It’s Always Sunny in California!..Eh?...L’il Bit! - Page 6 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I was wondering if I could be Stacy's friend too because you got the tour I want to have!!!!!
I am loving your report!!!! Hollywood Forever is a place I have always wanted to go to. Mickey Rooney is their latest inhabitant.
Can you imagine the spirits walking around there at night?????
LOL. She did a good job as tour guide that day.
I did not know Mickey Rooney was laid there. How cool! I bet it's a party at night with all those spirits!
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhinohunter
Beautiful tour. Lots of fun so far.
It sure was a fun day!!! It's good meeting up with friends....old and new!
After we got a little further down the freeway the traffic lessoned up a bit and we made some decent time getting to DLR. I had been texting Cass off and on throughout the day and she seemed to have a hard time getting to DLR. She was using the Disneyland Express and she had to wait an hour to get on after she landed. It took her forever to get there and her texts were brief, but I could tell she was frustrated. I now let her know that we were on our way.
As we got off the freeway my phone told us to turn one way but the signs pointed the other way. Soon it was shifting us around in a residential area and then out to another road. It kept telling us to turn on a certain road and we would never see it and then it would recalculate and again the phone would tell us to turn on a street we would never find. I think we were a bit tired and the roads were not marked very well. We came up to a main road and made a U-turn and headed back, and then all of a sudden it told us we had arrived at our destination. Um????? No we didn’t. There wasn’t a driveway or anything. We just started laughing so hard. Should I just get out and pretend I am there? We found a driveway a little ways down the road that didn’t appear to be marked but as we went in we found we truly were at the right spot. We told them at the gate who I was and that I was checking in. Stacy said she was just dropping me off, but needed to find a bathroom. In the meantime Cass had texted to see if we had arrived yet and I responded with “we can’t find the hotel, but we are close”. LOL I swear it was like a sitcom with us trying to find the place.
We pulled up to the hotel and Stacy told the Valet that she had to use the bathroom and they took her keys to hold on to in case her car had to be moved before she came out. We grabbed all my luggage and were just laughing away as we walked up and then I saw Cass standing there out of the corner of my eye. I walked over to her and said hi and we hugged and I introduced her to Stacy.
We all walked in and Cass started telling me about her day. I had to laugh because she ended all her questions and points with eh? Cass is from Canada and I knew she probably would say it, but it still made me chuckle. She even then said “I say eh a lot”! LOL. She also said the typical words like “about” in Canadian style. We walked in and Stacy went to find the restroom and Cass told me how long it took her to get to the resort. She said she had to wait an hour for the bus as they only run on the half hour and she landed at 1:30. Then she was the second stop on the bus, and she was one of the last to get on. They still had several stops to make, but the bus was full already so it had to stop at each stop and tell people that they would have to wait another hour before the next bus came. She said people were not happy, and I agree, I would be pretty darn mad myself. Then when she finally made it here, she checked in and dragged her luggage to the room only to find it only had 1 king size bed and it was VERY small. Nope, that won’t work. So back to the lobby she went and they found her a different room and this one had 2 beds and was much nicer….except when she looked at her room key, it had my name on it now. She decided to wait and get that fixed once I arrived.
So we walked to the check in desk and I checked myself in and we each got a new room key with our correct names on them. Good grief! I sure hope this wasn’t a sign of things to come!
Stacy met back up with us and I said my good byes to her. I must say, if I had to leave and go home at this point, the trip was already worth it. She gave me such a fantastic tour of the city (not something she would do for just anyone) and we had such a wonderful day together. It was really weird saying good bye to her after all that fun, and yet knowing I had a whole bunch more fun in store for me the rest of the week.
Stacy left and Cass helped me drag my bags to our room. I believe we were on the 7th floor, but the room numbers do not have anything to do with the floor you are on and I found it confusing. I think we were in room 2522 (or it might have been 2225). Whatever the number was I trained myself to remember it by my kids ages. Michael had just turned 25 and Paige would be 22 in June.
We arrived at the room and I dumped my stuff off in a corner. Cass said she didn’t mess up the room so that I could take pictures, so I did that right away and quickly.
The headboard behind the bed is so awesome. There is a switch to turn it on and it lights up and twinkles.
We had a couch in our room and though I didn’t check, I think it converted into a bed.
We had a vanity area outside the bathroom.
Neither of us drinks coffee, so we ended up putting that on the floor and out of the way.
Inside the bathroom there was another vanity and to the right of that is the bathtub/shower.
We found out the next day when we took showers that the head rotates in a circle.
To the left of the vanity there was a door and that is where the toilet was.
We found out later that week that many of the rooms are configured differently and not all have the extra vanity outside the room. Some do not have the enclosed separate toilet room either. This room was actually perfect for us. We had enough space and room for privacy.
I took a quick look at the view too.
Wow! That is beautiful to see. The old fashion Disneyland sign is near the monorail slide.
I took a picture of my pillow on the bed, but I don’t think I ever got a close up on the one on Cass’, but hers said “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and mine continued on.
Cass told me about her day and that she had gone to the parks and it was insanely crowded. Dapper Days were going on and tons of people were here. Dapper Days is when people dress up in old style clothing. I think they have some events as well. We had heard a few CM’s say it had never been as busy as it was this weekend for Dapper Days. Cass said she checked out a few single rider lines and they were all insanely long with waits of an hour or more. She gave up and went for a walk to an outlet mall.
I now had dilemma. I was tired, but there were so many things yet to do. And it was still fairly early. I believe around 8 PM. Cass wanted to go to the hot tub, which sounded wonderful to me. But I had yet another Cali friend, Keri, who was in the parks tonight. We have been Dis and facebook friends for several years though we haven’t met in person yet. I was lucky enough to meet her daughter in WDW a few years ago after my first Disney Cruise when she was in the college program and she worked at CRT. This was going to be my only chance to meet Keri most likely. Keri and I also had been texting off and on throughout the day too. She wanted me to hurry up and come over and join her at the Mad Tea Party. I must admit, I have never had a desire to go to this. Everything on youtube that I have found shows it to be a dance party with loud music…and not my type of music. I texted Keri and let her know that I was going to jump in the hot tub for a bit and then see how I feel and then I would try to get over to California Adventure before it closed.
With that said, we changed into our suits and I grabbed my point and shoot camera and we headed back down to the pools. I took some crappy/blurry shots on the way.
The entrance to the pool.
The towels.
We set our things on a lounger and I think Cass went into the regular pool first and I took a few pictures and then settled in the hot tub.
One of those windows with a light on is our room.
The hot tub was HOT!!!! I felt like I was being boiled for soup. I noticed a few other people make comments about it as well. Cass joined me after a bit and then she went back to the regular pool for a bit too. I stuck my toe in the regular pool and that was way too cold for my liking.
After we were boiled thoroughly we took a walk around the area.
I now know where Goofy’s Kitchen is.
The monorail slides….as it appears that all the slides at the onsite resorts…. closes at 5 PM. I wasn’t a fan of that. We basically knew we would never have a chance to go on it unless we cut out some of our limited park time.
I sure wish my tiki torch shot came out better. It was really pretty here.
Continuing our quick walk we found Tangaroa Terrace which is the quick serve restaurant here. I didn’t think it had much of a selection and we did eat lunch here one day and I was not all that impressed with the choices or the food I got.
Back to the lobby!
Cass had to show me these cute teacup chairs and of course I made her take a picture of me in them.
I loved the carpet here as well.
We headed back to the room and got dressed again.
I texted Keri and told her I would meet up with her, but I still had to pick up my ticket. She said they were still there, but getting tired and to let her know when I arrived.
Cass set out with me as she was hungry and she was going to stop at Earl if Sandwich. Downtown Disney is connected to the Disneyland Hotel and very easy to get to.
Cass and I separated as she went to get her sandwich.
One look back at the hotel and I went on my way.
I found the Lego Store!
Build a Bear.
It was insanely crowded from Dapper Days.
I made it to bag check and went through there fairly fast.
And my first look at the entrances.
I knew the parks faced each other and were close….but WOW!!! They are really close! Cass had told me that Guest services were on the other side of California Adventure, so I headed that way. I passed the ticket line, which was extremely long. I have no clue why so many people were in line to get tickets at this hour of the day.
I made it to Guest Services and it was deserted for the most part.
They were closed too! Why do you close Guest Services before the parks close? There was a guy standing outside and he was helping a couple who were complaining about something. I am not sure what it was, but I think it had to do with the crowds that day. I waited my turn and then told him I was here to pick up my ticket and showed him my voucher. I had a voucher for 2 day hoppers that I got through my job. Cass got the same one and had no issues picking hers up earlier in the day. This CM told me I could not pick it up today, it had to be picked up on the day it was scheduled for. I told him, yes, I know….today is that day. He looked clueless but said he would check inside. I waited….
He came out and told me the tickets were not in there, and I told him I needed them tonight. He told me that the park was only open for an hour or 2 more, so why don’t I want till tomorrow and I told him no; I am meeting someone inside tonight. He went back in and came out and told me my will call number was not a valid number. I then explained that this number was directly from Disney and this is the exact email they sent me and that’s the only number it had. I basically read it line for line. He went back in again and finally came out with a ticket. I am not sure what the issue was, except that I don’t think he was familiar with this type of ticket as it wasn’t a normal will call type of ticket.
With my ticket in hand, I went over to the entrance and used my ticket for the first time and entered my first Disneyland Resort park.
My first site inside was Carthay Circle.
I am going to admit it…I wasn’t wowed. I really should’ve gone to DL before CA, but I was on limited time.
I texted Keri to let her know I was in the park and where to find her. As I waited for her response, I hung around the hub there and took some pictures.
Good to know about the troubles from Disneyland Express. I was debating about what to take, but I keep hearing bad things about that, so I'll stay away from it. We're eating at Carthay Circle. It sure looks beautiful at night!
Great Hollywood tour! You are so lucky to know someone out there!
I can't believe it was so hard to find the DL Hotel. You would think things would be marked out a little better!
Your room and view look awesome. Did you book an upper floor pool view to get that view?
That is concerning about the DL Express. That was how we had planned on getting to the DL Hotel when we go next year. I wonder what other options there are...
How convenient to be able to walk through DTD and to both parks. About how long did it take you to walk there? I think every one who goes out there for the first time is so surprised by how close everything is. I can't want to see it for myself!
__________________
Shelly
Disney Destinations Specialist
Magical Vacations Travel
Good to know about the troubles from Disneyland Express. I was debating about what to take, but I keep hearing bad things about that, so I'll stay away from it. We're eating at Carthay Circle. It sure looks beautiful at night!
Use the super shuttle....MUCH better!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Momof2Disneyboys
Great Hollywood tour! You are so lucky to know someone out there!
I can't believe it was so hard to find the DL Hotel. You would think things would be marked out a little better!
Your room and view look awesome. Did you book an upper floor pool view to get that view?
That is concerning about the DL Express. That was how we had planned on getting to the DL Hotel when we go next year. I wonder what other options there are...
How convenient to be able to walk through DTD and to both parks. About how long did it take you to walk there? I think every one who goes out there for the first time is so surprised by how close everything is. I can't want to see it for myself!
I used a TA rate, and I think it was pool view....I can't even remember now without going to look at my confirmation.
Use the supershuttle. It's not very costly and much better. DLH is at the other end, so it takes several minutes to go through..7-10 maybe. I never did time it. Of course it depends on the speed you go, maybe shorter and maybe longer. It was crowded that night and I don't think I was walking super fast, mainly because I couldn't and I was looking around as I walked.
I knew it was all close, but the parks are just so close to each other. It's super awesome to hop back and forth without a second thought.
How exciting to be at the Disneyland Hotel (once you finally found it... LOL)! The teacup chairs are adorable. I don't think I've ever seen those in any other TRs. I agree that would be annoying that the pool slides all closed at 5:00. What a pain to get your tickets! Glad it worked out.
Sadly I'm not surprised about the issues with the Disneyland Express. We've never found any easy way of getting from LAX to Disneyland. Getting from the hotels back there? No problem.
I can sympathise over getting there as well. We've had a few issues on the occasions we've visited with finding the hotels.
Sorry about the issue with the ticket, but glad you finally got in and I have to say I love the California Adventure. I think, with Cars Land and the Carthay Circle, I now prefer it out of the two parks.
WOW what a day. I can understand your frustration with the GPS in your phone. We have run into similar situations in the Orlando area where the GPS keeps sending us in circles. The room looks great. You are right the headboard is beautiful. I would love to see it all lit up. Sorry you had so much trouble with your ticket. At least, you were finally able to catch up with your friend. Am I correct, after that visit you only had one day remaining on your ticket. I hope that was enough time for you to enjoy it? I have never been to DLR or CA so I do not have any perspective of size. I have been told that they can both be placed inside Fantasyland at WDW with space left over. Is that correct?
What a wonderful day in Hollywood touring around and visiting Universal Studios. But what a hassle at the resort and getting yout tickets. Glad it all worked out in the end and that you stood firm otherwise I don't think that CM would have ever gotten your tickets.
Today was full of hassles. From not finding the hotel. to your tickets, to problems with DL Express. Glad everything finally settled down!
DL Hotel is so beautiful! I hope I can convince my husband on staying there when we finally get over there.
How exciting to be at the Disneyland Hotel (once you finally found it... LOL)! The teacup chairs are adorable. I don't think I've ever seen those in any other TRs. I agree that would be annoying that the pool slides all closed at 5:00. What a pain to get your tickets! Glad it worked out.
I don't remember seeing them either, but I haven't read a lot of TR's on DL and most that I have, well they are usually DVC members and stayd at the Grand C.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Sadly I'm not surprised about the issues with the Disneyland Express. We've never found any easy way of getting from LAX to Disneyland. Getting from the hotels back there? No problem.
I can sympathise over getting there as well. We've had a few issues on the occasions we've visited with finding the hotels.
Sorry about the issue with the ticket, but glad you finally got in and I have to say I love the California Adventure. I think, with Cars Land and the Carthay Circle, I now prefer it out of the two parks.
Yep, I have heard more and more issues about DL Express since I have gotten home too. I would tell everyone now to use the Super shuttle. Not perfect, but much better and easy to work with as well.
Over the week I really enjoyed the park more...and still didn't get to see all of it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhinohunter
WOW what a day. I can understand your frustration with the GPS in your phone. We have run into similar situations in the Orlando area where the GPS keeps sending us in circles. The room looks great. You are right the headboard is beautiful. I would love to see it all lit up. Sorry you had so much trouble with your ticket. At least, you were finally able to catch up with your friend. Am I correct, after that visit you only had one day remaining on your ticket. I hope that was enough time for you to enjoy it? I have never been to DLR or CA so I do not have any perspective of size. I have been told that they can both be placed inside Fantasyland at WDW with space left over. Is that correct?
I did have a 2 day ticket, so one day was left...but when we check in for the conference we then recieved a 5 day ticket as well as part of our package. In the old days they allowed you to pick that ticket up a few days earlier and you could use it right away, but they are restructuring the way they do the conferences and let's just say it's not organized very well yet....and so the conference packages were not available till the morning of the conference. They told us ahead of time that this may be the case, so we went ahead and ordered a 2 day ticket to use through our work. Totally worth it too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
What a wonderful day in Hollywood touring around and visiting Universal Studios. But what a hassle at the resort and getting yout tickets. Glad it all worked out in the end and that you stood firm otherwise I don't think that CM would have ever gotten your tickets.
I was in a good mood, so I just kept going. Now if he had not gotten me my ticket, I might have been a little nasty!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
Today was full of hassles. From not finding the hotel. to your tickets, to problems with DL Express. Glad everything finally settled down!
DL Hotel is so beautiful! I hope I can convince my husband on staying there when we finally get over there.
It wasn't too bad, I laughed over most of it. I love the hotel too and the nice thing is Skip has no clue what is there, so if I say this is the one, he will argue a bit, but most likely go.
While I waited for Keri’s response, I decided to get a photopass picture. This is the only time I stopped for a picture, so these are redneck versions of what they took.
I thought this was a dumb pose…but oh well.
I used this border since I would be taking classes this week and graduating as well.
I hadn’t heard back from Keri yet, so I decided to head towards the music.
It wasn’t too hard to find the Mad Tea Party.
As I walked around I looked for Keri or her son, who I knew was there today as well.
I then got a message from Keri…come to the Little Mermaid ride…ok that sounds easy enough, except I didn’t pick up a map when I came in and I had no clue how this park was laid out….so I just started walking.
My second Hollywood Tower of the day.
I stopped and asked a CM where to go and she pointed me in the right direction.
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