Visions of Sugar Plums (Dancing Sugar Plum Fairies That Is!) - A Pre-Trip Report

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Welcome to my SECOND PTR/TR!

The first PTR went great. It wasn't until I hit the TR that things started to go downhill. You can check out the failure here if you'd like, Brave Attempt at a First PTR/TR. It just looks so sad sitting out there without its happy ending, which trust me it had a great happy ending and those memories are still held in my heart. BUT life happens and I won't make excuses. I will only promise to do better this time around. Although I was unable to complete the TR, I am still in the process of uploading pictures from the vacation onto the thread.

I feel like this is a chance to redeem my TR creditability here on Dis (if there is such a thing). I am excited to be back and even more excited to start a new PTR and eventually add a complete TR to this thread!! Please feel free to subscribe and hold me accountable until the end. I need all the support I can get!



So, without further ado.
Let's begin with an intro to the cast members!

(March 2013 Minnie and Friends Breakfast Buffet)
DH Chance (36)
DS1 Aidan (13)
DS2 Brennan (11)
DS3 Kiptyn (2.5)
Oh, and of course yours truly, Sarah (33)

So there you have it. A smaller cast than last time, but nonetheless entertaining in our own crazy ways.

My husband could have cared less about Disney when we got married 14 years ago. Needless to say, I've rubbed off on him a bit. Ok fine, quite a bit actually. He loves all things Disney. He can tie a random scent or sound back to the park which always makes me giggle. He is a manly man, but never to manly for matching shirts! He has a tough exterior, but Disney soft interior.

Aidan and Brennan have been going to Disneyland since they were babies. It was so much fun to watch them grow and each trip be able to ride more and more rides. They love anything fast with loops and drops, but they can also appreciate dark rides and love to ride them just as much as the thrill rides.

Kiptyn has also been going to the park with us since he was itty bitty. His first trip was actually in my tummy (see previous TR/PTR). He love love LOVES the characters. He will run up to any of them and hug until I peel him off. This makes it difficult to get pictures other than those of the back of his head. His favorite ride would probably be It's a Small World.

I've grown up loving Disney, but was not able to take a trip until I was a teenager. My mom was a single mother to my sister and I. She provided the very best, but a trip just wasnt feasible on her income. Long story short, I was able to win $1,000 on a radio contest. This money helped pay our way for our first visit with the Mouse! I still remember walking through the gates with my Mother, Sister, Brother and Grandmother. I'd never seen my Grandma skip before, but off she went skipping towards the castle squealing at the top of her lungs. Quite the sight I must say. If only we'd captured it on camera! It's a memory that I hold inside and treasure to this day. Disney memories truly are priceless! Maybe that's part of the magic that I love the most.

Anyway, I am OCD or as I call it CDO (the letters have to be alphabetical ya know!). I begin trip planning during the current trip. While on vacation I make mental notes, to do lists, what not to do lists, etc. for the next trip. I generally begin packing months in advance and create lists of things to do before we leave. Yes, its a bit crazy I know, but you can never be too prepared!

I am the only female in our family so that makes me the Princess! After all, the name Sarah does mean Princess. If the tiara fits wear it, right? I love all rides minus Screamin' I can't stand rollercoasters, but I happen to love rides like Space Mtn and TMRR. I know, it doesnt make sense. They are all technically rollercoasters, but you cant see it in Space Mountain and TMRR is supported by, well, a mountain. Regardless if it's TMRR or Screamin', if we derail we will go flying and plummet to our bloody deaths. So again, my logic is not very clear, but it is my logic and I stand by it.
Maybe this will be the year that I ride Screamin'! Don't go holding your breath though!


So there you have it. The cast and a little bit (or maybe more than you care to know) about us.


Coming up next: A Trip Down Memory Main Street USA!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I just love that story about your grandmother <3


I may have been reading too fast - when are you going?

ETA: I just went and saw your other trip report and I do hope you'll have time to finish it - or at least update us with the solution to the water problem was. Also, what room configuration had you booked at the GCH to sleep 6? We are a family of 6 and 2 of our kids usually share a room with my mom if she goes with us, but I'd love to be able to stay onsite (without two rooms) if we go without her.

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Welcome!

Our trip dates are November 20th through the 26th.

I did post an update to the water fiasco on the other thread. It should be the most recent post.

I believe we were looking into two rooms at the time of that trip. The GCH has suites available, but I don't believe the information is available online. I just recently had to call them to inquire. As an FYI, GCH does not offer any type of discount on the suites. So it may be cheaper to book two rooms side by side if there is a discount available vs. a suite at full cost. They've been known to offer up to a 40% discount via the Disneyland site before, but again it's not valid on a suite.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

So they did eventually move you to a new room? I saw that they said they would the following day.

Ok that makes sense re:GCH. We actually stayed there last year with my parents in a 3 bedroom suite and are doing the DLH this year in a 2 bedroom (it is about the same as 2 rooms and since they won't guarantee connecting rooms...) I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

Looking forward to this trip report We overlap a few days with you this year - we'll be there Nov 24-30.

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Let’s take a trip down memory Main Street USA!



Since my last PTR/TR DL vacation of November 2010 we have been to the “Land” 3 times.

We took a road trip in October of 2011, just the DH and our three sons. During this trip we stayed at the Anaheim RV Village. Boy were our feet tired after making that trek to and from the park 4 times a day!

Go BSU!

Halloween Décor! Love it.

Dada and Kiptyn in line for the Jungle Cruise

Waiting outside of the Tiki Room

Aidan and his pirate ears (Note: Brennan and Duffy in the background).

Brennan and his Duffy ears.

Jumping for joy!

No caption… I can’t concentrate enough to come up with one in between my laughing.

Kiptyn’s first look at Fantasyland!

Love the carousel through the castle


We then went again in November of 2012 but added my mother, brother and my brother’s girlfriend to the mix. We stayed in a suite at the Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites, which was nice, convenient and very affordable for a group of 8.

My Mother and Aidan heading into the park for the first time this vacation

Traditional first ride: POTC

Checking out Pluto’s whiskers

Mad Hatter at the Mad T-Party

Exhausted!

My brother, Aidan & Brennan

Coloring with Goofy!

My guys <3

Kiptyn waiting for the parade

This balloon went everywhere with him. It even made it on the 14 hour truck ride home!

Family Photo

He was thrilled even though he might not look like it.

Family in our shirts. Each mickey snowflake was associated with one of our names.

Traditional Christmas sweater pic in front of the tree – A must do for us if we go in Nov.

The family minus Aidan who had to go to the bathroom right that second


To be continued...

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Previous post continued:



Our last trip was this past March. Again, just the hubby, boys and I. We stayed at the Cortona Inn and Suites. This was also quite a walk, but we didn’t mind it!

L-O-V-E

Aww

The Easter Bunny!

Minnie and Friends Breakfast

Minnie and Friends Breakfast

Minnie and Friends Breakfast

Minnie and Friends Breakfast

Minnie and Friends Breakfast

Heimlich’s Chew Chew

Last picture take before my camera was lost. But we found it! Adventures, yay!

Waiting for the parade. One last hurrah before we hit the road home to Idaho

Parade High Fives are the best!


Next Up: The Nitty Gritty 2013 Trip Details!
Stay Tuned!!

 

[Luisa]

Following along, the title grabbed me and your son is the only other Brennan I've 'met' (my 4 year old nephew is named Brennan).

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Following along, the title grabbed me and your son is the only other Brennan I've 'met' (my 4 year old nephew is named Brennan).

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I have a 3 yr old nephew named Brennan

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

I don't think we've ever met another Brennan before. We didn't know any Aidan's when we had our first born and now the name is all over the place!

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Nitty Gritty 2013 Trip Details

Cue the visions of sugar plums!

It won't be a Christmas trip per se, but it will be the kick off to our holiday season and the beginning of the park holiday overlay which I absolutely LOVE! I know I've said it in previous posts there is just something so much more magical about Disneyland during this time of year. The decorations, sounds, smells, ambiance... oh holy night! I just love it. I will also admit that I love watching kids catching snow on their tongues during the lighting of the castle ceremony only to find out the hard and icky way that the snow is actually bubbles.

Dates:
Our trip this year will take place November 20th through the 26th. My husband will be in Fresno for work and will have the fifth wheel in tow. Chance will be heading down that morning and setting up camp at Anaheim RV Park. He will then pick the boys and me up at the airport. Our SW flight departs from Boise, Idaho at 2:15pm and arrives at Los Angeles, California at 4:40pm. We are hoping to freshen up and head to the park around 7pm. I would have to say that I prefer the RV park vs hotel simply because it is so much easier for us (and cheaper) to do breakfast and/or lunch in the RV. We have decided to spread out the trip to enjoy our time and not feel so rushed to do everything in a short amount of time. This way we wont feel bad about taking a break from the park to swim or nap. It makes for a much happier time when the kids (okay fine, the parents) have a chance to relax during vacation.

Tickets:
We debated using the military appreciation tickets (3 day hopper for $129), but we will be there for 6 days and can only purchase 6 of the special hopper passes. Sooooo, weve decided to splurge and go with Deluxe Passes!! I am sure that we will be visiting again within the next year. We have never owned passes and are SUPER excited!!

Specifics:
We will be spending half a day on the 20th, full days on the 21st through 25th, and then a half day on the 26th. We will then be driving to Sacramento to visit part of my husbands side of the family and stay the night before hitting the road to head home on the 27th in order to be home in time for Thanksgiving with my side of the family here in Idaho. The trip from Sac to home is about 9 hours. I love to create and print games to keep the boys occupied. The truck is also equipped with headrest TVs, which are wonderful with the kiddos. Between movies, games and electronics (iPads, iPods and hand held games) we should be covered for the trip home.
I've arranged for some friends to stay at the house so we won't have to board our dogs, which will end up saving us a couple hundred dollars plus I don't feel as guilty.

Dining:
I am thinking that we will do Carnation Café on the night of our arrival. I can't decide if we will book the Blue Bayou this trip or not. We tend to eat there every trip, but opted for Minnie and Friends Breakfast last time (March). We booked the first buffet slot of the day and were in the park super early which just about killed my older boys. We sat by the window and they wanted so much more to be riding rides rather than taking character photos. I have to say they were good sports on my behalf. If we dont book the Blue Bayou we will eat Monte Cristos and Pomme Frites at Café Orleans. Another must do for food is the Taste Pilots Grill for at least one lunch/dinner (we all love the burgers!) and always the Golden Horseshoe for a show (I usually sneak in a tostada salad from Rancho De Zocalo while the boys eat fish or chicken tenders and chips from the Horseshoe). I like to pack a lot of snacks to keep everyone happy and energized. We take PB&J sandwiches, trail mix, beef jerky, fresh fruit and granola in with us. Of course we splurge once in a while on giant pickles, dole whips and other park snacks throughout the trip but boy can my kids EAT! Its always nice to have a quick snack on hand especially while standing in line or taking a break on a park bench. Last trip I pre-sliced apples and brought individually packaged cups of peanut butter (Jif To-Go Cups). This was a huge hit with the kids and my husband.

Other Must Dos :

• First and last ride of our trip POTC! This has become a tradition over the past few years and I am not sure how it came about, but this is an absolute MUST for our trip.
• Catch the lighting of the castle on our first night in the park if possible. This seems to really set the mood for the trip and gets everyone in the spirit. I wont be heartbroken if this doesnt happen but it is definitely up there on my list of to dos.
• Another must is to catch the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade from the porch with hot chocolate, peppermint mochas and gingerbread or snowmen cookies. This has also become another tradition over the last few trips that weve taken in November. In the past timing has been perfect with Kiptyn asleep in the stroller, me parked on the bench an hour or so prior to the parade and the boys off riding bigger rides with their Dad. I really enjoy to sit and people watch. I also enjoy chit chatting with whoever we end up sharing the porch with.
• I would also love to catch the new holiday WOC show.

I am contemplating the PhotoPass+. We usually take advantage of the Photopass cd especially when there is a large group of us and we can split the cost. I thought it would be nice to also have the pictures from the rides that take photos. If anyone has taken advantage of the Photopass+ maybe you can shed some light on how it works, pros/cons, etc. I know I can find the info here on Dis, but would like to hear your input too.

So thats the trip plan as it stands today. I am sure it will change and I will add to it as we get closer to our travel date.

 

[PHXscuba]

I am contemplating the PhotoPass+. We usually take advantage of the Photopass cd especially when there is a large group of us and we can split the cost. I thought it would be nice to also have the pictures from the rides that take photos. If anyone has taken advantage of the Photopass+ maybe you can shed some light on how it works, pros/cons, etc. I know I can find the info here on Dis, but would like to hear your input too.

We did the Photopass Plus in March for the first time with our family of 6 and I really liked it. I found that the photographers took extra time with us when they saw we had it -- we got photo shoots with 8 or 9 photos at the Partners statue and the similar one in DCA. They're in my TR around page 22/23 and I did not post all of the ones they took! If you wanted the Christmas-card shot that would be the way to go.

We also had a tripod photographer outside of Carsland offer to follow us around Carsland with a camera an hour later but we were headed elsewhere. We also had fun coming up with some fun poses on rides. My DS used our PP+ when he went back with the band a week later, and his friend used the Splash Mountain photo to invite someone else on the log to prom!

I think the cost for what you get is good. You also get the printed photo package from the character meals that sell them. I told DH the photos were my souvenir -- I can't tell you how many times my kids and I have looked at our Disney pictures on the iPad already.

One con: I found the border selections a little lacking. But that was a minor quibble for me.

Good luck with the trip planning. I am going for a day next month and hopefully in December too.

PHXscuba

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

We did the Photopass Plus in March for the first time with our family of 6 and I really liked it. I found that the photographers took extra time with us when they saw we had it -- we got photo shoots with 8 or 9 photos at the Partners statue and the similar one in DCA. They're in my TR around page 22/23 and I did not post all of the ones they took! If you wanted the Christmas-card shot that would be the way to go.

We also had a tripod photographer outside of Carsland offer to follow us around Carsland with a camera an hour later but we were headed elsewhere. We also had fun coming up with some fun poses on rides. My DS used our PP+ when he went back with the band a week later, and his friend used the Splash Mountain photo to invite someone else on the log to prom!

I think the cost for what you get is good. You also get the printed photo package from the character meals that sell them. I told DH the photos were my souvenir -- I can't tell you how many times my kids and I have looked at our Disney pictures on the iPad already.

One con: I found the border selections a little lacking. But that was a minor quibble for me.

Good luck with the trip planning. I am going for a day next month and hopefully in December too.

PHXscuba

Thank you for this feedback! The PP disc is usually always my choice of souvenir from the park. I love having pictures of the entire family and it's a bit difficult to obtain without lugging a tripod or asking someone to take the photo for us. We didn't buy the disc in March just because we didn’t make it a point to have many pictures taken and in the end it wasn’t worth the price for a handful of photos. It would have come in handy at our character breakfast though!

I love the prom invite idea! How creative!! Hopefully she said yes! The boys are already coming up with poses for the rides. Their favorite is to look as scared as possible without making it obvious that they are faking. They like the reaction that it gets from the other riders as it flashes up on the screen.

I get what you mean with the borders. I wasn't very impressed with the selection last year and was hoping to have more options with the PP+. Oh well.

Thanks again for the input. Have fun on your upcoming trips! I'm off to check out your thread.

 

[PHXscuba]

Thank you for this feedback! The PP disc is usually always my choice of souvenir from the park. I love having pictures of the entire family and it's a bit difficult to obtain without lugging a tripod or asking someone to take the photo for us. We didn't buy the disc in March just because we didn’t make it a point to have many pictures taken and in the end it wasn’t worth the price for a handful of photos. It would have come in handy at our character breakfast though!

I love the prom invite idea! How creative!! Hopefully she said yes! The boys are already coming up with poses for the rides. Their favorite is to look as scared as possible without making it obvious that they are faking. They like the reaction that it gets from the other riders as it flashes up on the screen.

I get what you mean with the borders. I wasn't very impressed with the selection last year and was hoping to have more options with the PP+. Oh well.

Thanks again for the input. Have fun on your upcoming trips! I'm off to check out your thread.

I believe the borders are the same for Photopass or Plus -- you can't really add borders to the ride photos, so it's just packaging it together.

And the girl did say yes to prom!!

Some of our goofy shots are the TR as well. There's one of all of us doing a sort of "hmmm...thinking" pose on Space Mountain that was my favorite.

PHXscuba

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Not sure if I'm allowed to post this or not, but here's a YouTube link to our November 2012 vacation video. There are a few other trip vids posted under that profile too.

Please let me know if I'm breaking any rules.

http://youtu.be/3R_-qF7TXuY

 

[Sisa]

Folowing! You have a beautiful family.

 

[aidensmom31]

I agree with you, Christmas time at Disneyland is something else In fact, my son and I love it so much we fly out on Christmas Eve and will be there through New Years.

I got photopass plus last year and love it. Got it this year too. I liked being able to get all the normal pp photos we usually get plus ride and character meal photos that normally cost extra. We had so many from our last trip it was insane.

And I understand your hesitation on Screamin, I was adament I would never ride it but I made my son a promise on our last trip (stupid mom move) and well I actually liked it I still get a little apprehensive cause of the loop but it really aint that bad (ssshhhh.....dont tell my kiddo that ).

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Folowing! You have a beautiful family.

Welcome and thank you!

And I understand your hesitation on Screamin, I was adament I would never ride it but I made my son a promise on our last trip (stupid mom move) and well I actually liked it I still get a little apprehensive cause of the loop but it really aint that bad (ssshhhh.....dont tell my kiddo that ).

Don't worry I won't tell. I haven't made any promises to my boys, yet.

 

[lucysmom]

Ooh, I loved your you tube show!

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Ooh, I loved your you tube show!

Thank you! I am trying to make a video for each trip but am a bit behind. They are a little time consuming to make but I enjoy doing it in my spare time. So far I've completed 4 trips.

The kids watch them on a weekly basis. We actually changed the beginning of one of the videos to surprise the boys on the morning of our trip. I switched out the DVD in player knowing that they would turn it on first thing in the morning. They sat down to watch it and were completely surprised. I really should post that one on youtube now that I think about it. It was kind of dorky, but got the reaction I was going for.

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

Coffee mug of the day! (and yes, I finished snapping the lid on before taking a drink. That could have been a major catastrophe!)

Does anyone else these souvenir mugs from the park? I don't know why, but coffee just seems to taste better in a Disneyland mug.

We try to collect a couple of these mugs on each vacation. I love to stop by the cappuccino cart in the Disneyland hub to buy a half mocha/half hot cocoa in one of these mugs. We also resuse them in the hotel room for our morning coffee or for water in the park. I love a souvenir that serves multiple purposes!




Anyway... on to the real reason for this post...
Only 70 days to go! This means 10 days until I can make reservations at Carnation Café! So excited!!

I still need to finish the grocery list for the hubs. He will be stocking the fifth wheel with food for snacks, breakfasts and the occasional lunch and/or dinner. This will allow us to snack and eat in the park without feeling guilty for splurging on things we normally wouldn't buy due to budget.

I ordered white and red raglan shirts yesterday to make our family shirts this trip. They were $10 a shirt which isn't bad but I still have to buy the rest of the supplies. In the past I have always made iron on images, but this year I am going to attempt something a bit bigger involving scissors, a sewing machine and hand stitching. You may or may not see us wearing these depending on how they turn out.

I have one large bag completely packed and will probably need to pack one more medium bag for our trip. I am a major over packer, but Id rather be safe than sorry. I am packing for a family of 5 for 8 days so I think two bags is good considering all things. The trailer has a washer/dryer combo so I can wash small loads if needed. The large bag will be put in the trailer so that I won't have to deal with it at the airport. It's just the boys and I flying so the less to lug around the better!

So trip planning is on schedule! I can't believe how fast time is flying! Our trip will be here before we know it!