Update #5 - 1/9/06 Missing the Grand Californian
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joyful1nh · 01-01-2006, 06:40 PM

And a Happy New Year to all!

Cast of Characters:
Me - DM, 41
DH - Electrical Engineer, turned 43 on 12/29
DD - WDW veteran, 7

My first visit to DL in over ten years. My big concerns -- how will it compare to my beloved WDW, and how will we handle the New Years' crowds. We never travel during peak weeks -- so this is a new one for us!

We arrived at the Grand Californian about 1:00 local time. I will mention now that I see no signs of the Christmas tree fire in the lobby -- but neither is there a Christmas tree where one most likely stood a few days ago! There is a smaller tree in the lounge and some assorted decorations around the lobby.

The arrival area was a zoo since everyone who was here for New Years Eve was checking out; however, we made it through the check in process in less than 1/2 hour and were delighted to find that our room was ready.

We selected the Grand Californian because the WL at WDW is our favorite, and we could hardly wait to compare this resort.

Rooms at the GC are larger and brighter than the WL; although I prefer the more rustic styling of the WL. The beds are not quite so high off the ground, and the headboards with the integrated lights are quite lovely.

Our standard view room on the second floor overlooks the parking lot and an ugly rooftop (if you've read any of my WL related posts you'll know I hate rooftop views). Fortunately the rooftop is enough below us that I can ignore it. Around the corner we can catch a glimpse of DCA and have a great view of Paradise Pier hotel.

We enjoyed a late lunch at White Water Snacks. While it was not busy, the selections are certainly very limited and it cost almost $30 for our party of three.

It is raining lightly here now and we are still struggling with the time difference and staying up much too late last night

So while DD naps I am catching up on some paperwork. We will head out to DCA soon for Aladdin and then the Electrical Light Parade. My husband works for Sylvania and with them now sponsoring the parade is quite eager to see it!

The high speed internet access is very reliable (so far) and included in the resort fee.

Well, DD is stirring and we are getting ready to put on our rain gear. More later!

iamgrumpy · 01-01-2006, 07:33 PM

Thanks for sharing your trip live with us! I have always wanted to go to California and DL!

**Cam22** · 01-01-2006, 08:45 PM

Sounds like a good start to your trip! Enjoy!

KrisLuvsDisney · 01-01-2006, 10:23 PM

Sounds good so far...have fun and try to stay dry!

snoozy · 01-01-2006, 11:03 PM

Please share more on your stay at the GC. We will be staying there in Feb. I hope you are having a wonderful time.

Diz · 01-02-2006, 07:07 AM

Very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img], a on the scene report!

We fell in [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] with the GCH. I so much enjoyed the room decor - the trees on the furniture, the lights on the headboard - you're taking me back to September!

I'd have to agree about the snack bar though. The choices were few and far between. My Dteens had one lunch/brunch there and we had a single snack now and again.

You're off to see Aladdin - one of my favorite things about DL. Hope you enjoyed it!

Can't wait to hear more!

Have a blast! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img]

**chezp** · 01-02-2006, 10:27 AM

Great start - I can't wait to hear more. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

lauren-roxy · 01-02-2006, 02:50 PM

Great start!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

**DebiDebiDebi** · 01-02-2006, 07:32 PM

Next time he head South to California, I want to stay in the GCH. It reminds me very much of the Wilderness Lodge in Florida.

joyful1nh · 01-03-2006, 12:32 AM

Well.... remember that song "It Never Rains in California" then there's the line "It Pours...." that pretty much describes the last two days...

Day One, Happy New Year 1/1/06 - part II

Oh, one update on the GC -- there actually is a little visible damage from the fire -- I thought they just had a particularly ugly set up in the lobby with these big redwood dividers, until DH pointed out that hidden within in them are giant blowers to dry the floor. The carpet in the center is brand new, and the wood flooring is warped badly on one side of the lobby -- presumably from the water used to put out the fire.

Well, we did make it to DCA last night. It was raining lightly and the park was deserted. We got a FP for Soarin' even though the standby line was only 35 minutes, and then headed over to Aladdin. Since we were really early, we ran into the Animation area and learned how to draw Pooh (DD loved that, made us go back today to learn to draw Goofy). That put our timing perfect for the last show of Aladdin -- we got good seats on the lower level, although I think the upper level might just be a better place to sit. We loved this show -- it was fabulous!

After the show we rode the new Mike and Sully to the Rescue twice -- no waiting! I liked the attraction, but it lacks a bit of the magic that the older attractions like Peter Pan and Pinnochio have -- after two more rides today I think that they left too much blank space inside -- where on the older attractions your eyes have to constantly move to catch everything (and even then you don't see it all), there were a couple of 'rooms' where the decor was really sparse. I hope they spice this one up a bit because it could become a really good attraction with a few additions. Now its just okay, IMHO. But DD loved it! Wants to go again tomorrow!

Our FP's were active for Soarin', which we all loved, especially DD. Then we headed for the Paradise Pier area. I was eyeing CA Screamin' longingly, but it was starting to rain harder so we headed for Jumpin' Jellyfish instead. Boy am I glad we didn't have to wait in line for that one -- blink and it's over! DD loved this one too, but by now we were getting pretty wet! Oh look -- no lines for Mulholland Madenss -- let's go. Note to self... riding outdoor attractions that go fast in the rain is not a good idea unless you enjoy getting slapped in the face by water. DD especially was not impressed.

Golden Zephyr was closed because of the weather. We don't like carnival games, so we skipped those. DD refused to consider the Maliboomer. I decided the Orange Stinger was too spinny for me at the moment. We agreed that CA Screamin' is best saved for when it is not pouring rain -- so let's try the Sun Wheel.

Let me mention now that I really dislike ferris wheels. Why I thought this one would be different I don't know. And add in the wind and the rain -- all I could think of was being stuck on this thing. Happily, after just two revolutions (neither of them non-stop) they let us off

We were hoping to catch the Electrical Light Parade, but with the rain it was cancelled

So the next task became to find dinner. We knew the food court was out, so we saw this neat little bakery and off we went. It was the Pacific Wharf Cafe -- and it was great! Of course, given the weather the fact that they have soup in fresh sourdough bread bowls certainly helps. After that, we called it a night and back to the hotel we roamed.

I love the location of the GC -- that entrance to DCA is fabulous, and being so close to everything adds extra points too!

More to come..... next chapter -- Day 2 or "Singing in the Rain"

**chezp** · 01-03-2006, 01:50 AM

Another great update - sorry to hear about all the rain though. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

DawnDenise · 01-03-2006, 09:34 AM

Sorry to hear about all the rain [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] but I am loving your updates!!

lauren-roxy · 01-03-2006, 01:11 PM

Sorry for all the rain, but it sounds like you really made the best of it!! Can't wait for more!!

snoozy · 01-03-2006, 05:47 PM

Great update, waiting patiently for more.

joyful1nh · 01-04-2006, 01:23 AM

Day 2 - Singing in the Rain!

I started the morning by flooding the bathroom during my shower -- hate those curtains that don't do a good job of keeping the water in! And the day just got wetter from there.

We headed to DL around 8AM and the park was pretty much deserted. Walked on Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad (DD wouldn't go -- too scary she says!). As we walked onto Alice it was starting to rain a bit more and the CM's were awaiting permission to close the attraction. We barely made it -- but it was wonderful -- my first time to ride it and DD loved it too!

After that I was a mean Mom -- there was no line at Matterhorn so on it we jumped. DD was not impressed -- and by then it was raining harder so there goes that slapping in the face thing again!

Seeking drier ground, we moved on to Toontown. There was no wait for Roger Rabbit, but DD was not going to trust me on that one so I rode alone -- she would have enjoyed that one...

One good thing -- we all wore sandals and rolled our jeans up to calf length -- so at least we didn't have to dry out our shoes! All the locals wanted to know where we were from since it was so 'cold' -- about 60 -- how could we bear it in sandals.... I will admit by the time we left our feet were a bit blue, so we lined up and soaked them in hot water in our bathtub when we got back the the GC!

Anyway, because by now the rains were pouring and the wind was up enough that it was raining sideways, we decided to tour Minnie's house. Much smaller than the Florida version, but we love her dishwasher. Minnie herself was there and gave us the tour!

Then it was on to Mickey's house. Not only was Mickey there, but so were Chip and Dale (next to the fireplace), Goofy (playing the piano), and Pluto (in his dog bed). We got great photos with each of them and enjoyed being dry for awhile.

Wondering about the camera -- I always pack ziplocks -- so we put the camera, inside it's case, in the ziplocks. If you do this do not seal the ziplock as it will trap moisture in and steam up the works.

After Toontown we rode IASW Holiday -- WOW! What a beautiful ride and I love what they did with IASW. Then we headed across the park to check on our priority seating at Blue Bayou and see if we could get in a bit earlier. It was 10:30 -- we had been in the park two hours.

Sorry, but I have to keep you in suspense about the rest of our day for a bit longer, we have a 7:00 AM flight and I have to get to bed!

Coming Soon -- "Singing in the Rain - Part II," "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders"