Originally Posted By rockcow1 Hi Everyone, We got back a few days ago but it's been crazy and didn't get a chance to get to the computer. Our trip went great. We spent two days at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stayed at the Grand Canyon Lodge. Little cabins with Lodge as the common area. The lodge sits on the rim with gorgeous views of the canyon. I highly recommend it. The weather was great, not hot at all, mid 80's. We did some hiking and mule riding along with a bbq with western singers and comedians. Next, it was off for two days in Las Vegas. Stayed at the Mandalay Bay. Very nice but way down the strip. The first day we spent lounging at the pool. My DD and I are very pale (i'm a redhead with freckles(yuck))so we got a cabana to shield us from the sun.(We call ourselves the vampire twins). It was a splurge, but well worth it to not have to find shade every half hour. It was hot, 104, not a surprise. The pool was very relaxing with a lazy river, wave pool and plenty of smoothies to drink! The next day was just spent walking around window shopping and seeing the sights. That night we went to see "LOVE" the cirque du soleil show set to the Beatles. VERY COOL!! My 12 year old is a die hard Beatles fan. She gets it from her father. The music,colors and lighting were very surreal. Then it was off the The Fremont Street Experience. That is the downtown street that is covered with a canopy of lights. They do a show to music with a light show. This time it was a tribute to "Queen". Also very cool and another fav of my daughter. Finally, we went to Disneyland for three days. We usually stay a GCH but DD wanted to try the Disneyland Hotel. We got upgraded to suite in the Wonder tower. Very nice and DD loved the little shampoo with ears.I asked for any extra set from housekeeping(so DD could save as souvenir)and they gave her a whole bag. She was very happy. Got into town early so we decided to hit DCA and see what the lines were like for TSMM(this was the 17th only the 2nd day of opening. Were prepared for the worst but happily it was only 45 minutes. Very cute ride. Rode screaming, soaring and monsters. It got very hot so we decided to go back to our room and hit Disneyland at night. Spent the night riding all our favorites. Was pleasantly surprise the lines were not too bad. Thought the parks would be packed due to TSMM opening up. We finally got on Nemo, missed it the last time at the park because of lines. My kids are older so it wasn't on the "to do" list. I liked it very much. My DD and DH gave a "thank you" card to CM at the candy store on main. The CM was quite sweet and presented her with a Honorary Citizen of Disneyland button. She didn't stop smiling all day and has it proudly displayed on here bulletin board. She has now changed her career plan to working at Disneyland instead of Disney World. The next two days were just filled with quality family time at the parks. Riding everyone's favorites, eating our favorites and checking out the new. I'm always amazed how much fun we have as a family at Disneyland. I guess I shouldn't say amazed, but happy. It's nice to have everyone together having fun as a family!
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 What a wonderful trip! Grand Canyon, Vegas AND Disneyland!!! WOO HOO!!!
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove What a very nice report. Thanks for taking the time to write it all down. It's so neat your daughter got a whole bag of the toiletries...mousekeeping was probably pleasantly surprised that someone asked for a change. And as far as being a redhead with freckles...I cannot think of anything more adorable. I've been begging my kids for years to marry a redhead so at least I could have some redheaded grandchildren. So far, no dice. I'll bet you two are as cute as they come! So embrace your specialness and rareness, okay? xoxo
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Sounds like you had a nice trip. A little bit of everything >>> Riding everyone's favorites, eating our favorites and checking out the new.<<< Perfect! Your report reminded me that we need to extend our next Las Vegas trip to include the Grand Canyon. We talk about it all the time and never get around to it.
Originally Posted By oredisneyfan Nice trip report. My DH really wants to go to the Grand Canyon. Maybe I can talk him into another DL trip this year if we can do the Grand Canyon too
Originally Posted By Pollyana A red head with freckles...let's have a freckle contest..I would beat you hands down. But alas, I no longer have the red hair....I have graciously accepted my white hair these days.... I guess I have earned it.... Nice report... I am glad that you mention family togetherness. It means so much..and I look back at all the trips we did when our men where boys...What fun! And now, we can make those same magical memories with our new red-headed grandson! DH and myself did Disneyland in June. We did all the kiddy rides that we shared many years ago with our boys. It was quite fun, reflecting on past memories. Nice report, It is always good to get details. Looks like the pixie dust has done its job!
Originally Posted By 1disneymom3boys Hi rockcow1, thanks for your report. We are planning to go to Vegas in August. I had to choose between the Mandalay Bay and Mirage. I chose the Mirage because it is closer to everything else, and I thought my kids might enjoy the dolphin habitat. I appreciate how you shared what your children enjoyed doing. I have a 3yr, 12yr and 15yr old sons. I have been trying to find ideas of kid oriented activities since Vegas has become so adult oriented. I completely forgot about the fremont experience, so thank you. I am so glad that you were able to capture the magic of Disneyland. I agree, quality family time is amazing and so very important. Thanks for sharing!
Originally Posted By rockcow1 1disneymom3boys....on Yahoo travel that have an area called "things to do in Las Vegas". Check it out for ideas. There is also M&M world and Madame Tussuad's Wax Museum. We did those before and did not do them this time. Pollyana...I could probably give you a run for your money on the freckles. My daughter always say if they played dot to dot on me I'd be covered in sharpie.
Originally Posted By Pollyana Probably so,,,mine seem to be fading with age...ewwww But I too, would be covered pretty good.
