California Dreamin'-A 14 Day Odyssey to San Fran,Yosemite & DL! 8/2013 COMPLETE!1/9!!

[podsnel]

Well, still not going to camp yet. At least the screaming is much, much less today. UGH.

SO! We showered and then walked over to Catal for dinner, which is just over in DTD. I LOVE how convenient everything was in DLR!! No buses, no boats- just GET THERE NOW!



PB is so messed up- it has somehow merged my Disneyland and Groveland pics into one album, along with scrambling them all up. GRRRRR.....

Inside the restaurant-



Very nice, but we would be dining al fresco.



Time for a creative libation- I had La Paloma-



which was very refreshing with tequila, agave, lime and grapefruit and a splash of club-



More menu choices-



SO CREATIVE!!!!! Why the heck they can't turn Kouzzina into Catal instead of yet ANOTHER Italian restaurant (serving pizza! and eggplant Parm! How exciting!) is waaaaaaaaay beyond me. My boys REALLY surprised me by going outside the box with their app orders (but outside the box is what alot of this menu has). Timmy had Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates (I am pretty sure the only thing he saw when he ordered was BACON!)



They were very sweet. Tyler REALLY surprised me with his order, tho- Spanish Octopus White beans, fennel, cauliflower gardiniera, citrus, aji panca purée and garlic migas 14



This foodie Mom was so proud!





Pods went with Heirloom Tomatoes, white balsamic caviar (there's some molecular gastronomy in THAT one), sea salt, white anchovy, crostini



While I enjoyed Sashimi of Hokkaido Scallops- pineapple and aji-amarillo pepper sauce, cucumber sorbet-



All was tdf- well, dates are a little sweet for me, but the rest was all tdf. After out cocktails, Pods and I shared a bottle of Rose- Sofia, I think- served by our excellent server, Chris O'Donnell-



Ok- maybe not REALLY Chris O'Donnell, but he does look like him I think!









The Uva Bar below-



Next, our main courses- I had Spaghettini Pasta- Bacon, peas, roasted squash, parmesan sage brown butter- DEEEEEEE LICIOUS!



Pods had the Market Fish, which was a wild salmon



Tyler couldn't pass up Baby Back Ribs ‘Satay style’ spicy sweet peanut BBQ sauce 28



And Timmy had Marinated Hangar steak, served plain with fingerlings-



Tyler took a pic with my phone-



JUST as we were finishing what was Pods' and my favorite dinner of the trip, we were surprised by another friend who was coming to say hello while we were in DL.......

cont'd next post

 

[podsnel]

LUCKY ME!!!!! I get to hang with Drea again!!!! Only this time- she brought the fam with her- I was so excited to meet them. Drea is a fun, fun girl with an incredible heart of gold- who happens to live in Cali and planned a weekend visit while we were in town. We'd be spending lots of time together- but not tonight yet. Tonight, we still had a bit more time to spend with Stephen and bryan who we were meeting in DLP after dinner. And once we paid our check, that is where we went-





Not sure what else we rode, but we did get on the stand-by line for Autopia- which said 30 minutes- and was more like 400 hours. And watched the fireworks from there.



And then I rode with Stephen- who I can now tell you has absolutely NO driving skills WHATSOEVER inspite of his age or intelligence, based on my experience in a racecar with him that nite-





LOL- we did have alot of fun though.....we rode a few more, actually repeating some, because some of the people with us were prone to motion sickness, and couldn't go on certain things...






It was soon time to call it a night, and say goodbye to our friends who were going to head home to the Valley- so, so glad we saw them!

Up next- we visit Carsland in the morning- but will Tyler like it as much as Test Track???

 

[podsnel]

On the morning of our 12th day of vacation, I managed to convince Tyler to get out of bed early and go with me over to CA to get FPs and some early rides on Radiator Springs- I told him it was the DL version of Test Track. Off we went, to give you an idea, we were about 5 minutes past park opening, and this was the FP line-



The wait was quick, and then we went to ride.
It's so cute back here-





We decided to do Single Rider- which at this point was pretty much a walk on. Singing the song.....



Time to ride!









I thought it was adorable, and lots of fun. Tyler the teenager, however, felt a little differently. Ya see, he was missing that part of the ride where you go 63+ mph- even with the racing, it just was not the same for him. I did convince him to ride again anyway, tho.



This time we sat next to each other in Single rider-







YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!



Afterwards, Tyler said, "I'm goin back to bed." Thus concluding our very special one on one time together, lol. Me, on the other hand? I was going to breakfast- at Flo's V-8 Cafe-





Later there would be-





I decided to order the chicken tamale breakfast, with scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, and salsa verde.



O.
M.
G.

Best and maybe most favorite breakfast item I have ever had in any Disney park- the flavors were sooooooo delicious- I STILL am craving it a whole summer later.





Ummm, I am an official member of the clean plate club, Mom!



I wandered around by myself, texting back and forth with Drea- who was having a hard time getting her fam out of bed. Hmm. Can't imagine.





I decided to go and ride Soarin because the line was - nonexistant. Just like Fla, eh? HAHA!





To be cont'd.....

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Interesting menu at Catal! So cool that your boys are foodies, too!
So cool you got a "preview hug" with DREA! I know you two had a great time when you actually made it happen!

It is so fun you can see the fireworks from wherever at DLR, even waiting at Autopia for 400 hours. We usually end up watching from DTD - or from our Uncle's back deck.

I love how CL looks - can't wait to see it in person - it reminds me of all the road trips when I was a little girl. Too bad Timmy was underwhelmed by RSR -well, a boy has to have his beauty rest.

You are probably getting so busy getting ready for your cruise - if I don't catch you here before you leave, have a great trip and bring back a TR!!!

 

[CRdisMom]

praying for sean!

I had to google a map of DL. It has been way too long. Things have changed so, so much since 98. DL Hotel is much away from the fun now. Still all so close. You can be anywhere in 10 min.

 

[CRdisMom]

praying for sean!

I had to google a map of DL. It has been way too long. Things have changed so, so much since 98. DL Hotel is much away from the fun now. Still all so close. You can be anywhere in 10 min.

 

[DWGal210]

What an amazing dinner at Catal - YUM! Looks so good. I am proud of the boys for expanding their horizons with those appetizers - good for them!

Nice to see Drea again!

I'm glad Tyler went to the park with you in the morning, even though he bailed on you later. That breakfast looks AMAZING. I am a sucker for anything Spanish/Mexican so I bet I would love that.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Lots of updates! Can I just say that I have only one big regret about Disneyland: I didn't get to ride Indiana Jones! Circumstances just worked out that way, and I'm bummed about it. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it.

Nice job on your foodie family being adventurous and eating all that rabbit food. I'm guessing me and my family would not have done so well there. Even the steak had a big weed on it!

I can understand missing the top speed on Radiator Springs Racers, but the ride is really well done and still feels pretty fast.

 

[JKSWonder]

Well, still not going to camp yet. At least the screaming is much, much less today. UGH.

Hope the day got better for you and Sean.

About twenty seconds after I got to work yesterday, I got a call from Michael's camp to come pick him up...he had fainted. Oy. Thankfully, my mother was home and she zipped on over and got him. By last night, he seemed perfectly fine.

Today, he had a meltdown because I foolishly asked him what he wanted for breakfast.

So far, no calls from camp. Keeping my fingers crossed it stays that way.

The menu at Catal looks excellent.

That Radiator Springs ride pic, when you and Tyler were able to ride together: Ha! Your face: "Wheeeee!" Tyler's face: "Lame. So lame."

 

[franandaj]

Catal looks great! I haven't been there in a long time and it looks like time for a redo. Everything looks fabulous and I bet I would have loved those dates!

It's too bad your family didn't want to get up and out of bed to enjoy the park in the morning. I would have joined you on RSR and in the parks (if I could have got up that early! )

I forgot that I was supposed to send you my pictures of Walt's apartment and then when you got there I meant to post them, and now you're way past that part of the TR. I can post them if you like. I can't wait to get to the part where we all meet up again!

I post my pictures I have from that meet then!

 

[jenseib]

I felt Radiator Springs was faster and a longer speed spot than Test Track. Tyler better ride it again to be sure.

 

[jenseib]

Ok so I just replied to this...and either I had 2 windows open and I replied in someone elses TR or it just got lost.
I hope it got lost so I don't sound so stupid.
I swear I thought Radiator Springs was faster than Test track and it seemed longer to me too.....so Tyler needs a trip back so he can take another ride!

Edit I see it now showed up. What a goof I am

 

[kid-at-heart]

On the morning of our 12th day of vacation, I managed to convince Tyler to get out of bed early and go with me over to CA to get FPs and some early rides on Radiator Springs-...

Afterwards, Tyler said, "I'm goin back to bed." Thus concluding our very special one on one time together, lol. Me, on the other hand? I was going to breakfast- at Flo's V-8 Cafe-

Geeze, teens, choosing sleep over fun. They can sleep when they get old.

Well at least you had a bit of one-on-one time.

Your breakfast looks wonderful!
Kate

 

[dvc4life]

Cruise next week? What? I missed that! Have a wonderful time! And if you have a coffee drink, think of me! Our next cruise is in October and I can't wait!

And the food you guys have eaten has all looked awesome! I'm gaining weight just looking at your photos! Between the pasta dishes and the drinks, oh my.

Cars land looks so cool. Like you are actually in the movie. Man we gotta get there someday! Especially for that breakfast. Looked great.

 

[pillow]

Ellen, I hope you have a great time next week. Please take lots of notes and pictures. I am already looking forward to your trip report, and you haven't even left yet!

Jodie

 

[podsnel]

Interesting menu at Catal! So cool that your boys are foodies, too!
So cool you got a "preview hug" with DREA! I know you two had a great time when you actually made it happen!

LOL- the boys are not foodies- but they will try stuff- Tyler is up for anything, Timmy has to be in a special mood. And yes- drea is a blast!

It is so fun you can see the fireworks from wherever at DLR, even waiting at Autopia for 400 hours. We usually end up watching from DTD - or from our Uncle's back deck.

How nice is that!

I love how CL looks - can't wait to see it in person - it reminds me of all the road trips when I was a little girl. Too bad Timmy was underwhelmed by RSR -well, a boy has to have his beauty rest.

Tyler was underwhelmed- Timmy rode that night with the FPs... you will love it. I think everyone does who isn't an uber cool teenage BOY.

You are probably getting so busy getting ready for your cruise - if I don't catch you here before you leave, have a great trip and bring back a TR!!!

I will, thanks! Very upset I did not finish here yet tho- abd the NYE cruise...OY...

praying for sean!

Thanks Girl!

I had to google a map of DL. It has been way too long. Things have changed so, so much since 98. DL Hotel is much away from the fun now. Still all so close. You can be anywhere in 10 min.

Isn't that the best??

What an amazing dinner at Catal - YUM! Looks so good. I am proud of the boys for expanding their horizons with those appetizers - good for them!

It was a great restaurant- wish they would build one in WDW.

Nice to see Drea again!

Always!

I'm glad Tyler went to the park with you in the morning, even though he bailed on you later. That breakfast looks AMAZING. I am a sucker for anything Spanish/Mexican so I bet I would love that.

Definitely you would- it was seriously delicious!

Lots of updates! Can I just say that I have only one big regret about Disneyland: I didn't get to ride Indiana Jones! Circumstances just worked out that way, and I'm bummed about it. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I mean...no big deal, the ride really stinks...

Nice job on your foodie family being adventurous and eating all that rabbit food. I'm guessing me and my family would not have done so well there. Even the steak had a big weed on it!

This is NOT a place you should EVER go!

I can understand missing the top speed on Radiator Springs Racers, but the ride is really well done and still feels pretty fast.

Spoken like someone who is NOT a teenage uber-cool BOY!

Hope the day got better for you and Sean.

About twenty seconds after I got to work yesterday, I got a call from Michael's camp to come pick him up...he had fainted. Oy. Thankfully, my mother was home and she zipped on over and got him. By last night, he seemed perfectly fine.

Yikes! Does he do that a lot? Sorry my friend...

Today, he had a meltdown because I foolishly asked him what he wanted for breakfast.

So far, no calls from camp. Keeping my fingers crossed it stays that way.

Sean never went to camp- he stopped screaming, tho. But he spent the mornings running around naked, because he knows I won't send him to camp like THAT! It is very challenging, isn't it?

The menu at Catal looks excellent.

That Radiator Springs ride pic, when you and Tyler were able to ride together: Ha! Your face: "Wheeeee!" Tyler's face: "Lame. So lame."

LOL!!! Yes!

Catal looks great! I haven't been there in a long time and it looks like time for a redo. Everything looks fabulous and I bet I would have loved those dates!

We all thought it was incredible- hope you like it when you go!

It's too bad your family didn't want to get up and out of bed to enjoy the park in the morning. I would have joined you on RSR and in the parks (if I could have got up that early! )

HAHAHAHAHA!!! That would have been great!

I forgot that I was supposed to send you my pictures of Walt's apartment and then when you got there I meant to post them, and now you're way past that part of the TR. I can post them if you like. I can't wait to get to the part where we all meet up again!

Yes please! I would love to see them!

I post my pictures I have from that meet then!

Perfect!

I felt Radiator Springs was faster and a longer speed spot than Test Track. Tyler better ride it again to be sure.

Ok so I just replied to this...and either I had 2 windows open and I replied in someone elses TR or it just got lost.
I hope it got lost so I don't sound so stupid.
I swear I thought Radiator Springs was faster than Test track and it seemed longer to me too.....so Tyler needs a trip back so he can take another ride!

I agree- I thought it was fast and it was longer- but he would not be swayed. For him, TT wins!

Edit I see it now showed up. What a goof I am

It's not you- I have seen that happening a lot lately- weird!

 

[podsnel]

Geeze, teens, choosing sleep over fun. They can sleep when they get old.

Well at least you had a bit of one-on-one time.

Your breakfast looks wonderful!
Kate

I think 2 weeks was too much for them. They were DONE. What the heck? I was still lovin every minute!!

Cruise next week? What? I missed that! Have a wonderful time! And if you have a coffee drink, think of me! Our next cruise is in October and I can't wait!

OH- I will think of you- but pretty sure I won't be able to make as good of a face when I do! Which Oct cruise are you on again? Do we overlap at all? Have I asked you this 50 times??

And the food you guys have eaten has all looked awesome! I'm gaining weight just looking at your photos! Between the pasta dishes and the drinks, oh my.

Yes- well, I have been in pre-cruise starvation mode lately, so I know what you mean-

Cars land looks so cool. Like you are actually in the movie. Man we gotta get there someday! Especially for that breakfast. Looked great.

It does feel that way- the Cars section at AoA feels that way too-

Ellen, I hope you have a great time next week. Please take lots of notes and pictures. I am already looking forward to your trip report, and you haven't even left yet!

Jodie

Hey Jodie! How was your vacation? I am so sorry we didn't get to meet when I was down there last week- baseball is INSANE!!!!

And don't worry- camera gear is set and ready to go!

 

[rentayenta]

Breakfast at Flo's looks great! I have a very hard time deviating from Riverbelle Terrace but Flo's is on my list.

Going back to bed after RSR? If it makes you feel any better my girls do not *get* RSR either. Joshua loves it though. They don't love RSR but love Bugsland? Kids.

Hope Sean has warmed up to camp. That may have come and gone by now. Is he going on your cruise? Speaking of, I can't believe your cursing to Alaska so soon! Have a magical trip girlfriend and safe travels.

 

[pillow]

Hey Jodie! How was your vacation? I am so sorry we didn't get to meet when I was down there last week- baseball is INSANE!!!!

And don't worry- camera gear is set and ready to go!

I know - I was looking forward to seeing you. But no worries - will catch you next year.

Vacation was nice, and the beach was beautiful (after our first 3 days of rain!). It feels good to be back home in my own space though. The next time we rent a beach house, I want to also rent a housekeeper and a cook (13 of us in one house was nuts)!!

Jodie

 

[franandaj]

OK, since you said that I could post them, here they are, Walt's Apartment. This is the door we came in through. I'm assuming this is where you all had to hang your cameras.



Now I will say that we had to change guides from our regular one to the "Walt's apartment" tour guide, but we didn't get the Nazi. Looking out over the main room toward Walt's bed.



Also they hadn't put up the "barrier" yet. We did this tour in Feb of 2012. Looking behind us.



I'm not sure if they told you the story of the cups off to the left in the above picture, but one of Walt's favorite drinks was a Tom and Jerry. He wasn't a drinker, but he did enjoy this one.





And back out into the main living space. The lamp.



Lilian's bed.



The phone and lights behind Walt's bed.



The chair next to his bed.



The "Lamp"



This Grammophone



Plays these cylinders.



The phone.



Walt and Roy.



Here is a look at the Grammaphone from another angle.



The treasures on the back of Lily's bed.



And another look at the light out into the plaza. I posted this on FB and almost instantly my Disney Friends knew exactly where I was. The rest were clueless.



Then we moved on to the shower and patio area.







These stairs lead up to the patio.



Walt and his grandkids would play out here while guests were in the park.









We went back into the apartment and took our pictures in front of the lamp after this part of our tour. Then we were escorted back down.