We're back! (ecv, pics, crowds, tidbits, I-5)

[usedmedia]

Wow that sucks about I-5. I live in San Jose and will be driving to DL in the beginning of December so hopefully the construction will be all done by then. The local paper here has been suggesting the last few months to take I-5 south to Highway 46 to cross over to 99, then take 99 south which avoids the construction zone.

 

[GrandBob]

Is I-5 were the construction is taking place in the central valley down to 1 lane from 2 lanes, or are there more lanes through there now?

Still one lane around Buttonwillow. This is scheduled to last until Oct 20.

-Bob

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Sounds and looks like a great time.

 

[Potterswife]

I lurk on this site all the time and this is the first time posting. I really enjoyed reading about your trip. I have one planned with my mother in April next year, we can hardly wait. It will just be me and her, no hubby or kids. (my kids are grown and neither of them or my hubby are interested in going again). Thanks again for the enjoyable read.

Enjoy the trip with your mom, I think I need to schedule one with my mom too, it's been many years since we were there by ourselves.

Great report. As with LDRM I'm also more of a lurker. I haven't been to DL in years and years, but hope to make a trip before the years over.

I hope you can too, even if you can't you can still take notes, make a semi plan so when the time comes you will be ready

How awful!!!

Argh- hoping we don't have it this bad as we're hoping to drive hom in I-5 this Saturday- leaving West Hollywood (we're spending Fri night there after Wed-Fri at the parks)- around 3-5 pm.

Maybe Sunday pm was just a really crowded time, because so many people drive home during that time?

I'm pretty sure it was because it was late on a Sunday and lots of people were trying to get home, it was bad in both directions, I'm pretty sure you will be okay.

Sounds like you had Fun! I also Love the Sheraton Park Hotel!

We just love that place, it feels so Disney even though it's not an official Disney hotel.

What a great trip report, I really enjoyed reading about your trip! Thanks for the info!

Thanks for reading and responding

I will never understand why people feel the need to cut off ECVs, wheelchairs, strollers whatever the case may be. It isn't going to hurt them to wait for a few moments, and maybe if they take the time to care about others that will make the day a little brighter for them and everyone else.


I will get off of my soap crate now. Sorry.

Reading back through my mini report I guess it did bother me more then I wanted it too. I do understand people feel like they are in a hurry and very focused and for some reason, humans on wheels are too slow for them...although in reality if these same humans on wheels were walking they would be even slower...

Agreed! OP, thanks for the great recap and I'm glad you guys had a great time.

Thanks!!

The whole ECV thing takes getting used to and does make it a challenge to get around. My mom has used one for years there due to really bad knee arthritis so we have become pro's at negotiating our way around the park and getting on rides. We ignore those that just don't get it and she has bumped her share of people that step in front of her. But we always have a blast when we go and that's all that matters.
In fact, last week I was there with her and my grandparents--all 3 in ECV's--and we did fantastic! My gradparents hadn't been there in 40 years and were awed by it all. I just had to be the leader to get everyone where we wanted to go. I felt like I was in my own personal parade at times!

Love that 'personal parade'. So true. We'll see how my husband does in October, he'll be in a boot then and I'm pretty sure we'll get him another ecv so he doesn't have to lug that heavy thing around while walking. He'll be a pro next time!!

Fabulous trip report!!! I too got to ride Autopia during the fireworks, and it was definitely a sight to behold. I couldn't stop for too long, but it felt very intimate.

sounds like your drive back seriously sucked. We used to live in San Jose (family is in SoCal) and on Thanksgiving 2002 we drove. We drove back up the Sunday after Thanksgiving and it was insanity I have never seen before in my life. It was even on the news, saying that in 2001 most people didn't travel at all because it was close to 9/11, so in 2002 people started traveling, but they didn't trust planes so they drove. It took us 11 hours to get back to San Jose. There was no way to bail out from the 5. The line for gas was 30-45 minutes at some stations. We tried stopping to eat at Carl's or In-n-Out but both were sold out of burgers, so we ended up with chicken breasts or something at Burger King. Certainly a trip to remember! I'm sorry your drive home was so long. I know how utterly frustrating that can be.

Oh wow I thought we had it bad...you win.

I don't think I could re-create the Autopia fireworks, it was just magical and since I was alone it was like a personal show...thanks Walt!!

Sounds like a fun trip! Thanks for trip report and pictures.

You are welcome thanks for enjoying them

what free vouchers at Costco?

and, ugh!!! on the drive home! Ds is driving down to La Mirada next weekend to go back to school.. I hope he doesn't get stuck in traffic like that! My last drive down (in May) and his as well the traffic was a little slower (60ish) but not completely stopped.

Beth

They were in our package from Costco to be used for character dining, we had one for each of us

When you buy a package through Costco travel, you get vouchers for a character meal.

I-5 will have traffic issues through the end of October.

traffic stinks, late night travel might be our best bet

Loved your trip report!

So sorry you had to deal with insensitive buggers though. It makes me sad that I used to be so annoyed at the stroller brigade when I was younger since now I will be joining the ranks

Anyway, I'm glad you guys made the most of it and had such special moments. I really want to try Autopia during the fireworks now. Ha!

I'm not sure I could have had a better time driving that car, makes me want to try other rides at that time that are outdoors.

Joining the ranks??? Are you expecting?...congratulations!!

I just wanted to say I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading

Great mini TR! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I am glad to hear you guys had a great time despite your husbands injury. I always feel bad for people driving those things around because I know I have probably even stepped right in front of them without thinking. Although I really try to remember they can't just move to the side like someone walking can. About you holding the exit open: I hate when you are holing the door for someone and they don't say thank you or even glance your way. Especially since you were not even holding the door for them in the first place!


This gave me goosebumps.


Haha, what a great sport! He seems like he's got a great attitude and it made for a memorable moment on your trip.

Yep about holding doors for people and getting no acknowledgment, it bites and sometimes I just say after them 'you're welcome!', maybe I'm old school but common courtesy is not dead.

DH was so happy to not be working, it helped him stay up beat and he loves Goofy's kitchen. He was worried he was going to end up on youtube since people had their phones and ipads out

Is I-5 were the construction is taking place in the central valley down to 1 lane from 2 lanes, or are there more lanes through there now?

Down from 2 to 1...bleh.

enjoyed your trip report thanks for sharing!

a question...what tower did you stay in at the DLH? how did you find the construction?

We ate at Goofy's and walked around it the day before, we stayed at the Sheraton Park. There was a lot of construction, no walking through the middle of the property, you had to walk around the outside and the front when you first drive up had lots of blue construction walls. Hopefully they will be done soon.

Awesome trip report. Really enjoyed the pics and commentary! That had to have been amazing to see the fireworks while on Autopia. Thanks for sharing.

It was amazing, I was so lucky to experience that

Loved your trip report, as DH will be in an ECV due to a hip injury and we, too, will be driving down from NorCal. Thanks for sharing!

Make sure you rent your ecv from an outside company so you can have it for downtown Disney, it really helped to not have my husband crutch that whole place, have a great time!!

Wow that sucks about I-5. I live in San Jose and will be driving to DL in the beginning of December so hopefully the construction will be all done by then. The local paper here has been suggesting the last few months to take I-5 south to Highway 46 to cross over to 99, then take 99 south which avoids the construction zone.

Hopefully it will be done. But you never know with Caltrans...

 

[Disneydreamsdancer]

What a great tr, thank you for sharing your experiences I also don't understand people when they push infront of wheelchairs or ecv's, everyone is there to enjoy the magic, would waiting a few moments really make much of a difference to their day? I dont think so, its sad that some people only think about themselves. Love the look of the Sheraton hotel, will be checking that out for my next trip, is it far to walk to the parks?

 

[Potterswife]

What a great tr, thank you for sharing your experiences I also don't understand people when they push infront of wheelchairs or ecv's, everyone is there to enjoy the magic, would waiting a few moments really make much of a difference to their day? I dont think so, its sad that some people only think about themselves. Love the look of the Sheraton hotel, will be checking that out for my next trip, is it far to walk to the parks?

It's not a bad walk, only one night did I dread it, it was after midnight on our first night and my feet were so tired!! (honestly I probably would have dreaded *any* walking...even just to the parking lot trams).

 

[TeddiBarra]

sounds like your drive back seriously sucked. We used to live in San Jose (family is in SoCal) and on Thanksgiving 2002 we drove. We drove back up the Sunday after Thanksgiving and it was insanity I have never seen before in my life. It was even on the news, saying that in 2001 most people didn't travel at all because it was close to 9/11, so in 2002 people started traveling, but they didn't trust planes so they drove. It took us 11 hours to get back to San Jose.

We made the same drive, the same day. Except we got to start from San Diego just to make it that much more fun. It took us about 13 1/2 hours, and that was after at some point, we bailed from the 5 and took 99 (which was better but not that much better). I never connected it to 9-11....but that does make sense (and I actually made the drive from Bay Area to Orange County on 9-11-01... it was a ghost ride)


To the OP: sounds like your relaxed approach to your trip sounds like it helped alot. I hope your DH makes a full recovery. He sounds like he was a trooper to attempt the trip with that type of an injury.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

My daughter just came back from the Sheraton Park, she was down there with her friends. Anyways she said at night they took the Toy Story tram to the parking lot and then it was a shorter walk...she said right across the street. I may try this when I go in December.

 

[closetmickey]

Thanks for the report! Where (and what) is the Nemo viewing room?

 

[Potterswife]

Thanks for the report! Where (and what) is the Nemo viewing room?

It is primarily used as the room for clausterphobics and people who can't make it down the stairs to ride the subs. Loved it. You get the whole experience without someobody sitting on your lap (those sub seats are small!!) and you get a full view (via a tv screen) not a portal window. Just talk to the CM at the entrance and they should get you all set up if you decide to try it.

 

[kaoden39]

It is primarily used as the room for clausterphobics and people who can't make it down the stairs to ride the subs. Loved it. You get the whole experience without someobody sitting on your lap (those sub seats are small!!) and you get a full view (via a tv screen) not a portal window. Just talk to the CM at the entrance and they should get you all set up if you decide to try it.

I am pleased to hear about this room. I am claustrophobic so I have avoided it. It would be neat to see it. Thank you for the information.

 

[Potterswife]

To the OP: sounds like your relaxed approach to your trip sounds like it helped alot. I hope your DH makes a full recovery. He sounds like he was a trooper to attempt the trip with that type of an injury.

Thanks, he's getting his walking boot on in a few weeks, so glad he didn't have to have surgery!! He got bit by the Disneyland bug pretty hard and not much was going to stop him from going

My daughter just came back from the Sheraton Park, she was down there with her friends. Anyways she said at night they took the Toy Story tram to the parking lot and then it was a shorter walk...she said right across the street. I may try this when I go in December.

Yep we saw the lot from the hotel, looks pretty close as long as you don't mind waiting for the bus to come. We didn't want to be a bother because we had the scooter chair to load so we just walked back and forth each day and it wasn't that bad at all.

 

[Potterswife]

I am pleased to hear about this room. I am claustrophobic so I have avoided it. It would be neat to see it. Thank you for the information.

Oh and the cm will tell you the doors remain unlocked so if you need to bolt or get some fresh air, you can, the room itself is fairly large but with no windows. I hope you can check it out and enjoy Nemo.

 

[toocherie]

I will never understand why people feel the need to cut off ECVs, wheelchairs, strollers whatever the case may be. It isn't going to hurt them to wait for a few moments, and maybe if they take the time to care about others that will make the day a little brighter for them and everyone else.


I will get off of my soap crate now. Sorry.

Loved your trip report!

So sorry you had to deal with insensitive buggers though. It makes me sad that I used to be so annoyed at the stroller brigade when I was younger since now I will be joining the ranks

Anyway, I'm glad you guys made the most of it and had such special moments. I really want to try Autopia during the fireworks now. Ha!

Yep--there's that old saying about don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. It's true--a lot of times people are mean and rudeto scooter/wheelchair users. If you haven't had to ride/push one, you don't know how mentally taxing it can be--at the end of the day I'm exhausted from having to avoid crazy people who either don't care and just walk in front of you, or are distracted and walk in front of you.

Yep we saw the lot from the hotel, looks pretty close as long as you don't mind waiting for the bus to come. We didn't want to be a bother because we had the scooter chair to load so we just walked back and forth each day and it wasn't that bad at all.

See, your husband could have scootered through DTD to the parking lot and the rest of you--who were walking--could have taken the tram and met him there--would have saved you some steps at the end of the day without having to bother with loading the ECV.

 

[HydroGuy]

Yep--there's that old saying about don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. It's true--a lot of times people are mean and rudeto scooter/wheelchair users. If you haven't had to ride/push one, you don't know how mentally taxing it can be--at the end of the day I'm exhausted from having to avoid crazy people who either don't care and just walk in front of you, or are distracted and walk in front of you.



See, your husband could have scootered through DTD to the parking lot and the rest of you--who were walking--could have taken the tram and met him there--would have saved you some steps at the end of the day without having to bother with loading the ECV.

You know, I do not know of any statistics but my gut tells me there has been a large increase in the number of strollers, ECV's, wheelchairs and mobile carrying devices in the parks. Well ECV's for sure because they did not used to exist!

I have been at the parks yesterday and today and the number of people carrying older kids (3-5) in strollers is considerable.

Couple the above with growth in attendance and, in DCA's case, many narrow walkways thru construction areas, and you have a recipe for a large number of cutoffs and ankle accidents by the much maligned "stroller nazis".

For me I wish folks would not carry their five-year-olds in strollers. Under 2 yes I get it. Maybe 3. But all of this contributes to congestion.

My DW and I decided early on we did not want to do strollers at Disney parks ever and waited to bring our kids until they could walk reasonably on their own. So none of our kids went until they were 3-4 years old. I am not saying everyone should do the same - it was just a choice we made. We also had kids spaced close together which worked in our favor.

In any case I am not sure there is a good solution and I see everyone's side - except for the five-year-olds in strollers. There are just so many strollers out there now! I try to always walk far away from them and give them space but it can be tough in cases like last night leaving World of Color. Jammed pack people...