Anyway, so by the time we left it was around 9:30AM. We had no traffic problems and managed to get down to the Paradise Pier Hotel by 12:30PM. We got checked in and got a room right away, which was cool. We had a park-view room, overlooking DCA. Very cool! Also, they have new keys that you can put on a lanyard or use for luggage tags. They put labels on the back of them where you can write your name and address; this is why I thought of luggage tags.

My sister's friend met us in the lobby (she was staying elsewhere) and we walked over to the Grand Californian where my sister's friend surprised her with two of my sister's other friends. We were very surprised and it was cool because although she had met one before, the other one is an internet friend and she flew over the day before from England for my sister's b-day. So that was pretty cool.

We went to DCA and ended up spending most of the trip there. The first thing we did was rode Soarin' Over California. My sister's friends had never ridden it before and they loved it. It's always a big hit w/ my son. Then we took my sister up to the front of the park by the gate to get her a birthday sticker. Mickey and Goofy gave her birthday wishes over the phone and when the CMs found out that my sister's one friend had never been to the DL Resort before, they gave her a first timer button. They also gave the rest of us buttons; they were being generous with buttons!  LOL

Then we went to the Hollywood Pictures backlot and we went to the Animations building. My parents arrived and we all went to the Animation Academy and learned how to draw Tigger. That was cool since Tigger's my favorite character! 

Then we went to Turtle Talk with Crush and although I've seen it a few times, this time was very funny. It helps when guests get into it and joke around with Crush.

Then we headed towards Paradise Pier. My dad, my son, and I went on a detour to the Boudin Bakery tour. Then we met up with everyone else at the Sun Wheel at Paradise Pier. Then my sister, my son, and I went on the Orange Stinger. This is not one of my favorite rides because I feel sea sick during it. It goes up and down while you're swinging around in a circle. And then I can't walk straight afterwards!  LOL  My son loves it, though; after a year of running up to the measuring stick, he was finally tall enough to ride it in October. So he always wants to go on it now.

Then my son and I went to have a pretzel and we headed over to Goofy's Kitchen to meet up with my parents. Everyone else showed up later and we had dinner. The restaurant was really busy and only a few characters made it over to our table while we were there. But Goofy and some CMs came over with a cupcake and sang to my sister. Also she went with my son to "Trash the Camp" and to do the Macarena with the characters.

Then everyone wanted to see what a Disney hotel room looks like so we went back to our room. My parents decided that they were done for the night so they stayed and offered to have my son stay with them. (Aren't they completely cool! :cool So I went with the group to watch the fireworks. Then we went on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride. Then we went on Star Tours. Then my sister's friends decided they were done for the night so my sister and I went over to New Orleans square and got hot chocolate at the gumbo stand. (What is it called again?) Then we rode the Haunted Mansion ride. It's back to normal after the holidays. Then we did a little shopping and went back to the room for the night. I will continue with day 2 and a commentary about the Haunted Mansion at another time.      

For the next page of this trip report, click this link:

http://www.disneymouselinks.com/Forums/Topic38828-4-1.aspx

Lisa  

Totally Tigger

And btw, who would have EVER guessed that Tigger is your favorite character?

The Gumbo stand? lol  So was this a counter service restaurant, or a food cart?  The Royal Street Veranda maybe?

What a wonderful surprise for your sister to have all her friends show up.  Especially the one from Europe.  That must have been wonderful!

On the Orange Stinger - riding alone doesn't bother your son?  I am concerned that Alex won't like that one for that reason only. And even with the meds for motion sickness, you will NEVER see me on that ride. lol

Leanne

May All Your Days Be Filled With Magic!  And your nights full of Disney Dreams!

It was VERY cool! LOL

First time I ever got that call, so that was fun. I don't think Mickey was on the line, though, Sis. I think it was just Goofy.

Correction: They tried to give her a "1st Visit" button, but they were out. We all got buttons with Mickey that read, "Little dreamers. Big dreams."

I think Tink is right. I think it's The Royal Street Veranda. - The counter window next to the Disney Gallery, under the balcony...

Well, almost... I'll let you tell.

The height requirement for the Orange Stinger is 48". Not sure if that's what you were asking, but...

*goes off to have a look 'round*

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~ "I am but mad north-northwest; when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw." - Hamlet
~ "Meega nala queesta!" - Stitch

So this was your birthday trip - Happy Birthday!!!  So glad you got a Disney day!  It's the BEST! 

To introduce yourself, you can do it in member chit-chat, or in the Disneyland forum (not trip reports) since you are a Disneyland person.

We have wonderful people here, I am very happy to say, and Shawna is right, you will get to know people very quickly in member chit-chat!

And thanks for the reminder of the height requirement on Orange Stinger.  For some reason, I was thinking it was 42". lol  (and I just did the report on that ride too. lol).  Alex is still to short - doesn't matter, I am sure he would not have done it. lol

Leanne

May All Your Days Be Filled With Magic!  And your nights full of Disney Dreams!

TTSis suggested I check it out, so here I be.

Ah. Okey-doke. (The board I'm an Admin on has one, so I just assumed.) In that case, I'll just sprinkle trivia throughout my posts, and it'll be a mystery to recompile. LOL!

THANKS! I do enjoy spending my bday at the Resort. The last time we did, it was such a pleasant surprise when the gate CM scanned my AP and wished me "Happy Birthday." - I did a double-take, wondering how she knew. Then I realized it was displayed on her screen! LOL And I like wearing the sticker, having random CMs give me bday greetings as we walk around... Oh, and the bag of free tortillas at the Mission Tortilla Factory! YUM!

UPDATED to reply to Tink:

Thanks for the warm welcome, Tink & Shawna!

Okay. Thanks.

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~ "I am but mad north-northwest; when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw." - Hamlet
~ "Meega nala queesta!" - Stitch