Originally Posted By WDWdreamin On Saturday December 29th, we went to Disneyland Park. It was the only day that worked for everyone. Showers were predicted. It was sprinkling when the first car arrived at 7:30 (me, DH, DS, DBIL, Dnephew 12, Dniece 9). We got all the way to the rope to Tomorrowland and waited, watching the early morning hotel guests walking around. I grabbed FPs for Space, and then we went on Star Tours. Great fun, and new for some people. Then to the Matterhorn, which was a whole new level of bumpiness, and I won’t be going on it again for a while. Time for Space Mountain. DH and I loved it, especially how smooth it was, but my sister felt a little nauseous afterwards. Got some FPs for Indy and wanted to go on BTMR but it was closed. We waited about 30 minutes for Jungle Cruise and got to see the upper level which I have never seen before. It was pretty cool, even if the others were complaining about the wait. Then Big Thunder was a walk on and enjoyed by all. Car#2 (DB, Dniece 9, Dniece 6) called to say they had arrived so we told them to meet us at Haunted Mansion. They didn’t get the message, so they went to Rocket Rods first. By this time it was RAINING. DH and I had waterproof light jackets, but my sister’s family were not dressed appropriately despite my giving them the weather report the night before and morning of. We tried to keep things positive in the next couple lines though and did pretty well, I think. We did cheer mightily when we finally reached covering. HMH was enjoyed by my sister’s family but DH and I prefer the original. Car#2 showed up, all in ponchos, and we all got to go on POTC together and it was wonderful. It’s really fun to go on rides like this with kids. It would have been even better if the older girls didn’t keep saying “You can see that’s fake.” The first car people then went off to Indy while the second car did HM. Indy was pretty fun. My favorite part is the boulder. It always scares me. And by the time we got out of Indy, the rain had stopped for the day. Yay! Got FPs for everybody for Star Tours. The machine wasn’t working properly, so a cast member gave us two extra FPs. By then we needed food. I was thinking Plaza Inn, but the line stretched out the door and into Tomorrowland. We didn’t want to wait, so we had burgers in Tomorrowland. Everyone was satisfied. Next we all went on Buzz. I let DH go with my DS because one person had to sit out and they are the most competitive. They were true to character and battled fiercely. My sister hit something special and scored about 134,000 while DH was around 78,000. I came in third with 64,000. You can see we don’t go too often. Next up for our group of nine was IASW. We really enjoyed the Christmas decorations and songs. It was wonderful! DH trotted over to Space to pick up FPs for later and he did, but the opening of the window was at 11:10pm! Must be time to get to London. We were off to Peter Pan and it was enjoyed by all but my Dnephew 12 and DBIL. I must now mention that they were also the two that nixed matching Disney sweatshirts for the whole family. Boo! One said he didn’t want to beaten up and the other said that only Class Three Nerds do that. I said that I am every level of nerd rolled into one and I think the sweatshirts would’ve been fun. Alice was next and we got to watch most of the parade from the line. The Tea Cups were closed so next came the first split up. My DB took all four kids on the carousel while the rest of us got a drink and sat for a bit. Star Tours FPs were up so we all headed over and had a fun time. My Dniece 6 was the rebel spy! My DB’s oldest daughter decided the one coaster she wanted to do was Space Mountain, even with a wait… so… DH and I, DB, and the three older kids waited 90 minutes for Space Mountain. She said it's less scary because you don't see that you're going to die. *shrug* The wait reminded me of the olden days, before FPs. It was pretty hard since the kids kept hitting each other. Also, DH and I had a girl on our back for >10minutes. I think this is when I mildly strained my left ankle, because it started worsening. My DS and DBIL and the youngest went to Innoventions. I heard they sat and watched her play dance video games. We split up again. DB and I went on ST. DH, DBIL, Dnephew 12 went on BTMR. DS and the girls went on Snow White. DB and I were so quick with our FPs that we met DS and the girls for Pinocchio. The girls loved the dark rides. By this time we wanted a break and we explored New Orleans so my sister’s picky family could look at every menu. We ate sandwiches at The Riverbelle Terrace. The food was pretty good. DBIL and Dnephew by this time were crashing pretty hard. They had been wet and cold since 10am. DH and I had flown in from the east coast the night before, getting to bed at 1am PST, 4am our time. So, the four of us headed home. I said that I was interested in staying for F! and the amazing fireworks, but I couldn’t talk anyone else into them besides my sister, and it didn’t work out car-wise for us both to stay. My DB and DS and the girls did POTC again and Mr. Toad and after buying one toy a-piece, headed home, before the Fireworks. It was a wonderful family trip. We got a lot done. We talked and laughed a lot. We got great pictures. And we were together. I would say I wish it hadn’t rained, but I think that’s what made the crowds all right. So I wish everyone had worn appropriate clothes instead.
Originally Posted By denluvsdisney I am glad you had a fun day with your family. I would have gone for the matching shirts. Sorry about the weather, but it did help with the crowds. I've been on the second level on JC, and you're right it is pretty cool.
Originally Posted By seafairy1622 Glad you had fun with your family! I love space mountain at DL. At DW not so much.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I know! My siblings were willing with the matching shirts. In-laws! And I also totally agree about DL vs WDW Space Mountain.
Originally Posted By Pollyana thanks for sharing...always like to read about others adventures. Sounds like a great time!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Thanks for sharing your trip! We were there 30th-3rd and saw lots of matching families and groups. I commented to DH it was a GREAT idea with how busy it was. I could even spot who belonged with who Gotcha about the appropriate clothes! It makes SUCH a difference in your mood. We got caught in the rain on the 30th. I had packed for every possible weather situation but when we checked in and stored our luggage it was blue skies and puffy clouds. We bought ponchos AGAIN even though I had 2 in our luggage. >> My DS and DBIL and the youngest went to Innoventions. I heard they sat and watched her play dance video games.<< LOL!!!! Great report, I loved the details. Thanks again!
Originally Posted By leemac <<They didn’t get the message, so they went to Rocket Rods first.>> Wow - did you travel back to '98 for this trip?
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I assumed that you meant to write "Racers." Our DD calls Racers "Rocket Rods" because during their 5 day vacation it was down all but one time they attempted to go on it.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I forgot to add a smiley face I didn't want my comment to come off snarky. My DD has a great sense of humor and says it in fun.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin No, we all got one-park passes from my parents for Christmas. I didn't think you meant it snarkily. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt.
