- Joined
- Dec 15, 1998
The trip report will go here soon.
Okay, here it is:
<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=navy>
I had to load the pics on another site, since I haven't found one that allows direct linking yet:
Friday, Feb 23 ~ Downtown Disney & Storyteller Cafe
Saturday, Feb 24 ~ Disneyland
Sunday, Feb 25 ~ Disney's California Adventure
<center> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Thanks to our good friend, Dan Murphy, we were given a chance to meet some great DISers and have fun at Disneyland & DCA in the rain at the same time.
It all started with a visit with Dan on Wednesday, and dinner at a local pier restaurant, called Tony's. I told Dan that it would only take 20 minutes, but the drive turned into 40. We had so much fun, we didn't notice the time. Dinner was great, and my kids had a great time with Dan. He had them in stitches.
On Friday, we headed to Downtown Disney. I decided to take Michelle's advice and parked at the Grand Californian valet for our DISmeet dinner later on. We walked around Downtown Disney a bit, then headed to the Grand Californian lobby to meet up with Teri and her children, Mary Alice and Marc. The lobby is beautiful, with a big fireplace, and a piano player who sets a nice mood with his music. Dan and Teri & kids were old friends from previous meets. We got acquainted and then headed to the Storyteller's Cafe for dinner. The cafe is a moderately upscale dining place, with very nice decor. We all decided on the buffet. It was very good. Next time I'll try something else.
We were visiting after dinner when Teri decided it was time to take Marc back to the hotel to unwind. She let Mary Alice stay with us, to the delight of Nick & Kelly, and Mary Alice. Dan generously offered to get a ticket for Disneyland, so we headed on into the park for a few hours of fun.
Dan couldn't get over the size, or lack thereof, of our quaint Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I did point out to him, that it wouldn't do for the castle to be the same size as the Matterhorn Mountain.
After an evening of fun, we headed back to the GC Hotel, and to the car. All the CMs we met were very helpful to us. Since we had eaten at the Storyteller Cafe, my ticket was validated. We took Mary Alice back to the hotel, and visited a little more with Teri. By now, it was late, and we needed to get back, and rest a little for our big day on Saturday.
Oh, a cool side-note. My boss's mom works at Disneyland, and I always look for her. This time, we actually found her! Woo hoo.
~~~
Saturday morning came quickly, and by 8:30, we were at Dan's hotel, ready to pick him up. We got to Disneyland Resort (47 miles from the airport)
We had a morning snack at the La Brea Bakery. Dan had to swerve past the heaters since they were on the same level as his head. As we ate, it started to sprinkle. We weren't worried - we were ready for the rain.
We entered into Disneyland and were instantly enveloped in the sounds and smells that are so... Disney. The flowers were all in bloom, and the grounds looked so beautiful and freshly washed (could be because of all the rain). We headed down Main Street, and on to Fantasyland, where we knew we'd run into Teri & kids.
While waiting in line, Dan & I heard our names, & saw Kelsie waving. How can you not smile when you see Kelsie?! She said she'd wait for us at the end of the ride. Just then, Teri, Mary Alice, & Marc showed up. They got in line with us, and we were off for another day of laughter and fun. There was a steady drizzle now, but it did nothing to deter us. It also did nothing to deter all the other guests visiting the Land. There were quite a few yellow ponchos and umbrellas around. I had my umbrella, too.
After Peter Pan, we met up with Kelsie, and her dh, Chris, & dd, Sarah. It was great to see them again. Everyone wanted to continue on the rides, but Teri & I decided to visit the Village Haus & get out of the rain. There we were able to visit. We also lucked out because the princesses were in there and so was the Beast. Soon everyone joined us, and we had a nice chat. The kids decided to ride some more, and us adults decided to stay out of the rain a little longer. Lol
Kelsie & family took off, with promises to meet up at 1
m for our meet. We continued to play in Fantasyland. The kids took Dan down the diorama, and then we visited Snow White's Grotto. By now it was time to head towards the Plaza Inn. When we got there, Kelsie & family were there, and a nice man, who could only be The LionKing, aka David. We quickly made our introductions. Soon, Tink33, aka Lesley, came to the table with her welcoming smile. We sent the kids to another table (they were happy to get away from the grownups, lol), and we all grabbed some lunch. I guess because we visit so often on the boards, we were able to relax and really enjoy our talk.
It was then off to the Pirates of the Caribbean, where we all got our own boat. We, who have been to DL often, were eager to get Dan's impressions of this attraction. As expected, he was very impressed (of course). He even made mention of turning in his WDW APs for DL ones... well, we jumped on that one. lol
After the Pirates, we showed Dan Lesley's fave restaurant (Club 33), and then took a nice group photo. We then said goodbye to Kelsie, her dh, and Sarah, who had an earache & needed to rest.
We then continued on to the other fun attractions in the park. It's hard to describe going to a place you love to go to with others who not only understand, but also share your feelings. It was a wonderful day, and full of enthusiasm. Conversation never lagged, and we were a very cheerful group as we went from one attraction to another. Indiana Jones, as usual, was a fun ride to go on. Even It's a Small World was a different experience.
As evening approached, we decided to ride the Monorail. Teri needed to get back to the hotel for an evening break with Marc, and the rest of us wanted to just ride it (unlike WDW, the monorail at DL is an attraction, not a mere mode of transportation). Dan took the opportunity to call Buckalew, and we all got a chance to hear her sweet voice. It was a lot of fun talking to her.
Teri left us at the hotel, and we continued back to the Land. We had fastpasses to Space Mountain, but had time to kill. Lucky for us, the Fab Four (dress & sing like the Beatles) were playing. They were so good, and Lesley and I were swept up in the music. It was so much fun singing with the other few hundred people listening. As we walked to Space Mtn, Lesley was still caught up in the music, and did the pony - I still smile when I picture her doing that. Space Mountain, even without the music, is still a fab ride. Somehow, I lost Kelly's Tigger ears. How the heck did I do that?
We then went to the other side of the park & rode Splash Mountain. The girls piled in the back with Dan, Nick & I rode in the middle, and Lesley & David rode in the front. Well, that first drop did it. The log swooshed down, and water poured over the side, soaking Lesley & David. The kids thought that was hilarious. Luckily for us, the big drop didn't do us in. Nearby, is a Pooh store, and I was able to get Kelly a new set of ears which she promptly placed on her head.
We went on more attractions, but the one that stands out is the Jungle Cruise. Our skipper's name was Sam, and we all got up in the front with him. Dan kept taking flash pics, and then, as we passed the Indy queue, David twirled his "help" laser message thingy. Well, between the two rascals, our skipper lost it. It was soo soo funny (you can read the details in LionKing's report on the CB. I have a link in my pics to it. After our funny voyage on the Jungle Cruise, I forgot my umbrella... again. It had already been rescued once by the LionKing, but this time, the boat had sailed, and along with it, my umbrella. TLK told me that if I was that desperate to lose it, he wouldn't have saved it in the first place.
It was close to closing when we finally said our goodbyes and left Disneyland. I had the feeling that I had made some very nice friendships.
~~~
Sunday, Feb 25
Sunday morning came soo quickly, and by 8:30ish we were back at Dan's hotel. It hadn't started to rain yet, but by the time we hit the Disneyland Resort, it was coming down.
We entered DCA, and grabbed a quick bite & hot drink at the trolley car bakery. It was beautiful inside, and the CMs were so helpful. We ate outside, and though it was raining, we were dry.
The first ride to hit, of course, was Soaring Over California. I asked for front row, and the CM obliged (there wasn't a crowd, so it wasn't hard). Dan was suitably impressed. Afterwards, the kids wanted to go on Grizzly Rapids. They went - we watched - nuff said. With their ponchos, they didn't really get wet from the ride - at least no wetter than we were already from the rain. lol
Dan called Teri, and found out they were at the Animation Station, so we headed over there. I met her very nice dh, Bob, and said hi to the kids. Well, all the kids went into the interactive section and we followed. That is such a fun place to visit. We also lucked out because Mickey, Donald, Pluto, Kuzco, and Ping were all in the Animation Station Courtyard, and they gave us quite a dancing show. Everyone was delighted. We then went on Superstar Limo. I had heard a lot of negative stuff on it, but I really enjoyed the ride - I thought it was fun.
By now it was noon, and time to go to our meet at the Pacific Wharf. We got there in time to see the heavens open up with rain. Even in the rain, the park looks beautiful. The kids amused themselves by shaking water off of the umbrellas. Soon, Doobie and Rebekah Moseley, of www.laughingplace.com came up, and we had a great visit with them. The natives (well, the kids) were restless, so Bob offered to take them on rides while we visited. We decided to have lunch at Avalon Cove - what a restaurant! It has a very good atmosphere, and the food is delish (though a little on the rich side, I think).
From there, we headed to Soaring again. Teri hadn't ridden it yet, and I was anxious for her to experience it. As expected, she loved it.
After the ride, Doobie & Rebekah had to meet a crowd of LPers at Disneyland, so after saying goodbye, they left, and we continued on to Paradise Pier. We met up with Bob and kids. They had been having a lot of fun. They wanted to go see Golden Dreams, so while they watched that, Marc and I went on some rides. We also went on the SS Rustworthy play area, and I dared him to try & wet me in the face. Well, he got me three times, and the last time I forgot to pull my poncho down over my face in time, so I got soaked. It was so much fun.
By now it was getting late, and Teri, Bob, & kids had to leave for their flight home. We said our goodbyes, with the promise that we will see each other again.
Dan & the kids and I continued to some more attractions and the tours. I liked the wine presentation the best of the tours, though the tortilla was yummy, and the bread interesting & yummy, too.
We ended our day at DCA with the show Steps in Time. It was fun to watch. We then left the park, and went on to World of Disney, where Dan bought some souvenirs, and I got some ideas for my Tiggerloving dd's b-day.
Well, after a weekend of fun fun fun, it was time to take Dan Murphy to the airport. We left him off, amid hugs and goodbyes, and see you soon...
I still smile when I think of our weekend with some really great people, and I look forward to the next opportunity through this love of Disney, and something called the Internet, to meet more friends and strenghten friendships already founded.
<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#FF0066>Mary Jo
Disneyland & Techie Boards Co-Moderator
My DL Site
My Sequoia/Yosemite Trip
Font Hints
[This message was edited by MaryJo on 03-04-01 at 12:27 AM.]
[This message was edited by MaryJo on 03-04-01 at 09:53 PM.]
Okay, here it is:
I had to load the pics on another site, since I haven't found one that allows direct linking yet:
Friday, Feb 23 ~ Downtown Disney & Storyteller Cafe
Saturday, Feb 24 ~ Disneyland
Sunday, Feb 25 ~ Disney's California Adventure
<center> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Thanks to our good friend, Dan Murphy, we were given a chance to meet some great DISers and have fun at Disneyland & DCA in the rain at the same time.
It all started with a visit with Dan on Wednesday, and dinner at a local pier restaurant, called Tony's. I told Dan that it would only take 20 minutes, but the drive turned into 40. We had so much fun, we didn't notice the time. Dinner was great, and my kids had a great time with Dan. He had them in stitches.
On Friday, we headed to Downtown Disney. I decided to take Michelle's advice and parked at the Grand Californian valet for our DISmeet dinner later on. We walked around Downtown Disney a bit, then headed to the Grand Californian lobby to meet up with Teri and her children, Mary Alice and Marc. The lobby is beautiful, with a big fireplace, and a piano player who sets a nice mood with his music. Dan and Teri & kids were old friends from previous meets. We got acquainted and then headed to the Storyteller's Cafe for dinner. The cafe is a moderately upscale dining place, with very nice decor. We all decided on the buffet. It was very good. Next time I'll try something else.
We were visiting after dinner when Teri decided it was time to take Marc back to the hotel to unwind. She let Mary Alice stay with us, to the delight of Nick & Kelly, and Mary Alice. Dan generously offered to get a ticket for Disneyland, so we headed on into the park for a few hours of fun.
Dan couldn't get over the size, or lack thereof, of our quaint Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I did point out to him, that it wouldn't do for the castle to be the same size as the Matterhorn Mountain.
After an evening of fun, we headed back to the GC Hotel, and to the car. All the CMs we met were very helpful to us. Since we had eaten at the Storyteller Cafe, my ticket was validated. We took Mary Alice back to the hotel, and visited a little more with Teri. By now, it was late, and we needed to get back, and rest a little for our big day on Saturday.
Oh, a cool side-note. My boss's mom works at Disneyland, and I always look for her. This time, we actually found her! Woo hoo.
~~~
Saturday morning came quickly, and by 8:30, we were at Dan's hotel, ready to pick him up. We got to Disneyland Resort (47 miles from the airport)
We had a morning snack at the La Brea Bakery. Dan had to swerve past the heaters since they were on the same level as his head. As we ate, it started to sprinkle. We weren't worried - we were ready for the rain.
We entered into Disneyland and were instantly enveloped in the sounds and smells that are so... Disney. The flowers were all in bloom, and the grounds looked so beautiful and freshly washed (could be because of all the rain). We headed down Main Street, and on to Fantasyland, where we knew we'd run into Teri & kids.
While waiting in line, Dan & I heard our names, & saw Kelsie waving. How can you not smile when you see Kelsie?! She said she'd wait for us at the end of the ride. Just then, Teri, Mary Alice, & Marc showed up. They got in line with us, and we were off for another day of laughter and fun. There was a steady drizzle now, but it did nothing to deter us. It also did nothing to deter all the other guests visiting the Land. There were quite a few yellow ponchos and umbrellas around. I had my umbrella, too.
After Peter Pan, we met up with Kelsie, and her dh, Chris, & dd, Sarah. It was great to see them again. Everyone wanted to continue on the rides, but Teri & I decided to visit the Village Haus & get out of the rain. There we were able to visit. We also lucked out because the princesses were in there and so was the Beast. Soon everyone joined us, and we had a nice chat. The kids decided to ride some more, and us adults decided to stay out of the rain a little longer. Lol
Kelsie & family took off, with promises to meet up at 1
m for our meet. We continued to play in Fantasyland. The kids took Dan down the diorama, and then we visited Snow White's Grotto. By now it was time to head towards the Plaza Inn. When we got there, Kelsie & family were there, and a nice man, who could only be The LionKing, aka David. We quickly made our introductions. Soon, Tink33, aka Lesley, came to the table with her welcoming smile. We sent the kids to another table (they were happy to get away from the grownups, lol), and we all grabbed some lunch. I guess because we visit so often on the boards, we were able to relax and really enjoy our talk.It was then off to the Pirates of the Caribbean, where we all got our own boat. We, who have been to DL often, were eager to get Dan's impressions of this attraction. As expected, he was very impressed (of course). He even made mention of turning in his WDW APs for DL ones... well, we jumped on that one. lol
After the Pirates, we showed Dan Lesley's fave restaurant (Club 33), and then took a nice group photo. We then said goodbye to Kelsie, her dh, and Sarah, who had an earache & needed to rest.
We then continued on to the other fun attractions in the park. It's hard to describe going to a place you love to go to with others who not only understand, but also share your feelings. It was a wonderful day, and full of enthusiasm. Conversation never lagged, and we were a very cheerful group as we went from one attraction to another. Indiana Jones, as usual, was a fun ride to go on. Even It's a Small World was a different experience.
As evening approached, we decided to ride the Monorail. Teri needed to get back to the hotel for an evening break with Marc, and the rest of us wanted to just ride it (unlike WDW, the monorail at DL is an attraction, not a mere mode of transportation). Dan took the opportunity to call Buckalew, and we all got a chance to hear her sweet voice. It was a lot of fun talking to her.
Teri left us at the hotel, and we continued back to the Land. We had fastpasses to Space Mountain, but had time to kill. Lucky for us, the Fab Four (dress & sing like the Beatles) were playing. They were so good, and Lesley and I were swept up in the music. It was so much fun singing with the other few hundred people listening. As we walked to Space Mtn, Lesley was still caught up in the music, and did the pony - I still smile when I picture her doing that. Space Mountain, even without the music, is still a fab ride. Somehow, I lost Kelly's Tigger ears. How the heck did I do that?
We then went to the other side of the park & rode Splash Mountain. The girls piled in the back with Dan, Nick & I rode in the middle, and Lesley & David rode in the front. Well, that first drop did it. The log swooshed down, and water poured over the side, soaking Lesley & David. The kids thought that was hilarious. Luckily for us, the big drop didn't do us in.
Nearby, is a Pooh store, and I was able to get Kelly a new set of ears which she promptly placed on her head.We went on more attractions, but the one that stands out is the Jungle Cruise. Our skipper's name was Sam, and we all got up in the front with him. Dan kept taking flash pics, and then, as we passed the Indy queue, David twirled his "help" laser message thingy. Well, between the two rascals, our skipper lost it. It was soo soo funny (you can read the details in LionKing's report on the CB. I have a link in my pics to it. After our funny voyage on the Jungle Cruise, I forgot my umbrella... again. It had already been rescued once by the LionKing, but this time, the boat had sailed, and along with it, my umbrella. TLK told me that if I was that desperate to lose it, he wouldn't have saved it in the first place.
It was close to closing when we finally said our goodbyes and left Disneyland. I had the feeling that I had made some very nice friendships.
~~~
Sunday, Feb 25
Sunday morning came soo quickly, and by 8:30ish we were back at Dan's hotel. It hadn't started to rain yet, but by the time we hit the Disneyland Resort, it was coming down.
We entered DCA, and grabbed a quick bite & hot drink at the trolley car bakery. It was beautiful inside, and the CMs were so helpful. We ate outside, and though it was raining, we were dry.
The first ride to hit, of course, was Soaring Over California. I asked for front row, and the CM obliged (there wasn't a crowd, so it wasn't hard). Dan was suitably impressed. Afterwards, the kids wanted to go on Grizzly Rapids. They went - we watched - nuff said.
With their ponchos, they didn't really get wet from the ride - at least no wetter than we were already from the rain. lolDan called Teri, and found out they were at the Animation Station, so we headed over there. I met her very nice dh, Bob, and said hi to the kids. Well, all the kids went into the interactive section and we followed. That is such a fun place to visit. We also lucked out because Mickey, Donald, Pluto, Kuzco, and Ping were all in the Animation Station Courtyard, and they gave us quite a dancing show. Everyone was delighted. We then went on Superstar Limo. I had heard a lot of negative stuff on it, but I really enjoyed the ride - I thought it was fun.
By now it was noon, and time to go to our meet at the Pacific Wharf. We got there in time to see the heavens open up with rain. Even in the rain, the park looks beautiful. The kids amused themselves by shaking water off of the umbrellas. Soon, Doobie and Rebekah Moseley, of www.laughingplace.com came up, and we had a great visit with them. The natives (well, the kids) were restless, so Bob offered to take them on rides while we visited. We decided to have lunch at Avalon Cove - what a restaurant! It has a very good atmosphere, and the food is delish (though a little on the rich side, I think).
From there, we headed to Soaring again. Teri hadn't ridden it yet, and I was anxious for her to experience it. As expected, she loved it.
After the ride, Doobie & Rebekah had to meet a crowd of LPers at Disneyland, so after saying goodbye, they left, and we continued on to Paradise Pier. We met up with Bob and kids. They had been having a lot of fun. They wanted to go see Golden Dreams, so while they watched that, Marc and I went on some rides. We also went on the SS Rustworthy play area, and I dared him to try & wet me in the face. Well, he got me three times, and the last time I forgot to pull my poncho down over my face in time, so I got soaked. It was so much fun.
By now it was getting late, and Teri, Bob, & kids had to leave for their flight home. We said our goodbyes, with the promise that we will see each other again.
Dan & the kids and I continued to some more attractions and the tours. I liked the wine presentation the best of the tours, though the tortilla was yummy, and the bread interesting & yummy, too.
We ended our day at DCA with the show Steps in Time. It was fun to watch. We then left the park, and went on to World of Disney, where Dan bought some souvenirs, and I got some ideas for my Tiggerloving dd's b-day.
Well, after a weekend of fun fun fun, it was time to take Dan Murphy to the airport. We left him off, amid hugs and goodbyes, and see you soon...
I still smile when I think of our weekend with some really great people, and I look forward to the next opportunity through this love of Disney, and something called the Internet, to meet more friends and strenghten friendships already founded.
<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#FF0066>Mary Jo
Disneyland & Techie Boards Co-Moderator
My DL Site
My Sequoia/Yosemite Trip
Font Hints
[This message was edited by MaryJo on 03-04-01 at 12:27 AM.]
[This message was edited by MaryJo on 03-04-01 at 09:53 PM.]
You look like you know how to lurk pretty well yourself. 
