TeamofThree
More drink, less run since 2008
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2014
Great info so far! Following along because I am planning a summer trip next year.
Summertime and Disneyland .Oo-De-Lally!!
- Thread starter thornton0511
- Start date
amandaw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2011
I've eaten at the RFC in DTD @ WDW once & it's been several years. We are giving it another try this coming October. Hoping my DS doesn't mind the thunderstorms. He's not fond of really loud noises most of the time.
Oh, the Lego store.....I'm already preparing myself for our trip there in October.
But, I've been making my DS earn his spending money this year. Those sets are so expensive! And I've already promised to take him to Legoland in CA next year so I will really have to do some mental preparation for that! 
Oh, the Lego store.....I'm already preparing myself for our trip there in October.
But, I've been making my DS earn his spending money this year. Those sets are so expensive! And I've already promised to take him to Legoland in CA next year so I will really have to do some mental preparation for that! 
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
Lol you are so right about DTD Rob!!! Yeah getting to go upstairs anywhere always makes me get little kid excited. The family said that the ribs were really good. I did not have any though because I have a thing with eating food right off the bone, it seems a bit barbaric to me. Just one of my many quirks I guess. My kids and DH have no problem with ripping meat of a bone though lol.
Hi there and welcome!!!! Glad to have you join and yay for planning a trip for next summer!!
I've eaten at the RFC in DTD @ WDW once & it's been several years. We are giving it another try this coming October. Hoping my DS doesn't mind the thunderstorms. He's not fond of really loud noises most of the time.
Oh, the Lego store.....I'm already preparing myself for our trip there in October.
My babies were very timid when little but they have grown out of it as they have gotten older and not so little. On our first 2 trips to WDW DD had a glowstick that she would have to wear around her neck otherwise she would not get on any ride that might have darkness. I think that we also used earplugs on loud rides with her too. She is a lot better now that she is older for sure. Ugh the Lego Store! Yes Lego sets can be very pricey too! Good luck to you on that lol!!!
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
A Hot Afternoon in Disneyland Pt1
Before we headed back into a park there was one thing I was dying to do
I wanted to check out the Grand Californian! I would love, love, love to stay here!
This type of theme is right up my alley! Though I have yet to stay at Wilderness Lodge at WDW it is definitely on my bucket list. But this place truly is like Wilderness Lodge on steroids .oh my goodness I was obsessed! We wandered around and I gotta tell you it made our staying at CCI even more regrettable at this point. Everything about staying here seemed amazing. It was at this point that we decided if we ever come back to CA and Disneyland that we would not do it unless we can stay onsite. Period.
So after our little distraction we made our way back to the monorail station by the Rainforest Café. Backtracking is fun!!
It was so weird trying not to confuse this means of transportation with the one in WDW. They are so different. But hey a monorail is a monorail and I will never pass up an opportunity to get on one! Even if they do not tell you to stand clear of the doors in Spanish. At least I don't remember hearing it anyways.
I love the monorail!!! Cory attempted to photobomb our picture lol. Nice attempt.
It was a nice ride and I love how it takes you around the park a bit.
We also got a peak at a ride that unfortunately we were not going to be riding this time around. The Nemo subs.
It was hard trying to imagine what it looks like with actual water.
Hey a no dancing sign for the monorail. Dang. I was just about to get up and start dancing too! Glad they have this sign posted!
To Be Continued.....
Before we headed back into a park there was one thing I was dying to do
I wanted to check out the Grand Californian! I would love, love, love to stay here!
This type of theme is right up my alley! Though I have yet to stay at Wilderness Lodge at WDW it is definitely on my bucket list. But this place truly is like Wilderness Lodge on steroids .oh my goodness I was obsessed! We wandered around and I gotta tell you it made our staying at CCI even more regrettable at this point. Everything about staying here seemed amazing. It was at this point that we decided if we ever come back to CA and Disneyland that we would not do it unless we can stay onsite. Period.
So after our little distraction we made our way back to the monorail station by the Rainforest Café. Backtracking is fun!!
It was so weird trying not to confuse this means of transportation with the one in WDW. They are so different. But hey a monorail is a monorail and I will never pass up an opportunity to get on one! Even if they do not tell you to stand clear of the doors in Spanish. At least I don't remember hearing it anyways.
I love the monorail!!! Cory attempted to photobomb our picture lol. Nice attempt.
It was a nice ride and I love how it takes you around the park a bit.
We also got a peak at a ride that unfortunately we were not going to be riding this time around. The Nemo subs.
It was hard trying to imagine what it looks like with actual water.
Hey a no dancing sign for the monorail. Dang. I was just about to get up and start dancing too! Glad they have this sign posted!
To Be Continued.....
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
A Hot Afternoon in Disneyland Pt2
Once we had departed from the monorail into DL we had to decide what to do first. It was a busy day for DL and also 1:30 in the afternoon at this point. And getting hot. The odds were not in our favor.
We decided that even with the heat maybe a FP for Autopia was in order. This was definitely on my bucket list. I had watched a recording of the broadcast of opening day for DL from 1955 and since this was an opening day ride I really wanted to experience it. Plus the kids love Speedway at MK.
Since we had some time to kill we decided to pop in to Innoventions since it was right there. I have to admit I was a bit confused. I know my DL history pretty well and knew at some point early on this was a rotating show called America Sings, which was much like COP in WDW. Also before that it was actually COP until they moved that to WDW. Then I thought that after they closed the show it was revamped into Innoventions but it still rotated? Also wasn't there supposed to be some freaky Robot thing voiced by Nathan Lane that greeted you when you walked in? Maybe I have my facts wrong, but either way it was not really what I was expecting. Not bad or good, just not expected. It reminded me a lot of Innoventions at Epcot.
We spent the first few minutes letting the boys explore the marvel area with props from the movies and stuff.
Then we wandered over to the Dream House and proceed to wander around that for a bit.
I thought the Neverland theme for a child's room was pretty cool
And the kitchen area with the touch screen table was pretty amazing I have to admit.
We then let the kids wait in line to each take a turn at one of the futuristic video games for a few minutes. At this point I was antsy and ready to move it along.
Finally we were in our window for our FP and could get out of there lol.
We waited a good while in the hot sun, even for the FP line. Goodness it was as miserable as memories I have of standing in standby at Speedway at MK. DH thought that it seemed that they merge the FP line with the standby line for rides here a lot sooner than they do at WDW. Not sure if that is true or not but I will admit that wait times seemed pretty substantial even for FP at DLR. Or maybe it was because it was summer and the parks were more crowded. Hard to tell when we are used to going to WDW with moderate crowd levels.
Either way finally we were able to get in a car and let the kids do some driving. I will admit the track for Autopia is way better than Speedway at WDW. Very cool!
I always make DH ride with Sydney because this child is a maniac when she gets on Speedway and it is painful to ride with her lol. If you don't believe me here is a link to a sample of her driving last December on Speedway with her daddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSstounvvGQ&feature=youtu.be
Yeah I am usually first to call "not it" when we get here lol.
Poor DH. He did say that she was better able to control the car on this track better than she is at MK so that made me feel not as guilty.
After we exited our cars on Autopia we headed over to a QS location nearby and grabbed a couple of free cups of ice water. Man it was hot. It was also now nearing 2:30pm and we were starting to wear down a bit. We should have taken heed the warning signs but we instead ignored them and continued ahead.
We had not ventured into Toontown yet so that is where we headed.
I don't know what in the world we were thinking. Maybe the heat made us delusional. This was not our first rodeo and we usually know better than to go to a place like this in the middle of the afternoon. Brightly colored lands with no shade and lots of concrete make for miserable touring. We walked in, looked about, felt the heat, saw the crowds, said nope, and walked right back out.
At this point we were at the point of no return. We knew it was time to head back to the motel and take a break. We were in danger of pushing it and that is not a line you want to cross. We made it back to the hub and all of us looked like we were about to pass out lol. I knew there was a chance we might not even make it back to CCI. We needed something to regain some energy and some pep. That's when I spotted Adventureland. In this land was the one thing that could save us ..dole whips.
This sounded heavenly to everyone and we all agreed we needed this to make our 10 min walk back home. The problem was that the line was insanely long. Did not matter at this point we were determined. We found a shaded spot for the kids across from the line and DH and I waited and waited until it was our turn.
Finally we had our Dole Whips in hand and went to the shaded spot where the kids were and sat and enjoyed our refreshing treats. This purchase went on the rewards card. This was exactly what we needed to get our strength back in order to make our walk back to CCI. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was the size of the float compared to the cost (they are much bigger in WDW) and also the soft serve in the cup we ordered was hollow in the center. That has never happened in WDW. At this point we were just happy to have them though. Once we had finished our treat we walked back to the motel and took a much needed break/nap.
Once we had departed from the monorail into DL we had to decide what to do first. It was a busy day for DL and also 1:30 in the afternoon at this point. And getting hot. The odds were not in our favor.
We decided that even with the heat maybe a FP for Autopia was in order. This was definitely on my bucket list. I had watched a recording of the broadcast of opening day for DL from 1955 and since this was an opening day ride I really wanted to experience it. Plus the kids love Speedway at MK.
Since we had some time to kill we decided to pop in to Innoventions since it was right there. I have to admit I was a bit confused. I know my DL history pretty well and knew at some point early on this was a rotating show called America Sings, which was much like COP in WDW. Also before that it was actually COP until they moved that to WDW. Then I thought that after they closed the show it was revamped into Innoventions but it still rotated? Also wasn't there supposed to be some freaky Robot thing voiced by Nathan Lane that greeted you when you walked in? Maybe I have my facts wrong, but either way it was not really what I was expecting. Not bad or good, just not expected. It reminded me a lot of Innoventions at Epcot.
We spent the first few minutes letting the boys explore the marvel area with props from the movies and stuff.
Then we wandered over to the Dream House and proceed to wander around that for a bit.
I thought the Neverland theme for a child's room was pretty cool
And the kitchen area with the touch screen table was pretty amazing I have to admit.
We then let the kids wait in line to each take a turn at one of the futuristic video games for a few minutes. At this point I was antsy and ready to move it along.
Finally we were in our window for our FP and could get out of there lol.
We waited a good while in the hot sun, even for the FP line. Goodness it was as miserable as memories I have of standing in standby at Speedway at MK. DH thought that it seemed that they merge the FP line with the standby line for rides here a lot sooner than they do at WDW. Not sure if that is true or not but I will admit that wait times seemed pretty substantial even for FP at DLR. Or maybe it was because it was summer and the parks were more crowded. Hard to tell when we are used to going to WDW with moderate crowd levels.
Either way finally we were able to get in a car and let the kids do some driving. I will admit the track for Autopia is way better than Speedway at WDW. Very cool!
I always make DH ride with Sydney because this child is a maniac when she gets on Speedway and it is painful to ride with her lol. If you don't believe me here is a link to a sample of her driving last December on Speedway with her daddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSstounvvGQ&feature=youtu.be
Yeah I am usually first to call "not it" when we get here lol.
Poor DH. He did say that she was better able to control the car on this track better than she is at MK so that made me feel not as guilty.
After we exited our cars on Autopia we headed over to a QS location nearby and grabbed a couple of free cups of ice water. Man it was hot. It was also now nearing 2:30pm and we were starting to wear down a bit. We should have taken heed the warning signs but we instead ignored them and continued ahead.
We had not ventured into Toontown yet so that is where we headed.
I don't know what in the world we were thinking. Maybe the heat made us delusional. This was not our first rodeo and we usually know better than to go to a place like this in the middle of the afternoon. Brightly colored lands with no shade and lots of concrete make for miserable touring. We walked in, looked about, felt the heat, saw the crowds, said nope, and walked right back out.
At this point we were at the point of no return. We knew it was time to head back to the motel and take a break. We were in danger of pushing it and that is not a line you want to cross. We made it back to the hub and all of us looked like we were about to pass out lol. I knew there was a chance we might not even make it back to CCI. We needed something to regain some energy and some pep. That's when I spotted Adventureland. In this land was the one thing that could save us ..dole whips.
This sounded heavenly to everyone and we all agreed we needed this to make our 10 min walk back home. The problem was that the line was insanely long. Did not matter at this point we were determined. We found a shaded spot for the kids across from the line and DH and I waited and waited until it was our turn.
Finally we had our Dole Whips in hand and went to the shaded spot where the kids were and sat and enjoyed our refreshing treats. This purchase went on the rewards card. This was exactly what we needed to get our strength back in order to make our walk back to CCI. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was the size of the float compared to the cost (they are much bigger in WDW) and also the soft serve in the cup we ordered was hollow in the center. That has never happened in WDW. At this point we were just happy to have them though. Once we had finished our treat we walked back to the motel and took a much needed break/nap.
kelmac284
Lover of all things Disney since 1975
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2005
Nice update. I do have to say though that as much as I LOVE the decor and the lobby of the Grand I have stayed their twice and unless you can do DVC and get a villa the rooms are the smallest of the 3 onsite properties. The cool thing is most of the stuff that is neat about that hotel you can do for free like sit in the lobby, go to the shops and restaurants.
We really enjoy the rooms and theming at the DL hotel and actually our favorite is Paradise Pier. I know some might not because it doesn't have as many ammenities as the other two and the pool is not so hot but the rooms are big and nice and I find it is just a nicer atmosphere. It is also the cheapest of the 3 so always a bonus LOL.
I SO hate the parks when it is hot. That is when you just want to get on pirates or Haunted and ride it around and around LOL. I don't blame you for skipping toon town.
We venture in there usually once a trip but we only like to ride Roger Rabbit and usually don't spend much time there.
And a little trick for the dole whips is to go into the tiki room area. You can order them on that side as well and the line is usually shorter.
We really enjoy the rooms and theming at the DL hotel and actually our favorite is Paradise Pier. I know some might not because it doesn't have as many ammenities as the other two and the pool is not so hot but the rooms are big and nice and I find it is just a nicer atmosphere. It is also the cheapest of the 3 so always a bonus LOL.
I SO hate the parks when it is hot. That is when you just want to get on pirates or Haunted and ride it around and around LOL. I don't blame you for skipping toon town.
We venture in there usually once a trip but we only like to ride Roger Rabbit and usually don't spend much time there.
And a little trick for the dole whips is to go into the tiki room area. You can order them on that side as well and the line is usually shorter.
DisneyKid4Life
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2013
I plan to stay at the Grand Californian as well. But first... a lottery win. It is beautiful though and truly "on property".
Sadly, the monorail is another thing that was closed when I was there. But no "por favor"???? No Bueno!
I will add that, in my opinion, the subs aren't that great. Often long wait due to limited capacity, and VERY claustrophobic. Nemo is much more relaxing in Epcot.
Oh lord Adventureland. Even when it's not busy it's crowded. And I think that the Dole Whip line may be the longest line in Dland.
Sadly, the monorail is another thing that was closed when I was there. But no "por favor"???? No Bueno!
I will add that, in my opinion, the subs aren't that great. Often long wait due to limited capacity, and VERY claustrophobic. Nemo is much more relaxing in Epcot.
Oh lord Adventureland. Even when it's not busy it's crowded. And I think that the Dole Whip line may be the longest line in Dland.
amandaw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2011
I have been so torn over whether or not I should fork over a few hundred extra bucks to stay @ GCH next year. Right now, I have us booked in a deluxe view @ DLH. A courtyard view @ GCH is not terribly much more. Now, you have me considering switching again. I will say that we've stayed @ WL in WDW and loved it!
I've heard Autopia is much better than the Speedway @ WDW so I'm excited for my DS to try it out. That's one of his favorite rides.
Sorry the Dole Whips were a bit disappointing in comparison to their WDW counterparts. But, I bet they were really good to have on the walk back to CCI.
You talked about it being really hot in the afternoon. I have a question about that - is it a dry heat or is it just as bad as summer heat in Orlando (or anywhere in the south for that matter)? Thanks!
I will say that we've stayed @ WL in WDW and loved it!I've heard Autopia is much better than the Speedway @ WDW so I'm excited for my DS to try it out. That's one of his favorite rides.
Sorry the Dole Whips were a bit disappointing in comparison to their WDW counterparts. But, I bet they were really good to have on the walk back to CCI.
You talked about it being really hot in the afternoon. I have a question about that - is it a dry heat or is it just as bad as summer heat in Orlando (or anywhere in the south for that matter)? Thanks!
BellaBaby
(Im)patiently waiting for next trip to Disney!!
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
LOL. We did pretty much the same as you guys with Toon Town. We ended up in there around 2 or 3 pm one day and it was HOT and CROWDED! We let the kids tour Donald's Boat (I believe it was) while we sat in the shade then took a bio break and then left for a break! Unfortunately we never made it back to Toon Town. Would've liked to ride Roger Rabbit and Goofy's coaster, but it just never worked out.
I have to say we've stayed at the Hojo's 3 times now over the years and we love it. The last 2 times we stayed in the kids suite. It is themed to POTC. No free breakfast, but very clean and nice little shop and the kids loved the pools. So nice to have 2 rooms, 2 TVs and 2 BATHROOMS! We used the Mousesavers rate and got it for 207.00/night plus tax. Also, very close walking distance. And as the PP said you can always go over to the GC and hang out for free!
I do see the lure of the onsite hotels, but they are just too pricey for our family of 5 and sizewise the room can't compete with Hojo's kid suite!
Nice update!!
I have to say we've stayed at the Hojo's 3 times now over the years and we love it. The last 2 times we stayed in the kids suite. It is themed to POTC. No free breakfast, but very clean and nice little shop and the kids loved the pools. So nice to have 2 rooms, 2 TVs and 2 BATHROOMS! We used the Mousesavers rate and got it for 207.00/night plus tax. Also, very close walking distance. And as the PP said you can always go over to the GC and hang out for free!
I do see the lure of the onsite hotels, but they are just too pricey for our family of 5 and sizewise the room can't compete with Hojo's kid suite!
Nice update!!
luulu1999
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2012
Just got caught up after getting back from our trip! I got stuck riding Autopia with my DD and she drives the same way yours does it was painful!! I really wanted to try a dole whip but never could make myself stand in that line 
Can't wait to hear some more!!
Can't wait to hear some more!!
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
I totally agree with you about staying at the Grand only with DVC, otherwise who can afford that lol? We actually looked at the rental rate for DVC with David's and it was very reasonable, the problem was the availability and those points are hard to come by. I would love love love to stay at the DL Hotel! The new rooms make me drool lol!!! I am with you though and think a theme park view at Paradise Pier looks like heaven and would totally be doable
and that view oh my goodness I have seen pics here on the disboards and WOW!That is really good to know about the dole whip line and the tiki room. I would have never even thought of that! I will definitely have to remember that if we ever go back. And yes heat and parks are an awful combo for sure
lol I think you might be right
Hmmmmm that's a good question. I have a lot of experience with the heat of Florida but only the one time with Cali. I would say it's kind of like comparing apples to oranges honestly. Florida heat is hot and thick with humidity. You know that feeling you get when you walk outside and you can't breathe? it's hot, but it's heavy too and that's bad. CA on the other hand was more of a dry heat. I thought the CA heat was so much more bearable. It was like when you are in the sun in the afternoon you can feel that's it's hot, and burning from the sun, but if you are in the shade not so bad. Plus a lot of times there was a cool breeze that felt amazing. I hope I am making senseI have been so torn over whether or not I should fork over a few hundred extra bucks to stay @ GCH next year. Right now, I have us booked in a deluxe view @ DLH. A courtyard view @ GCH is not terribly much more. Now, you have me considering switching again.
I would love to stay at either one! I will say that the rooms at DLH look amazing! I dunno that one would be a toss up.
I've heard Autopia is much better than the Speedway @ WDW so I'm excited for my DS to try it out. That's one of his favorite rides.
The track was way better than Speedway. Over all the kids liked Autopia better, but we have so many great memories of Speedway too!
Sorry the Dole Whips were a bit disappointing in comparison to their WDW counterparts. But, I bet they were really good to have on the walk back to CCI.
Oh yeah no lie! They were, at that time, the best dole whip of my life lol
You talked about it being really hot in the afternoon. I have a question about that - is it a dry heat or is it just as bad as summer heat in Orlando (or anywhere in the south for that matter)? Thanks!
LOL. We did pretty much the same as you guys with Toon Town. We ended up in there around 2 or 3 pm one day and it was HOT and CROWDED! We let the kids tour Donald's Boat (I believe it was) while we sat in the shade then took a bio break and then left for a break! Unfortunately we never made it back to Toon Town. Would've liked to ride Roger Rabbit and Goofy's coaster, but it just never worked out.
Oh yeah on this particular occasion there was no chance we were doing that lol.....bio breakI love that!
I have to say we've stayed at the Hojo's 3 times now over the years and we love it. The last 2 times we stayed in the kids suite. It is themed to POTC. No free breakfast, but very clean and nice little shop and the kids loved the pools. So nice to have 2 rooms, 2 TVs and 2 BATHROOMS! We used the Mousesavers rate and got it for 207.00/night plus tax. Also, very close walking distance. And as the PP said you can always go over to the GC and hang out for free!
I do see the lure of the onsite hotels, but they are just too pricey for our family of 5 and sizewise the room can't compete with Hojo's kid suite!
I can totally see how that could be an issue especially with a family of 5. I do wish that Disney would have more cost friendly options for larger family, that did not cost twice as much. We are getting close to not getting away with two beds in one room with our kids getting older. We actually had a premium Disney room booked at the Hojo for this trip when we originally it scheduled in July, but when we changed to June they were completely booked up and that is how we ended up at CCI. I was bummed because I was actually looking forward to the Hojo and excited. I did not mind not being onsite so much, but when we changed to CCI that also changed.
Nice update!!
Just got caught up after getting back from our trip! I got stuck riding Autopia with my DD and she drives the same way yours does it was painful!! I really wanted to try a dole whip but never could make myself stand in that line
Lol glad to hear that my DD is not the only reckless Disney driver lol. It is so painful for sure. And the maniac laughing does not help the situation either, although it does make it quite funny. Oh my goodness it is all about the sacrifice with the dole whip lol. I would have jumped through rings of fire and clowns for a dole whip!
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
Dinner at Tortilla Joe's
After a much needed and long nap we headed back to DTD for dinner. We had an ADR at 6:30 for Tortilla Joe's. This place had some pretty great reviews here on the disboards and also owned by the Patina group that owns Via Napoli in Epcot. Since DH and I both have June birthdays I had signed us both up online with their club to receive a coupon to use during the month of your birthday .and they had two locations in DTD where the coupon was valid! This place would be one of them. You basically had to spend $30 and then they give you $30 towards your bill. So a $60 bill only puts you OOP for $30. A really great deal!!
We checked in and only had to wait a few minutes before being seated. The atmosphere here was nothing elaborate but it was still very nice.
They started us off with chips and salsa and then our server came by to take our order. While we waited for our food we noticed that they had a balloon guy making balloons for the kids. We have noticed this to be a common thing in Florida. They do not charge for the balloons but a generous tip is always recommended! And man these guys really are talented too so obviously tipping is not even questioned, but with that being said we do not always say yes to a balloon when they come to our table. This time we told the kids they could have a balloon made.
DD decided she wanted an Olaf. This apparently is the #2 popular request right below Elsa lol.
DS had noticed quite a few other boys walking around DLR with Viking hats recently so that is what he decided to go with. The gentleman was very good with both kids and we thanked him and tipped him accordingly. Within no time the food was brought to the table.
DD decided to go with a child's hot dog and fresh fruit as her side ..in a Mexican food restaurant lol. Go figure.
DS went with the child's quesadillas and a garden salad for his side.
I went with the adult order of chicken fajitas and substituted extra rice instead of beans.
DH went with the adult order of beef fajitas
With rice and beans. And then the two of us split our chicken and beef to make a combo! Good golly Miss Molly this was a whole lot of food! I will say that it lived up to the reviews and we thought it was very good! After our birthday coupon was applied our total bill with tip was $38 dollars. Not too shabby! We would have easily spent that at a QS in the parks!
We finished and paid and set out to our park of choice for the evening. We had a new nighttime show to see after all and were very excited!!!
After a much needed and long nap we headed back to DTD for dinner. We had an ADR at 6:30 for Tortilla Joe's. This place had some pretty great reviews here on the disboards and also owned by the Patina group that owns Via Napoli in Epcot. Since DH and I both have June birthdays I had signed us both up online with their club to receive a coupon to use during the month of your birthday .and they had two locations in DTD where the coupon was valid! This place would be one of them. You basically had to spend $30 and then they give you $30 towards your bill. So a $60 bill only puts you OOP for $30. A really great deal!!
We checked in and only had to wait a few minutes before being seated. The atmosphere here was nothing elaborate but it was still very nice.
They started us off with chips and salsa and then our server came by to take our order. While we waited for our food we noticed that they had a balloon guy making balloons for the kids. We have noticed this to be a common thing in Florida. They do not charge for the balloons but a generous tip is always recommended! And man these guys really are talented too so obviously tipping is not even questioned, but with that being said we do not always say yes to a balloon when they come to our table. This time we told the kids they could have a balloon made.
DD decided she wanted an Olaf. This apparently is the #2 popular request right below Elsa lol.
DS had noticed quite a few other boys walking around DLR with Viking hats recently so that is what he decided to go with. The gentleman was very good with both kids and we thanked him and tipped him accordingly. Within no time the food was brought to the table.
DD decided to go with a child's hot dog and fresh fruit as her side ..in a Mexican food restaurant lol. Go figure.
DS went with the child's quesadillas and a garden salad for his side.
I went with the adult order of chicken fajitas and substituted extra rice instead of beans.
DH went with the adult order of beef fajitas
With rice and beans. And then the two of us split our chicken and beef to make a combo! Good golly Miss Molly this was a whole lot of food! I will say that it lived up to the reviews and we thought it was very good! After our birthday coupon was applied our total bill with tip was $38 dollars. Not too shabby! We would have easily spent that at a QS in the parks!
We finished and paid and set out to our park of choice for the evening. We had a new nighttime show to see after all and were very excited!!!
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
Strange Tea Parties, Monsters, and a Zephyr
We were headed back to DCA to see WOC for the first time ever. But since we were coming from DTD it made for a perfect excuse to cut through the Grand
I had officially become obsessed and would detour through here at any cost just because I could lol. I think we ended up spending more awake time here than we did at the motel we were really staying at. It was nice to play pretend!
We made it into DCA and onto Buena Vista Street. Carthay Circle was looking mighty spectacular this evening.
We had a little bit of time to kill before using our FP for WOC so we decided a ride on Monsters Inc was in order. This would be a new dark ride for us!
I had totally forgotten about the Mad Tea Party dance thing that we would have to cut through to get to the ride. This dance party is pretty amazing. Definitely geared towards an older crowd but absolutely appropriate for kids of any age .it is Disney after all!! Unfortunately my kiddos do not like to break it down in public ..neither do I so I guess that is where they get it, so we did not stop and dance.
We did however stop to watch this guy for a bit of time. It was so bizarre and yet strangely funny and hypnotizing at the same time ..I could not stop watching lol. The kids thought it was a riot. You just have to see for yourself ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzbiTXvVEe8&feature=youtu.be
He would just strut around and then twirl and kick up his little flamingo legs and I just had to laugh at how bizarre the whole thing was lol.
So once we were able to pull ourselves away from the dancing flamingo guy we found the ride we were looking for! YAY Mike and Sulley!!! The line was not too bad. We got in at 8:15pm and were out by 8:35pm.
While in line Sydney posed for a photo with Olaf. Then I noticed that Cory was not around. Then we found him.
Sitting on the queue railing looking like a creepy Viking monkey .or something.
Soon enough we had made our way inside the queue. I really liked the props they had set up in the line.
Then it was time to take a ride though Monstropolis via taxi!
KITTY!!!!
Poor Mike .funny this is exactly what I look like when I try to pull up MDE lol!
Overall we thought the ride was cute, not worth getting in line for a second time, but still enjoyable! DH did get some one on one time with Rozz at the end of the ride and that was pretty funny too!
After the ride we started to make our way over to the pier and I was able to capture a very eerie picture of TOT. Sadly I have not been able to ride this since I was a teen but I am desperately trying to talk the fam into giving it a try for our Sept trip to WDW .which is like 18 days away!!!!!!
Somehow we then found ourselves over by the flying Zephyr and thought a night time ride was in order.
I was all smiles until this thing took off. Then not so much. I felt like I was going to be flinged off and thrown into the shallow water below lol. I have the same problem with Aladdin's Magic Carpets .of death. I think my issue is rides in the air that remain somewhat open on the sides. I like to be locked in tight with no way of falling and high walls surrounding me lol.
These things give you a full open view off the sides and below .not my favorite.
After surviving the zephyr it was getting close to time for WOC. First the kids wanted to stop and get a couple of churros to enjoy while watching the show. With churros in hand we headed off to find where exactly the blue seating area would be.
We were headed back to DCA to see WOC for the first time ever. But since we were coming from DTD it made for a perfect excuse to cut through the Grand
I had officially become obsessed and would detour through here at any cost just because I could lol. I think we ended up spending more awake time here than we did at the motel we were really staying at. It was nice to play pretend!
We made it into DCA and onto Buena Vista Street. Carthay Circle was looking mighty spectacular this evening.
We had a little bit of time to kill before using our FP for WOC so we decided a ride on Monsters Inc was in order. This would be a new dark ride for us!
I had totally forgotten about the Mad Tea Party dance thing that we would have to cut through to get to the ride. This dance party is pretty amazing. Definitely geared towards an older crowd but absolutely appropriate for kids of any age .it is Disney after all!! Unfortunately my kiddos do not like to break it down in public ..neither do I so I guess that is where they get it, so we did not stop and dance.
We did however stop to watch this guy for a bit of time. It was so bizarre and yet strangely funny and hypnotizing at the same time ..I could not stop watching lol. The kids thought it was a riot. You just have to see for yourself ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzbiTXvVEe8&feature=youtu.be
He would just strut around and then twirl and kick up his little flamingo legs and I just had to laugh at how bizarre the whole thing was lol.
So once we were able to pull ourselves away from the dancing flamingo guy we found the ride we were looking for! YAY Mike and Sulley!!! The line was not too bad. We got in at 8:15pm and were out by 8:35pm.
While in line Sydney posed for a photo with Olaf. Then I noticed that Cory was not around. Then we found him.
Sitting on the queue railing looking like a creepy Viking monkey .or something.
Soon enough we had made our way inside the queue. I really liked the props they had set up in the line.
Then it was time to take a ride though Monstropolis via taxi!
KITTY!!!!
Poor Mike .funny this is exactly what I look like when I try to pull up MDE lol!
Overall we thought the ride was cute, not worth getting in line for a second time, but still enjoyable! DH did get some one on one time with Rozz at the end of the ride and that was pretty funny too!
After the ride we started to make our way over to the pier and I was able to capture a very eerie picture of TOT. Sadly I have not been able to ride this since I was a teen but I am desperately trying to talk the fam into giving it a try for our Sept trip to WDW .which is like 18 days away!!!!!!
Somehow we then found ourselves over by the flying Zephyr and thought a night time ride was in order.
I was all smiles until this thing took off. Then not so much. I felt like I was going to be flinged off and thrown into the shallow water below lol. I have the same problem with Aladdin's Magic Carpets .of death. I think my issue is rides in the air that remain somewhat open on the sides. I like to be locked in tight with no way of falling and high walls surrounding me lol.
These things give you a full open view off the sides and below .not my favorite.
After surviving the zephyr it was getting close to time for WOC. First the kids wanted to stop and get a couple of churros to enjoy while watching the show. With churros in hand we headed off to find where exactly the blue seating area would be.
OregonMomToWDW
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2012
Loved the update. I am trying to update my PTR with our Disneyland trip from end of July before we leave for our WDW trip in 19 days.
My kids couldn't remember the Monsters, Inc. ride, so we went on it again. They then understood why they couldn't remember it.
We also rode the Zephyr. My 10 year old really wanted to go on it. I really hate rides that suspend you on wires and "fly" you over water. If I had my way, I would have made her sit closest to the opening.
Your dinner looks like it was a fun time. We ended up going to Rainforest Cafe for the first time. It was good.
Hope you get to ride Tower of Terror. My older 2 ride it, but my youngest doesn't and neither do I. We finally got my youngest (10 yrs) to ride Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain and she loved it. She still wasn't ready for Screamin' or Tower of Terror. We will see if I can talk her into it at DHS. She really wants a Vera Bradley bag for dance, so I told her if she rode both Rock 'n' Roller coaster and Tower of Terror I would buy her one. I am not ashamed of bribing my kids when needed (plus I was planning on buying her one anyway, so figured I might as well see what I could get her to do).
I hope you have a great trip.
My kids couldn't remember the Monsters, Inc. ride, so we went on it again. They then understood why they couldn't remember it.
We also rode the Zephyr. My 10 year old really wanted to go on it. I really hate rides that suspend you on wires and "fly" you over water. If I had my way, I would have made her sit closest to the opening.
Your dinner looks like it was a fun time. We ended up going to Rainforest Cafe for the first time. It was good.
Hope you get to ride Tower of Terror. My older 2 ride it, but my youngest doesn't and neither do I. We finally got my youngest (10 yrs) to ride Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain and she loved it. She still wasn't ready for Screamin' or Tower of Terror. We will see if I can talk her into it at DHS. She really wants a Vera Bradley bag for dance, so I told her if she rode both Rock 'n' Roller coaster and Tower of Terror I would buy her one. I am not ashamed of bribing my kids when needed (plus I was planning on buying her one anyway, so figured I might as well see what I could get her to do).
I hope you have a great trip.
kelmac284
Lover of all things Disney since 1975
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2005
Glad you enjoyed Tortilla Joes. It is funny since this is our home park I have been here more times than I can remember and yet there are STILL places I have never been and things I have never done. I have never eaten at House of Blues other than a gospel brunch once years ago during a ladies trip, never been to Via Napoli or ESPN and never ridden on the Zephyr.
We like Tortilla Joes but if we eat at DTD it is almost always Catal or Jazz Kitchen. We do like TJ's though if we are in the mood for Mexican and LOVE their tableside Guac. Glad you enjoyed your dinner.
And I would tend to agree about the Zephyr. I have NEVER done it but to me it always looked boring. One of these days I will have to try it just to say I did it once LOL. I never did do maliboomer while it was there either but for me it is a cheap version of TOT and I prefer that.
I'm curious why have you not been on Tower? Is it because you don't like it or are afraid or just never had the chance? That is one of my all times faves and I love both versions.
We like Tortilla Joes but if we eat at DTD it is almost always Catal or Jazz Kitchen. We do like TJ's though if we are in the mood for Mexican and LOVE their tableside Guac. Glad you enjoyed your dinner.
And I would tend to agree about the Zephyr. I have NEVER done it but to me it always looked boring. One of these days I will have to try it just to say I did it once LOL. I never did do maliboomer while it was there either but for me it is a cheap version of TOT and I prefer that.
I'm curious why have you not been on Tower? Is it because you don't like it or are afraid or just never had the chance? That is one of my all times faves and I love both versions.
DisneyKid4Life
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2013
Wow, that IS a smoking deal. Spend $30, get $30. Nice!!
Olaf ballon... how neat. And Sydney also has the look of "Seriously... ANOTHER picture??!!"
Loved Monsters Inc. And nice to know that I wasn't losing my mind (at least in this case) regarding Roz. I kept wondering after the ride... Did she just talk to me?
So excited for you to experience (well you already did, but in TR terms it hasn't happened yet) World of Colour.
Olaf ballon... how neat. And Sydney also has the look of "Seriously... ANOTHER picture??!!"
Loved Monsters Inc. And nice to know that I wasn't losing my mind (at least in this case) regarding Roz. I kept wondering after the ride... Did she just talk to me?
So excited for you to experience (well you already did, but in TR terms it hasn't happened yet) World of Colour.
petals
Irish Princess because Cinderella said so!
- Joined
- May 18, 2010
Luvin the Olaf balloon.
the portions look huge at Tortilla Joe's. I don't think I'd be able to eat all that. I normally get the kids portions when I'm in Florida because the heat makes me not want to eat. Dunno what California will be like yet.
the portions look huge at Tortilla Joe's. I don't think I'd be able to eat all that. I normally get the kids portions when I'm in Florida because the heat makes me not want to eat. Dunno what California will be like yet.
DisneytheKid
A bad attempt at Billy the Kid
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2011
Great updates! I love the idea of using the $30 coupon. So much so that I went to the website to try to sign up but couldn't find the link. Do you happen to have the link for the birthday month coupon? Thanks!
thornton0511
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
Great updates! I love the idea of using the $30 coupon. So much so that I went to the website to try to sign up but couldn't find the link. Do you happen to have the link for the birthday month coupon? Thanks!
Absolutely! You have to go to the Pantina Group Website since they are who owns the restaurants. Here is the link for the birthday sign up
http://www.patinagroup.com/joinus.php
if for some reason it does not work just go to their website and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on sign up for mailing list and it will bring you to the birthday page and follow the instructions. We chose CA as our state since that is where we would be using the coupons. Also I know that if you are going to WDW that Via Napoli is not included with the deal. I think most of their restaurants are but some are not so look for the small print. You also have to choose where you are planning on using the coupon and then you have to print it up. Hope this helps!
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