Which way to Disneyland? TR (comparison update 7/26)

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! Your photopass pics are GORGEOUS!! Love them!! The parade looks really fun! Can't wait to hear how surprised the girls were to see their Daddy!!

 

[pmama]

Now, the wonderful surprise!!

Finally huh?

Cute pics Can't wait to see and hear what happens when DH arrives

Thanks

All of your PhotoPass pictures came out great! I do like the nighttime/dusk Castle picture because of the pink tones matching, but I also like the daytime Castle PhotoPass pictures because the clouds are in kind of a dramatic pattern overhead!

You are right. I did notice the clouds in that picture too! They do look dramatic.

Your photos were great! I can't wait to see the girls' reaction to Daddy showing up

Thanks, yep the surprise is finally here!

Love the new update, the parade looks awesome! I haven't seen the block party bash at HS either, hope to see it next trip (which is now in December! ). I LOVE your pics in front of the castle, they are great!! Can't wait for the next update to see how the girls react to your DH showing up!

Yeah DECEMBER! I noticed today as I was reading the thread on SW flights that you had posted. I wondered if you had your next trip dates planned. I'm so excited for you. Do you know your dates? We plan to spend three nights in WDW after our cruise in December. I can't wait, Christmas time sounds just amazing.

What great photopass pictures. Love the extra decor they have for this years theme like the envelope with the balloons and thank you, that is so cute.
Your girls are just darling as always, they look like a blast to hang out with.
can't wait for the reveal of the DH.

Thanks. Yes the decor with balloons was pretty.

Oh wow!! Your photopass pics are GORGEOUS!! Love them!! The parade looks really fun! Can't wait to hear how surprised the girls were to see their Daddy!!

Thanks, the parade was a blast. Did you go to the WDW version?

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

The photopass pics are fabulous! I love how ya'll match too! You guys all look so happy to be there! The borders are the same but different...I like that. And the "street event" looks like a blast too! I wanna go to Disneyland!

 

[chickyann]

On the way out we took one of my favorite photopass pictures. I love how our pink matches the colors in the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Such a lovely photo, such a gorgeous castle

 

[princess&her4princes]

The photopass pics came out so nice and I'm with you, love the pink background with your matching tshirts!! Cute!

Can't wait to hear all about DH's big surprise!!!!!

 

[tmkinney]

Yeah DECEMBER! I noticed today as I was reading the thread on SW flights that you had posted. I wondered if you had your next trip dates planned. I'm so excited for you. Do you know your dates? We plan to spend three nights in WDW after our cruise in December. I can't wait, Christmas time sounds just amazing.

The dates are Dec 9 - 15. What days will you be in WDW? If we are there at the same time we will have to plan a Dis meet! You remember from reading my TR last year that my DSIL won the DVC prize, 3 years of points? Well, she invited us to go with her in December, so we are leaving the husband's at home and it will be us and the kids. We are keeping it a surprise from the kids, they are going to be sooo excited! So I get to stay at OKW in a 2 bedroom villa for FREE! I can't wait to see the Christmas decorations too!

Edit: Here I go again, I'm the top post!

 

[thmar]

We also loved "Celebrate! A Street Party"...high energy, good music and dancing, and lots of fun!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Glad you got your PP pix. Hope you don't mind that I did some extra (enhancements) for you.

Can't wait to hear about the big surprise!

 

[pmama]

The photopass pics are fabulous! I love how ya'll match too! You guys all look so happy to be there! The borders are the same but different...I like that. And the "street event" looks like a blast too! I wanna go to Disneyland!

Yes, you really should schedule a trip out to DLR. As much as you love WDW, it would be something new!

Such a lovely photo, such a gorgeous castle

Thank you

The photopass pics came out so nice and I'm with you, love the pink background with your matching tshirts!! Cute!

Can't wait to hear all about DH's big surprise!!!!!

Thanks a bunch

 

[pmama]

The dates are Dec 9 - 15. What days will you be in WDW? If we are there at the same time we will have to plan a Dis meet! You remember from reading my TR last year that my DSIL won the DVC prize, 3 years of points? Well, she invited us to go with her in December, so we are leaving the husband's at home and it will be us and the kids. We are keeping it a surprise from the kids, they are going to be sooo excited! So I get to stay at OKW in a 2 bedroom villa for FREE! I can't wait to see the Christmas decorations too!

Edit: Here I go again, I'm the top post!

Hmm I think we will probably just miss eachother. Our cruise gets back the
17th. We are flying in a day before the cruise. We did consider spending that night in WDW but probably not unless we get an early flight. Otherwise we will probably get a hotel near the port on the 12th. I'm so excited for you! How fun and nice of your SIL to share her points. Are you going to do a PTR? Have you purchased your flights yet?

We also loved "Celebrate! A Street Party"...high energy, good music and dancing, and lots of fun!!

Yes, definitely Lots Of Fun!

Glad you got your PP pix. Hope you don't mind that did some extra (enhancements) for you.

Can't wait to hear about the big surprise!

Glad you stopped by. I kept thinking I needed to take the time to email you and let you know I received it. Wow, thank you so much for all the hard work you put into the share. You went above and beyond by seperating all our pictures. And I enjoyed your extra enhancements. Thank you so much.

 

[ladybugmom]

Thanks, the parade was a blast. Did you go to the WDW version?

We did! But I don't remember there being any stopping in the parade or costume changes. It kept moving.

 

[tmkinney]

Hmm I think we will probably just miss eachother. Our cruise gets back the
17th. We are flying in a day before the cruise. We did consider spending that night in WDW but probably not unless we get an early flight. Otherwise we will probably get a hotel near the port on the 12th. I'm so excited for you! How fun and nice of your SIL to share her points. Are you going to do a PTR? Have you purchased your flights yet?QUOTE]

Yes, I am very grateful she is offering to share her prize. I haven't decided whether to do a PTR or not... If I do, I will wait closer to time, maybe a few weeks before we leave. I haven't booked the flights yet, I'm kind of hoping the prices will come down some, I think there may be a trend of lowering prices about 8 weeks prior... Have you booked yours?

 

[pmama]

We left off after a wonderful first day in Disneyland. DH had arrived in Anaheim but we had yet to meet him.

The next morning we were up bright and early. It was our day for Magic Morning which is the DLR equivalent of EMH. In CA if you have a three day or more ticket, even if you are not staying on sight you can attend one MM! This turned out to be amazing! But first, today IS the big day! DD's 5th Birthday! She opened her birthday hat first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately DH and DFIL (father in law) could not join us for the MM as they only had a two day ticket. I spoke with DH in the morning and we arranged for him to meet us in between DL and CA (as we would be spending most of the day in California Adventure) at 9:30 a.m. We headed down the elevator at 7:30 and who should walk out the second elevator right behind us? DH and DFIL! I was so glad to see him but at the same time so upset because I was not prepared with the cameras and have no pictures to document the reaction. It was quite funny. DD8 turned and looked at them, took a moment to take it in, and simply said . . . . . huh?? DD5 was sitting in the stroller turned away so when I turned her around she had the same confused expression. My precious FIL thought their reaction was the funniest thing ever. He just rolled with laughter. He has the most contagious laughter too. I just wish I had been able to take a picture at least.

Well, they walked with us until we passed Mimi's Cafe and they went to breakfast while we headed on for our hour without them in DLR. We hated to seperate so soon after meeting but didn't want to miss out on MM! And it was SOOO worth it!

First we waited in a not-too-long line at the entrance.

Upon entering the not-so-crowded Main Street but what should appear before my wonderous eyes? . . . . . . . . . .




MICKEY!!!

Remember the crazy time we had trying to see Mickey at his house the day before? You better believe we hopped right in that line. In less than 5 minutes we were visiting with the big Mouse himself. And bonus, Pluto too!!

I love this picture we captured of DD8 with Mickey. She is making almost the identical expression she made in her first ever encounter with Mickey at Chef Mickey's for her 7th birthday. In fact I posted that picture in my PTR. A year and a half later, and on her third Disney trip, it melts my heart that she has the similar awe-struck expression.

Here's just some of our great interaction with Mickey and Pluto. This alone made Magic Morning totally worth it!


After our surprise encounter we were off to get in as much possible during the Magic Morning. First we headed to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. It's been removed from WDW and I couldn't really remember it from childhood. Although basic we enjoyed it. The hot room seemed to be the main memory of the ride for the girls.

Next we did Pinnochio's Daring Journey. Another simple but cute Disney ride.

DD8 and Granita rode Snow White's Scary Adventure. DD5 still refuses that attraction. The word "scary" is enough to deter her.

Next up, King Arthur Carrousel! MM was the perfect time to experience these oldies but goodies.

Then over to Tomorrowland and Buzz Lightyear!

It was about 9 a.m. now so we headed out of DL and toward CA to meet back up with DH and DFIL. We had a very productive MM at DL. We did five attractions (Toad, Pinnochio, Snow White, Carrousel, Buzz) and a great encounter with Mickey and Pluto.

I must pause now to mention how eternally grateful I am for Granita and her camera. I ended up bringing my camera into the park this day but forgot to take the battery off the charger in the morning. Therefore, my camera did me no good. All these memories of DD5's birthday were taken with Granita's camera. She wasn't used to taking pictures of each ride like I do but she did her best and only missed a couple. I think she took this picture while I was in line at the ticket booths between DL and CA.

I was getting DD5's birthday fun card and also picking up our prepaid tickets for Ariel's Grotto. I prepurchased the tickets through ARES travel before leaving. I ended up saving about $45 for the meal and we loved prepaying for our parents so they would not feel obligated while there. It was very simple to take my printed receipt to the ticket office and receive our vouchers for dinner.

I knew from tips here on the DIS that CA actually opens 30 minutes before posted time and allows people to ride Soarin. We made our way to line up for CA, Oh and look who we found. Our first official picture with Dear Daddy!

Next Up: California Adventure!

 

[casiland]

The girls dresses are adorable. Did you make them? The snow pictures from the begining of your report brought back memories. I grew up in Limon so I know Colorado winters well.

 

[tmkinney]

I was thinking the same as the last poster, did you make the dresses? They are really cute. I have a friend who has one of those sewing machines that embroiders so she is going to try to make me some shirts for the girls for our Christmas trip and put their names on them. I wish I were talented enough to do it myself but the only thing I've ever sewn (a laundry bag back in high school) fell apart after about a day! Your oldest DD's expression with Mickey is just priceless, that is so sweet! I love Faith's birthday hat (she has morning hair like my DD I noticed! ) Glad to hear you had such a great morning!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

WOW!!! I can't believe how many rides you got on in such a short amount of time. That is so great. Can't wait to see your adventures in CA as I've only been once and only for a few hours.

How did you like your hotel?

 

[kaoden39]

The girls look so cute in their dresses, and I liked how one daughter had on the leggings while the other one didn't making a difference in the outfits. I think the pictures are great. And it was so smart of you to pre-pay on the meal, making what could have been uncomfortable into a non-problem.

 

[pmama]

The girls dresses are adorable. Did you make them? The snow pictures from the begining of your report brought back memories. I grew up in Limon so I know Colorado winters well.

Glad it's summer right now. I love Colorado summers. Thanks, the dresses are custom made from a seller on ebay.

I was thinking the same as the last poster, did you make the dresses? They are really cute. I have a friend who has one of those sewing machines that embroiders so she is going to try to make me some shirts for the girls for our Christmas trip and put their names on them. I wish I were talented enough to do it myself but the only thing I've ever sewn (a laundry bag back in high school) fell apart after about a day! Your oldest DD's expression with Mickey is just priceless, that is so sweet! I love Faith's birthday hat (she has morning hair like my DD I noticed! ) Glad to hear you had such a great morning!

We actually had the same dresses on our September trip. Figured I better have them wear them one more time before they are too small. I had them custom made from a seller on ebay. I haven't yet booked the flights but the prices now are tempting. Not near as good as others who live closer quote. I wish we lived closer. We take a big hit w/ the airfare.

The girls look so cute in their dresses, and I liked how one daughter had on the leggings while the other one didn't making a difference in the outfits. I think the pictures are great. And it was so smart of you to pre-pay on the meal, making what could have been uncomfortable into a non-problem.

Yes, I was so glad I had read the tip to prepay for our dinner.

 

[pmama]

WOW!!! I can't believe how many rides you got on in such a short amount of time. That is so great. Can't wait to see your adventures in CA as I've only been once and only for a few hours.

How did you like your hotel?

We loved California Adventure!

For the price and location the hotel fit the bill. It was more run down than the value resorts at WDW however. If we ever desire to stay at DLR on a budget again we would stay there again. Here's a link to the post where I discuss it briefly.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32209478&postcount=272

 

[pmama]

Apparently not many people know that CA opens 30 minutes early for Soarin. We were lined up w/ DH and Papa with just a few handfulls of other families when we were let through at 9:30. They led us to the third row center and I asked a CM if we could sit first row on the end. He allowed us all to go over to first row (so we wouldn't have dangling feet in front of us). It was Papa and Granita's first time on Soarin and they both of course loved it.

We then waited about 5 minutes for rope drop and did Monsters Inc, which is an attraction at DLR. Really cute. We loved the room with hundreds of floating doors like in the movie.

Next DH, Papa, and I rode Tower of Terror. I'd never ridden this as I'm usually the one who stays behind with the kids. It really was quite fun and not near as bad as I envisioned.

While we were at Tower of Terror Granita and the girls found a couple characters. Oops she forgot a pose picture with Handy Manny!

Yeah, our first encounter with Stitch.

Next up, across the construction around Paradise Pier. We tried to FP Grizzly River Rapids, and had tried to FP Tower of Terror earlier. They were both closed. We asked a CM who said only Soarin and Screamin were issuing FPs on this day. I had not read this tip. Check the bottom of your Times Guide to see which attractions are issuing FPs that day. Wish I'd known that before I sent DH and Papa off a couple times in search of FPs.

So, we made our way to Toy Story Mania. I wish I'd followed my gut and hit it as soon as rope drop. The line was already quite long. I think we waited about 40 minutes. I remember thinking I like DLR version a bit more but I don't journal so I can't tell you for sure why. I think it had something to do with how the seats moved around more than just zig-zaggy.

DH and Papa were off next to do Screamin while the girls had plans to do Mickeys Fun Wheel. This was very newly updated before we arrived. I liked the Mickey version much better than the Sun. Each gondola was themed like a Disney character. Too cute.

I ended up getting a call from the school (offering me the teaching position) so the girls ended up picking out these cute sunglasses that matched their outfits while they waited for me to get off the phone.

We took this photopass picture. Silly me! I didn't realize we were in front of the Sunglass store with a big dinosoar wearing sunglasses. I should have left my sunglasses on like everyone else.

Since we weren't sure we'd have time for the Sun Wheel we ended up doing King Tritons Carousel. The girls love these simple rides. (And so do I.) I've never gotten to ride an otter before!

DH and Papa really enjoyed California Screamin. We met up and headed toward our lunch reservations at 1 p.m. for Faith's Birthday at Ariel's Grotto!