Disneyland NEW UPDATE the "Happiest Place on Earth" Part 1,2, & 3
About This Page:

snoozy · 02-21-2006, 04:41 PM

All girls trip well, sort of [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Cast of Characters
Myself
DD
DDBGF (DD best girlfriend)
MBGF (my best girlfriend)
DS (my sister)
DBIL#1 (sister's hubby)
DN#1 (nephew)
DN#2 (nephew)
DBIL#2 (DH's brother)
DBILF (DBIL#2 fiance)

So this was suppose to be an all girls trip and for the most part it was, with a little mixed company in there at the beginning. Also a bit of background on our hotels. I had decided to stay at the Howard Johnson's for the first three nights to save a bit of money. The last five nights we stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel on the DLR property. Now we always stay on property so, this was our first time staying at an off property site. Also we had a complimentary upgrade to a suite [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] for any of the DLR hotels so, we chose the GCH.

Day 1 Fri
We drove to Reno to spend the night at the La Quinta Inn. Our Southwest flight was leaving at 7am the next morning. We live two hours from Reno so, it is easier to just spend the night before we leave. It has been along time since I have been to Reno and forgot about all the work they are doing on the freeway [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] We got checked in and then went to Claim Jumpers for diner [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] then it was back to the room for a good night sleep well, sort of, we tried.

Day 2 Sat
We were at the Reno/Tahoe airport at 5am and it was very crowded. It was the beginning of our many waits in line. I have not flown on SW since 2001, they have open seating. Who came up with this bright idea [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] I much perfer assigned seating. The flight took off on time and we made it to Las Vegas. We went to get in line and were repremanded by a this guy [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] who was sitting down, accusing us of cutting in line. What line? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] I told him that we were not in the habit of being rude and we did not know he was in line due to him sitting down. He then apologized to us and said it wasn't a full flight so it really didn't matter [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] I don't know how you are suppose to know there is a line when people are sitting down.

Anywho, we got to John Wayne airport on time. We navigated our way through the airport to claim our baggage. I am so happy we chose this airport. It is so much nicer then LAX.

While the others waited for our bags I went to get our rental car taken care of. We then loaded everything up and headed up to Anaheim. We checked into the Howard Johnson. Our room was ok, its your basic room, no frills. We had a theme park view but, the trees block your view. At this point I was trying to be positive about our stay off property.

We headed to Downtown Disney for a very early dinner at the Rainforest Cafe'. My sister was to meet us there. She brought my DN#2 with her. We had a great dinner. I was a bit bent out of shape with my DN#2 [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] He ordered a pizza and only ate the end of each piece that had most of the cheese on it. RF is not a cheap place to eat, he is also old enough (13) not to be doing such things [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img] Of course his mother thought it was funny well, I guess it was because I was paying for it. We parted company after dinner and the rest of us girls went to DTD for some window shopping and then it was off to Disneyland.

We rode Pirates, Indy, BTMRR, we were a bit [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] that the Haunted Mansion was down for rehab. We did a bit more window shopping on Main Street. We headed back to our rooms around 9pm. We got to see the fireworks show through the trees out our balcony at around 9:30ish. After that we tried to go to [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img]

Day 3 Sun
After a bit of a restless night we went to Mimi's for breakfast, great food. Today MBGF was moving to the GCH and we were a bit [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/envy.gif[/img] ous. After she checked in we met her at the Monorail Station and headed over to DL.

Now, before I start, I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] my sister and her clan very much. But, they can be very annoying. First of all they are never where they say they are going to be and they are never on time, they are always late. The last thing I hate doing is waiting on other people to get their act together when it is my vacation [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img] DS and clan live 30 minutes south of DL and never go so, when they do go they are always in a rush to do everything. There are also only a few rides that they will go on and they are a bit uptight on the rides. No [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] for them.

We met up with DS, DBIL#1, DN#1&2 around 11am at the Hub. I was fine with seeing the boys and DBIL#1 until DBIL#1 wanted to be in control of everything. We did what he wanted to do [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] and only what he wanted to do [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] We broke for lunch at the Rancho del Zacola. The food is tasty there. After lunch DS and clan wanted to go on the Matterhorn, the line was an hour long and we had already been on it early while waiting for them to show up so, we parted company for the day at that time. Me, DD, and DDBGF went back to the HoJo for an afternoon rest because the evening was going to be a long one. We had balcony seating for Fantasmic [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

It was a very hot day, in the lower 80's. We got back to the room and there was no air conditioning [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] I called the front desk to inquire on why we had no air conditioning. They told us it was down for repairs [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] he also told us that he could move us to another room. That sounded more of a hassel to us then to just stick it out. I knew we could open the balcony door in the evening for some cool air. Doing that was also very noisy because of the I-5. At this point I am still trying to be positive on staying off property.

Back to DL to meet up with DBIL#2 and DBILF. They are much different then DS and clan. They are not as uptight. And they love to [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] on the rides like we do.

We met up with them and went on some rides and then it was time for myself, DD, DDBGF & MBGF to go to the Gallery for our balcony seating for Fantasmic. This is a very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] show. We had never seen it before. Why, you say. Well, just bad timing on our part. Every other time we have been at the parks it was either down or it was on a day it wasn't showing. Anyways, it was nice to see it for the first time on the balcony. But, I have to tell you, I won't pay to see it again. It is way to pricy. But, I think if you can swing it at least once do it once.

After that it was back to hoofing it out of the park for our looooonnnnngggg walk back to the HoJo. The girls went straight for bed and I soaked in a hot bath.

Day 4 Mon
Our last night at the HoJo [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] We are so excited about moving to the GCH tomarrow. We went on to Disney's California Adventure. I finally tried Tower of Terror. Now, real elevators give me a fright but, I had told my DD that I would try TT this time because I did not do it the last time we were there. Now, I know why I didn't do it the last time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] it was my fear of elevators come true. I did not like it. Give me a rollercoaster any day, that I can handle, laughing all the way. But, TT really got to me so, I tried it and that was enough for me thank you very much.

We then headed to Muppets, then on Soarin, Screamin, and Mulholland Madness. Then it was off to the Pacific Wharf for a late lunch. We then went for our long walk back to the HoJo for a rest.

At around 6pm we went back to DL to meet up with everyone for the Parade of Dreams. This parade isn't very long but, the floats are beautiful, a lot of artistic work went into making them. After that it was up to the front of the castle to find a spot for the fireworks. DBIL#2 & DBILF went to find a spot for Fantasmic. The fireworks were of couse spectacular. After that we did some more rides before it was time to leave the park.

It was at this time my positivity about staying off property hit an all time low [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] I know a lot of you stay off property. But, I would much rather fork out the extra cash to stay on property for the amenities and convienence of staying on site. I will never again stay off site. I will save the money to be able stay on site any day.

All in all our first weekend was very good. We had lots of laughs and fun and for a weekend the crowds weren't to bad. More on the crowds later.

Coming up in Part 2, [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] Valentines Day [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] moving to the Grand Californian Hotel [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

lauren-roxy · 02-21-2006, 06:35 PM

Sounds like you are really having a great time Susan!!! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

**Colexis Mom** · 02-21-2006, 07:50 PM

Great start [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Can't wait to hear about the GCH [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

**Cam22** · 02-21-2006, 09:08 PM

Good start! Can't wait to her about the Grand Califorian.

Tink and co. · 02-21-2006, 09:16 PM

I know you're going to LOVE the GCH--my kids even agreed not to go to DL as often if we could always stay there! Waiting impatiently for the next installment! Yeah, I know I'm not even done with my November report yet [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Grammy Grumpy · 02-21-2006, 09:20 PM

Great start, I hope to get to DL one day. Thanks for sharing.

**chezp** · 02-22-2006, 01:53 AM

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

snoozy · 02-26-2006, 01:30 AM

Part 2
Day 5
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] Valentine's Day [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img]

A little background - On our last visit in Oct 04 we had stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. We did not get our room request right off, as a matter of fact the room we got was awful [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] So, our first two days of our trip was not so hot.

I wrote the the Disneyland Resort and very polite letter to expressed our disappointment in our first two days at the DL Hotel. Guest Relations were very apologetic and offered us a complimentary upgrade to a suite at any of the DLR hotels on our next visit. I had a letter stating all of this and a special number to call when we were ready to make our next reservations.

Around September 05 I called the special number and was assited by a CM by the name of Merideth, who was extremely helpful to me. She booked us for an Artisan Suite at the Grand Californian Hotel.

We were up early on Valentine's Day so we could check in early at the Grand. We checked our bags with the Bell Hop and checked the car with the Valet. I sent the girls up to MBGF's room to wait while I checked in. The loby of the GCH is very beautiful and very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] The fireplace is spectacular. I got in line at registration and was standing there for a few seconds when a man came up to me and said Mrs. L. right this way. He took me over to Guest Relations and proceeded to give me the royal treatment. He checked me in but, we would have to wait until around noon for our room to be ready. Not a problem, I met up with the rest of the girl party and we went to the Rainforest Cafe' for breakfast. Breakfast was not to bad and it was nice to be in this restaruant when it is not so crowded.

We then went to the World of Disney. The weather had changed drastically from upper 80's down to the lower 50's with the wind kicking in steadily. So, I bought a new sweatshirt. After that we headed to DL to meet up with
DBIL #2 & DBILF, it was their last day so we did what they wanted to catch up on.

At around 1pm I went back to the the hotel to check on the room. I hopped on the Monorail and was at my room in no time. This is why I like staying on property, everything is right there. So, I get to the room and OMG, we have two bathrooms with shower/tub, how cool is that. I only have one at home. The Artisan Suites are two rooms. One room has a living room with bar and empty refrigerator, TV/DVD player, fold out couch, bathroom, two big chairs one with an ottoman, two end tables one with a phone, and sliding glass doors that lead to just a railing out side. The second room has a bathroom, closet with safe, bedroom with two queen beds, TV, table and chairs with phone, night stand with phone in between the beds, a balcony with cafe' style table and chairs, very large dresser/entertainment center with mini bar.

Well, the DLR made good on their upgrade to us, [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] it was fabulous.

I then got a phone call from DH. DH has been in Texas twice since January fighting fires for three weeks at a time. He called to say happy Valentine's Day [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] I had given him his gift before he left for Texas the second time because I knew we would be back before him. Anyways he called to tell me what my gift was. He had made an appointment at the Mandara Spa at the GCH for Thursday evening for a swedish massage and foot treatment [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Oh yeah, I am a very special girl [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

The girls came back to the room for a dip in the pool and were just as excited about our suite as I was. We had a nice afternoon just hanging out in the room and going for a swim.

We met up with everyone else for dinner at Storytellers Cafe'. We were not that impressed with Storytellers [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img] We had the buffet and decided that it was way to much $$$ for the food that they had, it really was not that good.

Then we said goodbye to DBIL#2 & DBILF. The rest of us decided to do some very serious shopping in Downtown Disney [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] Then it was back to the room for a very restful night in some very comfy beds to catch some much needed [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img]

Day 6

Simple breakfast of milk and muffins. No big rush today. DBGF was going to be on her own for most of the day while DD, DDBGF, and I went down to DS house.

We headed out about 10am. You know [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] I thought I was going to be all uptight about driving (DH usually does all the driving and I navigate) but, surprisingly it was just fine. I learned how to drive down on those streets and freeways and its amazing how stuff like that comes right back to you [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] It was almost like I had never moved away.

Anywho, we get to DS house and then we head over to Laguna Beach. Next to Disneyland this is the other thing I miss the most about living in this area. Well, I grew up a little north of Laguna, by Redondo beach.

So we walked on the beach, took some [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/Flash.gif[/img] We then went to eat at Johnny Rockett's. It is a 50's style diner,
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] food. Then we walked around a bit and did a little and I do mean little shopping. Its amazing how they get away with charging the prices they do. All for the name of Laguna. It was [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Well, around 2pm we headed back to Anaheim, where I must say people are a bit more in reality [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] We rested for a bit before our big night out.

We headed to Buena Park for Medieval Times [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] This place is one very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] time. If you have not done Medieval Times yet I highly recommend it. Dinner and a 2 hour show.

After that it was back to our room for another good night sleep. We got back to turn down service. DD did not like this, she thought it was for lazy people. I tried to explain it was one of the amenities of the hotel but, she just didn't get it.

Coming up next in Part 3
Mandara Spa (ooo la la), Knotts and the end of our stay at the DLR.

**chezp** · 02-26-2006, 04:59 AM

Great updates Susan - that is one [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Valentine's Day gift you got. I can't wait to hear all about the Mandara Spa. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

lauren-roxy · 02-26-2006, 08:34 AM

Great update!!! How cool to get a suite!!

**Colexis Mom** · 02-27-2006, 12:19 PM

Great updates! What a room [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

loobyoxlip · 02-27-2006, 08:15 PM

Your room sounds awesome. We have always stayed offsite and although I would love love love to stay at GCH one day, I just can't swing it. Sounds lovely!!

Tink and co. · 02-28-2006, 04:12 PM

Sounds fabulous! Your room sounds wonderful! More please! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

bsblady01 · 03-01-2006, 03:47 PM

sounds like you had a great time at disneyland more please.

snoozy · 03-04-2006, 01:51 AM

Part 3
Day 6

Early entry at Disneyland this morning. Fantasyland and Main Street open for business. We headed to Fantasyland to do the rides first off. Of course we wanted to do Peter Pan but, NO [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] it wasn't open yet. So, it was off to Snow White's Scary Adventure [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img] Then we went on to Mr. Toad's [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] my all time favorite. Then on to the bobsleds. Then it was back to PP by this time it was open and just our luck the line was so very loooooonnnnnnggggg [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] so, we got in line and waited [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] and waited [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] we finally got on and I can only say, I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] Peter Pan.

After that we took the Big Thunder Mt. trail over to Frontierland and stopped in at the River Bell Terrace for a harty late breakfast. DD, DDBGF, and MBGF all went on some more ride while I did some major shopping. We all met up later and decided to go back to our rooms for a little R & R and we would meet up later at California Adventure.

We stopped by Wetzle's Pretzel to get of course pretzels [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] got up to the room and took our shoes off and relaxed. You know the walking isn't what gets my feet its the standing around forever that just kills them. But, I got a massage and foot treatment on my mind today [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

So, we met up later at DCA and did some more rides and shopping and had a very light dinner of junk [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] My appointment for the Mandara Spa was at 7pm. It was just before six that we all headed back to the hotel. The other ladies were going for a swim and dip in the hot tub. I was going off for my massage.

The Mandara Spa was down for rehab but, they were still up and running. They had moved the Spa up to a 5th floor suite. Boy, I thought our suite was something [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] this suite was even way nicer. It was huge, like a large apartment. The balcony off the living room was very grand and over looked the pool area and had an awsome view of California Adventure.

I filled out a questionair on my general health. I was led into a very large bedroom suite where the beds had been replaced with a massage table. I have never had a professional massage so this was a very big deal to me. My massage thearpist was a very sweet young lady and she made me feel very comfortable. What I had was a swedish massage and towards the end this wonderful foot treatment. She massaged this milk bath on to my aching feet. After that she took hot terrycloth mits and massaged them even more. It was absolute heaven. So, now, of course, I have got to do this more often [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I went back to the suite and the girls were back from their swim and I had the best night [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img] of the entire trip.

Day 7
We were in no rush to get up this morning and [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img] in late. This was the day we were going to Knott's Berry Farm. DS hubby had gotten us free [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] tickets from his job. We were to meet up with DS at around 11am.

We drive over to Buena Park and get to Knott's. I have not been to Knott's since I was 19. The only thrill ride at that time was the log ride. We got in with no waiting
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] to the free tickets. The first ride we went on was Ghost Rider well, I should say 1 1/2 hours later we got on Ghost Rider. This is where we noticed that Knott's is not as evicient as Disneyland. I loved the ride, it was awsome, rough but, awsome. Would I stand in line for an 1 1/2 again for it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/noway.gif[/img] no how, not doing that again.

We then went strolling around Ghost Town for a bit and then when to grab something to eat. After that DD, DS, and MBGF went on the Silver Bullet. I stayed behind with DDBGF because she was not into going on this ride. Ghost Ride got to her. So, while the other gals went on SB we went shopping.

After that it was around 4pm and my DS had to get home and so, we said our final [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/bye.gif[/img] to her. The rest of us decided that we were just not having as much fun as we thought we would so, we headed back to the "Happiest Place on Earth".

We had another rest and a light dinner in our rooms and then headed over to Disneyland. We knew it was going to be [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] because it was the start of Prez weekend. But, there was [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] in our future and Disneyland is always a lot of fun in the [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img]

The crowds weren't to bad until we got over to Frontierland by BTMRR. Fantasmic was about 1/4 of the way through and then it started to [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] so, we decided to head to Adventureland while Fantasmic was still playing on the way there it really started to [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] They canceled Fantasmic and everyone and their brother were right on our heels. We got over to Indy and the wait was 70 minutes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] then all of the sudden it really started to [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] it was really coming down. We ducked into one of the shops in AL and see all these people moving out of AL. We then said lets go see what the line situation is for Indy. Well, in a matter of 3 to 5 minutes Indy went from a 70 min wait to a 5 minute wait. It was pouring so, we went as fast as we could through the line area outside and got inside. By the time we got off the ride we were all dried off and the [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] had stopped and cleared out the park pretty good. We did a little more shopping and headed back to our rooms for the rest of the night.

Day 8
Last Day

I'm always a bit [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] on the last day. You know you got to go back to that messy [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] world stuff you have to deal with.

This was a very relaxing day for all of us. We had lunch reservations at 2pm at the BB in New Oreleans Square. Most of the morning we just did some light shopping, went on a couple of rides and then went to lunch.

We all had the prime rib [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] It takes forever for your eyes to adjust to the darkness in this establishment. After that we headed back to our rooms and decided that we would meet up at DCA for the rest of the evening because we knew Disneyland was going to be [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] I mean we had a hard time manuvering out of the park after lunch.

We went back to DCA, the other gals wanted to go on Tower one more time and I was in [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/noway.gif[/img] going on that one again so, I did my favorite, more shopping. We met up after a bit and decided to take a stroll over to Paradise Pier. PP is beautiful at night. We did Screamin, I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] this ride at night. After Screamin we did some more shopping.

We went back to the rooms to pack for our trip home the next morning. I took a very long hot bath and then we all went to bed.

Day 9
On our way home

We got to John Wayne Airport with out any problems, returned the rental car, got checked in, had a bit of wait at security, got through and went to our gate. We were about an 1 1/2 early for our flight and had the pleasure of sit for the first half of our wait with the UC Davis men's swim team [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Of course now DD and DDBGF want to go to UC Davis. Me and MBGF don't remember guys being that hot when we were that age. Anywho it was pleasant.

Our flight was delayed because of weather, so they said. Then when we got to Las Vegas our flight to Reno was also delayed because of weather.

We got into Reno almost 2 hours later then we were suppose to. So, we stopped at Carl's Jr for something to eat on the way home. Then it was a two hour drive back home. We got to our little town and it had snowed several inches since we had been gone. I was unable to get a hold of my son when we left Reno. So, as we were approaching our house I kept saying over and over again he better be there because he has the house key.

We got to the house and of course he wasn't there. Its 8pm, 20 degrees and he is not home. So, its back in the car to go look for him. As soon as we get ready to go look for him, his friend's car pulls up and he jumps out. Lucky him!

Well, my house was still standing and everything was in its place and OMG it was even clean. DS had been on his own for the last nine days. He past the big test [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Our trip was wonderful. We made all kinds of new magical memories. I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] going with just the girls but, I did miss DH and DS on this trip so, we all have to go next time.

I'm never going to stay off property again. It just isn't worth it to me. I would much rather save the extra $$$ to stay on property and have all the amenities and conviences of being close to the parks. Also when I stay on the DLR properties its like being home.

Both the parks were very busy and more crowded then usual. More then likely because of the 50th. Medieval Times was great and is always a blast.

In hind site I wish we had done Sea World or SD Zoo instead of Knotts. The customer service at Knotts is just not there at all.

Now, I just have to learn to upload picture to add to my TR's. Oh one of these days.

So, I'm already thinking about the next trip. It won't happen until 07 the year I turn 50. Can anyone think of a better excuse to go back to Disneyland then my 50th birthday? Sounds good to me [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]