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Imagineer
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/13/2008 1:10:39 AM
Posts: 398, Visits: 271 |
| | I had my family up & running by 6am so we could be at the gates before 7:30am. When we arrived, there were few people in line, so we took the opportunity to take photos by the CALIFORNIA in front of DCA (we chose the "O" since we live in Oregon). We then got in line, we probably had 20 people in front of us. We watched the countdown & were in the gates within minutes of opening. We went to the right to get onto Main Street & the first character Anthony saw was Mickey Mouse !! We got in line & got his autograph & photo first thing (we thought this was a great way to start the trip). We headed to Fantasyland at a very casual pace as others ran on either side of us (I was shocked by the amount of people in a hurry & rude). When we arrived from the right side of Fantasyland (couldn't go thru the castle that morning, McDonalds was filming a commercial & had it blocked off) we immediately got on the Alice in Wonderland ride with no wait. We next got on the Teacups, again with no wait. The lines for the Matterhorn were very short so we headed there next.....Anthony didn't make a sound thru this whole ride....we found out this was a bad thing.....as soon as we stopped, he cried. So we decided he needed a calmer ride & got on the Storybookland Boats, he seemed to enjoy this much better than the bobsleds....lol We then headed back to Main Street & rode the horse drawn carriage to City Hall so we could check in for our "Welcome to Disneyland Tour" I will write up a piece on the tour itself, but I will say, put on your running shoes !! But definately worth the price !! After our tour, we went to the Grand Californian Hotel to have lunch at the Storytellers Cafe. The service & food was very good (and for 7 of us, we all had something different) the meal cost around $90, and no one went hungry. We decided to use our Grizzly River Run Fastpasses (which Anthony had been pre-measured for during our tour) & when we tried to get him on the ride, he was not allowed on.....I was furious that they would say yes he was fine & then tell him no 2 hrs later (and by the way, the 2 places they measure are very different in heighth). So Mikes mom sat out so the rest of our party could ride it. We all loved this ride !! Its a great way to cool off on a warm day too. I was lucky & didn't get too wet, but Mike got soaked (he was by the opening) HINT HINT We next all rode Soarin Over California, again Anthony was quiet, not a good sign & when it was all over, he cried again. The rest of us loved it but I think the Fireworks at the end of this ride may have set him off. My older boys & myself went to get Fastpasses for California Screamin' while Mike & his mom took Anthony to Dot's Puddle Park. That was something Anthony really enjoyed. When we met back up, he was totally drenched !! Went back to the hotel to rest up before dinner, when I would be meeting "Tink" !! We had priority seating for Ariel's Grotto at 5:30pm (Leanne's family at 6pm). Anthony had a blast & the food was very good & there was plenty of it left over. The characters there were: Captain Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Chip, Dale & Goofy. Anthony posed & got autographs from all of them & also got up & danced with them (and Alex when they arrived). I knew Leanne the minute she walked in & was disappointed that they were not seated next to us even after both of us made that request & there were empty tables around us (ho-hum), but we did get chances to talk & watch the kids interact. We made plans to meet up later & the boys got me to ride Screamin' (I'm not sure what I was thinking....we sat & watched that roller coaster "launch" riders all thru-out dinner) but I did it & have the photo to prove it.....lol We took Anthony on King Triton's Carousel & then it was off to meet back up with Leanne, Andy & Alex. Leanne gave me a beautiful necklace & a keychain, I was very touched by this & Mike took a few photos of us together  . We were then off to find seats for the Electrical Parade (one of my favorites from my childhood & was good to see it was one of Alex's favs too....) Anthony was tired & wanting to go back to the motel, but once the music started he got very excited & LOVED it !! It was great to share the evening with friends & after saying goodnight, we got Anthony back to the motel with Mikes mom & Derek, & Mike & I headed back to Disneyland to share some "alone" time. It was busy due to the fireworks getting over, so we picked up gold ears for everyone & a plush Mickey for Anthony & headed back to the motel for some much needed sleep. PS: Don't get on rides with Tyler & Nick, they have a tendancy to break down......todays ride was Splash Mountain (right before the big drop) they had to get off & walk across the scenery....what a bummer !! Ok enough for now, will work on the next days tomorrow !! To see the next page of DisneyDreamers trip report, click this link: http://www.disneymouselinks.com/Forums/Topic1433-4-1.aspx
 "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...."
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Sorcerer Mickey
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 11/17/2008 5:38:21 PM
Posts: 10,885, Visits: 6,229 |
| Sounds like a very full day for your family. Yep, you know Alex loved telling you were were going to see 'E'. I thought that was sooo cute. Please note in my trip report I never mention Anthony's name! lol I should have asked you when we met if I could, oh well, people can figure it out. lol Okay, why the complaint about the ride breakdown. Did you not know that what happened on Splash is what real Disney fans LIVE for???? The chance to see the inner workings of a ride, or even better, the BEHIND THE SCENES stuff?? So no more complaints!  What other ride broke down though? I can't wait to hear. I also still am in shock that you rode Screamin'. You never did show me the pic to prove it to me!  And the pics Mike took with my digital turned out awesome! I have not developed our real film yet. Leanne
 
May All Your Days Be Filled With Magic! And your nights full of Disney Dreams! |
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