Disneyland 2012: Final ADR made!

Haille will reunite with her favorite chipmunk
at the Storyteller's Cafe on August 9 for breakfast.

I've dropped the ball on blogging again, however this week has been massive photo editing, and there seems to be no end in sight for the next two weeks! I'm not complaining, though, because it keeps me busy and makes me feel successful! Sunday's Triathlon was so much fun, but I was wiped out after an all day shoot. So wiped out, in fact, that I forgot to call Disney to book our finald dining reservation!!!! How does that even happen to me?! It's unheard of! Forgetting Disney?! No way!

...But, I did. So first thing Monday morning I woke my sunburnt self up and called down to Disney. I did not get Deanna a third time, but Heather was more than able to take care of me. But, as I've stressed so often on my blog, being a day late to the ADR can make getting the time you want difficult. I ran into that problem Monday. We wanted a 10am breakfast, but for our number of people there wasn't room - DANG IT! So I settled for 10:30 (the other time available was way too early to get seven people up, ready, and out the door).

This got me thinking that should we want anymore table service - on a whim - that we may not get it. The best thing to do is go to City Hall and see what food places still have openings (first thing in the morning) and have them book it for us. Still not as spontaneous as some like, but I'd like to know I'm going to eat.

Anyway, we'll be eating at the Storyteller's Cafe Character Breakfast on August 9th. We've never been, but it gets great reviews on all the Disney sites I follow, and it's hosted by Chip and Dale - you can't beat that! It's located inside the Grand Californian Resort - which has it's own entrance into Disney's California Adventure park. I've wanted to visit this resort for a long time, and I finally have an excuse to go! I think I'm more excited for the hotel than I am for the meal!

This will be our final BIG meal that we've planned out. We may still try for a World of Color dining package, but as far as ADR's go, I'm finished with that duty until July.

Now it'll be a long wait till Disney. We have 50 days to go, and I feel the days will somewhat drag on. Thankfully my trip to Northern California next month will break up the wait a bit (it's kinda like the mid way point from here to Disney in countdown. This is when the WoC package will be decided. I may still try for maybe myself and Haille to do it, because I don't want to fight back the crowds and it's one of the things Haille missed last time.

I think to help with the countdown from Now till Then I will do a photo a day blog of pictures I've taken at Disneyland. What do you think?

Disneyland 2012: Another day, another ADR made

My very excitable breakfast buddy - Christmas 2010.

After saying today was a day off from getting in touch with Disneyland, I couldn't help myself and booked a breakfast at Disney's Carnation Cafe. It's a tradtion of mine to have breakfast here at least once in my Disneyland visit. I always get the same thing, a Mickey Waffle, Sausage, and an apple juice. I booked for just me and Haille Rae for 10am on Tuesday August 7. This will give me a bit of one on one time with her and then we'll meet up with the rest of the family later on. I think it will be nice to give everyone a break.

As stated previously, Haille Rae is probably one of my favorite kids to be with. She's too funny, even if she does think I'm a moron, I think she enjoys hanging with me. She asked me if I would come with her to Disney for her trip this year, and I couldn't say no. I want to keep the Disney magic alive for her as long as possible. She's a girly-girl, and a daredevil, so she enjoys both worlds at Disney. She's trying to talk me into going on California Screamin', but that ain't happenin'.

The Carnation Cafe is beloved by many Disney regulars. It's found on Main Street USA, and generally has no problems with walk ups, but it never hurts to have a reservation. It's been closed for months as part of the refurbishments going on in the Disneyland Park. It is set to reopen on June 13 (after originally being set to open on the first).

Oscar is a mainstay at Carnation Cafe, and retires this year.

It's also "home" to the longest working Cast Member - Oscar - who is a mainstay and one of the few non Disney characters who gives autographs and poses for pictures. The man is a Doll. It's been said he's retiring sometime this year - if not already retired. I met and chatted with Oscar when I was there in 2011. While he never *knew* Walt Disney he did begin working at Disneyland very early on and saw Uncle Walt walking in his park. Oscar's been a Cast Member for over 50 years. That's impressive.

I decided to do this around 7:30pm tonight, so instead of calling down I emailed Disneyland. It's a new system they're using and I've heard only good things. I sent off my information request and got an automated response that the hours were until 9pm Pacific. Knowing that I am an hour behind and that others were also emailing, I figured I wouldn't be getting a response until Saturday. However, I was surprised a half hour after closing with a confirmation code for my request! Score!

Tomorrow I don't expect to make any reservations, however I may send an email late tomorrow night requesting a booking that can't be made till Sunday. I will be attending - shooting rather - the Tri-the-Kenai Triathlon and that will be an all day thing. I'm not sure if I will be up for a Disney call afterwards, so email might be best. We'll see. As much as I enjoy the simplicity of the email, I still enjoy calling down and booking that way!
I guess it's just not Disney without the hold music.

Disneyland 2012: Bring on the Fairy Godmother!

What could be better than Disney Magic?

No, I didn't get up early just to call down to Disney. I got a "wake up call" from my dog who wanted outside. After our morning ritual of me threatening starvation if she didn't go potty outside before being fed, I did - however - get on the phone and call down to Disneyland to book the next special something for our August trip.

Today was the reservation for Haille Rae and Haile Elizabeth to get made up as princesses at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. We are booked for 2pm on Monday the 6th of August, with the Crown package. After listening to the hold music for several minutes I was surprised to hear a familiar voice! Deanna from yesterday's reservation took my reservation request again today! I don't even know what the odds are that that could happen but it did!

While booking for the BBB, they ask for the first name(s) of the princess(es). We had a little bit of a laugh because not only do we have two girls with the same name, it's almost the same spelling. This will go on all of their extras that they get from their Fairy Godmother In Training, and that also gives the Fairy Godmother a heads up on their name.

It's a pretty cool experience. Haille Rae got to do it for her birthday, so this will be routine for her. Haile Elizabeth will also enjoy getting dolled up - she's a little doll anyway!

It was another quick and easy reservation and another checkmark off the list. I'm still debating if I'm going to call tomorrow and make a reservation for myself for breakfast at the Carnation Cafe or if I'll wait and decide to do that on the fly or what not. It's just not Disney, though, until I get that Mickey Waffle!

The next for sure reservation can't be made until Sunday - when I will be shooting the Tri-the-Kenai Triahtlon - and that's a breakfast at Storyteller's Cafe, another character meal.

Disneyland 2012: First ADR made!

Nothing makes me dance more,
like making our ADRs!

I called down at 8am Alaska Time this morning to book our first ADR for Disneyland. Actually it's not an ADR, it's "Priority Seating" but close enough. It works basically the same. Deanna was quick and easy to work with - just what you want in a Cast Member when booking anything.

Before chatting with the Cast Member, however, I sat on hold for about 8 minutes. Not bad considering it's summer, but it still had me a little worried. With Carsland openning next weekend it's no doubt they are busy, still I started worrying about our own plans in August. I got to listen to nearly the entire soundtrack from the animated version of Alice in Wonderland before getting my turn at the reservations.

My worries were for naught, however, because it was easy-peasey for Deanna to plug our party of 7 into a dinnertime of 6pm. I also took the time to ask her to make a note of the different celebrations - engagement, first time, and kindergarten graduation. I also asked about dietary concerns with Deanna. With Goofy's Kitchen being a buffet I wasn't sure it much mattered but Deanna took down the big ones anyway. We didn't have a problem finding things for Haille Rae to eat last time, but it never hurts to have the Disney staff aware.

So over all the first reservation of the trip was a breeze. Tomorrow I get to call again to book the girls' Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, and then it'll be a couple of days before I can book our last reservation. I may also book a couple for myself - I gotta have breakfast at the Carnation Cafe - but I'm still debating that one.

I'm pretty much riding a Disney High at the moment. 'Tis a good feeling!

Disneyland 2012: ADR Planning

One of the great things about Disneyland as opposed to Disney World is the smallness of the parks. You walk out of one and straight into the other. Makes it easier to be spontaneous during the day and still make dining reservations and not have to worry about how you'll make it in time.

We will be in Disney a total of 6 days - more than enough time for a Disneyland Resort (DLR) visit. We've decided on two for sure Table Service restaraunts to make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). A Table Service restaraunt is the designation for the eateries on Disney properties that are more like your traditional sit down meal resteraunt. Reservations are mostly never required, but during the busier months are definitely suggested. August is Disney's busiest month in their California Parks - made worse this year with the opening of Carsland this June.

After talking with my aunt this weekend, we nailed down three definite things we want to do as a full family. Two are meals, the third is a special thing for the two girls. We may add a third Table Service to our plans, but that can be decided later as it's not a be all end all.

Our first ADR became a favorite last year, and when we were just starting to think about doing this trip we said we definitely wanted to book a dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. It's a character meal that brought the magic to EVERYONE the final night the family was together in Feb. Haille had been timid around the characters through the week, but not here - they wouldn't let her. She laughed and laughed and just was all smiles. So we're going back Sunday Aug 5!!!

Goofy's is a buffet style eatery. They have a good selection of dinner options, and their deserts all got a big thumbs up from the kid. But watch out for that sneaky pup named Pluto, he will check out your plates. Goofy comes around to make sure his guests are having fun. He will dance with you, and get you seated - complete with napkin on your lap. The characters are always changing as to who will be in the rotation. When we went it was Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Cinderella, and The Fairy Godmother (we're still not sure how the last two fit in). I think the adults are going to be more excited than the kids!

Next on our agenda is not a restaraunt, but is a must for any princess. Disney came out around '06 or '07 with the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where dreams come true turning little girls (and big girls, too!) into princesses. Make-up, nails, and hair are done in styles fit for any Disney princess. Haille got the full works (complete with dress) for her birthday - and it was a bit of overkill for her - so this time around the hair and make-up will be enough. We're most likely going to do this on Tuesday, August 7. Hoping for a 2pm-ish time.

As always, theming is amazing, and the attention to detail is second to none. It's not your typical hair salon. The ladies working the magic are known as "Fairy Godmothers-In-Training" and thier hearts are as big and as giving as the ones who make the Disney Princesses' dreams come true. The big magic is at the revealing portion. They spin the princess in her chair, the birds open the curtains and the princess gets the first look of herself in the magic mirror! This is normally when the grandmas, mothers, aunts, and basically everyone let the waterworks go.

Our final ADR that we have as a definite is a breakfast at Storyteller's Cafe. This is at the Grand Californian. No one in our group has eaten there, but I am excited for it. It's hosted by Chip and Dale, for starters, and I just want to visit the Grand Californian. If I had tons of money to blow, that's where I'd stay when visiting Disneyland. It just looks incredible.

The only other ADR that we might try for is one at Wine Country Trattoria in Disney's California Adventure Park for the World of Color Dinner Package. This would give us tickets to a special viewing area for the most spectacular water show I've ever seen. This is a maybe and won't be decided until just a couple weeks before the trip. It's not a for sure, but I'm hoping for it.

The only other must do, IMO, is non-Disney. I want to go back to BubbaGump. I don't like seafood but I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE all things Forrest Gump. I'm begging to eat there the night I arrive. We'll see if it happens, but if it doesn't I will be a very sad girl!

2 months, 3 weeks, 5 days...

Partner's Statue - Disneyland 2011 - Photo by
Photography by Antonia

Since I am so horrible at keeping my blogs up to date, I figured the sooner I start the pre-trip reporting for Disney the better. Planning is at a stand still as Disneyland is a shorter timeframe to book things that Walt Disney World. We can't begin to book out until 60 days before we go (which is sooooo far away!) and it's not like Disney World where you can add up to 10 days from the first night of your trip so you can book your entire trip's extras together. It's a call down (or, now, email!) every day at the individual 60 day marks if we want to be one of the firsts to get into whereever it is we want to be in.

So what to do to tide me over? Well, I've been reliving last year's trip for one. Deciding what to do again, what to do different. Reading blogs, trip reports of others, and just keeping busy (the Seavey job helps greatly in that department!). Now it's time to me to start blogging. This place is once again dull. I'm not wanting to get rid of the Iditarod theme just yet, and I'm debating if I go to a Disney theme yet or maybe wait and after this weeked in Seward working and taking pictures I might get a summer sled dog theme going. I'm not sure.

For now, though, I will blog on the plans as they stand so far. They are very rough to non-existant, but I have the cast of characters ready to play out this fantasy, as well as some for sure extras. Tonight, though, I introduce the faces of our family trip.

We will have a total of seven in our group this time around. Two princesses at the age of six will be the stars of the show. This is a blended family trip of sorts, and I feel like an interloper (only reason I'm going is Haille begged).... Anywho...

The Cast of Characters:

I LIKE FLUFFY! - Stitch & Toni 2009 WDW

Tonichelle: Aka your's truly. This will be the fourth trip to the Disneyland parks, and the ninth Disney trip overall (five WDW trips, I believe that means I've "arrived" as a Disney traveller). The family generally defaults to my being the trip planner, I love the "job" as I get to start my Disney magic before everyone else. However this also means I end up driving everyone up the wall with my OCD travel planning, and obsession with all things Disney. I, in turn, get frustrated that no one wants to nail down a plan and then follow it. If that's the biggest complaint we all have, though, then we're doing pretty well, IMO!

When not going crazy with trip planning, I am a professional photographer, and sometime sled dog fanatic (you won't find me on the back of a sled, but I try to be involved with the sport in supportive roles). I'm also an active figure skating fan, and self proclaimed movie buff. Some of my favorite Disney films include Sleeping Beauty, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mary Poppins, and Tangled. Favorite characters include Donald Duck, Stitch, Jack Sparrow, Maleficent, Merryweather, and Chip.

Haille Rae - Nevada City 2011

The Rae: aka Haille Rae. My how time flies, I remember when this kid was just a few days old, with a horrible fro that could not be controlled, and wondering when we'd get to sleep through the night when we started babysitting for her parents. Haille is my "neice" - which means it's an easier title than "my step-cousin's daughter", which is impersonal and does not truly reflect our relationship as it is - and is six years old. Her first Disney trip was last year for her fifth birthday (can you imagine turning FIVE in Disney?!). Disney is my polar opposite, and yet so many say she's a mini-me. I don't see how that is, the child is a girly-girl, she can put together better outfits than I ever could. Last year at Disney she was the one who gave me hair and make-up advice. Gah!

Haille is the reason I'm coming this year. She asked if I would be coming with her when she goes to Disney, and at the time I wasn't sure. Every phone call after that had her telling me that if I had to come because, "Aunt Toni, you know Disney." It wasn't that I didn't want to go, I just wasn't sure I could swing it with my cousin's wedding in California happening a couple weeks before Haille's trip. When I finally said I would - mainly so that someone could fly back home with the child afterwards - that's when the real party started. All of our phone calls have her reminding me that I am coming with her to Disney. Like I could forget! Ha ha! Haille's favorite characters - as far as I know - are: Mickey Mouse, Belle, Ariel, Pluto, and Dale. Her favorite Disney movies, last time I asked anyway, are: The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Sleeing Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. When she is Disney'd out and needs a change she enjoys - of all things - The Transformers, Justin Beiber, Hannah Montana, and Taylor Swift (I try not to hold it against her).

Newlyweds @ Disneyland - 2011

The Grandparents: Judy & Gaylord. The ones that make these trips possible. Judy is my aunt, Haille Rae's grandma. Judy has been a part of my life much in the same way I've been in Haille's. I lived with Judy (and Gaylord) while I was in Anchorage going to college (and then working for the Feds). She's more than "just" an Aunt, and I love her - even when we argue. Judy is the reason I am obsessed with Disney travel (though she's come to regret that I think). Gaylord came into the picture a few years ago, and they married last year. They spent their honeymoon in Disney for Haille's fifth birthday (we'd promised the child for four years she was going to go, couldn't back out or postpone!). He was a good sport about it, and is being a good sport (I think) about this year's trip. I'm not sure he knew what he was getting into when he married into the family, but we'll get him Disney trained in no time.

They moved to Northern California last summer, and Haille and I miss them big time. Haille is going to visit for two weeks this summer, which is how this trip started in the first place. Haille equates California with three things - swimming, Memaw, and Disney. She's getting all three this summer. Haille said that the part she's most looking forward to is, "seeing gramma in a swimsuit."

The Trio: Aana, Brandon & Haile Elizabeth. To make it an even bigger family affair, Gaylord's bringing his granddaughter and her parents to Disney as well. One of the coolest parts of Judy and Gaylord's story is they have granddaugthers that are the same age AND have the same first name. Too weird, right?! The girls met for the first time at the wedding, sharing the duties as flower girls. They became fast friends and the hope and plan is that going to Disney together will give the girls a great experience with Haille Rae being the veteran showing Haile Elizabeth as the newbie how Disney is done. I think Judy and Gaylord are most excited to see how the girls respond to Disney and all it has to offer.

I don't know Haile or her parents too well. I only spent a few hours with her mom Aana, and I don't believe her dad came to the wedding. Haile Elizabeth, though, is a doll. So sweet and funny. She and Haille Rae get along well together. Because their names are the same we're going to have to use their middle names to make sure the right one responds! Ha ha! So, it's not that I don't want to give you insight to the rest of the travelling party, I just don't feel comfortable talking about folks I don't really know - or sharing pictures. Haile Elizabeth may make quite a few of the twitter/instagram photos that will be shared through out the trip as I have a feeling the two girls will be inseperable or close to it.

So there's the cast as it stands so far. Seven Disney travellers with all levels of experience. The next part of the pre-trip report will be the plans as they become available. Not that this is compelling blogging or anything, but it's what I've got going on.

This will probably be the last Disney trip I take with this gang for a while. Next year I am going to WDW with the parents and sib (depending on when he goes to bootcamp he'll go or he won't, it's up to him). The following year I go on a Disney Cruise for an early 30th birthday with the bff - this is the longest I've gone without a trip with Erin, and I'm not happy about it, but I will deal. The next promised trip I've made with Haille is when she's 10, and she will experience the Florida Disney experience for the first time - and that may be the next time this travel party gets together.


Next stop? Adding a little bit of EXTRA magic...