Trip Report Go west they said. The weather is so perfect you'll never want to leave they said.

Greetings to all my Disney-fied, Pixie Dust-fried friends! Yep, it's that time again...moving on to the next adventure. This time we finally went west for our glorious (or not-so-glorious?) return to Disney parks.

The particulars:

Who? Me, Tracey (DH, @Sweetpee's Sugar Daddy), Chandler (DS18, @casutton96), & Brian (DS16)

What? Disneyland Resort family vacation

Where? Disneyland Hotel / Disneyland / California

When? April 26, 2104 - May 3, 2014


I'm not feeling extra wordy at the moment (rare, I know) so let's get started....
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
This part deserves it's own post.



Of course they save the very best for last on the tour. They'd have to. I bet half the tour participants would split if they did the best stop first. It *is* a lot of walking. The tour would end with 2 people out of 15 left. LOL! Anywhoo, the last destination of the tour is a visit inside of Walt & Lillian's apartment. They bring only 7 or 8 people in at a time because it's really very small.

We were escorted backstage just next to the firehouse on Main Street. Right inside that little doorway is a staircase on the left. It's nothing fancy or pretty. Very utilitarian. Up the stairs we entered a small door into the building and you are inside Walt's apartment. We were asked to leave bags and cameras on a table near the door upon entry. Then you step forward into the actual apartment. Again, it's really very small. Definitely felt smaller than the hotel room we were staying in. Above there are exposed sprinkler pipes and things that are all painted to the ceiling color but it's indicative of how utilitarian this space was in spite of the ornate style of furnishings around you.

During the initial construction of Disneyland this small apartment was put in as one of the first things built so Walt could be out at the park overseeing construction. Of course, he always wanted to create ways for Lillian to be near that would make her comfortable so she worked with a designer to decorate to her taste. During construction of the park this was a place for Walt to spend a night or catch a quick rest or for Lillian to come have a comfortable place while Walt was finishing up a few things. It's a single room with 2 pull-out daybeds that faced each other.

Behind 2 small folding doors within the single room apartment is a tiny kitchenette of sorts that is still finished the way it would've been when it was built. The dishes, toaster, etc. are all totally retro. The cabinet doors were left open to see the vintage pieces inside. There were a few glass ashtrays washed and stored on the top shelf. ;)

We were able to peek around the corner into the apartment's bathroom. It was also very small and finished as it would've been originally. The shower had multiple body jets in it which was really forward tech for that time.

There were 2 guides with us who were positioned at either ends of the room. We were in between them. I imagine this is a way to keep eyes on the guests at all times. ;)

It was really a somber time in the apartment. It was fascinating but then being there while the rich little stories were being told of Walt, Lillian, and their family being there really gave you a sense for the family that existed within these walls, the life and soul of this place. Listening and looking out the window to Main Street, imagining what it was like when Walt looked out at guests...it all meant something. Yes, the light is kept on in the window above the firestation. During Walt's life that was the sign to the CMs that Walt was there. Since Walt's passing the light has been kept on as a sign to everyone that Walt will always be there in his park. He really is everywhere when you know what to look for.

So, at the end of the apartment time the guides will use your camera to take a few pics of you with the lamp in the window behind. I brightened this one up.




This one is untouched.




And if Walt's apartment really fascinates you beyond what I've yammered on about, here's a link to an unofficial site that has some neat picture comparisons and bits of history.

The last last thing is the food that's included. They have you order from a small menu when you check-in for the tour. I believe the items come from the Jolly Holiday Bakery. I had a salad. See? It's MINE! My name's on it!

 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
As soon as the tour concluded we ran, again literally!, to the Mickey & the Magical Map show. Our new friends we waiting to show us the reserved seating area for the Club 33 members to see the show. We made it with just 5 minutes to spare. Again, this is something we needed to accomplish today because it wasn't scheduled to show again for the rest of our park days. It really was a neat show. I'm glad we saw it!

Instagram video snippet!




After the show we meandered out past IaSW to a little landing Tracey had been asking our friend about. He remembered seeing some sort of little boats there when he visited as a kid. We sat at that little landing chatting and visiting with our new friends for a long time. Hours I think it was. It was so nice. New friends had tons of cool stories to tell us and we all shared our various adventures. It was so much fun. Made the day culminate perfectly. Here's some ducks that were paddling around right next to us.




Just before the fireworks we slowly made our way over by Dumbo. We saw the fireworks happen all around us and saw Tink fly over near where we were sitting twice. It was a cool perspective. I kinda wish we'd seen the fireworks from the hub but by this time in the day I was worn out. Completely. I didn't even care anymore.

I had grand plans of running straight over to see the second showing of Fantasmic!. Nope. Totally didn't care about that anymore either. We made our way out of the park utilizing the train from Tomorrowland to Main Street. It was cool because we got to see the famous dioramas! We walked with our friends to the Grand Californian entrance from DtD where they went their separate way. I think Club 33 members must get valet parking at the Grand Californian. We strolled ourselves back to our hotel and crawled into bed completely exhausted.

We were tucked into bed fast asleep sometime after 11:00. What a first day!
 

stevehousse

Well-Known Member
So many wonderful photos, I'm throughly enjoying seeing them all.
Loving the Cars Land ones especially as it was a few months from opening when I visited.

A question I have, did you find the Hotel worth the extra expense?
I was looking at prices for a return trip a few days ago and it seems the Disneyland and Grand Californian are about 3-4 times the price of the Doubletree Guest Suites just down the road. I stayed there before and was very impressed by it - don't get me wrong, it's not Disney but there is so much else the same money can be spend on....




You know you can take screenshots on practically any device? It doesn't need to be an ipad or tablet.

The photo slideshow is bigger on the tablet so the image quality is a little better! :)
 

Tom

Beta Return
This part deserves it's own post.



Of course they save the very best for last on the tour. They'd have to. I bet half the tour participants would split if they did the best stop first. It *is* a lot of walking. The tour would end with 2 people out of 15 left. LOL! Anywhoo, the last destination of the tour is a visit inside of Walt & Lillian's apartment. They bring only 7 or 8 people in at a time because it's really very small.

We were escorted backstage just next to the firehouse on Main Street. Right inside that little doorway is a staircase on the left. It's nothing fancy or pretty. Very utilitarian. Up the stairs we entered a small door into the building and you are inside Walt's apartment. We were asked to leave bags and cameras on a table near the door upon entry. Then you step forward into the actual apartment. Again, it's really very small. Definitely felt smaller than the hotel room we were staying in. Above there are exposed sprinkler pipes and things that are all painted to the ceiling color but it's indicative of how utilitarian this space was in spite of the ornate style of furnishings around you.

During the initial construction of Disneyland this small apartment was put in as one of the first things built so Walt could be out at the park overseeing construction. Of course, he always wanted to create ways for Lillian to be near that would make her comfortable so she worked with a designer to decorate to her taste. During construction of the park this was a place for Walt to spend a night or catch a quick rest or for Lillian to come have a comfortable place while Walt was finishing up a few things. It's a single room with 2 pull-out daybeds that faced each other.

Behind 2 small folding doors within the single room apartment is a tiny kitchenette of sorts that is still finished the way it would've been when it was built. The dishes, toaster, etc. are all totally retro. The cabinet doors were left open to see the vintage pieces inside. There were a few glass ashtrays washed and stored on the top shelf. ;)

We were able to peek around the corner into the apartment's bathroom. It was also very small and finished as it would've been originally. The shower had multiple body jets in it which was really forward tech for that time.

There were 2 guides with us who were positioned at either ends of the room. We were in between them. I imagine this is a way to keep eyes on the guests at all times. ;)

It was really a somber time in the apartment. It was fascinating but then being there while the rich little stories were being told of Walt, Lillian, and their family being there really gave you a sense for the family that existed within these walls, the life and soul of this place. Listening and looking out the window to Main Street, imagining what it was like when Walt looked out at guests...it all meant something. Yes, the light is kept on in the window above the firestation. During Walt's life that was the sign to the CMs that Walt was there. Since Walt's passing the light has been kept on as a sign to everyone that Walt will always be there in his park. He really is everywhere when you know what to look for.

So, at the end of the apartment time the guides will use your camera to take a few pics of you with the lamp in the window behind. I brightened this one up.




This one is untouched.




And if Walt's apartment really fascinates you beyond what I've yammered on about, here's a link to an unofficial site that has some neat picture comparisons and bits of history.

The last last thing is the food that's included. They have you order from a small menu when you check-in for the tour. I believe the items come from the Jolly Holiday Bakery. I had a salad. See? It's MINE! My name's on it!


I admit....being in Walt's apartment was a bit emotional for us when we took the tour last year. Goose-bumpy, knowing "he was here....he slept right here in this room....he watched HIS dream come true right through that window."
 

Tom

Beta Return
Your write-up on Cars Land is spot on. There is no other area in any of the US parks (I can't vouch for the overseas destinations) that's as thematic and immersive as Cars Land. When you step into the land, you are quite literally transported into the movie.

No amount of photos or videos can adequately give someone a sense of how realistic it is. You simply have to see it for yourself.

We found ourselves gravitating to the land anytime we had down time in DCA. It's just a nice place to hang out....and Flo's is awesome! I heard they're discontinuing breakfast though :(
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Your write-up on Cars Land is spot on. There is no other area in any of the US parks (I can't vouch for the overseas destinations) that's as thematic and immersive as Cars Land. When you step into the land, you are quite literally transported into the movie.

No amount of photos or videos can adequately give someone a sense of how realistic it is. You simply have to see it for yourself.

We found ourselves gravitating to the land anytime we had down time in DCA. It's just a nice place to hang out....and Flo's is awesome! I heard they're discontinuing breakfast though :(

They brought it back! They did discontinue it but then brought it back right before we left. I think enough people raised a stink. ;)
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
@sweetpee_1993 Did they show you the backyard patio?

No. I think even with the ommision of the Club 33 lobby portion of our tour just by the zig zagging and navigating we were running a little behind. If I had to have a gripe about the tour I'd say it was the way we criss-crossed and doubled-back a few times. That seemed like a waste of time and, when you're already tired, not fun. I've seen pics of it. And I have a general idea where it is. It's out that door across from the bathroom, right?
 

Californian Elitist

Well-Known Member
No. I think even with the ommision of the Club 33 lobby portion of our tour just by the zig zagging and navigating we were running a little behind. If I had to have a gripe about the tour I'd say it was the way we criss-crossed and doubled-back a few times. That seemed like a waste of time and, when you're already tired, not fun. I've seen pics of it. And I have a general idea where it is. It's out that door across from the bathroom, right?

Interesting. Looks like there wasn't enough time.
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Kudos on the goat trick! I realized I forgot to mention it when you were on your trip, but I guess you remembered. Yay for that.:)

I laughed so hard at your RSR on-ride photo, mainly because of your son in the back! His face is priceless. And the conversation about the ducks with the elderly couple? That was funny, too. LOL.

Lucky you to have been able to visit Club 1901! I've always wondered what it looked like in there. Hopefully you get to see Club 33 when you go back.

I remembered the goat trick which is amazing because I forget stuff all the time.

My family is definitely entertaining to travel with. The fun never stops!

I'd like to see Club 33 someday but if I don't that's okay, too. The geek in me craves those things but, you know, life's too short to go around pining over what you don't have. Better to spend the time loving every little bit you do. Right?


So many wonderful photos, I'm throughly enjoying seeing them all.
Loving the Cars Land ones especially as it was a few months from opening when I visited.

A question I have, did you find the Hotel worth the extra expense?
I was looking at prices for a return trip a few days ago and it seems the Disneyland and Grand Californian are about 3-4 times the price of the Doubletree Guest Suites just down the road. I stayed there before and was very impressed by it - don't get me wrong, it's not Disney but there is so much else the same money can be spend on....

You know you can take screenshots on practically any device? It doesn't need to be an ipad or tablet.

Carsland is something to behold!

Oh golly, was Disneyland Hotel worth it. Well, for us it was. I had dreamed about going to Disneyland for a long time. We put it off over and over. Since the DLH refurb that dream included staying at that hotel. Was it expensive? Even with a solid discount by DL standards, yes it was. Was it worth it? To us, yes. What's the price point that makes a dream come true worth it? If you can manage it, it's worth it. I really can't compare to offsite because I've not stayed offsite. I would if that was the only way I could go. I totally get what you are saying about if the $$ is better spent elsewhere. I was on the fence for some time about staying at the Fairfield in a 2 room suite for $100 less per night. Tracey had a fit when I talked about it. To him, that wasn't the dream. He wanted me to have the dream. We could manage it so he was adamant we do it. What if we never have that chance again?

Also, I found the early hour VERY worth it at DCA. I did NOT find the early hour worth it at DL. DL early hour is all the resort guests plus all the day guests who have a Magic Morning available from their 3+ day admission ticket purchase. The early hour offerings are limited. A lot was closed for refurb during our trip. Wait times for anything during the DL early hour were no better than the rest of the day if not a little more chaotic. DCA early hour is limited to ONLY Disney hotel guests so there's waaaay less people spread out better within the park. Sure, most run straight to RSRs. Many will go to Paradise Pier, though. ;)


The Petrified Tree story is great, but I agree, I wouldn't want anything like that from my guy, either.

I'm down with rocks. Just smaller, sparkly ones. Petrified trees? Notsomuch. :D


So looking at this picture, I see you guys were in Carsland when rope drop went down. We grabbed FPs at rope drop and the line was pretty short. Then we walked right up to do RSR. I had my eyes peeled for you but I didn't see you. Now I know we probably walked right by you! haha

When we saw the herd coming I snapped that pic then we veered back thru Sarge's as the mass of humanity passed. We came out on the backside of the cluster of bodies and scurried out. I should've thought to look for y'all, too!


Love it so far! I was there in 2005 for the 50th, and I cannot wait to go back!

I can't wait to go back either! Isn't it just amazing?!


I admit....being in Walt's apartment was a bit emotional for us when we took the tour last year. Goose-bumpy, knowing "he was here....he slept right here in this room....he watched HIS dream come true right through that window."

Agreed! It is so surreal to be so close to where he was. To touch things he touched. It's crazy!
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Great, great writeup of "new friends" and the tour! Awesome stuff!
Thanks, Chris! I don't want to go blabbing their names or anything. I didn't take pictures. They're really super people. They're not reclusive billionaires like one might imagine. They're as ordinary as you and me, hard working couple, raising a family, same old life the rest of us have. Tracey has a boat. I have my sewing, shopping, and at one time my doll collection. They have their hobbies and interests. Theirs includes investing in the club membership and spending time in the parks. I think there's a mystique that comes with the club membership. It's all so fascinating to hear about. ;) The tour was neat. If we were going to do it I'm glad we did it earlier in the trip so we'd have that perspective to build on the rest of the time we were there. :)
 

lisak09

Well-Known Member
Always thrilled to see a new Sweetpee trip report! Especially happy to read this one. After several trips to WDW my husband has decided he would like to do something else for our annual vacation:eek:. Personally I'd happily go back every year forever! He would like to go to San Francisco next year(we're already booked in WDW in August for this year. Yay!). I've agreed to this as long as we can also go to Disneyland also! So at the moment we're thinking of five days in San Francisco & five days in Disneyland:). Very provisional at the moment as it will depend on finances etc but I'm already excited thinking about it, so I'll be eagerly following this report. Can't wait for the rest:)
 

WishIwasThere

Active Member
So, we walked off Radiator Springs Racers with our jaws dropped. I have never seen anything so perfectly done. In every way. I can't think of one thing that could make this attraction better. Well, other than all the other people on earth going away so I can have it all to myself. To all my Disney-fried fellow fans out there, if you have to fly in, stand in line for 3 hours, do only THIS attraction, then fly back home....if that's the only way....you NEED to do this. You NEED to see this. THIS is the Disney I know and love. THIS is where the bar is.

My thoughts exactly. Although every time (3 times) I rode it last month, I ended up going through Ramone's for a paint job, so no tire change for me yet.

Thanks for the trip report Sweetpee. This is awesome so far!!
 

WishIwasThere

Active Member
Oh! And I did the goat trick, @raven24 ! That sooooo works!!!!

After our brush with death on the mine train we decided we prob'ly should get back to the hotel so we can return the rental car before we incur additional charges. We went back over towards Tomorrowland, hopped on the monorail, and took a short ride to the DtD station that's near the DLH end of DtD. So awesome. I took the monorail from INSIDE the park to just a 2 minute walk outside my hotel. :inlove: In this picture we just left the monorail station and the big hat is the DLH.

Goat trick??? Missed that one.

Also at DL they still let you ride up front of the monorail....Hope you had a chance to do that...now back to reading.
 

WishIwasThere

Active Member
Oh my! Peter Pan in DL is so much better. Like by a long shot better. It seemed darker to me (all the DL dark rides seemed darker) but the vignettes were all lit perfectly via the luminescent paints and perfect lighting. You didn't miss anything. The use of the fiber optic lights suspended throughout the night sky and the ride vehicles floating amoung them, it really does make you feel like you're flying through the cosmos in a dream land. It's amazing. Admittedly, it was shorter, I think. But WORTH IT! Love!


We made our way to Walt's Enchanted Tiki Room. Love this show. And it's packed in California. They love it out there. It's like I've found my people! :joyfull: The CM doing the pre-show spiel did the whole thing in a fantastic tiki God voice. It was so funny. "Please be sure to carry all the paper and plastic objects you carried into the theater outside and place it in the garbage receptacle where it will be magically transported to the land of fill." Magically transported to the land of fill. Land fill! Get it?!?! :hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious:


I liked PP, but prefer MK PP to this one. The flying through the stars seemed too long and the flying over Neverland seemed too short.

I loved the Tiki Room and loved how it was packed for every performance. Funny how East coast people love the Country Bears (and West coast didn't, hence the Pooh ride), but West coast people love their Tiki room and East coast doesn't.
 

Bam Bam

New Member
Ok let me look at my notes..

The headboard and faucets. ..love them!!

Your description of seeing and feeling the Pacific Ocean made me cry....and I'm at work!! Lots of weird looks my way!!

Your cactus story cracked me up!! I was the same way when I first seen it too! We were riding through Arizona though

We have another cruise planned for next September but we are talking about going to Disneyland in January. So, I will probably be asking tons of questions!!

I see you have updates so I need to go back to reading!!
 

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