4 of at Homewood Suites, DL & DCA West Coast Adventure (lots of photos)

msr709

DISfan forever
Joined
Sep 15, 2000
Cast of characters: 5 yo Grandson – DGS; 16 yo Nice – DNc; 35 yo Daughter – DD; 61 yo Grandma – Me

July 5, 2016
We decided to stay at a hotel near the airport since we had an early flight from Newark, NJ (we live in PA). We stayed here, the Newark Int’l Airport Marriott. Got a great rate being a rewards member!

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Very nice room for the rate I got. Got up early and we are on our way to airport, took all of 5 mins. Since the hotel is literally across the airport (its right in the middle of it).
 
Waiting for our flight on Virgin America, boarded at 8:35am for our 9:05am take off. Took off a little later but managed to make up the time. Here we are at the airport

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If I didn't take a selfie I would never be in any pics! LOL!
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We have boarded, very nice plane! My seat in Main Cabin Select, 3D, loved it

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Glimpse of first class
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Happy to be on our way!
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Arrived at LAX about 10 mins. Early but our driver from Lansky was waiting for us in baggage claim as advertised. We proceeded to head towards Harbor Blvd. to our grocery stop which was at the Target on Harbor, then to our hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Convention Center. We had the one bedrm suite.

Main Bedroom
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Not sure if anyone else cares but they did have a Lot of outlets, I brought my own 5 USB port with me and had more than enough places to plug in our electronics.
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See more outlets on desk
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Bathroom
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Was spotless. Nice toiletries also.

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Nice water pressure.
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Closet also had safe to the left bottom of it.
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We unpacked and proceeded to walk to DTD to get lunch at Pizza Press, thanks to these threads I knew it would be good and it was certainly that. Loved it.


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Also try the garlic bread, very good!
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Then on to DTD to the Build a Bear which my DGS was relentless about and we decided to get that out of the way the first day since we didn’t want to go into the parks on our first day.

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Then onto to 2nd request, The Lego Store!

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Went to the pool for a little while after the Lego Store. This is the pool area. Quite nice for the reasonable rate we got. We were satisfied with this hotel and would recommend highly.

Salt water in the pool, really nice!
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Nice fire pit!
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We decided to stay at the hotel since we had a full day tomorrow, first day at Disneyland!
 
July 7, 2016
First day in the Parks. Got up early appx. 6:00am, got DGS dressed and went downstairs for our complimentary breakfast. I regret not taking pictures of that area but I can attest that it was a very satisfying breakfast, eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, waffles you make yourself, always something different added each day, like bacon, some Mexican thing they made with beans (did not try it), Canadian bacon, croissants, always had strawberry compote for waffles, syrup, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, cereals, juices, coffee, tea, all condiments needed, cream cheese, jelly and the like. Never once were things not replaced quickly and always very nice staff. We had breakfast there every day we were there. Great way to start the day.

We arrived at the park at about 7:35am, we were not going for MM yet, just wanted to be there early for rope drop since we knew we had to get our pics taken and had to go to City Hall to the DAS pass or something for my DGS who is autistic. I was using an ECV.

Right off the bat, we encountered Mickey after going through the gate.

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We then proceeded to find City Hall. We spoke to the very nice lady at City Hall and decided that the best for my DGS was using the stroller as a wheelchair since he has anxiety and sensory issues from his autism. We were allowed to get return times at certain rides and that worked out well for us. We got him and DNc a birthday pin since we were celebrating both birthdays. This trip was my gift to my DNc for her sweet sixteen birthday.

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We went to the Star Wars area and registered him for the Jedi Training and got the 2:30 pm training.
We rode Hyperspace Mountain, here we are in the area waiting to see pics but it was closed??

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Here we are waiting in line for Star Tours, our first ride, my DGS favorite area was Star Wars.

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Then we proceeded to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, which I did not participate in.
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We then went to Autopia since the wait was less than 15 minutes. My DNc took my DGS on. He loved it, got a license at the photo kiosk set up as you leave the Autopia.

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DGS in the car
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Kiosk where he got his license.
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Here we are waiting for our next ride, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Loved it, always do.

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After that we went to Star Wars Launch Bay to meet my DGS favorite characters. First it was Bobba Phett.

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Then Kylo Wren

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Then finally, one of my favorites: Chewbacca.

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I have to say that the Star Wars Launch Bay is worth a look. Here are some of the pictures of the inside, if you have a Star Wars fan, this should not be missed.
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After that it was time for lunch. We went to the Galactic Grill and had lunch. I failed to take pictures again here because it was so crowded and we spent a lot of time trying to get seated. But we did realize this was the place to take pictures of the Jedi Training since it was right in front.
 
Then event of the day JEDI TRAINING!! My DGS was ecstatic about this. We, as his family were able to get in front of the stage and got amazing pictures of this from our camera as well as Photopass, we got a special photopass card for it, here are some of our pictures. I haven't bought the photopass pictures because we lost the standard photopass card and are trying to see if they can find it before I buy the week long one. If you have a child that is a fan of Star wars this should not be missed. The kids all loved it and we enjoyed it as well.
Preparing the young Padawans
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Our little Jedi gets his picture taken
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Kylo Wren on stage
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After JT we rode IASW

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I have to say IASW is better at DL. Longer and somehow nicer. Loved the additions of the Disney characters in each world, we made a game out of trying to catch sight of each one.
This is a little blurry but you can make out Peter Pan
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Pinocchio
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Aladdin
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Mulan
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Simba and Pumba
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Ariel, the Little Mermaid
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Stitch
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Dory and Marlin
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Woody and Jessie
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Also went to Splash Mountain.

We proceeded to Gadget’s Go Coaster. And to Mickey’s house in Toontown.

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Minnie's House
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We then went back to the hotel for a nap and get ready for our Goofy’s Kitchen dinner. We arrived at Goofy’s at 7:00pm for our 7:30pm reservation. We were a little disappointed with this dinner, not the food, it was delicious but the character interaction. Being one of the most expensive character meals I expected more interaction. We had to ask the waitress to have the characters come to our table where my DGS was so anxiously waiting. We had only 2 characters come to our table besides our initial picture with Goofy. For that amount of money I would’ve expected more interaction. Minnie was there but never approached us. Here are some pics.
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My DNc and I were really tired so we decided to go back to the room. My DGS was very disappointed in the GK dinner and so my DD took my DGS and stayed in DTD so he could make a car at the RideMakerz which he enjoyed very much.

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We then called it a day.
 
JULY 8

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Indiana Jones was our first ride of the day. Loved it!! Too fast to take pictures in but here are some of the queue.

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Jungle Cruise was the first on our agenda! Fun as always, I see no difference between the in DL to the one in WDW. As always it depends on who your guide was and ours happens to be very funny, corny but funny. One of my favorite rides.

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Always love this scene
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Had a very funny encounter with Genie and Aladdin, Genie was hysterical, my DGS loved him!

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POTC was next, I do see a big difference between this one and WDW and I have to say its one of the few rides I like more in DL than in WDW! JMHO!
Passing Blue Bayou
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The Animatronic does look like Johnny Depp
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Very hard to get good pics at POTC since it goes by so fast. Sorry about the blurry pics.

It was time for our Minnie’s and Friends Breakfast at Plaza Inn. Now this is a character meal worth ever penny. The food was basic breakfast food but the character interaction was FABULOUS! So much better than Goofy’s Kitchen. Here are the characters we had interaction with so you can see what I mean. If you’re going to do One character meal definitely do this one if character interaction is your main reason.

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Loved the stained glass ceiling!
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Character interaction was wonderful here!
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My DD favorite Disney movie is the Lion King so this was her favorite character!
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Fairy Godmother was very Sweet!
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Eeyore was as shy as ever.
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Pooh as cuddly as ever!
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This was our favorite character meal. If you can only do ONE character meal this should be it! Just my opinion.;0)
 
As we were leaving the Plaza Inn to our next destination we came across and got a picture with Mary Poppins and Bert.

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Next was Storybook Land Canal Boats. We really enjoyed this ride, very informational and a good rest for our legs!

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Next was the King Arthur Carousel ride, my DNc and DGS rode, she took a selfie. My DD and I were hiding in the shade. LOL!

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Next was Alice in Wonderland ride.

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Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride


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Immediately after Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

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On to Mickey’s Toontown and rode Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Loved it!

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The took some pics around Toontown

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Back to the hotel for a nap, we were exhausted. Returned to DCA and proceeded to
ToT. One of my DNc favorite rides. These are from the queue.

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After we proceeded to Bugs’ Land, loved it. First we hit Flik’s Flyers, loved it.

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Then Francis' Ladybug Boogie, my DGS and DNc went on and I had to wait with the stroller and couldn’t take a picture except for the Signage:

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Then we went on Tuck and Roll's Drive 'em Buggie, again only them:

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We also went on Heimlich's Chew Chew Train but no one took a picture. Then went back to the hotel, it was now 9:45 and we were tired.
 
JULY 9

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Arrived and immediately went to ride BTMRR

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Our next stop was Winnie the Pooh

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On our way to Fantasy Land we came across and got the autograph and picture with Alice and the Mad Hatter!

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Then went on to Peter Pan ride

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After that Snow White Scary Adventure
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and then over to one of my DGS and mine, our Dear Dumbo!

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We then got on line for Casey Jr. Circus ride, and after being on line for about 10 minutes, we were told the ride was down. :0( My DNc and I went on to see Great Moments with President Lincoln, which I was surprised to hear was also one of my DNc’s favorites, as well as mine. I don’t know what it is about that show but it always brings a tear to my eyes. My DD and DGS went on to get Donald’s autograph!

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We then met up and went on to DCA, where I took my DGS to Disney Jr. show (which he watches at home and was delighted to see was a show)

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and DD and DNc went to ride ToT again.

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We all met up at Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue ride, loved it!

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On our way out of Monster’s Inc. we saw that Daisy was signing autograph and naturally we had to stop since DGS has become an autograph hound and didn’t have her autograph yet!

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We then went towards Paradise Pier and went into Little Mermaid ride

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After LM we continued on to Paradise Pier and just happened to come across the Pixar Parade featuring The Incredibles.

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DD and DGS went on the King Triton's Carousel
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While my DNc and I went on to California Screamin’ we missed the picture unfortunately and got one of the signage.

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DGS didn't meet the height requirement so he settled for this.
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We then met at WCT for WOC package dinner. I’ve got to say we all enjoyed our meals. DNc had the steak, DD had the fettuchini, I had the seafood pomodoro and DGS had the pizza and we all really loved our meals as well as the desserts (which I failed to take a picture) but here are the pics we did take. We got the first showing of WOC.

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Orso soup for my DD, she loved it
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My DNc had the italian wedding soup
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I had the salad which was also very good!
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DNc had the steak dinner
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DD had the fettuchini which she also enjoyed very much
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I had the seafood pomodoro which was delicious! You can see DGS pizza at the top of this picture and he said it was good.
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DGS and DNC then went on Silly Symphonies Swings and Golden Zephr before we went to get our spot for WOC

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This is the HC section of the WOC reserved from WCT. Very nice spot, we got to see everything without having anyone in our way. My DD and DNc sat in front of me and DGS. Got great videos but I don’t know how to post them but I do have these pictures.

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After WOC we went and got on Soarin as our last ride of the night! We had a return time for it so we went right on. It was great, this is a small part of the queue.

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JULY 10

We went directly to DCA this morning. Our first stop was Jumpin Jellyfish, then Goofy’s Sky School

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After that the scariest ride for DGS and myself, the Fun Wheel. You’ve got to understand I’m terrified of Ferris Wheels but I thought it was because it was so open and since the Fun Wheel was in a cage I figured how bad could it be, right? WRONG! When that thing started to swing my heart was in my mouth and my poor DGS was just as scared. Can you tell?

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We then moved on to Carsland!
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Had a fastpass in hand but needed to wait so we went to Tow Mater ride

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Then on to Radiator Springs Racers. One of the best rides EVER! Very well done. We were so in awe that we failed to take pictures while we were riding, only these few pictures of the queue.
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On our way to GRIZZLY PEAK.
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Then on to another one of my favorites, Grizzly Peak. On the hot day like this one this is the best ride you can get on. We planned it that way so we could get wet and go back to our hotel for our break.

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You DO GET WET!!
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We used the shuttle as much as we could, this is what they look like.
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Went back to the hotel and decided to go to the pool for while before our naps and had a ball. We ordered Chinese take out for a late lunch, took our naps and got back to DL by 7:00pm minus my DNc, she was too tired and wanted to stay in the hotel.


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DD, DGS and I went to Buzz Astro Blasters first and got some awesome pictures this time.

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Next PTN viewing!!
 
After that we went to find a spot for PTN. Stumbled unto a HC section just before IASW that was perfect for us and got to see PTN up close and personal. It was great. I’ve got to say this is another not to be missed event. The floats were amazing as were the dancers and entertainers, it was all very very well done. We loved it so much we went back the next night just so DNc would be able to see it.

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Afterwards we waited around for the fireworks but they were canceled because of winds, unfortunately it happened also the next night also so we left California without seeing the fireworks.
So we looked for other things to do, and found the Tea Cups.

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After that it was Casey Jr. Circus Cages which was finally working.

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Took these pictures of the Castle.

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Then DD and DGS rode the Monorail, I did not ride.
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We left around 11:30pm.
 
July 11 – Last day at the Parks

We decided since we really had rode everything we wanted to multiple times, DGS and I would go see Finding Dory while DD and DNc went souvenir shopping at DTD. Afterwards we all met up for lunch at Rainforest Café, and had a great lunch there. Although its gotten bad reviews, we went and we didn’t regret it. The food was excellent! My DD had the nachos, DNc had a turkey wrap, DGS had the pizza, I had a delicious chicken sandwich. See the pictures below.
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Appetizer was the artichoke dip, delicious
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DGS had the mozarella sticks which I caught too late, they were almost gone!
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The atmosphere there is great, my DGS loved it!!
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Almost forgot to take the picture, DD had already started on these!
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My chicken sandwich, was YUMMY!
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DNc Wrap
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DGS pizza
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Loved the Frog souvenir cup, we still have it.
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Last visit to Disneyland
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We then went to the Lego Store again, back to the hotel for nap and shower and back at the parks in time for PTN. We enjoyed it all over again, my DNc hadn’t seen it and we were hoping to see the fireworks this time. But, no go, they again canceled the fireworks because of weather, which I really didn’t understand since we didn’t feel any winds but I guess it must have been in the higher elevation or something but whatever, we didn’t get to see the famous fireworks. Bummer.

In conclusion, we had a great time but not going back anytime soon. I found a lot of stuff interesting but I still missed WDW. It was great for a one time thing, as far as I’m concerned. Glad we went but my next vacation will be at WDW.
 
July 7, 2016


Then we proceeded to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, which I did not participate in.
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Did you try the the Observation Outpost for those that don't want or can't descend the stairs in the submarine's.
Our last trip in May, 4 family members could not do the stairs and did the Observation Outpost while they waited for those of us that went into the submarine. They enjoyed it. Not real thrilling, but it was a good place to wait for us and experience a bit of the Submarine Voyage.

I'm enjoying your trip report. Love alllllll the pictures !

On the Disneyland site :

The Show on Shore

For those unable to navigate the steps down into the submarine, enter the Observation Outpost at the end of the dock. Manned by a member of the N.E.M.O. Institute, this facility offers a high-definition, live-feed video version of the voyage via onboard "SubCam."
And don’t miss the familiar seagulls perched on the red buoy tethered to the seafloor as they clamor, "Mine! Mine! Mine!"
 
Thank you ... I truly enjoyed your trip report and photos. It certainly seemed as though everyone had a great time!
 

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