Jeffrey made me do it, but it’s almost free for our three!! **Updated 5/19** About This Page:

[MyRapunzal]

Great update!
I love your DL to WDW comparisons... very interesting!

Good stuff-- more please!!!!!

[Meggera]

I'm so glad you made it to the Corvette Diner. We LOVED it when we went. I seeing the video of the Corvette Diner Dancers. That is great!! I wish I had videoed them, but I had no idea they came out and danced. I'm glad I'm finally reading some TRs again and that I pulled yours up. Let me get back to my reading......

[Meggera]

I can't believe I have caught up. Allrighty then...it is time for another update! I am looking forward to reading more More MORE!!!

[PrincessSharon]

I'm finally all caught up! You've been having a lot of fun. I also loved the San Diego Zoo. Your pictures made me feel like I was right there! And the Corvette Diner, too. Glad you enjoyed it. It's a fun place. Too bad you missed the "running of the guests" but glad you enjoyed the tour. It's really great. And how cool that you got to spend a little time with Karen and Zack! Now that I'm all caught up, you may continue.

[JaimeandChad]

All caught up again!! And it sounds like fun was had.

[TNTWheels]

I went to the Corvette Diner for my birthday on the 12th and we went in between lunch and dinner hours and it had only one or three families there it was great. Before I decided about going there. Us San Diego people were told that they were moving to a different location, when I saw your post on it I couldn't believe they were still there and I looked up to be sure. I was hoping they did move because I really don't like that part of town. oh well. But it was ok it wasn't as good as they used to be.

[iamgrumpy]

I just got all caught up! I had some time and wanted to make sure to read everything you added since about the 1st day I know such a bad passporter pal but I am glad i took the time your trip has been filled but with lots of fun thats for sure!

Karen...nice leisurely pace.... are you sure? What a great tour that was sounds similar to the Keys to the Kingdom tour in WDW but I think it would be fun to take that in DL since Walt actually was there.

More please please please PLEASE

[Minnie Lor]

Wow! I'm all caught up after starting to read your TR this am. I am loving all of it. We're toying with the idea of heading out there in a couple of years. I'm making mental notes. More please.

[TNTWheels]

Originally Posted by Minnie Lor

Wow! I'm all caught up after starting to read your TR this am. I am loving all of it. We're toying with the idea of heading out there in a couple of years. I'm making mental notes. More please.

Hi I see that you stayed at the Shade Of Green as well. What do you think of it?

Yes, I just love your TR Disney report and the tour too.

[Meggera]

Hi Dyan! Missing your TR. Hurry back!

[Kristen C.]

I just caught up on your TR!
You sound like you've had so much fun so far....love the corvette diner, and all the pics are great! Can't wait to hear more.

[DyanKJ130]

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great update Dyan!! How great you got to meet Karen and Zack!! Love the pictures of your mini meet More please

Marnie! It was pretty neat to run into them, just as I was looking for a place to give Karen a call.

Originally Posted by CountryTink

How cool is that that you got to spend some time with Karen and Zack. Don't feel bad about Jeffrey and his shyness, I have one of those too, even if he gets a decent amount of warning.

Can't wait to hear about your time at DCA.

Stephanie! It’s good to know that Jeffrey isn’t the only one of his ‘kind’ out there. It does get frustrating, at times, but I could think of worse qualities to have in a DH.

Originally Posted by chezp

How cool that you got to meet Karen and Zack!

Cheryl! It was cool!

Originally Posted by Kenny

A great PP meet clear across the country! Loved the update, keep it coming...

I know, huh? Kenny!

Originally Posted by shellybelly72

Just finished all 12 pages! I am supposed to be getting ready for work!!

Originally Posted by shellybelly72

Since I have not been to DL since I was 5, it was nice to see pics and read all about your experience!

Shelly!

Originally Posted by disneydani

What great way to cap off the tour...a PP meet! Loving all your adventures.

Danielle! I thought it was the perfect!

Originally Posted by TNTWheels

I was going to let you know about way to get to DCA with out going thhrough all that crowd maybe next time. But for those who are going. Listen to this instead of going all the way to the front just take the monorail to Downtown Disney (DD) the cut through the Grand Califorian look for the signs once in the lobby to go in DCA. Ive done it many time and the enternce to DCA through GCH hardly any one there. I also got in to Disneyland from DD by monorail. Make sure when you do this act like you know what your doing.

Todd! I had heard that there was an entrance there, but I also heard it was reserved for resort guests.

Originally Posted by MyRapunzal

Great update!

Originally Posted by MyRapunzal

I love your DL to WDW comparisons... very interesting!

Good stuff-- more please!!!!!

Melissa! I figured it would be helpful for those who haven’t been to DLR and would like something to compare it to.

Originally Posted by Meggera

I'm so glad you made it to the Corvette Diner. We LOVED it when we went. I seeing the video of the Corvette Diner Dancers. That is great!! I wish I had videoed them, but I had no idea they came out and danced. I'm glad I'm finally reading some TRs again and that I pulled yours up. Let me get back to my reading......

Laura! It was after reading your TR, that I decided we needed to go there! It’s definitely a diamond in the rough!

Originally Posted by Meggera

I can't believe I have caught up. Allrighty then...it is time for another update! I am looking forward to reading more More MORE!!!

again, Laura! You’re right! It was time for another update a LONG time ago!!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

I'm finally all caught up! You've been having a lot of fun. I also loved the San Diego Zoo. Your pictures made me feel like I was right there! And the Corvette Diner, too. Glad you enjoyed it. It's a fun place. Too bad you missed the "running of the guests" but glad you enjoyed the tour. It's really great. And how cool that you got to spend a little time with Karen and Zack! Now that I'm all caught up, you may continue.

Sharon! I could spend days in the San Diego Zoo. There was so much to look at there. The Corvette Diner was definitely worth the trip! Spending time with Karen & Zack was great, even with it being as short as it was. And, I think I should have listened to you months ago and CONTINUED on with this report!

Originally Posted by JaimeandChad

All caught up again!! And it sounds like fun was had.

Jaime! There certainly was a lot of fun to be had.

Originally Posted by TNTWheels

I went to the Corvette Diner for my birthday on the 12th and we went in between lunch and dinner hours and it had only one or three families there it was great. Before I decided about going there. Us San Diego people were told that they were moving to a different location, when I saw your post on it I couldn't believe they were still there and I looked up to be sure. I was hoping they did move because I really don't like that part of town. oh well. But it was ok it wasn't as good as they used to be.

Todd! I was a little surprised with the location of the Corvette Diner, but didn’t fear for our safety or anything. All of the people we encountered were very friendly. Where are they supposed to be moving to?

Originally Posted by iamgrumpy

I just got all caught up! I had some time and wanted to make sure to read everything you added since about the 1st day I know such a bad passporter pal but I am glad i took the time your trip has been filled but with lots of fun thats for sure!

Originally Posted by iamgrumpy

Karen...nice leisurely pace.... are you sure? What a great tour that was sounds similar to the Keys to the Kingdom tour in WDW but I think it would be fun to take that in DL since Walt actually was there.

More please please please PLEASE

Amy! I’m so glad you have hopped on this TR! We’ve been waiting your arrival! Hope you’re liking it so far!

Originally Posted by Minnie Lor

Wow! I'm all caught up after starting to read your TR this am. I am loving all of it. We're toying with the idea of heading out there in a couple of years. I'm making mental notes. More please.

Lorie! It is definitely worth the trip. There are some slight similarities to WDW. It was more nostalgic knowing that Walt actually put his own special touch on DLR.

Originally Posted by TNTWheels

Hi I see that you stayed at the Shade Of Green as well. What do you think of it?

Originally Posted by TNTWheels

Yes, I just love your TR Disney report and the tour too

I stayed at Shades of Green (it was called the Golf Resort back then), but that was in 1980 and I was only 11. I remember enjoying myself, but I don’t remember too many of the specifics.

Originally Posted by Meggera

Hi Dyan! Missing your TR. Hurry back!

Laura! I really do need to get on with this. I TRs, but I am not the best when it comes to writing them.

Originally Posted by Kristen C.

I just caught up on your TR!

Originally Posted by Kristen C.

You sound like you've had so much fun so far....love the corvette diner, and all the pics are great! Can't wait to hear more.

Kristen! I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far.

[DyanKJ130]

Okay, enough of this nonsense! I really need to get this done! Between school & my once-a-week night job starting, the Citizens’ Police Academy and reading everyone else’s TRs, this TR has just gotten away from me. If I am going to even attempt to write about our upcoming Christmas trip to WDW, I have to complete this one first! If I slack for more than a few days, please feel free to HARRASS me in PMs, in this TR, on my profile page and use whatever tactics necessary to make my life MISERABLE until I… GET…THIS…DONE!

That being said…back to business…

Now playing: Across the esplanade and into DCA we go!


Monday, February 18, 2008 – Day 4/Part 4

So, with Karen and Zack on their way, we headed across the esplanade and into DCA. I did take some time to do a little of this and this and some of this . (Even after my last installment, 5 million years ago, Jeffrey and I discussed this again – we read each installment together AFTER it’s already posted . I even demonstrated his behavior for him, which was quite hysterical , and HE decided this is an area that he needs work on. Baby steps, people, baby steps, but I’ll take ‘em).

We entered the park into the Sunshine Plaza and took a right into Golden State. We really didn’t do too much here. The line for Soarin’ was pretty long, so we decided to skip that until Thursday, when we were set to get to DCA for opening. The themeing throughout this area was pretty neat. We kept moving and decided to pass on Grizzly River Run. It was just a tad bit too cold to be getting wet this late in the day. I did, however, get a great photo of my 2 boys near the entrance to the queue.


We continued on, while getting our feel for the park. We headed into the Paradise Pier area. The line for the Golden Zephyr was pretty short, so we hit that. I’m figuring this would kind of be a little like Dumbo – maybe Astro Orbiter – but the ride on that thing was horrifying! The tilt to the vehicle was all but comforting. I felt like I was going to fly right out of my flying vehicle and plummet into the water beneath me. Now, Jeffrey and Kyle this ride, so I’m sure it was just me and my paranoia! I made a note to myself NOT to fly with the Golden Zephyr…EVER…AGAIN!

Once my feet were securely planted on the ground, we ventured over to Mulholland Madness. We picked up some FPs, as the line was pretty long, however, we never made it back to this side of the park that evening. After we picked up our FPs, we went in search of food. We had been hoping to try Pizza Oom Mow Mow, but that was closed for refurbishment. Around that area was also closed off due to the construction of Toy Story Midway Mania, so there really wasn’t an easy flow to the layout of the land. Once down in that area, you had to backtrack to get out of there.

We schlepped our way back out and across to the section of Golden State that we had yet to see. I considered getting a sourdough bread bowl, but decided to get that on Thursday. There weren’t many venues open at this point and the boys wouldn’t be happy with that choice, so we continued on. We went into the Mission Tortilla Factory, saw the intro video (MASECA!!), the bakers making the tortilla and sampled an amazing, warm, fresh tortilla. YUM!! From there we visited the Boudin Bakery Tour, where we watched them make sourdough bread, which we also got to sample. It was equally yummy.




Once we finished the tour, our stomachs had been put into ‘feed me’ mode, so we stopped at the counter service near the Bountiful Valley Farm. We shared an order of mozzarella strips, fries and fruit (grapes). I’m sure we must have had something to drink too. It was perfect for the 3 of us. Kyle and I especially enjoyed the grapes.

With our bellies satisfied, we ventured into the Bountiful Valley Farm, which was especially neat to see in the dark.













I have a feeling if Sharon’s mom saw this garden, she’d think she died and went to heaven!




We decided to take a ride on Heimlich’s Choo Choo Train. I found it incredibly adorable, but also incredibly short after waiting in a short, yet slow moving line! Great themeing throughout the attraction, but one quick circle and we were done! From what I had seen online, I thought it was much longer. Definitely a ‘kiddie’ type attraction, which will especially please the little ones.

From there, we decided to hit the Tuck & Roll’s Drive Em Buggies (bumper cars). The line wasn’t very long and the wait time was typical for this type of a ride. We each took our own individual buggies, but they aren’t exactly designed for women who have – let’s say – a shelf. The lapbar was exceptionally high, so if one happened to have a ‘shelf,’ that is where the lapbar will land instead of the intended ‘lap’ Now, of course I found this incredibly amusing and, as I maneuvered my lapbar to my lap, I was laughing hysterically. Jeffrey was in a buggy a little in front of me and had turned to look at me. He had no idea why I was laughing and looked at me quizzically.

We tucked and rolled our way around in those Drive Em Buggies. I had strategically placed myself behind the boys, so I took delight in smashing into them as often as I could! Once we were finished, we headed out of a bug’s land to find a place to view the Electrical Parade, while I told Jeffrey my story of the troublesome lapbar


We knew we needed to book it out of DCA at the conclusion of the parade, so we went to the Sunshine Plaza to stake out a location. There were still plenty of spots and we could have chosen to sit on the curb, but we opted to sit on the wall/sitting area instead. Yeah, we had people in front of us standing up, but once we stood on our seat, we were fine. We had a little bit of an obstructed view at times, but I have no complaints. I passed the time talking to the woman sitting next to me. She was from Seattle and was visiting with her husband and their daughter’s family. She gave me tips on DL and I gave her some tips on WDW. It certainly made the time fly by!

I hadn’t seen the Electrical Parade in years and neither of the boys had ever seen it. Jeffrey took video using Kyle’s camera, while I snapped some photos using the burst mode on my camera. With my camera being just a few months old, it really was the first time I had really played around with night photos, so not all of them came out really good, but I did manage to get some decent ones.


















Here is the unedited version of the video Jeffrey took using Kyle’s camera. He told me he had difficulty finding a decent spot and wasn’t really sure how to frame the video – so it is, what it is – The Electrical Parade in its entirety.

We were all pleased with the parade, even our ‘super cool’ teenager! We booked it out of there and over to DL! We did enjoy how close the parks were to one another. For those who haven’t been, you walk out of one park, cross an area not much bigger than the width of a couple of streets and go through the turnstiles to the other park! If there are no lines getting into the other park, it literally only takes a couple of minutes! Definitely a perk that WDW does not have.

We made our way down Main Street and found a spot to sit on the ground in front of the hub and directly in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. We had heard so many wonderful things about the ‘Remember…Dreams Come True’ fireworks, so we were anxious to see it. We were very pleased when an announcement was made and everyone remained seated on the ground. I didn’t tape the show because I wanted to take it all in on the first viewing. I figured I would tape it, when it was shown again on our final evening. (More on that later.) The show was great, especially Tinkerbell’s flight! I found that to be the most amazing part of the show. We all enjoyed it, but all 3 of us like Wishes more. Don’t get me wrong, we liked it, we just prefer Wishes. I found this video on YouTube of the entire show: Remember…Dreams Come True.



After the show, we still had some time before the park closed, so we headed into Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. The guns are different on this ride compared to Buzz Lightyear in the Magic Kingdom, where you can actually hold the guns. We thought this would make for more accurate shots, but all 3 of us did not score as well here. It was fun, but we enjoy WDW’s version better. I’m sure that opinion was tainted by our scores!

At that point, we decided to leave. It had been a very full day and I’m sure it was getting close to closing time anyway. We stopped at the bakery on Main Street in search of a snack. Kyle got a Mickey head rice krispie treat, I got a brownie (I was dying for some chocolate!! ) and Jeffrey & I both got hot cocoa (more chocolate!! ). Service was a bit slow, but everything we got hit the spot, so all was good!

We exited the park, took the tram to the parking garage and made the quick drive ‘home’ to the Dolphin’s Cove Resort. I don’t remember much after that. I’m sure we watched a little television, while we got ready for bed, but it wasn’t for long as we had another full day ahead of us again tomorrow!


Up Next: This one is up to you, dear readers of my neglected TR! Detour or Day 5? (I have actually been writing installments of my TR nearly every day while I cover the Alternate Education Program – aka In-School Suspension. I have completed Days 5 & 6 and have started Day 7. I have yet to even open my video program. What do you think?)

[TNTWheels]

" Todd! I was a little surprised with the location of the Corvette Diner, but didn’t fear for our safety or anything. All of the people we encountered were very friendly. Where are they supposed to be moving to?" said Dyan.

I hard they were going to move up close to UTC in La Jolla on the East side of I-5.

" I stayed at Shades of Green (it was called the Golf Resort back then), but that was in 1980 and I was only 11. I remember enjoying myself, but I don’t remember too many of the specifics." said Dyan.

Wow I have read the history of the place, now since 04' it had added a new wing and parking structure. It has a nice big lobby the look like a country club. Plus a nice walk (for me I rolled and when no one is with me I just step on it) to the Poly to catch the monorail.

[TNTWheels]

Hey I like your TR, I agree about the Buzz Light Year's guns, I like the WDW one better as well. But I like the open land area at WDW not like Disneyland were you are suround by streets and buildings.