Update #5 - 1/9/06 Missing the Grand Californian About This Page:

[chezp]

Another great installment - I'm just sorry about the weather. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/pout.gif[/img] Have a good flight! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[lauren-roxy]

Another great installment!! Seems like you are having a great time even thought the weather is not cooperating! Can't wait to read more!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates Joy [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] I'm sorry it rained, but sounds like you all took it in stride!

Can't wait for the rest [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[snoozy]

Excellent update. I'm so glad you are having fun in the rain.

[joyful1nh]

Singing in the Rain - Part II

Well, we made it safely home. Got to keep this trip report going or I'll never finish [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

At 10:30 we found that Blue Bayou was fully booked for the day. We looked at each other and decided that waiting until our 1:30 priority seating wasn't an option, so we cancelled it and set off in search of nourishment. We walked past the River Belle Terrace and it didn't look 'too' crowded, so in line we went. I don't know about their other meals, but breakfast was great! They have the fresh, hot, thick cinnamon rolls like Tusker House did before they replaced them with the packaged version.

We roamed through the stores on Main Street -- no crowds there either. I forgot to mention when we came in we had our photo taken in front of the 50th icon, so in search of photos we went. No photopass at DL! For some reason I thought the photos were in about the same place as they used to be at the MK in FL -- but no.... they are at the other end of Main Street -- oh well, we got to see the shops on that side of the street too! Our picture turned out pretty good, so we bought it and signed up for delivery to our resort. They do this a little different than at WDW too -- instead of delivering to the gift shop it goes to the bell stand -- and no reminder call to pick it up!

We then sloshed back to the GC and as I mentioned before, stood in the tub full of hot water to thaw out our toes Then DH went exploring while I answered emails and returned phone calls, and DD watched Disney Channel, of course! We considered sitting down by the fireplace in the lobby, but it was quite crowded so we decided to save that for later.

After awhile DH came back and announced the rain had stopped!

"I Can See Clearly Now, the Rain is Gone"
DD wanted to go back to DCA, so off we went. Before leaving I called to get a PS and to my delight was able to get into Ariel's Grotto -- how lucky can you get?

Once in the park we headed to Soarin', where the wait was -- 0 minutes! The guy in front of us was calling someone on his cell phone telling them the park was empty and it was not raining.

After Soarin' -- still love that ride -- we were able to catch Turtle Talk with Crush - this was DD's first time to see it and she was delighted that Crush called on her for a question -- but she froze. Note to self: prep kids with a question or two right before Crush. She recovered like a trooper and asked Crush what his last name was - not too bad with stage fright.

After Crush, we had to go learn to draw Goofy. He is a lot harder to draw than Pooh! While in line I checked my cell phone -- oh look, a voice mail. It was from Disney Dining wanting to 'reschedule' my Ariel's reservation. When I finally got through to a live person they told me DCA was closing at 6 so my PS had to be cancelled, and no they could not get me in earlier. They instead offered up Storytellers in the GC at 5:00. We liked the looks of Storytellers, so why not....

Another round of Mike & Sully, perfect timing for Muppet Vision 3D, a quick picture with the Beach Santa, and we were off to check out "a bugs land." This is another place I would not want to visit if it were crowded. DD loved all the kids rides -- my main complaint was the fact that it took longer to load the rides than the rides themselves lasted. I was able to ride along on all of the rides, which are basically like the rides that we get at our fairs in NH.

DH remarked specifically on the CA 'don't sue me' bumper cars -- I've never seen so much padding on a bumper car in my life, plus they go so slow that whiplash is probably a theoretical impossibility. But DD got to drive so that's what counts!

After that we headed to our PS. For some reason I ordered the buffet instead of ala carte at Storytellers. I am not a buffet fan to begin with, except for Boma, and this one was not a good buffet. $70 later (for 3) we left the restaurant dissatisfied with the both food quality and selection. Note that some of the ala carte offerings looked quite tempting, and would have been less expensive than the buffet.

Now it's time to hop back to DL (about 6:30PM). The park was much more crowded so we headed toward IASW to see the lights. The lights are so fabulous -- and the line was out of the turnstiles and stretching down Fantasyland to ride. We decided to try out the monorail instead.

The DL monorail is different than the WDW one. For one thing, it doesn't hold as many people, and because of the inclement weather only one train was running. The CM's at the station kept us entertained with monorail trivia questions, and we were able to catch a glimpse of the Nemo ride going in where the submarines once were. Not too much to tell, just some rocks and track visible.

After our ride we discovered the park was closing early, at 10 because of the weather. Lines were long and we were tired, so we caught the DLRR to the front of the park and minutes later were nestled snug in our beds. We loved the DLRR -- they have one train with cars that are sideways like the RR at AK. They also have displays of the 'Grand Canyon' and 'Primeval World' that for some reason really appealed to all of us. Not sure why, but we really liked them and wanted to see them again!

One thing I really like about the GC is the location -- just minutes from the front gate or the DTD monorail, and the private entrance to DCA... superb!

Okay folks, I'm suffering from jet lag so it's off to bed I go. Only two more chapters to go!

[chezp]

I am learning so much for our upcoming vacation from reading your report - more please! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Joy [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Sorry you didn't enjoy Storytellers though [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

More please [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[joyful1nh]

Day 3 - or Sunshine On My Shoulders Makes Me Happy!

When we went into the GC Monday night I asked for updated park hours and information. The CM's there were delightful and informed me that there was an Early Entry at Disneyland Park at 8AM for Wednesday. I called Disney Dining and to my delight was able to get a PS at Blue Bayou for 2:00.

We scheduled our wake up call for 6:30AM. Up bright and early, learned my lesson about the shower, put a wash cloth at the front of it to soak up the water that is trying to escape -- no flood!

Let me mention here the California door concept. We stayed in a condo in Del Mar four nights before coming to DL. There we noted that all the bathrooms had sliding instead of hinged doors, but I thought it was just the way that particular condo was built. However, upon arrival at the GC we found that the bathroom door there also is a slider. Must be a California thing? Anyway, by the time we left this concept was growing on me as a major space saver, despite the fact that anyone getting up in the middle of the night to visit the facilities will find it difficult to do so quietly [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] The door makes a lot of noise when it slides -- but the one at the GC was far quieter than the doors at our Del Mar condo!

Okay, back to the real trip report. I tend to notice the darndest things

We awoke Tuesday with a plan. We had spied this nice looking bakery in DTD near the park entrances. Off to breakfast we went at 7:00. Only problem -- that quaint little bakery doesn't open until 8 Back to the GC to grab breakfast White Water Snacks, which was deserted at least.

At precisely 7:55AM we were in line at the turnstiles with the signs that said "Early Entry." There were quite a few people ahead of us, as well as some folks who thought they were being smart by going to the "general admission" turnstiles with no lines.

Note: ticket reading is far different at DL than at WDW. While the tix are barcoded and they do read them, they also stamp them with a date stamp when you go through the turnstiles and there is no finger measuring here!

Okay, back to my story. We were through the gates by 8:02. We noticed a lot of folks being turned away because they did not have tickets that allowed early entry or a resort ID (another major DL vs WDW difference). At WDW your room key is your resort ID. At DL you get a piece of paper that is your resort ID and has to be accompanied by a photo ID every time you want to charge anything....

Oops, strayed again Immediately upon entering the park we became commandos and sprinted (walking quickly with only a pause to have our picture made in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle) to Buzz Lightyear. Walked onto the ride, which scored a thumbs up from all of us. DD wanted to ride again so DH took her while I ran for Space Mountain.

If you learn nothing else from this report, listen to this piece of advice -- Make use of Early Entry!!!!! I walked onto Space Mountain, which IMHO is much better than the FL version. While I rode Space DH/DD rode Buzz two more times. Even though I praised Space, DH and DD declined the adventure.

We then headed to Fantasyland (only Tomorrowland and Fantasyland were open during EE) and enjoyed Dumbo with no wait and the carousel with no wait. Then we dashed for Splash.

Since DD wanted nothing to do with Splash, we detoured to Pooh (very similar to the FL version) and then I did Splash solo. It is quite different from the FL version -- a little more intense I think. If you don't like the FL drop -- skip the CA one -- the smaller log makes it seem faster even though the drop is not as great.

On to Haunted Mansion, still decked out for Christmas. DD, who had to be bribed to ride (yep, I will resort to bribery if nothing else will get her to ride) immediately wanted to go again. Another reason I want to go back to CA in December next time!

Next stop - Pirates of the Caribbean. Once again, no lines. Time: about 9:15 AM. After that it was on to Indiana Jones, where the line was a terrible 30 minutes. Grabbed a fastpass and off to BTMRR we went. The line there -- 20 minutes.

After BTMRR we rode Jungle Cruise (25 minute line) and then DD and DH rode the Mark Twain Riverboat while I rode Indiana Jones. I liked Indy, and noted several similarities to a popular AK ride, especially the ride vehicle!

Then I took DD up in Tarzan's Treehouse (SFR in FL is superior IMHO) while DH rode Indiana Jones. He noted the same similarities I did.

By now the park was filling up -- about 11AM. We decided to go for Autopia so we caught the DLRR. The Autopia line was 55 minutes (no way) and fastpasses conflicted with our PS at Blue Bayou. We instead FP'd Space Mountain (where the line was 75 minutes and the return time 6PM). Then we did a little shopping, walked around to check out line lengths, and then caught the train back to New Orleans Square.

Our lunch at Blue Bayou was great -- of course, I love spicy food and the fried cheesecake with caramel sauce was divine! After lunch (in and out by 2:45) the plan was to head back to the GC for some pool time. We got distracted by Aladdin and Jasmine -- had to meet them! Another DL difference -- no CM keeping the lines in order. A lot of folks were jumping the line (or trying to) and it was a test of patience to stay calm (after waiting 20 minutes and them having someone walk in front of you from the side).

Okay, finally back to the resort for some pool time. There are two spas at the GC, but only one was open and it was only about 99 degrees. Still, it felt pretty good with an air temp of 65! The pool temp was cooler, maybe 80 tops, but that didn't stop DD. The pools at the GC are smaller and not as elaborately themed as the WL, but the slide is open air and a longer spiral. I lost count of how many times DD did the slide -- she loved it!

At about 5:45 we headed back to DL to use that FP at Space Mtn and try to catch the parade. We were successful in using the FP, but I couldn't interest anyone else in the parade We also were able to enjoy Buzz again during the parade with a minimal wait -- about 20 minutes, and Autopia with a 25 minute wait. I scored way lower on Buzz than I usually do in FL! I think it is a bit more challenging in CA.

My family then dragged me out of the park (fireworks at 7:45 and no interest from either of them) The crowds were pretty heavy by this time, tough to navigate and exit the park.

A little shopping at DTD while listening to the fireworks in the background, and then back to the GC we went.

Coming soon - the final chapter!

[chezp]

Another great update and full of useful tips for those of familiar with WDW! Thanks in particular for the warning about Splash, early entry and the differences with resort ID. All that will come in useful for us. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

Interesting to read about the characters as well - that's how they do things in Disneyland Paris and it drove us mad. If it's as stupid as it was in DLP, then I think we'll avoid characters, as that was one of the worst parts of our vacation out there. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Thanks for the heads up on that.

[DebiDebiDebi]

Great installments!

[lauren-roxy]

Another great update!! Sounds like a really nice day!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Another great udpate [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] I'm sorry it's coming to an end [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[snoozy]

Excellent update. Sliding doors on the bathroom huh. Well that will be a first for us. I don't think it is a California thing, being a native Californian and one who has stayed in lots of different hotels/motels throughout California I have never seen a sliding door for the bathroom. DLH and PPH don't have sliders, this will be a treat for us in Feb.

[Fantasmic! kid]

Really? You guys have never seen sliding doors for the bathrooms? I have it in my house.... Maybe it is a CA thing, I don't know. I thought it was like that everywhere! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[joyful1nh]

I just noticed a couple of things I forgot to mention, so I'll add these in this final chapter.

First, we shopped at the World of Disney Store on our way back to the resort. Disney Visa card holders get a 10% discount there, and I found most of the merchandise I had purchased elsewhere was available there too. The CM at the store said she believed the 10% was valid until August, but I'd advise asking before you start shopping Then, if you are serious about saving money, look through the WoD store shortly after you arrive to get an idea of what they have. If you see something really cool in a park or another store, check to see if they have it at WoD, especially if it is $20 or more (like everything I seem to buy is).

After leaving the WoD, we went to Wetzel's Pretzels to grab a snack as we were all still pretty full from our Blue Bayou lunch. The CM there asked us if we were AAA members and gave us a discount!

We took our 'dinner' to the GC and grabbed some chairs in front of the fireplace. Tip: They have a cocktail waitress who comes to this area and you can enjoy a nice glass of California wine after a rough day in the parks.

Then came the worst part.... packing. Remember, over 50# and you pay $25. I paid on the way there and back for one huge 64# bag -- but it was cheaper at that moment than buying a new suitcase, and kept my other big bag at a svelte 43#.

We had a 7:45AM flight. All CM's I talked to said to allow an hour to get to LAX, so we had our wake up call for 3:30AM. We were out the door by 4:30 and it was cold! Since our bill had not yet been delivered we picked it up on the way out. No lines (LOL!)

At check in the CM gave us a card with directions to LAX pre-printed, and it was a good thing. There are no signs whatsoever until you get really close to the airport!

At that hour traffic was very light, and we were in the airport vicinity within 45 minutes. I was glad traffic was light, because the signage for the rental car return leaves a lot to be desired. Good thing DH was keeping a sharp eye out or we'd still be driving around LAX

Our flights were uneventful (the good kind) although packed full.

We ended our trip by arriving at the Manchester airport in time to see the maintenance folks taking down all the signage for Independence Airlines.

If you have any questions about Disneyland or the Grand Californian, post them here and I'll try to get back to answer. I'll monitor this thread for a week or so just in case.

Thanks for all your kind words!