Jeffrey made me do it, but it’s almost free for our three!! **Updated 5/19** - Page 19 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Now playing:Exploring the West Coast’s Downtown Disney
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 – Day 6/Part 3
As we left the ESPN Zone, we decided to take a ride on the monorail, which was stationed not too far away from where we were. We had to use one of the park days to ride it, but we were going to end up losing a day anyway, so we decided to take a spin.
We had to have our bags checked and tickets scanned, then we were allowed to get in line for the monorail, which would bring us into Disneyland park. It wasn’t long before we were boarding a monorail. I don’t know why I didn’t take pictures; I must have been taking it all in.
The monorail itself seemed a little smaller on the inside. Many of the windows were also wide open. They kind of reminded me of the windows you find on school buses. Guests could open and close them as they pleased.
It was nice to take a ride around the park from up above. The ride was a little slower than in WDW, but it also felt nostalgic knowing that this was something that Walt created. Once we arrived at the station inside Disneyland, which is near the Nemo attraction, we had to disembark and then get in line to return to Downtown Disney. We were hoping to catch the same monorail back, but that filled up pretty quick and we had to wait for the next one to arrive.
Once we were back in Downtown Disney, we stopped off at the pin station located in very close proximity to the exit of the monorail. We bought a bunch of Disneyland themed pins. Kyle may have traded some, as well.
Then we were off to work our way back through the stores, eventually ending at the tram to head back to the resort. We meandered through most of the stores, as many of them were so different than the ones in WDW. I actually think the flow of the stores is much better in Disneyland; it’s easy to miss a store or two when you are in WDW.
These are just some of the many photos I took.
Inside the LEGO store
Island Charters had a lot of neat stuff inside, but it was also pretty expensive.
We thought the Quicksilver store was very cool. We didn’t purchase anything here, but the displays were very appealing.
I thought the ceiling was the coolest looking thing.
And, we enjoyed the aquarium.
We stopped into nearly every store along the way, ending at the World of Disney Store. We spent a long time perusing the merchandise. There was so much stuff to look at, in addition to the merchandise, as well. This is just a sampling of the photos I took in there:
We really didn’t purchase much here, as my list is pretty short. I’m thinking I didn’t write everything down because I know we purchased more than what’s on my list, like a Disneyland movie. I dunno. Anyway, I purchased a Disneyland Album, some stickers and 2 music CDs.
Kyle inquired about a Rubik’s Cube, as he had been told they carried Disney themed ones in WOD. There weren’t any out on the floor, so a CM went to check in the back. While we were waiting, Kyle befriended the CM stationed at the door. He was messing around with his Rubik’s Cube (big surprise, I know! ) and she was intrigued. The second photo is a little blurry, but it shows their interaction better than I can describe it. To see Kyle so relaxed was also refreshing – he truly enjoyed making others’ happy, by demonstrating his Rubik’s skillz.
The CM, who went to check on the Rubik’s Cube, returned and reported that they didn’t have any in stock. She recommended that we check back in a couple of days. (We did go back, but they never did receive a new shipment. One of the CMs we spoke to along the way, suggested that we keep calling the contact number on the receipt. Once we returned home, we would call occasionally and eventually they had them in stock. We had them ship us two; one for Kyle to use and one for Kyle to keep unopened. They are pretty neat too, as they have the colored sides, but the faces of Disney characters on each side.)
Not the greatest photo, but the best I could find.
Once we determined there weren’t any Rubik’s Cubes, we decided to head back to the resort. We took the tram to the parking garage and I took a photo of DCA.
We were back at the resort before 9:00pm. We got ready for bed. I’m sure I uploaded the day’s photos. Jeffrey & I also watched American Idol before drifting off to sleep.
Up Next: A hilarious time at the Storyteller’s Café!
Sounds like a perfectly relaxing evening....the WOD pics are wonderful, too. Hope I get to see Kyle's Rubiks's Cube Skillz up close and personal...in another 18 days or so!
danielle
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To let you know DL monorail is very tricking to get into I have to back in so I can pull forward when I get out I also felt squish in. I remember the first time I ride the WDW's Monorail I couldn't believe how much roomier it was and I could turn around. plus I realist it was more like a bus that a ride and a lot faster. Did you stop at Dept. 56?
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Looks like you guys had a good time shopping! Nice pics of it all. How interesting that the Rubik's Cube is still so popular as to have a special Disney version still available! I guess I haven't been paying attention, I hadn't thought of Rubik's Cubes for years till I started reading your posts!
Thanks for the explanation! I suspected it was something like that. It looks like fun shopping! I should've taken photos while I was shopping! Rubik's cubes are definitely popular. My DNephew wants one for Christmas! Looking forward to hearing about breakfast at Storyteller's.
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Im loving how you are spoiling us with so many updates! Love the Legoland pics that I couldnt see at work (and BTW, I cant even use proxy servers at work anymore... im just blocked from anything fun basically... lol... except passporter... though disboards is blocked so im sure it will come...)!
And I loved the shopping update tooo! I especially love the Genie taking a picture statue-- speaking of pictures have I mentioned tha tyours are AWESOME!
Sounds like a perfectly relaxing evening....the WOD pics are wonderful, too. Hope I get to see Kyle's Rubiks's Cube Skillz up close and personal...in another 18 days or so!
Danielle! It was! I think it was one of our best ideas to take it easy that day, after the Legoland letdown. It cut down on the extra tiredness. I have a very strong feeling that you will get your wish! Kyle’s agreed, even though he says he’s out of practice I doubt that… 18 days!! Must…finish…TR!!
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Originally Posted by TNTWheels
I remember the first time I ride the WDW's Monorail I couldn't believe how much roomier it was and I could turn around. plus I realist it was more like a bus that a ride and a lot faster. Did you stop at Dept. 56?
Todd! The monorail in WDW is definitely much more roomy! I felt like the seats were really low in DL too – almost like we were scrunched down. I don’t remember going into Dept. 56, so I’m guessing we didn’t.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Sounds like you had a fun evening!
Cheryl! It was a nice evening!
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Originally Posted by Kenny
How interesting that the Rubik's Cube is still so popular as to have a special Disney version still available! I guess I haven't been paying attention, I hadn't thought of Rubik's Cubes for years till I started reading your posts!
Kenny! DS really wasn’t interested in it all that much until he had a friend who could solve it last year, so he became bound and determined to learn how to solve his. He says you solve it using algorithms. At school he’s known as ‘the kid with the Rubik’s Cube.’
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great pictures Dyan! Glad you were able to get the Rubik's cubes once you got home!! Looks like Kyle is having fun!! More please
Marnie! Kyle sure let his guard down, that’s for sure. I enjoyed watching him make others smile.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Rubik's cubes are definitely popular. My DNephew wants one for Christmas! Looking forward to hearing about breakfast at Storyteller's.
Sharon! You should have Kyle teach you, so you can amaze your DN with your Rubik’s Skillz! I think you’re going to be surprised with how different Storyteller’s was for us. I’m still perplexed by yours & chezp’s experience there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MyRapunzal
Im loving how you are spoiling us with so many updates!
Melissa! Must…finish…TR As Danielle is terrorizing me with reminders of how many days I have left to finish this!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MyRapunzal
And I loved the shopping update tooo! I especially love the Genie taking a picture statue-- speaking of pictures have I mentioned tha tyours are AWESOME!
I thought the stores were amazing! Lots of different things to look at. I really wish I hadn’t procrastinated on this TR, as you’d be able to see all of the photos (more than 3,500) we took on this trip in my video detours. And, thank you for the compliment on the photos! I think I had more good than bad photos this trip.
Now playing:A hilarious time at the Storyteller’s Café!
Thursday, February 21, 2008 – Day 7/Part 1
We were up bright and early, yet again, and in the Mickey & Friends parking garage by 7:40am, as we had an 8:00am breakfast at the Storyteller’s Café. Since we were so early this morning, we were actually on level one – Chip & Dale.
We took the tram over to the DTD area and meandered our way to the Grand Californian. There was hardly anyone around. I took this photo as we walked by WOD.
We went into the Grand Californian, which wasn’t quite as grand as the Wilderness Lodge, but was welcoming and warm. We then found our way to the Storyteller’s Café well before our 8:00am PS (Priority Seating).
The floor as you enter the restaurant.
This was our only PS of the trip and I was very surprised to find so few people dining here. We actually could have gone without a PS. Their system was actually a little different. You don’t get a confirmation number when making a PS; they only take your name. We were seated right away in a very roomy booth towards the back of the restaurant, which was probably a good thing since I have been known to have uncontrollable fits of laughter when dining with the characters.
While we were waiting for our server to bring our beverages, Kyle was doing the usual - messing with his Rubik’s Cube, when Koda stopped by for a visit. He was very curious about the cube, so he picked it up.
Then he asked Kyle to solve it for him.
Koda’s reaction to the finished product less than one minute later:
Then he asked Kyle to pose for a photo with him & the cube.
Koda ran off when our server arrived. He brought Jeffrey decaffeinated coffee and our juices. He told us how the buffet operated and we were on our way. (The only thing he didn’t tell us was that we could have ordered a Belgian waffle. Jeffrey would have loved one of those, but we didn’t realize we could do it until the end of our meal, when we were already stuffed to the gills.) The buffet was pretty standard for a Disney buffet. There were lots of wonderful selections. While the boys stuck to their basic bacon, pancakes and other carb-filled delights, I sampled many of their bite sized delicacies!
While we were eating, Dale hopped over to see Kyle. He picked up Kyle’s Rubik’s Cube, which was sitting on the table, messed around with it and put it right back.
He posed for a quick photo with Kyle and then scampered off.
Around this time, Jeffrey must have asked Kyle to put away the Rubik’s Cube. (He doesn’t like any attention brought to us, as my laughter has a tendency to embarrass him, at times! ). With no Rubik’s Cube, our visit with Kenai was pretty short.
Kyle is always the fastest ‘eater’ of the three of us. When he finishes, he always takes a run to the bathroom to wash his hands. As he was returning to his seat, he found this waiting for him.
Meeko must have been talking with Koda, because Meeko started going through Kyle’s backpack, as if he was looking for something!
He found what he was looking for and gave it a taste.
He then asked Kyle to solve it.
Both Kyle & Meeko were very animated. I was laughing so hard my sides hurt. Our server looked at me like I was ‘certified.’
Meeko decided to see if a solved Rubik’s Cube tasted any different.
Then he went back into Kyle’s backpack, pulled out the 4x4 and stacked them on the table.
After playing with Meeko for quite a while, he ran off in search of more mischief. Terk may have actually chased him away. She sat next to Kyle and asked to watch his magic. (I remember Jeffrey wondering how they all knew he had this cube with him now. I was roaring. )
Terk asked Kyle to pose with her banana, while she posed with his cube. It’s not very often you’ll get to see my son pose with a banana!
We had finished breakfast by this point and were just waiting for Chip to make his way over to us. (We never did get a chance to see him – we kind of got tired of waiting for him. He must have been off terrorizing Dale or something.) In any event, Kenai came back to see us. He must have been chatting with Meeko and decided to try a tasty treat.
I don’t think he liked it much. He spit it out and ran away.
Once Kenai left, we settled our bill and headed out.
The mosaic tile just inside the entrance of the Storyteller’s Café
The lobby of the Grand Californian
I believe we had more than 30 minutes before the opening of DCA. What ever would we do with our time before then?!?
Great updates! Just catching up! I am amazed by anyone who has Rubik's skills! I'm going to have to look for a Disney one next week for Brandon's Brother Blake who carries one around with him!
What a fun time at Storytellers - I love what Meeko did with the Rubik's cube! At least you guys got to see all the characters, unlike our visit there.
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Pam! Looking back on it now, we probably should have. At the time, I was afraid of dropping $150+ only to have the place close in 30 minutes. 
) and she was intrigued. The second photo is a little blurry, but it shows their interaction better than I can describe it. To see Kyle so relaxed was also refreshing – he truly enjoyed making others’ happy, by demonstrating his Rubik’s skillz.
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Rubik's cubes are definitely popular. My DNephew wants one for Christmas! Looking forward to hearing about breakfast at Storyteller's.
I doubt that… 
Must…finish…TR!!
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