Long Overdue TR for 10/29 & 10/30 ((pics))

Hi, all! Sorry for the delay, I was having issues accessing my photobucket account (I guess they're testing a new version of the site?). Anyway, here's a flashback to Halloweentime for your viewing pleasure!

So this trip was a last minute surprise for my birthday. My husband was supposed to be on a ten day deer hunting trip (his first ever), but he ended up getting his deer the morning of opening day so he came home early to take me to my favorite place to celebrate my 26th birthday. (Best husband EVAR if I do say so myself!)

*This was also the trip that we brought Flat Stanly along on... I don't know how to link posts, but if you happened to have seen that TR, you may see some repeats.

We started by taking a picture in front of the ever so important sign:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psfa1159ba.jpg
One of these days I'm going to find a replica for my house

LOVE Halloweentime
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...pse1a88cfa.jpg

The grotto. I don't know if I've always missed it, but we got to watch the little music show where the fish spin and such... very cute. As usual, we had this area to ourselves.
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8217c4a3.jpg

Making a birthday wish (What more could I wish for?)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psf3092fd6.jpg

The park seemed EMPTY this morning
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1b47e20f.jpg

Had to get a picture with Jack since there was no crowd (and Flat Stanly)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5e6f639e.jpg

My husband took his first ride EVER on Screamin'! Normally I have to ride this by myself or with a friend that we sometimes meet up with. SO PROUD!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...pscb1582dd.jpg

We then shortly went on his second ride. I think I've converted him!

Fun Wheel photo op
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9bacfa19.jpg

First ever time going to Trader Sam's (thanks to someone's TR a little while ago!) I had the Piranha Pool. Delicious!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psf4aaeeb9.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psb7b75ee2.jpg

Chip & Dale (and Flat Stanly)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psea4465b7.jpg

Tried a Chili Cone Queso... I wasn't really impressed. Neat idea, though.
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps80d04098.jpg

Time for the Halloween Party!! I had a different costume planned, but after walking by this dress in the window at the park, and then finding the original Mouseketeer ears in the park, I completely changed my plan and ended up with this:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...pse7b74bdd.jpg

My husband was all about comfort (and we're cheap), so he wore scrubs from work. It was funny, we got more comments on his "costume" than anything!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2ec3b756.jpg

Before the party, we rode a few rides and met Mickey.
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psd3b70c5e.jpg

At the party, we spent our time trying to get pictures with characters we rarely/never see. We didn't do any trick-or-treat trails or rides (since we don't care about candy and rode the rides already)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps33b8951b.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psc400a4f6.jpg

Cruella was the most interactive. We went back and forth on insults, and she got me everytime. It was hilarious! I do wish she would stop for a second to take a picture, but oh well. She did a great job.
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2dbbaf45.jpg

Jafar and Frollo were very flirty. Lots of fun!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psd33125ed.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7be024d0.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psa4596f98.jpg

And the character who has been on my wish list for YEARS!!:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psb79fc61f.jpg
I was pretty disappointed with the quality of the photo the CM took... but oh well. Still so excited to finally meet her!

We got dinner at the Plaza Inn, where I finally tried the chicken everyone posts about:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps40b4b3f4.jpg

My husband had the alfredo with carrot cake:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps64ef4339.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps248fb087.jpg

We were both pleased with all of the food.

The decor and atmosphere were really neat. It felt like a different park:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psb56b5504.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psb627828b.jpg

And the fireworks were AMAZING. My feet were killing me waiting for the show, and I was about ready to saw forget it and leave, but I am so glad we waited. It was worth every second of pain. I took some pictures with my phone camera that I can hopefully load up later...

Anyway, Day 2 is a little anticlimactic after the party.

Breakfast at the Jazz Kitchen Express in DTD
Breakfast burrito was nothing special
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9c89b176.jpg
My breakfast sandwich was very disappointing... the sausage only occupied about half the area of the bun, which was a hamburger bun... for a breakfast sandwich? I'll pass next time
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2bbf0213.jpg
We also got beignets and enjoyed sharing our powdered sugar mess with the birds. There were dozens of them around us, which we happen to find delightful.
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2300a513.jpg

We went to the Starcade to see if what I read about a Wreck It Ralph meet and greet was true. It was!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psb8ee864d.jpg

I also HAD to see Cinderella's new dress (see how much of my trip is now affected by Mice Chat?! Haha)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7df03d01.jpg
I personally think this dress is a huge improvement. I love it!

We tried "It's Tough to be a Bug" for the first time and LOVED IT!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4e978547.jpg

On of our favorites:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps239047ff.jpg

And that's all for now, folks!
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8f68a44c.jpg

As you can see, we have no set plan when we visit and just randomly go wherever we feel like. I also noticed we spent more time in CA adventure (not so much Carsland) than we had on previous trips. It's growing on me. Disneyland will still always be first place, though. :-)

A few more weeks until my trip with the newbies!! Be prepared! :yea:

---------- Post added 11-23-2012 at 09:03 AM ----------

Uploaded some photos from my phone:

Halloween Fireworks:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps823595d7.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7258be8c.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psdb488c52.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2c99323b.jpg

Ever important food photos:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps14a33c7a.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7767cc03.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5a2203a2.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps78bb6472.jpg
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2f9e1804.jpg
(Yes I had dalmation print nails - my original costume was Cruella)

And I leave you with a typical picture of the hubs and I:
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/...psa5a76bca.jpg

great report, thanks for sharing, it made me hungry

I always love your trip reports. Thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming.

Thanks for sharing!! You looked absolutely adorable in your costume!!!!

nice pictures thanks

your husband is so sweet! i always love your pictures and i'm looking forward to your next trip report.

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Originally Posted by chadb14

great report, thanks for sharing, it made me hungry

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Thank you! All I wanted after posting this was a jalapeno pretzel... Mmm...

Also, is that hockey I spy in your avatar?! I miss it so much!!

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Originally Posted by sbk1234

I always love your trip reports. Thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming.

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Thank you very much!! I really appreciate that!

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Originally Posted by Sunshine711

Thanks for sharing!! You looked absolutely adorable in your costume!!!!

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Awww thank you!! It was a lot of fun, and pretty comfy (except the shoes)!

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Originally Posted by Rex Dopey24

nice pictures thanks

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Thank you!

---------- Post added 11-23-2012 at 07:08 PM ----------

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Originally Posted by bisforbrittney

your husband is so sweet! i always love your pictures and i'm looking forward to your next trip report.

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Thank you so much! He is a great guy, indeed. :love:

Wait, didn't you just go?!? so jealous. Glad that you guys had a great time!!!

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Originally Posted by Meville

Wait, didn't you just go?!? so jealous. Glad that you guys had a great time!!!

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We went in early Oct and then the end of Oct. This is our first year with APs (and possibly only for a while), so trying to take as many trips as we can! It's been amazing. Super grateful to be able to do it. :)

Loved your trip report. Glad you got to experience the halloween party. It looks fun. Your dress is sooooooooo cute. The ears made the costume. Your picture of the Plaza's fried chicken made my mouth water. It is my first meal in the park when ever we go. I totally love it. And the corn dogs are the bomb. Thanks for sharing.

I enjoyed those. Thanks so much for sharing!

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Originally Posted by lou_mom

Loved your trip report. Glad you got to experience the halloween party. It looks fun. Your dress is sooooooooo cute. The ears made the costume. Your picture of the Plaza's fried chicken made my mouth water. It is my first meal in the park when ever we go. I totally love it. And the corn dogs are the bomb. Thanks for sharing.

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The party was a lot of fun! I was a little worried after some negative experiences shared here, but I guess it just depends on what you want to get out of the party. I don't know that I would pay to do it again, but it was well worth it to do it once. Thank you so much for the compliment on my dress! I'm in love with it! My mouth was watering when I was uploading the food pictures... I just LOVE trying all the different offerings while I'm at the park!

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Originally Posted by clara

I enjoyed those. Thanks so much for sharing!

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Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed them!!

Thanks! Loved the dress. I saw it in the stores too but I couldn't bring myself to get it.

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Originally Posted by smartlabelprint

Thanks! Loved the dress. I saw it in the stores too but I couldn't bring myself to get it.

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I justified it by saying I could wear it to Dapper Days, as the dresses I was looking at before were actually more expensive... I'm pretty good at finding reasons to buy things I really love, especially from Disneyland. Though I don't put up a very big fight against the temptations...

Basically, I'm a sucker! Haha :p