April 8th
Wow, today has just been a great day. The last few days I have been very concerned about the price of airline tickets to California. I have even been toying with driving again, or flying one way, driving the other. Well, I decided to play around with the Walt Disney Travel Company, and see if they could help me out. So, last night, I called them.
Since our reservation had been made through AAA Travel, the first person I talked to gave me an 'approximate' fare for airline tickets. After getting off the phone, I realized that the fare she gave me was probably just for 2 people, since Alex is not technically on our reservation since he is under 3, and no charge for the hotel or the Disneyland Resort Park tickets. So, I called back. This time, unfortunately, I got an agent with Walt Disney Travel Company that was not so helpful. He was actually borderline rude. That is most definitely a rare occurrence when talking with someone who works for Disney. Anyway, I figured it was not a huge deal; I would call my travel agent today, and have her check it for me.
I sent Debbie an email last night, and when I did not hear from her by Noon today, I called to check on things. I am glad I did, as she did not get my email. When checking airline prices last night, I was horrified to find that to fly into Orange County was around $350.00 per person. Flying into Los Angeles was similar. So, when Debbie called back to tell me that Walt Disney Travel Company could do our airfare for around $240.00 per person, I was ecstatic. Not only is the airfare great, but also the schedule is perfect, and exactly what I wanted. We are now flying into LAX, and returning from John Wayne. This way, on our last day, we can stay at the park much longer.
In addition to saving the money on airfare, I also decided not to waste money on the car for a whole week. Since we are flying into LAX but out of Orange County, a car for the week would cost us over $200.00. Instead, we can just keep it for 24 hours, pick it up at LAX and do what we need to do before returning it. The plan is to eat near the ocean upon arrival, then shop at the Disney Outlet store, then go to Howard Johnson. The next day, we will have the vehicle to make the transfer from Howard Johnson's to the Grand Californian. Then we will simply return the vehicle at the Alamo/National office on Katella. We have done this before, and it is very easy, and requires a short 5-minute walk back to Disneyland. I also found out if we don't want to make the walk, they will drive us back to our hotel. So now, airline tickets are done, car is done, and we no longer have to take our car seat. We will be renting one from Alamo.
In other news, Disneyland.com now has the calendar all set for our trip, so I can plan more of what we are going to do, with the correct operating hours, and parade and entertainment times. Also, just out this week is a new Disneyland Resort Vacation Planning DVD, which I have ordered. You can order one by following this link:
www.disneyland.com/dvdsf
This is for a special planning video that should have a lot of information on the 50th Anniversary plans for Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. I can't wait to get this new DVD to watch!
And then, the icing on the cake today was a special 'gift' that was given to me for the price of a hug and kiss from 2-year-old Alex. The new owner of our local Dairy Queen had purchased four Mickey Mouse pictures for her store walls. But when the redecorating was done, she did not have room for two of them. Wednesday, when we were there, Alex saw the pictures she did have on the wall, and went nuts. She was thrilled with his reaction, and offered the 'leftover' pictures to us. Well, we picked them up this morning, and to my surprise, she would not let me pay her for them. Alex happily paid her with a hug and kiss, and we were on our way to get frames for our new acquisition. Now that I have them framed, they look absolutely beautiful. It truly has been a great day!
Only 80 more days until we leave! That means only 20 more days before I can contact Vacation Planning to set up some 'surprises'. And in 20 days I can start making our priority seating reservations.
April 27th
What a day, finally, we are close enough to our trip for fun things to start happening! Since we leave in 60 days, it is now time to contact Vacation Planning, and begin making our priority seating reservations.
So, first things first, I sent an email to Vacation Planning. I explained who we are, what characters we like best, and all of our ages. I also told when we would be there and that we are going to be staying at the Grand Californian Hotel. Since we have had the Chocolate Lover's Delight basket before, I know we want that, so I went ahead and told them to order it. I also told them we want pictures and balloons, and milk and cookies.
Then, once I gave them what I wanted, I asked my questions. I am interested in getting the Family Welcome Basket, but I did have a few questions about it, such as which book of stories comes with it, how big is the Castle Bank, and does this come in a basket? The price for this 'basket' seems like a good deal, so if I get the answers I am looking for, then I will also order this one.