Cast:
Me Kim - 34 DisneyNut herself!
DH Nick - 35 Supports wife's DisneyNuttiness
Let me start this off by saying that this is my first trip report, so please bare with me! I absolutely love reading everyone's but now that I'm trying to write one I think I should've kept notes 'cause it's all kinda running together now (it's the rain, ya, that's it, I'll blame it on the rain!).
Anyways....This trip was for our 15th wedding anniversary so we had no children with us (DS14 & DD8) who both love Disney (DD as much as I do). Which was completely wonderful and absoltutely heart wrenching at the same time (more on that later). It was also the first time we'd left our puppy Sierra home for longer than a day (my brother and his girlfried house/dog sat for us).
Day 1 - 4/5
We arrive at the San Jose International Airport at around 4:20 or so (our flight left at 5:00). We haven't flown since our WDW trip in 2002, we always drive down to LA so it had been a while (up til then we flew ALL the time for work, usually making vacations out of the trips when possible). We line up at the security check point only to look like we'd never flown on an airplane. I mean goodness gracicous....DH had to bring his computer (it's attached at his hip BTW), so we get in line and make it to the front where we put our stuff through. I was so busy yammering on about what ride we're gonna hit first I was paying no attention to what anyone else was doing. "All laptops are to be taken out of their bags and put in their OWN containers" Says the kind of grumpy security man. Ok, no problem, we knew that, just forgot for a moment. So after scrambling to do that, get our stuff back on the belt and as DH is trying to walk thru the detector is now being told to "Remove those shoes and put them in a separate container if you don't comply you WILL have to go thru Special Security". Uh, no thank you. So off with the shoes and now back thru again, I thought it was kind of funny, but the people in line behind us did not, so I refrain from saying my typical sarcastic comments as to not make the mob even angrier. As we FINALLY make it thru I say to DH (quietly I might add), good thing I wore socks so I didn't have to stand barefoot on the airport floor, ewe. Of course one of the workers hears me and asks me if I made sure to wear clean socks so I didn't dirty their floors
Guess I deserved that one and told him just that. He then proceeds to ask if we're going anywhere fun to which I answer with approximately the BIGGEST smile on my face possible "We're going to DISNEYLAND" 
Well that made him smile and he said have a wonderful time! So anywho, we waited for approximately 10 whole minutes when they called for us to board. Luckily we pre-checked in and got group A, so we boarded quickly and were on our way. We landed at LAX and quickly proceded to car rental shuttles. It was flipping COLD out. Luckily I had brought my windbreaker to wear over my sweatshirt cause that 5 minute wait was freezing! After a quick jont to the place, we are now in our free upgraded PT Cruiser and cruising down the freeway. And I mean we were cruising, I thought since we arrived during the most horrid traffic time it would be miserable, but to our delight we sailed right to our hotel The Pepper Tree. It was quite a bit offsite, but a nice room for the $$. The location was alright and worked perfect for us who spent most of the afternoon during busy times in our room, but with kids no way....we will be either staying on site or very close offsite like usual in November. We finally make it to the park around 8 or so. We had bought 3 day hoppers from AAA and did not want to waist a day since and that free parking! So we immediately go to Space Mountain, waiting time was only 20 minutes so we just waited. WHAT A GREAT RIDE!!!! They did a wonderful job refurbing it and I just love it even more now than before! It wasn't open yet when we went in May last year so I can't wait for the kids to ride the new and improved version. After squealing with delight, we run and grab a fast pass to do it once again on our way out. Then it was on to see what else we could squeeze in before our fast pass time and as we wandered thru fantasy land there was no line for Snow White, while not my favorite one of the bunch, I love it nonetheless and we went on the hunt for grumpy (my DH's 2nd fav. character, Donald is #1 in his book!). I think we hit Indianna Jones next (or was it Mansion 
) This is where the memory gets a little foggy. But regardless, we ended the evening with Space, this time we got the front, YA!) Even better than the first time, I mean you really feel like your zingin' through space! We were hungry so on the way out we hit the bakery at the corner (forgot the name) on Mainstreet and got 1 chocolate chip and 1 mickey cookie to share when we got back to the room. Got back, ate our cookies....IN BED 
and then fell promptly to sleep.
Day 2 - 4/6 - Married 15 years today! and EE
I wanted to get up bright and early to arrive at 7:30, but in my sleepy sugar state I set the alarm for 6:15PM not AM....can you say DUH me!!! So at 7:00 I rubbed my eyes and said, oh it must be almost time to get UP...HOLY MOLY (actually said another word, but this IS DIS so I will use a substitute)!!! Get up and run to the shower at light speed, realize that yes, while we are going to Disneyland, it IS my anniversary so I run back to the bed and give my DH a nice anniversary wake up kiss promptly followed by "HONEY, you gotta get up we HAVE to get going, it's EE day!!!!". He just laughs at me and tells me to just tell him when it's his turn to shower. I finish getting ready while whisteling zipidee doo da. As we leave our room at 7:40 I realize how quiet it is being that we're not right down the street from DL and DH reminds me that he's certain everyone appreciated being woken up by my wonderful whistling (doesn't everyone like to hear zipidee doo da in the morning? LOL). In hindsite, maybe that is why for the next two nights the folks upstairs from us sounded like hey had rearranged their rooms about a billion and a half times
. We arrive at the Pinocchio parking lot at 8:05 and run, I mean walk nice and fast, to the next departing tram. DH is absolutely amazed at how uncrowded the park was. We've never done EE and I had talked about it so much I think he thought I was full of baloney, now he knows not to doubt the DisneyNut as she knows what she's talking about (Thanks to all you DISers!). We of course run to Space, but there is too much of a line and I don't want to waist time waiting so we hit BLAB (DH is STILL the champ on that one, I have to figure out a way to practice for next time) and then to ST. After that it's over to Alice and then Mr. Toad. Peter Pan was already too long (it's my fav) so we opted to wait to do that one until Fri morning. By this time it was almost 9 so we head over to Space to get FP. After that we went on Mansion, Pooh, and BTM. IJ was already at 20 min so we decided to walk slowly over to Space as it was just about FP time. Another fabulous ride through the stars and we decide to head over to DCA as it seems the park has filled up rather quickly and it was getting a bit crowded. Of course, first stop is a FP for Soarin. We then head over to see how the line on Screamin was....only 15 minutes...we agree to take advantage as 15 mins in nothing to wait for this ride. During out wait we decide it's late enough 9about 11:00 to call my bro and check on the pup, who was thankfully doing great. A bit confused as to why Uncle Jason was there and not us, but she was fine nonetheless). We finally make it to the front and they decide to tease us (not really, but it felt like it!). The people in front get in the car, pull down their retraints and POP up they come. Please step back and let the people back in line, this train is out. Next one comes in, same thing...get in...lock down...pop up....step back folks. Okay, third times a charm, right??? Wrong! Once again. Now DH is looking at me like are we really going to try and ride this now that they've brought a FOURTH train out?!? I look at him with my looks of, yes you silly man we are not moving until they kick my Disney happy butt out of line. So finally fourth trains the charm, they are sent off Screamin away. Our train arrives and they guy tells us to please not break this train since it hadn't been used yet (joking of course). I just LOVE LOVE LOVE that ride! SO much fun! We were successful and did not break down, thank God. I thought I had talked DH into going on the Orange Stinger next but he really doesn't enjoy spinning rides that fling you round and round like the kids and I do so let him off the hook, since he WAS the reason we were here 
. So we agreed to go for MM since the time was only 15 min. didn't even take 5 I think. I always laugh at him on this ride. He gets freaked out on "mouse" type coasters since it feels like your going to zing right off the side, I think I enjoyed listening to him yelp the entire time more than the ride itself 
We decided to go and wander thru the Grand Californian and see what it was like. OMG, LOVED IT!!!! So pricey, but man what a beautiful property! We're thinking maybe just maybe one or two nights in Nov. but I'm not holding my breath. One day though, we will be staying there! It was now time for our fast pass with Soarin. I love that ride, but we ALWAYS get stuck in the back row with a lovely view of the bottom of everyone's shoes. Next time, if there was one, we were planing on waiting for the front, but we did never make it back to that particular ride. At this point we decided to check on the TT wait and it was a bit long, so we decide that we are starving and this is a good time to leave the parks, go to the store to pick up some breakfast for the next two days and some snacks since our room had a full kitchen, eat lunch and take a nap. After a wonderful, relaxing "alone" afternoon 
, at about 4:30 we decide to head out to DTD to see where we wanted to eat for dinner. We had thought about planning a nice sit down adult dinner, but then decided that instead of trying to keep to a meal time schedule we'd just do what we felt like doing. We ended up at Catal and had a great dinner there. I had an apple-tini and WOW did that have a punch, SO good though! It was nice to be able to have a nice dinner and drink in peace and quiet (well as peaceful as it can be in DTD, without OUR kids 
). Then it was back to DL. We did so many rides, I honestly can't remember the order of them! Now, you're probably saying, ya right she only had on apple-tini, but I swear that's all I had! We rode (in what order ??) IJ 2x, BTM, Space, MH, Pinccochio and the JC, there was more, but my brain has seized at the moment. I can remember the last ride though. We decided to go on the JC as neither of us had ever been on at night. We ended up with the most ABNOXIOUS driver. UG, he was screaming into the microphone and of course I was seated directly under the speaker. I mean he yelled the entire ride, was not the least bit funny at all and just made me irritated! Now I try, really really try to not feel mad or irritated while I'm in DL, but this guys pushed me over. We were tired and after that less than fun (freezing I might add) ride thru the jungle we decided to call it a night. We were going to try and get a good spot to watch the fireworks I had brought in specially for Dh 
but once we got to Main Street, we decided that all those people would be leaving with us so we jammed as fast as we could to the Mickey and Friends parking lot to watch. What a great view! Of course you can't hear the music, but we had already seen it last May so we could hear it in our heads. Now we were tired and ready to hit the hay.
Friday - 4/7 - Last Day in DL
Well today's wake up was a bit better than the day before thanks to our lovely friends upstairs. Decided that the bed must work better on the OTHER side of the room, since it sounded like they moved the entire room before 6:30AM!!! Anyways, up am I and showered and ready to go by 7:15. I wait for Dh to finish getting ready and we eat our breakfast as we head on out the door. Made it to our usual parking lot, good 'ole Pinocchio by 8:00 sharp. On the tram and in the park within minutes. LOVE getting there early. So much easier without the kids. Although today mommy guilt was major. I got teary eyed a few times as I watch all the faces of the sweet little kids just light up when they see their fav. character or as all the princesses just swoon over Cinerella or Snow White. Even our son who is a too cool 14 year old LOVES Disney. He turns back into my sweet little boy every single time, so I'm hoping that will continue for a life time! Feeling majorly gloomy about this Dh says, let's call Megan and wish her a good day at school (Nathan, being in HS starts way earlier). He says this as we're standing in line for Peter Pan. As much as I wanted to hear my sweet girls voice, this was NOT the time since they did not know where we actually were. She would know instantly once she heard "And off we go...." by Mr. Pan himself. We both laugh, he says not to worry that remember we're coming back in November so they can enjoy the Christmas stuff too and just makes me feel tons better like he can do. It's at that point that I realise it's Meg's b-day in November and now that trip is not just about seeing the park all dec'd out is now all about her and her 9th b-day so my zany brain starts planning right then and there. That day, I have to say was SOOOSOOOO crowded! I am SO thankful we had done as much as we had already since it didn't look like we were going to get much else done that afternoon. In the morning at DL we were able to ride PP, MH, Space 2x, IJ, BTM and I think that was it for DL that day. There might have been more, but I can't remember (trip notes for Nov. for sure!). We then fight the Main St. crowds to exit and go to DCA. We decide to forgo Soarin this time as the wait was already really long and the fast pass wasn't until way later that day. We went to TT to get a fast pass (wait was already 20 mins) and decide that we will forgo doing Monsters Inc. so we can do it with the kids for the first time in Nov. For some weird reason it made me feel better, I know I'm a weirdo. We then slowely walked over to Screamin and rode that with no train issues this time thankfully. We just generally took our time, didn't ride much but enjoyed eachothers company and just checking things out that we hadnt stopped to notice before. It was really nice to do that especially since it was so crowded already. We finally headed over to TT and the wait was HORRIBLE! Even with a fast pass. We had bad line huggers, which just make it uncomfortable when you're in a tight spot and can't even turn around without being nose to nose with some guy with bad breath breathing down your neck. (Poor Dh, he had line huggers almost the entire trip, I always managed to stand in front of him). After that experience and fighting all the people back out we just decided to call it a day and were very happy with what we'd accomplished during this very busy spring break time. It is the weirdest thing though, why is it that every single time I leave DL, I feel like crying? We had such a great time together, just me and him doing what WE wanted when WE wanted to that why did I want to cry??? Like I said, weirdo here.
We decided that it was time to head out to Hollywood and go see what we could see. Which ended up to be fun, but boy did we keep getting lost! It was rather hysterical I thought, Dh didn't think it was SO funny though....
We ended up being silly tourists and buying one of those "find the stars homes" maps. Total and complete waste of money. I mean the theory was good, just the one we bought was terrible. Gave us places they "may" have lived in or stayed at. We found better things to look at on our own. After a long long day of DL, DCA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills we were exhausted. We almost went back to DL for the fireworks, but it was about 8:30 and I don't think our legs would've made it. Dh laughed at me and said no way would I have made it to the tram
. I agreed and we crawled into bed and were out by 10:00. Man, are we getting old or what?!?!
Saturday - 4/8 Venice Beach and Homeward bound
We slept in today, FINALLY, after waking up bright and early to the furniture movers and luckily falling back asleep! I mean come on people, I wasn't whisteling THAT loud! We check out and hit the road, after finding me some much need java and gas for our little cruiser. We made pretty good time and ended up in Venice after only a short traffic spot at about 11:30 or so. Our flight didn't leave until 5:20 so we had some time left to mess around. We walked up and down looking at all the interesting people and their snakes and oddities all around. Gotta love going from DL to Venice, it's like two different planets. Definitely never a dull moment on that walk! We actually ate at a good place called Fig Tree or something like that. It was healthy foods and Dh wasn't too sure about it after reading the menu, but we had a nice final meal and headed out. Back to the car rental place (one more bout of being lost, but nothing major) drop the car and we're on our way to LAX. Very easy and smooth. Get checked in, we're seasoned now you see, no more line hold ups for us smart travelers. We get home safe and sound. Happy to see the kids and more appreciative than ever of what a wonderful family I have!
Now - on to plan for November
Thanks for reading if you made it all the way through, in case you haven't guessed, I'm a babbler!!!
Me Kim - 34 DisneyNut herself!
DH Nick - 35 Supports wife's DisneyNuttiness
Let me start this off by saying that this is my first trip report, so please bare with me! I absolutely love reading everyone's but now that I'm trying to write one I think I should've kept notes 'cause it's all kinda running together now (it's the rain, ya, that's it, I'll blame it on the rain!).
Anyways....This trip was for our 15th wedding anniversary so we had no children with us (DS14 & DD8) who both love Disney (DD as much as I do). Which was completely wonderful and absoltutely heart wrenching at the same time (more on that later). It was also the first time we'd left our puppy Sierra home for longer than a day (my brother and his girlfried house/dog sat for us).
Day 1 - 4/5
We arrive at the San Jose International Airport at around 4:20 or so (our flight left at 5:00). We haven't flown since our WDW trip in 2002, we always drive down to LA so it had been a while (up til then we flew ALL the time for work, usually making vacations out of the trips when possible). We line up at the security check point only to look like we'd never flown on an airplane. I mean goodness gracicous....DH had to bring his computer (it's attached at his hip BTW), so we get in line and make it to the front where we put our stuff through. I was so busy yammering on about what ride we're gonna hit first I was paying no attention to what anyone else was doing. "All laptops are to be taken out of their bags and put in their OWN containers" Says the kind of grumpy security man. Ok, no problem, we knew that, just forgot for a moment. So after scrambling to do that, get our stuff back on the belt and as DH is trying to walk thru the detector is now being told to "Remove those shoes and put them in a separate container if you don't comply you WILL have to go thru Special Security". Uh, no thank you. So off with the shoes and now back thru again, I thought it was kind of funny, but the people in line behind us did not, so I refrain from saying my typical sarcastic comments as to not make the mob even angrier. As we FINALLY make it thru I say to DH (quietly I might add), good thing I wore socks so I didn't have to stand barefoot on the airport floor, ewe. Of course one of the workers hears me and asks me if I made sure to wear clean socks so I didn't dirty their floors
Guess I deserved that one and told him just that. He then proceeds to ask if we're going anywhere fun to which I answer with approximately the BIGGEST smile on my face possible "We're going to DISNEYLAND" Well that made him smile and he said have a wonderful time! So anywho, we waited for approximately 10 whole minutes when they called for us to board. Luckily we pre-checked in and got group A, so we boarded quickly and were on our way. We landed at LAX and quickly proceded to car rental shuttles. It was flipping COLD out. Luckily I had brought my windbreaker to wear over my sweatshirt cause that 5 minute wait was freezing! After a quick jont to the place, we are now in our free upgraded PT Cruiser and cruising down the freeway. And I mean we were cruising, I thought since we arrived during the most horrid traffic time it would be miserable, but to our delight we sailed right to our hotel The Pepper Tree. It was quite a bit offsite, but a nice room for the $$. The location was alright and worked perfect for us who spent most of the afternoon during busy times in our room, but with kids no way....we will be either staying on site or very close offsite like usual in November. We finally make it to the park around 8 or so. We had bought 3 day hoppers from AAA and did not want to waist a day since and that free parking! So we immediately go to Space Mountain, waiting time was only 20 minutes so we just waited. WHAT A GREAT RIDE!!!! They did a wonderful job refurbing it and I just love it even more now than before! It wasn't open yet when we went in May last year so I can't wait for the kids to ride the new and improved version. After squealing with delight, we run and grab a fast pass to do it once again on our way out. Then it was on to see what else we could squeeze in before our fast pass time and as we wandered thru fantasy land there was no line for Snow White, while not my favorite one of the bunch, I love it nonetheless and we went on the hunt for grumpy (my DH's 2nd fav. character, Donald is #1 in his book!). I think we hit Indianna Jones next (or was it Mansion ) This is where the memory gets a little foggy. But regardless, we ended the evening with Space, this time we got the front, YA!) Even better than the first time, I mean you really feel like your zingin' through space! We were hungry so on the way out we hit the bakery at the corner (forgot the name) on Mainstreet and got 1 chocolate chip and 1 mickey cookie to share when we got back to the room. Got back, ate our cookies....IN BED and then fell promptly to sleep.Day 2 - 4/6 - Married 15 years today! and EE
I wanted to get up bright and early to arrive at 7:30, but in my sleepy sugar state I set the alarm for 6:15PM not AM....can you say DUH me!!! So at 7:00 I rubbed my eyes and said, oh it must be almost time to get UP...HOLY MOLY (actually said another word, but this IS DIS so I will use a substitute)!!! Get up and run to the shower at light speed, realize that yes, while we are going to Disneyland, it IS my anniversary so I run back to the bed and give my DH a nice anniversary wake up kiss promptly followed by "HONEY, you gotta get up we HAVE to get going, it's EE day!!!!". He just laughs at me and tells me to just tell him when it's his turn to shower. I finish getting ready while whisteling zipidee doo da. As we leave our room at 7:40 I realize how quiet it is being that we're not right down the street from DL and DH reminds me that he's certain everyone appreciated being woken up by my wonderful whistling (doesn't everyone like to hear zipidee doo da in the morning? LOL). In hindsite, maybe that is why for the next two nights the folks upstairs from us sounded like hey had rearranged their rooms about a billion and a half times
. We arrive at the Pinocchio parking lot at 8:05 and run, I mean walk nice and fast, to the next departing tram. DH is absolutely amazed at how uncrowded the park was. We've never done EE and I had talked about it so much I think he thought I was full of baloney, now he knows not to doubt the DisneyNut as she knows what she's talking about (Thanks to all you DISers!). We of course run to Space, but there is too much of a line and I don't want to waist time waiting so we hit BLAB (DH is STILL the champ on that one, I have to figure out a way to practice for next time) and then to ST. After that it's over to Alice and then Mr. Toad. Peter Pan was already too long (it's my fav) so we opted to wait to do that one until Fri morning. By this time it was almost 9 so we head over to Space to get FP. After that we went on Mansion, Pooh, and BTM. IJ was already at 20 min so we decided to walk slowly over to Space as it was just about FP time. Another fabulous ride through the stars and we decide to head over to DCA as it seems the park has filled up rather quickly and it was getting a bit crowded. Of course, first stop is a FP for Soarin. We then head over to see how the line on Screamin was....only 15 minutes...we agree to take advantage as 15 mins in nothing to wait for this ride. During out wait we decide it's late enough 9about 11:00 to call my bro and check on the pup, who was thankfully doing great. A bit confused as to why Uncle Jason was there and not us, but she was fine nonetheless). We finally make it to the front and they decide to tease us (not really, but it felt like it!). The people in front get in the car, pull down their retraints and POP up they come. Please step back and let the people back in line, this train is out. Next one comes in, same thing...get in...lock down...pop up....step back folks. Okay, third times a charm, right??? Wrong! Once again. Now DH is looking at me like are we really going to try and ride this now that they've brought a FOURTH train out?!? I look at him with my looks of, yes you silly man we are not moving until they kick my Disney happy butt out of line. So finally fourth trains the charm, they are sent off Screamin away. Our train arrives and they guy tells us to please not break this train since it hadn't been used yet (joking of course). I just LOVE LOVE LOVE that ride! SO much fun! We were successful and did not break down, thank God. I thought I had talked DH into going on the Orange Stinger next but he really doesn't enjoy spinning rides that fling you round and round like the kids and I do so let him off the hook, since he WAS the reason we were here . So we agreed to go for MM since the time was only 15 min. didn't even take 5 I think. I always laugh at him on this ride. He gets freaked out on "mouse" type coasters since it feels like your going to zing right off the side, I think I enjoyed listening to him yelp the entire time more than the ride itself We decided to go and wander thru the Grand Californian and see what it was like. OMG, LOVED IT!!!! So pricey, but man what a beautiful property! We're thinking maybe just maybe one or two nights in Nov. but I'm not holding my breath. One day though, we will be staying there! It was now time for our fast pass with Soarin. I love that ride, but we ALWAYS get stuck in the back row with a lovely view of the bottom of everyone's shoes. Next time, if there was one, we were planing on waiting for the front, but we did never make it back to that particular ride. At this point we decided to check on the TT wait and it was a bit long, so we decide that we are starving and this is a good time to leave the parks, go to the store to pick up some breakfast for the next two days and some snacks since our room had a full kitchen, eat lunch and take a nap. After a wonderful, relaxing "alone" afternoon , at about 4:30 we decide to head out to DTD to see where we wanted to eat for dinner. We had thought about planning a nice sit down adult dinner, but then decided that instead of trying to keep to a meal time schedule we'd just do what we felt like doing. We ended up at Catal and had a great dinner there. I had an apple-tini and WOW did that have a punch, SO good though! It was nice to be able to have a nice dinner and drink in peace and quiet (well as peaceful as it can be in DTD, without OUR kids ). Then it was back to DL. We did so many rides, I honestly can't remember the order of them! Now, you're probably saying, ya right she only had on apple-tini, but I swear that's all I had! We rode (in what order ??) IJ 2x, BTM, Space, MH, Pinccochio and the JC, there was more, but my brain has seized at the moment. I can remember the last ride though. We decided to go on the JC as neither of us had ever been on at night. We ended up with the most ABNOXIOUS driver. UG, he was screaming into the microphone and of course I was seated directly under the speaker. I mean he yelled the entire ride, was not the least bit funny at all and just made me irritated! Now I try, really really try to not feel mad or irritated while I'm in DL, but this guys pushed me over. We were tired and after that less than fun (freezing I might add) ride thru the jungle we decided to call it a night. We were going to try and get a good spot to watch the fireworks I had brought in specially for Dh but once we got to Main Street, we decided that all those people would be leaving with us so we jammed as fast as we could to the Mickey and Friends parking lot to watch. What a great view! Of course you can't hear the music, but we had already seen it last May so we could hear it in our heads. Now we were tired and ready to hit the hay. Friday - 4/7 - Last Day in DL
Well today's wake up was a bit better than the day before thanks to our lovely friends upstairs. Decided that the bed must work better on the OTHER side of the room, since it sounded like they moved the entire room before 6:30AM!!! Anyways, up am I and showered and ready to go by 7:15. I wait for Dh to finish getting ready and we eat our breakfast as we head on out the door. Made it to our usual parking lot, good 'ole Pinocchio by 8:00 sharp. On the tram and in the park within minutes. LOVE getting there early. So much easier without the kids. Although today mommy guilt was major. I got teary eyed a few times as I watch all the faces of the sweet little kids just light up when they see their fav. character or as all the princesses just swoon over Cinerella or Snow White. Even our son who is a too cool 14 year old LOVES Disney. He turns back into my sweet little boy every single time, so I'm hoping that will continue for a life time! Feeling majorly gloomy about this Dh says, let's call Megan and wish her a good day at school (Nathan, being in HS starts way earlier). He says this as we're standing in line for Peter Pan. As much as I wanted to hear my sweet girls voice, this was NOT the time since they did not know where we actually were. She would know instantly once she heard "And off we go...." by Mr. Pan himself. We both laugh, he says not to worry that remember we're coming back in November so they can enjoy the Christmas stuff too and just makes me feel tons better like he can do. It's at that point that I realise it's Meg's b-day in November and now that trip is not just about seeing the park all dec'd out is now all about her and her 9th b-day so my zany brain starts planning right then and there. That day, I have to say was SOOOSOOOO crowded! I am SO thankful we had done as much as we had already since it didn't look like we were going to get much else done that afternoon. In the morning at DL we were able to ride PP, MH, Space 2x, IJ, BTM and I think that was it for DL that day. There might have been more, but I can't remember (trip notes for Nov. for sure!). We then fight the Main St. crowds to exit and go to DCA. We decide to forgo Soarin this time as the wait was already really long and the fast pass wasn't until way later that day. We went to TT to get a fast pass (wait was already 20 mins) and decide that we will forgo doing Monsters Inc. so we can do it with the kids for the first time in Nov. For some weird reason it made me feel better, I know I'm a weirdo. We then slowely walked over to Screamin and rode that with no train issues this time thankfully. We just generally took our time, didn't ride much but enjoyed eachothers company and just checking things out that we hadnt stopped to notice before. It was really nice to do that especially since it was so crowded already. We finally headed over to TT and the wait was HORRIBLE! Even with a fast pass. We had bad line huggers, which just make it uncomfortable when you're in a tight spot and can't even turn around without being nose to nose with some guy with bad breath breathing down your neck. (Poor Dh, he had line huggers almost the entire trip, I always managed to stand in front of him). After that experience and fighting all the people back out we just decided to call it a day and were very happy with what we'd accomplished during this very busy spring break time. It is the weirdest thing though, why is it that every single time I leave DL, I feel like crying? We had such a great time together, just me and him doing what WE wanted when WE wanted to that why did I want to cry??? Like I said, weirdo here.
We decided that it was time to head out to Hollywood and go see what we could see. Which ended up to be fun, but boy did we keep getting lost! It was rather hysterical I thought, Dh didn't think it was SO funny though....
We ended up being silly tourists and buying one of those "find the stars homes" maps. Total and complete waste of money. I mean the theory was good, just the one we bought was terrible. Gave us places they "may" have lived in or stayed at. We found better things to look at on our own. After a long long day of DL, DCA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills we were exhausted. We almost went back to DL for the fireworks, but it was about 8:30 and I don't think our legs would've made it. Dh laughed at me and said no way would I have made it to the tram
. I agreed and we crawled into bed and were out by 10:00. Man, are we getting old or what?!?!Saturday - 4/8 Venice Beach and Homeward bound
We slept in today, FINALLY, after waking up bright and early to the furniture movers and luckily falling back asleep! I mean come on people, I wasn't whisteling THAT loud! We check out and hit the road, after finding me some much need java and gas for our little cruiser. We made pretty good time and ended up in Venice after only a short traffic spot at about 11:30 or so. Our flight didn't leave until 5:20 so we had some time left to mess around. We walked up and down looking at all the interesting people and their snakes and oddities all around. Gotta love going from DL to Venice, it's like two different planets. Definitely never a dull moment on that walk! We actually ate at a good place called Fig Tree or something like that. It was healthy foods and Dh wasn't too sure about it after reading the menu, but we had a nice final meal and headed out. Back to the car rental place (one more bout of being lost, but nothing major) drop the car and we're on our way to LAX. Very easy and smooth. Get checked in, we're seasoned now you see, no more line hold ups for us smart travelers. We get home safe and sound. Happy to see the kids and more appreciative than ever of what a wonderful family I have!
Now - on to plan for November
Thanks for reading if you made it all the way through, in case you haven't guessed, I'm a babbler!!!
