Disneyland Experts - Help with Anniversary Plans

[TinkLoverSam]

My husband and I will be going to Disneyland for 6 nights and then a 7 night Mexican Riviera (Disney) Cruise.

I want to plan our first night (we won't be in the parks that day) I was thinking Napa Rose for dinner but after seeing LurkyLoos amazing plans in WDW as well as the private dinner at the GF I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for a great 1st anniversay plan in DL. I don't want it to be too expensive, anything up to about $500 would be fine.

so ladies (and gentlemen) ideas?

 

[lurkyloo]

Stick with Napa Rose! Believe me, it is THE best Disney restaurant anywhere, and the food is leagues beyond what you would get if you did a private event catered by Disney. Plus, Disneyland is just not set up to do events the way WDW is, and the options for doing a private event for just two people are pretty much nonexistent—they have a meetings department for corporations but not a special-events-for-regular-joes department. That's why we do all our parties in Florida even though we live at Disneyland.

You might be able to do a private dinner on a balcony at the Grand Californian by working directly with the hotel, but, again, the food won't be as good and there's not much to see.

Some ideas for non-private options... The Concierge lounges at the GC and the Disneyland Hotel have views of the higher fireworks—maybe you could splurge and stay Concierge for one night, then go eat free desserts there during the show. Catal on Downtown Disney also has a great view of the higher fireworks, but they don't pipe in the music. You could do the Fantasmic! dessert party—just be sure you line up to check-in at least 30-45 minutes early if you want to save yourselves good spots. Or you could buy a dinner package for World of Color to ensure a good view.

I really wish Disneyland had more opportunities for private events that aren't huge corporate parties...

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Thanks Carrie! What about the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose? Is that better than a regular table?

 

[lurkyloo]

It's... more interactive. And you get a really good view of the action. But it's not like at Victoria & Albert's where they customize an entire menu for you. It's more like sitting at the counter at a sushi bar. If you're lucky, they'll send out an amuse bouche, but that doesn't happen every time.