Mhendrix's Disneyland Resort Trip Report: Spring Break 2007

[mhendrix]

Trip duration: 04/03 to 04/07

Stayed at: Anaheim Plaza Inn (Harbor Blvd./across street from DCA)
Six minute walk to the gate.

Transportation: Aloha Airlines from Sacramento to John Wayne Airport. "Super Shuttle" to/from hotel/airport.

Park Tickets: 3-day ParkHopper Pass, one day early entry. (Pay for price of a kid promotion, $129)

Weather forecast: Sunny/partly cloudy (70-75 degrees) - entire trip.
Reality: Overcast two of the three days. Otherwise, sunny.
75 degrees most of the time with rather cool nights.
________________________________

My trip began at 3:45 AM When I awoke in my Northern California home. The trip would be one I'd be sharing with my Godmother (Aunt) for several days of my spring break. My Godmother hadn't been to Disneyland for around three years.

4:00 AM on the dot was when I was picked up by my Godmother. Her sister drove us to Sacramento International where we checked into Aloha airlines around 4:55 AM.

*Note this is the first time in three years I had flown anywhere. The majority of my traveling has all been done by car. So knowing that my normal six hour trip would be cut two ONE by airplane, I greatly welcomed the change.

My Godmother checked-in our luggage and stood in a TWO HOUR security check-in line. Reminder, this was at 5am.

After post-9/11 detention/paranoia and reality slap, we found two spots in the Aloha airline area.

The flight boarded at 6:45 am and we were in Anaheim by 8:10 AM. While in Sacramento waiting for our flight, we met a family (husband, wife, 2 daughters) who we would go onto share our flight (to and back), our shuttle, even see them numerous times at the park.

We arrived at the Anaheim Plaza Inn (1700 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802) where they were kind enough to allow us a secure location to drop our luggage so that we could head over to the parks.

We did so and were fairly hungry. My aunt, knowing little about the resort district, wasn't even familiar with Downtown Disney. So I treated her to La Brea Bakery. Good stuff!

While sitting in the La Brea patio area, I noticed floods of people getting off the trams toward the park.

Then it was onto to a freshly opened Disney's California Adventure Park where we would spend our first day.

The first thing I did was entered the Greetings from California store and purchased two silver and blue "Where Dreams Come True" ears and had my Godmother and I's names put on them.

Then it was off to Soarin' Over California where we saw a HUGE line and noticed that the stand-by time was already at 70 minutes. (10:30 AM, park opened at 10am)

So then I opted for a Fastpass. This is when I was stopped by a Soarin' CM who informed me, with a Disney "point" that the line began near Taste Pilot's Grill for FastPasses!

I then realized that the legitimate stand-by line was much shorter than the Fastpass one.

So, I told my aunt that we should do stand-by because I didn't believe the "70 minute" forecast.

Luckily, I was right! It only took us 25 minutes to get through the stand-by wait. Never trust those wait times. Use your own judgment.

Throughout the day we would go onto spend an hour waiting for Grizzly River Run, twenty-five minutes for Monsters Inc., and forty minutes for Aladdin a Musical Spectacular.

I've never seen so many people at DCA. You could tell that Spring Break was in full force.

I took my aunt to see MuppetVision 3D and It's Tough to be a Bug. Both of these shows we literally walked onto.

I made the mistake of going on the bakery and tortilla factory tour for the first time, as well as making it my aunts first time.

Cool scenery, but boring attraction tours.

It was in my judgment that Rockin' CA Screamin' would be better left for an off season. Mark that down as a decision I would go onto make about most everything at Paradise Pier.

Around 4:30 PM we obtained ideal viewing for the Block Party Bash. And in all honesty, the parade is growing on me. It is very high-energy, high-fun. My aunt and I sang along and had a dandy of a time. We danced and even high-fived Mr. Potato Head.

After the parade we grabbed some excellent cookies and cream ice cream from Burrbank.

We then used our fastpass for Soarin' and our fastpass for Tower of Terror. Or, as the folks I met from England called it, "The Building of Fright".

After this we headed over to the Pacific Wharf we my Aunt bought us the most amazing clam chowder and bread bowls ever.

Shortly thereafter we scouted a spot for Disney's Electrical Parade.

Extremely tired from an incredibly early morning and a day of large crowds, we plopped ourselves down across from a Bug's Land and waited for a while.

In the mean time, a South American family knocked over a cup of ice cream and a full cup of hot coco. Then they did what any respectable Guest to a beautiful place would do---they got up and left the mess.

Within two minutes the calvary had arrived and troops of DCA cleaning CM's arrived.

Then it was show time.

The Electrical Parade never gets old. It was as charming this day as it was fifteen years ago.

After the parade we called it a night, for the following day would be the bigger, better park. The mecca, as I like to call it.

Back to the hotel where we were spent.

We checked-in and grabbed our luggage. We arrived to our room. They were nice and much better than some of the Anaheim "dives" I've paid good money for.

Plus, you can't beat the location.

We were up for our early entrance by 6:00 AM. We arrived at the gates by 6:30 AM and were greeted by what looked to be THOUSANDS of other people who were also enacting their hour-early passes as well.

After waiting in line for what seemed like an eternity the countdown was complete and the gates were triumphantly opened.

As we ceremoniously passed under the train tunnels and entered into the world of fantasy, tomorrow and.....Ah, forget it, RUN TO SPACE MOUNTAIN!

It's what everyone else was doing and I definitely wanted my Aunt to experience the "Rockin'" in Space Mountain.

We made it and stood in line for a good five minutes. We got "rocked" to a large applause by my Aunt.

We exited the ride within ten minutes of entering and the stand-by time was already at 40 minutes.

From Space we went to the land of Adventure where they had yet to open the land.

A CM stood guard in front of a rope while hundreds of eager Indy riders stood on the opposite side.

All while Disney suits walked Adventureland, making a final stop in the Tiki Room.

Finally, the ropes were removed at the crowd poured under the torches, rushing past the Tiki Room.

In the process, three people hit the ground. It was horrifying that no rules were being enforced.

And just as I was about to begin my own brand of Disney Justice to the crowd, Three uniformed DLR security officers stood together near the Aladdin story telling area.

Each officer extended their arms and stopped the carnage and crowd from moving forward.

One of the officers then began to yell out there would be no stampeding and it would be enforced. The officers then walked the rest of the crowd to Indy and onto New Orleans Square.

Proud of Disney security? How about VERY proud.

Onto Indy we went. From there we hit up Pirates (25 minute wait), Haunted Mansion (12 minute wait).

My Aunt and I then grabbed a Fastpass for Big Thunder Mountain.

It was 9am and I was excited to show my aunt the true magic of Disneyland.

I had already made reservations at the Plaza Inn for our special character breakfast buffet.

We arrived to a large crowd trying to get in, but very few were allowed as those with reserved seating, naturally, took priority. I was lucky enough to have been one of those people through contacting the Disney Dine line (714) 781-DINE.

The place was packed and the buffet had very long lines.

We were quickly seated next to a family from Sacramento and immediately began some great conversation.

The young husband and wife had a six year-old daughter and one of the most adorable four year-old boys I've ever met.

"I'm four. It's my birthday! Tigger's gonna come see me and Minnie Mouse cuz it's my birthday!" he exclaimed over, and over and over.

He was the most talkative four year-old on earth and truly in his element.
His smile lit up the room and his laugh made us all tear-up and realize why we were all at Disneyland.

Throughout the breakfast I met up with Minnie Mouse (she's hot and I told her), Eeyore, Pooh, Tigger, Captain Hook, Chip, and Fairy Godmother.

The buffet was a delight and we pigged out. As I always do whenever I go, I'm proud to eat like a king...and his court.

After this enchanting experience my Aunt and I went on the Matterhorn, Star Tours, BLAB, and on over to Innoventions where we went on our virtual vacation to the New England country side.

Shortly after this we headed up Main Street and went back to the hotel for a nap.

By 5PM we were back and it seems as if the crowds multiplied.

We re-entered, refreshed, and headed for Big Thunder to redeem our fastpass. Then, because the wait time wasn't nearly as busy as it was before, we headed onto Pirates.

*Note: The entire trip we noticed the extensive work going on at Tom Sawyer island for the new Pirates Lair.

After Pirates we headed over to Main Street where we caught the 6:30 PM showing of the Parade of Dreams. My favorite and now my Aunt's as well.

When POD was over we grabbed dinner at the Carnation Cafe where half of the staff remembered me from my last few trips. (It's why I love Carnation Cafe).

My Aunt and I had a pleasant dinner, complete with the mouth watering baked potato soup and meatloaf stack.

And who was sitting next to us? Why it was the same adorable four year-old and his family from breakfast time.

And yes, he was still telling everyone about his big day. Then several Cafe CM's brought over his special birthday treat to which he gleefully accepted.

Before the end of our meal both kids confided in my Aunt and I how much they didn't want to leave and how special Disneyland is to them. The four year-old began to cry just thinking about leaving. The six year-old also began the waterworks. Both of their parents, exhausted and ready for some down time, also admitted hating to leave but said they had already been there for several days.

After taking some pictures with the family, my Aunt and I found a spot for the fireworks (two hours before show time) directly in front of the castle on the hub.

Directly behind us sat a family from Australia. A husband, wife, son and daughter.

The Aussie family was on vacation for a MONTH, touring California, Nevada and Mexico.

The father of the crew was educating my Aunt and I on the many differences between their country and ours. From currency value to how terrified they are of skin cancer, we had a lot of time to talk.

The father then explained his fascination with Walt Disney and how much he appreciated his vision.

Then a question arose.

The Aussie father said, "So it seems as the primary language in California is Spanish, yes? It seems like everyone speaks it or has to know it."

This lead to a political discussion. Being a newspaper columnist in California, it is my job to be all in these issues all the time. Also being a columnist means I am supposed to take bold perspectives that are my own.

So needless to say the discussion, unfortunately, slapped me out of the fantasy world I so happily run towards in Disneyland getaways and back to reality, at least for a while.

Soon thereafter and two different warnings the fireworks could be canceled, the show began.

RDCT sparkled and shined for my Aunt. And while my Aunt is a 57 year-old woman, she beamed like a five year-old little girl that night. Captivated by the majesty of it all, she smiled, even hugged me at the end.

It was truly a Disney moment.

Shortly after the fireworks we headed back up Main Street and I introduced her to the First Magical 50 Years. While in the theater I noticed to rather young Orange County youth enter the back to the auditorium. A make-out session ensued. And while I know it was just a goo-goo, in-love thing, it made me angry. I felt it was an insult to Wally Disney himself. Grrrr...

Then it was back to the hotel.

Once back in the room, I went to remove my re-made bed and found a bug on my pillow.

Disgusted and paranoid, I began searching my bed and my Aunt hers.

We then called the front desk where they took our complaints and put them on paper. They did nothing more to assist us.

After sleeping lightly with the lights on, we awoke the next morning around 6:30 AM and trucked down to the front desk where we not only complained about the bed bug, but also our refrigerator that coughs every four minutes and our TV remote that didn't work. Not to mention the phone that was broke and the alarm clock that didn't have a snooze button.

Not even an "I'm sorry," was issued.

We headed out to the park and stood in a significantly less crowded line then the EARLY ENTRY th day before.

We, again, did the countdown and entered at 7:45 AM.

The crowds then worked up Main Street to a rope.

Take that, Space Mountain runners!

Then the rope was removed at 8AM and off the thousands ran, 80% toward Space Mountain.

My Aunt and I were some of the first to enter the ride and the stand-by was already 20 minutes...weird.

Anyway we got "Rocked" again and ran back down to grab a Fastpass for Space Mountain. The Fastpass return time was already at 1:25 PM. Mind you it was only 8:20 AM.

After the Mountain we headed over to Autopia and drove around. From there we were looking to have breakfast. As we walked past the Plaza Inn we were approached by a Plaza Inn CM who asked if we'd like to have breakfast.

My Aunt jumped at the opportunity to "Dine with the stars again!", as she put it.

We walked in and stood in line to pay. As we waited another CM approached and took us to a vacant register.

The CM at the register and a supervisor then quickly apologized, saying the register was loading and it would be about ten minutes.

In the same breath, the supervisor then said he didn't want to keep us from our breakfast or the experience and to have us seated.

"You can pay later. Enjoy the breakfast and have a magical day," the supervisor said.

Only at Disneyland would you be trusted like this. It was incredible. I was so overwhelmed with respect for the trust I personally spoke to the manager and informed him.

Throughout the breakfast we were joined by Woody, Chip and Dale, Donald, Minnie, Captain Hook again, and Alice with the Mad Hatter.

When Alice and Hatter sat with us, we had a tea party and Alice drew a picture of the Mad Hatter for me. She did pretty well. Then, the Mad Hatter started on his illustration.

As we chatted about there being no tea offered at the Plaza Inn, I grabbed a server by the arm and ordered out, "OFF WITH THEIR HEAD!"

The server and Alice played right into it all. It was a great moment.

Then a character leash walked up and informed Alice and Hatter that they were needed outside.

Alice then grabbed the notepad and exclaimed, "Look, Audrey, I drew a picture of the Hatter!"

Audrey liked it.

Then the Mad Hatter grabbed the notepad and revealed his drawing.

"And look, I drew a picture of Alice!" he hollered.

When he showed the picture, it was that of a box with circled eyes and fangs with horns on top of it.

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard.

A little while later Dale came to our table and flexed with me for some pictures. But throughout our interaction, a very young boy kept walking up and was in awe by Dale. He kept touching his leg as if he couldn't believe he was actually in front of him.

You could tell that Dale wasn't sure what to do. He would escort the child back to his table but the child would come right back.

I then joked with Dale that kids like that are funny and they are so star struck that it's actually them.

Dale then motioned that he understood and acted out some of the star-struck children reactions he had encountered.

He did this by pointing at me and jumping up and down and then began rubbing his hands all over my face and head.

It was one of this hilarious moments.

After breakfast we hit up all the rides we could in three hours. With the crowds the way they were, that was four rides. Yippee.

Then I took my Aunt over to Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. We got a front row seat and I don't think I've ever seen my Aunt laugh so hard.

Before the show, a man asked I save him a front row table. I fought off three over-zealous families who wanted the prime real estate.

Each time the man would give me a thumbs up.

The man then asked if he could get me something from the Golden Horseshoe bar. I told him it was no problem at all. The man insisted and I continued to decline. The man then met up with my Aunt in line before the show and couldn't believe I'd do something like save a table and not expect anything out of it.

Turns out he's from the LA area. I guess folks don't do things for one another there...

The show was a delight as always. We all rolled over in our seats and gave a standing ovation.

After the show we hit up some more rides and went back to the hotel for a nap and round two of the war against the front desk.

They claimed they fixed our issues. We thought otherwise.

After a two hour nap we awoke and headed through Downtown Disney and onto our dinner reservations at the Disneyland Hotel and Goofy's Kitchen.

We were promptly seated and approached by the most delightful nanny in history. Ms. Mary Poppins. I pulled out a seat for her and she sat with us for about ten minutes, enjoying the pleasure of our company.

Then Goofy himself walked on by and drew himself on our table. I then thanked him for the most delicious buffet on earth. He high-fived me.

After a few minutes we were joined by Peter Pan who we played musical chairs with.

And then...

Royalty arrived.

Cinderella entered the room and a silence fell across the faces of even the youngest children.

Having never met her in my Disney park career, I left my seat and asked for the beautiful princesses hand. I took hers in mine and I knelt down on one knee, telling her how gorgeous and gracious she was.

She thanked me and smiled and said that all of the princesses would be lining up to dance with me at the ball.

I then kissed her hand and she told me I was one of the handsomest princes she had ever met.

This flirting game went on throughout the meal. And boy oh boy was it fun!

But in reality, I really did feel as if I were in a movie or near royalty. The staff of the restaurant even treat her like a princess.

My Aunt and I then did a little macarana with Goofy and Minnie and then it was back to the parks by Downtown Disney Monorail.

We arrived in Tomorrowland and used up our fastpasses on all the rides we still wanted to go on.

Then it was over to IASW to line up a great spot for RDCT.

We sat until the show and it went off without a hitch.

From the show we went on IASW and then onto Snow White's Adventures. From there we headed to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

After the Toad we took a spin on the carousel.

The crowds, for a Friday night, had really cleared out. I was so happy.

Off to Pirates and Haunted Mansion we went and then used our final fastpass for Indy one last time.

From their we hit up the Jungle Cruise as our last ride.

Because the park had cleared significantly, my Aunt and I took a picture in front of the castle.

We went to buy it but when we saw it our faces were washed out. From the Kodak store we went back and took our picture again. Again it was whited out.

We would do this FIVE (5) times! My Aunt and I were both so tired we just said forget it. As we took that slow, sad walk down Main Street I began to feel that pit in the bottom of my stomach. I began to tear up and knew that I didn't want to leave the park on a sour note, nor did I want that to be the final memory for my Aunt.

Just as I thought this, I turned around and saw Mickey and Minnie, in full Year of a Million Dreams attire.

Arms opened, they were looking at my Aunt and I.

And just like I've seen in a gazillion commercials, I, like the kids, ran right into their embrace. Disney knows how to nail those happy endings!

It was the perfect way to end a GREAT trip.

Low points were the hotel issues, late night photo wash out and the two hour security checkpoint at 5am both on the way to and back at each airport.

While the crowds made it feel like summer, we still accomplished a lot and had a wonderful time in some ideal weather conditions. The character interaction was superb on this trip.

We returned to the Sac airport and there was NO ONE there. Suddenly, it seemed as if not only my spring break trip was over, but yet, so was everyone else's.

Remember... Dreams Come True!

I'd rate this trip an eight out of ten.

[Disneynovice]

Thank you so very much. Part of me feels like I was there, and part of me is jealous. I can only hope my next visit is that excellent. Again, I thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us, and I am glad you had a great time.

[BCC]

Spring Break was over the first week? I guess we jsut started here... Anyways, Glad to hear you had fun! I liked the complementing Cinderella part hehe.

[mhendrix]

Originally Posted by Disneynovice

Thank you so very much. Part of me feels like I was there, and part of me is jealous. I can only hope my next visit is that excellent. Again, I thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us, and I am glad you had a great time.

Glad I could share it with you. It was truly a great trip and it always seems like it's over far too quick.

But then again, we all know that don't we?

It usually helps to write out my experiences, plus it is great knowing I can put it here for folks to enjoy. I love hearing about park stories from other visitors. And I trust Disney lovers from this site far more than anyone I speak with otherwise.

And I always make sure to shoot off an email to Disneyland Guest Services to tell them anything I enjoyed or had an issue with. Rarely do I have a problem.

Now it's time to plan the next trip...ALRIGHT!

[Disneynovice]

If you can't be there, planning the next visit is DEFINITELY the best medicine!

[damxcnsxcn]

what an amazing report!!!! thanks so much!! im going to DL tomorrow and its nice to know how crowded it might be.

[WrongWay]

I've stayed at Anaheim Plaza a lot. It is the cheapest hotel on Harbor, and you get what you pay for. I'm very glad I've never seen bugs.... However, I've had the phone not work, tv not work, horrid water preasure in the shower, loud refrigerators, icky smells, etc.

They don't "do anything" to make it "right".... They made it right when they charged you about half the price of any other hotel on Harbor. And frankly, I don't really expect them to do anything more than that.

Once I was working from the room on a Monday morning. I had a conference call, but the static on the line was so bad that I had to disconnect and miss the meeting. At check out a few hours later I mentioned how bad the phone was. The lady behind the counter replied "Did you tell an employee"? With a puzzled look I reply, "Are you an employee?". "Yes". "Then I told an employee." It took me a while to figure out that she expected me to ask for a discount and was preparing her defense.....


I now stay at the Ramada Plaza on Katella. Sure, it is a bit further, and $100 a night instead of $60-something... But it is so much nicer!!! And free parking and free wi-fi internet, and really just around the corner. Wonderful hotel with big rooms, big comfy beds, great water temp and preasure for the shower, clean, etc.

I'm done with the Anaheim Plaza.

Other than the hotel issues, I'm glad you had a wonderful trip.

[judino28]

Awesome report! I was there 4/2-4/5 and it was amazing as always! I hope to go back in a month or 2.

[bbt931]

Your trip sounded so wonderful, it makes me smile just thinking about it. I'm going in September (labor day weekend) and your post made me about 5 times more excited for it!

[mhendrix]

Glad I could please y'all. But all of this was simply my experience put to paper...or screen. The entire thing could not have happened without the Disney magic and the dream makers there. So yes, for those of you soon going, be VERY excited.

The trip so rocked!

[Xanderick]

sorry it took me so long to get to this, mhendrix. it was great! im happy you had such an awesome time. all your experiences were like they were straight out of a commercial. it helped me realize why i love that place so much

[DisneyFanatic13]

Originally Posted by WrongWay

I've stayed at Anaheim Plaza a lot. It is the cheapest hotel on Harbor, and you get what you pay for. I'm very glad I've never seen bugs.... However, I've had the phone not work, tv not work, horrid water preasure in the shower, loud refrigerators, icky smells, etc.

They don't "do anything" to make it "right".... They made it right when they charged you about half the price of any other hotel on Harbor. And frankly, I don't really expect them to do anything more than that.

Once I was working from the room on a Monday morning. I had a conference call, but the static on the line was so bad that I had to disconnect and miss the meeting. At check out a few hours later I mentioned how bad the phone was. The lady behind the counter replied "Did you tell an employee"? With a puzzled look I reply, "Are you an employee?". "Yes". "Then I told an employee." It took me a while to figure out that she expected me to ask for a discount and was preparing her defense.....


I now stay at the Ramada Plaza on Katella. Sure, it is a bit further, and $100 a night instead of $60-something... But it is so much nicer!!! And free parking and free wi-fi internet, and really just around the corner. Wonderful hotel with big rooms, big comfy beds, great water temp and preasure for the shower, clean, etc.

I'm done with the Anaheim Plaza.

Other than the hotel issues, I'm glad you had a wonderful trip.

When I was in California (2005), I stayed at the Ramada Plaza on Garden Grove. Big rooms, soft beds, and wat you said about it. But, the restraunt there is Vietnamese. But, I still liked it because I'm Vietnamese. I had a great stay when i was there(Garden Grove).