Heading West to the "Original": Flight Home & Final Thoughts COMPLETE 4/10/06
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**Caldercup** · 03-10-2006, 01:37 PM

Dawn, I sure do hope that you get to wear that Incredibles jersey and run into Mr. I himself. I'm dying to know if he has the same glutes at DLR as he did at WDW.

More report, please!
Eileen

PS - I'm drooling over your dinner and drinks. I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] love [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] margaritas!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

**DrDolphin** · 03-10-2006, 03:40 PM

great update Dawn!!! I am SO looking foward to reading more about your trip!

DawnDenise · 03-11-2006, 09:19 PM

[b]Day 2, Part 1: How do the in-laws react at a character meal, and do Chuck and I get our tickets into the parks?

Chuck and I are up before the alarm goes off. We grab a soda from the refrigerator and begin the caffeine intake immediately. The news informs us that the weather should be sunny all day with a high in the mid to upper 60’s. Chuck and I both agree that we’ll be comfortable wearing shorts, but I will have to wear a sweatshirt. I get my bag together with the autograph book, Sharpie, camera, cell phone, and wallet. We are downstairs and are pleasantly surprised to see Judy and Allan waiting for us. I ask if they have the autograph books and Allan heads back up to their room immediately. He returns rather quickly and off we go.

We are starting the day off with Lilo and Stitch’s Aloha Breakfast at the Paradise Pier hotel. Everyone looks to me like I know where I am going. I do not skip a beat and just say we need to head through DTD like we did last night and follow the signs. (In reflection, we should have gone a different way but I will never admit my mistake. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] ) I do grab a couple of pictures along the way.

Facing DCA Entrance before the parks open

We find Paradise Pier rather easily and make our way to PCH Grill. I check in and within 3 minutes we are seated at a table. I stop the hostess and ask if we can have four leis as I want Judy and Allan to experience everything. She comes over with about 20 in her hand and we each pick our favorite color. Our waiter comes over and gets our drink orders and tells us to help ourselves to the buffet. We tell Judy and Allan to head to the buffet first and we would keep an eye on all of our bags. Before they can head up there, Pluto arrives at our table. Pluto takes over Allan’s seat immediately and wants to know where his food is. Awesome!! The first character interaction we have had on the trip and Pluto was playing it up. When he opens up the autograph books to his page (with the help of Judy) he gets real excited to see his picture and the whole page is filled with his drawings and his signatures. I am snapping away. (Please note that there will be a lot of pictures from this meal. I apologize ahead of time. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] )

Pluto gives some final hugs and is on his way to the next table. We finally are able to make it to the buffet. I love breakfast buffets. Chuck REALLY loves breakfast buffets. He came back with two plates filled. I find my Mickey waffles, some sausage, and some fresh pineapple. Our drinks arrived when we are away from the table. I am excited to see that I am the only one that got a fun Mickey straw. Of course, I am the only one that didn’t drink coffee. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Next to arrive at our table was the main man himself. We grab the appropriate shots and get him to sign all of the books. When he goes over to grab a picture with Chuck, Stitch notices Chuck’s watch, which is Stitch dressed as Elvis. He spends a good 5 minutes trying to get it off of Chuck’s wrist and keeps doing his Elvis moves.

After a wonderful time with Stitch, Lilo isn’t far behind him. For some reason though, she does not want to have anything to do with Allan or Chuck. She signs all the books but only poses for pictures with Judy and myself.

We have a break with characters and finally get some time to eat. My yummy waffles are wonderful and the pineapple is so fresh. Chuck and Allan go back for round two while Judy and I are talking. As we are talking, Daisy Duck comes walking around the corner. You can hear me squeak with excitement as I have never met Daisy. We are the second table she visits and it takes me about 30 seconds to get in trouble.

I am standing up taking the pictures, and Allan hands Chuck the Sharpie and ask if the “thing” is out, meaning the actual marker tip since it is a retractable. Can I let that very innocent comment go? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] I quietly say to where I though only Judy could hear me, “I sure hope not, it is a family restaurant.” Well, Daisy heard my comment. She put the pen and book down to give me the shame, shame fingers. I apologize for my comment, and Daisy at that point starts “laughing”. She is awesome.

After getting forgiveness from Daisy, Minnie makes her way to our table next.

Overall, the breakfast is a huge success. The food is incredible even though it is just a buffet. The character interaction is awesome, even for adults. They have several games for the kids to interact in as well. Allan takes care of the bill, and our waiter gives all four of us a pin that says we had breakfast with Lilo and Stitch @ PCH Grill. Very nice touch! After we leave the restaurant, we all take bathroom breaks. While we are waiting on the men, Judy and I head into the gift shop and take a look around. She starts making a list of stuff she still wants to get. We meet up with the men, and I grab a picture of the Chuck and the Goofy (his second favorite character) statue that is in the lobby of the resort.

We make our way back through DTD. We get through security with ease. It doesn’t seem as strict as it does in WDW. I basically open my bag, and the security person looks inside and moves us through. I am not complaining at all but it just seemed a little more relaxed. Anyway…we go and get in line for to trade our vouchers in for our park tickets. Judy and Allan get their tickets without a problem. Chuck and I are a different story. They bring us up on the computer, and the CM tells us we picked them up yesterday at 10:00am. Hmmmm…we didn’t land until 12:30pm. She refuses to look any further into it and directs us to Guest Services. We take it in stride and go into the LONG line. A CM is talking with each guest in line to see if she can assist with the problem so they wouldn’t have to wait in line. We are only in the line for about 5 minutes when she asks us why we are here. Barbara listens to the situation and immediately takes our voucher and disappears into the building. Within 2 minutes, she appears again with our tickets, and the paperwork we needed to sign. I think I gave Barbara a hug as she made my day. We get out of line, thank Barbara again and we make our way into the gates for our first glimpse. We grab our maps and have finally arrived.

I am giddy just because I am finally here. I take about 15 more pictures but with all the people in the general area, it is hard to get a good picture. We run into this dude from Pinocchio. I cannot remember his name and I know there has been a post on it. I do not get a picture with him nor get my book signed so that does not help me. Foulfellow keeps coming to my mind.

There are no other characters out so we head to the tunnel that goes into Main Street. I grab a picture of one of my favorite quotes. I give Chuck a quick kiss as I almost skip onto Main Street. Judy has a huge grin on her face. We make our way down Main Street without stopping into any of the shops. I want to see the castle. Just as I am in awe of Cinderella’s Castle in WDW, I am just as in awe with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. I love how it is all decked out for the 50th celebration. They have a park photographer right in front of the Partners statue. We grab a picture and take our claim tickets. I grab some more pictures including what I call my one “postcard” picture of Partners.

We stop and figure out our plan, and basically flip on which direction we will begin. We decide to head into Adventureland and make our way around.

Coming up: I can spot him a mile away!!!!!

**DopeyGirl** · 03-12-2006, 12:17 AM

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

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

**chezp** · 03-12-2006, 03:43 AM

What a great report Dawn - I'm loving every minute of it, knowing that I'm probably going to be just like you when I walk down Main Street in Disneyland for the first time in 20 years next month. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img]

The character breakfast looked like a lot of fun - we're doing that on our final day and I'm really glad we booked it now. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

**Colexis Mom** · 03-12-2006, 08:50 AM

What a great start to your morning [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] More please [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**Caldercup** · 03-12-2006, 02:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
if the “thing” is out

[/ QUOTE ]
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] You TOTALLY cracked me up with that!! I couldn't have let it go by either. I'm glad Daisy joined in. That breakfast sounds terrific and the characters were in rare form!!

How freaky that they had your tickets as being already picked up! Glad that Barbara was able to take care of it for you... <phew>

Can't wait for more!
Eileen

lauren-roxy · 03-12-2006, 02:47 PM

Great update Dawn and the pictures are so cute!!! I was cracking up over the Sharpie comment!!!!! Can't wait to read more, this is so hilarious!!!!!

**DrDolphin** · 03-12-2006, 03:57 PM

Great update Dawn!!! Glad CM Barbara was there to fix the problem with the tickets!!

Can't wait to read more.

DawnDenise · 03-13-2006, 04:59 PM

[b]Day 2, Part 2: I Can See Him a Mile Away!!!!

After deciding to head into Adventureland, we make our way under the entrance. I see the Enchanted Tiki Room and try to convince the in-laws to see the show since it is the original. Unfortunately it falls on deaf ears. I see my first of many Happiest Faces on Earth murals and insist on a picture. I’m utterly amazed at the murals and as you will see with later updates, I take a picture of as many as I can find.

They start for the line for the Jungle Cruise, and I offer to go get FPs for Indiana Jones Adventure as I knew from reading that it would be one to get to early. Judy thinks we have to pay for Fast Passes so I give my first of many lectures on how Fast Passes work. I gather everyone’s ticket and make my way over there. Within minutes, I am back and we make our way onto the Jungle Cruise. After about a 10 minute wait, we board the “Congo Queen” with our boat captain Mike. I have to say that Mike has been the best boat captain I have had on this ride. I think I like the DL version better. It didn’t have the cave but I also didn’t miss it. Here are some of the photos.

After returning safely to the docks, we immediately head to Indiana Jones as our window is open. Stand-by is already at 40 minutes but we cruise on by everyone and are in our car within 10 minutes at the most. Judy and Allan are amazed how we just blew by everyone in the stand-by line. We are in the last row and as I am trying to get my bag off to put in the pouch, my Lilo and Stitch pin from breakfast goes flying underneath the ride vehicle. It’s lost but I do make sure to tell the CM so they can get it in case it might harm the ride. This is a very fun ride. It does jostle you around a lot but I am giggling the whole way. If I remember correctly, the vehicles are similar to the ones used in Dinosaur. We make it back and as I am retrieving my bag, my bottle of water goes tumbling out. I am just a mess this morning. A CM is able to get it for me and we make our way back out.

Next on the list is Pirates of the Caribbean. It took me a minute to find the entrance but we are in line and do not have a long wait at all. We are on our boat within 15 minutes. Wow…this ride is a lot longer than the one in WDW. I answer questions from Allan about the diners in the Blue Bayou as we go floating by. Before long I am singing Yo-ho-ho, a pirate’s life for me. I ry and grab some pictures but none of them came out. That whole no flash photography thing gets me again.

We disembark and then try and decide where to head next. By this time it is getting close to noon, but I recommend not getting lunch until a little later. We find a smoking area and then I get out the map and try to figure out our plan of attack. I decide to go and get FPs for Splash Mountain and then go ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. I gather everyone’s tickets again and off I go. I am not too please for the return time some 4 hours later, but go ahead and grab them. We would be open to get more FPs by 2:30 in case we run across something else. I find the rest of the group, and apparently, Allan had a conversation with someone in the smoking section. I am informed that the reason it is so busy is due to some of the school systems in CA gave the week of President’s week off for Spring Break. Well, that would explain a lot of things in the coming hours and days. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Armed with that explanation, we head on to the Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh. This ride is located in Critter country in DL rather than Fantasyland. It is stating a wait time of 8 minutes but we it is basically a walk-on for us. As we are waiting for our Honey mobile, I see something out of the corner of my eye that causes me to do a double take. I squeak once again in happiness as Eeyore, as well as Pooh and Tigger are doing greet and meets. So it isn’t a mile away but I can spot my beloved Eeyore in a heartbeat. Chuck and I share a Honey Mobile with Judy and Allan. I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] this ride and finally remember to shoot some pictures.

As soon as we are done traveling through the 100 Acre Woods, we head straight over to the meet and greet area. I absolutely love the way they have this set up. You get in one line that snakes it’s way around a tree. Once you get to Pooh, you are immediately ushered to Eeyore, then finally to Tigger. So instead of having to get into three different lines, you see all three characters and it is very efficient. Now that I have explained how it all works, it’s time to get to some character greetings. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img][img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

Okay…I will admit, the kid inside me totally takes over at this point. I am talking a mile a minute and the rest of my party is just standing there nodding their heads and grinning. We make it to Pooh in about 10 minutes and it begins. Chuck takes charge of the camera so I can focus my attention on much more important things. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] While Judy and Allan are schmoozing with Pooh, the CM notices my Eeyore sweatshirt. He asks if I am fan of Eeyore. I say I am one of his biggest fans and then my in-laws have to have their say and tell the CM about my collection. I have my time with Pooh and turn the small corner and see Eeyore.

He comes running over….as much as Eeyore can run. He gives me hugs and kisses. He signs my book and then continues to give me hugs. The CM tells Eeyore that I am one of his biggest fans and that I should get something special. He takes the flower that he had in between his ears (see picture with Judy and Allan) and gets down on one knee. He hands me the flower and kisses my hand. Awww…gotta love that donkey. I grab one more hug as I see Tigger peeking around the corner looking for the next person.

Tigger stands there tapping his foot waiting impatiently for me as he has already finished with Judy and Allan. I go and grab a hug and then ask if he has been bouncing today. He shakes his head no and then grabs me in another hug and starts the bouncing. Chuck takes many pictures of the bouncing episode. Because I am writing this report, I do not have to share those very embarassing pictures. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] After about 3 minutes of constant bouncing, Tigger signs my book and gives me one last hug after our picture is taken.

Chuck has to comment that I am getting “proposed” to on every trip by some character. (Last April, it was Buzz Lightyear.) I am a happy person now that I have seen Eeyore, and we head over into Frontierland. We notice that they are no doing FPs today and the standby line is 65 minutes. We pass on that one knowing we would be back on Friday. We backtrack back into New Orleans Square and grab the train. We decide we will head over to Mickey’s Toontown to see if any characters are out and to grab something small to snack on. Why we do not walk, I have no clue but we are able to get on the train immediately and take the short little ride to Toontown.

We disembark and make our way down the hill into Toontown. I find the Snow White Happiest Faces mural and have to get a picture.

Chuck being a little goofy

I think DL Toontown is definitely bigger than the one in WDW, at least in my opinion. We check out Roger Rabbit and there are no more FPs and the stand-by line is 50 minutes. It isn’t a must-do on this trip so we decide to get some water and some ice cream. I am craving just a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream sandwich but Judy and Allan want actual ice cream. We stand in line for 15 minutes at one of the eateries in Toontown and have not moved an inch. They finally agree that we should go find a snack cart instead. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] Victory!!

We walk back into Fantasyland (all thoughts of character visiting are gone since the grumblies in our tummies started) and find a cart. Judy and Allan ask what we want and tell us to find a shady spot. No problem. Chuck finds something acceptable, and I get distracted. I find a ton more of the Happiest Faces on Earth murals. With some of these, the shadows ruined the shots, but you will get the idea.

I meet up with the gang and eat my most delicious ice cream sandwich. I literally down a bottle of water within 5 minutes and we head off toward Tomorrowland. Allan is begging to go onto Space Mountain, and I am looking forward to seeing the updated version. Along the way, we run into Ariel and decide to go meet up with her for a moment.

We arrive and see that all the fastpasses are gone and the stand-by line is 45 minutes. We agree that we might as well wait and head into the line. I like the queue area. You are outside (some of it covered, some of it not) and allows for some cool photos since you are above the crowds.

We pass the time chatting away and finishing another bottle of water. We make it to the inside and I like the set-up. You walk around above the whole loading area and then down but you can watch everyone take off. I like it!! I will not give anything away but it is much, much darker than the one in WDW. Instead of sitting three front to back, you have cars that seat six…two in each row. We really enjoy the ride. As you can see below, it looks like I am scared to death but it is really me “Wooohooooing!!!”

After potty breaks, we head into Tomorrowland and check Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear. Star Tours is showing a 15 minute wait, and Buzz is showing 25 minutes. Being the big Star Wars fan that Allan is, we head to Star Tours. The line moves pretty quickly and I think the wait time is actually shorter than posted. We climb aboard our cruiser and off to Endor we go. I can tell Allan is really enjoying himself as he is giggling like crazy. We put that on the list to hit again on Friday and head over to Buzz.

Since the line is constantly moving, we get in within 20 minutes and off to save the galaxy against the evil Emperor Zurg. Chuck decides he can steer and still kick my you know what. We are moving along shooting at everything we can. At one point though we stop for about 3 minutes….literally right in front of three targets. Chuck keeps trying to block my laser but we begin to rack up some points. When we get moving again, Chuck decides I have to steer. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] I have no idea when the picture is taken but it’s a classic in my books. I end up winning but only by a little bit. Dawn: 88,600 Chuck 73,200.

After helping save the world, we decide it is time to eat. Not wanting to go with the regular hamburger and fires, we head to PizzaPort there in Tomorrowland for some good ‘ole counter service. I grab a side Caesar salad and a huge slice of Hawaiian pizza. Everyone else gets the supreme slice of pizza and some kind of bread with marinara sauce to dip it in. I am surprised I am as hungry as I am. We are all real quiet so you can tell we are stuffing our faces. After devouring our meals, we make the next plan of attack.

Coming up: If we skip the parade, can we hit all of Fantasyland?

**DrDolphin** · 03-13-2006, 08:26 PM

Great update Dawn!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] the pics!!!

**chezp** · 03-14-2006, 02:08 AM

What an awesome update - you certainly achieved a lot that day! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] I loved the photos of the Jungle Cruise, it does look better than the WDW version. I can't wait to try it out for myself. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

And those mosaics look really [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Thanks for sharing so many photos of your trip - I feel like I'm starting to get an idea of what the park looks like and where it's the same as WDW and where it differs. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

**Colexis Mom** · 03-14-2006, 05:53 AM

What a great update Dawn [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Fantastic pictures! Sorry you lost your pin from breakfast [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

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

lauren-roxy · 03-14-2006, 09:51 AM

Great update Dawn!! Those murals are so beautiful!!! You guys really seem to be having an awesome time!! I love the pictures, especially the ones of you and Eeyore!! Can't wait to read more, this is great!!!

momtolexi · 03-14-2006, 11:55 AM

O.K. I'm new at this posting thing, so I hope that this works. Dawn, I am so loving your trip report and your pictures are awesome. Sounds like you are having a great time. More please!!!