"On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair" (DL/So.California TR) LOTS of pics!

[mommaU4]

(Actual Trip Report begins on page 7.)

Well, I've been debating for awhile now about doing a pre-trip report for our upcoming Disneyland and SoCal trip.
But since we are now 13 days away, and I'm desperately trying to avoid those pesky dirty dishes calling my name

, I figured I'd go for it.

We have a family vacation planned for June to California which includes stops at Disneyland, the Griffith Park Observatory, the L.A. Zoo, Hollywood, Disney Soda Fountain, Solvang, Pismo Beach and a few other places.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. First I should explain who all is going on this little SoCal adventure.

First up would be........ me. It's my report so I get to go first.

My name is Beth. Some of you know me from the Girls Only Disneyland Trip. (shout out to the ladies!! WHASSUP??? )

I absolutely detest having my picture taken and this is one of the few I can tolerate so here I am:

Next on this journey would be my wonderful husband, Ruben. He's even more elusive then I am when it comes to picture taking. Actually that's because he's usually the one behind the camera. LOL So no pics of him. But he's a great guy and really a saint for putting up with my Disney addiction.

And finally my four kids. Yes, I said four. But they are good kids, I can't complain. Well, I can, but I won't here.

My DS Adam who thinks he's too cool for most things Disney. But that doesn't stop us from dragging him along and forcing him to pose with the characters.

Then there are my three princesses. Noelle, Lindsey, and Hannah. Luckily for me they still love going to Disney.

Here's a pic of them all together:

So there you have it, our cast of crazy characters.
Up next: Where the road will be taking us, along with many inevitable cries of "Are we there yet???"

 

[Cinderlala]

I love the title of your pre-trip report!

We will be there just after you!

 

[mommaU4]

I love the title of your pre-trip report!

We will be there just after you!

Thanks. I was just sitting here trying to think of a title when that song came on. It seemed appropriate considering we'll be logging lots of miles on desert highways, both here in Nevada and in CA. Kind of a scary thought too, given the price of gas!!

 

[mommaU4]

Here is just a real basic idea of our plans for this 10 day vacation. Obviously when I do the actual TR it will be much more detailed with pics.


Day 1 plans
Leave home for sunny CA! DH works the night before so I doubt we'll get a real early start. Probably won't get to Disneyland until late afternoon.

First stop will be to check in at the hotel and get settled in.
I am the only one in my family with a Premium AP so this day is actually a block out day for DH and the kids. The plan then is for me to head to Disneyland solo to meet up with some DISers/friends I met on the Disneyland Girls Only Trip. I can't wait to see them again, hang out and have a nice dinner, and hit some rides.

Meanwhile DH and the kids will hang out at the hotel and swim, maybe hit Downtown Disney for a movie or some dinner.





Day 2 plans
This morning we head over to Paradise Pier for the Lilo and Stitch character breakfast.
This will be our first character breakfast and I cannot wait to see what it's like! I grew up in SoCal and have been to DL countless times, but we just never did a character meal for some reason.

I've heard great things about it though, and am very excited. Joining us for breakfast will be another DISer and her DD that I met back in '06 on the WDW Ladies Only Trip, and have remained friends with since. I can't wait to see her again!!

After breakfast we'll be heading over to California Adventure to spend most of the day there.
I figured after such a large breakfast we'll be full and for lunch we'll probably just "snack". Certain things come to mind....corn dogs, shakes, frozen lemonades, churros, etc. You get the idea. LOL

Towards evening, we'll head over to Disneyland to watch Fantasmic. I love that show! We like to get a spot early, hang out, people watch and eat dinner while waiting for the show to start. Sort of a tradition, we have to do that at least once on every trip.

After the show, we'll hit some more rides before hitting the hay at our hotel.

 

[julezdisney]

I'm in!

 

[kaoden39]

Ok I am along for the ride. I honestly came on the the trip report page because I was going to start my pre-trip report. Only we aren't going until September.

Michele

 

[mommaU4]

Ok I am along for the ride. I honestly came on the the trip report page because I was going to start my pre-trip report. Only we aren't going until September.

Michele

I'm in!

Great!!

 

[mommaU4]

Day 3 plans
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll try to make it over to Disneyland as early as possible. I've never once made it for rope drop and with four kids, doubt I ever will. But that's ok. I don't like to rush anyway, so we'll get there when we get there.

I don't have any meal plans for the day. There are a lot of places I've never eaten at yet, so this trip I'm thinking of doing lots of snacking. Some of the places I'd like to try are Bengal BBQ, Enchanted Treats, Mint Julep Bar, etc.

For dinner I was thinking of leaving the park and going to White Water Snacks in the GCH. I've never been but heard good things about it. I guess we'll see if we feel like leaving the park or not.

Another must do on this trip for me is to see the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show. I've never seen it. Funny how after hundreds of trips to DL there are still things I haven't done. You can tell I am a creature of habit. But I guess that also gives us more reasons to go back!

My twins have a birthday early in July, and they really wanted to be at Disneyland for their birthday, but it didn't work out. So I'm thinking of making this their b-day trip and getting them each a b-day button to wear. They'll get a kick out of all the Happy Birthday wishes.

So to help make it even more special, I was thinking of taking them to the birthday party at the Plaza Inn. I went ahead and booked it for this day, but I'm not sure I'll keep the reservation or not. I've heard mixed reviews on it, and I'm not sure it will be worth the price. Guess I've got some time still to decide.



Day 4 plans
This will be our last day at the parks, so after we check out of the hotel, we are going to head to California Adventure. The kids love to end the trip going on some of their favorite rides over there like Screamin and ToT.
And I cannot leave without getting some of the Mickey head sour dough bread from the Pacific Wharf cafe. YUM!

I've got to also work in some Downtown Disney time as well. I'm not really big on souvenirs (we've accumulated so much over the years) but it's a must to get some bread pudding from Jazz Kitchen, and some pins.

In the evening we'll be on our way to my in-laws house in Simi Valley, CA. about a 2 hour drive from DL. The plan was to stay with them and use their house as a base for some of the other day trips we plan to take. Then we found out they were planning to go to Hawaii the exact same time we were planning to stay with them!

Luckily they said we could still stay at their house while they were gone. So it all worked out. In fact, I'd say it worked out perfect.




Day 5 plans
First thing on the schedule is to sleep in!! I'm sure I'll need the rest after 3 days of being on the go at Disneyland. LOL

This day won't be a very thrilling one. It's basically a "visiting day". As I said earlier, I grew up in SoCal and still have family in the Glendale/L.A. area and my DH also grew up there and has family, and old co-workers.

So we'll drive into Glendale and spend the day visiting family and friends. Can't go to CA and not do that. Plus it will be nice to see some of them again.

At night, the plan is to go to the Griffith Park Observatory. DH and I went there on our first date back when we were in high school. We were both 16. It was the first place he ever held my hand and when we lived in CA we'd go back there every year on the anniversary of that first night out. It's been a while since I've been there so it will be nice to be back and see how it's changed.

For those of you not familiar with the Observatory, here is a link to their website: Griffith Park Observatory

 

[mommaU4]

Day 6 plans
Today we'll make the drive up to Pismo Beach for an overnight trip. It's about 2 and a 1/2 hours from my in-laws house, so it's not too bad.

We first went to Pismo Beach when my DS was little, maybe 5 or 6, and we fell in love with it. Or at least I did. I'd love to live up there but unless I hit the lotto and win a couple million, it ain't happening. So for now I have to be content with a quick trip now and then.

We've got a nice hotel booked, right on a cliff over looking the ocean, and I can't wait to be back there.

Along the way we'll stop in Solvang for some lunch and danishes. YUM! The kids aren't too thrilled with stopping there since it's mainly cute, little shops. Come to think of it neither is DH. But one thing they like are the variety of danishes and other goodies, so we'll be stopping there for sure.

After we get to Pismo and are checked in and settled, we'll probably just hang out on the beach. I love that you can drive right on the sand there, right along the water. It's fun. Dinner will be at one of the local cafes.




Day 7 plans
Sleeping in will probably sound good this morning. I wonder if my kids will go along with that plan? Doubtful. LOL

The hotel serves a breakfast so after that, we'll probably just hit some shops, maybe do some swimming, and hit the beach once more. I might look into renting some bikes. I haven't had a chance to yet, but the thought has crossed my mind as something fun to do. We'll see.

Eventually we'll have to head back home to my in-laws, but we'll do all we can to prolong that as much as possible. I know I won't want to leave.


Some links to the Solvang area, and the Pismo area:
Solvang
Pismo Beach

 

[daisy_77]

I am sooo in!!! I am looking forward to reading more!
AND...you mentioned moi (sort of) !! I feel so special!

 

[mommaU4]

I am sooo in!!! I am looking forward to reading more!
AND...you mentioned moi (sort of) !! I feel so special!

Yep, that was you I was talking about!

I love your sig. And look, only 10 more days!!

 

[daisy_77]

Glad you like it---your Cinderella pic inspired me.

I know...it is close! I am getting organized today and putting things in suitcases and making lists.

 

[mommaU4]

Glad you like it---your Cinderella pic inspired me.

I know...it is close! I am getting organized today and putting things in suitcases and making lists.

Good for you!! Wanna come pack for my family of 6 for ten days??

The kids are still in school and will be until the first week of June. I'll probably wait until they are done before I start getting things together. I tend to pack better when it's last minute. If I do it too far ahead of time, I end up second guessing half the stuff I'm bringing and/or adding more.

Luckily at my in-laws we'll have access to a washer and dryer so we don't have to pack quite as much as we would otherwise.

 

[mommaU4]

I just checked accuweather.com for the days we'll be at Disney and so far, so good!! In the mid to upper 70's. That would be perfect for me, so here's hoping that forecast stays that way.

 

[mommaU4]

OKay, well, time to finish up our trip plans......


Day 8 plans
Even though DH and I grew up in SoCal, we moved to MI in 2004, and then last summer we moved to Vegas, so it's been awhile since we've done some of the more touristy things that the L.A. area has to offer. Specifically Hollywood!

So, you guessed it, that's the plan for today. Drive to Hollywood and play tourist. Mann's Chinese theater, the Walk of Fame, Frederick's of Hollywood, El Capitan and the Disney Soda Fountain, etc.

We thought about seeing a movie at the El Capitan theater, but at the time we'll be there the new Narnia movie will be playing and I really don't want to pay over $70 (not including popcorn/drinks) to see that. I'm sure it's a good movie, just not worth it to me. Too bad. But I've been in there before, so it's ok.

I am very excited to go to the Disney Soda Fountain though! I've never been there, and I can't wait to check it out, buy some souvenirs, and of course, some ice cream!! YUM!

After we get our fill of playing tourist in Hollywood, I figured we'd take a trip over to Olvera Street. That's another place I haven't been in awhile, but I can't wait to go back and see if the taquitos there are as good as I remember.

Side note: Our in-laws will be returning from Hawaii today so there goes our free run of their house.


Day 9 plans
Today we will probably spend the day with the in-laws. I figure we owe them some face time since we will have been staying in their house for the past few days.

My FIL used to love to take the kids to Griffith Park to ride the ponies and the train. I thought it would be nice to do that for old times sake, and then from there go to the L.A. Zoo.

When we used to live in Burbank, CA. we had APs to the Zoo. I think we will get them again since it's so cheap. Only $75 for all of us, plus 4 free passes to use for guests. Then when we go to CA to visit family, we can always have those as a back up in case we are looking for something else to do.



Day 10 plans
Well, this is it. Time to head back home. Booooo! I always hate getting back to reality and I'm sure this time will be no exception. But hopefully the whole trip will go smoothly, and we'll have had a great time.

On the way home we plan to stop in at Peggys Sue's Diner near Barstow. We pass it every time we make the trip between NV and CA, but this will be our first time stopping in for lunch and hopefully some yummy shakes.

Here are some links to check out if you want:
Mann Chinese Theater
El Capitan Theater with a link to the Disney Soda Fountain
Olvera Street
Griffith Park including a link to the pony rides and the Zoo

 

[mommaU4]

Even with as many days as we have for this trip, we still didn't have time to do all the things we wanted to. We talked about going to Universal Studios Hollywood (another place we used to have APs for) but decided to do the overnight trip to Pismo instead.

And we wanted to see the Ronald Reagan Library which actually isn't far from my in-laws house, but didn't want to try to cram it in there. That's not a big deal since we can always go there another time when we are visiting my in-laws.

Sea World was also discussed, but I decided against that one. I'm not a warm weather person, and I was afraid to chance it being too hot to sit there in those stands waiting for the shows to start. So we've pushed that back to sometime in January of '09.

Our next trip to Disneyland will be in October for the Halloween decorations and Mickey's Trick or Treat party. That's when our passes expire so it will sort of be like one last hoorah for us. We'll also plan to take one day then and hop over to Knott's Berry Farm.

So once this trip is over, I'll still have October and January to look forward to! Yep, I'm always planning much to my husband's dismay.

 

[kaoden39]

Beth, I drive my hubby nuts with my constant Disneyland trip planning. Last year I was very ill and in and out of a coma like state for almost a month and during that time he promised me a trip to Disneyland. I don't remember much from April 4 and April 28, 2007 but I remember that and this is one promise that will be kept. Although I know every nook and cranny in Disneyland I still have all the planning books, Birnbaums, The Unofficial Guide, and the Passporter. And I want the new ones every year. Do they change? No, but I feel better knowing that I have the new ones. Yes I am obsessed.

Michele

 

[mommaU4]

Michele, I'm sorry to hear you were so ill. Wow. And I hope things are all better with you now. I do remember reading that was how you got your tag.

I guess that will make this trip to DL extra special! Just the fact that you are around to take it sounds like a blessing in itself.

Meanwhile all we can do is feel sorry for our poor husbands and their wallets!!

 

[kaoden39]

I am much better now. Thanks to the good Lord and the wonderful people who prayed for me.

My DH is getting as excited as I am. Earlier he and I were looking at what I call food porn. Everybody's food pictures and now we are thinking of all the wonderful foods we will eat.

Thank you for your kind words.

Michele

 

[mommaU4]

OMG, I LOVE food porn. How sad is it that a huge part of the vacation for me is all the yummy food??

This trip I want to just snack my way through the park so other then the one character breakfast, I'm not making any dining reservations. I just plan to snack till I can't snack no more!