Originally Posted By goodgirl Thursday, December 7, 2006 The Cast of Characters: Me, SuzieQ, Lisann22 and Sis We finished our final packing this morning. Lisann22 was ill. I don’t know where that woman gets her stamina but she drove her mom and SuzieQ back to the Bay Area that day. SuzieQ also came down with a cold. I ended up with stuffy sinuses each day due to the AC in the room. First we trekked cover to the Character Warehouse. I was very disappointed. On the one hand, a lot of the merchandise has improved. *If* I had been shopping for Disney clothing for myself, there would have been a lot of nice choices. However, I didn’t want to buy any clothing for myself on this trip. The downside was the mark downs. Prices appeared to only be 20 to 25% off at the most. Not too much in the way of bargains, in my opinion. I bought a little hat for my nephew Caleb (only 20% off) and that was it. Lisann22 drove us back to Disneyland where she dropped me off just outside the Park. They headed for home. I was on my own. On my last trip I was the first to leave and I hated that. This time I was the last to leave. I was sorry to see all my friends gone but decided I would make the most of this alone time. I wandered into Disneyland and stopped at the Carnation Café. This time I tried the Cinnamon Roll French Toast. It comes with syrup and a small bowl of cream cheese frosting. Sugar high. That’s the only way to describe it. I loved it but I think I’ll go back to my Eggs Benedict next time. While enjoying my coffee I eavesdropped on an elderly couple next to me. They had just arrived for their annual trip and it was fun to hear all of what they planned to do that day before their grandchildren arrived the next day. I also called two of my sisters. They thought it was fun to hear me calling from Disneyland. After breakfast I headed to Fantasyland. I took my time going on all the dark rides. Peter Pan is my favorite. Then over to Pirates and Haunted Mansion. On my way out of the park I stopped at the ice cream shop and purchased a peppermint ice cream cone to enjoy on my way out of the park. I stopped by the Christmas tree and looked down Main Street and said goodbye. Returned to the motel, caught my shuttle to the airport and had an uneventful flight home. Oh, there was one incident. While going through security at the airport, a couple ahead of me were told they couldn’t take the Disney snow globe they had purchased and had in their carry-on bag. Evidently it exceeds the 3 oz. of fluid limitation. They decided to get out of line and find someone to give it too. They seemed really disappointed. I hope they found another way to get it home. This was a most enjoyable trip. Disneyland in December puts me in the holiday spirit. Spending time with my friends creates treasured memories. I upgraded my park hopper to an annual pass so I will be back!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ This is my favorite "friend's trip" we do to Disneyland. There is something about sharing the holiday spirit with good friends that makes it special. I, too, was disapointed in the Character Warehouse. They don't have anywhere near the bargains they used to have. Most things weren't marked down much. $58 sweatshirts were only marked down to $42 - nothing like the old days when they'd be marked down to $20. Lisann22 had totally stuffed up sinuses on the way home, and mine weren't much better. Worst off was Sis who sat in the back seat listening to us sniff and cough for 400 miles, LOL It was indeed a fun trip. I'm already looking forward to next year!
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter Great reports as always, my friend! This is a wonderful tradition.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ For a few of us, this was our 4th annual trip together. For the majority, it was the 3rd year. Did I mention that I love this trip?
Originally Posted By friendofdd A wonderful report, goodgirl. DW and I were really happy to see you again. It had been too long since the last time. I don't know if I'll ever understand how people can get so sappy about DL. =o]
Originally Posted By ajnhollysmommy Just got done reading your entire trip report while printing out 100+ pages for a christmas present. Your trip souded wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 The Saturday before goodgirl got there, SuzieQ, my mom and I got into the park right at 12noon. We were hungry and decided to have lunch at the Carnation. I called to find Kar2oonman and family, Litter, then IceKnyght, JustDuckee and DisneyChica, we all decided to eat. They split us up into two groups: table of 8 and table of 4. That was fine, no problems. Now before I go on I have to say I LOVE Carnation Cafe. It's my favorite restaurant in DL. I've always had extraordinary service there and the food has always been wonderful. My mom, SuzieQ, IceKnyght and I sit at the table of 4, the rest of the group at the table of 8. We all ordered at the same time. Table of 8 gets there food, we wait and wait and wait and wait and wait and wait. Table of 8 is pretty much done with their meal as we wait and wait and wait and wait. Finally, we call a server over and explain our situation. Out comes 3 cups of potato soup. SuzieQ had ordered the soup/sandwich combo, so hers didn't come out with our cups of soup. We finish our soup and wait and wait and wait and wait. SuzieQ asks for the manager, a young guy comes out very nervous. We explain and within maybe 5 minutes out comes SuzieQ's soup and veggie medley sandwich that has been sitting so long now the cheese had curled up and changed color. My mom's Shepherd's Pie is cold and the potatos are hard. After we complain they take back SuzieQ's sandwich and I wait and wait and wait for my Shepherd's Pie. Finally it arrives. The server brings us our bill and I tell her I'm sorry (why am I apologizing at this point?) I forgot to give you my AP for my discount. She says it's ok, we already did it because of what happen. I looked puzzled and thought am I crazy? I say to her then you really didn't do anything because I already had the discount coming to me? She looks bewildered and confused. I started to get really mad and then I just stopped. First I felt like "oh God, I'm the dreaded AP'er from hell." Then I was mad cause I felt that way. Then I was mad cause I felt bad for feeling mad because I had rotten service. Aye yi yi, I decided to just drop it, move on and go enjoy my vacation.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 ^^It's hard to let go of a negative experience sometimes. I don't blame you for feeling that way.
Originally Posted By debtee Great reports Theresa! They are so much fun to read and are giving me some idea's for our trip. I'm wondering about the snowglobe incident? If this is for domestic travel or international as well? I have been to the UA website but it doesn't mention anything about it. I always have my snowglobes packed into my hand luggage for the return trip home. I will phone UA here in Sydney and see what they have ti say about this. Thanks for giving me the heads up!
Originally Posted By nevadarebel great trip reports, it sounds like you had a great time as you always do. Thanks for sharing!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I really enjoyed reading all of your reports. They are always so fun to read that I space them out, giving myself a bit of Disney at a time I'm glad that you all once again had a fun time together. Disney. Christmas, friends and family, especially that adorable baby boy What a wonderful vacation.
Originally Posted By chickendumpling Reading this has made me homesick for Disneyland. *sigh* Great reports, goodgirl. Thank you.
