven't traded any yet... I just kinda buy the ones I really like. I think I'll buy some to trade though just before my big trip.

Ha ha I love it! I did the same thing with my new report. I literally thought I was writing it for myself! Ahh Disneyland how I miss it, after growing up in So Cal and spending most weekends there. But now I'm on to bigger things, our 1st WDW trip! Can't wait to keep reading your report. I'd better go get caught up!!!

Oh another So Cal DL-er!! When is your first trip? I LOVE WDW... but growing up with DL, there's just something about the park that holds a place in my heart. I'd love to hear about your trip!

 

[NPRinLA]

Bonjour... good day, how is your family?

Whew, I am officially 141 days out from the big WDW Trip! That still seems like a really long time, but I think having the holidays coming up, it'll definitely make the time go by faster.

So there have been some very big changes to my Disney Plan. I have been worried about staying at the WL because of all of the construction that is planned. I made a call out to the WL to make sure that the work would only be done at the villa and not impede the main lodge, but they told me that they were going to be doing work on the main lodge as well, which was really the tipping point for me. It's been a while since I've been able to take a real vacation because of work, and since I'm paying for a Deluxe Resort, I was really looking forward to relaxing. So after some internal going back and forth, I decided to make the change. Now I will be staying here....



Not such a bad trade off, but I am still a bit worried, because I do know that Poly is still undergoing construction as well. But I've been told it's wrapping up early next year and that by my trip, it'll probably just be minimal cosmetic construction. Hopefully that's the case.

And I did make some changes to my dining plan. I know it's going to be a lot of dining... and I'm not planning on eating large meals at all of them, but since I was going to do the dining plan and I really wanted to meet as many characters as possible, I added some character meals. Here's what it's looking like today:​

Sunday-Arrival Day
D-Ohana

Monday - Epcot Day
B-Akershus
L-Tutto Italia
D-Biergarten

Tuesday-Animal Kingdom Day
B-Tuskar House
L-Yak & Yeti
D-Jiko

Wednesday - Hollywood Studios Day
B-Chef Mickey's
D-Yachtsman

Thursday-Magic Kingdom Day
B-Crystal Palace
L-BOG
D-CA Grill

Friday-MK/Epcot Day
L-Chefs de France
D-Narcoossee's

Saturday-MK Day - Departure Day
B-1900 Park Fare
L-Via Napoli​

I know I should traditionally should be doing MK the first day... but after reading up on all of the crowd calendars, MK at the end of the trip just seemed like the best option. I've also booked all of my breakfasts prior to park opening, so that I can snap some pics of an empty park.

Speaking of pictures, I am still on the fence about buying memory maker. Is it really worth it? I'm also looking at getting a new camera prior to the trip. What kind of camera do you use when you're there?

Also, I've been hearing that construction is going to be starting on the new Star Wars land very soon in Hollywood Studios. Of all of the parks, this has never been my favorite park and to be honest was maybe a 3/4 day at most before the construction, so I think it'll be even more so by the time I get there. So, any suggestions on what I can do outside of the parks on days that I don't stay at the parks all day? I'm not planning a park day on arrival day either, and I was thinking of spending some time by the pool, DTD or maybe even miniature golf. Any suggestions or things that you do on rest days? ​