Canadians in California

[Darklighter]

Hello All,

First, I am what you would call a "lurker", I will visit the forums and read, but rarely post. I would consider myself a Disneyphile, as much as I can be living in Canada (Victoria BC to be exact). I have visited Disneyland many times since I was a child, and even got married there back in 1996. I have a daughter, now 15, and we are all Disney-lovers. I listen to the DisUnplugged podcasts (watch the WDW ones) regularly, as well as others.
Recently we had the opportunity to take a trip in March, and after much family debate and research (between DL and Aulani), we booked a trip to Disneyland!

Details (others live at our house so it won't be unoccupied )...
When: March 4 - 11 (wanted to avoid Spring Break)
Where: Grand Californian (Park-View Premium Room, first time staying here)
Tix: 5-Day Parkhopper Premium Plus (that's what the printout says)
LAST VISIT: July 2011

Restrictions: Wife has mobility issues - bad knees with leg braces. Continuous walking difficult, speed reduced. None of us like roller coasters, but I might brave Big Thunder this time.

Goals/Favorites: We haven't seen the newly redone DCA or Cars Land, so they are a must. Also in DCA, Toy Story Mania and Soarin' (although I understand it's closed for refurb). In Disneyland itself, Star Tours, IJA, PotC, HM, Railroad, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise, Roger Rabbit and Splash Mtn (when it's warm enough). I understand there have been many changes here too, like Fantasy Fair and a redone Alice in Wonderland. We want to see all the new stuff, plus my daughter wants a pic with Olaf and to go to Innoventions (BIG Marvel fan).

So, I am hoping for tips, tricks, advice or any help specific to my visit/timeframe. I have noted that World of Color and Grizzly River Rapids will be closed for Refurb, but I am not sure if that's good (noise) or bad (less to see) for our park view room.
Also, looking at meals, we have routinely hit our favorites like Rainforest Cafe (I know the reviews can be poor), House of Blues and Tortilla Joes in DTD, but I am unfamiliar with the eateries in the GC. The podcasts have given thumbs up to Whitewater Snacks, but Storytellers is unclear. We like Tony Romas, but will have to restrict our trips to Harbour Blvd due to my Wife's knees. We would probably like to be a bit more budget conscious for food since we spent alot on the trip, but not a fast food holiday. Probably light breakfast/lunch and a good dinner.

Sorry, starting to ramble now (this is why I lurk, not post). Thanks in advance for any replies.

-Darklighter

 

[Aladora]

I don't have a ton of time to post but I wanted to say hi from another Victorian!

 

[StyledSugar]

Welcome! Hopefully this will help.

Current but not guaranteed closures (need to wait for Disney to post it on their site):

DL

Matterhorn Bobsleds 1/7/15 5/15/15
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes 1/12/15 4/2/15
Splash Mountain 1/12/15 4/2/15
Peter Pan's Flight 2/2/15 5/7/15

DCA

Muppet*Vision 3D 11/2/14 5/31/15
Character Close-Up 12/1/14 5/31/15
Soarin' Over California 1/6/15 5/14/15
World of Color 1/7/15 3/12/15
Taste Pilots' Grill 1/7/15 3/12/15
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail 1/20/15 3/12/15
Grizzly River Run 1/20/15 3/19/15
Luigi's Flying Tires 2/2/15 12/1/15

All of the Frozen stuff will still be in DCA at that time though.

Try the Jazz Kitchen in DTD. We love it there! So yummy and wouldn't require you to go very far......at all lol

 

[xlxo]

Restrictions: Wife has mobility issues - bad knees with leg braces. Continuous walking difficult, speed reduced. None of us like roller coasters, but I might brave Big Thunder this time.

So, I am hoping for tips, tricks, advice or any help specific to my visit/timeframe.

I too have a loved one with mobility issues.... do you have transport wheelchair? Makes a huge difference getting around and they give you priority in many long lines (eg airports). Available at Shoppers
http://www.airgomobility.com/Products-TC-Flip-More-E.asp
http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/english/home_health_care/

 

[YukonMommy]

Hello from a fellow Canuck (YT to be exact!)

Would you be looking at getting a wheelchair or ECV for you wife?

Keep watching the refurb list on the Disney website and here, they usually start posting it about 6 weeks out (although it is not written in stone!)

Carsland is amazing! Just like the movie, don't forget your FP for RSR! The lines for TSM are always long, your best bet is to go their on your early morning entry and then send someone for FP for rsr!

As for food, we love the big thunder ranch BBQ, it is $$ but for our family worth every penny.

Have a magical time!

 

[Darklighter]

Thanks for the replies so far!

We did end up renting a wheelchair on our last visit, but we were kind of split on how "convenient" it was. My wife would rather just walk herself, at a slower pace, and just stop to rest occasionally. But while we're on this topic, does the Grand Californian offer wheel chair or ECV rentals? Or are we stuck trying to rent from the park with everyone else?

How are the eateries at Disneyland Hotel? The same as 5-7 years ago? Are there are any new places near the main DL to Harbour Blvd crosswalk (I already know to avoid Captain Kidds)?

Keep the help coming, thanks.

 

[keltiesmom]

Just wanted to say hi from the north island, campbell river to be exact we are going back in the fall and can't wait!

 

[Nonsuch]

...Grand Californian (Park-View Premium Room, first time staying here)
...Wife has mobility issues - bad knees with leg braces.

You might want to request a room near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose, which have the most convenient access to DCA.
You should have a good chance getting a room in this area, since many are Park View (although the some of the 5th and 6th floor rooms might be dedicated to concierge).

You likely would not want a Park View room facing Paradise Pier, since these have the longest walk to DCA and DTD.

 

[LittleBlueFlower]

So cool to see so many other DISers from the west coast come out of the woodwork!

I do think there is something to be said for walking at a slower pace if possible at least part of the time. I needed a wheelchair for most of our trip last Mach after walking for the first day. If she does decide she needs one then the option to rent is always there.

If you are looking for a buffet meal I highly recommend Goofy's Kitchen and Surf's Up. Our family really enjoys the food and the character interactions I have had there are some of the best I have ever had. Plus if your party is hoping to see characters this would save you wife time from standing in line to see them.

Good luck and i hope you have an amazing trip

 

[lozzypop]

Hi Darklighter from a fellow Victorian!

I am going to chime in on your restaurant questions. We give White Water Snacks a definite thumbs up, but the portions have shrunk over the past year or so (just so you know). We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in December and I can't think of anything that wowed me restaurant-wise but you may want to try Trader Sams/Tangaroa Terrace since they have some unique offerings.

As for being budget conscious, definitely try Earl of Sandwich. Their hot sandwiches are very tasty and the cost is extremely reasonable.

If you want to push the boat out for one meal, definitely try Blue Bayou. We waited until our eleventh trip (in the past 7 years) and our meal in December was our first time dining at BB. It was definitely the highlight of our trip!

 

[Darklighter]

Thanks again, it's great to see so may local to me.

In regard to my wife, her knee is arthritic to the point f needing replacement, but she is apparently too young for the procedure. Of course, favoring the one knee has messed up the other. It almost seems like a sports injury, but not one that will heal, just feel better with rest and pain control. Thanks to Nonsuch for the suggestion of room location... I will put it to my wife. I have fancied a room overlooking GRG by the GC entrance to DCA... that seemed to be the ultimate "in park" location for a room. If anyone can shed more light on this or suggest better, please do so.

For the food, Earl of Sandwich is new to us, and I look forward to it. I would like to try Trader Sams as well since I have heard so much on the podcasts about it. For breakfasts, I forsee mostly grabbing some baking... maybe from La Brea in DTD, but again, if you know better sing out. Lunch will be in the park, which we are very familiar with in Disneyland, but not so much DCA since the overhaul... any recommendations appreciated.

As for the rides, I know IJA, PotC and Alice in Wonderland have had major refurbs or additions since I was last there - but how about the rest? Any major refurbs/changes?

Also, DTD... anything significantly new in the last few years (besides EoS)? Recommendations? Things to avoid?

I really do appreciate the help and shout outs, keep them coming!

-Darklighter