We're Home From the Road!! 17 Days of Travel with Tons of Pics~COMPLETE!!

[Sherry E]

We are excited to do different things.....the whole family is looking forward to the San Diego stuff...just wish I could have added another day or two down there to wander about. I think we're on the right track in checking out other options to Disneyland. The prices just keep going up & up.....the only reason we decided to do the 3 days was because of the deal on the City Pass. But we've already trimmed the meal plan there to having breakfast items in our room and then doing all counter meals & no table service or character meals. As you know.....we are all about those.....but money is going to be tight doing this many days.....so we are approaching it differently. In fact we've done some other trims but I'll get into later.

We are only planning one meal inside of Universal Studios and dinner in the City Walk at Hard Rock Cafe. I'm guessing the twins won't be doing a lot of rides here....so hopefully there will be entertainment and such to keep them interested. (music with a beat and they are happy campers)

Just eliminating table service and character meals from the DLR trip should free up a big chunk of cash in the meal budget, for sure! It is always weird being at DLR without doing a character meal once you've gotten used to doing them (or not eating at a particular table service place you are used to eating at) but, again, this will be a good way to give everyone a Disney trip so they are not totally deprived of Disney...and yet kind of transition out of some of the more expensive aspects of the usual Disney trips in case the prices hike up again and table service/character meals become too difficult to manage.

Plus, as you know, a lot of the DLR counter service places are pretty good these days so those options should be more than satisfactory, I would think!

Have you, by any chance, checked out Bret/mvf-m11c's brand new TR thread (I think it's called "Second All In One..." or a similar title)? So far, I think the thread might only be 6 pages long, but in the last couple of pages of it he has some photos and recaps of his experiences at Universal Studios and CityWalk this past December. You're not going there for the holidays, but you may be interested in seeing his USH and CityWalk segments. Plus, he has links at the top of each TR installment, directing the readers to the previous installment; and he has links at the bottom of each TR installment, directing the reader to the next TR section -- so all of the TR segments are very easy to locate and get to! In addition, he's got the Index/Table of Contents in post #2 on page 1, so you can easily see where the Universal segments are.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

As for Universal.....I don't see the twins doing at Universal other than looking around. Maybe the backlot tour, Simpsons & Despicable Me....but we will play that by ear. I've shown Addy & Anthony some of the youtube videos of the other rides and they seem gung ho to ride them with Tyler. I'm more into just checking it out & City Walk.



How awesome Kaitlin!!! Your prom is going to be EPIC!!

It sure will. I will be one of 12 kids wearing a sash and one of 6 girls wearing a tiara

 

[DizNee Luver]

Just eliminating table service and character meals from the DLR trip should free up a big chunk of cash in the meal budget, for sure! It is always weird being at DLR without doing a character meal once you've gotten used to doing them (or not eating at a particular table service place you are used to eating at) but, again, this will be a good way to give everyone a Disney trip so they are not totally deprived of Disney...and yet kind of transition out of some of the more expensive aspects of the usual Disney trips in case the prices hike up again and table service/character meals become too difficult to manage.

Plus, as you know, a lot of the DLR counter service places are pretty good these days so those options should be more than satisfactory, I would think!

Have you, by any chance, checked out Bret/mvf-m11c's brand new TR thread (I think it's called "Second All In One..." or a similar title)? So far, I think the thread might only be 6 pages long, but in the last couple of pages of it he has some photos and recaps of his experiences at Universal Studios and CityWalk this past December. You're not going there for the holidays, but you may be interested in seeing his USH and CityWalk segments. Plus, he has links at the top of each TR installment, directing the readers to the previous installment; and he has links at the bottom of each TR installment, directing the reader to the next TR section -- so all of the TR segments are very easy to locate and get to! In addition, he's got the Index/Table of Contents in post #2 on page 1, so you can easily see where the Universal segments are.

What usually happens is we do 2 meals at day: 1 character meal & 1 table service.....so we don't get to eat at the counter service places. This time we're getting back to Hungry Bear, Taste Pilots & Jolly Holiday!! So we're looking forward to that!!

I haven't seen Bret's report....I will try to get over & check it out!!

It sure will. I will be one of 12 kids wearing a sash and one of 6 girls wearing a tiara

Looking forward to seeing pictures from that night!!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm curious but what color was your cap and gown for high school and/or graduation? I'm asking because I forgot to mention what mine were. For the guys, they are red . The girls unfortunatley, have white

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm curious but what color was your cap and gown for high school and/or graduation? I'm asking because I forgot to mention what mine were. For the guys, they are red . The girls unfortunatley, have white

The boys were in Dark Blue and the girls in Light Blue......not sure why since our school colors were Black & Yellow.....lol

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Mine are red and white, just like High School Musical.

 

[kelmac284]

Hey Laurie just thought I would come check and see if there was anything new on here. I always LOVE your tr's and they are so fun with all your pics and such. I had to cancel our DW trip for November because my parents desperately need to sell our old house and I need to light a fire under them. They are big time procrastinators so I am hoping that if we don't go that I can get them motivated. It doesn't really affect me but I know they need to do it and I am hoping with my urging we can get on it so they can get out from under that thing. Also my mom's knee has gotten REALLY bad and I want her to get the surgery but she is putting that off as well. So I am really hoping that I can convince her to do it over the holidays this year when things are slow at work. Don't get me wrong it makes me REALLY sad to have to do this since we haven't been in 4 years and now I don't know when or IF we will go back but I need to help them get other things done that are more important.

We do have our trip to Mexico in June which I am looking forward to although I would have forgone that as well but they have their place down there and they haven't been in awhile either and they really want the girls to go so I am glad that we are going but wish we could get some things accomplished first. And then they usually go to Monterey every August for a car race but they are forgoing it this year and we decided to drive back down to LA over 4th of July weekend and we are going to go back to Hearst Castle as the last time the girls went they were too young to remember, going to Oxnard as my dad has a car museum he wants to see and staying at our favorite hotel on the beach so getting some beach days and then taking dad and the girls to the science museum that mom and I went to and a few other local things like Griffith observatory and such. So I am looking forward to that as well. It will be weird going down and no Disney especially since at this point we have no idea WHEN we will be going back. I wanted to do the ladies trip this year but with mom's knee and everything else I don't know if that will happen either. So for the first time in years we have NO trips planned and no idea WHEN we will get back. Sad in a way because evernthough I have been many times I love it so and it makes me so happy to go. I will just have to live vicariously through your report

Then I booked a weekend in August for Shane and I too take the girls to Yosemite. Again we have not been since they were little and they don't remember it. And yes I know it is weird to be going with Shane but we do still do a few "family" things together and we are splitting the cost and he is going to drive since I don't have a car that can go out of town. So hoping that will be fun.

Anywho just wanted to check in and share my upcoming plans as it is more fun when you can share it. Can't wait till you start doing daily posts again as it gets closer!!

Also looking forward to seeing you guys when you come through town!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hey Laurie just thought I would come check and see if there was anything new on here. I always LOVE your tr's and they are so fun with all your pics and such. I had to cancel our DW trip for November because my parents desperately need to sell our old house and I need to light a fire under them. They are big time procrastinators so I am hoping that if we don't go that I can get them motivated. It doesn't really affect me but I know they need to do it and I am hoping with my urging we can get on it so they can get out from under that thing. Also my mom's knee has gotten REALLY bad and I want her to get the surgery but she is putting that off as well. So I am really hoping that I can convince her to do it over the holidays this year when things are slow at work. Don't get me wrong it makes me REALLY sad to have to do this since we haven't been in 4 years and now I don't know when or IF we will go back but I need to help them get other things done that are more important.

We do have our trip to Mexico in June which I am looking forward to although I would have forgone that as well but they have their place down there and they haven't been in awhile either and they really want the girls to go so I am glad that we are going but wish we could get some things accomplished first. And then they usually go to Monterey every August for a car race but they are forgoing it this year and we decided to drive back down to LA over 4th of July weekend and we are going to go back to Hearst Castle as the last time the girls went they were too young to remember, going to Oxnard as my dad has a car museum he wants to see and staying at our favorite hotel on the beach so getting some beach days and then taking dad and the girls to the science museum that mom and I went to and a few other local things like Griffith observatory and such. So I am looking forward to that as well. It will be weird going down and no Disney especially since at this point we have no idea WHEN we will be going back. I wanted to do the ladies trip this year but with mom's knee and everything else I don't know if that will happen either. So for the first time in years we have NO trips planned and no idea WHEN we will get back. Sad in a way because evernthough I have been many times I love it so and it makes me so happy to go. I will just have to live vicariously through your report

Then I booked a weekend in August for Shane and I too take the girls to Yosemite. Again we have not been since they were little and they don't remember it. And yes I know it is weird to be going with Shane but we do still do a few "family" things together and we are splitting the cost and he is going to drive since I don't have a car that can go out of town. So hoping that will be fun.

Anywho just wanted to check in and share my upcoming plans as it is more fun when you can share it. Can't wait till you start doing daily posts again as it gets closer!!

Also looking forward to seeing you guys when you come through town!!

Well maybe no "Disney" trips but it does sound like you have some things to look forward to!! We would have liked to have gone to Yosemite, but time and other choices trumped going this time around.

When the trip gets closer, I will PM all you ladies in the Sac area to try & set something up. We will be driving from San Diego that day and will do a dinner (unless people want to do a breakfast instead the next morning) lol

 

[DizNee Luver]

71 Days.....it's coming up quick!!!

BIG NEWS!!! DEREK IS MOVING HOME NEXT TUESDAY!!

Derek left May 12, 2013 to do the 2nd go around of the Disney College Program at WDW. He was done on January 3rd but instead of coming home or staying in Florida.....he moved to Minnesota with his girlfriend. We figured it was pretty serious for him to do that. He's never been one to act on impulse.....but unfortunately, he realized he wasn't "IN" love with her and so he'll be heading home. I feel bad for him and the girl (I've actually been talking with her & being supportive) but better to make those decisions early on -vs- sticking together for 5 years and then breaking up. Neither are easy......but they've only been together about 7 months.

So with Derek coming home.....he'll be joining us on the road trip!!

 

[luulu1999]

HOW FUN!!!!!! 71 days....we still have 87

 

[kelmac284]

So excited for you that Derrick is coming back. I know it is hard to have your kiddos so far from home and sometimes things just work out for the best. Does he think he wants to stay in your area for good or does he have other ideas for his future? I know you would love it if he stayed near you guys!!

And as far as my post goes yeah I can deal with no Disney but I know the kids are having withdrawls. Sure we were JUST there but knowing they won't be going for awhile and also knowing we will be IN LA and not going they are kind of upset LOL but I told them I am looking forward to doing other things. I am still super bummed about DW because I have NO idea when we will get to go now and I have been planning for a year but I know you know how that goes!! If I KNEW we were postponing it would be different but Katy starts high school in August and it will be really hard for her to miss a week of school from now on so all the trips we have planned for the next few years are in the summer and I won't go to DW in the summer. TOO hot and crowded.

Sooo who knows but I am in full gear planning our trip for NEXT summer. Going to fly to NYC and spend 4 days in the city the drive up to Boston, spend a few days, and then head up as far as Portland Maine before circling back around and going through New Hampshire and Vermont, Hope to see the Von Trapp lodge (from Sound of Music) and working our way to Niagra Falls before heading home. SOOO excited.

I'm so happy for you and yes as far as Dinner it is at least a 9 hour drive from San Diego so it might me tough. I would probably be up for breakfast too.

Can't wait to see you and esp start seeing about your report!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

HOW FUN!!!!!! 71 days....we still have 87

It's coming up quickly.......too quickly at times for us!! lol

So excited for you that Derrick is coming back. I know it is hard to have your kiddos so far from home and sometimes things just work out for the best. Does he think he wants to stay in your area for good or does he have other ideas for his future? I know you would love it if he stayed near you guys!!

And as far as my post goes yeah I can deal with no Disney but I know the kids are having withdrawls. Sure we were JUST there but knowing they won't be going for awhile and also knowing we will be IN LA and not going they are kind of upset LOL but I told them I am looking forward to doing other things. I am still super bummed about DW because I have NO idea when we will get to go now and I have been planning for a year but I know you know how that goes!! If I KNEW we were postponing it would be different but Katy starts high school in August and it will be really hard for her to miss a week of school from now on so all the trips we have planned for the next few years are in the summer and I won't go to DW in the summer. TOO hot and crowded.

Sooo who knows but I am in full gear planning our trip for NEXT summer. Going to fly to NYC and spend 4 days in the city the drive up to Boston, spend a few days, and then head up as far as Portland Maine before circling back around and going through New Hampshire and Vermont, Hope to see the Von Trapp lodge (from Sound of Music) and working our way to Niagra Falls before heading home. SOOO excited.

I'm so happy for you and yes as far as Dinner it is at least a 9 hour drive from San Diego so it might me tough. I would probably be up for breakfast too.

Can't wait to see you and esp start seeing about your report!!

I know my kids were definitely ready for a return trip to Disneyland. We went December 2012 with all the kids.....but they haven't been since (but I have been......) So I can understand your kids (and you) being bummed about not having one on the books. Yes, I truly understand planning the WDW trip to have to cancel.......

Next summer's trip sounds exciting!!

Yeah, we are going to need to get out of San Diego EARLY to make dinner up there. I wish we had more time so we could stay another day and then do dinner then......but we have to be back in Oregon for a wedding. So my guess is about a 7pm dinner time or even 8pm. I think it would be a Thursday night so that could be an issue for those that work Friday morning.....but it's summertime so shouldn't interfere with schools.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm excited for Derek!! At one point, you'll be near where my senior prom is

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm excited for Derek!! At one point, you'll be near where my senior prom is

We're very excited to have Derek home & joining us this summer for our trip!!

When is your prom Kaitlin??

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

May 31st.

 

[DizNee Luver]

May 31st.

That will be here before you know it!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Well I reserved the Desert Inn & Suites for our 5 nights in Anaheim. I have the Motel 6/Maingate booked as well.....but where we are adding Derek to one of the two rooms.....that would make one person sleeping on the floor and their floors are hardwood. This also makes it easy to go back to our rooms when needed. It is $700 more, but I think we'll be happier doing this. We got the Executive Family Suite that sleeps 10 & has 2 full bathrooms......for 9 of us, it sounds like a perfect fit! So now I'll need to cancel the Motel 6 ressie.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm glad everything worked out. Here's my PTR Link:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3227636

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I hope you guys enjoy the trip with Derek

 

[DizNee Luver]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!​