Giving son honeymoon vacation:please help me decide

[Lynn CC]

I'll try to keep this short! My son who is in grad school in Palo Alto got married last weekend, they have to wait until spring break to go on honeymoon. March 23-31.

I'm trying to choose between Disneyland, DisneyWorld or Hawaii....

He grew up going to DisneyWorld every year with us. I've never researched Disneyland, I'm wondering is there enough to do for a full week? The reason I chose Disneyland is because they both have never been there.

His favorites at Disneyworld are DisneyQuest,,,is there a DisenyQuest in Disneyland? Mini Golf, the WaterParks and eating at nice restaurants.

Her favorite place to visit is Hawaii, I would consider that too but I don't know a thing about Hawaii and it would have to be within a budget which I"m not sure if they could go there for a week for 4k(that's the budget)..

I'm leaning more towards Disneyland because it's the least expensive of the 3 to fly ( about $1200 less), which will give them a more luxurious place to stay and better choice of restaurants etc. And neither one of them have been there, so it might be nice to have a first time experience together.

Is there two parks there Disneyland and Disney Calif. Adventure Park? What about a Downtown area?

It's either this or Hawaii if I can find something within my budget there, or fly them to DisneyWorld where I know all his favorites are and she loves Disney but has never been in the U.S..

Any help would be a great!

 

[sonnyjane]

It's my day off, so I'm more than happy to help you, as I'm actually planning a vacation to Hawaii myself currently

I have to first ask, are your son and his new wife Disney fanatics? Do they want a "Disneymoon"? We all love Disney here on these boards, but it takes a special type of couple to take their honeymoon to WDW or Disneyland, especially during one of the busiest Spring Break weeks when the parks will be filled with kids and teenagers (I have gone during Spring Break the last three years, so I can attest to that fact).

There aren't any water parks or mini golf places near Disneyland (at least not that will be open in March), so don't factor that into the mix, and there is not a DisneyQuest either. There are two parks and a Downtown Disney area, but the DTD at Disneyland is not as big. A week is a bit long for me personally at the parks. I'd say four or five days would be perfect for a couple moving at a leisurely pace (two people can cover more ground than say, a family of 7 little ones lol), but there was just a thread talking about how people wish they'd have a full week there, so there is definitely plenty to do if you look for it!

I personally went on a honeymoon to Maui when I got married three years ago and find Hawaii very romantic, but I do understand that Hawaii is expensive. You can find ways to do it on a budget, however.

If you do decide on Disneyland, we can definitely help you pick out the most romantic "digs" and restaurants.

P.S. I see you're from Cape Cod. My husband is from Dennis, his family still lives there

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

For 4k they could have a spectacular Honeymoon in DL. We did that The great part is, they haven't been!

There are two parks yes. Downtown disney is right there too. Really nice places to eat everywhere on site.

The most expensive disney property to stay at is the Grand Californian. The most 'Disney' and moderate is the Disneyland Hotel. Paradise Pier is the 'budget' of the three.

 

[disneychic2]

Have you considered a cruise? That would be a bit more romantic since the parks will be crazy during spring break. Disney even offers a Hawaiian cruise. (Not sure of the cost, though). If all else fails, ask them their preference. What a wonderful gift for them, no matter what you decide upon, they'll have a very special delayed honeymoon thanks to you. Good luck!

 

[disneycruising]

What a great gift!

Have you ask them what they would like to do?

DL is nice but much smaller then WDW. I don't know if some one who has been doing WDW would find enough to do in DL for a whole week. Maybe they could spend a few days doing other things around southern california.

Have you thought about doing DCL out of LA?

I personally love Hawaii as a Honeymoon destination! Very romantic! Do they like the beach?

 

[SeattleRedBear]

I don't know if it would be in your budget but a honeymoon at Aulani would provide both the Hawaiian romance and the Disney magic. If your son's favorite things to do at WDW are DisneyQuest and mini-golf, it sounds like he's not as much into the theme parks themselves (which is what DLR is really about).

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Honestly, I think it'd be crazy romantic to find a house rental right on the beach. They could spend evenings watching the ocean waves..and during the day drive over to Disney. It would actually be less expensive than the Grand.

*swoon* I love the beach at night

 

[Lynn CC]

We are from S. Dennis!!!!!!!!!! It really is a small world isn't it!!

Yes, they both LOVE Disney!
Please suggest all the romantic spots in Disneyland and restaurants so I can let them know.

 

[Lynn CC]

My son hinted on Disney or Hawaii.

He is really not a beach person, I went to Tokyo Disney with him last mothers day and he does love the parks he's just not a fast ride person. I'm thinking I may have to fly them to DisneyWorld so he can minigolf, Disneyquest, and he loves eating his way around Epcot. and the waterparks and of course the characters. Although...I really didn't want to spend all that on a flight.

 

[pixiewings71]

Don't do WDW, do DL. It's perfect because they've both never been! They will have fun, and there are tons of other things to do in the area as well. Hollywood tours, Universal Studios, The Wild Animal Park and Zoo in San Diego......Oh, you can gift them a ferry ride to Catalina, that would be amazing!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

In my opinion there is enough to do for newlyweds for a full week with out going anywhere, but I am partial to DLR, but have never been to WDW so really can not judge them both. The new resort in Hawaii would be interesting to see though.

Jack

 

[Lynn CC]

Don't do WDW, do DL. It's perfect because they've both never been! They will have fun, and there are tons of other things to do in the area as well. Hollywood tours, Universal Studios, The Wild Animal Park and Zoo in San Diego......Oh, you can gift them a ferry ride to Catalina, that would be amazing!!

Yes, thanks for steering me back to California, you are absolutely right. I've never been to that part of California and didn't realize there was so many things around there...they loved the zoo in Tokyo and Yokohama so I'm sure they will love San Diego Zoo, is that the huge one everyone talks about. Is it far from Disneyland? Just the airfare savings would give them so much more $ to enjoy themselves.

 

[sonnyjane]

Yes, thanks for steering me back to California, you are absolutely right. I've never been to that part of California and didn't realize there was so many things around there...they loved the zoo in Tokyo and Yokohama so I'm sure they will love San Diego Zoo, is that the huge one everyone talks about. Is it far from Disneyland? Just the airfare savings would give them so much more $ to enjoy themselves.

How funny! Yes it's a small world after all lol

San Diego zoo is huge, and is about 90 miles (two hours) south of Anaheim. There is a lot to do in San Diego so you may want to look into a split stay if you think they'd be interested in other things down here.

 

[Lynn CC]

How funny! Yes it's a small world after all lol

San Diego zoo is huge, and is about 90 miles (two hours) south of Anaheim. There is a lot to do in San Diego so you may want to look into a split stay if you think they'd be interested in other things down here.

Since it is that far away I think they will want to stay right in the Disney Area. He doesn't want it to be a hectic vacation since they both run around with school all week and have just moved around the world for the last 2 years.
Neither one of them is hard to please, they like to swim, eat at nice restaurants, play golf is there a golf course on the grounds? , tennis, movies and I'm sure they will love looking around the parks. They are both real foodies who love to cook. They don't go to nightclubs. They love fireworks, parades etc. I"m sure he doesn't want to rent a car just stay put, otherwise they could just drive there themselves.

 

[Brancaneve]

I second the trip to Disneyland. Do they have any favorite t.v. shows or late night shows that they like to watch. My husband and I had a blast driving to Burbank to watch Jay Leno. It was a memorable experience and the tickets are free! I think they might also enjoy a Hollywood tour in addition to their stay in Disneyland. And if they go......stay onsite for that magical experience and make sure they wear the mickey bride and groom hats!

 

[sonnyjane]

Neither one of them is hard to please, they like to swim, eat at nice restaurants, play golf is there a golf course on the grounds? , tennis, movies and I'm sure they will love looking around the parks. They are both real foodies who love to cook. They don't go to nightclubs. They love fireworks, parades etc. I"m sure he doesn't want to rent a car just stay put, otherwise they could just drive there themselves.

Unfortunately there are no golf courses or tennis courts on property. These two golf courses are recommended on Disneyland's site:
" Coyote Hills Golf Course – Spend a day at the championship course that has the distinction of being Southern California's only recipient of Golf Digest's Top Service Award. Located in Fullerton, approximately 7 miles from the Disneyland Resort.

Black Gold Golf Course – Try this "Best in Class" public-only golf facility offering dramatic vistas, outstanding service and impeccable conditions. Located in Yorba Linda, approximately 10 miles from the Disneyland Resort."

Unfortunately no tennis courts at the Disneyland hotels either. Some of the bigger hotels off-site might have one. There is a movie theater in Downtown Disney.

What you need to understand about Disneyland in comparison to Walt Disney World is that there is just not as much real estate out here. Disneyland is in the middle of a city, surrounded by businesses and roads. WDW was built on a massive plot of land, but we just don't have that kind of space out here near Disneyland to have all the golf courses, water parks, tennis courts, etc. etc. that WDW has.

If they are real foodies, I absolutely recommending booking the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose. You're only a month out though, so if that's what you decide on, call soon and hopefully they have availability!

 

[DSNY4ever]

How wonderfully nice of you! I have been to all three places and I have to say I would go with WDW based on your descriptions of them and what they like to do. Disneyland doesn't have the fun hotels that WDW does (most of us stay offsite in a motel that we use just to sleep in and get back to the parks), if you want to stay on property here it is considerably more expensive. Since you said they like fancy dining, there are more options for that in WDW too (although you can certainly find some gems in the DLR).

Hawaii is wonderful but expensive. If they like Disney style traveling take a look at the Hilton Waikaloa on the Big Island- it is awesome! That is my favorite of the islands too. You cold look into some less expensive condos on VRBO.com. Food is expensive in Hawaii, and I could imagine flights from where you are would be quite pricey.

If you pick the DLR, I would suggest adding on San Diego for a couple of days. Or maybe a trip to Catalina Island. Lots of nice beaches and restaurants in San Diego.

Good Luck!

 

[marthachick]

San Diego is wonderful. They could play golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Zoo is great! Old Town is fun. You could spend a whole week in San Diego. But a split stay with Disneyland would be wonderful.

I might be going to San Diego in 2013 for a conference so I've been trying to see if I can work out a time to go to Disneyland!

 

[kailuagirl]

You are so nice!! What decisions!!

Being from Hawaii, if he doesn't like the beach, he might enjoy Disneyland more. I looked into the Aulani for June for my DD's 5th birthday in case we don't make it to DL, and it was $1023 for 2 nights, I about freaked out. I was so bummed. But there are many affordable hotels here that are very nice and lots to see and do. And there is a waterpark here and lots and lots of golf courses. Let me know if you need any info or whatever.

I love the Grand! We stayed there twice now and I think it is the coolest hotel ever! and so romantic!!! They could go to the spa together, and relax by the pool.

Have fun planning!!

 

[taaren]

Have you considered a cruise? That would be a bit more romantic since the parks will be crazy during spring break. Disney even offers a Hawaiian cruise. (Not sure of the cost, though). If all else fails, ask them their preference. What a wonderful gift for them, no matter what you decide upon, they'll have a very special delayed honeymoon thanks to you. Good luck!

I second this suggestion, though the Hawaii cruise is in April.

Right now a Mexican Riviera cruise out of LA on March 25 will run 2 people $2675 for a stateroom with verandah, leaving plenty of budget for excursions, Palo, spa visits, flights.

The service is great and there's lots of adult things and couple-type things to do on the ship while still having that Disney touch.
Since your son is into restaurants, and activities more than the rides, it'd be a great fit.

DLR really is a park-oriented place ... if I was going to do a honeymoon in SoCal it might be better to have them rent a car, then drive from the San Diego attractions, stop for just a day or two at DLR, then maybe mosey on up to Santa Barbara and do the Pacific Coast drive stopping at wineries, etc.