You light ‘em, they fight ‘em! A GCV/Disneyland Resort December 2014 PTR- we're out!

[PrincessInOz]

Wahoo! I like it when time flys.....not wishing the Fall away though.


Still no input on dining from my friends. I'm really contemplating the Fantasmic dessert package. Thoughts? Any recent experiences or reviews?​

I believe that in order to get the good seats in the front, you need to get there really early and queue up for a while.

I tend to eat Counter Service inside the parks. Are you after table service meals?

 

[franandaj]

Really? Did the entire menu change? No buffet anymore?​

Weren't you following my FB last summer when it reopened? Uninspired Creole food with miniscule portions, and huge prices. Prix fixe menu, with new chef who has sworn there will NEVER be a buffet. Left from lunch so hungry we had to go to Ghiradelli for dessert. Dinner was a tad bit better portion size with 40% higher prices.

Why do you think we have been eating at the Steakhouse so much? At least I leave there in a happy food coma! Plus we get Marcel's wonderful food!

 

[rentayenta]

I believe that in order to get the good seats in the front, you need to get there really early and queue up for a while.

I tend to eat Counter Service inside the parks. Are you after table service meals?

I have read that before. The desserts looks good though and I hate sitting on the ground but to show up and wait as long as I would have without the package doesn't sound great either. I'll run it by our friends and see if it's even in the budget.

We really enjoy counter service too and truth be told, we could probably dine at the Plaza Inn for 5 days straight and be totally happy but I was thinking about one special dinner/event. Steakhouse 55 looks really good. I am so tempted by the pommel frites too at Cafe Orleans. I know that requires a PS and it isn't all that pricey. I also love Storytellers too. The kids and Michael haven't done the Blue Bayou but for a party of 10-12, I don't think thats our best option. I think we'll do Napa for apps and drinks again; maybe adults only? We'll grill for sure on our resort day or on an evening the parks are open until midnight. Michael loves using the grills at the DCV resorts. He's so funny like that. Its his thing. So basically I have 6 DLR dinners to plan. Lunch is almost always a counter service depending on what we do for breakfast. Sometimes it's just snacks and an early dinner. I don't want to over plan by any means but I think it'll be fairly busy and with so many of us, having a PS will be important.

I also want the Uva Bar's lamb burger.

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[rentayenta]

Weren't you following my FB last summer when it reopened? Uninspired Creole food with miniscule portions, and huge prices. Prix fixe menu, with new chef who has sworn there will NEVER be a buffet. Left from lunch so hungry we had to go to Ghiradelli for dessert. Dinner was a tad bit better portion size with 40% higher prices.

Of course I was following your FB but didn't realize the buffet was totally gone. I saw the menu changed. Chef Andrew doesn't like the buffet idea? I loved it! So did others clearly. I am sorry there are so many changes. Isn't there a Jazz Bar inside Club 33 now?​

Why do you think we have been eating at the Steakhouse so much? At least I leave there in a happy food coma! Plus we get Marcel's wonderful food!

Happy food coma is where it's at! He made you that gorgeous Mac n cheese too. ​

 

[PrincessInOz]

I have read that before. The desserts looks good though and I hate sitting on the ground but to show up and wait as long as I would have without the package doesn't sound great either. I'll run it by our friends and see if it's even in the budget.

We really enjoy counter service too and truth be told, we could probably dine at the Plaza Inn for 5 days straight and be totally happy but I was thinking about one special dinner/event. Steakhouse 55 looks really good. I am so tempted by the pommel frites too at Cafe Orleans. I know that requires a PS and it isn't all that pricey. I also love Storytellers too. The kids and Michael haven't done the Blue Bayou but for a party of 10-12, I don't think thats our best option. I think we'll do Napa for apps and drinks again; maybe adults only? We'll grill for sure on our resort day or on an evening the parks are open until midnight. Michael loves using the grills at the DCV resorts. He's so funny like that. Its his thing. So basically I have 6 DLR dinners to plan. Lunch is almost always a counter service depending on what we do for breakfast. Sometimes it's just snacks and an early dinner. I don't want to over plan by any means but I think it'll be fairly busy and with so many of us, having a PS will be important.

I also want the Uva Bar's lamb burger.

​

I like all the options you mentioned. But I've been thinking about that lamb burger a bit lately. Alison has a LOT to answer for!!

 

[rentayenta]

I like all the options you mentioned. But I've been thinking about that lamb burger a bit lately. Alison has a LOT to answer for!!

I definitely blame err.....I mean thank Alison for the incredibly long list of must haves.




Joshua isn't in this photo because he's not a big fan of Screamin'.

73 days!!!





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[mvf-m11c]

Nice picture of you and your family on CS.

Still no input on dining from my friends. I'm really contemplating the Fantasmic dessert package. Thoughts? Any recent experiences or reviews?​

I have done the F! dessert package back in 2009 when F! was updated with Murphy the dragon. The F! dessert package is nice where you won't have to stake out a spot. But you also have to spend some time waiting at the registration podium (unless you don't care about where you are seated) if you want to get front row seating. I haven't done it for a while but I do see people wait in line when I am waiting for the fist show of F! to be able to select their seats for the first show or second show. Those people show up at least an hour before the registration podium is open for the seat locations. Always do the first show of F! since you will be able to watch the fireworks from your seats after the first show of F!.

You can always check out the Fantasmic! Superthread - Or Everything You Need To Know About Fantasmic at Disneyland by HydroGuy which will tell you everything about the show.

Speaking of the UVA Bar and Cafe, Alison and PiO got me hooked up at that restaurant and the lamb burger. It is a very nice restaurant with decent prices and the food is great. I also like the sea salt fries.

 

[rentayenta]

Nice picture of you and your family on CS.

I have done the F! dessert package back in 2009 when F! was updated with Murphy the dragon. The F! dessert package is nice where you won't have to stake out a spot. But you also have to spend some time waiting at the registration podium (unless you don't care about where you are seated) if you want to get front row seating. I haven't done it for a while but I do see people wait in line when I am waiting for the fist show of F! to be able to select their seats for the first show or second show. Those people show up at least an hour before the registration podium is open for the seat locations. Always do the first show of F! since you will be able to watch the fireworks from your seats after the first show of F!.

You can always check out the Fantasmic! Superthread - Or Everything You Need To Know About Fantasmic at Disneyland by HydroGuy which will tell you everything about the show.

Speaking of the UVA Bar and Cafe, Alison and PiO got me hooked up at that restaurant and the lamb burger. It is a very nice restaurant with decent prices and the food is great. I also like the sea salt fries.

I haven't tried the Uva Bar's sea salt fries but they use to have these insane garlic fries. The problem is everyone needs to eat them as they are very garlicky and wonderful.

Thanks for the link. I believe there are three rows of seats with the F! dessert package. I'm guessing everyone wants the front but wonder if its necessary and how bad the obstruction is for rows 2 and 3? How were the desserts? They look delicious!

Thanks for the first show reminder. Staying for the fireworks would be awesome. I've waited 2+ hours for a good fireworks spot. Maybe only waiting an hour for F! with desserts and fireworks isn't a bad idea.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I haven't tried the Uva Bar's sea salt fries but they use to have these insane garlic fries. The problem is everyone needs to eat them as they are very garlicky and wonderful.

Thanks for the link. I believe there are three rows of seats with the F! dessert package. I'm guessing everyone wants the front but wonder if its necessary and how bad the obstruction is for rows 2 and 3? How were the desserts? They look delicious!

Thanks for the first show reminder. Staying for the fireworks would be awesome. I've waited 2+ hours for a good fireworks spot. Maybe only waiting an hour for F! with desserts and fireworks isn't a bad idea.

It would have been nice if I was able to try their garlic fries. I couldn't believe it took me this long (during the July trip) to eat at this restaurant after all these years and I still can't stop thinking about it. Here is my review about the [post=52166876]UVA Bar and Cafe[/post] when I ate there in July.

Your welcome. That is correct. There are three rows and two different locations where the first location is at the center and the other is on the left hand side close to the HM. Mostly the guests line up early so they can get the first row seating for F!. The only problem of not getting the first row is the people that are tall that are in front of you on the first or second row and can obstruct your view of the show. That is the major part of not getting the first row. If you get the last row, I believe you can ask the CM's to watch the show from the stairs where the VIP seating is. I have seen people stand up during the show from the dessert viewing area during the show. But I would ask that question on the F! Superthread. The dessert box that I got in 2009 had a variety of desserts to choose along with any choices of beverages (no alcohol included). Your party members won't be able to finish the dessert box when seated so you will have some leftover desserts when you get back to the hotel. I didn't finish my box since I shared my DA box so we had one extra left that night.

Here is a picture of the dessert box from 2009 that I got.




If you do the F! first show, you will be able to stay in your seats and watch the fireworks (if it starts at 9:25pm). There are times when the fireworks start before F! at 8:45pm and you will be able to see the fireworks first and watch F! from the same seats. Today mostly the fireworks start at 9:25pm. The view is okay (not that great like watching it in front of SB Castle) from the dessert seating location for the fireworks but you are able to see the fireworks in the sky and the projections coming from SB Castle at the viewing area. Sometimes it can be better to wait only an hour instead of waiting 1-2 hours for a ground sitting spot for F!. During my trip last week, we did stake out a spot for RDCT fireworks around the Hub and were able to watch the second show of F! in the handicapped section. I just updated the post about it yesterday: [post=52347561]September 2014 Trip Report[/post] Looking forward to hear if you are thinking about doing the F! dessert package.

 

[rentayenta]

It would have been nice if I was able to try their garlic fries. I couldn't believe it took me this long (during the July trip) to eat at this restaurant after all these years and I still can't stop thinking about it. Here is my review about the [post=52166876]UVA Bar and Cafe[/post] when I ate there in July.

Thank you! ​

Your welcome. That is correct. There are three rows and two different locations where the first location is at the center and the other is on the left hand side close to the HM. Mostly the guests line up early so they can get the first row seating for F!. The only problem of not getting the first row is the people that are tall that are in front of you on the first or second row and can obstruct your view of the show. That is the major part of not getting the first row. If you get the last row, I believe you can ask the CM's to watch the show from the stairs where the VIP seating is. I have seen people stand up during the show from the dessert viewing area during the show. But I would ask that question on the F! Superthread. The dessert box that I got in 2009 had a variety of desserts to choose along with any choices of beverages (no alcohol included). Your party members won't be able to finish the dessert box when seated so you will have some leftover desserts when you get back to the hotel. I didn't finish my box since I shared my DA box so we had one extra left that night.

This is great info, thank you Bret! You're always so thorough and it's much appreciated. I can see how heads may obstruct the view and because we'll are short aside from Michael, this may not be the best bet for us though it sure sounds fun!​

Here is a picture of the dessert box from 2009 that I got.

You're right, theres no way we could finish that box of desserts. I bet the 5 of us couldn't finish two boxes. The desserts look yummy though. I'd have to steal everyone's macaroons. I like the variety; some sweet and some savory. Good job Disney!​

If you do the F! first show, you will be able to stay in your seats and watch the fireworks (if it starts at 9:25pm). There are times when the fireworks start before F! at 8:45pm and you will be able to see the fireworks first and watch F! from the same seats. Today mostly the fireworks start at 9:25pm. The view is okay (not that great like watching it in front of SB Castle) from the dessert seating location for the fireworks but you are able to see the fireworks in the sky and the projections coming from SB Castle at the viewing area. Sometimes it can be better to wait only an hour instead of waiting 1-2 hours for a ground sitting spot for F!. During my trip last week, we did stake out a spot for RDCT fireworks around the Hub and were able to watch the second show of F! in the handicapped section. I just updated the post about it yesterday: [post=52347561]September 2014 Trip Report[/post] Looking forward to hear if you are thinking about doing the F! dessert package.

Staying for fireworks would be a huge perk. I'll go read your update! We all sat around last night and made our list of must-dos in the park for our trip. I can't decide if snow is a must after the fireworks or not. I mean I live in Utah after all and get plenty of snow but I like Disneyland snow. It's not cold! ​

 

[rentayenta]

My cute boy at 1901.






71 days!!!


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[mvf-m11c]

This is great info, thank you Bret! You're always so thorough and it's much appreciated. I can see how heads may obstruct the view and because we'll are short aside from Michael, this may not be the best bet for us though it sure sounds fun!


Staying for fireworks would be a huge perk. I'll go read your update! We all sat around last night and made our list of must-dos in the park for our trip. I can't decide if snow is a must after the fireworks or not. I mean I live in Utah after all and get plenty of snow but I like Disneyland snow. It's not cold! ​

Your welcome. I hope that you and your family enjoy the fullest during your trip and I'm glad that I can help you. The F! dessert package is nice to do just once in a lifetime and it does save you the time from staking out a spot but it also requires some wait time as well. If you do the dessert package or not, you will enjoy it.

That's why a lot of people would prefer the first show of F! so you are able to stay in your seats to watch the fireworks. It will snow around the RoA after Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks so you will be able to see it snow. There are only a few places around DL (MS of course) will snow after BIHM fireworks. Around the RoA is one and also IASW Plaza is another place that snows. If you want to see it snow early instead of waiting for the fireworks, you can watch the Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle Enchantment Lighting show where it does snow around the Hub. There are three to four shows a night that plays that show.

 

[jedijill]

Your trip is getting closer! I did the F! Package and I still had a crappy view from the front row....I was obstructed by a column. I couldn't eat much of the food and it went to waste.

Jill in CO

 

[Pinkocto]

70 Days!!!!! ​

 

[rentayenta]

Your welcome. I hope that you and your family enjoy the fullest during your trip and I'm glad that I can help you. The F! dessert package is nice to do just once in a lifetime and it does save you the time from staking out a spot but it also requires some wait time as well. If you do the dessert package or not, you will enjoy it.

Thanks! I'm still up in the air but leaning towards a no at this moment. We met with our friends last night and talked budget. ​

That's why a lot of people would prefer the first show of F! so you are able to stay in your seats to watch the fireworks. It will snow around the RoA after Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks so you will be able to see it snow. There are only a few places around DL (MS of course) will snow after BIHM fireworks. Around the RoA is one and also IASW Plaza is another place that snows. If you want to see it snow early instead of waiting for the fireworks, you can watch the Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle Enchantment Lighting show where it does snow around the Hub. There are three to four shows a night that plays that show.

We walked by the Lighting last year but of course, with only one day, my crew wouldn't stop. This year though, I won't give them a choice. What a great way to get my Disneyland snow fix. Thank you for the suggestion.​

Your trip is getting closer! I did the F! Package and I still had a crappy view from the front row....I was obstructed by a column. I couldn't eat much of the food and it went to waste.

Jill in CO

You're back. Link me when you start the trippie. I don't see any pics on FB yet. ​

70 Days!!!!! ​

You're so cute!





70 days!!!






So two pieces of trip news. One exciting and one just is.

For the not exciting....lol.....we went to dinner with our friends who will be joining us and chatted about restaurants etc....budget stuff too. We have decided not to make any PS at this point. We may do a pizza night at Naples or something like that but with such big families, $300+ dinners are not in the budget. We'll mostly do breakfast in the room aside from Riverbelle Terrace at least once. We'll most likely do later dinners inside the park and BBQ during our midday breaks at the villa. I'm glad we've come to some decisions. I've still got lots of good eats on our list and some new places to try.



The second piece of news which is SO exciting is that we think our friends' daighter's boyfriend is going to propose to her on this trip! We aren't sure and my friends don't want to pry but he's hinted around. Wouldn't that be amazing? He's buying her diamond from Michael so I'll gently pry then. ​

 

[franandaj]

That must feel good to have some things worked out. I know about your crew but what are the kids and ages of your friends again? I knew their kids were a little older than yours but I didn't realize a BF was going and that any of the kids were of marrying age.

I keep forgetting how costly it can be with a big family. I mean it's always costly for Fran and I. unless we're ordering off the dollar menu at McDonald's! But thats cause we choose lots of pricey places. Good call on getting your big meal in the villa, you can always spilt some Plaza Inn Chicken. I really enjoyed the French Marketplace in July and there was a lot of food. There are plenty of good places to eat without a reservation. Have you tried the Garden Grill in DCA? It's Mediterranean style, soooo good!

 

[mvf-m11c]

It is always interesting when someone proposes at the DLR. That should be fun when your friends daughter is being proposed at the park.

As you say that it can be costly when you have a lot of party members when dining at the parks. I remember on your past trip reports that you have cook on-site and it will be a good idea to save a lot of money when cooking it. As what Alison has mentioned about what places to eat at the DLR. The Plaza Inn, French Market and Garden Grill are very nice places to eat where you can get a lot out of it. Other places that I know that are great places to eat with large groups of people is Rancho del Zocalo and Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.

 

[rentayenta]

That must feel good to have some things worked out. I know about your crew but what are the kids and ages of your friends again? I knew their kids were a little older than yours but I didn't realize a BF was going and that any of the kids were of marrying age.

I keep forgetting how costly it can be with a big family. I mean it's always costly for Fran and I. unless we're ordering off the dollar menu at McDonald's! But thats cause we choose lots of pricey places. Good call on getting your big meal in the villa, you can always spilt some Plaza Inn Chicken. I really enjoyed the French Marketplace in July and there was a lot of food. There are plenty of good places to eat without a reservation. Have you tried the Garden Grill in DCA? It's Mediterranean style, soooo good!

Our friends' girls are almost 16 and 21. Remember its Utah, 21 is a normal age to marry if not borderline old. The boyfriend thing is last minute and I told them about our plans and the number so they're aware that anyone above and beyond can't come. Haha!

If there third daughter comes, she's almost 23 and the ex Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. She's got finals as the does their middle DD's boyfriend so they'd fly in and out at some point. I'm not worrying about them or planning with them. We won't be glued to our friends' hips either. They're really cool and we've traveled together before.

I haven't tried the Garden Grill but I think I've seen pics of the food from you and PIO and it looks delicious. You're welcome to join us as little or much as you want. The Plaza Inn is a must!

Dining can be very spendy. Thankfully the DLR has lots of good CS options.​

It is always interesting when someone proposes at the DLR. That should be fun when your friends daughter is being proposed at the park.

As you say that it can be costly when you have a lot of party members when dining at the parks. I remember on your past trip reports that you have cook on-site and it will be a good idea to save a lot of money when cooking it. As what Alison has mentioned about what places to eat at the DLR. The Plaza Inn, French Market and Garden Grill are very nice places to eat where you can get a lot out of it. Other places that I know that are great places to eat with large groups of people is Rancho del Zocalo and Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.

I really hope he proposes. She's a huge Disney fan and has always wanted a Disneyland proposal so we'll see.

Rancho is great too! We're also big into sharing and I find some of the portions huge.

We like our midday breaks especially when the park closes later so that's the perfect to grill, have a drink, and unwind.

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[franandaj]

That's hilarious that a woman is considered and Old Maid at 21 in Utah! I checked with the rules and the max is nine. I think you guys are nine without me. I'm not sure exactly what they do about that. I've heard that a 10th person can't even follow you around even if they are not going on rides.

 

[rentayenta]

That's hilarious that a woman is considered and Old Maid at 21 in Utah! I checked with the rules and the max is nine. I think you guys are nine without me. I'm not sure exactly what they do about that. I've heard that a 10th person can't even follow you around even if they are not going on rides.

They can switch off maybe. It's nothing for either of us to worry about. If they want to stick together, they can skip it all together. We've got quite a few hours so they'll most likely switch off if that's allowed. Please don't you worry about it al all.

Gabby has friends getting married next year. They've been dating the boys since like the 9th grade. It's all they'll ever know. It's the culture/religion here. No judgement, it's just what it is. I don't understand the mindset but we've got friends who are happily married and got hitched at 18/19.


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