I am surprised by the number of hits I still get each day considering I have not posted in two years. It is so cool that there are still people out surfing for Disneyland tips that find my site, and think it is useful. I sometimes even get email about it.
OK, so, I've not posted in FOREVER because I went off to law school, graduated, passed the bar, got divorced, lived out of people's guest rooms for a while, fell in love, found a new place to live, got a great job....and FINALLY, am fulfilling my promise to take the kids back to Disneyland!
This will be the first trip the kids really remember since they were 1 1/2 and 4 last time. The boy remembers a bit, kept fresh by lots of pictures and stories. They are both so excited! I had hoped that by now it might be realistic for my ex, her partner, me and my partner, and all of our kids to do this trip together. Financial realities mean that could not happen, but my ex did not want the kids to miss out just because she could not go, too. I know how hard it is for her to not be a part of this event with them, and I do appreciate her sacrifice. We both love Disneyland and sharing that with our kids is important. Anyway, this trip will be my, my partner, and the two kids, now 6 and 9.
The top must-dos include Dumbo and Splash Mountain for the girl, and an Ariels' Grotto lunch with the Princesses. For Boy Wonder it is Star Tours and Splash Mountain, plus a meal at Rainforest Cafe in the Downtown Disney District. My tops are Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion - done up Nightmare Before Christmas style (a first for me!) and would have been Pirates of the Caribbean, but darn - closed for refurbishment! Guess I will choose Tower of Terror as a third option, for the queue as much as anything, or no, maybe Indiana Jones..yes. I think so. My partner is looking forward to Star Tours - and pretty much everything since she's not been there in years and years.
I am so excited about seeing my family's excitement and enjoyment of the magic of Disney. I have a lot of stuff I want us to see and experience together, but am telling myself to relax and just let it all happen as it will. We have five nights, and most of 6 days there, so we will have plenty of time to enjoy the entire resort and all it has to offer. I will keep in mind that Fantasmic! is only showing 2 nights we are there, and Small World is closing after the first 2 days for the Holiday overhaul and Aladdin does not show on Monday or Tuesday....but other than those few things, we'll just take it as it comes. No matter how we let our days unfold, we will be having fun and making memories, and that is what matters!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Finally - an Update!
I was just talking with a co-worker about her upcoming trip to Disneyland. By upcoming, I mean TONIGHT! So, here is a quick shout-out to Rachel and her family - have an awesome time!
She has made me want to look up the amazing travel deals that are out there and hop an a plane!
By the way, to my loyal readers who have been tracking, some of whom have even sent emails: I passed the bar! Wahoo!!
She has made me want to look up the amazing travel deals that are out there and hop an a plane!
By the way, to my loyal readers who have been tracking, some of whom have even sent emails: I passed the bar! Wahoo!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Regular Guest or Just Passing Through?
Howdy! Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times, this is a wild ride!
This wild ride, my friends, is the bar review, soon to be followed by the actual bar exam. Tell me THAT'S not a seriously scary dark-ride!
As you may have noticed, I have been absent for quite some time. My final year of law school, combined with full-time work, family, and now studying for the bar exam, have sucked up all my time. Still, I notice I have quite a few visitors each day. What I'd like to know is - are you constant readers, perhaps referred from my other blog, or just passersby seeking Disneyland information?
It would be cool if I had a built-in survey option here, but I don't and setting up a survey from an independent site seems like a hassle at the moment. So, if you feel like it, would you mind posting a quick comment to let me know if you are a regular reader, or are just passing through?
After the bar, which is at the end of July, I'll see if I can update with more useful Disney information. Until then, happy travels!
This wild ride, my friends, is the bar review, soon to be followed by the actual bar exam. Tell me THAT'S not a seriously scary dark-ride!
As you may have noticed, I have been absent for quite some time. My final year of law school, combined with full-time work, family, and now studying for the bar exam, have sucked up all my time. Still, I notice I have quite a few visitors each day. What I'd like to know is - are you constant readers, perhaps referred from my other blog, or just passersby seeking Disneyland information?
It would be cool if I had a built-in survey option here, but I don't and setting up a survey from an independent site seems like a hassle at the moment. So, if you feel like it, would you mind posting a quick comment to let me know if you are a regular reader, or are just passing through?
After the bar, which is at the end of July, I'll see if I can update with more useful Disney information. Until then, happy travels!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Which Land is Not So Much Your Land?
Today I'm having a little silly Friday Fun by considering which of the Disneyland lands I could do without if I had to.
Actually, this is a really easy question for me - ToonTown. I know, my kids would probably be crushed, so maybe this is not fair, but if I couldn't go to ToonTown on a trip, I would not be terribly disappointed. It's too new to have "classic attractions," and somehow, I feel the fact that Walt never had a part of this. There are certainly a lot of attractions now that were never a part of the original plan, and that is as it should be. The Imagineers should be allowed to run wild, to some extent, but ToonTown just doesn't have the same feel as the rest of the park. Does this make sense? Is anyone with me on this?
What about you? What land could you live without, if you had to?
Actually, this is a really easy question for me - ToonTown. I know, my kids would probably be crushed, so maybe this is not fair, but if I couldn't go to ToonTown on a trip, I would not be terribly disappointed. It's too new to have "classic attractions," and somehow, I feel the fact that Walt never had a part of this. There are certainly a lot of attractions now that were never a part of the original plan, and that is as it should be. The Imagineers should be allowed to run wild, to some extent, but ToonTown just doesn't have the same feel as the rest of the park. Does this make sense? Is anyone with me on this?
What about you? What land could you live without, if you had to?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Remembering the Classics
I was scouting around for a picture of Disneyland's old sky tram, or sky buckets, I think they were called. I found them, but I also came across this on http://history.amusement-parks.com Seeing these pictures totally stirred up a memory from my childhood. I remember being on this train as a young child, but years later not remembering where I'd been - maybe Disneyland, maybe Knott's Berry Farm....I just couldn't place it.
A little online research tells me why. This attraction was called The Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland and was replaced by The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad thrill ride in 1979. I was 13, and the last time I'd been to the park, I was probably about 7.
If you are interested in more details about this attraction, check out yesterland.com.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Disneyland History in 30 Seconds
Disneyland history started on July 17, 1955. On that historic day Walt Disney opened his dream of a place where families could have fun and create happy memories together with the following words:
"To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Indeed it has been that. Although the first day was rough, with sweltering heat, unexpectedly large crowds that the park was not equipped to handle, workmen still planting trees and paint still drying, by its second year, the park was turning a profit. The original park covered 160 acres and cost 17 million dollars. There were 18 attractions. Today, the entire Disneyland Resort encompasses approximately 500 acres and features over 60 attractions, three hotels and a shopping district. In 2005, a study revealed that Disneyland contributes about $3.6 billion in annual economic impact and creates about 65,700 jobs throughout Southern California.
"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney
"To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Indeed it has been that. Although the first day was rough, with sweltering heat, unexpectedly large crowds that the park was not equipped to handle, workmen still planting trees and paint still drying, by its second year, the park was turning a profit. The original park covered 160 acres and cost 17 million dollars. There were 18 attractions. Today, the entire Disneyland Resort encompasses approximately 500 acres and features over 60 attractions, three hotels and a shopping district. In 2005, a study revealed that Disneyland contributes about $3.6 billion in annual economic impact and creates about 65,700 jobs throughout Southern California.
"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney
Monday, October 13, 2008
A few tidbits of DL tips
I keep meaning to update this blog, and life keeps getting in the way.
A couple random thoughts that I meant to write more about but will just touch on:
- Dressing kids in brightly-colored T-shirts really is worthwhile, and makes them so much easier to spot in a crowd. If they have matching T-shirts they are willing to wear at the same time, that is even better. Though we were not at Disneyland, over the past few weeks, I have had the kids in large-crowed situations and was so thankful for the bright, matching shirts. Not only are they easier to spot, but if one does get temporarily lost, you can say, "He was wearing a shirt like this," and reference the other child's shirt.
- Flavor packets. Have you seen the tiny packets of drink mix that you pour into a bottle of water to provide flavor? I avoid the ones with artificial sweetener, but I know some people might prefer them. Either way, they are handy as a special treat, especially if you have a child that needs to stay hydrated but doesn't like water. Throw a couple in your purse, and anywhere there's water, you can instantly have a delicious beverage.
- Remember, Disneyland is all decorated for Halloween! There are fun activities, treats, decorations and more, only for the Halloween season - Sept. 26-Nov. 2. For more details check out the resort site. Happy Haunting!
A couple random thoughts that I meant to write more about but will just touch on:
- Dressing kids in brightly-colored T-shirts really is worthwhile, and makes them so much easier to spot in a crowd. If they have matching T-shirts they are willing to wear at the same time, that is even better. Though we were not at Disneyland, over the past few weeks, I have had the kids in large-crowed situations and was so thankful for the bright, matching shirts. Not only are they easier to spot, but if one does get temporarily lost, you can say, "He was wearing a shirt like this," and reference the other child's shirt.
- Flavor packets. Have you seen the tiny packets of drink mix that you pour into a bottle of water to provide flavor? I avoid the ones with artificial sweetener, but I know some people might prefer them. Either way, they are handy as a special treat, especially if you have a child that needs to stay hydrated but doesn't like water. Throw a couple in your purse, and anywhere there's water, you can instantly have a delicious beverage.
- Remember, Disneyland is all decorated for Halloween! There are fun activities, treats, decorations and more, only for the Halloween season - Sept. 26-Nov. 2. For more details check out the resort site. Happy Haunting!
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