TR: And now for something completely different - a WDW Family did DLR *(new - 4/15: HK Disneyland)*

[TheMaxRebo]

Oh my gosh, LOVE that the kiddos wore their pj's to breakfast!! I love that idea. I just wish it was appropriate for me to do the same. lol I would absolutely wear pj's everywhere if I could!

Breakfast looks delicious, especially that bananas foster Mickey waffle. YUM!

I totally agree with you, I just love the Disneyland Hotel. I would love to stay there someday! Doubt it will ever happen, but a girl can dream...

Glad you had such a great trip, and thank you for sharing! I can't wait to see the video!

It definitely wasn't something we planned but last day of vacation, we needed to get moving a bit and figured why not ... but it worked out great and I think the kids had a good time.

The bananas foster Mickey Waffle was really good. Even the more basic food there was just done really well and the service was quite good - definitely recommend the steakhouse 55 breakfast!

Definitely would love to stay at the DHL but hard with the family of 5 and just the regular rooms being a bit tight for all of us ... but maybe if Judi and I ever to a no-kids trip

Thanks for following! and video should get posted later this afternoon!

Looks fun! We never got to see that, but I think we all really would have enjoyed it.

Mmmm, those do both look tasty!

Those are cool.

Throws me off when you mention Rider Swap here - I keep forgetting this has a height requirement, since it was one that Izzy could actually ride. Pretty fun - we got on it quite a few times without much wait.

It was a cute parade featuring just different Pixar characters. Nothing amazing but fun and catchy music which always helps ... plus real fire shooting out of the baby's head - so, can't go wrong there!

The desserts were definitely a highlights. And really, other than my soup being far to spicy the food was pretty solid and nice to see different options/type of food - it was just a way more stressful meal than we would have liked and just wasn't as amazing as I thought it would be (guess I was looking for more than "solid").

Yeah, with Emma we still had to rider swap a bunch of rides. DCA definitely seemed like one Disney Park with more "big kid/adult rides" and then "kiddie rides" and not as much stuff that everyone could go on

I am feeling super guilty now. We didn't have to pay for that Carthay meal, but we watched from the front row of that area. Sorry you didn't have the best dinner and then had a lackluster viewing experience. Glad you enjoyed the show, though. It really is cool.

Okay, well I feel a bit jealous now, as we never had that opportunity - cancelled every night, due to wind.

I fully approve!



Can't wait to see it! Thanks for sharing the trip and all your planning - really helped me out!

Oh really? I know you got to the points of mentioning that things didn't go as planned with the WOC viewing - they opened up that section I guess? Interested to hear. It was definitely a good angle for the show just far to crowded and the whole process was just very stressful with the little kids and having to wait and then a mob scene getting out of that area. So, for having paid for the dining package, not quite the magically experience we were hoping for, but the show itself is pretty amazing

Ok, so I guess we are evening out as we did get to see the fireworks. That sucks they got cancelled every night. I've seen other reports mention at least a few nights it getting cancelled so guess it happens quite a bit (or at least more than one would think)

I'm glad we let the kids stay in their pajamas - it totally worked out fine and made for a good memory!

Video should get posted later today. Glad that my planning helped you out and really looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

It is so neat to see those old photos of Walt and artwork with WED on it - things only a true fan can really appreciate.

I love your playroom wallpaper! Such a great idea, and it looks awesome!

So sad when trips are over, but it really looks like you guys had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed reading about it!

The artwork and other artifacts in the DHL is just amazing. I didn't get any pictures by they have these giants like shadow boxes showing "through the decades" - so all pictures and little souvenirs and pamphlets and stuff from the 60's in one and then the 70's in another, etc. that were really cool

Thank you! I loved that calendar and really wanted to do something with the pictures and our walls in the playroom aren't anything special (one room we haven't really redecorated/remodeled) - pretty happy with how it came out

We did have a great time - a little more stress, and head, and crowds than I was hoping (and I am sure the later two added to the first) but definitely was a fun trip with good memories and was fun to do something different!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Chapter 49 - Final Thoughts - Part 1
October 19th
Trip Video!​

I enjoyed making a video for our last Walt Disney World trip and knew I wanted to make one for this trip so I made a point of taking more video - though there could have been even more. *cough* California Screamin' GoPro fail *cough*

I definitely learned a bit through the process so hopefully future trips have even better videos but I think this came out pretty good. Any and all feedback is welcome.

Enjoy!

TTFN

 

[Karen87]

Loved the video!
6 days until our trip to DLR and I'm watching the Anaheim weather forecast and making packing and touring lists like a crazy person.

 

[Leshaface]

We did start off with a nice bottle of wine, the rose from John Lassater's Winery which is one of our favorites of his

Is it terribly sweet?

I opted to start with the Red Pumpkin and Thai Chili Broth accented with Lemongrass (and with Roasted Chicken, Tuscan Kale, and Haricot Vert) ... OMG this was soooooo spicy I couldn't even finish it. I can handle a bit of heat but this was just nuts! The flavors were pretty good but I just couldn't get past the heat

That is definitely surprising that they would make something that spicy!

This was definitely solid - but I much preferred the one I had a Blue Bayou:

Wow, need to remember this then. Very interesting that you preferred BB's to Carathay's.

The Dark Chocolate Mouse Bar and the Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee Tart

Oh yeah, both of those look yummy.

Yay glad he was in a better mood!

And we picked up some popcorn and cotton candy

All my cravings in one picture!

Before the show starts they do this game where you have to follow the patterns on the fun wheel and whoever does the best/fasted gets to control the colors on the funwheel from their phone. It was a fun distraction while we waited (though we didn't win):

How cool is that! Is it an app that you have to download or is it off a browser?

It really is a great show - and has me really looking forward to River of Lights at Animal Kingdom! Hopefully the seating situation there is a bit better than here as that whole process and that you have to stand the whole time is the only negative.

I haven't seen this version of WoC yet, but the regular version is my absolute favorite nighttime show at any Disney park. Aside from the standing, which is terrible, there is just something about that show that just gets to me. It's perfect.

Aw poor Emma.

It wasn't quite time to head to the airport though as we had a 1pm flight, so we booked a breakfast this morning over at the Disneyland Hotel at Steakhouse 55. Just driving up to the Disneyland Hotel was a nice experience and furthered my feelings that if we ever were able to to Disneyland again (and had a bit more of a budget) we would definitely stay there!

YES! Or GCH. That place is just incredible. I really do hope you guys will make it back out one day (As it looks like our vacations for WDW will never run into each other) and we'll be able to hang out 'properly' with some drinks and food!

This is the ULTIMATE vacation breakfast to me and that looks delicious!

But so does this Yum!

needed an excuse to hit up one more brewery

I'm pretty sure your entire life revolves around visiting breweries/bars I'm pretty sure you check in at least once every two weeks to one on FB!



The video isn't loading so need to come back and watch it!

 

[ElenaJane]

Just watched the video! Loved it! I loved the segments where the rides where intertwined, and it felt like one continuous ride! Splash...BTMR...Matterhorn.....

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

Oh my goodness! Wonderful video. Bawling - I'm such a sap! Loved your trip report too. Just great fun all around. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Dugette]

Thanks for sharing your video! I enjoyed it. Will have to show Izzy soon - I remember she enjoyed your last one!

 

[missangelalexis]

Your breakfast meals all look delicious! It sounds like a really nice place to eat.

Love that wallpaper in the bathroom, but also really love your wallpaper- that is so cool!

I'm so glad this was an amazing trip for you all!

The video came out fantastic, you did an incredible job!

 

[chillitsanne]

Thanks for sharing your trip report! I had a great time reading along. Video was great too!

 

[annie170]

Another great trip report, Phil! The video was awesome, too! You've made me want to go visit DL soon.

 

[MarbleBob]

Just watched the video. Great job with the arrangement. Too much fun, makes me want to go back... like right now!!! All in all, another outstanding trip report. Looking forward to following along with your next adventures!

(In the meantime, not sure if you noticed, but I just got the green light to attend a Disney Institute training course at the Boardwalk Inn this coming May. I'm super excited to try something else completely different!!!!)

 

[Carathryn]

I'm all caught up on reading your report. So here are a couple random comments.

I'm glad you enjoyed the food at Ariel's and this gives me hope that character dining food quality does exist!

Banana Foster Mickey waffle is definetely something I need in my life and I have no idea why I haven't tried one yet.

I LOVE your trip video! That will be so much fun for your kids to look back on. I adored all of your kids' cute character interactions. You did a great job capturing the magic of Disneyland and I loved how high quality your go pro videos are.

I can't wait to hear your final thoughts on your trip and comparisons to WDW.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Is it terribly sweet?

That is definitely surprising that they would make something that spicy!

Wow, need to remember this then. Very interesting that you preferred BB's to Carathay's.

Oh yeah, both of those look yummy.

No, the wine was totally dry ... we are big fans of Dry Rose, not the sweet blush garbagy stuff (guess I am a wine and beer snob)

I was really surprised how spicy it was - and not even that "wow that's a lot of flavor with a bit of heat at the end" spice - just super spice from jump

The pork at Carthay was quite good - I just preferred the Blue Bayou one and I think it was more that I just really enjoyed that one than the one at Carthay is bad. I would definitely give Carthay another chance - but either earlier in the trip or just Judi and I

The desserts were definitely good!

Yay glad he was in a better mood!

All my cravings in one picture!

How cool is that! Is it an app that you have to download or is it off a browser?

I haven't seen this version of WoC yet, but the regular version is my absolute favorite nighttime show at any Disney park. Aside from the standing, which is terrible, there is just something about that show that just gets to me. It's perfect.

Peter was definitely doing better - just the rest and then getting to do stuff. Plus, you know, get him all suguared up can't hurt

So you just had to go to a website but then I think it downloaded something temporary on your phone ... it definitely wasn't a full app or anything you had to download prior to playing

I read a few reviews from people who have seen both the prior WoC and the new one and they prefer the older one just because they felt it had a better story and flow and this one is more a collection or scenes ... but it's still really cool and the effects are great. I think the who set up (especially with the crowd level we had) really did take away a bit for me, but the show itself if phenomenal

Aw poor Emma.

YES! Or GCH. That place is just incredible. I really do hope you guys will make it back out one day (As it looks like our vacations for WDW will never run into each other) and we'll be able to hang out 'properly' with some drinks and food!

This is the ULTIMATE vacation breakfast to me and that looks delicious!

But so does this Yum!

I'm pretty sure your entire life revolves around visiting breweries/bars I'm pretty sure you check in at least once every two weeks to one on FB!

The video isn't loading so need to come back and watch it!

Some way, some how we need to figure out a way to hang out more! I think another trip to Disneyland is definitely a "when" not an "if" for us - but it might be a number of years before it happens. We have WDW this year and then likely taking next year off as we want to do a Disney Cruise during winter break in February of 2018. But we shall see

The breakfast at Steakhouse 55 was awesome ... nothing super over the top or wacky or anything, just really solid version of breakfast food. And the setting was great!

Well, a combination of Breweries and Disney ... but yeah

let me know if you continue to have issues with the video!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Loved the video!
6 days until our trip to DLR and I'm watching the Anaheim weather forecast and making packing and touring lists like a crazy person.

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

Have a great trip to Disneyland! I am sure you will have a blast and seems like the crowds have been a bit better than when I went. Let me know if you have any last minute questions or anything

Just watched the video! Loved it! I loved the segments where the rides where intertwined, and it felt like one continuous ride! Splash...BTMR...Matterhorn.....

Thank you Elena! Glad you enjoyed the video and that section. I tried to make them more different sections rather than just similar content with different songs.

 

[Dugette]

We have WDW this year and then likely taking next year off as we want to do a Disney Cruise during winter break in February of 2018.

I'm guessing you've heard they extended Star Wars cruises into early 2017? Here's hoping they've perfected them and brought them back for 2018 for you!

 

[hokieinpa]

Great video - love the footage of Paint the Night and World of Color! And funny sleeping shots of your kids!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Oh my goodness! Wonderful video. Bawling - I'm such a sap! Loved your trip report too. Just great fun all around. Thank you for sharing!

aw, thank you! I appreciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed everything .... for following along!

Thanks for sharing your video! I enjoyed it. Will have to show Izzy soon - I remember she enjoyed your last one!

Glad you enjoyed it - let me know what Izzy thinks

Your breakfast meals all look delicious! It sounds like a really nice place to eat.

Love that wallpaper in the bathroom, but also really love your wallpaper- that is so cool!

I'm so glad this was an amazing trip for you all!

The video came out fantastic, you did an incredible job!

I am so glad that plans worked out for us to fit in the breakfast at Steakhouse 55 - it was definitely one of the better meals we had and gave us more time to explore the Disneyland Hotel

Thanks! I am glad how the "wallpaper" turned out and it definitely makes the playroom more fun (as it is one room we really haven't done much with)

Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed the video!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Thanks for sharing your trip report! I had a great time reading along. Video was great too!

You are very welcome and glad you enjoyed the trip report and the video. for following!

Another great trip report, Phil! The video was awesome, too! You've made me want to go visit DL soon.

Thank you very much Annie - glad you enjoyed it! I hope you get to Disneyland soon and hope you get lower crowds than I got

Just watched the video. Great job with the arrangement. Too much fun, makes me want to go back... like right now!!! All in all, another outstanding trip report. Looking forward to following along with your next adventures!

(In the meantime, not sure if you noticed, but I just got the green light to attend a Disney Institute training course at the Boardwalk Inn this coming May. I'm super excited to try something else completely different!!!!)

Thanks Matt - really appreciate the kinds words!

And that is so awesome that you are able to go to the Disney Institue - very cool! And like you said, a different way to enjoy/appreciate Disney!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'm all caught up on reading your report. So here are a couple random comments.

I'm glad you enjoyed the food at Ariel's and this gives me hope that character dining food quality does exist!

Banana Foster Mickey waffle is definetely something I need in my life and I have no idea why I haven't tried one yet.

I LOVE your trip video! That will be so much fun for your kids to look back on. I adored all of your kids' cute character interactions. You did a great job capturing the magic of Disneyland and I loved how high quality your go pro videos are.

I can't wait to hear your final thoughts on your trip and comparisons to WDW.

Thank you for reading along and for your comments

We definitely enjoyed the food at Ariel's. We've had some decent to good food at different character meets - especially breakfasts (Tusker House, Crystal Palace, CRT, Akershus) but Ariel's was definitely some of the better non-breakfast food we had and, compared to options at WDW the price wasn't bad.

Thank you! That is definitely one reason I like to do the trip videos - something fun to look back on ... something like a more modern version of a photo album

Hoping to get the final thoughts up soon, though want to get input from Judi and the kids as well

I'm guessing you've heard they extended Star Wars cruises into early 2017? Here's hoping they've perfected them and brought them back for 2018 for you!

I did see that about the Star Wars cruises. Honestly, we haven't done a Disney Cruise before at all (and other than a short cruise on a small boat that Judi and I did before kids we haven't done any cruises) so I think we will be fine with whatever and would have to weigh if the extra cost for the Star Wars version would be worth it. I am glad they are bringing it back and hopefully they tweak it a bit as, at least from some of the early sailings I read about, it had some kinks

Great video - love the footage of Paint the Night and World of Color! And funny sleeping shots of your kids!

Thank you! I honestly had so much footage of both Pain the Night and World of Color that I could have extended that section but another 10 minutes or so - but tried to hit some of the parts that came out the best and show some of the variety.

 

[gluestickgirl]

loved the video!!!! my boys have been on me to make one for our dland trip, and seeing yours was a nice kick in the pants to actually get started. i'm sorting through photos and videos this morning to see what i have. =) oh, and i totally did the same gopro fail on cali screamin' - i was so bummed!

so glad y'all had a wonderful trip. and it looks like you have some exciting ones coming up as well!