25th anniversary-New to Disneyland-Long

[disnut8]

Our 25th wedding anniversary is January 3, 2007 (and they said it wouldn't last!). After much, much thought and discussion, we've finally settled on a game plan. We're taking a full week which means we leave the Atlanta area on December 30 and come back January 7. Why we got married so close to New Year's is beyond me. So we have to plan carefully.

The husband wanted a beach so we're going to San Diego first. We'll fly into LAX for the direct flights and better prices. Rent a car and off we go. But I wanted some excitement so I managed to swing a trip to Disneyland in there. We are Disney World veterans with over 40 trips. Only one previous Disneyland trip and that was for one very brief evening with the in-laws medical convention back in 1994. So all this is brand new to me. Ask me anything about Disney World and I can probably answer it. I know nothing about Disneyland. We'll get there on Wednesday, January 3 (our anniversary) and fly out on Sunday, January 7.

So far, I've bought Birnbaum's and am doing all the online research. I'm thinking of the Disneyland Hotel for our stay although I really want the Grand Californian but $$$ are an issue. I've looked at offsite as well but think I'd prefer the Disney experience. Mulling over three days versus four days. I think we can do California Adventure in one day but the original park might take us two days since we never get going early in the day.

Need some ideas for a nice dinner for our true anniversary on the 3rd. Any ideas? Not in a park since I'm still not sure what we're doing that day since we'll be coming in from San Diego. Looked at the Disneyland hotel offerings and have some ideas. Anything offsite that would be nice?

Fair warning - I've been on this board over at the Disney World area but not over here. I'll be peppering you with questions for the next year.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ter-moo]

For your anniversary dinner, I'd highly recommend Napa Rose, which is in the Grand Californian Hotel. Lovely place with wonderful food. Let them know it's your anniversary, and you'll probably get a freebie dessert.

The Grand Californian is the best place to stay, but, yes, it is pricey. We stayed for our anniversary a couple of years ago and it was worth every penny! The Disneyland Hotel is nice, but it's more family oriented. The Paradise Pier Hotel may be an option for you, also, and it's usually cheaper than the other two onsite hotels, but it's also a longer walk to the parks.

You might want to also look into The Candy Cane Inn: www.candycaneinn.net,
The Anabella Hotel: www.anabellahotel.com, the Anaheim Hilton or the Anaheim Sheraton. They're all offsite, but at DL, that doesn't necessarily mean anything! The Disney Hotels do not offer transportation to the parks. Many of the offsite hotels are actually closer than the onsite hotels.

I'd also recommend making a reservation for The Blue Bayou for lunch one day when you'll be at Disneyland. It's inside Pirates of the Caribbean and is a lovely place to eat. Ask for a table by the water (the earlier you go, the better) and order a Monte Cristo sandwich to share (they're HUGE!)

Your trip sounds wonderful! Keep asking questions!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

The Grand Californian is the best place to stay, but, yes, it is pricey. We stayed for our anniversary a couple of years ago and it was worth every penny! The Disneyland Hotel is nice, but it's more family oriented. The Paradise Pier Hotel may be an option for you, also, and it's usually cheaper than the other two onsite hotels, but it's also a longer walk to the parks.

But seeing as she is going in Jan. and also with the fact that the 50th is over, dont you think the room rates will be much more reasonable at the GC?

 

[brando5111]

OK - Your from GA and going to Disneyland for your 25th? No offense, but your CRAZY!!!!!!!! Seriously, I've lived in LA for over 10 yrs now and I cannot compare WDW to Disneyland! Since your trip is not until 2007, please re-consider and perhaps if you must do a Disney vacation (which I understand), how about' a "Disney-land/sea vacation? I can assure you this option will be more cost effective than coming to LA! In all honesty as an LA resident, you get SO MUCH MORE FOR YOUR MONEY in Fla, please reconsider. I only say this as personally I would be sooooo disappointed if I came to Disneyland after WDW in all honesty.

If you don't have to come to LA due to business, please know you can have a much more romantic and extravagant vacation in Fla than you can here. Everything is so much more expensive here than than FLA (I know, it's crazy but true)! Unless you are very wealthy and would like to spend the $$ to stay at the Grand Californian, you will have a sub-par experience compared to staying at even a moderate in FLA - I am serious! Our Hyatt is not nearly as nice as POR in FLA, to give you an example. Plus there is not nearly as much to do in Disneyland, DCA and Downtown Disney compared to FLA. You will be done in 2 days at most. Again, please reconsider as this is such a great anniversary and you deserve the best experience possible.

If you must come to LA, please stay only at the Grand Californian if affordable, but be prepared, while nice, it's not the same as staying at a deluxe in FLA. It is much smaller in scale and the pool/restaurant areas are just not the same either....

Whatever you choose, congrats on making it to 25yrs!! WOW!

Best,
Brando

 

[samkj]

But seeing as she is going in Jan. and also with the fact that the 50th is over, dont you think the room rates will be much more reasonable at the GC?

Christmas break will still be going for most schools, so DL will be packed.

Brando, wow, they are only planning a couple days at DL, not an entire vacation. It sounds like they want something different, thus theyare coming to the west coast. DL has a lot to offer and we have yet to see everything in 2 days. Heck we were just there for 5 days in Nov and didn't see everything! But then again we are relax and take our time travellers.

 

[Tink33]

Need some ideas for a nice dinner for our true anniversary on the 3rd. Any ideas? Not in a park since I'm still not sure what we're doing that day since we'll be coming in from San Diego. Looked at the Disneyland hotel offerings and have some ideas. Anything offsite that would be nice?

Thanks in advance!

Are you looking for a restaurant in San Diego or somewhere on the way to Anaheim?

What type of food would you like?

Maybe a restaurant on the ocean where you can watch the sunset?

 

[lulubelle]

I have to say Brando...You're crazy, not Disnut8!
I think they will have a fabulous time. You were a little brutal when speaking of DL and So CA. I recommend the Grand CA, rates will be low that time of year and the parks are wonderful. I second the vote for Napa Rose, very expensive but worth it. Please continue your plans for your very exciting 25th and keep us in the loop!

 

[disnut8]

I'm sure we will have a great time. We renewed our vows at Disney World for our 20th anniversary (had the whole family there) so I don't want to duplicate something like that. Besides, we got to Disney World so often, it's more of a "routine". Disneyland and San Diego will be two places just the two of us can explore together really for the first time.

I am going to consider the Grand Californian very carefully if the budget can take it. One of the reasons we are going to San Diego first is to try and escape the higher rates at Disneyland for over New Year's.

I looked closely at the food options last night and will try and figure out some choices for the husband. He still thinks I'm insane for planning this so early but I figure, what the heck. I think he just gets tired of my Disney inclinations but puts up with them. Heck, we're even going to Disney World next weekend just to ride Expedition:Everest.

Thanks for all the help - I'll be posting often.