Sing with me...California Here We Come! Days 7 & 8, updated 12/20
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**chezp** · 12-10-2006, 12:03 PM

How wonderful - I now wish we'd seen the parade. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

**DrDolphin** · 12-10-2006, 01:10 PM

OOOhhhh - now the parade is on my must do list!!

lauren-roxy · 12-10-2006, 04:26 PM

Love your pictures from the parade!!

Meggera · 12-11-2006, 10:49 AM

Day 2 - October 31, 2006 – Part 9
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/birthday.gif[/img] Victoria!

Once we got Maxine in her wheelchair, we tied the plethora of balloons to the handle so we wouldn’t lose them. They were surely fun to walk around with. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

We had been told that it would be okay to take Maxine’s wheelchair from DL to CA. As we were exiting DL, a guard stopped us and said that the wheelchair was DL’s and must be returned. We told him we were going to CA. He said, “CA is closed.”

I said, “No it isn’t. We are going for Mickey’s Halloween Treat.”

He said, “Do you have tickets?”

I promptly pulled out our proof, and he finally allowed us to pass. Geesh! Don’t think the security guards don’t do their job!

There were a lot of people at the entrance to CA. We thought, “Oh my! This is going to be packed!”

We loved the transformation the park had taken since we had lunch.

The first thing I did when we walked through the turnstiles was get our trick-or-treat bags. Then, I made sure to ask a CM about everything going on. She told us there were 13 trick-or-treat stations throughout the park where we could stop and get candy. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] I asked where to find the villains, and she told us. Then, I asked if Snow White and the Seven Dwarves made appearances here. She said no. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] I was so sad. I know that we MUST go to WDW for MNSSHP one day. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

We made our way through Sunshine Plaza and came upon a band of ghouls with Donald and Daisy dancing with children. Too cute! They quickly paused their dance moves to pose for a picture with Victoria.

We then headed towards Golden State. There were villains at Golden Screams that we wanted to check out! Along the way, we found our first treat station. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Let’s see what kind of candy we can get! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] They had pretty decent candy. Throughout the night, we got Snickers, Lemonheads, Milky Ways, Snickers, Milky Way dark, Twix, Snickers, Laffy Taffy, Snickers, Tootsie Pops, Starbursts, Snickers, Skittles, Nerds, Nestle Crunch, Snickers, Mini Hershey bars, Dum Dum suckers oh, and did I mention Snickers? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Snickers was apparently the sponsor of Mickey’s Halloween Treat. We got TONS of Snickers. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

At that treat station, we met a CM named Phyllis. She commented on the balloons and asked how we had gotten them. We told her we were Grand Marshals of the parade. She said she recognized them as Dream Squad balloons because ordinarily she is on the Dream Squad. They had asked her to man a treat station this evening, so she was out of her blue garb. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] She asked how long we had been there and when we would be back. We said we would be back on Thursday and Saturday. She said, “Cool! I’ll be working on Thursday. Come say hello to me.”

We said we would, and we headed on our way. Now Michael was all giddy because she was on the Dream Squad and asked us to come see her. I told him that I seriously doubt if we will be awarded ANOTHER dream.

We passed the bear rock in Golden State, and it had taken on some cobwebs!

When we got to Golden Screams, we saw the Queen of Hearts and Captain Hook. They were leaving Golden Screams at a fast pace. Rats they were leaving. We were standing there wondering where to go next when all of a sudden, the Queen of Hearts walked right into me and pushed me out of the way and then she walked right into Victoria. She was definitely into her character, even while leaving. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]

We found a few more treat stations. They were also giving away green apples and carrots. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

We went back to Golden Screams and there were two characters we had never seen before. Governor Ratcliffe and the evil queen from Snow White dressed as the hag. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] There was a line, but it wasn’t too bad.

We met Governor Ratcliffe first. He signed Victoria’s book and posed. This man was TALL!

One thing about DL versus WDW, there are no absolute lines. It was the oddest thing. People would just walk in front of you like you were invisible. We had that happen during this wait to see these characters. We had seen Governor Ratcliffe and “got in line” to see the hag. We were told by a family that they were in front of us and that we had broken in line. They hadn’t even seen Ratcliffe yet! How could we have broken in front of them? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] They obviously didn’t understand the “line” either. Anyway, they got all snippity when we went to see the hag while they were seeing Ratcliffe. Really. It made no sense to me at all. Rant over…

It was very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] to see the hag. She signed Victoria’s book and posed. Victoria is so funny. She is trying not to stand too close to the old hag. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

Since we had seen two villains, we decided to check out more of the park. We headed towards Paradise Pier. A jack-o-lantern was being shown on the Mickey head on California Screamin’, and the Sun Wheel looked so pretty at night.

We ran across Max, another new character for us. Very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]. We waited in line as Max signed autographs. Max was GREAT! We told Max that Goofy had said he was in school so why was he out so late at a Halloween party. He lowered his head in shame because he knew he wasn’t supposed to be out so late. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Max put his finger over his lips telling us to not tell his dad he was here. Michael then said, “Okay Max. We’ll keep it a secret…what are you willing to pay us?”

Max said he didn't have anything then he grabbed his handler’s hat off his head and offered it to Michael as hush payment. Michael took the hat and commented on how nice it was. The handler took it all in stride. Michael then offered the handler his hat back but said, “What have you got for me?”

The handler took his hat back and gave Michael a little flashlight. When you turn the flashlight on, it is a blue light and it says: 13 Days of Halloween. When you press the button a second time, it starts flashing. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Hush payment paid in full, Max signed Victoria’s book and posed.

It was a great interaction. Needless to say, we loved Max. We left Max and walked around the boardwalk and saw a huge line to see some princesses. We had already decided we wouldn’t ride anything tonight and decided to stand in line.

You can’t tell, but it was really cold this evening and poor Victoria was freezing. She finally agreed to put on Michael’s sweatshirt that I had packed in the backpack. I would continually hug her to give her some warmth.

Michael found a place to rest with Maxine while Victoria and I stood in line. We decided to snack on some apples. Boy were they tart. Oh my goodness! They made my jaw cringe. I don't mind tart apples as long as I have a little caramel to dip them in. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] But, eating them plain was just too much.

We waited about 30 minutes before it was our turn. Princess Aurora and Cinderella were there. Victoria took the sweatshirt off so she could be in the picture without it. The princesses asked Victoria, “Where is your kingdom?”

When Victoria said Virginia, Cinderella said we must have a very sturdy coach. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] They signed Victoria’s book and posed.

We said goodbye to the princesses and walked over the bridge back to Golden State to see if there were any new villains out at Golden Screams. There weren't. This would be a continual theme. We would see if there were new villains out, and there never were. Oh well.

We said hello to Phyllis each time we saw her. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] There were cute Mickey ghosts all over the park.

We walked over to Grizzly Peak where we went on a treat trail and picked up more candy. Then we noticed a crazy long line for none other than the big cheese himself with his missus. We HAD to see them. We got in line. Boy was it long. I had wanted to see if I could find a pin or shirt or something with Mickey’s Halloween Treat on it, so I went in search of a shop. Victoria decided to come along with me. Along the way, we saw Rafiki sitting on a bench. People were just standing around him looking. Instead of looking, I told Victoria to sit on the bench with him, just as he was sitting. She did and here is what we got.

Of course, the copycats in the crowd loved the idea and everyone starting doing it. I just love being a trendsetter. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

We found a really great Hide and Go Treat Trail on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Victoria and I went along the trail and got many treats along the way. The scenery was beautiful. Sorry I didn’t take any pictures.

I didn’t find a shop, so we headed back to the Mickey line. Michael and Maxine had made some progress. We waited and talked and tried to keep warm. Mickey and Minnie took a quick break and came back and we waited some more. There was a family in front of us who had gone off in search of green apples. They were all gone. I overheard them and told them we had gotten plenty if they wanted ours. They declined at first then finally took the apples. Little did they know we were glad to be rid of those sour things. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]

Finally, it was our turn! Mickey was dressed as Zorro and Minnie had a cute candy corn dress on. They looked great! As Mickey signed Victoria’s book, Minnie gave her a big hug and a kiss and commented on Victoria’s birthday pin.

Then, as Minnie signed the book, Mickey noticed Victoria’s birthday pin and gave her a hug.

Then we all got in a photo with the two mice, and a CM took our picture.

We said our goodbyes and decided the party was winding down. Victoria and I took Maxine and Michael down the cool treat trail we had found on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. I finally took a photo of Victoria trick-or-treating.

We found a shop where I looked for a sweatshirt of MHT. I didn’t really like the design, so I didn’t get one. But, Maxine and I did get a cute MHT pin. Victoria got some Tinkerbell Mickey ears.

I took more pictures of the cute ghosts and pumpkins as we made our way to the front of the park.

We turned in Maxine’s wheelchair and gathered our balloons. The party was going on until 10:30 p.m., and we left around 10 p.m. We had had a very long day. I took one more picture with Victoria in the ‘O.’

Michael decided to run on ahead to the inn to get the car. Victoria, Maxine and I began our walk to the 15 minute parking outside of the Disney entrance. Maxine started to stop at one point, and I told her to keep going because a bench was right around the corner. She kept going and we sat on the bench. Michael showed up about five minutes later with the car. We piled in with the balloons and were back at the inn in a flash.

We all agreed it was time for bed. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

The best thing today was being chosen to be Grand Marshals in the parade.
The worst thing today was the service at Ariel’s Grotto. (Not much to complain about. It was in incredible day.)
The funniest thing today was Max paying up to keep us quiet!
Today we tried everything!
And the result was loved everything about DL, DCA, and MHT!
The most magical moment today was being Grand Marshals. That was awesome!

Up Next: Universal Studios Hollywood!

lauren-roxy · 12-11-2006, 12:31 PM

Another wonderful update!!! Sounds like you guys had a blast at the party!!! I love all the photos!! I have heard that the lines at Disneyland to see the characters are practically non-existant. Can't wait for more!!!

**chezp** · 12-11-2006, 01:59 PM

It sounds like you guys had an amazing time at the party and I just love Mickey and Minnie's costumes! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

I couldn't agree more with you about the lines for the characters at Disneyland - we found that very odd as well. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img]

tinksmom · 12-11-2006, 03:45 PM

Thanks for sharing another great update! I can't wait for the continuation.
tenya

PrincessSharon · 12-11-2006, 03:46 PM

What an absolutely magical day! Being grand marshalls of the parade looked like a lot of fun. And Mickey's Halloween Treat did too! I think a Halloween trip to Disneyland is in my future. Can't wait for more!

**Colexis Mom** · 12-11-2006, 04:14 PM

Wow, such an amazing day! What a great time you all had at the party! And great pictures too!

**DyanKJ130** · 12-11-2006, 04:23 PM

OH my goodness, that has to be one of the best Disney days I have ever heard!! More please!

**DrDolphin** · 12-11-2006, 08:38 PM

What a totally fantastic and magical day!! MHT sounds delightful!!!

Chrissi · 12-12-2006, 12:50 PM

What an incredible day! I'm so jealous! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/envy.gif[/img]

Meggera · 12-13-2006, 11:17 AM

Day 3 – November 1, 2006 – Part 1

Today was our Universal Studios in Hollywood day. We woke up at 6 a.m., before the wake-up call came in, and Michael and I took our showers. Once we were all dressed and ready, we went to breakfast. I got my usual half a bagel with cream cheese, cranberry muffin and some apple juice. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] We enjoyed our breakfast outside. It was going to be a beautiful day!

We went back to the room to make sure I had tickets, directions, etc. We piled into the car and were off for Hollywood! Traffic was no problem on the I4. So far, I was unimpressed by LA traffic. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

My trip to CA would be incomplete without the sign saying I was going to LA. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

I never could get a clear shot of LA’s skyline, and I won’t post the dreadful shots I did get. Thankfully, I got a fantastic shot a couple of days later. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Victoria actually got a decent shot from the back seat. So, this is Victoria’s picture of the LA skyline.

I got a picture of the Hollywood traffic sign, too.

I couldn’t get over the homes, apartment buildings and offices built on the hills and mountains of California. Here is one decent photo I got.

We were driving along, I was looking for signs telling us where to go, when all of a sudden, I SAW THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN!! I almost freaked out. I had completely forgotten about it so it was a fantastic surprise when I saw it. I never knew when I would see it, and I never got a picture of it. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] But, I did see it, and it was so cool to see. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

After my excitement over seeing the sign, we finally saw our exit and followed it around and entered Universal Studios.

We paid $10 extra for priority parking so that we would be able to park right at the entrance and Maxine wouldn’t have any trouble walking to the park. It was worth the money. We parked right next to the entrance. Very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]!

Victoria was in picture-taking mode for the time being. So the next few pictures are hers.

I think this is a store.

She took our picture in front of the Universal globe.

And I took their picture…

With our tickets in hand, we walked down the red carpet just waiting for us. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] (Vic’s pic)

We made it through security and the turnstiles, and we saw Shrek. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] However, while DLR did have some sort of a line to greet characters, there were NO lines to greet characters here. It was the oddest thing. People would encircle the character, and you just jumped in when you got a chance. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] It was rough, but once we got the hang of it, I was great at pushing Victoria up to a character. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] We eventually got up to see Shrek and get his autograph and get a picture.

Victoria got this great shot of the fountain in the opening area.

We walked along the main street. There were still Halloween decorations up all over the place. We saw what some might call a line in front of a shop, and it was none other than Spiderman. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] We got in “line,” and I pushed Victoria forward when the opportunity arose. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] I don’t think she was happy about that. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Anyway, he signed her book and spoke to her. I wasn’t used to characters actually talking to us unless they are the princesses, ya know? So, it was neat that he spoke. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

We bid Spidey farewell and went across the street to Van Helsing. We decided to be brave and try it out.

I honestly had no idea what to expect. I didn’t realize it would be like haunted houses I went in as a teenager where I would bury my head in a guy’s back, keep my eyes closed and just hang on tight not seeing a thing for the entire haunted house. I would come out going, “Yep. That was fun!” And, I hadn’t seen a thing! Well, that is what this was. However, I’m a mom now. And as a mom, I had to be brave. Our trip through Van Helsing went something like this...

Maxine was in a wheelchair, so naturally, she was first. Maxine was being pushed by Michael. Victoria and I followed (closely) behind Michael. I started getting scared right away. (I am laughing now as I type this just remembering it all. Geesh!) I kept telling myself I had to be brave for Victoria. Victoria wanted to hold my hand, so I did. Then, the first “thing” jumped out at us. Oh my gosh! I grabbed Michael’s shirt and held on tight. Victoria did the same. I told her just to close her eyes and walk (with head buried into DH's back). Apparently, I was talking to myself as we walked. I was saying, “Just close your eyes and hold on. Just close your eyes and hold on.”

Well, poor Victoria thought I was talking to her. She kept saying, “I am closing my eyes and holding on!” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] I had to keep telling her I wasn’t talking to her. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

We continued to walk, and things kept jumping out, and it was dark and scary. Then, we approached some stairs. A CM (is that what they are called here?) said that only the wheelchair and one other could take the elevator. Oh no! That left Victoria and me to face the baddies all by ourselves! Ok. Be brave, Laura. Breathe, Laura.

Michael and Maxine left us, and Victoria and I kept up with the others who were in front of us. We went down the stairs and came to a curtain. I knew this was where Michael and Maxine would appear, and sure enough, they did. Phew! We had made it through. Victoria and I grabbed Michael’s shirt again and started walking. Good grief! When would this end?

We walked, and I would continually open and close my eyes throughout. Then, we came to another set of stairs. Good grief! Once again, Michael and Maxine left us. I told Victoria to run and catch up with the young men in front of us so that if we had to, we could grab onto their shirts and bury our faces in their backs. You think I’m kidding? It doesn’t matter to me if I know you or not. If I need to be protected, I’ll grab ya!

So we ran and caught up with them. Oh, and all throughout this haunted house, I kept squeezing the fool out of Victoria’s little hand. Poor little thing. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

I didn’t have to fling myself onto strangers for protection. We came to a curtain and Michael and Maxine emerged. Phew! We were hopefully nearing the end of this crazy thing. Then ALL OF A SUDDEN, this huge THING jumped out at me on my right side!! OH MY GOSH! It was huge and right in my face and towering over me, and it scared me so badly, I went left just as hard as I could. Well, Victoria was to my left. And, um, next to her, was a….wall. Yep, I slammed my tiny little 67 pound girl into the wall trying to escape the maniacal monster looming over my head. I was shoving Michael forward just as hard as I could to get me out of there. I only realized my DD was in the wall when she yelled, “Mommie! You are squishing me against the wall!”

I tried to apologize. But, fear overtook me. We were finally out. I regained my cool, and poor Victoria said, “What was in there? I didn’t even get to see it. Mommie slammed me into the wall.” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img][img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]

I felt so bad. But there was no way I was going back in there so she could see that big monster. I am so glad I was not Maxine in a wheelchair. I would have had a heart attack. And poor Michael. He said we were pulling so hard on his shirt, he felt like he was choking all the way through the thing. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

After it is all said and done, we can all laugh quite heartily about it. Victoria and Michael now know what a freak I am in haunted houses. I doubt they will ever want to go in one with me again. (I’m not a screamer like Tara, though.)

Up Next: A meeting with Curious George and a few rides!

**Colexis Mom** · 12-13-2006, 11:51 AM

Another great update! I think we'll skip Van Helsing, I'm not a big fan on those things either [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Glad you survived [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

lauren-roxy · 12-13-2006, 12:07 PM

Great update Laura!! Sounds like you are having a great morning, the park looks almost empty! Love your pictures, especially the ones of Spiderman!! Can't wait for more!!