Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well, we ventured to Legoland. I went to the original in Denmark in my youth, and then even had a cast role offered opening year of Legoland Windsor. We have always enjoyed the European parks, and although intrigued by the California version, we had never visited. As UK AP holders, we learnt that free access would be granted to the California park too. And with Mikey and Jess being the perfect ages, we had to go. We also serendipitously learnt our UK passes gave us free parking and 20% discounts on refreshments and souvenirs. This park offered up enough differences and simularities, that we had a fantastic time. No views of Windsor Castle here, but the sunshine and lack of a steep hill climb (or queue for the cliff railway) caused relief. Somethings at Carlsbad were better (landscaping, variety of theming, dining options, shows), some were not so good (Windsor has more in depth theming in the Pirates, Castle and Mini Town areas). And there were some new differences that were great - the kuka arm coaster (I was too big to ride, but it was hilarious that Sarah could not control her legs - I will put a video on Youtube). The Fireman show, the lego factory, and a few more. The BBQ place did great value food. And instead of looking at european models, it was great to see the icons of America represented. We spent a couple of hours in Miniland. We were there from open to close, and only just did the attractions that were different or new to us. The queues were shorter than Windsor's so Mikey did drive a car (tradition) and we did the firefighting family competition which we won!!!!!! Yet, a number of people came expecting a Six Flags/Disneyland experience and kept saying, is that it??? They do not seem to get the simple delights of lego. Well after Disney, Star Wars, and Pandas, Lego is another Baloos obsession, and as always, we had a great time. We really enjoyed seeing the differences (though we were surprised at how small the medieval section is compared to ours.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo If you like Lego, or have small children and are in the San Diego area, we recommend it. <a href="http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=56a8td25.e4tbgwjd&Uy=yu2vkd&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB" target="_blank">http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/ Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=56a8td25.e4tbgwjd&Uy=yu2vkd&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo The Friday we took it easy, shopped a little (Macy's Sale), swam, took a tour of the resort, and then made smores, finished by packing. The next day was on to Disneyland and the big meet. Now the question is, do I continue reporting in here or create a new thread in the DL trip report. Or do both and link them together?
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains More wonderful pix - do you mind me asking what kind of camera you use - I have 2 digital and neither has that color!! it's amazing
Originally Posted By Shiva >>>>My one real regret this trip is I did not get enough pictures of people.<<<< >>>I am sure Shiva's photos will take up the slack.<<< Dave, I think I have you covered (possible understatement). I'm just waiting for Sarah to send Tinkeroon a mailing address so I can mail out your DVD (1200+ pics and some video clips too). I'm at work right now but I'll be back on tonight. I haven't had a chance to read your whole thread and view the pics yet so I've been holding off. I'll be back! : )
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS Shiva / Dave: Do our DVDs work in the UK? Or is there a way to reformat them?
Originally Posted By Shiva >>Do our DVDs work in the UK?<< Hi Haunts!! Yes, DVD's that we compile will work in the UK. Regular Movie DVD's frequently have region codings that may prevent them from working in certain parts of the world. Not an issue here.
Originally Posted By disney pete Dave its 01.10 in the morning and im of to bed im only as far as your seaworld pics but they are all great can't wait to see the rest looks like yas had a ball.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Gottaluvdavillains - It is a Fuji Finepix S5700. I am still learning how to use it. It was a Birthday present from my parents. Kiz - Mikey is growing up. I swear I think he grew a couple of inches while we were away, he looked so tall when we got back. 999 Haunts, as a rule, US DVDs do not work in the UK. PC generated ones can, and as a Disney fan, I have a region free player, otherwise I could never have my Disney Treasures collection! ajandhollymommy - your kids are the perfect age. We love it. It's no Disneyland, but it has a charm of it's own. Thanks Shiva, I'll get Sarah to e-mail cheers Pete. We had an awesome time. Finding these storms to be very depressing.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks for reading Lulu. I sometimes post these things, and it takes time. And you wonder if people are interested. From all these lovely comments, folks seem to be!
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 Ah you passed through my hometown of Salinas and couldn't even say hello. Haha. Just kidding! I am sad to see you didn't have prettier days in Monterey...we have had some gorgeous days lately! I am so glad to hear that your love for Disneyland has been reignited! And I couldn't agree more about the GCH! Seems like everyone on this bored is against it! Haha. My family also owns a Marriot Vacation Club in Maui but we have been meaning to try the one in Newport! We are going to the one Oahu this summer so hopefully we can try the Newport one soon! We have had some negative experiences with Marriot...Maui is so busy and we can never even get a week there but I guess we have found a way around it until we are able to go at more off-season times when my sister and I are down with college.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indeed I love Mickey, the key to success with MVCI is to plan ahead. We love the Newport property and have had nothing but good experiences with them. We will see what happens when the kids start school and we are bound to their timetable!
Originally Posted By jonvn "Jonvn - thank you for your very kind comments." You're welcome. I'm sorry I couldn't get past my neuroses enough to meet you.
Originally Posted By wendebird What a wonderful trip you had! I was so glad that we got to meet you & your family, even if only for a few minutes. (dh isn't a LP poster & doesn't quite get LP) My girls were so excited to meet your kids, but maybe next time. I still think it's so funny. What are the chances that we'd be in WDW & a spur of the moment birthday trip for DH in DL at the same time. I'm SO glad that you were so pleased with DL. I was worried about that, lol, after some of our comments on the board about WDW. ;D Wonderful report, I can't wait to read the rest!
Originally Posted By sarahwithbaloo Shiva I have maild tinkeroon but as I am still not quite all there in the head if she has not recieved it let me know. Last night Jess was not going to bed I got her settled at 2am she came in our room again at 4.30am when Dave started to get ready for work. I'm sounding wingey now so I will stop typing.
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle >>We're going to be in DL at the end of November/beginning of December 09 Kez<< Oh how funny would that be! Yep, I can see an LP International Meet coming on sometime in Nov-Dec 09. I'm marking it on the calendar.
Originally Posted By iamsally It's already on mine. I think someone should start a thread in Meets. Where are those pictures of Disneyland Dave?!?
