June 2006 Trip Report

Who:  Me: age 40, Andy: older than me, Alex: age 3 ¾ (will be 4 in September)

When:  June 27 – July 1^st

Hotel:  Paradise Pier

We left our house at about 9:00 because we had to drop our dogs off at the in-laws before going to the airport.  It is a 45 minute drive there and another 45 minutes from there to the airport in Denver.

All was going well and we parked in an airport lot for $5.00 a day.  After boarding the bus that would take us to the terminal we were approached to do surveys.  Andy and I each did one, and for doing them we each got a coupon for a free day of parking.  We were happy and things were going real well for our trip this year.

We waited in line at the ticket counter for about 30 minutes.  When we got to the counter I pulled my drivers license out and handed it to the agent.  Seconds later she says:  “did you know your license is expired?” And no, I had no clue.  We usually can renew our licenses in the mail, and this year on my birthday I didn’t even think of it since I didn’t get anything in the mail.  I was a bit concerned that I was not going to be allowed to fly, but she did let me through.  After marking my ticket to show my invalid license so security would do extra tests.  So, we get to security and Andy takes Alex, the stroller and a carryon bag, leaving me with the camera and a carryon bag.  It was a big mistake for me to take those two items through this special security.  First I had to go through this thing that resembles an old phone booth.  There are feet on the floor you are supposed to stand on, but I didn’t see them and just walked through.  Of course that greatly upset them and I had to start it over.  So, back into the booth and a few minutes later I am covered with puffs of air.  They didn’t hurt so it was no big deal.  Then I leave the booth and they tell me to have a seat while they check my luggage.  They proceed to check every single roll of film (yes we had a ton, we are going to Disneyland!).  I am then grilled about the quarters I have in rolls (why do I have them) and so have to explain about the penny presses.  This whole process takes about 30 minutes and I was so upset I was almost in tears.  Couldn’t they see I am not a bad person?  I had heard poor Alex crying (screaming was more like it) and was anxious to get to him and Andy.

Finally I was passed through security.  When I reached the boys, Andy told me the screams were when Alex’s blanket had to go through the scanner.  Poor little boy, he just didn’t understand.  By the time we got to the concourse we didn’t have much time to grab food before boarding so ate at McDonalds where Alex was able to get a chicken happy meal and he was very happy.  Of course, the Cars toys didn’t hurt either!  We all had happy meals and quickly ate so we could pre board, and within a few minutes it was time.  At last we were on the way.  All I could think about of course was my return flight at this time.

Our plane left about 30 minutes late and therefore we got into Los Angeles a few minutes late.  We did make up most of the time though.  We were able to quickly get our luggage and head outside for Airport Bus.  We had decided to do them because Alex saw the purple buses online and thought they were neat.  While waiting, I was able to get out all my frustrations on the poor man from Mickey’s Space Shuttle.  I had run into their website a few weeks ago, and was frankly shocked out how they badmouth Airport Bus and Super Shuttle.  Anyway, this poor driver asked if we needed a ride and we told him no, we were taking Airport Bus.  He then asked if we had already paid.  I said yes, and even if we hadn’t I would not get on his shuttle even if he paid me.  He asked why and I proceeded to tell him.  I even did it nicely.  But it sure made me feel better.  Identification issues no longer existed.  We were going to Disneyland!

Just a few seconds later our bus did arrive.  We were shocked when we finally left the airport because this is a full size Grayline bus and there were only two groups of people.  Our little family of three and a family of four made for a quiet ride to the resort.  The ride to the hotel is smooth but our driver forgets about us.  He ends up taking the other family first, even though we had to stop to give our vouchers and that was done at the Disneyland Hotel.  So to get to the other passengers hotel our driver actually passed the Paradise Pier.

Finally it was our turn.  We were itching to get to Disneyland.  Getting off the bus the first thing we noticed was the heat.  Wow was it hot outside in Anaheim.  We walked in to the Paradise Pier and there was no line.  A great way to start the vacation at the Disneyland Resort is with no line to check into the hotel.  The cast member who checked us in was wonderful.  We got our package from Vacation Planning, and within minutes were ready to go upstairs.  Vacation planning had gotten us a room upgrade, and the minute we walked into the room I was saying thank you.  The view was incredible.  Room 1308 looks directly onto the parade route for California Adventure.  The center of our view was the Orange Stinger.  We basically looked out the window, put our luggage down, and grabbed our Disneyland tickets.  Alex of course was thrilled by the balloons in the room, and the little packet he had been given at check in.  I finally talked him into leaving it at the hotel.  We were going to hit Disneyland first.

Leaving the hotel we went through the Grand Californian to get to World of Disney.  We had to stop here for an autograph book for Alex since we had our first character meal at 7:00.  We did that quickly without Alex asking for anything, and got to the security area.  Not much of a line, so we got through quickly.  Finally we were steps away from Disneyland.  When we got through the gates we immediately went to the left tunnel, took a quick picture and were headed toward Main Street.  We decided to get fastpasses for Buzz Lightyear and Autopia before heading to the ride Alex so badly wanted to see.  We tried to get laceName w:st="on">SpacelaceName> laceType w:st="on">MountainlaceType> fastpasses but they were already out.  Soon, we were within a partial view of Small World.  Alex went crazy when he got his first peek.  The closer we got, the more excited he became.  Because of his reaction our first ride for this Disneyland trip was It’s A Small World.  Our child was in heaven on this ride.  The smile never left his face.  He loved it all, but especially all of the scenes with windmill’s (or windamill as he says).  After the ride it was time for the clock to open up on Small World, so we waited for that.  Alex was thrilled and enjoyed seeing it open.  I think if we would have let him he would have spent this trip looking at and riding Small World.

After that is was time to head to California Adventure for our priority seating at Ariel’s Grotto.  First we tried to get Soarin’ fastpasses, but they were gone for the day.  When we did check in at Ariel’s Grotto we found that their computers were down.  Because of this there was a major delay.  We ended up being seated around 7:20.  For the first time we were seated inside and noticed the layout of the tables was well done for a character meal.  As usual the food was simply mediocre, and Alex didn’t eat at all.  The Princesses came out and each one signed Alex’s book.  We did notice that people actually stayed in their seats this year, so we were pleased with that.  Visiting us for this meal were Mulan, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Jasmine.

Once dinner was over it was time to grab seats for the Electric Parade.  This is Alex’s most favorite parade, and he was thrilled when it started.  The original plan for after the parade was to go to the hotel, but we had decided when we were at Disneyland earlier that we were going to come back.  So, after the parade we headed out and over to Disneyland.  The lines were immense but moved very quickly.  We did see some of Remember, Dreams Come True fireworks.  The castle projections are simply beautiful.  We headed for Buzz while the fireworks were going and had a blast riding.  This is one of Alex’s favorite rides.  When we came out I was surprised, yet totally happy to hear Remember When playing at Disneyland.  I had known this was the theme song for the 50^th Anniversary but didn’t realize it played after the fireworks.  It was beautiful to hear it there since I know it word for word.

After BLAB we went to Autopia and used the fastpasses.  Even with those we waited about 20 minutes in line.  Andy and Alex were in front of me and I didn’t catch up with them until the end.  Unfortunately my car was in spot number 1 and after I got stopped someone bumped my car out.  The cast member would not let me get out there, so I had to go around again.  I was very upset because Andy and Alex had been car number 6 of the previous set so they had no idea that this happened.  Obviously on Autopia you have to follow the track and it doesn’t go that fast so there was nothing I could do.  Finally the ride was over and this time there was no bump so I got to get off.  As I had expected Andy didn’t see this happen and couldn’t figure out what happened to me.

We decided to end the night with another trip to Alex’s absolute favorite ride.  Trip number two to ride Small World for the day which again thrilled him to no end.  After we got off we headed out of Disneyland for the night and back to the hotel.

I had expected cookies and milk to be there when we got back to the room but they were not delivered.  I figured oh well as I was exhausted and wanted to go to bed.  And go to bed I did while Andy took care of Alex.  I am pretty sure I fell asleep before my son that first night.

Leanne

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

I honestly believe they're going overboard with some of these security measures.  My roommate and I were flying to, I don't remember, but we were both in the military at the time.  I ALWAYS show my military ID, well, when I was in anyways, because I learned that there was usually less of a hassel that way.  Well, my roommate hated showing his and when we walked up to the counter I got pinged for the random bag search but they were actually allowed to skip me because I was military and go to the next one, my roommate.  We go through the security check and I'm standing there waiting, we too split the bags up wrong.  My roommate built bombs for the navy so all that residue gets on him, his clothes, in/on his BAG (and it takes weeks and mulitple washings to get out).  Yeah, as soon as realized he might set off some alarms he got out his military ID, told them his command, I had the number to the ship already up on my cell and we both had our leave chits out (pieces of paper from the military showing permission that you can leave the 200 mile radius), this was before the bag in question even got searched.  He had to tell them his job and that if they use the bomb sniffer it will most likely go off and then he handed all his military paperwork over.  Yeah, it added about an extra 15 min to the already long process. 

Don't get me wrong, I want to be safe as well but they tend to go a little overboard at times.  Anyways, I'm glad ya'll had a wonderful first day!!  Anxiously waiting to read more!!






Jake and I hangin' with the Big Cheese, Disneyland April '06

ArielFan - please tell me, where are you seeing the Small World refurb dates?  I have tried and tried and even Vacation Planning can't give me those dates.  We can't schedule the next trip till we know because he needs to see 'red' small world.

I am glad you are all enjoying.  I love writing trip reports, but writing the real stuff for our website comes first.  Since I had done 20 articles I felt it was time to start the report. lol

Hopefully later today I will get day 2 up.

Leanne

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

Andy and I actually saw him at the Grand Californian taking pictures.  I saw him and told Andy I knew it was him and he wondered how.  I assured Andy I have seen tons of pictures of the guy.  I didn't stop to say hi figuring he wouldn't know me but have been waiting for him to post pics from that day!

Leanne

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