Day 1 - Disneyland

First, this trip was a little different for us. We usually stay on property and prefer to stay at The Grand. But it was a last minute trip and we were a little more frugal this time. We stayed at the Fairfield just across from the main entrance. It was the worst Marriott property I have ever been to. I admit I am a bit of a hotel snob. It was clean. But it feels like families of kids pack 10 to a room in there every week all year. Not really my style.

Also we like to make use of the private entrance at The Grand and the Monorail stop at the end of Downtown Disney, which makes staying on property even better. We also usually eat at Blue Bayou every day for lunch, but just ended up skipping out on our reservations for day 2 and 3 as we were busy doing other things.

Also having never stayed off property I will say that you really do loose a little of the magic as you leave the park, walk though the transportation pick up and out onto a busy street with beggars, cars, etc. Much less charming than walking through Downtown Disney.

And because we didn't "feel" close to Downtown Disney even though we basically were staying at the entrance we didn't go there on our arrival or departure day like usual. So we really didn't do any shopping other than check out the Lego store on the way to dinner. We have a Lego store in our hometown... but the little one is a big fan and wanted to make sure to see any different displays they would have at Downtown Disney.

Here is a little trip report including a list of the attractions we were able to do each day. Most were walk on or fast pass. I noted the few long waits that we did have.

Maybe I will post a few photos another day when my Photopass CD arrives. For now you get Iphone shots!

Awsumb Teacups
Gotta have comfy shoes! Crocs and Socks - We can because we are from Seattle! (notice mommy is not a total nerd!)
Awsumb at the Blue Bayou (salmon and noodles for lunch)

Awsumb buying fruit

Day1 – Wednesday - Disneyland
Sunny, warm, but not hot. We had virtually no wait times and most often were walking right onto rides. We waited the longest for the Storybook Boats (20 min) and at the end of the day had done all the things we wanted to, but our Space Mountain FP weren’t until 9:10, so at 8:30 we waited 30-40 min for the ride then walked right back on with our FP before having dinner and heading back to our room. We were able to get in 25-30 attractions depending on what you count. I haven’t written a trip report like this up since we did WDW since DL is such a regular thing for us as we go annually. But it was fun to see all that we accomplish in one day.

As you can see we always start off in fantasyland and go right for Dumbo. I'll know the little one is growing up when we skip that one! We like to wander around to Adventureland in the afternoon and save Tomorrowland for night time. Kenneth and Awsumb always do Toontown together on their Morning Madness day (an hour before the park opens) and I get to sleep in a bit extra that day.

9am Start - Bananas and Granola Bars for Breakfast

Mad Hatter and Crew Photo op
Dumbo
Tea Cups
Small World
Storybook Boats (20 min)
Mr. Toad
Peter Pan
Pinocchio
Skipped Snow White (I am always reminding people not to skip this! But we had an emergency restroom stop? I think someone was scared!)

Blue Bayou for Lunch 12:30
Pirates
Pirate Band and shops
Haunted Mansion
Shooting Range
Big Thunder Mountain x2
Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Awsumb & I)
Splash Mountain (Kenneth)
Pooh Characters Photo Op
Pooh's Corner Treats (gotta get a tiger tales! or at least something hand dipped in chocolate!)

Tree House
Indiana Jones (Awsumb's first time!)
Jungle Cruise
Dole Whip Break (YUM!)

Shopped down Main Street trying to find a sweatshirt in Awsumb’s size (not in the plan, but it was getting cool)

Train to Tomorrowland
Autopia
Buzz Lightyear
Star Tours x2
Space Mountain x2
(40 min wait, back through with fast pass)

Dinner at the Plaza Inn 9pm
Walk back to the room