Disneyland in April - WHOO-HOO!!!

[CassieScraps]

I had been planning on going to DL with my daughter's marching band in May, but the trip was canceled for lack of interest. (Really? What is wrong with those kids?????) I had really been looking forward to it.

I whined to my mom that I wanted to at least figure out how to take my little 4 year old Frozen freak to see the Frozen Fun deal, to make a quickie weekend trip or something. She counter offered with a week long trip in April. Uh, yeah!!!!

So we are planning a week long trip with 5 days in the park for my mom, me and all her grand kids. A total of 10 people all together.

I just booked a suite at the Anaheim Islander Inn that will fit all of us (2 per bed, plus the babies in a travel crib).

It's been a few years since I stayed there, but it looks like it's maybe a 10 minute walk from the park. We stayed at the Desert Palms a couple of years ago and that wasn't a bad walk and when the baby fell asleep and I didn't want to carry her, we took a $5 cab ride. This hotel is kitty corner to the Desert Palms.

I am SUPER EXCITED!! First because I get to spend the week with my mom, my kids and my nieces/nephews. And second because I'm spending it with Mickey. Doesn't get any better than that.

I have a few questions:

1) Fireworks - I booked a Friday & Saturday because it looks like that is when they shoot off fireworks. The calendar only goes through the first week of March, but does anyone know if that is consistent? I know weather can change it, but normally it's Friday & Saturday, correct?

2) Fast Passes - For the Cars racing game, is it still nuts trying to get a FP? Do all riders need the FP or if I get one, can I bring my nephew with me?

3) I want to do some cool, unusual things on this trip. Tell me about some "off the beaten path" things. I'll be able this trip to wander off on my own and take photos or go do something I've never done in the previous 6 times I've been there, like the Tiki Room. What are some hidden treasures?

Thanks in advance!
Cassie

 

[YukonMommy]

We always stay at the Anaheim Islander Inn and Suites when we go. Its about a 15 minute walk (its kitty corner, but down the street about a 5 minute walk, waiting for the lights). We always find it clean with comfy pillows and beds! Ask for the family suite on the bottom floor as it is easier at the end of a long day! I am thinking of the room we had last time and it is 2 fair sized rooms with 2 queen beds in each. It has a shared bathroom (which is fairly small) 1 small fridge. The brekkie was muffins, donuts, apples, coffee and orange juice when we were there.

The fireworks as on the week ends, but like you said dependant on weather.

FP for RSR are still a draw and yes everyone who wants to ride (who meets height requirement) will need a FP ticket. If you get there when it opens and line up right away this should be no problem.

I think you will get some real different answers for the hidden treasures question. For me I love trying to find hidden Mickeys. Turtle Talk with Crush is always a blast!

Have a magical time!

 

[CassieScraps]

Thanks Buffy!

That walk won't be too bad. My mom has some issues walking at times and she is worried about a super long walk, but I'm okay with sticking her in a taxi to and from.

I am over the moon giddy! With all the big kids I'll get to take it easy and trail behind while they keep up with the littles, haha. I definitely want to look for hidden Mickey's. I have never been able to pay a lot of attention to details since I've always had a kid under 3 to keep track of when I've been there.

I'm also craving a BBQ chicken & slaw potato from the little snack bar across from the Haunted Mansion. This time I don't have to listen to anyone say "yuck" because I can wander off on my own to get it.


Thanks for the FP tip. When we were there, a random stranger had a pass for the Racers for 6 people and there were only 2 of them (him & his wife). I don't know how he got it, but he offered up the 4 other seats to my older kids and I bought the ride photo and emailed it to him.