Aww, Claire! I was wondering why you weren't back online last week. Sounds like you had a good time....except for the whole stranded in Redding part!

Amazing report. I felt nearly teary-eyed at your fantastic Disney experiences. :) The fact that you could cope with such setbacks is a tribute to you, your husband, and your kids. You kept it cool - now that is swanky! :cool:

Claire what a wonderful wonderful time at the parks you guys had!!!! I'm so glad you had such a good time!! Big YAY for Chloe & Cassidy on our their "firsts" rides!! How fun is that!! And big snaps for Cassidy the way she handled the coat/saber situation.

Sorry to hear about the car situation! :( We had that happen on the way home once, but it happened in the Grapevine. Not fun. But it sounds like you guys made the most of it!

Glad to see you back online! :D

Wow, Claire, that was single greatest trip report I have ever read. Sorry to hear about the stolen items and the breakdown in Redding. I've heard that Redding is called the city that never sleeps, comfortably. But it sounds like the good far out-weighed the bad. And the bad was part of the adventure, anyway (the bad makes you appreciate the good, as with the water side seats at the Blue Bayou*) Anyway, great story, Claire.




* I have never eaten at the Blue Bayou! I am going to have to do that some day.

Wow, that was the most awesome trip report.

I am so sorry you had to pay the funGods with your stolen items and vehicle breakdowns to make up for all the astounding Disney fun you and your family had. But I think, all in all, you came out ahead.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible adventure with us. It made my day.

Thanks, guys!

Only you people (fellow Disney fans/dorks/nerds) understand how it could all be worth it. Everyone else we've talked to has given us nothing but sympathy and looks of horror. :rolleyes: But really, it was NOT THAT BAD. It was our best Disney trip in ages--the entire family agrees. I prefer Christmas crowds to summer crowds....everyone was in an awesome mood! We encountered no jerks other than the ones who stole Cass's stuff.

Our lowest times were when Cassidy was sick and when we found out how long we'd be in Redding. Our "breakdown" was anti-climactic, since I pretty much expected it (if you have low expectations, you're never disappointed you know!), the tow truck came quickly and our auto insurance includes roadside assistance.

You'll be happy to know there was a Starbucks and a tanning parlor within walking distance and I got myself taken care of. :D I was tempted to go get a pedicure one day...but I got too lazy. How sad is that?

I also bought a manicure set and I gave the girls (and my husband) their first manicures! We were stranded in Redding, California, sure, but we had buffed and polished nails and perfect cuticles thankyouverymuch!!!

I like to think that I'm a Disneylan fan, but a breakdown away from home would likely have led to my own breakdown. Not a scheduled activity! So kudos to you for keeping your cool. (And telling us all about it!)

Glad you all made it back here safe and sound. Sounds like you had a great trip despite those little setbacks(but that which does not kill us makes us stronger and you will laugh about it sometime in the future). Wish I could talk my wife into doing the road trip to the OC again someday(to her, a roadtrip to Disneyland is having to fly into LAX instead of SNA ;) )

:D You just made me snork my tea. :D Too funny!

I'm glad you're here (politics and all).

Thanks, it's good to be here :)