10 Mths of WDW Planning leads us to~~DISNEYLAND!! Report Completed~Pic Heavy!!! - Page 39 - The DIS Discussion Forums

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 01:37 PM

We headed across the esplanade and to the gates of Disneyland.

After we entered, I ran over to the Newstand to pick up a package we had stored there for the day. (I had picked up some things in the morning and didn't want to carry the bag around all day). While I went to get it......Mike & Tyler got a few pics of the entry.

The CP area was roped off and we flowed with the traffic entering the park.....the crowds weren't too thick.....so I was able to get from the entrance to the open area of Main Street without any problem.

We headed through Adventureland.....hoping to take the kids on Jungle Cruise.....but it was closed (I guess they close it for the CP)??? Indy was down as well.....so we headed to Pirates. I didn't want to ride it this time and I believe it was Tyler that opted not to ride too.....so we just hung out in New Orlean's Square area.

We waited over by the exit so when our family got off, they could find us. Right after they joined us......here comes Gwen Stefani with Gavin and both the boys and about 6 Disneyland security officers. So weird, because earlier in the day....she didn't seem to be with security or VIP tours. So I have to wonder if they started to be bothered by guests and DL decided they needed the extra security.

We had a dinner ressie at Cafe Orleans, so we headed over to check in early....hoping we could get in. We were given a pager and sat at some tables across from the entrance waiting to be paged. A few pics from around the area and kiddos.

Trentmom · 01-05-2013, 01:38 PM

How awesome you got to go on the rapids 3 times

Glad the girls seemed to like it

I love that Minnie. What a cool outfit she had on

On another note, I hope I get the name right this time, how was Derek's time on the CP at Disney World? What are his plans now? He is home right?

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trentmom

How awesome you got to go on the rapids 3 times

Glad the girls seemed to like it

I love that Minnie. What a cool outfit she had on

On another note, I hope I get the name right this time, how was Derek's time on the CP at Disney World? What are his plans now? He is home right?

It was pretty neat that we got to do that!! I love GRR.....I just hate being wet!
The twins love getting wet and playing in water.....their eyes got really big when they get a big "splash" of cold water......but they were smiling and asking for more!!

Minnie in her fly gear!!

Derek (and yes, you got that right!!) got home on Wednesday!! He really enjoyed the experience, getting to explore WDW, making some good friends and all the memories.....but they work those poor kids some very long hours for very little pay. They pull their room/board directly from their checks and when he got his pay....he had on average about $40 for the week for food and extras. He had many weeks he worked close to 60 hrs. I think he wouldn't have minded the long hours if he had been located in one of the parks instead of a value resort. You're just kinda out there by yourself and away from all the action.

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 02:21 PM

Our pager goes off (and it was our original reservation time....so not early) and we are seated out on the patio (they don't have a lot of indoor seating).

The Menu:

They had a special holiday menu....unfortunately we didn't get a picture of it. This hot chocolate was special (we think it had something to do with pumpkin pie).

We started with a couple orders of Pommes Frites:

And some Gumbo.......delicious!!

Shy got a plate of gluten free spaghetti with chicken breast:

Addy & Anthony both got the Mac & Cheese:

Derek & Tyler split the Mardi Gras Chicken Sandwich:

Mike & I split the Seafood Crepe:

For dessert Tyler ordered the holiday special Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee.

We got the regular Beignets (I had the Gingerbread ones last December and they were not good).

Dinner was good.....this is one of my favorite places!!

We started towards Main Street so we could wait for the fireworks.

Escape2Disney · 01-05-2013, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

Thank you both for the reviews/info on the museum. I really hope we get to go in September!! My oldest is getting married at the vase of Mt Ashland and since we taking the week off for the wedding.....we thought we might sneak down into San Francisco for a couple days before hand. We will see how the year goes and if that happens.

CarsLand is very well done!!!! I love being transported to a new place and not just looking at cement and rides.

We JUST decided to go during our September trip! I can't wait! Let us know when you're going - maybe we'll see you then!

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 04:31 PM

We got a spot right near the front of the castle....just off to the left of center. We were on the street but up by the sidewalk on the castle side. We had about a 45 minute wait.....but being that close to the front is well worth it. Now a BIG disappointment this year was not getting to see them do the castle lighting with the little story that goes along with it about the snow and such. I'm not sure why they're not doing that?? I went mid-week last year and they did it a few times a night....but not this time!!

The area was filling up as we neared the time for the fireworks to start. We had the girls in their strollers and we kept an area in front of them open so they'd be able to see. When the fireworks started......we had a group of (not going to say which nationality) ladies crowd thru people to go to that open spot in front of the girls. I yelled at them, no way....you can't stand there and so they basically ended up hugging people beside us so not to block the view of the twins. This is a HUGE PET PEEVE OF MINE!!!! Don't show up at show time and expect the best seat in the house!! Ok....sorry......it just irritates me when people do that. (and one particular group of tourists are the worst about doing this) Anywhos.......Ally had been working a 4 hr shift and got off probably 10 mins before the show and we tried to explain where we were and she actually got there right before the first firework went off. She's good at getting thru a crowd!!

The fireworks:

The castle all glistening of icicles:

The snow.......

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escape2Disney

We JUST decided to go during our September trip! I can't wait! Let us know when you're going - maybe we'll see you then!

If we go it would be during that first week of September. We need to be back in Oregon no later than the 6th of Sept.

Escape2Disney · 01-05-2013, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

If we go it would be during that first week of September. We need to be back in Oregon no later than the 6th of Sept.

Ah...

We'll be there September 16th.

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 04:54 PM

Once the fireworks ended, I was on a mission to get out of the park as quickly as possible. I was supposed to be meeting up with Carrie/Escape2Disney at Trader Sams. So Derek & Ally (the queen of manuevering thru crowds) escorted me out of the parks. Interesting fact: They opened the gates to the "behind the scenes" area by Coke Corner, to help disperse the crowds quicker. So we walked behind the Main Street stores and restaurants and then spilled back out between the Emporium store and Fire Dept. While they were getting me down to the Disneyland Hotel.....Mike & Tyler stayed with the 4 kids and got more pictures of the castle and Main Street.

They went back to the hotel for the night.

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escape2Disney

Ah...

We'll be there September 16th.

Well......since we'll be down in your area for the wedding.....we'll have to get together for lunch or dinner!!!

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 05:18 PM

We made it out of the park and through DTD.....once we got past the tram area, it was much thinner "traffic" and we made our way down to Trader Sam's. Now, Carrie had seen my picture but I hadn't seen hers......so I was glad she spoke up when we were by her!!!

Carrie and her daughter, Tracie were sitting at a set of couches on the patio. There were heat lamps and two guys providing Hawaiian music. This is the menu:

It was a little hard to talk over the music, but it was a nice relaxing setting. Tracie went towards DTD and then Derek & Ally decided to go look around the DLH. Before they left, I had them take a picture of me & Carrie.

Carrie and I had a wonderful time chatting about each of our trips and getting to know one another. While we were visiting~~Derek & Ally went to the Adventure Tower.

Then Ally took him to the Fantasy Tower (main tower) and up to the top floor to show him the specialty penthouse doors.

Awesome huh?? You won't believe what's coming in the next post!!

DizNee Luver · 01-05-2013, 06:24 PM

A couple more pics of the doors (from Derek's camera)

So what is the big surprise??? They got into the Mickey Mouse Penthouse!!! I am not allowed to say how they gained access but here you go.......ENJOY!!!

01-05-2013, 01:37 PM	#571
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	We headed across the esplanade and to the gates of Disneyland. After we entered, I ran over to the Newstand to pick up a package we had stored there for the day. (I had picked up some things in the morning and didn't want to carry the bag around all day). While I went to get it......Mike & Tyler got a few pics of the entry. The CP area was roped off and we flowed with the traffic entering the park.....the crowds weren't too thick.....so I was able to get from the entrance to the open area of Main Street without any problem. We headed through Adventureland.....hoping to take the kids on Jungle Cruise.....but it was closed (I guess they close it for the CP)??? Indy was down as well.....so we headed to Pirates. I didn't want to ride it this time and I believe it was Tyler that opted not to ride too.....so we just hung out in New Orlean's Square area. We waited over by the exit so when our family got off, they could find us. Right after they joined us......here comes Gwen Stefani with Gavin and both the boys and about 6 Disneyland security officers. So weird, because earlier in the day....she didn't seem to be with security or VIP tours. So I have to wonder if they started to be bothered by guests and DL decided they needed the extra security. We had a dinner ressie at Cafe Orleans, so we headed over to check in early....hoping we could get in. We were given a pager and sat at some tables across from the entrance waiting to be paged. A few pics from around the area and kiddos. __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 01:38 PM	#572
Trentmom A Christmas"y" tag for a Christmas Freak! Talk to you Sharky People Later!!! Has a high Poodar Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 31,926	How awesome you got to go on the rapids 3 times Glad the girls seemed to like it I love that Minnie. What a cool outfit she had on On another note, I hope I get the name right this time, how was Derek's time on the CP at Disney World? What are his plans now? He is home right? __________________ "Sharky", RESIDENT LIFER Crossing Fingers for a Trip Next Year. No Trip this year is killing me

01-05-2013, 02:21 PM	#574
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	Our pager goes off (and it was our original reservation time....so not early) and we are seated out on the patio (they don't have a lot of indoor seating). The Menu: They had a special holiday menu....unfortunately we didn't get a picture of it. This hot chocolate was special (we think it had something to do with pumpkin pie). We started with a couple orders of Pommes Frites: And some Gumbo.......delicious!! Shy got a plate of gluten free spaghetti with chicken breast: Addy & Anthony both got the Mac & Cheese: Derek & Tyler split the Mardi Gras Chicken Sandwich: Mike & I split the Seafood Crepe: For dessert Tyler ordered the holiday special Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee. We got the regular Beignets (I had the Gingerbread ones last December and they were not good). Dinner was good.....this is one of my favorite places!! We started towards Main Street so we could wait for the fireworks. __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 04:31 PM	#576
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	We got a spot right near the front of the castle....just off to the left of center. We were on the street but up by the sidewalk on the castle side. We had about a 45 minute wait.....but being that close to the front is well worth it. Now a BIG disappointment this year was not getting to see them do the castle lighting with the little story that goes along with it about the snow and such. I'm not sure why they're not doing that?? I went mid-week last year and they did it a few times a night....but not this time!! The area was filling up as we neared the time for the fireworks to start. We had the girls in their strollers and we kept an area in front of them open so they'd be able to see. When the fireworks started......we had a group of (not going to say which nationality) ladies crowd thru people to go to that open spot in front of the girls. I yelled at them, no way....you can't stand there and so they basically ended up hugging people beside us so not to block the view of the twins. This is a HUGE PET PEEVE OF MINE!!!! Don't show up at show time and expect the best seat in the house!! Ok....sorry......it just irritates me when people do that. (and one particular group of tourists are the worst about doing this) Anywhos.......Ally had been working a 4 hr shift and got off probably 10 mins before the show and we tried to explain where we were and she actually got there right before the first firework went off. She's good at getting thru a crowd!! The fireworks: The castle all glistening of icicles: The snow....... __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 04:54 PM	#579
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	Once the fireworks ended, I was on a mission to get out of the park as quickly as possible. I was supposed to be meeting up with Carrie/Escape2Disney at Trader Sams. So Derek & Ally (the queen of manuevering thru crowds) escorted me out of the parks. Interesting fact: They opened the gates to the "behind the scenes" area by Coke Corner, to help disperse the crowds quicker. So we walked behind the Main Street stores and restaurants and then spilled back out between the Emporium store and Fire Dept. While they were getting me down to the Disneyland Hotel.....Mike & Tyler stayed with the 4 kids and got more pictures of the castle and Main Street. They went back to the hotel for the night. __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

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01-05-2013, 05:18 PM	#581
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	We made it out of the park and through DTD.....once we got past the tram area, it was much thinner "traffic" and we made our way down to Trader Sam's. Now, Carrie had seen my picture but I hadn't seen hers......so I was glad she spoke up when we were by her!!! Carrie and her daughter, Tracie were sitting at a set of couches on the patio. There were heat lamps and two guys providing Hawaiian music. This is the menu: It was a little hard to talk over the music, but it was a nice relaxing setting. Tracie went towards DTD and then Derek & Ally decided to go look around the DLH. Before they left, I had them take a picture of me & Carrie. Carrie and I had a wonderful time chatting about each of our trips and getting to know one another. While we were visiting~~Derek & Ally went to the Adventure Tower. Then Ally took him to the Fantasy Tower (main tower) and up to the top floor to show him the specialty penthouse doors. Awesome huh?? You won't believe what's coming in the next post!! __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 06:24 PM	#582
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	A couple more pics of the doors (from Derek's camera) So what is the big surprise??? They got into the Mickey Mouse Penthouse!!! I am not allowed to say how they gained access but here you go.......ENJOY!!! More Mickey Mouse Penthouse next post! __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 06:33 PM	#583
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	Notice the TV in the mirror? I know when the kids came back down and met back up with me at Trader Sam's they were pretty excited and I was totally JEALOUS!!!!! So glad they had a couple cameras between them!!! __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 06:45 PM	#584
DizNee Luver Luver of all things Disney! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philomath, Oregon Posts: 8,702	After the kids let the Fantasy Tower, they went over to the Frontier Tower to get a few pics in the lobby area. Carrie and her daughter had the opportunity of having lunch at Club 33 on their trip and she was so gracious in bringing me a few goodies from the Club. I was thrilled with everything she had picked out for me!!! After the kids had come back, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I am so glad I got to meet Carrie and spend, even though short, some time with her!!!! Since she also lives in Oregon.....I see possible get togethers down the road!!! Derek, Ally & I headed back to the room and thus ended Day 2 in the parks!! __________________ 2013 Divas #3HERE2012 Holiday Trip HEREWDW Dec 12 PTR~Cancelled: HERE 2011 Holiday Trip: HERE Divas, Take 2~2012: HERE Diva's TR~2011: HERE10 of Us Summer Trip~2010: HERE 25th Anniv.TR~2009: HERE DLR: 1967, 1972, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2013

01-05-2013, 06:50 PM	#585
DisneyStitch626 DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 5,802	Wow! So awesome that they were able to see that room! Out of all the themed rooms, that one is my favourite! So cool! Also it looked like you had an amazing spot for the fireworks! And you only had to wait 45 minutes? That's not bad! Again, love all the photos of the new areas in DCA! Looks like such a cool place. I can't wait to see it in just over 50 days! __________________

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