Marla Hellwig
I'm not lost, it's called creative exploring
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
CAST: Marla - mom, trip planner
Kara - DD, 10 - loves any things that moves!
SUPPORTING CAST: TheLionKing - aka Dave
Tink 33 - aka Lesley
Milo and Lora - aka Mrs. Milo
Lesley's family - DH - Tim, DS - Tyler, DD - Lilly
Aunt Joe and Uncle Bob
When we left off, the merry band was heading out of California Adventure back to Disneyland.
We once again met up with Lesley at Gate 13 and received our passes to enter Disneyland with the words CLUB 33 written on them. VERY COOL!!!!!!! After a few minutes of sharing of our adventures, Lesley left to meet her family on the train, we we headed for the lockers and a potty break. We made tentative plans to meet Lesley and her gang at the Jungle Cruise at 7 p. m., but told her if we weren't there by 7:10, not to wait any longer - that we were having fun somewhere else.
We had discussed earlier to whether or not to try to get in the parade, but there was no way my feet were going to be able to do it now. As we entered the park, we stopped at the stand right under the train and got my new Guest of Honor Badge to replace the one that Pirates had eaten along with my hat.
We got on the train and rode to Mickeys Toontown. We got Fast Pass for Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin, and headed off to Donalds Boat. From here, Kara got in line for Gadgets Go Coaster. I waited under a umbrella while Dave exchanged and or returned some pins. We went to the exit of the ride and I video taped Kara on this ride. It is very similar to Goofys Barnstormer at WDW. Then she went through Chip n Dale Treehouse and this is where we "lost" her for a short time. She came out and said she was going in through the other way. Well, she didnt come out and we started looking for her. She had wandered into the exit of Mickeys House and where you meet Mickey. I guess she wandered around trying to figure out why she couldnt get to the rest of the treehouse or into Mickeys house.
We still had time before our Fast Pass, so I got a Mickey bar, Kara got something and Dave resisted the urge. We snagged a table with an umbrella and watched Goofy and Pluto meet and great. They left for a short break and the cast member came up to us and asked if we were waiting for them to come back. We said no, just resting, snacking, waiting for our Fast Pass time. He then asked what were our plans for the rest of the day. We all SMILED REAL BIG and SAID DINNER AT CLUB 33! He couldn't believe it and ask for OUR AUTOGRAPHS! He said he had never met anyone who was lucky enough to be able to eat there. We all signed his little book and he went on his merry way.
We continued exploring Toon Town pushing buttons, pulling levers etc. Finally, it was time for our spin on Roger Rabbits ride. This ride has 2 cars that are connected, but each car can be spun independently of each other. Kara rode by herself in the first car and spun herself silly when Dave and I struggled to keep our car from spinning at all. This was where I got "swirled" just a little! After that, we "split up". Dave by foot, to the front of the park to get our stuff out of the locker and Kara and I to the train to New Orleans Square station. There was NO WAY, me feet were going to be able to do the "walk"!
Once again we were on a mission, to see Country Bear Playhouse. I had heard shortly before I left, that this was closing for good. We decided it was now or never to see the bears one more time. We met up at the entrance and had a short wait for the next show. By now it was almost 7 and we knew that we werent going to make our "date" on the Jungle Cruise.
We clapped, sang, and laughed along with the bears. I did video tape - without any camera lights. We sadly left the Playhouse and headed our way through the crowds which were starting to form for the first showing of Fantasmic!
We arrived back in New Orleans Square shortly before our time of 7:50 and at the door to Club 33 was Lesley, Tim, Lilly, and Tyler. It was time for our dining adventure to begin. But Lesley had a present for me. Now in chat, she had been teasing me about what to wear. We decided on lime green thongs, diamonds, and a mink fur! But alas, I just couldnt fit all that in my suitcase. This is where Lesley presented me with my tiara! After pictures in front of the Club 33 Logo, Dave got to press the button and ask for permission to enter!
We were buzzed in, and checked in at the desk by the door. The Club has dark wood paneling with a large staircase with rose carpet on it. There is also a little elevator that only holds 4 at a time. Once we were "approved" to go upstairs, Tim offered to take the little ones, leaving Lesley, Dave and myself for the second ride. We were met at the elevator and escorted to out table.
We had a large round table in the middle of the room. Kara ordered the Filet Migion hamburger dinner from the Childrens menu and I had the Filet Migion sutffed with goats cheese. We were served our salads or soup. Just as we were finishing up, our waitress asked if we wanted dinner held so we could enjoy Fantasmic! We all said yes, and "crawled" or stepped through one of the windows out onto the balcony where little chairs and benches were lined up. It was like we had our own little private viewing of the show. We all enjoyed the show and was glad for the seats and not having to fight the huge crowd below us. After the show ended, Lesley and I sat and did our "Princess Wave" to the crowd below. The fire work show started but to tell the truth the view wasnt the best, besides we were all very hungry by now.
As soon as we all sat down, dinner was served. Everything was so tasty. The adults even all had a "adult beverage" which here is the only place you can legally have one inside Disneyland.
Poor Lilly and Tyler, they both were asleep before dinner ended. We all had desserts - I cant for the live of me remember the name of what I had but it was great. But alas, our time was almost up. After a stop at the potty, and a quick purchase of a Club 33 hat and pins, we were sadly leaving. SOB SOB!!
By now, it was around 10:30 p. m., and we decided to make for the exit before the second Fantasmic show ended. Dave went ahead of us to empty out the locker and Kara and I followed. That last walk up Main Street is always so sad for me! We both were sniffing a little as we walked out of the gate.
We met up at the lockers and off to the parking garage. Once we arrived, via the tram, I quickly stripped Kara of her clothes and got her jammies on. We still had an adventure ahead of us tonight.
Dave had invited Kara and I to stay with him for a couple of days and tour some of Santa Barbara. I was amazed of the amount of traffic on the freeways at that time of night and for a Sunday too! We finally got out of the bad traffic and were tooling along fairly well. All the sudden I hear from the back seat, "Mommy, I have to go potty and I cant find it" I told Dave that we had to find one promptly. We got off the next exit and low and behold, there was a hospital. Dave waited while I walked Kara in through the Urgent Care door. Glad I wasnt taking a sick child. The waiting room was packed and by now it is around 12:30 a. m. or so.
With no other stops, we arrived at Daves sometime around 1:30 a. m. We basically all crashed.
Unfortunately, my internal clock was still on Ohio time and I woke up very early. After a late breakfast, we were off to the Santa Barbara zoo. This is a very nice small zoo. After a quick snack, we were off to the Santa Barbara Mission. This mission is the only mission that was built with 2 bell towers. Plus the view of the mountains isn't bad either. We also got a tour up in the mountains looking at the beautiful homes homes.
We enjoyed dinner on the beach at the Brown Pelican. Kara wolfed down her dinner - hamburger - big surprise there, I had the roasted chicken and Dave fish tacos. Kara played on the rocks right in front of the resturant while we finished dinner. We sat out on the patio, but it was cool, but it was comfortable with light jackets and the heaters that were lit.
Then she started playing along the shore line and soon was knee deep in the ocean. Yep, you guess right, she kept going and finally was knocked over by the waves. The sun set - such a beautiful sight on the ocean and it got very chilly. Kara was turning blue, so we hustled her to the car and back to Daves for a warm bath and bed.
The next morning, the plan was for Dave to put us on the Amtrak train in Santa Barbara on his way to the office and or hospital. But, as we were heading off, Dave got called for a patient in Ventura. So, hopped on the freeway and he dropped us off at the train station there. The station was basically a couple of benches with covers and the tracks. Across the street we could see the Polo Club and then the ocean.
We had about a 40 minute wait for the train. Something new for Kara and I. The train pulled in and we were loaded I was wondering about purchasing tickets - you do it on the train. By the way - the pottys on the train are smaller than ones on airplanes. We enjoyed our trip (about 3 hours) and got to see everything - from the ocean, mountains, strawberries fields, towns, and a junk yard or two.
We had about ½ hour stop in L. A. station and then off to Fullerton. Upon arrival, I called Aunt Joe and she picked us up about 20 minutes later. On the way home, we stopped at the Character Warehouse. Found a few bargains that just were screaming our names!
The rest of our vacation was spent visiting with my aunt and uncle. We did go to the Fullerton Farmers Market one morning. Also found a great shoe sale one afternoon - I found 5 pairs!
I did receive a telephone call from the Cape Cod Dis meet on Saturday. It was fun talking to all of them.
But alas, our time was up. We left around 6 a. m. Sunday, August 26 to drive back to Long Beach. I had tried to make plans to meet up with Mary Jo - but since she had just got back from her trip to Spain - it didnt work out. Next time Mary Jo. Also you too Michelle!
Our flights home were great. Had no problems with weather. It was a beautiful day to fly. The clouds were fluffy - just like cotton candy.
We arrived home in Dayton about 10 minutes late with my parents waiting at the gate for us. After a quick stop at Wendys for dinner, we were home. Sad but ready to start thinking and planning our next adventure!
Kara - DD, 10 - loves any things that moves!
SUPPORTING CAST: TheLionKing - aka Dave
Tink 33 - aka Lesley
Milo and Lora - aka Mrs. Milo
Lesley's family - DH - Tim, DS - Tyler, DD - Lilly
Aunt Joe and Uncle Bob
When we left off, the merry band was heading out of California Adventure back to Disneyland.
We once again met up with Lesley at Gate 13 and received our passes to enter Disneyland with the words CLUB 33 written on them. VERY COOL!!!!!!! After a few minutes of sharing of our adventures, Lesley left to meet her family on the train, we we headed for the lockers and a potty break. We made tentative plans to meet Lesley and her gang at the Jungle Cruise at 7 p. m., but told her if we weren't there by 7:10, not to wait any longer - that we were having fun somewhere else.
We had discussed earlier to whether or not to try to get in the parade, but there was no way my feet were going to be able to do it now. As we entered the park, we stopped at the stand right under the train and got my new Guest of Honor Badge to replace the one that Pirates had eaten along with my hat.
We got on the train and rode to Mickeys Toontown. We got Fast Pass for Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin, and headed off to Donalds Boat. From here, Kara got in line for Gadgets Go Coaster. I waited under a umbrella while Dave exchanged and or returned some pins. We went to the exit of the ride and I video taped Kara on this ride. It is very similar to Goofys Barnstormer at WDW. Then she went through Chip n Dale Treehouse and this is where we "lost" her for a short time. She came out and said she was going in through the other way. Well, she didnt come out and we started looking for her. She had wandered into the exit of Mickeys House and where you meet Mickey. I guess she wandered around trying to figure out why she couldnt get to the rest of the treehouse or into Mickeys house.
We still had time before our Fast Pass, so I got a Mickey bar, Kara got something and Dave resisted the urge. We snagged a table with an umbrella and watched Goofy and Pluto meet and great. They left for a short break and the cast member came up to us and asked if we were waiting for them to come back. We said no, just resting, snacking, waiting for our Fast Pass time. He then asked what were our plans for the rest of the day. We all SMILED REAL BIG and SAID DINNER AT CLUB 33! He couldn't believe it and ask for OUR AUTOGRAPHS! He said he had never met anyone who was lucky enough to be able to eat there. We all signed his little book and he went on his merry way.
We continued exploring Toon Town pushing buttons, pulling levers etc. Finally, it was time for our spin on Roger Rabbits ride. This ride has 2 cars that are connected, but each car can be spun independently of each other. Kara rode by herself in the first car and spun herself silly when Dave and I struggled to keep our car from spinning at all. This was where I got "swirled" just a little! After that, we "split up". Dave by foot, to the front of the park to get our stuff out of the locker and Kara and I to the train to New Orleans Square station. There was NO WAY, me feet were going to be able to do the "walk"!
Once again we were on a mission, to see Country Bear Playhouse. I had heard shortly before I left, that this was closing for good. We decided it was now or never to see the bears one more time. We met up at the entrance and had a short wait for the next show. By now it was almost 7 and we knew that we werent going to make our "date" on the Jungle Cruise.
We clapped, sang, and laughed along with the bears. I did video tape - without any camera lights. We sadly left the Playhouse and headed our way through the crowds which were starting to form for the first showing of Fantasmic!
We arrived back in New Orleans Square shortly before our time of 7:50 and at the door to Club 33 was Lesley, Tim, Lilly, and Tyler. It was time for our dining adventure to begin. But Lesley had a present for me. Now in chat, she had been teasing me about what to wear. We decided on lime green thongs, diamonds, and a mink fur! But alas, I just couldnt fit all that in my suitcase. This is where Lesley presented me with my tiara! After pictures in front of the Club 33 Logo, Dave got to press the button and ask for permission to enter!
We were buzzed in, and checked in at the desk by the door. The Club has dark wood paneling with a large staircase with rose carpet on it. There is also a little elevator that only holds 4 at a time. Once we were "approved" to go upstairs, Tim offered to take the little ones, leaving Lesley, Dave and myself for the second ride. We were met at the elevator and escorted to out table.
We had a large round table in the middle of the room. Kara ordered the Filet Migion hamburger dinner from the Childrens menu and I had the Filet Migion sutffed with goats cheese. We were served our salads or soup. Just as we were finishing up, our waitress asked if we wanted dinner held so we could enjoy Fantasmic! We all said yes, and "crawled" or stepped through one of the windows out onto the balcony where little chairs and benches were lined up. It was like we had our own little private viewing of the show. We all enjoyed the show and was glad for the seats and not having to fight the huge crowd below us. After the show ended, Lesley and I sat and did our "Princess Wave" to the crowd below. The fire work show started but to tell the truth the view wasnt the best, besides we were all very hungry by now.
As soon as we all sat down, dinner was served. Everything was so tasty. The adults even all had a "adult beverage" which here is the only place you can legally have one inside Disneyland.
Poor Lilly and Tyler, they both were asleep before dinner ended. We all had desserts - I cant for the live of me remember the name of what I had but it was great. But alas, our time was almost up. After a stop at the potty, and a quick purchase of a Club 33 hat and pins, we were sadly leaving. SOB SOB!!
By now, it was around 10:30 p. m., and we decided to make for the exit before the second Fantasmic show ended. Dave went ahead of us to empty out the locker and Kara and I followed. That last walk up Main Street is always so sad for me! We both were sniffing a little as we walked out of the gate.
We met up at the lockers and off to the parking garage. Once we arrived, via the tram, I quickly stripped Kara of her clothes and got her jammies on. We still had an adventure ahead of us tonight.
Dave had invited Kara and I to stay with him for a couple of days and tour some of Santa Barbara. I was amazed of the amount of traffic on the freeways at that time of night and for a Sunday too! We finally got out of the bad traffic and were tooling along fairly well. All the sudden I hear from the back seat, "Mommy, I have to go potty and I cant find it" I told Dave that we had to find one promptly. We got off the next exit and low and behold, there was a hospital. Dave waited while I walked Kara in through the Urgent Care door. Glad I wasnt taking a sick child. The waiting room was packed and by now it is around 12:30 a. m. or so.
With no other stops, we arrived at Daves sometime around 1:30 a. m. We basically all crashed.
Unfortunately, my internal clock was still on Ohio time and I woke up very early. After a late breakfast, we were off to the Santa Barbara zoo. This is a very nice small zoo. After a quick snack, we were off to the Santa Barbara Mission. This mission is the only mission that was built with 2 bell towers. Plus the view of the mountains isn't bad either. We also got a tour up in the mountains looking at the beautiful homes homes.
We enjoyed dinner on the beach at the Brown Pelican. Kara wolfed down her dinner - hamburger - big surprise there, I had the roasted chicken and Dave fish tacos. Kara played on the rocks right in front of the resturant while we finished dinner. We sat out on the patio, but it was cool, but it was comfortable with light jackets and the heaters that were lit.
Then she started playing along the shore line and soon was knee deep in the ocean. Yep, you guess right, she kept going and finally was knocked over by the waves. The sun set - such a beautiful sight on the ocean and it got very chilly. Kara was turning blue, so we hustled her to the car and back to Daves for a warm bath and bed.
The next morning, the plan was for Dave to put us on the Amtrak train in Santa Barbara on his way to the office and or hospital. But, as we were heading off, Dave got called for a patient in Ventura. So, hopped on the freeway and he dropped us off at the train station there. The station was basically a couple of benches with covers and the tracks. Across the street we could see the Polo Club and then the ocean.
We had about a 40 minute wait for the train. Something new for Kara and I. The train pulled in and we were loaded I was wondering about purchasing tickets - you do it on the train. By the way - the pottys on the train are smaller than ones on airplanes. We enjoyed our trip (about 3 hours) and got to see everything - from the ocean, mountains, strawberries fields, towns, and a junk yard or two.
We had about ½ hour stop in L. A. station and then off to Fullerton. Upon arrival, I called Aunt Joe and she picked us up about 20 minutes later. On the way home, we stopped at the Character Warehouse. Found a few bargains that just were screaming our names!
The rest of our vacation was spent visiting with my aunt and uncle. We did go to the Fullerton Farmers Market one morning. Also found a great shoe sale one afternoon - I found 5 pairs!
I did receive a telephone call from the Cape Cod Dis meet on Saturday. It was fun talking to all of them.
But alas, our time was up. We left around 6 a. m. Sunday, August 26 to drive back to Long Beach. I had tried to make plans to meet up with Mary Jo - but since she had just got back from her trip to Spain - it didnt work out. Next time Mary Jo. Also you too Michelle!
Our flights home were great. Had no problems with weather. It was a beautiful day to fly. The clouds were fluffy - just like cotton candy.
We arrived home in Dayton about 10 minutes late with my parents waiting at the gate for us. After a quick stop at Wendys for dinner, we were home. Sad but ready to start thinking and planning our next adventure!
and I'm sure Kara enjoyed having someone along who would ride the spinning things with her too. I know you hated to leave but just think, one day you will get to go back. 
