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[chezp]

I'm so glad you were able to get straight on Radiator Spring Racers - isn't it great? Mind you, we much preferred Luigi's Flying Tires, so much fun!

[Russi01]

Love the hoodie and necklace!! Sorry you were having a bad afternoon but glad that the CM came through and gave you guys some FP. Looks like Carland was a hit!! Love the pictures from around there.

[disneydreamer33]

The girls definitely want to go back, but we will definitely pick a slower time. Sorry Lexie couldn't ride Indy. Love your zip up sweatshirt! I have that same necklace. I think Lexie deserved it too!
Good idea to go straight to RR. Carsland is just amazing. We were watching Cars yesterday and I just kept telling my DH how amazing it is at CA. Loving all your pics.

[lexiemom]

Originally Posted by MayraLR

Glad you got to ride RS with a very short wait. Crazy how those people would wait in an hour long line for fastpasses instead of just riding it first thing.

It was crazy, but I suppose it kept the line down for those of us that had the common sense to head straight to the ride.

Originally Posted by FanOfMickey

I can't wait till I am able to make a trip out to DL to see Cars, look great.

You will love Cars Land!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Cars Land is so great, isn't it? I loved it so much and didn't even ride anything. I agree it's perfectly insane that people line up to wait over an hour for the FP machines when the ride itself is nearly a walk-on in the morning! I had no idea they had Cars waffles at Flo's-- adorable! And speaking of adorable, that toothless smile is very, very cute!

Thanks Laurie! Cars Land was great and the Imagineers did a fantastic job bringing the Cars movie to life. It is now my favorite out of all the "lands".

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

Catching up. What a day you had the day before! Poor Lexie! I am glad the CM made up for it later. Your Carsland and pics are great! The waffles caught my eye! I know the crowds are higher during that time of year. Since we are also going during that time, do you have any tips for me regarding that? I love the sweatshirt by the way!

The one thing I would have done differently is make it to DL at park opening, hit up Adventureland/New Orleans Square first thing and then avoid that area the rest of the day. Those two areas were the most congested part of the park. I think if you arrive before the crowds you won't have a problem.

We also only had one full day for each park and then a half a day that we split between the two parks and I wish we had at least one more full day. In my opinion, two full days in each park would be perfect. And utilize FP! We were horrible with FP this trip for some reason and it is so easy to grab fast passes at DL as the park is so compact and hopping between lands is very easy. I hope that helps!

Originally Posted by chezp

I'm so glad you were able to get straight on Radiator Spring Racers - isn't it great? Mind you, we much preferred Luigi's Flying Tires, so much fun!

Luigi's Flying Tires had us giggling the entire time, you couldn't help it!

Originally Posted by Russi01

Love the hoodie and necklace!! Sorry you were having a bad afternoon but glad that the CM came through and gave you guys some FP. Looks like Carland was a hit!! Love the pictures from around there.

Thank you! Cars Land was a huge hit, I could have spent all day there just soaking in my surroundings.

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

The girls definitely want to go back, but we will definitely pick a slower time. Sorry Lexie couldn't ride Indy. Love your zip up sweatshirt! I have that same necklace. I think Lexie deserved it too!
Good idea to go straight to RR. Carsland is just amazing. We were watching Cars yesterday and I just kept telling my DH how amazing it is at CA. Loving all your pics.

I need to research what time of year is slower for DL because we want to go back too! I almost bought myself a matching necklace, but decided against it. Of course now I wish I had. Funny that you watched Cars yesterday, we watched Cars 2 as it was on the Disney Channel.

[JKnott17]

Cars Land looks awesome!! They really did a great job with it. What is wrong with those people, waiting in line for over an hour to get a FP when they could just ride first thing with little wait??

[KimmyAnn1147]

We were there the first week of Dec. All the Christmas stuff is out but not the crowds. We still had wait times for a lot of stuff, but nothing too overwhelming.

What was the Submarine ride like at night? I've been wondering how different it would be compared to daytime.

Sounds like you really made the most of Cars land. We hardly spent any time as I was so into the MK. But we did get to ride RSR, so awesome!!!

My DNeph had a similar experience with the height limit on IJ. They let him ride the first time, then got stopped the second time! A bit of fast talking and the CM budged and let him ride, but wow, are they sticklers! Why don't they raise the bar and inch and then mellow out!?!?

I have to know: What were the firemen wearing? Regular stuff or disneyfied?

[stardust190]

Sorry the crowds were such a pain at DL. At least you can look back at your time there and have fond memories. Good thing you went to DCA first thing and rode RSR! Cars Land looks like so much fun! I know my son would love it. I'm waiting until both kids are tall enough to enjoy all of the attractions that area has to offer though. Then we'll go check it out. Maybe by that time some of the crowds will have gotten over it?

[OhToodles!]

I fell so far behind!
The furby in the park was too funny! "wildlife" -
So sorry that happened to Lexie at the turnstile! How scary - she handled it very well. And thank goodness for MacGyver! I don't understand how no one was around that could actually do something though. Glad the CM later could help make the day better. I'm like you - keep it in all and then I burst.
You've had a fantastic morning so far at CA though!
Mike has heard rumors that they're going to do a Star Wars land out there so we may wait until that happens before we go, but I want to go when the Holiday Haunted Mansion overlay is on!

[dutchdisneyfamily]

The one thing I would have done differently is make it to DL at park opening, hit up Adventureland/New Orleans Square first thing and then avoid that area the rest of the day. Those two areas were the most congested part of the park. I think if you arrive before the crowds you won't have a problem.

We also only had one full day for each park and then a half a day that we split between the two parks and I wish we had at least one more full day. In my opinion, two full days in each park would be perfect. And utilize FP! We were horrible with FP this trip for some reason and it is so easy to grab fast passes at DL as the park is so compact and hopping between lands is very easy. I hope that helps!

It sure did! Thanks a lot! Luckily we will have 2 full days so we can start off in one park each day. Thanks again!

[KimmyAnn1147]

Sorry to hijack, but I agree! I thought 4 days at DLR would be too much. Not at all!!!! Lots of days totally works for me. Makes it easy to take it easy.

[lexiemom]

Originally Posted by JKnott17

Cars Land looks awesome!! They really did a great job with it. What is wrong with those people, waiting in line for over an hour to get a FP when they could just ride first thing with little wait??

Those people were crazy!

Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147

We were there the first week of Dec. All the Christmas stuff is out but not the crowds. We still had wait times for a lot of stuff, but nothing too overwhelming.

What was the Submarine ride like at night? I've been wondering how different it would be compared to daytime.

Sounds like you really made the most of Cars land. We hardly spent any time as I was so into the MK. But we did get to ride RSR, so awesome!!!

My DNeph had a similar experience with the height limit on IJ. They let him ride the first time, then got stopped the second time! A bit of fast talking and the CM budged and let him ride, but wow, are they sticklers! Why don't they raise the bar and inch and then mellow out!?!?

I have to know: What were the firemen wearing? Regular stuff or disneyfied?

Thank you Kimmy! We only rode the submarine ride at night, so I can't compare it to riding in the daytime. Everything was lit up though.

The firemen were in regular firemen uniforms, nothing Disney.

Originally Posted by stardust190

Sorry the crowds were such a pain at DL. At least you can look back at your time there and have fond memories. Good thing you went to DCA first thing and rode RSR! Cars Land looks like so much fun! I know my son would love it. I'm waiting until both kids are tall enough to enjoy all of the attractions that area has to offer though. Then we'll go check it out. Maybe by that time some of the crowds will have gotten over it?

Cars Land is fun! I think it is a good idea to wait until your kids are tall enough to enjoy everything. Cars Land really wasn't that bad crowd wise, just the line for RSR built up fast and then stayed at about 120 minutes all day.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

I fell so far behind!
The furby in the park was too funny! "wildlife" -
So sorry that happened to Lexie at the turnstile! How scary - she handled it very well. And thank goodness for MacGyver! I don't understand how no one was around that could actually do something though. Glad the CM later could help make the day better. I'm like you - keep it in all and then I burst.
You've had a fantastic morning so far at CA though!
Mike has heard rumors that they're going to do a Star Wars land out there so we may wait until that happens before we go, but I want to go when the Holiday Haunted Mansion overlay is on!

Thank you Kelly! Waiting for Star Wars land would be a good idea knowing how much you and your boys love Star Wars! You have to go while Haunted Mansion has the Holiday overlay, I loved it!

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

The one thing I would have done differently is make it to DL at park opening, hit up Adventureland/New Orleans Square first thing and then avoid that area the rest of the day. Those two areas were the most congested part of the park. I think if you arrive before the crowds you won't have a problem.

We also only had one full day for each park and then a half a day that we split between the two parks and I wish we had at least one more full day. In my opinion, two full days in each park would be perfect. And utilize FP! We were horrible with FP this trip for some reason and it is so easy to grab fast passes at DL as the park is so compact and hopping between lands is very easy. I hope that helps!

It sure did! Thanks a lot! Luckily we will have 2 full days so we can start off in one park each day. Thanks again!

You're welcome. Having 2 full days to start off will help out a lot.

Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147

Sorry to hijack, but I agree! I thought 4 days at DLR would be too much. Not at all!!!! Lots of days totally works for me. Makes it easy to take it easy.

I always wondered how a longer vacation at DL would work, but now I see I could fill an entire week there easily!

[KimmyAnn1147]

Originally Posted by lexiemom

Those people were crazy!


The firemen were in regular firemen uniforms, nothing Disney.


I always wondered how a longer vacation at DL would work, but now I see I could fill an entire week there easily!

Bummer about the firemen. That kinda ruins it for me.

I loved the feeling of not being rushed, taking 4 days. But with our 4 days we spent very little time at CA, just one day really, and it wasn't a long one there. I realize from your post that we missed a lot. But I wouldn't have wanted to trade in my languid strolling at MK for anything.

Did you all get over to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree at MK? It's "behind" Big Thunder Mountain in the Big Thunder Mountain Ranch. It was so lovely over there, and no crowds even when we accidentally went on a no-school Friday. OOPS!!! We got to "Have Fun with Farley", a one man fiddler with a big comedic side.

[mommapants]

what an exhausting day at DL and OMG Lexi getting her arm stuck how crazy is that? Like on CM could help her with the turnstile.
Your morning at CA is off to a great start. early entry is the way to go here.

[lexiemom]

Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147

Bummer about the firemen. That kinda ruins it for me.

I loved the feeling of not being rushed, taking 4 days. But with our 4 days we spent very little time at CA, just one day really, and it wasn't a long one there. I realize from your post that we missed a lot. But I wouldn't have wanted to trade in my languid strolling at MK for anything.

Did you all get over to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree at MK? It's "behind" Big Thunder Mountain in the Big Thunder Mountain Ranch. It was so lovely over there, and no crowds even when we accidentally went on a no-school Friday. OOPS!!! We got to "Have Fun with Farley", a one man fiddler with a big comedic side.

We did not make it to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. I feel like we missed out on a lot, but that gives us a reason to go back (not that we need one ).

Originally Posted by mommapants

what an exhausting day at DL and OMG Lexi getting her arm stuck how crazy is that? Like on CM could help her with the turnstile.
Your morning at CA is off to a great start. early entry is the way to go here.

It was a very long and exhausting day. Our day at CA was much better and I think early entry played a big factor in that.

[lexiemom]

It was now 8:00 and the park was open to general public as well. California Adventure did not seem as crowded as DL, I think it absorbed the crowds much better and there was no need for the ride lines to take up precious walkway space.

We gave Lexi choice of where to head to next and she wanted to ride Soarin'. We made our way over to Soarin' and grabbed fast passes. On our way over we passed RSR fast pass line and I could not believe how long it was You may as well have waited that time in line to ride the ride and then move on with your day, but whatever.





We got our fast passes for Soarin' and then headed to Paradise Pier via Grizzly Peak. This was as close to the Grand Californian that I got. I really wanted to check it out, but there just wasn't enough time.


Look at the steam coming off of Grizzly River Run. It was actually very pretty.


Lexi loved this giant Bear.


It was still very cold this morning, so when we passed a gift shop, Justin went in to buy a sweatshirt. Justin is not a big souvenir kind of guy, so this was a good purchase for him.









Of course we had to stop for pictures in front of Paradise Pier before we headed to TSMM.








Where we will be eating later tonight.




They had a character meet in the gazebo, but I can't remember who I saw was going to be there.


The wait time for TSMM was 60 minutes and they don't offer FP for this ride at CA. The queue started outside and then we made our way in the building. It was not as interesting as the queue at DHS. It was just a bunch of posters on the wall and that's about it.














While we were in line Brian texted Justin to let us know they were in the park. It was decided that they would run and get two fast passes for California Screamin' for the boys to ride later.

Of course we had a blast on the ride, it is one of my favorites.


I beat both Justin and Lexi and got best in car.


Notice Lexi did beat me in accuracy.



We met up with Whitney and Brian and I had stop for a restroom break, so they took Lexi on King Triton's carousel.


The FP that Brian picked up for CS were now ripe, so the boys set off to ride that while the girls went on Mickey's Fun Wheel. I can't remember what the wait time was, but I know the boys were finished before us and were waiting when we got off the ride.

Our FP for Soarin' had been ready for a while now, so we decided to back track and use those next. When we passed the Little Mermaid ride it had a 5 minute wait and Whitney really wanted to ride since it is one of her favorite Disney movies, so we took a little detour. The ride is exactly like the ride at WDW.







I liked how they disguised the speakers.




















Brian and Whitney did not have Soarin' fast passes, so when we passed Grizzly Bear Run Whitney decided she wanted to ride that while they waited on us. It was a walk on and Brian was not happy about this as it is a water ride and it was still very chilly out. We left a whining Brian with Whitney and continued on.



When we got to Soarin' the fast pass line was HUGE and we heard that one side was down, but the other was still running. They did a good job of getting the FP line through and we didn't wait more than 10 minutes before we were soarin' over CA. We were assigned to row 1.

Lexi ready to board!


This is one of my favorite rides at WDW and it just seemed a bit extra special riding it in California. When we exited, Brian and Whitney were waiting for us outside of the ride and Brian was soaked....and grumpy.

We discussed where to head next and we decided we wanted to check out Hollywood Land. Justin said he likes Disney's version of Hollywood a lot better than the real Hollywood.




First we rode Monster's Inc.




This is how Lexi entertained herself while waiting in long lines. We saw a lot of people playing the game "Heads Up" on their phones while waiting in line and some of them were pretty funny to watch.


The name of the snacks in this vending machine made me laugh. My favorite was a 'Bag of Calories'.




The ride vehicles fit six people, two in each row. Brian rode by himself in the back of our vehicle and at the end of the ride there is a talking Roz. She said to Brian, “Heeeeey, the handsome fellow in the back...I'm single too.” Brian didn't know what to think of that. We like to tease him about his new girlfriend, in fact Brian and Whitney are in town visiting this week and they came over last night and I greeted Brian with a "Heeeeyyy" in my best Roz voice. He appreciated that.

I wanted to see Aladdin next, but it was a bit too early so instead we found something for lunch. We all agreed on Award Wieners since it was close and for some reason a hot dog sounded really good. Both Lexi and I got hotdogs with mustard and Justin, Brian and Whitney got chili cheese dogs. There is a seating area tucked away nearby so we found a table and chowed down. Those hot dogs really hit the spot and then we made our way over to get in line for Aladdin.
We chose to line up for the Mezzanine section and soon after we made it in line they closed our section and only seating in the balcony was available.

I got a ton of pics of the ToT as we headed to the theater.










I am about to go off topic here for a minute with a little rant. I have never experienced so much line jumping in all of my trips to WDW as I did in just three days at DL. I think every single ride we went on someone was trying to pass us to make their way to their party farther up in line. And it wasn't like a quick restroom run, most of the time it was a party sending one person to stand in line to wait and the rest of their party would join them later.

They made several announcements before Aladdin to stay with your party and if your entire party was not with you, do not get in line. When we joined the line the CM asked us if our entire party was together and we were able to say yes, so they let us through the line. They really packed us into the waiting area and I can understand why they couldn't let extra people in just because they knew someone in line. Of course there were still those people where rules don't apply to them that tried to find their party and the cast members held their ground and would not let them in. Our section was closed and that was that, no room for you! I would not want their job, but they did an excellent job!

Once the line started moving we had to climb up a couple flights of stairs to our section and then we filed in to find seats. We found some good seats close to the front of the railing, but we had to split up with Justin, Lexi and I in one row and Brian and Whitney in the row behind us.














I loved Aladdin! Genie was hilarious slipping in little digs at celebrities. I will say I enjoyed the Genie “twerking” much more than Miley Cyrus. This was a great show and I definitely recommend catching it if you ever get a chance.

We decided to split up at this point. Lexi was ready for a break and Brian and Whitney were going to stay and ride more rides. ToT was right next door to Aladdin, so I tried to get Lexi to ride, but all of a sudden she decided she doesn't like ToT. I don't know with that girl sometimes. She loves ToT at DHS. Anyways, Brian and Whitney headed off to ToT and we headed back to our resort.

One last picture of ToT as we walked away.