Trip of a lifetime.....Disney Christmas, Birthday, Food * BIG & final update!

[Minnie Sue Oz]

So, it was an early start ( we were starting to get to get used to those!!! ) and headed off out the front of the Ho Jo to board our bus for our day visiting the City of Angels itself.

First stop was an area with lots of stalls selling all sorts of things including lots of Mexican bits and pieces.

It was also the home of the oldest home in LA

We were only here for a limited time and had a very nice Churos to boot! So, it was back on the bus for our journey into the heart of Los Angeles and none other than Hollywood Boulevard.

The bus!

Downtown LA

We went past the Walt Disney Concert Hall which really is amazing. I would loved to have done the tour inside, but time just did not allow. I must admit, I wish I had researched this tour a little more. I told the travel agent we wanted to do an LA tour, but this one was just too rushed. We had no sooner arrived somewhere and it was time to get back on the bus again

Walt Disney Concert Hall

We arrived at the famoue Hollywood Boulevard and couldn't believe I had found my favourite almost immediately!

I am a huge Nicolas Cage fan and was just thrilled to be here with his star!

We found lots more stars of course and here are a few of our favourites.......

DD's main man!

DD had a wonderful time finding her favourites and for those of you who have seen the movie Waynes World..........."we're not worthy" !!!!! Here she is with Alice Cooper

And of course the main mouse!

And my favourite place in the whole wide world!!!

We ended up out the front of Grauman's Chinese theatre and wandered around looking at all the hand and footprints.

DD comparing her foot to JD's!

We ducked across the road as I wanted to visit the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio store. As we were limited for time, we virtually ordered , ate and left!

Out the front of the store

Inside, around the top, is a great film strip depicting Disney films which is very well done and leads to the Disney vault.

And what did we order???!!!

DH had this sundae which came with a pin.

DD had a float

And me, well I was too busy checking out the pins to have time to indulge!!!

So, DD found the pressed penny machine and wanted to get one to add to her ever growing collection. I must say, I think these are just a wonderful idea. It gives people a way of taking home a little piece of where they visited for very little outlay. I found out about them here on the Disboards and DD has a wonderful collection which we look at often. The lady at the gift shop at the Ho Jo even saved up all the shiny pennys for her so she has lots that really are bright and sparkly!

The finished product........

Stay tuned.........more LA to come!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Love the update!! I'm glad I live near the area.

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Hello!

Is anyone there? I am hoping you are still out there, so will continue on.

Now where were we? Oh that's right, downtown LA!

So after our whirwlind 1 hour and 15 minutes we boarded the coach again as we were headed into Farmers market and the Grove are for lunch.

We passed a few areas we had only ever seen on TV, so I tried my best to get some snaps out the bus window!

I was happy the bus driver pointed this one out to me as we are HUGE movie buffs and I won't miss an Oscars for anything!

Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences ( you can see the Oscar statues either side of the doors! )

There were bright and beautiful ( and expensive looking) decorations right through the Bevery Hills and Melrose Avenue areas.

Note the banner says Deck the "Hills" !!!

We arrived at Farmers Market, and again had nowhere near enough time to have a good look around. I remember DD and DH shared a big cheese pizza.

After we had a brief look around, we headed out into The Grove area.

There were Christmas decorations galore so I had to stop and get my picture with this guy!.........

On a side note..........for those Americans reading this, I really have to hand it to you when it comes to Christmas. If you have been reading this TR for a while now, you will know that Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year. We decorate our house inside with a huge tree, a Disney section and what we call our "Snowman Grotto"!!! So, to be in a country that has ALL this and more everywhere you look was an absolute delight for me. I am going to miss going to Macy's this year and hearing all the wonderful carols and I am going to especially miss Disneyland and all it's Christmas festivities.
Our Christmases here in Australia where we are, usually see us reaching temperatures of 35-40 degrees which is about 100 degrees for my overseas friends! So, it was a welcome change to be able to have hot chocolate and wear warm clothes and snuggle under the covers instead.
So, thank you for making this Aussie feel all warm and fuzzy with your wonderful decorations and your genuine appreciation for what it means to be in the Christmas spirit

Back to it!!!!

Decorations galore!

And now for a very special meeting

We noticed there were lots of people milling in the centre section so we made our way over to see what was going on. There was a film crew all set up and sectioned off, and it appeared they were filming some sort of talk show. We had no idea who the ladies were, but took this pic anyway. If anyone knows which show it is, I would love to know!

Soooooooo, DD and I were just standing watching, when we both spotted, at the same time, a lady walking towards us! We immediately grabbed hold of each other and started jumping up and down!!!

Now, if you remember just a little bit ago, I happened to mention we are HUGE movie buffs in this house, and I mean HUGE!!!!
Two of DD's and my favourite movies are My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Connie & Carla.................so you can imagine how excited we were to see this........

It was Nia Vardalos!!!!!!!!!

She got closer and closer and actually walked straight over to where we were standing. All my friends here said it would just not be possible for us to go all the way to LA and NOT see a movie star!!!! And here we were, face to face with one.

She walked up to us and said "How are you guys doing"?
Well, I was just so shocked i replied with "A little star struck actually"!!!
To which she replied "Oh wow, you guys are from Australia"!!!

Well, that was it! Once she realised we were from Australia, she stood and chatted to us for ages. We talked about Connie & Carla and also giggled about Windex........if you have seen My Big fat Greek Wedding, you will understand!!!

I must tell you, Nia was just so nice. She chatted to us like we were long lost friends...........and actually, if you look at this pic, you would think we were!!!

Laura and Nia Vardalos

She even told us to take the pic and that is was facebook approved!!!

After we had come back to earth, we realised it was time to get back on the bus again, as this time we were headed for Santa Monica Pier.

Again, we had limited time, but enough time to walk onto the pier itself and have a look around.

View of the pier from afar

And the entrance

View of the water from the edge of the pier

And the underneath!

It was then off to Venice Beach. I must tell you though, by the time we got there it was getting dark and also quite cold being that close to the water. We didn't stay off the bus long and part of that was because the bus driver told us it was probably not the best to stay out too long in "this area"

There were little stall areas all the way along, but we did not venture in to any!

Took a couple of pics.....

The sun had just started to go down....

So, that was the end of our whirlwind introduction to LA and surrounds. Next time, we will definitely do a lot more and stay for longer!!!

It was bumper to bumper traffic and the bus driver said he had not seen the freeway we were on so busy in 15 years

We all got to bed not long after we arrived back after a long day!

Tomorrow, Disneyland in the rain

Thanks for coming along!

Take care

Sue

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

That's awesome!!! It happened to me earlier this year. Except, I won a meet and greet with these guys:

Yes, that's me with the Jonas Brothers. I got to meet them in March through a fan club contest. L-R: Kevin, Nick, Me, Joe

 

[Aust]

I'm still here! Your updates are great. On the amount of time you spent at DL - did you find it too much? We've now booked our airfares for Sept/Oct next year and are planning on 2 weeks at DL (with a couple of day trips) and now I'm not sure if that's too long - did you get sick of DL (if such a thing is possible??!)

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

That's awesome!!! It happened to me earlier this year. Except, I won a meet and greet with these guys:

Yes, that's me with the Jonas Brothers. I got to meet them in March through a fan club contest. L-R: Kevin, Nick, Me, Joe

Wow! How fantastic for you and I bet all your friends were very jealous! Looks like you like them a whole lot by the smile you have!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

I'm still here! Your updates are great. On the amount of time you spent at DL - did you find it too much? We've now booked our airfares for Sept/Oct next year and are planning on 2 weeks at DL (with a couple of day trips) and now I'm not sure if that's too long - did you get sick of DL (if such a thing is possible??!)

Hi and I'm glad you are still following along!

We are heading back over next year and we will be spending 2 weeks right across the road from DL!
Hubby did find it too much and towards the end, ESPN zone in downtown Disney became his hang out ( that is why we are doing a mother daughter trip next year and he can stay home and fish! ) For DD and I though, we were there just about every day and we were in Anaheim for 3 whole weeks!
I honestly don't think I could ever get sick of it as every day is different and it is what you make it! And, if you are breaking it up with off site trips here and there, it will not seem so much. DD and I will have a couple of day trips, but have already discussed that we want to go the parks at least once each and every day we are there
I am going to have a whole day next trip where I just focus on taking photos and videoing!!! I didn't do near enough with the camcorder last time, so plan to have loads of movies to bring home!
Also, Carsland will be open by the time we go back and we have The Little Mermaid ride, Goofys Sky School and a few other things to look forward to that we missed last year!
Who are you flying with if you don't mind me asking?
We are off late October, so am keeping a keen eye out for a good deal! We flew Qantas last time and have also used Air New Zealand which were both great!

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

Still loving your report. It makes me so nostalgic! We have no definite plans for a return trip, but I am hoping for 2013 or 2014 ... such a long way away! How wonderful to bump into Nia ... I loved "A big fat Greek Wedding". Anyway, please keep writing, I am so enjoying reading it.

 

[OzCath]

Minnie Sue just stumbled across your trip report. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm exhausted just reading it! What an amazing trip. Looks like you thoroughly enjoyed everyone minute of it. We were over in March this year, and trying to talk hubby into going back again this year. We had an amazing time, and seeing your photos make me desperate to go back again! Enjoy your planning for the next trip.

 

[Aust]

We are going with V Australia this time. The other 2 times have been with Qantas, first time was OK but January wasn't great. Have heard quite good things about V so I am hoping it will be ok. I looked at Air NZ when we were considering San Francisco but going to LA I'd prefer a direct trip, ezpecially with my youngest who will be not quite 4, the trip will be hard enough on him without extending it with a stop in Auckland.

I'll be fine at DL for 2 weeks (I could live there!), and the kids will be fine I'm sure, but am worried my husband will get abit bored. But I also want time to take it easy and not rush around like crazy people - our first trip when our girls were 3 and 6 (youngest not yet born) we had 6 and a half days at DL, plus tours to San Diego, LA and Universal, and we were all exhausted from the early starts and long days, and still didn't see and do everything at DL. I am looking forward to being able to take our time, spend some time in the pool, sleep in if we want, etc. And if DH gets too bored he can hire a car and find himself some car part shops.

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Still loving your report. It makes me so nostalgic! We have no definite plans for a return trip, but I am hoping for 2013 or 2014 ... such a long way away! How wonderful to bump into Nia ... I loved "A big fat Greek Wedding". Anyway, please keep writing, I am so enjoying reading it.

Hi and thanks for coming along fr the ride!

I am glad the pics are bringing back some fond memories for you! I have my fingers crossed for you for another trip and don't worry, the time will go quickly although it seems so far away!

And yes, Nia was simply a wonderful and warm person!

Stay tuned, more to come!

Sue

 

[burly]

i am still reading along!
wow much too whirlwind for me, that tour, but you met NIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really love reading this trip report, wanted so bad to get back to DL for my son's graduation trip but it is just too expensive. we are going to have to just settle on WDW as it is cheaper for us from the midwest...he he.

again, loving it! KIM

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Minnie Sue just stumbled across your trip report. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm exhausted just reading it! What an amazing trip. Looks like you thoroughly enjoyed everyone minute of it. We were over in March this year, and trying to talk hubby into going back again this year. We had an amazing time, and seeing your photos make me desperate to go back again! Enjoy your planning for the next trip.

Well hello there OzCath and a very warm welcome to you!

I know it does seem exhausting, right!? But, it didn't feel that way! The first week was a little go, go, go but once we got to Anaheim,we sort of slowed down ( if you could call it that!!! ) a little!!!

The last week was quite hectic as Christmas week in the parks.....

And yes, as soon as we tick over to 2012 , the planning will be in full swing! Hope your hubby is willing to go on another trip!

Thanks again

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Wow! How fantastic for you and I bet all your friends were very jealous! Looks like you like them a whole lot by the smile you have!

Yes I did. They were all jealous.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Wow! Amazing updates! I missed a couple but I'm all caught up.

Your whirlwind day in LA looks so fun!

The oldest house in LA looks really interesting - I love history.
Looks like maybe that show was a Latina talk show.

How cool that you met a real star and she spent lots of time with you! Nia looks great!

You got alot of beautiful Christmas pics! You'll just have to keep coming on over and enjoying our Christmas with us - Disney does it up nice for sure!

 

[miss.potatohead]

Long time reader, first time poster, how rude of me! Loving the TR, DL (and America in general) looks amazing at the Christmas end of the year, cannot wait until I can go again!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Long time reader, first time poster, how rude of me! Loving the TR, DL (and America in general) looks amazing at the Christmas end of the year, cannot wait until I can go again!

Well hello there first time poster and a very warm welcome to you

I am so glad you are enjoying the report! It is kinda nice to know I am not just doing this just for me

I just love the good old USA and I too cannot wait to get back there ( please see ticker below !!! )

I have more Christmas pics to come including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the park so stay tuned!

Take Care

Sue

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Hi everyone and may I wish you a very happy new year!

Now, with each and every new year, I find myself making a new years resolution that usually gets cast aside.........well, not this year!!!! So, I pledge right here, right now, to be a good girl and not only get this trip report finished, but to get started on the pre trip report for the upcomimg October trip and to have all you fabulous disers along for the ride.......

So, I hope you will join me for a fun filled and adventurous road that is 2012.......

Now, where did I last leave us, oh that's right, we had just had a full day in LA.

The next morning saw us up bright and early for what would be our second last character meal of the trip! So it was off to the Grand Californian for our Chip N Dale Critter Breakfast. I have only just realised that we did not get a pic taken here with a Disney photographer.......not too sure if there was one there as we would most definitely have had the pic taken as we got all the others!!!!

The food here was quite good with the usual Mickey waffles and pancakes. And as for the characters..............


Laura with Terk

and Brer Bear

with Koda

and Meeko

And the main attractions who were just so much fun as Laura was wearing "THAT" hat again!!!!!!

So much fun in fact.........he had to try the hat on himself

We wandered through the lobby and marvelled at just how big the Christmas tree really was!

I have always wanted to stay here, but you know what, it just doesn't seem "Disney" enough for me. I know it is grand and the top of the 3 Disneyland Resort hotels but it just didn't do it for me!!! When we go in October, I am going to surprise the DD with staying the last 3 nights on property. I have read all sorts of varying opinions on the 3 hotesl, so if anyone has a favourite they would like to tell me about I will be very thankful!!!


So it was into the park itself as we really hadn't spent enough time in there already On the Monorail we went!

Now, did I mention it happened to be raining??? I had always heard it didn't rain in California!!!! But guess what, it does!!! It turns out the last week we were there, it rained more that it had in decades. Things flooded, and the news reporters were just beside themselves with how much rain there was! We actually couldn't turn on the tv without it being all over the news. We did have a little bit of a chuckle to ourselves at all the attention it was receivig as where we are from, it rains all the time! In fact we live in an area that has seen one of the worst floods Australia has ever seen.
So, on with the ponchos and up with the umbrellas we went!!!!

You can see the water on the ground

One of the things that amused both the DD and myself was the rainy day cavalcade that was on instead of the normal parade! I didn't get any pics due to the weather but the characters came out in a covered bus and drove up the street and waved! That was it.......!!!!

We spent most of the day on the dark rides where we could to try and stay out of the rain. I did however get some pics of the "hub" area......

The finest duo ( in my opinion! ) around!

And their friends.......

Next up........more rain, but this time in San Diego!!!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

So it was another early start as we were headed off to San Diego zoo for the day. Now I have mentioned earlier that we struck a rainy period, well, let me tell you, it rained all the way to San Diego, it rained the whole time we were at the zoo, AND it rained all the way home!!!

I tried my hardest not to get the camera wet and as a result, the pics are not the standard I would have liked. But, we soldiered on and did the best we could in what was to be the wettest day on record for years!!!

The DH and the DD......ponchos and all!!!

Gotta love these guys!!!

I took pics of the flora as well as the fauna!

Spot the seal!!!

And of course, what's a trip to the famous San Diego zoo be without a visit with these guys! It was the first time any of us had seen a real live panda so we did spend a little bit of time watching them!!!

And when you need some quiet panda time..........

Outside the panda enclosure

All the way to America and look what we found!!!

Loved this guy!

And of course the zoo had it's own Christmas tree

And we had to stop for refreshments and look what I found..........

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love, no absolutely adore funnel cakes.......yummmmmm........I am sure it will be one of the first things I track down as soon as we land later this year!!!

It did get dark quite quickly this day too and this was one of the last photos I took and I must say it was the prettiest!

We spent a bit of time in the gift shop before the bus came to collect us and I bought a beautiful picture book to bring home with all the animals in the zoo in it. I am so glad I did as I often look at it s it sort took the place of me not being able to get good pics due to the weather.

Stay tuned as we have 2 very special Birthdays and Christmas to come!

Cheers!

 

[Aust]

Glad to see you're back, have been following your trip report all along! I've stayed at 2 of the onsite hotels - Disneyland Hotel in 2007 and Grand Californian almost a year ago. There were lots of nice Disney touches at the DLH (which has since been renovated so it's different to when we were there), but we were surprised at the length of the walk to the parks - was ok the first couple of days but seemed longer and longer as our stay went on (especially the afternoon my husband went back to the hotel early, and both kids were too tired to walk, so I had to push the 6 year old in the stroller while carrying the 3 year old!)

Grand Californian was beautiful, especially the lobby (I wish my house looked like that), the short walk was fantastic, and we were upgraded to a park view room which was excellent, but you're right, it's not very Disney-ish. Also the rooms are not very big.

We're trying the Paradise Pier for our September trip - the rooms are apparently a bit bigger which is a bonus as there are now 5 of us, and we can cut through the GCH lobby to save time walking to the parks and also to give me my GCH fix. And it's cheaper obviously which is a bonus.