Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL

CoolestMomEver · 05-02-2006

OK folks! Here is my trip report – I will post this in segments ( I think it will run long)…

REVEAL: First we told the kids only 2 hours before departure via a scavenger hunt/treasure hunt/puzzle. They were shocked, surprised and very happy! A great success, and the girls said they were glad we did it the way we did. (More details later)

THE PLAN: We used the Walt Disney Travel Company and got the springtime “kids fly and play free” deal via Alaska Airlines. We stayed at the Paradise Pier hotel from Sunday, April 23 – Friday April 28 in a “standard view” room. We had 5-day hopper passes.

HOTEL (Paradise Pier): Well, maybe I was hoping for too much, but I am sad to say I was a little disappointed. I think for the $$$, the value was only “OK”, but I was never “Wow’ed”. The room we had was on the fourth floor, with a window facing the park (but a little too low to see much) and a second side window facing….. another person’s room! We had to keep the shades pulled on the second window the whole time.

The room was nicely furnished, but… (See, for $200 or more per night, I feel there should not be any “but”s.) It was fairly clean, except for the toothpaste smear on the wall from a previous guest and a q-tip (ewwwww!) near the trash can. We had a dorm-sized fridge and a safe. No VCR or DVD player. Two queen beds plus a sofa bed – plenty of sleep space for our family of 4.Coffe maker with small amount of coffee and condiments (barely enough for 3-4 cups. We are from Seattle, home of Starbucks, and this was never enough coffee for me.) Also, only 4 drawers for clothing. Nicer touches with the built in clothesline in the shower and the wall-mounted hairdryer. Showerhead was too low for my 6-foot 6 husband, but they usually are everywhere he travels.

The hotel property was clean and pleasant, but (see- here we go with the “buts” again) the “rooftop” pool is on the roof of a parking garage! And only the third floor! (By the Disneyland Resort website description I assumed a view would be had from the pool, area, but no. Also, for a hotel with 489 rooms, the pool area was rather smallish. The pool itself was about the size of two large backyard in-ground pools, with a maximum depth of 6 feet (no diving). With 14 people in it it felt crowded. True, the slide was nice (but not near the pool – difficult to keep track of multiple children at once if they ran between them) and there is also a kiddie pool and a hot tub, plenty of seating and umbrellas and towels. There was a poolside snack counter, but it was never opened during our stay.

There are only three elevators for the entire 15-story building (not counter service elevators and a concierge level only elevator). Stairs are not convenient to anything. During busy checkout hours, we waited up to 15 minutes to get on an elevator. Again – simply unacceptable for these prices.

Staff was very pleasant and helpful, but I was sort of hoping for something special – like maybe a bell-hop asking me if I needed help with my six suitcases or something. The best staff person was one we never saw – our housekeeper – we arranged the girls’ stuffed animals on their beds creatively each day.

The hotel gift shop had everything we needed for souvenir shopping and sundries (including a $10 bottle of sunscreen! My fault for forgetting to pack it.). The PCH grill was host to the Lilo and Stitch Aloha breakfast buffet we did on Thursday. $21.99 for adults, $11.99 for kids. Great food – Mickey shaped pancakes, waffles and even chicken nuggets for the kids, made to order omelets, grilled salmon, and a very banana-y smoothie plus all the usual breakfast type fare. We met Lilo, Stitch, Pluto, Daisy and Minnie. My favorite moment was watching this exchange between a haggard looking dad and his teenaged daughter:
Girl, “Dad, where is the milk?”
Dad, “Milk? I don’t know. Why do you want milk?”
Girl, “I just want a bowl of cereal to eat.”
Dad, “Man, you’re killing me!”

I thought the buffet was awesome, and worth every penny. We had 7am reservations and were at the park by 8am.

I was excited to stay on-site, but disappointed by the class-system I encountered. Money = more privileges. (No, sorry you can’t use that elevator, no, you can’t use that pool, no, you have to walk farther than anyone else). I sometimes felt like a thief sneaking through the Grand Cal. Hotel to the park.

I noticed a few posts about walking distance – and yes, the Paradise Pier is the longest distance from the parks, but it is still only a short walk. The monorail from Downtown Disney saves a bit , but the real problem is dragging the kids past all those cool stores and restaurants day after day. We stayed at the Tropicana last trip, and I think it was an easier walk. We usually walked across the highway through the Grand Cal and into the park, which also placed us near the White Water Snacks restaurant (in the Grand Cal) which became our favorite eatery during this trip. (I’ll post more about that later, too)

Ok, this is getting long, and my fingers hurt! I will finish this report soon – but before I go, check out the FERAL CATS!!!! Spotted on our last day by my daughter under the train in Cal Adven. near Burrrbank Ice Cream.

Feral Cats #1

Feral Cats #2

Amelia's Man · 05-02-2006

I love how you did the "reveal" foryour kids! That's just perfect! great trip report so far! Shame about how you had to wait so long for elevators! I know how it is on vacation when every bit of time is precious!
cool feral cat pics!!

CoolestMomEver · 05-02-2006

Part 2

The Reveal

I woke the girls up early Sunday morning. I told them we would be doing something “fun” today. They were a bit grumpy because I made them clean their room the day before (I needed to get into the closets!). It started with an envelope and a riddle:
“The next clue is found,
where good girls and boys,
pick up from the ground
Woody, Buzz and the ____”

The answer is “toys” and the next clue was on their toy box. Each envelope had another riddle, plus a puzzle piece. When they had run all over (and outside!) the house following the ten clues (all Disney themed, might I add) they had almost all the pieces of the puzzle. As they tried to put it together they HAD NO IDEA what it was. I asked them if this (a last piece I was still holding back from them) might help – it was the piece that said “Disneyland” . When assembled, the puzzle read, “You are going to Disneyland!”

They didn’t quite get it – so I said, “You remember I promised we would do something fun today, right? Well, we are going to Disneyland! Today. Right Now. The airport shuttle is coming in two hours.” My older daughter screamed and my younger one just kept hugging me – speechless. I had already packed most of their stuff, they just had to pick out a few toys, shower and get dressed.

I later asked if they were happy about the way we did it and they both said “YES!”

Working on the puzzle.

Happy Kids!

The Puzzle.

daisyd · 05-02-2006

Welcome home!

I always thought if I were a teeny, tiny bird (

) I'd live at Disneyland. After seeing your farel cats, I think I'd rather be higher up on the food chain, lol.

faerie dust · 05-02-2006

too cool . that was great the way you did that.

kizzmitt · 05-02-2006

That was great!

**DisneyTeacher** · 05-02-2006

How fun for your kids! I still don't know how I'm going to tell my DS about his birthday trip but your reveal sounds fun.

Erin · 05-02-2006

welcome back!!!! You're definitely a cool mom! I love the reveal!

I love all the details in your report, please keep them coming!

quartz7 · 05-02-2006

I love how you told your kids. How old are your kids?

Love the "Killin" me story. Dad's just sometimes don't get it, LOL!!!

Can't wait to hear more.

**WishUponAStar** · 05-02-2006

You really are like the coolest mom ever!!! What an awesome way to "reveal" it to your children.

I am going to have to agree with you on the PP Hotel, some people love it, most are just "ehhh," I am definately an "ehhh." HAHAH, and I LOVED the "exchange" between the father and daughter, hahah! That is TOTALLY going to be my Dad and I in June.

Great start to a fabulous report I am sure!!! MORE PICTURES! MORE PICTURES!! Your avatar is ADORABLE!!!

What's up with the cats? I would naturally be the a## that feeds them.

quartz7 · 05-02-2006

That is just to awesome!!!

What a great idea.

What a cool mom!!!

mickaholic4077 · 05-02-2006

I don't blame you for being a bit disappointed in the hotel. When you shell out that kind of money,you expect everything to be top-notch.

mickaholic4077 · 05-02-2006

That sounded like a great way to do it!! I just wish someone would plan a surprise trip for me!!!

**WishUponAStar** · 05-02-2006

such a smart idea!!! What a cute puzzle!

**Dana** · 05-02-2006

I merged these two threads for easier reading. Keep the report coming! I love every word.

05-02-2006	#1 (permalink)
CoolestMomEver Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 8	Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) OK folks! Here is my trip report – I will post this in segments ( I think it will run long)… REVEAL: First we told the kids only 2 hours before departure via a scavenger hunt/treasure hunt/puzzle. They were shocked, surprised and very happy! A great success, and the girls said they were glad we did it the way we did. (More details later) THE PLAN: We used the Walt Disney Travel Company and got the springtime “kids fly and play free” deal via Alaska Airlines. We stayed at the Paradise Pier hotel from Sunday, April 23 – Friday April 28 in a “standard view” room. We had 5-day hopper passes. HOTEL (Paradise Pier): Well, maybe I was hoping for too much, but I am sad to say I was a little disappointed. I think for the $$$, the value was only “OK”, but I was never “Wow’ed”. The room we had was on the fourth floor, with a window facing the park (but a little too low to see much) and a second side window facing….. another person’s room! We had to keep the shades pulled on the second window the whole time. The room was nicely furnished, but… (See, for $200 or more per night, I feel there should not be any “but”s.) It was fairly clean, except for the toothpaste smear on the wall from a previous guest and a q-tip (ewwwww!) near the trash can. We had a dorm-sized fridge and a safe. No VCR or DVD player. Two queen beds plus a sofa bed – plenty of sleep space for our family of 4.Coffe maker with small amount of coffee and condiments (barely enough for 3-4 cups. We are from Seattle, home of Starbucks, and this was never enough coffee for me.) Also, only 4 drawers for clothing. Nicer touches with the built in clothesline in the shower and the wall-mounted hairdryer. Showerhead was too low for my 6-foot 6 husband, but they usually are everywhere he travels. The hotel property was clean and pleasant, but (see- here we go with the “buts” again) the “rooftop” pool is on the roof of a parking garage! And only the third floor! (By the Disneyland Resort website description I assumed a view would be had from the pool, area, but no. Also, for a hotel with 489 rooms, the pool area was rather smallish. The pool itself was about the size of two large backyard in-ground pools, with a maximum depth of 6 feet (no diving). With 14 people in it it felt crowded. True, the slide was nice (but not near the pool – difficult to keep track of multiple children at once if they ran between them) and there is also a kiddie pool and a hot tub, plenty of seating and umbrellas and towels. There was a poolside snack counter, but it was never opened during our stay. There are only three elevators for the entire 15-story building (not counter service elevators and a concierge level only elevator). Stairs are not convenient to anything. During busy checkout hours, we waited up to 15 minutes to get on an elevator. Again – simply unacceptable for these prices. Staff was very pleasant and helpful, but I was sort of hoping for something special – like maybe a bell-hop asking me if I needed help with my six suitcases or something. The best staff person was one we never saw – our housekeeper – we arranged the girls’ stuffed animals on their beds creatively each day. The hotel gift shop had everything we needed for souvenir shopping and sundries (including a $10 bottle of sunscreen! My fault for forgetting to pack it.). The PCH grill was host to the Lilo and Stitch Aloha breakfast buffet we did on Thursday. $21.99 for adults, $11.99 for kids. Great food – Mickey shaped pancakes, waffles and even chicken nuggets for the kids, made to order omelets, grilled salmon, and a very banana-y smoothie plus all the usual breakfast type fare. We met Lilo, Stitch, Pluto, Daisy and Minnie. My favorite moment was watching this exchange between a haggard looking dad and his teenaged daughter: Girl, “Dad, where is the milk?” Dad, “Milk? I don’t know. Why do you want milk?” Girl, “I just want a bowl of cereal to eat.” Dad, “Man, you’re killing me!” I thought the buffet was awesome, and worth every penny. We had 7am reservations and were at the park by 8am. I was excited to stay on-site, but disappointed by the class-system I encountered. Money = more privileges. (No, sorry you can’t use that elevator, no, you can’t use that pool, no, you have to walk farther than anyone else). I sometimes felt like a thief sneaking through the Grand Cal. Hotel to the park. I noticed a few posts about walking distance – and yes, the Paradise Pier is the longest distance from the parks, but it is still only a short walk. The monorail from Downtown Disney saves a bit , but the real problem is dragging the kids past all those cool stores and restaurants day after day. We stayed at the Tropicana last trip, and I think it was an easier walk. We usually walked across the highway through the Grand Cal and into the park, which also placed us near the White Water Snacks restaurant (in the Grand Cal) which became our favorite eatery during this trip. (I’ll post more about that later, too) Ok, this is getting long, and my fingers hurt! I will finish this report soon – but before I go, check out the FERAL CATS!!!! Spotted on our last day by my daughter under the train in Cal Adven. near Burrrbank Ice Cream. Feral Cats #1 Feral Cats #2

05-02-2006	#2 (permalink)
Amelia's Man Hide the rum!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: R.L.S. Legacy, Space Posts: 2,414	Re: Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) I love how you did the "reveal" foryour kids! That's just perfect! great trip report so far! Shame about how you had to wait so long for elevators! I know how it is on vacation when every bit of time is precious! cool feral cat pics!! __________________ "Unorthodox..........but ludicrously effective" !! 2003 Contemporary Resort 2005 Polynesian Resort 2005 Disney Wonder 2006 Disney Magic 2007 Polynesian Resort 2007 Disney Wonder 2008 Disney Magic My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Goin' to the Caribbean on the Disney Magic!! Cruising with Mickey on the Magic!!

05-02-2006	#3 (permalink)
CoolestMomEver Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 8	Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL Part 2 The Reveal I woke the girls up early Sunday morning. I told them we would be doing something “fun” today. They were a bit grumpy because I made them clean their room the day before (I needed to get into the closets!). It started with an envelope and a riddle: “The next clue is found, where good girls and boys, pick up from the ground Woody, Buzz and the ____” The answer is “toys” and the next clue was on their toy box. Each envelope had another riddle, plus a puzzle piece. When they had run all over (and outside!) the house following the ten clues (all Disney themed, might I add) they had almost all the pieces of the puzzle. As they tried to put it together they HAD NO IDEA what it was. I asked them if this (a last piece I was still holding back from them) might help – it was the piece that said “Disneyland” . When assembled, the puzzle read, “You are going to Disneyland!” They didn’t quite get it – so I said, “You remember I promised we would do something fun today, right? Well, we are going to Disneyland! Today. Right Now. The airport shuttle is coming in two hours.” My older daughter screamed and my younger one just kept hugging me – speechless. I had already packed most of their stuff, they just had to pick out a few toys, shower and get dressed. I later asked if they were happy about the way we did it and they both said “YES!” Working on the puzzle. Happy Kids! The Puzzle. __________________ I'm sorry you threw off the emporer's groove....

05-02-2006	#4 (permalink)
daisyd Dreams do come true! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: somewhere between here and there Posts: 2,344	Re: Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) Welcome home! I always thought if I were a teeny, tiny bird ( ) I'd live at Disneyland. After seeing your farel cats, I think I'd rather be higher up on the food chain, lol. __________________ R2G your avatars rock! DL--too many times to count WDW--just once, Oct 2006 Last edited by daisyd; 05-02-2006 at 02:30 AM. Reason: because it sounds crazy, lol

05-02-2006	#5 (permalink)
faerie dust Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: carisle pa Posts: 981	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL too cool . that was great the way you did that.

		MouseBuzz.com > Mouscellaneous > Trip Reports
Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL

05-02-2006	#6 (permalink)
kizzmitt Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Not far from a beach! Posts: 960	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL That was great! __________________ 2002 1st Disney vacation since childhood! Port Orleans Riverside 2003 Port Orleans French Quarter 2005 Port Orleans French Quarter DGD's 1st Disney experience! 2005 1st Fall vacation and 1st MNSSHP! PopCentury Spring 2006 Back to POFQ and SOG 2007 Port Orleans Riverside May 2nd-14th

05-02-2006	#7 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,305	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL How fun for your kids! I still don't know how I'm going to tell my DS about his birthday trip but your reveal sounds fun. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 242 days 23 hours 20 minutes

05-02-2006	#8 (permalink)
Erin Scooter Princess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Welaka Posts: 9,771	Re: Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) welcome back!!!! You're definitely a cool mom! I love the reveal! I love all the details in your report, please keep them coming! __________________ Team Jake! http://www.twitter.com/IamBubbles www.facebook.com/scooterprincess

05-02-2006	#9 (permalink)
quartz7 Mouse Meister Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Parker, Colo Posts: 1,083	Re: Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) I love how you told your kids. How old are your kids? Love the "Killin" me story. Dad's just sometimes don't get it, LOL!!! Can't wait to hear more. __________________ Janelle The very center of Disneyland! Proud Mama of DD Jazzy 14 DS Trevor 10 DC(cat) Tinkerbell 2 Offsite.......1992 Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contempory.....1994 Disneyland Hotel.....2000, 2001, 2005 Polynesian......2004, 2006 Disneyland Hotel............June 2008, Oct. 2008 Disneyland Hotel.....June 2009

05-02-2006	#10 (permalink)
WishUponAStar Waiting for BLT! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm right here! HI! Posts: 12,743	Re: Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) You really are like the coolest mom ever!!! What an awesome way to "reveal" it to your children. I am going to have to agree with you on the PP Hotel, some people love it, most are just "ehhh," I am definately an "ehhh." HAHAH, and I LOVED the "exchange" between the father and daughter, hahah! That is TOTALLY going to be my Dad and I in June. Great start to a fabulous report I am sure!!! MORE PICTURES! MORE PICTURES!! Your avatar is ADORABLE!!! What's up with the cats? I would naturally be the a## that feeds them. __________________ Disneyland & College Program Moderator Upcoming Trips Dec. 16th - 20th '09: Bay Lake Tower June 2010: Alaska Cruise Oct 2010: Spooky Halloween in Disneyland "Life without a vacation countdown is like a cupcake with no frosting." Banner by Mickeysgirlz, she's a rockstar! My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our first Bay Lake Tower stay 24 days 18 hours 20 minutes

05-02-2006	#11 (permalink)
quartz7 Mouse Meister Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Parker, Colo Posts: 1,083	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL That is just to awesome!!! What a great idea. What a cool mom!!! __________________ Janelle The very center of Disneyland! Proud Mama of DD Jazzy 14 DS Trevor 10 DC(cat) Tinkerbell 2 Offsite.......1992 Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contempory.....1994 Disneyland Hotel.....2000, 2001, 2005 Polynesian......2004, 2006 Disneyland Hotel............June 2008, Oct. 2008 Disneyland Hotel.....June 2009

05-02-2006	#12 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,181	Re: Trip report, Paradise Pier Hotel (part 1) I don't blame you for being a bit disappointed in the hotel. When you shell out that kind of money,you expect everything to be top-notch.

05-02-2006	#13 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,181	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL That sounded like a great way to do it!! I just wish someone would plan a surprise trip for me!!!

05-02-2006	#14 (permalink)
WishUponAStar Waiting for BLT! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm right here! HI! Posts: 12,743	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL such a smart idea!!! What a cute puzzle! __________________ Disneyland & College Program Moderator Upcoming Trips Dec. 16th - 20th '09: Bay Lake Tower June 2010: Alaska Cruise Oct 2010: Spooky Halloween in Disneyland "Life without a vacation countdown is like a cupcake with no frosting." Banner by Mickeysgirlz, she's a rockstar! My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our first Bay Lake Tower stay 24 days 18 hours 20 minutes

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
PiratesFan WDW Trip Report	PiratesFan	Trip Reports	49	08-05-2005 01:31 PM
Trip report reminder	Dana	Trip Reports	2	07-07-2005 08:55 PM
Dana - the Trip report 1/05	Dana	Trip Reports	109	02-06-2005 08:57 PM
cleveland trip report	tragic312	Trip Reports	3	08-01-2004 12:33 PM

05-02-2006	#15 (permalink)
Dana Super Mod/Packen' Kracken Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Joisey Posts: 23,782	Re: Trip Report, part 2 - The REVEAL I merged these two threads for easier reading. Keep the report coming! I love every word. __________________ ~82 off-site~91 off-site~97 ASMusic~ ~00 ASMovies~02 Wilderness Lodge~04 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ ~05 Animal Kingdom Lodge & Polynesian~ ~05 Port Orleans French Quarter~06 Old Key West~ ~07 Port Orleans French Quarter~08 Old Key West~ ~09 Saratoga Springs~10 Port Orleans Fench Quarter~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 10 day do all or die trying trip. 273 days 18 hours 20 minutes