I Am Too Excited to Sleep! DL Trip Report-Finished!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Tomorrow at this time I'll be in the plane on the way to Disneyland! My flight leaves at 8:40 if all goes well, and I'll land about 12 California time. I'm bringing my laptop, so I will do some live reports when I have some downtime. It's only a short trip (we come home Thursday morning), so I hope to pack in as much as I can in just 2 and 3/4 days.

OMG I am so freaking psyched! :yahoo::sheepdance::broc::Cheshire:

[newjerseynick]

Too excited to sleep? I have absolutely no idea what that feels like. :rolleyes:
Have fun! Looking forward to the pics and report.

Nick

[kathyseb]

I saw the title of the thread and thought, Nick and Barbie are going to Disney, how the heck did I miss that announcement!!

Have a blast Mar.

[MatterhornMiss]

Unless you're doing more of SoCal, that's a pretty good length trip for DLR!

Can't wait to hear (and see) all about it!!! :cheerleader:

Have a safe flight.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I absolutely confess to plagarizing the title of this thread from Nick. :wave:

Thanks Nick, Kathy and MM!

[Rozzie]

Have a great trip! :wave:

[idratherbeinwdw]

Muchas Gracias Rozaroo! Looking forward to saying hi again to you and Mr. Roz in January. (and of course I can't wait to meet mr and mrs njnick!)

[RoccoP72]

Hope the flights goes well Mar & I can't wait to read up on your live TR!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Rocco!

Signing off now and on the way to JFK, I'll report in later. :wave:

[MatterhornMiss]

Can't wait to hear from the left coast!

[worldfanatic]

As I type this, Mar's in the air.
Can't wait to hear updates.
Especially concerning the Grand Cal!

[idratherbeinwdw]

I am here! Taking a break to change from shorts to pants then back to DL! Will report back later!

[MatterhornMiss]

:cheerleader:

[DisneyGeek]

I am here!

That's awesome- have a great trip!!! :yahoo:

[idratherbeinwdw]

Hi Everyone!

After an uneventful and on time flight, here I am in the beautiful Grand Cali. As a surprise treat my friend upgraded ujs to a 2 bedroom suite for my Bday. WOW! It has a huge balcony and a view of DCA and the GC pool. Super room and view, I love it.

But we arent spending much time here. We did the MK yesterday and considering we didnt get started til 2 PM and the park closed at 8 we got a lot done. Started with the HM as I could not wait to see the Nightmare Before Xmas overlay. I like the original better, but this was a really cuter and fun change and we both enjoyed it. Did POTC after that, and although I rememberd how much better it is here, Elaine had forgotten, as she hasn't been here in 20 years. She was blown away, and of course I loved it too. I am not sure of the order but we also did:

Bill and the Hillbillies! Had to see them for MM, they were a hoot and great muscians too.

Indiana Jones--Couldnt wait to ride this again, a fave of mine. Elaine had never ridden--loved it.

IASM- Another one Elaine forgot was better here, lots of fun, love those topiaries.

Pinocchio-Still adorable

Xmas Parade--Good but did not thrill me the way Spectro does

Submarines-Only a 20 minute wait (was about 7PM)--BIG disappointment, I have no idea why this ride is so popular. Much prefer Nemo at Epcot.

Fireworks--Enjoyed

Mr. Toad--Cool to ride the original again.

Ate lunch at NO Square, Cafe Orleans--Very good and pretty reasonable.
Had citrus chicken and really good smashed potatoes.

Room service dinner--turkey club with avocado and bacon was super yummy.

Park was definitely more crowded in evening, but still no line longer than 20 minutes. We walked on everything we did in the afternoon.

Today is more MK and also some DCA. Looking forward to orig Tiki Room, Train Ride and Alice (Alice is a fave of mine, was down last night, hopefully fixed today).

My reports will be a little shorter as my friend is here and I dont want to spend too much time typing. Also, i forgot my USB (WHERE is my OL???), so no pics til I get home. Back later, bye for now!

[matysgranma]

Oh Ma, I'm so glad you're having so much birthday fun with Elaine. What a great surprise with an upgraded room!!! Too cool!
Enjoy your time at DL with your friend. You deserve it!;)

[MatterhornMiss]

Bill and the Hillbillies! Had to see them for MM, they were a hoot and great muscians too.

WooHoo! :broc:



IASM- Another one Elaine forgot was better here, lots of fun, love those topiaries.


Have they transformed it into IASW Holiday yet? (If not, and they're still doing it, there's not much difference--they hang ornaments from the ceiling and dolls' hands and mix IASW with a Christmas carol, but I forget which one.)

Glad you're having a good time! It's too bad about the submarine ride. Can't wait to hear (and see) more!

[newjerseynick]

Glad you're having fun Mar!
Looking forward to more!

Nick

[nono]

So glad you made it safe and sound! Enjoy DL! It was my first park and still holds a special place in my :love:.

[worldfanatic]

Can't blame you for not wanting to be buried in your keyboard. You have a great & generous friend, she deserves your attention.
Keep having fun!!!

[idratherbeinwdw]

WooHoo! :broc:



Have they transformed it into IASW Holiday yet? (If not, and they're still doing it, there's not much difference--they hang ornaments from the ceiling and dolls' hands and mix IASW with a Christmas carol, but I forget which one.)

Glad you're having a good time! It's too bad about the submarine ride. Can't wait to hear (and see) more!

Yes MM holiday lights are up on IASW--totally cool!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Another fab day yesterday! Please forgive me but I am going to do my report from home. As I said my friend is here and as Dan said it's just not nice to spend too much time typing when she treated me to this awesome trip.

Suffice to say all is going really well, but it is very different here in many ways. Some good, some not so good, but the not so good is not hurting the trip in any way. Details when i get home. I return Thurs night, so expect a full report Friday.

Can't wait to put on my bday button and hit the parks! :cheerleader:

[MatterhornMiss]

You're up awfully early for the left coast--planning on being at rope drop ;)

[dizfan]

Have they transformed it into IASW Holiday yet? (If not, and they're still doing it, there's not much difference--they hang ornaments from the ceiling and dolls' hands and mix IASW with a Christmas carol, but I forget which one.)


How long has it been since you've ridden the Holiday small world?

[idratherbeinwdw]

Sorry for not doing much of a live report, I will be sure to fill everyone in tomorrow. Off to Storytellers Cafe for breakfast, then to LAX for plane home. All good things must come to an end, but I cheer myself up thinking "Only 48 days til WDW! :goodvibes:

[idratherbeinwdw]

I will finish my report this weekend. Sadly, I came home to find out that one of my closest friends from work, with whom I also socialized, died of a heart attack (on my birthday no less :( ). As you can imagine, I was in no mood to write anything about my vacation when I found out the bad news. Frankie was only 51, in good physical shape with no prior history of heart problems. He had a physical TWO weeks before he passed away.

Frankie was a beautiful human being who had the amazing ability to make everyone feel comfortable in his presence. He left behind a wife who adored him, and two teenage children who are beside themselves with grief, he was a great dad. As he was such a well liked guy who was very involved in the community and was President of the school board in his district, the wake and funeral were packed. Over 700 people at the funeral, most of whom (including me) were sobbing audibly. The church was so crowded people who came later had to stand. Too freakin sad, and too soon an end to the life of such a wonderful person.

Although I know you all understand, I am sorry for the delay in finishing my DL report.

[MatterhornMiss]

Mar, so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. :hug1:

[idratherbeinwdw]

Mar, so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. :hug1:

Thanks MM.

[matysgranma]

Mar, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. Too, too sad!
While we were in Disney a couple of weeks ago, we got a phone call that Tom's nephew committed suicide...only 28 years old. Trust me, it definitely put a damper on our vacation!!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Mar, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. Too, too sad!
While we were in Disney a couple of weeks ago, we got a phone call that Tom's nephew committed suicide...only 28 years old. Trust me, it definitely put a damper on our vacation!!

Thank you for the condolences Pam. OMG regarding Tom's nephew, that is beyond horrible. I am so sorry.

[nono]

:hug1: Mar!

[RoccoP72]

My sincerest apologizes and condolences on your loss Mar.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thank you nono and Rocco, I appreciate your expressions of sympathy.

[dchubirk]

:hug1: My heart goes out to you Mar.:hug1:

[newjerseynick]

Sorry for your losses, Mar and Pam.
:hug1:

Nick

[DisneyGeek]

Sadly, I came home to find out that one of my closest friends from work, with whom I also socialized, died of a heart attack (on my birthday no less :( ).

I'm sorry to hear about your friend and that is a VERY good excuse- certainly no harm no foul on the trip report delay! Best wishes & I hope pains and shock are starting to ease for you and everyone else who knew him...

My grandfather passed away while I was in WDW in Oct. 2008. I got the call from my parents while I was standing in that quiet area near Space Mountain where the Skyway used to come into Tomorrowland. He had been suffering for a while (late stage Alzheimers) so it was merciful for him to be at peace, but still rather odd to get picked up at the airport and driven straight to wake... That reminder of mortality actually helped convinced me to go ahead and take out a Disney loan and buy DVC then rather than wait until I had cash up front. Ironically, I'm wearing the Disney polo shirt I bought on that trip which i also wore to the wake since it was the only black and mildly appropriate thing I had with me. Weird coincidence!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thank you for the condolences Dan, Nick and DG.

DG I completely relate to your story. My dad had Alzheimers and took a huge turn for the worse when I was in WDW in Sept. He passed away just a few days after I got home. It's almost a blessing when it ends after you see someone you love sufferering. :(

[idratherbeinwdw]

OK, time to go back to Happy Talk. I dedicate the rest of my report to my friend the late great Frank Ragona. Gone but never forgotten.

Tuesday, 11/17:

Internally we were still on NY Time, so although we tried to sleep in a little, we ended up getting up in plenty of time for early entry at DL. As we had done the submarine ride the night before, there was nothing to rush over to, so we just rode what we felt like riding, as there were no lines anywhere. I must say though, that Disneyland ALWAYS felt crowded to me, especially in the Fantasyland Area. This is one thing I was not happy about, I always felt sort of claustrophobic as compared to the MK at WDW.

We must have seen/heard the Riverboat show for the Princess and the Frog 10 times (Tiana's Showboat Jubilee) throughout our trip, evey time we turned around there was that boat and CMs singing. It was very good, but after the 5th or so time it got a little old, LOL. So that day we rode POTC, HM (I liked the overlay with Nightmare Before Christmas, but MUCH prefer the original version), Alice (multiple times, a fave of mine), Elaine did Matterhorn and liked it (I am not a coaster person), Indiana Jones (also multiple times, we both loved it), IASM, Winnie the Pooh, Tarzan, Peter Pan, WDW RR, Mr. Toad, Tiki Room. We walked through DCA to get to the GC during a midday break and noticed there was no line at all at soarin. As that's a favorite for us both we hopped on. We both felt such glee at being able to do this attraction with no wait that we had to do it again.

I really liked the GCH. It reminds me of WL, but even more impressive. I went over to the front desk to see if someone would show me a DVC room, but they insisted I had to talk to the DVC rep. (BTW the CM I first spoke to at the front desk originally said the rooms were not available for cash, but one of the other CMs corrected her). The DVC rep told me he could only show me the model. So I decided to walk to the Villa area and cruise around the hallways until I found a mousekeeper exiting a room. I asked her if I could take a quick peek, and she was fine with it. Only trouble was the room was a MESS, so I didn't take pics. But I did notice the 1BR I saw was almost exactly like the suite Elaine and I were staying in. Decor was the same--furniture, rugs, paint color, etc., but of course the villas were brand spanking new (but just to clarify, our suite was in fine shape). I did end up going to take the tour of the models just for the heck of it, I will post pics in my next post.

At 5 we were in DCA to watch the Up pre-parade and then the Pixar Parade. I love Pixar movies, and really enjoyed the parade, especially the Toy Story floats. My camera battery had died, and I left the extra at the room, so I used Elaine's camera to take Pics. I don't have them yet, so you won't see shots of that parade when I post pictures. After that we did some shopping, watched the closing fireworks, then went back to the resort to change for Dinner. Our ressie was 8:30. I was totally impressed with Napa Rose, it is the best Disney Restaurant I have ever eaten at. I had this awesome Swordfish dish, sooooo yummy! The service was impeccable as well. By the time we finished it was about 10. I had hoped to do look around the stores in DTD, but the stores all closed by 10, which surprised me. I was told later that they are open til 12 on Fri and Sat only, rest of the week 10. Wow. Back to the room, bedtime about 11:30.

Wednesday 11/18:

It's my Birthday!! We ordered room service, Mickey waffles were yummy! Although a CM at GC said the ticket booths didn't open til 10AM, same time the park opened, that made no sense to me. So we walked over at 9:15 and lo and behold--booths are open, no lines (no wonder if everyone is told what I was told!). I opted for the $72 merch credit, and we were on our way to DCA. We were there before rope drop, and when the park opened we headed over to TSM. As it was so early we walked right on, but by the time we left the line was enormous. Same exact ride as WDW, so we saw no need to return. Elaine rode the ferris wheel while i looked for ways to spend my $72. :D She was not impressed, said it only went around twice.

One bummer was that I was really looking forward to seeing Aladdin, as everyone here on the boards said it was an awesome show. It was only playing Thursday the week we were there, and as we were leaving thurs morning that was a no go. :boohoohoo: We did ride soarin a couple of more times, but that was about it for our interests in DCA. We preferred DLP, as the attractions at DCA were either the same as the ones with the same name in WDW, or they just plain didnt interest us. Oh and we did the Monsters Inc. ride at DCA too, it was cute, but nothing spectacular IMHO.

So after a quick lunch at a CS, we took a break in the room for a little while. Now I had the time to go use my bday gift card, so I walked down to the WOD store, which was just a short walk from the resort. I had been looking for the "perfect" park bag for a couple of trips now, had no luck in WDW. I wanted a bag that was not too big or too small, had zippered pockets on the inside, was sturdy, zipped close on the top, and had a cool design. I finally found exactly what I wanted at WOD. They may have the same one at WOD in WDW, but I haven't been to the WDW DTD in a long time. Anyway it is an Alice in Wonderland design (I am a huge Alice in Wonderland fan), so cute, and had all of my "requirements". I also used my gift card for some DL magnets, a small paperback book entitled "The Windows on Main Street" (which had pics and descriptions of all the windows), a Mickey-shaped potholder, and a couple of other small items I cannot recall right now. Used that gift card up in no time. :woohoodance:

We went back to DLP, and Mickey appeared on Main Street as we entered, all dressed up in his holiday outfit. I ran over before a big line formed, and got my pic taken with The Mouse. As it was his birthday too, I wished him a happy birthday. He pointed to my button and gestured to wish me a happy bday too. TW I haven't mentioned yet that the entire DLP was decorated for the holidays. After my meet and greet with Mickey Elaine and I did Indiana Jones again (that is one LONG queue--I can't imagine what a long wait it must be when the park is crowded), POTC, IASM (the holiday decorations were really cool), carousel. 6:00 we had ressies for Blue Bayou. They said it would be a 20-40 minute wait for a table by the water, but we agreed to wait. It was only 10 minutes, and we had a great table and very nice server as well. We both got the surf and turf, lobster and filet mignon with bernaiase sauce. Yum! Loved the atmosphere here, so nice to watch the boats go by.

After dinner we waited at the end of main street to watch the fireworks, and then walked back to the resort. Elaine was tired so she went back to the room right away, but it was the last night of the trip, and I wanted to get every minute out of it. So I walked around DTD until 10, then went back to the room.

Our flight left the next day at 130. We went to Storytellers Cafe for breakfast. Not a lot of character interaction, but the food was good. Flight was uneventful, although it was a treat for me to fly business class and enjoy all the food they served. Watched some tv shows on a gadget that they hand out to make the time go faster. By 9:30 we were landing at JFK. Elaine had parked her car there after picking me up at the start of the trip, so we walked over to her car and she drove me home. I am about 8 minutes from JFK, so I was walking in my front door about 10 or so. My kids were there to greet me with some pretty yellow roses and a nice Welcome Home sign.

Summary:
Although I had a very good time I was surprised I didn't LOVE DL the way I did when I first went in 2002. The park is very charming, and I enjoy the fact that it is Walt's Park, but, as I mentioned above, it is always packed, even when the lines are short for the rides. I can only imagine how it must be during crowded times! :eek:

The cms there, for the most part, are not as friendly as the ones at WDW. I find at WDW, even the cms who are not smiling at first will smile back if I smile and say hello. At DL, I swear, no lie, they would avoid eye contact if at all possible. Very few smiles. I got the feeling that a lot of the people working there are locals who work there because it's an available job. Not many seemed to be really into Disney.

I hope I don't insult or disappoint anyone when I say before the trip I had considered getting points at VGC, but afterwards I had no desire at all to buy in there. I had a very nice time, really loved some of the attractions and will be back someday I am sure, but I am a WDW gal. DL just doesn't do it for me the way WDW does.

Pics to follow in next post.

[idratherbeinwdw]

If you want to see them all, here is the link:

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/

Below are some of my favorite shots from the trip.

Christmas Parade at DL:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6801.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6806.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6808.jpg

IASM:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6817.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6822.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6828.jpg



http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6836.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6839.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6882.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6887.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6905.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6907.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6908.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6912.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6913.jpg

Loved the big balcony:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6927.jpg

View from Balcony (1):

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6926.jpg

View from Balcony (2):

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6925.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6930.jpg

Elaine let me stay in the Master BR, her room had a Queen bed and these bunk beds:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6933.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6937.jpg

Model Room VGC:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6943.jpg

DVC Sales Building, known to locals (I was told) as BOB--stands for Big Orange Building, LOL:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6958.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6961.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6971.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6983.jpg



http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6991.jpg

DL version of Dapper Dans:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_6997.jpg

Elaine On the Monorail:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_7020.jpg

HM Nightmare Before Christmas Overlay:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_7043.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_7044.jpg

Storytellers Cafe:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/idratherbeinwdw/DL%20November%202009/IMG_7052.jpg

[kathyseb]

Mar, sorry to hear about your friend. I know how horrible I felt when my friend passed away last year at the age of 42. Hugs to you.

Thanks for the report and the pictures. Was that a plate of marshmellows?

[idratherbeinwdw]

Mar, sorry to hear about your friend. I know how horrible I felt when my friend passed away last year at the age of 42. Hugs to you.

Thanks for the report and the pictures. Was that a plate of marshmellows?

Thanks for the kind words Kathy, and I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your young friend.

Yep, those were marshmallows. I had ordered a hot chocolate with breakfast, and along with a huge plate of whipped cream (that's the mickey shaped stuff in the picture) they sent up a ton of marshmallows. I used the whipped cream in the hot chocolate, but ate the marshamallows separately later that day. :)

[MatterhornMiss]

Sorry to hear your experience was less than fantastic. I also generally got the same feeling that CM in DLR didn't spread the same sort of magic that those in WDW do.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Sorry to hear your experience was less than fantastic. I also generally got the same feeling that CM in DLR didn't spread the same sort of magic that those in WDW do.

Thanks MM. I sure had a good time, but yes, it wasn't as fantastic as most of my WDW trips. I am glad you confirmed my feelings about the CMs at DLR, I was afraid I would get flamed for that comment. :tomato:

[dizfan]

It is a matter of luck, I suppose. I frequently visit both parks and I have found that service has been an issue at both. There is always exceptions but the best Disney CM I have ever encountered (in the U.S) was at the Jewelery Shop on Main Street at Disneyland and the absolute worst (and I am talking just terribly rude) was a Resort bus driver at Epcot. I have also visited all the international parks repeatedly and the perfect CMs are in Tokyo, they put the guest service everywhere else to shame.

It's too bad you did not encounter Maynard, probably the most famous Disneyland CM.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Dizfan, there was ONE outstanding CM at DL who was clearly into the magic when I visited. Maybe it was Maynard, I didn't notice his name. All I can tell you is what I experienced and he was the only one who seemed to be into the magic.

I agree with you, I have had some rude CMs at WDW, and some who didn't care one way or the other, it was clearly "just a job. But those seem to be exceptions, many more seem really into their roles of "making magic". My main issue with the CMs at DLR is that most of them seemed to fall into the category of "just a job". They were not out and out rude, they just were blase.

[newjerseynick]

I agree with you, I have had some rude CMs at WDW, and some who didn't care one way or the other, it was clearly "just a job. But those seem to be exceptions, many more seem really into their roles of "making magic". My main issue with the CMs at DLR is that most of them seemed to fall into the category of "just a job". They were not out and out rude, they just were blase.

Sleeping Beauty Castle looks beautiful decked out for Christmas, great pics Mar.

I agree with you on the CMs, sadly. Our 1st trip, in fact, our very 1st experience at DL, was with an extremely rude bag checker. I wrote about it in my TR from then, but the quick version is, she was checking DW's bag, and asked her what was in the smaller bag inside, when DW said, "That's my pin bag", the guard said "I don't know about that, just open it!"
We feel that on this last trip, we had a much better experience with CMs.

Nick

[Rozzie]

Now that is a breakfast! I enjoyed your pics and thanks for sharing your trip with us. As always you give enough personal details to make me feel like I made the trip also. :)

As others have stated, my sincere condolences to you in the loss of your friend. It just reconfirms my belief that we should live our lives as if everyday might be our last. So sad and shocking it must be for his family. :(

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Rozaroo and Nick, I am glad you both enjoyed the report and the pictures. Nick I sorry about that @#$% bag checker who was mean to Barbie. :blech:

Agreed Rozaroo, that breakfast was awesome, I love a nice big breakfast when I have the time. I also agree with your philosophy about living each day as if it was your last. As I get older and experience more losses I can see that you really never know when your time may be up. I try to live my life in a way that not only makes me happy, but will leave others with happy memories of me. Solo WDW trips and trips with friends and/or family cover both those bases. :)

[susandfam]

Loved your trip report Mar! I am glad you had a great trip. I was sorry to read about the passing of you friend. Hugs to you and his family.

Susan

[idratherbeinwdw]

Susan I'm glad you enjoyed the trip report and I appreciate your condolences. Thanks.

[worldfanatic]

Enjoyed the report Mar, Thanks!!
Especially glad you were so impressed with the GC and Napa Rose.

I have to agree that while Disneyland is Walt's original resort, it can't match the Magic that is Disney World. (and this is a 40 year DL regular talking here)
I still love the DLR because it's so close and I can get my Disney Magic fix on a regular basis.
And as a resort lover, the Grand Californian is amazing and IMO, right there with the best resorts of WDW.

But on the whole, Walt Disney World is so much larger, better planned, and keeps away the outside world so much better.
Disney simply had so much open space to use when designing WDW, they did it right.
Had Walt known how immensely popular DL would become (and had more $$$), he could have done the same in Anaheim.

Many locals around Southern California don't understand the difference between the resorts.
They think because they've visited DLR, there's no reason to go to WDW.
I do my best to educate them.

Disneyland is still an amazing place for vacation.
It's my 2nd favorite place on earth...................... I suppose I don't have to tell you what my 1st is.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Jeff thanks for the understanding post, it was especially nice to have my feelings validated by a "local". :goodvibes: I'll visit DL again someday, but I feel lucky to be only 2 and a half hours (by plane) from the Happiest Place on Earth.

[dizfan]

I have to agree that while Disneyland is Walt's original resort, it can't match the Magic that is Disney World. (and this is a 40 year DL regular talking here)



ooohh, have to disagree there. Disney World could be twice as large, and Walt still would not have "been there" (as in built it and walked it). That to me is where the DL magic comes from as corny as that is and that is just as magical as the blessing of size in Florida. Plus I love the constant attention to major refurbishments and enchancements in California.

I still enjoy Disney World better as a vacation destination, with DLR coming in third and Tokyo Disney coming in 1st as my all time favorite.:goodvibes:

Speaking of which, I'll be back in a week. I'm off to AKV -Kidani in four short hours!!!! It's 4 AM right now and I can't sleep, too excited!

[idratherbeinwdw]

ooohh, have to disagree there. Disney World could be twice as large, and Walt still would not have "been there" (as in built it and walked it). That to me is where the DL magic comes from as corny as that is and that is just as magical as the blessing of size in Florida. Plus I love the constant attention to major refurbishments and enchancements in California.

I still enjoy Disney World better as a vacation destination, with DLR coming in third and Tokyo Disney coming in 1st as my all time favorite.:goodvibes:

Speaking of which, I'll be back in a week. I'm off to AKV -Kidani in four short hours!!!! It's 4 AM right now and I can't sleep, too excited!

Thanks for you post/opinion.

Walt being at DL isn't enough to tide me over when the CMs don't carry over the magic Walt brought to DL. I adore Walt and all he stood for, that is one of the main reasons I went to DLR. I really didn't "feel" his presence there. Maybe at one time it was different, but right now I think the Magic is in FL. (I have not been to tokyo but I have been to dlrp, and although it was nice I still prefer WDW).


Have a super time at AK!

[dizfan]

Just got back, Kidani was great!

The magic not just in Fl, or CA, it is at all 5 Disney Resorts for very different reasons. Otherwise it would be a waste of my time to go to any of them.

It's hard to explain what I am trying to without seeming like I am knocking the other parks, which I am not trying to do. However, walking into Disneyland and seeing Walt's lamp at his apartment, riding rides he personally oversaw and rode, eating breakfast where he ate...all that is a very unique DL-only feeling that I will not let be diminished by a random employee who is having a bad day.

Upon just returning from WDW, I can't say anything is better or worse than DL when it comes to the CMs. This time it seemed like the attraction CMs were disinterested. It just varies from trip to trip. The only consistent CMs I love at WDW are at the resorts. And DLRP is another conversation, but they need help.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Dizfan I totally understand and "get" the feeling of "This is Walt's Park" when I am in the MK at DLR. That's the main appeal for me, along with a few attractions that are either A)Better than their MK in WDW counterpart or B) Only found at the MK in DLR.
You may be right, that it's the luck of the draw on any given day in any given park. I can only report on my own experiences. The servers at Napa Rose and Blue Bayou were wonderful. There was one CM in the MK that was outstanding and clearly into his part/loving his job/making Magic. My experience with all the other CMs at DLR was the vibe of this was a job like any other job. This has happened to me in the MK at WDW too, but on a much much more limited basis. Where it actually stands out as an aberration in FL seemed to me to be the norm in CA. While it in no way put a damper on the trip, we had a fantastic time, the difference was very noticeable to me. YMMV. :)

[dwelty]

Mar, As a big DLR defender, I have to agree with you about some of the Castmembers. I do see a difference between WDW and DLR. I think one reason is that DLR has so many AP regulars that feel about DL like New Yorkers feel about Central Park, a nice place to go on the weekend. You do not often find families that have saved for three years to go there. The attitude of the guest rubs off on the Castmembers (I was one once) at WDW you have wide eyed children walking in all day long who have never been before. At DLR you have O.C. kids with annual passes who go there every week. This has changed since my Childhood. before the Annual pass came along. My family lived 20 minutes away, and we went once a year. We still find castmembers who go the extra mile on every trip, but not to the extent that we find in Disneyworld.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I never thought of that Dave. In fact my theory was that there were too many locals WORKING at DLR. Which, to me, translated into folks in the area thinking "This place is hiring, I l need a job, might as well get a work there". (Rather than "I would LOVE to make some magic, I think I will work at DLR").

When I am in FL it's rare to see a nametag that has Florida as the hometown. When I was in CA it was the opposite--the large majority of CMs had California on their nametags. Hence my "theory".

Your reasoning makes a lot of sense, thanks for the input.

[dizfan]

The flaw is your theory is that there are several places in CA that are hiring that a.) have better or equal pay and b.) do not have as many rules as Disney in terms of appearance and guest service and c.) it would not be impossible to find better benefits.

So more often than not there has to be some extra reason that would want someone to work at Disneyland, for many it is making magic. It would be very difficult to find someone who says they work there for the money. What money?

[idratherbeinwdw]

The flaw is your theory is that there are several places in CA that are hiring that a.) have better or equal pay and b.) do not have as many rules as Disney in terms of appearance and guest service and c.) it would not be impossible to find better benefits.

So more often than not there has to be some extra reason that would want someone to work at Disneyland, for many it is making magic. It would be very difficult to find someone who says they work there for the money. What money?

Well a theory is just that--a theory. :goodvibes:

[DisneyGeek]

Interesting theories! THe AP one is an angle that never crossed my mind either... It reiterates to me that I should try for most of my park time on weekdays come October! :thumbsup2:

Current plan: Arrive Saturday Oct. 16, 2010; staying at VGC 5 nights but no parks day 1. Sunday- probably last day iasw is open before holiday makover starts, so be sure and do it (it was closed in Nov 2008). Otherwise- don't expect to get on much and plan to dodge large crowds! :rotfl2: Mon & Wed: Park time! Tuesday = Parks with a Nappa Rose dinner break for my 35th BD! (OK, I was actually born @ 8:47 AM, but fancy dinner sounds more fun than fancy breakfast. In the AM I can be a very happy Geek with loads-o-bacon! :silly:) Thursday- check out and fly back to my 'other' home here in OH...

Although this trip does pose an interesting connundrum I hadn't thought of before; for the last 10+ years I listen to Werid Al yankovic's version of "Happy Birthday" starting right at birth time. So, when I'm in CA, do i do it at local time or get up a 5:47 local to stick with Eastern [I was born in Cleveland]??? :confused24: I don't recall ever being in a different time zone on my BD before... Luckily I have 10 months to figure it out! :D Sadly, I have 10 months to wait! :boohoohoo:

[idratherbeinwdw]

Interesting theories! THe AP one is an angle that never crossed my mind either... It reiterates to me that I should try for most of my park time on weekdays come October! :thumbsup2:



Not only that--I suggest you try to get there early and leave by 4 or so--or at least be done with attractions by then. The locals inundate the parks in the evening and the lines are noticeably longer.

[DisneyGeek]

Good to know! Any way I can transplant a very light WDW crowd level to DL during my trip? ;) For example, EME size in Epcot on Dec. 3rd 2009 was nice. A bit rainy however, so the FL weather from that night does NOT need to be copied...

[worldfanatic]

Mar, As a big DLR defender, I have to agree with you about some of the Castmembers. I do see a difference between WDW and DLR. I think one reason is that DLR has so many AP regulars that feel about DL like New Yorkers feel about Central Park, a nice place to go on the weekend. You do not often find families that have saved for three years to go there. The attitude of the guest rubs off on the Castmembers (I was one once) at WDW you have wide eyed children walking in all day long who have never been before. At DLR you have O.C. kids with annual passes who go there every week. This has changed since my Childhood. before the Annual pass came along. My family lived 20 minutes away, and we went once a year. We still find castmembers who go the extra mile on every trip, but not to the extent that we find in Disneyworld.

Dwelty, you hit this dead on!!

The massive number of AP regulars has made a HUGE, HUGE difference on the feel of DLR, which often seems to be 90% locals.
The locals certainly aren't bad people (after all,they go to Disney,:confused24: they can't be that bad).
But there is a feeling of old hat when you go so often. I also agree that the attitude rubs off on the cast members.
Of course, if everyone was a Disney fanatic like myself or most of us on this site, it wouldn't be a problem.
But there's only so many Disney nuts like us around.

Orlando has a much smaller local population and will never have this problem.
For me, a main part of the magic at WDW is the feeling you're on vacation along with everyone else. A very rare feeling anymore at DLR.

I still love Disneyland, but recently I've found myself spending much more time hanging out in the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel rather than the parks because you just feel more surrounded by vacationers, not other locals. Sometimes being a lounge lizard has benefits.

While I do still buy AP's for DLR, I'd be thrilled if they jacked up the price to discourage the massive onslaught of locals the lower prices attract.

I strongly advise out-of-town visitors to hit the parks on AP blackout days. They're less crowded and more magical.

[DisneyGeek]

I strongly advise out-of-town visitors to hit the parks on AP blackout days. They're less crowded and more magical.

That's an interesting thought... I wanted to go for my birthday this next coming trip but since I plan to go once roughly every 3 years (abnk-use-borrow on my VGC contract) I'll try and remember to look for those dates come 2013ish!