You Want to Go Where? A 4th of July Weekend PTR

[MEK]

I just got back from the world earlier this week, so I am a little behind, but I just want to say that your plans look great. I love reading about DL and I hope I get a chance to see it for myself someday!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Those options do sound confusing. I'm glad you finally were able to make a choice!

Still keeping fingers, toes, arms, and legs crossed for you and Zoe!

I eventually want to get to DL one day... I love the way it looks so different. I like that rope drop picture that someone posted. Everyone just standing.. patiently waiting to run through the park!

 

[JennisSilly]

I'm subbing in

I would recommend hitting Peter Pan before Snow White. Peter Pan's queue always fills up fast, while Snow White's- not so much.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Reading this makes me miss DLR more and more!

You're going to have a BLAST!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I eventually want to get to DL one day... I love the way it looks so different. I like that rope drop picture that someone posted. Everyone just standing.. patiently waiting to run through the park!

That's from a Magic Morning day like EMH. That's the group of people who didn't use Magic Morning that day or didn't have access to it. About 2 minutes after I tool that pic they did a count down from 10 and then slowly rolled up the rope as the people walked into the rest of the park.

 

[annmarieda]

First of all I think they have now extend it to both parks everyday, I don't know if that is continuing n to July as well, but that may be something to keep in mind.

Second there is no Rope Drop for Mornings, they do a brief countdown with the gates locked and a special first family of the day, they they just open the gates and let everyone through the turnstiles. At a certain point they put up a rope, I think about a half hour before the park opens to regular guests. On my last trip I actually got a picture of then guest with out Morning Magic hours to get in from the Hub.

I love this picture! Those few lucky people inside just strolling about while all those poor unfortunate souls are outside... I wonder if this is a way to keep crowds down? Imagine if at WDW guests had to choose which day they were going to use their credit for EMH.

Ann, I am so far behind, and have to admit I skimmed a lot (so many TR's to catch up on and I haven't done mine in probably ten days, if not more).

It sounds like Zach is a yes? If so, that is great.

And your plans sound wonderful thus far.

You have a lot going on. I know this! heck... I am even having a hard time keeping up with my own reports....

Yes, it does look like Zach is going. We will not know for sure until next week this time. (way to cut it close, eh?)

Anne, your plans are really wanting me to make a trip to Disneyland Your plans are coming together wonderfully!

I love Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! I agree IASW is better in DL. It really is interesting how DL and WDW are similar but yet so very different.

The plans are getting there...slowly. Soon I will be in single digits though (like..tomorrow?) I need to hustle.

Oh yeah that would be a great test! My friend has wanted to do Goofy's Kitchen ever since I went there for breakfast last year, and the photo for that was I think $30, plus since she has never been we wanted to get the ride photos (I always get a few anyway), so I think the $70 was well worth it (and hopefully will be)! Make sure the boys write down their photo numbers on the rides (or text the numbers to you) so that you can go and get them put on the photo pass later. Texting would probably be easiest.

OMG!!! that is an EXCELLENT idea! The boys can just text the numbers to me. I had not even thought of that as an option, so thank you.

I just got back from the world earlier this week, so I am a little behind, but I just want to say that your plans look great. I love reading about DL and I hope I get a chance to see it for myself someday!

Welcome back although, I am sure it is better to be there than back to reality. Is there a TR?

Those options do sound confusing. I'm glad you finally were able to make a choice!

Still keeping fingers, toes, arms, and legs crossed for you and Zoe!

I eventually want to get to DL one day... I love the way it looks so different. I like that rope drop picture that someone posted. Everyone just standing.. patiently waiting to run through the park!

Someday you will have to go.... for you though, DLR would be a long travel day. I believe the long travel day to be worth it for WDW... hopefully, I will think that it would be for DLR as well. Luckily though for us... it is a short flight.

I'm subbing in

I would recommend hitting Peter Pan before Snow White. Peter Pan's queue always fills up fast, while Snow White's- not so much.

Thanks for the tip! I will have to switch them around. I just put together a touring plan based on touringplans... and it noted to go to SW first. Course... it also has me doing a bunch in Carsland with minimal waits. I wonder how reliable it is.

And.. btw

Reading this makes me miss DLR more and more!

You're going to have a BLAST!

I am getting super excited.

That's from a Magic Morning day like EMH. That's the group of people who didn't use Magic Morning that day or didn't have access to it.

again, pooor unfortunate souls.

 

[annmarieda]

Day3 - 7/7 Afternoon

So after riding the Sailing Ship Columbia, we will head out of the park to go back to the hotel. There, we will take a nap and swim.

Renewed, we will head back to DL for a late lunch at

I hope we are able to get a table near the water since I think it will be a nice place to perhaps escape some heat. I could be wrong regarding the respite from the heat or delusional that we could get a table at that time (in the 2pm hour?).. but either way, that is what I hope to do.

After lunch, we will check out

Will it be just like TSI in MK? Disney's site has this to say about it.

Pirate recruits are invited to sail on a raft across the Rivers of America for jolly adventures on an island filled with twisting wilderness paths, tree house lookouts and dark caverns filled with cursed treasure.

I know having Zoe, most things are all about the princesses. However, as much as I love the princess stuff... I really LOVE the pirate stuff so this has me very intrigued. I don't remember it from any of our previous trips to DLR. Sounds a lot like the island in WDW though.

Next we will pick up a fast pass for the Indiana Jones ride.

Another stop that I don't remember from previous trips is Big Thunder Ranch. Hmm.. now that I am thinking about it though I might remember Zoe at this last time.

Meet and pet adorable barnyard animals, such as cows, goats, sheep, donkeys and pigs on an idyllic western ranch right out of the 1880s.

Now, one thing that I may not completely convey about myself here on dis is that I am a bit of a germaphob. The idea of petting these animals alone is enough to set me off (yes, and yet I live in a small town where farm animals out number the humans ), but then add in that other people are touching these animals. I will get through it though... cause I know Zoe will love it. I will just bring lots of hand sanitizer.

Next will be a ride on one of my all time favorite rides.

This ride, here in DL, is the one ride I have had the pleasure of walking off of. I believe in all of my ride experiences, this is the ONLY one that has ever actually broke down to the point where we all had to get off... and hoof it back. Such a quaint little mining town that we got to walk through.

Finally, we will attend the all time must do..however cheesy

After this we will have some free time to meander a bit. During this time we will be sure to get a snack. One place in particular is on our list.

Kira and Steve (and almost me ) were made sick by eating soo many of a particular menu item. BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS It appears to still be on the menu. (please please please) No item other than the original Tigger Tails cause us all to dream of when we will next have one. Simply one of my favorite things ever! That and of course my lost Tigger Tail that has been replaced by an imposter

We may even get a snack to go along with the above mentioned asparagus. Maybe something at the Tiki Juice Bar

where tangy pineapples are the main ingredient for an assortment of refreshing treats — including pineapple whips,

Is there anything better on a hot day?

 

[dizneeat]

Wow Ann, you are packing A LOT into your days!!! I am taking my hat off to you for attempting it all.

I am sure you'll find a table at the Hungry Bear at around 2pm - it is such a nice place to eat.
I cannot remember about the bacon wrapped asparagus something I missed last time, but it is on my list now!

I cannot believe you had to walk off of BTMR. To be honest I love it when you have to walk off and get to see everything that you normally miss. On the other hand - we were held "hostage" on BTMR in WDW once. I had a headache to begin with and we were stuck in the "mine" section where the big rock is supposed to "drop down". It was LOUD and we were sitting there locked in for about 45 minutes. When we got back to the loading area they wanted us to get off, but we ALL refused - after being stuck for 45 minutes we deserved a full ride as well.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I love this picture! Those few lucky people inside just strolling about while all those poor unfortunate souls are outside... I wonder if this is a way to keep crowds down? Imagine if at WDW guests had to choose which day they were going to use their credit for EMH.

It actually works a little bit differently for the guest at the three Disney Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand California) and what they call the good niebour hotels. If you go to the Disneyland booking section there are a number of of site hotels that you can book with them and get Magic Mornings too. Those guest all get it every day of their stay. It's only guest who are not sating at one and have 3 day or more park hoppers that get one Magic Morning.

again, pooor unfortunate souls.

Not really as only Fanatsyland and parts of Tomorowland are open

 

[annmarieda]

Wow Ann, you are packing A LOT into your days!!! I am taking my hat off to you for attempting it all.

I am sure you'll find a table at the Hungry Bear at around 2pm - it is such a nice place to eat.
I cannot remember about the bacon wrapped asparagus something I missed last time, but it is on my list now!

I cannot believe you had to walk off of BTMR. To be honest I love it when you have to walk off and get to see everything that you normally miss. On the other hand - we were held "hostage" on BTMR in WDW once. I had a headache to begin with and we were stuck in the "mine" section where the big rock is supposed to "drop down". It was LOUD and we were sitting there locked in for about 45 minutes. When we got back to the loading area they wanted us to get off, but we ALL refused - after being stuck for 45 minutes we deserved a full ride as well.

Usually, I don't think I am planning too much... but this time I am sure my plans will fail. With only 3 days in the parks, I just can't imagine getting to do EVERYTHING.

It actually works a little bit differently for the guest at the three Disney Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand California) and what they call the good niebour hotels. If you go to the Disneyland booking section there are a number of of site hotels that you can book with them and get Magic Mornings too. Those guest all get it every day of their stay. It's only guest who are not sating at one and have 3 day or more park hoppers that get one Magic Morning.







Not really as only Fanatsyland and parts of Tomorowland are open

I was just trying to be silly.

I did know that guests of the DLR hotels get it every day... good neighbor too? Ah...

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I did know that guests of the DLR hotels get it every day... good neighbor too? Ah...

Yup unfortunately the Desert Inn isn't one of the good neighbor hotels.

 

[annmarieda]

Yup unfortunately the Desert Inn isn't one of the good neighbor hotels.

Yeah, that is okay. I would have assumed we would have had to reserve through WD Travel. Plus.. I keep having to remind myself we only have 3 days in the park.

 

[annmarieda]

Day 3 - 7/7 Evening

Depending on how we are feeling, after we grab our snacks we may head back to the hotel. Another option may be to do some shopping or we might just try to catch a ride that we may have missed or want to make sure to catch and extra time. If touring plans are correct we should have a few hours before I wanted to have dinner.

Dinner will be at

Of course since it is a cs restaurant, the boys may opt to venture somewhere else in order to get something.. more hearty.

For me though, I have been eyeing something on the menu.

Once we are done with dinner we will still have a very full night ahead of us.

We (at least Zoe and I) will head over to the Tangled m&g. For our fall trip, Zoe is really starting to lean towards dressing as Rupunzel. I am not sure if I should just get the dress this week and get more "mileage" from it by letting her wear it on this day..or not.

Next will be FINALLY!!!!! be POTC!!! I can't wait for Zoe to go on this. I think of all the rides with their subtle differences... this one will stand out. First the ride through the restaurant. (which every time I think about it makes me want to eat there), then the "backwoods" area and then THE drop. OMG, I am so excited about that drop.

After POTC we get a spot for Fantasmic. I have never watch this in DL. The way they "set up" for it always agitated me. We always ended up leaving that area of the park and so we never saw it. The show itself is suppose to be really cool and "up close" so we will not want to miss it. I had toyed around with the idea of trying to get a dessert package for it, but in the end opted not to attempt it. One, it is a bit on the pricey side (I think $60 pp?) and two, I really don't need all the sweets.

Once the show is over we should be close to HM which is another favorite of mine. I love the outside of this (better than WDW) however with the new queue at WDW, I think WDW now beats it. (unless did I miss that DL has the interactive queue too?)

TP has it in the plan to the try and ride the canoes, but I am not sure. It seems to me that we never have rode them before because they don't always run. Worth a shot though.

We will try and finish out our night with

If only there was a Tigger Tail near by to be had. YUM...

I hope to have the courage. The drop on this about kills me. Some trips I have just skipped it. In fact, most trips. : Course, since we will have the pp + it may be worth it to get a picture of me dying.

I can't wait to ride this. Zach was just recalling a memory of the interactive queue they have (although if memory serves it is very minimal) where he and Alex shook a pole and the ceiling shook as though it were going to cave. The father behind us began freaking out thinking they had actually done something do damage the building. He proceeded to tell his child to not touch a thing. Something tells me it was his first ride and he was a bit stressed out

I do love the dark rides...so even though we should have done this in the morning...we will come back to it in the evening.

Riding at night may not be ideal but this is something not to be missed so if we didn't have a chance earlier in the day we must do it now.

Of course Zoe and Alex will have to spin on this. Will they take Zach along and get super sick?

Before heading out of the park for the night, we will try and meet some fairies. Park closes at midnight. You all did say I could sleep at home, right?

 

[dizneeat]

Okay I am tired from reading, let alone would I try to accomplish everything you want to do. You are one BRAVE woman!

 

[MEK]

The more I read your plans the more I want to go to DL. Your plans look great.

Is Splash mountain the same at both parks? It sure looks the same. You can do it - I'm rooting for you!!!!!!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

The more I read your plans the more I want to go to DL. Your plans look great.

Is Splash mountain the same at both parks? It sure looks the same. You can do it - I'm rooting for you!!!!!!

The only major differences between Splash in Disneyland and WDW is the size of the boats. At DL they are similar and you sit all in one row like the Matterhorn. Oh yeah and you will get soaked on Disneyland's Splash unless your boat is really light in weight

 

[annmarieda]

Okay I am tired from reading, let alone would I try to accomplish everything you want to do. You are one BRAVE woman!

right?! I hope we can tackle all this. It is such a short trip. Even though I am planning all this... I am not a betting woman...but if I were.... I would bet against me accomplishing all that I have planned.

The more I read your plans the more I want to go to DL. Your plans look great.

Is Splash mountain the same at both parks? It sure looks the same. You can do it - I'm rooting for you!!!!!!

I guess the question was answered (thank god since I wasn't quite sure)

The only major differences between Splash in Disneyland and WDW is the size of the boats. At DL they are similar and you sit all in one row like the Matterhorn. Oh yeah and you will get soaked on Disneyland's Splash unless your boat is really light in weight

OH... but I thought they changed the seats on the matterhorn? I am not sure I miss that "getting up close and personal with your neighbor" seating arrangement on Splash... . Who thought this was a good idea? If I don't know you... I probably don't want to be snuggled up between your legs. I think here is an example of WDW winning... personal space.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

I make my own BACON WRAPPES ASPARAGUS on our BBQ at home. Hardest part is wrapping the stalks. I actually par boil the asparagus and give it an ice water bath to stop the cooking. Only takes a min or so. I use the regualr sliced bacon ( not thick). Wrap and place on bamboo sticks that i have had soaking in ice water for 5 + minutes. I have been known to soak the prepared and ready to cook asparagus in some soy sauce or terriyaki sauce -- not the thick one it is more like say sauce but with terri flavor-- add 1/2 jucie of lime. turn a couple of times over say 30-45 mins and then place on bbq. You want to cook the bacon and cook the asparagus so play with the temp. watch them so they do not burn-- Now you can have Mine and your favorite food item any time you can buy that green vegetable. I have been known to pay over 5 dollars a pound for asparagus-- but don't tell husband I think my life would be a lot shorter if he knew LOL J/K

 

[annmarieda]

I make my own BACON WRAPPES ASPARAGUS on our BBQ at home. Hardest part is wrapping the stalks. I actually par boil the asparagus and give it an ice water bath to stop the cooking. Only takes a min or so. I use the regualr sliced bacon ( not thick). Wrap and place on bamboo sticks that i have had soaking in ice water for 5 + minutes. I have been known to soak the prepared and ready to cook asparagus in some soy sauce or terriyaki sauce -- not the thick one it is more like say sauce but with terri flavor-- add 1/2 jucie of lime. turn a couple of times over say 30-45 mins and then place on bbq. You want to cook the bacon and cook the asparagus so play with the temp. watch them so they do not burn-- Now you can have Mine and your favorite food item any time you can buy that green vegetable. I have been known to pay over 5 dollars a pound for asparagus-- but don't tell husband I think my life would be a lot shorter if he knew LOL J/K

Thank you so much!!! I forsee this happening often this summer. YUM!

 

[annmarieda]

But it kinda counts!

Today this arrived. I will have to trade in the voucher, but it was very exciting to get something..even though it wasn't exactly Mickey Mail... it certainly shows that we have a trip in the near future.

This arriving has a bit of a funny story. I just happened to be on the phone with Betsy when this happened...so I have not had a chance to let her know how it turned out. (sorry, Betsy)

So today was a very long day. up at 7:30 to go for my run (which with stretching and such now takes me over an hour) Get ready for work and I was out "to work" by 10:30(remember much of my job involves driving so the minute I am in the car I am "working") Zoe had called me throughout the day. How many times? I am not sure. She would just call for random things she wanted to share. She would call to complain about Alex. She would call to tell me of some sort of ailment she was having.

So fast forward to about 6:30pm. I was just finishing up with work and was on the phone with Betsy. Even though I had talked to Zoe a number of times today, I thought I should click over to see what she needed THIS time.

I clicked over to have her say "chyeaaaah, ummmmm... your Disney photopass came" (imagine this said with all the attitude a teen would have while chewing gum) "chyeaaah... in a white envelope with photopass on it" (emphasis on the photopass in a "valley girl" tone"

Well, me in a panic "don't touch it, don't look at it" Just put it down I will be right home"

Clicking back over to Betsy, I was sure that Zoe had learned of my plans.

When I got home though, the envelope was still sealed and while it did have the words "Photopass" on it, it did not say anything about it being for DLR. In fact, It did not even come from CA.. but rather from GA.

I know it wasn't as close as it felt... but being so tired (did I mention I have not had a day off since 6/11) it just felt like she was learning more secrets about the trip the longer I stayed at the store.

Of course.. that was another thing. I was picking up dinner after work (last store I worked in) and since a promo where if you buy $40 worth of dairy to get 2 free movie tickets is nearly over and I only had $7 to spend to reach my $40 - I figured I should pick up a couple things to send me over the $40. My motivation... I think seeing Brave might be a good use of those vouchers.

I did everything right had the right calculations. I had my receipt from yesterday telling of the nearly $33 that had been reached. When the transaction tonight was complete, I eagerly awaited my redemption code. (remember, I am anxious to get home) But nothing...nothing printed. In fact, the receipt that had noted my nearly $33 accumulated now said 11 cents. yes, it took my previous total plus my total today and added it.. THEN subtracted the $40. Leaving me with just 11 cents accumulated and no vouchers.

A quick call to cs from the store manager and we are told I will have to file a sort of incident report and they should email me my vouchers. I would have liked to have had the vouchers for tomorrow.. but oh well.