TR- 10 yrs later, a trip back "home!" pg. 10. Complete w/ final thoughts.

[tofubeast]

Danielle, those ears are beautiful! and with your allowing me to be a copy cat, I will post a pic when I'm done

Hey, I have no problem with copying. Heck, I loosely copied another person's ears too...and I guess that Disney pin, even though I didn't know it! I cannot wait to see your ears!! Be sure to post back. If you need any advice about how to do them, just let me know! Here, here for custom ears!

My friends from the Disneyworld side were thrilled by the thought of eating inside of the POTC so they ask that when DH and I do our trip in September we take pictures. I can hardly wait, it hasn't been *** long since we ate there but we have never eaten there alone. You know what I mean? More romantic.

I love your mouse ears and they are original, you will have people stopping you to ask you where you got them. Have a great trip and I look forward to reading your post trip report. And I hope DIsneyland lives up to your memories.

Yes, the BB is super romantic!! I can't wait for DH to see it. I hope you have a great time there. Make sure to get that pirate ship dessert everyone talks about! Also, thanks so much for the nice words about my ears. I am looking forward to wearing them. How dorky am I that I purposely bought a bag (baggalini) that could fit my ears when I don't want them to get wet or lost while on a ride?

great report~ can't wait to read the rest!

Thanks so much!! Glad to have you along for the ride. I should have a new update post coming up soon! I can't believe the DLR portion of our trip is just a month or so away!

 

[kaoden39]

Yes, the BB is super romantic!! I can't wait for DH to see it. I hope you have a great time there. Make sure to get that pirate ship dessert everyone talks about! Also, thanks so much for the nice words about my ears. I am looking forward to wearing them. How dorky am I that I purposely bought a bag (baggalini) that could fit my ears when I don't want them to get wet or lost while on a ride?

Makes total sense to me. I am going to design a set of ears at the Gag Shop in Toon town. I never usually buy ears but the thought of designing one and being able to pick the colors and designs that I want. I think I will do a pair for my Mom too to bring home to her.

 

[tofubeast]

Trust me, if I hadn't made my ears, I would so be making them at the gag shop. I think it is so neat that you can pick the ears and beanie cap and add to is as you wish! Such a fun and obvious idea...in that I can't believe they did not think of it earlier! Have fun. Can't wait to see what ear design combo you come up with!

 

[kaoden39]

Trust me, if I hadn't made my ears, I would so be making them at the gag shop. I think it is so neat that you can pick the ears and beanie cap and add to is as you wish! Such a fun and obvious idea...in that I can't believe they did not think of it earlier! Have fun. Can't wait to see what ear design combo you come up with!

Thank you. You must be getting so excited to be coming back. We usually go at least every other year but I still get so excited in anticipation. I keep trying to figure out how to talk my DH into getting AP's so that we can start going more than once a year or every other year.

 

[tofubeast]

Thank you. You must be getting so excited to be coming back. We usually go at least every other year but I still get so excited in anticipation. I keep trying to figure out how to talk my DH into getting AP's so that we can start going more than once a year or every other year.

Yeah, AP's sure would be nice. I have considered it for WDW. Perhaps next year if we decide to go more than once in a year. I hope you can convince your DH!

 

[tofubeast]

Top Ten Reasons Why I am Ready for DLR...NOW!

10. I already have my packing list of what I need to bring and got my travel size toiletries and TSA approved zip block bags ready to go!

9. I am tired of watching you tube videos of the rides, I am ready for the real deal.

8. I already have scrapbook pages and stickers all ready for me when I get back so I can put an album together!

7. I went through my pin lanyard and started to weed out the ones I won't wear when I travel. The lanyard is getting heavy and I need room for more pins!

6. I have read the Unofficial Guide on DLR about three times now.

5. I took advantage of the big recent sales on the disneyshopping site and bought some fun disney shirts to wear!

4. I worked so hard on those ears, it it time to wear them!

3. I keep staring at my Disney travel docs! They came in the mail the other day, and I can't help but look at all the stuff they sent. Who knows what I will ever do with that collectible coin, but it is still fun!

2. I think I know RideMax by heart. If I don't have THE most perfect touring plan, call me crazy.

1. Ok, call me crazy. Lately, I have been counting how many mickey ear antennas I see on passing cars. My DH thinks I am nuts. I am up to 18. I think it means I am ready or plain old mad. (Edit: As of 7/30, I am up to 34!)



Happy Dance: 18 Days till I feel like a kid again!

 

[kaoden39]

It's kind of like that Mervyn's commercial with the woman standing at the door. Instead of open, open, open. It's time hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!

 

[tofubeast]

It's kind of like that Mervyn's commercial with the woman standing at the door. Instead of open, open, open. It's time hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!

I haven't lived in CA in awhile. Mervyn's is still around? I thought they went under years ago! Shows what I know.

 

[kaoden39]

Oh yeah Mervyn's is still kicking around. They are affiliated with Target.

 

[tofubeast]

Gulp, it's getting close!

I can't believe in just a little over a week, we will be at DLR! Woot!
Though, I also have that completely ridiculous pre-trip quasi sadness because I know it will over in a blink of an eye. While we are spending over a week in S. Cali, the DLR portion will fly by, but have no fear, we are out to make the most of it!

Here is what we have planned...with a couple questions thrown in for the experts out there!

Day 1

Check in.....

Head to Downtown Disney in the late afternoon. If you have been reading my report, you know I was last there before Downtown Disney was built. I have been to DTD at WDW, but I know this version is a bit different. Is there anything that I should not miss? I am excited about seeing the Dept. 56 store. I collect Xmas villages. Just curious about the store, and if there is a must have I should get!

Dinner at Napa Rose! So looking forward to this. Any special items on the menu that are not to be missed? We will enjoy some wine and crawl, I mean walk, back to our room. We will need to rest up for the busy days ahead!

Day 2

Time to put those RideMax plans to the test! As this is a magic morning, and we do not have access to the early hour, we will be heading over to Adventureland as soon as the park opens up to everyone. We plan to do up all the big rides in Adventureland, NO Square and Critter Country before making our way to DCA.

While at DCA, we will try to hit all the big rides. This is where I am impressed with RideMax, while hitting all the major attractions, we still will have several hours of down time. We hope to take advantage of some of the single line rides... namely repeat trips on Cali Screamin'! I am so excited about this ride because it appears to be like RnR Roller Coaster at Disney Hollywood Studios. DH & I are big coaster freaks! At the end of our DCA day, we will eat at Wine Country Trattoria. We will then find a nice spot for the Electric Parade. I am SO excited to see this beloved parade from my childhood. I am sure there will be some tears in my eyes.

From here, we will hope back to DL. I am still a bit torn on what to do that night, but I think we will take it easy and just have fun soaking in the fun of DL at night time. We will also have some FP we will have collected earlier, so more trips on Space Mountain abound!

Day 3

This day is solely reserved for DL, although again RideMax is giving us several hours of "free time" in the late afternoon, so we could hop back to DCA if we wish. We will spend the morning bouncing around Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

I am looking forward to taking the train over to NO Square. Even though I did not exist during the '64 NY World's Fair, I have some bizarre fascination about it. I am looking forward to seeing some of the old exhibits that are seen while on the train, with an adult's appreciation that I didn't have years ago! I can tell I am getting older because, although I plan to hit up all the E ticket rides etc, I am also looking forward to slowing down and appreciating the fine craft work that went in to building this amazing place! Trust me, if Abe Lincoln was back on Main St, I would SO be there! You would have NEVER heard me saying that ten years ago!

We will have an early lunch at Blue Bayou. I am hoping to score a water front table. By arriving early and being the first seating, I hope that improves our chances. In order to work off the monte cristo and that fabulous looking pirate ship dessert, we will hit up the canoes! When I was last at DLR, the canoes were gone. I am glad they re-appeared especially since they are no longer at WDW. We will then enjoy Billy Hill & the Hillbillies. Yet another sign I am more "mature" this trip! I have never seen a show at the Horseshoe...never. Having read so many adoring reviews of this show, I am very much looking forward to it! It also will be neat to just sit and admire this historical theater.

That afternoon, we will hit up some more rides and enjoy the scenery. I also hope to put those Photo Pass photographers to good use. Later on, we will find a nice spot for the fireworks (any good suggestions?) and will "Remember dreams really do come true!" I think this night we will stay till closing and get in line for Nemo towards the very end of the night!

~~~~
So does this all sounds like a good plan, or are we nuts? Along with RideMax and Hydroguy's tips, we will be collecting Fastpasses along the way. Regardless of anything that happens, I just can't wait to show my man Disneyland!!

Next up.. a crazy woman starts the task of packing and getting her DH to pack early rather than 2am the night before. Wish me luck!

 

[toocherie]

Oh yeah Mervyn's is still kicking around. They are affiliated with Target.

actually, they were sold by Target several years ago and recent news reports are that they are in financial distress (big shock). I haven't shopped there in years because every time I see something in their ads and want it it's never there--even on the first day--always some lame excuse--our delivery didn't come in . . .

 

[travelmel]

I am SO glad I found this TR!!! I was watching your video and the first AWE-striking of me was that quick little shot of that "eared" red baloon going up in the air (OMG I wanted those balloons.. my parents were NOT spenders but I think I actually did get one once... probably with my Nanny )

The next part that got me misty eyed was the scene of the Skull Rock! Wow, that was a really stunning video you made! Thank you so much!

My husband just told me something the other day that I still don't understand altogether but something about when you upload on youtube they format it for even worse quality viewing for space reasons. You can upload video onto photobucket. The video on my TR turned out nice. I realize that the movie you have is old, etc but it may look somewhat better on photobucket. Just a thought

I am so hooked on your stuff... it's so FUN!!! Unfortunately, my fingers are numb-ish from typing and scrolling so I've got to take a break but I am SO jazzed to come back!

Melissa

 

[travelmel]

It's funny cause your itinerary looks so much like mine in a lot of ways

As I said, I didn't get to do Billy Hill (DH.. I DO love him SO) but I wanted to and YUP, I would have NEVER DREAMED of seeing stuff like that 10 yrs ago! To be honest, somehow the Golden Horseshoe doesn't even ring a bell in my mind from ...Ever. ROFL My family must have been keeping me in a redneck free zone's of DL HA HA just kidding.

One thing I didn't see you mention that I think you would LOVE is to ride on The Lillie Bell caboose on the Train. We were able to ask on site and were granted a ride but apparently you can call ahead and schedule something?? It was definitely a highlight for us! I will be putting it my TR soon. But basically, it was the car designed for dignitaries that Walt wanted to show off the park to.

You have to have a special guide to sit back there with you and you can only enter/exit at Main Street (no off and on) but it's SO fun! The guide we had was giving us all kinds of free insider trivia stuff.... he happily rambled on the whole trip. I hope you get the opportunity to try this "secret" experience.

I also saw that you would like to see Abe Lincoln again... I'll mention that the replacement is a pretty cute movie about the First Magical 50 Years w/Donald Duck and Steve Martin.. It was definitely worth a cool, sit down and relax kind of time. I hope you can see that, too.

I am so TOTALLY looking forard to this TR

Melissa

 

[tofubeast]

I am SO glad I found this TR!!! I was watching your video and the first AWE-striking of me was that quick little shot of that "eared" red baloon going up in the air (OMG I wanted those balloons.. my parents were NOT spenders but I think I actually did get one once... probably with my Nanny )

The next part that got me misty eyed was the scene of the Skull Rock! Wow, that was a really stunning video you made! Thank you so much!

Hi Melissa, so nice to see you over here reading my pre trip review! I am so enjoying reading your post trip review! You have a great sense of humor! I am also so glad you loved the video. Remember though, that 8mm was taken by my dad, not me. I was not existing on this earth back in 1967...though I sure wish I could have seen that sparkeling new Tomorrowland! I also loved the old style balloons, even it one ear would deflate by the end of the day!

Thanks for letting me know more about how to get on the Lilly Belle. I did a little more research and saw that you can ask if it is running while at the Main Street station. I am going to kindly ask...hopefully it is even running when we are there. What a neat experience!

With that said, glad to have you on board. I am about to post a new "chapter"....

 

[tofubeast]

A DIS'er starts packing!

So I am in the middle of packing, and I can see my DH checking out the dining room table stacked with things to get put in the suitcase. He starts looking at all the Disney stuff and has himself a good chuckle. I start looking at some of the items I have here and know lots of you can relate!! I am not alone!!

Who can relate to some of the stuff seen here? The papers to the right are my touring plans and a DL "line wait time" chart I made. Yes, DH again thinks I am nuts. Why it is so easy for me to be such a good planner with things in my life that make me excited and happy? If only I were this way with EVERYTHING in my life. sigh!

So, yes, the dry cleaning has been picked up, things that need ironing are ironed..and I HATE ironing, final wash is over, tomorrow the suitcases get dug out of the closet and this little guy:

..will give me that sad look that seems to say "You aren't leaving are you, Mommy?" Sorry, buddy, but you will see us again soon!

With that said, I won't be adding any new "chapters" to this thread until it becomes a POST trip review!! I will check it though over the next couple of a days before we leave! Ciao!

 

[travelmel]

Some Thoughts on packed goods and PTR's:

side note: I was reading your TR of WDW and you said you liked Peter Pan better at MK.. is it because it was refurb'd there? Because it's been refurbed at DL, too. Looking forward to your new comparrisons!

Of course I love, love LOVE the VMK pin! Also love the rainbow-ish DISNEYLAND pin! I am also a sucker for all things that look like the old DISNEYLAND sign from the parkinglot. LOL

I love your itinerary... I don't remember if I said so. I think it's all totally do-able and whatever you miss you can make up (providing your legs hold out!). One thing: I read that if you eat at the WCTrattoria you can sit on the balcony for the Electric parade. Something to check into, maybe? I'm really looking forward to this part of the trip - for you!

The night-time part... I did enjoy the night version of the jungle cruise.. but I think I liked the daytime better as I don't see that well at night anyway. Matterhorn at night might be fun being up high would be a great view at night... I think I'd really do ASTRO-ORBITORS! That would be a goodtime in the dark. Everything is DL is pretty at night. I'm so happy for you!

We did the canoe's last summer.. it was fun to do something "real"! It was also fun to get a sweet treat from Pooh's corner afterwards. I wish you could canoe to TSI... are you going to check it out?

We watched the fireworks from our spot for Fantasia (the early seating) and though we missed some things... the MUSIC is great... the "remember" part is all the old school stuff that you can't hear anymore... like the ORIGINAL PotC pirate battle scene. t really is moving. LOL I know you understand! Best wishes and....

HAVE FUN

 

[tofubeast]

Some Thoughts on packed goods and PTR's:

side note: I was reading your TR of WDW and you said you liked Peter Pan better at MK.. is it because it was refurb'd there? Because it's been refurbed at DL, too. Looking forward to your new comparrisons!

Of course I love, love LOVE the VMK pin! Also love the rainbow-ish DISNEYLAND pin! I am also a sucker for all things that look like the old DISNEYLAND sign from the parkinglot. LOL

I love your itinerary... I don't remember if I said so. I think it's all totally do-able and whatever you miss you can make up (providing your legs hold out!). One thing: I read that if you eat at the WCTrattoria you can sit on the balcony for the Electric parade. Something to check into, maybe?

I wish you could canoe to TSI... are you going to check it out?

I don't know if I have been on Peter Pan at DL since the refurb? When was the refurb? If you mean after FL was re-done in 83, well then yes I have been on. But if done in the 90's, I am not sure. Maybe I just liked it at WDW because it had been many years since I was last on it, and just was having happy flashback! I am not sure if we will make it on Pan at DL. Depends it there is a short line at the end of the day. Otherwise, it isn't factored into our touring plans. But we did put aside time for TSI. I am curious about the whole pirate's lair thing. Not sure how I feel about pirates taking over FRONTIERland...but we shall see. I do like me some Jack Sparrow though!

Glad you liked my pins too! I took many off so I am not tipping over with the weight of them on my lanyard! I plan to get a couple when out there. I like collecting pins that reflect the old days like long ago attractions. My recent new fave is my WED pin. As in WED imagineering. I also love my monorail and old ticket books pins. And yes, as you pointed out, the VMK pin. How I miss my ol' VMK.

So the bags are all packed. We head out to Cali tomorrow. While I will enjoy the wedding I am going to etc... I want to be at DLR now! But I don't want to rush things either.

See ya when I come back for my TRIP Review!! Looking forward to reading more of yours as well!


danielle

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Sounds like a lot of fun. Hope you have a good trip.

FWIW, my parents got off Peter Pan at MK in 2006 and proclaimed something along the lines of "I like the one at Disneyland much better."

 

[travelmel]

It struck me about what you said... I totally agree. I thought this clip tells it all!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIrq3RFUQPU

Just keepin' it real.

 

[tofubeast]

I'm back!!!

We got back on the red eye on Monday, and I am still tired. Sure isn't fun being back at work staring at my Shag 50th DL prints all around my office and wishing I was still back there. Sigh.

So the trip review will come soon. I am still loading up pictures from our camera and PhotoPass as well as gathering my thoughts. More to come soon!

For now...one preview picture!