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

[pmama]

WOW! That sounds like a madhouse! I'm surprised!

I love the background where you take the pics with Pooh. That's cute. The pictures turned out really good!

Granita would hate touring with me then! I would never pay that kind of money for not so good food. Sounds like it's much higher than WDW.

I think it's cute how you all match.

MORE MORE MORE!!!!!

It was a cute outdoor photo area for Poo. The fast moving line was also a bonus.

Oh no! I didn't have that experience at Toontown when we went over spring break '06!! As far as the houses go though- they're pretty much exactly the same as FL, so that's alright.

Roger Rabbit is jerky but I didn't realize until almost the end that you could control the spinning/turning. My daughter was terrified (she was just almost 3 @ the time) and I spent most of the time consoling her!

I LOVED Pooh in Californina, although I haven't been on the one @ WDW, but it really opened my eyes to what the "dark ride" experience was -it was the first thing I'd ever ridden in a Disney park!

Lovin' your installments!

I'm not sure what the kink was with Toontown that day. I wonder if Mickey was late or something which made the lines get crazier than usual.

1st, thanks for the info on your stroller....since it doesn't recline, would you recommend it for every day use? My son is about 2 and dont' want to buy another stroller and this seems like it has everything we'd need to be out last....other than that, but you DD seemed to be comfy sleeping? thanks..enough OT from me, sorry!!

Great updates! Love all the photos you took....especially the one in the tea cup, with Pooh and in front of the train station at the opening. Do they have an opening ceremony like WDW? I'd be like you, comparing it all to WDW, it would be hard not too...I find myself doing that just reading your TR!! What a shame about Toontown and it being so disorganized, that isn't Disney like at all! And what a good sport Granita is for doing the tea cups, not so sure my Mom would do those!! lol!! IASW is one of my longtime favs from WDW, I know, not one for the majority, but my Mom always took us on it everytime we went to WDW as our 1st ride so it bring backs wonderful memories.....and I love the song, but I will say, the characters would be a nice addition, thanks for sharing the pics from DL with us!!

Looking forward to hearing about DH surprise visit and DD's 5th birthday!!!

DLR did not have an opening ceremony. Thanks I forgot to mention that. We were there in plenty of time to see one but there was no such luck. Instead everyone just stands in a herd down Main Street until they drop the rope.

tmkinnney is right that you will not regret purchasing the stroller. I'm not sure to tell you about the recline though. My DD does not nap but when she gets tired she can sleep just about anywhere in any position. To think we spent twice the value to rent a double stroller in WDW last September, it is very worth it.

Sounds like Toontown was crazy! Looking at your pictures is really making me want to return to Disneyland. I was there when I was 12 for one day, but don't remember much. Looking forward to reading more!

DLR has really changed over time. The last time I had been there was over two decades ago. Since then they added California Adventure and DTD. They are making great changes to enhance DLR!

Great update! That stinks about Mickey's house, I can't believe Disney would be that disorganized either! The Pooh ride looks really cute. I'm with you on being frugal, I'm the exact same way!!

I know huh. That's one reason we love Disney so much. Everything is so organized, clean, and well planned. Makes it even more surprising when you run across somthing out of their usual protocol.

 

[kaoden39]

I think the food choice are pretty iffy myself. But I do love the Hungry Bear. I love sitting on the lower level in the shade watch the river traffic go by and enjoying the shade. I am frugal too, I drive my husband crazy because I won't stop and eat just any where in Disneyland.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Thanks again for the info on the stroller, just got back from Babies R Us and bought myself the chocolate brown one (they only one they had left in stock and used a 15% of coupon (yay!!), but seems nice so it will hide stains?!!) and the accessorie bag to hold drinks/keys/etal. I can't wait to try it out!!! And have more space in my trunk!! Woohoo!!!

 

[blabbermouth]

I've been reading along, but don't think I've posted yet. This is a great TR! So informative. I'm taking your advice for the zoo to do the bus first. And we decided to go to Seaworld in the afternoon/evening instead of first thing in the morning, I think it will work better for us. And I'm enjoying all your DL photos too. Thanks!

 

[pmama]

I think the food choice are pretty iffy myself. But I do love the Hungry Bear. I love sitting on the lower level in the shade watch the river traffic go by and enjoying the shade. I am frugal too, I drive my husband crazy because I won't stop and eat just any where in Disneyland.

I didn't know there was a lower level until we went to the restroom. It does look nice down there.

Thanks again for the info on the stroller, just got back from Babies R Us and bought myself the chocolate brown one (they only one they had left in stock and used a 15% of coupon (yay!!), but seems nice so it will hide stains?!!) and the accessorie bag to hold drinks/keys/etal. I can't wait to try it out!!! And have more space in my trunk!! Woohoo!!!

Yeah You will enjoy the bag for years to come. I should pick up the accessorie bag. Do they have it in stock at you Babies R Us or did you have to order it?

I've been reading along, but don't think I've posted yet. This is a great TR! So informative. I'm taking your advice for the zoo to do the bus first. And we decided to go to Seaworld in the afternoon/evening instead of first thing in the morning, I think it will work better for us. And I'm enjoying all your DL photos too. Thanks!

It really makes me feel great that I might help others plan w/ my trip report. If I could save one family from the crazy maze we led through the zoo that would be great. I definitely think bus first thing would be best. It will give you a chance to see everything and to get your bearings for the things you'd like to see closer.

 

[pmama]

Last I left off we had enjoyed our morning in Disneyland, eaten lunch at Hungry Bear, and met Poo and Tiger!

Since we were in the area we decided to deviate slightly from our touring plan and ride Splash Mountain!! At first we didn't have our ponchos on but when we saw people coming off pretty soaked we threw them on. I was a little worried about DD5 since the logs at DLR are one seaters instead of two. (She usually clings to my arm on the drop.) I set her in front of me so that I could at least wrap my arms around her from the back. We did enjoy the ride. Very similar to WDW but I'd saw WDW takes the cake on this one. DD did get a little scared before the drop so you see me leaning forward to try to hold her as best we could as we dropped. You'll love the guy in the front of our log. Actually we loved having him there. Turns out that was in the soak spot on our log so he was a good shield and mop for us. Actually, I look the most scared in the pic.

Now it was approaching 2:30 and I had a special surprise for my Granita. Her favorite character is Alice in Wonderland and thanks to great pointers here on the DIS I knew exactly where we could get some great interaction w/ her favorite character. We went over to Coke's Corner and I immediately knew we were in the right place because of pictures I'd seen. There was a piano set up w/ small table and chairs in the area outside. Most the tables were empty and we only showed up about 5 minutes early. Even I was beginning to wonder if I had my facts straight. I told mom that any minute now Alice and the Mad Hatter would be coming out to play musical chairs. She looked at me like I was foreign object for a moment, and said "are you sure?" There were no signs saying this and very few people in the area. The girls and Granita wanted ice cream so I went around the corner to see the line. The line was much to long so I came back and saw this right in front of our table.

Alice and the Mad Hatter had come out, set up the chairs, and were starting to select children to play musical chairs. They asked both girls to play but apparently DD5 decided to play shy.

This was truly one of the highlights of our trip. Alice and the Mad Hatter were so in character and it was so fun to watch.

Finally it came down to DD8 and another girl. Notice the live piano player in the back.

Suddenly the Mad Hatter and Alice started adding in chairs and moving them all around before the piano player stopped playing. Both girls sat in different chairs. (DD insists she watched the chair and knows she sat in the right one.)

After a discussion between Mad Hatter, Alice, and the piano player they enthusiastically declared it "A TIE". So cute.

After watching the video I see DD8 was right! She did sit in "THE" chair.



Afterward they took some time for autographs and pictures.

I have some great video of this that I will try to add soon. Granita was very impressed with my trip planning abilities. One tip that I had not read is that the kids that don't get a seat are called up to the piano to tell a joke. Every girl called up was prepared with a riddle or joke. Obviously they were locals or people that had heard how it usually goes. I was a little nervous for DD8 since I had not prepped her with a joke. She ended up not having to tell one since she was a winner. So, if you take your kiddos to this prep them with a cute joke beforehand.

We decided to start heading out for a break at the hotel. First the girls posed for photopass pictures. I should be getting these soon, I was in a share this time.

And of course we had to stop for ice cream on Main Street before leaving.

We went back to our hotel and the girls enjoy a couple hours of pure joy in the Splash Park at HoJo. I think it's called Pirate's Cove. Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera with me and didn't want to go back and disturb Granita who was resting. I did take a few pictures of the area the morning before we left. It was a sunny day and there were a few other children but it was not too crowded. I lounged on a chair and enjoyed watching the girls. It was a great time. I even got to talk to DH on the phone who was currently . . . . at the Denver airport.

Up Next: Disney's Celebrate! Parade

 

[cdotla]

Awesome updates!!! I feel like I am right there along with you, and learning lots about DL in the process!

Can't wait to hear about your DH's arrival and hear how the girls reacted!

 

[Me&3]

What a great update the guy on SM is very funny. Musical chairs with Alice and the Madhatter seems fun. I'm sure you where excited with DH on his way. What a great surprise it was going to be.

 

[dawnrose]

We had the BEST time with the Mad Hatter at Goofy's Kitchen last Dec...and I remember him telling us to come see him at DL...the musical chairs game must have been what he meant. Do they do it everyday? What time? This kind of stuff is what I love about DL.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Oh the Mad Hatter/Alice musical chairs thing is great! Looks like the girls had fun with that! The hotel pool looks like fun too. So which Disney park do the girls prefer? CA or FL?

 

[chickyann]

My girls loved watching the musical chairs with Mad Hatter & Alice (we stumbled upon them twice during our time in DL, both times the game had already started), that Mad Hatter is hysterical.

My girls still quote him "everyone say HellOOOO Madison!... everyone say GoodBYEEEEE Madison!!"

 

[princess&her4princes]

I didn't know there was a lower level until we went to the restroom. It does look nice down there.



Yeah You will enjoy the bag for years to come. I should pick up the accessorie bag. Do they have it in stock at you Babies R Us or did you have to order it?



It really makes me feel great that I might help others plan w/ my trip report. If I could save one family from the crazy maze we led through the zoo that would be great. I definitely think bus first thing would be best. It will give you a chance to see everything and to get your bearings for the things you'd like to see closer.

My BRU store did have the accersory bag in stock...you may just want to call, to be sure, but I asked and the guy ran and got it for me. There was a 15% coupon online with them thru 6/18, so maybe you could get it that way? Just an idea....thanks again, I love the new stroller!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Great update!! Love that you pulled off a magical moment for your Mom with Alice and the Mad hatter!! That was a great tip from DIS!! Love the Splash Mountain pics...and that the guy in front mopped up for you girls!! What a guy! LOL!! MMM, the ice cream looks delish, even this early in the a.m. here, can you tell I'm dieting? LOL!! Your downtime at the hotel sounds so nice for you and the girls and yay DH is on his way!!! Woohoo!!!!

 

[julezdisney]

What a great day! Did ya'll ride Alice in Wonderland?

The musical chairs is a great tip and looks like great fun!

 

[disneyeeyorefan]

So glad for an awesome update to start my day!!! Now off to class!!

 

[tmkinney]

So cool that your DD got picked to do the musical chairs! The splash park looks like a lot of fun. And the ice cream sure looks yummy!

 

[thmar]

Sorry to hear about your experience at Toontown with Mickey...we had purchased a vacation package and stayed at DLH, so we had tickets for Mickey's Morning Toontown Madness. It was great. They have a little show, then the characters were at their houses. We had a very short line for Mickey...actually the walk through his house took longer than the line (about 10 people). We were able to see and take pictures with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. For us with my grandson (3) and granddaughter (1), it was perfect. We also were able to walk on all the rides. When we were finishing up, we saw that they had officially opened Toontown. Wow! Talk about people streaming in! We were glad that we had done the Toontown Madness. We were able to about everything in that hour.

I love your TR and photos!! Thanks!

 

[Seaera]

Awesome trip report! I can't wait to read more.

 

[Sarah84]

Great updates, i love your photos. Cant wait to read more

 

[kaoden39]

I love the musical chairs pictures. I am going to have to make sure we can watch it while we are there. That is adorable and how fun.