Disneyland is a work of love: June 2010 PTR 6/2 p.61 updated itinerary

[ajf1007]

Hello All - Well I'm an utter newbee to Disneyland and have been following the TR (I just found it this morning and have been reading it all day between interruptions) - thanks Rentayenta!

So - I completely welcome any and all tips and advice! I'm actually confused by it all - how many parks are there actually? We're going to VGC from October 3 to the 9 and have a 2 bedroom. We're coming in on October 2nd and I still have to make a hotel reservation for that day..any suggestions? If this were WDW, I'd be all over it and know exactly what I want to do and where I want to go. This trip we're taking my nephew for his 21st b-day and plan on also taking a few day trips around California so I think it is going to be so much fun all around.

I'm just a bit overwhelmed by it all, actually I'm very overwhelmed. The only ressie I've actually made is for the VGC itself!!!!! I know I'm missing bunches of other stuff but I really don't know what I'm missing...UGH!

I appreciate any help you can all give me! Thanks!

 

[rentayenta]

They aren't quite the foodies that we are... but I am working on them!

I haven't been to the Napa Rose? Is it that good? Should I look into a dinner with just DH and myself?

Hello All - Well I'm an utter newbee to Disneyland and have been following the TR (I just found it this morning and have been reading it all day between interruptions) - thanks Rentayenta!

So - I completely welcome any and all tips and advice! I'm actually confused by it all - how many parks are there actually? We're going to VGC from October 3 to the 9 and have a 2 bedroom. We're coming in on October 2nd and I still have to make a hotel reservation for that day..any suggestions? If this were WDW, I'd be all over it and know exactly what I want to do and where I want to go. This trip we're taking my nephew for his 21st b-day and plan on also taking a few day trips around California so I think it is going to be so much fun all around.

I was in your exact opposite position in Sept. 2007 when planning our first trip to WDW after having been to Disneyland too many times to count.

There are 2 parks, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure (DCA). Disneyland is most like MK and DCA is a mix of DHS and a little Epcot (FW). You can walk between the two, no transportaion needed. Think of it as one big park with 2 entrances.

We also had to make a reservation for the first night. Not sure what your hotel criteria is but I am a little picky. Staying on property, depending on your arrival time, makes the most sense. In our case, being that the first night will consist of less than 12 hours, we opted to stay off property to save some $$$. There are 3 on property hotels, vastly less choices than WDW. There is the GCH, Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel. If money isn't an object stay at the GCH. It will make the make the move to the villas really easy.

We have a 2 bedroom in June so I will report all about it.

October is a terrific time to go. We went last October around the same time and it was awesome, low crowds, and they have Mickey's Trick or Treat Party. With older kids they may not want to do it but we saw all ages dressed up.

The dining choices are also lacking compared to WDW. Other than a few hard to get into places, dining isn't nearly the event at Disneyland.

I'm just a bit overwhelmed by it all, actually I'm very overwhelmed. The only ressie I've actually made is for the VGC itself!!!!! I know I'm missing bunches of other stuff but I really don't know what I'm missing...UGH!

I appreciate any help you can all give me! Thanks!

You can make dining reservations or Priority Seating (PS) as Disneyland calls them 60 days in advance at 1714 781- DINE.

There is a thread at the top of the Disneyland section with all sorts of great links.

Ask away and I will help any way I can.

 

[rentayenta]

43 days!!!! ​

 

[sierranevada]

I haven't been to the Napa Rose? Is it that good? Should I look into a dinner with just DH and myself?

IMHO, yes. I have always loved the food there and a great wine list and cocktails!! It is the only (or one of the few) 5 star restaurants in Orange County. It is fun to be enjoy a great meal and gazing at DCA! In your case, I would probably just do you and DH. They have a great kid's menu (my son loves their filet!) but I only had to pay for one kid's meal and you have three!
I have never done it but people rave about sitting at the Chef's counter. Do a search at Mouseplanet on Napa Rose and you will see how many people love it and sitting at the Chef's Counter.

 

[rentayenta]

IMHO, yes. I have always loved the food there and a great wine list and cocktails!! It is the only (or one of the few) 5 star restaurants in Orange County. It is fun to be enjoy a great meal and gazing at DCA! In your case, I would probably just do you and DH. They have a great kid's menu (my son loves their filet!) but I only had to pay for one kid's meal and you have three!
I have never done it but people rave about sitting at the Chef's counter. Do a search at Mouseplanet on Napa Rose and you will see how many people love it and sitting at the Chef's Counter.

It sounds fantastic. DH is a total foodie and an amazing chef to boot. I bet he'd love it. I am going to have to check it out. The kids eat really well so I don't mind paying for them- they love good food.

 

[ajf1007]

Thank you!

I was in your exact opposite position in Sept. 2007 when planning our first trip to WDW after having been to Disneyland too many times to count.

There are 2 parks, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure (DCA). Disneyland is most like MK and DCA is a mix of DHS and a little Epcot (FW). You can walk between the two, no transportaion needed. Think of it as one big park with 2 entrances.

We also had to make a reservation for the first night. Not sure what your hotel criteria is but I am a little picky. Staying on property, depending on your arrival time, makes the most sense. In our case, being that the first night will consist of less than 12 hours, we opted to stay off property to save some $$$. There are 3 on property hotels, vastly less choices than WDW. There is the GCH, Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel. If money isn't an object stay at the GCH. It will make the make the move to the villas really easy.

We have a 2 bedroom in June so I will report all about it.

October is a terrific time to go. We went last October around the same time and it was awesome, low crowds, and they have Mickey's Trick or Treat Party. With older kids they may not want to do it but we saw all ages dressed up.

The dining choices are also lacking compared to WDW. Other than a few hard to get into places, dining isn't nearly the event at Disneyland.






You can make dining reservations or Priority Seating (PS) as Disneyland calls them 60 days in advance at 1714 781- DINE.

There is a thread at the top of the Disneyland section with all sorts of great links.

Ask away and I will help any way I can.

Lots of great information, thank you! I'm excited to see your report on the 2 bedroom in June. Because it's usually just me and my husband, we stick to studio's to save points but figured we'd live it up a bit this time since we're taking our nephew. So it seems like we should definitely plan on hitting the grocery store when we get in since dining isn't the big thing there. As far as the hotel goes, I'm going to check out Paradise Pier, that would be cool! Do you have an idea how far San Diego is from Disneyland? Think it's day tripable?

 

[rentayenta]

Thank you!

Lots of great information, thank you! I'm excited to see your report on the 2 bedroom in June. Because it's usually just me and my husband, we stick to studio's to save points but figured we'd live it up a bit this time since we're taking our nephew. So it seems like we should definitely plan on hitting the grocery store when we get in since dining isn't the big thing there. As far as the hotel goes, I'm going to check out Paradise Pier, that would be cool! Do you have an idea how far San Diego is from Disneyland? Think it's day tripable?

San Diego is totally doable for a day trip. I would do the weekend to avoid traffic though.

We haven't stayed at the GCV yet and I am SO looking forward to it. How are the Studios? I am on the wait list for our last night.

Grab groceries. There are a some good places to eat but less so than WDW. Plus you don't want to miss those golden morning hours by eating. Locals play a HUGE part in attendance as opposed to WDW where it's mostly tourists. Evenings/late afternoons can get quite packed on non-black out AP days.

 

[ajf1007]

San Diego is totally doable for a day trip. I would do the weekend to avoid traffic though.
We haven't stayed at the GCV yet and I am SO looking forward to it. How are the Studios? I am on the wait list for our last night.
Grab groceries. There are a some good places to eat but less so than WDW. Plus you don't want to miss those golden morning hours by eating. Locals play a HUGE part in attendance as opposed to WDW where it's mostly tourists. Evenings/late afternoons can get quite packed on non-black out AP days.

I'm so glad San Diego is doable for a day trip, I've heard so many great things about that place. I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

We haven't stayed at GCV either, we usually stay in studios in WDW and for just me and my DH, they work great. I just thought for this trip, we'd be as comfortable as possible and live it up a bit. I really can't wait to get there and see it all. Do you advise one day at Disneyland park and one day at DCA? Or do you think we can do both in one day? Do they have something equivalent to Downtown Disney in WDW?

I guess I can peruse the Disneyland website and see what they have in the way of restaurants. We'll see how that goes, I think I probably can wing it do you?

Good call on the weekend travel to San Diego, I didn't even think of that. I know we were thinking about going into LA too, my husband said that can be a long ride with traffic. I guess their rush hour is constant, not really a rush hour right?

 

[rentayenta]

I'm so glad San Diego is doable for a day trip, I've heard so many great things about that place. I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

Depending on how long you have San Diego is a great town, you may want more than one day.

We haven't stayed at GCV either, we usually stay in studios in WDW and for just me and my DH, they work great. I just thought for this trip, we'd be as comfortable as possible and live it up a bit. I really can't wait to get there and see it all. Do you advise one day at Disneyland park and one day at DCA? Or do you think we can do both in one day? Do they have something equivalent to Downtown Disney in WDW?

They do have DTD and I like Disneyland's better. They also have the Anaheim Garden Walk. You cannot see both parks in one day without missing a ton. I might be the wrong person to ask as our trip to just Disneyland /DCA started at 4.5 days and I was in panic mode about getting it all done. I am now at 6 days and feeling less stressed. I would plan on at least a full day for each at minimum.

I guess I can peruse the Disneyland website and see what they have in the way of restaurants. We'll see how that goes, I think I probably can wing it do you?

I would make PS for the Blue Bayou (the restaurant inside POTC), Napa Rose, and any of the nicer places like Wine Country in DCA. Carnation Cafe in Disneyland can be iffy as far as walk-ups go as are some character meals.

Good call on the weekend travel to San Diego, I didn't even think of that. I know we were thinking about going into LA too, my husband said that can be a long ride with traffic. I guess their rush hour is constant, not really a rush hour right?

I think the touristy part of LA is a pit. If you are looking for something else close by like 15 minutes away, try one of the beaches, Seal and Huntington are my favorites. great restaurants and shopping and fun Main Streets.

 

[6Smiles]

Sensory Issue Seizures?
One of my kids has partial focal seizures and extracerebral spinal fluid on her brain, but fortunately the level has not increased so her neurologist has cleared her for Disneyland with no restrictions . My youngest daughter has autistic tendencies and absolutely does not like loud noises or the dark, so I figured ear plugs should help with the loud noises and those glow sticks should help her with the dark without bothering others. I guess I was curious if there were any rides you would consider too dark ortoo loud that we might be better off avoiding?


Ya know, I don't know that we have ever been on the Swings in DCA.
I was saying DCA wasn't there last time I went and I was looking forward to Silly Symphony Swings which is replacing the Orange Stinger (I think). I have always loved the swings at fairs.

It looks like things are really coming together for you. We have an in-n-out burger place here but the line is always so long I have never eaten there. There is another location opening up soon so maybe I'll have a chance to try it.

 

[rentayenta]

Sensory Issue Seizures?

I am not familiar with many types of seizures. I had a neighbor and her son would seize if overloaded with certain stimuli.

One of my kids has partial focal seizures and extracerebral spinal fluid on her brain, but fortunately the level has not increased so her neurologist has cleared her for Disneyland with no restrictions . My youngest daughter has autistic tendencies and absolutely does not like loud noises or the dark, so I figured ear plugs should help with the loud noises and those glow sticks should help her with the dark without bothering others. I guess I was curious if there were any rides you would consider too dark ortoo loud that we might be better off avoiding?

Maybe Haunted Mansion? It is VERY dark in there during certain parts. Space Mountain is another I might avoid. Even parts of Peter Pan are dark but it's mellow.


Yay for no restrictions!!!!!!!!!!

Ya know, I don't know that we have ever been on the Swings in DCA.
I was saying DCA wasn't there last time I went and I was looking forward to Silly Symphony Swings which is replacing the Orange Stinger (I think). I have always loved the swings at fairs.

The swings look fun!

It looks like things are really coming together for you. We have an in-n-out burger place here but the line is always so long I have never eaten there. There is another location opening up soon so maybe I'll have a chance to try it.

You must go! It's cheap and amazing.

 

[rentayenta]

Lists of firsts!

Although I grew up 15 minutes from Disneyland and have been too many times to count, there are things I don't ever remember experiencing and/or know that my family hasn't. Some are newer to Disney and some will be just new to us. They include:

• kids silhouettes on Main St
  
• Wine Country in DCA
  
• drawing in the Animation Studio
  
• Mark Twain Riverboat
  
• Tom Sawyer's Island
  
• Mission Tortilla Factory tour
  
• Captain EO
  
• Innoventions at Disneyland
  
• Swings in DCA
  
• Storyteller's Cafe
  
• Blue Bayou
  
• DVC at the GCV
  
• World of Color

 

[kaoden39]

Lists of firsts!

Although I grew up 15 minutes from Disneyland and have been too many times to count, there are things I don't ever remember experiencing and/or know that my family hasn't. Some are newer to Disney and some will be just new to us. They include:

• kids silhouettes on Main St
  
• Wine Country in DCA
  
• drawing in the Animation Studio
  
• Mark Twain Riverboat
  
• Tom Sawyer's Island
  
• Mission Tortilla Factory tour
  
• Captain EO
  
• Innoventions at Disneyland
  
• Swings in DCA
  
• Storyteller's Cafe
  
• Blue Bayou
  
• DVC at the GCV
  
• World of Color

The Mark Twain? Really? Wow.

 

[rentayenta]

The Mark Twain? Really? Wow.

I know. The kids and I have been but Michael hasn't.

42 days!!!!! ​

June 12 hours are up with the summer entertainment schedule! One more day!!!! We'll be in Anaheim that night but not the parks.

 

[kaoden39]

 

[rentayenta]

I just found out my very best friend of 32 years is going to meet us Monday at Disneyland. She lives locally and is not a Disney fan like me but loves me enough to suffer through it.

 

[kaoden39]

I just found out my very best friend of 32 years is going to meet us Monday at Disneyland. She lives locally and is not a Disney fan like me but loves me enough to suffer through it.

That is absolutely fantastic!! And so sweet.

 

[rentayenta]

That is absolutely fantastic!! And so sweet.

It's awesome. I did realize I am going to have to try to squueze her in when we check in for the Blue Bayou. Luckily I reserved 3 tables for 11 people. A 3 top and easily be a 4 top.

 

[kaoden39]

It's awesome. I did realize I am going to have to try to squueze her in when we check in for the Blue Bayou. Luckily I reserved 3 tables for 11 people. A 3 top and easily be a 4 top.

I think there should no problem adding to that one at all.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Lists of firsts!

Although I grew up 15 minutes from Disneyland and have been too many times to count, there are things I don't ever remember experiencing and/or know that my family hasn't. Some are newer to Disney and some will be just new to us. They include:

• kids silhouettes on Main St
  
• Wine Country in DCA
  
• drawing in the Animation Studio
  
• Mark Twain Riverboat
  
• Tom Sawyer's Island
  
• Mission Tortilla Factory tour
  
• Captain EO
  
• Innoventions at Disneyland
  
• Swings in DCA
  
• Storyteller's Cafe
  
• Blue Bayou
  
• DVC at the GCV
  
• World of Color

We've never done a few on this list....so I guess we're in the same boat!!

Never done the silhouettes....but it's not really high on my list. I remember doing these in grade school...but I'm pretty sure these are done much nicer!!

Never been to Wine Country....but we don't drink wine.

Done quite a bit in the Animation Studio, but we've missed the drawing "lesson" as well.....but plan on trying this in July!!

Love taking a leisurely ride on the Mark Twain! Last year, my hubby & I got to ride up in the wheelhouse & blow the horn & ring the bell......I was like a little kid!!

I wasn't that thrilled with Tom Sawyer Island/Pirates Lair. The kids like to run off & get lost in the caves. It tends to scare mom too much to have her child missing for any amount of time.

The tortillas right off the line are so yummy!! We got a fresh, warm one when we did the Welcome to Disneyland tour!!

Never seen Captain EO, that was running during a time we weren't able to travel to Disneyland.....so looking forward to seeing it this trip.

I hate to say it.....but I've never stepped foot into Innoventions. I didn't want to lose valuable Disney time in there....but my older boys have been in there twice & say....Mom, you really should go & look around!!

I don't like the swings.....I saw a video of a very scary accident with that kind of ride & I swore I'd never get on one or let my kids do it. Though, I'm very curious to see the new "Silly Symphonies" theme to it!

Storyteller's Cafe we've had lunch at....very good. This trip we're going to do the character meal at breakfast.

We ate at the Blue Bayou for the first time last year....it was very good....but super expensive. We found the food was just as good (maybe even better) at Cafe Orlean's. So that's where we'll be repeating this trip.

Safe to say, the DVC at GCH will never be in the cards for us....so enjoy & take lots of pics!!

I'm very excited to see the World of Color!!! Just hope they have the crowds figured out...so it's not a nightmare!!