Originally Posted By TinkerbellPatten We were very happy with the weather for the majority of the week. Last year we dealt with bad Santa Ana winds which really ruined some of the trip. We were fortunate with gorgeous weather the majority of the trip, and what little bit of rain we got only helped ease the crowds and didn't dampen our spirits. Disneyland was more crowded than previously observed during this time of year but I think it's most apparent in the streets, shops, and during parades and fireworks. I think it's a lot of locals just enjoying the Christmas decorations and Christmas shopping. Most rides had 15 minute waits on average which isn't bad. Fastpasses weren't needed for anything during our visit. We got Fastpasses for things and ended up keeping them as souvenirs for our scrapbook. As usual, DCA wasn't crowded at all. We did go to a Fantasmic show but had a hard time viewing it because of the crowds. We noticed that the billy goat is still missing on BTMRR. I asked a CM named Deane about it and he said that the billy goat "wandered off to find a new grazing area but would surely return, he always comes back." I asked anther CM on another day about the billy goat and he said that it was removed about a month ago for maintenance and would return probably in the spring sometime. We had two main regrets: we forgot all about the Aladdin show which was one of our favorites last year. Also we never got over to the new Pirates Island (formerly Tom Sawyer Island). Each time we thought of it, we just found other things more appealing to do at that time. Later when we decided to take the time to take the raft over on Friday, it wasn't possible because they had closed the island due to prep for the Fantasmic show going on that night. It's something we'll do next time. We hope to go in mid-April for just a day or two, specifically to see HM when in it's original format instead of HMHoliday. One interesting thing we noticed is that Billy Hill and the Hillbillies has groupies. I kid you not. They know the words to the jokes and recite them and sing along loudly to all the songs. They were almost as entertaining as the show itself. I thought, Wow, I can't call myself a Disney nerd anymore. I guess I'm relatively normal after all. Looking forward to anther Disney trip. Five days in the parks and I still want more. Well maybe I'm not so "normal" after all. ;-)
Originally Posted By Pollyana Great report...and you discovered something great in the Billies...yes, I am a groupie. Love all of them, but my favorite is toothy Billy. The show does rotate, thus making it more interesting. I am glad you had enjoyed your stay at HOJOs as that is where we are staying in March...but do we need to take air matts..... I may pack a couple just in case. I heard they are getting new mattresses...The best sleep ever in the Anaheim area is the Sheraton. Wow, like sleeping on clouds. But that hotel is too far to walk and I don't like to rely on shuttles. And we got a very good rate at HOJOs with the entertainment book. HOpe everyone is recovering nicely and we will be waiting to hear more things from another APer very soon. By the way, I noticed that none of your family members choose Buzz Lightyear?? MY DH and I love that ride. It is sooo addicting. I am always trying to beat my score.... Enjoyed your report very much, felt like I was with you.
Originally Posted By TinkerbellPatten Thank you. Yes we did Buzz but I neglected to report it. We did so much during our week that we literally did pretty much every single attraction. After a while it all begins to blur! But we had the greatest time. My friends at work make fun of me, they can't understand how five days in the park is "not enough." I love LP where I feel at home. You understand me and I understand y'all. Thanks again. And yes Hojos is updating their beds to the ones the Westin resorts use, according to Lorealle. I bet we won't need those air mattresses anymore. I think we may be going back this spring. Gotta take advantage of those APs, right? ;-D
Originally Posted By TinkerbellPatten Yes now I'm leaning towards the first few days of May instead because the ET rates are going then
Originally Posted By Pollyana We have two trips planned,,,March and June...early June. The rates are still good then. Can't wait.
Originally Posted By The-Tink-Mobile Happy Smiles bring out the best things don't they, glad your trip was happy, when we went in dec 2003, we had rain on christmas day, it was so fun, we just loved everything, saw aladddin, which kept us dry, went on the Grizzley ride , which was a hoot, despite all the things that come about in the wrong way, like lil noah losing his gifts for his dad, he forgot them on the bench by across from the trainstation , only a few seconds went by and then he noticed , he darted back but they were gone...his good ole dad , bought some more and had the lost and found return them to noah, he was happy , aso was Dad as he loved his tink decal and goofy decal, noah was proud...lil did we know noah was to come down with type one diabetes , this trip will be a special one, with cindy having cancer, which has been cleared yipppeeeeee and our lil noah, we are going to be the Happiest People in the World this Christmas.... in Disney, if you need a smile we would be honoured to give you one of ours...amen
