My Disneyland Vacation

Disneyland tomorrow!

2010-01-02T18:57:00.001-08:00

Big Sis and I are leaving tomorrow morning at 5am.

I hadn't originally planned on leaving that early, but I made Priority Seating arrangements for the Plaza Inn Character Breakfast for tomorrow morning at 7:10am. This is during Magic Morning, so we won't miss much park time.

Our ultimate goal tomorrow is to see (and participate in) Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I also want to take one last ride on Small World Holiday for this season. AND...Honey, I Shrunk the Audience is closing on January 4 to make way for Captain EO's return, so I'd like to see that one last time.

She also wants to ride Indy, since we haven't ridden that in a while, and since we won't have Little Sis with us, it's a great time to ride!

Come back for pics!

New Year's Eve

2009-12-30T23:01:00.000-08:00

So a year ago, I was at Disneyland to bring in 2009 with Big Sis. It was the day I activated my Premium Annual Pass.

That being said, I did renew mine and also Big Sis' annual passes!! So we have a whole 'nother year to enjoy Disneyland!

I really want to be at Disneyland tomorrow. If I don't make it, though, I will be there with Big Sis on January 3. We're going, just the two of us, because she did make it to the 100-AR-Point Club. She's hoping to get into Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I was in it on December 5 with some of my LP friends. The girls and I saw it on my birthday, so now Big Sis wants to be in it.

She has a list for all the things she wants to do, like CA Screamin' and Indiana Jones twice each (grab Fastpasses, then hop in line). We will be there at opening at 8am, however, it's a Magic Morning, so we won't have our super-empty park when we get there.

Looking forward to it! Check back here for pics, and also my 365 Challenge blog.

Waiting for the Train with her New Year's Hat

She didn't make it to midnight.

FINALLY!

2009-12-05T01:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems like it's been forever, but the 2010 International LaughingPlace.com Meet is FINALLY here!!!

I got to the park about 7pm on Friday, December 4. Met up with some LP friends, and rode Space Mountain. Met up with more LP friends and watched the Fireworks from the Concierge Lounge at the Grand Californian.

Went back to Disneyland, renewed my annual passports (mine and Big Sis'. Little Sis' doesn't expire until February). Met up with MORE LP friends.

Went back to the hotel. Showered, and now it's 2am and I'm still on the computer.

HELLO??? What's wrong with me?? The park opens in SIX HOURS!

Good night!

Disneyland in 8 Days!

2009-09-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's time for our annual birthday vacation!! Big Sis' birthday is on October 6, and Little Sis' birthday is October 8. We will be at the parks from October 5-9.

Both girls get their day to do whatever they want, and since the park hours are 10-8 Monday thru Wednesday, I'm not expecting big crowds, even though Halloweentime has begun!

Stay tuned for updates from the parks, and a possible real-time trip report.

We are staying at Super 8 on Katella.

Guess where I am?

2009-02-16T09:52:00.001-08:00

It's raining and cold, but the rides are walk-on! Hope you're enjoying your day off!

Disney Quote of the Day 2-7-09

2009-02-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

"Cricket's the name. Jiminy Cricket!"
-- Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, released February 7, 1940

Disney Quote of the Day 2-2-09

2009-02-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

"Who is your pungent little friend?"
Fflewddur Fflam, upon meeting Gurgi
The Black Cauldron, 1985

Disney Quote of the Day 1-31-09

2009-01-30T23:25:00.000-08:00

"Greetings! I am Buzz Lightyear. I come in peace!" --Buzz (Toy Story, 1995)

Disney Quote of the Day 1-29-09

2009-01-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm a day late, but hey, there wasn't one today, so here is the one from yesterday!

"Well! And what are you three dears up to?" --Briar Rose, catching her aunts planning her birthday party (Sleeping Beauty, released January 29, 1959)

Disney Quote of the Day 1-26-09

2009-01-25T21:25:00.001-08:00

"Nothing says 'adopt me' like a weird invention." --Goob from Meet the Robinsons (2007)

This is one movie I haven't seen yet. Big Sis likes it, though!

Wordle

2009-01-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Tena's blog and thought it was cool! See the ones for Just Add Laughter and The Laughing Book Nook, too! The most-used words on my blog as of today!

Well, what do you know?

2009-01-21T21:34:00.001-08:00

Three and a half months after it was flagged for spam, my FIRST "My Disneyland Vacation" blog is BACK!

I imported the important posts, not including the ones that were the potential "spam."

YAY!

It's about time.

Disney Quote of the Day 1-16-09

2009-01-17T10:56:00.001-08:00

I mentioned on Just Add Laughter that I got a Disney day-by-day calendar. Some days, there are quotes, others there are little tidbits of information.

Today, there was a quote.

"Part, sands of time. Reveal to me the one who can enter the cave!"
--Jafar, casting a spell to find Aladdin

Until next time!!!

Disneyland 2-fers are BACK

2009-01-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

Disneyland 2-fer Tickets

From the Disneyland Website:

Get 2 Parks for 2 Days for the Price of 1!

It's 2fer time again at the Disneyland® Resort — only for Southern California and Baja residents! Purchase a 2fer Ticket for the price of a Single-Day Theme Park Ticket, play in either Theme Park, and return any time in the next 30 days to play at the other Park*! It's the perfect way to make the magic last longer.

Experience double the fun for less than $35 per day**: Tickets are $69 for Guests ages 10 and above and $59 for children ages three through nine. Take advantage of this exclusive offer from January 6 through June 3, 2009.

2009 is a wonderful time to visit, as the Disneyland® Resort helps you celebrate all the milestones in your life, no matter how big or small. Gather your loved ones at the Place Where Dreams Come True to enjoy beloved attractions and entertainment — and some exciting new things, like the 4-D, interactive Toy Story Mania!. With admission to both Theme Parks, you'll get to celebrate twice!

Special to Southern California residents: Turn your 2fer into a year of magic. For only $65 more***, you can upgrade to an Annual Passport today!

Buy your tickets online and print them at home now!

The Fine Print:

* * Tickets valid for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000 to 93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000 to 22999. Proof of residency required for admission. Admission valid for one day at Disneyland® Park and another day at Disney's California Adventure® Park, but not for both parks on the same day. Tickets are valid 30 days from first use. First use must occur between January 6, 2009, and June 3, 2009. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. May purchase up to 8 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Offer not valid before January 6, 2009. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

** "Less than $35 a day" message based on the price of an Adult 2fer Ticket for $69.

*** Restrictions apply. Additional $65 is for the Southern California Select Annual Passport at the $134 price, which is available only to Southern California Residents living in ZIP Codes 90000 to 93599. Prices vary for other passport types. Passports are subject to the Annual Passport terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, Blockout Days. Subject to change without notice. Tickets must be upgraded before full use, or fully unused tickets may be upgraded by June 3, 2009. Upgraded Annual Passport will be valid from the first day of use of the 2fer Ticket.

December Trip Report -- in pictures

2009-01-07T23:45:00.000-08:00

Instead of writing it all down, I'll just post some of the pics I took when the girls and I went on December 12.

The girls in front of the Christmas Tree at Downtown Disney.

Little Sis

What a drama queen!

Not as dramatic as her sister.

Our friend Gary and Little Sis. I have no idea why she's so sad.

Big Sis and one of the birds from Rainforest Cafe.

On the balcony of our hotel room at HoJo. We had a Park View room. Fireworks were pretty cool from that spot, except for the trees.

The water area at HoJo. Next time we go, we're bringing bathing suits!!

The view from our room.

On the tram, going to Disneyland!!!

Silly girl!!

Gary doesn't have any grandkids of his own, so he's "adopted" the girls!

Big Sis and Cruella. She had to promise not to hug her. LOL

Little Sis promised, too, but she's such a stinker!

Main Street at Christmas Time.

Isn't it beautiful?

On Tarzan's Treehouse.

Happy Un-birthday to Me! (Next day *was* my birthday)

Door STILL won't open.

Little Sis' first ride on Space Mountain. She did NOT like it.

Aboard the new Monorail.

Traditional pic in front of the "A" in California (both girls' names start with A). With the sun, though, the glare was so bad, I had to get creative. See my Little Drama Queen?

The Lagoon is empty because they're setting up the new "World of Color" show, similar to Fantasmic!

Jafar: "Genie, I wish for you to make me the Sultan!"
*chiming music*
Genie: "There. You're the Sultan. But if you're last name were Pepper Shaker, you'd be Sultan Pepper Shaker."
My favorite joke...and he didn't even finish it!!

This is my favorite show at DCA. I LOVE IT!

At this point, the girls and I headed over to a "Vacation Club" presentation. For 90 minutes of my time, they gave me $100 Disney Dollars. Score, right?

Pretty snowflakes.

Waiting to ride "Winnie the Pooh"

Pretending to be asleep. Little Sis couldn't control herself! Goofy.

Waiting for Fantasmic!

Pretty New Orleans Square skyline with the full moon.

Pretty fireworks.

IT'S SNOWING!!
Just don't eat the snow. LOL

Big Sis crying because Mommy was crying. This was the first time Little Sis had seen the Holiday fireworks and the snow.

Pretending to be scared by Haunted Mansion Holiday.

"Happy Holidays Everyone!"

Maybe she really is scared.

Really great shot of the grave yard. Love the High ISO/Low Light setting on my camera!

Disneyland Dream Suite entrance. I wonder what's going to become of it now that the "Year of a Million Dreams" is over.

Waiting to ride Pirates.

OOPS...the flash went off.

it's a small world Holiday, all lit up.

Pretty castle.

Big Sis and Goofy.

Main Street all lit up.

Big Sis pushing her sister back to the parking structure.

All in all, it was a great trip. A little more crowded than we're used to at that time, but I also have to remember that it was a Friday. The weather wasn't bad, either.

Big Sis and I have our Annual Passes already, and Little Sis will get hers in February. She and I will have a "Mommy and Me" trip to Disneyland all by ourselves to celebrate her first ever AP. I can't wait to use them on a more regular basis, especially when our friends Gary and Kathy come down in March.

Mmmm...Dole Whip

2008-12-31T13:01:00.001-08:00

Hello from Disneyland! Man, it's crowded!

Trip Report Coming Soon!!

2008-12-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I had a blast at Disneyland.

It was super crowded and the girls and I didn't get to do as much as we would have liked, but we had fun anyway!

Little Sis managed to stay awake for Fantasmic and the fireworks and the snow. I have tons of pics.

Stay tuned!!

Hello from Disneyland!

2008-12-11T18:57:00.001-08:00

I finally made it! Well, we've walked from HoJo to Downtown Disney. We'll be in the parks tomorrow. I'll check in then!

Update to Disneyland Tomorrow...

2008-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

So, we are NOT going to Disneyland tomorrow.

We're going on FRIDAY instead!!

We'll be checking into HoJo tomorrow and will watch the fireworks from our balcony. I'll also watch the Sharks and Ducks game (too bad it's in San Jose, not Anaheim, or I'd probably be there!)

Check back for pics ... and also check out LaughingPlace.com, which also has a "Live" picture album!

FINALLY!!! Disneyland TOMORROW!

2008-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Disneyland, here we come!!!

We will be leaving today after work and school!! We'll be heading to my grandma's house, so we have less to drive tomorrow. We'll leave tomorrow morning for Disneyland bright and early! I am so ready to go!!!!

Disneyland Countdown: 2 Days!!!

2008-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

2 Days to Go!!!!!!

I just cannot concentrate anymore!!!! One of my girls' favorite things to do is to meet the Princesses. Both girls are always a hit with the Princesses, I think because they watch the movies so much, they seem to have a lot to talk about!!!

Disneyland Countdown: 3 Days!!

2008-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

3 Days to go!!!!

One thing that has made all my previous visiting to Disneyland, since July 17, 2007, has been the presence of some awesome LaughingPlace friends! I meet at least one for a ride or a show on each visit. Last December, four friends, Gary, Kathy, Rod and Ruthie, were there with me to celebrate my birthday. This pic is of Gary and Big Sis while we were waiting for the fireworks on Main Street. Gary and Kathy have "adopted" me as their Disney Daughter, and the girls are like grandkids to them. I can't wait to see them in THREE DAYS!!!

Disneyland Countdown: 4 Days!

2008-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

4 Days to Go!!

Another pic of the amazing decorations on Main Street!

Disneyland Countdown: 5 Days!

2008-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

5 Days to Go!

One of my favorite things about going to Disneyland in December is the decorations. No one decorates for the Holidays like Disneyland!

Disneyland Countdown: 6 Days!

2008-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Less than a week to go!!!!

In January, when it was time to take down the holiday decorations, it's a small world closed, for a major rehab. It's been closed since, and my last few trips have been missing something because I was unable to ride it. However, it should be back up this holiday season for it's a small world Holiday. After the season, it will reopen with the new additions!

Disneyland Countdown: 7 Days!

2008-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

7 Days to Go!!

Disneyland is my favorite place to be. I love the magical touches you can see and feel around every corner.

Last December, for some unknown reason, Big Sis was unhappy. One of the cast members at Santa's Reindeer Roundup saw that, and asked her if she'd like to watch the show with Pluto. Of course, she didn't turn it down. Again, this is one of my favorite Disneyland memories.

Disneyland Countdown: 8 Days!

2008-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

8 Days to Go! Are you as excited as I am???

Every time we go to Disneyland, no matter what time of year, I always get a pic of the girls in front of the last "A" in California, outside the front entrance to California Adventure. It's like a tradition, and I would eventually like to put all the pics I have in one scrapbook, to see how they've grown. I just hope they don't remove the letters with the DCA overhaul.

Disneyland Countdown: 9 days!

2008-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

9 Days to Go!

Have you been to Disneyland lately, and been dreamed?

Big Sis and I have been dreamed several times, but the best time was last December when we received Dream Fastpasses! Of course, the crowds were so light we never needed them! But wow, what a thrill!!!!

Disneyland Countdown: 10 DAYS!!

2008-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy December!!

Disneyland is calling my name! I can smell the gingerbread men!

For the remainder of my countdown, I will be posting pics from my trip last December with Big Sis. This first pic is of Big Sis decorating a giant gingerbread man at Santa's Reindeer Roundup. While it was a bit pricey, it was SO yummy.

Confirmed!

2008-11-27T01:34:00.000-08:00

So, I've called HoJo, and they still have my reservation for check in on the 11th.

I did have to adjust my nights, since I'm staying one less.

I have a Resort View Room adjacent to our friends, Gary and Kathy, who are like Grandparents to my girls. (What's two more, right?)

I'm so very excited to see them again, and to spend my birthday at the Merriest Place on Earth!!

Disneyland Countdown: 2 Weeks!

2008-11-27T01:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

I will be at Disneyland in TWO WEEKS!!!!! Can you see me doing the Happy Dance??

This is a pic from Big Sis' first official visit to Disneyland. My mom, sister, and I took her when she was 9 months old to California Adventure, but this trip, February 2004 was her first official trip.

Her dad and I had taken her, and after we went back to the hotel for a nap, Big Sis and I returned alone. Right as we walked through the turnstiles, there was Belle and Snow White! Big Sis was in heaven. And need I mention, that she wasn't a Big Sis then!

Testing mobile blogging

2008-11-16T21:11:00.001-08:00

Here's a pic of Big Sis at Club Libby Lu on Veteran's Day. They had their makeovers on special for $10. Both girls got one. Head over to Just Add Laughter to see a pic of Little Sis.

using my Treo

Disneyland Countdown: 4 Weeks!

2008-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

4 Weeks!! OMG! Less than a MONTH!

This pic was taken in March of this year. This trip was exceptionally special. Friends from LaughingPlace were visiting from England. This was a big to-do! So many LPers turned out and we took over the place!

I love this pic of Little Sis I took while waiting for the Haunted Mansion. Doesn't she look Goofy? (Pun Intended)

EntreCard!

2008-11-08T08:18:00.001-08:00

I'm accepting EntreCard adverts again!! I had to wait until I had FIVE blog posts, and since I had to start the blog all over again, well, it's taken a while.

I've got the mobile blogging up and running. I'm going to set up a separate account on my phone so that pictures can come here, as well as my mail blog, Just Add Laughter.

But, we're not going for a while, so I've got some time. Until then, enjoy my weekly countdown!

Disneyland Countdown: 5 Weeks!

2008-11-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

5 Weeks to Go! I can smell the churros!

This week's pic was taken on the 4th of July last year. Since the holiday fell on a Wednesday, the park was not at all crowded. It was the best summer day I'd ever experienced!

Big Sis and I were at Downtown Disney, and since it was quite warm, she was playing with the fountain. This fountain would shoot water into the air, creating a rain effect to anyone within 10 feet. She loved it!

Disneyland Countdown: 6 Weeks!

2008-10-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

6 Weeks to Go!!

Since tomorrow's Halloween, I thought I'd post a pic from last year's Halloween Treat at California Adventure. That was our second year going. We had a blast, even though it rained. We met up with some LaughingPlace friends, and it was a grand old party!

Big Sis was dressed as a doctor. That costume came from the Dollar Tree and was a HIT! Little Sis was in a hand-me-down Cinderella dress that was given to me from a friend. E will be wearing that dress tomorrow!

Disneyland Countdown: 7 Weeks!

2008-10-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

7 Weeks to Go!!!

In April last year, Big Sis was finally tall enough for Indiana Jones! Well, techinically, she wasn't, but I put her in platforms to raise her the 1/4 of an inch she needed. She was so proud! Once we got in line, she practically ran to get on it!

This trip, Little Sis will finally be 40" -- so she can ride Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Soarin' Over California! I can't wait!!

Back up and Running!

2008-10-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, kind of.

On my previous Disneyland Vacation blog, I was posting a trivia question each day. I couldn't take credit for the questions, so I posted the link to where I got the questions. Because of that, Blogger thought I was a spam blog!

This was back on October 8. It's been 2 weeks, and they still haven't restored it. So, I decided to re-create it. I just won't make the same mistake twice.

I will still be looking for contributors...both locals who go all the time and those who travel only a few times a year, and everyone in between! Just came back from your first trip? I want to hear about it! Send me an email (look for the link on the sidebar), and tell me about it! Be sure to give me the link to your blog so I can credit you as a contributor.

So, let's get back into the swing of things! I have SEVEN weeks to go!

Trivia 10-6-01

2008-10-06T06:40:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give a little Happy Birthday to Big Sis!!

Friday's Question: What does the name Quasimodo mean in Hunchback of Notre Dame?

Answer: Half Formed

Today's Question: What is the name of the ride reservation system at WDW?

Leave me a comment with the answer!

Disney Trivia 10-3-08

2008-10-03T06:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's Question: In Sleeping Beauty, the cookies that the fairies eat with tea are shaped like what?

Answer: Mickey Mouse Heads!!

Today's Question: What does the name Quasimodo mean in Hunchback of Notre Dame?

Leave me a comment with your answer!!

Disneyland Countdown: 10 Weeks

2008-10-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

10 Weeks and Counting!!

This one was taken when I went with the girls, my mom, sister, brother, SIL, nephew, and 2 cousins. Man, was that trip a nightmare. It was the first trip after the 50th Anniversary started, and was my worst trip I've ever experienced at Disneyland. After this trip, I was adamant about having the best time I can have every time I went. After this trip, I became an Annual Passport Holder. This was also Little Sis' 2nd trip to Disneyland.

Disneyland Countdown: 10 Weeks

2008-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Disney Trivia 10-2-08

2008-10-02T05:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's Question: By what name did the current Tomorrowland Transit Authority attraction in WDW go by and what did it stand for?

Answer: The WEDWay People Mover, and WED stands for Walter Elias Disney.

Today's Question: In Sleeping Beauty, the cookies that the fairies eat with tea are shaped like what?

Leave a comment with the answer. I'll post it tomorrow!!

Disney Trivia 10-1-08

2008-10-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

Q: By what name did the current Tomorrowland Transit Authority attraction in WDW go by and what did it stand for?

Leave a comment with the answer! I'll post it tomorrow!

Trivia Question from Disneytrivia.net

New Feature Coming October 1!

2008-09-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

Starting October 1, I will be featuring a Disney trivia question every weekday!

I get my Disney trivia questions via email from http://www.disneytrivia.net/

Some questions are fairly easy if you're a fan, and others are real head-scratchers. Thankfully, I get the answers the next day!

So, come back on Wednesday to see what questions I have. And go to http://www.disneytrivia.net/ and sign up for your own daily dose of Disney!

Festive Fun at Disneyland.com

2008-09-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

So, it's still September. Over a month left until Halloween.

BUT, if you need a little holiday cheer while you wait until Fall really kicks in, head on over to Disneyland.com!

In this section of their site, you can download a Holiday screensaver or Disney gift tags. There is a gingerbread recipe, too! You can also watch a video of the Haunted Mansion Holiday or decorate your own Mickey and Friends holiday scene!

Registration on the Disneyland website it required, but FREE. And, once you're registered there, your email address and password will work on all the Disney.Go.Com sites (ABC Family, ESPN, etc).

So go...be Merry!

Disneyland Countdown: 11 Weeks to Go!

2008-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

My plans for December are finalized. My hotel reservations are for December 11 thru the 15th. So, every Thursday, I'll be posting my favorite Disney pics from the last 4 years, from when we started taking Big Sis. This will be my weekly therapy to count down the weeks. Starting December 1, I'll start counting down daily. But that's a ways away.

So, here's my first pic:

This pic was taken at Goofy's Kitchen. This was Big Sis' second vacation to Disneyland. It was Little Sis' first trip, but she was only 4 months old, and I sadly realize that I have no pics of her at Disneyland from that trip. Big Sis and Little Sis both want to go back to Goofy's Kitchen when we go back in December.

Where to Stay?

2008-09-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, the biggest decision when making plans for a Disneyland vacation, whether for one night or ten, is where to stay.

As someone who has had an annual pass, I'm in the midset that I am willing to stay off property and either walk to the park or park in the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure to save a little money. Staying at the Disneyland Resort Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, or the Grand Californian) is not cheap.

One hotel that I've been known to stay at repeatedly is Super 8 at 415 Katella Ave, about a mile from Disneyland. Walking isn't an issue, it only takes about 15-20 minutes. But since I tend to go with my girls, I drive to the parking structure and take the tram from there. The night time walk from the park isn't as challenging. As far as the rooms are concerned, they are clean and comfy, and the breakfast is decent, especially if you're taking it back to your room. The office staff is polite and helpful.

I've also been known to stay at Motel 6 off the I-91 at Valley View in Buena Park. Since it's right on the freeway, and the 91 and 5 interchanges are connected even at the Carpool Lane, it's a quick 5 minute drive. When you get off the freeway when you're going to Disneyland, you end up right in the parking structure. Very convenient. The rooms here are quiet, especially if you're on the inside courtyard. You can't even hear the freeway. They are clean and somewhat roomy, but I wouldn't have more than 4 people in your room. The office staff are helpful, but tend to let their frustration show if they're a bit frazzled.

This December, I'll be staying at Howard Johnson, right across the street from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. Our room is a Park View room, which I tend to take advantage of to watch the Fireworks. I've heard nothing but great things about HoJos. Once I'm back from my trip, I will be sure to post a review of the resort.

If you have stayed at a Disneyland resort hotel, either on property or off, and would like to submit an honest hotel review, email me and I'll give you the information I would like on my blog.

What Will You Celebrate?

2008-09-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

Next year, Disneyland is giving guests free admission on their birthday!

Information can be found here: Free Admission on Your Birthday

Basically, you sign up, and starting in 2009, you will receive an email 2 weeks prior to your birthday. You will be required to show ID, even for children (birth certificate).

If you have an Annual Pass already, or some other ticket media, you have the option to choose a Fastpass for the day, a Fun Card in the value of a one-day, one-park ticket, or another one-day, one-park ticket to use before your next birthday. I haven't been able to find out if that other ticket is transferable, so you can bring in a friend or family member.

The girls and I have to wait until NEXT October and December to take advantage, but I'm still looking forward to it, since we'll have Annual Passes starting in December anyway.

Almost-Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

March 17, 2004. Big Sis and I still had a day on out 2-Fer for Disneyland, so I took her to DCA. Probably one of my more enjoyable trips. I love going with the kids by myself, although now, it's more difficult since Big Sis can ride bigger rides, like Indiana Jones, and Little Sis can't. She is tall enough now for Star Tours and Splash Mountain though!

Flashback Friday .. take 2

2008-07-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, so LVBelle, my Disney and Blogging Buddy, at Monkey Memories posted her own Friday Flashback in response to mine from earlier. She posted a pic of her as a kid at Disneyland, then showed how her pic was in a Happiest Faces on Earth montage at Disneyland!

Well, I have one to share, too, and I just can't wait until NEXT Friday. So, here it is. Alex and I went to California Adventure on March 17, 2004. We had a 2nd day on our Two-fer (this was before we were APers) and I took her. It was a blast! She was just getting the hang of potty training, so I didn't need much more than a little backpack for her with a Pull-Up and a change of shorts. She did great that day!

Here she is on King Triton's Carousel!

When Disneyland put out the word to send in your happiest memories from Disneyland, that is one of the ones I sent in. I sent in a few, mostly of Alex. She was in several montages, but they were all up high, or she was cut off because she was in the bottom or side of the montage. BUT, she was clear as day in the Cinderella one in Fantasyland, near it's a small world. She thought it was awesome that she had her picture at Disneyland, and that she was on Cinderella!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-07-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Ways to Know You are Obsessed with Disney (NOT that that's a BAD thing!)

1. All your ring tones on your phone are Disney songs!
2. You know the exact number of miles from your front door to Disneyland.
3. You know the names of the Cast Members at Disneyland and The Disney Store.
4. All your friends, and friends of friends, come to you to ask you questions about Disney movies and Disneyland.
5. Your kids can beat you at the Disney Trivia game, but you give them a run for your money!
6. Every event in your life can be summed up with a quote from a Disney movie or ride.
7. You know all the words to Pirates of the Caribbean song (from the ride) and the Stretch Room spiel from the Haunted Mansion (Welcome, Foolish Mortals).
8. You've won an award for being a Know-it-all at Disney Trivia.
9. You have every edition of "The Unoffical Guide to Disneyland" from 1998 to 2007 and you order the Disney Vacation Planning Video to watch on Family Movie Night.
10. You have a bigger collection of Disney VHS from when you were a kid than you have Disney DVDs!
11. You make plans to meet up with perfect strangers at Disneyland every year on July 17.
12. You have a Disney "Mom and Dad" -- friends who are wise enough to be your parents, but they go on Disney trips with you, instead of telling you to clean your room!
13. You know where all the hidden Mickeys are at Disneyland, and you treat your kids to surprises by putting Hidden Mickeys in your house!

Fireworks for you...

2008-07-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am very sad I won't be at Disneyland tomorrow, like I was last year. In fact, the only fireworks I'll be seeing are on TV! No fireworks in town, except for the (shhhhh) illegal sparklers I bought for the girls.

So, here are some fireworks for you to enjoy!!! Sit back and relax and enjoy the next 17 minutes of bliss......

Where I'd Rather Be...

2008-06-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

My little weather thing over there --------->
says it's 109 here in Borrego Springs, and 78 in Anaheim. 31 degrees?????

So, where I'd rather be right now?

Disneyland. Sitting next to the Rivers of America, enjoying a Dole Whip Float, listening to the music of New Orleans Square, watching the Mark Twain Riverboat pass by.

*sigh*

18 more days.....

Disneyland Today!

2007-08-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

We checked out of the hotel at exactly 7am, and by the time we had gotten some breakfast and got to the parking structure, it was 7:15. We parked very close to the crosswalk in Pinocchio, and ended up on the tram at 7:40. We got through the bag check and in line by 7:50, and when the gates opened at 8, we managed to get in the front of a line when additional gates opened.

At 8:10, we entered the queue for Finding Nemo and waited about an hour and ten minutes before we actually got on the Sub. After Nemo, we headed over to California Adventure and were there for the rope drop at 10. We headed to Paradise Pier to ride California Screamin. We were on Screamin in under 10 minutes. When we were getting ready to go, guess who I saw?? Lesmisfan! He was working and looked like he was having SUCH a great time!!! :) After the first ride, I wanted to go again, but Damon didn't, so I hopped in the single rider line. Two rides in a row is my limit!! I was sporing a headache from the screaming, so I took some Tylenol and continued my day!

After Screamin, we went to The Tortilla and Bread Factories. We got 2 corn tortillas and 2 pieces of bread. Yummy! After the bread and tortilla factories, we headed back over to Disneyland. We got some iced coffee, then rode Pirates. We didn't get wet on the waterfalls, but the cannon blasts were exceptionally high and soggy!!

After Pirates, we went to the Golden Horseshoe to check to see if any of the group was there yet. They weren't, so we rode the Jungle Cruise. After the Jungle Cruise, we went back to The Golden Horseshoe to eat and watch Billy Hill. I loved the Billy Hill show! After Rebekah mentioned it on one of the podcasts, I've always wanted to watch it. It was amazing! I'm sure them playing one of my favorite songs (The Devil Went Down To Georgia) helped. But they were a hoot!!!

After Billy Hill, we went to Pirates Lair. I honestly wasn't impressed. But it was hot, and I wasn't up to exploring much. I think next time we go, in October, we'll take the girls over there, and let them explore, and I hope it'll be more impressive.
After Pirates Lair, I was hot so I went into the single riders line at Splash Mountain. On And Off In 10 Minutes, and only one half of my right leg and my right foot were wet!! Whoo-hoo! I then got a caramel apple to eat while waiting. At 3, we met everyone for the Bats Day Haunted Mansion Meet. That was a blast! After we got off Haunted Mansion I called for a Pirates Meet.

After signing WaistcoatedRabbit's HM Meet sign (which was awesome, by the way!) we headed on over to Pirates. We were on in less than 15 minutes or so, and I had fun. (I always have fun on POTC!)

After Darkbeer showed up, so I could meet him in person, we had to leave to get back at a decent hour so I could get some sleep before school starts tomorrow. :)

I had a fabulous time! It was neat seeing all the "Bats" and meeting the LPers! It was great to see Lady Starlight, TinksBestFriend, Alexbook, and Lesmisfan again! And it was awesome meeting WaistcoatedRabbit, Poohbear14, Dave, LuLu (who I actually met waaay in the morning while in line for Nemo!!!), and Darkbeer! I can't wait for more meets! Come on, people, plan 'em up! LOL

For those that couldn't make it, you were missed!!!

2007-07-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

A hidden Mickey in the clouds.

Pictures from Disneyland

2007-07-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry these are so late!! Here's some of the pics I took (several out of 206!!!)

Pics from the Tram Loading area (Mickey & Friends Parking)

On Main Street:

The wait board at 1:15PM

At Ariel's Grotto. Ariel was in the parade, so she wouldn't have been there for a while. But Alex had a fun time pretending *she* was the Princess:

The Nemo Lagoon and Monorail:

At Downtown Disney:

On the Train:

Waiting for and watching Fantasmic!:

The Fireworks:

Disneyland 7-4-07

2007-07-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

The girls and I left the house at 8am, to go pick up my boyfriend at his house. We then left to drop my 2 year old off at my grandma's house. We reached her house at 10-ish, and then left for Disneyland. By the time we parked, hopped on the tram, bought our AP block out passes and entered the park, it was 1:10pm.

The first thing we saw was Goofy in front of the Firehouse. He must have just arrived, since we had a minimal wait. The girls in front of us asked me to take their pic, and Goofy rested his arms on their head. The CM who was assisting Goofy said he was acting silly. Goofy took great offense to that, and the CM was acting like she didn't know why (maybe she didn't!!). Anyway, I said "No, Goofy..you're not being silly, you're GOOFY!!!" And he ran over to me, raised my arm in the air, and started jumping up and down. Fun!

After that, I went to City Hall and left my message for the LPers who may show up to the park.

We then walked over to Adventureland. I got 3 Fastpasses for Indy, then we went to Pirates. The wait was only about 5 minutes. I was surprised, since it was a holiday.

After Pirates, we went on Haunted Mansion. We had just seen the movie (with Eddie Murphy) the previous weekend on The Wonderful World of Disney, so it was fun riding the ride, looking for the elements used in the movie. We (BF and I) decided that the Mansion in the movie must have been modeled after the Florida version.

After HM, DD and I were hungry, so we bought some ice cream. We figured by the time we finished, it would be our FastPass time (2:50pm). We walked back to Indy while we were eating, and, like I had planned, by the time we finished, it was 2:54. DD, BF and I waited about 15 minutes to ride. It was BF's first time riding, too. The previous times we've been to DL, he's opted to stay with my 2 year old while my 5 year old and I rode (which has only been the last 3 or 4 times, as she just made the height requirement).

When we were done with Indy, we decided it was time to eat. I thought it would be nice to ride the Monorail, which was repainted to look like a Nemo Sub. When we got to the Monorail entrance, The Nemo Monorail had just left, which meant that Monorail Purple would be the next one into the station. There was a small crowd waiting to board, but since we were waiting for the Nemo one, we were the only ones left. We asked to ride in the front, and were told that if no one else got up to the front before us, we could ride (we were waiting by the front anyway). While we were waiting for the monorail, I took pics of the Lagoon and the Matterhorn. I also took pics for LaughingPlace Live. (http://www.laughingplace.com/Live.asp?I1=User&I2=Tinkerbell10601) We finally made it onto the Monorail, and riding in the front is a BLAST!!! Especially riding over DCA and through the Grand Californian. We disembarked at DTD and then had to decide where to eat.

Alex wanted to eat at Rainforest Cafe, but I had forgotten my Safari Club Card, which would save us some money (I wasn't worried about waiting for a table, since it wasn't crowded). We had a bit of a meltdown at Tortilla Joe's, since Alex wanted nachos, but I wasn't paying $6 for plain nachos. So BF and I ordered ours, and I told Alex I'd buy her a pretzel with cheese when we got back to Disneyland.

The original plan was to ride the Monorail back to Tomorrowland, but we started walking and window shopping, and ended up closer to the Esplanade than the DTD Monorail station. Oops. :) While we were eating, though, an LP'er called me!! He had gotten my message at City Hall. So when I got back into the park, I called him back, and we arranged to meet in front of the train station. It was about 5:30 at this time, since people were already starting to line up for the parade.

So we met TinksBestFriend!!! He's so nice, and gave DD an American flag, and one for her sister, too. We chatted about the benefits of Premium AP vs. SoCal AP (since BF, DD and I have already visited twice on blackout days...DUH to me). We also talked about the upcoming meets and past meets. We talked until about 6:15 or so, when BF, DD and I decided to ride the train to get around the upcoming parade. We entered the train station, then asked to ride Engine 1. We were told that they were refueling, so we would have to wait. We waited and waited...finally, we decided to just ride the next train. We made the full circuit, and at Tomorrowland, a family boarded, and started talking about watching the parade. It was approx 6:35, so I told her that the parade may have already started. However, by the time we got back to Main Street, the Tink float was just passing in front of the train station. The 3 of us hopped off, but DD didn't want to watch, so we were able to get right back on the same train.

We got off the train at NOS, and decided to camp out for Fantasmic. It was a little before 7 at this point. Not too crowded in front of the Rivers of America, so we were able to get a great spot. DD and I sat for a bit, then decided to get some snacks for the wait. We went to the Mint Julep Bar and bought a bagel and coffee for BF, and DD and I decided to share the fritters. DD then got chocolate milk, and I got an iced mocha.

While we were waiting, we talked with some people around us, and I ended up talking to another LP'er, although she said she isn't active anymore due to her WebTV not being compatible with LP. It was nice talking to some of the fanatical locals. :) Next year, I have decided, if I can afford it, I will be getting the Premium (of course, then I have to buy 3).

So Fantasmic! started, and it was amazing!! They made some changed that really enhanced the experience. I was in awe the whole time, but managed to take some good pics. Immediately after F!, the Remember...DCT fireworks started. It was nice because some of the effects that are on the Castle during R..DCT were also on Pirates' Lair (formerly Tom Sawyer Island). The fanatical locals I mentioned above (including DD and me this time) were muttering the dialog and singing the songs along with the soundtrack to the fireworks. And, immediately after Remember..., was the 4th of July Fireworks. The whole hour was just amazing!!!!

After the fireworks, we headed to Critter Country because DD and I had to use the restroom and the ones in NOS and closer to Main Street we knew would be crowded. I noticed upon walking to the CC restrooms that the wait for Splash Mountain was 10 minutes. Perfect! I thought. So I used the restroom, and then told DD to wait with BF since she didn't want to ride. I hopped in line, and waited less than 10 minutes. When I got to the front, I was informed of the Single Rider line, which I knew about, but didn't know you had to enter through the exit. Oh, well..the line was minimal. So I rode with some very nice people, who were enthusiastic, and I didn't get wet!!! The girls in the front (the very front was wearing a white tank with a black bra...ooops!!!!!) got SOAKED!!! HAHAHA. :)

After Splash, we went over to Nemo, to see how long the line was. 120 minutes. *sigh* not this time. So we got in line for the Matterhorn, which is amazing at night, BTW. After that, we headed out, and made it out of the parking lot at midnight.

All in all, the best 4th of July I ever experienced!!! Minimal waiting in lines, not too crowded (no more than when we went at the beginning of May). Temp was gorgeous (84 when we arrived, which was the temp at home at 7:30AM!!!). We met a couple LPers which is getting me psyched for the Big Meet on the 17th. Great day...pics to come!! :)

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I am NUTS!!

2007-07-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

I am going to do the unthinkable. A Disneyland fanatic like myself should know better. I am just asking for trouble.

I am going to Disneyland tomorrow. I'm sure it's going to be an experience, seeing the Disney version of 4th of July Fireworks. I'm excited, but I know it's going to be crowded. CROWDED.

Alex has asked to ride Nemo, but I'm sure the lines will be LOOOOONG. The nice thing? It's only supposed to be 89 degrees. Here, it's supposed to be 118.

I'll report back with a full trip report when I get back. Hope everyone has a safe and sane Independence Day.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...don't drink and drive.

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Fun site

2007-07-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

If you are the least bit of a Disney fan (movies, parks, trivia, etc), you will love this website. I post here, and play a fun & active role, especially on the trivia boards.

There is also a podcast, which is awesome. The 4 who do the podcast are so fun and lively and knowledgeable about Disney.

Here's the link: www.laughingplace.com

Have a browse, and if you like what you see, then by all means, register and post. It's a great community.

See what's free at AOL.com.