lmd42
10-28-2008, 12:24 AM
Ok here it is! Finally, after all of your awesome reports, I finally get to post mine.........weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm a little bit detailed so I apologize for long post. I hope some benefit comes out of it for you.
Travel dates: Oct. 17-26, 2008
Travel method: Westjet
Resort: Park Vue
Accommodations: 2 queen and sofa sleeper with kitchen (nice)
Ages Represented in Group: J is 3, T is 7, some 30's, 2 60's
Disney Resort Experience Represented in Group: us-5+, our family-only 2
Comments: dreams do come true! yea baby yea!
Cast of characters: me, mom, J, T, bro, bro's gf, sis, sis' hub, grandma, grandpa
Background
Our son's 7 and this will be his 5th trip. Our daughter is 3 and....you guessed it, this will be her third. Sick, I know. Isnt there a loan I should pay off or a new set of wheels I could buy? Naaaaah, lets spend it at the Happiest Place on Earth eh?
Maybe it was reading all of your posts that depressed us, who knows....but on Dec 14, 2007, the stars lined up in the sky and airline tix were purchased. Yes, it was a long wait to Oct of 2008 but hey, part of the fun of any trip is the lead up.
We had seen Xmas, seen the craze of summer, seen May but had never been during Halloween. Hey, that's crazy, T's bday was during Halloween so why not let the little rugrat celebrate his bday there? Aw shucks, lets make this an entire family event and get his uncle, aunt, and gp's go go as well? Not much arguing from them, who can say no to the mouse? So for the next long and painful months, we planned, booked, purchased, cancelled, rebooked, read, ate, felt, shared and dreamed magic....Disney magic. We would leave first and the rest of our family would meet us a day later.
Oct. 17 - YVR
Our flight was at 0700 hours on the 18th...hmmmmm, two kids, bags to lug, stress of vacation, having to pay for a cab or wake some fmaily up to take us....no thanks. So the night prior to our flight we decided to stay at the Fairmont Hotel YVR. Rates go for bout $300 but we got smoking rate of $165. Room was spectacular. Did I mention the towels smelled like lemons and were the softest I've ever felt? Front desk saw our kids and gave us a room facing the runway up high. I cheesed the wife off (or so she claims) so after walking around the airport taking in the sites and buzz and dinner, wife went to the spa for a treat. What a way to spend the night prior to flight. It was relaxing and I highly recommend it to anyone. Of course no of us could sleep.
Oct. 18 - Flight
0500 hours comes really early in the morning. Kids woke up in a great mood, I should tell them every night that we are going to DL so that they wake up happy. Walking down to the airport and checking in was a breeze. Our daughter was so excited to be on the plane. She got to be the first to sit by the window. Man, to see both of them so excited was great for both of us. Stopped for a connection in Calgary and had a short delay as one of the wipers on plane had broke. No problems, other than we almost lost our Nexus Pass cause I filled out the Declaration form wrong. Huuuuuummmmmm, relaaaaaaxxxx, think of the mouse......hummmmmmmmmmm. Oh well, we didnt and plus, nothing could put a dent in our moods cause we were going to DL. And, really, we didnt mind leaving the cold and rain.
There must have been at least 10 families on the plane with kids. Each of them all looked so happy. We talking with a few of them and had great conversations. For some reason, most of them were going for the first time and the wife and I had a great time answering all of their questions about the parks. Sharing the magic was so much fun.
Arrived in LA and us and most of the other people from the plane all hopped on the beautiful Disneyland bus. Short drive as there was no traffic. We checked and loved the room. I know that the Park Vue has had some reviews that werent great but let me tell you. We were happy with our room. It was clean and newly renovated. The front desk staff, actually, all of the staff were friendly and pleasant. The room was large and spacious and the distance from the park....come on now people, you just cant get any closer. Free breakky in the morning, a new ice cream parlour outside. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.
Kids jumped into pool with wife and I went to get stroller pass and tickets as we needed to exchange them for the passes. For anyone wishing to rent a stroller, PLEASE purchase the stroller pass in advance. I felt so bad for the people that had to wait in the long lines inside the park. With the pass, you walk right up to the end of the line and pick up your stroller. As I walked up the main drag to the checkpoints, I could feel the magic...the music was playing the sights, the smell, the sounds, I almost shed a tear. No its not the wine talking. I got on the radio and told the wife I was going to leave the kids and her and just go into the park myself...hahahahhaahha....
Picked up our rental car, got the rest of the misfits and then headed to In and Out burger for dinner. Talk about meaty cheesy greasy love. Man, I wish we had one. Went to the Disney outlet in fullerton there. Was what we expected and wasnt too impressed. Picked up a sweatshirt for T and some knick knacks for J. Next stop was groceries at the Food 4 Less. Please use the one on Katella which is so much closer to the park. This one was hmmm, ok how to put this....well, ok, the area was not so nice. Its like once you leave the DL protective bubble, you leave all that is nice. Got our groceries for the week and headed home after a long day....somehow this long day thing was a dark forshadowing of the days to come.
Oct. 19 - Legoland
Ok Ok Ok, I know. You dont go to DL and hype it up to arrive and not go. This was a mistake as J was upset that we were not going to DL. We thought because we needed to car to get groceries we might as well keep the wheels for the drive the next day. And although the LL was great we will do DL first next time like we always do.
Arrived at LL before opening and looking at the plot, the crowds were going to be light....a nice bonus. Both kids quickly forgot that they were not depressed about not going to DL first then minute we got out of the car. this was our first trip to LL and we were all impressed and had a great time! The statues were simply amazing. Miniland was awesome and I wish we spent more time there. No line was longer then 15 mins. I will say that this park is geared more for the kids. All in all, lots of spending, lots of rides, water park was fun. If you got kids, this is a good stop. Food was good too at the Knights area. Left the park at closing and took a nice easy drive on the 5 back to hotel. By the time we got back the rest of the family had arrived so we met up for a quick bite at Bubba Gumps. Kids and wife tired so they went to bed. MMMmmmmm, I had the shrimp sampler and also got the most answers right on Gump game with the waiter. Alright bed time, big day coming.
Oct. 20 - DL and DCA
Woke up when I heard little J jump out of bed at 0700 hours. She ran to the window and pulled back the heavy curtains. Cutest thing, I heard her say quietly, "yes, its morning", and ran back to jump on us for wakey time. Moments like that just kille me, so cute.
We hurry through breakfast and decide not to wait for the rest of the family as they were all sloths. 1000 hours opening and the lines were packed. We took the far left lane why....because people tend to like the right. Also, read carefully, the EE gates turn into regular gates at opening so when 0950 came, a nice Cm directed us over to the empty gate.
It was golden, we were in. We hugged, did a little dance, got our stroller and walked down main street. The park was not yet open so they made us wait at the line. We had never been at the park before opening and so never knew about the music and announcement that was made prior to the rope drop. The wife and I loved it. People were clapping and there was so much energy. Fantasyland was packed, today was the happiest place on earth, it was the busiest. We thought that coming during low season would keep the crowds down but realized that Fantasyland was Fantasyland. First ride tradition. Peter Pan. Had to wait for the rest of family anyways so 30 minutes had to be done.
I've always joked with the wife saying that the Year of a Million Dreams was really the Year of the Million Shafts as we never saw, got or felt any dreams the last time we were there in May of 07. Well, let me tell you people that all changed when we stepped off PP and met the rest of the family. We get off the ride and see hanging around all of their necks the Dream Fastpass. I almost pee'd myself as I was so excited. But, they all had theirs and we didnt. What now? I was on the hunt, I started frantically searching the area to see if I could find them. GREAT MOTHER OF MICKEY. I saw them, standing outside of the main entrance to the castle. I almost hugged the CM when he put the pass into my grubby little hands. Wait still out 3 more for my family.
Here's something we didnt know. If someone in your group gets a Dream Fastpass, well it wouldnt be fair for the rest of the group no? Disney is great cause all you have to do is take the entire group to City Hall and tell them where and when you got it, show the CM's your entire group and anyone that didnt get one will get one. Love them for that.
With our FP's hanging around our necks we set out. Our plans to take it easy this first day went down the toilet. WE NEEDED TO HIT THE RIDES! Our plan of attack because the FP said that we could only use the pass for the day was to hit all of them. So the first half of the day was in DL and the second half was in DCA then back to DL after closing.
Ok, for months we prayed that our little ones would hit the height req's for the rides. J was so happy to hit 40" as that would allow her to hit the big girl rides and T was happy to hit 48" for CS. And because T was half an inch too short for IJ last time he was eager to try IJ for the first time.
Lesson #1. Even if your daughter is tall enough for some of the 40" rides, if she is still 3 1/2, she prb isnt ready for oh, lets see here.....SM, or BTMR. Well, she took it like a trooper but came off those rides upset. T on the other hand, well, maybe IJ was a little dark and spooky for him too as he had his eyes covered the whole time. Funniest thing I've ever seen..poor dude (he eventually loved the ride the next time)
Nemo was packed and so was TSMM. This was definetly on the to do list for tomorrow.
Park traffic was light (just Fantasyland was packed as usual). Here's tip #2. We discovered that you can use your FP for, (and here's where we got 2 different answers from 2 different CM's), 30 days after or till the end of the year. This was great cause we hardly used them cause of the crowds and the grandparents hardly used theirs. Weather was cool so no water rides today folks. Awesome day for rides. We hit them all. BTMR, SpaceM, Soarin, HTT, Screamin, Buzz, Autopia, Star, Jungle, IJ..etc, it was a good day. Went home exhausted.
Oct. 21 - DL
Big day....the whole purpose of trip. It was T's bday! Too tired for EE so we went for opening. City Hall to get pin and telephone call from Goofy and we were off. T's day so he called the shots and rides. Hit ToonT and got our makeyourown Mickey hats. Sis and Sis' Hub got sick so they stayed at hotel and went to DTD later. Explored ToonT and then had a slow and lazy day after yesterday's mad run.
J's favourite ride was SplashM but let me tell you a funny story. Her first ride was on the log with wife and I and I think 4 football player like boys. The log was bottoming out at some parts and we knew that we were going to get wet at the bottom. Well, big surprise, physics kicked in and we got it bad. I sat in the double seat out back with J and an after shock wave that was twice her height completely engulfed her. She cried and was mad as stink she was soaking.
It really was a great day. Very relaxed, the crowds were light again and we just cruised around. Nemo was fantastic. I am so glad to see the sub ride back and the kids just loved the ride. Because it was T's bday, we were enroute to Goofy's kitchen to celebrate. T and I got to ride in the front of the MonoR. Very cool.
G's kitchen was great! Food was so delicious. Spent some time buying at DTD after and then crashed at hotel once again. T really enjoyed his bday at the park. He loved the CM's wishing him happy bday every time.
Oct. 22 - DTD - MTTP
Day off to prepare for MTTP. Other family went for a day trip to LA to see Hollywood. Late morning. Relaxed with a swim. Kids and wife had a nap while dad went back to pool with the dad of family friend (they came down as well) and enjoyed the sun, shade and malibu & oj. Such a perfect setting.
Off to Rainforest for dinner. You know, we'll pay the extra just to sit and enjoy the decor. J old enuff to not be freaked by the animals when they moved.
MTTP was fantastic. I cant believe the amount of candy they put into your bags. We kept going back and there was no end to it. The decor was great. The little touches and changes they put up were nice to see.
Line for TSMM was only 30 min's so we did it and MAN were we glad. That is my new fav ride. All of us loved it. For some reason they shut the line off while we were waiting, maybe crowd control, but when we got off the ride, they opened it again. Seeing this we raced back and rode it a second time with only a 5 min wait. Sweet love.
We tried to stay till 1030pm but the kids couldnt do it so we left around 930pm. Had a great time. On the way out, they were giving away candy like it was fountain water.
Oct. 23 - DL and DCA
Decided to use our EE today. Went about half hour early into the park. Plan was to hit Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before crowds. Lesson #3. Where do all the other people go for EE as nothing else was open? Yup, the lands were packed it was like a summer afternoon. And, some of the rides were either broken (MatterH) or not open (StoryB). Our EE was completely wasted. Next time, our EE will be used to relax and enjoy Main street to shop and explore.
Ok, I really was not kidding when I said this was the year of a million dreams. Not only did we still have FP's from the first day, something crazy happened when I broke off from the group and went to the bathroom as I was sulking that the the park was so busy in the morning. Right by the Village Haus on the way to BTMR the Dream Team was handing out....yes, you know it! Dream FP's. 2 Dream FP's in one trip. This was killin me. Rounded up the family and the entire 10 of us went to city hall and everyone else got hooked up.
Both parks were quiet once again and it was nice as we hit all of the major rides once again.
Hopped over to DCA and rode TSMM and did the tours of the wharf. Ate my fav sourdough bread bowl and sat and watched parade. Back to DL for some more rides and sights and left eating gigantic turkey leg. I love the look on people's faces as I take a bite. Year of a Million Dreams.........love it.
Oct. 24 - DL
Park was busy. Either a whole new group of people arrived or the locals decided to hit the park. Busy. But that was ok cause we had hit the parks hard the last couple of days and now was the time to relax and take it easy. Enjoy the Mark Twain, watch the show at the Golden Horse, take a moment to play the shooting gallery, sit with your free refill of coffe on Main street and watch the crowd. Yes, this was my kind of day.
It was also our first meal at the Blue Bayou. We were all excited. The rest of the family opted out and met us after. The meal was delicious. Kids had roastbeef and chicken. Wife and I had the Monte Cristo. Note, we are sharing one next time. We decided on the gumbo instead of the salad and that was the best choice of the day. Meal was absolutely delicious. So glad we did it. The atmosphere was awesome.
Used the rest of our Dream FP and got FP's when we ran out. Please people. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use the FP system. I just feel so bad when I see people waiting in line for 45 plus min's for a ride. Get a FP and go do something else. Dont people realize that DL is so much more than rides? Go see a show, take in the sights, there are so many things to do.
Went back to hotel for a break and then returned to DL for a mind numbing kids sleeping in stroller midnight closing. Watched the fireworks in front of Dumbo. Such a beautiful thing. Gets me everytime I see Tink flying.
Ah, the sight of parents carrying their exhausted kids out of the park at midnight. So beautiful.
Oct. 25 - the last day
More of just hitting the fav's up (SplashM, IJ and SpaceM), watching the shows, eating, spending on souveniers and wathcing the fireworks. Ate huge meals at both the plaza and ranch restuarants. Meals all big enough for sharing. Said we wouldnt stay late but couldnt help it. Couldnt leave the park. Stuck it out right to the end.
Oct. 26 - Flight home
Not much to report here people. Smiles on all of our faces the whole way home. Recounting of stories, planning for next time, laughing. Thank you Disney for all that you do for families. Thank you's to all the nice people we talked to in line. Thank you to all the politeness in people that infects us the minute we step through the gates. Thank you to all the people who enjoy that parks as much as we do. Thank you to all the CM's. Its not the people in the suits that make the park such a wonderful place. Its the CM's that make the magic.
Thank you to all the people that post and share the magic with us.
Travel dates: Oct. 17-26, 2008
Travel method: Westjet
Resort: Park Vue
Accommodations: 2 queen and sofa sleeper with kitchen (nice)
Ages Represented in Group: J is 3, T is 7, some 30's, 2 60's
Disney Resort Experience Represented in Group: us-5+, our family-only 2
Comments: dreams do come true! yea baby yea!
Cast of characters: me, mom, J, T, bro, bro's gf, sis, sis' hub, grandma, grandpa
Background
Our son's 7 and this will be his 5th trip. Our daughter is 3 and....you guessed it, this will be her third. Sick, I know. Isnt there a loan I should pay off or a new set of wheels I could buy? Naaaaah, lets spend it at the Happiest Place on Earth eh?
Maybe it was reading all of your posts that depressed us, who knows....but on Dec 14, 2007, the stars lined up in the sky and airline tix were purchased. Yes, it was a long wait to Oct of 2008 but hey, part of the fun of any trip is the lead up.
We had seen Xmas, seen the craze of summer, seen May but had never been during Halloween. Hey, that's crazy, T's bday was during Halloween so why not let the little rugrat celebrate his bday there? Aw shucks, lets make this an entire family event and get his uncle, aunt, and gp's go go as well? Not much arguing from them, who can say no to the mouse? So for the next long and painful months, we planned, booked, purchased, cancelled, rebooked, read, ate, felt, shared and dreamed magic....Disney magic. We would leave first and the rest of our family would meet us a day later.
Oct. 17 - YVR
Our flight was at 0700 hours on the 18th...hmmmmm, two kids, bags to lug, stress of vacation, having to pay for a cab or wake some fmaily up to take us....no thanks. So the night prior to our flight we decided to stay at the Fairmont Hotel YVR. Rates go for bout $300 but we got smoking rate of $165. Room was spectacular. Did I mention the towels smelled like lemons and were the softest I've ever felt? Front desk saw our kids and gave us a room facing the runway up high. I cheesed the wife off (or so she claims) so after walking around the airport taking in the sites and buzz and dinner, wife went to the spa for a treat. What a way to spend the night prior to flight. It was relaxing and I highly recommend it to anyone. Of course no of us could sleep.
Oct. 18 - Flight
0500 hours comes really early in the morning. Kids woke up in a great mood, I should tell them every night that we are going to DL so that they wake up happy. Walking down to the airport and checking in was a breeze. Our daughter was so excited to be on the plane. She got to be the first to sit by the window. Man, to see both of them so excited was great for both of us. Stopped for a connection in Calgary and had a short delay as one of the wipers on plane had broke. No problems, other than we almost lost our Nexus Pass cause I filled out the Declaration form wrong. Huuuuuummmmmm, relaaaaaaxxxx, think of the mouse......hummmmmmmmmmm. Oh well, we didnt and plus, nothing could put a dent in our moods cause we were going to DL. And, really, we didnt mind leaving the cold and rain.
There must have been at least 10 families on the plane with kids. Each of them all looked so happy. We talking with a few of them and had great conversations. For some reason, most of them were going for the first time and the wife and I had a great time answering all of their questions about the parks. Sharing the magic was so much fun.
Arrived in LA and us and most of the other people from the plane all hopped on the beautiful Disneyland bus. Short drive as there was no traffic. We checked and loved the room. I know that the Park Vue has had some reviews that werent great but let me tell you. We were happy with our room. It was clean and newly renovated. The front desk staff, actually, all of the staff were friendly and pleasant. The room was large and spacious and the distance from the park....come on now people, you just cant get any closer. Free breakky in the morning, a new ice cream parlour outside. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.
Kids jumped into pool with wife and I went to get stroller pass and tickets as we needed to exchange them for the passes. For anyone wishing to rent a stroller, PLEASE purchase the stroller pass in advance. I felt so bad for the people that had to wait in the long lines inside the park. With the pass, you walk right up to the end of the line and pick up your stroller. As I walked up the main drag to the checkpoints, I could feel the magic...the music was playing the sights, the smell, the sounds, I almost shed a tear. No its not the wine talking. I got on the radio and told the wife I was going to leave the kids and her and just go into the park myself...hahahahhaahha....
Picked up our rental car, got the rest of the misfits and then headed to In and Out burger for dinner. Talk about meaty cheesy greasy love. Man, I wish we had one. Went to the Disney outlet in fullerton there. Was what we expected and wasnt too impressed. Picked up a sweatshirt for T and some knick knacks for J. Next stop was groceries at the Food 4 Less. Please use the one on Katella which is so much closer to the park. This one was hmmm, ok how to put this....well, ok, the area was not so nice. Its like once you leave the DL protective bubble, you leave all that is nice. Got our groceries for the week and headed home after a long day....somehow this long day thing was a dark forshadowing of the days to come.
Oct. 19 - Legoland
Ok Ok Ok, I know. You dont go to DL and hype it up to arrive and not go. This was a mistake as J was upset that we were not going to DL. We thought because we needed to car to get groceries we might as well keep the wheels for the drive the next day. And although the LL was great we will do DL first next time like we always do.
Arrived at LL before opening and looking at the plot, the crowds were going to be light....a nice bonus. Both kids quickly forgot that they were not depressed about not going to DL first then minute we got out of the car. this was our first trip to LL and we were all impressed and had a great time! The statues were simply amazing. Miniland was awesome and I wish we spent more time there. No line was longer then 15 mins. I will say that this park is geared more for the kids. All in all, lots of spending, lots of rides, water park was fun. If you got kids, this is a good stop. Food was good too at the Knights area. Left the park at closing and took a nice easy drive on the 5 back to hotel. By the time we got back the rest of the family had arrived so we met up for a quick bite at Bubba Gumps. Kids and wife tired so they went to bed. MMMmmmmm, I had the shrimp sampler and also got the most answers right on Gump game with the waiter. Alright bed time, big day coming.
Oct. 20 - DL and DCA
Woke up when I heard little J jump out of bed at 0700 hours. She ran to the window and pulled back the heavy curtains. Cutest thing, I heard her say quietly, "yes, its morning", and ran back to jump on us for wakey time. Moments like that just kille me, so cute.
We hurry through breakfast and decide not to wait for the rest of the family as they were all sloths. 1000 hours opening and the lines were packed. We took the far left lane why....because people tend to like the right. Also, read carefully, the EE gates turn into regular gates at opening so when 0950 came, a nice Cm directed us over to the empty gate.
It was golden, we were in. We hugged, did a little dance, got our stroller and walked down main street. The park was not yet open so they made us wait at the line. We had never been at the park before opening and so never knew about the music and announcement that was made prior to the rope drop. The wife and I loved it. People were clapping and there was so much energy. Fantasyland was packed, today was the happiest place on earth, it was the busiest. We thought that coming during low season would keep the crowds down but realized that Fantasyland was Fantasyland. First ride tradition. Peter Pan. Had to wait for the rest of family anyways so 30 minutes had to be done.
I've always joked with the wife saying that the Year of a Million Dreams was really the Year of the Million Shafts as we never saw, got or felt any dreams the last time we were there in May of 07. Well, let me tell you people that all changed when we stepped off PP and met the rest of the family. We get off the ride and see hanging around all of their necks the Dream Fastpass. I almost pee'd myself as I was so excited. But, they all had theirs and we didnt. What now? I was on the hunt, I started frantically searching the area to see if I could find them. GREAT MOTHER OF MICKEY. I saw them, standing outside of the main entrance to the castle. I almost hugged the CM when he put the pass into my grubby little hands. Wait still out 3 more for my family.
Here's something we didnt know. If someone in your group gets a Dream Fastpass, well it wouldnt be fair for the rest of the group no? Disney is great cause all you have to do is take the entire group to City Hall and tell them where and when you got it, show the CM's your entire group and anyone that didnt get one will get one. Love them for that.
With our FP's hanging around our necks we set out. Our plans to take it easy this first day went down the toilet. WE NEEDED TO HIT THE RIDES! Our plan of attack because the FP said that we could only use the pass for the day was to hit all of them. So the first half of the day was in DL and the second half was in DCA then back to DL after closing.
Ok, for months we prayed that our little ones would hit the height req's for the rides. J was so happy to hit 40" as that would allow her to hit the big girl rides and T was happy to hit 48" for CS. And because T was half an inch too short for IJ last time he was eager to try IJ for the first time.
Lesson #1. Even if your daughter is tall enough for some of the 40" rides, if she is still 3 1/2, she prb isnt ready for oh, lets see here.....SM, or BTMR. Well, she took it like a trooper but came off those rides upset. T on the other hand, well, maybe IJ was a little dark and spooky for him too as he had his eyes covered the whole time. Funniest thing I've ever seen..poor dude (he eventually loved the ride the next time)
Nemo was packed and so was TSMM. This was definetly on the to do list for tomorrow.
Park traffic was light (just Fantasyland was packed as usual). Here's tip #2. We discovered that you can use your FP for, (and here's where we got 2 different answers from 2 different CM's), 30 days after or till the end of the year. This was great cause we hardly used them cause of the crowds and the grandparents hardly used theirs. Weather was cool so no water rides today folks. Awesome day for rides. We hit them all. BTMR, SpaceM, Soarin, HTT, Screamin, Buzz, Autopia, Star, Jungle, IJ..etc, it was a good day. Went home exhausted.
Oct. 21 - DL
Big day....the whole purpose of trip. It was T's bday! Too tired for EE so we went for opening. City Hall to get pin and telephone call from Goofy and we were off. T's day so he called the shots and rides. Hit ToonT and got our makeyourown Mickey hats. Sis and Sis' Hub got sick so they stayed at hotel and went to DTD later. Explored ToonT and then had a slow and lazy day after yesterday's mad run.
J's favourite ride was SplashM but let me tell you a funny story. Her first ride was on the log with wife and I and I think 4 football player like boys. The log was bottoming out at some parts and we knew that we were going to get wet at the bottom. Well, big surprise, physics kicked in and we got it bad. I sat in the double seat out back with J and an after shock wave that was twice her height completely engulfed her. She cried and was mad as stink she was soaking.
It really was a great day. Very relaxed, the crowds were light again and we just cruised around. Nemo was fantastic. I am so glad to see the sub ride back and the kids just loved the ride. Because it was T's bday, we were enroute to Goofy's kitchen to celebrate. T and I got to ride in the front of the MonoR. Very cool.
G's kitchen was great! Food was so delicious. Spent some time buying at DTD after and then crashed at hotel once again. T really enjoyed his bday at the park. He loved the CM's wishing him happy bday every time.
Oct. 22 - DTD - MTTP
Day off to prepare for MTTP. Other family went for a day trip to LA to see Hollywood. Late morning. Relaxed with a swim. Kids and wife had a nap while dad went back to pool with the dad of family friend (they came down as well) and enjoyed the sun, shade and malibu & oj. Such a perfect setting.
Off to Rainforest for dinner. You know, we'll pay the extra just to sit and enjoy the decor. J old enuff to not be freaked by the animals when they moved.
MTTP was fantastic. I cant believe the amount of candy they put into your bags. We kept going back and there was no end to it. The decor was great. The little touches and changes they put up were nice to see.
Line for TSMM was only 30 min's so we did it and MAN were we glad. That is my new fav ride. All of us loved it. For some reason they shut the line off while we were waiting, maybe crowd control, but when we got off the ride, they opened it again. Seeing this we raced back and rode it a second time with only a 5 min wait. Sweet love.
We tried to stay till 1030pm but the kids couldnt do it so we left around 930pm. Had a great time. On the way out, they were giving away candy like it was fountain water.
Oct. 23 - DL and DCA
Decided to use our EE today. Went about half hour early into the park. Plan was to hit Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before crowds. Lesson #3. Where do all the other people go for EE as nothing else was open? Yup, the lands were packed it was like a summer afternoon. And, some of the rides were either broken (MatterH) or not open (StoryB). Our EE was completely wasted. Next time, our EE will be used to relax and enjoy Main street to shop and explore.
Ok, I really was not kidding when I said this was the year of a million dreams. Not only did we still have FP's from the first day, something crazy happened when I broke off from the group and went to the bathroom as I was sulking that the the park was so busy in the morning. Right by the Village Haus on the way to BTMR the Dream Team was handing out....yes, you know it! Dream FP's. 2 Dream FP's in one trip. This was killin me. Rounded up the family and the entire 10 of us went to city hall and everyone else got hooked up.
Both parks were quiet once again and it was nice as we hit all of the major rides once again.
Hopped over to DCA and rode TSMM and did the tours of the wharf. Ate my fav sourdough bread bowl and sat and watched parade. Back to DL for some more rides and sights and left eating gigantic turkey leg. I love the look on people's faces as I take a bite. Year of a Million Dreams.........love it.
Oct. 24 - DL
Park was busy. Either a whole new group of people arrived or the locals decided to hit the park. Busy. But that was ok cause we had hit the parks hard the last couple of days and now was the time to relax and take it easy. Enjoy the Mark Twain, watch the show at the Golden Horse, take a moment to play the shooting gallery, sit with your free refill of coffe on Main street and watch the crowd. Yes, this was my kind of day.
It was also our first meal at the Blue Bayou. We were all excited. The rest of the family opted out and met us after. The meal was delicious. Kids had roastbeef and chicken. Wife and I had the Monte Cristo. Note, we are sharing one next time. We decided on the gumbo instead of the salad and that was the best choice of the day. Meal was absolutely delicious. So glad we did it. The atmosphere was awesome.
Used the rest of our Dream FP and got FP's when we ran out. Please people. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use the FP system. I just feel so bad when I see people waiting in line for 45 plus min's for a ride. Get a FP and go do something else. Dont people realize that DL is so much more than rides? Go see a show, take in the sights, there are so many things to do.
Went back to hotel for a break and then returned to DL for a mind numbing kids sleeping in stroller midnight closing. Watched the fireworks in front of Dumbo. Such a beautiful thing. Gets me everytime I see Tink flying.
Ah, the sight of parents carrying their exhausted kids out of the park at midnight. So beautiful.
Oct. 25 - the last day
More of just hitting the fav's up (SplashM, IJ and SpaceM), watching the shows, eating, spending on souveniers and wathcing the fireworks. Ate huge meals at both the plaza and ranch restuarants. Meals all big enough for sharing. Said we wouldnt stay late but couldnt help it. Couldnt leave the park. Stuck it out right to the end.
Oct. 26 - Flight home
Not much to report here people. Smiles on all of our faces the whole way home. Recounting of stories, planning for next time, laughing. Thank you Disney for all that you do for families. Thank you's to all the nice people we talked to in line. Thank you to all the politeness in people that infects us the minute we step through the gates. Thank you to all the people who enjoy that parks as much as we do. Thank you to all the CM's. Its not the people in the suits that make the park such a wonderful place. Its the CM's that make the magic.
Thank you to all the people that post and share the magic with us.