VGC and Disneyland Trip Report 9/9/19 - 9/12/10

[GoofyHatTim]

I'm setting the stakes high. I'm writing this post before I leave tonight (7:59 pm flight from SFO to LGB) to go to Disneyland so I will be guilted into writing a FANTASTIC Trip Report when I get home (and trying to get it up here in a reasonable time frame).

I haven't had much activity in this forum (except for getting a lot of help and advice :oweye:) so I'm excited to finally have an experience to share.

Little bit about me. I'm Tim! My fiancée and I got bought a 66 point AKV contract in April from DVCbyResale (http://www.dvcbyresale.com). It was a Diamond in the Rough for sure. It came with 66 points banked from 2009 which we ‘HAD’ to use before 1/31/2011. Growing up on the East Coast, I’ve been a WDW snob my whole life so I am stoked for the opportunity to head down to the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

We booked this trip about 3 or 4 months ago. Got the Friday and Saturday night ressie no problem and got off Waitlist for Thursday (tonight!). It was awesome to have such a positive first experience booking rooms. We’re staying in a Studio (I called Guest Services last week and requested Theme Park view) and we’ll be celebrating our Engagement.

So far the current plans are low key. Disneyland Friday (Carnation Café for lunch and Blue Bayou for dinner :eating:). Saturday will be resort focused with lunch in Downtown Disney and a light (read SHARED cuz we po’) dinner at Napa Rose. Sunday we’re looking at hitting up Storytellers Café for breakfast and getting some more pool time before grabbing a Super Shuttle back to the airport at 3:10 pm.

I’m a little bit of a photo nerd so hopefully I’ll have lots of photos to share as well. Wish me luck! I’ll say what’s up what I get back!

[newjerseynick]

I’m a little bit of a photo nerd so hopefully I’ll have lots of photos to share as well. Wish me luck! I’ll say what’s up what I get back!

Looking forward to it! Have great trip!

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

Sounds most excellent Tim! Looking forward to reading about it all, as well as seeing the pictures. Congratulations on your engagement, and have a great time celebrating. :wave:

[athenna]

Sounds great! Looking forward to reading your report and seeing your pics:) And congrats on your engagement:goodvibes: Have a blast celebrating. I wonder if they have the engagement buttons in DL like they do (or did) in WDW?:scratchchin:

[denlo]

Looking forward to hearing how the trip went. Congratulations on your engagement. What a great place to celebrate.

[DVC Mike]

Looking forward to lots of photos!

:)

[GoofyHatTim]

I just just finished *organizing* 600+ photos from 3 different memory cards over 4 days. And I'm a little OCD and I edit my photos before I print/publish them. So here's something just to get things rolling.

After arriving and checking in (which I'll get into later this week), we took a night time stroll to Downtown Disney. It was midnight on a Thursday night/Friday morning and absolutely EMPTY.

I snapped this photo of the California sign in front of DCA.

*Side note* Is there a better way to just embed photos in the photo? Right now, it appears to be an attachment. PM me any thoughts so we don't clutter up this thread with totally unrelated discussion. Thanks!

[GoofyHatTim]

My First Trip Report, here we go:

Thursday, September 9, 2010, Night

We (Disney Fiancée (DF) and I) landed in Long Beach Airport (LGB) right on time at 9:36 pm and swiftly picked up our one checked bag. We then headed out to the parking lot to find our Super Shuttle. We quickly found our driver but had to wait about 25 minutes for two other couples (one going to Disneyland Hotel and the other to a residence in the Anaheim area). Around 10:15 or so we left LGB and headed out to Disneyland! I’m jumping up and down in my seat at this point with excitement. :yahoo: It was about a 30 minutes drive on highways from the airport to DL. :driver: We dropped off the other couple at DLR and then headed over to VGC.

Even before pulling into the resort parking lot we could tell we were in for a treat. A friendly parking attendant CM greeted us and asked for the guest name (that’s me!) before allowing the Super Shuttle into the parking lot. We then pulled up to the bus/van drop off point, hopped out, paid the driver ($42 plus tip) and headed into the lobby.

Before entering the lobby, we were greeted by 12-foot stained glass, sliding glass doors that were BEAUTIFUL (I wasn’t quick enough to get a photo). Upon entering the lobby, the only thing I could think was WOW. :cloud9: It was gorgeous. My Dad’s house is arts and craft style so I’m pretty familiar with the bungalow look and feel. However, I never pictured it so utterly full and complete, assembled together in a giant, 6-floor hotel lobby. All of the chairs were warm greens and grays. The floor was a mix of pieced together marble/granite and wood. All of the lighting fixtures were hand cut stained glass globes, tubes or boxes a la Frank Lloyd Wright. Simply gorgeous!

We quickly checked in. There was no acknowledgement by any front desk CMs that we were celebrating our engagement despite making it very clear to Guest Services when I called the week before. However, we were given a theme park view room and that was what really mattered (I asked for “Just Engaged” buttons later that evening and we were promptly given a pair which, as you’ll see, we wore with pride). We headed on up to our room on the third floor (room 3504 to be exact). We were two rooms away from the elevator (very convenient). We unpacked, I took pictures and then we headed on down to DTD for an evening scroll.

Check out photos of our room and the lobby! I checked on the bottom of a few pieces of furniture and they weren't Stickley (http://www.stickley.com/) but everything was beautiful nonetheless.

So I just realized that I can only "attach" 5 photos. Here's a link to the album on of our room on DVC Forum with all the room photos.
http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=137
Here's a link to the album on of the lobby on DVC Forum with all the room photos.
http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=138

I've embedded a few of my favorite photos.


Main View of Our Room
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=137&pictureid=2227

View From Our Room
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=137&pictureid=2238

Lobby From Above
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=138&pictureid=2241

[idratherbeinwdw]

So I just realized that I can only "attach" 5 photos. I'm going to go put the rest in an album on my profile and then link it.

The other way to do it is to upload the pics to photobucket or some such site. Then you can link as many pics as you want here by using the code(s) the site will give you.

I am loving your report. I stayed in GC (not VGC) last November, I thought the resort was awesome. Your description of it is just perfect. Sorry they didn't acknowledge the anniversay. I was there for my birthday, same thing happened to me, no acknowledgment although it was supposedly noted on the reservation. My BFF (without telling me) went down to the front desk and spoke with someone. After that they sent up an autographed picture of Mickey, with Happy Birthday Marilyn written on it in Mickey's handwriting.

You have an awesome room, great view! Thanks for posting the report and the great pics. Looking forward to more Tim. :wave:

[denlo]

Enjoying the TR and photos. What a view. Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

[GoofyHatTim]

DTD and the entrances to DL and DCA were EMPTY save for a few midnight bike riders taking in the scenery. We took some photos, got our bearings straight (I didn’t want ANY confusion when making my way to the park the following morning) and then headed back to the hotel.

The lobby is the most beautiful in its emptiness. A TV flickered old school Disney cartoons with a score of mini arts and crafts easy chairs for children to sit in and entertain themselves. The piano sat quietly in the middle waiting to be played. A gas fire roared quietly in a little nook with sentinel rocking chairs. After taking it all in for a second time, we headed back to our home and turned in for the night.

There's a mini album below. Here's a link to the album on DVCNews: http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=139 and below are my two favorites.


California!
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=139&pictureid=2246

Downtown Disney at Night
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=139&pictureid=2247

[newjerseynick]

Awesome TR and photos!
I am going in a little over a week! Mind if I just copy and paste your VGC description into my TR? ;)
I'm calling guest services at 9AM this morning and requesting that room you got, or something close. WOW!
Looking forward to more.

Nick

[GoofyHatTim]

Friday, September 10, 2010

Disneyland Day! Part 1 in the Park

We set the in room alarm clock for 7:00 am to give us plenty of time to get ready, have breakfast and make it over to Disneyland in time for the 9:00 am opening. I took a walk down to White Water Snacks to pick up orange juice, tea and a cinnamon bun for DF and I to share. The microwave and provided plastic utensils and plates came in VERY handy. A half a minute in the microwave made the cinnamon bun very tasty. At 8:30 am, we were out of the room and down to the park.

It’s a super short walk from VGC to DL. We had purchased our park tickets the evening before at the registration desk to we were already to go. After heading in, we found a nice guy to take our photo in front of Disneyland Train Station.



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2254


Little did we know, Main Street shopping and eating opens at 8 am. So we were able to peruse some of the shops and eateries before starting out DL adventure. After the magical countdown to open time, we made our way into the park.



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2250


Our first stop was at Indian Jones Adventure, a ride unique to DL (I think). We followed a decent size group of people and waited on the short 10 minute line to ride the ride. For those unfamiliar, Indian Jones Adventure has the same base components of Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur, only instead of going back in time to Dinoland, you’re adventuring through a Temple with dangerous obstacles at every turn. It was very exciting and a perfect way to start the day. Following our Indy Adventure, we walked on to Pirates of the Caribbean. No line at all. We gazed as the Blue Bayou wait staff had their pre-service meeting. DF got very excited when she learned that I had made reservations at the “POTC restaurant.” I had never seen it before (I had only read good reviews) so I too was very excited to learn that our dinner would be in such a magic location. :)

Following POTC, we headed straight to Splash Mountain (my personal fav!).



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2255


There was no line whatsoever. We walked right on the ride and had the whole toboggan to ourselves (in DL, the toboggan is 1x6, similar to WDW's Space Mountain ride, so I sat in the second seat and DF in the third in an effort to not get totally soaked). After joining Brer Rabbit and his friends on a lovely adventure, the CMs asked “What to ride again?” (again there was no one waiting in line) I was jumping up and down saying “Yes! Yes! Yes!” :yahoo: However, the DF was wet enough for the cool southern Californian morning so we decided to pass until later in the day. We B-lined it over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which was also lineless. We were just getting lucky!

*Note*: We were hoping to do Haunted Mansion which I've learned is a Victorian Mansion has compared to WDW's New England style house, however it was closed in preparations for Halloween.



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2252


After this, we took a stroll around the park. We checked out the Matterhorn Bobsleds which had a 20 minute wait in the sun with NO "ride before the ride." We started waiting then quickly gave up. :viking: We heard rumors of Space Mountain’s closure for the day but decided to check things out ourselves. We headed to Tomorrowland. They were closed for the present, however, CMs in front of the attractions said to check back later that day. We stayed hopeful. :fingerscrossed:

We swung by the Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street for a blue berry muffin snack and sat in the Restaurant Corner. It was a little dry, but tasty enough. We did some more strolling. Took the railroad from New Orleans Square to Fantasyland. We hopped off and took photos in front of it’s a small world. After that, we walked through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, again, taking photos. A Disney Photographer was infront of the castle and took our picture. The best part, he used his camera and mine! I didn’t know they did this!



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2249
Photo taken by DL Photographer


Then we decided to check on Space Mountain, since DF has never been on and my last time was in 2004 (they were closed for WDW 2009 :( ). Success! Space Mountain was up and running! No FASTPASS and a 40 minute wait, but was decided to do it.



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2256


Space Mountain was fantastic! I thought it was funny as the seating arrangement for this ride, like Splash Mountain, was opposite of WDW. Instead of 1x6 like in WDW, it’s 2x6, so we got to sit side by side and go on a magic space adventure!! After soaring through space, we swung by Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and then headed over to Carnation Café for lunch!



http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2251


We had priority seating reservation at the Carnation Café so we skipped the line of 12 or so people waiting. I enjoyed the steak and cheese sandwich and DF had the chicken and cheddar on a croissant. Both were VERY tasty. Chef Oscar (who from what I hear is a Disney legend, having worked in the park for 50+ years) came over to our table and said hello. It was cool to chat with him for a few minutes. We polished off our sandwiches and then hit up Jungle Cruise. By this point, we were tired so we decided to head back to the hotel for a rest (read nap).

And the best part, no waiting for buses!!! I have to say, it was AMAZING being able to walk back to our room! Loved it!!

Visit http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=140 to see the album of these photos!

[GoofyHatTim]

Awesome TR and photos!
I am going in a little over a week! Mind if I just copy and paste your VGC description into my TR? ;)

You bet! I'll be sure to send you a bill for owed royalties! ;)

[dizfan]

Thank you for the trip report! I am glad you had fun.

Indiana Jones Adventure is also at Tokyo DisneySea Park, where it's called Temple of the Crystal Skull (not related in anyway with the movie).

[denlo]

Great T.R. Looking forward to the next installment.:thumbsup2:

[newjerseynick]

You bet! I'll be sure to send you a bill for owed royalties! ;)

That's fine, as I may take even more from your really well written report.
Actually, how much to just link mine to yours?

Nick
Posted via Mobile Device

[idratherbeinwdw]

Tim I am loving this, thanks so much for the great report and pictures! So sorry HM was closed but if it makes you feel any better the inside of the "normal" (non-halloween style) DL mansion is almost completely the same as it is at WDW.

[GoofyHatTim]

Ok, so let's be honest. We love hearing about each others adventures around the parks, but what we really want is information about the resorts and things that internet research can't provide. We're all major Disney planners (I mean, that's half the fun of the vacation), so having detailed maps, photos and information about where we'll be going is really essential to planning a good trip.

I found is particularly difficult to get a LOT of good information about DLR and VGC. The Disney sponsored site was particularly lacking. Today I'm going to try to get a bunch of photos up so you can get a really good idea what the resort looks and feels like. VGC is awesome and beautiful. Part of me feels like "SPOILER ALERT" so don't read on if you want to be ultimately surprised. However, the rest of me wants to put some great information out in this forum of awesome DVC fanatics.

First stop, maps! I was really curious about the location of VGC in relation to the other hotels and the parks at DLR. Google Maps failed pretty miserably and I couldn't think of any other places to look. Sooooo, I asked reception for an extra check in map and I have scanned both sides for you all to see.


Here's the Villas at Grand California Map

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2259

Here's the map of Disneyland Resort

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2260




These maps are full of LOTS of details which can't be viewed at the required DVCNews resolution. I've uploaded the full quality image to my personal domain for you call to see, zoom around, and explore. I promise it's safe! (TimK can track me down by my IP and beat me up if it's not! :viking: )

Here's the map of VGC.
http://timothychingos.com/images/DisneyMap1.jpg

Here's the map of CLR.
http://timothychingos.com/images/DisneyMap2.jpg


*Note* These maps are big! You may need to Save them on your computer and pull them up in an image viewing program that allows you control how zoomed in and out you are. These should also be printer quality. :D

I hope you all find these helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

[denlo]

OMG, I love maps. Thanks for posting them. I have a question. The California Adventure was not on map 2. Is it south of the Grand Californian Resort? I think the DVC villas are on the south end of the resort, so that would make sense based on the photos I've seen from villas.

I was also surprised that the monorail doesn't stop at any resort hotel. Just has the one stop in the area. I can see why it would be easier to just walk to Disneyland from your hotel rather than bothering with the monorail since it's a relatively short distance compared to WDW.

[GoofyHatTim]

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little ADD. More like I have a tendency to get side tracked. Nick was asking about the VGC pull out couch in another thread, and he's been such a loyal reader and supporter, I felt I owed it to him to get this post up early (Nick, you can even share with your friends who will be staying with you!).

I've put together an animated gif (with the help of www.makeagif.com (http://www.makeagif.com/) which is super easy to use) so we can all get a good idea of how this crazy contraction works. One thing to note, the back of the couch, the part that your back would lean against if you were sitting on the sofa, folds out and becomes part of the bed, specifically speaking, the part where your head rests.


:popcorn:

Without further ado, I present...

Le Pull Out Couch de VGC

http://www.makeagif.com/media/9-18-2010/6L4CZ0.gif (http://www.makeagif.com/6L4CZ0)

FIN


I've attached some stills of the couch pulled out as well to give you the full picture. Enjoy!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Tim you are utterly amazing. :love30: We are incredibly lucky to have you here with us on DVCNews. :thumbsup2:

Interesting, the new pullouts at BWV work totally differently. You pull on a tag on the top part of the sofa to open it up. And the cushions do not need to be removed at all.

Thanks a million, I can't wait for Nick to notice this post.

[idratherbeinwdw]

villas.

I was also surprised that the monorail doesn't stop at any resort hotel. Just has the one stop in the area. I can see why it would be easier to just walk to Disneyland from your hotel rather than bothering with the monorail since it's a relatively short distance compared to WDW.

Yeah, the DL monorail is more a ride than a form of transportation. That surprised me too my first visit.

[GoofyHatTim]

I have a question. The California Adventure was not on map 2. Is it south of the Grand Californian Resort? I think the DVC villas are on the south end of the resort, so that would make sense based on the photos I've seen from villas.

Hey Denlo! I doctored up one of the maps to put things in [crude] perspective.


http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2261

Here's a bigger version on my domain, http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/denloanswer.jpg

Hope that helps!

[dizfan]

The Monorail did used to stop at the Disneyland Hotel. The current Downtown Disney stop used to be the Disneyland Hotel station. The area that is now AMC Theatres, Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone is where the original Disneyland Hotel used to stand. They were called the Garden Rooms, but were demolished to build Downtown Disney. The three towers that remain were the expansion of the hotel from the 60s & 70s.

But when Walt built the monorail in the 50s it was a ride that just went through Tomorrowland, it was not used as transportation until the 1960s when it was connected to the Disneyland Hotel.

[newjerseynick]

Wow, Tim, that was very awesome of you to make. As Mar said, we're lucky to have you here.
Thank you, I'll send a link to our friend Tammy, who is staying with us a couple nights there.

Nick
Posted via Mobile Device

[GoofyHatTim]

So in hind sight, I kind of failed getting a lot of good pictures of the pools. :( But alas, I did take a few, and it should give you different perspective to the BEAUTIFUL resort that is VGC.

There are three (3) pools at the resort and two hot tubs (you can call them spas if you want to be classy). Here's a photo from the 3rd or 5th floor of the hotel to give a little overview.


The Pools of VGC

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2269

The pool at the bottom left-ish is the Mariposa Pool. To the top right is the Redwood Pool (that has the big and kiddie slides). Towards to top left is fountain pool. You can't see it in this picture, but in between the Fountain and Redwood pool is a 1-foot deep children's pool. You can also see the two hot tubs, one just above the Mariposa Pool and one directly below it. With the exception of the slides at the Redwood pool, there's nothing special about the pools. (I heard a rumor from a CM at DLH that they're putting LOTS of slides in the new DLH pool which is currently undergoing renovation).

Here's a photo of the slide. It's pretty sweet, especially given my love for Splash Mountain. Reminds me a little of the outside of the ride.


Slide at the Redwood Pool

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2268

This photo was taken around 8 am, hence it was very quiet. The slide hours are 11 am - 7 pm. Pool and spa hours are 6 am to 10 pm.

One of the unique aspects of the VGC pool area is the cabanas. Each has a covered area with love seat, sofa, coffee table and dresser type table. There are also a few reserved lounge chairs just outside in the sun. Have a look!


VGC Poolside Cabanas

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2263

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2264

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2267

My first thought, "Sweet! I want to get me one of those." But then I saw the sign, "Please call guest services to reserve a cabana." Any guesses on the cost to reserve ones of these bad boys? I'll just tell you. $110 for half a day (9 am - 1 pm or 2 pm - 6 pm) and $185 for a full day. With the rental, I got the impression that you can pay extra and have them set up a bar or food for you; cater your own little pool side party if you will. We ultimately passed on the cabana experience. We never had much of a problem getting a few lounge chairs together.

Here are two more angles of the pool.


Different Pool Angles

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2273

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2271


As you can see, DCA is visible in the background from a few areas of the pool. The kiddie slide is available for the youngsters (and well used). All in all, it was nice to relax is the SUPER comfy lounge chairs (towels were needed to cover them up if you got them after a wet guest was relaxing) and enjoy the sun or shade (umbrellas were plentiful). We got a little bored just sitting around on Saturday, but that's just me being young and trying out different vacation styles. One of the coolest parts of the stay were the resort robes! We used them on Sunday morning for a little hot tub excursion. I've included one photo just for fun. Robes are available for $70 in the Acorns Gifts and Goods gift shop. Maybe once I build an outdoor shower I'll have a good excuse to get GC robe. :grin:


Chillin' in our Robes

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2262

Here's a link to the album of these photos and a few others of the pool and from around VGC. http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=141. In theory, this album will have more and more photos as I add more of these posts.

[GoofyHatTim]

So I posted one photo of the view from our balcony at night. Here are some panoramic shots of the view during the day. I stitched about 3-5 photos together in Photoshop for each one of these so they're not perfect by any means. However, they can give you so good perspective. When looking at the last pano, keep in mind that most of these balconies belong to Villas (I'm pretty sure). So pretty much any room you get that is Park View will have an AWESOME view. Again, these photos have lots of details so I've put the hi-res versions on my domain for those who want to explore a little more in depth.


View from our Balcony During the Day

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2274
Hi-res version here! (http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/view-from-room-3504-daytime.jpg)

View from Our Balcony Looking Down

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2275
Hi-res version here! (http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/view-from-balcony-looking-down.jpg)

Looking Up at Our Balcony

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2276
Hi-res version here! (http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/looking-up-at-our-room.jpg) The DF is waving so you know which was our balcony.

Here's the DVCNews album with these photos and many others, http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=141.

Viewing Terrace Pano coming up next!

[dizfan]

Great pictures!

Yes, the Disneyland Hotel will soon have two new pools with water slides themed to look like Monorails.

[GoofyHatTim]

As you may or may not know, there is a viewing terrace at the Grand Californian that overlooks DCA. I spent some time up their taking photos during the day. On Saturday evening, DF and I check out World of Color from the deck. It was very cool watching the colorful water and hearing the music. However, it was a less than ideal viewing location. (I'll post photos about this later.)

Here are two panoramic views from the deck during the day.


View of the Villas and the Park

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2278
Hi-res version here! (http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/view-from-6th-floor-terrace.jpg)

View of the Park

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2277
Hi-res version here! (http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/pano-terrace.jpg)

Here's a shot of what the roof deck looks like from my balcony. Unexciting, but it's another angle.


http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2300

It was definitely beautiful up here. I really wish there were some table and chairs or some means of relaxing. It got kind of awkward just standing around up there. Maybe someday.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Just keeps getting better, thanks again for the wonderful pics and report Tim.

[newjerseynick]

I just just finished *organizing* 600+ photos from 3 different memory cards over 4 days. And I'm a little OCD and I edit my photos before I print/publish them. So here's something just to get things rolling.


Just reading your report to my DW, and she asked if we are related, as that is exactly what I do with my photos. In fact, I have to sort and edit before she even gets to see them! :rolleyes:

Nick

[newjerseynick]

All caught up with the report. Again, awesome.

My friend Tammy thanks you for the pullout couch pics and info, and compliments you for such a well written report, and she is a professional writer, so high compliment indeed.

Nick

[GoofyHatTim]

Friday, September 10, 2010

Disneyland Day! Part 2 in the Park

So after napping on the very comfortable pull out couch (we wanted the full room experience), we showered, dolled up, and headed back to Disneyland. Once again, a short 5-minute walk and we were back in the park. I love the proximity of EVERYTHING to EVERYTHING else in DLR.

We decided to go explore Sleeping Beauty’s castle a little more thoroughly and then hit up the rides in Fantasyland. We had a Disney Photographer take another picture of us in front of the castle, now that we were looking so cute and all.


Dressed up for the Ball

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2295

We then went on many of the Fantasyland rides. Highlights were Mr. Toad’s Wildride (I remember LOVING this one back in WDW when I went as a 4 or 5 year old), Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures. While the rides were fun, they were rather anti-climactic. Had we never seen/read the movies/stories, we would have both been left wondering how these tales ended.


Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2294

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2298

Tim’s Wild Ride

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2296

We then hopped over to Matterhorn Bobsleds. There was a 15 minute wait, but it was cool so we braved it. Part way through the line a woman offered us her Rider Swap ticket (I think that’s what it’s called, it’s the thing so one parent can wait with little kids) and jumped to the head of the line. We shared one of the seats and got banged around a little but had lots of fun. I’m really glad I got to experience this iconic ride. Lots of thrills!

After Bobsleds, we went and got a snack and caught part of some parade (I forget which one). I enjoyed some tasty popcorn and Sprite! We rode the Mad Tea Party while I finished my popcorn (no spinning). Following this topsy turvy spin, we headed up to Toontown for some fun with screaming children (there actually weren’t too many screaming children).


Toontown

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2297

We got to have lots of fun. We checked out Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. Again, pretty anti-climactic, but it had a GREAT ride before the ride. We saw Goofy’s House (I’m a big fan!).


Goofy’s House!

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2292

We went shopping at the Gadget’s shop, DF got a key chain (I purchased my own from a cart near Sleeping Beauty’s Castle). We poked around for a little while longer then departed the town of toons.

By this point, it was getting close to Fireworks time. Now, I’m not big into the firework shows. Holding spots for hours on end is totally not my scene and most shows usually get a little too mobby for my tasty. However, we decided we’d check it out since we were making it a FULL Disneyland day. We had a 9:00 pm Blue Bayou ressie which shouldered up perfectly to the 8:40 pm showing of Magical! (a fireworks spectacular with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle as the background). We headed over to get a spot around 8:25 pm and found a great little location. Check out a few decent photos I managed to snap before and during the show. It was quite a spectacular!


Before the Show, Castle at Night

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2288

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2284

During the Show, Fireworks!

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2281

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2282

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2283

We B-lined it to Blue Bayou after the show. It was a bit crazy near New Orleans Square as people were lined up and ready to go for the 9:00 pm Fantasmic. We gave them our name but still had to wait about 15 minutes to get seated. I was hoping they’d have a table waiting for us, but I guess they’re not that cool. Lots of other people were called before us, so my guess is that they were just running late. I like to think that our reservation had some positive impact on our wait time, but it was hard for me to tell.

Once we were in and seated, we LOVED it. Blue Bayou is an absolute MUST when visiting Disneyland. We were trying to keep things cheap so we split the Surf N Turf. Get this: $37 for Filet Mignon, $40 for Filet Mignon with a Lobster thrown in. It was a no brainer. We shared the Gumbo to start, split the entre, drank water and ate bread and we were out of there for around $50, one of our cheapest (and tastiest) meals of the vacation. The lighting is low and my camera only stops down to f/3.5, so these photos aren’t that great, but it’ll give you the general idea.


At Our Table

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2279

Back by the River, AKA Pirates of the Caribbean Ride

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2280

We finished with just enough time to get over to find a decent location to watch Fantasmic (firework and action adventure show on Rivers of America). The spot was pretty bad, couldn’t see much at all, but it was still a fun show. I gotta say, Mickey has one messed up Imagination. ;)


Fantasmic!

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2289

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2291

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2287

After this, we tried to use FastPasses to hit up Indian Jones for a second time, but it was closed, they said check back in 30 minutes. We were tired so we decided to skip out on that, do a little shopping, and head back to the resort. Main Street was beautiful at night.


http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=140&pictureid=2293

We were back in our hotel a little after to midnight and cozily in bed soon after that. It was a great day in Disneyland. All in all, I thought it was a great park. LOTS of rides, great shows and great places for shopping and the like.

PHEW! All done with Disney day. That was quite a bit. I'll finish up the rest of our trip this weekend. Here’s the full album of Disneyland photos on DVCNews Album: http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=140

[dizfan]

Fantastic! Thanks for the pictures!

I see Tinker Bell in the second fireworks pic, did Dumbo fly over the castle that night?

[GoofyHatTim]

Fantastic! Thanks for the pictures!

I see Tinker Bell in the second fireworks pic, did Dumbo fly over the castle that night?

Yes! Dumbo and Tinkerbell flew over the castle! It was a lot of fun.

[newjerseynick]

That's it, I'm not even going to bother doing a trip report. Photos are out too. There is no point.
Tim, you are THE man!
And after 2 trips to DL, I still havn't seen the fireworks! And they aren't scheduled or when we'll be there next week.
Nick
Posted via Mobile Device

[matysgranma]

Wow, Tim, I agree with Nick. Your trip report is truly amazing. Are you a writer by profession? If not, you missed your calling. Also, your pictures are beautiful. We'll be spending some time at DL next month, also staying at the VGC and you've really just made me so much more excited about our stay. Thank you.:goodvibes:

[tadams]

This was great. Although I grew up going to DL (I grew up in LA) it is always cool to read someones impressions. We are going to VGC in March for a week to celebrate our 10th Anniversary with our 2 sons, 6 & 8. We are staying in the studio so it was nice to see the photo essay of the bed. Thanks again and congrats on the engagement!

[denlo]

Hey Denlo! I doctored up one of the maps to put things in [crude] perspective.


http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2261

Here's a bigger version on my domain, http://timothychingos.com/images/dvc/denloanswer.jpg

Hope that helps!

Thanks Tim. That puts it all in perspective for me.


The Monorail did used to stop at the Disneyland Hotel. The current Downtown Disney stop used to be the Disneyland Hotel station. The area that is now AMC Theatres, Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone is where the original Disneyland Hotel used to stand. They were called the Garden Rooms, but were demolished to build Downtown Disney. The three towers that remain were the expansion of the hotel from the 60s & 70s.

But when Walt built the monorail in the 50s it was a ride that just went through Tomorrowland, it was not used as transportation until the 1960s when it was connected to the Disneyland Hotel.

Thanks for posting this info, but I thought my memory was failing me.

[GoofyHatTim]

Are you a writer by profession? If not, you missed your called. Also, your pictures are beautiful.

Thanks for the compliment! :) I'm not a writer by trade. I actually work for a tech company and sell on-line advertising to real estate agents, not very exciting at all. I'm really glad you're enjoying the pictures.


That's it, I'm not even going to bother doing a trip report. Photos are out too. There is no point.
Tim, you are THE man!
And after 2 trips to DL, I still havn't seen the fireworks! And they aren't scheduled for when we'll be there next week.


I hope I didn't spoil anything for you. And I'm sure there will be a whole another side of DL you can write about. I didn't even go to DCA. At a minimum, you gotta give us a kick butt TR on DCA and all that is awesome that park! ;) Glad you're enjoying!


Thanks Tim. That puts it all in perspective for me.


You're welcome! Happy to help out. I'll say it again, it's AWESOME how close everything is together at DLR. Part of me is going to cringe when I'll have to wait for that first bus in WDW this coming July.

[GoofyHatTim]

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Morning Around the Resorts - Part 1

On Saturday, we slept in until 10 am and it was amazing. A good night of rest was well needed after a full day at Disneyland the day before. After waking up and showering off, we headed over to Steakhouse 55 for breakfast.

We had seen the DLH when our Super Shuttle dropped off the other guests and were pretty unimpressed. However, entering the DLH from Downtown Disney offered a whole different angle.


Disneyland Hotel
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2301


Breakfast at Steahouse 55 was delicious (thanks for the recommendation Nick!). I had the 4x2 (two pieces of French toast, two eggs, two strips of bacon and 2 links of sausage, but I subbed the sausage links for toast!). DF had the oatmeal which was meh. The place was a little too “Holiday Inn restaurant” style for us, aka boring and unoriginal. However, the food was tasty and reasonably priced.


Breakfast is Served
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2303


On a totally side note, our waitress was CRAZY. Probably the most Looney CM I’ve ever run into. Her demeanor border lined on rude, however I think it was just the way she was. She made it out like she was pulling some mega strings to sub in toast for the sausage. Our first reaction when we asked for water (instead of coffee, tea, or OJ to drink) was that we insulted her. We just kept smiling and enjoyed our breakfast. Oh, and she had NO idea what steel cut oatmeal was. When we asked, “Excuse me, is the oatmeal steel cut?” she replies, “Sure, it’s oatmeal.” I guess you can say that we got a little spoiled with the high class of VGC. This was my only real complaint, if you can call it that, during the trip. Gave us something to laugh about.

After breakfast, we strolled back toward our hotel and stopped in the DLH pool. A CM was standing guard. We asked nicely if our VGC keys would allow us in. She said no, but she didn't mind if we looked around. There was rehab going on for it, but I still took a few quick photos and thought I’d share.


Disneyland Hotel Pool

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2306

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2304

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2305

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2302

After check out the pool, we went to World of Disney where we bought a picture frame. We checked out a few of the other shops for fun. Then we headed back to our room. (DF’s friend was going to be joining for some pool time, so we thought it best to wait in the hotel room for her to call.)

We took the long way back to the room past Paradise Pier Hotel and the front entrance to VGC. I took some pictures of the outside of the Grand Californian. But you're going to have to wait until later for me to post those. Because it's 9 pm and that's past my bedtime.

As always, to check out the photos from this post, visit the new miscellaneous album http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=142. More to come.

[dizfan]

The renovation of the Disneyland Hotel is bittersweet. The waterfalls and koi fish ponds that were torn out were some of most relaxing places at the resort, and beautiful at night! And I will miss The Lost Bar for a very long time!

I have stayed in one of the renovated rooms though and they are very nice. I actually prefer them over a standard Grand Californian room.

[newjerseynick]

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Morning Around the Resorts - Part 1

On Saturday, we slept in until 10 am and it was amazing. A good night of rest was well needed after a full day at Disneyland the day before. After waking up and showering off, we headed over to Steakhouse 55 for breakfast.

We had seen the DLH when our Super Shuttle dropped off the other guests and were pretty unimpressed. However, entering the DLH from Downtown Disney offered a whole different angle.


Disneyland Hotel
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2301


Breakfast at Steahouse 55 was delicious (thanks for the recommendation Nick!). I had the 4x2 (two pieces of French toast, two eggs, two strips of bacon and 2 links of sausage, but I subbed the sausage links for toast!). DF had the oatmeal which was meh. The place was a little too “Holiday Inn restaurant” style for us, aka boring and unoriginal. However, the food was tasty and reasonably priced.


Breakfast is Service
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2303


On a totally side note, our waitress was CRAZY. Probably the most Looney CM I’ve ever run into. Her demeanor border lined on rude, however I think it was just the way she was. She made it out like she was pulling some mega strings to sub in toast for the sausage. Our first reaction when we asked for water (instead of coffee, tea, or OJ to drink) was that we insulted her. We just kept smiling and enjoyed our breakfast. Oh, and she had NO idea what steel cut oatmeal was. When we asked, “Excuse me, is the oatmeal steel cut?” she replies, “Sure, it’s oatmeal.” I guess you can say that we got a little spoiled with the high class of VGC. This was my only real complaint, if you can call it that, during the trip. Gave us something to laugh about.

After breakfast, we strolled back toward our hotel and stopped in the DLH pool. A CM was standing guard. We asked nicely if our VGC keys would allow us in. She said no, but she didn't mind if we looked around. There was rehab going on for it, but I still took a few quick photos and thought I’d share.


Disneyland Hotel Pool

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2306

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2304

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2305

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2302

After check out the pool, we went to World of Disney where we bought a picture frame. We checked out a few of the other shops for fun. Then we headed back to our room. (DF’s friend was going to be joining for some pool time, so we thought it best to wait in the hotel room for her to call.)

We took the long way back to the room past Paradise Pier Hotel and the front entrance to VGC. I took some pictures of the outside of the Grand Californian. But you're going to have to wait until later for me to post those. Because it's 9 pm and that's past my bedtime.

As always, to check out the photos from this post, visit the new miscellaneous album http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=142. More to come.

Thank you for thanking me on Steakhouse 55, but someone else deserves the credit, never been.

In the picture at the DL pool with the skull, on my phone, it was hard to see, but is that a web in the eye socket, or did you frame an umbrella in there?

And when you said 9 is past your bedtime, it convinced me we must be related!

Nick
Posted via Mobile Device

[GoofyHatTim]

In the picture at the DL pool with the skull, on my phone, it was hard to see, but is that a web in the eye socket, or did you frame an umbrella in there?

And when you said 9 is past your bedtime, it convinced me we must be related!
Posted via Mobile Device

It's an umbrella that happen to fall in the eye socket. Can't say I intentionally framed it there. :blush: Early bed times make for happy mornings.

[GoofyHatTim]

Thank you for thanking me on Steakhouse 55, but someone else deserves the credit, never been.

Thanks go to worldfanatic (http://dvcnews.com/forum/member.php?u=2440) who posted the recommendation on the Breakfast Recommendations thread. Definitely lived up to your description and MUCH better and cheaper than Storyteller's Cafe. :thumbsup2:

[worldfanatic]

What a thread! I've been out of town for 10 days and hadn't been logged onto DVCNews during that time.
It was fun reading your whole fantastic thread all at once.

Being a Southern California local, I go to DLR and the Grand Californian fairly often......but your awesome trip report has me extra excited about my trip next month. Thanks Tim!!!!:thumbsup2:

[GoofyHatTim]

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Afternoon Around the Resorts - Part 2

On our way back to our room, I took pictures of the signage as well as the entry and front of the resort. I also grabbed a couple shots of random parts of the resort I hadn’t really noticed before. Just thought I’d share.


Photos of the Resort

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2313

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2310

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2312

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2309

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2311


Threw in that laundry room shot for fun. I wasn’t able to figure out how it was free for DVC members staying in studios, but I didn’t ask.

We met with DF’s friend and headed over to Storyteller’s Café for lunch. Overall, great lunch. They served VERY tasty bread. I had a chicken sandwich with carmelized onions that we delicious and DF and her friend enjoyed the turkey club. The French fries were also REALLY tasty (this was the first fried food we’d had the whole trip so I think that made them even more enjoyable).

After lunch, we went back to the room to change for the pool. Pixar Parade was going on in DCA so I snapped a few photos with the zoom lens. I blew kisses from the balcony to Jessie (cowgirl from Toy Story, I had to Google her name so I thought I’d share for those who didn’t know) and she blew kisses back which was fun (I think we had a connection). The Fun Wheel was also looking radiant.


DCA Parade and Fun Wheel

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2315

http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2314

We spent a few hours relaxing by the pool. You’ve already seen pool pictures so I’ll spare you the repetition (and myself the beating DF will give me if I post photos of her in a bikini). We then walked around the resort and DF’s friend took photos at random cute spots of DF and I to document our vacation (I’m sparing you again to avoid raising the throw up rating on this thread higher than it already is).

After this, DF’s friend left. We had an 8:30 pm ressie at Napa Rose, but decided to cancel it earlier after we looked at the menu (I wasn’t in a sweetbreads (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetbread) mood). Plus, the cost of our trip was adding up and we thought this was a good place to save some dough. Instead, we grabbed a Flatbread with Cheese from Hearthstone to-go and ate this tasty treat in our room while watching Beauty and the Beast. It was pretty spectacular.

In the middle of our movie, World of Color was happening so we decided to take a break and go check it out. We ran up to the 6th Floor Viewing Terrace. Our key cards didn’t work to get us in (it was broken), but other people were out there and let us in (they must have called GS or something).

I took some photos of World of Color from the balcony. I didn’t have my tripod set us so these were taken by resting the camera on the ridge. I’ve included exposure information for the photo nerds out there.


World of Color
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2317
6.0 s at f/20, 1600 ISO

World of Color Shutter
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2316
1/15 s at f/5.6, 1600 ISO

World of Color (& Fire)
http://dvcnews.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=142&pictureid=2318
Gives you an idea of the number of people that attended this show. 15.0 s at f/25, 800 ISO.


After WoC and finishing Beauty and the Beast, we were craving something sweet and decided to stop by Napa Rose and try their dessert. DF and I shared the chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream and it was fantastic.

This rounded off our evening quite well. We headed back to our room and hit the sack of our last night in Disneyland.

Here are the two albums with the photos.
http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=142
http://dvcnews.com/forum/album.php?albumid=141

YAY! TR writing is tiring! I'm almost done tho! Hang in there with me.

[denlo]

Threw in that laundry room shot for fun. I wasn’t able to figure out how it was free for DVC members staying in studios, but I didn’t ask.

FYI, for the future, you just don't put coins into the machines. Just push the coin slot mechanism in to start the machines. Don't know how the laundry machines know you are DVC members or nor not. I suspect they work that way for anyone using them.

Still enjoying your TR, Tim. Thanks again.

[newjerseynick]

Your DF is pretty cool to allow you to flirt with Jessie so overtly!
Hope they fix the access issue for the viewing tower, as we hope to see WOC from there in just a few days!!!!! Wahooooo:yahoo:.
Just a bit excited to be going!

Nick