First trip to DL - hotel question...and many others!!!

[2vets]

Hi, all -

DH and I have moved to San Diego after many years on the East Coast - naturally, we could ot let 6 months go by without our first trip to DL!! Sadly, we waited until the last minute to book (today for 5/13-5/15 trip - and actually, we are going on the 12th, just staying at the Best Western the first night). I have read the stuff, I know, the resort thing may not be the same at DL as it is at WDW, but we love to stay on-site... We could only get the DL hotel, and we really, really want GCH... What are your suggestions - same as for WDW, I assume - call every morning to see if something has freed up??

What else - oh, we're splurging on Napa Rose (our anniversary is coming up) - any tips on classic things to order??

Also, we have read some of the threads here - any suggestions for the best book to read to get us up-to-speed before we get there??

Thanks!!!

 

[leslie_537]

That is strange, I booked yesterday for May 13-17 and they had space available at all three hotels. We are staying at the DL hotel. My husband let our 4 1/2 year pick it from the online videos. I think she liked the pool. Good luck with the Reservations, also just go online and check availablity yourself!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I got the best information from the threads here (and of course asking questions), as well as the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland.

I did enjoy the photos in Birnbaums, and the descriptions of all the shops and restaurants. These were skimpy or not included in the UG. (I bought the UG, but checked Birnbaums out from the local library.)

 

[2vets]

Leslie - I'm not surprised at all. When we decided to book yesterday, there was initially space at the PPH - as I was on the Disneyland site, the availability disappeared. I will see if I can get us into GCH, but I am sure the DLH will be lovely!!! I have already been online this morning - no changes from yesterday, but I can't change my res online anyways - I've decided to call once a day in the morning to see if availability pops up, but only if I remember...

I will have to console myself with an amazing dinner at the Napa Rose and all the fun of being a newbie again...

Alex - thanks for the tips - I may buy a book just because that gives me something to read on the couch besides my laptop...

Thanks!!

 

[leslie_537]

Well good luck with your reservation!

 

[2vets]

Oh, my GOOOSSSHHHHH!!!

The reason that I couldn't get a room at GCH is because it wasn't available through the DL Travel Company - only through room only reservations. I actually called them prior to booking yesterday, and I asked if there was ANY WAY we could get a room at the GCH, and they told me NO.

The worst part is, I should have known better. This is why I never booked through WDW Travel Company and always did everything a la carte. Everyone who uses WDW Travel Company knows that they are less than truthful...

When I pointed out to the person I spoke to at the DL Travel Company that I had been intentionally misled on the phone yesterday, he agreed to waive $100 of the $200 cancellation fee...

Seriously, never again with the DL Travel Company. From now on, I deal with the hotels only.


(Don't worry. We'll still have fun. I'm just peeved that I was lied to. Argh!!)

 

[2vets]

OK, so essentially no one is going to read this (and probably no one cares anyways), but I called just one more time to see if maybe someone would take pity on me...(also to avoid doing work on a Friday, ptooey) THEY DID!!! I was on hold for about a year, but they were able to free up a room with a resort view at GCH...

I didn't say this, but this coincides with our third anniversary, so I was kind of sad not to get the GCH... But now we have it - GCH and Napa Rose!! We are going to be eating crackers for a month, but it will be worth it....

Repeat to self - you can't take it with you, you can't take it with ou, you can't take it with you....

Now, there's just the little matter of getting through 8 days until we leave, our first DL trip ever... AAAAHHH!

 

[PNO4TE]

OK, so essentially no one is going to read this (and probably no one cares anyways), but I called just one more time to see if maybe someone would take pity on me...(also to avoid doing work on a Friday, ptooey) THEY DID!!! I was on hold for about a year, but they were able to free up a room with a resort view at GCH...

I didn't say this, but this coincides with our third anniversary, so I was kind of sad not to get the GCH... But now we have it - GCH and Napa Rose!! We are going to be eating crackers for a month, but it will be worth it....

Repeat to self - you can't take it with you, you can't take it with ou, you can't take it with you....

Now, there's just the little matter of getting through 8 days until we leave, our first DL trip ever... AAAAHHH!

I read it and am delighted that you got it taken care of with no loss of money!! Have a wonderufl anniversary trip, and save a little of the magic for my DH and I who will be celebrating our 34th anniversary on our trip to the GCH in August! We also plan to celebrate our anniversary dinner at Napa Rose. Sounded perfect to me too.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

OK, so essentially no one is going to read this (and probably no one cares anyways), but I called just one more time to see if maybe someone would take pity on me...(also to avoid doing work on a Friday, ptooey) THEY DID!!! I was on hold for about a year, but they were able to free up a room with a resort view at GCH...

I didn't say this, but this coincides with our third anniversary, so I was kind of sad not to get the GCH... But now we have it - GCH and Napa Rose!! We are going to be eating crackers for a month, but it will be worth it....

Repeat to self - you can't take it with you, you can't take it with ou, you can't take it with you....

Now, there's just the little matter of getting through 8 days until we leave, our first DL trip ever... AAAAHHH!

You nut!

Maybe you would have gotten what you asked for sooner if you had mentioned your anniversary celebration.

Seriously, Disney really does go out of their way to make your stay special. I recommend calling to confirm your request about 3 days before you leave. Make mention that it is your first trip to DL, and you will be celebrating your anniversary.

You can get First Trip to Disneyland (and Anniversary) buttons at DL City Hall. If you wear the button, you'll get happy greetings from the CMs all day long.

 

[2vets]

Maybe you would have gotten what you asked for sooner if you had mentioned your anniversary celebration.

Maybe - but I think the guy I spoke to yesterday needed, well, a little pixie dust infusion....(there were many more fun things to say, but I wanted to be -um - generous...)

PNO4TE - I will post all about our Napa Rose experience when we get back. I went to V&A's at WDW years ago, and it was amazing - hoping this is just as wonderful!!

OK, I am working very hard right now (really, just took a quick break) - keeps me from contstantly searching for more info...but I just realized there is a Monsters Inc RIDE!!!!!!!! AAAH!!!!

You guys have a great day (and weekend)....the San Diego sun is trying to peek out now, we'll see how it shapes up here...

 

[PNO4TE]

Maybe - but I think the guy I spoke to yesterday needed, well, a little pixie dust infusion....(there were many more fun things to say, but I wanted to be -um - generous...)

PNO4TE - I will post all about our Napa Rose experience when we get back. I went to V&A's at WDW years ago, and it was amazing - hoping this is just as wonderful!!

OK, I am working very hard right now (really, just took a quick break) - keeps me from contstantly searching for more info...but I just realized there is a Monsters Inc RIDE!!!!!!!! AAAH!!!!

You guys have a great day (and weekend)....the San Diego sun is trying to peek out now, we'll see how it shapes up here...

That would be terrific, thanks!

 

[ter-moo]

Elin! I was just wondering the other day whatever became of you. We saw you so much during the pre-WPASADI days, and then you disappeared. Glad to see you're still alive and kickin', and that's great news that you'll be celebrating your anniversary at Disneyland in the GCH!!! My DH and I did that a couple of years ago, and it was fabulous!


2vets, Congrats on getting everything you wanted for your upcoming trip! I'm really excited for you!

 

[ShawnaF]

Awesome! So excited for you! Call Vacation Planning and let them know you have an anniversary - get a special basket for you and your husband as well with the chocolate covered cherries and champagne. Ask for the Honeymoon Turndown Service and the buttons as well! Some other perks may show up once they know!

 

[PNO4TE]

Elin! I was just wondering the other day whatever became of you. We saw you so much during the pre-WPASADI days, and then you disappeared. Glad to see you're still alive and kickin', and that's great news that you'll be celebrating your anniversary at Disneyland in the GCH!!! My DH and I did that a couple of years ago, and it was fabulous!


2vets, Congrats on getting everything you wanted for your upcoming trip! I'm really excited for you!

Hey, Terri! It is wonderful to see you again too. Any pointers on GCH? Did you eat at Napa Rose? Anything else you can think of would be delightful to hear!!

What became of me was my real life. As I looked at what it took doing the pre-WPASADI fun I knew that I would not have the time to do the "real" game and I was so right. Between the holidays and January-February being my 2 busiest months of the year I was swamped at work. So I went into cheering mode and occasionally checked in on you all and your evening partying. Tell the rest of the gang still partying that I said HI!

 

[ter-moo]

Hey, Terri! It is wonderful to see you again too. Any pointers on GCH? Did you eat at Napa Rose? Anything else you can think of would be delightful to hear!!

What became of me was my real life. As I looked at what it took doing the pre-WPASADI fun I knew that I would not have the time to do the "real" game and I was so right. Between the holidays and January-February being my 2 busiest months of the year I was swamped at work. So I went into cheering mode and occasionally checked in on you all and your evening partying. Tell the rest of the gang still partying that I said HI!

You should come in and say "hi" yourself! We still have the "Good Morning" thread going!

We LOVED the GCH and, yes, we DID eat at Napa Rose. We told them it was our anniversary, and they gave us a special dessert. It's a lovely restaurant--a real treat.

I believe we also had some sort of treat waiting in the room, since we'd told them it was our anniversary. I can't remember what, but there was a card from Cinderella and Prince Charming congratulating us! I thought that was very nice.

We got the least expensive view, but it was still lovely. We looked out over a courtyard that had the monorail running through it. I thought that might be annoying, but it wasn't at all. It rarely went by and we couldn't hear it unless the window was open. It's nice to sit out on the balcony in the evening and enjoy the quiet and have a glass of wine.

It took us awhile to figure out how to get to the exit that lead into Downtown Disney, but that was real convenient for getting to DL and for getting coffee and breakfast at the bakery there. There's a private entrance into CA near the Kali River Rapids. Go about a half hour before opening and they'll probably let you in to go on Soarin' Over California. The rest of the park stays roped off.

You will really enjoy it!

 

[PNO4TE]

You should come in and say "hi" yourself! We still have the "Good Morning" thread going!

We LOVED the GCH and, yes, we DID eat at Napa Rose. We told them it was our anniversary, and they gave us a special dessert. It's a lovely restaurant--a real treat.

I believe we also had some sort of treat waiting in the room, since we'd told them it was our anniversary. I can't remember what, but there was a card from Cinderella and Prince Charming congratulating us! I thought that was very nice.

We got the least expensive view, but it was still lovely. We looked out over a courtyard that had the monorail running through it. I thought that might be annoying, but it wasn't at all. It rarely went by and we couldn't hear it unless the window was open. It's nice to sit out on the balcony in the evening and enjoy the quiet and have a glass of wine.

It took us awhile to figure out how to get to the exit that lead into Downtown Disney, but that was real convenient for getting to DL and for getting coffee and breakfast at the bakery there. There's a private entrance into CA near the Kali River Rapids. Go about a half hour before opening and they'll probably let you in to go on Soarin' Over California. The rest of the park stays roped off.

You will really enjoy it!

Thanks for the pointers, Terri. Sounds like exactly the ending of our vacation that we are hoping for.