A WDW Fan Tackles DLR in California - A DVC TR

[3DisneyKids]

*NOTE--this trip was about 2 weeks ago and we are already back home But I wrote a lot of it while there, so it is written in the present tense. Sorry to say that this is NOT a live TR.

A little background….we are a family of 5 and my husband travels A LOT for work. So often times we meet up with him at some fun places and turn one of his work trips into a family vacation. When he said he had business in San Diego and Anaheim, I didn’t even comment. Just got online and started looking for airfare!

My husband and I have been to Disneyland just once, and it was several years ago, without kids, staying off property (before we owned DVC), and only for a day and a half (also a business trip). So this was our first time as a family and with DVC.

I called MS right away—it was only about 6 weeks before travel time—to see what we could do. No luck a VGC, no surprise. However, the first 2 nights would just be me and the kids as my husband had to be in San Diego for some work beforehand. Also, he tends to get Disneyed-out where the kids and I don’t. He didn’t really want to do the parks this trip, so we figured it would work out great for the kids and I to do DL for a few days and then connect with him for the rest of the week.

Anyway, with no luck at VGC, I asked about booking a regular hotel room at GC with points. Nope, not allowed to do so because there is now a DVC portion to this hotel, however I could use points to stay at either PP or the Disneyland Hotel. This seemed fine to me—without my husband, I didn’t really need the extra space, so a traditional hotel room would work. Plus, I really wanted to stay at the DLH as it is the original. 24 points per night, which I thought was reasonable.

However, I knew that once my husband arrived, we would definitely need the extra space. DVC has spoiled us! Must. Have. Villa. So I waitlisted for the next 2 nights. And in case the WL didn’t come through, I booked GC Concierge for the 2 nights on cash. INCREDIBLY reasonable with the current 40% offer. It was $385/night for Concierge! So either way, I knew we were headed to GC.

At 7 days before our departure date, I began calling MS day-by-day since the WL time period had ended. With 5 days to go, I hit the jackpot! A 1-BR was available for our nights! YES, YES, YES! Biggest score ever! I booked it and quickly called DLR and cancelled our Concierge stay…and since it was still 5 days out, I didn’t even lose my deposit! OMG, magic was already and we hadn’t even arrived yet!
While this trip was not a surprise to the kids, they didn’t know a lot of the specifics. They only knew that we were going in May—but not which day. (Parent tip—I never tell my kids which day we are going because I want them to sleep the night before! Traveling with 3 tired and cranky kids is NOT fun.) Plus, they had NO IDEA about the Disneyland portion. We had just been calling it our “San Diego trip” or our “California trip” etc.

Our travel day was May 11th, my son Riley's 11th birthday! I told the kids that I would be picking them up at school at 11am to go out to lunch for Riley's birthday, but the real plan was to go to the airport. Their teachers were totally in on it. Once we got in the car and headed out, they quickly realized that we made the turn to the highway--which we wouldn't take if we were just going out to lunch. So at that point, the cat was out of the bag and the squealing began! Yes! Kelly, my youngest, even had happy tears. So precious. Our California vacation was underway!

The drive to the airport was uneventful, which is good. Zipped through security and went to the gate. Short wait and we were on our way. This was to be a LONG flight. 7 hours total. While we didn't have to change planes, we did a have a touch down in Chicago for about 20 minutes. I have to say that they were SO well behaved. Really, really good. The last hour they were antsy, but that's about it. And heck, I was antsy by that point, so I couldn't exactly blame them!

My biggest fear of this whole trip was navigating LAX with the kids without another adult. I was worried about the size of the airport, and more importantly, not knowing where I was going. I had read the directions on the DIS about how and where to get the Disneyland Resort transportation, but having never done it, I had no idea how far it was from where we would be, etc. And by the time we landed, it was after 9pm Eastern, so I knew the kids would be tired.

I have to say that it was SO EASY. OMG, way easier even than MCO, and I find that to be a pretty easy airport . Seriously, we got off the plane, it was less than a 1 minute walk to Baggage Claim, and then another 1-minute walk to get the bus. So so so easy. Everything was well marked and easy to find. We had a short moment of stress, though. The DL bus only comes once an hour (after 6pm) and I knew we only had about half an hour to get our luggage and get to the bus stop. So we were waiting for our luggage...and waiting...and waiting. Finally, 2 of our 4 bags came. We had 15 minutes to get to the bus stop (and at this point I knew it was only a minute away) and the conveyor belt broke. So we had to wait. Clock was ticking. With 7 minutes left before our bus was due, they announced that all of the remaining luggage would be coming out on the other carousel. OMG, they had to move it all. This was going to take forever! Fortunately, we had good luggage karma, and got our last 2 bags quickly. So with 4 minutes to spare, we were out the door and off to the bus.

Now at this point, the kids have no idea still about DL. I just told them that we were waiting for the hotel bus. We are standing there and all sorts of buses are driving by and pulling up to the curb. And the kids are asking, "Is that our bus?" "What about that one?" And I just said, "I'll know our bus when I see it...."

And sure enough, after only about 2 minutes, a big bus with all of the Disney characters painted on the side pulls up. And I turn to them and say "Now THIS looks like our bus! I told you I'd know it when I saw it!" And they STILL don't clue in. Kelly pipes up with "Yeah, but we aren't going to Disneyland..." And I say, "Wanna bet?" OMG, the squealing and jumping! They Could. Not. Believe. that I pulled this off. I honestly think that they still don't believe it.

Note: If you ever do DL, I highly recommend the resort bus service. Unlike Florida, this is not free. But it was SO easy. Literally door to door. It picks you up right outside of baggage claim and brings you right to resort check in. I found a coupon online for $5 off per person, so we saved $20 to boot. Total was $50 (one-way) for the 4 of us. It would have been $99 round trip had we needed that. And like I said, considering it was so easy and door to door service, I thought it was well worth the price.

There was no traffic on the famous I-5, so we cruised right in. Check in had another minor hiccup. They said I was at the wrong resort. Um, no. They had me registered at the Paradise Pier. Fortunately, I had my DVC confirmation letter and gave it to the CM at the desk. Within minutes it was straightened out and we had our room keys. However, there was no information about DVC. (I assume that this was because they don’t get a lot of folks staying on points there???) But no portable perks, no mention of anything having to do with DVC.

Let me tell you, this resort is OUTRAGEOUS. So beautiful. Honestly, I have been here only a couple of hours and it is already WAY up on the list as one of my favorite non-DVC Disney resorts. I like it better than all of the mods at WDW. And better than many of the deluxes as well. Holy freaking MAGIC. Talk about being immersed in it! Everything. You know how all Disney resorts are themed to something, right? Well, this resort is themed to...DISNEY. So the touches are everywhere and it is so well done.

Good quality. A truly great room. This was just a basic, standard room and it feels like a DVC Studio (but better in some ways, imo). There are 2 queen beds, a side chair, a full couch that pulls out to another bed, a desk and chair, and then a tv cabinet (flat screen) that also houses a mini-fridge, coffee pot, etc. No microwave and no toaster like what you would get in a DVC studio. And I am not sure what the square footage was, but it felt bigger than DVC studios—even bigger than an OKW studio. A really good set up for families or anyone, really. Just well done. And again...just BEAUTIFUL.

So now the kids are asleep and I am getting ready for tomorrow and drinking a Corona, for which I was carded, thank you very much.

We are all SO excited to be here!

 

[arthur06]

great so far! keep it coming!

 

[3DisneyKids]

DAY 2 - Part One

So today we decided to head to Disneyland Park (which is their MK...the whole area with hotels, etc. is Disneyland Resort). For those that don't know, literally everything is right here. We walk out our hotel, and we are right in DTD. We stroll through DTD and the two parks are at the other end of DTD...Disneyland on the left and California Adventure on the right. The entrances to the two parks are just across a courtyard from one another. Maybe 50 yards? It give a whole new meaning to Park Hopping, let me tell you. So from our hotel, it is like a 5 minute walk to both parks. That is definitely the best part of DL over WDW.

We had fun playing on the California sign while waiting for DL to open. Look how empty! My Daughter Cameron hung out with the “C” and Riley with the “R” and that’s me with the “A” for my last name.

And here is the entrance to DL. Again, EMPTY.

The parks don't open till 10 here during the week, with guests being allowed in the park at 9:30, but only on Main St. You can't go beyond the hub till 10. Once we were on Main St., though, we were in the throngs. LOTS of people all crammed together. I had done some basic park touring research for DL and so I had an idea of what direction to head in. Much the same philosophy as WDW--Fantasyland first, then ToonTown, pickingup FPs along the way. So that is exactly what we did. Once allowed in, we grabbed FPs for Space, then went and hit lots of FantasyLand rides, including Mr. Toad (my total favorite as a child! The Pooh ride replaced it in WDW.). Also hit the Pinnocchio ride (not in WDW), Snow White, Small World, and the Tea Cups.

All of this took about 45 minutes and ToonTown doesn't open till 11. So we decided to try the Nemo Sub ride--this often has the longest wait in the whole park. (For those who grew up in the parks, think a refurbished version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.) It was a 10 minute wait--major score! I thought it was going to be lame, but it ended up being AWESOME and one of the favorites of the day.

Finally time to hit ToonTown. There we did the Gadget Go-Coaster (think Goofy's Barnstormer), Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin (only here and super cute!), and then we toured Mickey and Minnie's houses, plus Goofy has a house here, and Chip & Dale's Treehouse is here, too. Walked through all of them!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Day 2 - Part 2

Now it was just about noon and time for our lunch reservations at the Carnation Cafe (think the Plaza). And to put things in perspective, I called this morning for the reservation and had my choice of times. This is definitely NOT Florida. Lunch was just ok. Plaza is better.

Time for Tomorrowland. Walked on to Buzz. Fun, but the FL version is better. Used FPs for Space. It was Kelly's first time (finally tall enough!) and she LOVED it. LOVED, loved, loved it. Hard to say which is better on this one. Theming and queue are better at WDW, but this ride has music like RnR which was awesome. But it went slower, or so it seemed. So, some give and take. Then we walked on to Star Tours, which was the same as in FL. (I know! Star Tours in MK! Crazy. ) We had LOTS of fun comparing the DL rides with their counterparts in FL. Please note that these are just my opinions and observations—please don’t be offended if my opinions differ from yours. I am not slamming ANY of them—either FL or CA. Just noting some differences.

Next it was time for Adventureland and Frontierland. We got FPs for Indiana Jones (a ride here, not a show), and then totally walked on PoTC, Haunted Mansion, and the Pooh Ride (which is not located in Fantasyland out here, but in “Critter Country” which doesn’t exist in FL). Went back to hit Indiana on the way back only to find that it was down. Boo! BTMRR wasn't running as it was down for refurb and we didn't have FPs for Splash since we had gotten ones for Indiana Jones. At this point, it was 2:30, so we decided it was a good time to walk back and have some pool time. Which is exactly what we did.

The pool totally refreshed the kids and by 5 they were ready to have some dinner at DTD and head back into the park. We loved hanging out at the pool. Beautifully done. The kids are total connoisseurs when it comes to pools and slides. They have their own elaborate ratings system for pools and a separate one for slides—are they DISers in the making or what?!?! They rated the slide at the DLH quite low, though. But we all loved the atmosphere and theming and landscaping of the pool.

After changing out of suits, we just strolled through DTD and picked up some sandwiches at LaBrea Bakery and went back into the park. It is just SO easy here--all of the back and forth. I can't describe it. Seriously, I know I am going to repeat myself like a thousand times during this TR, but when you are so used to all of the transportation options and issues that happen at World, the fact that EVERYTHING is just steps away here is hard to take in.

Evening in the park was lovely. We hit a several more rides, mostly doubles of stuff we had already done. But we also did Alice in Wonderland (only here) and the Matterhorn (a DL classic). Then it was time for the parade--yes, at 7pm! Weird! I have to say, though, it was awesome. It was similar in style to the Block Party Bash at DHS, but with the classic characters instead of the Pixar ones. And the talent was amazing! You know how all of the parade music is recorded, right? Not here. They were singing it live. It was impressive. And really high energy--one of the songs was “I Love Rock and Roll.” FUN! The highlights of the parade were that Kelly got chosen from the crowd to go do the Twist with Minnie and Tigger came and sat on the ground with my kids. SO cute.

We loved being in the park as it started to get dark. How can you not love Main St. all lit up???

The park closes at 8, so we hit Buzz one the way out after the parade, and strolled through DTD back to our resort. This is another thing to get used to—the park was open from 10 – 8 (and California Adventure from 10 – 6).

Some folks may find that a “rip off” since you have less potential time in the parks. NOT AT ALL. First, I loved it because it takes the whole commando aspect out of it. You get to sleep IN. There is no morning rush! And since you don’t have to worry about getting a bus or driving over or anything like that, you have even more time. Just a short stroll door to door.

No question, we made the absolute most of this day! Kids crashed by 9:30 and I am drinking a beer, looking out over the pool and the lovely grounds of the Disneyland Hotel, and writing my TR. SO happy!

Tomorrow, though, we check in to the Villas at Grand Californian—can’t wait!

 

[SKWDW]

Great TR Erika! I grew up with DLR and have come to love WDW as an adult. Both are very special in their own ways. The "compactness" of the DLR complex is such a positive thing. IMO that really makes up for the shorter off-peak park hours.

I'm subbed and waiting for more updates!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Day 3 - Part One

We woke up and said good-bye to the lovely Disneyland Hotel. I called Bell Services, they came and took our luggage and said it would be waiting for us and the VGC. So of we went and walked the two minutes to the Grand Californian to check in as I wanted to get our room keys and also because I want to use the GC entrance to California Adventure since that is where we were headed. We knew our room wouldn't be ready, of course.

If I loved the DL Hotel, well then I just don't have the words for the GC. Seriously, the nicest place we have ever stayed, bar none—and this includes the Waldorf, the Plaza (NYC) and the Ritz Carlton. 5 star all the way. Some lobby pics (sorry, these were taken by my 9 year old while I was checking in)....

Now HERE was the love! OMG, the CMs were among the best I have ever encountered! While the CMs at DLH were certainly pleasant, the CMs here were just oozing magic and pixie dust!

We got our keys, all sorts of gifts for the kids, lots of Welcome Homes and DVC love. She gave the kids balloon bouquets (with about 5 or 6 balloons each), coloring books and crayons, DVC lanyards, pins, and on and on and on.

Since it was just past 9am, no one else was checking in—just my family. So all of the front desk CMs and Bell Services and other CMs who happened to be in the lobby were all paying attention to us, introduced themselves, asked what they could do for us. We were asked if it was our first time there, and when we said yes we were give a little tour of the lobby area and all sorts of information.

And again—just amazing service. Since all of the CMs learned my name at check-in, I was greeted BY NAME for the next 3 days. It was so impressive!
As it was almost 9:30 we were getting ready to go to the park. The resort manager (or assistant? Not sure) personally escorted us--we strolled to the back of the lobby and right to the turnstyles of California Adventure! It was incredible! OMG, our resort has a private entrance to a theme park! For those who are used to World, like us, this is just beyond imagination. We really just couldn't get over that. And what was even better was that the park opens at 10--but guests of the GC get to enter at 9:30. Now, there seems to be some discrepancy over who can use this entrance. I have read here on the DIS that guests of any of the three DL hotels can use the GC entrance—while others have said it is only for those staying at the GC. We were not asked to show our room keys, but we WERE asked if we were guests of the hotel.

Seriously, you walk out of the hotel, through the turnstyles, and you are literally AT Soarin'. While trip planning, I learned that there was a private entrance from the GC into CA theme park. Well, I assumed that there was a little pathway that you would have to walk to get to the park—kind of like from the Contemporary to MK though I figured it was shorter. No. The turnstyles to the park are IN the resort. And once through the turnstyles, there isn’t any kind of walk or path or anything to get to the “real” part of the park. You go through the turnstyles, walk about 15 seconds, and there is Soarin’. RIGHT THERE. Again, think of what you have to do at World to get on Soarin’ – even once you are in the park!

There is a bag check at the turnstyles. And catch this—we were the ONLY ones at the entrance. That’s right. Imagine going into the park with NO ONE else trying to enter. I know I keep harping on this, but again, it is just so unbelievable for those who are used to World.

So it was 9:30 and Soarin’ was running even though the park didn’t officially open until 10. I don’t know if was only for GC guests or not. Other can get into the park at 9:30, but are held up after getting past the shops, etc. and before the rides (similar to MK and DL park—you only go as far as the hub until 10 and then you are allowed back into the rest of the park). But Soarin’ was up and running. So of course we jumped right on. We were the first riders of the day. And we did it THREE freaking times in a row. SOARIN. Privately. Well, there were maybe 15 people. Like nothing I have ever experienced at Disney.

Then it was time for "regular" park opening, so we went to line up at the "hub" so that we could follow the throngs to TSM. As always, loved it! You might notice from my pics how many of the ride queues and rides themselves are outside whereas their Florida counterparts are all inside. The kids find it amazing. We had a blast on TSM and went to get FPs so we could do it later in the day, but guess what? TSM is NOT a FP attraction here. And we were in the park first thing, so we got on it with no wait, but by the time we were done, the wait was already 40 minutes.

On the way out of TSM, we found a friend and had to say hello!

Ooops. Uploaded the wrong one to Photobucket. Have a better one of Jesse with all three kids.

Then we walked over it's a bug's land and did a lot of the little rides there.

This is definitely the kiddie area of the park. But we were one of 3 families in that part of the park, so the kids got all sorts of love and attention from the CMs, which made it worth being there. On a crowded day, I wouldn't waste time there. Good for the infant - 5 year old set though.

But we found more friends here!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Great TR Erika! I grew up with DLR and have come to love WDW as an adult. Both are very special in their own ways. The "compactness" of the DLR complex is such a positive thing. IMO that really makes up for the shorter off-peak park hours.

I'm subbed and waiting for more updates!

Glad you are enjoying it! And I completely agree with you! Yes, both are special. But DLR is just so easy and compact and intimate. Truly wonderful. I am not sure how often we will get out there--doesn't get much farther than Maine to California! But I sure hope we can go several more times before the kids are grown.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Day 3 - Part 2


Next it was time for the Hollywood Backlot part of the park. Here we did the Monsters, Inc. ride (3 times--kids loved it and again we were on it alone), we saw Turtle Talk with Crush (and Kelly and I both got chosen to talk with Crush!), and then we watched the Aladdin stage show. OMG, hands down the best live show at any of the Disney parks. Such a high caliber of performers since everyone out here is struggling to be an actor and all of that. SO so so good. One of the highlights of the day.

And just look at how empty!

And again, we found some friends who wanted to hang out with us.

Lunch was counter service--as there are only 2 TS restaurants in the entire park and neither one had great menu options for us (we are vegetarians). Had our villa been ready, we would have popped back over and had lunch in our room. Something to remember and plan on next time. And again, when planning the trip, I really had no clue how easy it was to go back to VCG from California Adventure. Since we ate at the Pilot's Choice Grille right next to Soarin' we rode it again since I had grabbed FPs earlier.

Back to the Pardise Pier section of the park where we did Mulholland Madness (little mouse coaster) and a couple of other little rides. My youngest isn’t tall enough for Screamin’ so that was out—with only one adult, that is the way it goes. And my oldest doesn’t like ToT. That is definitely the downside of having just one parent in the parks. If one person doesn’t want to do something, none of us can do it. In a few years they will be old enough to let one wait in a gift shop while others do a ride, but not just yet. But we were able to hit TSM again—with like a 10 minute wait! OMG!

At this point, we were getting ready to leave, so since Soarin' was on our way back to the hotel, we did it one more time as it was a walk-on (that is FIVE times in one day people! Again--walking on to Soarin'! Just unheard of!) And we also did Grizzly River Rapids--which ended up being another major highlight of the day! Fun, fun, fun ride! Beats Kali River Rapids, imo. And we did the Rapids 3 times in a row. It was a walk-on, like everything else was.

This park is way under-rated. We didn't do most of the thrill rides due to Kelly not meeting height requirements or Riley not feeling comfortable (not a thrill-ride lover), but their major rides are:

--Soarin’
--TSM
--Tower of Terror
--Californina Screamin (huge coaster with loop)
--Mickey Wheel (not your average ferris wheel! OMG!)
--Grizzly River Rapids

Then there are all of the lesser rides as well. Compare that with DHS and this park wins hands down (again, just my opinion).

In any case, we did the rapids three times in a row, till we were good and soaked, and then walked literally 25 seconds (I timed it!) to the resort. Seriously, there was one point in the day where it was CLOSER to use the bathroom in the GC lobby than to find one in the park. It is that close!

Anyway, we walked back into the lobby and I was approached by one of the wonderful CMs who again greeted me by name—and who looked a bit stressed. She explained that there was an “issue” with our 1-BR. I never did get the full story—she wasn’t giving a lot of details—but it seemed like maybe someone had gotten sick in it and they had to clean the carpets which were still wet or something. In any case, it was not habitable for the night. And she wanted to know would it be ok if they put us in a 2-BR instead? Choke, cough, gasp….um, ok, I guess we’ll manage! (For the points of a 1-BR, btw.)

Now, I have been in 2-BR villas before. Lots of them at lots of DVCs. So I wasn’t really expecting anything other than what I was used to. So we headed up to our room to get changed for the pool. I was STUNNED by our villa. OMG, nicest DVC ever. We haven't stayed in BLT yet, but we have been everywhere else. Nothing compares.

And there are two more bedrooms and two more bathrooms. It is incredible! It is just beyond description. (2 bedrooms, 3 FULL baths, 3 balconies.)

The kids went NUTS at the amount of space. At one point, Cammie was looking for Kelly to tell her something and literally couldn’t find her. She thought that was hilarious! Our hotel room was so big that she didn’t know where in it her sister was! Finally, after oohing and ahing and checking it all out, we had a snack and got changed and headed down to the pool where we would stay until my husband arrived. He was scheduled to get here between 6 and 7.

Kids played in the pool and went through their whole rating system—this slide and pool ranked MUCH higher than the DLH pool and slide by their standards.

Finally, Jeff got here at 6:30, and we had a nice evening all of us. Since he drove up from San Diego (easy and didn’t hit any traffic), I had him stop at a grocery store to replenish our supplies. We threw a couple of Freschettas in the oven and enjoyed some wine on the balcony while the kids watched a some TV. It was so funny—they even compared DL resort tv to “Stacy” at World.

This is one of the things I love, love about DVC. We really like relaxed evenings like this. Pizza and tv and hanging out. I know for most folks, evenings are set aside for a nice TS dinner and then the evening fireworks show or something, but we much prefer this.

After dinner, we walked around and showed Jeff where everything was, toured the resort, etc. While walking through the lobby, at least 3 CMs greeted me by name, and Jeff was like ?!?#*#! “What exactly did you DO that they all know you by name?!?!” SO funny!

DTD was right outside the hotel and just bustling with live entertainment. Lots of musicians. So we strolled, listened, got the kids ice cream. Just lovely.

Once the kids were asleep (in their own room!), Jeff and I decided to add on more points! Exciting! This was HIS idea!! And like I said at the beginning of this TR, I am the Disney Freak in our family. He definitely loves Disney, but he also has a limit. He gets Disneyed-out.

And then HE asked if we could cancel our San Diego resort for the second half of the week and just stay here!!! OMG, who is this man and what has he done with my husband?!?! He said he would rather stay here and drive back and forth to San Diego a couple of days to do the stuff down there that we want to do if it meant we could stay at VGC. Tried, but no luck. They are booked solid. So sad as I would love to stay here longer.

Tomorrow is our hang-out-by-the-pool day, which we do every trip, no matter where we go. At least one day is set aside for this, and often several. And since Jeff had already said he didn’t want to do parks this trip, it works out perfectly for tomorrow to be our pool day. So it will be shopping at DTD in the morning and then hang out by the pool all afternoon. Perfect!

 

[DVC Mike]

Glad to hear you are enjoying DLR.

I grew up next to DL and went there dozens of times as I grew up. I've since come to love WDW as well.

Thanks for posting the pics!

 

[Disney_Mama]

Love your review and pictures.... Can't wait for more.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Great trip report Erika!

You are getting me in trouble though....I should be getting stuff done, but your TR is way more interesting! I haven't been to DL since I was 3, but have a niece possibly getting married in that area next fall. Fingers crossed...especially after seeing all of your pictures!

 

[nunzia]

I'm loving this report! I was there in a 1 BR May 12-15 so the pictures made me miss it more. I'm a big DLR/VGC fan and so happy to see you are now also! (one trip to WDW, 16 years ago..headache after headache, but will try again one day) Glad you got those shots of the California letters..they are reportedly going to be removed at some point in the DCA redo. Love your happy family pictures

 

[El&Asmom]

This is one of my all time favorite TRs. I love the idea of surprising the kids on a trip to DL.
We have never been to DL, or California, and I am so excited to go. Seeing this TR makes me even more excited, especially staying at VGC. I think I would be shocked too to walk out of my hotel, and be next to Soarin'. What a great perk.
Can't wait for more.

 

[stopher1]

What a great TR!

Day 2 - Part 2
The pool totally refreshed the kids and by 5 they were ready to have some dinner at DTD and head back into the park. We loved hanging out at the pool. Beautifully done. The kids are total connoisseurs when it comes to pools and slides. They have their own elaborate ratings system for pools and a separate one for slides—are they DISers in the making or what?!?! They rated the slide at the DLH quite low, though. But we all loved the atmosphere and theming and landscaping of the pool.

You'll have to try it again after 2012 when the new pool complex is open, with the great new Monorail themed slides they've designed. The concept artwork for it is tremendous

Then it was time for the parade--yes, at 7pm! Weird! I have to say, though, it was awesome. It was similar in style to the Block Party Bash at DHS, but with the classic characters instead of the Pixar ones.

That's so cool that you liked it, and compared it to BBB. (BBB originally debuted at DCA and then was moved to DHS replacing the Stars & Motorcars parade).

And the talent was amazing! The park closes at 8, so we hit Buzz one the way out after the parade, and strolled through DTD back to our resort. This is another thing to get used to—the park was open from 10 – 8 (and California Adventure from 10 – 6).

Some folks may find that a “rip off” since you have less potential time in the parks. NOT AT ALL. First, I loved it because it takes the whole commando aspect out of it. You get to sleep IN. There is no morning rush!

You definitely were there during the off-season. During the peak seasons, the park opens at 8 or 9 depending on the day or the week and stays open til 12 or 1am, many summer nights until 2 (and that's not because of EMH either). During those off-peak times it is great to be able to sleep in, you're right - and even better to be able to walk on so many things so easily. Don't forget that So. Cal has a MUCH LARGER annual passholder base than FL does too - and the park is hopping crowded throughout the summer and when schools are out. I'm so gald though that you got to experience Walt's original in such a non-rushed manner with your kids. That's AWESOME!

I grew up in So Cal (and worked at DL), so DL definitely is my first love. But of course I've grown to love WDW too. While there are definitely different experiences - it is fun to note the various comparisons, similarities and differences between the two very different resorts.

 

[stopher1]

Day 3 - Part One

If I loved the DL Hotel, well then I just don't have the words for the GC. Seriously, the nicest place we have ever stayed, bar none—and this includes the Waldorf, the Plaza (NYC) and the Ritz Carlton. 5 star all the way. Some lobby pics (sorry, these were taken by my 9 year old while I was checking in)....

Oh yeah, I love VGC too! We definitely had to get points there when it went on sale, and added-on, and are looking to add on more time before it sells out. Can't wait to stay there again later in the year (twice!)

Seriously, you walk out of the hotel, through the turnstyles, and you are literally AT Soarin'. While trip planning, I learned that there was a private entrance from the GC into CA theme park. Well, I assumed that there was a little pathway that you would have to walk to get to the park—kind of like from the Contemporary to MK though I figured it was shorter. No. The turnstyles to the park are IN the resort. And once through the turnstyles, there isn’t any kind of walk or path or anything to get to the “real” part of the park. You go through the turnstyles, walk about 15 seconds, and there is Soarin’. RIGHT THERE. Again, think of what you have to do at World to get on Soarin’ – even once you are in the park!

It is amazing! Soarin to your left, Grizzly River Run to your right, Toy Story Midway Mania not that far away and soon the new World of Color and the Little Mermaid ride, and, and, and....

We had a blast on TSM and went to get FPs so we could do it later in the day, but guess what? TSM is NOT a FP attraction here. And we were in the park first thing, so we got on it with no wait, but by the time we were done, the wait was already 40 minutes.

That's true it's not FP in CA - but - during the peak season, it's got a Single Rider line...which can work out even better than a FP. It's great to be able to fill in those open seats. If you don't mind not sitting together - it sure can cut the wait time down a lot!!

 

[stopher1]

DTD was right outside the hotel and just bustling with live entertainment. Lots of musicians. So we strolled, listened, got the kids ice cream. Just lovely.

Isn't that just fun! The very first time my DW and I stayed at the GCH we had a DTD view room. We were practically above the DTD entrance way, just a few doors down. It was so cool to be able to sit on the balcony and watch all the excitement going on downstairs - and then head down there ourselves and be there in just moments.

I'm so glad you had such a nice stay. Can't wait to read more.

 

[liznboys]

I LOVE your report!!! I love the way you compare things to WDW for those of us who have never been to DL (but plan to go!) It really helps to understand what is what that way. Thanks, great job! Can't wait to read more.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Great trip report! My husband and I are heading there in September as a combo birthday trip for both of us. I can't wait to check everything out.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Absolutely love your pics! Keep them coming!!

MG

 

[3DisneyKids]

Love your review and pictures.... Can't wait for more.

Great trip report Erika!

You are getting me in trouble though....I should be getting stuff done, but your TR is way more interesting! I haven't been to DL since I was 3, but have a niece possibly getting married in that area next fall. Fingers crossed...especially after seeing all of your pictures!

I'm loving this report! I was there in a 1 BR May 12-15 so the pictures made me miss it more. I'm a big DLR/VGC fan and so happy to see you are now also! (one trip to WDW, 16 years ago..headache after headache, but will try again one day) Glad you got those shots of the California letters..they are reportedly going to be removed at some point in the DCA redo. Love your happy family pictures

Oh! Sad! I like the letters!

This is one of my all time favorite TRs. I love the idea of surprising the kids on a trip to DL.
We have never been to DL, or California, and I am so excited to go. Seeing this TR makes me even more excited, especially staying at VGC. I think I would be shocked too to walk out of my hotel, and be next to Soarin'. What a great perk.
Can't wait for more.

Oh, I have surprised the kids multiple times in a variety of ways. As I said, this time they knew we were going to California, just didn't know about DL. And so it was amazing to get them all the way to resort bus before knowing! I mean, if we flew into Orlando, they would know right away, right? But this way...total surprise until we were all but on property!

Last year we surprised them with the Disney Cruise. And for that one, they didn't know until we were actually IN LINE at security at the airport! We even went through curbside check-in and parked the car and they didn't realize we were going somewhere. (Like I said, my husband travels a ton for work, so I just told them we had to ship some things to Dad, etc. They totally bought it.) It was awesome! And again, there have been something like 5 surprise trips in all.

I LOVE your report!!! I love the way you compare things to WDW for those of us who have never been to DL (but plan to go!) It really helps to understand what is what that way. Thanks, great job! Can't wait to read more.

Great trip report! My husband and I are heading there in September as a combo birthday trip for both of us. I can't wait to check everything out.

Thanks so much to all of you for following along! I know I can a bit long-winded...

And yes, one of the things we loved the most was comparing everything between World and Land. I'll have a whole write-up about that at the end of the TR.

We were definitely there off-peak, and I would STRONGLY recommend that for anyone planning a visit. Do whatever you can to visit during the less crowded times. It is priceless. (And as you will see, Saturday was a different story entirely, even though we were off-peak.)