Disneyland 2012: Getting sick does slow you down (recap pt. 5)

After our long day at Sea World - and a late night drive back to the hotel - we all slept in the next morning. Haille and I had a breakfast date, which she didn't seem too happy about because she felt she was missing out on time at the hotel (because you know sitting in a hotel room watching people get dressed is super fun). I think she was mainly just tired of her trip (she'd been away from home for two weeks, and away from her mom for nearly a week, that's a lot for a little kid).

Still, we did the best we could to make her feel like this was a good thing. She wanted to take the bus, and we were going to do just that, but Gaylord didn't like the idea of us doing that, so he dropped us off at the front gate and we headed into Disneyland. Haille chattered the whole time about rides and how she needed shorts instead of the long black pants she had (they were the last clean pair we could find). She wanted to shop first thing, but we were already late for our breakfast, so I hurried her along which did not improve her mood.

I was feeling like I was coming down with a cold, you know that feeling where you're in slow motion and you know the dam is about to break on your sinuses. I was doing my best to not let it get to me, but I knew as the day wore on I was bound to poop out, but I was going to make sure the breakfast and morning was as good as we could make it.

This girl is the queen of word searches! So awesome!

Our breakfast was at the Carnation Cafe, which is one of my must dos whenever I go to Disneyland. Normally I sit outside, but with the heat I figured it would be better to be inside. The remodel was fantastic, and I was worried the menu would be different, so I was happy to see my favorite was still a menu item. I always get the Mickey Waffle. Haille the whole time said she wasn't going to eat anything, but I made her choose something and she also picked the waffles. We both picked the sausage, which was chicken and apple (which sounds better than it actually was). Haille immediately openned up the children's menu to the activities. A year ago she'd only do the color pages, now she was doing the word searches! Where did my little girl go?!

After ordering and getting into the activity book, Haille chilled out and we had a good breakfast. She definitely started laying the ground work for a guilt trip for me not being around as much now that I moved, but for the most part we kept it positive and she was laying out her plans on what she was going to buy in the stores. She had a gift card, but her grandma had it and we had to wait for them to get to the parks (which would be its own set of issues it seemed).

Once the food came, Haille realized she was hungry, and she lit up when she saw that the Mickey Waffles did, in fact, have a Mickey face! She didn't want a lot of syrup, but I doused mine. What's a waffle without syrup?! We both ate our waffles in no time flat but we left the sausage (I tried eating both but it just wasn't working for me). While we were eating a familiar face stopped by our table, Oscar! He's the longest working employee of the Disney parks. He started as a teen when Disneyland was still new, and while he never worked alongside Walt Disney he met him and worked for him. It'd been rumored that he had retired, so I asked about that.



Oscar shows off the Children waffles.

Oscar had planned to retire this year, but his wife got sick and he had to stay on to financially support her. They've been married for decades, and I could tell he was worried about her. But he said she was a fighter and that she'd be sure to beat this. Considering what my grandmother was going through, it touched me a lot and I just let him talk. He seemed to need to just vent, and I was more than willing to lend an ear. Haille even seemed sympathetic, even though she had no idea who he was. She is such a sweet, good hearted kid - even though she has her moments. After a while Oscar seemed to decide he needed to let us finish and off he went to greet more diners.

After breakfast we headed over to one of the "clothing shops" on Main Street to find some shorts for Haille that would match her top. There wasn't a whole lot of selection, but Haille spotted some Minnie Mouse ones that worked and thankfully they had some in her size. Once we changed her into those it was much better. I texted Judy to find out what the game plan was and we were told to stay on main street so we could meet up. But our few minute wait turned into over an hour.

While we waited we hung out in the shops and played around with the different toys and souveniers, Haille tried on hats and ears and other fun things, and we tried to make the best of it... but an hour is a long time to be in a store when you can hear the laughter and screams coming from further into the park. We should've just said we'd meet up with them whenever we could, but we were trying to do things as a group that day. But it was tough on both Haille and me. Why tour at the hottest part of the day?!

Haille let her inner pirate out in the gift shop.

By the time everyone was back together it was the heat of the day and the lines were insane. Haille wanted to go on the Matterhorn and the line was an hour long, but we got in line anyway and the rest of the group (sans Judy who was with us) headed off for smaller rides. We got almost up to the sleds and the ride broke down! So we grabbed some frozen lemonade and headed for Small World where there was almost no wait, and it was air conditioned. Haille ate most of Judy's frozen lemonade while we rode in the boat. She can make even the bummer stuff fun, that's for sure. Next thing we knew she was almost out of the stuff (she did feed her gma a few bites).

After that we tried, once again, for Splash Mountain by taking the train (which the line for that was long as was the wait). It was hot on the train, but it was nice to be off our feet. Haille thought the section where we saw the dinosaurs was real, and she wanted to know how Disney kept them alive. We told her Disney Magic, what could it hurt, right?

When the train got to the section closest to Splash Mountain we got out and looked to see what the wait time was and it was long, so I went to see what the fastpass return time was. It was far off and I asked the attendant what he would do in that situation and he said to just come back at night, that the line wouldn't be as bad. So that's what we planned to do. We went and got lunch across the way at the Critter Country eatery and tried getting in touch with the other half of our group. We were hoping to park hop in the evening and catch the Aladdin Show. We planned to meet at the park entrance, so off we went to go shopping on Main Street.

We stopped long enough to go through the Haunted Mansion again, because it's Haille's favorite ride, and then took the train all the way over. When the train let out at the Main Street station we found we were just in time for teh parade! So we stood up on the platform - pretty much had it to ourselves! - and watched. The Sound-sational parade is awesome. Drumline start it out, with Mickey playing the drums as well! It was a lot of fun to watch and Haille enjoyed it. Once that was over, I sat in the gift shop while she and Judy shopped for stuff.

Haille watching the parade

Once again it was a lot of waiting once shopping was done and it was meet up time. We waited for a long while before we decided to just head over to the other park to catch Aladdin without them when there they were. So we all made our way to California Adventure. We put our stuff in lockers and off we went. We were too late to make the final Aladdin show so we headed to Soarin'. This is a ride I cannot stomach without drugs, but I wanted to see Haille on the ride, she loves it, and so I was going to suck it up. Plus I didn't want to try and find the family later. I was feeling extremely sick by this point, but I was trying to tough it out. Just about the time we got through the line I realized I was too sick to do anything so I said I would sit outside and wait for them...

The whole time they were on the ride I continued to go downhill fast. I hate being sick at Disney. It's my favorite place to be, and when I can't enjoy it it is the worst feeling. I saw them come out of the ride and I made my way over, gave them the maps and photopass card and said I needed to go to the hotel and take meds and just be sick. Haille wouldn't come near me because I had germs, but was worried I couldn't make it back by myself (you and me both, kid) but I assured everyone I was fine. Gaylord wanted to take me back but I didn't want to ruin everyone else's night so I just (probably angrily) told him NO I would be fine I did it all by myself last year.

I went to the hotel, ordered chinese, took my meds and turned on the Olympics and went to sleep... woke up to the phone ringing saying my food was in the lobby. So in my disney pjs (heck yes I have many pairs of disney pjs) I went down, got my sweet and sour chicken and went back to my room. Ate dinner and then passed out in my room and didn't even notice when the others got in. When morning came I was still in no condition to do anything so the family went off to Universal Studios without me. I cannot begin to tell you how bummed I was to not get to go - again - to Hollywood Studios!

I spent the day watching an Auction Kings marathon on TV, and then late in the afternoon I decided to do laundry. Haille was out of undies (we found out later that she was having accidents and instead of telling us, she was just switching out panties) so I needed to take care of her stuff. That was an adventure, both the washing machine and dryer that I originally chose were full of coin so it wouldn't take my money but it wouldn't give it back either! I was at the mercy of maintenance, and then they didn't even refund me my detergent I'd already put in (because that's what the instructions told me to do!).

Once that adventure was over, I was feeling pretty good -not great- and I was itching to get out and take pics at Disney... so I texted Judy that I was headed out. It was another mistake, I was on cold meds and by myself in Disneyland... I made it to the park and lost all energy, but darn it I was there and I was going to make the best of it. So after standing on main street for 20-30 minutes (no joke, I'm sure I looked stoned out of my mind) I started walking towards Adventureland. Not even sure why! I heard booming coming from there and realized it must be time for FANTASMIC which is my favorite evening show in WDW... and I wanted to see if Murphy was out as s/he was MIA last year. I got to the show just in time to see that Murphy was not there, but it was only the first showing.

For those wondering who the heck Murphy is, Murphy is what Cast Members call Maleficent's Dragon in the show. The prop is huge and amazing.

I caught the eye of a cast member as they let the crowds go after the showing and asked if the dragon would make it out for the second show. He said he couldn't promise anything but he knew what the issue was and that they were working on it. He said if at all possible I should sit it out and wait. I took his advice... meaning I once again missed the Wishes at the Castle... I haven't seen the fireworks show at the castle since 2006! ugh! LOL However I still got to watch the show and it was as always beautiful. And, since I was doped up on the cold meds I was easily moved to tears.

 

 

Watching Fantasmic put me in a good mood after being invaded by *those* groups that suddenly forget their manners and english. I'm not being racist, I just find it incredibly convenient that these people were talking to each other and people they don't know in perfectly fine english until they're asked to not invade someone's space. Then they look at you like you've spoken Klingon or something. Not cool, guys.

 

As the show neared the Maleficent part I was more and more nervous that she would not turn into a dragon. In fact I was getting ready to pack up as I thought I saw her coming back out in her human form when the whole place went dark except for the glowing eyes of the... Dragon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I've cheered so hard in my life. It was amazing. Jaw dropping. My dreams come true. Maleficent has always been my favorite "baddie" and I LOVE the dragon. The one at WDW is impressive as a big head and neck, but the one at Disneyland is a full body dragon designed to look just like the one in the movie....

I'd seen video, pictures... read other reports, but I was still overcome in the moment! She was amazing, and I was mad at Mickey for a good long while after he vanquished her! I mean, how dare he have the courage to retake his dream! Didn't he know I wanted it to last forever?! I truly feel that this dragon would have excited Walt Disney in such a way that he'd have been over the moon - and he'd make sure that she wasn't as tempermental as she seems to be!

After the show I decided to head back to the hotel. I think I stayed in the parks all of three hours, but I knew it was a full final day tomorrow and I wanted to make it through the whole thing. So I made my way back and the gang had beaten me by half an hour back to the room. Not too bad. We made a game plan for our last day and then we all went straight to bed.

Next up - A California Dream Come True...

 



Disneyland 2012: Wait, Shamu doesn't work for the Mouse! (recap pt 4)

Haille takes coloring seriously. Everything must be just so.

Seaworld in San Diego meant getting up early, getting ready and getting out the door. Thankfully - due to my getting sick the day before and leaving the park early - we had a lot of time to sleep before our day began (yay earlyish bedtimes). Haille slept in her own bed all that night and I got a decent night sleep. Not long after breakfast we loaded up the cars - the girls weren't happy that they didn't get to ride together, but neither car could hold everyone. So, for safety's sake, we split up like we did for our day at the beach.

The girls packed up blankets, pillows, coloring books and crayons and off we went. Judy and I got to have a great deal of catch up chit chat and then we realized that we hadn't fixed our adrs for our revised plans - so I spent the better part of our trip on the phone. The call kept getting dropped so I ended up with four or five different Cast Members before I could get it changed!

We fielded lots of questions about what we would be doing from the back seat. Having never been to Sea World, Haille was unsure as to why we wouldn't be going to Disneyland again that day. After assuring her there were lots of rides and she'd get to see whales and dolphins up close, she was satisfied that her grandma knew what she was doing. It's always nice to have the official okay from the six year old! LOL Haille then said she wanted to do all the tall rides and the water rides, we promised we'd do our very best to get her on them, but just like Disney it was going to be crowded and we couldn't do fastpass. She said that would be fine. I'm telling you I have got her trained!

Sweet dreams, sweet princess!

Haille did great in the car, even though it was a long car ride and she was tired. She eventually decided to nap for most of the way down, so she missed out on the smoggy views, but I think it was the best thing for her as it was going to turn out to be an incredibly long day. If there's one thing this trip taught me - other than never go to SoCal in August - is that the girls can handle far more disappointment and frustration than adults can! LOL

The car ride was uneventful but long - nearly two hours that went on for eternity (I told you, the girls did better than I did) - and we finally made it to the gates of Sea World. Haille woke just in time to see the park come into view and she began to talk a mile a minute about all of the rides we were going to have to go on. She really wanted to do the water rides to get her gramma and aunt Toni wet. We felt the love... maybe...

After lathering up with the sunscreen (I was bright red all week) and going through the turnstiles, we grabbed some maps and tried to make a game plan. We headed off in the direction of the dolphins first to see if we could get the girls close enough to pet them. We got there and found a decent sized crowd, but the girls quickly found themselves close to the edge of the pool. After watching the trainers interact and explain some of the dolphin tricks/training/life they brought them up to the sides to begin petting.

Haille was jazzed to pet the Dolphin and get splashed by him!

This is where it got hysterical - at least for me. One of the tricks of the dolphin trade is, of course, splashing. So on command, the dolphin the girls were petting took his tail, scooped up a bunch of water and SPLASH! Direct hit in the face of both girls. Now Haille LOVED it, but Haille Elizabeth you may recall does not like getting her face wet. Her reaction was priceless - and a little sad. She wouldn't go back towards the pool for anything, even when the trainer brought the dolphin up to say sorry. Haille, of course, was right back up and checking out the dolphins.

With that traumatic event behind us, we grabbed a bite to eat befove we headed to watch Shamu rock it out in his arena in One Ocean. This show was so much better when the trainers were allowed in the water with the animals. I get that Shamu eating a trainer does not make for a great entertainment, but it's such a shame as you can tell just how much the show relied on that interaction.

Because of the girls' encounter with the dolphins they decided they did not want to be in the soak zone, so we headed way up the bleachers. One thing that the Orlando location has over San Diego is they cover their arenas so you are out of the sun. No such luck here. It was hot and just blah, but once Shamu and family came out you forgot how yucky it felt - and it was definitely cooler in SD than in Anaheim! Both girls were in awe of everything, and when Shamu came out to splash the crowd their jaws dropped! I wish I'd thought to get a picture of them because it was hysterical. Hailee looked on horrified and Haille was wishing she'd sat in the soak zone. The two couldn't be more different, but it's their differences that bring them together into a dynamic duo!

Had to use the long lens to get decent shots from our seats.

Once the show was over we split up to allow Haille to ride the water ride. It was a shorter version of Grizzly river rapids at Disneyland... and the wait was over an hour long, but little miss Haille didn't mind. She just kept reminding us that the lines moved faster than what the sign said they would. The little bugger was pretty spot on with that. Though, again, there was not enough covering and as such it was very hot in teh sun. We spent a lot of time taking turns putting my frozen water bottles on teh back of our necks and talking about anything other than the wait and the heat.

At one point a breeze blew by and we caught a horrible smell. Haille was very loud in voicing her concern over what could make such a disgusting smell and we pointed out a flock of flamingoes. She decided they were not good birds to have around because they stunk. This got a laugh from most of the people around us. We got about 5 minutes from the boats when the ride stopped for about twenty minutes. Our "luck" had followed us, but we decided to stick it out and made it down eventually.

Haille knew the ride would be worth the wait!

The ride is maybe 90 seconds, so that was disappointing, but Haille enjoyed it. She loved the idea that I would get soaked - and oh, did I get soaked. We all three did. Haille squealed in delight and laughed like a lunatic every time water came over the boat. The child is crazy! We got off the ride and went looking for a towel. Couldn't find one, but the heat dried us quickly enough.

We texted the other half of the group and planned to meet up with them at the tidal pool. Haille was all about touching and holding the different sea creatures. I went and got something cool to drink as we'd long ago run out of my water bottles waiting in line.

Judy went to find a bathroom so I was in charge of keeping Haille occupied. There was no need to worry, she was talking with the tide pool keepers and asking questions... and petting sea anenomeas. It's so funny to see such a girly girl be as into slimey animals as she is, but she never had a problem. She loved the tickling feeling of the star fish on her hand. And she was very interested to find out what each animal did and how it lived. She is such a learner and I hope she always keeps that interest in life and education - because she's brilliant (yes I am biased).

Haille was all about the tidal pools and their animals.

After we met up with the other half of the group I took off for a while by myself. I needed a break. I was hot, tired, and just... yeah. I wasn't interested in what the rest wanted to do and I was hoping to get to see some other parts of the park. So off I wandered. It was boring without the kid, but I needed the space. I finally found my way to the seals and sea lions, and realized the Clyde and Seymore show - so I texted Judy and held down some seats close to the action. It was considered a soak zone, so we split up. It was all a lie, though, we didn't even get near anyone getting wet. Such a bummer.

Haille, again, loved the show. Especially when Seymore was break dancing. Haille couldn't get over how silly the animals were. It was a short show - and it was cheesey - but it was nice to just sit with the sun going down. After that show we went to one last show - the Cirque de la Mer. This would become the highlight of the trip for most of us - especially Haille. She wanted to see it again, unfortunately we saw the last show (ever). It was humorous as well as impressive. You couldn't watch everything that was happening at once.

One thing the girls have in common - they love to SHOP!

After the show it was time for shopping. The girls were all about getting a lot of Sea World swag and gramma and grampa were all in for the shopping spree. We ended up in one of the bigger Shamu Shops. Gaylord and I went over to find out about this really cool picture op while the girls spent money.

We were all spent by then and so we got pizza in the park and then headed to the car. We had a two hour drive ahead of us, and another day at Disney the next day, and we needed to get back to the hotel. So no Shamu rocks for us or fireworks, but over all I think the girls had fun.

I can now cross going to the original Sea World off my list. I am still not sold on it - though San Diego is better than Orlando for some things. I'm just not into animal attractions like this. Disney's Animal Kingdom park fulfills my animal love far more, but I'm not anti Sea World. It's just not how I want to spend a day or two. Especially not in August (or June). But overall it was a great memory for the girls and that's what counts.

Next up - Day two at Disney which means neice and aunt time!

Disneyland 2012: Heat Exhaustion and Princess Treatments (recap pt. 3)

Haille at the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique.

So, what was your first ride ever at Disney? For Haille it was Pirates of the Caribbean last year, me? I don't remember... it might have been PotC or it could have been Hailee's first ride, The Jungle Cruise. Once again Haille asked if things were real and we played the same game - it's all up to you to decide what's real. She came away believing the animals in the Jungle Cruise are real. (really, kid? really?!) We would come to find out in the next few rides that certain rides were not the best for Hailee. She is not the daredevel that Haille is and so we spent a lot of time all week seperated as the girls had very different ideas on what would be the most fun to do.

But, don't let the girl fool you (she did us) Haille decided she wanted to go on the Indiana Jones ride again. You know, the one with the snake. The one she said she didn't want to do again. I think she was worried she'd miss out somehow if she didn't do it, so off she went. We get in the car, it starts and both girls start to freak. So much for that idea! What was super "amusing" was after getting off the ride they stopped the sniffles and began arguing over who was more scared. Ok, girls...

Because the lines were soooooooooooo long, and it was sooooooooooooo hot we decided to get something to eat before we headed over to the castle where the girls would get their Princess on. We were unable to get a table inside so we were out in the sun eating some very warm food and just melting. I was not drinking enough water and it was really affecting my mood and my energy. (I was also coming down with a cold we'd find out later in the week.) We at least got to sit and decide our plan of action. We had about a half hour to kill before heading over to the castle so Haille, Judy and I went to the Haunted Mansion (Haille wanted to see her ghosts again) and Hailee, Aana and Gaylord went to Fantasyland where there were rides that she would enjoy.

Haille remembered a great deal about the Haunted Mansion and was so happy to have another ghost in her lap. After that and a round of "can we go right back on"s we headed over to visit the Fairy-Godmothers-In-Training for a little bit of magic. Haille had given Hailee the 411 on how the whole thing worked, and the girls worked hard on Aana to allow Hailee to have a bit of make up. So when they walked into the shop both girls knew what dress they wanted. They still looked at the other dresses (Haille was tempted to pick the Merida dress but decided it would be too hot to wear out in the park), but both chose Belle's ballgown. Haille'd decided this months in advance, so it was no surprise - especially since both listed Belle as their favorite.

Haille spent most of her time making sure the FGIT did everything just the same way she had it last year. Which was hysterical because when she told the FGIT that she'd been there the year before she also told her she didn't remember anything about it. Yeah, every time we turned around she was asking "aren't you going to do ____ next?" They had two FGITs doing the girls' hair and then one that flitted about and did their nails and make up and face jewels. She royally confused Haille, to the point where Haille clammed up a bit. She felt she was being made fun of (she wasn't) and that's one thing she will not tolerate. Poor kid, but she came around and it made for some memorable moments (of which I got on video)!

(video to come later)

Besties in the carriage, from their
Disney's Photopass Photoshoot.

After they got dolled up they got to have a photoshoot, and it was quite possibly the cutest thing ever. The only thing the girls didn't get were princess shoes as Haille had had a bad time with them last year, so she talked Hailee out of trying them on. Besides, I don't think they had them in one of the sizes we needed. Both looked so sweet and had a blast being the princesses that they were. Looking back at the photos I wish they'd gone barefoot in them just because it would've been more princessy than their walking shoes, but over all I just love them!

Once done with that we decided, again, to head in different directions for a bit to try and get on some rides. Haille wanted to go on Splash Mountain, but it was down for some reason so we went on Haunted Mansion - again - and then headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean. Afterwards we tried for Dole Whips but the machine was down. This was quickly becoming the trip of broken.

By this point I was wasted. It was just too hot! Haille was talking about the pool at the hotel since we weren't getting on any water rides anytime soon... and then I got very sick. It was obvious I was stupid and not drinking enough fluids of anykind... and I was overheated. We headed for the castle to hopefully catch the others and take a breathev from the park. At the very least I wanted to go home by myself and just cool off, but no one wanted me going alone. Judy and Haille got me a Mickey Bar while we waited for our meet up. I ate most of it before feeling worse.

Back at the hotel everyone went to the pool. I stayed in the room knocking back an amazing amount (for me) of water and checked my phone messages. I got one from a family member saying something I didn't understand and the one from my mom saying to give her a call that she didn't want to ruin my vacation but it was about gma. I told Gaylord who was on his way down to the pool, and he hurried down to tell Judy. I called my mother and found out g'ma had been admitted to the hospital and it wasn't looking good. That they didn't know all of what was going on, but that my dad was headed at that moment to Anchorage. I told her to keep me updated, but that I wouldn't be coming home any earlier than planned.

This is where I am going to just cut off and say I know this confused people, but the fact of the matter is (and was) that I needed to stay to bring Haille back home to Alaska. I know we *could* have cut her vacation short as well, but this was not her close family (technically not family at all though she spent most of her Christmases with her) and she wouldn't understand why she had to leave her gma for mine. I also would not have been able to do anything up there if I left and went home anyway. It was high drama enough as it was. This alienated me from family because *someone* was causing emotions to rise on both ends. It was a disgusting move on their part and one we're still healing from. I felt very much alone in California from then on, though Judy did her best to help me out. I vented long and hard to her all week as the text messages came in and my parents kept me in the loop.

Haille was so sweet to me all week and very understanding when I needed to talk with her gma alone. She kept my spirits up and I will forever greatful.

Not wanting to end on a downer note, but the next day was Sea World so we would be getting up fairly early so we went to bed early enough. THAT was an adventure, and will be my next update.

With that we wish you a good night, and we'll see you tomorrow...

Disneyland 2012: The Beach & A Very Goofy Dinner (recap Pt. 2)

Again, I apologize for the long wait between updates. I'm going to try and plug out the reporting and have it done by the end of the weekend just so I can feel good about moving on with my blogging.

As stated back in part 1, the girls decided to sleep together in Haille and my room, so I spent most of the night listening for them to have meltdowns, or fall out of bed... Hailee Elizabeth was sick and had an AWFUL cough, which also didn't help as I am a super light sleeper. Both girls also snore and talk in their sleep.

As always, Haille tuned into the Disney Channel right away
our first morning in SoCal. So predictable!

Needless to say we woke up far too early and I was feeling awful. For me I don't understand why people get drunk enough to deal with hangovers the next morning. I don't need booze to feel that lousy, and I don't understand why someone would even WANT to make themselves feel that way!

The girls kept themselves entertained with the coloring books and crayons that I brought with me for them (that Haille found in my suitcase while she "helped me" unpack). Both were still tired as they were pretty zoned for most of the morning while we waited for everyone to get ready and decide on what we were going to do.

After a little debate it was decided we'd head to the beach before going to dinner that night at Goofy's Kitchen. The weather looked good for a day at the beach, but we all forgot it was SUNDAY, which meant we were in for a crowded beach. However by the time we realized it, we were committed. We took two cars as the rental car did not have enough seatbelts for all and we were going too far to "fudge it." So Judy, Haille and I went in the Saturn while Gaylord, Aana and Hailee went in the rental.

Haille was excited to be heading to the sun and the sand.

We followed Gaylord and... got lost. We ended up driving around quite a bit before parking well away from the area we were hoping to be in. We didn't get to lunch on the pier as we'd planned, and we got there to find it a tad windy and the water was rough. But we made the best of it. The girls had their pails and shovels and swimsuits and we hit the sand. Hailee Elizabeth does not enjoy the water, where as Haille is a fish. So one spent most of her time building sandcastles while the other one squealed in delight as the waves continued to crash on top of her!

I was unable to wear a  swimsuit to the beach (let's just say I was not feeling well), and Judy couldn't find a place to change so we were in full clothing and switching off to hold onto Haille as she crept further and further out into the surf.

Even with the inability to allow little miss fish to swim out into the water we all had a blast. At one point we had dolphins playing in the water just off shore. The girls were so excited to see them - though Haille wanted to swim out to them and swim with them. Weirdo. We wouldn't let her and soon after the dolphins went away and the wind surfers seemed to take over - which Haille also wanted to do. *facepalm* That's our little daredevil I suppose!

Gaylord and Hailee Elizabeth building sand castles.

Haille and Judy getting wet - and sand - everywhere!

   

Sleepy girl after a fun day in the sand and water.

On our way back to the hotel from the beach both girls crashed hard, which was good because once we got back to the hotel it was showers all around and getting dressed to meet up with some familiar characters. Haille knew what to expect so she spent the hour leading up to dinner giving Hailee a heads up on what to expect. I really do think having someone their age helped both girls deal with the intensity of Disney. I think having been there and done that also helped Haille not have the same reaction she did last year.

 

The girls dressed up nice to meet Goofy and his band of merry chefs as well as some extra surprises. With their homemade autograph books in hand the girls were on a mission to fill those pages with the signatures of any and all they could find. This, I think, also helped keep the apprehension at bay for meeting the characters.

 

The girls are natural besties, and told everyone that!

We got to the Disneyland Hotel and made our way inside. We had visited last year while they were under major renovation - top it off we came in a different door, too! - so we didn't know where to go. As always a friendly CM was there to help us out. While Judy waited in line to check in for our reservation (we were 15 minutes late, ugh!) I took the girls to go crush pennies to put with their autograph book. By the time we were done, it was time to get in line to get our pic taken with Chef Goofy!

 

While we stood there waiting our turn, Haille gave Judy and I a scare. She asked if Goofy was real, or if he was someone in a costume. We asked her what she thought and she said she thought it was a peron in a costume. My heart nearly broke. I was also playing the song "Age of Not Believing" in my head. She wanted confirmation if she was right, but neither of us gave a definite answer. We told her the beauty of Disney magic is YOU had to be the one to decide.

 

Our worries were for not, though, because after meeting with Goofy, getting her book signed and pic taken she came away saying that that was the *real* Goofy! WHEW! We were seated and immediately there was Pluto - Haille's favorite character from last year. She chatted with him, petted him, and then asked him if he remembered her (and, of course, he did). We also ended up with Minnie, Chip, Show White and Alice. When Snow White came to our table she asked the girls what their names were. Imagine the confusion that ensued when she realized they have the same name! She thought they were sisters, but we quickly explained it all to the Princess. Hailee was over the moon because Snow is one of her favorites.

 

The food was as good as we remembered it, and we gorged ourselves on prime rib, fruit, and all sorts of goodies. Their buffet makes sure no one - even the pickiest eaters like me - go hungry. Haille's only complaint is they cook the broccoli. Go figure. It was Aana's birthday that night so she got the song and cupcake, the girls each got a cupcake, too, saying "Just Graduated". They were pretty impressed with the buttons and wore them the rest of the night.

 

All in all it was a good taste of what was to come the next day, and we were all pleased with how the girls did. It was decided that they would sleep in seperate rooms that night so I could hopefully get some sleep. I didn't get much as Haille was feeling rather homesick (and would for several nights), so Monday was not the most fun... but that's for the next update.

 

Haille showing off her autograph book made by an awesome
person, wonder who that was? ;)

The one character that was not at dinner was
Mickey Mouse himself, so the statue was
the next best thing I guess!

 

Disneyland 2012: recapping the trip (Part I)

Please forgive me for not doing this sooner. I ended up getting sick on the trip and then it was a long recovery when I got home. And I just wasn't feeling it. Not so much a Disney depression (I didn't get enough DISNEY to be depressed that it's over) as just another one of my "meh" periods. I've also been working most of my time back home so that's my excuse for not getting this thing done quicker.


 

John Wayne greets travellers at this great airport.
Santa Ana Airport - California

I drove up to Anchorage the night before I was to fly out. My grandma had a health scare earlier in the week, so I made plans to have a friend take me to the airport. With everything that had happened, my coming into town was forgotten. The night was... long... and I was exhausted for my flight the next morning. (Gma was out of the hospital, but would go back in a day into my trip.)

Angie picked me up a little early as I just wanted out of the house, and off we went to breakfast. I wasn't feeling well - crying all night due to family drama will do that to a girl - and knew with the way I fly I didn't want to eat too much anyway. So I barely touched my breakfast, but I was glad to get to chat and vent to someone who isn't family! LOL Thank you Angie!

While chatting, Angie mused that I had been having some *interesting* issues while travelling - mainly when it came to TSA. When I went down to Jillian's wedding in July TSA in Anchorage were all upset because my shirt set off all kinds of alarms so they felt me up and tested my hands for bomb powders (because, you know a woman who wears sequins must also build bombs). Angie said that I had apparently taken over where she left off. *Yay*

She was right, I set off the alarm again. This time it was my bra clasp! I wore the same one as the one coming back from my last trip and had no issue. Go figure! I just had to laugh, once again a *great* start to my vacation.The flights down to SoCal were uneventful - though the layover in Seattle was painfully short so I had to take my flying meds late and my tummy never really settled down. Still, I made it none the worse for wear. Best of all Haille came with Judy and Gaylord and Hailee Elizabeth also came.

Haille took it upon herself to wheel my luggage to the car.

Haille became my shadow all week. She glomped onto me at the airport and didn't really let go. I loved her attitude the entire week and it made the trip so much fun. I'm sure to brag on her a bit as the trip report goes on. What a difference a year makes! She knew what to expect and knew how to act. It was great. Best part is - she's a Disneylifer! She's already talking about "next time"! ha ha!

After getting my luggage, finding the car, and getting settled into the hotel. I changed into shorts and a tank and we headed out to my favorite non-Disney Anaheim eatery: BUBBAGUMP!

With Louie the Shrimp outside Bubba Gump.
Ignore the plane hair, please.

I am not a seafood fan by any stretch of the imagination. Don't ask me why, and yes I know I live in the wrong place if i'm in AK and not a fish fan; it's called irony, deal with it. I am a big fan of the movie Forrest Gump, though, and I LOVE the non-fish foods on their menu. Last year I had the fried chicken, but after a day of airplane food I needed something more substantial, so I tried their ribs. OMG! It was finger lickin' good! I couldn't put it down! I was stuffed afterwards, and super tired. We headed back to the hotel where the girls decided they both wanted to sleep in my room (Haille and I shared a room all week). I didn't sleep much that night...

Next up: The beach and a very goofy dinner!

Disneyland 2012: Less than 48 hours now...

In just two and a half days, the Matterhorn will be in my sights!

It's been a busy last few days. I finished up the autograph books Monday morning, and then began furiously editing photos - I am still not caught up! - and getting them out to clients. I still have work to do on photos, so depending on how things go while in the air maybe I'll work a bit on them, but I don't have a long layover - and both flights are just about three hours so it doesn't leave a lot of time to work on the computer. So, I make no promises.

I'm pretty close to finish packing. I need to I need to take a shower before I pack those essentials, oh and I just rrealized I didn't pack my shoes back into the suitcase. So that's where I am headed after this blog update. I will also be packing up my computer tonight, so I will go to phone only for the next day and a half. We all know I am horrible about blogging while on vacation (or even right after, let's be honest) so if you're interested in following along at all I suggest these links:

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM (no membership required) // FACEBOOK (I will not be adding friends while on vacation but the album is viewable by everyone)

Not that I think I'll have anyone watching, but I do know my disney friends like to live vicariously through other's "trip reports" so it is what it is.

Tomorrow morning I will head up to Anchorage, and then on to Wasilla. I have a hair appointment tomorrow afternoon. Afterwards I will hit the stores in Anchorage for last minute travel stuff before heading over to the g'parents. My gma had a health scare and has been in the hospital, so my wonderful friend Angie is going to take me to the airport Saturday morning. SHE IS AWESOME! My flight leaves at 11:40am and I'll be in Anahiem by 8pm!

So, I guess I will end this here. I am super excited to get this underway, and I hope my worries are for naught when all is said and done. Until Anahiem!



Oh, wait! I almost forgot, here's the link to the pics of the Autograph Books I created -

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151116867105664.482715.733500663&type=3&l=c5a5034942

Disneyland 2012: So much work to do!

One of two autograph books I've created.

I've been pretty in active on here as I'm preparing to head down to Disneyland (just 8 days to go!) with a project that I should have started months ago, but is still going quickly along. I've also done a photoshoot and am editing photos, and it's all just coming down to the wire! This is what I get for breaking up my California vacation into two trips down and back. Yikes!

The Disneyland Project that I chose to place upon myself is making autograph books for both girls to take with them into the parks. Disney provides (for a nice little sum) autograph books, but I wanted to do something different/unique for the girls. So a trip to Michaels and JoAnns in Anchorage was in order. I ended up with books larger than what I had originally planned, but I think it works out better this way.

Pages were created in the computer, with scrapbook papers,
and the most awesome Cricut Machine!

The books are purple (for Haille Rae - shown above) and blue (for Hailee Elizabeth - not shown) both girls picked Belle as their favorite princess. The layouts will be the same, but the covers are just a tad different, so that both girls have a unique book. Inside the pages were printed from designs I came up with on the computer. I also have to come up with the "cover page" for each girl, and a few other little suprises.

The books are big enough that they can get an autograph and still have a picture of them with the character (should they want to) in the book. I'm still working on page designs, it's hard to know just who we're likely to see other than the fab 5, and I'm going to come up with a generic page for characters I didn't think of/plan to see.

Once the project is complete (hopefully by Sunday!) I will share the books, and I may even share the gallery of pages for others to do the same. I used my cricut and Disney cartridges to design the cover and some of the pages. I'm not done, but it's getting there.

We're getting really close to the trip and I'm really starting to get excited. I can't wait to see the girls at Disney (and Universal and Sea World, though those parks do not have magic) and see their reactions. Haille Rae may be a "veteran" but there's so much she didn't do and see the last time that there's still so much NEW stuff... and she'll have a little buddy to show the ropes to. Haille Rae is still adament that she is not going on "the ride with the snake" this time (Indiana Jones) but she is very sure she will go on "the roller coaster that goes upside down" (California Screamin'). We've told her the only way she gets to go on the BIG coaster is if she handles all the other Disney Coasters without being scared. So we'll see.

I should get back to the project. I don't have time to play around!



Disneyland 2012: Plans are Changing...

So while I was in Cali for the wedding I was informed that we would not be doing as planned originally. We'll most likely only do three days at Disney, a day at Universal Studios, a day at Sea World and a day at the beach.

Here's the problem: I have 4 different days with reservations. So, either that day at the beach better be a half day and the rest of it at Disneyland, or something's gotta give. Technically our two ADRs as a whole family aren't in the parks so we can fudge it, but I'm not a big fan of only three days. So I will most likely get at least another day ticket. Probably two... maybe three.... I'm obsessed, what can I say?!

I'm excited for Universal Studios Hollywood as I've never been to the Cali park and I hear it's much better in some ways to that of the one in Orlando. Sea World just doesn't compare, though, in my mind. While I do love seeing Shamu (all bajillion of them) and the other marine animals that are oh so beautiful, the park just does not work to achieve the same standard as Disney. And that's a shame because they're promoting a bunch of amazing animals that deserve to be showcased in areas themed so much better. And the rides are lame, too. (Well, ok, Atlantis is intense, but the San Diego version looks wimpy compared to the one in Orlando.)

We're two weeks out until I'm down in Anahiem. Two weeks from Tomorrow will (still) be our first day in the Disney Parks. Goofy's Kitchen for dinner. Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel! Goin' back to Disney! w00t!

Disneyland 2012 - Project Autograph Book

So I am spending a glorious few days with the house to myself, aside from the dogs I am completely alone to do as I please and I'm loving it! It's also helping me to hone in my creativity on a project I've been planning for months. Most kids just get the autograph books that the Disney Parks, but our girls will have custom made ones.... I'm printing out pages for characters they're most likely to see, and then generic pages for ones I didn't make "real" pages for. They're an 8x8 scrapbook album that I will personalize their names and favorite characters.

I'm really excited to be working on it. I head to California for my cousin's wedding later this week and then come back to just me in the house for another little while. So excited.

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 7



In honor of America's Independence Day a photo from Disneyland's ship, the Columbia. Happy 4th of July! We are 31 days away from Disneyland!

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 6

It's been a few days since the last picture shared. We're now down to 38 days till Disneyland! I've been busy with work and photography and life, but it's still going by super slow and I just know that when I am actually down there it will go super fast, but it is what it is, right?!



Today's picture is not from Disneyland, but it is Disney. It was taken at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Donald Duck's star is forever visited by his best bud, Mickey outside of the Soda Shop next door to the El Capitan. We did not get ice cream last time, I want to go this time. I want to visit the theater as well... Hollywood's changed so much since Walt was a part of all the action, but he still lives on and influences every part of entertainment in the USA.

Disneyland 2012: Park Hours!!!

Rain may be needed for the soil, but it makes
everyone and everything very grumpy!

Today I spent time in a funk. Part of it was brought on by eating things I know I shouldn't eat and making myself sick, the other is - I dunno - the weather or something. I was just very blah, so I completely forgot that today would be the day that Disney would release the hours for the first day of our Disney Vacation! I popped over to their site a few minutes ago once I remembered and, just as I thought, it's following the same time as July. But, now it's kinda official.

I've also been watching the touringplans.com app for droid on line wait times. So far Disneyland seems pretty manageable - waittimes for most of the rides are at the most 20 minutes. With Carsland being the new big thing, it's not surprising. What is surprising is that really the wait times at DCA aren't must longer than Disneyland - except in Carsland and Toy Story Mania. I know it's still June, and not the PEAK of PEAK season, but I can still be hopeful.

I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks. I have work to get done, but then there's my cousin's wedding. I went online and ordered a dress for it - it will be cooler than pants for July in the Sierra Mountain region of California - got it from Macy's. It looks really cute, I just hope it fits right. The way my body holds fat I just look like an old frumpy cow. I hate it.

Just a month and a half - ish left till Disney! Wish it'd get here already!

Disneyland 2012: Disney Mail!

Disney's Photopass is now better than ever!

Nothing makes one feel like their trip is really happening like Disney Mail. For WDW goers, this is normally a few packets with their package information followed by - a few months later - their Magical Express luggage tags and other fun goodies. With Disneyland, since we're not staying on Disney property, everything is pretty much online, and in our email box. No reason to anxiously wait - or be surprised by -  the arrival of mail in the mailbox from The Mouse.

However, earlier this week that's exactly what I got! Disney Mail! If you follow me on instagram (tonichelle), twitter (tonichelleak) or facebook then you already saw my celebration, but this deserves more than one celebration.

Last weekend I pre-ordered Disney's Photopass+, a new package by the photographers of Disney. You may remember my explanation of Photopass in the Character Interactions Tip post last September. That was with the basic photopass, but Disney has charged it up. Walt himself always wanted to plus everything he did, so I love that it's simply called Photopass+.

Disney finally listened to the park goers and is now including attraction photos (splash mountain's drop for example) as well as certain character meals. This goes hand in hand with the basic package that's always been with the company. The PLUS feature also includes a disk of stock images of the parks and characters.

Pre-ordering gives you a discount (it's pricey) and I know it's going to be so worth it. Better still, you can return it if you don't get enough photos to justify it! Great stuff!

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 5

We're at 43 days out. Disneyland is toying with my emotions, as they have released the latest set of hours that go up to the day we get into the Anaheim area. Meaning my trips dates SHOULD be next, but I HATE WAITING! I want to get the hours now so I can kinda get a game plan in mind for at least myself. You can bet a blog post will be coming when I finally get my way!

Today's picture is Haille on one of the bazillion rope bridges at the Redwood Creek Adventure Camp. It's a pretty neat little area that was themed for Brother Bear - I think it still does have Brother Bear elements but you also get some Up references. Haille is a daredevil and I am not. To get these pictures I had to get up HIGH. I hate up HIGH. Haille knew this and told me to "suck it up" because she wanted to explore. I did my best and got through the course, but I didn't want to go a second time, breaking her heart. Thankfully her mom came through about that time and took her up again. It's probably some of the best theming and definitely a great place for younger kids to burn off energy after having to stand in line after line for attractions.

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 4

Yes I've missed the last few days, I've been working hard for the money. And the sun's been out and the weather's been wonderful. I'm trying to get a little color before California or I'm going to burn. Well, I spent too much time outside today and I'm burnt. Go figure.

Today's picture is of one of my favorite details in the park. Above the Disneyland Fire Department is Walt Disney's apartment. It was where Walt and his family would stay when they visted the park. Cast members knew the boss was there when the light was on. After Walt died, the light was kept on as a kind of "Eternal Flame" tribute to Uncle Walt. I always take time to reflect - not as a sign of worship or anything, just out of respect for one of America's greats. 44 days till I get to say "hello, again." To Uncle Walt. I was born several decades too late. LOL!

Cars Land character road trip to Radiator Springs at Disney California A...

I won't be road tripping it to Disneyland - I'll be flying - but Haille, Judy and Gaylord will be! They get to pick me up at the airport and then, dang it!, I want BubbaGump!

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 3

 

We're 47 days out, and it's taking forever. This photographic countdown isn't really helping like I thought it would. All I keep thinking is "I wanna be there" when looking and remembering each photograph!

This shot was taken at the finale of the Aladdin The Musical show at Disney's California Adventure. Aladdin is, quite possibly, the best stage show Disney has in any of its parks - and I've seen a few of those. It isn't just a retelling of the movie, but stays very close to it. The music is familiar, with one song made especially for the stage production. Jasmine and Aladdin fly on a magic carpet, over the pyramids and sphinx... and audience! But the real magic of the show comes from the Genie himself. He's just as funny as Robin Williams' animated character, and just as spontaneous. He uses current pop culture in his jokes, and he leaves the audience in stitches.

It's a well done, well acted show, and EVERYONE who visits the park should see it at least once!

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 2

48 days until we're in Disneyland country. Today's photo is of Grizzly River Run. I spent a day by myself in Disney's California Adventure and made it a photographic tour. I absolutely loved the theming around the park's water ride. So "authentic" in my mind. The ride is a lot of fun as well. Pretty sure more pics of GRR will pop up on this countdown.

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown!

As I suggested that I might do, I'm going to keep the magic going while I countdown to Disneyland with photographs. I'm not sure I will keep up with it everyday, but I'm going to try. These are some of my favorite photos I've taken over the last couple of Disneyland trips. Some will people of people, some of characters, some the amazing attention to detail Disney has.

I think one of the big reasons I love going back again and again to the Disney parks is the photographic experience. The rides are fun, and who doesn't love getting a hug from their favorite Disney Character?, but as a photographer it's paradise! It's so clean, and the archetecture as well as lighting and detail is incredible. I can spend a full day in the park and not do any rides and have a blast. I've actually done that at Disneyland, just toured the parks and not do any rides (shows, yes, rides no).

This picture I share today is of Haille's first morning at Disney. We didn't stay on Disney property, we stayed at a Good Neighbor hotel. For Disneyland that means the hotels around the parks that aren't Disney owned but are partnered with. Gaylord's timeshare/vacationclub is partnered with this hotel so he and Judy got a killer rate (we're staying there this time as well). The Peacock Inn & Suites is so comfortable. We got a three bedroom suite last time, hoping for that again.

Haille knew better than to come into my room and wake me (I'm not a morning person), but I think I was just as excited as she was. I felt eyes staring at me, I peeked threw one eye and there she was quietly looking at me. She noticed my eye open and whispered "DISNEY!". She'd been waiting for four years for this day - I had, too, not going to lie - and it was here. Problem was the park didn't open for another three hours. So she crawled into bed with me and we watched Mickey Mouse clubhouse till it was time for her to jump in the tub.

I absolutely LOVE this pic, she was still sleepy, but there was nothing going to keep her from being awake. I can't wait to see this face in August! 49 days to go!

Disneyland 2012: Countdown!

MySpace-Countdowns