What made your trip the best?

[GatorChris]

I often read trip reports and hear people talk about the "best trip ever". I'm guessing that term is used when some event or series of events happens and makes it great.

I'd like to hear you talk about one of your favorite trips and let me know what made it one of the best. Most of my experiences come from WDW, so I'd like to hear some stories from DLR.

500th post!!! Is there such a thing as too much DIS?

 

[Geemo]

Being there with the grandkids makes it for me every time.
Last March I took the youngest two for 4days in the parks.
They were great! Not one whiny moment.
On our last day we got up early for the last rope drop of the trip. Mid day we were at the hub taking a break in the shade. The kids were on a bench by the horse and trolly.
When I turned to look around to check on them, I see the horse looking at them. It's one of my favorite pic's of the trip. Those two kids were beat by the time I gave them back to their mom and dad.

 

[crystal1313]

Usually every trip, it's the pure joy I see on my kids faces. Makes everything so worth it. I just love seeing them happy!

Last trip especially, there were a couple fantastic moments. My dad finally came with us on a trip. When I was little our favorite attraction was BTMR. All 6 of us rode together, 3 in each seat. Riding with my dad and my youngest was so fun and brought back so many memories. And now, my kids will have similar memories with their grandparents.

Taking my youngest on Splash Mtn for the first time. He was a bit scared, but the look on his face afterwards was fantastic! He was so proud of himself! And we were all proud of him!

And finally, my kids were always scared of characters. But this last trip, on the last day they worked up the nerve to meet Pluto. And we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Pluto was AMAZING with them! They cut the line after us, so they had a bit of extra time. Pluto gave them the biggest bear hugs and high fives! The boys were beyond excited!

 

[Krand12]

I don't know if this was the best thing that happened on the trip, but it was pretty funny to my husband and me. We were walking past the Midway Mania area in DCA when Woody from Toy Story skipped past us to a friend of ours walking 7 or 8 feet in front of us. Woody put his hands on our friend's shoulders to clown around and it took our friend by complete surprise. I was lucky enough to get pictures of it. Our friend is the type that would most likely be ready to tell someone off if he thought some stranger was messing with him, so when he turned around as saw that it was a very tall character... well, the photo of his face is priceless! He was completely shocked and almost looks a little scared.

One of the other things that we really loved were the interactions with the characters. DH won a plush Mudville Hot Dog (essentially a Dachshund in a hot dog bun with mustard on his back and wearing a Mudville baseball hat) in a plastic bag. When we took photos with the different characters, they all were "fascinated" by the dog. Minnie kept pointing to it and then putting her hands to her mouth to giggle. Mr. Incredible started poking at it and the cast member with him said "No, I don't think it's a bomb. I think it's okay." And then we met one of the Citizens of Buena Vista Street. She was a middle aged lady with a dog puppet and she was such a crack-up! She kept talking to us about the stuffed dog and saying things like he wouldn't be able to breathe well in the plastic wrap. Her dog was very interested in our dog and I think the lady said something about there not being time for the dogs to play. She spoke very quickly that it felt like a whirlwind, but both my husband and I were laughing really hard. She was fantastic!

 

[twinky]

 

[jammyjam25]

I went last summer for my 30th birthday with my mom, aunt, and three of my longtime best friends. This was the first time I'd ever been to DL on my birthday and I was completely overwhelmed by EVERY single cast member we encountered that day wishing me a happy birthday.

And even though I'm 30 years old, meeting Ariel at Fantasy Faire and having my mom almost cry over it because I was finally getting to meet my favorite character from when I was a little girl and her getting to witness it was special for both of us, and proof that you'll always be a "kid" to your parents even when you're all grown up!

 

[4Mickeys]

I went 18 years ago with a friend in my early 20's it was fun BUT I was able to take my 3 children for their first visit this last September. I agree that it is so much better with my kids!!! The looks on their faces we also had a few experiences that help make it extra special - BBB and Jedi Training are fantastic experiences for the kids. Also, the CM's 1. after a friendly chat we ended up with some special fast passes for 2 of the kids, and escorted through fantasyland to bypass the Peter Pan line up, straight on no waiting for the 3rd child! They were also given a Cinderella's slipper and a pirates patch. 2. Tangled meet and greet when the show was cancelled - Rapunzel and Flynn had such a great interaction with my kids that turned into a little skit that went for 10-15 minutes 3. All character interactions were great but Pluto was a favourite, he made a big deal of DD (dressed as snow white) and had her brothers bowing to her and then twirled her around in a dance. 4. Being the last people to get on Casey Jr train - we had the whole ride to ourselves.

Most of all I just loved the downtime with my kids - even when you are waiting in line its just time to chat and have a hug

 

[Amilo]

I went in October of this year by myself for 5 days. The entire trip was so pleasant and I got to do all the little things there isn't usually time for when I go with others.

My favorite highlights:
Having my very own boat on the jungle cruise during the Halloween party

Eating at the blue bayou

Fantasmic dessert seating, with pre-show harmonica serenade from our adorable server, Moses

Going inside the dream suite

Carnation cafe breakfast where I got to meet Oscar

Getting to ride winnie the pooh twice in a row without getting off

Having a mini photo shoot in fantasyland where I got to do the Olaf magic shot

Having a matterhorn macaroon at jolly holiday bakery while watching the hustle and bustle of early morning in the park

 

[thewelts]

This may seem a bit dark, but we try to approach each trip with low expectations. I am very aware of the many, MANY things that can go wrong when we plan a Disney vacation...
Examples:
Bad Weather
Problem with Flight
Unusually crowded
Room is not ready for check-in until 4 PM
Poor fastpass options
Problem with Grocery delivery
Cranky family member
Bad and expensive food
Etc.

We do our best to plan so these things won't ruin our trip, but when everything goes better than expected and these problems don't actually happen you feel like you were given a gift or unexpected treat.

A better way of saying this is these are the things that make our trip wonderful:
*Great weather!
*Smooth travel (flight lands 15 minutes early & just catching the shuttle without a wait)
*Room is ready when you check-in
*a few quiet moments in the park (low crowds, a few short lines)
*The perfect Fastpass (exactly what you were hoping for, at just the right time!)
*Happy family members
*a surprisingly good meal

We must be lucky as we keep going back!

 

[petals]

I've never been to Disneyland yet only WDW and Paris and would say that all my WDW trips were the "best trip ever" not because of any one thing but because the trip is always so magical and fun and happy. Paris was not magical. There was to many rude people!

 

[5forMickey]

Twinky that picture is PRICELESS .... that looks like something Disney would put in their brochure.

 

[ehrawn]

Attitude is everything. Whether is special moments with your kids, or that CM that goes the extra mile, once you are open to it, magic finds its way to you.

 

[larryz]

I often read trip reports and hear people talk about the "best trip ever". I'm guessing that term is used when some event or series of events happens and makes it great.

I'd like to hear you talk about one of your favorite trips and let me know what made it one of the best. Most of my experiences come from WDW, so I'd like to hear some stories from DLR.

500th post!!! Is there such a thing as too much DIS?

Staying in the GCH. All the advantages of proximity go a long way to offset the higher costs (and if you time it right, or are eligible, discounts help too!). Being able to just casually stroll into either park whenever I wanted without crossing busy streets, riding trams, dealing with traffic -- made it all very relaxing.

Congrats on your 500th.

 

[mystic_path]

Every trip to Disneyland is totally different with new memories and experiences. I can't say I have had just one good memorable or favorite trip to Disney because they have all been exceptional in different ways. It's all about what you make it. For me it all started with the first visit ever to the park years ago, then on other trips came surprise family reunions, birthdays, running into celebrities, meeting new characters, seeing the parks decorated for different holidays, or partaking in park celebrations and ceremonies. I have enjoyed trying new restaurants, seeing new parades rides, fireworks, shows, and lands like Buena Vista, Cars Land, Little Mermaid and Nemo and WOC years ago.

To me the best trips are about making new memories and spending happy quality time with friends and family as we rarely get together with a busy lifestyles. But one thing that doesn't change about an exceptional trip is that Disneyland makes one feel as though they are 8 years old eternally with no care in the world, and will make each and every person feel like they are the only person in the parks who matter.

 

[GeneralTso]

Our **BEST** trips are when we stay on property. It makes a difference. It just does. There is a palpable difference in level of magic

We've stayed off site several times, it was fine, great even. But not the 100% Disney experience we like to have. Even if we're spending minimal time in the room, launching and retiring to THAT space is so much better. Being in the resort, feeling the vibe is all really cool.

 

[twinky]

Twinky that picture is PRICELESS .... that looks like something Disney would put in their brochure.

5forMickey... I will always treasure that moment and the photo perfectly captures DD's innocence and wonder. That's the Disney magic!

 

[Mabel67]

The"Best Trips" are the ones where we can stroll through the parks at our leisure and not have to worry about being specific places at specific times Within reason of course like parade and shows of course.

I dread going to WDW because of all the planning requires so far in advance. I don't get the concept of booking fast passes and dining reservations 3 months ahead of time.

We are very spontaneous people and enjoy the relaxed days at DL and CA where we can follow our hearts rather than a regimental time table.

 

[JandD75]

Every trip to Disneyland is totally different with new memories and experiences. I can't say I have had just one good memorable or favorite trip to Disney because they have all been exceptional in different ways. It's all about what you make it. For me it all started with the first visit ever to the park years ago, then on other trips came surprise family reunions, birthdays, running into celebrities, meeting new characters, seeing the parks decorated for different holidays, or partaking in park celebrations and ceremonies. I have enjoyed trying new restaurants, seeing new parades rides, fireworks, shows, and lands like Buena Vista, Cars Land, Little Mermaid and Nemo and WOC years ago.

To me the best trips are about making new memories and spending happy quality time with friends and family as we rarely get together with a busy lifestyles. But one thing that doesn't change about an exceptional trip is that Disneyland makes one feel as though they are 8 years old eternally with no care in the world, and will make each and every person feel like they are the only person in the parks who matter.

Yes!!!