UPDATED! They've Been Some Long Ones! Nov. 9-23, 2008 PLUS 2006, 2007 & now WDW 2009!

[mariezp]

I hope you enjoyed my older reports. It's always fun to share and hear what people think!

Your daughter is so cute!!

Thank you! We think she is pretty cute but we are pretty biased. Don't tell the rest of the family but she is my very favorite Disneyland buddy!

You got a lot of great pictures, especially character shots, including Ratatouille and Br'er Bear, which are not common these days.

Over the years we have seen quite a few characters alright! I was very surprised and pleased to see Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox on that particular trip. As for Ratatouille, we just happened to be in the park shortly after his movie had made it's debut. Unfortunately, DD's interest in hunting down characters had waned last year. Who knows what she will like doing this year? She's not generally a princessie sort of girl and some of the characters tend to creep her out. (think Mad Hatter, The Incredibles or Captain Hook)

I loved the picture of you dancing with Goofy outside of (I think) the Lilo and Stitch breakfast, and the one of your son interacting with Minnie at the Minnie and Friends meal.

Oh that was so much fun! Actually, the picture was taken at the Disney Visa Meet n Greet when it was still in the lower level of Ariel's. When we went there was NO ONE else there so we got some special attention... which included the private dance with Goofy.
The other picture with my son and Minnie may be my very favorite photo we have ever gotten of him! He was such a good sport while she shoveled food in his mouth! Fun times.

You got a picture of yet another different popcorn-turner dude!

They are soooo cute! And something fun to keep an eye out for. Little details that are so Disney. Good old Santa is still my very favorite.

I cannot believe I misssed the strawberry shortcake! It was probably still being sold at DLR when I went there in September 2007, but I just didn't know it - and now it is gone forever!

Oh man! Don't tell me it's gone FOREVER! I didn't find any last time we were there but I was still holding out hope. It was so yummy and absolutely one of the best desserts offered for the few of us who would rather have something besides chocolate.

The Jack Sparrow in one of the pictures looks like he is up to no good at all - you can see it in his eyes!!

Yep, no good! He was very in character and IMHO the best looking Jack.

What happens in Aladdin's Oasis? I know it is a dinner show sort of like the Tahitian Terrace was, but what is the show like? Is it singing or what happens?

I believe it actually was held in the same space where the Tahitian Terrace used to be but it is not a dinner show. It was a little show which told the story of Aladdin. There was an area where the children sat right in front of the stage and they would select several kids per show to help them on stage. The audience was also encouraged to participate. After the show you could get autographs and photos with Aladdin and Jasmine. It was nothing on the grand scale of the show at CA but was a cute show. During the summer the Indy show took over the area for a brief run. Since that ended I do not think they are doing anything on the stage and I have not heard any definite plans for them to bring the Aladdin's Oasis show back. We will certainly miss it! My DD LOVED being up on stage.

I totally 100% agree with you about trying at least one new thing on every trip. Even if it is something that 5000 people have done but I have never done, it is still new to me! I try to work in at least one new thing on every trip, be it a new restaurant (though I really like sticking with the tried and true in the food area) or a ride I haven't been on, or a show I haven't seen yet, or taking pictures of things I hadn't thought of before, etc. First of all, there is just not enough time to do EVERYthing on my short trips, but also it helps to keep things fresh and interesting by integrating new things into each trip. So I will hit the Animation Academy one of these days, and I will eventually do the holiday tour!! It is always good to leave some territory unexplored to have something to look forward to for future trips.

We have really got to experience some extra fun stuff by going with the do something new or something special on every trip plan. But I do know if we were limited to only a few days we wouldn't have enough time. I hope you get a chance some day to take one of those LONG trips so you can get your fill of DL instead of always having to be rushed. We do also have some of the tried and true on our list. I do my best to strike the perfect balance so everyone in the family gets something great out of our trip.

Animation Academy Even with all our time, I still have not spent all the time I would like to in that building! Seems every time we go ends up being right before lunch! Then the guys call and off we rush to meet up with them... leaving the Animation Building behind in a cloud of dust! I do hope you get to make it in there!

As for the tours... admittedly they are not for everybody. However, I think anyone who loves DL as much as you do would love any of them! So far we have done the Christmas Tour, Discover Magic Tour and the Walk in Walt's Footstep tours. I would have done the VIP but the rates went up to $125 an hour right before our 30 day booking period! Figures. Anyway, I hope they come up with some new tours soon! I am running out of ones to try!

 

[mariezp]

So, it's been a really long time since I have even looked at my 2 old trip reports. After I did a quick scan I realized that I only posted a few photos from both trips so... I am going back and going to share some more from my past trips that did not make it in the reports. Here goes...

From 2006

How many can you squeeze in Dumbo?

Being silly on the carousel.

They were taping some commercial one day we were there.

I can only imagine what she is telling her!

Emma loves Toontown!

Christmas Parade shots

We made it right before all the really big lights showed up.

CA Christmas tree

Whitewater kitties!

Playhouse Disney

Gotta love those carousels!

Farewell letters!

I'll try to post more from 2007 tomorrow!

 

[Sherry E]

You've been holding out on us, Marie! These pictures are great! That does look like an awfully tight squeeze in Dumbo, though. Your son looks like he almost has to turn his body a little sideways to fit.

Yes, please post more pictures!! If I can drag out the really ancient ones from my DLR trips when I was a 4-year-old little girl in 1972 and post them, which I did, you definitely need to dig into the 2007 well (or earlier!) and post away!! We need to see ALL the pictures you have!!

 

[mariezp]

Okay Sherry! You talked me into it! Well, actually I can't guarantee I'll get some of the way back when ones that need scanning done anytime soon but I can add some more that didn't make the 2007 trip report.

I'll start with a real doozie! Here's my DH acting like a nut with one of those stupid expensive light up toys while we were waiting for the Electrical Parade. Even though he looks like a goofball these photos are the ones I treasure most because I know they were having a good time.

ELP, my FAVORITE Disney parade! Unfortunately, I don't take very good pictures at night but you get the idea. (or maybe you just get dizzy?)

We make big plans to go to Disneyland and my DD would be perfectly happy spending all our days at the Big Thunder Ranch petting zoo.

Hitch-hiking Heffabee

DD found Jingles

It is always so sunny in Toontown!

Pausing for some rest at Minnie's house

Next up.... Mickey's house

I think I wore her smile out!

Darn! Wouldn't you know it! Duty calls so that's all I have time for right now....BUT.... I'll be back with more hopefully tomorrow.

 

[mariezp]

Alrighty.... here's a start on the rest for 2007. Gotta warn you... there are A LOT so it may take me several more sessions!

Proof that we did actually ride tender on the train. DD looks like she thinks the ride is going to be scary but she was actually trying to lean back as far as she could so they could get a picture of us. It's not very often that I have a better smile in a picture than she does.

DD does her impersonation of a Tiki God.

I love these guys and their roving eyes!

The Lilo and Stitch character meal was fun for the kid. I enjoyed the different selections from the buffet and the fact that it wasn't nearly as crowded as some of the other character meals. There was a lot of great character interaction going on here!

Off to the wilds!

Oh look! On our trip Trader Sam was the one who lost his head!!! I am such a good photographer to catch that one on film!

Meanwhile.... back at the treehouse

One really short parade!

 

[mariezp]

We really miss the Aladdin Oasis show.

Of course, then there's the BIG production! (and crappy photos)

And we really miss the Nestle Cookie Making!

Fantasmic

 

[travelmel]

Great new pics, Marie ZP! I love the little purple Marie -kitty shirt your DD is wearing.

I'm trying to decide of my DD's are ready to move on to Magic Mt or if they'll enjoy another Disneyland trip with their ole mums. They very obviously loved the last trip and I know they're going this summer with my cousin... we'll see.

 

[mariezp]

Thanks travelmel! I'm glad you enjoyed the pics... and DD's shirt.

Tough decision. If it were me I think I'd pretend I hadn't thought about Magic Mt and go to Disneyland instead! In my little mind you can't even compare the two but I guess you are right... teen age kids probably might get more of a kick out of having more thrill rides, which Magic Mt certainly has in abundance. Good luck on that!

Gonna see if I can load up some more photos.....

 

[mariezp]

Okay.... here's another round.

Toon Town

Roger Rabbit

Small World. This trip I decided to take pictures outside instead of inside.

Pinocchio

 

[mariezp]

Even more......

Random stuff

 

[mariezp]

still more.....

Discover Magic Tour

A few more random

A couple flower.... and bug shots

One from the World of Disney

 

[mariezp]

And the last batch from 2007.

Animation Building

Bugs Land

Block Party Bash

 

[pmama]

Hello, I'm joining in on this fun TR a little late. I've read the first couple pages and can't wait to set aside time to read more. I do have a question. I saw the pictures of the musical chairs game at Plaza Inn. You said they usually play it at 2:30. Is it only at 2:30 or do they do it at other times? Is it usually the same characters or does it change. That looks like a lot of fun! My mother especially would love it if Alice was there as that is her favorite character.

 

[mariezp]

pmama I am so glad you decided to drop by! I LOVE to share our trip with anybody willing to listen... or in this case read.

Musical chairs is great! My DD loved it and I had so much fun watching too. Yep, as far as I know it's always been at 2:30. I know it makes it hard to catch if you take a mid day break. We did that faithfully for years when my DD had to have a nap. This year we had such a crazy schedule traveling with others that we took our breaks some days and some days we got to the park so late we didn't get a break. That's why this is the first year we have ever gotten to play musical chairs.

As far as I know Alice and Mad Hatter are always there. Of our multiple days to join in, Peter was there one day too. I think on occasion I have heard of other characters dropping in but Alice and Hatter are the regulars running the show.... and the piano player, of course. So grab mom and enjoy the fun!

OOOH! How fun! Your DD gets to have her birthday in Disneyland! Is she excited? I hope ya'll have a blast!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Well it took me a few days to get thru the entire TR, but it was well worth it. With the descriptions & pics, I felt as if I were there. Loved all of it!!! It was a long trip.....we've never done more than 5 days, but are doing 6 1/2 this time (9 days ).
Definately some stuff we're going to check out that we've missed before, but your pics intriqued us & are going to look into them. (animation building we've gone into & looked around a bit, but didn't realize there was way more in there to do!)
Hopefully I can get some great pics on our trip to share with everyone.

NICE JOB!!

 

[mariezp]

Yep, my report was certainly not a quick sit down read! Glad you found the time to read along with me even if it had to span more than one day. And, thank you for the wonderful compliments! It was my pleasure to share our experiences.

I hope you enjoy your extra time at the park. It is so wonderful to be able to relax and not have to tour the park at hyper speed.

I headed over and took a look at your pre-trip report and can't wait to see your photos and read your trip report when you get back.

 

[Sherry E]

Happy birthday, Marie!!!!



(<< isn't this dancing guy creepy and strange?)

I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday - you are one of the nicest, sweetest people on the DIS (with a great sense of humor), and you deserve a wonderful day!

I also wanted to bump this fantastic TR of yours to give new readers a chance to discover it and old readers a chance to revisit it! In fact, you know I was following along from the beginning, but I had forgotten about the pictures you posted on this last page! These are great (love the ones in the Animation Building). I love all the shots of the topiaries, because it reminds me that there are more of them around FL to be discovered aside from just the obvious ones on the IASW ride. I think I wil try to make it a mission to get as many Topiary pictures as possible next time I go - for some reason I keep overlooking them!

Make sure you bump this TR thread and let everyone know when the WDW Trip Report has begun (have you started a Pre-TR on the WDW section of the board?), as I am sure many of your loyal followers and fans of the wonderful DLR TR you did will also want to join in for the retelling of the journey to WDW too! (I want to see all the great pictures you will be taking with the Canon SD880 - which will probably be much better than my attempts with the same device!)

 

[mariezp]

Thank you for my happy birthday wishes, Sherry. You are so sweet and full of praise and compliments! You have even resurrected my trip report! I am glad you went back and enjoyed some of the pics you did not catch the first time. I hope some others out there find something they enjoy as well.

I have to return the favor and let you know that you have also been one of my favorites to follow along with on your trip report. Honestly, you have been one of my remaining lifelines to the DL side of the board while I am planning our first trip to WDW. There is just so much to read and absorb that I don't have enough time to keep up with both so I have been mainly on the WDW side of things. There will be a lot of new things to catch up on when I finally get back to planning the next DL trip! I haven't even thought of starting a pre-trip report although it just might be fun. Not exactly sure where the time for that would come from but surely I have progressed enough to let up a little on the research and start sharing some of my planning. I'll have to see if I can do anything about that.

Can't start this weekend because we are heading to Corpus Christi as a sort of quick birthday trip. Good news about that is that my new camera arrived in time for me to take it and try it out. We will have an 8 hour drive so I should have some time on my hands to peruse the manual but I still cannot guarantee that my pictures will come out any better than yours will. Give me a manual and I might as well be reading Chinese! And even if some of it makes sense and sinks into my brain I will be apt to forget what I have read next time I decide to use the camera again. (you see my new avatar... she and I are so much alike!) I did take a few quick shots of my DD and thought the results were pretty impressive. Nice, clear sharp shots. What do you think?

 

[Sherry E]

The picture is very clear! (She is going to have so much fun at WDW, isn't she? I think Animal Kingdom and Epcot will be big hits with your family, because they are the parks which are most UNLIKE anything at DLR!)

I don't have the patience or time to sit and read the 3 manuals that came with my SD880. I suppose I will take the one manual wiht me next time I am at DLR, so I will have it for reference if I need it. I KNOW I could get better pictures by getting accustomed to the settings and practicing with them, but I just cannot sit and read all that and expect to remember it!! I wanted to know how to zoom in and zoom out, how to view photos in the camera, how to load them to the computer, how to delete them from the memory card if need be, and how to use the self-timer. And frankly, after using the self-timer, I don't remember how to use it now without reading the manual again!!

Have fun in Corpus Christi!! And have a wonderful birthday!

P.S. Thank you for the nice comments about me and for following along on my (much less exciting) DLR adventures - or should I say, after the birthday debacle, NON-DLR adventures!!! I will continue to post as my Halloweentime and/or Christmastime plans unfold!

 

[Yakety76]

Wow!! Great pictures and report. Thanks for sharing. It looks like you all had a fabulous time.