WDW Vets/DLR Newbies Unite!

[Sleepless Knight]

Yep. Walt Disney risked his business and his own personal finances to build Disneyland. The Walt Disney Studios were still struggling to recover from WWII when Walt really began to work on Disneyland. As much as the place is a testament to him, it's also a testament to his brother Roy and wife Lillian that they believed his vision. He had the luxury of the huge success of Disneyland and the huge profits from Mary Poppins to sink into what he called the Florida project. Disneyland was built at tremendous risk to his life, family, and career.

I also think that every WDW veteran who loves WDW should keep this in mind when visiting Disneyland. If not for Disneyland, there would be no WDW.

 

[traveljunkie]

Although we have been to DL before, it's be over 10 years and before CA and DTD were added. I planned a trip to San Diego under the guise of visiting relatives and I managed to squeeze 2 days at DLR. My husband likes WDW alot (still not as much as me) and is not at all excited about our DLR visit. I planned to stay the night at HOJO with just my daughters so we could go the 2 days. Now he's *thinking* about going 2 days too.... We'll see but I know what I'm doing!!

 

[Disney Princess]

My husband and I actually met on the College Program at WDW... but we're going to Disneyland this year mostly for financial reasons... We live in Phoenix, so we can drive there easily, plus he works for the Disney Store part time , and we have a couple tickets that we've gotten for free from them... But we're actually going to celebrate our daughters FIRST birthday! Yay!

We met on the college program at WDW too!!!! We were there in 2004. Our first date was to the MK. It will always be our "special place", but we're excited to try something new.

 

[GottaLuvMickey]

We met on the college program at WDW too!!!! We were there in 2004. Our first date was to the MK. It will always be our "special place", but we're excited to try something new.

When were you there in '04?! That's when we were there! We did Fall Advantage '04, I was a lifeguard at BB and he did merch on Discovery Island at AK! We both lived at Vista....

 

[jpeka65844]

More WDW vets making the pilgrimage to DLR this summer: June 30-July 5

We're going for the change of scenery and to see where it all began. Plus, we have friends that live in the area that have been bugging us to come visit "You know, they have one of those Disney thingies out here too......" they like to say.

I've never been to CA and if there's an earthquake and the whole state falls into the ocean while I'm there, I'm going to be pissed.....

 

[Disney Dreams]

...I've never been to CA and if there's an earthquake and the whole state falls into the ocean while I'm there, I'm going to be pissed.....

Yeah, but then you will be getting an island vacation without having to go all the way to Hawaii!

 

[abeyst]

I just got back from my first DL trip, and it was a wonderful experience!! I was in LA for business, so how could I not stay a few extra days and see DL!! Being I've been a WDW fan for decades, I was worried I may not like DL. Yes, it is a bit different. Having read HydroGuys thread, I was prepared. It was still hard not to compare DL to WDW, though. At least for the first day, lol! After that you just get swept up in the new park (cause you really don't know where you're going and you will need a map), and all the quaint, special touches that you won't find in the vastness of WDW.

A co-worker and I had Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. We finished everything we wanted to see/ride (which covered 98% of DL, 75% of DCA) by Sunday morning. We could have used a few extra days just to relax at the hotel.

I found many things I liked better about DL, too many to list in fact. I swear I could ride Storybook Land over and over and never get tired of it. I loved the charm of it all, and walking around knowing Walt was here, he designed this, he stood right where I stood. I had a chance to tell my coworker why the light in the fire house window stays lit all the time. I got to walk through a castle.

I had such a great time I upgraded my pass to an AP. I can't wait to take my kids back to see it, and enjoy the 'familiar differences' that DL will bring to them. (Here's hoping airfare goes WAYYYYY down!)

It won't be a 'destination' we can go to every year and have a new vacation, like we can at WDW. But we will visit every few years to enjoy the great qualities that you won't find at WDW.

I hope you all enjoy your trips, and have a truly wonderful time!

 

[Disney Princess]

When were you there in '04?! That's when we were there! We did Spring Advantage '04, I was a lifeguard at BB and he did merch on Discovery Island at AK! We both lived at Vista....

Spring Advantage 2004!!!! This is a SMALL WORLD. I worked at Epcot as a Rescue Ranger and my husband worked at MK in food. Not "glamorous" jobs by any means, but a wonderful adventure and step in our careers. And yes, we were at Vista. Not meaning to hijack the thread, but crazy, crazy meeting you here.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Where in NM are you planning on stopping? I'm assuming you're probably taking I-10 and going to stop in Las Cruces? I wouldn't reccomend stopping anywhere else! If so, I used to live in LC and could tell you what hotels are decent there if you'd like... just let me know!

Looking at a map, it does have us taking I-10. I think we can get further than Las Cruces on day one. Is Tucson an okay stop-off point? If not, somewhere close to Tucson. That would give us about six (6) hours left on day 2 to get to Coronado and enjoy the beach. On the way back home, I plan to stay somewhere near Amarillo, TX. Then again, we may stay at the Grand Canyon longer than anticipated and Albuquerque might be a better stop. If we drove onto Texas, DH might see that Texas border sign, get a second wind or I would take over and we could drive on home. Our children travel well in the minivan. We've driven straight through to Orlando a few times (19 + hours). Where's Starbucks at 1 am when you need it? The one on the FL Turnpike is always a pleasant sight.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Believe it or not, I just bought our Disneyland souvenir t-shirts yesterday. There is a temporary store that set-up shop near us (Disney items up to 80% off). They will be there for the next 30 days. DH saw the banner driving home from work on Friday. I was out and about in the area and stopped by. Walking into the building, I was like a kid in a candy store. The merchadise was "authentic" park merchandise. Yes, authentic real Disneyland-logo merchandise. I was shocked. I thought it was going to be crappy rip-offs. It was like the shopping gods put this store there just for me. Most of the merchandise was from Disneyland, there were a few items from WDW. They had t-shirts, sweatshirts, pin-trading pins, 2008 Disney park scrapbooks, authentic park autograph books, cups, mugs, authentic stuffed animals (with the special tags you know they are from the parks), etc... They plan to get more merchandise this week. I plan to go back. I got everyone a Disneyland t-shirt (or two ), Mickey doll with a Disneyland flag and a Disneyland pin-trading pin.

Here are some photos, so you can see exactly what I got:

If this comes to your town, check it out! You won't be disappointed. Happy Shopping!


Jennifer

 

[02AggieGirl]

I wanted to go to disney for my bday and airfare was less to LAX than MCO. I'm super excited!!

 

[Disney Princess]

Believe it or not, I just bought our Disneyland souvenir t-shirts yesterday. There is a temporary store that set-up shop near us (Disney items up to 80% off). They will be there for the next 30 days. DH saw the banner driving home from work on Friday. I was out and about in the area and stopped by. Walking into the building, I was like a kid in a candy store. The merchadise was "authentic" park merchandise. Yes, authentic real Disneyland-logo merchandise. I was shocked. I thought it was going to be crappy rip-offs. It was like the shopping gods put this store there just for me. Most of the merchandise was from Disneyland, there were a few items from WDW. They had t-shirts, sweatshirts, pin-trading pins, 2008 Disney park scrapbooks, authentic park autograph books, cups, mugs, authentic stuffed animals (with the special tags you know they are from the parks), etc... They plan to get more merchandise this week. I plan to go back. I got everyone a Disneyland t-shirt (or two ), Mickey doll with a Disneyland flag and a Disneyland pin-trading pin.


If this comes to your town, check it out! You won't be disappointed. Happy Shopping!


Jennifer

Great deals you found!! Where exactly is this shopping paradise? I may have to trek to Lewisville!!

 

[4greatboys]

Another Texan, WDW vet and DVC member heading out to CA this summer. We are going in June.

My 2 youngest are 8 and 6 and they want to go to Lego Land plus my husband has family in CA so of course we have to hit Disney and Universal while we are there. We are going to stay a week in Anaheim then drive down and spend a few days in San Diego.

We are flying. I'm not a fan of driving anywhere that takes more than 3 hours to get there

I have been to DL once before but it's been over 20 years.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Great deals you found!! Where exactly is this shopping paradise? I may have to trek to Lewisville!!

It is right off of I-35E in the same shopping plaza as Garden Ridge and Toys R Us. You can't miss it! They are there for the next 30 days.

Here's a link to the company that offers these sales.

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

 

[Inkmahm]

I won free airline tickets with AA in a raffle and we had to figure out where to go to use them. With the birthday promotion this year, we decided to go to California to San Diego zoo and wildlife park as well as DL for my DH's birthday. We get to WDW 3 times each year so this is a 4th Disney trip for us this year. I haven't been to DL since about 1988 and DH has never been there.

 

[Disney Princess]

It is right off of I-35E in the same shopping plaza as Garden Ridge and Toys R Us. You can't miss it! They are there for the next 30 days.

Here's a link to the company that offers these sales.

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

Thanks! I'll take a look this weekend.

 

[02AggieGirl]

It is right off of I-35E in the same shopping plaza as Garden Ridge and Toys R Us. You can't miss it! They are there for the next 30 days.

Here's a link to the company that offers these sales.

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

Hey I grew up in Lewisville!! My parents still live there

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Hey I grew up in Lewisville!! My parents still live there

It's a small world!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I won free airline tickets with AA in a raffle and we had to figure out where to go to use them. With the birthday promotion this year, we decided to go to California to San Diego zoo and wildlife park as well as DL for my DH's birthday. We get to WDW 3 times each year so this is a 4th Disney trip for us this year. I haven't been to DL since about 1988 and DH has never been there.

You get to WDW three times a year and you live in Wisconsin. Personally, I find that amazing. And now the DLR trip will make it four Disney trips. Can I be a part of your family? Are you open to adopt a 30 something year old child at heart????

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Another Texan, WDW vet and DVC member heading out to CA this summer. We are going in June.

My 2 youngest are 8 and 6

If you had a DS3 too, I would have to say . . . JINX!

We are from Texas
WDW Vets
DVC Members (AKV)
Going to DLR in June
Have DS8 and DD6
We're going to San Diego while in CA

Jennifer