Birthday at Disneyland Resort!
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Cinderella_68 · 03-01-2002, 03:59 PM

The Cast: <ul type="square">[*]DH, Jim, 30 [*]Me, Priscilla, 21 with 13 years experience [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [*]DD, Ashleigh, 10 [*]DS, Nate, 3 [*]Niece, Tiffany, 3 [*]Nephew, David, 8 [*]with a special appearance by Uncle Willy, BIL [/list]Dates of Adventure: February 1-3, 2002
In all the years I've been going to Disneyland, I'd never managed to get there for my birthday, and since the kids have had several birthdays at Disneyland, well...I was jealous! [img]graemlins/pout.gif[/img] But with an unexpected weekend free, my birthday being on a Friday this year, and the military admission special, and a special DLH rate, it was finally to be!
We almost got derailed from our near-last-minute planning, as a nasty cold infiltrated the ranks, causing voices to be lost and hundreds of kleenex casualties. ;o)
I called DLH to cancel our reservations, we had 72 hr cxl policy, and we weren't sure if we were going to make it or not. The CM added a note about illness to our reservation, and we were given a 24 hr cxl policy instead. Very cool and magical. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
This turned out to be a moot point in the end. I watch my niece and nephew a couple of days a week, and when we were packing, my 3 yo niece was asking me where we were going, and I told her I was going to DL for my birthday weekend. She looked at me with those big, brown Bambi eyes and said, "my coming with you?"
Okay, big sigh and call DLH again, and canceled the reservation, and made a reservation online for Hawthorn Suites, ($79.99,) which would accomodate all six of us. (Note: used travelnow.com and not a problem, they even forwarded our room requests-2nd floor, North facing, near breakfast room, which were all honored!)
Called my BIL and let him know I was borrowing his kids for a couple of days, and we were off!
We arrived in Anaheim after three hours in Friday afternoon traffic. Glad I slept through most of it. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Check-in at Hawthorn was smooth, and our room requests were honored. Now, I have to say at this point that I was a bit nervous, because although we've had several wonderful stays here, we hadn't been in about a year, and there had been a couple of lukewarm and negative reviews on the AOL's Disneyland board since. Our fears were unfounded, and we settled into our room and unpacked before heading to DLH for dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. The kids had a blast, and so did I! Minnie was there to wish me a happy birthday and help me blow out the candle!! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] A really great way to celebrate! The kids were having a blast, and so did DH and I! The CM was the same CM we had for my daughter's birthday party in Aug. What a treat! I proudly wore my birthday button all weekend!
Back to our room, we got into our jammies and prepared for bed, but at 9:30, I gathered the kids by the window. Fireworks were late and started at 9:35, but they were worth the wait! We could see Tinkerbell leaving the peak of the Matterhorn, even! The kids got a blast out of seeing the "Mickey" firework, (the three circles.) After that, it was off to dreamland and a day in the parks!
The next morning, we were up early to a phone call from my BIL, he had gotten the day off and would be able to join us today, after all! Up and at 'em, as Mickey would say, and we were off to breakfast by 7:30. Breakfast was essentially the same as it has always been, with the notable exception of the muffins, donuts, danish tray. The make your own Mickey waffle was there, and the waffles were delicious! Eggs, sausage, hashed brown triangles, fresh fruit, apple and orange juice, sodas, milk, cold cereal assortment, bagels, toast, english muffins, coffee, decaf, tea, and hot cocoa were on the menu for those who may be visiting soon or contemplating a visit.
During breakfast, I recieved a call in the breakfast room that my BIL had arrived. My niece and nephew didn't know that dad had been able to come down, after all, and were very surprised and jumping up and down with joy when I came back upstairs with him. I got warm fuzzies all over! DH headed off to DtD about 8 to get in line for tickets to watch the Super Bowl at ESPNZone on Sunday. We'd called ahead and so he knew to be there today, Saturday. The original plan was for all of us to watch Super Bowl, but there was a $35 per person minimum, which the kids and I couldn't begin to touch, so we made other plans, instead.
After everyone was full, we headed off to the parks, stopping first at ESPNZone to get the passports from DH, who had purchased them before getting in line.
We took the monorail to Tomorrowland, a chill in the air and excitement running high. I hadn't been to DL since October! The horror! lol
While there were an unusually high number of attractions down for refurbishment, we still managed to have a great time! Although the crowds were on the low side for a Saturday, we still took advantage of FP to get the most of our day.
We ate lunch at Rancho Del Zocalo. Another great meal there! DD and I shared the BBQ chicken plate, while the kids had the ribs kids' meal or the nuggets meals. DH had the tostada salad bowl again. Still yummy! BIL had the steak burrito. It was huge! Don't forget the 10% DC discount!
After lunch we did a few more attractions, then headed back to our hotel for a quick rest.
About 6, we headed to DCA and did the headliners, then settled in at our favorite spot for DEP. (Upstairs on the winery's patio, under the heaters.) [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] We enjoyed the chowder in a bread bowl from Pacific Wharf during the parade. DH got the whole DEP on videotape for me! [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img] )
After the EP, we headed back into DL and stayed until closing, getting up front of the castle seating for Believe. The little ones were enchanted by seeing Tinkerbell so closely! (Ok, so was I!) They couldn't stop talking about it on the way back to the hotel.
Poor BIL had to go back home for work in the AM.
The next morning, we headed to DCA and had repeat rides on the headliners. DD was very happy to find a Montsers, Inc. show there, and we got our pictures taken with Mike and Sulley. Sulley kissed Ashleigh on the head, and we teased her all day that Sulley was sweet on her. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] Cute show.
About 2, the Super Bowl orphans and I, (the widow,) headed to Avalon Cove for the character meal, for which we'd made a PS that morning, while DH headed to ESPNZone for the big game. The character meal at AC was really nice. The food was good and lots of it. The character interaction was VERY plentiful. Goofy was at our table several times alone, and once for over 20 minutes. The kids had their ample fill of characters. The restaurant was not very crowded. We had an outside table. The weather was perfect for it.
After lunch, we finished collecting the stickers for the Junior Explorer map, and visited the attractions on the way. We headed over to the Animation building and enjoyed the Sorcerer's workshop again. Again, I was matched to Lady from Lady and the Tramp in Belle's Library. DS was Aladdin this time, and DD was Nala, niece was Snow White, and nephew was Gaston. This is a favorite attraction of ours. We played in Ursula's Grotto until it was time to meet my DH in the main room.
We did a few more attractions, including a FP for Soarin', then headed over to Disneyland for a night cap. The very last thing we did was Toontown, and a spin on Roger Rabbit, and the "babies" had their very first roller coaster ride on Gadget's coaster! They were finally big enough, and thoroughly enjoyed it! After four rides, we headed out for the train station and the last ride through the Grand Canyon. A little shopping on Main Street, and it was time to go.
It was a great trip.
While I could have stayed at the DLH and had a little more peace and quiet without my niece and nephew along, the looks on their faces and the memories we made together that weekend made for a wonderful, thoroughly magical birthday trip at Disneyland.

bfth · 03-01-2002, 04:33 PM

I've been dying to read a DL report. Thanks for being the first to post one here! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

infinity&beyond · 03-07-2002, 06:57 PM

Thanks for the report! I've made ressies for DLH next week, (my 36th birthday...yikes!) Got a great deal on Expedia.com for just $121/night. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] With a great Southwest rate and my annual passport, this should be a fun and not too expensive last minute trip. I'll do a report when I'm back...The porch at Golden Vine seems like the PERFECT spot for the parade, I'll have to try it this time. I'm also thinking about trying the Practically Perfect Tea at Paradise Pier. I'll let everyone know later! [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

Elliot'sDragon · 03-07-2002, 07:03 PM

Thanks for the report. I too have been waiting to read a trip report from DL. I am thinking about headed out there sooner than later.

3 fore disney · 03-14-2002, 09:52 PM

We were able to spend Dec 29-Jan 1 at Disneyland. We've always been day visitors before, but this was special, as Dec. 31st is our daughter's birthday. I informed the CM of that when I made reservations at the Grand Californian. The special note generated a collection of balloons, a signed photo of Minnie, a birthday hat and pin - that even a girl turning 17 loved! On Dec 31st we were at DL very early - 6:30! to take photos of the special decorations and to celebrate her birthday as long as we could. She received so many birthday greetings - the first as we were walking through Downtown Disney on our way to DL. She rode the Matterhorn 3 times in a row early that morning. We spent the afternoon in DCA before heading back to DL for the night's festivities. What a way to celebrate your 17th birthday - with thousands of other people on Main Street, watching the fireworks over the Castle. Unfortunately, we weren't able to last until the park closed at 3 am.

My DH was skeptical of 3 days at DL/DCA. We really enjoyed the attractions at DCA - Soarin' over California was one of our favorites. Being able to enter DCA through the Grand Californian was convenient, too. Lots of good food, nice exhibits about California history (especially nice for those of us not from there), seeing BLAST! again, singing along with the California hits, it was a great time. Another great Disney vacation!

tikibird · 04-14-2002, 11:22 PM

Priscilla,

Glad to hear that you got to spend your birthday at the happiest place on earth!

I love DL and enjoyed hearing about your trip.

Tara O'Hara · 06-06-2002, 12:05 AM

Priscilla,

I guess I will be reading all of these now! Yours is terrific! I can't wait to come out. We have been to DL, but not CA yet. We are all very excited! We will also be going to San Diego at least one day and maybe two. Sea World is definately on the list. Any other suggestions?

Tara
[img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

Cinderella_68 · 06-14-2002, 02:03 PM

Quote:

We will also be going to San Diego at least one day and maybe two. Sea World is definately on the list. Any other suggestions?

Sea World is fun. We recently renewed our AP's to Sea World and have been using them quite a bit. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
The zoo and the wild animal park are nice places to visit, as well. They are more low-key than Sea World, but very beautiful. Legoland is nearby, but can you believe we still haven't gone? Our kids aren't that big into lego, and given a chance, they'd rather go to Disney. (I'm so proud of them, *sniff*) LOL So, I'm not very good for giving advice there.
In San Diego, Seaport Village is a nice place for a quick bite and a seaside walk. There is a small park for a picnic that we love, as well as lots of shops and places to eat.
Gaslamp Quarter, nearby, has lots of trendy places to eat and drink, if you are so inclined.
If you get a chance, and you like Mexican food, go to The Old Town Mexican Cafe in Old Town, just north of downtown. Their carnitas meal is TDF! The margaritas are good, too. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] At least, um, that's what I've heard, yeah, that's what I've heard...*ahem*! [img]graemlins/blush.gif[/img]
A drive across the Coronado bridge, and through Coronado is a nice way to get a bird's eye view of the city, and see the famed Coronado Hotel. The beach on Coronado on the hotel side is beautiful.
There's so much I love about San Diego, it's hard to pick just a few things. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
HTH,

[ 06-14-2002, 02:03 PM: Message edited by: Cinderella_68 ]

MelissaL · 06-14-2002, 10:47 PM

We visited Southern California last month, and I have to recommend Legoland for anyone with young kids even if the kids aren't really into Legos. We also did Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo, and the Long Beach Aquarium, but Legoland was by far our 3-year-old's favorite. They have a bunch of rides specifically for little kids -- a driving range (DS drove a small car by himself, without tracks), a boat course (again without tracks, but DH accompanied DS), planes, trains, etc. I think Disneyland is more interesting for adults and older kids, but Legoland had plenty of really cute details to hold our interest when we weren't focusing just on DS's squeals of glee.

Also, for Tara and anyone else considering a trip to San Diego -- Balboa Park, the area near the Zoo, is chock full of museums. There are several art museums, a natural history museum, a science center, and more. Each Tuesday several of the museums offer free admission.

Tara O'Hara · 06-17-2002, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Gaslamp Quarter, nearby, has lots of trendy places to eat and drink, if you are so inclined.
If you get a chance, and you like Mexican food, go to The Old Town Mexican Cafe in Old Town, just north of downtown. Their carnitas meal is TDF! The margaritas are good, too. At least, um, that's what I've heard, yeah, that's what I've heard...*ahem*!

We are definately going to Old Town and I will be sure to eat there now! Thanks, Priscilla! ( and I will surely try a Margarita They are my FAVORITE summer refreshment!)

We are also going to try to get to the Zoo area and I'll try to do it on Tuesday now. Thanks Melissa! Free admission times six people saves a lot of money!

Tara
[img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

Cinderella_68 · 06-17-2002, 07:29 PM

http://www.balboapark.org/visitors.html#freetours
has the schedules of which museums are free on which days. The website has lots of information about Balboa Park in general, as well as links to the museum's sites. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]